forum Under the Cherry Blossoms~ (O/O) (Open!)

Started November 20, 2020 by @Vuclan-is-tired

tune

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhHGDOgjie4 (This is the kinda music that gave me inspiration)

Okay. So here's like an idea-
This poor, abused soul had run away from their village, and into the forest. A forest known for people going in and never coming out. By the time they had stopped running, it was dark and there was no clear path home. So they keep moving forward, only to find a small shrine surrounded by wisteria trees and cherry blossom trees. It's surrounded by running water, with a little bridge leading to the main building. They decide to take shelter there, sleeping for the evening.

When they wake up, they see the guardian of the shrine.

This can be a romance, child and parent relationship, platonic relationship, whatever. I just really like the idea and I wanna use it, so here we are!

Rules:

• If this ends up being romantic, I am better at writing LGBT+ relationships, it's just easier for me? So this will probably be gay.
• If smut becomes a thing, it will be moved to pm. Let me know at the beginning of the rp if you're okay with this or if you want to skip it.
• There will be mentions of sensitive topics so please for the love of god tell me what your triggers are. I don't want to hurt anyone.
• If I am not familiar with your style of roleplaying, or it has been a while, I will ask for an rp style.
• Please no one liners, I'm not a huge fan of them. I understand if you're tired, or not up to it. Your replies can be short but please don't make it a habit.
• Don't be a dick, I think this should be self-explanatory.
• Have somewhat decent grammar? Okay? Okay.
• If you have an idea, let me know! Chances are, I'll want to hear it!

I can either be the abused or the Guardian (I would prefer to be the Guardian, but it is totally up to you!).

(Sorry if there are a few mistakes. I'm a bit carsick rn.)

Riku had been running for hours now, he feet ached almost as much as his heart did. His lungs felt like liquid and his bandaged arms were sore from all the trees he had run into while travelling along wobbly. For years, he had endured the harsh words of the village folk, words that called him a failure and told him he deserved to perish in his brother's stead. That everything was his fault, even when nothing was his fault. His mouth had grown a naturally bitter taste over all the time, his tongue dripped with a toxic concoction of scorn and despair.

He looked up, it had gotten significantly darker since he took his first step. He began to wonder just how long he'd been running. And just where exactly he had ran to. He saw a torii gate that led to large stone steps. It was what Riku had assumed was a shrine. He'd figured that no one really came out to the shrine, so it would be a safe place to rest for the night. He made the decision figure out what to do and how to get home when dawn came to shake his hand.

He tossed and turned a little on the uncomfortable ground of the shrine, and eventually drifted off to sleep. He woke up to the light that shined through his eyelids. His eyes opened slowly and he blinked a few times to wake up more. Upon the third re-opening of his eyes, he realized that someone was there and leapt back with a yelp. His throat was still strained from all the long distance that he ran the night prior, so he didn't speak, and merely stared in great shock and confusion.

Moriko could not remember the last time he had been awoken by someone entering his shrine. It had been maybe a century, maybe more. The spirits of the shrine had taken care of the shrine while he had slumbered, which is why it hadn't fallen into disrepair. Of course, nature had taken it's course with the shrine, but that only seemed to make it more ethereal. This was his home, the water around his home, the forest that he was guardian of had long been ignored, and he had fallen ill before he had fallen asleep. Now that he was awake and he had healed, it felt nice really. But- the question for him was what had woken him up.

The spirits floated peacefully around him as he set foot onto the floor once again. The comforting sound of running water pleased him. His long white hair swirled around his body as if it had a mind of its own, and a soft green aura glowed around him for a moment before the glow disappeared and his hair fell around his back and shoulders. He walked barefoot, draped in long robes that were decorated with soft blues, greens, browns and whites. He hums as he walks quietly down the halls of the shrine before coming across a small human- how odd. They looked to be in poor shape, their body battered and bruised. Moriko could not fathom what had happened to the small human. But he was a guardian. Any human that sought refuge here could stay.

The spirits gently carry the human, setting him on a small futon, and covered the human in a blanket. In the morning, they would be tended to. For the most part, Moriko worked on the shrine, cleaning it, and cooking up some food for the human and making sure that they had a pair of clothes to change into in the morning. He looks up when he heard the human scramble up and out of his bed, a serene smile falling into his lips. "Ah, you're awake. Good morning." He pours some tea into a small cup and hands it to the human. "Here, drink. It'll warm you up." He hummed as he returned to the food once again. "You must be tired. This shrine is very far from any villages."

