Who: a soosh (gekkajuu) & various What: February catch-all When: Feb..ruary.... Where: mostly Olympia and surroundings Warning(s): none so far... except extreme cuteness with egg moms?
[One bag is handed over to Reign to put away. There's vegetables and fruit in there as well as some herbs, and while it wouldn't be overly much for a person, it's almost certainly far too much for such a tiny giraffe. Still, better safe than sorry! They don't know for sure what it will like, after all.]
Not at all, I'd love some!
[He's honestly not used to chamomile, but how bad can it be, if it's tea?
Atsushi settles at the table, looking at the giraffe from a distance, but not approaching it yet. He doesn't want to risk scaring it. Daifuku, of course, has no such reservations, but Atsushi has kept him on a leash on purpose: he makes sure the cub can't get close just yet.
A second bag, Atsushi puts in his lap. There are sandwiches as requested, as well as some of Dylas' hand-made mochi, and some meat for Daifuku just in case the cub gets too hungry. Atsushi's eyes are only on the giraffe, though.]
[ Reign carefully stashed the vegetables, fruits and herbs away, though he left some out for the giraffe to try later. He hadn't expected Atsushi to purchase so much, and seeing that Reign drank mostly blood, he'll have to figure out something to do with the extras. Maybe he should invite other people over next time.
Besides, who knows if the giraffe would grow up much larger than he expected and need more food? Those done, Reign returned to the table with the chamomile tea in a ceramic cup. ]
I hope it's to your taste. I'm not used to cooking or making drinks, so it might come out off.
[ Then again, making drinks was a bit like chemistry, wasn't it? Mixing certain ingredients to get the desired results. Hopefully the tea wouldn't turn out to be too strong a taste for Atsushi.
As for the giraffe, the creature continued to watch them with a kind of strange intelligence in his eyes, as if the calf was able to understand they were talking about him. Reign smiled as he glanced towards his pet, shaking his head slightly. ]
No, not yet. Someone suggested "Scorch" for the scorch-like pattern on the body, which makes sense. What about you? Any ideas?
why did the egg mom cross the road? (... idk the punchline, but i'm sure there is one)
[And not at all like tea, but that was of secondary importance. Warm drinks were always a comfort, especially in winter.]
Scorch, huh...? [He looked back at the giraffe, meeting its eyes.] I could see that. At the same time, doesn't the name seem a bit violent or painful? Especially for such a little thing...
[Not that it didn't seem like a good match with a name like Reign Fear, but...
Meanwhile Daifuku squirmed on his leash and chewed on it, trying to get free so he could get closer to the giraffe. Atsushi would let him, eventually, but right now, the adults were talking!]
I'm not sure I have a better suggestion, though... Something like Spot? [Atsushi, please.] Or maybe Baumkuchen! [ATSUSHI, PLEASE!!]
I'm glad to hear that. I don't know what I'll do if the tea didn't turn out well.
[ He sat down on the chair opposite Atsushi, elbow propped on the table, a tilt of his head. ]
You think so? I think it's quite a nice name. I mean, many people thought my name odd as well. But don't you think the name will make him grow powerful and strong? A scary name to scare others away so they won't bully him.
[ Some kind of psychological warfare, perhaps? But it didn't seem strange to Reign at all due to his people's naming sense. Then again, there were nicer names like "Shell" or "White", so maybe Reign would be open to more ideas. ]
Spot, huh? What does Baumkuchen mean?
[ That definitely caught the giraffe's attention, straightening his neck up a bit, even leaning forward to have a closer look at Daifuku. ]
[Many people... had thought Reign's name odd as well... Well, no kidding!! Atsushi was only just getting used to thinking of it as a name more than words, himself. But at least he knew that it was just a matter of getting used to it, and hence his own fault. His own name had meaning as well, after all, and not all of it made much sense, either.]
There is that...
[At the same time, wouldn't such a name invite bullying, too..? Either way, it was Reign's choice. And Scorch was a fitting name for the Fear family tradition, no doubt.]
It's a cake that's baked on big skewers, so it comes out very long before it's cut - look, like a giraffe's neck! [Was that really a good comparison, with the cutting?!] I think the literal translation is "tree cake", so it's a good name for a giraffe, who likes to eat from trees.
[Just in case there was ever any doubt that Atsushi shouldn't be allowed to name anything.
Daifuku, meanwhile, abandoned his struggles... but only to adopt a pre-pouncing position, staring at the giraffe and sniffing from as up close as he could get.]
