mushinomai

[mushinomai]

　　　　　　　　 　 　𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲.

　　　　　　my parents were killed. my older sister was killed. 　　　　　　And all my tsuguko except kanao were killed. 　　　　　　If demons hadn't murdered those girls' families, they'd be 　　　　　　living happily with them right now.

　　　　　　　　　　　𝐈𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬.

　　　　　　 　𝐈.home . 　𝐈𝐈. carrd .　𝐈𝐈𝐈. ask .　𝐈𝐕. credit  .

[mushinomai]

The journey to their location would take time. The sun still overhead, but not for long. Sundown would mark their arrival time with almost accurate precision. Slayers who had gone ahead before the pair having discovered the bodies of their fallen comrades. Slaughtered en mass by whatever lurked in the woods. The crow that would summon the pillars flew further ahead, carrying warning for those scouts. They'd die if they remained there by sundown.

' Slayers who were before us, just having arrived for their mission made a discovery... '

' ...The remains of several other slayers sent to slay the demon... At least three of them have been accounted for now. With more certainly still to be uncovered by the team. '

The knife twisted in her gut, many only just reaching tsuchinoe. ( Close in rank to her own tsuguko, kanao. ) How much she wished to believe she would've been different from them. Surviving on the grace taught to her by the former flower hashira. Feet carry her forward, driven by anger. It's what keeps the pair moving at record pace. To spare the team waiting ahead of them for what would come. Lives were on the line if they didn't make arrival.

' It may not be an upper moon, but it's best to treat it with the same level of concern. '

Robin whipped around, heart pounding, eyes sharp as she took in the messenger’s hurried approach. The words hit her like a sudden gust—no time to hesitate, no room for doubt.

Her fingers instinctively clenched the edges of her forest green haori, the fabric snapping softly in the breeze as she readied herself.

“E-eh? Shinobu-chan—? What? Together?” she echoed, voice wavering but edged with urgency. “Then we should move quickly. Tell me everything—what’s the target, and who else is involved?”

The kasugai crow’s caw lingered briefly in the air, a cryptic reminder of the battle ahead. The wolf breather didn’t wait for Shinobu’s answer. She stepped forward, determination burning bright in her sharp eyes.

“Let’s get going!”

[mushinomai]

' It could've been. A lot of slayers pass through here, '

If the hashira was aware of the effect she had on her, she didn't make it known. Enjoying the moment of their proximity, she takes the other's hand into her own. Leading her further into the garden, where eyes are less prone to lurking.

' I think... ' Carefully scanning through the vast array of summer blooms, she picks a small stem of little baby blue flowers. ' These would suit you most. '

' i see. '

except all her thoughts are out the window given how close shinobu is. you'd think she'd have gotten used to the proximity by now but it always managed to make her heart race. she watches the hashira's fingers walk up her arm and feels her cheeks warm anew.

' tha' makes sense. maybe one of us brought it 'ome from a mission. '

[mushinomai]

❛ i am stunned. i am in complete and utter awe with you. ❜ (mayhaps from dōma :3)

Hanging high in the sky the moon's light reflecting against the pools. Soft flowers blooming against it's surface, frogs nestled among the colorful array of koi swimming in it's depth. Grass reflecting back in crystalline hues towards the sky. The scent of what should be blooms of flowers is marred by the scent of iron. It's color spilling outwards into the garden's serenity. How did she even find herself here? It wasn't their first time meeting... Yet, it was always the beast who would find her. A predator sought out it's prey, the prey never looked for them. But it was no surprise that her arrival would lead to a fight. There was no other way. [ He wouldn't have it. ] It would leave her worn and ragged, anger burnt to a smolder. There was no energy left in her to fight, and still excitement burned in @omonzuru's eyes. Proximity is lost as arms envelope her waist, taking both of them down in the process. ( On purpose. ) The sword so tightly held in her hands is lost, sent further into the garden's labyrinth of flowers. Her hands push against the ground , briefly slipping in her bid to get up. His grip keeps her in range. However enough space is made for her quick grab of a small knife at the hip. Brandishing it to his throat, just above the skin. It wasn't nichirn. [ They both knew that. ] A brow glistening with sweat, loose hairs clinging to the skin. Chest heaving as air rushes to catch up to her. Each breath burning her throat raw. Spite and hatred rushes through her, it seers into her gaze. But never reciprocated. What she saw however... Doe eyed wonder and excitement. Soft pink cheeks forming against cold pale skin. More akin to a corpse than a human. Large fangs pushing against parted lips that spread from ear to ear. [ ... ] To believe that face would be a death sentence. If there was one common trait demons shared, you can't trust them. ( They'd only need one chance. ) Silver locks sprawled outward into the grass, beneath him. Iris' swirl in wondrous colors, and in the moon's light? How they seem to sparkle.

