❪ introlog: #2 ❫ THE CALM. -- the overflow.

[natha]

ORIGINAL POST

You have spent the last few days on Thesa Station, taking in the knowledge that your world is no more. Perhaps you’ve made some friends (or maybe an enemy or two). Either way, you aren’t expected to spend all of your time on the Station. El Nysa needs you, after all, and you promised you’d help the planet thrive. Are you ready? Submit any AC eligible thread of participating in this log's prompts for Two (2) Olympia REP points HERE. TRAVEL LIGHT     You're really lucky, new refugee. Because of the efforts of those that came before you, your own descent into El Nysa will be quick and relatively painless. You get to reap the benefits of others' experience. Those that came before you are all well-versed in the art of teleportation now, and descending into El Nysa is simply a concentrated thought away. A teleporter has been placed in the common areas to help the new refugees descend, but for this first time, you're going to need a little guidance. You're going to need to take the hand of someone who has been on El Nysa for a while now and learn the ropes. Hold on tight, Refugee, and don't be afraid when the blinding light hits you. The actual journey will feel like a sudden whiplash— painless, but sudden, and maybe a little nauseating. Keeping your balance may be difficult, and it’s possible you might end up toppling onto your poor partner. Hopefully you’re at least thankful. You have landed in a back alley in the Residential District of Olympia. HOME SWEET HOME     Immediately, you notice that everything you've been told about El Nysa is true. There are people of all races here, and although no one bats an eye at your appearance as you enter the district, a member of the Royal Guard asks for your passport. They have a keen eye, and can tell that although you may be a new refugee to their city, they've never seen you before. Certain rumors of an outside force making preparations to do some major damage has them particularly on edge. It's a good thing the Orbiters made sure you have an Olympian passport ready to go. You present it, and with a small nod, the Guard says nothing more and slaps a patch on your chest; to your surprise, it reads: Hello! My name is ________________! I am in House #___! Are you my housemate? ... No matter how much you try, there's no removing this sticker. "It'll come off tomorrow," says the guardkeep. "Lots of refugees here, limited housing. It's an easy way to get to know the people you're living with. Though, if you ask me, why are we accepting so many foreigners when so many want to watch this city burn? Well, I don’t give the orders." If someone greets you, the message on the patch will magically change: Secretly, I _____, _____, and _____! What are yours? There's no telling how they'd known these things, but it likely has to do with Zasere. AGAIN. It may be a good idea to get situated in your new home and set down some ground rules with your roommates. There is also, of course, much of Olympia to explore. FLONA COVE     Word around the city is that one very cute and enthusiastic Olympian, You Watanabe, has been asking around earnestly for the nearest place to find some coastal fun. It didn't take long before a few locals pointed her in the direction of Flona Cove. Maybe it’s a good idea to check out the area. There are only a few more days left of summer, after all. Even if you're not the beach type, exploring a new area certainly can't hurt your understanding of El Nysa. Flona Cove is just a quick train ride away. BEACH PARTY: Chances are, you've heard about the beach party being organized by You Watanabe, whether it be from her directly or someone who knows her. A lot of careful planning has gone into it, and it looks like a great time, so why not check it out? Full speed ahead towards a great time! There's plenty of food for everyone, and plenty of watermelons that need splitting! 1. Various food vendors from around Flona Cove have agreed to offer free food for the new refugees, and they line the shoreline near the harbor, enthusiastically offering goodies such as seafood kabobs, ice cream, fresh fruit (including whole watermelons!), and hot dogs. You Watanabe herself has a grill where she’s cheerfully serving up her trademark "Niceoodles" yakisoba as well as other Japanese food like takoyaki and rice. What makes her noodles so nice? It’s obviously the cheerful smiley-face sun drawn on the omelette. In exchange, the chefs and vendors only ask that you spread the word, though most of them have buckets for donations if you want to help chip back in. After the party is all done, however, there seem to be plenty of dishes that need doing, all in a big pile. You herself is working on getting through the mountain of dishes, but maybe you could lend a hand? 2. It's just not a beach party without the traditional watermelon splitting! For those of you who don't come from modern Japan on Earth, it might be perplexing at first seeing the literal mountain of watermelons grown with the help of Keyleth, another recent Olympian. If the bat-like sticks and blindfolds next to them don’t explain the purpose, though, you might just sit back and watch as a brave competitor sets a watermelon on the sand, ties a blindfold around their eyes, and has people start yelling at them which way to go. They consider the shouts of the crowd, take a swing... and strike nothing but sand. Perhaps you can do better? There are beach activities galore. Now's the time to build the sandcastle of your dreams or play a game of beach volleyball. Maybe