[ Reign hummed as he gave it a few more thoughts. He'd never been bullied before because he was a vampire. Which human would dare do so to him? But other vampires? He hadn't experience it much since he was of the Fear clan. Otherwise, his perfume business wouldn't have flourish so well. But perhaps he should consider other options.
He listened intently at Atsushi's description of the cake, eyes widening at the comparison with a giraffe's neck. But rather than be offended by the name, Reign only appeared more excited. ]
Oh, what a name for the giraffe! Though it is quite a mouthful: Baumkuchen... Maybe just Baum? Tall like a tree, even at that small size.
[ The giraffe, on the other hand, had noticed the tiger cub's antics. Maybe it was the inborn instinct of a prey, but the giraffe opens his mouth and let out a cry. ]
[Atsushi was sorta kinda keeping an eye on Daifuku - or at least making sure that the cub stayed on its leash - but the giraffe's cry showed that it clearly wasn't enough. (Still, that was a lot louder than he would have considered such a little critter capable of!)]
Daifuku, don't tease your new friend. [Or, you know. Threaten to kill it. Either one.] Come on, let's say hello in a friendly way.
[Putting his bag aside, Atsushi grabbed Daifuku directly by the collar instead of the leash, and slowly and carefully allowed him to take closer look and sniff at the giraffe.]
[ "Baum" definitely sounded nicer. At least it had a cuteness to the name. Maybe that was the reason. After all, cute animals deserve cute names.
But Reign's attention was caught by the cry of the giraffe, turning towards the animal with a sudden parental desire to protect his young. Such a good papa he was becoming. He joined Atsushi and Daifuku, moving to settle carefully on the couch beside his giraffe. ]
Don't worry. I think he's just lonely and wanted some attention. Aren't you?
[ The giraffe glanced up at Reign and let out another cry, this time softer, then glanced back towards the strangers he hadn't seen before. Atsushi may be worried about Daifuku playfully pouncing on the giraffe, but Reign didn't seem to mind. But nonetheless, he kept a close eye on the two animals. After all, the giraffe was still young and likely not strong enough.
Reign placed his hand gently on the giraffe's back. ]
Want to give your new friend, Daifuku, a greeting?
[ As if able to understand Reign's words, the giraffe leaned his head forward and stuck his long tongue out, nearly giving the top of Daifuku's head a lick. ]
[Even when he had obviously been spotted, Daifuku insisted on stalking the giraffe - which was as good a sign as any that he just wanted to playfight. Still, the giraffe was very small, and the cub was a predator, even if he was tiny. There was a definite risk, if not a huge one.
Until the giraffe's super long tongue flicked out like magic, and Daifuku fell back over himself in an attempt to evade it. How dared that little critter be a worthy equal?! Daifuku would just have to stop harassing it too much.
Bad parenting: laughing at your child. But that was exactly what Atsushi was doing: he just couldn't help it.]
[ Since the day he left Olympia, Mikazuki hasn't had many good memories of it that have risen above the unfortunate ones. That still stands. Treading through the wooded areas around the cove had him stumbling on the wrong occupied pool — that girl he found had taken a bite out of him once before, but not like this. Whatever the water had done, it was more potent than any amount of blood in either of their mouths.
In simple terms, she'd been the stronger one. So he sits in closer proximity to the shore where the woods aren't so thick, scratched and punctured by what looks like toothmarks. He can't stay, he's sure some creature will smell his blood sooner or later, but he'll deal with it once the wounds begin to staunch.
Though it's a ways off, with the sea air agitating them. He puffs a sigh, irritated with himself. ]
[As much as Atsushi loves his home city, he travels around a fair bit. For work, in part; for simple fun, too. If nothing else, it makes good exercise for Daifuku, though the cub has remained behind this time, Atsushi planning on doing some diving for jewels. Considering how he'd rarely so much as seen pictures of those, before, it's funny how they've become a fair part of his income, now.
Walking along the shore, he hears that sigh from a distance, and first, he thinks it's an animal - wounded, he concludes after a deep sniff, with that scent of blood - which doesn't make Atsushi less inclined to help. But it's still a shock when he realizes that 1. it's a person, and 2. it's someone he knows.]
Mikazuki?!
[Running over the rest of the way, Atsushi kneels in front of him.]
What happened? Were you attacked?!
[By an animal, is his first assumption; by Olympians would perhaps have been a more logical conclusion, in this time of conflict.]
[ Adrenaline slowing the flow of pain in him, the sound of footsteps makes his hackles raise on instinct. Luckily, it's a familiar face. ]
Oh, Atsushi. [ He calms again. ] Something like that.