Disbelief. Riku felt complete and utter disbelief. Just who was the person? Why did he fall from a bed? He hadn't recalled getting into a bed once arriving at the shrine. Everything was significantly less… haunting than when he first arrived. He concluded that the light of day had just revealed its true beauty. And even though the place truly was beautiful, something felt off.

He had acknowledged just how far his village was away from the shrine, as it apparently was far from all villages. But… why was this person here then? Just where did they come from? Nothing was making sense to Riku anymore. But nevertheless, he extended his hand to receive the cup of tea and took a sip. His damaged arms were shaky and he had to discipline them greatly just to ensure that he didn't spill something. The tea tasted like the jasmine tea that he would always steal a sip of back home, but something in it was slightly… different. He couldn't put his finger on what it was though.

He was significantly less tired than he was upon arrival, but it was true that a lot of his stamina was expended by the time he got to the shrine. His legs were still strained from all the running and every place on his body refused to hide the utter fatigue he was feeling. He shook like a leaf in the wind, though with his standings, even a slightly strong wind would topple him over.

He found his reflection in the tea and his mouth downturned with disgust. His eyelids were dark and droopy and his face was ghostly pale. If a child were to catch sight of him, Riku would most definitely be called a yokai. He looked back up at the person who greeted him so kindly. They were truly beautiful and even more so in comparison to him. He spoke, his voice was shaky with the slight fear of being reprimanded for using the voice he was born with. "May I ask," he cleared his throat, "your name..? M-mine is Tanazaki. Tanazaki Riku. You can call me whatever you please though." As he spoke, his brought his arms a little closer to himself like a pathetic shield. He just wished to not be hit again for speaking.

The shrine was indeed beautiful, old, but beautiful. It had a serenity to it, the wind moving through the trees, the bells chiming, the sound of a brook babbling, and a small waterfall somewhere in the distance. It was just… peaceful. The forest of course was where people came in and never came out, but it just seemed so nice for it to be impossible that the stories were true.

Moriko seemed pleased to have visitors, but this pour seemed so… hurt? Distressed? Perhaps both? He noticed the shake in the poor humans hands and his eyes turned soft while the word came to mind. Abused. That was the word he had been looking for. It was often that abused souls came to the heart of the forest seeking solace. The tea had medicine in it, which is why it probably tasted odd. His movements were slow and easy to read as he worked on the food, humming softly as he worked. It sounded like an old lullaby, strange and ethereal as he worked. He noticed how shaky and weak this poor human was so he would do what he could to help the other get back on his feet.

Riku wasn't the first poor soul to wander to his door. The forest was considered a danger to humans, but a safe haven to abused and tormented souls. He had seen many in his life time wander into his shrine seeking comfort or safety. He welcomed each soul with open arms and helped them how he could. He knew this much, this poor soul was tired, beaten, and broken. Moriko believed that no one was broken beyond repair.

He finished up the food. He placed the rice into a bowl, before gently draping the eggs over the rice and sprinkling some spices and herbs on top. He sets it on a tray with some utensils and carried it over to the human. He sets it on a small table that rested beside the bed, a gentle smile on his lips. He tilts his head slightly as the other spoke, their voice was so beautiful, but shook with fear. Fear of him? Or perhaps being yelled at? He noticed the body language, the hesitant way he spoke. He gently sat in front of the other, "Riku… it means land… or handsome depending on how it's spelt. And I believe Tanazaki… hm I think it means valley… or something of the sort." He paused before smiling a little bit. "My name is Moriko, but you're welcome to call me Ko. This place is a safe haven for all those who wander." He explains quietly. "I'm not going to hurt you. You are more than welcome to stay here and rest for as long as you need."

Riku's arms lowered slightly at Moriko's words, despite him still being slightly alarmed. He managed to get to his feet, but his legs gave out and allowed him to flop back down onto the bed he had so recently gotten out of. His unkempt, black hair settled down across his forehead as he did so. His puffy eyes caught onto the food that was placed beside him and he smiled nervously. Despite all the kind words that the person had offered him… something within him couldn't bring himself to grant his trust.

