I don't know. I just remember waking up in that cell.
[And he's not had very good luck with being in a cell. After being accused of committing murder and being locked up... he wasn't too fond of waking up chained.]
And all of the blood-- [The smell of blood and rot. He doesn't think he'll forget that any time soon.] I hardly know how to describe it all.
[Escaping his cell and walking through the facility was a relief at first, just enough for him to start looking for a way out. Then he started climbing the stairs and... well. Then it was one horror after another.]
understanding drops like a brick in Manabu's stomach. Ryunosuke's an eloquent dude, so even a single start-and-stop like that's telling enough, to say nothing of the haunted expression he wears.
Magnet whines, then hops up to lick at Ryunosuke's face and hands.]
C'mon-- [Manabu stands back up, holding his hands out to help the other guy up.] Let's talk somewhere indoors.
[He pets at Magnet, using the Omen to ground himself in the moment. This was real. Magnet is...well real enough that he takes a steadying breath.]
Right. That's... probably for the best.
[He reaches up to take Manabu's hand, pulling himself up off the ground. He wraps his arms around himself again, trying to starve off the cold in his fingers as he looks around.]
Where did you want to go? I don't think I'm too far from here.
Wherever's good, right? C'mon-- [he nudges Ryunosuke into movement, leading by half a pace away from the chill of the water, with Magnet padding along on the other side of them.
not keen on spending a lot of time waffling around, Manabu steers them toward a small bar whose windows were tinged orange with promise of a warm hearth. he holds the door open and lets Ryunosuke in first, and should he linger too long without direction, he'll guide him with a hand on his back to a small table to sit at. the initial burst of warmth compared to the outside is something even he can feel despite his cold blood, but it doesn't last, so he doesn't keep his hands on the other guy long lest he steal away the comfort of warmth from him.
he doesn't fully sit down, kind of hovering over his own seat as he peers at Ryunosuke.]
You hungry? Need something in you? Or just something hot to drink?
[He nods, agreeing with him as he moves to follow. Whatever's good.
There was so much he wanted to say, and yet the words escaped him. What he had found in the tower was nothing short of a nightmare and one he would not soon forget. All the blood, the Sleepers strung up and ripped open -- the memory of the smell flooding back to him as he nearly gags.
Ryunosuke just follows Manabu to the bar in a haze, sliding into the chair after he's led to the small table. He keeps his coat on, rubbing his hands together to try and warm himself up.]
What? [He's brought back to the present, realizing Manabu has just asked him a question before he shakes his head.] No, I mean- well something hot to drink would be nice.
[Manabu gives a soft, affirmative sound, pushing away from the table and moving to go fetch something, leaving Magnet to keep their friend company. the dog disregards rules and hops right up into the seat next to Ryunosuke, pawing at his leg and nosing at him in order to make enough space to facilitate bullying his way into his lap. he's small, but warm, and much better at being direct in an effort to comfort than his person is. thoughts count for a lot, but action means more, right?
all the better that Manabu's following the examples set by the people who have had to care for him in turn. his mom, Amara, Wu and Mako...they're all very different, but when it came to things like this, food and drink seem to be universal comforts.]
Here.
[he returns with a hot, ceramic cup of a bitter tea and a plate with some bread rolls.]
Do I need to get sugar or anything? [this is a guy who drinks the most bitter, undiluted teas in the universe and loves it, so...y'know. you get offered the basics.]
[It takes him a moment to register what Magnet is doing before he finally lifts up his arms and helps the pup into his lap. It was comforting in its way, slowly rubbing the top of his head with a fond smile as he starts to relax in the chair. It's not enough for him to completely forget what has transpired, but it's enough to take him down off the edge. Just enough for him to think about other things like the warm dog in his lap.
He glances up with Manabu returns, and shakes his head.]
No, no. This is more than enough. [He says shakily, reaching out slowly to take the ceramic cup.] Thank you, Manabu. I really appreciate it.
[he gives a faint sound of acknowledgement, slipping into his seat across from him. Manabu frowns as he watches the slower, distracted movements that paint the picture of distress for him - it makes him wonder if asking him about it would be better or worse. how is it everyone around him knows how to approach and ask about things when it's him in distress? Manabu can't figure it out when the tables are turned.
he fusses with that while pulling his own cup toward him, grimacing at his reflection in it as he sees its contents already starting to cool. that's just reason to throw the whole thing back in a few, long gulps, leading to setting the cup back down hard with a loud sigh.
man...they really don't make the stuff the way they do on Tabito, but it's close.
noticing Ryunosuke's barely moved since:] Uh, is it...too hot? I could probably poke it colder.
