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[ the only answer given now is the dondondondondon of approaching footsteps a moment later, heralding the door bursting open. ]
I. Have arrived. [ a little flushed of face, breathless, and currently donning a cabaret bunny outfit of generous cut and fluffy tail, fuzzy ears bobbing undeterred by his apparent dead sprint through the base. ]
I. Have arrived. [ a little flushed of face, breathless, and currently donning a cabaret bunny outfit of generous cut and fluffy tail, fuzzy ears bobbing undeterred by his apparent dead sprint through the base. ]
It’s the style chip, isn’t it?
[ The same thing that made Kugisaki have to hug them all… Groaning, he covers his face. Why is this his brother…?
Why is it also weirdly endearing that Choso ran to him dressed like this? ]
Can you change it yet? You can try and match my outfit if you want.
[ The same thing that made Kugisaki have to hug them all… Groaning, he covers his face. Why is this his brother…?
Why is it also weirdly endearing that Choso ran to him dressed like this? ]
Can you change it yet? You can try and match my outfit if you want.
Okay... I guess we'll just have to do it like this, then...
[ This is so embarrassing - and here he thought it would be cute... Yuji steps around, going to grab a small box from the bed. When he hands it over, he smiles softly. Inside are a pair of matching rings, the stones the same colour: blood red. ]
[ This is so embarrassing - and here he thought it would be cute... Yuji steps around, going to grab a small box from the bed. When he hands it over, he smiles softly. Inside are a pair of matching rings, the stones the same colour: blood red. ]
[ sorry yuji, it's not his fault technology doesn't like him (or likes him too much?)
it takes him a moment to actually take the box, and another to open it: it is a gift from yuji, after all, so choso must accept it properly, must turn it over and over in his hands with an expression of slowly-dawning amazement and, yes, a gentle joy. not even the bunny ears can detract from how choso's eyes sort of light up. ]
They are fascinating. What are they for?
[ asked as he picks one up, holding it up to the room's light. flowing red scale stretches out the mark on choso's face as he takes a Real Good Look at it. (who needs a loupe when you've got fancy blood?) ]
it takes him a moment to actually take the box, and another to open it: it is a gift from yuji, after all, so choso must accept it properly, must turn it over and over in his hands with an expression of slowly-dawning amazement and, yes, a gentle joy. not even the bunny ears can detract from how choso's eyes sort of light up. ]
They are fascinating. What are they for?
[ asked as he picks one up, holding it up to the room's light. flowing red scale stretches out the mark on choso's face as he takes a Real Good Look at it. (who needs a loupe when you've got fancy blood?) ]
[ One day, his brother might chill out and be a little less weird, but until then...
Yuji reaches and takes out the other ring, smiling softly. ]
They're tracker rings, so we can find each other. I know you can find out where I am because of my blood or whatever it is, but I can't do the same, and if you were in trouble...
[ He shifts, awkwardly. ]
I'd like to be able to find you.
Yuji reaches and takes out the other ring, smiling softly. ]
They're tracker rings, so we can find each other. I know you can find out where I am because of my blood or whatever it is, but I can't do the same, and if you were in trouble...
[ He shifts, awkwardly. ]
I'd like to be able to find you.
[ it is... touching. it touches choso in a way he can't quantify, a feather-light brush over some raw thing inside of him that rather than flinching away from, he lets wash over him, envelop him, possess him.
And it is warm.
He lays the box aside to better handle his own ring, lets the wink of the stone in the light hold his gaze as he tries it on each finger in turn. Which would it fit? Which one felt best? Important questions. It would live on the digit he decided on, after all: this was a gift from Yuji. This was Yuji's precious connection to Choso. ]
I will never part with it. [ Simple, iron conviction: he really won't. Ever. ]
Thank you, Yuji.
And it is warm.
He lays the box aside to better handle his own ring, lets the wink of the stone in the light hold his gaze as he tries it on each finger in turn. Which would it fit? Which one felt best? Important questions. It would live on the digit he decided on, after all: this was a gift from Yuji. This was Yuji's precious connection to Choso. ]
I will never part with it. [ Simple, iron conviction: he really won't. Ever. ]
Thank you, Yuji.
[ A hard breath sucked in. To think, Yuji wanting this connection for safety, showing how he cared in such broad and bold strokes, always thinking of others, always so considerate...!
how did choso get so lucky with such a wonderfulperfectamazing little brother?
for no reason in particular, choso puts his right hand up over his eyes with a huff and a puff of air.
The red stone glints from its home on his ring finger. ]
Thagg hyuuuuuh.
how did choso get so lucky with such a wonderfulperfectamazing little brother?
for no reason in particular, choso puts his right hand up over his eyes with a huff and a puff of air.
The red stone glints from its home on his ring finger. ]
Thagg hyuuuuuh.
Choso...
[ He should've known this was coming, huh... For all that Yuji is a little exasperated, he can't help but find it wholly endearing as well, shaking his head as he reaches out to tug his brother into his arms.
A little weird, since he's dressed the way he is, but...
Squeezing his arms around him, he presses his face against Choso with a soft sigh. ]
You're welcome, okay? I'll wear mine a lot too, so you can help find me - but, oh! Wait, there's -
[ Leaning back, he tries to tug Choso's hand away. ]
The rings have another feature. You can feel emotions, too.
[ He should've known this was coming, huh... For all that Yuji is a little exasperated, he can't help but find it wholly endearing as well, shaking his head as he reaches out to tug his brother into his arms.
A little weird, since he's dressed the way he is, but...
Squeezing his arms around him, he presses his face against Choso with a soft sigh. ]
You're welcome, okay? I'll wear mine a lot too, so you can help find me - but, oh! Wait, there's -
[ Leaning back, he tries to tug Choso's hand away. ]
The rings have another feature. You can feel emotions, too.
[ the hand comes away easily, revealing choso’s face with his pink cheeks and wet, reddened eyes, but he seems less concerned about how he looks (bunny ears and all) now and more with what yuji’s trying to show him, blinking at the ring first before turning curious, weepy eyes on his brother. ]
Emotions? As in… can you feel this, too?
[ can yuji feel it? choso’s fondness, his love, this intensity that wends through his bones like steel cable? ]
Emotions? As in… can you feel this, too?
[ can yuji feel it? choso’s fondness, his love, this intensity that wends through his bones like steel cable? ]
[ the cock of his head sets the ears bobbing crookedly, inquisitively, even.
sometimes, looking at yuji was like (so he surmises, having never been) peering into the ocean deeps. what unknowable titans lay beyond the surface light? what debris transformed the landscape of yuji’s incandescent soul into the tormented thing it is now? ]
I wish to. Of course I wish to.
[ like there was ever any question about it. ]
sometimes, looking at yuji was like (so he surmises, having never been) peering into the ocean deeps. what unknowable titans lay beyond the surface light? what debris transformed the landscape of yuji’s incandescent soul into the tormented thing it is now? ]
I wish to. Of course I wish to.
[ like there was ever any question about it. ]
[ Ah, well... In that case... ]
Okay. But I'll turn it off soon, 'kay?
[ Yuji twists the ring and... There.
The first rolling emotions are fairly simple: there's bubbling affection, rolling through Yuji like a blanket around his shoulders, curling and holding him - that's obvious. His love for Choso is there, a bubbling warmth, not quite as extreme as perhaps Choso's is in return, but it's getting there, like a flower in Spring: growing, waiting to bloom in summer.
