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[ there really isn't any helping it. kogami's gaze cuts right through him, leaving his heart pounding so hard that it aches. he'd been so attuned to the calm ferocity of those eyes focusing on him until suddenly they weren't. and now, with those innocuous words, there is a void where memory should be, where a reunion could be. the sound of his own pulse echoes in that space, unsure of what to do or where to go. being forgotten is... merciless. maybe doubly so, for someone like ryuu.
it feels selfish to turn inward. it feels selfish to supply everything from solely his own perspective. can it really be called remembrance, in that case? ryuu exhales quietly. then, willing the tension to ease from his body, he allows acceptance to smooth over his raw nerves.
that's right. starting over has never frightened him, even when it's hurt. ]
Is that so? Maybe you saw my face on a billboard somewhere? [ not here goes unsaid. ] As thanks for helping me...
Why don't I treat you to dinner? Something might jog your memory.
[ and they can go from there. ]
it feels selfish to turn inward. it feels selfish to supply everything from solely his own perspective. can it really be called remembrance, in that case? ryuu exhales quietly. then, willing the tension to ease from his body, he allows acceptance to smooth over his raw nerves.
that's right. starting over has never frightened him, even when it's hurt. ]
Is that so? Maybe you saw my face on a billboard somewhere? [ not here goes unsaid. ] As thanks for helping me...
Why don't I treat you to dinner? Something might jog your memory.
[ and they can go from there. ]
[ following the draw back of the curtain and her step forward, he instinctively steps back. now the appearance seems to match the disciplined behavior, though he can't stop a flicker of worry from passing over his expression. surely, that short of a rest couldn't be enough to ease the burdens of their arrival...
but like a force of nature, he can simply avoid or he can navigate the storm. ]
Your country...? [ he frowns. ] I'm sorry you were taken from something so important.
[ such a dire thing to be separated from explains the rush, though he can't stow his concerns over her condition just yet. ]
...I'll go. I'd like to hear their reasoning too.
[ he falls into step readily, though not without mulling aloud: ]
I wonder... if they'll let us leave so easily, knowing that they were expecting us.
but like a force of nature, he can simply avoid or he can navigate the storm. ]
Your country...? [ he frowns. ] I'm sorry you were taken from something so important.
[ such a dire thing to be separated from explains the rush, though he can't stow his concerns over her condition just yet. ]
...I'll go. I'd like to hear their reasoning too.
[ he falls into step readily, though not without mulling aloud: ]
I wonder... if they'll let us leave so easily, knowing that they were expecting us.
[ he should decline. whatever that's crackling between them isn't what usually happens for first meetings. the air is charged in ways that he barely recognises but acutely senses all the same, aware of the gulf between them that exists where a reunion should be.
ryuu looks like he's waiting for something, wanting something, and an inexplicable apology is at the tip of his tongue because for once, kogami doesn't quite understand this.
he should say no, but -- ]
I would like that.
[ -- something about ryuu captivates him the way it had in another world, in another time, but it cannot be resolved here or now, not in this space. the elevator opens on kogami's floor, and he belatedly realises. ]
Ah, you're staying near me.
ryuu looks like he's waiting for something, wanting something, and an inexplicable apology is at the tip of his tongue because for once, kogami doesn't quite understand this.
he should say no, but -- ]
I would like that.
[ -- something about ryuu captivates him the way it had in another world, in another time, but it cannot be resolved here or now, not in this space. the elevator opens on kogami's floor, and he belatedly realises. ]
Ah, you're staying near me.
[ if ryuu has learned anything throughout both the many blessings and many difficulties he's had in life, it's that it's never too late to take another first step. pains come and go, some scarring more proudly than others, but there's always a way forward so long as he commits to walking it. though his heart still feels tight, gripped by the ghosts of emotions seemingly long gone, the agreement makes him smile.
as does kogami's comment when the door slides open, releasing them out onto his chosen floor. these places are a little small for what ryuu thinks he might need, but for now, they do the trick. he starts to step out. ]
Am I? That's lucky, then! It's like we're neighbors.
as does kogami's comment when the door slides open, releasing them out onto his chosen floor. these places are a little small for what ryuu thinks he might need, but for now, they do the trick. he starts to step out. ]
Am I? That's lucky, then! It's like we're neighbors.
