nysalogs | ( closed. ) the clock keeps ticking over

[ Vane... obviously, he doesn't come from the same sort of background that she does. Read: he's uneducated. But he still somehow managed to become a knight, and so she supposes that she can admire him for that, if nothing else.

His lack of education is quickly forgotten, however, by this absolute revelation. Imagine that—food that can be made! How unexpected. ]

I cannot say that I have.

[ She peers down at the ingredients again. Wait, if the chocolate is handmade with love and care, does that make it all the more special for the person it is bestowed upon? A lovely tradition made even lovelier? And to think, she was about to buy some from the store! Her eyes suddenly light up with inspiration. ]

Oh, but this must be so much more special, no? You simply must show me how it is done! Posthaste!

[ Cain's pretty sure that the damsel in distress leaping from the tower isn't actually in the script, but, well... it would make a pretty exciting sight, right? And it's Vane down there, someone Cain trusts with his life. Surely he can trust Vane to catch him from such a relatively minor height. Or, at least, he can trust Vane's beefy arms...

That decides it. Cain drops the script, hikes up his skirts, and climbs, one foot on the sill of the window.

He calls out to Vane, a moment's warning— ]

Brave knight, I can't stand to be parted from you a moment longer! I come, anon!

[ —And promptly vaults right out the window, trusting that Vane, waiting below, won't actually drop him. Come on, Vane's got this right? He's not going to let Cain down now, right? He's not about to choke, right? ]

Yes, ma'am! [ he replies smoothly, giving a small salute before grasping onto the red crystal.

he holds onto it tightly, as if testing out its feel before turning back to look towards her.

he actually hasn't thought it through, but now that he thinks of it ... being able to travel around probably would suit him best. plus, he can't imagine actually using the other one. sound, was it? he doesn't really remember the details, but it sounded kinda complicated (or rather, more complicated)? regardless, it'd probably be better suited to someone like nami who seemed more sensitive to her surroundings?

or who could make a plan out of it more quickly?

as for her next inquiry: ] Ahaha, sort of. I can move further and faster, right?

[ that's the gist of it, isn't it? ]

Did you want to test them out?

[ fortunately, he had lancelot to thank for the bulk of his academic efforts (and passing the written portion of his exam), regardless ... he's completely clueless to whatever thoughts might be running through her head. rather, the fact that she doesn't respond to his lack of knowledge ... lets him know he's (probably) right??

but, positive thinking aside: ] Yeah, I'd like to think it's more special. But— now?! With you!?!

[ he seems genuinely surprised that clair would spend her holiday with him? moreover, making chocolate together? if he had to be honest, he's genuinely kind of happy. hence, his initial shock at her requests simmers down as he gives a huge grin. ]

I-I mean if you want to! I'll be happy to show you! [ he looks back to his ingredients.

phew, is he glad he bought a lot more than he needed. ] It might take a while, is that okay?

Mm, okay!

[The blanket is definitely better than the bare ground. Yona doesn't have any problem with taking a seat on it once he lays it out, and once she's seated, she looks up at him.]

So, um, how should we get started?

There isn't much of a point testing mine out right now, [ Since it seems to predict movements and all they're doing is standing around. ] but we could try out yours.

Try to imagine a marker over at that rock there. If it works, the crystal should accelerate you toward it. [ But knowing their luck, the crystal will probably malfunction and he'll hit the bees nest a few meters away, or the dog taking a dump to the left. ]

Of course!

[ It's too late. She's already made up her mind to make chocolate, and Vane's going to be the one to teach her—though she is glad that he at least looks as enthusiastic about it as she is. (Not that it would've mattered to her if he wasn't, since she was going to press him into service either way.)

His grin draws a smile out of her too, and she claps her hands together in excitement. ]

Oh, this will be wonderful! This must be how the common people prepare their chocolates for the holiday, yes? I shall do the very same!

[ And then, in a much bossier tone: ] Come! Lead the way.

[ despite his own words, or more like request, he doesn't actually expect anything to come out of it. or more specifically, he doesn't expect cain to literally jump out from his prop tower. there are a few panicked moments where he almost ... doesn't process the way cain moves to the edge of the tower and—

truly, just a sliver of a warning. ] Eh!?! You're actually going to—

[ and it's too late. cain has always been lithe and agile and this doesn't seem to dwindle in the slightest with the dress. bringing his arms out. vane does his best to shuffle into place. ... actually, even the audience who has this play memorized to a tee, seem shook and unsure whether he'd actually catch him. hence, when cain's body makes contact with his body, he (and the crowd) make a brief sound of relief. ] Phew!