'Don't most people start out kind till they grow disdain for a person? Isn't that true?' his thoughts began to swarm his head and his bony, shaky hand sought his own mouth. Riku began to shake his head. His mind twisted and turned the truth till it seemed right in his eyes. He convinced himself of silly things, the food was poisoned, the person was the reason no one came back out of the forest. It scared him truly and made him slightly shakier than before.

He nodded slowly and stood up, making his way back towards the stairs of the shrine. He spoke with great haste as he travelled. "Thank you… Moriko," he began, "but I should really get going back to my village I'm sure there are…" he slowed down while telling his lie, "…people worried about me."

He gazed at the smaller human, his eyes turning gentle. He noticed how tense the other is. He gazed at the other, not moving as he tilts his head, making sure that he was okay. He stayed still so the other didn't feel threatened, of course this was a very difficult situation. He stood, gently reaching a hand out to catch the other when he began to fall. He didn't want the other to collapse and end up hurting himself more in the process. "Hey, hey, easy." He murmured gently. He didn't want the other to end up hurting himself again. That's never good.

Moriko was always just a gentle person in general, of course unless you disrespected his forest. He tilts his head a little bit in concern since the human was so quiet as he thought. His eyes turn gentle and he takes a small breath as he noticed the human to shake more. This always seemed to happen, especially when things got bad or whenever his visitors got tense and thought of the worst. It always broke his heart to see people like this. He was always so concerned about the people around him.

His eyes turn back to the human as he spoke, watching the human stand and head towards the stairs. His eyes turned sad as the other spoke. It was expected for something like this to happen. He looks down at the floor and nods slowly. "Yes, I suppose you should be getting back if people are worried…" He murmured quietly. It was so rare to have visitors, it had gotten lonely. Sure he had the spirits but they couldn't talk to him. So essentially… it was just him… alone. In the forest. He cleared his throat. "Well… At least take some food for the trip? It's a while." He sighed softly and stood.

Riku froze on the stairs as the other spoke. The concern seemed… genuine. And something about the eyes of the other felt strange, almost as if Moriko knew everything going on inside his head. Maybe his behavior was just that common. But nevertheless, he decided to walk back up the stairs and take the food as he was advised to do. Even if it were poisoned, it wasn't like there were people in that village that would care if he were to die. He was sure that many of them had already speculated that he was dead.

He grabbed the bowl carefully, hoping that his shaky hands wouldn't spill all too much of its contents. In comparison to how cold he felt, the bowl of food was quite warm, it had a delightful smell to it as well. It looked so delicately prepared, like the person who made it truly cared about the opinion of the person who ate it. The longer Riku found himself looking at the food, the faster his guards lowered. Eventually, he sat back onto the bed.

He sat there for a moment, his eyes dull and almost unblinking. He listened to birds tweet and trees rustle around in the wind. He turned his head to look at vibrant flowers that grew in the embrace of tree trunks, the placed felt like an oversized xyst. It was truly beautiful and for a second, he forgot about everything. The bowl in his hands, the village and abuse he ran from, and the other person who was watching him intently. The tension in his arms covered by bloody bandages began to release, and he met Moriko's eyes with a smile.

"I actually," he began, rubbing his fingers along the wooden bowl "think I'll stay here. It's not like people would actually worry." He giggled just a little to choke down his own worries and fear. Even if the person were to grow a distaste for him, it couldn't hurt too badly to stay before they did.

Moriko sighed deeply. It was normal for people to leave, sometimes they come back, sometimes they left and never returned. Often, people acted much like his most recent visitor. Shaky, scared, suspicious of those that offered even the most gentle hand of comfort. He looked up when the human returned up the stairs, a bright smile falling onto his lips. He had spent some time on the food, making sure it was warm, and had plenty of flavor. He stood slowly and moved so that Riku could sit down. He paused, looking over the shaky hands and the bloody bandages.

"If I may, may I tend to your wounds later on? And I can prepare a bath and room for you." He says gently, a small smile on his lips. "If you are going to stay, there are a few rules that must be followed. Do not harm the inhabitants here, they are here to help. Keep your place clean. And most importantly, never, under any circumstances go outside of the wisteria and cherry blossom trees at night. They grow year round here, but they protect us from what lurks in the forest at night…" He paused for a moment before turning his gaze to the other. "These three rules are essential. If you ever wish to leave, I advise that it is once the sun is up."