There's an elevator?!
[ Vane may or may not have made multiple trips up a few (quite a few) flights of stairs to bring up his own groceries, then back down to grab the gallon of milk he'd left behind and make yet another round back up.
He's a bit out of breath. It's really not a huge deal, given that he's pretty physically active, but he is feeling pretty annoyed that he's missed an elevator! ]
Uhh, no, sorry. But now that you mention there's an elevator, I'd like to find it, too!
...Hey, do you need help with that?
[ He can barely see the guy from behind those bags. ]
[ Vane may or may not have made multiple trips up a few (quite a few) flights of stairs to bring up his own groceries, then back down to grab the gallon of milk he'd left behind and make yet another round back up.
He's a bit out of breath. It's really not a huge deal, given that he's pretty physically active, but he is feeling pretty annoyed that he's missed an elevator! ]
Uhh, no, sorry. But now that you mention there's an elevator, I'd like to find it, too!
...Hey, do you need help with that?
[ He can barely see the guy from behind those bags. ]
[ though he can't exactly see who's offering the help, ryuu is gratefully ready to hand over one of the many shopping bags he has balanced in his arms. his eyes were bigger than his carrying capacity, in this case. then again, space food left a lot to be desired, so he might've gone a bit overboard with the groceries. ]
- ahh, thanks! I'm sure there was?! I've probably gone in circles a few times, I might as well have taken the stairs...
[ a laugh as the bag exchanges hands. hello! here he is. ]
This should make looking easier. You... must be new too, right?
[ one would think. ]
- ahh, thanks! I'm sure there was?! I've probably gone in circles a few times, I might as well have taken the stairs...
[ a laugh as the bag exchanges hands. hello! here he is. ]
This should make looking easier. You... must be new too, right?
[ one would think. ]
[ he is literally none the wiser, you monster. ]
Thanks, Gaku! It would be pretty troublesome if this happened for a while every time I had to step out for something, haha...
[ have fun explaining to tenn later. but onward! perusing the doorways that all look pretty much identical to one another, he hums. ]
We'll find it, we'll find it! In fact, I think it's this one...?
[ #1098, seems legit. ]
The last place I stayed definitely wasn't this big. Or busy, actually.
[ sus. ]
Thanks, Gaku! It would be pretty troublesome if this happened for a while every time I had to step out for something, haha...
[ have fun explaining to tenn later. but onward! perusing the doorways that all look pretty much identical to one another, he hums. ]
We'll find it, we'll find it! In fact, I think it's this one...?
[ #1098, seems legit. ]
The last place I stayed definitely wasn't this big. Or busy, actually.
[ sus. ]
[ it's worse than being poisoned, he's certain. he'll have to live this down at some point if he can't make a clean getaway, and those chances are slimming. his manners turn on him to bite him in the ass extra hard now that he's been called out on it. freezing, ryuu's once warm and casual mannerisms seem somewhat... stiff. (listen, there's no better word.) ]
...a-ah, that's right! Sorry for my rudeness... I'm Ryuunosuke.
[ though he did stop, he still looks about half-ready to bolt at the slightest provocation.
granted, looking at him, it seems he's been plenty provoked already. ]
...a-ah, that's right! Sorry for my rudeness... I'm Ryuunosuke.
[ though he did stop, he still looks about half-ready to bolt at the slightest provocation.
granted, looking at him, it seems he's been plenty provoked already. ]
[ he perks. ]
Sure, if you want another one! [ ryuu has two big strong arms and he is always ready to use them for good. ] Though... we should probably move out of the way before that, haha.
[ most of the locals are sort of flowing around them, their reception of obtrusive newcomers being lukewarm at best. despite that, the crowd seems even more dazzling and kaleidoscopic than normal thanks to their faceted limbs and colorful skin. he might feel dizzied by it, if not for how wholly his focus is now on eichi. pondering for another moment, he turns aside on his heel with a gesture to the street, then offers his hand. ]
Or we could do this. I don't mind if you hang onto me for a while.
