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Entry tags:
May | Test Drive Meme
Jikan Test Drive MemeMinimize
You've seen this before. The thought strikes suddenly, during whatever it is you were doing. Having an important conversation? Running away from home? Dying in the midst of a fierce battle? Where ever you are, one things is true: you're certain this isn't the first time you've lived through this. But upon realizing this, that's when it happens. Like someone hitting rewind on the VCR, you're back where you were ten minutes ago. And it happens again. And again. And again--Until finally, something is different. A door stands in front of you. Will you go through it? Nothing else seems to be working, so this might be your only chance.
Upon opening the door and heading inside, a strange feeling overwhelms you. It's comforting and warm, like being enveloped in a soft, heavy blanket. You hear a voice murmuring in your ear, but it's unintelligible.
And in the next moment, you've appeared in front of a mysterious stone shrine in the middle of a forest, surrounded by the unfamiliar yet worried faces of fox-like humans in red and white robes, speaking in a foreign language that doesn't sound so foreign to you anymore.
Maryouku University
There isn't much time to process what's happening before characters are transported to the nearby Maryouku University. All injuries are completely healed, and those under mental duress will have a powerful soothing spell cast on them to calm them down. Their every need is met: food is offered, and questions are answered. "You've arrived in the Western Kingdom of Nippon, on a planet called Gaia," they explain. "When you became aware of the timeloop, we... well, let us explain."
Orientation Maryouku University, Kyoto
Everyone is brought to a large auditorium, where dozens of other people looking similarly out of place are seated around them. The Kitsune Yokai from before filter on stage, as well as a number of humans and other Yokai in labcoats. And after a brief introduction, they begin to explain. What they experienced back home was a timeloop. While the loops in their home worlds are smaller and likely to resolve on their own, the fact that such a small amount of time is being repeated is what makes them so dangerous for those who become aware of it. And they've been working around the clock, checking adjacent universes for others who've become aware. While the technical explanations may go over the heads of most, that's not the reason they were all brought together like this.
And they continue to explain: their own world was trapped in a year long loop for decades, if not longer. Through the use of an ancient form of bonding magic, they bound their world to the present flow of time, allowing it to progress past the timeloop. Or at least, that's how they thought it worked. In truth, Kizuna is very powerful reality-warping magic. And thanks to the powerful bond all refugees now share with the country of Nippon, the magic surrounding them will only continue to evolve.
Until a means of resuming the flow of time back in their home world is found, they'll just have to make due with this one. But not to worry, because Nippon is fully committed to taking care of the refugees!
A Brand New Home Kyoto, Kansai
Once orientation is over, characters will be allowed to choose housing in both Kyoto and Tokyo, enabling them the means of easily living between both cities if they please. These housing options will be fully paid for by the government of Nippon, with the NRL and MRU providing a stipend for food expenses in Tokyo and Kyoto respectively.
In lieu of providing transportation, all refugees will be granted an unlimited rail pass that they can use to travel all across Nippon! As of the beginning of May, express routes connecting Tokyo and Kyoto will be running at all times of day, allowing refugees to freely travel between the Eastern and Western Kingdoms.
Over in Higashiyama, the Love Festival is in full swing at Jishu Shrine. In addition to typical festival foods and fare, visitors may be inclined to try the koiuranai-no-nishi, a pair of stones ten meters apart bearing a legend that says anyone who can cross from one stone to the next with their eyes closed will have all their relationship dreams come true. Unfortunately, some troublemaker has decided to curse one of the stones, causing anyone who attempts the challenge to temporarily fall madly in love with the first person they see when they open their eyes, whether they know them or not!
Over in Gion, a certain movie producer is seeking refugees for minor roles in a dramatic retelling of the mass-kidnapping that took place last year in June. Probably not the nicest way for new refugees to learn about such a traumatic event, but hey-- this guy pays well! Those auditioning will be placed in pairs where they'll need to recite a love confession between two refugees, as one lay dying in the other's arms... which never actually happened. For all the injuries, no refugees actually died back then. But those who can prove themselves with their acting skills might just find themselves invited to be part of the main cast, or even land future roles and enter the realm of showbusiness!