Happiness comes twinned with it, the comfort of knowing his brother has accepted the ring, wants to be taken care of, wants to be around Yuji, as well as that sheepish little embarrassment of his brother in a strange rabbit outfit.
Further than that, though, below it, like a gaping hole in Yuji's core, is grief.
The sadness is like an anchor, immovable and too large to lift, even for someone as strong as Yuji. It's a tsunami, a tidal wave, pressing and pressing and pressing down until it could make you break under the power of it. It's like a monster with too many arms, reaching out and poisoning everything else around it; as if no matter how happy Yuji is, what joy he feels, it'll be curdled and damaged by this vile, twisted thing.
(Sadness echoes from it, guilt, pain, each one its own limb on this fabricated monsters, suffocating, murderous).
Yuji leans back and, after a moment, switches the ring off. ]
Okay. But I'll turn it off soon, 'kay?
[ Yuji twists the ring and... There.
The first rolling emotions are fairly simple: there's bubbling affection, rolling through Yuji like a blanket around his shoulders, curling and holding him - that's obvious. His love for Choso is there, a bubbling warmth, not quite as extreme as perhaps Choso's is in return, but it's getting there, like a flower in Spring: growing, waiting to bloom in summer.
Happiness comes twinned with it, the comfort of knowing his brother has accepted the ring, wants to be taken care of, wants to be around Yuji, as well as that sheepish little embarrassment of his brother in a strange rabbit outfit.
Further than that, though, below it, like a gaping hole in Yuji's core, is grief.
The sadness is like an anchor, immovable and too large to lift, even for someone as strong as Yuji. It's a tsunami, a tidal wave, pressing and pressing and pressing down until it could make you break under the power of it. It's like a monster with too many arms, reaching out and poisoning everything else around it; as if no matter how happy Yuji is, what joy he feels, it'll be curdled and damaged by this vile, twisted thing.
(Sadness echoes from it, guilt, pain, each one its own limb on this fabricated monsters, suffocating, murderous).
Yuji leans back and, after a moment, switches the ring off. ]
[ it strikes choso still, strikes him silent and stupid where he sits that for the seconds that yuji allows him this glimpse, choso spends all of it wide-eyed and staring. he forgets how to blink. how to breathe. his expression, that which had started out measured and calm, drains away like a severed jugular hand in hand with the remaining colour in choso’s face.
yuji’s soul is the ocean deeps and it is teeming with monsters that know choso by name.
(can yuji feel it? the opening of this door that should have never been opened, it admits visitors from both sides. yuji’s grief finds a ghostly reflection in choso’s and a guilt that’s rooted itself into his soul like a choking mat of kudzu: pervasive, persistent, consuming. it snakes higher, flourishes in the sudden calamitous deluge of yuji’s ruinous tide, digs its insidious roots into choso’s dread and burgeoning horror.)
in the long moments after yuji turns off the connection, choso only sits staring at the ring on his hand, dry of eye but with a cold sweat dampening his brow. ]
yuji’s soul is the ocean deeps and it is teeming with monsters that know choso by name.
(can yuji feel it? the opening of this door that should have never been opened, it admits visitors from both sides. yuji’s grief finds a ghostly reflection in choso’s and a guilt that’s rooted itself into his soul like a choking mat of kudzu: pervasive, persistent, consuming. it snakes higher, flourishes in the sudden calamitous deluge of yuji’s ruinous tide, digs its insidious roots into choso’s dread and burgeoning horror.)
in the long moments after yuji turns off the connection, choso only sits staring at the ring on his hand, dry of eye but with a cold sweat dampening his brow. ]
[ Yuji knew it was a mistake as son as he did it.
Watching Choso's reaction... He takes a deep breath and wiggles over, wrapping around his brother like some kind of limpet, sinking into his body and squeezing him gently. ]
... Onii-chan, I'm here. It's okay.
[ A rare gift for a rare moment. ]
Watching Choso's reaction... He takes a deep breath and wiggles over, wrapping around his brother like some kind of limpet, sinking into his body and squeezing him gently. ]
... Onii-chan, I'm here. It's okay.
[ A rare gift for a rare moment. ]
[ no matter what, choso must be strong for his brothers.
so he sits up. lets yuji embrace him, lets himself be held and soothed even if every platelet in his body sighs that this is nothing he has earned. a hand lifts to settle at yuji’s side. ]
I know, Yuji.
[ both hands, one on either side, the better to lift the pink lad up mid-hug and deposit him, more conveniently, (and without a single damn thought about it) into choso’s fishnet lap. like this, he can hold tighter, return the squeeze with his cheek squished against yuji’s, offer some sort of assurance without having to show his coward’s face, unable to hide. ]
Thank you for showing me.
so he sits up. lets yuji embrace him, lets himself be held and soothed even if every platelet in his body sighs that this is nothing he has earned. a hand lifts to settle at yuji’s side. ]
I know, Yuji.
[ both hands, one on either side, the better to lift the pink lad up mid-hug and deposit him, more conveniently, (and without a single damn thought about it) into choso’s fishnet lap. like this, he can hold tighter, return the squeeze with his cheek squished against yuji’s, offer some sort of assurance without having to show his coward’s face, unable to hide. ]
Thank you for showing me.
[ Yuji sinks into the solid weight of Choso, squeezing him gently.
Does his brother know how much Yuji trusts him? Knowing that Choso will witness these events sooner rather than later, trusting him to unburden his heart to him, to offer it all over to him... Breathing out, he lets himself use Choso's strength to keep him up.
He tells Choso more than he tells anyone else. He trusts his brother to help him.
Arms and legs wrap around Choso, more childlike than Yuji would like to admit to, pressing his face into his brother's chest. ]
Thank you. For listening.
Does his brother know how much Yuji trusts him? Knowing that Choso will witness these events sooner rather than later, trusting him to unburden his heart to him, to offer it all over to him... Breathing out, he lets himself use Choso's strength to keep him up.
He tells Choso more than he tells anyone else. He trusts his brother to help him.
Arms and legs wrap around Choso, more childlike than Yuji would like to admit to, pressing his face into his brother's chest. ]
Thank you. For listening.
[ choso must be strong; yuji deserved nothing less than choso’s best efforts, so he can only give, give, give. selfishly, earnestly, in the only way he knows how.
so he holds yuji tight, an arm secure around his shoulders while the other curls up so he may run his bigger fingers through pink hair, carding it in one turn before smoothing it the next. choso, he doesn’t realise he’s doing it when he begins to rock in place, a steady back-and-forth in time with the thrum of his pulse, the measured pull of his breathing. ]
I will always listen. I will always be here to.
[ he doesn’t need a ring to convey the love he already feels, welling up and pouring over the edges of him. it’s in the press of his mouth to the top of yuji’s head, it’s in the quiet of his voice when he whispers, ]
I promise.
so he holds yuji tight, an arm secure around his shoulders while the other curls up so he may run his bigger fingers through pink hair, carding it in one turn before smoothing it the next. choso, he doesn’t realise he’s doing it when he begins to rock in place, a steady back-and-forth in time with the thrum of his pulse, the measured pull of his breathing. ]
I will always listen. I will always be here to.
[ he doesn’t need a ring to convey the love he already feels, welling up and pouring over the edges of him. it’s in the press of his mouth to the top of yuji’s head, it’s in the quiet of his voice when he whispers, ]
I promise.
