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]

...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.]

[red_branch]

'Not even a hundred'... [Cu Chulainn tilted his head, visibly counting on his fingers for a moment. She looked his age, so he considered the math. It took a few moments for him to conclude that he'd need a couple more lifetimes to catch up.

He deflated, sighing. Even that was a stretch of his imagination. After all, he couldn't be so foolish as to talk about the future with a star hanging over him at all times.]

Either way, my promise still stands. I figured I'd just have to find my own way to find you later on if you accepted.

[That wasn't going to change anytime soon. Cu Chulainn tapped his fingers on his chin, nodding when Yoruichi leaned into trying to placate him temporarily.]

So... I suppose you're right. One day and one battle at a time, right?

[goneonenight]

[He was just going to find her in the afterlife? He says it like it's no big deal. Yoruichi still isn't clear on how she got here, but she knows it had to take enormous power, enormous skill, or both. But it shouldn't come as a surprise; Cu Chulainn is far more focused than one would expect from his easygoing nature.

Even if the earlier misunderstanding has been cleared up, things feel somewhat awkward between them now. Cu Chulainn is obviously embarrassed by how his behavior was received. But he doesn't seem the type to hold a grudge, so she figures things will be better in the morning.]

I'm always right. The sooner you learn that the better. [She flashes him a grin.]

[red_branch]

[Curiously, Cu Chulainn craned his neck at that. For a moment, he believed her. Coming from a place and time in which claims like that weren't necessarily defaulted to be regarded as jokes, he couldn't be seen as ridiculous for letting it set in mind for at least a moment. When she smiled, it was his cue to take it was a bit of gentle ribbing. He smiled in return, breathing a sigh of relief.

If she were an oracle, that would make things a whole lot more complicated.]

I'll have to remember that going forward.

[Even if it was playful, it wasn't entirely unfounded. Yoruichi showed she was clever and wise, so it was still sound advice. He winked and made his way to the door, pushing it open quietly.]

Well, if you don't need anything, then I'll be off. I have a couple of things left to do before tomorrow.

[goneonenight]

[Cu Chulainn looks blank for a moment, then relaxes, more at ease than he'd been earlier.]

No, I'm fine. Go get some rest--and thank you again.

[When the door closes behind him, Yoruichi sinks to the bed, blowing out a long breath. As tired as she is, she's still not sure if she's going to be able to sleep tonight. Biting her lip, she eyes the door, debating whether to cast a kidou barrier for an extra level of reassurance. But she's a guest here, and doing so would basically be saying she doesn't trust her hosts to keep her safe. They've welcomed her, and she doesn't want to insult them.

She pulls off the leggings, but leaves the tunic on before blowing out the candle and leaning her zanpakutou against the side of the bed, where she can easily reach it if needed. Slipping under the covers, she's determined to rest, even if she can't manage any true sleep.

But to her surprise, she drops off after about a half an hour and sleeps deeply until the morning.

She's roused by a soft noise at the door, and her hand is around the hilt of her sword before she's fully awake. But it's only Daire. The senior retainer looks composed and competent despite all of the trouble last night. She inclines her head as Yoruichi releases the hold on her weapon and murmurs a sleepy greeting.

In a low voice, she informs Yoruichi that she's here to light the fire to chase off the morning chill, and that she'd brought a new set of clothing for Yoruichi to wear today. She lays the clothes on the chest, then informs the young girl behind her to fill a basin with hot water for Yoruichi to use. Once all the tasks are done, she takes her leave, closing the door softly behind her.

Yoruichi hates the cold, so she dozes under her mound of blankets until the room warms up enough for her to chance getting up. With a sigh, she gets out of bed and begins to wash up. If there's going to be a battle today, she'd rather be up and ready for it.]

[red_branch]

[Cu Chulainn grinned and left Yoruichi to rest, finding a quiet spot in the barracks. He sat, contemplating the day. Fergus, Ferdia, Medb. The unknown god. Yoruichi. He had a number of mysteries to consider and little information on how to do it. It was enough to keep anyone awake with paranoia and fear but he fell asleep in under a minute, springing up in the morning with more energy than he rightfully should have had.

