Bait

[red_branch]

Cu Chulainn wasn't a patrolman, nor did he ever aspire to be one. He was the guardian of his country in the sense that he would respond immediately to dire threats but he had never been the man to watch every village one by one and butt his head into every squabble he saw. Despite that, he had a keen eye for trouble and countless thoughts about what justice was supposed to be--so, he tended to intervene in problems when they presented themselves if only because of the fickle nature of what justice looked like to him.

Two farmers were arguing over a fairy mound, claiming ownership over a magic bow that sprung out of it. It had been hovering in the air, moving around on occasion from their perspective. Cu Chulainn, puzzled, wondered if the two men were fools--as there was clearly a man in white attire holding the damned thing. He stepped down from his horse to approach the two in the middle of their quarrel, watching the bowman, who was ignoring them as he read from a thin piece of paper held up in front of him. The two men didn't notice the bowman at all.

The bowman met eyes with Cu Chulainn, perplexed.

"You can see me?"

"Yeah. You can call me Cu Chulainn and... I'm curious. Never seen an archer carry that kind of bow, before."

Their exchange of words was brief, if not polite on Cu Chulainn's end. The farmers backed off immediately when they saw Cu Chulainn speaking to what they presumed was a demented ghost clutching the bow and ran when the bow lifted and fired, trying to take off Cu Chulainn's head from the neck. The young man let out a terse sigh, unstrapping his spear from his back after avoiding the volley before making a bit more effort to close the gap and stride towards him. The dark-haired archer was stunned that his shot hadn't landed and even more so when the following dozen bolts were parried and redirected just as easily. He jumped up and kicked the bowman square in the chest, dropping him to the ground before there had been a few popping sounds.

Strange. It didn't sound like the sound of bones breaking--he didn't think he kicked hard enough to do that. The bowman stumbled back, coughing and wheezing, his eyes bulging open as he buried his hand in his clothing to pull out a vial. The thing had broken in the center and little white tablets fell to the ground, dissolving. The shocked expression he wore spoke more about what happened than whatever he could pull out with his strange accent.

"I--I can't stay here!"

He threw a capsule to the ground, blinding light shining and catching Cu Chulainn off guard. He stepped back, vanishing into a tear in thin air, just as a few more of the tablets landed on the ground where he had been standing. Cu Chulainn rubbed under his eyes before stepping over to the remaining tablets, picking them up with a scowl.

"What a pain--fairy mounds are just troubling these days. Nothing good comes out of the damned things anymore--"

As if proving him right, a dozen or so howling voices rose up in the woods, the town, and the mountains all at once. Screaming farmers and milling people came shortly after, clearly bothered by the owners of those inhuman howls. His irritated scowl deepened and he ran off, away from the mound and towards the sound of trouble, "Speak of the devil... and he'll come crawling right away, huh?"

Comments

[goneonenight]

Thanks. [Putting her filthy uniform back on after a relaxing bath would have been miserable. But she'd figured a big castle like this would have clothes for guests somewhere.

She looks over at him, one eyebrow raised.]

I can't believe after everything that's happened today, that's what you focus on.

[But she's amused rather than irritated, unlike earlier when he'd first started flirting with her. Over the course of the day, they've been through enough for her to trust him, and she's just figures that he flirts with any pretty girl he sees. She can deal with that. She'd already turned down his marriage proposal, and she knows he's not the type to force himself on a woman, so she's not worried.]

But I'm a scout, so I do a lot of running, yeah. I'm one of the fastest people in all the squads.

[red_branch]

[She'd learn to regret giving Cu Chulainn the power of choice when it came to matching colors.

He snorted at her comment, shrugging his shoulders. He shifted the barrel aside and began pumping water from the well attached to the wall.]

I'm interested in finding love. When you're in that mindset, you tend to focus on things... Though, this time, it was just a little bit academic, too.