It was disgusting.

' Go to hell... '

[mushinomai]

It's movements had been ever dizzying, disorienting quickly as time and space seemed to warp against the demon heart. Even despite her careful observations and attempts to defy it's will... It refused to yield. Rerouting and shifting further, even now as their room stays still. The loud creaking echos inwards as more is casually moved around and reorganized. If there was anyone else here, they remained shrouded. Hiding away from the same weight crushing her body to the floor. A strong body trembling with... —fear?

A sword that sought his end... ? His words only form a small crease in her brow. But with little room to dwell on them. The overwhelming gaze of the demon lord forces her to sink lower. Averting her own, not just of fear. ( Shame, perhaps? ) It's as her heart steadies that eyes gaze upwards towards the progenitor. It comes almost on instinct, hushed to dare not interrupt his words. Had she truly been out to do such a thing? ' ...Forgive me, Lord Muzan. '

The fortress, as if mirroring the malignant nature of its master, coiled like a serpent squeezing the last ragged breath from a crushed throat. The motionless form of the demonic emperor, akin to an image of merciless godhood, seemed the only source of immutability in a space where reality appeared to constantly reshape itself. 

Plum-red irises, like an endless void that consumed even the slightest flicker of light, settled on the one who had been brought to his presence—- Upper Two's offering.  

❛  So,  ❜ the demon overlord began, cutting through the silence with emotionless precision, while his cold gaze continued to dissect her with the lethal steadiness of an executioner sharpening his blade, moments before ripping through bone and muscle.  ❛  —- the sword that once sought my end now bends at my feet.  ❜

[mushinomai]

my only single input is that shinobu has hipdips.

[mushinomai]

Silence begins to descend over the world. Skies no longer their vibrant hues of pinks and purples, replaced with glittering darkness and the light of a full moon. It's radiance reflected like the morning sun. If any demon were to hunt, it'd be a brave move. Beams break through the treeline to shine into the depth of the woods. Just the one she found herself pushing through, caught on a whiff. [ No. ] Even more than that... An overwhelming feeling of disgust. Far exceeding even normal demons. ( Whatever lay further ahead, was nothing ordinary. ) Hushed whispers fall upon the crow flying tandem to her movement. If she was correct and this was a kizuki... Someone would need to be here.

As she pushed further, an opening became clear. There @omonzuru stood, basking in the light of the moon. Blood dripping flesh slung over his shoulder. Only once entering the clearing herself, did his form become truly clear. A red robe adorned around his figure, silver hair cascading down his back ringed with black and red. [ ... ] And two eyes that swirled with wondrous colors.

Anger polished into a knife plunging deep into her gut-- twisting and turning as it bled outwards. Teeth bare together into crunching, fingers firmly drawing her sword as the gap closes. They will both die here. It was the only way.

' ...You, '

[mushinomai]

A FEW VARIOUS SENTENCE STARTERS

❝ i wouldn't find the need to tell you 'i told you so' if you weren't so allergic to admitting i'm right. ❞

❝ there are better hills to die on but i find this one quite comfortable. ❞

❝ would you come with me please? i adore your company. ❞

❝ that's not the worst thing i've ever heard but it's certainly up there. ❞

❝ i would love to help you but i'm afraid i'm suffering from a terrible case of 'it's not my problem.' ❞

❝ could you just think about anyone other than yourself for once? ❞

❝ i'm not going to stand here and argue with you about how much you need to get some rest. if i find you passed out on the floor i'm leaving you there. ❞

❝ would you be a dear and shut the hell up. ❞

❝ i know i need help but i'm not quite ready to ask for it. ❞

❝ do you know where we're going or are we just trying to get lost now? ❞

❝ i have confided this in you, please do not betray that trust. ❞

❝ do you like it here? with me? ❞

❝ are you still happy? with me, i mean. with us. ❞

❝ i didn't lie, i simply presented a selective truth. ❞

❝ do you actually like spending time with me? because i feel like all you do is argue. ❞