In Uji, preparations are underway for a special ceremony to be conducted later this month, put on by the Emperor himself! Of course, typically "ceremony" is just another way of saying "lavish party" where the Western Emperor is concerned. Regardless, volunteers are needed to help spruce up an old villa for the party itself, where it seems a colony of nyagumo have taken up residence. Thankfully, most appear to be the domesticated variety and can simply be carried outside, but those in charge of the top floor better look out for the wild one, since it's nearly five times the size and venomous.
NRL Time Refugee Support Network
Once they've received their housing assignment, all refugees will be given small handheld devices called magi-tech comms, or magi-comms for short. They're heavier than a conventional smartphone would be, but far sturdier, and powered by the ambient magic that flows through the city. They don't need to be charged, but they won't work outside of cities at all. Upon booting it up, they'll find a message linking them to a special channel for refugees.
#nrl_time_refugee_support - online
Use the following code for your top-level if you'd like! This is how network communication will look for characters in the game until more advanced magi-tech comms become available for characters.
Springtime Lovers
As flowers bloom in the countryside, over in the Western Kingdom, it's time once again for the month of love. Traditionally, it's the month where marriage proposals are made, weddings take place, and couples decide to settle down and start a family.
And in celebration of this beautiful season, numerous festivals and events can be found taking place all over Kyoto. In particular, the Ukiyo district, known for it's patronage to the arts, seems to be intent on drawing in refugees this month.
Archive of our Own Ukiyo, Kyoto
Art has always been known to flourish when times are peaceful, and Nippon is no exception. But one such art is finally gaining a foothold in the west: doujinshi, fanworks based on existing properties and media. And to that end, a special doujinshi festival is taking place at the beginning of the month.
But this is no ordinary doujinshi. This is refugee doujin, which stars well-known refugees and their friends. With thousands of refugees scattered across Nippon, telling tales of worlds far beyond anything the people of Nippon have ever heard of, it's no wonder they've become an object of interest in the eyes of the native people. And while most of the doujin changes names and places around, some are a bit more blatant, borrowing names and appearances wholesale.
But what kind of stories will they find? Perhaps the dramatic exploits of the refugees who were swept away to the land of Bakeneko this past March? Or maybe a steamy romance between a wandering samurai and the son of a powerful shogun? Or maybe the ever present tragedy of being forever separated when one side is forced to leave Nippon? Or, for true connoisseurs, they may even find the booth selling a magical book that automatically illustrates the reader in a random genre of manga, be it romance, fantasy, or pornography.
Honestly a good case could be made that all of this is more than a little invasive and could pass as sexual harassment. There's even some cosplayers! But it's all in good fun, and also thoroughly protected by Nippon's freedom of artistic expression laws. And for those who have just arrived, they'll be able to learn the "true" history of the refugees lives in Nippon so far!
Just be sure to keep an open mind when wandering through the 18+ section.
Fortunate Feelings Ukiyo, Kyoto
Although typically not the most popular tourist destination, as the oldest temple in Kyoto, Koryuu-ji is holding a special exhibition of rare ancient artifacts said to posses fortune telling abilities. Perhaps in a world of magic, this may not seem like a big deal. But this one is rather special -- because in nearly a thousand years, it's never been wrong.
The artifact is actually comprised of a set of small statues: two bodhisattva posed in deep thought, their faces expressionless. But upon being asked a question, a positive answer will cause one statue to smile, and a negative answer will cause the other to cry.
Naturally, there's a limit to what people are allowed to ask, as a power like that could potentially be used to sow chaos. But given the season, most people visiting are doing so for matchmaking purposes: should a pair approach the statues, the response they give will reveal whether or not the pair is compatible. Of course, whether or not this is romantic, familial, or platonic compatibility is rather open to interpretation.
