[It's just a picture of Wolfwood.]
I swear to god Lighter's mom keeps showing up to deliver stuff. Look at him. They look so alike.
I swear to god Lighter's mom keeps showing up to deliver stuff. Look at him. They look so alike.
[Harumasa stares... and suddenly pieces click into place. He sends a picture of Wriothesley back to Belle.]
Wriothesley HAS to be Lighter's dad, then! He's a boxer!
Belle, I think we found his parents.
Wriothesley HAS to be Lighter's dad, then! He's a boxer!
Belle, I think we found his parents.
[This isn't a conversation he's looking forward to having, but he knows he needs to. Haru needs a say in his own life, after. ]
Hey Haru, is this a good time to talk? There's something I need to talk to you about, regarding your health.
Hey Haru, is this a good time to talk? There's something I need to talk to you about, regarding your health.
[Harumasa is a bit surprised to see a text like this from Jun, but he trusts that this might be something big.]
Sure, I'm free! Want me to meet you somewhere or do you just wanna text about it?
Sure, I'm free! Want me to meet you somewhere or do you just wanna text about it?
Sending this to both of you so I don't have to type it twice.
Talked to Veldora and Josuke about the peach seeds they've received. They felt Haru's point about having it be available for potential medicinal purposes made sense, so we'll be growing them in the serenitea pot.
We're planning to make a lot of safeguards to try to keep people from accessing them easily. It'll take awhile to get it all set up. If they prove to be a bigger risk than they're worth, we'll destroy them.
Not sure yet if anyone else in the city got a hold of a seed. I'm still trying to figure out a way to track that.
Veldora, the storm dragon, has agreed to act as guardian of the trees once they're planted. He also gave us a ride while we were surveying the ground in the Serenitea pot. :) [Bitch]
Talked to Veldora and Josuke about the peach seeds they've received. They felt Haru's point about having it be available for potential medicinal purposes made sense, so we'll be growing them in the serenitea pot.
We're planning to make a lot of safeguards to try to keep people from accessing them easily. It'll take awhile to get it all set up. If they prove to be a bigger risk than they're worth, we'll destroy them.
Not sure yet if anyone else in the city got a hold of a seed. I'm still trying to figure out a way to track that.
Veldora, the storm dragon, has agreed to act as guardian of the trees once they're planted. He also gave us a ride while we were surveying the ground in the Serenitea pot. :) [Bitch]
Good. I'm glad you managed to figure it out. That makes me feel a little better about them being around again at all. So long as they never go into the wrong hands again.
[He still super doesn't like it, but he can't deny it's not a good idea. ]
Could magic sensing do it, maybe? I don't know.
Congrats on riding on a dragon. Sounds like you has fun.
[He still super doesn't like it, but he can't deny it's not a good idea. ]
Could magic sensing do it, maybe? I don't know.
Congrats on riding on a dragon. Sounds like you has fun.
[So. Jun didn't bring up any serious matters during anime night. Nor the next day. He knows he and his brother have things to discuss, but Jun had a tendency to just try to avoid broaching serious topics that involve talking about himself. Honestly if left to his own devices, that's probably what he would've done about this. People misinterpret and assume things about him all the time, why would he get bothered about it now?
But what Varian said had stuck with him. The insistence that they should talk about it. That it bothered his partner. And those thoughts wouldn't leave Jun's mind, so... fine. He'll deal with it. In his own way, of course
One day, Harumasa will come back to his room at the fortress to find 25 religious pamphlets shoved under his door. They've clearly been altered by someone with photoshop skills. On the back of the bottom one in the pile, Jun's scribbled a handwritten note:]
Varian said we needed to talk
Meet me on the roof of the 7-Eleven in midtown tonight
But what Varian said had stuck with him. The insistence that they should talk about it. That it bothered his partner. And those thoughts wouldn't leave Jun's mind, so... fine. He'll deal with it. In his own way, of course
One day, Harumasa will come back to his room at the fortress to find 25 religious pamphlets shoved under his door. They've clearly been altered by someone with photoshop skills. On the back of the bottom one in the pile, Jun's scribbled a handwritten note:]
Meet me on the roof of the 7-Eleven in midtown tonight
[Harumasa yawns as he comes back to his room after a day of promoting at Random Play. It's only part-time work and yet he already feels tired. A good nap will fix him up.
But then his door doesn't open quite right and he looks down at the floor.
.......................................................]
But then his door doesn't open quite right and he looks down at the floor.
.......................................................]
if you don't see me at Random Play, I'm checking out where the last reported sighting of the train was. It took off with my brother—not Wise, a half-brother—and I've been trying to find a way to get either myself or Eous on it.
Haven't yet, but I'll figure it out!
Haven't yet, but I'll figure it out!
[... OH, OKAY, SO THAT'S WORSE THAN HARUMASA THOUGHT.]
Tell me where it is and I'll help you stake it out.
[Like hell he's going to just sit here with the knowledge that Belle is waiting potentially futilely for the train to come get her or Eous.]
Do you want company at home? I don't mind staying over until you get your brother back.
Tell me where it is and I'll help you stake it out.
[Like hell he's going to just sit here with the knowledge that Belle is waiting potentially futilely for the train to come get her or Eous.]
Do you want company at home? I don't mind staying over until you get your brother back.
How the hell do you know Nightroad? He says we're family.
[Damn, that's a fucking question to be asked. Not that Harumasa can necessarily blame Kuni for it. Still, it feels like a gun just got pointed at him and he needs a moment to think about how to respond. To tell the entire truth or to keep it vague...?
....
He supposes that Kuni deserves to know the full truth. They're related by blood, after all, and he might be the only blood relative Harumasa will ever have in his life. That has to count for something. So... he'll try to give some of his trust to Kuni.]
We're not related by blood. I won't speak to Jun's experience since that's not my call, so we'll just keep it on me.
I told you I was abandoned by my parents in a hospital, right? Well, I was about four or five at the time, and a doctor or nurse or someone took pity on me. They took me to a facility where they claimed they'd help kids with the same rare medical condition I had, and I could contribute to that by going along with their experiments.
That was a lie, in the end, but I didn't realize that for a few years. Not every kid taken in had the same condition I did, in fact most of them didn't. But we were all experimented on for different reasons. I met Jun and some others there, and I just became a big brother to the younger kids and a little brother to the older ones. Even if the adults around us failed to protect the kids, I didn't want to fail them.
