Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tsukasa is at an impasse.

Withholding a sigh, he narrows his eyes at his uncooperative foe. To think he could be stumped by such a small piece of fabric. Folding his arms, he glances at the outfit laid upon his bed, letting the strip of fabric dangle from his fingers. Looking at such a bare costume hurts him on a personal level— because this should have been done hours ago. He refuses to concede to something that doesn't want to be placed in the right spot.

He refuses to acknowledge that he does not currently know where the right spot is.

"You're still working on that?"

Tsukasa shouldn't be so surprised to hear Rui behind him. But he bites his tongue anyway as he jumps. How could he have forgotten…? It certainly is strange when Rui is focused enough to be quiet. He's become used to him mumbling to his inventions. He spots the mangled remains of something on his floor when he turns.

Well if Rui is conceding to his inventions for now…

He holds up the fabric; inside a solid yellow, the outside a starry blue. He'll be doomed if he can't find a place to put it.

It only takes Rui a glance to solve all his troubles.

"I don't know…" Rui grins at him teasingly. He takes the fabric from Tsukasa's hands, and wraps it around his shoulders. "I think it would look quite fetching it you kept it. It is a staple to the WonderlandsXShowtime look after all. How else will I be able to recognize you in a crowd?" With a gentle push, he directs Tsukasa towards the mirror.

Tsukasa blinks at the makeshift cape around his shoulders.

"Rui!" he beams, already catching onto his idea. Oh, a cape would look quite nice with his new changes— a half familiar thought begins to grow as he continues to think. "I shall be able to finish my costume now!"

"Good!" Rui hums behind him, a hint of surprise making the sound higher. "I can't wait to see the completed version."

Chapter Text

Rui has to remind himself that he has a cue coming up.

It happens more than he cares to admit to himself. But back here, behind the trees and away from fixated eyes, he can allow himself the brief selfishness of looking. It's not like the audience can say they are not doing the same. Rui could check—even now, in his periphery, the colorful array of members are seated—but that would require looking away.

For who wouldn't be so transfixed on such a brilliant sight?

Tsukasa walks—no, struts, he's playing the role of an arrogant ghost. Forever noticeable no matter how incorporeal. The role isn't a complicated one; their makeshift show in the park doesn't lend itself to complicated. But even with something as simple as this, Rui cannot bring himself to look away.

He examines everything to the last detail. Stores the images away in a spot where he can return to it forever. The way Tsukasa twists on his feet in befuddlement after being noticed. His rearing back as Emu jumps in his face. Feet shuffling to get away from her before he pretends to pass through Nene. A shock of pain when he's outright ignored.

So very true and false all at once.

With great effort, Rui reminds himself of his cue. In but a few moments he'll be there with them—him—performing to their hearts content. A romantic thought if there ever is one to have. His heart is certainly fluttering enough for it to count. Though whether it is from the romanticism or excitement is a thought he disregards as pointless. When everything eventually leads back to Tsukasa, there is no need to differentiate between one type of adrenaline and the next. Rather, Rui questions himself on how difficult it is going to be to pull himself away.

He snaps to attention as Tsukasa begins his trek to a neighboring tree. Waves the thoughts away as he mentally pulls up the thrown-together script. Meets Tsukasa's expectations with a grin.

For now, Rui has a cue to meet.

Chapter Text

"Let's see… oh! What about that guy? A treasure hunter lying in wait for his next find; the final sheet of music containing the song of life. Legends say this song can manipulate the very fabric of reality!"

"That must be why he's reading a magazine," Rui comments, endlessly entertained by the game they've been playing for the past hour or so. The guy they're currently watching is a complete stranger, but it hasn't stopped them from commenting on his fantasy life. "He's stopped. Perhaps he found something of interest?"

Tsukasa leans against his shoulder. "More like upsetting. That was quite the furious snapping of the pages."

He idly takes a sip of his water, eyes trailing the now disappearing figure. "Do we know anything about the current news?" 

It would have to at least be older than a few hours. Something that happened before he and Tsukasa started wandering around after practice. He should probably be more concerned about not knowing entirely how they ended up finding a bench to sit on, but it is not as the area is entirely unfamiliar. And he now has less space on his phone due to the multitude of characters they've created; this is the important bit. 

"No." Tsukasa answers promptly. "They would not so callously reveal information like this. It would be subtle. But for him to react too despondently means that the information was related to something else."

Not what he meant; Rui holds back a smile. "Oh dear. Did he pull out a phone? What ever could have transpired?"

"A call to confirm the sheet's whereabouts?" Tsukasa shifts and Rui is pulled forward eagerly. "Another person on the phone! Spotted. Due to the magnitude of the situation, he and his group have made the decision to split into teams. This will allow them to continue their search on a quieter level as they evade the other teams!"

Rui follows his gaze and spots the person walking away from the subway. "They must have already left something to find. Shall we move locations to see what it could be?"

Tsukasa is standing before he finishes his question. "Absolutely!" 

Chapter Text

Is he a terrible son for staying out so late? 

As he lightly kicks his feet back and forth, Tsukasa wonders if he should have went directly home after school. The games he played with the other kids from his class could have waited until tomorrow. What if his parents call and no one is there to answer the phone? What if something happens and they are too busy looking for him? They would have to get the help of the police to find him and he would be scolded for not being where he should have been. 

But what if the news is something he doesn't want to receive? What if they finally tell him Saki can't come home? 

It's a silly thought, Tsukasa thinks, because Saki is always going to come home. 

Still… Tsukasa kicks his feet harder, flying just a bit higher on the swing. 

"Excuse me?"

His jump causes the swing to tilt sideways.

"Sorry," a boy his age says with a sheepish grin, "but I was wondering if you've seen a tiny bunny?" He holds his hands close together to indicate the size.

"A bunny?" he digs his feet into the ground to stop the swing. "Are you missing a pet? This star can help you!" He hasn't seen any bunnies lately, though it might be hard to pick one out of the few he's seen around the park here. 

The boy blinks at him, pausing for a moment. That's okay, Saki sometimes needs to think about things too. Tsukasa can wait. "…Would you? I think something might have interfered with the location chip. I don't want to bother you if you want to continue playing though."

Tsukasa shakes his head. With a kick of his feet, he jumps as best he can from the swing. He lands on his feet, which means he can toss his hands in the air with a glorious pose. He wasn't playing anything at all. "What does your bunny look like? We'll have so many eyes he won't be able to escape!"

"Well, he's gray, and very squeaky…"

His eyes sure are yellow. 

Tsukasa decides he likes them a lot. 

Chapter Text

Never let it be said that he is one to let anything hold him back. 