[ Master of the understatement. For someone who looks like they came out on the wrong end of a tussle with a woodchipper, he looks and sounds mighty calm. It's just another facet that speaks for itself — it's not that uncommon of an occurrence, though he's only frustrated that he hadn't put up more of a fight.
That thought sits at the forefront of his person rather than the cold, itchy burn of losing blood. ]
[Atsushi reaches for one of the cuts, but immediately pulls his hand back. He doesn't want to hurt Mikazuki. (Yeaaah, that should probably not be his first concern, here...)]
Maybe if I carry you...? There'll be healers in the city!
[But something about that is still unsatisfying. He just wants to help, now. And he really doesn't want Mikazuki to be in pain.
With a faint notion of lifting one of Mikazuki's arms and bandaging it (but with what?), Atsushi reaches out his hand... and something starts to glow. It's so unexpected that it takes him a good second or two to realize that it's his palm that's lighting up with a soft, white light.
Immediately, he looks up to meet Mikazuki's eyes. Maybe it's something he did..?]
[ Mikazuki is quick to interject that point, tone simultaneously heavy and impatient. He's not keen on appearing incapable of moving on his own, if it comes down to that. Though he should be even less keen on returning to the city — all those singular, familiar thoughts come to a stop when Atsushi reaches for him. He doesn't flinch because it probably wouldn't hurt as much, adrenaline and familiarity working in tandem to keep him calm.
That's before the light, though. Quizzically, his brows raise, a genuine look of wonderment rising up through the weariness. ]
[The moment Atsushi tries to figure out where the light is coming from, it stops - and it's that, as much as Mikazuki's answer, that makes Atsushi realize that the light must be coming from himself. He's still not sure what happened and how, though.]
I don't know. [Which is an understatement, but now that he's got the notion that the light came from him, and he's experienced the feeling of it going away, maybe he's got a better idea of how to turn it on again.] It was something like -...
[He should really be more cautious about using the light - if he even can - because he has no clue what it does. But he's curious, and... he doesn't think it felt "wrong"? (Clearly that's always the best reason to dabble in unknown magic.)
So he tries to recreate how he felt when the light happened, with his hand in the same place, and sure enough, it starts glowing again, a little more brightly this time. The feeling is subtle at first, hardly even there, but as Atsushi thinks more about Mikazuki's injuries under his hand, and how he wants to heal them, his palm starts getting warm.
What it feels like to Mikazuki, he doesn't know - but he can see what happens, all right. With the light and a mild warmth running out of his palm, Mikazuki's cuts slowly start to stitch together - at least the shallower ones.]
[ Though he's not overly animated to begin with, Mikazuki is stone still beneath the renewed touch. If they're even touching? Not really, but it feels that way as the light drenches through his skin and pushes a mending kind of heat to its surface. He leans over to watch as the more superficial wounds begin to knit and clear. ]
[Not that abilities aren't close enough to magic, but they're much more one-sided, if nothing else.
Still, Atsushi can't exactly argue with the fact that Mikazuki is being healed, and he's the one doing it. Trying not to think about the "how" and "why" too much - he doesn't want to risk turning this magic off again, whatever it is - he slowly but surely heals all of Mikazuki's injuries, as much as he can. The big ones don't heal fully, but even there, there seems to be some effect.
And then he sits back, staring at Mikazuki's healed skin.]
[Waking up is a little weird, and Atsushi wonders why he's sleeping on the couch - until his brain kicks in and he remembers. Right... he let Chuuya have his bed. Or just carried the guy there when he was passed out drunk... Either one.
Even remembering doesn't make him feel any less weird. He really likes Chuuya, and he's glad they're getting along, but at the same time, remembering that Chuuya used to be a big bad does make it kind of strange. Not that Atsushi would ever hold Chuuya's past against him.
Orrrr maybe the strange feeling is because Atsushi had planned to go on a quest for Overseer Voss today, and sleeping in a weird place after a weird night with a little alcohol had made him forget all about that.
... Dammit! Instantly very much awake, he sits up. To be fair, it's not like he'd already agreed to go on the mission, let alone that he'd agreed to be at the Temples at a specific time, but he still feels kind of irresponsible.
Doors aren't much of a thing here, but Atsushi knocks on the doorpost before going into his room, anyway.]
Chuuya-san? It's morning.
[... Of course Daifuku had chosen to sleep on the bed with Chuuya... or, rather: halfway on top of Chuuya's face. It's a miracle Chuuya can still breathe.]