And as a special deal for refugees, they'll each be allowed to ask one question, in addition to having their compatibility with whoever they came with assessed. This could be a friend they've brought along, or a fellow stranger waiting in line who may just be a fated to be with them someday!
But please don't blame the statue for the inevitable messy breakup that it predicts.
Flower Power Ukiyo, Kyoto
With spring in full swing, flowers are blooming all across Nippon. But for those who were present last year, they may see a rather distinct flower they don't recognize. It can be found blooming just about everywhere in Kyoto, with natives occasionally commenting that they've never seen anything like it. And perhaps the most curious thing about them is they only seem to bloom when someone is nearby, the bulbs otherwise snapping shut when they step away.
But for the refugees, they'll notice an additional effect: when giving the flowers a sniff, the petals will gently close over their nose as if giving them a soft kiss. And they smell delightful -- how charming! Surely there's nothing suspicious or dangerous about such cute little flowers, right?
Of course there is, you know where you are.
Upon inhaling the pollen of these pretty little flowers, the Refugees will feel a little light-headed -- but also warm and happy. It creates within them a desire to share that warmth and happiness with others through physical affection. They may find themselves leaning on a stranger's shoulders, gently holding the hand of an acquaintance, or peppering the cheeks of a dear friend with soft kisses. This effect grows stronger the more pollen one inhales, and with just how windy it can get in the city, there's no need to get quite so close to inhale the pollen.
But what it is? Plant, ayakashi, some strange mutation of both? The locals genuinely don't seem to know, and soon, Exorcist clans from across the West begin pouring into the city to better study these strange new flowers. But overall, the general consensus appears to be that they're rather harmless.
Still, just make sure the flower that you sniff isn't actually a Sakebana in disguise. They're known for being a little on the loud side.
OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's May TDM! The TDM is considered game canon, and also serves as the intro log! That said, whether you choose to carry threads over to the game or not is up to you!
• Current players are more than welcome to top-level, or take prompts from the TDM and use for their own logs! This may change in the future depending on how busy TDMs become.
• CRAU characters may start regaining their CRAU memories one month after the TDM. However, vague feelings of familiarity are allowed between previous game CR! For more on this, please read the FAQ!
• You do not need to sign-up for housing! Choose whichever style you prefer, in both Kyoto and Tokyo. Roommates can be chosen by the characters or can be random. If you want to switch housing later, your character has the option of moving at the beginning of each month.
• Incoming characters are welcome to find doujinshi about castmates not currently in the setting, with the implication that they may have been in the setting before. Make sure you have permission before finding doujinshi of characters currently in the game.
• The statue's predictions are 100% accurate, but open to interpretation because of how limited the answers are. For instance, the statues are capable of both crying and smiling at the same time for complex situations. That said, please do not intentionally write the statues being wrong.
• The severity of the flower's effects is entirely up to you!
Please leave any questions about the TDM prompts in the thread below! General game questions can be directed to the FAQ!
Apps are always open!
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no subject
[ he finds himself wondering over what their relationship had been prior to his departure, but he thinks that the atmosphere between them is familiar enough it isn't a far stretch to assume that this is what they might have been like if he'd spent a longer time in Inazuma socializing with the Kamisato's retainer.
as they continue walking he finds himself looking out over the grounds, taking in the sights and sounds of everything all around him. it's very Inazuman in appearance and he finds himself wondering how many others from Teyvat had found their way over, how many people had been displaced from the world he'd come from.