❝ one of us will eventually have to have the strength to be honest with ourselves about each other. ❞

❝ i want to tell you something i just need a moment to figure out the right words. ❞

❝ if you were the religious type i would challenge god to win your devotion. ❞

❝ don't tell me to quit being melodramatic it's the only time i have any fun. ❞

❝ were you ever going to tell me or were you just going to make me guess what you're thinking and feeling. ❞

[mushinomai]

🌺 send this to ten muns you think are wonderful 🌺

NO, YOU LANI.

[mushinomai]

Grief Lessons, Anne Carson

[mushinomai]

Just as days past, once so frequent as their parent's would part with a few coins for the pair to pick stuff up in the market. ( Conveniently just enough leftover for a fresh bun for both girls. ) Now reduced to nothing but a rare treat. Long gone in the ever changing world the pair had entered. Shinobu's head perks up at the voice of her sister's acknowledgement. ( She's tired... ) Perhaps it would have been best to let the hashira sleep longer. Yet, there was no taking it back. Nor could she hide the smile that crept over her cheeks.

' Of course, I did take stock sometime last night as well. '

WHEN THE DOOR FINALLY SLIDES OPEN, it's slow and grating, not the usual quiet gentleness kanae possessed in her very breath. and when the flower hashira steps out, it's with the blooming realization that she'd clearly had as rough of a night's sleep as shinobu had had ⸻ kanae is usually always up and ready for the day by this time, but instead her hair falls in messy tangles around her face, unbrushed and slept in. ( she had managed, at the very least, to change into actual clothes. not her uniform, but she was off duty and couldn't find the energy to fish anything nicer out of the closet. ) her late night mission had clearly spanned on far longer than she had anticipated, but she offers her sister her usual warm smile none the less. " good morning, shinobu, dear. " a pause to clear the haze of sleep out from her throat and run her fingertips through her hair in a futile attempt to tame the beast. " i always want to go to town with you. why don't you go wake the other girls and see if they want us to bring them back anything ... i'll be ready to go by the time you get back. "

[mushinomai]

❝ push yourself too hard and you become your own worst enemy. ❞

Such a pitiful excuse of a hashira. Even after everything she pushed her body through. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough. Shinobu could only keep up for so long. Everything must be precise and quick. There was no time to dawdle in a fight. The longer it carried on for, the better chance it will overwhelm her. With the poison coursing through her veins, that time was, no doubt, halved. ( If her own training brought her into a coughing fit. ) Yet, she remained determined. There was a point to prove. Her feet would carry her further. Nothing else would even be an option. Even as she is directed by @rpscllion to lean on her. There is still a push forward to lead them both to the engawa. All she needed was a moment's rest.

' I know, but it's all I can do now. '

[mushinomai]

it doesn't hurt that bad (from giyu)

' I'm just saying that I told you not to daydream, '

Time and time again blue eyes lost to a turbulent sea. The waves swell over his feet, rising ever higher. But the tides were beginning to hasten their rise. More and more often he seemed to be drowning. ( Farther than she can recall. ) And now? He's suffered the price for it. A hand deeply gouged by a sloppy misstep in the mud. [ No. ] When it was aimed for his head- To leave with just a sliver of tarnished flesh? He was far from distracted to anyone else. Careful hands begin to tend to the wound, regardless of his agreement. Skin is ritually cleaned and disinfected by ointments. ( It'd need stitching. ) @visvivae had gotten off lightly. Not just from the demon, but his fellow pillar. Instead of being met with venom and creeping veins... It fascinated her. Such an odd person, even among the standards of their peers.

' What's gotten into you lately, Tomioka-san? '

[mushinomai]

Shinobu is the girls girl.

[mushinomai]

tloz: tears of the kingdom starters

WARNING: spoilers !

