[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.
[His heart leaps in his chest at the suddenness of it all. The way he says it, the surprise movement from Magnet, the cups bounding on the table - he reaches up to grab at the front of his coat stunned. He blinks, before slowly nodding, registering what he's said.]
[Manabu keeps his eye glued downward, palms flush on the table, face red, plainly embarrassed enough for the both of them for his stupidity. but it's too late! can't stop this train.]
E-every day. Even if it's small! Something...something normal. Or familiar! Something...that isn't a nightmare. It's not a lot, but. But it can still add up, you know? Just...having a reminder out there. Someone else...seeing something outside...of your own head.
[his posture starts to slack out of that adrenaline-fueled hunch, but his pose is still about the same. his tone softens, too.]
Because...when you're the only person...who knew the place you're from... It can feel like...you'll forget...who you are...if you don't put it out there...
[he gulps against the tightness in his throat, feeling his good eye stinging.]
So I don't care...how stupid it is...tell me about it. One thing a day. Okay...?
[The passion behind his words takes him by surprise.]
Manabu... [He doesn't know what to say, rendered temporarily speechless by his words. What could he say? He listens intently before falling into a comfortable silence shortly after Manabu stops talking. Could he promise something like that? A simple text a day of something familiar? What if he doesn't find anything familiar, or can't think of something to text him?
He nods slowly, reaching for his cup of tea once more.]
One thing a day. [He finds himself smiling softly, looking down into the cup.] Only if you do the same. Perhaps it'll help us both as we navigate this place.
[had the silence gone on any longer, Manabu was at risk of dropping his head straight onto the table and fizzling out in sheer embarrassment. his emotional outbursts are far easier to stomach in very intense situations, not...tea time...
he's relieved to hear Ryunosuke agree to the idea, even if it comes at the cost of one good turn for another.
he exhales heavily, finally losing that wound-up posture.]
Maybe I'll get the hang of texting doing this. [He actually laughs lightly, lifting his cup to drink the remainder of the tea.] I think I've been getting better at it.
[He's still learning how to use the Omni, but he's been doing better with texting and slowly interacting with people over the network. It was still far beyond what he's used to, but he sees the benefits of it.]
Are you sure you want me texting you every day? That won't get annoying, will it?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
[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.]
no subject
after a beat:] Floor full of people...tied up? Lots of industrial equipment. Surgical instruments.
no subject
[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.]
no subject
instead:] ...I didn't see you there. I'm sorry. I would've tried to get to you.
no subject
[Sort of.]
Did you? Are you all right? [He noticed the state of his coat, just hadn't thought to ask about it earlier.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
[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.]
no subject
[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...
no subject
[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.]
no subject
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...
no subject
[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.
no subject
[he barks it as he suddenly drops his fists on the table, making the cups bounce and causing Magnet to startle in Ryunosuke's lap.]
no subject
[His heart leaps in his chest at the suddenness of it all. The way he says it, the surprise movement from Magnet, the cups bounding on the table - he reaches up to grab at the front of his coat stunned. He blinks, before slowly nodding, registering what he's said.]
Okay?
no subject
E-every day. Even if it's small! Something...something normal. Or familiar! Something...that isn't a nightmare. It's not a lot, but. But it can still add up, you know? Just...having a reminder out there. Someone else...seeing something outside...of your own head.
[his posture starts to slack out of that adrenaline-fueled hunch, but his pose is still about the same. his tone softens, too.]
Because...when you're the only person...who knew the place you're from... It can feel like...you'll forget...who you are...if you don't put it out there...
[he gulps against the tightness in his throat, feeling his good eye stinging.]
So I don't care...how stupid it is...tell me about it. One thing a day. Okay...?
no subject
Manabu... [He doesn't know what to say, rendered temporarily speechless by his words. What could he say? He listens intently before falling into a comfortable silence shortly after Manabu stops talking. Could he promise something like that? A simple text a day of something familiar? What if he doesn't find anything familiar, or can't think of something to text him?
He nods slowly, reaching for his cup of tea once more.]
One thing a day. [He finds himself smiling softly, looking down into the cup.] Only if you do the same. Perhaps it'll help us both as we navigate this place.
no subject
he's relieved to hear Ryunosuke agree to the idea, even if it comes at the cost of one good turn for another.
he exhales heavily, finally losing that wound-up posture.]
Y...yeah...
[Magnet yips off-screen.]
no subject
[He's still learning how to use the Omni, but he's been doing better with texting and slowly interacting with people over the network. It was still far beyond what he's used to, but he sees the benefits of it.]
Are you sure you want me texting you every day? That won't get annoying, will it?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)