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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 opens his mouth to question it when childe tries to continue, tilting his head a little at the excuse, feeling like it's probably the truth given the way he'd looked moments before.
reaching out, thoma accepts the key, nodding at the talk of what they need to buy for the apartment. but it's the comment about his hair that makes thoma pause, about to say something else when he's left to take that in. ]
Thanks, I... [ he doesn't really think about it, just reaches up to gently hold on to the hand he's just taken the key from, looking childe in the eyes as he does. ] Were you okay a little bit ago? You looked at me like I was a ghost.
no subject
It feels like... I've seen you before. Like that, if it makes any sense.
[ with his hair down. he remembers how cheerful Thoma had looked when he'd first seen him, and at the time it had been easy to write it off as maybe just him being happy to see a familiar face. somehow, it feels like there's more to it than that.
it wasn't as if the concept of being in a relationship didn't sit well with him, but it wasn't something he jumped into a lot back home, either. but he's not a completely heartless person by nature, his unerring dedication and focus on his mission usually being too off-putting to attract anyone that wasn't Snezhnayan or a member of the Fatui. he had his looks going for him but a majority of the people who usually put stock in that were deterred when they saw his battle-hungry nature and his flippant, devil-may-care attitude around most things.
the most logical thing would to learn exactly what they'd done and what they were to each other, but Childe isn't so sure that hearing it would restore any of what they had. was it right to consider the "Childe" from before and the "Childe" now as two different entities? he's not entirely sure. it's a pretty sure thing that hearing it might just influence him a certain way, and were it anyone else he might have been more suspicious of being manipulated, something that's never quite sat right with him ever since Liyue.
... but maybe he's thinking too much on it. logic has never really been a strong suit of his, perhaps passable and decent at best. when it came to the nuances of a fight he was all for it, but somehow it feels like he and Thoma didn't only engage in sparring. apparently they hadn't engaged at all, according to Thoma, but they'd done... something.
his hand is still in Thoma's own, and he lifts it, looking at the way it's held. the look he gives Thoma is nothing short of impish, and it's probably telling that he steps closer, intruding in on the other's personal space and leaving only a few inches between them. ]
I have a feeling it does.
no subject
the talk of seeing him before, like this, leaves thoma blinking for a moment. he realizes he must mean with his hair down and, for a second, he considers offering to tell him things again. but, given that childe hasn't asked him, he still thinks he must want to allow the memories to come back on their own.
before he can slip his hand away from the way he's holding on to childe's, he feels it lifted and watches as he steps closer, the look one he's familiar with at this point. usually it comes before more than just invading his space, but in this situation, that's more than enough.
thoma finds himself laughing softly, nodding. ] It does. And you have seen me like this before.
[ he doesn't elaborate, the statement an open one. he pulls childe's hand closer, just shy of letting his lips brush against his knuckles, as he smiles at him. ]
If you stay this close I might kiss you. That's not very fair to just letting your memories come back, is it? [ he lowers his hand after that, though he doesn't immediately move to put space between them. ]
no subject
there's that same nagging feeling that he's done this before, experienced this before. it's not completely unheard of for his past self to become fond of someone, but that it should get to this point is something that rarely happens. he can probably count the number of times it had happened on one hand, and he can't help but feel that there had been more at play here.
the NRL had said something about kizuna bonds and the magic that tied the refugees to this land. it's easy to assume that that's the culprit for all this, that maybe he'd had a need to form a bond with Thoma and things had progressed from there. it makes sense, especially if he'd been trapped here for a long time. the exact amount of time he's not really sure of, but he has a feeling it's longer than he'd expected it to.
there's also the question of whether or not he might have done this with other people. is he only feeling this way because it's Thoma right in front of him? if it were anyone else from Teyvat...
as Thoma brings his hand closer, for a moment he thinks they're outside. it's just a flicker, a flash of memory, somewhere cold and unforgiving, a warm press of another body against him, under him, inside him --- and blond hair spread out like a halo in the fading light.
his fingers twitch. Thoma's words don't make it any easier, and he's almost glad when he lowers their joined hands. there's a moment where he looks at him, lets the full weight of Thoma's words hit him - and then he lets out an airy little laugh, the rest of the world coming back into focus. ]
I suppose this is the part where I ask you if you're a masochist. [ it's easy to assume Thoma had simply wanted to stay near him for ulterior motives. were it anyone else, he might have been inclined to believe it. but Thoma's earned a lot of points in his favor already by virtue of not pushing him into remembering, so he supposes he can give him a chance. ]
I hope this doesn't change anything. Do you think you'll be able to control yourself around me? Or do you need me to put you in your place when it gets to be too much?
