towerofanimus | The Love Spot Has Been Activated!

Entry tags:

The Love Spot Has Been Activated!

Characters: Tohko Amano and you for the first two prompts, the third is closed to Tohko and Diarmuid.
Setting: Floor fifteen, the cafeteria, and then dorm room 04-16. Occurs on the twelfth.
Format: I'm starting in prose, but I'll match you!
Summary: After getting mercy murdered, Tohko tries to calm down and deal with some feelings..while also dealing with being affected by Diarmuid's love spot.
Warnings: Will be updated as things pop up.

As Tohko entered the fifteenth floor, she sighed to herself as she thought about what had happened the past few days. Ganon had cursed her, Lancer had killed her to get her feet back to normal..and..somehow, she had fallen in love with Diarmuid.

She knew about Diarmuid's curse. After all, she was a book girl, and while the love spot was in a different spot than she was expecting it, it was there nonetheless. So, any feelings of love she might have could be fake. Plus..she had liked Enoch awhile back. It was weird to start thinking about another guy so suddenly after being rejected by the first, wasn't it?

..But, maybe it wasn't. And, even if it was, Tohko's whole life could be called strange, sot that probably didn't matter. All that mattered was how Diarmuid would take it, and if she could even tell him at all. After all, having a curse like that hurt him, and it would be hard for him to accept anyone else into his heart while knowing about that curse.

Perhaps..she would give him one small test to see if it would be safe to tell him. After all, one couldn't ask someone to love them without that person knowing what they were loving.

Such is what Tohko thought about as she started hammering two boxes together. Feel free to bother her as she works and break her out of that train of thought!

After she finished hammering together the two boxes, Tohko carried them down to the cafeteria and smiled to herself as she put napkins on the bottom of each one and filled them with chocolates. This was where she and Diarmuid had their cooking lesson, and where she had fallen in love with him. Or maybe it was when he saved her from the mermaids. It was a string of small things that made her love him.

Or so she thought. Sadly, she was just affected by Diarmuid's curse, but she had no way of knowing that. Feel free to bother her as she fills up her boxes.

After loading up the two boxes and putting a note in one, Tohko headed off for dorm room 4-16. Politely, she knocked on the door.

"Diarmuid? Lancer? Are either of you in?"

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[Diarmuid laughs at her description. Even though he thought it weird at first, he's starting to enjoy her odd way of describing these things.

Still, a holiday devoted to love? Perhaps it will be an extra good thing he is spending so much time alone. The last thing he needs it to tempt fate to pick now to have his curse activate.]

Sometime, I really should just have you give me a run down of all the main holidays of the year so I'm not so clueless all the time. Thank you for being so patient with me.

[He blushes a little bit.]

I wouldn't expect those cakes anytime soon anyway. I looked at the cook books you gave me after I talked to Mami and there were a few baking things in them. They look somehow more...complex than the other stuff was. Less forgiving. I think Mami will be helping me make quite a few failures before we get something that is actually good enough to eat.

[Sadly for Diarmuid, his curse had already activated. Thankfully, he hadn't been in a crowd when it did. That would have caused chaos.

Not that Tohko knew this. However, while she didn't laugh, her smile did grow a little when Diarmuid blushed and spoke of his baking plights.]

Oh, it's no trouble at all, really! A friend of mine doesn't really know much about modern holidays either, so I don't mind explaining them to people I know. If you want, I could always make a calendar for you with all the important holidays on them.

[And then, since she couldn't reach his head, she patted his shoulder instead.]

And I wouldn't worry about the cakes, if I were you. It looks really complex, but after you start working with it, you'll see that it's not that hard. I made a few back in October. And I'm sure Mami will help out a lot! She seemed to be the type to know how to make a great cake.

[Yes, Diarmuid, Tohko had met Mami too.]

However, if you can't get a cake too me, a really sweet story or poem will do just as well!

[Or even better, actually, since Tohko could actually eat stories. Cakes, not so much. They just tasted like sand.]