[Still, he could tell a mildly tame boast from simple modesty. Being a 'scout' wasn't even remotely disqualifying among warriors. It required stamina and strength. Plus, strong legs made for punches that could floor the toughest folks around. He knew firsthand what it was like to get a straight punch to the sternum from someone who just 'looked' a little fit. ]

You gotta learn from experience, so meeting new people and seeing how they do things can only make you smarter and more flexible, right?

[goneonenight]

Ah, so that's why you ask everyone to marry you. [It'd been clear from the villagers' reaction that marriage proposals were just par for the course with Cu Chulainn.] You might want to be a little less up front about it.

[Although if he keeps popping proposals after just a few minutes' acquaintance, it's no wonder he's still single. She grins.]

I mean, that's just my take as a new person who does things differently.

[She looks longingly at the steaming, fragrant water in the bath, but she still needs to use the bucket to wash before she gets in the water. It would never occur to her to get in a bath while still dirty. She'll jump in as soon as he's done pumping his water.]

[red_branch]

You wouldn't be the first to tell me that. [Yoruichi's perspective wasn't entirely abnormal, either. Cu Chulainn finished with the pump and moved the barrel aside, fixing a lid on it and giving it a tap to make sure it was tightly set before hoisting it up onto his shoulder. He nodded his head to Yoruichi with a smile, noting she looked very eager to get the sweat, dirt and blood off as quickly as possible. He'd learn to hurry the next time around. He stopped at the door, letting loose with a heavy sigh, even if he looked unperturbed by his own pending sense of mortality.]

I've had some luck with women who like me. Great warriors with power and wits who challenged me turned me down even after we spent cozy time together. I just have to keep gambling and hope I meet the right one before the end.

[Given Medb's challenge, he supposed things had gotten more complicated.]

But, given current events, I don't think I'll make it in time. This is probably the war that's fated to end me, so I'll have to settle by appreciating the good times I already had!

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi almost asks if he should be hauling that huge barrel around like that after his injuries, but she's taken aback by his words. They unexpectedly echo his grandfather's from earlier; neither of them seem to expect him to survive this battle.

But his grandfather thinks Yoruichi can change that.

Before she can say anything, Cu Chulainn is gone, cheerfully heading out for his own bath and presumably, to get her some more clothes.

Frowning in thought, Yoruichi finishes undressing and uses the bucket to thoroughly scrub the battle out of her skin and hair before slipping into the bath with a sigh. The water is still hot, and the steeping herbs relax her even further with direct contact. But it's still not enough to distract her from Cu Chulainn's matter of fact acceptance of his impending death.

She can't imagine being so cheerful about it--Yoruichi has plans and ambitions, outside of what her family expects of her. There's so much out there to see and do, she'd feel robbed by dying so young. But it's not like he's given up--she's sure he'd give his all in any fight. It's more like his dying so young is a given.

It doesn't sit well with her. They've only known each other a day, but it's been a hell of a day, and she already likes him more than she probably should. She doesn't know how she's supposed to fulfill his grandfather's prophecy, but she figures she'll give it a shot.

Belatedly, she realizes that she's sunk down to her chin and her eyes are starting to dropp. If the herbs are relaxing her that much, it's time to get out before she half drowns herself. With a groan, she pushes herself to her feet, hoping she gets the chance to try the bath again before she leaves.

Her uniform is filthy, but thankfully there are large towels tucked onto a shelf. She briskly dries herself, then wraps one around herself. Rather than wander the castle, she decides to sit back at the edge of the bath, letting her feet and calves dangle in the soothing water.

At least if she does fall asleep this way, she's in no danger of drowning.]

[red_branch]

[The trip was quick enough. Cu Chulainn scrubbed himself a basin beside his room with cold water and dumped it out the window before dressing himself lightly. He only bothered putting on threaded slacks and leggings, finding Yoruichi a bright orange and green robe with leggings and a purple sash. It was an absolute nightmare to look on, though he thought nothing but the highest praise for his sense of color coordination. One of the maids in the hall watched him with a bleak expression before drying out the remaining water he left on the floor, shooing him when complained said he'd do it himself and she didn't need to.

