LABY - IC INBOX
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
[ TEXT - AUDIO - VIDEO - ACTION ]
cws for thread: genocide, graphic violence, gorey descriptions
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wintolive
- 2024-03-29 22:29 (UTC) - Expand[Be careful walking around town if you're a bitch! For lack of anything better to do and the overwhelming need to shut down his brain in any and every way possible, Eren has taken to stalking through Somnius in his wolf form; nothing much out of the ordinary, really - unless you're kinda new and a total wimp.
[Eren hasn't exactly been in the most Silly of moods lately, but when he sees Akechi, he feels like growling anyway, so he figures he might as well run with it and try scaring the piss out of him.
[He hasn't been spotted yet. Looping around a cover of trees, he slinks out from the other side. Eren gets low down by the ground, sloooooowly stalking toward Akechi with his lips snarling over bared teeth, the fur bristling dangerously on his back. He growls, low and vicious, creeping forward toward the boy.]
[Eren hasn't exactly been in the most Silly of moods lately, but when he sees Akechi, he feels like growling anyway, so he figures he might as well run with it and try scaring the piss out of him.
[He hasn't been spotted yet. Looping around a cover of trees, he slinks out from the other side. Eren gets low down by the ground, sloooooowly stalking toward Akechi with his lips snarling over bared teeth, the fur bristling dangerously on his back. He growls, low and vicious, creeping forward toward the boy.]
[This is hell - a version of it. Maybe a warning for a future to come because instead of fire and brimstone, it's an unrelenting torrent of rogue wildlife that hate him on sight.
He wishes it was the former. Flames licking flesh and bone would be a relief to whatever the fuck this is.
But it's like a shadow - the creature prowls out of the brush and the momentary surprise by it is replaced with a look of incredible annoyance. There's a brief temptation to test out of if this is a palace once and for all. See if ripping the face off this animal will yield an agidyne wielding abomination.
Maybe it just wants his lunch though - a somnius variation of jerky and a small bread roll. The process of sharing his food seems like the easier option. He isn't confident in his strength to rip this creature apart without a weapon, if it's not a cognition.
He stands ramrod still for a moment before throwing the jerky directly at the shitheel's face.]
He wishes it was the former. Flames licking flesh and bone would be a relief to whatever the fuck this is.
But it's like a shadow - the creature prowls out of the brush and the momentary surprise by it is replaced with a look of incredible annoyance. There's a brief temptation to test out of if this is a palace once and for all. See if ripping the face off this animal will yield an agidyne wielding abomination.
Maybe it just wants his lunch though - a somnius variation of jerky and a small bread roll. The process of sharing his food seems like the easier option. He isn't confident in his strength to rip this creature apart without a weapon, if it's not a cognition.
He stands ramrod still for a moment before throwing the jerky directly at the shitheel's face.]
Hey. It’s none of my business, but it’s been bothering me. What happened between you and Eren?
[Straight to the point, this one.]
[An addition, shortly after:]
I know what you said about him helping you. I want to know why you pissed each other off.
[This childish shit is why he doesn't get involved with groups of people. Pissed each other off? Akechi can't begin to fathom the issues that crawl up Eren's ass to incite these reactions against him.]
To my knowledge, nothing. I'm not angry in the slightest.
[An easy lie to pick apart. He adds-]
I am somewhat annoyed though, but it's nothing major. The issue has been resolved, so there's no use thinking about it anymore.
To my knowledge, nothing. I'm not angry in the slightest.
[An easy lie to pick apart. He adds-]
I am somewhat annoyed though, but it's nothing major. The issue has been resolved, so there's no use thinking about it anymore.
[It’s a lovely day at the lake. Things don’t go wrong here; the sun exists, the water is blue and bloodless, and a small canine is running around the shoreline, yapping merrily. Aubrey is chasing it.]
Stop running! [But the dog won’t listen to her.] Give him back!
[Not that Akechi would know, but the lake’s a little different than reality. The forest beyond is just a few yards closer than it should be, claustrophobic in some corners; old toys and pinwheels are being swallowed by overgrowth. And the pier, which is supposed to stop a few feet out, now extends all the way to that tiny island with the statue, like an aisle straight to hell. Faintly, a whisper from the congregation of trees. They don’t approve of what’s happening.