[Chuuya had passed out oh so gracefully on the floor the night before from his overindulgence in alcohol, so how he got into Atsushi’s bed is a mystery. If he was carried he didn’t feel it, but he’s hardly complaining; his back will thank him for not enduring an entire night on hard floors.
He’s quite comfortable and warm, and he could stay in bed all day, snoozing away and dreaming of weird but hilarious shit...
Except there’s a very loud knocking at the door (frame?) and Chuuya instantly startles awake.]
Huh???
[There’s something warm and fuzzy on his face...
Oh. It’s Daifuku. That’s fucking adorable...Chuuya smiles against that silky soft fur, and while he doesn’t want to wake the tiny cub, he does want to sit up a bit...
But that turns out to be a huge fucking mistake, because the instant he gently moves Daifuku off his face and shifts to a sitting position all the wonderous feelings of a hangover hit him all at once.]
Oh god...
[He clutches his head, wincing in pain.]
Atsushi...what is it?
[He looks miffed, but not pissed. This better be good...]
[For what it's worth, Daifuku isn't offended at being moved, in so far as he notices in the first place: the cub just rolls over and settles into another position to keep sleeping.
Briefly, Atsushi is worried at Chuuya's reaction, but... it makes sense that he'd be hungover, wouldn't it?]
No, it's just morning... Before heading out, I was thinking about making some breakfast, if you'd like some.
[The "heading out" is the real point he's trying to make, though, very politely suggesting that Chuuya might want to get ready to leave, too.
And yet... Atsushi thought he'd go alone or find someone to partner up with at the Temples, but... isn't this a great opportunity? Chuuya doesn't have a job yet, as far as Atsushi knows, and before he gets involved in some potentially shady stuff, Atsushi can show him a good and wholesome(?) way to make money, instead.]
... Actually, maybe you'd like to come with me? The Temples are offering several jobs, but the one I'm planning to accept is helping to bring people who've left the city back to safety. With the political situation what it is, there's been a lot of harassment of those who haven't managed to get far enough away.
Breakfast? No one’s ever offered to make Chuuya breakfast before besides like, a couple of overly friendly hotel owners. His expression softens for a split second before he purposely puts his best grump face back in place. Can’t have Atsushi thinking that Chuuya is a big softie or something.]
...yeah. Sure.
[He’s actually not nauseous for once, so he might be able to nibble some food and keep it down, depending on what it is. Chuuya can’t really be picky right now, though.
He raises one finely groomed eyebrow at Atsushi asking if he’d like to come along on what sounds suspiciously like an RPG quest.]
I guess? What would I get out of it?
[Chuuya will deny that he’d help people for free. No sir.
Chuuya’s head throbs painfully then, and he rubs his temples with a groan. He’s not going to get very far like this.]
Got any aspirin? Or caffeine? I’ll help, but I can’t do shit like this.
[Atsushi smiles and nods, glad that Chuuya is willing to share a meal... and possibly even happy to do so. (You're not fooling anyone, Mr. Big Bad Mafioso!) Atsushi may not be the best cook - that's what he has Dylas for! - but he's learned a bit more since getting here, and he's always been able to get by. Besides, you know what good breakfast food is? Do you?! It's chazuke!! Best quick left-over dish, omnomnom...]
Half the money...? [There is a polite but "duh" sort of tone to his response.] It's 900 silver for a successful mission, and I'm sure we can get it done... That's not bad for a day of work, even if it'll have to be a long one, if we're smuggling people back in.
[Atsushi should probably feel worse about that than he does, but he doesn't see how else they're going to get illegal emigrants back into the city without a fuss - and since they're doing it just to get people to a safe place, he doesn't see the harm.
... Ah, yes... Of course Chuuya needs medicine.]
I have coffee! [He's entirely too happy about that, glad that he can give Chuuya what he needs.] I don't have any medicine in the house, but we can go by the Sanctuary on our way to the Temples - or maybe the Market will have something.
[Chazuke is fine with him. If he can’t have French toast with strawberries and bacon on the side, then whatever. He’s not gonna complain when Atsushi had put up with his drunken antics last night. He just hopes that he didn’t do anything...untoward to Atsushi last night. Nah...surely he would’ve said something...or made Chuuya sleep outside...or not let him stay at all. At the very least he wouldn’t be so cheerful around Chuuya, so there’s that.]
Fine. Deal.
[Half the money, though...? Atsushi could easily demand at least 75%, if not more to pay him back for the drinks and room, and Chuuya wouldn’t even blame him. Huh. He needs to teach this guy some haggling skills.
Chuuya is indifferent about smuggling people back into the city; it’s hardly the worst thing he’s done, and from the sounds of it these people are largely innocent and just looking to live their lives, so why not?