[ via a fight, of course. the way he's smiling as he says it really says all he needs to, that he's just teasing him. ]
no subject
he catches the look he gets, wondering for a moment before childe laughs. the statement brings thoma's thoughts away from that and he lets out a laugh of his own, shaking his head. ]
It might seem like it, but I'm not. And this won't change anything. I want you to remember things how you want to remember them. But.
[ thoma takes a step back from childe, putting more space between them with a playful grin. ]
Don't try to test my control. If you want to spar, just ask.
no subject
[ as was the nature of those kinds of statements. for Thoma's sanity, however, he doesn't close the distance between them when he steps back, just simply gauges it between them as though tempted to take him up on the offer to fight then and now.
the urge to tease him is also there, but it's ultimately he decides against it. he didn't want to make Thoma reconsider or even regret his decision to move in, so he'll give him his space.
for now, anyway. whenever the growing need to know becomes too much he'll doubtless ask him about it, but for now he doesn't mind what they have. it's a little strange coming to a foreign land, meeting an acquaintance and being told you rolled around in the snow for a bit. ]
Don't think I won't hold you to it. I'm almost tempted to forgo my walk and have it out with you right here and now.
But I'd hate to put a damper on dinner plans, so... maybe after.
no subject
[ because if just seeing him with his hair down had triggered some kind of feeling of memory in him, being close for too long could do the same. he'd think the same about sparring, but it's really nothing they've done before, so he thinks it could be fine to indulge childe's want to fight.
of course, if childe avoids teasing him, it benefits thoma in a sense, too. but he doesn't actually question his own control, so that's not as much concern to him.
he finds himself grinning at the warning, shaking his head as he pockets the apartment key. ]
We can have it out after dinner. I'll try to make something that doesn't leave us too full or tired to manage.
[ with another glance around the apartment, thoma leans down and gives taroumaru a quick scritch, smiling at him. ]
We'll both be back later. I'll come back soon with something to eat and drink. [ then he looks up at childe. ] Did you already learn to use the magi-comm?
no subject
maybe rooming with him will make things come back to him faster. maybe it'll just make things complicated. either way, it certainly wouldn't leave him feeling bored or restless, and really that's all he can ask for. if Thoma were willing to fight him that was just an added bonus on top of that.
he spends a few moments watching how Thoma moves to scritch Taroumaru, taking in the way his hair pools over his shoulders. he'd be lying if he said he wasn't trying to trigger another core memory, but also why shouldn't he look at nice things when he wants to?
it's as Thoma stands up and turns to him to ask about the communication device that he realizes that he hadn't pulled it out since it'd been given to him, and he pulls it out to look at it now. the press of buttons heralds little beeps as he navigates through the menu, and once he thinks he's familiarized himself enough with it he nods, the act probably not all that reassuring since he'd done it right in front of Thoma. ]
I'll figure it out. It should be easy enough. If anything, I at least know where the apartment is so I can just wander here and wait for you if I need anything.
[ he wonders if Taroumaru knows how to unlock the doors. a quick glance at the pup and the door has the gears turning in his head, but it sounds like Thoma's about to leave. ]
Ah, wait - do you want me to tie your hair back up for you? I promise I won't pull too hard.
[ a pause. ]
I have sisters.
no subject
he watches him with it, brows lifting slightly. while he does plan to leave soon, because he wants to be back before childe so the apartment will already be open, he's not in such a rush.
with a step closer, thoma looks surprised by the offer, taking a second before he glances at the hair tie in his hand and then at childe. smiling after a moment, he offers it to him. ]
Sure. It's usually pretty crooked since I tend to do it myself. [ he turns around, pushing his hair back over his shoulders, giving childe the opening to come closer and handle his hair. ]
Let me show you how to send and see messages before either of us leave, okay? [ thoma almost glances back, but looks ahead again as he realizes what he's doing, laughing to himself. ] That way, I'll be able to let you know what you should buy.
no subject
[ admittedly, Thoma does paint a pretty picture like this. Childe wastes no time in taking the opening he's been given, gently curling his fingers under one section - then pausing, bringing his hand up to take his gloves off with his teeth and drop them to the floor. he'd said he wouldn't pull, after all, and for all that the fabric was worn from all his battles and his training with his weapons, he didn't want to risk it.
smooth, warm fingers tickle along the nape of Thoma's neck as he gathers his hair up in both hands, swapping to one as he takes a moment to straighten out the hair tie he'd been given. it's easy, like this, to take note of the way Thoma's built, easy to see how battle had shaped and honed his figure to the point where Childe thinks he'd definitely be able to give him a run for his mora. the thought is exciting, in a way. ]
That sounds good to me. It's probably a good idea to get each other's contact info down, anyway. [ the comm device isn't terribly different from other things he'd used, but it was a lot more advanced than he was used to.