[ his expression sobers somewhat. ]
I know it'd be better to rest, but... I don't feel like I'll be able to calm down for a while, you know?
[ exploring seems like the best bet, even at a slower pace. ]
Sure, if you want another one! [ ryuu has two big strong arms and he is always ready to use them for good. ] Though... we should probably move out of the way before that, haha.
[ most of the locals are sort of flowing around them, their reception of obtrusive newcomers being lukewarm at best. despite that, the crowd seems even more dazzling and kaleidoscopic than normal thanks to their faceted limbs and colorful skin. he might feel dizzied by it, if not for how wholly his focus is now on eichi. pondering for another moment, he turns aside on his heel with a gesture to the street, then offers his hand. ]
Or we could do this. I don't mind if you hang onto me for a while.
[ his expression sobers somewhat. ]
I know it'd be better to rest, but... I don't feel like I'll be able to calm down for a while, you know?
[ exploring seems like the best bet, even at a slower pace. ]
[ ryuu falls for it hook, line, and sinker—but gaku thinks it's going to be worth the trouble of explaining it to tenn later, because this is actually making him even more worried for ryuu. what the heck.
that said. ]
... The last place?
[ it seems like it should be an innocent comment but alarm bells are ringing inside his head. he'll wait for ryuu to open the door before he grills him on this. ]
that said. ]
... The last place?
[ it seems like it should be an innocent comment but alarm bells are ringing inside his head. he'll wait for ryuu to open the door before he grills him on this. ]
[ He takes the shopping bag and tucks it securely into his arm, hugging his gallon of milk with his other arm. ]
Nah, trust me, don't take the stairs. At least not if you're as high up as me, but especially not with big bags of food like these.
[ He's already looking around, trying to assess where he hasn't explored on this floor yet. Surely that would lead them to an elevator, right? Don't let him lead, his sense of direction is awful. He nods, smiling brightly. ]
Yup! I'm still trying to figure out a way back home, but this is better than the spaceship, and WAY better than the crystal dessert trying to kill us. You can call me Vane. What's your name?
Nah, trust me, don't take the stairs. At least not if you're as high up as me, but especially not with big bags of food like these.
[ He's already looking around, trying to assess where he hasn't explored on this floor yet. Surely that would lead them to an elevator, right? Don't let him lead, his sense of direction is awful. He nods, smiling brightly. ]
Yup! I'm still trying to figure out a way back home, but this is better than the spaceship, and WAY better than the crystal dessert trying to kill us. You can call me Vane. What's your name?
I wouldn't mind seeing you around more often.
[ admittedly, that's probably not what one should say to someone he's only just met, but kogami can't shake the feeling that he's seen him before, that he knows him, even if it seems impossible.
then again, teleporting to another world and having a gem slapped on him shouldn't be possible as well, but here they are. ryuu's smile is soft and sweet, and he pretends he doesn't feel a strange skip in his chest.
he follows after him dutifully. ]
[ admittedly, that's probably not what one should say to someone he's only just met, but kogami can't shake the feeling that he's seen him before, that he knows him, even if it seems impossible.
then again, teleporting to another world and having a gem slapped on him shouldn't be possible as well, but here they are. ryuu's smile is soft and sweet, and he pretends he doesn't feel a strange skip in his chest.
he follows after him dutifully. ]
After arriving as I did, I'd like as many as you could fit in. Ah, but this is quite nice, as well...
[Hug hogging aside, even if he doesn't really care who he's blocking the path of, he agrees to the hand, stepping closer to slip into both laced fingers and his free arm linked around him. Hi.]
I agree that it's impossible to rest at a time like this. There are many new sights to see, after all... And there's no saying how long we may be stuck here, so we should become used to the area. I'd like to see how music plays a part in this culture, as well.
[Hug hogging aside, even if he doesn't really care who he's blocking the path of, he agrees to the hand, stepping closer to slip into both laced fingers and his free arm linked around him. Hi.]
I agree that it's impossible to rest at a time like this. There are many new sights to see, after all... And there's no saying how long we may be stuck here, so we should become used to the area. I'd like to see how music plays a part in this culture, as well.
[It shouldn't be surprising that someone who so easily trusted a stranger could also be held back so easily.]