[They can have fancy breakfast on a day off! Atsushi will ask Dylas to cook - or maybe, when the weather gets better, they can go picnicking!! ... Somehow, Atsushi's life here has become wonderfully social and warm. It's just a shame about the impending war.]
All right. [Atsushi nods; straight black, it is.]
Yes, the shower is just over here... Sorry, I don't have any clean clothes to lend you. [Fresh clothes after a shower seem to make sense, but Atsushi doesn't think he has anything in Chuuya's size.] That is: if it's just a shirt, I probably have something that will fit!
[Regardless, he'll just be off in the kitchen to make that coffee, and get some chazuke ready. It's with fish rather than chicken - Dylas' fault, again - but that doesn't make it any less delicious to Atsushi.
He'll also set some food and water out for Daifuku, bring it to the bedroom like the cub is getting breakfast on bed.]
[Chuuya’s life has never exactly been a warm, happy one, but he’d found contentment in his job, his living situation, his hobbies, and his friends, so he honestly couldn’t complain. At least, not until all that was so suddenly ripped away from him. Now though? Well. He guesses he can’t complain either. Even without his job to keep him busy, he’s sure he’ll find a purpose here...
He shrugs at the mention of clothes. Guess that’s another thing he’ll have to consider spending money on.]
A shirt is fine. I need a new outfit anyway. Can’t just wear this all the time.
[He’ll let Atsushi make breakfast as he heads off to take a shower, but not before reaching down to rub Daifuku’s belly.]
You’re spoiled.
[As if Chuuya wouldn’t do the same thing to a pet of his own.
Once he’s showered (with limited hot water, ugh) he emerges completely shirtless (look, the chibi has muscles!) and fastens his choker around his neck, and there he goes, marching into the kitchen like he owns the place. Where’s the coffee...he needs it, Atsushi...]
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for Reign - egg moms being egg moms
[One bag is handed over to Reign to put away. There's vegetables and fruit in there as well as some herbs, and while it wouldn't be overly much for a person, it's almost certainly far too much for such a tiny giraffe. Still, better safe than sorry! They don't know for sure what it will like, after all.]
Not at all, I'd love some!
[He's honestly not used to chamomile, but how bad can it be, if it's tea?
Atsushi settles at the table, looking at the giraffe from a distance, but not approaching it yet. He doesn't want to risk scaring it. Daifuku, of course, has no such reservations, but Atsushi has kept him on a leash on purpose: he makes sure the cub can't get close just yet.
A second bag, Atsushi puts in his lap. There are sandwiches as requested, as well as some of Dylas' hand-made mochi, and some meat for Daifuku just in case the cub gets too hungry. Atsushi's eyes are only on the giraffe, though.]
It really is cute... Have you named it yet?
egg moms ftw~
Besides, who knows if the giraffe would grow up much larger than he expected and need more food? Those done, Reign returned to the table with the chamomile tea in a ceramic cup. ]
I hope it's to your taste. I'm not used to cooking or making drinks, so it might come out off.
[ Then again, making drinks was a bit like chemistry, wasn't it? Mixing certain ingredients to get the desired results. Hopefully the tea wouldn't turn out to be too strong a taste for Atsushi.
As for the giraffe, the creature continued to watch them with a kind of strange intelligence in his eyes, as if the calf was able to understand they were talking about him. Reign smiled as he glanced towards his pet, shaking his head slightly. ]
No, not yet. Someone suggested "Scorch" for the scorch-like pattern on the body, which makes sense. What about you? Any ideas?
why did the egg mom cross the road? (... idk the punchline, but i'm sure there is one)
[And not at all like tea, but that was of secondary importance. Warm drinks were always a comfort, especially in winter.]
Scorch, huh...? [He looked back at the giraffe, meeting its eyes.] I could see that. At the same time, doesn't the name seem a bit violent or painful? Especially for such a little thing...
[Not that it didn't seem like a good match with a name like Reign Fear, but...
Meanwhile Daifuku squirmed on his leash and chewed on it, trying to get free so he could get closer to the giraffe. Atsushi would let him, eventually, but right now, the adults were talking!]
I'm not sure I have a better suggestion, though... Something like Spot? [Atsushi, please.] Or maybe Baumkuchen! [ATSUSHI, PLEASE!!]
to... get to their baby eggs? idk? DX
[ He sat down on the chair opposite Atsushi, elbow propped on the table, a tilt of his head. ]
You think so? I think it's quite a nice name. I mean, many people thought my name odd as well. But don't you think the name will make him grow powerful and strong? A scary name to scare others away so they won't bully him.