What? [He blinks, definitely caught up in his own head before he shakes his head.] Oh. No, it's fine. I actually prefer it this way.
[He lifts the cup up to his lips, taking a quick drink of hot tea, not minding the slight burn to his tongue. The bitter taste reminds him of the tea Susato used to brew in the attic of 221B, a nice, familiar longing settles in his heart as he considers the fact he may never see his friends again.
Not unless they end up in Trench, that is. And after what he's seen? He hopes that they never will.]
[Manabu's eyes wince at that hasty reply. how's it feel, Yuuki? being faced with the kind of atmosphere you've exuded for so long to others? not great, huh?
he gulps, drumming fingers idly on his now-empty cup - something that makes Magnet's ears perk, the only parts of the dog visible at this angle. there's a soft grr-yip to that, as though he were snapping at his person to get on with it already - because that's definitely what he intends.]
You...mentioned a, a cage? Right? [he hesitates.] What happened, Ryunosuke?
I woke up in a cage, a stall? It reminded me a little bit of being in the British gaols. [He starts of slowly, tapping his finger against the cup as he does so.] I was restrained, I could smell oil and blood... I don't even know how I got in there.
[He was starving and filthy, immensely grateful that he was able to wash once he was free. He inhales deeply, bringing the cup to his lips once more to take another drink. The tea is thankfully settling his stomach as he talks.]
I was in a daze, but I managed to free myself of my restraints and from the cell and started to explore.
[Exploring was a mistake, but curiosity got the best of him and he needed to find a way out.]
[that smile is none too reassuring. it actually makes Manabu's stomach clench, makes him aware of the state of the coat, reflexively covering up some of the more pronounced lacerations on the arm.]
Fine, I'm--fine...
[his eyes wince, aware it's a lie even as he utters it. he holds his breath a beat before letting out a sigh. it's hard to open up to people, yet...isn't that what he was asking of Ryunosuke? isn't that what he was being asked before?]
...Well. Maybe not fine. But alive. Same as you, right?
[he hesitates, his voice lowering a bit.]
Nothing like that...you've never...had to deal with something like that before, have you.
[He nearly calls him out on his lie when he changes his response.]
Yeah. Alive is a good word for it. I'm glad you're alive.
[Alive but not well. It was a good assessment of the state of living here in Trench, wasn't it? He sighs, wondering if this was what life would be like the longer he's here. He sits back in his chair, keeping his voice low.]
No. Nothing like this. I've heard of gruesome deaths in the courtroom, things from autopsy reports or word of mouth but seeing it myself... [It was almost more than he can bear.]
[Manabu's expression remains pained, a mix of guilt and sympathy. he'd managed to find Childe, why couldn't he find Ryunosuke, too? this poor guy, he...he shouldn't have dealt with that alone. or at all!
Magnet's nose peeks up from behind the table to lick at Ryunosuke's hand.]
It's...it's not great. [yeah, no shit, Manabu! he exhales heavily through his nose, shaking his head.] I'm sorry. Something like that...that's a first here. For us. But...
[but it's not new in its gruesomeness. not to Manabu.]
[It wasn't easy being alone in that place, but he survived through it and found his way out. Or well was forced out before he had to sacrifice too much of himself to escape. He smiles down at Magnet, moving to rub at his head again, grateful for the comforting gesture.]
I get the feeling it won't be the last time either. [He thinks out loud, mulling over it as he finally reaches for the bread, hoping that he could at least stomach something. He doesn't remember the last time he ate so it might do him some good.]
It's not the first time you've encountered something like this. [A statement, not a question, as he looks up to Manabu.] How do you deal with it?
[Manabu watches him, the pained expression still lingering throughout. he's not sure he likes to see a smile like that - one that's coming from a place of hurt.
he grimaces at the on-the-mark statement...and the ask. self-consciously, Manabu rubs again at the tear on his sleeve, looking down.]
It's...hard to say. I mean, I'm...not the best example to follow, I think. If it's just me. [which is bleak, isn't it? it's damn bleak! that's not what's needed here, even if it's true.
he hesitates.
there's other things that are true, too.]
But...we go forward anyway. Because we...we're not alone. You know. [he peeks up.] Because people check in on us. Ask us if we're okay. Offer to...listen.
[he hopes that's clear enough: doing what Ryunosuke did for him, that's how iti works.]
Thank you, Manabu. [He says quietly, setting the bread down on the table without taking a bite, staring at it. He's still caught up in his head, still reliving everything about the facility that he saw, he heard, he smelled. It settles in the back of his mind as he idly pets Magnet.]