you're brave enough to surf the waves, or you’d just like to enjoy a swim. Mom friends who just want to lounge in the sun and read a book while working on their tan are welcome too, of course. BENEATH THE SURFACE: 1. Diving beneath the waters in Flona Cove yield a whole new world on its own. Rent a scuba suit and take a trip to explore the corals, and you may even be lucky enough to run into a playful school of dolphins. Be careful-- they tend to get carried away and will happily drag swimmers for a wild ride. 2. You might want a boat for this scuba adventure, unless you're a strong swimmer. Venture deeper into the ocean, farther away from the coast, and adventurers will find some interesting stuff. Two miles southwest of the harbor, deep, deep into the watery abyss, lies a shipwreck. Exploring through the various rooms of the ship yields a few knick-knacks here and there-- rusted spare parts, cracked tea sets... a surprisingly well-preserved pin-up painting of Koralle? The real treasure awaits for those who have the courage to swim beneath the ship's hull. Here, covered in algae and debris, lies the skeletal corpse of a winged, fanged, clawed beast. This is only a distant memory of its former glory, as nothing but bones are left, but something— something brilliant, catches your eye. Those hundreds of teeth are not bone, but a material so lustrous and pure, it nearly blinds. It will take some work, but with persistence and strength, it is possible to extract a tooth. Those that work in Simwe Institute or The Sanctuary may find it beneficial to take an extra for their boss— this is definitely something that is of interest to study. 3. Olympians love their luxury. There's nothing more luxurious than a secluded lagoon, the water at just the perfect temperature and pristine. This is one of the most sought-after spots for the natives, but when you come across it, it is completely peaceful and empty. For the tourists? Well, this place simply gets overlooked due to its distance from the main beaches. It's also relatively hidden. Soon you start feeling oddly friendly? Cupid’s Pool is also described by the people of Olympia as the touchy-feely pool. It has an inherent property that makes those who soak in it crave physical affection. Chances are you probably wanted to know this before you decided to take a dip, huh? (Please warn for threads appropriately) EARN SOME SILVER     1. While many of the locals came together to offer their hands to provide a bit of entertainment for the surge in tourism, that isn’t to state that they’re fully staffed. Have a few hours to spare? They're willing to pay for your help. Maybe you’re just the cooking champ they needed? The lifeguard who showed up just in time? Or the star salesman at their humble accessory shop so desired? 2. The man who approaches you is even offering more than most of the vendors down the street. Sure, the guy and his entourage look kind of shady, but money is money, isn't it? If you accept, he’ll shove a strange swimsuit or two your way and lead you to the dressing room. What kind of job is this? Modeling, he says. Hopefully you aren’t camera shy! Hey there, hot stuff. I like your look. Or maybe it's your... aura? Either way, I like what you're working with. How about you flaunt what you've got for some fat silver stacks? He also wants to be able to test your charm, and is willing to pay a whopping 400 silver in exchange. He may even ask you to go "talk" (did you hear him say "hit on"?) to a couple of people, and “sell” yourself. Whatever that means... Incidentally, he says he’ll give you a signal once you get a pass. Feels like forever, doesn’t it? 3. Once night begins to fall and the people gradually begin to clear out, you’ll notice something... odd. There are some shady looking people around, and maybe you’ve been hearing whispers all day about a certain "fight club." Initially, no one will tell you a time or location, but if you are persistent, your efforts will pay off. Perhaps in light of helping a vendor clear out their stall or assisting that one Olympian native in distress, they’re willing to tell you a few things about this exclusive club. They explain to you that it’s been a long-standing tradition of Olympia. Secret fight clubs. A place for people to stretch their wings and their fists. Moreover, the pay off seems to be pretty good! Though, they warn you that there are some aggressive competitors out there this time around. Things have been tough politically for a while now, and there is much unrest among the people. What better way to blow off some steam than to beat someone up and make a bit of bank! Fights are not to the death, simply until a knock out, but accidents (and "accidents") do happen. Finding the crowd of people will take some searching, even with directions. They meet along the northern coast of Flona, by following a path leading underground, well away from any civilization. Once you’re there, why not participate? You may find yourself facing off against a fellow refugee. OOC     An AC-eligible thread for 2 OLYMPIAN REP POINTS may be submitted from this log. SUBMIT THE THREAD HERE by OCTOBER 15 11:59 PM EST. In the event of CAPTCHA, we will be providing an overflow. In the event of a second CAPTCHA, players are advised to move threads to an overflow post on their character journals. These threads remain eligible for AC, AC Rewards, and REP. 1 SILVER = 1 US DOLLAR. QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● world ● map ● reputation ● npcs taken ● reserves ● application calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