[ The tight, secure embrace is exactly what he needs, even if it's a little... Awkward that his brother is dressed like this...
The rocking is odd, but soothing, and Yuji lets it happen, allowing himself to be held and cherished and comforted in a way that only his sibling can do. The softness of it is unusual for him, and he basks in it, letting his expression soften and his eyes close as he nods his head. ]
I'll do the same for you, okay?
[ He grips at the back of Choso's weird costume. ]
I promise. I'm your little brother, right? So I'm making a promise as a brother.
The rocking is odd, but soothing, and Yuji lets it happen, allowing himself to be held and cherished and comforted in a way that only his sibling can do. The softness of it is unusual for him, and he basks in it, letting his expression soften and his eyes close as he nods his head. ]
I'll do the same for you, okay?
[ He grips at the back of Choso's weird costume. ]
I promise. I'm your little brother, right? So I'm making a promise as a brother.
[ family is family is family and this one here is the one choso knows he will die alongside with.
so choso rocks, and he buries his face in yuji’s hair, uncaring of whatever he looked like, whatever they looked like. ]
Yes. Yes, okay. We will hold each other to it. Okay.
so choso rocks, and he buries his face in yuji’s hair, uncaring of whatever he looked like, whatever they looked like. ]
Yes. Yes, okay. We will hold each other to it. Okay.
[ His silly, goofy brother...
Yuji rubs his hand along his back, laughing softly. ]
We will.
[ Then, haltingly, hesitating - ]
I love you, Choso.
[ In whatever way that love is... He knows he feels it, intensely, rushing through him in the last few weeks, a deeply, platonic affection he can't hide. ]
Yuji rubs his hand along his back, laughing softly. ]
We will.
[ Then, haltingly, hesitating - ]
I love you, Choso.
[ In whatever way that love is... He knows he feels it, intensely, rushing through him in the last few weeks, a deeply, platonic affection he can't hide. ]
[ choso is so, so silent for a long minute afterward. for that minute (seventy-nine seconds), there is only the sound of their breathing; the steady rise and fall of choso’s chest, the whisper of each exhale through his teeth, the individual cacophony of each fiber in each thread in each shift of their weight on the bed. even his heart feels quiet, its beat become muted in the perfect inertia of this singular, aching moment
the maelstrom of his thoughts has quieted.
In the aching, heavy pause after Yuji has spoken, Choso whispers back, (quiet as he can be but it is still an agonizing grate, a jagged stone stumbled into a mirror-surface pond) ]
I love you too, Yuji. I will always love you.
the maelstrom of his thoughts has quieted.
In the aching, heavy pause after Yuji has spoken, Choso whispers back, (quiet as he can be but it is still an agonizing grate, a jagged stone stumbled into a mirror-surface pond) ]
I love you too, Yuji. I will always love you.
[ Has Yuji ever been loved before...?
He doesn't know.
He's sure his grandpa loved him, but it's not like they had that emotional connection. He never got to say it to Nanamin, and he could never admit to Kugisaki or Megumi how much he cares about them, so... So...
Breathing out, he tilts his head up and presses his forehead to Choso's, gripping him as he sniffles. It's too much.
He doesn't deserve this, does he?
He's barely Choso's brother. Barely a person, now. But still...
... Still.
He blinks back his tears. ]
I'm glad. I'm so glad.
He doesn't know.
He's sure his grandpa loved him, but it's not like they had that emotional connection. He never got to say it to Nanamin, and he could never admit to Kugisaki or Megumi how much he cares about them, so... So...
Breathing out, he tilts his head up and presses his forehead to Choso's, gripping him as he sniffles. It's too much.
He doesn't deserve this, does he?
He's barely Choso's brother. Barely a person, now. But still...
... Still.
He blinks back his tears. ]
I'm glad. I'm so glad.
[ Yuji’s head lifting pulls Choso out of hiding, bares for the world the tears streaking heavily down his face to run in messy red bars through his weird, oozing blood mark. Once again, Choso is a mess, sniffling loudly now that the jig is up and he need not hide his moistness. (a wet spot has formed on top of Yuji’s head anyway.) When their foreheads meet, Choso’s tears are free to just plop everywhere, dripping bloody and ominous from his chin and jaw all over Yuji and down the deep v-cut of Choso’s outfit.
He hasn’t the breath or the head for words now, not when he’s snuffling, eyes positively running free with tears he can’t even fathom stopping. Bereft of language, Choso lets his hands talk for him, lets his palms run up the planes of Yuji’s back to run his fingers through pink hair.
Sorry about your head and shirt, Yuji. ]
He hasn’t the breath or the head for words now, not when he’s snuffling, eyes positively running free with tears he can’t even fathom stopping. Bereft of language, Choso lets his hands talk for him, lets his palms run up the planes of Yuji’s back to run his fingers through pink hair.
Sorry about your head and shirt, Yuji. ]
Nice to meet you
As your sister, I guess
[ They've already met, but she's just going with this. Hopefully that's what he means, and hopefully Toji meant that Marcille is like his sister. She'll have to ask him about it later.
Her heart is so warm despite the little curl of fear inside of it. It's fine. ]
Yuji talked about me?
As your sister, I guess
[ They've already met, but she's just going with this. Hopefully that's what he means, and hopefully Toji meant that Marcille is like his sister. She'll have to ask him about it later.
Her heart is so warm despite the little curl of fear inside of it. It's fine. ]
Yuji talked about me?
Edited 2024-04-12 16:26 (UTC)
[ Her feelings tangle: guilt, confusion, frustration at herself, and happiness.
She herself is sitting on her bed, knees brought up to her chest, arms secured around them. She stares at her lap. ]
I'm grateful that we met too.
I heard you say that before too, when we were going to the onsen.
Is it really okay to say that I'm good? You and I really don't know each other that well.
She herself is sitting on her bed, knees brought up to her chest, arms secured around them. She stares at her lap. ]
I'm grateful that we met too.
I heard you say that before too, when we were going to the onsen.
Is it really okay to say that I'm good? You and I really don't know each other that well.
i have seen what “evil” is like. how it acts. how it smiles. i have heard what it sounds like. i have seen the consequences of its passage.
you are none of those things.
if there was no goodness in you, we would not be having this conversation in the first place.
you are none of those things.
if there was no goodness in you, we would not be having this conversation in the first place.
[ this would be an excellent place to crap out and fall back on pleasant generalizations to soothe a sad heart, but choso knows nothing of these tricky steps in the dance of Real People Interaction.
so he sits up wherever he is, staring into space with a furrowed intensity while he pulls the memories from him like wreckage from a lake. ]
On October 31, 2018, a group of curses conspired to capture and seal away the greatest sorcerer of the era in hopes that by tipping the scales, humanity could be supplanted by curses. How much of this was true is unknown. In the ensuing battles, the lives of countless humans were los
so he sits up wherever he is, staring into space with a furrowed intensity while he pulls the memories from him like wreckage from a lake. ]
On October 31, 2018, a group of curses conspired to capture and seal away the greatest sorcerer of the era in hopes that by tipping the scales, humanity could be supplanted by curses. How much of this was true is unknown. In the ensuing battles, the lives of countless humans were los
[ There's no answer for a minute because this is all understandably horrifying to read. Her expression darkens and twists the more messages pour in.