[Jamil's intent was simply to use whoever in this grocery store as a disposable, quick check. Perhaps that was short-sighted. Perhaps there could be more use for someone so absolutely naive. So, the first step in that new sequence of planning was to make sure that this himbo didn't succumb to whatever compound he'd tasted (or, rather, to make sure he succumbed).]
Ryuunosuke, [he repeats back. He adjusts his shopping bag before coming over and slipping his hand firmly between Ryuu's hand and his own bag.]
You shouldn't be alone after trying something with a strong reaction. Since you were kind enough to help me try it, I'll help you carry your things back.
[Never mind the sensation of skin brushing against skin. Never mind it, 'kay?]
... ah, right, and my own name. Jamil.
[Jamil's intent was simply to use whoever in this grocery store as a disposable, quick check. Perhaps that was short-sighted. Perhaps there could be more use for someone so absolutely naive. So, the first step in that new sequence of planning was to make sure that this himbo didn't succumb to whatever compound he'd tasted (or, rather, to make sure he succumbed).]
Ryuunosuke, [he repeats back. He adjusts his shopping bag before coming over and slipping his hand firmly between Ryuu's hand and his own bag.]
You shouldn't be alone after trying something with a strong reaction. Since you were kind enough to help me try it, I'll help you carry your things back.
[Never mind the sensation of skin brushing against skin. Never mind it, 'kay?]
... ah, right, and my own name. Jamil.
[ listen he can live on his own just fine. he just prefers company! which is highlighted again when he balances his armful of groceries on his hip like he's carrying a child and gets the door unlocked and opened - it's quite a large space for one person. never call him unprepared.
except when it comes to opening his big mouth and getting himself into trouble. ]
- ah...haha, yeah. Sorry, I brought it up without thinking...
[ flipping the light on, the apartment is obviously still brand new and unlived in. ]
I was hoping we could have a meal and a drink before I tried to explain things to you.
except when it comes to opening his big mouth and getting himself into trouble. ]
- ah...haha, yeah. Sorry, I brought it up without thinking...
[ flipping the light on, the apartment is obviously still brand new and unlived in. ]
I was hoping we could have a meal and a drink before I tried to explain things to you.
[ man did he pull an ssr in the meet-cute gacha. ]
You're telling me! [ a happy whuff of breath as his cargo evens out. ] After the spaceship, all I could think about was a homecooked meal and a drink.
[ he knows there are bigger problems to tackle, but that's best left for future ryuu, who will hopefully not be running on an empty stomach and a few hours worth of sapphire's endless well of tears. with a polite nod, he returns the smile. ]
Ryuunosuke - but Ryuu is fine! [ formality isn't his strong suit. he gives a toss of his head towards a corridor. ] Now that I can see, I think we head this way... if someone fit like you is telling me the stairs are no good, I won't risk it.
You're telling me! [ a happy whuff of breath as his cargo evens out. ] After the spaceship, all I could think about was a homecooked meal and a drink.
[ he knows there are bigger problems to tackle, but that's best left for future ryuu, who will hopefully not be running on an empty stomach and a few hours worth of sapphire's endless well of tears. with a polite nod, he returns the smile. ]
Ryuunosuke - but Ryuu is fine! [ formality isn't his strong suit. he gives a toss of his head towards a corridor. ] Now that I can see, I think we head this way... if someone fit like you is telling me the stairs are no good, I won't risk it.
[ try as he might, it's hard to focus. though the waters around his heart have calmed, they still surge and then ebb again, leaving him somewhat raw. it's all the more so for the way kogami follows on his heels, that watchful electricity crackling in the air. where he once felt protected by it, it now feels... adrift. like there's too much energy, but it has nowhere to go. ryuu sees it — it's difficult for kogami too. how hard must it be, to grasp at something just out of reach? two distinct hurts, for two very different people.
those thoughts roll about in his head as he finds his door, pulling his new key out to unlock it and let them into the cool interior. it lacks the lived-in warmth he loves so much, but there's only one way to fix that. hitting the light illuminates that his smile hasn't changed. ]
Well, then. Come by whenever you like.