It's honestly a miracle how he managed to survive last night… the forest is a dangerous place. He gazed at the male in front of him and smiled a little. Well… He's safe. That's all that matters. He gathered a few clothes for the other to change into, as well as searched for a simple medical kit. He hummed softly as he let the other eat, looking up when the human spoke. He paused at the giggle before walking over to the human. "You are more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need." He says gently, placing the clothes on the bed next to Riku.

He pulled away and walked to the bathrooms where he prepared a nice warm bubbly bath for the other. He was quiet as he worked, letting his mind wander. How much had he missed since he had been asleep. He paused and took a deep breath. He just needed to focus on taking care of the human that was in his home. As the bath was running, he moved onto one of the rooms of the shrine, cleaning it and setting up the bed and simple necessities of the rooms. Once that was taken care of he returned to where Riku was. "Your room and bath have been prepared. Once you're finished with your food, bring your clothes and come with me."

Riku was still somewhat off-put by the amount of kindness that was being given to him. Just what had he done to deserve it? Show up? What a strange reason to be completely taken care of, it almost made him want to refuse the offers extended to him. But he had already chosen to stay, and why waste the efforts of such a kind soul?

He listened intently to the rules that Moriko had listed off, nodding in acknowledgement of each one. Though, the last one slightly disturbed him, if there was such great danger in the forest at night… how did he survive? Was that the reason that people were rumored to not return? Scary thoughts to ponder, so Riku just decided against it, he didn't wish for another thing to tear at his brain while he attempted sleep. It was already bad that the exhaustion from the night that he ran still weighed on his shoulders like water buckets held up by a pole.

He flinched slightly at each movement of the other, especially actions that took place close to him. Even though he had come to trust Moriko just a little more, something in him still panicked at the idea that all of this kindness was a front to get closer. And to take advantage of his weakness. But the fear didn't stop him from eating, as he was quite literally starving. He lifted the eggs carefully with the utensil and slurped them into his mouth. The texture was slightly strange to him, though it was likely because he hadn't had anything to consume in a long time. His village treated him more so as a stray dog than a human, and hardly anyone had ever extended a hand to take care of him properly.

He ate in near silence, but as he finished up with his meal, he smiled a weak smile. It flinched slightly as the skin over his very cracked lips spread a little. He spoke, his own voice still a bit foreign to himself, "Th-thank you, Moriko," he coughed a little after speaking, his nerves getting the best of him. Feeling in his legs began to flee before he could even start to stand up and Riku laughed nervously. He looked back up at Moriko with the same semi-melancholic smile and extended a calloused hand.

"Do you think you could help me get there?" he called over to him, "I'm sorry if I'm asking for too much."

Moriko had learned that often, when someone was used to being harmed, battered, and abused, it was often like a warm bath after spending a day out in the snow. The body grows numb to the cold, and when someone returns and wants to take a warm bath to gain feeling again, instead they get burned because their body thinks it's to hot. Often, that's how someone abused reacted to kindness. When growing up in a world cold and cruel, warmth can be considered to hot.

Moriko wanted to help people, wanted to take care of those that wandered to his home. This forest was filled with dangers. This place was the safe haven of the forest. It was beautiful, but the trees weren't just there for decoration. They were there for protection. They were there to keep what was out there away. Moriko was the guardian of the forest, but there was a reason why he was the guardian. He was the first to die here. He was jolted out of his thoughts for a moment when the other spoke. He paused and turned his attention back to the human. He paused and smiled a little bit. "There's nothing to thank me for." He hummed as he tilts his head once the food was gone. He was glad that the human was eating at least. He would make sure that Riku would have solid meals and be well taken care of.

He noticed the cough and he made a silent note to make some tea with herbs to help with his throat and the possibility of a cold. When the other raised a hand in need of help, Moriko offers a gentle smile before gently helping him up. "No, no. You're not asking for to much." He explains gently. "If you ever need anything, please just let me know." He smiles softly and helps Riku to the bathroom. "As for your bath, I've infused some herbs to help with aches and possible wounds and infections along your body." He explains quietly. "Once you're done with your bath, I'll take care of injuries you might have. If that's alright?" He asks gently, slowly setting him down. "I can stay here and help you with your bath, or I can leave you to do it yourself." He explains quietly.