❝ there doesn’t seem to be any danger at the moment. ❞ ❝ history and legend sometimes blur together. ❞ ❝ i think you’ve caused quite a stir since your arrival here… ❞ ❝ i think you do look weird. so there, chew on that. ❞ ❝ i feel like i should apologize for dragging you into this mess. ❞ ❝ there’s no need to get so worked up. ❞ ❝ you allowed your heart to falter. that is the quickest way to fall on the battlefield. ❞ ❝ i’ll fight by your side till the very end. ❞ ❝ as with any leader, it is my duty to safeguard and protect my people. ❞ ❝ you are burdened with a mission of monumental importance. ❞ ❝ it was my hubris that set us on this path. ❞ ❝ i get it, you’re young — you feel invincible. ❞ ❝ i thought you had harder bark on you than that. ❞ ❝ this little village used to be as quiet as a dusty old tomb. ❞ ❝ i don’t know who you are, but i’m sorry you have to see me like this. ❞ ❝ i feel a lot better after talking to you. ❞ ❝ you should have seen the look on your face. ❞ ❝ please, no need to look so petrified. ❞ ❝ you’re alone too, right? alone is good. ❞ ❝ you have disgusting, unwavering commitment to do ‘good’. ❞ ❝ i apologize. i keep getting lost in my thoughts. ❞ ❝ you’re finding this all a little scary, aren’t you? ❞ ❝ did you hear me singing? how embarrassing. ❞ ❝ you might want to make other plans…if you value your life. ❞ ❝ i suppose fate really wanted the two of us to run into each other again. ❞ ❝ you use your power to crush the weak…to serve evil. ❞ ❝ you will die knowing that you failed. ❞ ❝ you heard that strange voice too, right? ❞ ❝ this is a lot to learn all of a sudden, i know. ❞ ❝ did you know if you put your ear to a well, you can hear the wailing of the dead? ❞ ❝ i see the shadow of death upon your face. ❞ ❝ it seems skill and confidence is in short supply. ❞ ❝ that pride will be your downfall. ❞ ❝ i’ve gotta say. your stories are always so wild. ❞ ❝ did i manage to keep a smile on my face? ❞ ❝ you take for granted the godlike power you have in your hands. ❞ ❝ nevertheless, i can’t shake this strange tightness in my chest. ❞ ❝ why do i get the feeling we’re being watched? ❞ ❝ sorry you had to listen to me go on and on like that. ❞ ❝ anyway, i’m sorry for teasing you. ❞ ❝ uh…what’s with the face? ❞ ❝ what was it you wanted to discuss with me in private? ❞ ❝ were you looking for me? i’m honored! ❞ ❝ one cannot accomplish great feats without allies at one’s side. ❞ ❝ it’s important to help each other in times of need. ❞ ❝ i hate the way rain feels, but i don’t mind how it sounds. reminds me of waves crashing on the beach. ❞ ❝ you look distracted. what’s wrong? ❞ ❝ things with ‘legendary’ in the title are usually just stories. ❞ ❝ do you really think i hadn’t realized your deceit? ❞ ❝ what are you doing in a place like this? ❞ ❝ i never thought i’d see such a marvel with my very own eyes. ❞ ❝ thank goodness. if something had happened to you…i… ❞ ❝ how did you find this place? what cruel ploy are you plotting? ❞ ❝ it seems that the world is still in a wretched state. ❞ ❝ enough is enough! you are not acting like yourself! ❞ ❝ i can see right through you, whether you want me to or not. you are yielding to the fear of losing someone you love again. ❞ ❝ i can see it in your face. i don’t hold that special place in your heart. ❞ ❝ light and dark - one cannot exist without the other. ❞ ❝ do not get lost in the past. you must keep moving ever onward. ❞ ❝ it is best when those who care for each other are open and honest, even when it is difficult. ❞ ❝ push yourself too hard and you become your own worst enemy. ❞ ❝ look at all those scars…you must have fought a lot in your life. ❞ ❝ i am hesitant to admit it, but our success was thanks to your support. ❞ ❝ you look very pleased with yourself. ❞ ❝ i was giving in to my fear of once more losing someone i love. ❞ ❝ hold still, and don’t fret. i’ll take care of everything. this won’t hurt a bit. ❞ ❝ did you think i’d deceived you? perish the thought. ❞ ❝ i’m always here. should you ever have need of me, you need only ask. ❞ ❝ it’s amusing, isn’t it? our little back-and-forths. ❞ ❝ i just don’t want anyone to drop