The moment—literal in all senses of the word because of his many eyes—he sees Tsukasa enter the dream lands he is right by his side. He leaves a few pieces of himself behind in the previous dream, of course. Can't let the dreams run about without his watch after all. For as much as he adores Tsukasa's dreams, he adores many others. It would bring shame upon himself to only focus on one person at a time, especially when the expedition of platypodes are so close to their destination. 

He is a bit curious as to why Tsukasa is arriving so early. He's quite the stickler for a sleep schedule that Tsukasa. Rui has gotten used to carving out the time for his visits, not entirely liking the need for consistency, but not having the heart to give up spending time with Tsukasa. 

Which is why… he is so terribly affronted by the display in front of him. 

This is not the Tsukasa he knows. 

Where is the flair? The bombastic need for bright colors and sparking skies? The lollipop carnival tents and the singing flowers? The passionately entangled dream based realities? 

What is Rui supposed to do with blank canvas walls and open rooms? He finds a perch in the shadow of the stairs and watches Tsukasa as he roams around. From kitchen to living room. From tile to rug. It's boring. So very very boring. 

It's so boring, he's having a hard time comprehending the fact he wants to fall asleep.

Rui never wants to sleep!

Is this why Tsukasa never visits outside his scheduled time? What makes that scheduled time so special to allow himself to dream? In the proper way one should when asleep? Does Tsukasa, who knows to expect Rui to join him, really think something like this would be okay with Rui?

So never let it be said that he is one to let anything hold himself back. Especially when it comes to those he cares about. 

Chapter Text

"Do you really think this is going to end well?" Tsukasa sighs as he looks down at his hands—or rather—sleeves. He's not used to having his shirts fall past his wrists, but needs always come first.

And if he is to fully embody the character that is Kamishiro Rui, then he must dress the part.

Even if he has to spot that shade of neon green on his own person.

"Are you truly complaining now, Tsukasa-kun?" Rui lets out a light sound as he leans back in Tsukasa's chair. The jacket he's wearing—Tsukasa's—is a bit too small. Tsukasa had been worried about the seams when he handed it over, but Rui seems content enough to let the jacket hang around his elbows rather than on his shoulders. Curse him and his genetics despite never even vegetables! 

Which defeats the purpose of acting as Tsukasa in the first place. Though, Tsukasa will forgive him for keeping his coat safe in this case as he's come to quite like the feel of it swishing around his knees as he moves. 

"Absolutely not," Tsukasa idly waves a hand to free it. These sleeves are certainly an annoyance. He carefully folds the cuffs back. Thinks about rolling them back down. "But the absence of a script might impede upon this exercise. I fear we might fall back into familiar habits if we were to only speak to each other."

And also—

Tsukasa can admit to the deep recesses of his mind that he doesn't know what the hell Rui talks about sometimes. It is amazing how simple Rui can make technicalities sound when speaking about his machines. 

"I suppose so," Rui hums. He shifts to fold his arms. "But it can't be helped if that were to happen, wouldn't it, Director?"

Well now, that simply offends him. Tsukasa tightens the bow around his neck sharply. He even has the tilt Rui prefers, so take that! "I shall play such an amazing Kamishiro Rui you won't recognize yourself! Be prepared to fail at this, Rui!"

"You think a star as grand as me could possibly fail?" Rui grins at him, uncharacteristically beaming and bright. "Be prepared to have your challenge returned!"

Chapter Text

Tsukasa has learned to contain his fury with a smile. 

It's an easy thing to do by this point. Take a breath. Relax the muscles in his face. Toss a wave towards anyone who might be watching because that's the only thing he can do. Make others happy even while he tells them they can't see him. 

Oh but how he wishes to scream right now. 

How could anyone allow such a criminal to gain access backstage?

He has to swallow down another fit of rage when he glances at the blank screens. The show is supposed to start in one hour. There's no possible way any of the technicians already here will be able to figure out what broke the systems. Already, he can hear the gathering murmurs of the crowd as they morph into a cacophony. 

Curse the meeting on that fateful day!

Tsukasa doesn't regret meeting very many people; in fact, he can't really think of anyone in particular. Except that masked vigilante! He hasn't been able to escape his antics ever since they ran into each other! Literally. But Tsukasa already apologized for the incident; it isn't his fault if the masked vigilante can't forgive a mistake and move on. And really— the guy is only inconveniencing himself by consistently going out of his way to ruin Tsukasa's shows one way or another. 

No matter what, the audience is always going to be there to see Tsukasa, regardless of any circumstances happening.

He bites back a sigh. Even if they are not getting the treatment they deserve. Thinking about it, he should be able to warm up his voice now and be ready. The microphone won't be needed if he's authentic. And if he's authentic, then the audience will only be more endeared towards him! 

Tsukasa nods firmly, pleased at coming up with this plan. He waves away the panicked and impractical technicians, ready to begin practicing. 

His phone pings with a notification.

Curse that vigilante for having no boundaries! Tsukasa seethes as he reads the text.

He shall not be having fun this evening! 

Chapter Text

"Tell me," Tsukasa begins, mildly hesitant to break the tranquility that's fallen over them, "how many instruments can you play?"

He knows about the flute— hard to ignore it with Rui's adoration of the instrument. And he knows about the triangle, which Tsukasa swears is both the hardest and easiest one to learn, so is it really so surprising for Rui to know the basics? And he knows about the cello, which he has seen Rui carry around without the case. And he knows about the violin, because Rui did the same thing with it. 

On second thought, Tsukasa doesn't know why he questions Rui at all. Bad enough he wants to learn the piano from him of all people. Tsukasa doesn't know how to be a teacher. 

Rui pauses as he thinks, head slowly coming up from it's bent position. "There's three— no four, and Emu-kun has taught me a little about the cymbals. Trombones are cumbersome to carry around, but a guitar didn't get too in the way. And that's another three—"

"Forget I asked," Tsukasa interrupts dryly. "Your arms are slipping." 

Rui corrects his position. "This way, correct? Tsukasa-kun is a surprisingly strict teacher, but I never imagined it being so hard to keep steady while sitting down."

Tsukasa raises a brow at his shoulders. Oh he knows the answer as to why Rui's arms keep slipping, but telling him is another matter. But if he is to learn— "Did you take etiquette lessons when you were younger?"

"What a roundabout question to ask," Rui has a wry smile on his face when he turns to Tsukasa. "I ask to learn a lesson and my instructor thinks he can learn secrets about my past from me." 

"You should write a song about the importance of etiquette, and the need to keep it secret then."

"And now my instructor is making jokes at my expense," Rui sighs heavily. He does a little wave with his fingers, starting from the middle of the keys and making his way outward.

