catch & release

[siriusly]

Who: Ryunosuke & Manabu
What: Return & recover
When: Early Nov
Where: A lantern in Willful Machine

Content Warnings: Death & body horror mentions, specifically body mutation/morphing

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Reorienting in a disorienting place is a process. Manabu knows this, but it's not going to temper his impatience with himself; his thirst for independence, for the ability to rely on himself so others can rely on him, is very strong. Of course, he can't just let himself become a liability either, so he tries to behave until he's more confident in his stride.

And it's not so bad, right? For a change of scenery, he can use a lantern and not worry about wearing himself out.

It's what he's chosen to do this afternoon, taking himself away from his check-in with Mako and Wu to start picking up some stuff for himself on his own terms. Those guys are tremendous friends and help, but a man has to be able to pick out his own jackets, right? Right. And he'll be safe to wander this district full of people, right? Right.



Anyway, he apparates in a swirl of dark smoke as the lantern ghouls shift him from one place to another and all but directly on top of the person kneeling down to inspect said ghouls.

"D'AUGH-!!"

Comments

[convene]

He nearly reaches out to help Manabu with the offending button, but he figures that might be a step too far. His frustration clearly showing and Ryunosuke just shakes his head.

"I don't think you will." He offers him back his jacket. "I know it's difficult, carrying that weight. I have my own baggage. It's different, and not as heavy, but it's still there and something I need to process." He says with relative calm. "You need a healthy outlet to process what's happened."

Something more than just bottling it up and letting it rot from the inside.

And yes, he's a defence attorney, not a psychologist. He won't know the right things to say to help him cope, but he could be someone Manabu could rely on.

"I hope I'm not overstepping here," He realizes he might be. "But I'm happy to be someone you can talk to if you're willing."

[siriusly]

The kinder Ryunosuke is, the more Manabu feels the compulsion to recoil - not because he's kind, but because he's compelled to be extra-kind to Manabu. Like he needs it.

He does, but...that really isn't the point his pride wants to make.

"That's...no-not really the impression I wanna leave," Manabu admits, his mouth tugging feebly on one side before he turns away, moving past the mirror with his own jacket bundled in his arms.

[convene]

"That's not--" He sighs. "I'm trying to say that I'll be your friend, Manabu."

Because really he likes Manabu. He's been kind to him, generous enough to help him navigate through Trench when he was still alone. He's only met a handful of people but so far, but nothing that he could consider long-lasting just yet. Manabu just happens to be one of the few people he's been able to talk to on a consistent basis despite the fact they've only literally run into each other.

"You don't give off that sort of impression." He adds. "I just don't see the point in not being honest."

Considering his resolve to find the truth in his court cases, it's not surprising that he would rather be honest with his friends.

[siriusly]

For a moment, Manabu can feel his face go hot at the sound of the exasperation and the very clear-cut explanation. It comes and goes, because coldblood doesn't let an uncomfortable feeling like that linger properly.

With his back to Ryunosuke, he rubs at the back of his neck, shoulders drawn up in an obvious show of self-consciousness and shame. He's...acting an awful lot like James or Bruce would, huh?

Just less profanity or threats to hit someone.

...So maybe not an awful lot like them.

...He...really doesn't have an even balance of influential people in his life, does he?

"Aa, ye-yeah..." Manabu sighs. "Sorry. I think I just--mm." He clams up, unsure as to whether or not whatever stream-of-conscious spaghetti that can pour out without filter is really the right answer, so he stops to actually think about what he thinks.

"I think...I need to be in better shape...to be a good friend." His head bobs a little, finding that fairly agreeable to say.

[convene]

"That's fair, though I don't think you need to worry about being a good friend. You've already been one." He points out.

Considering all the things Manabu has done so far for him? Ryunosuke can't imagine why Manabu thinks he's been anything but a good friend. It was still new, still fresh, certainly, but he's never done anything to imply he wasn't able to be called Friend. Time would tell, and it sounds like he needed some time to process his own emotions.

Ryunosuke is patient, and he was willing to put in the effort into this new relationship. Hopefully, Manabu would see that he's a worthwhile friend.

[siriusly]

True enough: Building bridges with more lasting foundations takes time, no matter how sturdy the starting point is.

And no matter Manabu's state of mind, up or down, he's never one to take praise up front so easily, so ducking that assurance is almost like climbing into a comfortable sweater, moving back into familiar paces of conversation as he nabs a different coat.

"N-no more than anyone else would," he utters hastily, tugging his arm through a sleeve...stretching his arm as far as he can to discover...there's just endless sleeve. Why are these things made so large. Maybe he's better off just pinning sleeves back at this point...

[convene]

"You took the time to help me understand this technology better. I think that counts for something." He says with a small smile.

He steps away from the mirror, trying not to hover over Manabu. He moves back over to where he started and pulls another coat down to give it a once over. It looked warm, comfortable, and both of these things were desperately needed. He removes his cloak, drawing the coat over the suit jacket of his school uniform. He buttons it up, stretching his arms over his head to see how it moved before he's stripping it off again and replacing it back on the hanger.