....
He supposes that Kuni deserves to know the full truth. They're related by blood, after all, and he might be the only blood relative Harumasa will ever have in his life. That has to count for something. So... he'll try to give some of his trust to Kuni.]
We're not related by blood. I won't speak to Jun's experience since that's not my call, so we'll just keep it on me.
I told you I was abandoned by my parents in a hospital, right? Well, I was about four or five at the time, and a doctor or nurse or someone took pity on me. They took me to a facility where they claimed they'd help kids with the same rare medical condition I had, and I could contribute to that by going along with their experiments.
That was a lie, in the end, but I didn't realize that for a few years. Not every kid taken in had the same condition I did, in fact most of them didn't. But we were all experimented on for different reasons. I met Jun and some others there, and I just became a big brother to the younger kids and a little brother to the older ones. Even if the adults around us failed to protect the kids, I didn't want to fail them.
[Harumasa expects this text. He's expecting one from Kuni, too, once things settle more. Truthfully, he hates that he's going to have to repeat this same information over and over, but that's just the way of things at the moment. Unfortunately, he's currently in Europe, so they can't really meet in person to discuss this. Since calling through Gemini is free, Harumasa does that.]
Hey, Noct! Figured you'd appreciate a voice chat about this than just a text. I'd ask to grab a coffee to talk about it, but I'm currently in Europe on a well earned vacation!
[But he can and will make time for his friends.]
Anyway... I'm doing alright! I got checked out at the hospital and I've been given orders to rest and not use any magic for a couple of days.
As for what happened... that's not a fun topic. You sure you wanna know?
Hey, Noct! Figured you'd appreciate a voice chat about this than just a text. I'd ask to grab a coffee to talk about it, but I'm currently in Europe on a well earned vacation!
[But he can and will make time for his friends.]
Anyway... I'm doing alright! I got checked out at the hospital and I've been given orders to rest and not use any magic for a couple of days.
As for what happened... that's not a fun topic. You sure you wanna know?
CW: talking about terminal illness and child abandonment
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
life_ethereal
- 2025-03-14 20:23 (UTC) - ExpandSo. You know my first language is Japanese, right? And I could hear you when we were saving Tsuki, right?
[Harumasa isn't surprised to be getting a text from Kuni. It's just been a matter of when this conversation will happen.]
Oh~? Did something in particular catch your attention?
Oh~? Did something in particular catch your attention?
UN: Hikari-vi | Voice (to be action and also Varian's here)
whiteshroud
2025-05-17 04:34 pm (UTC)(link)
[The mission hadn't really gone quite to plan, not after Varian ran into a version of Corona. One thing led to another and well... they sure did spend a chunk of time petitioning to a pair of death gods (La Muerte really is lovely, fun to learn) to go over King Fred's record before deciding his fate.
And after all that... Varian was in no shape to continue on with the original mission, and Jun knew it. And since his loved ones is the only thing that'll make jun actively fight against his Seal Knight wiring, he decides to call it off and bring Varian home. Though.... considering everything and the amount of emotional turmoil Varian must be feeling right now, Jun has the feeling his partner could benefit the company of someone more emotionally adept... as well as more separate from the situation. And more than anything else, someone who genuinely cared for Varian.
He'd tried Amal first, but all he got was voicemail. He knows Varian would feel even more guilt if he made Amal drop something in worry, so he decides the next best option- the one who almost always manages to make Jun feel better when he felt low]
Hey Haru, are you home yet?
[He's not even going to ask if Haru went to the spirit realm that Jun thoroughly warned him was a very dangerous and emotionally fraught place. He knows that's exactly what his brother did. Because of course he would.]
We're heading back ourselves. Varian had a rough time in the realm, so we called it early.
[Help]
And after all that... Varian was in no shape to continue on with the original mission, and Jun knew it. And since his loved ones is the only thing that'll make jun actively fight against his Seal Knight wiring, he decides to call it off and bring Varian home. Though.... considering everything and the amount of emotional turmoil Varian must be feeling right now, Jun has the feeling his partner could benefit the company of someone more emotionally adept... as well as more separate from the situation. And more than anything else, someone who genuinely cared for Varian.
He'd tried Amal first, but all he got was voicemail. He knows Varian would feel even more guilt if he made Amal drop something in worry, so he decides the next best option- the one who almost always manages to make Jun feel better when he felt low]
Hey Haru, are you home yet?
[He's not even going to ask if Haru went to the spirit realm that Jun thoroughly warned him was a very dangerous and emotionally fraught place. He knows that's exactly what his brother did. Because of course he would.]
We're heading back ourselves. Varian had a rough time in the realm, so we called it early.
[Help]
[Harumasa has definitely gone to the current Spirit Realm. As uncomfortable as it had been to be in what amounts to the afterlife, he really wanted to say his goodbyes to the people he loved so much in his past life. It's the only way he can think of to help them move on with courage and peace in their souls. And... he didn't want to leave Lighter and Belle to deal with their pain alone. His past life may have had an employer-employee relationship with the guy, but that didn't matter in the face of... all of that.
Still, he feels much lighter for the trip. A weight has lifted from his heart.
So while he's now home, the young archer has been home and doing some self-care like his therapist has been telling him to do. He's working on arranging a scrapbook while listening to music, occasionally humming along. When Jun calls, he'll be hearing an Elton John song in the background.]
Hey, Jun-chan~ Yep, I'm home.
[Hearing that Varian has had a rough go of it in the realm, Harumasa frowns a little and pauses his music.]
Mm... I can imagine. If he wants company, he can hang out with me. I don't mind. I'm just making a couple of scrapbooks. Helps me to work through my own feelings.
Still, he feels much lighter for the trip. A weight has lifted from his heart.
So while he's now home, the young archer has been home and doing some self-care like his therapist has been telling him to do. He's working on arranging a scrapbook while listening to music, occasionally humming along. When Jun calls, he'll be hearing an Elton John song in the background.]
Hey, Jun-chan~ Yep, I'm home.
[Hearing that Varian has had a rough go of it in the realm, Harumasa frowns a little and pauses his music.]