Tsukasa is proud to note him being quicker than before. 

"That's too bad," he says as he carefully presses his shoulder against Rui's. "You might have to take another lesson as recompense."

Chapter Text

"Tsukasa-kun," Rui asks idly as as the balloon nearly tips over, "I ask that you settle down a little. Unless you want to end up in the isle of frozen pom poms where you never know if you are going to lose pieces of your essence?"

Tsukasa's scoff is a loud thing; Rui wonders what sort of creatures are going to hear him on this night. "Don't be ridiculous, Rui. In the event we fall into the frozen isle, we would never be caught. Don't go losing all your faith now!"

"Like your slowly dwindling faith in Rio-kun?" He's full of fond exasperation when he glances over at Tsukasa. Who's still pacing the small length of their floating balloon. It's poor floor might not survive the absence of Emu and Nene; not with the way Tsukasa is trying to wear a hole through the basket's wicker. 

Ah. He bites back a laugh at the sudden jolting of the basket. Tsukasa's flailing arms are always a delight to behold. 

"Heathen! Don't you ever doubt my faith in young Rio!"

"Whatever shall I tell poor Rio-kun?" Rui mockingly cups his cheek, elbow against his knee. "Will I even have the courage to face the boy upon his next visit? Impress upon him the importance of knowing how much his favorite dream thing doubts him?"

"Ahh!" He blinks when Tsukasa lets out a triumphant noise of realization. "You are so very correct, Rui!"

Rui blinks at him slowly; pose thirty-four is quite smug with that hand in the air. "Am I? Do enlighten me as to why this time."

"Because!" Tsukasa beams as he meets his eyes. "I am Rio's favorite! Therefore he knows I shall never be a disappointment to him! Ha! Ha! Ha! Thank you for the reminder, Rui!"

"If you say so," Rui lets out a little laugh, always amused by Tsukasa's antics. "Though, you could perhaps remember that children do not always adhere to their sleep schedules."

Chapter Text

It is not usually this hard to open the door. 

Tsukasa pauses as it barely budges. He could make another attempt at pushing it open, but the minuscule movement makes him doubt his strength at the moment. Should he come back another time? No one mentioned the stage being off limits, and there have been no messages saying he couldn't stop by. On a perfectly regular day like this, no obstructions should be allowed to get in his way.

He squints at the door, not entirely willing to admit defeat. 

Trying again to be on the safe side—the door could be jammed because of rust or something, Tsukasa is not an expert on doors—he stops when he hears shuffling. Though he winces when it sounds like something falls over. Surely his help is not needed quite yet. 

"Oh good morning, Tsukasa-kun!" Rui chirps when the door finally opens. It drags a little on the ground, leaving ugly marks in it's wake. He's heaving slightly, jacket missing, and covered all over in grass stains. 

Tsukasa should definitely go home.

But it takes nothing to be kind, so— "Are you alright?"

The wild look in Rui's eyes confirms that he should only go home. "Splendid!" He presses a foot against the threshold for leverage and turns the force the door open all the way. "A new shipment stopped by today," he pants, "and I wanted to sort through everything before rehearsal began."

The sheer amount of flowers in front of them makes Tsukasa regret not turning around before Rui opened the door. Colors of the rainbow and more shades of green than he can count lie before him. 

"Do I want to know?" he asks dryly. It does nothing to dwindle the spark of interest inside him. 

"Of course you do." Rui nods as he props a hand against the door. "And I will be more than glad to tell you about everything."

Chapter Text

His foot is bleeding.

Rui is quite surprised both of his feet are not bleeding. He should probably stop and check it out; the blood rushing through his veins is enough to put a stop to any feeling, but if his other foot is bleeding then would he really know in the first place? Clothes torn and shoes missing, should anyone wish to follow the trail of red he leaves in his wake, it would be their mistake. 

Tilting his head back, he inhales shallowly. 

First of everything, he needs to reunite with Tsukasa. They hadn't been together when the explosion happened. Details from plan Ship-A-Hoy place Tsukasa miles from his position. Which is already miles away from the epicenter.

Part of his rushing blood is most likely from the steadily growing irritation.

Rui is trying not to think about it at the moment, lest he fall into a wrath. 

Still… 

Despite his utmost faith in the plan they created, a seed of worry roots inside him. Which is silly, as Tsukasa would say. There is a reason no one was near the epicenter when the explosion happened. A few drones here and there, and anyone watching was bound to think people had entered the building. Rui had figured out ages ago that they've been under surveillance— the hardest had been figuring out who's been watching.

He puts it out of his mind for now. The cameras he had placed are bound to catch something so he can only rely on the footage. When he sees it. After he sees Tsukasa. Tsukasa will also want to watch the footage.

Ahh.

How inconvenient. 

The things he does to keep Tsukasa safe. 

He stifles a grin, knowing he wouldn't have it any other way. Simple management would have been so boring if that had been what he stuck with. Directing both theater and the people around him— the work is much too exciting to give up. 

Who knew theater could be so exhilarating? 

Chapter Text

"You know…" Tsukasa drawls as he looks upon the crater in front of him. A crater that certainly was not there ten minutes ago. "I have the utmost confidence in saying that you know you were not supposed to unleash so much raw power."

"Did I?" Rui tilts his head down. He's looking at the crater like he wasn't the one to cause it! "I don't recall any of the higher ups saying as much to me!"

"That's because you missed the last meeting! I sent you a text with the details they discussed." Tsukasa hisses as he swats at the bony hand inching his way. "And you!" he rounds on the gashadokuro, "I specifically told you to remind him to check his messages!" 

If bones can be sheepish, it is in the rattling as the giant skeleton tries to burrow its way into the dirt. 

"Tsukasa-kun is being so mean," Rui whines as he drapes himself over Tsukasa's back. "If the job is completed in an ample enough amount of time, then is it really a concern as to how said job is completed?"

"Yes, it is." Tsukasa refuses to bow under his weight. "Why waste the energy to summon such a high level spirit against an ayakashi? And not to mention the damage caused by your spirit!"

"Would you really deny him the chance to spread his legs?" Rui forcefully turns his head; the skeleton has his chin resting on the ground, burning eyes focused on them. 

Tsukasa refuses to give into such childishness! The gashadokuro is older than both of them combined and multiplied! 

"There was a lake here!" Emphasizing his point, he gesticulates toward the crater. "Where did it go, Rui? Where did the lake go?!"

Rui scoffs, "You would call that thing a lake? Less than twenty feet means that it couldn't have been a lake."

"The point of the matter," oh to contain his fury! This is exactly why he always gets those weird looks when around Rui. "Is that there is no longer a body of water for the ayakashi!"

