Somewhere around 2/28 to 3/1

[tookashirototheknee]

I would like everyone to join me in wishing a very happy birthday to Liminal Space's best six-and-a-half year old, Takashi Shirogane!

Happy birthday, dude. If I could make things, I'd make you a cake.

Comments

[insidegalra]

I understand the need to wait to reveal something, don't worry. I'll pretend to be surprised when the proper time comes, if you want.

[He's trying to make a joke, but it sounds a little weak and tired. On the other hand he's emoting more than he did right after Allura's dungeon so...progress?]

But since I do know, if there's something in the preparations that I can assist with, you only have to ask.

[vrepit_no]

[Shiro chuckles anyway. It's a relief to hear Thace trying.]

I don't think that'll be necessary, but thanks. ...You haven't figured out how to create things out of nothing yet, have you?

[insidegalra]

I have, as well as creating food and water, although I haven't had much need to use it yet. But the idea of being unable to provide for my own basic needs if necessary was unpleasant enough to pursue it as quickly as possible.

[vrepit_no]

Really! ...any chance you'd be willing to show me how sometime?

[insidegalra]

I would be happy to.

[There's a pause, and that pause has a weight to it. He hasn't said it out loud since Shiro's dungeon but...] Brother.

[vrepit_no]

[There's a short, startled silence.]

Thace... I'm honored.

[insidegalra]

The honor is mine.

[Which is a direct callback to something that happened in his first dungeon, regarding his thoughts about meeting Keith.]

[vrepit_no]

[Something changes, like the feeling of distant storms in summer, that heavy, electric thrill and the refreshing breath of wet air in the heat. Thace knows that Shiro is nigh overwhelmed with pride and awe, appreciation and emotion. It's not just that he knows it - he can feel it.]

[There is a beat of silence and surprise washes over Shiro, and through to Thace.]

...Oh. Wow. Is that...? Did you mean to do that?

[insidegalra]

[The surprise is echoed, and then there's warmth, slowly creeping higher, like a sunrise on a planet. Behind the surprise there's respect and admiration and an almost tentative love of the friendship kind, like Thace isn't sure it's okay to feel something like that but he does anyway. The sudden feelings, the knowing, the intimacy.]

True Bond-- I didn't... I kept it?

[Thace is well aware that not all things from overlays are kept, but this is a surprise. A good one, but still enough to have him fumbling.]

I'm glad to share it with you. If you-- Do you want to share such a thing with me?

[vrepit_no]

[Joy and happiness, tinged with relief. A rock-solid respect at the base. Not a hint of fear or trepidation. Not with Thace. Not anymore.]

Yes. I'd love to share this with you. Family. It feels almost natural like this.

[Chuckle.]

You don't seem too upset about it.

[insidegalra]

Upset, no! This is good, just-- I'm surprised. Which you probably already felt.

[A beat, and there's almost a shyness to the emotions coming from Thace's end. They're positive though.]

It will take some getting used to though. I'm pleased that if there's need, I'll be able to give you my strength.

[vrepit_no]

Same here. [The emotional burst fades down to a background hum.] I think I can... Yeah. Mute it a little so you don't have to deal with that all the time. Figured that one out before Pidge started complaining about cooties.

[insidegalra]

[It feels like it's settling, and Thace isn't surprised at the faintness. Thae had mostly only felt distinct emotions from Allura when they were very close or intentionally pushing them to the front. The hum is almost distracting, because he's so very aware of it and what it means, but it's also pleasant at the same time, and Thae had been used to it. It'll just take time.]

I don't mind when the environment isn't threatening, and you're willing to be... heard? Felt? But in tense situations feedback loops are possible.

[And feedback loops could tear both of them down, negative emotions amplifying and--- Better to work out how to avoid that before it happens.]

1/2

[vrepit_no]

Makes sense. Emotions are complex at the best of times. Hang on...

[private, no protection]

[vrepit_no]

If one of us is in trouble and it's hard to speak aloud, it might be helpful to have more access than this. Widen the door a little. That way we can get an idea of how the other is reacting to certain stimuli.

[This is hard to talk about, to admit to, that sometimes it's bad enough that he winds up non-verbal, but better to be up front about it.]

[private, no protection]

[insidegalra]

I understand. It is a good idea to be able to dim, and to increase the connection. Perhaps we can practice and work out a system to support each other?

[private, no protection]

[vrepit_no]

I think that would be a good idea. ...Thank you, Thace. It means a lot to me that you'd consider this.

[private, no protection]

[insidegalra]

It means a lot to me that you’re willing to help me too. We will become stronger together.