Sorry. [He realizes he's been staring for a minute.] I really appreciate you... coming out here. I really don't mean to worry you. [Or anyone for that matter.]
[that's not what he should feel! Manabu's gut clenches at the sound of words that he's uttered himself, now coming out of someone else - someone who shouldn't have to relate to his feelings at all.
Manabu rubs at his face, quiet for a beat. he can't even feel it with his hands...the heat under his skin...]
It's not like you...went out of your way to, you know? That is--getting...caught up in something like that...of course I know you'd not want that! No one does...
Sorry, that was rather dark, wasn't it? [He rubs the back of his head, looking a little sheepish.] Maybe unavoidable is too grim of an outlook.
[He had to hold onto something akin to hope that there may be something he can look up to. But between Manabu dying and what he's seen -- he's got a feeling this was just the tip of the iceberg.]
I just get this feeling that things aren't going to get much better.
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[And he's not had very good luck with being in a cell. After being accused of committing murder and being locked up... he wasn't too fond of waking up chained.]
And all of the blood-- [The smell of blood and rot. He doesn't think he'll forget that any time soon.] I hardly know how to describe it all.
[Escaping his cell and walking through the facility was a relief at first, just enough for him to start looking for a way out. Then he started climbing the stairs and... well. Then it was one horror after another.]
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understanding drops like a brick in Manabu's stomach. Ryunosuke's an eloquent dude, so even a single start-and-stop like that's telling enough, to say nothing of the haunted expression he wears.
Magnet whines, then hops up to lick at Ryunosuke's face and hands.]
C'mon-- [Manabu stands back up, holding his hands out to help the other guy up.] Let's talk somewhere indoors.
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Right. That's... probably for the best.
[He reaches up to take Manabu's hand, pulling himself up off the ground. He wraps his arms around himself again, trying to starve off the cold in his fingers as he looks around.]
Where did you want to go? I don't think I'm too far from here.
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not keen on spending a lot of time waffling around, Manabu steers them toward a small bar whose windows were tinged orange with promise of a warm hearth. he holds the door open and lets Ryunosuke in first, and should he linger too long without direction, he'll guide him with a hand on his back to a small table to sit at. the initial burst of warmth compared to the outside is something even he can feel despite his cold blood, but it doesn't last, so he doesn't keep his hands on the other guy long lest he steal away the comfort of warmth from him.
he doesn't fully sit down, kind of hovering over his own seat as he peers at Ryunosuke.]
You hungry? Need something in you? Or just something hot to drink?
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There was so much he wanted to say, and yet the words escaped him. What he had found in the tower was nothing short of a nightmare and one he would not soon forget. All the blood, the Sleepers strung up and ripped open -- the memory of the smell flooding back to him as he nearly gags.
Ryunosuke just follows Manabu to the bar in a haze, sliding into the chair after he's led to the small table. He keeps his coat on, rubbing his hands together to try and warm himself up.]
What? [He's brought back to the present, realizing Manabu has just asked him a question before he shakes his head.] No, I mean- well something hot to drink would be nice.
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all the better that Manabu's following the examples set by the people who have had to care for him in turn. his mom, Amara, Wu and Mako...they're all very different, but when it came to things like this, food and drink seem to be universal comforts.]
Here.
[he returns with a hot, ceramic cup of a bitter tea and a plate with some bread rolls.]
Do I need to get sugar or anything? [this is a guy who drinks the most bitter, undiluted teas in the universe and loves it, so...y'know. you get offered the basics.]
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He glances up with Manabu returns, and shakes his head.]
No, no. This is more than enough. [He says shakily, reaching out slowly to take the ceramic cup.] Thank you, Manabu. I really appreciate it.
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he fusses with that while pulling his own cup toward him, grimacing at his reflection in it as he sees its contents already starting to cool. that's just reason to throw the whole thing back in a few, long gulps, leading to setting the cup back down hard with a loud sigh.
man...they really don't make the stuff the way they do on Tabito, but it's close.
noticing Ryunosuke's barely moved since:] Uh, is it...too hot? I could probably poke it colder.
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[He lifts the cup up to his lips, taking a quick drink of hot tea, not minding the slight burn to his tongue. The bitter taste reminds him of the tea Susato used to brew in the attic of 221B, a nice, familiar longing settles in his heart as he considers the fact he may never see his friends again.
Not unless they end up in Trench, that is. And after what he's seen? He hopes that they never will.]
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he gulps, drumming fingers idly on his now-empty cup - something that makes Magnet's ears perk, the only parts of the dog visible at this angle. there's a soft grr-yip to that, as though he were snapping at his person to get on with it already - because that's definitely what he intends.]
