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?
[Manabu's hair has started to get frizzy, thanks to getting all worked up, and a bit of that static pops out when he lifts his fingers away from the table and draws them back to himself, ruffling self-consciously through his hair.
he exhales a chilly vapor in a huff, sitting upright and finally daring to look over and sees there's a less fraught smile on Ryunosuke's face. that means...he made the right call, didn't he?
thank goodness...]
Eh? [blinkblink.] Annoying? Aa, n-no. No, it's...not like my Omni's blowing up all the time anyway. It'll be fine!
As long as you're sure. I just don't want to be a bother. [The last part is said quietly, almost under his breath as he taps the cup of his idly. If he could get used to using the Omni more that would be helpful in the long run, but he also doesn't want to annoy or bother Manabu.
Though he says it's fine, he's still going to worry a little bit.
Ryunosuke turns his attention to his empty tea cup, and tilts it toward him.]
[Ryunosuke said do you want some more tea? and Manabu hears can I have some more tea. with that in his brain, Manabu pops up out of his seat and plucks Ryunosuke's cup from his hand.]
Right-- I'll be right back!
[aaand before Ryunosuke can object, he's off to go get more, back almost as quickly. he has to - he doesn't want to chill the cup!
this is how he works best: having a task, being able to do something for someone. any movement that makes him feel like he's moving forward, instead of simply treading water. he looks brighter-eyed for it, even.]
Here...should still be hot? I hope. Sorry if it isn't...
[Before he can say anything, Manabu is off and getting him more tea. He glances at his neglected bread, and finally takes a bite of the torn-off piece. Eating the food here reminds him of what he's found in England, and he misses the food from Japan. What he wouldn't give for a hot pot right now. He smiles when Manabu returns, accepting the cup gingerly.]
Thank you. It's fine. [Even if it was cooler (which it's not by much!) he still enjoys the tea and company greatly.] I really appreciate your kindness when I wasn't sure I'd find much.
[He's gotten used to the xenophobia the English people sometimes displayed when he greeted them. How his English is surprisingly decent for a Japanese man.] I'm sorry if I worried you. I just wasn't sure where else to turn.
[Manabu slips back into his seat, watching Ryunosuke as he speaks. it takes a few seconds for the meaning of the words to really hit, and even then it doesn't make a lot of sense.
wasn't...sure he'd find much? well, inside that hellish tower, Manabu gets it. but out here? nobody...was helping him?]
I-it's okay. I mean, I'm glad you relied on me! That...I was around to be relied on, even. [it's one helluva turn from the past few weeks, that's for sure.
now that he's sat still again, he takes a more careful look at Ryunosuke, looking for signs of dire injury beyond the haunted look on his face.]
[It's not so much that people aren't helping him! But finding yourself alone in a faraway land with no friends is a difficult transition. He's met a handful of people, some who seem to be more helpful than others, but no real long-lasting connections. At least not yet.
He'll get there.]
No, they didn't hurt me. I... I don't know how I managed it, but I got through relatively unscathed. [Mentally he was scarred, and he would never forget what he saw (likely that he'd have nightmares) but at least he made it out in one piece.] I usually hid when I heard something coming. I wasn't armed so I wasn't sure I'd be able to take anything in a fight.
[Being without the katana, no matter if he knows how to use it or not, was terrifying on many levels.]
No, that's smart, those...those guys are bad. Bad news. Better to hide and get away. You still got a place here in Willful Machine, right? Somewhere safe-?
[with a little nod of his own:] That's probably for the best. And, and checking in will help too, you know? So I'll know if you're in trouble or not. You're...not as alone as you think.
[wow, hearing himself say that sure is...a taste of his own bitter medicine, huh? is that really something the guy who died to his own loneliness have a right to say?]
I know. [He reaches across the table, reaching to Manabu's hand.] You aren't either.
[He considers Manabu a friend despite their relationship still being a new one. Relatively speaking, that is. It's amazing what sort of horrors can bring people together.]
[Manabu bristles instinctually, fingers curling in on themselves under the hand. his hair fluffs up a bit with a surge of static electricity that creeps from his shoulder and through his knuckles, emitting nothing more than a couple sparks - like touching a metal door handle after shuffling around in wool.]
Gih-! S-sorry! [he retracts his hand quickly, rubbing at the back of his neck and looking away in embarrassment.] Sorry...
[He retracts his hand quickly, shaking it out as he looks at Manabu with a bit of shock. It takes a few moments, but he finds himself laughing lightly.]
Don't be sorry. [He says, rubbing the back of his neck.] It's all right.
[Magnet's head peeks up out from under the table, giving a growl-yip.
meanwhile, Manabu breathes out a feeble sound in a shaky exhale.]
I-I'm working on it. The blood-stuff, I mean. A guy named Diluc...he's been helping me figure out how this all works for me. So. Less of that...one day.