eugene sevenstark➞iron-blooded orphans

[presses]

( from here! open to new tag-ins. )

clair

[presses]

I'm — I'm trying! ( Eugene is just hoverhanding near the bug, twitching in anxiety every moment the dragonfly's wings flutter. it's also doing that thing where four other dragonflies pile on top of it in an orgy. )

I uh, I don't want to startle it and have it eat your head or something!

[cajolery]

[ What the hell?? Is going on on top of her head?? She can feel a flurry of activity going on up there, and it's doing nothing to help her patience. ]

It may yet "eat my head" while you stand about doing nothing!

[ Since Eugene is effectively useless, she starts looking around for... something(?) that might help. A stick to swat them with, maybe? Anything?? ]

archer

[presses]

( as Eugene swims further down, he's not really expecting Archer to ... come along, let alone help him with the painting. he's startled for a moment, but grateful for the help with its weight, giving the tiniest of smiles that can't even be seen through his mask. )

Well, yeah. Wouldn't you want something like this? Who knows how old this is? ( he takes another look. god it's...big! ) Maybe it's her mother or grandmother.

( either way, he's sure it will be valuable to her. )

Thanks for helping, by the way. ( meanwhile the tooth is just sinking further ... and yet Archer is still helping him with the painting instead? what a stand up guy ... )

[fakers]

You think it's just a family member?

[ alright, it is vaguely possible. though it's a good painting, it's not like it's a perfect representation of the shades darker mistress. still, the resemblance is a little too uncanny. even parent and child normally wouldn't look that similar.

then again, does it really matter who the painting is of? eugene clearly wants it for... his own reasons... ]

Don't misunderstand. If I just left you here like this and you ended up drowning, I might end up having to cover your hours. I'd rather avoid that.

[ he doesn't care at all about the tooth, so yeah he's just turning his gaze upward. ] Simply swimming upward with it probably isn't feasible.

[presses]

( the longer Archer remains by his side the more curious Eugene gets, keeping quiet for the moment as his coworker adjusts on the other side of the frame.

he knows he's creating a hassle; there's no reason that Archer should go along with such an inconvenient task, and yet here he is, touting uncannily familiar excuses for any assistance. but since the excuse is flimsy at best, he's just going to give him a dubious look and ignore the warm fuzzies it all gives him. it's easier to just bite back. )

Well, swimming sideways won't do us any good. ( god it's... so ... big. Eugene turns around to try and rest his back against it, but his arms don't span long enough to adequately hold... )

You carry those swords around all day, right? Put your back into it.