[ Some kind of psychological warfare, perhaps? But it didn't seem strange to Reign at all due to his people's naming sense. Then again, there were nicer names like "Shell" or "White", so maybe Reign would be open to more ideas. ]
Spot, huh? What does Baumkuchen mean?
[ That definitely caught the giraffe's attention, straightening his neck up a bit, even leaning forward to have a closer look at Daifuku. ]
i'll take it
There is that...
[At the same time, wouldn't such a name invite bullying, too..? Either way, it was Reign's choice. And Scorch was a fitting name for the Fear family tradition, no doubt.]
It's a cake that's baked on big skewers, so it comes out very long before it's cut - look, like a giraffe's neck! [Was that really a good comparison, with the cutting?!] I think the literal translation is "tree cake", so it's a good name for a giraffe, who likes to eat from trees.
[Just in case there was ever any doubt that Atsushi shouldn't be allowed to name anything.
Daifuku, meanwhile, abandoned his struggles... but only to adopt a pre-pouncing position, staring at the giraffe and sniffing from as up close as he could get.]
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[ Reign hummed as he gave it a few more thoughts. He'd never been bullied before because he was a vampire. Which human would dare do so to him? But other vampires? He hadn't experience it much since he was of the Fear clan. Otherwise, his perfume business wouldn't have flourish so well. But perhaps he should consider other options.
He listened intently at Atsushi's description of the cake, eyes widening at the comparison with a giraffe's neck. But rather than be offended by the name, Reign only appeared more excited. ]
Oh, what a name for the giraffe! Though it is quite a mouthful: Baumkuchen... Maybe just Baum? Tall like a tree, even at that small size.
[ The giraffe, on the other hand, had noticed the tiger cub's antics. Maybe it was the inborn instinct of a prey, but the giraffe opens his mouth and let out a cry. ]
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[Atsushi was sorta kinda keeping an eye on Daifuku - or at least making sure that the cub stayed on its leash - but the giraffe's cry showed that it clearly wasn't enough. (Still, that was a lot louder than he would have considered such a little critter capable of!)]
Daifuku, don't tease your new friend. [Or, you know. Threaten to kill it. Either one.] Come on, let's say hello in a friendly way.
[Putting his bag aside, Atsushi grabbed Daifuku directly by the collar instead of the leash, and slowly and carefully allowed him to take closer look and sniff at the giraffe.]
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But Reign's attention was caught by the cry of the giraffe, turning towards the animal with a sudden parental desire to protect his young. Such a good papa he was becoming. He joined Atsushi and Daifuku, moving to settle carefully on the couch beside his giraffe. ]
Don't worry. I think he's just lonely and wanted some attention. Aren't you?
[ The giraffe glanced up at Reign and let out another cry, this time softer, then glanced back towards the strangers he hadn't seen before. Atsushi may be worried about Daifuku playfully pouncing on the giraffe, but Reign didn't seem to mind. But nonetheless, he kept a close eye on the two animals. After all, the giraffe was still young and likely not strong enough.
Reign placed his hand gently on the giraffe's back. ]
Want to give your new friend, Daifuku, a greeting?
[ As if able to understand Reign's words, the giraffe leaned his head forward and stuck his long tongue out, nearly giving the top of Daifuku's head a lick. ]
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Until the giraffe's super long tongue flicked out like magic, and Daifuku fell back over himself in an attempt to evade it. How dared that little critter be a worthy equal?! Daifuku would just have to stop harassing it
too much.Bad parenting: laughing at your child. But that was exactly what Atsushi was doing: he just couldn't help it.]
One point for Baum!
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post-intro healing shenanigans
In simple terms, she'd been the stronger one. So he sits in closer proximity to the shore where the woods aren't so thick, scratched and punctured by what looks like toothmarks. He can't stay, he's sure some creature will smell his blood sooner or later, but he'll deal with it once the wounds begin to staunch.
Though it's a ways off, with the sea air agitating them. He puffs a sigh, irritated with himself. ]
\o/
Walking along the shore, he hears that sigh from a distance, and first, he thinks it's an animal - wounded, he concludes after a deep sniff, with that scent of blood - which doesn't make Atsushi less inclined to help. But it's still a shock when he realizes that 1. it's a person, and 2. it's someone he knows.]
Mikazuki?!
[Running over the rest of the way, Atsushi kneels in front of him.]
What happened? Were you attacked?!
[By an animal, is his first assumption; by Olympians would perhaps have been a more logical conclusion, in this time of conflict.]