(Sorry it took me so long, got a bit wrapped up in a writing project >~<)

Riku nodded with almost every word that the other said, he wanted to seem polite and show that he was intently listening. He had quite a few worries about the bath: how much it would sting, if it was hot, if he'd be able to get in and out of it without falling. Though he decided to voice none of those concerns. It would all work out, he was sure.

"I-I'll be fine on my own," he stumbled slightly on his words. He had spoken before he himself prepared and it almost all came out in a rushed whisper, one he could only hope was coherent. He bowed to Moriko, a strange gesture, though one that felt appropriate to Riku in the moment. "Thank you!" he blurted out, his once pallid face flushed pink with slight embarrassment. Before the other could even begin their response, Riku whipped around and hurried into the bathroom, clutching the spare clothes he was given tightly within his palms.

The bathroom was slightly humid with steam from the recently-drawn bath. The smell of the herbs in the water gave him a familiar sensation. It reminded him of… could he even call it home? It surely had lost its feeling of homeliness once he had come to see the sunrise of 15 years. The proper term could be his past residence..? Past? Had he any intention of going back? It gnawed at Riku's brain, addressing that place did, but regardless, it was that place that he was reminded of. It filled him with the warmth of good memories of his friends, his animals, his mother. What wrong had he truly done to deserve to lose them all? Tears began to burn in his eyes and he just made the decision to get into the bath.

Slowly, he undid his robes; his eyelids twitched slightly as his dark eyes caught onto bruises and cuts along his torso. His mind ached knowing that there would be more. It somewhat amazed him that through all the floggings and other abuse that he managed to survive, not just physically, but psychologically as well. Borderline torture such as that was would be enough to break most other people, perhaps he was as hard-headed as the village folk insisted he was. He removed his arms' bandages, swollen cuts and bruises lined up underneath them. The price of survival was truly a hefty one.

Once completely undressed, he began to adjust himself into the water at a slowed pace. The warm fluid wrapped around Riku's chapped skin in a way that felt foreign. He began to sink down more, the water displacing slightly with the shape of his frail body. He let out a loud yelp when the water touched the wounds along his arms. His clammy hands let go of the sides of the bath he was using for support and he landed at the bottom with a splash and a muffled thud. His cursed lightly to himself and held some slight hope that the other did not hear that… tragedy.

He grabbed the washing rag that was delicately draped over the side of the bath and used it to rub gently against the wounds. He hissed at each sting, and sometimes let out brief whimpers of protest. All that kept him going was the fact that it would be over faster if he did.

He watched the other head into the bathroom, his head tilted ever so slightly. He was worried about the other, but he didn't want to intrude. Crowding someone when they had just escaped a life of pain and misery. It usually meant that people didn't want to be touched or crowded in the slightest. He wanted to help as much as he could, but he knew that he needed to be careful and gentle around his new quest. Moriko sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply. He stood in the hallways before shaking his head and wandering about the shrine quietly.

His home… the spirits had taken such good care of his shrine as he slept. He walks out into the cherry blossoms, admiring the garden. Everything was in full bloom, but that what was interesting about his shrine. Everything lived no matter what season it was. At least, in this spot. He hummed quietly and takes a deep breath, touching one of cherry trees, watching its branches wave in the wind. He leaned against the trees as those foul memories ran through his mind. He pulled away from the tree and kept walking, trying not to remember anything.

He wandered aimlessly as he waited for his guest to finish in the bathroom, trying to gain his bearings again after being asleep for so long. New life had grown since his absence. He walked to the edge of the trees and paused where the wisteria trees barely ended. The forest was just as dangerous as it had been when he had fallen into his slumber. He could feel the hostile energy, feel it waiting to sweep into the air. The human was lucky that he had survived last night.

Moriko shakes his head and wanders back into the shrine, he needed to take care of his guest. That was his top priority right now. Take care of the person who had come into his home. He wandered into the guest room where Riku would be staying, making sure there were blankets, extra clothes, and basic self care items. He hummed quietly as he opened the window to let in the fresh air before grabbing the medical kit. He would tend to the humans wounds once he was dressed. He wanted to make sure the other was taken care of.