"The single ayakashi that had been turned?" Rui sounds so very doubtful. "Alright, Tsukasa-kun, next time one threatens to turn itself into a black-hole I shall let you be the one to take care of it. Good luck keeping the damage to a minimum, especially after your last crater!"

Chapter Text

It's the Rowan bark that has Rui biting back a smile. Wherever did Tsukasa manage to procure a legitimate branch on such short notice? 

"I would love to this to my collection," he says genuinely as he curls his hands around the pot. Pinching the leaves, he rubs his fingers to feel the texture— watching Tsukasa's face fall in confusion is only a bonus. 

Tsukasa recovers quickly. "You're quite welcome, Rui! When I saw the brilliant shade of red, I thought it be the perfect match for your mismatched colors!" 

"That it will," he nods. Plants are such a curious collection to have; he's grown to be quite proud of his, and Tsukasa does so love to add to it. 

"When it grows big and strong," Tsukasa continues unprompted, "you'll have quite the protector for the other plants! The promise of bad luck should deter even the shiftiest of foes should they ever think of cutting it down. Ha!" 

"Oh? Fascinating to know this guy has symbolism at odds with my other plants."

"Expansion!" If Rui didn't know Tsukasa so well, he would believe him. "Though not by much. They say the branches of the Rowan tree are able to ward away evil." 

There it is. 

Rui bites the inside of his cheek to stifle his laughter. 

Silly superstitions won't work on him, Tsukasa.

"Which means no demons shall ever make their way into your dwelling, Rui!" Tsukasa beams at him carefully. Oh, he's fuming, Rui coos to himself. Something must have set him off today. "Is this not one of the best gifts you've ever received, Rui? I would be most willing to add more if they please you so much!"

Perhaps Tsukasa might even be lucky to find a plant to work on Rui's nature. He doesn't know where Tsukasa latched onto the idea of plants being able to ward off spirits, but he certainly isn't going to complain about his growing garden. 

"I wouldn't be opposed to adding some more," Rui tells him, certain Tsukasa will one day be able to find something. 

Chapter Text

"Tell me, Impermanence, how many souls do you truly escort during our troubled times?"

The being—most fascinating how it looks so human, if only it didn't have those horns, and a tail?—looks at him with surprise. Or as much surprise as something like it can feel. Rui doesn't want to make assumptions based on average facial expressions.

"You think I did this?"

It is hard for Rui not to tense when he hears the scoff. He has to hold back a rueful smile. Here he is, almost afraid of the thing he tracked down. 

Or something akin to it.

Rui tries not to feel too much these days. 

Especially guilt.

"Letting your silence speak for you does not do you any favors!" Its scowl is so very fierce. "As if someone such as I would do something so callous. Leave the escorting to the ones who can take care of these departed souls."

"Oh?" Rui drawls. While it might be true that he does not know what he speaks too, he knows the being is not from this plane of existence. Does it think itself so high that it needs to float off the ground? "Would you care to enlighten me as to how this massacre came to happen then." He gestures to the mounds and mounds of bodies behind it. 

Oh, he knows exactly what happened. He had been the one to send the orders; told the messenger to call for the advancement. Reports say it had been a swift battle, the vanguard destroyed before the scouts could be deployed. 

The cynical part of himself takes the usual pride in his work. 

"Tenma Tsukasa," the being states smugly. He even crosses his arms as he leans back in the air without a care in the world. 

Oh? "A name?" Someone else to sacrifice for this war? 

"The name of myself!" Tenma's teeth look very sharp; it's a wonder how he doesn't slice the inside of his mouth. "And you, Kamishiro Rui, are going to explain how you found me." 

Chapter Text

Tsukasa is certain his friend is supposed to be a cat instead of a dog. 

He's never had a cat before, nor a dog, truthfully. So he supposes his own words can not be taken as a fact. 

But he's read about cats before. And dogs. And listened to Saki's adventures about feeding a stray cat she found. So he knows there are differences between the two animals. Enough to know if he listed out the details, Rui would fall into the cat category while checking for similarities. 

How spoiled, Tsukasa scoffs to himself, unheated. 

At least he's comfortable for not being able to move for the past hour. Rui picked a fine time to fall asleep; the plot to watch a movie had been an impressive cover up as he hardly lasted a few minutes before he plastered himself against Tsukasa's side and stopped moving. How very like Rui to use his environment to his advantage.

Tsukasa can't bring himself to move now! 

Rui should be so grateful Tsukasa has chosen to remain as such a comfortable pillow. In fact— Tsukasa might have to give Rui a time limit. As the most comfortable pillow ever, this might cause Rui to never want to wake up! Which would be an inconvenience as Tsukasa has places to be in the upcoming days. 

Although…

He wonders if a cat would be willing to be as soft as Rui is. The fur around his ears is fine, and though he can be stingy when awake, he doesn't seem to mind Tsukasa stroking around them while asleep. If he is quite honest, Tsukasa wants to sink his hands in fully, but that is a question to ask when Rui is awake— and not causing Tsukasa's leg to fall numb. 

In the fading sunlight too, Tsukasa glances at the windows before shaking his head fondly. Shifting the pillows beside him, he settles back into the couch.

It would be hard to have a discussion about a movie if one person didn't see it, might as well make it two. 

Chapter Text

"Tsukasa-kun, I am afraid that if I do not manage to thread this needle within the next four attempts then I shall have to perish at being unable to accomplish such a simple task."

"Don't be so ridiculous, Rui," Tsukasa deadpans. He can be so dramatic. "You need to at least make an attempt at threading a needle before making such declarations about your demise."

Rui's sigh is outright heaved. "So cruel to me, Tsukasa-kun. How can I make such an attempt when I do not know how—?" 

"I just showed you!" Tsukasa looks at him incredulously. "Here's the thread, and here's the needle," he holds up both his hands. Shakes each one individually for emphasis. "You take the thread, and carefully slide it through the eye of the needle."

His demonstration is flawless, of course. With a bit of focus, and a twist at the end of the thread, he had mastered the art of threading a needle years ago.

"You would stab such things into an eye?" Rui shifts away from him. "I admit to having uncertain feelings rise within me about this."

Tsukasa tells himself he isn't going to wring Rui's neck. This is becoming a harder promise to keep by the minute. His sewing kit has barely been opened! "I'm not stabbing an actual eye!" 

"Such cruelties committed in Robo-Nene's name," Rui continues blithely. "Do you think she would truly enjoy knowing you would stab an eye in her name?"

"It!" Tsukasa shoves—as carefully as he can—the thread and needle into Rui's hands. "Is because of her name that you are going to sew her new accessories and you are going to like it!" 