He tied his hair up again and laid out the clothes for Yoruichi on a stone bench before he got to work. Walking through the courtyard, he reset dozens of seals while he walked over patches of dirt, grass, and cobblestones where walkways had been torn apart earlier in the evening. It was unnervingly quiet when he finished his work.

He hated those moments. When he was left alone with his thoughts, he remembered every little beat vividly. He hadn't thought much about Yoruichi's silence earlier until that moment. He remembered his grandfather's pained expression. Even Ferdia seemed morose. Cu Chulainn kicked the dirt at his feet, knowing it would have been easier if he were as stupid as everyone else thought he was. It wasn't as if he hadn't noticed that all--no one was more aware of his vow than he was.

The raven had been perched along the outer wall, silhouetted by the full moon. Speaking to it, Cu Chulainn's voice came out soft and pleading, even if he still felt himself smiling.]

I know I'm still not accomplished. When that time comes, when they say my name, they'll sing and dance because I showed them what a real hero can be. Maybe then-- [He watched the raven flap its wings and rise up, coasting out of sight behind the castle walls.]

Well, maybe you'll visit my grave.

[When Cu Chulainn saw the raven disappeared, he barked out laughter that had heads poking out of their windows to watch him. Who was he kidding? That old man wouldn't so much as look at him for nearly two decades. There was no reason to start now. When he gathered up the clothing again, Setanta headed back in the direction of the bathhouse. He thought about maybe asking for face paint but then reasoned it would look meaningless if he ended up muddy by the end, anyway. In a minor skirmish, maybe.

He thought about the look he caught on Yoruichi's face before he left, stopping at the door to hang the clothes he got her on a bench by the door leading into the bath-house. In a short time, he felt more gratitude for her than he'd felt for most people he'd met in his lifetime. Without asking for a thing other than politeness and respect, she committed to complete strangers her concern and protection. He imagined, had she wanted to, she could have become a hero without effort.

It made him feel the slightest twist in his stomach that he promised to return her home as soon as possible. Still, he knew better. Nothing good could ever last. That lesson set itself in him without fail.]

Hey-- [He tapped his knuckles on a wooden portion of the door frame, speaking up.] I've got your clothes if you're all finished. You haven't fallen asleep, right?

[goneonenight]

[Lost in thought, Yoruichi jumps a little at the knock. These herbs are potent and she can't decide whether she should avoid them altogether or ask for some seeds to bring home.]

No, but it was close. [There's a laugh in her voice as she answers.] Hang on.

[Standing up, she pads over to the door. She doesn't think anything of opening it; the towel is huge, and it covers more than her uniform does. Cu Chulainn is also bathed and changed. Something about his expression strikes her as faintly melancholy, and she wonders if something happened while he was gone.]

I'll probably go straight to sleep after this, to be honest. It's been a long day.

[She doesn't notice the clothes at first, but she's in for a shock when she does.]

[red_branch]

Oh? Well, you certainly look ready for it. Glad my home-keeping skills haven't dulled since the Isle. Ah, anyway, this is it--

[It wasn't that Scathach didn't like them doing chores--she just rarely gave them a chance to do it. A near-constant barrage of arrows and spears, whenever she wasn't directly teaching them, left most of the halls full of dust from shattered stones and the baths were always leaking since she never gave them a moment to bathe without coming at them at full force.

Even if he would have loved to have sat down and joined Yoruichi, Cu Chulainn was certain it wouldn't put him at ease. He liked to think that paranoia would help him in the next few days.

Cu Chulainn tapped a finger on the bench he laid out the clothes on. His eyes followed Yoruichi's and, for a moment, he read silence in the room. He wasn't even sure what to make of the look on her face when she glanced down at what he had set out for her.]