... maybe that's the reason why he couldn't find the Balladeer. he'll tuck that nugget
of information away for now, instead turning his gaze over to Thoma to look him over. ]
Yeah? Do you have a teahouse here, too? Or - wait, actually, is Taroumaru here with you?
no subject
[ it's said with some amusement as thoma goes back to looking around, a smile lingering on his lips. there are a fair amount of places that draw his eye, both just as he admires how similar things are to inazuma and as he considers options for other things to do. even as they move away from the shrine entirely, things still strike him as comfortable in a way.
it isn't until childe addresses him that he looks over again, eyes lighting up at the mention of taroumaru. ]
The teahouse isn't here, but Taroumaru came with me this time! [ he pauses and turns slightly, looking back in the direction he originally came from. ]
We can go see him, if you want. He's waiting under a tree. I don't think he appreciated the trip here very much. I should choose housing soon so he's got a proper place to rest.
no subject
it's hard to deny it, especially when Thoma's eyes light up as they do. maybe that was the reason why they'd gotten along pretty well during Childe's last trip to Inazuma. ]
Oh? You've been slacking. Here I thought you were a pretty hard worker, but I guess without the Kamisatos to keep you in line you've gotten complacent. [ he teases right back, pausing afterwards to glance over at Thoma's statement. ]
You haven't gotten a place to stay yet? Waiting on something?
no subject
Ah, you're right! I should've gotten right to opening the teahouse first thing. I really have gotten complacent. [ the smile on his face says he's not serious about any of it, much like childe.
but the questions get a sheepish look and a laugh as thoma rubs the back of his neck and shrugs a shoulder. ]
I was hoping to live with somebody else this time, I guess. I wasn't sure who was still here, though, so it probably wasn't the best choice.
no subject
he reminds him of a dog.
idly, he thinks of the apartment he'd managed to get, the one in the dinky hole in the wall building with fading bloodstains in the carpet. at the time it had seemed charming, and it's not like he especially needed somewhere nice to stay. if any of his family ended up coming here, then he would inevitably move himself to somewhere more suitable.
he takes a moment to consider, looking Thoma over. something in his gut tells him it's fine. ]
Well ... I have a place. It's not the best, since I just grabbed whatever was closest. But it's a place.
Why don't you stay with me? Who knows, maybe it'll help me remember things faster.
no subject
I'd really appreciate that. I'm still not trying to rush your memories, but I guess I won't have to go looking for you to hang out.
[ he sounds amused about it, a bit relaxed by the thought of not having to maybe make a decision about a place before night falls.
but it does have him glancing back again, giving childe's sleeve a gentle tug. ]
Would you mind taking me there now? We can go get Taroumaru and let him rest inside.
no subject
[ which either means Thoma's company will stave off any need for conversation, or he plans to fight him. constantly. either way is good to him, and it's not like the building wouldn't be able to take a few more hits without threat of it collapsing in on itself. at least, that's what he hopes, anyway. Thoma might just see it and decide he doesn't want to live there and either go somewhere else or find another place to stay. they'll probably cross that bridge when they get to it.
for now, he's content to just wander around, taking in the sights and the sounds and being tortured by that nagging feeling of deja vu. so many people give him looks that he can't parse as being because he's a refugee, or because he personally knows them. it's hard to say.
so when Thoma tugs at his sleeve he's only too glad to look over, giving him a questioning look and then letting out a soft "ah" of understanding. ]
It's pretty bare, so we might have to get him a ... dog bowl? Does he drink from bowls? [ he wears people clothes, so... ] That is if you don't decide you want to live somewhere else when you see it.
no subject
[ he hasn't forgotten his offer to spar with childe, though they never quite got around to it with other activities taking up their time together instead. he also doesn't really expect childe to decide to spend that much time in, whether he has company to spend it with or not.
once he has his attention again, thoma starts to lead them toward taroumaru instead, laughing at the questions. ]
I'm sure it'll be fine. As long as there's space for me to take a couch or a futon, the rest isn't a big deal. And he can use a regular bowl or a glass, it doesn't matter if it's specifically for dogs. He's pretty neat with the way he eats and drinks.