Tellingly, Rui holds both items aloft and in a proper position. 

See, Director? Tsukasa is excelling at making new deductions. 

"Robo-Nene will enjoy anything," Rui says flatly. "It's in her programming. It would be rude to say anything less."

"She's the most opinionated person I know!" Tsukasa holds up his threaded needle. "Which is why I know you won't put anything less than your best into her!"

Chapter Text

In theory, Rui knows dancing can involve more that one person.

In theory. 

In theory… he knows a lot of things. 

But this—this folding of fingers, this hand on his shoulder, this breathe against his neck—closeness isn't something theory can help with with. Machines running warm from overuse can never compare to the simple warmth of someone next to him. 

"…3, 4," Tsukasa says quietly. "Now turn." 

Rui obediently turns them around. 

"Do you need to continue?" Tsukasa hums. When he shifts, Rui forgets to breathe out the sent of his shampoo. "We've been at this for a while now, and can try more involved movements." 

Funny how Rui can't recall the past hour very well. When he tries, he can only seem to remember being wrapped up in a cozy blanket. 

"Doesn't practice make perfect?" He returns rhetorically. "Not everyone can be as gifted as you, Tsukasa-kun." 

"Being gifted has nothing to do with hard work! Let us continue building your foundation with the basic if that is what you wish."

That and more, Rui thinks, unwilling to speak the thoughts aloud lest they ruin this moment. 

In their imaginary box they turn, turn, and turn some more. 

Eventually, Tsukasa grows impatient, "Not even one more step?" 

It's Rui's hand around Tsukasa's waist despite his following. And he does have the power to make this a more humorous moment, but he keeps his hands steady. Even takes the opportunity to rest his chin against the crown of Tsukasa's head. "Practice makes perfect," he reminds Tsukasa with a soft, unseen smile. 

If anyone were to look, he wonders if they would be able to tell how close he is to bursting from affecting. 

"Practice begets practice," Tsukasa turns with him again and they've never been slower. Him pressed against Rui is the only reason he can hear him. 

Rui sighs as he nuzzles closer. "And even more practice." As far as he's aware though, the moment is perfect. 

Chapter Text

Rui heaves as he collapses upon the ground. Breathing heavily, he takes a moment to compose himself. Quickly. He can't afford to waste too much time. 

Ignoring how much it hurts to get his lungs in working order, he clamps his hand down in the large red spot staining Tsukasa's coat. He's wheezing, but he's alive. Alive! Rui can work with alive. 

Gathering what little strength he has, he quickly tosses a small disk on the ground. It lights up briefly, the air above it shimmering ever so slightly as it activates. Rui can't afford to use any more than a smidge of his magic; it should be enough though, the chaos of screaming and ailing bodies is enough to keep anyone's mind off of finding two people. A little charm to drift attention away from them and another layer for a shield. 

He tosses all that away. Can't be bothering with it. 

His hands are so slippery. 

There is only one problem that needs solving right now; his inability to channel the healing arts. He curses his younger self for not being as interested in it. Tsukasa always reminded him about something going wrong with his experiments. So, as he hugs Tsukasa's prone form to his chest, he tries to scrape together every bit of healing he knows. Magic is all about intent, but if he goes too far, he may be the one causing irreversible damages. 

He squeezes Tsukasa tighter. 

Metal chest plate digging into his chest, he trickles his essence in the wound. Intent, he reminds himself. Encourage to heal. A suggestion to stop bleeding because Tsukasa can not afford to lose much more. He presses his hand harder against the wound. 

Anger at needing protection has no place here. 

Tsukasa always knows the most inconvenient times to involve himself; Rui gives him what little he has. He thinks it might be working, the flow of blood steading to a trickle. He doesn't dare remove his hand though

For now, he tucks his face along the side of Tsukasa's and waits. 

Chapter Text

The one with purple hair has returned. 

Tsukasa logs the opening of the doors, listens to them creak as they strain against their old insides. They used to be worse, he thinks. It hadn't been a habit of his to open them because of his rusted parts. Tied up as they are, he doesn't have much movement. 

There's some glug glug sounds from the purple one again. Tsukasa has wondered if he likes the sound of his own voice— he thinks he's aware of Tsukasa not being able to understand the language he speaks. Just as he can not understand the beeps and dashes Tsukasa uses to speak. 

He's got another bag with him, overflowing with with more pieces than Tsukasa can currently count. Get him to dump it, he orders himself, vents hissing with the effort it takes to move even a finger. If he doesn't dump it, he's going to go messing around with wires he shouldn't be messing around with. 

Again. 

His movement is noticed. 

A hand of placed on his: it realigns his finger with a small pat, as if the gesture is meant to hold any meaning for Tsukasa. Or it could simply be something done between his species— the one Tsukasa had been designed after. Not having the memory in his database is enough to make him think knowing the gesture is not important.

The purple one gurgles something else in that language of his, and Tsukasa watches as he shrugs off his bag. He immediately starts digging around in it; enough of the parts end up on the floor, which makes Tsukasa wonder why he has them in the first place. If he weren't so disorganized, the purple one might know better than to place the thing he wants at the bottom of his bag.

When he finds what he's looking for, he turns to Tsukasa and places his hands on him. 

If Tsukasa ever gets the chance to move again—

There's a burst of static in his auditory processor. 

"…We are," the purple one is saying, "do you understand me now?"!

Chapter Text

"This shall be our spot for the next hour!" Tsukasa's declaration causes a few of the neighboring birds to fly away. 

Rui considers the avians carefully; animals knowing when something is amiss could make for an interesting way to portray foreshadowing. They wouldn't have to be alive either. A picture here. A statue there. They would have to be semi-popular—

"This is not a time to be daydreaming, Rui," Tsukasa waves his hand at his hand in front of his face.

Rui responds instinctively, eyes still trained upward, "It is always time for daydreaming."

"Daydream about emptying your hands," Tsukasa insists. He sets his bag down next to the pillar beside them and digs out a stack of papers. Splitting it in half, he plops some of the papers in Rui's hands as he stands. "And to have empty hands, think of the numerous people who shall pass us by as they scour for food." 

And bugs, Rui glances at a passing butterfly to be contrary. 

Tsukasa points at him sternly, "People." 

"I can think of the people in the auditorium," he offers. "There is no possibile way we don't sell out the show with our reputation."

Tsukasa doesn't move a muscle, but somehow, his pointed finger feels more proud. "Yes!" he beams, "And to do that we need to ensure that our message is spread far and wide! Our corkboard scavenger hunt was already a success, so now our goal is to make sure none of our flyers remain."