Ryunosuke looks back over to Manabu and watches as he tries to pull the sleeves down over his hands, bunching up the fabric.

"I wonder if they are able to alter it." Or if they could find someone to alter it for them.

[siriusly]

As if on cue, the shopkeep makes their appearance and introduces themselves to the both of them. A sequence of back-and-forth follows, with an offer to tailor any of the many coats out on the floor. Manabu's a bit lost in this kind of thing without Wu, so Ryunosuke being an additional friendly presence is a boon he really does need to rely on to not let things peter out due to his own awkward cadence.

One smash cut and an exchange of some random knick-knacks later and Manabu finds himself in possession of a much warmer, durable coat that suits the landscape of Trench much better. He could've done without the repeated assurance that the surface will repel not just sleet and snow, but blood...though he supposes he'll appreciate that later.

Outside of the shop, Manabu glances over the bridge of his nose toward Ryunosuke.

"Thanks for the help. I, I appreciate it."

[convene]

He really isn't certain how he feels about a coat that can repel blood, the thought making his stomach turn. He asks a few questions about the durability in the winter and is mostly satisfied with the answers. It's nice to know that they took some pride in their work and the quality wasn't lacking, at least as far as he can tell. He's not necessarily the best judge of things like this.

He folds his school uniform jacket and shoves it into his bag before he draws on the heavier coat that was recommended to him. He follows Manabu outside of the shop, slinging his bag back over his shoulders thankful for the extra wramth.

It really was better than what he was wearing before.

"Don't mention it." He smiles at Manabu. "It looks good on you. Let's hope that they keep us warm."

[siriusly]

Manabu puffs out something of a laugh at the assessment, shrugging and shaking his head to dismiss it.

"Nnnot a whole lot of chance of that for me, but...I mean--" Wait. He squints, then looks over at Ryunosuke. "Did...you ever figure it out? Your blood? How it changed, I mean."

[convene]

"How it changed?" He shakes his head. "Not yet."

Though he was curious about it. It wasn't necessarily something he was looking forward to discovering but he would be willing to figure it out.

"Is this something easily discoverable or am I going to need bleed to find out?"

[siriusly]

"Uh..."

Good question. How did people who weren't actively bursting into flames or bleeding out figure this stuff out?

"I, I guess...you...figure it out as you go?" It's a flimsy answer and he knows it, shrugging and giving him an apologetic look. "But I, I guess if you're not c-con-constantly cold, then you're already in a better spot, so. Y-yeah..."

[convene]

"I guess I will. I'll let you know what I find out." He pauses. "I'm sorry that you're constantly cold." He says before he offers a small smile. "At least that will be handy in the summer when it's warmer?"

If this place had a summer.

Honestly, he's surprised at himself for being so positive considering what has happened so far. Manabu dying and his subsequent revival weren't things he anticipated to encounter in this place. The fact that he's actually alive was the most surprising thing about the whole situation but he's relieved. It was strange to be relieved by it, but if death isn't permanent he supposes he would need to get used to it.

[siriusly]

"R...right..."

Summer. A full rotation of seasons.

This...this really is it, isn't it? Somewhere in Manabu's bones, his very soul...he knows it is. So whether or not he'll see another summer, it'll be a summer the way Trench dictates. Because dying isn't the out that one would think it is.

That knowledge paints a grave, distant expression on Manabu's features, one that lingers even when he's trying to reel back and focus on Ryunosuke.

"You...gonna get around okay? Ss, somewhere safe. Be-before dark, I mean."

[convene]

The expression on Manabu's face causes him to worry. It was something he's said, and he carefully reaches out to touch Manabu on the shoulder. It's meant to be comforting, but he worries that he might take it as pity. He withdraws his hand, unable to find the right words to say before he's being asked a question.

Ryunosuke glances around before he nods. "Yes, I think I'll be all right." A beat. "What about you?"

He's been here longer, and likely knows the streets better but he's still going to worry about his safety.

[siriusly]

"Yeah," he utters, shifting his weight to one side before setting into motion, his sights on a lantern. "Yeah, I...I got a place. Got keys back. It'll be fine."

[convene]

"Of course." He smiles. "Would you like company back to the lantern or...?" He doesn't want to impose, but he also wouldn't mind the company for a bit longer.

[siriusly]

"Eh? You're not using it?" That stops Manabu's steps, turning partway to blink owlishly at him.

[convene]

"No, I've found someplace to stay here." He admits. "I'm not certain it's the best decision yet, but it's at least safe for now."

[siriusly]

"Oh..."

He lingers in place there for a beat, processing the words as though they'd gone over his head at first. Then Manabu nods.

"'Kay. Then...see you around?"

If only to prove the both of them are alive.

[convene]

"Sure. See you around, Manabu. Try and take care of yourself."

Hopefully, they'll see each other again soon.