[ he smiles over at childe. ] I think he'll be happy to see another face he's familiar with, even if you didn't spend too much time with him. Even a little bit of familiarity is a nice change from the way a lot of the locals look at us.
no subject
well, it's fine. there was still a decently-sized stipend from the NRL sitting in his pocket. maybe now he'd use it for shopping. ]
I don't suppose he's gonna try and operate a teahouse out of the apartment, is he? I wouldn't be opposed, but I don't think the landlord would like it very much.
[ even if she'd been pretty enthused to rent out to another refugee, he didn't want to press his luck. she seemed to know him, too, which made him wonder if it wasn't weird that he was renting out in the same building. ]
How do they look at you? What, have they never seen a dog before?
no subject
he laughs at the question, shooting childe a grin. ]
I think he'll appreciate taking a little break from running a business for a while. Unless you want to pay him for any tea we happen to drink there.
[ with a soft hum, he considers it, glancing at some people they pass along the way. ]
It's more like... it's obvious we're not from here, so they don't mind staring. Plus Taroumaru's clothes seem to draw more attention. How's he supposed to relax with that much attention?
[ case in point: as they near the shrine again, thoma can already see the tree taroumaru is under and the handful of people standing around, likely looking at him. ]
no subject
but no, as they approach Taroumaru the crowd that was gathered around him was... well, they weren't making fun. not that he could see or hear, anyway, and he finds himself wondering if Thoma was that much of a dog-lover that he couldn't tell the difference. he files that information away for later, recalling to mind the rumors he'd heard about how there was some housekeeper somewhere that had knit sweaters for all the animals.
he thinks he might know who it is, now. ]
I think I'll pass. If that's the case, he can just consider the tea his portion of the rent.
[ he spots the familiar ears and headband first, and then the dog they're attached to. even if he'd only known the Komore Teahouse proprietor a short time, he cut a pretty memorable figure. too memorable to forget, anyway. ]
... You know, I don't think you ever told me, but how did you two meet?
no subject
which is why the sight of the people around him earns a soft sigh as they approach. he leans into childe for a second as he peeks at taroumaru between a couple of people, though he can't quite see how comfortable he looks yet. ]
Mm, well, he was part of the Shuumatsuban, so he's been with the Yashiro Commission for as long as I've known him. But it wasn't until after he retired that he and I really became friends.
no subject
the Shuumatsuban is a term he's familiar with, along with the Yashiro Commission. for all that Kamisato Ayato had his secrets, the Fatui was dogged and persistent in getting their intel. it probably helped that they'd had a few run-ins that didn't really end very well, but that wasn't Childe's problem. every Harbinger had their own agenda and he had his own mission to worry about.
the first thing that he notices when Thoma leans into him is that he's warm. the second is that this is familiar, and he wonders if there really isn't more to their friendship that Thoma is withholding from him.
ah, well. he supposes they'll figure out sooner or later. for now, Thoma doesn't really seem like he has any underlying motives, and it's not like they hadn't gotten along during Childe's stay in Inazuma. ]
And now you've both been dumped in another world entirely. I guess if he had to end up with anyone to retire with he couldn't have picked anyone better.
... should we rescue him, then?
no subject
I guess you could say that, but I don't really own him. He's incredibly smart, so he does most things on his own. It's why leaving him alone wasn't really a concern aside from this.
[ there's a motion at the people who, as they approach, start to move away as if they realize who taroumaru is with. but thoma still nods at the question and when they approach, he can see that the dog doesn't look as perky as he might normally. with a little frown, thoma crouches down in front of him. ]
Childe said we can live with him, so we're going to his place now. Want to ride on my shoulders?