Rui is more impressed Tsukasa had managed to find enough free space on some of those corkboards. 

"And look here! Our very first passerby." Tsukasa perks up. "HELLO THERE!" Turning, Rui has to choke on his laughter so as to not interrupt him after the other student looks startled. "Be sure to visit us this weekend! At the Miami Theater where you can see a performance like no other!" 

Rui patiently waits for the interaction to end before he turns to Tsukasa, "Shall we see who has the better performance by seeing who runs out first?"

Chapter Text

"Are… you absolutely sure that the curtains need to be that color?" 

Rui's smile is so very confused when he turns to face Tsukasa. Curse his height for not needing a stool, Tsukasa narrows his eyes at the arms full of cloth. And curse Rui for thinking he can fool Tsukasa with that look on his face. 

He's learned enough of his tricks by now! 

Tsukasa will not allow himself to bend on this matter! 

"That's the fifth time you've asked that, Tsukasa-kun. I'm beginning to think you may not actually enjoy the curtains I meticulously selected after narrowing down our selection of paint colors." 

He. Will. Not. Be. Fooled!

"Not at all!" He assures with him a genuine smile; because he does enjoy the curtains. Bright and colorful as they are, they scream Rui whenever he looks at them. There's no way someone who knows Rui wouldn't recognize his touch upon the world. Of course, Tsukasa wants the curtains to hang up somewhere he can see them. 

Tsukasa is simply… uncertain as to whether or not they would make for comfortable sleeping conditions in their room. 

That is all. 

"They seem like they would be perfect—"

"Tsukasa-kun," Rui interrupts, stern but kind. "I have taken it upon myself to introduce some color into your life. Stars are every color of the rainbow, you know. The hotter they are, the brighter they are. Truly stunning it is, when they turn so many shades." 

Tsukasa pauses to consider his words. "Really? I suppose that's interesting. If they can manage to transform so thoroughly, I wonder how I can apply that to myself."

"Oh, in plenty of ways," Rui says airily. "If need be, I can start thinking of some ideas this afternoon. For now, I suggest we finish with these curtains. Rehearsals are meant to keep shows a surprise, which means this room needs to be enclosed soon."

"Of course!" Time to finish this room! "They shall be—" he has to try his hardest to keep his smile when he re-registers the dreaded curtains, "hung up in no time."

Chapter Text

When the news breaks in the morning, Rui doesn't know how to be shocked. 

There had been a commotion the night before— one loud enough to alert some of the neighbors in the surrounding area. Emu knows when to keep quiet and when to not, so if she let something as grand as this slip, well— it had been on purpose. Her way of controlling the narrative. 

After all, how else is Rui to believe the spreading rumor about Tsukasa being a monster?

He idly spins the wrench in his hand as he rolls the thought around. Tsukasa is weird; always has been and, most likely, always will. His eye for details makes him an excellent part-time worker, even if his volume leaves much for desired. Quirky, people call him. In a goofy kind of way. 

They never feared him as much as they do Rui.

How is that any fair? 

And here he thought he had put those thoughts behind him, he sighs as he stills his hand. Tools are for creating, not for idleness. When Tsukasa declared some of the bots needed painting, Rui has offered him a role in the spot; not knowing what would come of it but curious to see. The warehouse has a liveliness to it now; it radiates a welcoming and comfortable warmth, so different from the chilliness Rui would leave himself in. 

So how can Tsukasa be a monster when he's the one who taught Rui how to live again?

Warehouse don't exactly have many windows to begin with. If they do, they are not easily accessible. 

Rui is both out of sight and out of mind. 

It works for everyone. 

"Good morning, Rui!"

Except for Tsukasa apparently. 

He barges in through the doors as he always does, bringing the sunlight in with him. Looking at him now, Rui can't immediately believe the rumors. Hair in his face, and a bit of a too large jumpsuit over a cozy hoodie. Here he is at work even though he must know what's happening.

People like him.

And damn him, but so does he. 

Despite it all, Rui softens. 

"Good morning, Tsukasa-kun."

Chapter Text

Tsukasa doesn't think he's ever been this confused while watching a movie. 

"The greatest lesson I'm currently learning," he comments, "is that I shouldn't enter a room without first finding a way to prevent the door from closing. That… might be a bit difficult to translate on a stage if I'm meant to be in a panic." 

Rui hums from his slouched position— any further and Tsukasa is sure he'll lose him in the cushions. "Not necessarily difficult, I would think. The problem more so stems from it being an action not many would consider while in a panic. Fight or flight— a person is either running into or away from the room. There would be too much adrenaline for more complicated thoughts." 

Tsukasa holds out the bowl of popcorn to him as a reward. 

"Do you think we should start incorporating background music like this?" he watches as the character on screen looks around the room in horror. "I know we have transitional pieces for some of the scenes, but I don't recall there being many horror themed shows. We'd have to really dig out examples to look through."

"I almost wonder if it would be better to not have music at all." Rui's voice is a bit muffled, and when Tsukasa glances over, he sees the longer than usual pause is because of the popcorn stuffed in his cheek. Rui swallows. "It works because we as the audience know nothing can touch us. That immediately changes in person. I think the tension would better build if they were to hear every little noise." 

The person on screen is now screaming; having expected this, Tsukasa patiently waits for it to end. 

"We can leave them in the dark," he says brightly, already thinking through the many scenarios that can happen. "And your speakers would be able to add ambiance to keep them on edge."

"Tsukasa-kun?"

Tsukasa places his chin on Rui's knee when he hears his name; gives him his full attention. 

"Would you like to write a horror themed show instead of finishing the movie?"

"It would be perfect for the holidays, Rui!"

Chapter Text

Having been born with them, Rui remembers the dawn of humanity. Weak, ever-changing things who always seem to grow more in a minute than he does in a year. Watching—always watching—is what he's always done. Learning all about the mistakes he shouldn't make. 

It's his role to play; jealousy is a long forgotten emotion for him. 

Still… 

He always seems to be introduced to it and change. 

Not that he ever tries to hide from it, addicted as he is to Tsukasa. 

Tsukasa— who is currently dawdling about his realm, hand idly caressing the floating sand. "How about… a walk! We could journey to see where the edge of the of the stars meet the ground!"

It's almost a shame even Tsukasa can't seem to find a way to entertain him these days. The downside of being reincarnated so shortly after his last life; no major changes in the world. 

"I can show you where it's at," he offers, because the sight is pretty to look at. 

Tsukasa sends him a dry look. Add a bit more white to that dark suit he's wearing and he'll be identical to his original self. "That is no fun," he complains. "Part of the end is meant to happen through the journey." 