She needs some time to scroll back, reread everything, and try to fathom these situations with her limited knowledge. She connects events with what Yuji's told her. She tries to slot Choso into her visualizations and it's like threading the head of a needle with a piece of rope. ]
She needs some time to scroll back, reread everything, and try to fathom these situations with her limited knowledge. She connects events with what Yuji's told her. She tries to slot Choso into her visualizations and it's like threading the head of a needle with a piece of rope. ]
[ Marcille already has a traumatic relationship with death. Her whole body is tense, her eyes wide and afraid. The group of curses—Choso included, meaning he himself is a curse too, she realizes—did all of that. They wanted to wipe out humanity. In all of their efforts, lives were just numbers and a means to an end. Bile rises in Marcille's throat. A invisible weight crushes hard on her chest.
She thinks back to their first conversation. Choso knows and regrets his mistakes, and he'd said he'd killed countless people too. Marcille chose to accept him then anyway. This shouldn't be a surprise, should it? It hits harder because she has more context now, but it's clear that Yuji holds no malice for Choso at all, even blames himself for these deaths rather than the curses that goaded him. That alone tells her she may not have all of the details of the situation.
And hadn't Marcille killed the Canaries and others, if indirectly? Didn't she kill Mithrun with a direct blow to his head, set a stampede of monsters on the entire dungeon, thinking it all necessary steps to getting what she selfishly wanted?
Her panic slowly subsides the longer she thinks on it and draws on the few similarities they have. Even if it may be the smarter decision, she doesn't want to be afraid of him. She only wants redemption for herself. Why doesn't Choso deserve the same? ]
She thinks back to their first conversation. Choso knows and regrets his mistakes, and he'd said he'd killed countless people too. Marcille chose to accept him then anyway. This shouldn't be a surprise, should it? It hits harder because she has more context now, but it's clear that Yuji holds no malice for Choso at all, even blames himself for these deaths rather than the curses that goaded him. That alone tells her she may not have all of the details of the situation.
And hadn't Marcille killed the Canaries and others, if indirectly? Didn't she kill Mithrun with a direct blow to his head, set a stampede of monsters on the entire dungeon, thinking it all necessary steps to getting what she selfishly wanted?
Her panic slowly subsides the longer she thinks on it and draws on the few similarities they have. Even if it may be the smarter decision, she doesn't want to be afraid of him. She only wants redemption for herself. Why doesn't Choso deserve the same? ]
[ he’d been so quiet the entire time, upright and still as a buddha where he sat in some overgrown public park. (it was easier, see, to fuck around with the optics against the empty backdrop of the sky.) recounting his crimes was less a painful ordeal than it was a bleeding out, mechanical, automatic; a laying out of his bones for this little mage to pore over.
but something of her pressing and her prodding manages to slip through like fingers in his chest cavity, knuckles brushing up featherlight against his living organs. something in her words cradles the raw muscle of his heart, has the whole of him shuddering from the danger of it.
they’re just letters, simple little letters hanging against the blue of a later afternoon, highlighted in bubbles with every raggy cloud that scuds by. they are just words. ]
but something of her pressing and her prodding manages to slip through like fingers in his chest cavity, knuckles brushing up featherlight against his living organs. something in her words cradles the raw muscle of his heart, has the whole of him shuddering from the danger of it.
they’re just letters, simple little letters hanging against the blue of a later afternoon, highlighted in bubbles with every raggy cloud that scuds by. they are just words. ]
[ Now they're both crying! Two sensitive crybabies.
The words are still just floating text, so Marcille can't parse the real gravity of them—only that his answer sounds a little raw. ]
See? That by itself doesn't sound evil to me
The way you all went about it wasn't great, I won't lie about that...
But I think you have a good heart, and I think Yuji would say the same thing.
I'm sorry about your brothers, Choso. I really am.
The words are still just floating text, so Marcille can't parse the real gravity of them—only that his answer sounds a little raw. ]
See? That by itself doesn't sound evil to me
The way you all went about it wasn't great, I won't lie about that...
But I think you have a good heart, and I think Yuji would say the same thing.
I'm sorry about your brothers, Choso. I really am.
Edited 2024-04-13 01:16 (UTC)
[ it’s a long little while before choso responds again; such is the joy of e-mails and text, or would be if he put the conversation down, could put it down, if he could even bring himself to. but he doesn’t. he reads marcille’s words over again, lets them drift along in the placid, fathomless lake of his psyche like leaves to pluck up and examine. as choso levers himself up to wander and snuffle on the go, he turns each leaf over, imagines her little voice saying it and wonders why it’s such a comforting echo.
choso, he wonders what evils stain marcille’s hands in turn.
eventually, some twenty-four minutes later: ]
thank you marcille
i will remember this
[ when he’s feeling down and needs a reminder that there’s a kind little elf who smells like soap out there who has such good words, he means. ]
anything you ever need i will do my best to provide
choso, he wonders what evils stain marcille’s hands in turn.
eventually, some twenty-four minutes later: ]
thank you marcille
i will remember this
[ when he’s feeling down and needs a reminder that there’s a kind little elf who smells like soap out there who has such good words, he means. ]
anything you ever need i will do my best to provide
[ Marcille leaves him be in that time. While some small, inescapable voice in the back of her mind says she may have overstepped or upset him, she ignores it in favor of dressing up her room, doing her hair (again), hanging flowers and herbs to dry near her desk, talking to her golden hummingbird while it zips and spins circles in the air.
So maybe she's self-soothing. She's learned so much about Yuji and Choso's universe that it makes her head spin. It sounds relentless, bathed in blood. If she'd met them at an earlier time in her life, she probably wouldn't have accepted them at all. The recent events in her life back home stripped down her righteousness like a seed, down to its small and selfish core.
Or is she just lonely here, grasping desperately onto whatever small connection she cobbles together? The thought flashes in her head, and then Choso responds.
She's relieved. She sits on her bed and replies: ]
Same to you okay?
Yuji needs help but you should take care of yourself too!
So maybe she's self-soothing. She's learned so much about Yuji and Choso's universe that it makes her head spin. It sounds relentless, bathed in blood. If she'd met them at an earlier time in her life, she probably wouldn't have accepted them at all. The recent events in her life back home stripped down her righteousness like a seed, down to its small and selfish core.
Or is she just lonely here, grasping desperately onto whatever small connection she cobbles together? The thought flashes in her head, and then Choso responds.
She's relieved. She sits on her bed and replies: ]
Same to you okay?
Yuji needs help but you should take care of yourself too!
Edited 2024-04-16 20:37 (UTC)
Choso, I've been meaning to ask. How did the pact work for you? It seems like it worked well, but I wanted to hear your feelings on it.
I wasn't sure it would work at all, and it worked better than I could have imagined. I'm glad that I can be of help in battle in such a way.
[Speaking of. There's a brief pause as he takes a moment to form his thoughts.]
I would also like to apologize for needing you to come rescue us during the mission like that, and letting Yuji get to such a state.
I can assure you that I will not let it happen again.
[Speaking of. There's a brief pause as he takes a moment to form his thoughts.]
I would also like to apologize for needing you to come rescue us during the mission like that, and letting Yuji get to such a state.
I can assure you that I will not let it happen again.
I am too, but that was a very close call.
[A pause again, then:]
I don't want to see Yuji get like that because of me.