[ there's a little bark of approval and then thoma's leaning down a little, taroumaru surprisingly agile in the way he climbs up and settles. when thoma straightens up, there's a dog's head atop his own, a set of paws in his hair when both of his own hands hold taroumaru's middle to keep him from slipping off.
he grins at childe, a happier bark coming from above him before he laughs. ]
Okay, we're ready.
no subject
he's completely taken aback by the way that Thoma first crouches down and speaks to the dog like a human, and then when he just. lets Taroumaru climb him and sit on his shoulders.
in front of everyone.
there's a moment where he stares at the tower they make, dog on top of man. he can hear the whispering from the natives of Nippon, definitely a lot of "awwww"s rippling through the crowd. he wonders if this is the kind of reception he gets back home in Inazuma, because he wouldn't doubt for a second that this is the kind of thing Thoma does on a regular basis. the ease with which Taroumaru had climbed up his shoulders was proof enough of that, nevermind that Thoma had asked him outright if he'd wanted to ride on him. ]
It almost feels like I'm the odd man out, here. [ he can't help but to tease, stepping a little closer and reaching up so Taroumaru can at least sniff at his fingers. Childe has some experience with animals. ]
Hey there, little guy. Remember me?
[ whether or not Taroumaru does, he finds himself giving him a little pat on the head regardless - and then one on Thoma's, for good measure. ]
The place I'm staying at is in Higashiyama. It's not a terribly far walk, since it's right on the border, but are you sure gonna be carrying him the whole way?
no subject
but given that he previously wielded a sword, thoma thinks it's reasonable to say he's not typical and that he's not a pet.
of course, it's harder still to make people understand when he does things like having taroumaru ride on his shoulders, but it's not a big deal. the nippon natives aren't likely to see that much of him once they get to the apartment. thoma does wonder what they'll do, if maybe they shouldn't work toward setting up some kind of business that taroumaru can run, but that's a question for some time after they're settled. ]
I'll let you ride on my shoulders next time. [ thoma teases in return, glancing up as childe reaches up, listening to the sniffing above his head. taroumaru ends up nosing at childe's fingers, clearly not minding the pat to his head. thoma ends up laughing at the one to his own. ]
I think it should be fine. If I need a break, he'll walk on his own. I think the time loop threw him off when we arrived, though.
[ he waits for childe to begin leading the way so he can fall into step beside him, considering. ] We can drop Taroumaru off and see what to get to at least be comfortable for the night. I can cook dinner tonight as a thanks and an apology for taking up your time like this.
no subject
is he embarrassed? it's hard to say. he's never really felt any kind of shamelessness for his actions, but without knowing the extent to which he and Thoma interacted before it was probably best to be careful. ]
Huh, I didn't even consider the effect the time-loop might have on dogs. [ let alone people; but that's something he'd experienced firsthand. he hadn't felt terrible, but he finds himself wondering if it's because it wasn't the first time he'd been taken to this foreign land. ]
And that sounds good. I'm afraid it's not the kind of luxury living you're probably used to, so there's a fair bit that needs work. But it's a roof over your head and a place to sleep, and that's something. Of course, I wouldn't mind roughing it in the woods, either.
[ Childe leads them off in the direction of the railway, pawing at his own pockets and pulling out the unlimited pass he'd been given during orientation. he glances at Thoma, sees that his hands are a little busy and then at Taroumaru. ]
Do you want me to hold him while you... [ comes the inquiry, and he holds up the pass in question. ] Or do you want me to dig it out of your pocket?
no subject
I can't say how bad it was for him for sure, but he was more lethargic after we arrived. I just think he needs more rest. [ thus the dog on his shoulders.
he nods, chuckling at the warning. ] I'm not going to walk in and turn my nose up at it, I promise. A roof over our heads, a warm place to sleep, and some means of cooking are really all that matter. Work is fine with me.