[fakers]

[ he doesn't carry them around, but he's not going to correct eugene on that point. instead, he just continues to hold it as he has been, watching eugene's... efforts...

honestly, if he wanted to, he probably could get this up to the surface on his own, without too much difficulty. ]

Is this really your plan? You need equipment to try to scavenge something like this.

[ ugh... he doesn't like it, and he's still low on mana, but whatever. he'll hold a hand forward, conjuring a few long metal cables. he takes one, handing it to eugene, before beginning to wrap another around the painting. ]

Secure the painting, and we'll use these to haul them up. [ don't comment on the fact that magical ropes just appeared out of thin air, please. ]

riza

[presses]

( he spares her the barest of glances at the remark, confusion worn on a perturbed brow as he tries to understand what it even meant. was she implying his handholding skills were lacking? it's not the type of comment that should make him insecure, but her annoyed tone causes him to feel like he should make himself smaller. somehow.

his hand flexes against the grip, tensing, matching her. mood. she's scary. also, why is this new woman ... telling him what to do? )

I know that. ( he gives a testy reply! he can't help it. attitude begets attitude. i don't want negative cr with riza... save me. )

[strictdiscipline]

[ How could he possibly know that? He's never used one of these before. (Or so she thinks, incorrectly.)

The attitude's not even worth a reply; instead, she pulls him into the teleporter, careful to keep the tension on his arm just shy of forceful. He might be rude but he's still new, and maybe his irritation's all misdirected anger over being unable to adapt.

Around them, the teleporter whirrs to life, white light enveloping them for the briefest of seconds before they're zapped down to Olympia. An easy enough journey, except when Riza lands it's with one foot atop an ill-placed pebble. She stumbles forward, colliding with Eugene with a small yelp. Whether or not they fall into a heap I leave in your capable hands, but it's around then that an ill-timed citizen peers around the corner, wolf-whistling loudly when he spots the scene in front of him. ]

Get it, dude!

hush

[presses]

( he is shaking, though it's now turned into a different kind of trembling. the cold is overtaken by a wave of emotions he tries to suppress, used to withholding it all to try and be a rock for the others.

but there's something about Hush, young and preserved and a complete surprise to see, that makes him ache all over again. makes him think of zach and dane, makes him long for the past and want everyone to just wake up from their damn pods already.

there were so many recruits that he didn't get to know long enough. he wipes at his eye before taking the towel, draping it over his head... )

Shut up. I don't look that much older ...

[middy]

Yes sir. I'm glad to see you.

[ If Eugene's going tremble, then Hush will be... wait the Deputy Boss wants to be the rock. So he'll be... a plant? Something not quite as durable because he isn't for sure but flexible, to accept this situation and be here, now.

The sentiment he has when he reunited with Mikazuki will apply here too: he isn't going anywhere.

...Right, he's taking back those nachos from the sea bird now that both his hands are free. ]

Zach and Dane, were they doing alright? Zach I can see, but Dane...

[ No, he's not talking about the pods, because that's an easy answer. He is sure they made it, and that even with the lives lost for it, the other part of this final mission was successful. It's weird to be dead and now alive, unlike some who have no fucks left for the world, someone just wonders how it moved past him. ]

crowley

[presses]

( oh, seriously? Eugene watches the wound gradually close before his eyes, feeling more annoyed than surprised, because this place ... was full of such fucking weird things. )

There doesn't have to be any peeling off. Of anything. ( wait, where is it going. ) Hold on — let me just. ( he watches the leech just ...swim through the water back to Crowley, trying to get to that delicious thigh. of course he's having none of it, leaning over while still holding on to Crowley and tossing it ...further away. with a flick of his wrist. then, he shudders. )

What's with that? It ruins how beautiful this place is, doesn't it? ( he looks around, eyes narrowing as he tries to determine if the waters immediately surrounding them are clear, hand finally slipping away from Crowley's braid... and broad back... )

[eusford]

[ Look at the flick of that wrist. ]

Hm.