Mm... I can imagine. If he wants company, he can hang out with me. I don't mind. I'm just making a couple of scrapbooks. Helps me to work through my own feelings.
[Some time late in May, Haru will get a folder slipped under his door, one of those nicer quality ones that one would use for a portfolio. There's a note attached to the front of it, written in Jun's handwriting. While he normally likes to leave things without a name attach, it's not really possible this time]
Since you're into scrapbooking, I thought you might like these. Dad has the originals, so if you ever need more copies, just let me know.
- Jun
PS: I know you don't like getting credit for things, but thank you. For everything.
[Inside the folder, Harumasa will find a collections of photos that feature Jun throughout his childhood after Krusnik. It looks like Abel had been a pretty active photographer, trying to get pictures for poignant moments that his kid went through: his first Christmas, his first attempt at ice skating, first days of school, taking part of activities at church, a trip to the beach, his graduation, going to his first Pride with August, and so on. In most of the photos he still has his old black hair, and putting the photos in order portrays the silent story of a kid slowly coming out of his shell after years at Krusnik- the haunted look in his eyes fading as happiness replaces it.
Besides just photos... are a collection of drawings that Jun's drawn through the years. Early on, his art skills are pretty rough- what you'd expect from a kid with limited experience. But he was clearly passionate about his art, because over time his skills improved a lot - no wonder he'd pick art as his first major.
But what's more notable to the drawings skills are their contents. Amongst the fanart and the plant drawings, are drawings reminiscent of their childhood: cookies that looked like ones they'd sneak from the kitchen, zephyr's plush, feathers that look like Ana's, characters form the storybooks the kids, loved, things from Japan that Haru would tell him about. The scattered happy memories that Jun hung onto through the years.
The final sketch looks like it's been done recently. It's a sketch of the siblings currently in Kaisou, but as Jun remembered them as kids, arranged like a family photo. Maybe they don't have a photo of that time... but this is the next best thing]
Since you're into scrapbooking, I thought you might like these. Dad has the originals, so if you ever need more copies, just let me know.
- Jun
PS: I know you don't like getting credit for things, but thank you. For everything.
[Inside the folder, Harumasa will find a collections of photos that feature Jun throughout his childhood after Krusnik. It looks like Abel had been a pretty active photographer, trying to get pictures for poignant moments that his kid went through: his first Christmas, his first attempt at ice skating, first days of school, taking part of activities at church, a trip to the beach, his graduation, going to his first Pride with August, and so on. In most of the photos he still has his old black hair, and putting the photos in order portrays the silent story of a kid slowly coming out of his shell after years at Krusnik- the haunted look in his eyes fading as happiness replaces it.
Besides just photos... are a collection of drawings that Jun's drawn through the years. Early on, his art skills are pretty rough- what you'd expect from a kid with limited experience. But he was clearly passionate about his art, because over time his skills improved a lot - no wonder he'd pick art as his first major.
But what's more notable to the drawings skills are their contents. Amongst the fanart and the plant drawings, are drawings reminiscent of their childhood: cookies that looked like ones they'd sneak from the kitchen, zephyr's plush, feathers that look like Ana's, characters form the storybooks the kids, loved, things from Japan that Haru would tell him about. The scattered happy memories that Jun hung onto through the years.
The final sketch looks like it's been done recently. It's a sketch of the siblings currently in Kaisou, but as Jun remembered them as kids, arranged like a family photo. Maybe they don't have a photo of that time... but this is the next best thing]
[Harumasa isn't expecting anything when he picks up the folder and the note. After reading it, his eyes widen. He quickly moves to spread out the photos carefully on the kitchen table. For a moment, he stays standing, but then he sits down heavily in his chair. There's a soft, tearful chuckle as Harumasa goes through each photo. He stops on a couple of them. These are photographic proof of his visions coming true.
He's missed so much of his little brothers growing up into the people they are today. But having these photos and seeing how Jun has changed... it's the next best thing.
The young man then goes through the sketches, watching as it gets progressively better. It's the last one that stops him fully. Harumasa holds it like it's made of glass, and tears fall from his eyes. He tries very hard to keep it a little bit away from his face, not wanting it to get damaged. Yet... Harumasa's smiling.
He lets himself feel for a moment longer, and then wipes away his tears. With a sniff, Harumasa sets this sketch aside to frame it later. Grabbing his phone, he sends a text to Jun.]
It's not even my birthday and I get such a sweet gift? I love it.
I'm framing that sketch of us, and your first sketch is going on the fridge until I get a frame in~
But, seriously, thank you. This means a lot. And I've got a new project to look forward to when I'm done with this current one! Let me know if your dad wants me to make a scrapbook for him. I'll even give him a family discount!
He's missed so much of his little brothers growing up into the people they are today. But having these photos and seeing how Jun has changed... it's the next best thing.
The young man then goes through the sketches, watching as it gets progressively better. It's the last one that stops him fully. Harumasa holds it like it's made of glass, and tears fall from his eyes. He tries very hard to keep it a little bit away from his face, not wanting it to get damaged. Yet... Harumasa's smiling.
He lets himself feel for a moment longer, and then wipes away his tears. With a sniff, Harumasa sets this sketch aside to frame it later. Grabbing his phone, he sends a text to Jun.]
It's not even my birthday and I get such a sweet gift? I love it.
I'm framing that sketch of us, and your first sketch is going on the fridge until I get a frame in~
But, seriously, thank you. This means a lot. And I've got a new project to look forward to when I'm done with this current one! Let me know if your dad wants me to make a scrapbook for him. I'll even give him a family discount!
[Fortunately or unfortunately, Harumasa's wired enough to be completely unable to sleep while waiting for the doctor. He looks up when Ash knocks on the door and smiles brightly at his brother.]
Hey, Ashes! [His voice is mostly quiet as he glances to Jun and Ana fast asleep nearby.] C'mon in. They're catching up on sleep right now.
Hey, Ashes! [His voice is mostly quiet as he glances to Jun and Ana fast asleep nearby.] C'mon in. They're catching up on sleep right now.
[Another year, another failure to actually perform in the drag competition. This time it'd be more about Haru's health than Jun's stage fright- not that Zulius was made aware of that, because Jun had completely blamed his own fears when he called in to back out of the competition. Haru felt bad enough without his health problems getting aired out to the biggest gossip in town.