dead right in front of me. that’ll give me some nasty dreams. ❞ ❝ there it is. that inexplicable smirk upon your face. ❞ ❝ what were you praying for? long life? wealth? ❞ ❝ you get even cuter when you’re blushing. ❞ ❝ it is all right. i swear it. i am not going anywhere. ❞ ❝ i never thought…never dared dream…that i’d live to see the day we could all laugh together again like this. ❞ ❝ i’ve seen enough faces in this job that i can tell from looking at one if someone’s lying to me. ❞ ❝ you’ll come visit me again, right? ❞ ❝ i hope that ours will be a long and profitable relationship. ❞ ❝ this must be what the end of the world looks like. ❞ ❝ there’s nothing wrong with asking if you can help, you know. ❞ ❝ i knew there was a bright smile in there somewhere. ❞ ❝ let’s not pretend it won’t look absolutely dashing on you. ❞ ❝ no matter. you will not live to see another sunrise. ❞ ❝ you cannot hope to escape your fate. ❞ ❝ i’m sorry. i know i’m always throwing you into dangerous situations. ❞ ❝ hear my name and tremble in fear. ❞ ❝ it seems you have met with great danger once more. ❞ ❝ i actually…secretly followed you. ❞ ❝ there’s no shortage of strange happenings these days. ❞ ❝ anyone tell you it’s rude to stare? ❞ ❝ sitting here feeling sorry for myself won’t solve anything. ❞ ❝ at my age…well, very little surprises me. ❞ ❝ there are more mysteries waiting for us down here, i know it. ❞ ❝ i’m only telling you this because you seem like a trustworthy sort. ❞ ❝ we are bound by fate, you and i. ❞ ❝ i’d have preferred to stay with you a while longer. ❞ ❝ you will have to do something about that fear eventually. ❞ ❝ now i live for vengeance. ❞ ❝ so you’re our saviour, eh? i thought you’d be tougher looking. ❞ ❝ sorry about that. the sadness just gets to me sometimes. ❞ ❝ you were involved, weren’t you? ❞ ❝ i’m sorry, i’m just surprised. i mean, you don’t seem all that strong. ❞ ❝ did i…see what i thought i saw? ❞ ❝ just forget it. it’s not important. ❞ ❝ we cannot afford to stand still at a time such as this. it is imperative that we act. ❞ ❝ disappointed that i wasn’t shocked and aghast at the very sight of you? ❞ ❝ you must be pretty strong beneath the surface. ❞ ❝ what happened? is this your doing? ❞ ❝ i can see right through you, whether you want me to or not. ❞ ❝ just watching you move, i can tell you’re no ordinary person. ❞ ❝ whatever is troubling you? why are you hesitating so? ❞ ❝ good…evil…that’s the futile perspective of narrow-minded beings. ❞ ❝ are you here because you’ve heard about me? ❞ ❝ one difficulty has been overcome, and yet another has appeared in its wake. ❞ ❝ once i rest up, i’ll be hitting the road again. i’ve stayed here too long as it is. ❞ ❝ we have to train. we have to get stronger. we have to get ready for what’s next. ❞ ❝ is everyone all right? nobody’s injured? ❞ ❝ i’m the one who made such a mess of things, after all. ❞ ❝ it is a mighty opponent, certainly, but we must not falter. ❞ ❝ what’s with that look? you don’t think i can do it? ❞ ❝ what’s the matter? you can tell me, weirdly handsome dude. ❞ ❝ why is everybody so quick to believe the silliest things? ❞ ❝ i dearly wish that i could believe what you are saying. however, at present…i simply cannot do that. ❞ ❝ wow, listen to me. with every breath, i spew out brilliance. ❞ ❝ for a long time, i have been concerned that you are holding yourself back. ❞ ❝ i feel like you weren’t getting what i was going for there. way to kill the mood. ❞ ❝ can’t talk my way out of this one… ❞ ❝ this is normally where i’d give you a chance to respond, but i’d like to talk about me instead. ❞ ❝ never forget that we are all standing beneath the very same sun. the only distance that matters is the distance between our hearts. ❞ ❝ i lost my head a little there. i’m not too proud of the way i behaved. ❞ ❝ i’m sure an answer will come to you. wisdom takes time. ❞ ❝ i must truly be getting on in years to have allowed a mere monster to catch me off guard. ❞ ❝ you really don’t know your place, do you? ❞ ❝ do you really think we hadn’t realised your deceit? ❞ ❝ you heart is like a chicken’s egg — easily given but easy to