[Akechi is seated on the structure’s roof. Aubrey’s sword is his; if he’d like, he can grab it like a good shovel.]
What are you doing? [It’s unclear whether Aubrey is yelling at him or the runaway. The mongrel appears safe from a distance, but there’s a wild look in its eyes, clearer up close. Something is in its mouth. A bone?
[An arm.
[The animal nearly runs past the interloper (that’d be you, Akechi), then freezes. Beady, horizontal pupils lock him in its crosshairs. Red drips from its maw. It looks ready to charge. Aubrey won’t catch up before it’s too late.]
Edited (what if I posted the tag and immediately rephrased a bunch of things. what then) 2024-05-01 04:27 (UTC)
[Roof.
The fact he's here bothering him less than the recognition that it's not a surprise - sword beside him, he's tempted to stab through the molding.
He doesn't though. Simply grips the hilt on the top of this bungalow, distressed Aubrey noises in the distance along with a dog(??). It looks like one. The item in its mouth-
A doubletake. An arm - human in nature. The dog blood coated and ready to fight. A familiar sight given recent events. Bashing its skull relentlessly a style he approves of, but one he won't be able to recreate. He steadies the blade in his hand ready to slash it to pieces though - a passing thought about whether it will be that easy or not, given the state of the dreamlike world. If it comes to him, he won't hesitate.]
I suppose it's no surprise this memory would stay with you.
The fact he's here bothering him less than the recognition that it's not a surprise - sword beside him, he's tempted to stab through the molding.
He doesn't though. Simply grips the hilt on the top of this bungalow, distressed Aubrey noises in the distance along with a dog(??). It looks like one. The item in its mouth-
A doubletake. An arm - human in nature. The dog blood coated and ready to fight. A familiar sight given recent events. Bashing its skull relentlessly a style he approves of, but one he won't be able to recreate. He steadies the blade in his hand ready to slash it to pieces though - a passing thought about whether it will be that easy or not, given the state of the dreamlike world. If it comes to him, he won't hesitate.]
I suppose it's no surprise this memory would stay with you.
Dear Akechi,
Would you mind coming over to my house to share some tea together? I figured we could also catch up about all the recent happenings in this place, to see if we have learned anything more since the last time we spoke. Not to mention I would greatly appreciate your company.
Greetings,
Inigo
[ Is this weirdly formal? Yes?
And sure, partially it's just that Inigo is shy and not good at making friends outside of his already existing friend group back home, but.. a large part of it is also just Inigo being a medieval fantasy boy who absolutely does not know how to text in a normal teen way.
Sorry, Akechi. ]
Would you mind coming over to my house to share some tea together? I figured we could also catch up about all the recent happenings in this place, to see if we have learned anything more since the last time we spoke. Not to mention I would greatly appreciate your company.
Greetings,
Inigo
[ Is this weirdly formal? Yes?
And sure, partially it's just that Inigo is shy and not good at making friends outside of his already existing friend group back home, but.. a large part of it is also just Inigo being a medieval fantasy boy who absolutely does not know how to text in a normal teen way.
Sorry, Akechi. ]
[The text is a surprise - not from the sender in question. He expected to hear from him in due time, but the manner it comes in feels more like he opened a letter or a formal request to visit a news agency.
Being polite isn't unwelcome though. It's the tea offer, a statement that sounds like a genuine request for company over a discussion - that's suspicious, though some people like formalities like this.]
Of course. I was hoping to hear from you and look forward to speaking. Please allow me to bring something as well. The tea is a kind offer I won't refuse, but I would hate to let the host have all the burden.
Being polite isn't unwelcome though. It's the tea offer, a statement that sounds like a genuine request for company over a discussion - that's suspicious, though some people like formalities like this.]
Of course. I was hoping to hear from you and look forward to speaking. Please allow me to bring something as well. The tea is a kind offer I won't refuse, but I would hate to let the host have all the burden.
oh gosh, don't worry about it!! i'm just really glad you got back to it, thank you! c:
flatteries
- 2024-05-22 21:49 (UTC) - ExpandThere's takeout in the kitchen. Donuts.