he manages to get the cord around the highest point of the ponytail he's making, and he makes a neat, tidy knot to tie it off. pulling the ends of it taut, he hooks a finger under it and lifts it up, knuckles brushing against the back of Thoma's neck as he does so. not for the first time he's struck by how warm he is, and he feels another twinge of something, familiarity and affection all rolled into one.
the urge to press his mouth against the back of Thoma's neck is almost too strong to ignore, and he quickly steps away, stooping to pick up his gloves as he does so. the communications device is pulled out of his pocket and he fiddles with it, clearing his throat a little and smiling implacably over at the blond. ]
Much better.
no subject
[ he sounds amused, relaxed, like he's already very comfortable with childe even in this situation. and he is. even without his memories, childe is still the same person and there's a certain warmth to his actions, even if a bit of it is still lacking alongside those memories.
thoma stands, patient and still, listening to the curious sound of something landing on the floor and only realizing what it is when he feels the warmth of fingers against his neck rather than the cool slide of a glove. the ticklish feeling is enough to earn a small shiver and a soft laugh, not used to anyone else touching the back of his neck. ]
It is. If we've only got one key, it seems kind of important.
[ his hair is finished shortly after and thoma stands there for a second, tilting his head at the brief, lingering feeling of knuckles against the back of his neck. he turns after he hears the way childe steps back, watching as he straightens up with his closes in hand and smiling at him as he moves closer again. ]
Thank you. I'm sure this is the nicest it's looked in a while. [ then he's moving beside childe, taking his own comms device out of his pocket so he can send a message to childe's. he then takes the time to show him how to check it and how to send one in return, explaining much of what childe had previously explained to him so he has an idea of how to reach anyone, not just thoma. ]
Got it?
no subject
[ Thoma does look nice with his hair tied back, but Childe can't quite shake the image of him with it down. given that they're going to be living together for the unforeseeable future, he imagines that he'll end up seeing a lot more of it. more than enough to sate him, anyway.
as Thoma leans over to show him how to work the device, Childe finds himself paying more attention to his voice and his hands than anything else. he watches how Thoma navigates the menu with ease, and as before there's that nagging feeling of having done this all before. it's easy to send a message back through muscle memory, a short :) that makes him laugh.
it felt like someone had shown him how to do those before, but he can't exactly place who. probably another memory of this place, one he'll undoubtedly remember a little more clearly as time goes by. ]
I think I got it. Seeing as how there's a clock on it, too, why don't we pick a time to meet back here? Just in case your trip takes too long or I decide I want to come back early.
no subject
the message he gets back while showing childe how to contact him leaves thoma smiling, looking over at him once he's finished and nodding.
he takes an easy step to the side to give them each their space once more, the suggestion earning a soft, thoughtful hum as thoma checks the current time. ]
That seems like a better idea. How long would you like? It's not a problem if I'm the one back early, so it makes more sense for you to set the time. And if you decide you want to come back early, we can always meet somewhere so I can give you the key.
no subject
he considers the proposition, looking from Thoma to Taroumaru and then back again. he's not in any real rush to recover his memories, more intent on exploring the city he's found himself in since, by the NRL's guidance, they were like to return anyway. if he couldn't do anything to hasten their restoration it didn't make sense to worry over it. ]
That sounds good to me. How about... [ he's looking at the phone, doing mental math on the clock to gauge a suitable time to return. ] A couple hours from now? Three at the latest. That'll give me time to do some wandering and you time to do some shopping.
[ it feels remarkably domestic, and he feels the need to give Thoma a teasing grin, nodding at Taroumaru in indication. ]
I'd say not to bring home any more pets, but since Taroumaru isn't really a pet and, to my knowledge, there isn't anything banning them, feel free to bring home as many strays as you want.
no subject
he nods at the suggestion for timing, checking his own device to see when that'll be. ] That's perfect. As long as I don't have trouble finding places that sell what we need, it shouldn't take me longer than a couple of hours.
[ thoma takes in the grin then lets out a laugh at the comment. ]
Are you hoping to end up with an apartment full of pets? Because you might end up with that if you say things like that.
no subject
[ the way he doesn't look at Taroumaru, but keeps his gaze on Thoma is probably telling. it's easy to fall into this sort of talk, here in a foreign land far removed from home. easier, still, to find himself charmed by the way Thoma grins, the timber of his voice when he laughs.
it's also dangerous, and something that he knows he's probably better off avoiding when it's just the two of them. it's not that the concept of being involved with Thoma in any kind of intimate way bothers him - far from it, in fact, if his natural reaction to him is anything to go by. but as far as he was concerned the Childe from back then and the Childe from now were two different people. the circumstances surrounding it might not be ones that he'd had complete control over, but rather a by-product of the situation and the locale they'd found themselves in. despite Thoma's niceness there was no excusing the disdain Childe felt whenever he felt like he'd been led along, worked like a puppet on a string. it was through no fault of the blond, of course, and he doubted Thoma had a malicious bone in his body.