...Somethin' the matter? It doesn't look dirty, does it?

[goneonenight]

...uh, no.

[Is he serious? The last time she'd seen colors that clashed like that--ah, right. It was earlier today when Cu Chulainn came down to dinner.

She gives him a look of mingled amusement and disbelief.]

I said I like bright colors, but I didn't mean all at once.

[As it happens, she likes the green, the orange and the purple...she would just never ever put them all together. First thing in the morning, she'll ask Daire to give her something a little less garish because clearly his taste can't be trusted.

But she's tired, and there's really no harm in wearing it to sleep. With one hand keeping her towel secure, she reaches for the clothes with the other.]

Just hand them to me? I'll wear them for tonight.

[red_branch]

[Cu Chulainn realized a little too late that Yoruichi might have had objections. Not entirely oblivious to his family's ability to notice he had bad taste, he ended up getting the slightest inclination that Yoruichi seemed to like it a little if only because she didn't immediately recoil--

Oh. Nevermind. He deflated the moment he perceived it as her stabbing him in the back, though she was unerring in being polite enough to accept them, so he told himself to take what he could get and decided to not look as heartbroken anymore.

Not that he'd given up. Maybe he'd do better with the morning outfit.]

Mmm. Here-- [Cu Chulainn folded them over his arm and reached up for Yoruichi take it, careful not to wrinkle it. Maybe a little vanity snuck in his expression there, as he reassured himself that it looked great and maybe Yoruichi didn't see the bright, near fluorescent colors in the shadow of the doorway. It was a shame she somehow managed to show any amount of being impressed.

All that aside, he watched Yoruichi again with a little smile, almost excited to show off every good manner he'd ever been taught all at once.]

Need anything else? [He was sounding a whole lot like someone not even remotely ready to go to sleep, yet. The freezing cold bath didn't exactly help.]

[goneonenight]

[Too late she realizes that she's hurt Cu Chulainn's feelings. He must have really been proud of the clothes he picked out, but even though she hadn't meant to offend him, she can't quite bring herself to lie and say she likes them.

She takes the clothes, holding them to her chest.]

Just...let me get dressed and you can show me where I'm sleeping.

[She closes the door in his face and pulls on the clothes, shaking her head once more. It occurs to her that it's almost a relief to be worried about something so mundane as fashion rather than the battle they're sure to wake up to tomorrow.

Still doesn't mean she's wearing this out and around, though.

Yoruichi ties the sash over her robes, grabs her dirty clothes and opens the door to Cu Chulainn once more.]

Ready.

[red_branch]

Oh? [Yoruichi's quick response left him briefly stunned. Cu Chulainn crossed his arms when the door crossed then sat down on a bench in the hall. He had leaned his sword against his knees, tightening one of the screws in it with a stone he found in the hall. Cathbad met his eyes, passing through one of the other hallways. His grandfather gave him a stony look before continuing on, leaving Setanta with a fairly dumbfounded expression when Yoruichi finally stepped out.

He looked back to her, grinning. As mopey as he'd gotten before, it was just as quick for him to turn around and get right back to looking dopey, instead.]

Hey, lookin' sharp. Those tones work really well with your eyes!

[He said it with peerless earnestness. Standing back up, Cu Chulainn waved on Yoruichi to follow him as he began striding towards his room. It wasn't very far but the air would feel thinner in the hall leading into it. While Cu Chulainn wouldn't notice the difference, he tended to forget the impression he left on people and even the things around him. The hallway leading his room and his room itself were filled with a warm and friendly presence. It radiated the impression of a welcoming home.]

Shame it's only a sleeping robe, though... [And, just like a puppy, his attention was already elsewhere.] Anyway, c'mon--you'll be sleeping in my room. I'm almost never in there, so you don't gotta worry about there being a mess.

[goneonenight]

[True to form, he's excited to see her in the clashing colors, and even if she can't help but huffing a soft laugh at his delight, Yoruichi once again resolves to find something better for the morning. She generally doesn't care what other people think about her--but just on general principle, she's not walking around outside looking like she's escaped from a play.