Rui simply spread his hands in defeat, having nothing more to say. 

"Let me guess—we've already found the highest point in the world too."

"Do you recall?" Rui twists his brows as he looks at Tsukasa thoughtfully. The probability of him remembering his status is never static. They can never manage to guess it correctly. 

Tsukasa curls a hand under his chin. "Nothing concrete," he says after a moment, "but when I try think of something— I think a part of me is drawn to what I say. Like knowing I'm right to think such things in the first place."

A partial remembrance this time. Interesting. 

"This place helps!" Tsukasa nods to himself. "Everything is so much clearer here, did you know? You will bring me here again." 

A twinge of amusement courses through Rui, "How presumptive."

Tsukasa's smile borders on sly, "Only because I know you."

Chapter Text

Tsukasa grows suspicious the moment he wakes up alone. 

Because it's quiet.

It's never quiet. Not this— this being able to hear the ruffling of the sheets as he shifts in bed. It's wrong. It's odd. Tsukasa never likes it when it happens. 

The only good part of the situation is being able to wake up without chills running along his legs. Rui's feet are always so cold. 

He sighs as he shifts, digs his face into his pillow. His alarm hasn't gone off yet, so it's too early to be thinking about the sort of things Rui can be getting up to. Taking a peak at the other side of the bed tells him Rui did sleep last night. Gaining a larger amount of space doesn't mean Tsukasa is going to suddenly start moving around in his sleep. He can not be the person who pulled the covers down over there.

And left them down. 

Still drowsy, he wonders if putting in effort before the alarm rings is worth anything. It was a late rehearsal last night. 

Yawning, he closes his eyes. He can always scold Rui later if he's getting into something he shouldn't be. 

The creaking of a door wakes him back up, so he must have fallen back asleep. Curious despite himself, he twists around to see what Rui has been up to. There's a tray in his hands, and Tsukasa can't quite make out entirely what's on it except for the filled glasses. Which really isn't as important as the sleep mussed hair, the colors not as crisp around the edges as they usually are.

Rui meets his eyes when he notices the movement, frame loose with a softness more than familiar to Tsukasa. He presents his tray to Tsukasa proudly. "Good morning, Tsukasa-kun!" Quickly, he crosses the room, and without waiting for Tsukasa to sit up, he places the tray in the bed. 

Simple things. Leftover rice. Eggs. Fruit. Some other dishes that can be quickly heated up. 

Tsukasa smiles at the effort.

"Good morning, Rui." 

Chapter Text

Tsukasa is a terribly cruel person. 

For every reason Rui gives him, he's able to find a reason to break his heart into tiny, atomized pieces. Tsukasa shouldn't look so shocked to see him in the ground! In this pitiful state he's put him in, Rui thinks he should deal with the consequences of his own actions. 

"Would a pet really be that much of a bother?" he sighs mournfully. "There would always be someone around to help." He blinks large eyes up at Tsukasa. 

Tsukasa looks at him doubtfully. 

"There would!" Rui insists. 

Tsukasa doesn't say anything. Cruel, cruel, cruel Tsukasa. 

Decibel breaking Tsukasa keeping his silence. Rui can't bare to look at him any longer, so he turns his eyes back to the most wondrous creatures. 

Finally, after forever, Tsukasa speaks. "The platypus stays here."

"He can come with us," Rui counters in return. "If that is what you are worried about, then I can simply build him a movable tank. The hardest part will be finding a way to hold the water, but I can think of something in the meantime."

"What— no! What if he then gets lonely about being away from his friends or family? Hell, he won't know what to do about being around people rather than his kind."

Rui opens his mouth. 

"No!"

Silenced before even speaking… 

"Rui," there is no need to sound so exasperated, Tsukasa, "A platypus belongs in nature. We do not travel to very many natural places. You can come back to the zoo or visit one out in the wild whenever you want."

"But it's not the same as seeing one everyday."

"I will send you a picture everyday." 

"And pets?"

"We can get you some more plushies." 

"Plushies are not alive." 

"One that can be heated up then. Or I can sew a zipper so we can add the beads to heat." 

"I can't learn more about them without one in front of me."

"I would say research, but I'm almost certain you know everything by this point." 

"Still not alive…" Rui says petulantly.

Tsukasa squats beside him, "They're not traveling anywhere grand sometimes soon. Let's visit them again, yes? At another time."

Chapter Text

Tsukasa's attempts at keeping professional are going phenomenology in his humble opinion. 

Not once did he turn to speak to Rui through the whole meeting! Not for a lack on trying on either of their parts—Rui is so incessantly stubborn!—but there were no disappointed eyes pointed their way. Perhaps the council leaders were on to something when they made the decision to sit Rui next to Tsukasa.

Now if only Tsukasa can keep a running streak…

Rui yawns loudly next to him, arms stretching up high after his closes his book. 

"You can go to sleep you know," Tsukasa looks at him fondly. It's not late; rays from the sun still linger under his curtains. Knowing Rui though, he most definitely had a late night working on whatever his heart wanted.

"It's not time to sleep yet," Rui blinks at him slowly. Definitely a late night. "Is it?"

Tsukasa settles his elbow on the desk to cup his chin. He's impressed Rui has lasted this long without falling asleep, tucked into the blankets as he is. That book of his must really be interesting. "It can be," he comments lightly, because anything that gets Rui to sleep early is a bonus.  

Rui lifts his book up teasingly. "It can also be time to finish this."

"Or lose your page!" Tsukasa retorts promptly. "Have you been able to comprehend the past few you have read?"

"Maybe…" Rui tosses—at least put a bookmark between the pages—the book toward the bottom of the bed. "I am simply deprived."

Tsukasa looks at him doubtfully. "Dare I ask, deprived of what?"

"Of Tsukasa-kun." When he reaches out, Rui flexes his grabby fingers like a child. "how am I supposed to sleep without someone to accompany me?"

"You are a child." Tsukasa chuckles fondly. Early nights can lead to early mornings. He fixes the papers in his desk and makes his way to the bed. Rui has to move to make room, but quickly wraps his arms around Tsukasa when he settles.

"Good night, Rui."

Chapter Text

"Tsukasa-kun," Rui begins brightly. Inside, he's dying to know what game Tsukasa thinks he's playing as he hasn't been following the rules to this one. Wild jokers do not work like this! "Do you want me to review the way the cards work? I would be more than willing—"

"Do not mock me." Tsukasa's face is delightfully scrunched up in thought. Looking at his cards like they might be holding the recipe to the universe, Rui wonders if he's already knows how to bake it. "In but a few turns, I shall finally claim my victory! You shall have no choice but to finally declare me as the winner."

Doubtful. 