[ or so he starts, before he realizes he's... made a pretty loud sound.

he clears his throat. ] I also could not stand being away from you. I'm just glad you're here. [ cue him smiling at cain, and well... it's genuine. he's glad for what it's worth that cain is all right, and well that his strength came in handy this time (forgoing the fact that he's the one who... caused this).. ]

why are these the options you give me, caps brando

[ cade care sings 'it is what it is' in the background ]

[ Cain waits. And waits. His eyes are squeezed closed, he doesn't dare to open them. Is he going to fall, hit the ground, break something—? But no. After a few seconds it becomes clear that Vane's come through, and Cain lets out a loud sigh of relief, his shoulders slumping. He relaxes in Vane's arms with probably too much relief, but it's fine, he hadn't doubted Vane for a second!

Right, they have a play to finish! He opens his eyes again, beaming at Vane, more for the catch than because his role calls for it. ]

And I'm glad you're here to catch me! Where would I be without you, brave knight?

[ In theory, she's got decent plans. A good enough head on her shoulders and enough fights with hive-mind robots to sort of know what she's doing. Except she's impulsive, rash, and impatient at her core, someone who would much rather do something than to plan it. Which means they're getting on with it, but it also means that everything ends up rushed.

— So she watches, breath held and lips thinned, as Vane panics at the last moment and picks up a long candle stick... thing. Close enough. The shamans go down easily enough despite the mishap, and Red's able to let go of the breath that she was holding ( and then the flames end up being a little too close for her own good, but that only lasts a moment ).

And the entire situation's a little ridiculous and definitely a make-it-up-as-you-go-along and she can't say that she hates it. They're probably going to get caught and this is going to go terribly, but she's also a bit of an addict for danger and this is an awful, terrible combination.

Her smile is warm when she nods. It takes her a moment before she can drag one of the unconscious bodies into the narrow hallway, but once he's out of sight she wastes no time getting rid of his ceremonial robes. They're big enough that she can throw them on top of her current clothes. Once she adjusts the collar, she turns her head to check on Vane — well then, ready to explore deeper?

( Just down the hall and around the corner should be the hall where the ceremony is taking place. They better be ready. ) ]

[ it's strange how people meet in the most innocuous way. stranger yet, that this principle doesn't seem to hold true for every time they meet. the first was at the gala. back then, the atmosphere could have easily been called "cheery" or "bright." presently, such a thing seems ... impossible. or has been for a while. vane doesn't really comprehend the subtle shifts the city is undergoing, but if he had to put a feeling to it...

well...

at least there's enough tension in the air that keeps vane's shoulders a little more stiff, even just by a margin.

still, not everything has changed completely. for example, even now, he isn't entirely certain he knows what takasugi is thinking. akin to their first encounter, vane is never sure when one jest begins and ends. ... actually, even now he isn't sure if takasugi wanted a hand shake, but that was fine too, wasn't it? vane looks over his shoulder briefly at the man and he gives a small laugh. ] Mm, this is fine. [ takasugi seemed nice... ?? and it has been a while since he's hiked partway up a mountain.

it's here, that he turns to offer takasugi a hand, especially for a particularly steep portion... but, it's when he reaches over, he realizes ... there's the faint smell of smoke coming nearby. he knew they saw a cottage close by, but he hasn't really been keeping track of how they've traveled. ] I was going to say if you're tired, I can always carry you! I have lots of energy! But, it looks like we might not be that far anymore? [ maybe.

vane's never considered direction anything... to be his forte. ]

[Even at the Gala, Takasugi had been looking for war. It was harder to find, in the mingling gold and silver, obscured by bleary lights from Thesa and from party-goers like Vane, their spirits high and sights set no further than the buzz of alcohol and the comfort of sleep.

But he'd seen it - in pins ripped from clothing, in a gamble gone too far that left bloody men to drown their anger at the bar.

That its boiling over is no surprise, and Takasugi finds the current festivals, steeped in hatred, just as festive.

Vane, unlike the locals who are reminded of their bitterness, and the other refugees who fret over the state of their new home, hasn't changed.

Takasugi looks at that outstretched hand the same as he did last time.

Thinking about cutting it off.

Instead he lowers his head, turns to look in the direction of the cottage.] Save your energy to carry any captives [corpses] we take.

[Pivoting, Takasugi departs from the beaten trail to head straight for the cottage obscured by trees.

