gunshow | prismatica

Fufu. It’s my fault for taking so long. I’ll be down in fifteen minutes or so with some tea. I love it very much, so I’m always trying new blends. Today I’ll bring lapsang souchong.

[ And sure enough, he’s left to make sure he has everything after that, and knocks on Ryuu’s door with a bag held over his wrist (containing Ryuu’s neatly folded and too fancily washed clothes as well as a pot of the tea mentioned. He’s got a couple tea cups tucked carefully in the bag, and he’s sure Ryuu must have milk or cream or whatever else they might want.

He’s fairly pale today, even if he smiles as brightly as ever, and he looks a bit tired even past his act as he offers the teapot forward once the door opens. Help him carry it in? ]

I hope I’m not cutting into your day too much with this.

[ ryuu is pretty prompt with answering the door since he knows he's coming. he's dressed nice as usual, though it doesn't appear as though he's going anywhere - there are some magazines open on the coffee table, and his living area now has a TV left on to drone peacefully in the background. on opening the door, ryuu offers an equally bright smile, half a second delayed as he notes eichi's complexion...

but he takes the teapot without a second thought, opening the door the rest of the way and standing aside to usher him in. ]

Not at all! Come in.

[ with that, he closes the door behind him. ]

I haven't really found a routine here I'm totally satisfied with... [ a chuckle. ] So I'm home today. I'm excited to try -

[ a quizzical heft of the teapot. ]

...what is this called again?

Lapsang souchong. It’s a strong black tea with interesting flavors, and I’ve had so much of it since my roommate vanished that I thought I should make use of it rather than keeping it around.

[ Keeping it around uselessly, he means. The teapot is fancy, too, and shouldn’t be too hot to carry. Meanwhile, Eichi reaches into the bag and pulls out the two teacups, looking just as extravagant. He collects these, so. ]

I would have visited much sooner, but there was that cult, and it seems they managed something that even affected my moon cycle... I ended up wearing your comfortable clothes more than a few times for the thought of it, but it seems as though each time I had them washed and ready to bring back, something new came up.

[ He sets the cups out on the table and reaches in the bag to pull the clothes out, neatly folded and clean. ]

Still, thank you very much. I hope you’ve been well? I don’t believe I saw you in that mess, but I can’t be sure.

[ ryuu is no stranger to the occasional flare of luxury but even he recognizes the value of the teapot and cups that are now currently in his possession... with an awed look shining in his eyes, he goes about being a little more careful than usual pouring the tea itself, and getting out the cream and sugar.

it's a task that slows when ryuu stops to listen, paused at the countertop that overlooks the living area. the shift in his expression is immediate as he gently sets the teapot down. ]

You're apologizing about my clothes when you got caught up in something like that?

[ ryuu wasn't in that mess, but he's familiar. it was a close call. ]

I'm fine, but what about you?

[He sets the clothes down somewhere that it seems acceptable, giving them an extra smooth over with his hands. Goodbye comfy bf not-jacket...]

Oh, I think the wine is done with its effects, so I should be fine now. [He takes that question a little differently than he should, glancing back over. But now he sees that expression, and he feels a little bad for bringing it up.]

Ah, but don't worry so much. I was saved by some heroes, so on and so forth, or something like that. [Something like that.] Really, the treatment wasn't too terrible, since it relied on pheromones... So it was nothing compared to other situations I've been in. No captive was killed, either, so that's a plus, isn't it?

[ unsurprisingly, the cavalier nature of eichi's response doesn't do much to allay ryuu's sudden worries. his other hand perches on the counter uncertainly, not sure how to take it. or the fact that it's apparently not even the first time something terrible has happened. ryuu knows he can be a bit whimsical, but even so - there has to be a limit.

so he'd hoped, anyway. being faced with it stands to correct him. ]

A plus...? Do you really think so?