Rui lifts his cards to hide his grin. "I would be glad to," he says, half his thoughts still attempting to figure out what game Tsukasa is playing. Rui had picked a game of luck for a reason. And he hasn't counted any of the cards! 

He places a two on the table, facedown. Tsukasa copies the movement. With a shared glance, they flip the cards over. 

Tsukasa chose an ace. 

Tsukasa also sighs very loudly as he holds the card to Rui in defeat. 

Rui, of course, takes the card even though he shouldn't. Character cards always beat the number cards. 

"Foiled again," Tsukasa mutters to his current hand. "Even when the higher cards are out of the way!"

"Look at it this way," Rui adds the two cards to his card tower. An amusing way to store the now out of play cards. Tsukasa doesn't have a single card for his non-existent tower. "You are building such a lovely tower for me."

Tsukasa blinks at the tower slowly. "You are so very welcome, Rui!" Rui thinks he should probably be concerned about the clenched teeth, but Tsukasa is nothing but genuine. "But know that tower shall crumble down to nothing!"

Not likely. 

Rui picks another cards from his hand. "Shall we put that to the test then?"

Chapter Text

"Ta-da!" Tsukasa spreads his arms out wide as he comes to a stop. With a bit of detective work, he has managed to find the perfect viewing spot for the upcoming fireworks show! With the sun setting over the horizon, they shall have a spectacular view until then. 

Only a few seconds later, he hears footsteps approach. 

"How pretty…" Rui hums as he leans over the wooden fence to take a look.

Tsukasa laughs, "Of course it is! I am the one who found it, after all. Now there shall be nothing to obfuscate our eyes from a show." 

Rui returns his laughter with quiet chuckles. "And we can't have that now. All that is left is to wait for the sun to set a bit more." 

"That shouldn't take long," Tsukasa rests his arms against the fence. "The days have been growing shorter and shorter." 

No response comes from Rui this time, so Tsukasa assumes he is still looking down. He breathes in deep, enjoying the crisp air as it enters and the distant rumbling of the nearby festival. When Rui continues to be silent, Tsukasa glances over with growing suspicions. 

He freezes in surprise when he sees Rui simply starring at him. Which is only natural—Tsukasa put a lot effort into finding this spot—but to have Rui so blatantly open in front of him is a lot. 

A good lot. 

Rui should do it more often. 

And then he ruins it, "I don't know if we should meet outside around this time anymore, Tsukasa-kun." 

Rude. "Dare I ask why?" 

With a gentleness Tsukasa is beginning to associate with only Rui, Rui reaches out and tilts his chin up. "It's the only time when the outside attempts to compete with you. All this low sun and the ombres it makes. Shame on it for thinking it can outperform you." 

Tsukasa relaxes. Oh, if that's all, "So long as you remember who shines brightest." He takes advantage of Rui's close position. 

They miss the first few fireworks, but Tsukasa can't brings himself to mind all that much. 

Chapter Text

Tsukasa has written many lists. Costume ideas. Theater supplies. Gifts for Saki and Touya. Song tracks for Nene. Budgets for Emu. Tools needed for Rui. Many, many lists to keep track of all his important things and people. 

None of those lists have felt nearly as important as this one. 

He sighs heavily, drops the pencil in his hand and tips his head and the back of the couch. Where does one begin with the perfect proposal? Running through scripts and shows has been of no help. Neither have videos online. 

None of them have the… Rui feel to them. 

And Rui deserves to have something spectacular. 

Glaring down at the useless list, Tsukasa wonders where his significant other is right now. All this work and Rui isn't here to spend time with him! While Rui should not know about any of this in the first place—Tsukasa wouldn't leave the lists so blatantly in the open—his presence would be pleasant to have. 

He thinks of the ring tucked away with a little pink rabbit. 

And despairs. 

Before jumping at the sudden slamming open of the door. 

"Rui!" Tsukasa frowns at him. "What do you think you're doing? You're going to hurt yourself if you run around like that!"

There's a bit of a manic look in Rui's eyes as he grins. He presents his hand proudly, but Tsukasa can't see the item clearly from this distance. "I finished it!" Rui pronounces proudly as he crosses the room. 

"Finished what?" Tsukasa has to lean back when that same hand is shoved in his face. 

"I'm thinking a spring wedding," Rui begins, "as the weather wouldn't put as much of a strain on guests and props—"

"Wedding?" Tsukasa repeats faintly, eyes trained on the circular object in Rui's hand. 

A very familiar circular object. 

"Tsukasa," Rui reaches out and grips his hands, "I would like to ask for your hand—"

"Yes!"

Oh Tsukasa can't decide between his happiness and fury right now! 

How dare Rui beat him to it! 

Still, Tsukasa doesn't let him go as Rui carefully places the ring in his finger. 

Chapter Text

Rui is not jealous. 

He tells himself this even as he watches the knife dig into the pumpkin. He tells himself this even as the insides are scooped out and the seeds are set aside. He tells himself this even as it comes to life with a grin toothy enough to match the one on his hat. 

The same hat shuffling with mocking laughter. 

"Stop sighing," Tsukasa frowns at him. Not one for filth, his hands have surely been sticky for the past few hours of carving. "Tell me your woes and we shall solve them together!"

Rui sends him a smile. It's nice of him to think he can help in the first place. Putting his hand on the table, he feels nothing as it goes through a carving knife. 

He has so many ideas for faces…

Tsukasa sends him a dry look in return."That only tells me that you are feeling even worse inside."

"You should curve the mouth more," Rui says airily. "You wouldn't want to scare the children too much now." 

"The only people who will be terrified are the ones who need to be." Tsukasa hunches over his pumpkin protectively. He does however, move back to the mouth. "And if you want the pumpkins to be friendlier, why don't you use your hat? It moves enough for everyone." 

Laughing and laughing is all the hat does. 

"Why?" It's baffling how anyone can stand to look at it for more than a few seconds. 

"It's the epitome of Halloween!" Tsukasa presents his pumpkin proudly. And after his comment, Rui can see how the grin is a perfect match. "It's only natural everyone should want to see it!"

"Have you really been displaying my hat this whole time?" Rui catch help the laughter bubbling up. And here he thought is was boring enough by not being able to help.

"You and it are the perfect muses. Chin up." Tsukasa demands. "You have the most important role tomorrow so don't go squandering it now, Rui!"

Rui raises a brow at him. He pauses, tips his hat and hides his authenticity behind the folds hanging from his brim. "As you say, Tsukasa-kun."

Ah well, there will be enough pumpkins to carve tomorrow with his tangibility. He's getting better at when to concede to Tsukasa's wonderfulness.