[A pause again, then:]
I don't want to see Yuji get like that because of me.
nor i.
but if it is not for you or not for me, he will use himself up for another. he will pull himself apart if it means saving someone, because he is yuji.
the problem to solve then is not one solely of you or i, Raidoy, but in keeping the rest of our allies safe.
we must give people like yuji and bakugo the peace of mind to fight without looking back.
but if it is not for you or not for me, he will use himself up for another. he will pull himself apart if it means saving someone, because he is yuji.
the problem to solve then is not one solely of you or i, Raidoy, but in keeping the rest of our allies safe.
we must give people like yuji and bakugo the peace of mind to fight without looking back.
I know. He's like me in that way... So many people here have told me that, even.
But he's so much stronger than me. He's so strong I can barely wrap my head around it.
If the best I can do is to help make fighters like you, and him, and Bakugo better, then I will accept this.
When I first arrived, I thought nothing changed about my role when it came to protecting others. That it was the same as home. I've seen now that it's not the case.
But he's so much stronger than me. He's so strong I can barely wrap my head around it.
If the best I can do is to help make fighters like you, and him, and Bakugo better, then I will accept this.
When I first arrived, I thought nothing changed about my role when it came to protecting others. That it was the same as home. I've seen now that it's not the case.
I want to help others and not be a burden.
[For once, answered without a moment of hesitation.]
[For once, answered without a moment of hesitation.]
I don't fear myself getting hurt or killed in battle, only if others do, especially if my lack of skill lead to it.
[There's a pause again, because that was more than he really wanted to say, but it slipped out. The dangers of texting with your thoughts. Blame the glitches, maybe.]
I know I will have little to fear if I can help you all get through a mission as safe as possible.
[There's a pause again, because that was more than he really wanted to say, but it slipped out. The dangers of texting with your thoughts. Blame the glitches, maybe.]
I know I will have little to fear if I can help you all get through a mission as safe as possible.
Thank you. We do. I'm glad to have you on my side.
[ To Yuji, still a touch disorientated, it feels like mere seconds between the message and Choso appearing. He's getting used to time being weird, though, and he pushes himself up to see... Wet dog Choso.
Wait, he really was literally in the shower? What the - ]
Onii-san, what're you - [ Getting up with a wince, foot feeling numb, Yuji scrambles for a towel. ] Come here!
Wait, he really was literally in the shower? What the - ]
Onii-san, what're you - [ Getting up with a wince, foot feeling numb, Yuji scrambles for a towel. ] Come here!
[ choso encapsulates the vibe of Wet Dog so well; all the mass and fluff of his usual silhouette hangs off his considerable frame now, hair come undone at some point since they last saw each other (this morning, only hours ago if that) to splay down his back, clothing stuck to skin. the only signs of the earlier blood surge lingers still in the beds under his nails, in the crease of his nose, the spaces between his teeth; whatever has happened, it has been washed away in some kind of cleansing flood.
choso splats forth, barefoot and awkward in the way of someone who has never had to consider the art of wringing out before now. ]
Stop wandering, you were just in surgery!
choso splats forth, barefoot and awkward in the way of someone who has never had to consider the art of wringing out before now. ]
Stop wandering, you were just in surgery!
I said it was fine!
[ Which, you know, it isn't, but his concern for Choso wins out. He's got the towel in hand, and stepping over to try and wrap it around his brother's shoulders, arms wobbling as they reach over his head. His heart is beating a little too fast in his chest, panic making him feel uncomfortable, before he seems to stop, like a shiver runs through him.
Everything feels like... Too much, right now. ]
Change your clothes and sit with me in that case!
[ Which, you know, it isn't, but his concern for Choso wins out. He's got the towel in hand, and stepping over to try and wrap it around his brother's shoulders, arms wobbling as they reach over his head. His heart is beating a little too fast in his chest, panic making him feel uncomfortable, before he seems to stop, like a shiver runs through him.
Everything feels like... Too much, right now. ]
Change your clothes and sit with me in that case!
[ it’s a good idea, honestly, but choso isn’t thinking about things like logic or reason when he reaches out to grab yuji around the ribs and pull him in close with a very moist splat.
choso’s hold is strong when he fits his chin between yuji’s shoulder and neck, all but crushing the boy in this soggiest of embraces. ]
It’s okay! [ he isn’t referring to the water or the clothes or whatever; each word is a burst, a rush of reassurance for the both of them. ]
You did it, Yuji. It’s okay. We’re okay!
choso’s hold is strong when he fits his chin between yuji’s shoulder and neck, all but crushing the boy in this soggiest of embraces. ]
It’s okay! [ he isn’t referring to the water or the clothes or whatever; each word is a burst, a rush of reassurance for the both of them. ]
You did it, Yuji. It’s okay. We’re okay!
[ Shlap, and there's wet on his skin, but Yuji doesn't... Really feel it. The sensation of what he imagines would be cold-damp-ugh doesn't exist against his skin, not when he feels as numb as he does, and he frowns even as his arms lift to wrap around Choso in return. ]
I'm sorry, I should've thought more about your pain.
[ Leaning in, he sinks against him a little more, frowning. ]
... I can't feel it, onii-san. Can you hug me a little harder?
I'm sorry, I should've thought more about your pain.
[ Leaning in, he sinks against him a little more, frowning. ]
... I can't feel it, onii-san. Can you hug me a little harder?
I'm still sorry... It must have been bad for you. I didn't think about it, since I was alone last time.
[ Reaching up, Yuji goes to touch his hair, to try and work through the tangles in a familiar way, ignoring the weird, sticky feeling of water. ]
You should change before you catch a cold, though.
[ Reaching up, Yuji goes to touch his hair, to try and work through the tangles in a familiar way, ignoring the weird, sticky feeling of water. ]
You should change before you catch a cold, though.
Trouble!?
[ he’s torn. on one hand, yuji was innocent. on the other hand, if bakugo was mad about something, doubtless there was a good reason for it. argh!
but wait. pay attention, choso: the water’s puddling unpleasantly, and it’s getting cold besides.
with a shiver, choso steps back, nudging at yuji as if to shoo him back toward the bed before he begins the surprisingly arduous process of peeling the wet things off himself, discarding the poor loungewear on the floor with some horrible splats. he’d worry about it later, or let the little roomba worry about it for him. (here it comes on cue, puttering in like the belated cavalry)
eventually, regrettably perhaps, choso achieves nakedness in its entirety, unabashed as he putters to grab the nearest shirt and pair of sweatpants (where they belong, in their little drawer homes). ]
Here, Yuji, this shirt is warmer.
[ says choso, turning around with his own barely halfway on his head, a hoodie held out to indicate. ]
[ he’s torn. on one hand, yuji was innocent. on the other hand, if bakugo was mad about something, doubtless there was a good reason for it. argh!
but wait. pay attention, choso: the water’s puddling unpleasantly, and it’s getting cold besides.
with a shiver, choso steps back, nudging at yuji as if to shoo him back toward the bed before he begins the surprisingly arduous process of peeling the wet things off himself, discarding the poor loungewear on the floor with some horrible splats. he’d worry about it later, or let the little roomba worry about it for him. (here it comes on cue, puttering in like the belated cavalry)
eventually, regrettably perhaps, choso achieves nakedness in its entirety, unabashed as he putters to grab the nearest shirt and pair of sweatpants (where they belong, in their little drawer homes). ]
Here, Yuji, this shirt is warmer.
[ says choso, turning around with his own barely halfway on his head, a hoodie held out to indicate. ]
Choso!
[ Yuji is turning around as soon as his brother begins to strip, the wet fabric hitting the floor, lifting a hand to cover his eyes. That's the sort of thing you warn people about! As if that matters, since they're brothers, but it's still weird to see someone you're probably maybe related to stripping down and getting naked like it's nothing.