Don't forget to eat.
If you see Zazie, let them know there's food too.
Don't forget to eat.
If you see Zazie, let them know there's food too.
[This is all Eren's dreamt of since he learned the truth - months ago, before the labyrinth; still, it was this.
[An ocean of blood. They aren't on its shores, but its center. Eren sits, waist-deep in its shallow waves. Inky red stretches off into every horizon. He doesn't speak.]
[An ocean of blood. They aren't on its shores, but its center. Eren sits, waist-deep in its shallow waves. Inky red stretches off into every horizon. He doesn't speak.]
[The red spans in every direction, endless. It's metallic, coppery and cloys the air with a sickening stench of death.
A different body of water than the one in Aubrey's. A new sensation entirely. He tests the actual content of the liquid around him by raising his leg some - it's stained the same way it was after leaving two corpses in a dark cellar.
And of course, it's Eren at the center of it all.]
Well, this is a sight.
A different body of water than the one in Aubrey's. A new sensation entirely. He tests the actual content of the liquid around him by raising his leg some - it's stained the same way it was after leaving two corpses in a dark cellar.
And of course, it's Eren at the center of it all.]
Well, this is a sight.
Hello, Akechi-kun! This is Dr. Maruki. I'm settling in and had time to set my phone up. The models really are old, huh... were you even born when we had phones like this!?
Anyhow, I wanted to thank you again for your kindness. I don't know what I would have done without you!
Anyhow, I wanted to thank you again for your kindness. I don't know what I would have done without you!
I recall them vaguely. Some of my classmates had them when I was young.
No need to thank me. It was no problem at all and I'm always happy to assist.
Though we would have crossed paths in time, it's a comfort to meet someone from the same world. I'm happy we met when we did.
No need to thank me. It was no problem at all and I'm always happy to assist.
Though we would have crossed paths in time, it's a comfort to meet someone from the same world. I'm happy we met when we did.
[You know who was content to ignore the entire goddamn ordeal? This guy. The dream should have dissipated upon awakening - that's how normal ones work. Eren isn't the type to keep a shitty dream journal by his bed to reflect and-
Of course he would remember. Would take it seriously. Would think Akechi Goro was seated in a ocean of blood with him.
He doesn't answer immediately. The message sits for at least an hour before he settles on a response.]
Did you bump your head? I don't know what's made such a change of heart happen, but I won't deny it's a pleasant surprise.
However, I don't plan to argue with you. That's not my intent. I'm only concerned about your sudden shift in attitude.
Of course he would remember. Would take it seriously. Would think Akechi Goro was seated in a ocean of blood with him.
He doesn't answer immediately. The message sits for at least an hour before he settles on a response.]
Did you bump your head? I don't know what's made such a change of heart happen, but I won't deny it's a pleasant surprise.
However, I don't plan to argue with you. That's not my intent. I'm only concerned about your sudden shift in attitude.
[ Occasionally, Maruki indulges in tiny bouts of spite.
He's not perfect! He never claimed to be perfect. And to be fair, it's not something he genuinely holds against Akechi; he has no ill will toward him whatsoever. But once he found a dark, empty hillside hole to pass out in, he did have the thought that it would have been polite to be invited to the castle at some point, just for a brief respite in its more modern amenities.
Of course, he'd also never impose on Akechi and ask to come over, so that minor irritation circled firmly back to himself and his own behavior, as they all do. God bless Vash for intervening.
That said, it does please him to have Akechi come give him directions that he doesn't need. He packs up his truly pathetic satchel (contents: a potion he will not drink, that contract he hates, and half a sandwich from Eren) and meets Akechi outside the cafe, more grateful than ever. ]
Good afternoon, Akechi-kun. Sorry to impose on your castle. Hopefully Vash asked you before extending the invitation?