[Ryunosuke pats at Magnet's head, scratching lightly behind his ears.]
You'll get there. [He says as he picks up his cup of tea again to take a drink.] Especially if you have help to learn. [A pause, before he continues.] I'm looking at learning hand-to-hand combat from someone.
Yes, I mean I'm not much of a fighter. [He shakes his head.] From Nehan. He arrived around the same time I did. [He thinks about it for a second.] Though, I wouldn't be opposed from learning from multiple people.
[Nehan... Manabu frowns, trying to place a face to a name. he's...pretty sure he's heard the name? but no face comes to mind.
distractedly:] Aa, mm... [refocused:] Uh, ye-yeah. I think so, too. I mean, if folks are from all sorts of places and situations, there's probably some good insight.
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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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[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.]
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[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?
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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...?
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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.
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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.]
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[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?
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he exhales a chilly vapor in a huff, sitting upright and finally daring to look over and sees there's a less fraught smile on Ryunosuke's face. that means...he made the right call, didn't he?
thank goodness...]
Eh? [blinkblink.] Annoying? Aa, n-no. No, it's...not like my Omni's blowing up all the time anyway. It'll be fine!
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Though he says it's fine, he's still going to worry a little bit.
Ryunosuke turns his attention to his empty tea cup, and tilts it toward him.]
Do you want some more tea?
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[blink blink.]
Uoh--
[Ryunosuke said do you want some more tea? and Manabu hears can I have some more tea. with that in his brain, Manabu pops up out of his seat and plucks Ryunosuke's cup from his hand.]
Right-- I'll be right back!
[aaand before Ryunosuke can object, he's off to go get more, back almost as quickly. he has to - he doesn't want to chill the cup!
this is how he works best: having a task, being able to do something for someone. any movement that makes him feel like he's moving forward, instead of simply treading water. he looks brighter-eyed for it, even.]
Here...should still be hot? I hope. Sorry if it isn't...
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[Before he can say anything, Manabu is off and getting him more tea. He glances at his neglected bread, and finally takes a bite of the torn-off piece. Eating the food here reminds him of what he's found in England, and he misses the food from Japan. What he wouldn't give for a hot pot right now. He smiles when Manabu returns, accepting the cup gingerly.]
Thank you. It's fine. [Even if it was cooler (which it's not by much!) he still enjoys the tea and company greatly.] I really appreciate your kindness when I wasn't sure I'd find much.
[He's gotten used to the xenophobia the English people sometimes displayed when he greeted them. How his English is surprisingly decent for a Japanese man.] I'm sorry if I worried you. I just wasn't sure where else to turn.
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wasn't...sure he'd find much? well, inside that hellish tower, Manabu gets it. but out here? nobody...was helping him?]
I-it's okay. I mean, I'm glad you relied on me! That...I was around to be relied on, even. [it's one helluva turn from the past few weeks, that's for sure.
now that he's sat still again, he takes a more careful look at Ryunosuke, looking for signs of dire injury beyond the haunted look on his face.]
They...didn't hurt you, did they?
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He'll get there.]
No, they didn't hurt me. I... I don't know how I managed it, but I got through relatively unscathed. [Mentally he was scarred, and he would never forget what he saw (likely that he'd have nightmares) but at least he made it out in one piece.] I usually hid when I heard something coming. I wasn't armed so I wasn't sure I'd be able to take anything in a fight.
[Being without the katana, no matter if he knows how to use it or not, was terrifying on many levels.]
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No, that's smart, those...those guys are bad. Bad news. Better to hide and get away. You still got a place here in Willful Machine, right? Somewhere safe-?
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[He doesn't think he'd get out a second time.]
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[wow, hearing himself say that sure is...a taste of his own bitter medicine, huh? is that really something the guy who died to his own loneliness have a right to say?]
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[He considers Manabu a friend despite their relationship still being a new one. Relatively speaking, that is. It's amazing what sort of horrors can bring people together.]
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Gih-! S-sorry! [he retracts his hand quickly, rubbing at the back of his neck and looking away in embarrassment.] Sorry...
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Don't be sorry. [He says, rubbing the back of his neck.] It's all right.
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meanwhile, Manabu breathes out a feeble sound in a shaky exhale.]
I-I'm working on it. The blood-stuff, I mean. A guy named Diluc...he's been helping me figure out how this all works for me. So. Less of that...one day.
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You'll get there. [He says as he picks up his cup of tea again to take a drink.] Especially if you have help to learn. [A pause, before he continues.] I'm looking at learning hand-to-hand combat from someone.
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distractedly:] Aa, mm... [refocused:] Uh, ye-yeah. I think so, too. I mean, if folks are from all sorts of places and situations, there's probably some good insight.
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