Still, even if they weren't going to perform- Jun wasn't content on letting Haru missed out on yet another life experience if he could do anything about it. So the day of the drag competition, his brother's getting a text]
Hey, guess what? The final pieces of our outfits came in the mail last night.
Still, even if they weren't going to perform- Jun wasn't content on letting Haru missed out on yet another life experience if he could do anything about it. So the day of the drag competition, his brother's getting a text]
Hey, guess what? The final pieces of our outfits came in the mail last night.
[Harumasa has quietly resigned himself to not being able to participate in the drag performance, but it does still sting. Mostly because it means that Jun has to bow out, too. He'd been looking forward to the performance in its own right, of course! However, it means missing out on a way to bond with his little brother, and it... hurts to miss out because of his failing health.
However, he perks up when he gets the text from Jun.]
Ohhh? They really wanted to wait until the eleventh hour, huh! There's a very obvious pun to be made here, but I'm not taking the low-hanging fruit. You can't make me.
[Something something "fashionably late."]
You got any plans for these outfits?
However, he perks up when he gets the text from Jun.]
Ohhh? They really wanted to wait until the eleventh hour, huh! There's a very obvious pun to be made here, but I'm not taking the low-hanging fruit. You can't make me.
[Something something "fashionably late."]
You got any plans for these outfits?
[What a complicated mess Harumasa's siblings have become. If this Anby chick is his older sister, that triples it.
It was weird for Ragna how quick he opened Harumasa's DMs after their feed went private.]
I'm seeing your sister's post.
Are you okay?
Is she legit?
Did she fuck with you?
Remember to breathe.
If you need me, tell me.
... Keep me posted.
[He didn't know how else to say everything he typed and deleted, hence just "Keep me posted".]
It was weird for Ragna how quick he opened Harumasa's DMs after their feed went private.]
I'm seeing your sister's post.
Is she legit?
Did she fuck with you?
Remember to breathe.
If you need me, tell me.
... Keep me posted.
[He didn't know how else to say everything he typed and deleted, hence just "Keep me posted".]
[Harumasa hasn't been able to text him back yet, but Ragna will receive a ✔️Read receipt. However, now that he's just waiting for Anby to visit, he sends a text back.]
She's agreed to visit me.
Though I did have to basically tell her I was dying in order to get that in the first place.
[He's still hurt by that, honestly. But he's trying to just... push it down like a bitter pill and keep moving forward. An old habit Harumasa's falling back into, though a bit worse. He won't even acknowledge that it hurt as bad as it did.
What's the point in that?]
Anby's one of my older sisters from the facility. But she just left one day and never came back. The adults tried to tell us that she was a traitor and a bunch of other horrible things, but I was already starting to question them at that point. And I just couldn't believe Bee would do something like that without a good enough reason.
She's agreed to visit me.
Though I did have to basically tell her I was dying in order to get that in the first place.
[He's still hurt by that, honestly. But he's trying to just... push it down like a bitter pill and keep moving forward. An old habit Harumasa's falling back into, though a bit worse. He won't even acknowledge that it hurt as bad as it did.
What's the point in that?]
Anby's one of my older sisters from the facility. But she just left one day and never came back. The adults tried to tell us that she was a traitor and a bunch of other horrible things, but I was already starting to question them at that point. And I just couldn't believe Bee would do something like that without a good enough reason.
[Jun had caught onto Harumasa's little tradition of sending meaningful birthday flowers. Which being a botanist himself and the son of a florist- of course he would make sure Harumasa got the same treatment on his birthday.
So on Harumasa's birthday, a bouquet of flowers from a flower shop on Cathedral Hill is delivered. They come in a ceramic vase that's been hand-painted to have a bright and cheerful sunflower motif. The flowers themselves have been picked and arranged carefully. Sunflowers are of course the focal point, but sharing the focus are also some magenta zinnias (to symbolize the affection his siblings feel) and white japanese camillias (to not only express adoration, but affirm that yes Haru you are actually adorable). To server as filler flowers, there are some fireweed (highlighting his resilience and bravery) intermixed with sea lavender (a sign of remembrance and that he was missed), along with some green hydrangea (a wish for good fortune and for good health). Finally the rest of the bouquet is filled out with sprigs of Bay Laurel (to represent Apollo), and Eucalyptus (to encourage healing). All in all, it's clear the florist was trying to make sure it was a bright and colorful bouquet, full of life.
There's a tiger-themed birthday card attached to it. Inside, there's a message that's written that's not signed- but Harumasa would be able to tell it's Jun's handwriting:]
Happy Birthday Haru!
For the record, all the sibling contributed to this, as well as Varian and Fugo. We're all happy that you're here with us. None of us really know what the future holds, but we can still treasure and celebrate the time we do have.
With lots of love.
So on Harumasa's birthday, a bouquet of flowers from a flower shop on Cathedral Hill is delivered. They come in a ceramic vase that's been hand-painted to have a bright and cheerful sunflower motif. The flowers themselves have been picked and arranged carefully. Sunflowers are of course the focal point, but sharing the focus are also some magenta zinnias (to symbolize the affection his siblings feel) and white japanese camillias (to not only express adoration, but affirm that yes Haru you are actually adorable). To server as filler flowers, there are some fireweed (highlighting his resilience and bravery) intermixed with sea lavender (a sign of remembrance and that he was missed), along with some green hydrangea (a wish for good fortune and for good health). Finally the rest of the bouquet is filled out with sprigs of Bay Laurel (to represent Apollo), and Eucalyptus (to encourage healing). All in all, it's clear the florist was trying to make sure it was a bright and colorful bouquet, full of life.
There's a tiger-themed birthday card attached to it. Inside, there's a message that's written that's not signed- but Harumasa would be able to tell it's Jun's handwriting:]
Happy Birthday Haru!
For the record, all the sibling contributed to this, as well as Varian and Fugo. We're all happy that you're here with us. None of us really know what the future holds, but we can still treasure and celebrate the time we do have.
With lots of love.
[A small present is delivered to Harumasa's place on his birthday. It's nothing extravagant, just a simply wrapped present with a card attached. The card itself is a pretty basic birthday card, with a $50 dollar bill inside and a simple message inside:]
Happy Birthday Harumasa.