He's not perfect! He never claimed to be perfect. And to be fair, it's not something he genuinely holds against Akechi; he has no ill will toward him whatsoever. But once he found a dark, empty hillside hole to pass out in, he did have the thought that it would have been polite to be invited to the castle at some point, just for a brief respite in its more modern amenities.
Of course, he'd also never impose on Akechi and ask to come over, so that minor irritation circled firmly back to himself and his own behavior, as they all do. God bless Vash for intervening.
That said, it does please him to have Akechi come give him directions that he doesn't need. He packs up his truly pathetic satchel (contents: a potion he will not drink, that contract he hates, and half a sandwich from Eren) and meets Akechi outside the cafe, more grateful than ever. ]
Good afternoon, Akechi-kun. Sorry to impose on your castle. Hopefully Vash asked you before extending the invitation?
[Maybe things would have been different if Doctor Prince Maruki had arrived instead of the humble, kind-hearted researcher who apparated into existence instead. Sucks to suck.
But it's typical - a familiar path leading him back towards the good doctor. Vash, stupid as he is, continues to offer his home to random strays. It'll backfire one day with Akechi or the supposed unknown cognitive psience researcher. It's all-
Just a little too convenient - threads tied into a bow for a bomb wrapped as present. Nothing is coincidental.
When Maruki appears, Akechi pulls his own intense gaze away from his phone screen to the satchel over Maruki's shoulder - armed with the clothes on his back and an ever-present smile.]
It's not my home to impose on. I'm simply living in a room - I had nothing to do with its formation nor do I have a say on who arrives. Your presence will be welcome though. I'm not against your arrival in the slightest.
But it's typical - a familiar path leading him back towards the good doctor. Vash, stupid as he is, continues to offer his home to random strays. It'll backfire one day with Akechi or the supposed unknown cognitive psience researcher. It's all-
Just a little too convenient - threads tied into a bow for a bomb wrapped as present. Nothing is coincidental.
When Maruki appears, Akechi pulls his own intense gaze away from his phone screen to the satchel over Maruki's shoulder - armed with the clothes on his back and an ever-present smile.]
It's not my home to impose on. I'm simply living in a room - I had nothing to do with its formation nor do I have a say on who arrives. Your presence will be welcome though. I'm not against your arrival in the slightest.
akechi goro you are the stupidest person on this whole planet
placation
- 2024-05-13 01:59 (UTC) - Expand[ They've been home for nearly 72 hours.
The first 24 were spent dead asleep. Maruki awoke only when he'd accidentally shifted onto his back or his right side in his sleep, pain searing through his body at every angle. He would let himself gain just enough consciousness to readjust, then knock back out.
Truth be told, when he finally woke up enough to realize how hungry and filthy he was, he still could have slept for another twelve hours at least. But he'd forced himself up on day two, approximated a shower without getting his bandages wet and staggered down to the clinic.
Paranoia won out over pain, which says more about Maruki's shifting values in this hellish reality than he'd like to admit. He had refused any healing magic and opted to have his wounds cleaned out and stitched up. Another horrifically painful experience, but worth it for a wound much easier to tend to and some sense of security over his own free will. He came home, ate two meals from Eren, and returned back to his room for another night of blessedly dreamless sleep.
And so: Day three.
Maruki comes downstairs, hair still wet from the shower that's a huge pain in the ass to manage, right arm in its sling to give his shoulder a fighting chance at recovering well, and sees Akechi at the bar with coffee.
They've only seen each other in passing on the rare occasions they were both conscious at the same time, two bone tired ghosts moving through the same space.
Maruki doesn't hesitate before sliding into the seat next to his. He still has bruises and cuts all over his body, sees that Akechi does too. But it's a relief to see him without the bloodstains, at least.
Maruki looks sidelong at him, tone and expression both pleasantly mild. ]
Thank you for the floral bandage. It added some sorely needed flair to my otherwise grim appearance.
[ The stupid thing flaking off with the rest of his ruined bandages and gauze after he finally awoke, making his delirious laughter echo off the castle walls.
Little shit. ]
The first 24 were spent dead asleep. Maruki awoke only when he'd accidentally shifted onto his back or his right side in his sleep, pain searing through his body at every angle. He would let himself gain just enough consciousness to readjust, then knock back out.