[Diarmuid gives he a gentle look at the pat.]

You are far too kind to me. I thank you.

[Honestly, he is really glad to have her as a friend. There is something so sturdy about her, so calming. With everything else going on in his mind right now, it's nice to have someone like that to talk to.]

But don't worry about the calendar. It won't mean that much to me. I care little for a date or name is assigned a day. It is just a day. Just try not to get annoyed when I ask questions.

[At that, Tohko sighed a little.]

I don't see why or how I could get annoyed just by a simple question like that..but Valentines Day, Christmas, Halloween..they're more than just days, you know. They all have wonderful, delicious stories attached to them, even if some of them are bitter, salty, or heartbreakingly bittersweet.

[Tohko was a book girl who loved stories, no matter where they came from. As such, history was seen as the story of the world and gobbled up accordingly.]

Oh, I don't doubt that they do, it's just that they aren't the stories or holidays I know. I suppose it's just that they won't mean the same thing to me, like Samhain, Yule, or Beltaine would not mean the same to you.

[He pauses and then rubs at the back of his head.]

Well, maybe they would to you since you are much more knowledgeable and caring when it comes to these things, but others would not see them the same.

[Diarmuid pauses and then motions toward his bed.]

Are you staying a while? If so, would you like to sit while we talk? I'm afraid these rooms don't give a whole lot in the way of seating options unless you want to sit on the floor.

Oh, thank you. That's kind of you. I wasn't planning on staying long, but I like talking with you.

[Tohko nodded and carefully sat down at the end of his bed before speaking again.]

As for knowing about these things..I know about them because I'm the book girl. Since I read quite a few stories, I pick up pieces of knowledge here and there from them. However, I do know what Samhain, Yule, and Beltaine are. While there's no modern equivalent for Beltaine, I can say that Halloween and Christmas are the current modern versions of Samhain and Yule.

Versions of, yes, but very very different. They way you described Christmas to be sounds nothing like Yule.

[Diarmuid shifts his sketchbook more thoroughly onto the nightstand and then sits on the edge of the bed himself.]

I enjoy talking with you as well. You...are so calming to talk to. It's somehow different talking to you than others. I have always felt like I can be more honest with you for some reason. I thank you for that.

Well, that's true..they are rather different. However, it's not hard to remember the different versions and where they came from. At least..for me.

[That last comment surprised Tohko, but it did make her smile. She had never heard that before, but it wasn't like she hated hearing that.]

Oh..you don't have to thank me. I'm not exactly sure how talking to me is a bit more calming, but I'm glad that I can help you out.

[..Maybe she should be a bit more honest in return? It would be a good step..as well as putting through her small test.]

..However, if you feel that you can be more honest with me, then I should probably be honest with you.

[Tohko sighed.]

..Diarmuid, I can't taste normal food. Cakes, fruit parfaits, soups..none of it. The only thing that actually has a taste for me are stories. Those are what I eat.

But you said...

[He pauses turning the information over in his mind. It makes sense, actually, with how she describes stories, and it's not like it's the weirdest thing he's heard since arriving at the tower.

When Diarmuid speaks, his voice is soft.]

You have been hiding this for so long. Scared of what others will think. Thank you for trusting me with your secret.

[He reaches out and gently touches cups her cheek with his hand.]

I will tell no one and I think no differently of you for it.

[Tohko paused for a moment at that reaction before giving a genuine smile of hers. It looks..a little sad, but it is joyful. She couldn't help but lean into that hand a little bit.

Finally, someone else understood everything. Sure, Enoch understood..but his societal element-where she would be called a 'sinner'-was still strong enough that he had yelled at her and killed her when his free will was taken away.

Tohko wasn't sure if Diarmuid would do the same thing..but it was still something that she appreciated, more than could be put into words.]

Thank you..that really does mean a lot to me. Thank you..and I'm sorry that I lied to you. I..wasn't sure what your reaction would be, so I hid it, like I usually do. I'm sorry.