[ If Crowley had any real concept of beauty, or perhaps seen less of such ethereal areas, then he'd be more impressed. But eight hundred years of life and having to suffer with nature, living underground, and watching civilizations be destroyed within minutes due to a mysterious virus has left him impressed in what's more gruesomely complicated. ]

Yeah, it's a turn off. [ But he doesn't sound disappointed... still, he's moving away from Eugene. He's got all the intention of leaving the pool for the obvious: losing any more blood and he might actually feel compelled enough to drink from the man beside him. Completely. ] But there's no helping it. If there's leeches it's better to get out unless you wanna be drained dry, those things don't have any sense of self-control.

vane

[presses]

Sticky? ( Eugene frowns, batting off his second thought of helping the guy as the disgust-factor ups. if he doesn't jump right into this, his hesitation will only grow, right? ) Just wait there!

( and he's under the water quickly, even though it's leech-infested, stroking through it to get to Vane. he grabs Vane's waist as he emerges ... from behind, glancing around frantically. ) Wh— where did it go?

( he tries to manhandle the beefcake to turn him around and inspect him, terrified. DISGUSTING SLUG WATERBUG THING ON THE LOOSE!?!? )

[defenses]

[ despite not being scared or daunted in the face of a potential ... sticky sea creature, he appreciates eugene's genuine efforts. especially, since... it's kind of obvious he seems disturbed. regardless, when eugene swims in closer, he gives him a sideways glance: ] I... [ as eugene is feeling around him...

it's sad... that it actually managed to hop over onto him. ] Is... that it?

[ vane's eyes scan over eugene and it's here he realizes he has a water slug stuck to the side of his face. ] It's on you, but stay calm, I'll take it off reeeaaal quick— [ he grabs onto eugene's face, moving to peel it off.

.... only, it's in this process that he triggers some strange anti-predatory function in which it... implodes on itself.

and now they have strange sea creature goo on both of them. ]

yusuke

[presses]

( Eugene is ill-prepared for a lot of things that continue to happen in his life. the abject misery of having the sun beat down on him so mercilessly, not caring for his inner turmoil or considering just how weak and confused he feels. it does not answer to man, it does not think of man, it only burns ........

and what he is even less prepared for is a pallid adolescent approaching him and so blatantly noting his misery. he isn't sure if that's the kind of observation that gets people friends these days, but it earns a puzzled look in response, his hand raising to act as a stiff awning for his brow, shielding it the best he can even if Yusuke's doing a fine job of blocking out the light. )

Okay, weirdo.

( eugene ... )

I'm fine. I don't need anything. It's ... ( pain is pushed out of every word that leaves him. the cool existential kind too. a chatter interrupts him abruptly. ) ... fine.

( more seagulls are circling them right now. yusuke has been pulled into the fray. )

[tricksune]

[ Calling him a weirdo for sympathizing his pain, his utter agony and crushing defeat in the face of basic beach weather... that's probably justified, but words still hurt, and he answers with a small, pinched frown.

But despite this rudeness, he also seems to be Suffering Mightily, so Yusuke doesn't quite peace out. Also, if he tries to escape the circle of gulls, he might get projectile pooped on at this point. They're stuck together to be divebombed and harangued eventually, but Yusuke beats the birds to the punch: ]

Did you miss what I said? [ He thought he was pretty clear. ] By what standards do you appear 'fine?'

[ Just awful. He will keep hammering these nails into his coffin into he gets the point... ]

You look abysmal.