[ if anything, a place that needs work will be something to occupy his time for a bit, which is nice.
as childe looks at him and taroumaru, thoma considers it then nods down toward the pocket closer to childe. ]
It's in this pocket, you can just pull it out. Could you use it for me, too?
no subject
[ it's almost surprising that he's taking to the idea of owning a dog so easily, but it might also be Thoma's subtle insistence that Taroumaru isn't really a dog, but something more important than that. it's easier to see him as someone he'll share a home with instead of something he'll have to take care of, but even without Thoma there he didn't think he would have much difficulty looking after a dog. it'd be a learning curve, for sure, but it would be something new. ]
Careful. People might take advantage of that easygoing nature of yours. [ despite the potential connotations behind his words he delivers it easily, the teasing still as companion-like as they'd been thus far. it's when Thoma offers up his pocket that there's a flicker of something in his expression, something that gives way to Childe's own easygoing smile as he reaches in, digging his fingers in between the folds in fabric to fish out Thoma's railing pass.
unsurprisingly, the blond is as warm as the heat from his element. sturdy, too, from what little he can feel through his clothes. Childe doesn't linger nor does he think about it, and he's fishing out the pass and moving to use both his and Thoma's as they get herded into the train with the rest of the crowd.
he doesn't bother with putting them away, and besides that the train ride is relatively short. it wouldn't be long at all before they arrived at their destination which, conveniently enough, was right by where they needed to go. it probably wouldn't bode well for sleeping, but it helped that the rail was quieter than most traditional trains. ]
Did you have enough of the festival? Want to go back later?
no subject
[ childe remains an incredibly endearing person to thoma and, in a way, it makes things harder. he'd like to take his hand or to lean over and kiss him, but it seems unfair to push for anything similar to what they had so quickly. of course, if childe asked, he'd be honest with him about the things they'd done together and likely his own feelings for him, too. but given that he seems content to let his memories return as they will, thoma doesn't plan to push it.
the teasing earns a laugh as his pass is pulled from his pocket, thoma giving him an amused look as he moves to follow him on the train. ]
It's not as easy to take advantage of me as someone might think. We should finally spar some time so you don't end up worrying about me. [ thoma says it with a teasing grin. the train ride isn't too much longer, which is nice to know given the festivities. it isn't long before he's stepping off after childe again, nodding at the question. ]
Yeah, I'd really like to go back later. I didn't check out too much, so I'm interested to see what else is going on. [ he looks over at childe with a thankful smile. ] Don't let me stop you from going back after we get to the apartment, if you want.
no subject
[ through the streets they go, and it's telling that Taroumaru has behaved himself up until this point. it makes him wonder in what other ways he doesn't act like a dog, if he Childe should really stop thinking of him as such.
... actually, does this mean they have to give him people food, too? does this land even sell dog kibble? he's sure he's seen dogs around before... ]
I think I might end up exploring around a little bit more. Who knows - maybe I'll run into someone and they'll give me a good whack on the head, and everything will all come flooding back to me. [ despite the potential seriousness of that statement, he seems more than happy to be potentially concussed into remembering everything. either way, it's likely to return sooner rather than later, and maybe it would bring with it some explanation as to why he still has that nagging desire in the back of his mind to take Thoma's hand.
maybe he's just loopy from the trip. who knows.
through the building they go, and as they pass by one of the open doors one of the older residents gives them a nod in greeting. Childe explains to the landlady that he's going to be rooming with Thoma and Taroumaru, and it's probably telling that he doesn't specify which one is the dog.
after the little exchange he leads Thoma down the hallway full of identical doors with steadily increasing numbers on each of them. he goes down the hall and eventually stops at one with a number too faded to read, then quietly unlocks and opens it to reveal the room within.
as expected, it's bare. there's a single light over what seems to be the designated living room, and then a sliding door that's just ajar with a rolled up futon sitting in the middle of it. there's a kitchen, as well, with a basic stove and a few worn countertops and a refrigerator.
more importantly, though, the sound of the generator is a constant, thrumming buzz in the background. ]
Well, home sweet home. Make yourself comfy.
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[ he smiles when he says it, but he's not teasing anymore. it's an honest offer to spar, something they didn't get around to doing. not really. he doubts that rolling around in the snow really counts for much considering the way that went.
thoma nods then gives childe a look, shifting to gently nudge against him. ] Please don't try something like that. And, if you do, make sure they'll bring you back here so I can keep an eye on you. But it'd probably just be easier to ask people to tell you their own memories with you instead.