Shhh...

[His voice is calming. The last thing he wants is for her to be worried about him being upset with her.]

It is all right. I don't care much for lying, but I understand why you did it. It must be incredibly frightening to have such a secret. To know you are so different from everyone else. If there is anything I can do to ease your worries, please tell me. I will do everything I can to help.

[Tohko sighed to herself, but her smile didn't dissipate.]

..To be honest, I'm not sure what you can do. I don't think there's any way of changing my taste buds. Unless, of course, you wanted to cook for me.

[That was meant more as a joke.]

However..just understanding and accepting it is more than enough. Thank you. Not many people understand it so quickly.

[Diarmuid rubs at the back of his head and laughs a little nervously.]

Well, if by cooking you mean writing stuff for you to...eat, I do write a little, but I doubt it's anything that would be good enough to be a...meal.

[He keeps pausing because of just how weird it is to talk about writing this way.]

I may have had a harder time if I hadn't been brought here, but I've seen so many weird things now, why should I hold it against you? It doesn't change who you are at all.

[It may have been a little weird to talk about writing like this, but for Tohko, it was perfectly normal. After all, what she had told Diarmuid had only been a half-lie. There were quite a few ways cooking was similar to writing, and the comparison worked even more so with her..because to her, writing was cooking. Stories were food.]

Well, I'm not going to force you to cook for me..but other than that, I can't think of any way you can help, as there's no way to alter my condition.

And I'm glad you think that. There are probably a few people who wouldn't agree..but I am glad that you realize that. Thank you.

Those people are fools then!

[There is more venom than he planned for in those words, and Diarmuid pauses to get himself back under control.]

A true friend would accept you for all that you are, not deny you for one part of it. If they cannot accept all of you, then you are better off without them.

[Diarmuid reaches over to the nightstand and pulls his sketchbook into his lap.]

It wouldn't be forcing me or anything. I do it off and on anyway. It's just that I don't think they would be good enough to be much good to you. They are just short things written when the mood strikes me.

[Tohko was a little..surprised at that reaction, and she had to force herself not to jump. However, she sighed at it.]

..I don't deny that seeing me like a goblin or a monster would be foolish, but I'm not sure if I would be better off without them. After all, people's ideas can change, and as long as they don't hurt me or tell anyone else about it, then I'll be fine.

[..A good friend of hers back home thought she was a goblin, and while she didn't like that opinion, she didn't hate the person. However, Tohko smiled when she saw Diarmuid's sketchbook.]

Actually, that would be fine! Even things written in just five minutes can taste like a roast beef sandwich or a sweet eclair.

I understand that you don't want to dislike them for that and if you really think they might change, they should be given that chance, but how can you trust someone who truly thinks you are such a thing? How do you know they won't eventually betray or hurt you?

[His expression softens.]

I just don't want to see you hurt. That's all.

[His hands tighten around the sketchbook and a slight blush colors his cheeks.]

Really? What is it that gives them their taste then? How is it decided?

[At that, Tohko's smile grew a little bit, and she patted him on the shoulder.

If you ever shrink, Diarmuid, you are getting your head patted.]

Well, I would have to know the person well enough to make that decision..but I only know one person back home who does call me a 'goblin', and he's been stuck with me for quite awhile, so I know his personality pretty well. He's a bit rude, but he's not the sort of person who would blab or really try to hurt others.

Thank you though..I'm glad that you care that much. If there's anything I can do to help out in return, let me know, alright?

[Tohko then thought for a moment as she tried to explain how stories got their tastes.]

Well, it depends upon the content of the story. I can see and picture foods normally, so I end up comparing books to them to make it easier. Salty stories tend to be a bit sad, uplifting or joy-filled tales can sometimes be sweet, and if you combine the two, you get a bittersweet story. Does that make any sense?

Yes, I suppose you are the only one who can make the choice about who is deserving. I just hope you are not hurt as a result.

[He reaches out and squeezes her shoulder.]