Truth be told, when he finally woke up enough to realize how hungry and filthy he was, he still could have slept for another twelve hours at least. But he'd forced himself up on day two, approximated a shower without getting his bandages wet and staggered down to the clinic.
Paranoia won out over pain, which says more about Maruki's shifting values in this hellish reality than he'd like to admit. He had refused any healing magic and opted to have his wounds cleaned out and stitched up. Another horrifically painful experience, but worth it for a wound much easier to tend to and some sense of security over his own free will. He came home, ate two meals from Eren, and returned back to his room for another night of blessedly dreamless sleep.
And so: Day three.
Maruki comes downstairs, hair still wet from the shower that's a huge pain in the ass to manage, right arm in its sling to give his shoulder a fighting chance at recovering well, and sees Akechi at the bar with coffee.
They've only seen each other in passing on the rare occasions they were both conscious at the same time, two bone tired ghosts moving through the same space.
Maruki doesn't hesitate before sliding into the seat next to his. He still has bruises and cuts all over his body, sees that Akechi does too. But it's a relief to see him without the bloodstains, at least.
Maruki looks sidelong at him, tone and expression both pleasantly mild. ]
Thank you for the floral bandage. It added some sorely needed flair to my otherwise grim appearance.
[ The stupid thing flaking off with the rest of his ruined bandages and gauze after he finally awoke, making his delirious laughter echo off the castle walls.
Little shit. ]
Edited 2024-05-30 10:47 (UTC)
[The second they woke up in that assortment of flowers, Akechi wiped the whole fucking scenario from his mind. His babysitting duty ended with that dead silent walk back to the castle and-
He slept. Can't remember the last time he collapsed to the floor that fast outside of his own dual awakening. That took almost a week to recover from, a beyond dire walk back to his condo from the subway. His teachers were annoyed at his sudden disappearance - someone in Shido's office smoothed it over.
It's a day this time. Almost 24 hours of near non-stop rest. The temptation to buy small padding to sleep on an urge he might indulge now that waking up from a stone floor has actual consequences.
The next 48 hours are normal - ghosting through halls, a shower that he stood in so long he thought the hot water would be used up. Stayed, honestly, to see how far a fantasy water heater could last - a battle lost after his skin started to prune to the point of annoyance. Bandages changed. Routine re-established.
Coffee returns to the kitchen on the third day - a sign of life from Maruki or a hint of mercy from Vash. The caffeine chases lingering exhaustion away and it's in that peace -
A ghost appears and settles next to him - makes a comment about the accent accessory Akechi nearly forgot about.]
Is that so? I was simply using every resource at our disposal at the time. I didn't pay attention to the pattern.
[The smile curling around the cup at his lips a bit too pleased for that.]
Maybe that's what pulled us out of that world - wouldn't that be funny?
[It would not, in fact, be funny at all.]
He slept. Can't remember the last time he collapsed to the floor that fast outside of his own dual awakening. That took almost a week to recover from, a beyond dire walk back to his condo from the subway. His teachers were annoyed at his sudden disappearance - someone in Shido's office smoothed it over.
It's a day this time. Almost 24 hours of near non-stop rest. The temptation to buy small padding to sleep on an urge he might indulge now that waking up from a stone floor has actual consequences.
The next 48 hours are normal - ghosting through halls, a shower that he stood in so long he thought the hot water would be used up. Stayed, honestly, to see how far a fantasy water heater could last - a battle lost after his skin started to prune to the point of annoyance. Bandages changed. Routine re-established.
Coffee returns to the kitchen on the third day - a sign of life from Maruki or a hint of mercy from Vash. The caffeine chases lingering exhaustion away and it's in that peace -
A ghost appears and settles next to him - makes a comment about the accent accessory Akechi nearly forgot about.]
Is that so? I was simply using every resource at our disposal at the time. I didn't pay attention to the pattern.
[The smile curling around the cup at his lips a bit too pleased for that.]
Maybe that's what pulled us out of that world - wouldn't that be funny?