but still. better not to trust anyone than risk being manipulated again. the only good thing about that was the reconciliatory fight afterward.
it would all make sense when he remembered. he was sure of it. ]
I'll trust your judgement. I won't say no to a surprise. [ which is really kind of yes.... but also it really is leaving it up to Thoma's discretion. he's sure the retainer won't bring in anything they can't handle. ]
Just as long as you aren't lonely.
no subject
thoma finds himself smiling, warm and amused, as he looks at childe. the comment makes him wonder how much time he plans to spend out, not sounding quite as teasing as many of the others. it makes sense, regardless of what he's after -- exploration or the return of his memories are both better worked toward out and about. it's not like thoma intends to spend most of his time at the apartment either. ]
You make it sound like you're not even going to have dinner with me. [ he teases, laughing as he turns to move back toward the door, holding it open to see if childe intends to leave with him. ]
I won't be lonely, I promise. You don't need to worry about me.
[ he considers saying more, but decides against it. it's nice enough that childe seems concerned with whether or not he ends up lonely. ] Ready? I figure we can walk out together and part ways.
no subject
[ eating out in restaurants wasn't quite the same. it was cooked and it was technically a home - in some cases - but the experience was different and less intimate by far.
he follows Thoma out, making a mental note of things he might have to get. bowls, utensils, plates. for Taroumaru, probably something for dogs, which he'll probably have to run by Thoma first to see if he thinks it'd be appealing enough to attract the attention and favor of a former Shuumatsuban member. ]
Maybe I'll even cook for you too, sometime. I hope you didn't think I was only talented in combat. [ which is tooting his own horn a little, but the mood between them is so comfortable he can hardly resist. as he passes Taroumaru he stoops to give him one good scritch behind the ears, and then as he passes by Thoma he scritches the top of his head. ]
Of course, if you ever decide you want to live somewhere else or with someone else I hope you know you're taking all of them with you.
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[ it's just a playful tease, returning to childe's talk of waiting until after dinner in the first place. admittedly, he doesn't look too surprised when childe mentions cooking for him, but he does look a bit excited at the prospect. ]
I hope you will. I've never tried anything from Snezhnaya. [ he watches and smiles as childe scritches taroumaru then blinks as he's scritched next, laughing as he ushers him out of the apartment so he can lock the door behind them. ]
Why would I consider moving out when it seems like I'm already your pet? [ it's asked as he turns toward childe again, the door locked behind them, a grin on his face. ]
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[ he's a little glad that that question doesn't bring with it more revelations, glimpses of past rendezvous he might have had here that revolved around him actually calling Thoma daddy.
the lock of the door rings with some finality in the near-empty hallway, and as Thoma sets off he walks beside him, happy, at least, to keep up a leisurely pace until they inevitably part ways. ]
You're in for a treat. I cook a mean seafood soup, but it needs a lot of ingredients I'm not so sure we'll find here. I'll have to do research.
[ they're at the entrance to the building, the streets relatively empty save for the occasional passerby or two. it's here that he turns to face Thoma, looking him over, a mixture of excitement and the warmth of camaraderie mingling in his chest. ]
See you in a few hours, then?
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No, it's definitely not. I promise. [ thoma doubts he could take anything seriously between them if childe called him daddy. if there's ever a need for another way to cut tension or to avoid the extremely slim chance that thoma might make a move on him, calling him daddy would be a good method.
as they walk off down the hall, he looks over at childe, interested in the soup already. ]
Once you do, we can always find a spot to fish. Maybe we can catch some of the ingredients on our own so there's a little less to pay for.
[ as they reach the entrance, thoma turns to face him as well, his smile warm as he nods. ]
See you in a few hours. Have fun exploring.
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the mental image of Thoma sitting on a beach, boots off and pants and sleeves rolled up to his calves and elbows, respectively, is something he finds almost too endearing to ignore. it's probably not at all like how he imagines it, and yet he finds himself resolving right then and there to see if he can't make it a reality in some way. ]
Sounds like a plan. [ there's familiarity in even the way they walk beside each other, albeit he can't help but to feel like he's missing something. a sensation, a memory, an emotion ...
it's answered when Thoma faces him, fully, smiling at him with all the bright, gentle warmth of a morning sun, and suddenly Childe finds he very much wants to kiss him. it's something that isn't tied to a previous memory, not quite, but an impulse, an emotion that befits his normally chaotic nature, uninfluenced by the magic of this world.
he wants to kiss him, and he imagines Thoma would probably let him. ]
... See you in a few hours, Comrade. [ is what he says instead. and with one last, lingering look at Thoma's face, searching his eyes for something even he's not sure of, he turns and heads off down the street. towards the railway, and to wherever his steps might take him. ]