[Ah... It didn't reassure him? Eichi hesitates at that body language and tone, taking the moment to try and understand. He'd come over here because he was lonely, more than to return the clothes, really. Because things have been upsetting him more and more lately, and he knows they'd said they were friends, but... Is he messing something up again?

Is it the topic? Should he change it? He thought trying to appear fine would alleviate worries, but instead he's not really sure. It's the first thing that makes his smile dim a little, and he lingers still further away.]

Is that a trick question...? They had intended to use us for sacrifices, so it's a good thing that they didn't succeed, isn't it?

[ his heart feels light, but dispirited. like it can't figure out which way it wants to swing, and so ends up trapping itself awkwardly in the hollow of his throat. ]

It's not a trick question. [ finally, he moves, gaze falling into the teacups. gingerly, he picks up the teapot again to start pouring. somehow the shine of the liquid, the gentle sound and scent, steadies him. ] Of course it's good the worst didn't happen, but the rest of it isn't something I'd be able to not worry about, either.

[ down the teapot goes, leaving the two beautiful cups of tea. he can't seem to break away from where he's standing though, the back of his throat hot. ]

It's an unforgivable thing, what happened.

[ he knows it might be selfish to react so strongly to what he's sure is just coping, but -

he can't really help it. ]

[Oh. It's that he's upset about the act... Of course he would be, right? Eichi moves from his spot at that realization, stepping up beside Ryuu with a delicate touch of his fingertips to his back.]

...Sorry. I brought up something quite serious and tried to brush it off when it should be difficult to do so. [Right?] I agree that it was unforgivable, you know... It was terrible. I thought this place was better than the last I was stuck in, but it was a cruel reminder that my paranoia had every right to be in place. I couldn't save one of my friends from being lured away, and we were both taken.

[His hand drops away from Ryuu's back and rests against the counter, instead.]

I've been told that the way I speak about things can be rather gruesome, since I was raised in the way that I was, but I'm not so cold and heartless as to think it was nothing. It's just that I didn't want you to worry.

But if that was the case, I shouldn't have brought it up at all. [Ahh... He came here to pleasantly have tea and pretend everything's fine in order to feel better, but he ended up dragging someone else into bad feelings, instead, didn't he? He's so bad at this.]

[ while it's true that the lightheartedness got to him, needling at his stomach, his sensitive nature, ryuu shakes his head. what happened to him isn't something eichi should be apologizing to anyone for, let alone him. of course, he would have liked to have known sooner - to know if there was anything he could have done. hindsight has a way of hurting, which is why he's always focused forward. ]

No, it's not that. I'm glad you told me. It's my fault that I feel like I can't hold back how I felt, hearing about those terrible things...

[ and almost succumbing to them, if not for someone's kindness.

ryuu takes the opportunity in the wake of eichi's retreating fingertips to turn aside, reaching out and winding his arms around his shoulders. tugging him in, he exhales. he's good at finding his center, he just needs a second. ]

But I'm glad you're okay, too. Really.

[His fault...? Eichi's trying to parse how this could be Ryuu's fault in any way when he's pulled in, suddenly. The hug is enough of a surprise, but the words on top of it make him freeze without meaning to, a stunned shock that lasts a few seconds before his hands raise slowly, touching too delicately to Ryuu's back. He relaxes into the hold after that, but it's so warm that it makes his chest hurt. It makes him so happy that he feels sad...? He doesn't understand.

But after casually speaking about this incident to a number of others, Ryuu is the first one who's voiced something so simple as "I'm glad you're okay." Plenty were worried, but the expressions of that were solemn silence, joking distractions, nagging questions. Huh. After a slow breath, his fingers curl against Ryuu's back, but it's still a light touch. He doesn't want to lean too much into this... He doesn't, he thinks, but his head does duck a little so that he can rest his face into his neck.]

T-thank you.

[He lifts his head again so he's not mumbling into him, blinking curiously at Ryuu's face as soon as he can, his touch lingering for as long as it seems like he can get away with it.]