You do so much for me as it is. I would hate to ask anymore of you.

[Diarmuid pauses a moment, almost as if he wants to say something more and then switches topics.]

That does make sense and it helps explain some of the things you said before. I am glad you can do that, at least. It would be terrible if you couldn't taste things at all.

[Tohko smiled at the shoulder squeeze and the kind words.]

Oh, don't worry! I don't think I'll be hurt that badly..besides, there's only one person I know who does call me a goblin.

..And I don't think I do that much for you. You don't have to worry about asking too much of me. I'm always happy to help out.

[As long as you don't ask her to kill anyone.

..Tohko gave Diarmuid a puzzled look at the pause, but she shook it off before replying.

What was he avoiding?]

So am I! It would be pretty terrible if I couldn't taste anything..but I suppose that's better than some other things. At least I wouldn't be an Oba Yozo, even if I couldn't taste anything.

What is a Oba Yozo?

[He pauses after asking, again seeming to turn something over in his mind. Finally, he speaks again.]

Would you mind keeping a secret if I told you one? It's about something that happened recently. I've been turning it over and over in my head and I really just need to get it out. Only, I'm afraid of how people will react if I tell them.

He's the main character from No Longer Human. He's a man that cannot feel much of anything and has trouble empathizing with people. Due to this, he feels great shame and tries to commit suicide with other people on two occasions.

[Tohko sighed.]

He's..quite a sad character.

[At Diarmuid's question, she nodded.]

Diarmuid, I'm always happy to listen. Don't worry, I'm good at keeping secrets. What's been troubling you?

He is. And no, I don't think you could ever be like him.

[Diarmuid looks away, his face paling slightly.]

I should not bother you with this, but...

...I have been doing a lot of thinking lately and my wife has been on my mind a lot. I miss her. I miss our children and yet...

[He looks up at her, tears wetting the corners of eyes that suddenly have a terrified emptiness in them.]

The horrible things I have done lately aside, what right do I have to miss them? They aren't mine! I'm not him! I am just a copy. A magical...thing...with a stolen face.

No..I don't think I could..but I know someone who is.

[Tohko watched as Diarmuid spoke, and listened patiently..but when he began to cry, she sighed to herself, looked at Diarmuid..and gave him a heart-warming smile. The best one she could put on.]

Diarmuid, you're not a 'thing' with a stolen face. I admit, there may be some differences between you and the Diarmuid who lived long ago, like your appearance, abilities, and the like..but that doesn't mean that you can't miss them.

Even if there have been changes done to you, due to what you are now, they are still yours. You had a wife and children in the past, and I'm sure they were wonderful to have and be around. You may be a bit different than you were then..but that doesn't mean that those things didn't happen to you, that you weren't important parts of those people's lives.

You have every right to miss them. You have every right to see them again. You remember your experiences with them like they were yesterday, and you still love them. Therefore..I see nothing wrong with you wanting to see them again. It's terrible that you've lost them though..really, it is. But..that doesn't mean they weren't yours at one point in time. That doesn't mean you can't remember them, love them, or miss them.

Does that..make any sense?

No, no. You don't understand!

[There is a desperate weariness in his voice like he wants to believe her, but at the same time knows he cannot.]

I am only a copy. Nothing more. I was created so that the original soul of Diarmuid Ua Duibhne recorded on the Throne of Heroes would not be tainted by what happened in the war. Even before I was born, I was destined to be erased. What right does a temporary--a flawed--copy have to the things that belong to the original? None! None at all!

[Diarmuid closes his eyes, trying to hold back his tears. He remembers all to vividly the night his master--in anger and frustration caused by his inability to do magic or even move after his injury--had told those things to him. Diarmuid had wanted to deny the words. Had actually argued with him, but slowly what his master had told him began to align with information buried deep in his mind from the grail.

How can one argue against something when it comes from two unquestionable sources?]

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Not quite the secret you were expecting... We're working toward it!

One mental scar at a time!

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