Knock Knock [Saiko/Arianda]

When Saiko gave Ari a pat on the shoulder, it essentially broke the demon out of her little nervous fidget. Not to mention, it had finally struck Ari that she likely could have made things awkward. That was certainly a distinct possibility that rang out quite true thanks to the emotions Ari vaguely sensed from Saiko. She couldn't help but feel awkward herself now, especially that she just kinda... blabbered on like that. It seems like this stuff just kinda kept happening around Saiko, and Ari couldn't really figure out why. Then again, it could just be because in one situation, Ari kinda lost her self control, and in this one Ari could really use an honest eight hour rest. However, she simply gave Saiko a big, warm smile that seemed to melt away a great deal of that awkwardness. It was an honest smile, and one Arianda gave after hearing she could hug Saiko. But, being careful on that front might be a good idea. Ari could hug... and a lot.

However, the demon soon turned her mind to what Saiko said that her need for affection, physical or otherwise, was likely due to trauma. Ari could understand that, given what she had dealt with as a young demon, being forced into a rage-filled killing machine; and then especially with the more recent years, in comparison, of being a chew toy and never getting honest love from a woman who used to call her "wife". Eventually, the demon nodded in agreement to what Saiko said. And then, Saiko did something that made Ari jump a tiny bit due to how locked in thought she was.

Saiko had hugged her, of her own volition. Whether or not Ari intended it to happen, it did, and Arianda soon returned the hug and hugged Saiko quite tightly. However, the demon was careful not to make the hug hurt. Frankly speaking, even if Saiko wasn't fond of the hugs, it was hard to admit that Arianda didn't have some skill at giving a hug. However, when Saiko released her, Arianda gave the woman a smile, nodding gently. She understood what the hug was for, and why Saiko did it. She definitely didn't want to misinterpret that.

"I won't... I won't be surprised if you bonk me at some point for hugging too much... But, that's besides the point. Sorry if I made things a little awkward, I kinda just... started and couldn't stop talking. And I believe you're right about that trauma response thing; it makes sense considering my past. But... only those close to me could use that against me. You're the only one I've told so much, Saiko."

Arianda smiled a tiny bit, quietly thinking to herself that this was another reason to never make an enemy of Saiko. This strange compulsion, this strange desire, to tell Saiko these things as if she was confiding in a sibling... it was odd and felt inexplicable to Ari. However, she still stuck to her guns that things were a bit awkward earlier. It was simply the truth, after all. Eventually, however, Arianda tilted her head gently, deciding it wouldn't hurt to delve into what Saiko was talking about on her own time. It would actually be very beneficial, in all truth. Eventually, the demon smiled again and soon gave Saiko a nod to her earlier question if she felt better; which was likely late coming.

"I do feel better, Saiko... I've only had a few people to confide in before, and talking about one's issues helps more than some may think. The hug did wonders as well, even if it surprised me a bit~ You're a really good person, Saiko. And it makes me sad, and mad, to know that all sorts of horrible shit happened to you. I won't beat myself up over what I could have done, it does nothing. But that doesn't mean I can't do something now. I know you've worked through your issues a bit, but I want you to know I will be there for you too; like you have been for me. Even if it's nowhere near immediate, I still want you to know that, Saiko; that I'll be there for you. It's the least I can do for all you've done for me."

Arianda was indeed glad Saiko was durable. Even if the demon was careful, she was quite overzealous with her hugs and affection most of the time. It's why a certain Shinigami-demon hybrid, by the name of Henrex, always got tackle-hugged by Ari every time she met the man; and especially because it was hilariously fun. However, the demon soon let herself focus on the present once again, glad that Saiko was so understanding with her. Then again, Saiko explained perfectly good reasons why Ari shouldn't feel weird about this; they were friends. It was a simple statement, but one that Arianda heard and was dearly gratified by. However, she kept that little piece of information to herself. After all, Saiko didn't need to hear everything. Then agaaain, the big smile Ari had when Saiko said that probably gave it away. Soon, however, the woman started to explain how Arianda could help.

A support group or network? Arianda understood that, especially because her powers were centered around pain for the most part; so she understood it well without being someone who experienced said pain quite a great deal. Fortunately for Ari, she both experienced pain a great deal and understood it at a level most beings could not... Or was it fortunate? Either way, the demon nodded at Saiko, gaining a general understanding of what she would need. However, came the fine points and details. She smiled at Saiko and gained a pretty damn good understanding of her meaning.

"Sometimes, it's those bonds that make the world go 'round. Without friends, I don't think I would be here now; at least not as I am. Guess I need to give a certain Henny a hug the next time I see him... But, anyways, I'd be glad to help you, Saiko; especially in a support group of sorts. I also have great experience in shaving off the top of people's pain when absolutely necessary. I understand it well enough that, if you can stand against the pain, you will come back stronger from it."

Arianda soon then let herself think of Henrex... and decided she needed to punch him and hug him for leaving without much notice. Then again, he always had been positively horrible at communicating with people even in the best of times. However, she shook herself from that line of thought and turned towards Saiko's idea of how Ari could help Saiko.

"Regardless, I'd be glad to help you, Saiko. But what kind of support group are we talking about here? I'm afraid I've never really been in one."

Frankly speaking, Ari did mention Henrex on a whim, but in retrospect, it made sense that Saiko knew Mr. Birdbrain himself. They were both Shinigami, and demon hybrids, and it’s not like people of the Gotei avoided each other. No, they knew each other well. At least that was Ari’s impression. However, the demon couldn’t help but chuckle a tiny bit that two women who were in such similar situations had the same friend.