I'm glad, as well. There's still so much that I'd like to do... [He doesn't want to die.] I grow restless if I sit in one place for too long, so even resting was beginning to drive me mad. Your company is more of a comfort than even those comfortable clothes of yours, so I thought I'd seek it out.

As I thought, I already feel a bit better.

Is that so? [ some of the tension has lifted with something as simple as reciprocation. it always comes down to something simple, with ryuu. the breath that moves in his chest is lighter now, like a flicker, there and gone again when he pulls away finally. ] There's a lot I want to see you do too.

[ such a plain admittance actually gets ryuu smiling again, never one to take such a thing for granted. slipping his arms away, he returns to what he was doing - tea. ]

I don't really like sitting still for too long either. I actually felt pretty lazy, sitting here watching TV on my own...

[ he reaches over to place the sugar and cream closer. ]

You do look pale though. Hopefully the tea will help.

[ Ah, he’s smiling again. That’s so much nicer. His own smile slips back on, slower out of hesitance but not any less warmly, and he reaches to take the cream for his own tea, pouring some. ]

Do I? I was worried I might look terrible... I feel quite tired lately, so I may worry you some more, but the company, the tea and any more gentle touches will surely help.

[ He’s saying that to see if he’ll get a reaction, laughing quietly. With cream mixed in, he picks up his own teacup to take with him. Normally he would have waited to bring everything over before helping himself, but it feels casual right now. He’s sure one cup will be enough. ]

Tell me what you think of this. It’s smoky in taste, though a little floral as well... It’s unique. [ He steps away and over to find where it looks fine to sit, setting his teacup down carefully wherever he does. ]

[ eichi's reward for the comment is an instant flush. he got a little carried away, didn't he...? it's something he hears often enough, usually in admonishment. still, ryuu doesn't go back on it. if he's going to worry, he'd rather do it while eichi is nearby anyway. it's not too much to hope he can help if he's able to, right?

willing the color in his face to calm, he finishes preparing his own cup of tea. if he minds that eichi took the initiative to move ahead of him and make himself at home, he's not saying so. (he doesn't.)

as he makes his way his way over to the couch and the rather impressive spread of media all around it, he sips before he's even seated, eyes brightening. ]

That is really unique! I don't think I've ever tasted anything like this before... it's almost like pine? - ah, but it's not bitter either. I like it.

[ finding a seat next to eichi, he hums. ]

You're good at brewing tea, aren't you?

[ He watches Ryuu with interest, so when he sits down next to him, Eichi leans subtly closer, lifting his own teacup to his lips with it so it looks like a casual motion. If Ryuu goes around giving such warm hugs, surely he won’t mind. ]

I’m glad if you like it. Fufu, I’ve learned how to brew it properly... but more than that, it’s a hobby of mine. I had been the head of a tea club at my school, you see. For me, it was a precious place and time to not have to be the “Emperor” and worry about such serious things. It was peaceful, and relaxing... And to discover more about each type of tea is quite nice.

I collect teacups, as well. The one you’re holding is one of a kind here, and hand painted with a delicate style unique to one particular family. Isn’t it beautiful?

[ no pressure. admire the flowers. ]

[ n-no pressure. settling in, ryuu lifts his cup to eye level very gingerly, inspecting the paint work on it. ]

It is beautiful. What elegant hobbies. [ he supposes that suits someone like eichi? ryuu smiles though, undeterred by the rarity of the cup in his hands. it just means he'll have to treat it extra well. ] You can really tell you know what you're doing just by tasting it.

[ considering ryuu seems to communicate very well through things like sharing food and drinks, it's a warm compliment. ]

Do you think you could teach me about more types of tea?

You'd be interested in something like that?

[His tone lifts a little in his hope, and his fingers curl more around his own teacup.]

I'd love to. I haven't been able to meet with my tea club since neither of the other members are here [until now, not that he knows], so I've been having it alone, for the most part. It's a bit lonely... If you'd like, we could meet occasionally and try different types of tea each time?