Nicole told me the best gift someone can give is money. At least, she really likes it when she gets it for her birthday. So I hope you like it too.
- Bee
PS: I saw this in the store and thought you might like it. I'm sorry if you're too old for it.
[Inside the package, carefully placed inside, is a Stellaluna plushie.]
Happy Birthday Harumasa.
Nicole told me the best gift someone can give is money. At least, she really likes it when she gets it for her birthday. So I hope you like it too.
- Bee
PS: I saw this in the store and thought you might like it. I'm sorry if you're too old for it.
[Inside the package, carefully placed inside, is a Stellaluna plushie.]
[Harumasa definitely looks at the card first and the money is going straight into his wallet. That's money to treat himself with.
He does read the card with a smile, though now he's curious about the present. After opening it up, he just... stares at the plushy inside. Although the book Stellaluna is on his shelf, Harumasa has never had the heart to read it again since Anby left. Being given this plushy feels like a small part of his wounded heart has healed. Maybe it's time to see if he can give the book another shot.
Still, it hits harder than he expects. Harumasa picks it up out of the box and holds it close to his chest. A few stray tears fall from his eyes as he allows himself this moment of weakness.
Harumasa....
He shakes his head. After everything that's happened to his body just in the past couple of months, they both know that this might be his last full year. There's a strong chance he won't see his 27th birthday. However, Harumasa's not going to let that stop him from living his life the way he wants to. Neither will it stop him from celebrating his birthday joyously with his loved ones.
After cleaning himself up and giving himself some time to recover (the last thing he wants is for Anby to see that he's been crying), Harumasa takes a selfie of himself with the plush on his shoulder, familiar yellow headband now being worn, and a wide, genuinely happy grin.]
Thank you for the gifts and the card! I'm planning on treating myself to lunch with that money~
Look at us being cute!
[After sending that message, he'll also send the selfie he just took.]
He does read the card with a smile, though now he's curious about the present. After opening it up, he just... stares at the plushy inside. Although the book Stellaluna is on his shelf, Harumasa has never had the heart to read it again since Anby left. Being given this plushy feels like a small part of his wounded heart has healed. Maybe it's time to see if he can give the book another shot.
Still, it hits harder than he expects. Harumasa picks it up out of the box and holds it close to his chest. A few stray tears fall from his eyes as he allows himself this moment of weakness.
Harumasa....
He shakes his head. After everything that's happened to his body just in the past couple of months, they both know that this might be his last full year. There's a strong chance he won't see his 27th birthday. However, Harumasa's not going to let that stop him from living his life the way he wants to. Neither will it stop him from celebrating his birthday joyously with his loved ones.
After cleaning himself up and giving himself some time to recover (the last thing he wants is for Anby to see that he's been crying), Harumasa takes a selfie of himself with the plush on his shoulder, familiar yellow headband now being worn, and a wide, genuinely happy grin.]
Thank you for the gifts and the card! I'm planning on treating myself to lunch with that money~
Look at us being cute!
[After sending that message, he'll also send the selfie he just took.]
[On his birthday, Haru will find a carefully packaged parcel waiting for him outside his door. It has a birthday card resting on top of it with a note from Varian.]
Happy birthday, Haru. I hope this keeps you occupied (maybe even out of trouble? wow!) on the days you need a little extra rest. Hope you have a great day, big bro.
- Varian
[Inside, Haru will find a multi-level puzzle box. It's very clear Varian made this himself. Should he ever manage to work it out - inside he will be rewarded with an extra hard sudoku book. ]
Happy birthday, Haru. I hope this keeps you occupied (maybe even out of trouble? wow!) on the days you need a little extra rest. Hope you have a great day, big bro.
- Varian
[Inside, Haru will find a multi-level puzzle box. It's very clear Varian made this himself. Should he ever manage to work it out - inside he will be rewarded with an extra hard sudoku book. ]
Edited 2025-07-08 19:44 (UTC)
[There's a yellow gift bag left for Harumasa near his door on his birthday! The bag's a little plain, save for the tiger wearing a birthday hat drawn on it in marker.
Inside, he'll find an admittedly rather plain black vest, except for the prominent bow and arrow design on the back--there's plenty of room on the vest for patches and the like. There's also a container of danubio buns at the bottom.
Also tucked inside the bag is a hand-drawn card, featuring a tiger surrounded by dogs, plus a single rabbit.]
Happy birthday, Haru! I hope you have a wonderful day!
- Fugo
(PS: I know the vest is a little plain and I'm sorry about that, but I thought this one had the best-looking design! Maybe it'd be fun to liven up the rest with some patches? Also, I hope those buns are to your liking!)
Inside, he'll find an admittedly rather plain black vest, except for the prominent bow and arrow design on the back--there's plenty of room on the vest for patches and the like. There's also a container of danubio buns at the bottom.
Also tucked inside the bag is a hand-drawn card, featuring a tiger surrounded by dogs, plus a single rabbit.]
Happy birthday, Haru! I hope you have a wonderful day!
- Fugo
(PS: I know the vest is a little plain and I'm sorry about that, but I thought this one had the best-looking design! Maybe it'd be fun to liven up the rest with some patches? Also, I hope those buns are to your liking!)
[Oh? There is a mysterious gift bag with pictures of cats on it outside of your door Harumasamasa-chan! And also a lot of tissue paper. Like, a lot. Whoever packed this went a bit overkill.
But sifting through the mess of papers, Harumasa will find three things.
One is a book with a polaroid picture of a view over Kaisou's harbor. Harumasa would recognize it immediately as being taken from the lighthouse.
Flipping through the book, it's mostly empty but clearly meant for saving photos. But getting into the center, Harumasa will find a card tucked away.]
One way or another, I want you to fill this book up with all your best memories and dreams. Your story's not over. Not by a long shot. Not as long as you're still breathing. Not as long as you're kept alive through what you wrote into the world.
[The next line is written with different ink, as if the one who wrote this had a crisis about how cheesy that sounded but wrote it with pen and can't go back on it now.]
There wasn't a chance to take pictures when we were both running. Lithuania has real nice scenery. Some day we can go back to that countryside and take our time with it. Take all the pictures you want. I won't even bitch about how long it takes. Promise.