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Oh, Atsushi. [ He calms again. ] Something like that.
[ Master of the understatement. For someone who looks like they came out on the wrong end of a tussle with a woodchipper, he looks and sounds mighty calm. It's just another facet that speaks for itself — it's not that uncommon of an occurrence, though he's only frustrated that he hadn't put up more of a fight.
That thought sits at the forefront of his person rather than the cold, itchy burn of losing blood. ]
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[Atsushi reaches for one of the cuts, but immediately pulls his hand back. He doesn't want to hurt Mikazuki. (Yeaaah, that should probably not be his first concern, here...)]
Maybe if I carry you...? There'll be healers in the city!
[But something about that is still unsatisfying. He just wants to help, now. And he really doesn't want Mikazuki to be in pain.
With a faint notion of lifting one of Mikazuki's arms and bandaging it (but with what?), Atsushi reaches out his hand... and something starts to glow. It's so unexpected that it takes him a good second or two to realize that it's his palm that's lighting up with a soft, white light.
Immediately, he looks up to meet Mikazuki's eyes. Maybe it's something he did..?]
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[ Mikazuki is quick to interject that point, tone simultaneously heavy and impatient. He's not keen on appearing incapable of moving on his own, if it comes down to that. Though he should be even less keen on returning to the city — all those singular, familiar thoughts come to a stop when Atsushi reaches for him. He doesn't flinch because it probably wouldn't hurt as much, adrenaline and familiarity working in tandem to keep him calm.
That's before the light, though. Quizzically, his brows raise, a genuine look of wonderment rising up through the weariness. ]
What was that?
[ Not him. ]
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I don't know. [Which is an understatement, but now that he's got the notion that the light came from him, and he's experienced the feeling of it going away, maybe he's got a better idea of how to turn it on again.] It was something like -...
[He should really be more cautious about using the light - if he even can - because he has no clue what it does. But he's curious, and... he doesn't think it felt "wrong"? (Clearly that's always the best reason to dabble in unknown magic.)
So he tries to recreate how he felt when the light happened, with his hand in the same place, and sure enough, it starts glowing again, a little more brightly this time. The feeling is subtle at first, hardly even there, but as Atsushi thinks more about Mikazuki's injuries under his hand, and how he wants to heal them, his palm starts getting warm.
What it feels like to Mikazuki, he doesn't know - but he can see what happens, all right. With the light and a mild warmth running out of his palm, Mikazuki's cuts slowly start to stitch together - at least the shallower ones.]
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This is... magic, right?
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[Not that abilities aren't close enough to magic, but they're much more one-sided, if nothing else.
Still, Atsushi can't exactly argue with the fact that Mikazuki is being healed, and he's the one doing it. Trying not to think about the "how" and "why" too much - he doesn't want to risk turning this magic off again, whatever it is - he slowly but surely heals all of Mikazuki's injuries, as much as he can. The big ones don't heal fully, but even there, there seems to be some effect.
And then he sits back, staring at Mikazuki's healed skin.]
... I don't understand.
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for Chuus and glory (that is: quest time!)
Even remembering doesn't make him feel any less weird. He really likes Chuuya, and he's glad they're getting along, but at the same time, remembering that Chuuya used to be a big bad does make it kind of strange. Not that Atsushi would ever hold Chuuya's past against him.
Orrrr maybe the strange feeling is because Atsushi had planned to go on a quest for Overseer Voss today, and sleeping in a weird place after a weird night with a little alcohol had made him forget all about that.
... Dammit! Instantly very much awake, he sits up. To be fair, it's not like he'd already agreed to go on the mission, let alone that he'd agreed to be at the Temples at a specific time, but he still feels kind of irresponsible.
Doors aren't much of a thing here, but Atsushi knocks on the doorpost before going into his room, anyway.]
Chuuya-san? It's morning.
[... Of course Daifuku had chosen to sleep on the bed with Chuuya... or, rather: halfway on top of Chuuya's face. It's a miracle Chuuya can still breathe.]
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He’s quite comfortable and warm, and he could stay in bed all day, snoozing away and dreaming of weird but hilarious shit...
Except there’s a very loud knocking at the door (frame?) and Chuuya instantly startles awake.]
Huh???
[There’s something warm and fuzzy on his face...
Oh. It’s Daifuku. That’s fucking adorable...Chuuya smiles against that silky soft fur, and while he doesn’t want to wake the tiny cub, he does want to sit up a bit...