Despite his longer legs, she easily keeps up with him as they wind their way through the halls. As they cross through one junction, however, the feel of the place changes. The air is lighter, and it feels more welcoming, as though a warm-hearted presence has permeated into the very wood and stone of the castle hall. She's already relaxed from her bath, but her being here helps lift her spirits somewhat. A smile hovers on her lips as looks over at him.

I'm not really worried about a mess, but I feel bad taking your room. Where do you normally sleep, then?

[red_branch]

[Cu Chulainn puffed his chest out, proud that he could earn that kind of reaction. Yoruichi didn't seem impossible to please but she did seem tough to impress. If he could find something she liked that didn't have her recoiling, he'd definitely put his back into it.

He was doubly proud of his response to her question even though the implications were nightmarish and completely betrayed the welcoming atmosphere of his wing of the building.]

Like I said, it's no problem! I don't sleep here since it's too comfortable.

My last teacher used to attack us at night to keep us on our toes. So, I trained myself to sleep in a ready position in case of attacks. As a result, I've only been able to sleep in the barracks since it's open and flat. I know exactly where the exits and dead-points are in there.

[He wore that stressful conditioning like a badge of honor.]

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi blinks. She's had her share of harsh training, but it's never been so bad she can't sleep in her own bedroom. Personally, she can't sleep in open areas if she's not familiar with them, just because there are too many places from which to attack.]

I don't know, being constantly sleep deprived seems like a good way to slice your own foot off. [Her voice is dry, and her expression makes it clear what she thinks of that training method.] Does your teacher sleep in a bedroom, or do they just crouch on the roof all night?

[Whoever his teacher is, they sound fairly insane. So the real answer might even be worse.]

[red_branch]

Maddening, yes. But the lessons were worth it. [As naive as he tended to be, Cu Chulainn was realistic when it came to the absolutely insane past few years he'd lived through. His odd behaviors and slight changes in character were viewed as interesting quirks by his friends and family, fortunately.

He gave pause, fixing a curious look on Yoruichi as he idly began fluffing a few pillows. Through disuse alone, they had gotten a little flat.]

Though, come to think of it, I don't think she sleeps... Which does make sense. I don't think wraiths need to sleep.

[goneonenight]

Well, I guess that explains it.

[If she doesn't need to sleep, no wonder his teacher was so unconcerned about him getting any. She looks bemused as he starts messing with the pillows. The bed is raised off of the floor, rather than a futon like she's used to. But it's kind of cute to see him fussing over the bedding like an old family servant.]

Hey-- [A laugh spills out as she crosses the room, placing a hand on his arm.] You don't have to do all that, it's fine.

[Her head tilts back to meet his eyes, her laughter fading to an easy grin. This close to him and away from the chaos of battle or the shock of arrival she's reminded how handsome he is. His red eyes should be unnerving, but they don't bother her at all.

She lets out a quiet breath. Getting back home is supposed to be her priority. Letting someone here catch her eye--especially the guy who'd already asked her to marry him--is the last thing she needs.]

[red_branch]

Oh. Sorry, it just seemed like it ought to be done. [Cu Chulainn, curiously, looked back at Yoruichi. He hadn't ceased noticing she was beautiful from the moment they met but the newer nuances of how she behaved were continuing to surprise him. Cathbad referred to her as a 'princess', so he was left wondering if she was giving him any special at all. Hopefully not.

He liked her smile. A lot. It was relaxing and left him without anymore worries about busily cleaning the room.

Finally, he noticed the quiet solitude of his room the moment Yoruichi touched his arm and, while his eyes livened just the tiniest bit, he asked her rather politely:]

...Would you like me to stay here with you?

[goneonenight]

[His question is so polite, coming on the tail end of that easy camaraderie, that it actually takes her a moment to catch on to his meaning. He'd pretty much let the matter drop after she'd rejected his proposal, but apparently it's not been far from his mind.]

