[How does it work? For eighteen years, Atsushi didn't know why he was treated like a monster. And now, he doesn't always understand why he's treated as less than a monster. It would be easier to be vague with Rei, but this is her dear friend's homelife at stake. If it was Kyouka, Atsushi knows he would be wanting a truthful answer. Even if that was an ugly truth.]
I turn into a tiger under the full moon... But I've got help handling it now. I don't plan to be in the house.
[That's the hardest part. With that out, he adds with a less strained voice;] My power allows me to negate my injuries. And I can change my limbs into those of a tiger. I'm a "melee fighter?"
[Rei waits, quietly, patiently and responds in a gentle voice. She can tell that took something out of him, and while she was fine with making him squirm a little (as she was with all men) she didn't want to hurt him.]
If you need help, then perhaps I can. I'm a Shinto priestess, and I'm familiar with magic to bind and suppress these kinds of things. If you need the help, please don't hesitate to ask.
Suppressing... Can you really? Fukuzawa-san-- Ah, I mean! My boss, back home, his Ability usually keeps mine suppressed, but he's not here so..!
[What this flustered boy is trying to say is that he knows it's possible. And he'd like it under control again.]
I'm sorry. I know it must be strange to have someone like me living with Usagi-san... To be honest, I was being impulsive. It's just that it's such a big house and she was all alone. I didn't stop to consider if I was the best option to keep her company...
I might be able to. If it would be something that you feel would be helpful then I can try.
[That, at least, is a point in his favor. Hearing the way he'd like to control this is a big positive.]
Who she brings into her house is entirely her decision. If she likes you well enough, and trusts you, then that's between the two of you. I just had to check first, see if you were someone that might cause problems, and you don't seem like it.
I would. I don’t want to be a risk to anyone. The people here have enough to deal with without a tiger added to the mix.
[He feels so guilty. Adding to the list of threats is something that weighs heavily on him, even when the moon isn’t full.]
Uh... But thank you. I’m glad to know she had you. I was really worried when I found out that she lived by herself. Someone as kind as her being alone didn’t seem fair. I’m really glad to know you’ve been here this whole time.
Yes. I've been here for over a year, collectively. I went home for a time, then returned. I had a very solid base, and I've done my best to ward Usagi's home.
But the idea of sharing space with her is something I'd have struggled with. I'm...well, you'll learn quickly enough that I am a private person. It's better for her to have other housemates than me.
[She did. Atsushi is troubled by the reminder, actually.
Growing up himself, suffering didn't have a scale from least to worst: It was all alone, and without anyone to acknowledge it, it was all 'suffering.' He wonders if having friends is what gives Rei a scale.]
Even if there's been worse, any suffering is still suffering. I know we've just met, but I hope I can help Usagi-san and yourself while we're here. She has a lot to deal with already.
And I don't really understand it. Not fully, anyway. I guess that just proves how massive of a burden it is for her to carry... But if I can help in a little way, even if it's just by keeping her company, then I'd like to try?
[Atsushi had gotten the implication from Usagi that there were others like her, but not that they were in Deerington. He looks surprised for only a moment, but manages to focus.]
Are you also a reincarnation, then? That sounds so stressful. I can't imagine it.
[... That she’s responsible and maintains peace, is what he’s getting so far. Atsushi does find her powers curious, since they’re not what he would have guessed.]
Well, I didn’t know you two in your past lives, but if I can help in this one, then please let me know. I looked forward to getting to know you, Hino-san.
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I turn into a tiger under the full moon... But I've got help handling it now. I don't plan to be in the house.
[That's the hardest part. With that out, he adds with a less strained voice;] My power allows me to negate my injuries. And I can change my limbs into those of a tiger. I'm a "melee fighter?"
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If you need help, then perhaps I can. I'm a Shinto priestess, and I'm familiar with magic to bind and suppress these kinds of things. If you need the help, please don't hesitate to ask.
[There! She's being nice.]
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[What this flustered boy is trying to say is that he knows it's possible. And he'd like it under control again.]
I'm sorry. I know it must be strange to have someone like me living with Usagi-san... To be honest, I was being impulsive. It's just that it's such a big house and she was all alone. I didn't stop to consider if I was the best option to keep her company...
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[That, at least, is a point in his favor. Hearing the way he'd like to control this is a big positive.]
Who she brings into her house is entirely her decision. If she likes you well enough, and trusts you, then that's between the two of you. I just had to check first, see if you were someone that might cause problems, and you don't seem like it.
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[He feels so guilty. Adding to the list of threats is something that weighs heavily on him, even when the moon isn’t full.]
Uh... But thank you. I’m glad to know she had you. I was really worried when I found out that she lived by herself. Someone as kind as her being alone didn’t seem fair. I’m really glad to know you’ve been here this whole time.
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But the idea of sharing space with her is something I'd have struggled with. I'm...well, you'll learn quickly enough that I am a private person. It's better for her to have other housemates than me.
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And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything... I understand not being able to live together. Privacy is important too.
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[Which, you know, is probably something Usagi will have at least hinted at.]
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Growing up himself, suffering didn't have a scale from least to worst: It was all alone, and without anyone to acknowledge it, it was all 'suffering.' He wonders if having friends is what gives Rei a scale.]
Even if there's been worse, any suffering is still suffering. I know we've just met, but I hope I can help Usagi-san and yourself while we're here. She has a lot to deal with already.
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[Leaving that vague, just in case.]
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And I don't really understand it. Not fully, anyway. I guess that just proves how massive of a burden it is for her to carry... But if I can help in a little way, even if it's just by keeping her company, then I'd like to try?
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And...I suppose you should know, I'm like her. And I'm one of the royal guard.
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Are you also a reincarnation, then? That sounds so stressful. I can't imagine it.
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[Which should tell him something about her personality.]
...And it can be. Mostly because she's a bit of a handful, ha.
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Well, I didn’t know you two in your past lives, but if I can help in this one, then please let me know. I looked forward to getting to know you, Hino-san.
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[That went better than expected.
Hino? Out!]