But that turns out to be a huge fucking mistake, because the instant he gently moves Daifuku off his face and shifts to a sitting position all the wonderous feelings of a hangover hit him all at once.]
Oh god...
[He clutches his head, wincing in pain.]
Atsushi...what is it?
[He looks miffed, but not pissed. This better be good...]
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Briefly, Atsushi is worried at Chuuya's reaction, but... it makes sense that he'd be hungover, wouldn't it?]
No, it's just morning... Before heading out, I was thinking about making some breakfast, if you'd like some.
[The "heading out" is the real point he's trying to make, though, very politely suggesting that Chuuya might want to get ready to leave, too.
And yet... Atsushi thought he'd go alone or find someone to partner up with at the Temples, but... isn't this a great opportunity? Chuuya doesn't have a job yet, as far as Atsushi knows, and before he gets involved in some potentially shady stuff, Atsushi can show him a good and wholesome(?) way to make money, instead.]
... Actually, maybe you'd like to come with me? The Temples are offering several jobs, but the one I'm planning to accept is helping to bring people who've left the city back to safety. With the political situation what it is, there's been a lot of harassment of those who haven't managed to get far enough away.
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Breakfast? No one’s ever offered to make Chuuya breakfast before besides like, a couple of overly friendly hotel owners. His expression softens for a split second before he purposely puts his best grump face back in place. Can’t have Atsushi thinking that Chuuya is a big softie or something.]
...yeah. Sure.
[He’s actually not nauseous for once, so he might be able to nibble some food and keep it down, depending on what it is. Chuuya can’t really be picky right now, though.
He raises one finely groomed eyebrow at Atsushi asking if he’d like to come along on what sounds suspiciously like an RPG quest.]
I guess? What would I get out of it?
[Chuuya will deny that he’d help people for free. No sir.
Chuuya’s head throbs painfully then, and he rubs his temples with a groan. He’s not going to get very far like this.]
Got any aspirin? Or caffeine? I’ll help, but I can’t do shit like this.
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Half the money...? [There is a polite but "duh" sort of tone to his response.] It's 900 silver for a successful mission, and I'm sure we can get it done... That's not bad for a day of work, even if it'll have to be a long one, if we're smuggling people back in.
[Atsushi should probably feel worse about that than he does, but he doesn't see how else they're going to get illegal emigrants back into the city without a fuss - and since they're doing it just to get people to a safe place, he doesn't see the harm.
... Ah, yes... Of course Chuuya needs medicine.]
I have coffee! [He's entirely too happy about that, glad that he can give Chuuya what he needs.] I don't have any medicine in the house, but we can go by the Sanctuary on our way to the Temples - or maybe the Market will have something.
[Anyway: breakfast!]
I'll go make the coffee!
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Fine. Deal.
[Half the money, though...? Atsushi could easily demand at least 75%, if not more to pay him back for the drinks and room, and Chuuya wouldn’t even blame him. Huh. He needs to teach this guy some haggling skills.
Chuuya is indifferent about smuggling people back into the city; it’s hardly the worst thing he’s done, and from the sounds of it these people are largely innocent and just looking to live their lives, so why not?
But first...]
Coffee sounds good. Just straight black.
[Okay...attempt number one to get out of bed...]
You got a shower?
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... Somehow, Atsushi's life here has become wonderfully social and warm. It's just a shame about the impending war.]
All right. [Atsushi nods; straight black, it is.]
Yes, the shower is just over here... Sorry, I don't have any clean clothes to lend you. [Fresh clothes after a shower seem to make sense, but Atsushi doesn't think he has anything in Chuuya's size.] That is: if it's just a shirt, I probably have something that will fit!
[Regardless, he'll just be off in the kitchen to make that coffee, and get some chazuke ready. It's with fish rather than chicken - Dylas' fault, again - but that doesn't make it any less delicious to Atsushi.
He'll also set some food and water out for Daifuku, bring it to the bedroom like the cub is getting breakfast on bed.]
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He shrugs at the mention of clothes. Guess that’s another thing he’ll have to consider spending money on.]
A shirt is fine. I need a new outfit anyway. Can’t just wear this all the time.
[He’ll let Atsushi make breakfast as he heads off to take a shower, but not before reaching down to rub Daifuku’s belly.]
You’re spoiled.
[As if Chuuya wouldn’t do the same thing to a pet of his own.
Once he’s showered (with limited hot water, ugh) he emerges completely shirtless (look, the chibi has muscles!) and fastens his choker around his neck, and there he goes, marching into the kitchen like he owns the place. Where’s the coffee...he needs it, Atsushi...]
So. A temple. Who are they praying to?
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