[He has such a busy schedule (too busy, for his health), but he's certain he can fit it in. A down time is necessary, and he's been missing it.]

When the weather is nice, the garden on the roof of this building is an excellent place for it, as well. I enjoy drinking tea among the flowers most of all, you see.

The rooftop, that's right! [ he nearly forgot about that, but the reminder enlivens him. ] That sounds really fun! I bet the view is good from there too. I feel refreshed just thinking about it.

[ it's something he's noticed, getting used to lunatia bit by bit - it has such interesting sights, and most places are beautiful in a way very different from anywhere he knows in japan. even the places in lower lunatia are like that. in fact, entertainment articles aside, the spread of magazines and such lean that direction too. sights and attractions, food columns, things like that.

taking another sip, smiling into the warmth of the tea, he nods. ]

If you have the time, I'd like to do that. I was learning a little back home, but a lot of my time got dedicated to baking first.

[ he really needs more hours in the day. ]

It's incredible. When I have trouble sleeping, I wander up to watch the stars at night, as well.

[Catch him up there in his pjs with a blanket. He lowers his tea to his lap after another sip, and leans a little closer still, less worried about being subtle.]

I really am curious about how you're doing, you know. I understand that I brought up something concerning with myself, but have you been settling in well? No one is giving you any problems, are they?

[ sturdy as ever, ryuu doesn't seem to mind the continued closeness. there's a spell of silence at the mention of the roof at night - he'd been up there a few weeks prior, but the red moon ensured it was all a starless blur. finding his smile, he shakes his head and looks aside, eyes still bright. ]

Me? There's not much to talk about! I miss home, of course... but it doesn't mean I don't want to learn as much about Lunatia as I can too. That's what all this is for.

I see. Yes, I felt the same way...

[He glances down at his teacup quietly, turning it slightly in his own hands.]

And have you made any steps towards idol work, here?

A little. I got scouted for a modeling job...

[ an accomplishment he allows to trail off before starting. ]

Oh! And this.

[ turning his network device over, he pulls up a site for an all-rounder studio offering recording booths, practice and dance rooms decked out with amazing holo-technology... ]

There are a lot of us around now, right? I thought I'd like to try practicing here sometime.

A modeling job? The idea of a gravure model suits you.

[He just assumes... But oh, he leans in to peer at this, even if he doesn't completely have to.]

Ah, but you're right! There are more and more idols, aren't there... But this looks like a nice location. As I thought, you're working hard already. ♪ I've been trying to slip in as much practice as my body will allow, in various locations... But my childhood friend recently arrived, and he's been following me around and nagging me nonstop.

Still, maybe I'll sneak away to come see you practice, as well. [Should rivals be working that closely? Shh.]

[ g-gravure. ryuu manages a short laugh, but doesn't... deny it...

onto better things! tilting his device aside and leaning into eichi's arm in kind, ryuu nods, quiet excitement playing on his features as he taps through the establishment's offerings. ryuu doesn't necessarily need something so fancy all the time, but it looks interesting! ]

I don't want to get rusty, you know? It's amazing what having a lot of time will do, if you're not careful. I just thought I'd look up some places first...

[ days off feel more precious when there are so few of them? ]

We can go together sometime! [ shh. ] Still, a childhood friend, huh... how nice. I'm sure he's just worried, right? You said you felt tired lately.

It makes an incredible difference, certainly. Going together sounds even better than me having to sneak over, so I'd like that.

[He sips his tea after that, considering the rest of his words. Mm, right...]

He is, of course. You don't understand, though. Keito has such an overbearing personality that it's exhausting. He's already moved himself in with me just to keep an eye on me.

[Despite his words, he doesn't sound too genuinely bothered. It's all light.]

I feel tired, since I have a lot scheduled and I've dealt with a fair amount of strain to my body lately, but even when I try to sleep, I've been having difficulty with it. It also makes me feel restless to stay in one place for too long, so I've been relying on Chroma and hoping it will be enough.

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