[It would not, in fact, be funny at all.]
do you have any idea how much i love sae sushi disappointment.jpg icon
placation
- 2024-05-30 18:34 (UTC) - Expand( Good evening, Akechi! Bet the last thing you expected to see coming through your window was a scantily clad dryad with a bouquet of white flowers cradled in the crook of her arm. )
Hey! I- oh. Whoops. ( She was sitting on the windowsill now, an antler half stuck in the pane before she managed to duck down enough to free it. ) Scent must have been off. Maruki does live here right? Also, hi. Been a minute.
Hey! I- oh. Whoops. ( She was sitting on the windowsill now, an antler half stuck in the pane before she managed to duck down enough to free it. ) Scent must have been off. Maruki does live here right? Also, hi. Been a minute.
[Good evening what in the ever loving jumpscare fuck?
He's mid hammer swing on this goddamn statute for his final evening enrichment time before semi-unspoken quiet hours occur, since his neighbor can't sleep through the noise when-
This happens. Awesome. The flowers and hunt for Maruki - it's somewhat apparent what the intent is. He's Not Happy. Not at all.]
Excuse me?
[A little flabbergasted, somewhat stunned, before finally sliding back into his little act.]
I'm - hello. Yes, my apologies - you're looking for the next window. That's Maruki's room. In fact, I know he's in there right now. Would you like me to inform him?
[Yes? No? Doesn't fuckin matter - his fist collides with their shared wall, like a forced knock on a door! He's so helpful!]
He's mid hammer swing on this goddamn statute for his final evening enrichment time before semi-unspoken quiet hours occur, since his neighbor can't sleep through the noise when-
This happens. Awesome. The flowers and hunt for Maruki - it's somewhat apparent what the intent is. He's Not Happy. Not at all.]
Excuse me?
[A little flabbergasted, somewhat stunned, before finally sliding back into his little act.]
I'm - hello. Yes, my apologies - you're looking for the next window. That's Maruki's room. In fact, I know he's in there right now. Would you like me to inform him?
[Yes? No? Doesn't fuckin matter - his fist collides with their shared wall, like a forced knock on a door! He's so helpful!]
[Sent shortly before sunrise, June 2:]
Happy birthday, Akechi. Since you only wanted a text, I made a text picture of you and Danger.
....("＾‿＾)🖕
=============
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX [ >:( ]
XXXXXXXXXXXXX \
XXXXXXXXXXXXX 🐐
Have a good one.
Happy birthday, Akechi. Since you only wanted a text, I made a text picture of you and Danger.
....("＾‿＾)🖕
=============
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX [ >:( ]
XXXXXXXXXXXXX \
XXXXXXXXXXXXX 🐐
Have a good one.
[The finger hovering over the delete button at happy birthday-
Moves away with the image that scrolls to life with each tap of the down button. An infuriating reminder of his first week here, staring down insane livestock in a shitty rural town. A shovel wielding girl from the suburbs a savior in disguise.
It's so stupid, so absurd, so ridiculous in his early morning grogginess that he laughs - light, quiet and free.
He doesn't delete it. If he thought these crappy old smartphones could screencap, he would. For now, it sits at the front of his text messages.]
Thank you, Aubrey.
Moves away with the image that scrolls to life with each tap of the down button. An infuriating reminder of his first week here, staring down insane livestock in a shitty rural town. A shovel wielding girl from the suburbs a savior in disguise.
It's so stupid, so absurd, so ridiculous in his early morning grogginess that he laughs - light, quiet and free.
He doesn't delete it. If he thought these crappy old smartphones could screencap, he would. For now, it sits at the front of his text messages.]
Thank you, Aubrey.
[ Maruki has noticed that except on the rare occasion that he's busy for the evening, Akechi hangs out in the kitchen every time he makes dinner. Sometimes they chat, but mostly it's a quiet, companionable energy between them. An unspoken bond between two guys who miss the creature comforts of home – and perhaps who have both been lonely for longer than they'll admit to anyone, including and especially themselves.
A homecooked meal can be its own sort of therapy.