Wha--no!

[She drops her hand from his arm and steps back, putting her hands on her hips.]

Is that why you gave me your room?

[Yoruichi sounds annoyed, but there's also a thread of disappointment in her voice. She likes Cu Chulainn, and doesn't want to think he'd have that kind of ulterior motive.]

[red_branch]

[He didn't look bothered with Yoruichi pulled back but he did look confused. Cu Chulainn reached up to scratch at his chin, wondering on it. To him, marriage proposals and everyday propositions were not equal.]

No, that's not why. [Something in her expression looked hurt, though Cu Chulainn didn't exactly understand what it was.]

I gave you my room because it's well-furnished and clean.

[He continued on as if he'd chosen the wrong flavor drink rather than a rather brutal faux pas. Unfortunately, having tough skin made him numb to notice things like that.]

I just thought you might be interested. Was I misinterpreting?

[goneonenight]

[Yoruichi stares at him a moment, her confusion a mirror of his. Is this just how they do things here? His uncle did hit on her right after she'd almost killed him, so maybe they're just more casual about sex here. Yoruichi isn't a complete innocent--she obviously knows what sex is, and has experimented some. But due to her position, people just aren't that forward with her, especially after they've first met.

But Cu Chulainn is just so matter of fact, it throws her off.]

W-well, it's not that I don't--[She breaks off, then sighs. Maybe he'll understand if she explains it.]

At home, if someone asks you like that, it means they don't respect you. That they think you'll just open your legs for anybody.

[red_branch]

[The color drained from his face all at once. It wasn't just a faux pas. It was the mother of them. Cu Chulainn lost his composure and his casual demeanor collapsed with him realizing just how deep that misinterpretation landed him and he was getting the impression that Yoruichi's initial reaction could have been the most gentle version of a rejection she could muster while feeling insulted.]

That's definitely not where I was coming from!

[He considered looking for a way to apologize but not before asking--]

Have I been insulting you this whole time?

[goneonenight]

[If he'd been anyone else, or if they'd been through any less of a harrowing day, she probably would have punched him. But they'd bonded enough today that she can give him the benefit of the doubt, despite their short acquaintance.

His utter horror at her words is far too genuine to be faked, and she's glad her judgment of him hadn't been so far off. Her earlier annoyance fades, and she lets out a sigh of relief.]

The proposal was weird right after we met, but the flirting was fine. I mean, I do like you, it's just--a little soon for all that, you know?

[red_branch]

Er, well... [Unerringly honest when put to the set, Cu Chulainn shook his head. Yoruichi's own honest put bluntly to him left him frowning gravely and thinking on the day. He didn't quite regret asking her initially but he could see then that prying was wearing her thin.]

My ignorance isn't exactly an excuse. I'm still eager to ask you again but I wouldn't want to tarnish your reputation. I wasn't aware it could be taken like that.

[Extreme honesty, on the other hand...

Cu Chulainn looked downright determined, swinging up from his previous look of remorse.]

Still, I'm determined to propose to you again with the right footing and the kind of respect you demand. I have this impression that you're someone I'll only ever meet once in a lifetime!

[goneonenight]

I'm too young to get married. I'm not even a hundred yet. [Barely out of the academy, marriage is a far concept, one she's content not to worry about for the next few centuries.] Besides, you're supposed to help me go home, remember?

[She can't stay here, and she can't bring a human back to Seireitei. Anything between them will have to be temporary at best.

Yoruichi gives him a searching look, then closes her eyes on a long sigh. She doesn't want to encourage him so much that she's constantly fending him off, but she's not going to lie to him either.]

But I guess if you want to ask me again, you'll have to survive the battle tomorrow.

[He'd sounded entirely too ready for the fight to be his last. It's a long shot, but maybe having a goal past the battle will make him face it more carefully.]