They aren't far at all. Reaching the door, he steps aside, leaving Vane to go first. If he's so damn invigorated, he can deal with whatever could be lurking inside, waiting to ambush an intruder.]

[ if takasugi displays any of that inclination to sever... his hand, vane doesn't seem to notice it. instead, he takes it as brief (and if he's more generous with himself, maybe even thoughtful or considerate???) hesitation. hey, who knows... he was kind of a quiet guy??? at least... at times, and even then, vane isn't sure if quiet is the right word for it either?? still, vane chalks it off as friendly indifference.

(or maybe he's shy and he's secretly worried about him saving energy??) man, that's kind of touching. at the thought, vane involuntarily releases a small chuckle. ] Aww, haha. You don't need to worry about that, I've got lots of energy to spare!

But, leave the captives to me! [ he flexes a little, before realizing that takasugi's gone ahead. he does his best to catch up, and when he does, it looks like takasugi is letting him go first. at first, he almost knocks on the door first. but without much prompting, he seems to realize ... that probably isn't the way to go.

quickly, he clears his throat, before opening the door full on. ]

[ and there doesn't seem to be anyone??

which is strange, because this place seemed really ... lived in, somehow. ] Eh? I could have sworn...

[ well, that doesn't discount the idea that the person who lived here could still be up to something... ]

What do you think, Taka? Should we check the place out?

[Not cutting off Vane's hand is a calculated act of restraint, in the interest of making use of it in their search. Last time, the thought had been a mere whim. This time, it was a compulsion.

Maybe next time, he'll act on it.

Takasugi watches the man's hand correct itself, turn from fist to open palm pressed against the door. Hand on the hilt of his blade, he watches dust swirl in the crack between door and frame, waiting for an attack.

None comes; he straightens the moment the door sways on its hinges.

Interesting choice in nickname. He hates it. Takasugi casts Vane a sidelong glare before stepping into the building.] Aa.

Someone's been here recently. [One whiff of whatever was left boiling in the pot is enough to tell him that much. He passes it by, approaching the chest at the foot of the bed. Crouching, he pries it open - just clothes, though he'll rummage through them, to make sure.]

[ whether it's fortunate or not, vane is pretty thick-skinned when it comes to being resented for his rather liberal approach to nicknames. if anything, he was used to it, and so takasugi's glare is more or less given the same response as everything else. plus, it helps that vane is appropriately distracted...

by the stew. by the smell of it, he can tell the person has some skill with cooking. probably used to it. ... is one of the few things vane can discern. still, his stomach rumbles involuntarily and he swallows down hard before laughing nervously. ] Just so you know, I totally wasn't thinking of eating it or anything! [ but, by the sounds of it ...

takasugi already seems preoccupied. following suit, vane also decides to be more productive as he moves to one side of the bed. attempting too be thorough, he gets down on his hands and knees as he peeks beneath the main frame of the bed. mostly, it's just dust. ] But, uh yeah ... seems like they were here, but don't know if they come here a lot. That, or they hate cleaning. Granny would cry seeing this... [ he winces a little as he swipes at more dusty floorboards. nothing.

already feeling restless, he begins to try the other side... but it's here he steps on a more hollow sounding floorboard.

not that he really seems to notice... especially, as he already begins bending down for the other side... ]

[Takasugi doesn't possess the moral high ground when it comes to nicknames. He gives them freely himself - flippant at best, and disparaging more frequently, the monikers he bestows supplant the person's name in his vernacular.

Does this mean he won't still be mad about it? Absolutely not.

It doesn't annoy him when he gives them, and this does. Simple logic. ~~What a brat.~~

Watching the man survey the cabin, Takasugi wonders if he's thinking of dipping into that stew. Not that it's poisoned, there's probably nothing wrong with it. But indulging would be a waste of time, so he keeps an eye on Vane with words of admonishment on the tip of his tongue.

Then the man reveals himself.] Ah.

[Yes. You fucking were.

He stares - a moment of silence in contempt - before returning to his search. Vane's babble goes ignored, but his gait doesn't; the sound of a hollow floorboard immediately piques Takasugi's interest.]

Check the floorboards. [He stands, moving to step in the footprints Vane left in the dust until one makes a different sound.] This one. [He'll just watch Vane dig around in the floor, since he's so eager to help.