When Akechi wakes up on the morning of his birthday, there will be a tray outside his door with the best approximation of a traditional Japanese breakfast that Maruki has been able to cobble together. Some things are a little different – he's had to make do with whatever (non-hat wearing) fish could be caught, and he and Kurogiri's attempt to recreate miso paste doesn't taste quite right – but it's recognizable enough, and overall tasty. He practiced making it a couple times, late at night when the rest of the castle was asleep.
There is one addition not typically found in a classic breakfast – a cylindrical container of jagarico. Where did he get that?
Finally, a simple notecard sits on the tray as well:
Happy Birthday, Akechi!
To many more years of your happiness when we take back our true reality.
Maruki
It's been left right before the precise time he knows Akechi wakes up, so it's still hot, and if Akechi goes looking for him, he won't find him in the castle. ]
A homecooked meal can be its own sort of therapy.
When Akechi wakes up on the morning of his birthday, there will be a tray outside his door with the best approximation of a traditional Japanese breakfast that Maruki has been able to cobble together. Some things are a little different – he's had to make do with whatever (non-hat wearing) fish could be caught, and he and Kurogiri's attempt to recreate miso paste doesn't taste quite right – but it's recognizable enough, and overall tasty. He practiced making it a couple times, late at night when the rest of the castle was asleep.
There is one addition not typically found in a classic breakfast – a cylindrical container of jagarico. Where did he get that?
Finally, a simple notecard sits on the tray as well:
Happy Birthday, Akechi!
To many more years of your happiness when we take back our true reality.
Maruki
It's been left right before the precise time he knows Akechi wakes up, so it's still hot, and if Akechi goes looking for him, he won't find him in the castle. ]
[A near miss with the tray, the scent a warning that saves him from a stubbed toe. The whole display - a note -
A reminder of his small hand tangled in the soft fabric of his mom's shirt in a kitchen that fit the two of them like a snug puzzle piece. He remembers when she would try - smells that permeated through a too small, dingy apartment. Their instant noodle meals more than enough because all he wanted was to sit in her lap, but the elation that ran through his body when he felt steam hit his face - the smell of almost burnt fish, an expression on her face that may have been a smile at one point in her life. She had stopped smiling by the time his memories started and-
He remembers.
This smells better. Looks better. Is probably similar to the photos he's sure she looked at online before she tried to recreate a meal beyond their normal microwave heat ups.
It tastes better. Feels the same. An insane churning in his stomach as he picks apart the fish, the eggs, a reminder of home he never experienced, but surges through his body all the same. Nostalgia and grief an overwhelming, crushing, burning-
A meal created for him with the same degree of care his mother must have tried to feel.
It was hard for her. She was obligated. She tried and he'll never begrudge how much it hurt her to try and try and try when he life was falling apart because of the person she was making birthday meals for.
The irony in knowing he's taking bites from a breakfast of someone who tries and tries , despite the bullet Akechi will be forced to put in his skull.
He pushes it down. Forces it down. Rips it from his throat so he can swallow. Tears it from his chest so he can breathe.
The note is laughable and-
Placed into his pillowcase. A lie Gone. A lie hidden. A lie that's his.
The jagarico an inside joke - sticks lost in a dream back in his hands in reality. Umami Seaweed. It's one of his favorites, stocked in his cabinet at home.
The text comes long after breakfast, well into the afternoon. After Akechi's washed the dishes and tray it came on.]
It was unnecessary to do that.
But it was delicious. I haven't had a breakfast like that in years.
Sometimes nostalgia is a nice sensation to revisit.
Thank you for the meal.
A reminder of his small hand tangled in the soft fabric of his mom's shirt in a kitchen that fit the two of them like a snug puzzle piece. He remembers when she would try - smells that permeated through a too small, dingy apartment. Their instant noodle meals more than enough because all he wanted was to sit in her lap, but the elation that ran through his body when he felt steam hit his face - the smell of almost burnt fish, an expression on her face that may have been a smile at one point in her life. She had stopped smiling by the time his memories started and-
He remembers.
This smells better. Looks better. Is probably similar to the photos he's sure she looked at online before she tried to recreate a meal beyond their normal microwave heat ups.
