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 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.