[ Despite all this, he takes a water bottle out of his hoodie and hands it to him. ]

takasugi

[presses]

Wait! ( Eugene scrambles, taking a full and quick step forward to try and stop this strange guy from doing something that would agitate whatever that giant ... thing is. it could bite or sting in retaliation, of course! )

( woefully, he's met with a horrendous crunching sound just as it seems like the lagoon floor beneath his foot dips sharply, causing him to just. sink. on the next attempted bounce over to help save this guy, submerging himself completely. a second later he's up again, coughing and sputtering. )

I told you not to move! (COUGH, wheeze. )

[shikomizue]

[Wait! ensures that Takasugi does no such thing. He arches his spine into the rock, the tickle and pinch of something's feet now inescapably felt.

Watching the loud stranger splutter and fall, flurry of limbs in water splashing away the silence and serenity of the bay, Takasugi provides a crunch of his own - the insect against the rock.

It's audible despite the idiot's hacking and yelling, so Takasugi assumes the creature's demise and steps forward, careful of the apparent crag in their foothold.]

Aren't you the one having trouble? [Unfriendly from his voice to his smile, but not as imposing as he thinks he's being...

Since a half squished and very pissed thing is crawling (more like twitching) its way up his shoulder.]

[presses]

( a stinging sensation in his foot, but nothing severe — most likely a rock dislodged beneath his heel. it's gentle but nagging, enough to distract him from the leering mockery of that smile, nearly missing it all as a hand shoots under the water to grip at the bottom of his foot, causing him to almost lose his balance. yet again. )

I wouldn't be if you just — ooh, oh. ( he interrupts his own chiding rant with widening eyes, fixing quickly on the almost mechanic movements of the insect. whatever happened, it must be in survival mode, because it's got some sort of pincer or tail up or what-the-fuck-ever. Eugene puts up a steadying hand, wishing he had some sort of weapon. )

Just. Stay still this time, idiot. ( he wades, taking a couple more long strides in the water, reeling his arm back in the process as if for a windup. )

frankie

[presses]

( it isn't that Eugene can't handle himself if a guy is unruly with him — but as a refugee hiding his identity and true purpose, it's a bit important to keep under wraps, right? normally, a dirty old man angling at him like some snake would be grounds for broken bones or even execution. on mars, that meant something very particular, but this isn't a lawless society and he sure doesn't want to end up in prison when he has to look out for his friends. this guy, from what he can gather at work, is some relatively big black market boss anyway...

it's nothing he can't handle, really, but it's the persistence that gets him. he expects it: he's close to the shadiest part of olympia, there's bound to be some spillage like this. it's what he gets for being receptive to friendly conversation at work.

but an out's an out, and a tall passerby catches Eugene's desperation quickly. he takes a step back from the shady man and over to the tall man instead, hands pocketed nervously as he tries his luck and hopes the guy helps him out.

it's humiliating, to even need this. but he wants to avoid conflict...for now. leave him tf alone, guy. )

There ... you are! I've missed you. ( he's so sorry to this person... they have to hear "love" in a totally false manner. no one deserves that... ) I love you. ( Eugene sighs in relief, grabbing at the guy's sleeve with a nervous look. hidden from the shady guy's view, Eugene's hoping he won't see the quick bug-eyed, desperate look and darted glance he gives the hopefully good Samaritan. ) I love you so much and please don't pull that crap again. Jeez, should I get a leash for the next time you wander off?

( the guy ends up sounding confused, but Eugene doesn't clarify. only looks back at the old man as he reaches for Frankie's arm. ) See? I found him. We'll just be going now.

[serve]

[ Thankfully, Frankenstein is perceptive enough that he doesn't take Eugene's words at face value, and it probably helps that they're a very strange thing to greet someone with. There has to be a motivation for approaching a stranger and proclaiming love, or that person would be missing a few screws. Subtly, his gaze wanders over to the direction Eugene came in, and it's clear what sort of situation would drive him to do this.

It also takes some willpower not to simply tell off the man, but Eugene must have had a similar thought. They are surrounded by families, and even some children, and it wouldn't look good to make a scene like this.