You...mentioned a, a cage? Right? [he hesitates.] What happened, Ryunosuke?
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[He was starving and filthy, immensely grateful that he was able to wash once he was free. He inhales deeply, bringing the cup to his lips once more to take another drink. The tea is thankfully settling his stomach as he talks.]
I was in a daze, but I managed to free myself of my restraints and from the cell and started to explore.
[Exploring was a mistake, but curiosity got the best of him and he needed to find a way out.]
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after a beat:] Floor full of people...tied up? Lots of industrial equipment. Surgical instruments.
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[Though he isn't sure tied up is the right word for it, but he isn't sure the word to describe it.]
You were there too, weren't you? [The place was certainly large enough where he hadn't run into anyone else while he explored.]
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instead:] ...I didn't see you there. I'm sorry. I would've tried to get to you.
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[Sort of.]
Did you? Are you all right? [He noticed the state of his coat, just hadn't thought to ask about it earlier.]
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Fine, I'm--fine...
[his eyes wince, aware it's a lie even as he utters it. he holds his breath a beat before letting out a sigh. it's hard to open up to people, yet...isn't that what he was asking of Ryunosuke? isn't that what he was being asked before?]
...Well. Maybe not fine. But alive. Same as you, right?
[he hesitates, his voice lowering a bit.]
Nothing like that...you've never...had to deal with something like that before, have you.
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Yeah. Alive is a good word for it. I'm glad you're alive.
[Alive but not well. It was a good assessment of the state of living here in Trench, wasn't it? He sighs, wondering if this was what life would be like the longer he's here. He sits back in his chair, keeping his voice low.]
No. Nothing like this. I've heard of gruesome deaths in the courtroom, things from autopsy reports or word of mouth but seeing it myself... [It was almost more than he can bear.]
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Magnet's nose peeks up from behind the table to lick at Ryunosuke's hand.]
It's...it's not great. [yeah, no shit, Manabu! he exhales heavily through his nose, shaking his head.] I'm sorry. Something like that...that's a first here. For us. But...
[but it's not new in its gruesomeness. not to Manabu.]
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I get the feeling it won't be the last time either. [He thinks out loud, mulling over it as he finally reaches for the bread, hoping that he could at least stomach something. He doesn't remember the last time he ate so it might do him some good.]
It's not the first time you've encountered something like this. [A statement, not a question, as he looks up to Manabu.] How do you deal with it?
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he grimaces at the on-the-mark statement...and the ask. self-consciously, Manabu rubs again at the tear on his sleeve, looking down.]
It's...hard to say. I mean, I'm...not the best example to follow, I think. If it's just me. [which is bleak, isn't it? it's damn bleak! that's not what's needed here, even if it's true.
he hesitates.
there's other things that are true, too.]
But...we go forward anyway. Because we...we're not alone. You know. [he peeks up.] Because people check in on us. Ask us if we're okay. Offer to...listen.
[he hopes that's clear enough: doing what Ryunosuke did for him, that's how iti works.]
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[Sound advice.]
Thank you, Manabu. [He says quietly, setting the bread down on the table without taking a bite, staring at it. He's still caught up in his head, still reliving everything about the facility that he saw, he heard, he smelled. It settles in the back of his mind as he idly pets Magnet.]
Sorry. [He realizes he's been staring for a minute.] I really appreciate you... coming out here. I really don't mean to worry you. [Or anyone for that matter.]
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[that's not what he should feel! Manabu's gut clenches at the sound of words that he's uttered himself, now coming out of someone else - someone who shouldn't have to relate to his feelings at all.
Manabu rubs at his face, quiet for a beat. he can't even feel it with his hands...the heat under his skin...]
It's not like you...went out of your way to, you know? That is--getting...caught up in something like that...of course I know you'd not want that! No one does...
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[It's something he needs to learn to live with, whether he did or not would be up to him. He sighs, rubbing at his face.]
I would rather not get caught up in something else like this but I think it's unavoidable.
[As long as he doesn't get dragged there again, he'd be happy.]
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unavoidable. he...thinks that already? even Manabu was in some pretty solid denial for a while. but then, his first foray into terror wasn't...this...
still. it bothers him to hear such a conclusion from Ryunosuke. did this place...already take away his hope?]
Ryunosuke...
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[He had to hold onto something akin to hope that there may be something he can look up to. But between Manabu dying and what he's seen -- he's got a feeling this was just the tip of the iceberg.]
I just get this feeling that things aren't going to get much better.
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