Until the very end, I'm not gonna turn my back on you.
Happy Birthday, Harumasa.
[Digging deeper past the tissue in the bag, Harumasa will find a polaroid camera. Interesting that a certain someone pulling more jobs from the Aides du Meropide lately had a specific reason.
The card isn't signed, but the back of the camera box is.]
- Ragna
But sifting through the mess of papers, Harumasa will find three things.
One is a book with a polaroid picture of a view over Kaisou's harbor. Harumasa would recognize it immediately as being taken from the lighthouse.
Flipping through the book, it's mostly empty but clearly meant for saving photos. But getting into the center, Harumasa will find a card tucked away.]
One way or another, I want you to fill this book up with all your best memories and dreams. Your story's not over. Not by a long shot. Not as long as you're still breathing. Not as long as you're kept alive through what you wrote into the world.
[The next line is written with different ink, as if the one who wrote this had a crisis about how cheesy that sounded but wrote it with pen and can't go back on it now.]
There wasn't a chance to take pictures when we were both running. Lithuania has real nice scenery. Some day we can go back to that countryside and take our time with it. Take all the pictures you want. I won't even bitch about how long it takes. Promise.
Until the very end, I'm not gonna turn my back on you.
Happy Birthday, Harumasa.
[Digging deeper past the tissue in the bag, Harumasa will find a polaroid camera. Interesting that a certain someone pulling more jobs from the Aides du Meropide lately had a specific reason.
The card isn't signed, but the back of the camera box is.]
- Ragna
[Harumasa gets a little distracted by the tissue paper because he's a cat. It crinkles. And he plays with it with Phoebe for a bit before going back to opening it again. Then getting distracted again and the process repeats until, finally, he uncovers the scrapbook. Then comes the camera. His eyes are wide as he flips through the book.
He finds and reads the card. For a while, Harumasa sits there staring at it as tears fill his eyes. Really... he just didn't expect such a gift from anyone.
The young man gives himself some time to feel and compose himself. Finally, Harumasa decides that this deserves a call even if Ragna will hate it.]
Hey, Ragna~! I got your present! The tissue paper got Phoebe's attention so she really appreciated the new toy, haha.
[A beat.]
Thank you, by the way. If you're serious about Lithuania, I think I'd like to take you up on that offer. Maybe in autumn? I dunno anyone who can teleport that far, but we can work something out.
He finds and reads the card. For a while, Harumasa sits there staring at it as tears fill his eyes. Really... he just didn't expect such a gift from anyone.
The young man gives himself some time to feel and compose himself. Finally, Harumasa decides that this deserves a call even if Ragna will hate it.]
Hey, Ragna~! I got your present! The tissue paper got Phoebe's attention so she really appreciated the new toy, haha.
[A beat.]
Thank you, by the way. If you're serious about Lithuania, I think I'd like to take you up on that offer. Maybe in autumn? I dunno anyone who can teleport that far, but we can work something out.
[There's a little gift bag just outside of Harumasa's door. It's a deep teal with a single yellow diagonal ribbon in the corner. Upon opening it Harumasa will find a few things.
One is a faux lucky bamboo plant. It's almost hard to believe how lifelike it looks--even the leaves feel almost real. Decorated on the bamboo are 3 miniature paper cranes in a small chain, in the colours of yellow, white and teal. Don't ask how he managed to fold them so small.
Next, there is a small bag of dried bitter melon chips, homemade and tied with a charm of a little crescent moon. Just to its side is a little tin with some loose leaf tea inside. One quick smell gives it away--fresh green tea.
Finally, a white origami paper tiger with a little note in its mouth:]
Mr. Harumasa,
I apologize if this is a presuming our friendship too much, but I wanted to offer you wishes for another year since your birth. I was informed by Jun that you are a fan of bitter melon, so I have taken the liberty of making a snack with it. Please enjoy it at your heart's content. I can always make more.
As I'm sure you know, tea can have a wonderful effect on the body and mind. I've included some I've acquired specifically for you. Please enjoy it.
I also wanted to thank you for all of your help with getting me adjusted in my new situation. Kindness is not something I take lightly, so know that should you need a shoulder to lean on, I am forever your stalwart ally.
-Lycaon 🌙
One is a faux lucky bamboo plant. It's almost hard to believe how lifelike it looks--even the leaves feel almost real. Decorated on the bamboo are 3 miniature paper cranes in a small chain, in the colours of yellow, white and teal. Don't ask how he managed to fold them so small.
Next, there is a small bag of dried bitter melon chips, homemade and tied with a charm of a little crescent moon. Just to its side is a little tin with some loose leaf tea inside. One quick smell gives it away--fresh green tea.
Finally, a white origami paper tiger with a little note in its mouth:]
Mr. Harumasa,
I apologize if this is a presuming our friendship too much, but I wanted to offer you wishes for another year since your birth. I was informed by Jun that you are a fan of bitter melon, so I have taken the liberty of making a snack with it. Please enjoy it at your heart's content. I can always make more.
As I'm sure you know, tea can have a wonderful effect on the body and mind. I've included some I've acquired specifically for you. Please enjoy it.
I also wanted to thank you for all of your help with getting me adjusted in my new situation. Kindness is not something I take lightly, so know that should you need a shoulder to lean on, I am forever your stalwart ally.
-Lycaon 🌙
Edited 2025-07-19 01:37 (UTC)
[He's not expecting a gift from Lycaon, but it does warm his heart all the same. It's hard to admit he's friends with someone no matter what because of his condition. However, Harumasa finds himself wanting to make an exception this time.
It just reminds him a bit of Miyabi getting him bitter melon juice. How she got it for him because she knew he liked it and because she quietly worried about his health.]
Hi, Lycaon! Thank you for the gifts! The bitter melon chips are amazing, I feel spoiled. I don't think anything else is going to compare at all. And the tea is currently being brewed, but I'm certain it's going to be just as good~
And don't worry, I don't think you've presumed too much. Thank you for being so thoughtful.
You'll have to tell me your birthday now, though~!
It just reminds him a bit of Miyabi getting him bitter melon juice. How she got it for him because she knew he liked it and because she quietly worried about his health.]