[ stepping in, he makes to set his groceries on the countertop. ]
Here is fine! Help yourself to a drink - ah, I can mix them too, if you'd rather have something like that.
[ he didn't cheap out - there's beer, spirits, mixers. ]
those thoughts roll about in his head as he finds his door, pulling his new key out to unlock it and let them into the cool interior. it lacks the lived-in warmth he loves so much, but there's only one way to fix that. hitting the light illuminates that his smile hasn't changed. ]
Well, then. Come by whenever you like.
[ stepping in, he makes to set his groceries on the countertop. ]
Here is fine! Help yourself to a drink - ah, I can mix them too, if you'd rather have something like that.
[ he didn't cheap out - there's beer, spirits, mixers. ]
Just tell me when you get tired out, okay?
[ and he will have a hug at the ready. but yes hello. your human walker has arrived.
ryuu settles into the closeness with a grateful squeeze of his fingers, maneuvering them out and into the flow of the city's foot traffic. lunatia had also been a wild rush of noise and color, but not quite in the same way this place is. it'd been overwhelming, but this type of familiarity calms him. ]
I was thinking the same thing! We never really got our chance in Lunatia, did we... but that doesn't mean all our hard work should go to waste.
[ he turns his gaze forward and breathes deep. ]
My heart feels calm knowing we can still do that, you know?
[ and he will have a hug at the ready. but yes hello. your human walker has arrived.
ryuu settles into the closeness with a grateful squeeze of his fingers, maneuvering them out and into the flow of the city's foot traffic. lunatia had also been a wild rush of noise and color, but not quite in the same way this place is. it'd been overwhelming, but this type of familiarity calms him. ]
I was thinking the same thing! We never really got our chance in Lunatia, did we... but that doesn't mean all our hard work should go to waste.
[ he turns his gaze forward and breathes deep. ]
My heart feels calm knowing we can still do that, you know?
[ he is trying to nevermind it with all his might and it is not working in the slightest. he has to immediately choke himself into a cough to not make a much more incriminating noise. he did say it was spicy, right? contrary to how friendly and open his demeanor had been, he immediately jerks his hand back, then looks absolutely crestfallen about having to do that. don't mind him, he doesn't know what either his emotions or his body are doing. ]
Jamil... um, that's so kind of you, but I really think it's better if I head back by myself. At this rate...
[ ...he's actually not sure what's going to happen.
it's just taking all of his sexy acting chops to keep himself calm right now. not that he was ever in danger of springing something unwanted on anybody in those scripted scenarios but.
better safe than sorry. ]
Jamil... um, that's so kind of you, but I really think it's better if I head back by myself. At this rate...
[ ...he's actually not sure what's going to happen.
it's just taking all of his sexy acting chops to keep himself calm right now. not that he was ever in danger of springing something unwanted on anybody in those scripted scenarios but.
better safe than sorry. ]
[ he definitely didn't cheap out, and kogami appreciates him for that. whatever's risen between them earlier seems to have been quelled, for the moment. it settles into something cautiously peaceful even if kogami knows it's never truly gone, crackling between them like an oncoming storm churning in the horizon.
kogami recognises the hurt but doesn't understand it, even if he feels himself yearning for something he doesn't remember having. has this always been the way ryuu smiled? it feels like -- something, and kogami removes his shoes by the door neatly, trying not to think too hard on it. ]
No, beer is fine. [ kogami reassures him with a faint smile. this too is familiar in ways he can't name, and his fingers itch to draw him close. no. he barely knows him. ] Let me help with dinner.
kogami recognises the hurt but doesn't understand it, even if he feels himself yearning for something he doesn't remember having. has this always been the way ryuu smiled? it feels like -- something, and kogami removes his shoes by the door neatly, trying not to think too hard on it. ]
No, beer is fine. [ kogami reassures him with a faint smile. this too is familiar in ways he can't name, and his fingers itch to draw him close. no. he barely knows him. ] Let me help with dinner.
[ The real winner is Vane, because a guy who loves a homecooked meal as much as he does? Be still his domestic heart. ]
Yeah, it's nice that this place is kind of normal compared to everywhere else, even if we still have no idea why we're here. May as well get some nutrition in us so we can be in top fighting shape, right?
