All bubbles pop eventually

[thalassino]

Yesterday was a day of celebration. For once, it seemed that the foreigners were able to affect the coral, and in a positive way at that. The coral lit back up, the barrier strengthened, and everything looked like it was back to normal again.

Unfortunately, it doesn't last.

Overnight the coral begins to dim again, flickering wildly along with the bubble itself. Those who stayed up on the island might notice the strange lights coming up through the waves if they're awake. The ones who stayed in the bubble will notice more than that. The atmosphere is tense, and every now and then there's an echoing crack, like a massive piece of glass is slowly losing its integrity.

By the time the morning arrives, the crack in the bubble is evident. After hours of threatening it, the crack finally falls open with a thundering snap, allowing the ocean to rush in. It hasn't yet given up entirely, but there's a steady stream of water pouring in to the plaza and on to the coral. The waterfall would be a pretty sight if not for the situation.

Hopefully no one stayed down there that long.



((OOC: The bubble has cracked! Feel free to use this post as a mingle log if desired. The elevator is still functioning, so anyone down in the bubble will have some time to escape.))

Comments

[symmetrophile]

Supposedly, the tunics resist pressure as far down as the bubble, but that doesn't account for being swept into objects. I would not call it safe down there.

[He's glad Rin's practicing caution, even if it seems to tax him, holding back when there are others in danger. Or, perhaps, it's something else.

The helplessness of being unable to do more, of having to acknowledge yourself a potential casualty if you tried to anyway.

No, perhaps that's closer to what's prompted the averted eyes of a man who is somehow ashamed of his inaction. Kid shifts, too, until he can slip his arms over the half-demon's shoulders in a gentle embrace, pressing his brow against his.]

You are making a good decision, Rin. There are still things you can do here.

[keepsthefire]

[The only response to that was Rin letting out a noncommittal grunt, posture remaining the same until those thin arms wrap around him. He sigh lowers his shoulders, and he leaned back against Kid heavily, closing his eyes in an effort to silence the negative voices in his head.]

You're probably right. I just really hate not bein' able to act. Doesn't feel like I'm bein' me if I'm not throwin' myself face first in to trouble.

[symmetrophile]

[There are things the girls did, sometimes, when Kid was flagellating himself ruthlessly with no end to imagined slights and failures, so it was on that experience he drew now, when he places a hand on Rin's head, fingers sinking into his dark hair, scrubbing soothingly at his scalp.]

You're still you. You've only started to learn to pick your battles.

[There's a beautiful balance in Rin's sense of justice tempered by growing wisdom, and it makes Kid proud, genuinely proud of him and who he's growing to become.

Perhaps he does share in his father's love of learning, and how interesting it is that Death Gods could have such an affinity for growth.]

Look to your other strengths.

[keepsthefire]

[The motion brings out a noise similar to the purring he had been making some weeks back. He leaned back in to the hand, eyes remaining closed and tail starting to move up and down from where it was resting on the sand.]

Somethin' Dad and Yukio have been tellin' me to do for years. Gotta say, kinda lame that it took somethin' like this for me to see it.

[He grew quiet after that, twitching tail seeming erratic but really just matching the cadence of his own thoughts.]

... Kid, my only other strength is cookin'. I pretty much suck at everything else.

[symmetrophile]

[And just then, there's a muted grumble originating from someone's stomach.

Judging from the way Kid retreats, eyes shiftily avoiding Rin's and his face beginning to color, just a little, it was his.]

Excuse me.

[Wow, that reminded him, he hasn't eaten since yesterday.]

There are quite a lot of us here who could use a hot meal, come to think of it.

[keepsthefire]

[He heard that. Loud and clear.]

... Kid, when was the last time you ate? I mean yeah I'll make food for others, I ain't arguin' with that, but shouldn't you take care of yourself too? Especially after what you did...

[symmetrophile]

[His dignity may never recover.]

I recall taking a snack of fruit from the pantry a few hours prior to Thalassino and the Head Nurse's appearance on the network.

[And he got all carried away in all that other stuff.]

It's more embarrassing than anything else. I assure you, I'm fine.

[keepsthefire]

[Hope you like a fist coming down on top of your head, Kid.]

Don't you give me that. If anyone deserves special treatment right now it's you. Dummy.

[symmetrophile]

[Things like this, which are normal for everyone else, yet painfully humiliating for a perfectionist who thinks he must somehow be flawlessly dignified at all times, or risk dishonoring his Exalted Father's name, and belittling his status as a reaper, don't hold up against the swell of affection he experiences at these little gestures of caring.

It's new to him. A lot of this is new to him.

In spite of himself, Kid's mouth betrays him in a small smile.

He loves you too, dork.]

...Thank you.

[keepsthefire]

Yeah yeah thank me when you're not gonna fall over from hunger.

[Rin snuggles up against him for another few seconds before finally getting up to find where all the food is being stored.]

I'll be back in a bit, 'kay?

[symmetrophile]

[Wait, leaving? Already?

It's for a good reason, because honestly, now that he's gone and mentioned cooking, he feels ravenous, but it might have been nice to just enjoy the weight and warmth of his presence a little longer.

Duty calls, however, and he can't hold him back.]

Are you sure you don't need any help?

[Oh, who is he kidding. He is the worst to have in the kitchen. Even an improvised one.]

[keepsthefire]

[They can snuggle whenever Rin takes a break. Because really, as much as he enjoys cooking, spending time with his friends and his loved ones is his second favorite thing in the world. Right there above sappy romance manga. Yup.

He stops when Kid asks, lips quirking up in to a faint smirk.]

You're not supposed to be movin'. You really wanna get Maka comin' down on you? Or Marie?

[symmetrophile]

I'm not sure I can handle retribution from either of them.

[So he'll... stay right here, thanks.]

I won't go anywhere, then. See you later, Rin.

[keepsthefire]

[Good boy.]

Right. You're gettin' fed first so just hold tight.

[And off he goes.]