Hi, Lycaon! Thank you for the gifts! The bitter melon chips are amazing, I feel spoiled. I don't think anything else is going to compare at all. And the tea is currently being brewed, but I'm certain it's going to be just as good~
And don't worry, I don't think you've presumed too much. Thank you for being so thoughtful.
You'll have to tell me your birthday now, though~!
[A carefully-wrapped package is delivered to Fuckass Alley in Meropide courtesy of Eous, who's also brought along a store-bought birthday cupcake that it sheepishly admits to having bought for Harumasa itself ('Belle helped me pick it!') and a letter from Belle. Unwrapping the package yields a flight-capable toy plane that looks exactly like Last Flight's plane and flies.
The letter, in Belle's hand, reads:]
Harumasa:
Happy birthday! I swore your brother's fiancé to secrecy for this. I remembered you took a liking to "Last Flight" so I decided to commission him to make a flight-capable model of the plane Joseph flies. Consider this the first of many presents I'll be getting for you in the future to make up for all the years I wasn't able to do much more than greet you happy birthday. (And there will be a lot of presents!) You're one of my dearest friends, and I believe with all my heart that we'll both live to see your next birthday.
I also have a copy of the movie in the store. If you want, we can hang out together again and watch it. Just let me know whenever and I'll clear my schedule.
Your Proxy,
Belle
PS. Eous insisted it wanted to get you something nice so enjoy the cupcake too! I just gave it a few suggestions and some money.
The letter, in Belle's hand, reads:]
Harumasa:
Happy birthday! I swore your brother's fiancé to secrecy for this. I remembered you took a liking to "Last Flight" so I decided to commission him to make a flight-capable model of the plane Joseph flies. Consider this the first of many presents I'll be getting for you in the future to make up for all the years I wasn't able to do much more than greet you happy birthday. (And there will be a lot of presents!) You're one of my dearest friends, and I believe with all my heart that we'll both live to see your next birthday.
I also have a copy of the movie in the store. If you want, we can hang out together again and watch it. Just let me know whenever and I'll clear my schedule.
Your Proxy,
Belle
PS. Eous insisted it wanted to get you something nice so enjoy the cupcake too! I just gave it a few suggestions and some money.
[Harumasa immediately thanks Eous for the cupcake and gives the little Bangboo a hug in gratitude. Honestly, Eous could have given him the most disgustingly sweet thing it could find as a gift and he'd eat it with a smile. Nobody says no to the adorable Bangboo being nice to you.
He unwraps the package and is honestly awestruck by the plane. It's a perfect reconstruction of Joseph's plane, which he does instantly recognize. Along with certain memories that come with it. The fact it can also fly is absolutely incredible.
And then Harumasa reads the note. Man, he's been doing a lot of crying today. Not that the young archer can be mad about that. After the news he got recently from his doctor, he really wants to believe his Proxy is right that they'll live to see his next birthday.
Out of everyone Harumasa knows, it's Belle's heart he doesn't want to break the most.
He pulls himself together and decides that this deserves a call rather than a text. This has been a lot of effort for his birthday.]
Hey, Belle~! I sent Eous back to you after getting your gifts. Good choice for the cupcake, by the way, it was really good! And thank you for the plane. It looks exactly like how I remember it from the movie.
As for watching The Last Flight, do you have a day in August? That looks like a good month for me so far.
He unwraps the package and is honestly awestruck by the plane. It's a perfect reconstruction of Joseph's plane, which he does instantly recognize. Along with certain memories that come with it. The fact it can also fly is absolutely incredible.
And then Harumasa reads the note. Man, he's been doing a lot of crying today. Not that the young archer can be mad about that. After the news he got recently from his doctor, he really wants to believe his Proxy is right that they'll live to see his next birthday.
Out of everyone Harumasa knows, it's Belle's heart he doesn't want to break the most.
He pulls himself together and decides that this deserves a call rather than a text. This has been a lot of effort for his birthday.]
Hey, Belle~! I sent Eous back to you after getting your gifts. Good choice for the cupcake, by the way, it was really good! And thank you for the plane. It looks exactly like how I remember it from the movie.
As for watching The Last Flight, do you have a day in August? That looks like a good month for me so far.
[Sometime after Luke's fainting episode and the subsequent contact to Belle and Zelos, Harumasa is getting a call from Zelos]
Harumasa, it's Zelos.
[The fact he's using his real name instead of a stupid nickname should alone be alarming]
Just calling to let you know that Luke passed out during training. Didn't see any injuries on him, so we think it's related to the memories. We're currently at the Cygnus Academy infirmary and waiting for him to wake.
Figured you'd wanna know.
Harumasa, it's Zelos.
[The fact he's using his real name instead of a stupid nickname should alone be alarming]
Just calling to let you know that Luke passed out during training. Didn't see any injuries on him, so we think it's related to the memories. We're currently at the Cygnus Academy infirmary and waiting for him to wake.
Figured you'd wanna know.
[Harumasa has honestly been waiting for this call. He's been prepared for it ever since they took a peak into Luke's future. All roads led down to this singular moment no matter what they did. It had just been a question of whether Luke would be surrounded by people who love and understand him, or if he'd be alone... and the seal on his power breaks.
At the moment, it seems like they're on track for the former.
He... doesn't want to contemplate what he'd do if he'd been given this news without that vision. As it is, Harumasa's already got his things ready. He has wings, so he can fly there pretty quickly.]
Thank you, Zelos. I'm on my way!
[He'll send a text later so that his other siblings don't worry about him.]
Have Nephrite and Asch been told yet?
At the moment, it seems like they're on track for the former.
He... doesn't want to contemplate what he'd do if he'd been given this news without that vision. As it is, Harumasa's already got his things ready. He has wings, so he can fly there pretty quickly.]
Thank you, Zelos. I'm on my way!
[He'll send a text later so that his other siblings don't worry about him.]
Have Nephrite and Asch been told yet?
Hey, Haru.
Jun came to me, asking if there was a way I could make an item for you two to be able to reach out to one another in an emergency. Something to put his mind at ease when he's not on duty... as- as it were. If you're happy with it, I thought something imbued with telepathy might work - something where you can send a message to him with minimal effort, y'know.
...Just in case.
[Just in case the worst happens. Though honestly, he knows deep down this is likely something they'd need to rely on more likely than not. As things get worse. Varian is FAR from ready to throw in the towel yet, the towel isn't even in the same continent as he is. But he has enough sense to know it's better to have a safety net than not.]