[ In Vane's case, literally in fighting shape. ]
Nice to meet you, Ryuu! Lead the way. I'm sure we'll run across it eventually.
[ He's already following. If nothing else, maybe they can find someone else to ask. ]
Yeah, it's nice that this place is kind of normal compared to everywhere else, even if we still have no idea why we're here. May as well get some nutrition in us so we can be in top fighting shape, right?
[ In Vane's case, literally in fighting shape. ]
Nice to meet you, Ryuu! Lead the way. I'm sure we'll run across it eventually.
[ He's already following. If nothing else, maybe they can find someone else to ask. ]
[The only thing Ryuu's demeanor was doing was convincing Jamil to force himself along. The spice clearly had an effect and whatever effect that way Ryuu was trying to hide with all his might. Sure, he could just take the information of "don't try that spice" and run with it, but... Well, now he just wanted to know the details. What if someone tried to inflict it on him later? What if he wanted to inflict it on someone else?]
At this rate you're going to pass out in a grocery store.
["Pass out"... listen, give him a while to find the proper words for it. It could be that, what with all the blood rushes elsewhere.]
Here, we both need to purchase what we've picked out, right? I'll at least escort you that far.
[And then, once he's got his foot in the door, it should be easy enough to manipulate further. After all, each "kind" and "polite" insistence meant that Ryuu was dealing with the consequences of the spice for longer and longer. He takes a step closer but doesn't touch Ryuu's skin or give him reason to abruptly pull away like before.]
At this rate you're going to pass out in a grocery store.
["Pass out"... listen, give him a while to find the proper words for it. It could be that, what with all the blood rushes elsewhere.]
Here, we both need to purchase what we've picked out, right? I'll at least escort you that far.
[And then, once he's got his foot in the door, it should be easy enough to manipulate further. After all, each "kind" and "polite" insistence meant that Ryuu was dealing with the consequences of the spice for longer and longer. He takes a step closer but doesn't touch Ryuu's skin or give him reason to abruptly pull away like before.]
[ never truly gone... is a double edged sword. it makes these moments that were once intimate and placating now heavy and listless. but ryuu would rather hold fiercely to something he loves than let it go. even now, he feels that way. if it's not truly gone, it always has the chance of reappearing - a blade of sunlight to pierce through the burgeoning storm. illuminating, warm... he snaps a beer from the pack and slides it across the counter with a smile. ]
Are you sure? You're the guest, you know.
[ like they're strangers, even when he's burning the sight of kogami's smile into his memory. ]
I wasn't sure whether I ought to make curry or stir fry. They're easy to eat, and you can make big batches.
[ now the reasoning for his abundance of groceries is clear: he's ready to cook for anyone who might need a warm, comforting meal in a situation like this.
as always, his door is open. ]
Are you sure? You're the guest, you know.
[ like they're strangers, even when he's burning the sight of kogami's smile into his memory. ]
I wasn't sure whether I ought to make curry or stir fry. They're easy to eat, and you can make big batches.
[ now the reasoning for his abundance of groceries is clear: he's ready to cook for anyone who might need a warm, comforting meal in a situation like this.
as always, his door is open. ]
[ do all the fighting for him, vane ]
Likewise! Looking at it now, I'm sure it's this way... [ point! ] When I picked an apartment, I wasn't alone, so. Maybe I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have when there's so much else to think about.
[ like the perilous moon, the kaleidoscopic locals, gems being bound to skin. apartment hunting is simultaneously far too normal and yet also just stressful enough, given all of that.
shifting his groceries around, he flashes a smile. ]
Say, since you've already had a workout today, why don't I make you a meal as thanks?
Likewise! Looking at it now, I'm sure it's this way... [ point! ] When I picked an apartment, I wasn't alone, so. Maybe I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have when there's so much else to think about.
[ like the perilous moon, the kaleidoscopic locals, gems being bound to skin. apartment hunting is simultaneously far too normal and yet also just stressful enough, given all of that.
shifting his groceries around, he flashes a smile. ]
Say, since you've already had a workout today, why don't I make you a meal as thanks?
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