He waits until he's fairly sure the other man is dressed before he turns his head, tugging off his own damp shirt and hoodie and reaching out to take the new, dry one with a huff of noise. It's not as if he can even feel the cold right now... ]
Sometimes I think you're doing fine, then I remember there's so much more to teach you.
[ But he does flop back onto the bed, twitching a little as he groans and leans back. Hot, cold, no feeling and then too much: his body is swinging between them all and making him feel queasy with it. ]
But I'm still glad you're here.
[ Yuji is turning around as soon as his brother begins to strip, the wet fabric hitting the floor, lifting a hand to cover his eyes. That's the sort of thing you warn people about! As if that matters, since they're brothers, but it's still weird to see someone you're probably maybe related to stripping down and getting naked like it's nothing.
He waits until he's fairly sure the other man is dressed before he turns his head, tugging off his own damp shirt and hoodie and reaching out to take the new, dry one with a huff of noise. It's not as if he can even feel the cold right now... ]
Sometimes I think you're doing fine, then I remember there's so much more to teach you.
[ But he does flop back onto the bed, twitching a little as he groans and leans back. Hot, cold, no feeling and then too much: his body is swinging between them all and making him feel queasy with it. ]
But I'm still glad you're here.
Teach me? Like what?
[ was it the water? should he have left the clothes in the bathroom? make a note to do so next time. if there is a next time. there better not be a next time.
still damp but now dressed, choso settles himself onto the bed, crawling over carefully to arrange himself around yuji’s splayed form not unlike a cat lying down on its preferred perch. ]
I will always be here for you, Yuji.
[ was it the water? should he have left the clothes in the bathroom? make a note to do so next time. if there is a next time. there better not be a next time.
still damp but now dressed, choso settles himself onto the bed, crawling over carefully to arrange himself around yuji’s splayed form not unlike a cat lying down on its preferred perch. ]
I will always be here for you, Yuji.
Getting naked in front of people isn't cool, most of the time.
[ Obviously... He probably does that with Toji... UGH...
Curling up, he wiggles a little closer, sinking his arms around his brother and pressing his face into him with a soft sigh. ]
Mmf. Me too, onii-san.
[ Obviously... He probably does that with Toji... UGH...
Curling up, he wiggles a little closer, sinking his arms around his brother and pressing his face into him with a soft sigh. ]
Mmf. Me too, onii-san.
[ hair damp, skin cold, choso still curls up around yuji as tight as he dares, a fetal curl with arms looping around the boy’s shoulders and head to hold him in close. it’s only been a few hours at most. it feels like days. like years stretched out, one agonized heartbeat after the other. ]
I understand. When is it acceptable?
[ he asks, cheek against the top of yuji’s head, sighing long and deep in this naked relief. ]
I understand. When is it acceptable?
[ he asks, cheek against the top of yuji’s head, sighing long and deep in this naked relief. ]
When no one is around, or people aren't looking, or it's a changing room or something like that. Those parts of you are private.
[ Reaching up, Yuji strokes his fingers through Choso's hair, the damp strands of it still sticky, and he sighs softly, rubbing the back of his head with soft fingers. ]
I really hurt you this time, didn't I?
[ Reaching up, Yuji strokes his fingers through Choso's hair, the damp strands of it still sticky, and he sighs softly, rubbing the back of his head with soft fingers. ]
I really hurt you this time, didn't I?
Nn. I will keep it in mind.
[ which means it’s low on the priority list, he’ll remember to ask about it later if he doesn’t just forget.
at the touch to his hair, choso nuzzles his face into yuji’s, allowing short, pink strands to tickle at his nose, his cheeks. ]
It was frightening, Yuji. I was so scared for you.
[ which means it’s low on the priority list, he’ll remember to ask about it later if he doesn’t just forget.
at the touch to his hair, choso nuzzles his face into yuji’s, allowing short, pink strands to tickle at his nose, his cheeks. ]
It was frightening, Yuji. I was so scared for you.
[ Yuji smiles softly, even as he aches. Being close to Choso helps, his healing implant twinning with his cursed technique to ease his hurts and internal wounds. ]
I was fine. I can handle pain, you know that. I didn't think you'd be able to feel it, but when it started, I knew you could.
[ Resting his forehead on Choso's, he closes his eyes. ]
I'd never want you to hurt like that.
I was fine. I can handle pain, you know that. I didn't think you'd be able to feel it, but when it started, I knew you could.
[ Resting his forehead on Choso's, he closes his eyes. ]
I'd never want you to hurt like that.
Doesn't it? If I can handle it, shouldn't that mean it should be me who does it?
[ Self-inflicted pain... Carrying it for the others... ]
I don't think there are any more upgrades I want. This... It hurt a lot. I feel so sick. It's not worth it, is it?
[ Self-inflicted pain... Carrying it for the others... ]
I don't think there are any more upgrades I want. This... It hurt a lot. I feel so sick. It's not worth it, is it?
[ ‘It’s okay if it’s just me’, ‘I can take it’, ‘it’s what I can do best’ - all words that echo in his head as Yuji tries to put the pieces together. It was a rash decision, but one that he thinks he made with logic. It made sense to him.
But Choso is right too. It’s not worth hurting his brother over. ]
Onii-san… I’m the only thing I have left to sacrifice for my goals. That’s okay to me… Sorry.
But Choso is right too. It’s not worth hurting his brother over. ]
Onii-san… I’m the only thing I have left to sacrifice for my goals. That’s okay to me… Sorry.
I won’t allow another time.
[ he cannot stop yuji on the battlefield, cannot fathom trying to stop him in motion, but in this, in these little sacrifices made to the name of a corporation that has scooped them out of their reality, in this choso lets his voice find iron, lets his grip on yuji grow tight. ]
LILITH will not touch you again.
[ he cannot stop yuji on the battlefield, cannot fathom trying to stop him in motion, but in this, in these little sacrifices made to the name of a corporation that has scooped them out of their reality, in this choso lets his voice find iron, lets his grip on yuji grow tight. ]
LILITH will not touch you again.
Choso…
[ He sinks into Choso more, allows himself to feel that iron grip, just strong enough that it comes through the haze of feeling and awkwardness of the operation. He can’t make Choso go through this again. He can’t. No matter what.
He kisses his brother’s forehead gently. ]
I’ll do better.
[ He sinks into Choso more, allows himself to feel that iron grip, just strong enough that it comes through the haze of feeling and awkwardness of the operation. He can’t make Choso go through this again. He can’t. No matter what.
He kisses his brother’s forehead gently. ]
I’ll do better.
Then keep staying. Right here. We have you.
[ which we? yuji's brothers? or the uncountable many who love this one supernova wrapped up into a boy's skin? ]
Right now, we're safe. You're safe.
[ if he hadn't dried himself out like a damn prune at bakugo earlier, this might be a much wetter conversation. lucky. with yuji curled in close, choso lets himself relax, rubbing a broad hand down yuji's back in soothing strokes. ]
[ which we? yuji's brothers? or the uncountable many who love this one supernova wrapped up into a boy's skin? ]
Right now, we're safe. You're safe.