So, with a small sigh, he resigns himself to the odd situation and gives Eugene what he hopes is a small, reassuring smile. ]

I'm sorry, beloved. I was trying to find a gift for you in the vendor stalls, but there were too many things I wanted to buy you. You know me, I do tend to get absentminded a lot...

[ He even reaches up to lace the fingers on his arms with his own, taking Eugene's hand and holding it firmly as he leans down to nuzzle his forehead with the tip of his nose. It is only after the man is still standing there that Frankie pretends to finally "notice" him, giving the old man an equally warm smile. ]

Hello, sir. How can we help you?

[ He tightens his hold on Eugene's hand, meant to be a reassurance that he will play along, and leans down to rest his head on Eugene's shoulder. See? A mushy happy couple.

He is persistent, however, because the creepy guy simply looks delighted, expressing "Two hot blonds for the price of one, huh? Must be my lucky day! Your friend can come too, sweetheart." ]

[presses]

( Eugene leans into the handholding like it's a caress, closing his eyes and preparing an equally dramatic line before he's ... nuzzled? he goes saucer-eyed in confusion, stiffening up as he feels the tip of Frankenstein's nose push against his skin, pliant and soft, perfectly curved to complement a smooth nose bridge...

he realizes he's cross-eyed staring at him before glancing away, a bit bewildered, hand suddenly clutching over his breast as if to calm the steady crescendo of hammering he's feeling behind his ribcage. it's stupid, how easy he is, and he's not doing this whole "selling themselves as a couple" thing any favors by his panicked, utterly forced laugh at the remarks.

it's hard to pay attention to them, let alone care when he's got this simulated affection and he's practically drowning in the perfumed canopy of curls that this guy sports. he'll just... squeeze his hand almost violently at him asking how they can help. no, no... don't be even nicer ... what are you doing. )

Haha, what. ( Eugene's smile strains tight, cheeks coloring quickly behind as he gently pushes ... at Frankie's head. mind your space ... it's making him way too flustered. )

But ... I'm the jealous type! I don't really like to share. I mean, where am I going to find a guy this beautiful in Olympia? So anyway, bye. ( he actually feels more indignant and angry now that he might have to protect another. he didn't want to drag some helpful soul into such an uncomfortable situation...

Bobert Alroe stares at them, narrowing slot-eyed as he puts out his cigar. he isn't happy with this development... scary. not really, but. )

chuuya

[presses]

( Eugene grumbles out a "whatever" as in response as he attempts to keep his pride in tact. he was doing fine, really, up until some guy seemed to have superhuman speed. it isn't fair to be left behind like this — all his training and hard work can be undone with some stupid ability that Eugene was sure didn't exist outside of fairytales and chuuni fantasies until now.

he made it far, at least, but elimination is elimination and now he's bruised up for no good reason at all, having lost all of his earnings. ) I just got caught off guard, that's all. I keep forgetting that guys here are ...

( unreal. like you, gravity-boy. Eugene doesn't move to push at Chuuya's hand, only looking up at him instead, annoyance sawing at his tone. there's a nakedness to the stare, the kind that makes it hard to hold a locked gaze for a while as he wonders if his friend sees him as someone he can't really rely on then. someone who needs bailing. ) What the hell are you even doing here? ( he tries to turn his head while his bangs are being held, but only ends up grunting in anger because LET GO that hurts. )

[vacuum]

[ Funny how his gesture made in concern only seemed to inflict more pain. That's also typical for a guy so inclined to aggressive motions. ]

Making money. I assume it's the same for you. [ Though he's having far better luck. He's got a bag full of silver and only a few bruises here and there to show for it. ]

You're... bleeding. [ An obvious point, but he's trying to bring attention to that fact and the fact that Eugene probably needs some medical attention right now. Without sounding too concerned, that is, because tsundere. ]