[ though nothing is explicitly stated, the gaze alone is enough to keep vane in line. while his stomach belatedly grumbles its reply from firm "no eating" stance that he takes. a noise vane easily laughs off, albeit under his breath. even now, something tells him that takasugi could easily see through his paper thin lies, but regardless...

he hopes all his efforts and diligence more than makes up for it? maybe?

so when takasugi prompts him with an order, vane is almost too ready to act. ] Okay, okay! Leave it to me! [ with that vane backtracks to where takasugi is. hunched over, he presses a hand against the said board. he begins applying some pressure on it, trying get a corner underneath his fingernails.

what he doesn't expect is that the pressure from his palm ... breaks it in completely. ah... ] Looks like the wood might be bad? [ or that he just utilized too much strength. still, vane attempts to make up for it by picking out all the pieces of wood until he reaches... paper? ]

Taka! This is it!!! It's!! [ still just paper to him. but, he hands it to takasugi, hoping he'll garner something more from it. ]

Edited 2018-03-28 09:12 (UTC)

[Vane's desire to be useful has yet to come to fruition. Which means Takasugi's grievances with the man - and there are many (annoying voice, annoying stomach, annoying attitude... annoying hand...) - are completely unforgivable.

Should the man actually manage to help, his stance may change.

Or it might not.

The wood whines and snaps loudly enough to echo between the scant walls of the cabin. Audible from outside, even, Takasugi imagines. He kicks a splintered piece of floor aside, trajectory oddly close to Vane's fingers.

He takes the paper with a blank face, turning to sit on the bed and flip through the documents. Hardly secretive, the letters seem more like idle chatter than anything of use. But Takasugi pockets them anyway - he'll turn whatever they find into Cree regardless of its apparent relevance. The man's information network far outspans his own, after all.]

Whoever was here is going to be near by. [He rises, interrupting whatever search Vane has begun to endeavor.] Cree would rather have a body than a stack of papers.

[A body. By which he means a corpse.]

Edited 2018-03-28 23:45 (UTC)

[ there's a brief hint of a single-syllabled sound as a stray piece of wood comes his way. he winces instinctively, more at the concept that takasugi seems irked than anything else. though, when he takes a peek at his face...

yeah, he can't really tell, after all.

still, he begins dusting his hands off as he joins takasugi. peeking over his shoulder as he also does his best to discern the content of the letters. oddly enough they seem to trace back to mundane things like the weather. truly puzzling stuff. vane doesn't get why they'd go through all the trouble of hiding out here to spend time writing this, but he supposes ... thinking through this stuff has never been his strong suit.

but, while he's curious enough to ask takasugi, it looks like they don't have a lot of leisure in that regard. ]

Mm! There's no doubt about it. [ the smoke, the stew .... they were all still pretty fresh tracks that led to that conclusion. its why he picks his spear he's propped on the side and he turns back to takasugi. ] Let's try chasing him out then—

But, uh—

[ he's joking about the body part, right?

vane swallows hard.... maybe some things are better left unasked. he gives an uneasy laugh as he begins to make his way to the door. if he recalls correctly there was probably somewhere else to hide around here, huh? ]

So where's the first place you'd hide?

[There are moments Vane seems to be looking for some sort of answer, eyes earnestly fixed on Takasugi's face. When he catches the man's stare, Takasugi holds it - waiting out whatever curiosity has risen until it wanes.

He's usually opaque in his mood; its an affect that falls over him naturally. But an extra shred of care is taken to ensure Vane doesn't catch anything that entices him with an answer.

And thus makes him pry more.

For all the man's obtrusiveness, Takasugi doesn't mind when Vane reads over his shoulder. ~~He's a little surprised he can read well enough to bother trying.~~

Vane is overeager for everything, though his willingness to pick up his weapon and go charging out the door at least is convenient. Even if the attack is admittedly directionless. Takasugi rises, the questioning silence ignored as he exits the cabin and looks down the path.]

There. [He points, gesture lazy and fleeting, to a swell in the jungle covered in moss and lacking the lush green hue of everything else. A cave, he assumes. If it leads somewhere, they may be too late, but it's the nearest cover.

This time, Takasugi leads, descending the hill that hosts the cabin with hast and a deft step, avoiding root and muck and making little noise.]

( closed. ) the clock keeps ticking over

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how do i not have a reverse of this icon

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a question for the ages...

god i'm so late beej, i'm sorry

ＴＡＫＡＳＵＧＩ ↮ ＢＩＲＤＳ

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"TAKA" oh my god

takakun... takun...

'takkun' please call him that

it'll happen uwu a blessed name

there will be blood

(1/2) spicy, i'm into this

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