“Yeah, I do. He’s a good friend… I met him thanks to Mirja. I’m the one who taught him how to use his demon stuff once upon a time. He’s probably also part of the reason I left Shadowfall; aside from my own health. I didn’t want to get him in trouble. Didn’t help, though. How is he doing back in the Soul Society?”

Arianda gave the woman a gentle smile, one that likely told Saiko that Henrex was someone close to her heart. Not a lover, but definitely someone of great importance to the demon. Not to mention, it was uncanny how small the world could be sometimes. However, Ari soon turned her attention to what Saiko had said. The demon soon gained a tiny blush after realizing that she had read a little bit too much into the situation. She couldn’t help but rub the back of her head, and smile nervously. Indeed, she knew the theory of such a thing… but she’s never really had a friend group. Not an honest one at least. She soon couldn’t help but grin a tiny bit and nod at Saiko.

“Yeah… I know the general idea. I would love that, Saiko. I really would. I guess I’ve lead a lonelier life than I thought. And yes… we are friends. And I’m glad to help ya however I can~ And those with us~”

Arianda gave Saiko another big grin, and then hummed softly, looking quite pleased with the entire idea. Not to mention, she still found it very entertaining to think that both she and Saiko know Henrex. It made her interested to know who else they knew, but she decided to save such things for later. Especially considering she wanted to resume helping Saiko for the moment. After all, what we’re friends for?

Arianda smiled in spite of herself at hearing about the news of Henrex, and she especially felt happy that he was able to resume his position as a captain. Especially considering Arianda found out it was technically her fault for him losing it in the first place; once upon a time. Eventually, however, the demon turned her mind towards a question that Saiko had asked of her. How did Henrex get Ari to leave shadow fall? Well, it was a bit more accurate that him being her friend was part of the reason for it. And, of course, back when Ari trained Henrex, Henrex was very much not a big boi like he is now; and he also was just as soft as Ari was, if not more so. Regardless, she answered the question put before her.

"It's not like he convinced me or anything. Life with Mana was, well, abysmal, and he was essentially my only friend; and he was technically an "enemy". Shit, I didn't care. But, then he got in trouble for being my friend... The culmination of reasons are a lot more, well, self-centered and sad, but I like to think that I left for Henrex; because I didn't want him to suffer alone. And I certainly didn't want to get him in trouble again. And I believe he would become a captain again... new management has a way of recognizing the flaws of the previous leaders. Well, sometimes... and shit, I hope that training paid off~!"

The demon couldn't help but giggle a tiny bit as she thought of the bird brain again. He was quite a lot like a brother to her more than a friend, especially now; but he certainly was a bit of a dork. Then again, he did have a bird-brain. Eventually, the demon chuckled softly and smiled at Saiko. There was no blush this time, as Ari's blush before was out of slight embarrassment for not knowing what some terms meant; and that she had to admit she never had a friend group before. However, the demon soon couldn't help but nod in agreement with Saiko.

"I would, Saiko. Without our knowing, we already have a friend group. It's... It's extremely interesting how small this world can be sometimes; especially when you consider the implications of there being just about three or four worlds all locked together. But it all feels right, ya know? Regardless, I like it. And I'm glad to be able to call you a friend, Saiko."

Arianda took a moment to revel in her fun little thought, which was one about how many people she and Saiko may know but not realize that each other have that similar friend. Otherwise, the demon eventually tilted her head to the side and found a particular question coming to the forefront of her mind.

"Saiko... do you think it would be impossible for me to visit the Soul Society at all in the future; or would it be possible eventually? Would be kinda fun to spend time with you and Henrex on your guys' home turf one day."

Arianda couldn’t help but feel a little bad about asking such a daunting question after she saw Saiko’s expression. However, the demon was still gratified that Saiko had thanked her for what she had done for Henrex. Of course, she had done a lot more than that. Frankly speaking, Arianda had jumped leaps and bounds to try and keep Henrex happy; an extremely difficult task. However, she was glad to hear he was doing well. Well enough at least for Henrex. She only hoped he had someone to remind him not to overdo some things. Regardless, the demon turned her attention to Saiko’s words. Arianda could help but smile fondly as she thought of that prospect; that they were all fated to be friends.

“I like that thought, Saiko; that it was fate. And I’ll definitely do all I can to make sure that misfortune doesn’t befall us. We’ve all been through enough, and we don’t need any more~”

Arianda gave Saiko a small smile, and then she gently reached out and placed her right hand on the woman’s shoulder; a gentle gesture meant to calm and reassure. She also gave Saiko a warm smile to couple with it.

“Don’t worry about that Saiko. I should’ve remembered how difficult that would be for me in particular. Forget about it for now, okay? Such a little thing is not worth risking it.”

Frankly speaking, even if Arianda really wanted to see the Soul Society some day, she didn’t want to risk Saiko’s position over it; nor her life or their friendship. It all was far too important to throw away for such a tiny thing. After all, Saiko was right, it would be much easier for them to meet on Earth rather than in a place like that. One that was likely to be out of reach for the majority of Ari’s remaining years; which were many indeed. Eventually, the demon chuckled softly and grinned.

“Yeah. Let’s focus on that, Saiko. Maybe we should try and get together somewhere nice on Earth… That would be wonderful. And it would be fun to mess with him a little, haven’t seen him a whole lot since he returned to the Soul Society and all.”

Arianda twiddled her thumbed gently, humming for a few moments before she voiced her intentions with the tiniest bit of trepidation.

“When do you think we could do that? I need to sleep off my ordeal, and I’m sure you and Henrex have a lot of work to do. But still~! Want to make sure I’m not off tracking down some sects when you guys are ready to meet~”