[ if he hadn't dried himself out like a damn prune at bakugo earlier, this might be a much wetter conversation. lucky. with yuji curled in close, choso lets himself relax, rubbing a broad hand down yuji's back in soothing strokes. ]
i didn't really feel anything like that at all.
i remember thinking... it hurt my hand? but maybe it hurt something else, too. i don't know
but i said sorry. they were more human than curse to me, for the first time, and i didn't know what to do with that
i remember thinking... it hurt my hand? but maybe it hurt something else, too. i don't know
but i said sorry. they were more human than curse to me, for the first time, and i didn't know what to do with that
People don't usually fear ears as much as they fear other body parts like feet.
[ is there a foot curse?? ]
Spicy foods are also a work in progress for me. The last time I got too bold, my hubris got the best of me and I started tearing up in the restaurant.
[ is there a foot curse?? ]
Spicy foods are also a work in progress for me. The last time I got too bold, my hubris got the best of me and I started tearing up in the restaurant.
work at hanami. photography club. i’m teaching myself cooking. bird identification. insect identification. feeding the cats. visiting the cats. wagashi. training. plant care. laundry care. price evaluation. first aid. identifying edible plants. cleaning. avoiding gojo. feeding gojo. roombas.
[ Choso you are just a peach ]
I asked Katsuki to do it
[ more like Bakugou instantly understood the assignment because he's a smart cookie, but why split hairs? ]
they're not bleeding
shouldn't need anything while they heal
but they're sensitive so I've been wearing a bandanna or scarf
I asked Katsuki to do it
[ more like Bakugou instantly understood the assignment because he's a smart cookie, but why split hairs? ]
they're not bleeding
shouldn't need anything while they heal
but they're sensitive so I've been wearing a bandanna or scarf
Edited 2024-06-24 21:40 (UTC)
oh.
ok.
[ there are pieces, where kaede is concerned. shards and puzzle bits, disparate things without common links that floated freely like detritus in the ocean currents. only now is he noticing the hair-fine wires tying them all together. something is coming together. ]
how many are there?
ok.
[ there are pieces, where kaede is concerned. shards and puzzle bits, disparate things without common links that floated freely like detritus in the ocean currents. only now is he noticing the hair-fine wires tying them all together. something is coming together. ]
how many are there?
yeah
I was asleep for several months the first time they were broken
it wasn't as long for the second time
so I have no idea how long or often I'll be awake when we're not fighting
it's easier to stay awake when there's a threat Nyuu can't defend herself against
I was asleep for several months the first time they were broken
it wasn't as long for the second time
so I have no idea how long or often I'll be awake when we're not fighting
it's easier to stay awake when there's a threat Nyuu can't defend herself against
[ at least three times sundered. the pieces click and clatter as he slots them in place, finding at last the rough shape of the little pink woman he'd been working alongside all this time.
he thinks of yuji, of scars and the furnace-bright light behind their eyes, these two ruinous creatures. ]
i'll make sure your sleep is without too much worry.
may i ask yuji to assist?
he thinks of yuji, of scars and the furnace-bright light behind their eyes, these two ruinous creatures. ]
i'll make sure your sleep is without too much worry.
may i ask yuji to assist?
[ notes taken, saved, archived. soft knit caps, ribbons, things to hide and shield the stuff beneath. he can do that. that shouldn’t be hard. yuji wears soft things all the time, and yor knew all sorts of stuff about girls, probably. ]
understood. i know what to look for now.
when will you be back?
understood. i know what to look for now.
when will you be back?
[ She's glad this is text. Otherwise, the flush on her stricken face and the hint of tears at the corners of her eyes would just be unbearable. It's bad enough that she's aware of them. ]
I'm not going anywhere
think of it more like...someone else is driving because I'm tired
I'm not going anywhere
think of it more like...someone else is driving because I'm tired
[Sometime after everyone gets back from Vegas, but before they head off to Okinawa, a package will be left at Choso's door. It's a small white box, about the size of a jewelry gift box.
Inside there is a small note, and a gift. The note is hand written, in precise handwriting, and reads:
I understand that perhaps maybe we don't really want to remember our trip to Las Vegas. However, I bought these before we were sent out on the mission, with the best intentions. I thought maybe I should get rid of them, but I'll leave that up to you. keep them if you like, but I won't be offended if you don't.
Otherwise, I hope they work well. I never bought a gift like this before.
It's signed with Raidou's full title. The gift inside are hair ties with souvenir casino dice on them.]
Inside there is a small note, and a gift. The note is hand written, in precise handwriting, and reads:
I understand that perhaps maybe we don't really want to remember our trip to Las Vegas. However, I bought these before we were sent out on the mission, with the best intentions. I thought maybe I should get rid of them, but I'll leave that up to you. keep them if you like, but I won't be offended if you don't.
Otherwise, I hope they work well. I never bought a gift like this before.
It's signed with Raidou's full title. The gift inside are hair ties with souvenir casino dice on them.]
so
where were these cats of yours again
( when he says he'll return the favor... he means it. a man of his word. )
where were these cats of yours again
( when he says he'll return the favor... he means it. a man of his word. )
? no
it just
ain't often i bathe off-base
and i've never been to... wherever
( so ... probably. )
it just
ain't often i bathe off-base
and i've never been to... wherever
( so ... probably. )
i don't—
( NEED a guide!!! just a location!
but his grumbling in text is clearly falling on deaf ears. or deaf brain.
izou's just tapping a foot impatiently in a corner of headquarters. )
( NEED a guide!!! just a location!
but his grumbling in text is clearly falling on deaf ears. or deaf brain.
izou's just tapping a foot impatiently in a corner of headquarters. )
from a company that employs someone like seok dang, i expect nothing less than strange overtures.
[ it's weird. it's just a shampoo and conditioner set with his face on it, but the idea of Marcille using it... his stomach does a funny sort of flip-flop. ]
better than most. the little worms didn't bite nearly as hard as expected.
what about you? enough to go back to work?
[ it's weird. it's just a shampoo and conditioner set with his face on it, but the idea of Marcille using it... his stomach does a funny sort of flip-flop. ]
better than most. the little worms didn't bite nearly as hard as expected.
what about you? enough to go back to work?
This shop is a local one that's been attacked by Kaiju before. I don't think they can afford to keep waiting for me when they could hire someone else. So I understand! I'll get by.
That's good... That whole trip was exhausting
What are you up to now?
That's good... That whole trip was exhausting
What are you up to now?
Edited (oops already asked this) 2024-08-08 20:00 (UTC)
[after they get back from the rift and, uh, the result of that--]
shame you didn't get the chance to eat the dragon like you wanted to do
[weirdly, manjoume's actually disappointed about this, because it would have been preferable to the clusterfuck that happened instead]
shame you didn't get the chance to eat the dragon like you wanted to do
[weirdly, manjoume's actually disappointed about this, because it would have been preferable to the clusterfuck that happened instead]
[ of all the little names that could pop up now, manjoume’s is among the last that choso expected. and yet, the tiny sparkle it inspires… ]
a great shame. i know now what that feels like on a grander scale.
are you okay? were you harmed in the proceedings?
a great shame. i know now what that feels like on a grander scale.
are you okay? were you harmed in the proceedings?
[Manjoume almost responds with "I'm fine", before ultimately deciding not to because that's a lie even he doesn't feel like saying about the situation.]
I'm unharmed. What about you?
I'm unharmed. What about you?
[wow just saying the quiet part out loud, huh]
In that case, maybe the better question I should be asking is are you going to be okay?
In that case, maybe the better question I should be asking is are you going to be okay?
[Huh? Why does he care about Manjoume's eating habits?]