But I wanted to run it by you, too. It's- it's your choice, at the end of the day.
Jun came to me, asking if there was a way I could make an item for you two to be able to reach out to one another in an emergency. Something to put his mind at ease when he's not on duty... as- as it were. If you're happy with it, I thought something imbued with telepathy might work - something where you can send a message to him with minimal effort, y'know.
...Just in case.
[Just in case the worst happens. Though honestly, he knows deep down this is likely something they'd need to rely on more likely than not. As things get worse. Varian is FAR from ready to throw in the towel yet, the towel isn't even in the same continent as he is. But he has enough sense to know it's better to have a safety net than not.]
But I wanted to run it by you, too. It's- it's your choice, at the end of the day.
Hey, Var!
[Harumasa's voice is cheerful and delighted to hear from his brother-in-law, just like always. As he listens to the proposal, he honestly doesn't see any reason to deny having an item like that. That will solve a major concern for all of them. Sometimes, a phone call just isn't fast enough.]
Yeah, I think that having an item like that on hand will be majorly helpful for me. Especially now that I'm allowed to be out and about within reason~. And, since it's a Varian Vasiya original, I know I can count on its quality.
Thank you, little bro~!
[Harumasa's voice is cheerful and delighted to hear from his brother-in-law, just like always. As he listens to the proposal, he honestly doesn't see any reason to deny having an item like that. That will solve a major concern for all of them. Sometimes, a phone call just isn't fast enough.]
Yeah, I think that having an item like that on hand will be majorly helpful for me. Especially now that I'm allowed to be out and about within reason~. And, since it's a Varian Vasiya original, I know I can count on its quality.
Thank you, little bro~!
[Jun will not bother with texting, but after sending messages to Ragna and Varian - he'll just head out to the common area to address the tiger on the couch]
Hey Haru, just letting you know I'm going to be away this weekend. It's my anniversary with Var this Saturday.
You probably won't need it, but just in case I found someone to fill in for me that I think you'd like.
Hey Haru, just letting you know I'm going to be away this weekend. It's my anniversary with Var this Saturday.
You probably won't need it, but just in case I found someone to fill in for me that I think you'd like.
[Harumasa is in one of his rare moods of lounging on the tiger couch in his human form. However... he's currently lying down like a cat does. Legs going one way, arms going the opposite. He's dozing a little, but his tiger ears perk up immediately when he hears Jun greet him and makes a cat activation noise before looking up. With a yawn, Harumasa untwists himself and sits up.]
Ooooh, happy early anniversary~! What're you guys doing for it?
[Tilting his head, he ponders that for a half second. Jun wouldn't be this coy about it if it had been one of Harumasa's friends or one of their siblings. So. This could only be either Belle or Ragna.
However, he'll play along (19).]
Is that so? Sounds good to me! Who'd you convince to be my keeper for the weekend?
Ooooh, happy early anniversary~! What're you guys doing for it?
[Tilting his head, he ponders that for a half second. Jun wouldn't be this coy about it if it had been one of Harumasa's friends or one of their siblings. So. This could only be either Belle or Ragna.
However, he'll play along (19).]
Is that so? Sounds good to me! Who'd you convince to be my keeper for the weekend?
[ It's past the halfway mark of the month and Hugo has decided it's been too long. Thus, Haru will receive a delivery with the following;
Two $100 gift cards (one for food delivery, one a credit card-like gift card)
A long thin elegant box of white and gold with words 'Fat Macarons' on them
A tin of bitter, high quality, authentic matcha tea
Within the box, there is also a note;
I know we saw each other recently, Kitten, but while you are with your loved ones is hardly a good time to dote on you and chance embarrassment leading to ill favor. Instead, I give you this in hopes that a bit of quiet repose may be what you need on the quiet days.
The theming was intended to be a sort of 'book date', where you could buy a physical book or an audiobook as you wish. That is why the sweets and Tea accompany it. However, It's unnecessary to follow that design. There's enough money where you can sincerely treat yourself to anything. And also money for delivery because I am a gentleman sometimes.
- Vlad ]
Two $100 gift cards (one for food delivery, one a credit card-like gift card)
A long thin elegant box of white and gold with words 'Fat Macarons' on them
A tin of bitter, high quality, authentic matcha tea
Within the box, there is also a note;
I know we saw each other recently, Kitten, but while you are with your loved ones is hardly a good time to dote on you and chance embarrassment leading to ill favor. Instead, I give you this in hopes that a bit of quiet repose may be what you need on the quiet days.
The theming was intended to be a sort of 'book date', where you could buy a physical book or an audiobook as you wish. That is why the sweets and Tea accompany it. However, It's unnecessary to follow that design. There's enough money where you can sincerely treat yourself to anything. And also money for delivery because I am a gentleman sometimes.
- Vlad ]
Edited 2025-09-21 12:38 (UTC)
[Oh, Harumasa definitely isn't expecting the gifts, but he's very happy to have them. Macarons paired with matcha tea sounds like a very comforting time for him. It strikes him as interesting how the people in his life try to give him something a little sweet. Mostly in that he normally makes sure that most of what he eats and drinks are things that he may not necessarily like, but are good for his body. That way, he can make room for sweeter things in his life. There's highly likely no deep meaning to it. It's just something that strikes him as cute that they're making room for him to have a treat.
The young archer reads the note with a smile and sends a text to Hugo.]
I received your gift~. I've never had macarons paired with matcha before, but just smelling them together feels like a comfort after a long day. Chauve-souris really knows how to spoil me~!
Oh, and the book date idea is honestly a good one! I might have days where going outside isn't in the cards, so a book to keep me occupied during the long hours is a nice solution for me~.
Thank you for the sweetness you've added into my life, Hugo.
The young archer reads the note with a smile and sends a text to Hugo.]
I received your gift~. I've never had macarons paired with matcha before, but just smelling them together feels like a comfort after a long day. Chauve-souris really knows how to spoil me~!
Oh, and the book date idea is honestly a good one! I might have days where going outside isn't in the cards, so a book to keep me occupied during the long hours is a nice solution for me~.
Thank you for the sweetness you've added into my life, Hugo.
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