break. ❞ ❝ your wounds were severe…i am relieved to see you escape death. ❞ ❝ i’m told that your skill in swordplay is unmatched. ❞ ❝ what, you’ve never heard of me? ❞ ❝ where were you? you disappeared on me so suddenly. i was worried sick. ❞ ❝ oh my. i’m surprised to hear you say such a thing. ❞ ❝ i wonder how many times we’ve met in our past lives. ❞ ❝ so what if you don’t say what you really think. i won’t hold that against you. ❞ ❝ though our time together has been brief, i am so happy that we finally met. ❞ ❝ what’re you thinking, strolling into this war zone? ❞ ❝ you’ll keep your trap shut if you know what’s good for you. ❞ ❝ i sense a fierce battle ahead, the likes of which we have never before faced. ❞ ❝ i can feel the moonlight pouring down, cleansing my spirit. ❞ ❝ you’re not needed round here any more. ❞ ❝ that mystery just leads us straight into another. ❞ ❝ it is very difficult to rest peacefully when things like this happen. ❞ ❝ sometimes i’m so smart, i scare myself a little. ❞ ❝ ever try getting info out of a boulder? well, that boulder’s ME. ❞ ❝ i prefer to keep work and my personal time separate. ❞ ❝ sure, you look like a strong breeze could blow you over, but you are solid as stone. ❞ ❝ that pride will be your downfall. ❞ ❝ i’ve been abandoned by love…by luck…by happiness. ❞ ❝ at last…i have been waiting for you to arrive. ❞ ❝ i am stunned. i am in complete and utter awe with you. ❞ ❝ despite all we have endured, my feelings for you have never altered. they never shall. ❞ ❝ am i some sort of villain? or a force for good? ❞ ❝ i’m just fated to be unhappy. steer clear or you’ll catch my misfortune. ❞ ❝ you’re your own worst enemy sometimes. ❞ ❝ i will crush any opposition. i will rule. ❞ ❝ that’s an old dangerous road absolutely crawling with monsters. ❞ ❝ now that you’ve seen it, i can’t let you live. ❞ ❝ you look like a gentle soul who wouldn’t hurt anything. ❞ ❝ my body…my mind…everything. i’ll sacrifice it all to destroy you. ❞ ❝ i had almost forgotten the thrill of battle. that feeling as blood surges in my veins… ❞ ❝ i bet evil always scatters when you show up. ❞ ❝ it’s important to remember that luck and love aren’t things that run out. sometimes they just take the long way to get to you. ❞ ❝ i’m gonna make my ancestors proud today. ❞ ❝ this world should be shrouded in darkness, not bathed in insufferable light. ❞ ❝ it would have been more…satisfying to overcome a worthy foe. ❞ ❝ a mere mortal will not stand in my way. ❞ ❝ you’d walk away…from someone in need? ❞ ❝ you have proven yourself, and you no longer need me. ❞ ❝ i have some heartbreaking news to share. this will be tough to bear, but i ask that you stay strong. ❞ ❝ you might think of this as ‘hush money,’ and…yes. that’s what it is.. ❞ ❝ now, let’s both pretend like this never happened. ❞ ❝ you might think i’m a hopeless coward…and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. ❞

[mushinomai]

unprompted / always accepted

@mushinomai said: Little mind is paid to the garden, eyes focused on the slayer's face. Examining each bit of her cheeks, down to her jaw- her nose. Truly there was no where else worth looking... As she moves, it's only a quick gesture, a soft kiss to her cheek with her head coming to rest on her shoulder.

her gaze was on the garden, soaking in the quiet of the moment. she's unaware of the attention being paid to her until the lips press to her cheek. her eyes widen, cheeks flushing at the affection, unable to react as head comes to rest against shoulder afterwards. it wasn't exactly something new, of course, but it caught her off guard every time it occurred.

heart beats against ribcage, trying to break free. tentatively, she reaches for the other's hand, fingers lacing loosely between hers. it takes a moment before she lifts their joined hands, lips pressing to knuckles before allowing them to come to rest between them once more.

[mushinomai]

*through gritted teeth* every day i choose to be kind *barely restraining myself from violence* i choose to have compassion *tamping down the vicious bloodlust inside me* i choose to care and to be kind and to love