Why do you ask?
Why do you ask?
Really now.
[Because Manjoume is definitely doubting this a little, since this the same guy who wanted to eat a dragon here...]
[Because Manjoume is definitely doubting this a little, since this the same guy who wanted to eat a dragon here...]
Can you really say that you're able to cook, if the only ingredient you know how to use is tofu?
[says the guy who also can't cook to save his life tbh]
[says the guy who also can't cook to save his life tbh]
( Left somewhere Choso can find it is a tiny giftbag with a note attached. The note reads:
Inside the bag are several loose pieces of candy and this specific jellyfish plushie. Vash liked his face. )
This might be kind of silly since everything that happened but I saw this guy while we were in the aquarium and it made me think of you so, here. His name is Jimmy
-- Vash
Inside the bag are several loose pieces of candy and this specific jellyfish plushie. Vash liked his face. )
[ She doesn't say it as much, but she's relieved. As long as the three of them are sound in body, the mind won't be far behind. Hopefully. They're stronger than she is in that regard. She thinks so, at least. ]
good
oh I meant the one on my face
scratching my horns would just be uncomfortable
good
oh I meant the one on my face
scratching my horns would just be uncomfortable
[ Her honest reaction. ]
it's uncomfortable
I'll throw you into a garbage bin if you try it
and a broken arm for every repeat offense after that
it's uncomfortable
I'll throw you into a garbage bin if you try it
and a broken arm for every repeat offense after that
[ rude, perhaps, to someone socialized in the same manner. rude to a human raised in the mystery called society.
to choso, it is merely to the point, even if he must puzzle a little over the UN he doesn’t recall, trying to match it to what folks he knows. ]
physically he is well. i have been tending to him.
i cannot say the same for inside. i give my all nevertheless.
what was said that made you two like this?
to choso, it is merely to the point, even if he must puzzle a little over the UN he doesn’t recall, trying to match it to what folks he knows. ]
physically he is well. i have been tending to him.
i cannot say the same for inside. i give my all nevertheless.
what was said that made you two like this?
You should keep a close eye on him. That kind of grief can go awry fairly quick.
And I don't know.
He found out some of my beliefs, I think.
I haven't been hiding them but Itadori likes to believe the best in people. The cherry on a shit Sundae, probably.
And I don't know.
He found out some of my beliefs, I think.
I haven't been hiding them but Itadori likes to believe the best in people. The cherry on a shit Sundae, probably.
He's strong, yes. But not indestructible. It's the rest of him I'm worried about. He's young, it's a lot of pressure. He's taking the things he's expected to be able to do back home and increasing them ten-fold, here. You have to get him to see that he can rely on people too. That if he needs to talk he shouldn't bottle it up.
( He's ignoring the rest. What can he say? That he knows the path intimately? Itadori Yuji will not turn out like him, he's too good for that. But he might burn up, die out. )
( He's ignoring the rest. What can he say? That he knows the path intimately? Itadori Yuji will not turn out like him, he's too good for that. But he might burn up, die out. )
Choso! Now that we're back at the base, aren't you going to fulfil your promise to me?
[ to go out together ofc ]
[ to go out together ofc ]
[ What perfect timing. A strange message from beyond hitting him in the middle of a peculiar brain-surgery-recovery period. What promises has he made? Was it important? This strange name knows him by name, so it must be an ally. Quick, think fast so they don’t suspect anything. ]
Yes. I will.
But what was it? Refresh me.
Yes. I will.
But what was it? Refresh me.
[ is the baby okay ]
We had a date at the baths, didn't we? The one you mentioned had many wandering cats. [ he means a friend date ..... ]
We had a date at the baths, didn't we? The one you mentioned had many wandering cats. [ he means a friend date ..... ]
[ cats…? that strikes a chord, doesn’t it? has he ever seen a cat? touched one? could this be a situation like with yuji? perhaps to save this strange person the distress, he ought to just play along. ]
oh. yes. okay.
we may bathe together at your leisure. i am apparently free.
oh. yes. okay.
we may bathe together at your leisure. i am apparently free.
[ choso you can just say you have no idea what's going on ]
Okay! I'll meet you at the lobby for our trip.
Okay! I'll meet you at the lobby for our trip.
Edited (What the fuck ) 2024-09-14 21:51 (UTC)
Hello Mr. Choso. Forgive me for contacting you out of nowhere.
I was speaking with Raidou about working with his summoner abilities, since I think? I meet the criteria for a summon. He referred me to you as someone he's worked with in this regard.
So. [Ummm...] This is Dan Heng. Do you have any advice as a "summon"? I hope to make this go smoothly but I don't know what to expect really...
I was speaking with Raidou about working with his summoner abilities, since I think? I meet the criteria for a summon. He referred me to you as someone he's worked with in this regard.
So. [Ummm...] This is Dan Heng. Do you have any advice as a "summon"? I hope to make this go smoothly but I don't know what to expect really...
[ how polite. when the notif for the message comes up, choso spends some few moments examining it as if it were a pebble lobbed through a window. how strange, how novel, how new. a stranger’s name asking for choso, of anyone?
truly, kuzunoha was capable of miracles. ]
hello Dan Heng. i understand your circumstance.
as for advice…
truly, kuzunoha was capable of miracles. ]
hello Dan Heng. i understand your circumstance.
as for advice…
[.........
.....hm. What a cryptic answer. Hard to follow as someone who tends to worry about many things all the time all at once. ]
Erm. I will try then. Thank you for your time, Mr. Choso.
[He's not sure if he'd passed some sort of test here?? Or if this is just how the man is...maybe he'll find out someday. He does, bizarrely, feel a little more reassured.]
.....hm. What a cryptic answer. Hard to follow as someone who tends to worry about many things all the time all at once. ]
Erm. I will try then. Thank you for your time, Mr. Choso.
[He's not sure if he'd passed some sort of test here?? Or if this is just how the man is...maybe he'll find out someday. He does, bizarrely, feel a little more reassured.]
Edited (annnd I forgor the courier font) 2024-10-04 01:50 (UTC)
I see.
....That helps very much. Raidou is a good, diligent person. And yet I seem to have underestimated his confidence in me.
Thank you, Choso. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you in the future as well.
[ it's immediate. the moment connection is re-established, it's like electricity sparking, like the power coming back on, like an answering light in the dark and it's all at once in one short-circuiting burst. ]
yuji
yuji
yuji
y▒ji
yuji▒
help
help
he▒p▒%%*
s▒ve▒him
save him
▒▒▒
yujiyuji
yuji
yuji
y▒ji
yuji▒
help
help
he▒p▒%%*
s▒ve▒him
save him
[Sometime during the last week of the month, Choso will find a small package outside of his bedroom door. When he opens it, out pops a hummingbird drone, flying out to greet him. Inside is a small notecard, complete with a QR code so Choso can get his new little buddy all set up.]
Hopefully this one is nicer than Wasabi.
- Kuzunoha Raidou XIV
Hopefully this one is nicer than Wasabi.
- Kuzunoha Raidou XIV
( Left outside of Choso's room is a singular tray with a covered bowl. Inside is a simple heaped portion of Yaki Udon, a note pinned underneath: )
The meat's synthetic so if it tastes like shit you can't blame me. But eat it while it's warm, your brother needs you fighting fit.
- G.
The meat's synthetic so if it tastes like shit you can't blame me. But eat it while it's warm, your brother needs you fighting fit.
- G.
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