[ there's clear concern in his tone, even if he doesn't think childe will really go that far just yet.
as they make their way through the building, thoma politely greets the landlady after the introduction, taroumaru adding his own little bark of greeting as well. then they're moving on, thoma taking in how far they go down the hall and the number of the door closest to theirs, making sure he knows where to return the next time he steps out.
once inside, thoma finds that it's nowhere near as bad as childe made it sound. it's bare, but it seems pretty easily remedied with some attention. the only thing that will really take some getting used to is the buzzing, but thoma can easily imagine that fading into background noise soon enough.
he steps further inside and stops, leaning down and giving taroumaru a chance to hop down from his shoulders. when thoma straightens up, his hair is half untied and messing in the back where it'd been against the dog's belly and chest. ]
This isn't bad! I think I'll go out and see if I can buy another futon, some things for Taroumaru, and ingredients to at least make dinner. Depending on how late the festival goes, I might explore more of it later tonight.
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he can't help but to laugh at Thoma's concern, the sound carefree, bright, and ultimately without any kind of malice behind it. how many times had he heard that same tone before? to hear it from Thoma is a little surprising, but when he really thinks about it it isn't terribly unwarranted. he doubts that Thoma would have jumped into rooming with him if there hadn't been some kind of kind of good rapport between them, their time in Inazuma aside.
which actually... ]
Glad to see it lives up to your high standards. [ he teases, turning towards Thoma - and pausing when he sees the state of his hair. he's almost surprised he doesn't see little tufts of fur in it, but he's not really sure how much someone like Taroumaru would shed.
perhaps that's a question for later, when they get situated more. would Taroumaru be offended at being brushed??? ]
Feel free! I'll probably do a bit of wandering around, and since there's only one key I'll leave it with you if you think you'll be back before me.
What are you thinking of making for supper? Ah... I guess I should also ask if there's anything I can pick up, too. Pots, pans, anything like that.
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the laugh makes him smile despite what it's over, knowing childe likely isn't going to go out of his way to injure himself. not this soon. probably.
well, at least he'll have an idea of what might've happened if childe doesn't come back to the apartment.
the teasing gets a laugh and a shake of his head, which is enough for him to feel the way his hair is off. reaching back, he smooths it down a little and unties it, letting it loose for a bit as he nods at the talk of the key.
it's when he mentions pots and pans that thoma pauses and considers, looking from childe to the kitchen, realizing just how little is in the place. ]
I feel like we should make a list. Just to manage dinner, we'll at least need a pot, a pan, some dishes, some utensils... I was going to look around at ingredients and decide what to make based on that, but I wonder if needing to buy so much at once will be spending too much.
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[ trailing off, Childe finds himself suddenly arrested by the sight of Thoma freeing his hair, the sight triggering such a strong feeling of deja vu he can't help but wonder if he hasn't seen it before. multiple times, apparently, given that the feeling is so strong the realization has his breath hitching with the impact of it.
there's another emotion, too, one he can't quite place. one he's not sure he wants to place, especially with how soon everything is. maybe he'll ask him over supper later. a part of him wonders if it's even something he should ask, or if it's something he should just realize when he gets all his memories of this place back. ]
With... [ what was he saying. maybe Thoma will write it off as him still being a little woozy from the trip and not comment on it. ] Ahhhh, sorry. Lost my train of thought for a second there.
Anyway, here's the key. [ he'll reach into his pocket, taking out the key that's just as warn, something simple and made of wrought iron. ] Whatever you need, feel free to pick up. I'm sure being a retainer to the Kamisatos you have a good idea of what a good kitchen needs.
[ ... fuck it. he's never been shy before. even in the face of the unknown, why would he start now? ]
You look good like that. I didn't realize your hair was that long.
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