He woke up before the roosters, rushing to get started. The yard was empty of people. Those who were able to walk and take care of themselves also had to tend to the sick warriors, so the usual hustle and bustle was replaced by an eerie silence. Daire refused to let him choose the garments for Yoruichi in the morning, turning him away when he had been able to go down the hall to see her. She needs sleep and not to be harrassed by beasts so early. Go do something else! He puffed up his cheeks and went about his business. Cu Chulainn found an older man with a thin face and a terse scowl cleaning Grey and Black's hooves. Laeg. The older man gave him a smack to the back of the head, complaining he'd been making his horses wade through mud and shit without properly cleaning them. Weathering ten minutes of complaints, Cu Chulainn left to take his morning bath--cold again.

Cu Chulainn was set in his light armor, mantle and cloak, ready once the sun had risen. Laeg tested the reigns of Cu Chulainn's chariot, looked over the wheels and gave the young man a sound nod. Cu Chulainn checked his sword to make sure its strap was secure. He rested his spear against the interior of the chariot and then stepped back from it to take a breath in and ready himself. These were his allies and tools. They were extensions of himself. They were his strength. When he focused on that thought, all three became aware of it. Laeg cleared his throat to adjust to the attention and both horses seemed to stir.]

When our guest arrives, let's take her on a tour and see if anyone starts any trouble. This could be the day we die but the goal is to make sure we find her a way to return home. We'll be looking for fairy mounds.

[Laeg grunted and leaned up against the chariot.]

No complaints. You haven't got anything better to do today.

[goneonenight]

[After a big breakfast, Yoruichi is directed to the stables where Cu Chulainn waits with his chariot. The older man with him looks surly, but his manner with the horses is calm and knowledgeable. Her zanpaktou is nestled at the small of her back like usual, and her throwing knives are hidden in their various hidden sheaths.

Daire had found her a tunic and close fitting pants that feel similar to her uniform. Her backless top had been cleaned and quickly dried, so she'd put it on beneath the pale blue tunic. The bottoms are a dark grey, mostly hidden by her thigh high boots, which she'd been determined to wear. Her footwork would be important today, so she's not willing to go into battle in ill-fitting shoes.

She gives Laeg a respectful nod, then smiles at Cu Chulainn. He's in an armor and cloak today, with his sword at his side. He's clearly prepared for whatever the day may throw at them.]

Hey. Are you heading out?

[red_branch]

[Cu Chulainn breathed in the rich morning air, rubbing his chin in imitation of Laeg, who had been stroking his beard. The old man grunted at him, irritable.]

Don't imitate me, boy. You got fewer whiskers than a kitten.

Oh, so you're waking up now?

[When Yoruichi turned up, he turned to flash her a grin and patted the chariot alongside Laeg. There was a bench on the back of it and, overall, it looked flimsy. Definitely not the best-looking one in the courtyard but Grey and Black had reigned to it. It was clearly his.]

Look! Since we're at war, I have an excuse to use this thing.

[Laeg cleared his throat. Cu Chulainn's eyes widened when he realized what he'd forgotten.]

Oh, and you're coming with, Yoruichi! We're going to start by searching for fairy mounds.

[Offhandedly, Cu Chulainn gestured over his shoulder with his thumb to the older man rolling his jaw and spitting off into the dirt besides the cart.]

Please t'meetcha.

[Cu Chulainn more than made up for a sunny greeting after Laeg snorted and cleared his throat.]

He's very shy, so don't wor-- [Laeg reached one foot up and quietly stomped on Cu Chulainn's.] --ry.

[goneonenight]

[She gives the chariot a curious look. It looks pretty rickety, but it can't be that bad if he's planning to use it in battle...right?

The horses snort at her arrival, and she rounds the chariot to pat the grey one on the neck again. He'd seemed to like it yesterday, and the animals are starting to grow on her.]

Are you sure? You don't have any other duties? [Since they're currently at war, she would have understood if the search for fairy mounds needed to be put off for the time being. Yoruichi has no doubt that Cu Chulainn will keep his promise, so she'd never considered that he'd drag the process out intentionally. As one of the only able bodied warriors left after yesterday's attack, the duties for preparing for battle must weight heavily on him.]