It tastes better. Feels the same. An insane churning in his stomach as he picks apart the fish, the eggs, a reminder of home he never experienced, but surges through his body all the same. Nostalgia and grief an overwhelming, crushing, burning-
A meal created for him with the same degree of care his mother must have tried to feel.
It was hard for her. She was obligated. She tried and he'll never begrudge how much it hurt her to try and try and try when he life was falling apart because of the person she was making birthday meals for.
The irony in knowing he's taking bites from a breakfast of someone who tries and tries , despite the bullet Akechi will be forced to put in his skull.
He pushes it down. Forces it down. Rips it from his throat so he can swallow. Tears it from his chest so he can breathe.
The note is laughable and-
Placed into his pillowcase. A lie Gone. A lie hidden. A lie that's his.
The jagarico an inside joke - sticks lost in a dream back in his hands in reality. Umami Seaweed. It's one of his favorites, stocked in his cabinet at home.
The text comes long after breakfast, well into the afternoon. After Akechi's washed the dishes and tray it came on.]
It was unnecessary to do that.
But it was delicious. I haven't had a breakfast like that in years.
Sometimes nostalgia is a nice sensation to revisit.
Thank you for the meal.
[In the small hours of the morning on June 2nd, Blue delivers a package to the doorstep of the castle where Akechi stays. She doesn't knock or linger--it's placed somewhere obvious, so someone is sure to find it, even if it's not the recipient. Perhaps especially if it's not the recipient. Who's to say?]
[The package itself isn't particularly big or small, wrapped in green paper with an intricate bow sewn together in the shape of a sunflower. A small tag is attached to the bow with only four words in neat vine-like handwriting:]
Dear Akechi, Happy Birthday
[Inside the package are two items: a mug with the words Keep Calm and Hide Evidence written on the outside, splattered with red paint made to look like blood; and a sugar jar with sugar. not arsenic. sugar. written on the outside. Both look handmade, though it's uncertain if the one who made the pieces was also the one who painted them.]
[There is no signature on the tag, but he'll know who it's from. And if he doesn't, then he's not a very good detective.]
[The package itself isn't particularly big or small, wrapped in green paper with an intricate bow sewn together in the shape of a sunflower. A small tag is attached to the bow with only four words in neat vine-like handwriting:]
Dear Akechi, Happy Birthday
[Inside the package are two items: a mug with the words Keep Calm and Hide Evidence written on the outside, splattered with red paint made to look like blood; and a sugar jar with sugar. not arsenic. sugar. written on the outside. Both look handmade, though it's uncertain if the one who made the pieces was also the one who painted them.]
[There is no signature on the tag, but he'll know who it's from. And if he doesn't, then he's not a very good detective.]
[The second his eyes settle on the bright yellow sunflower, he knows. A request for a simple text ignored. An outcome expected given her propensity to do whatever the hell she wants, unprompted and without consideration. A gift already annoys him and when he opens it up -
There's an instant surge of unease. The mug too on the nose for his liking. A moment of reflection as he tries to figure out if there was ever an implication to his true job that she could glean.
No, nothing at all. He isn't the type to slip like that. Blue's smart and likes to poke metaphorical bears. Fantastic. He eyes the homemade cup, looks towards the sugar container that relieves some tension in his shoulders. It's all a shitty joke towards his profession - that's an easier pill to swallow.
Later that afternoon, once Akechi has set the sugar container in the kitchen, claiming he found it on the road, and moved the cup to the back of dishware cabinet - Blue will receive a message! ]
That was kind of you. A simple text would have satisfied me, but I appreciate you going out of your way to make those. It was quite clever.
Thank you.
There's an instant surge of unease. The mug too on the nose for his liking. A moment of reflection as he tries to figure out if there was ever an implication to his true job that she could glean.
No, nothing at all. He isn't the type to slip like that. Blue's smart and likes to poke metaphorical bears. Fantastic. He eyes the homemade cup, looks towards the sugar container that relieves some tension in his shoulders. It's all a shitty joke towards his profession - that's an easier pill to swallow.
Later that afternoon, once Akechi has set the sugar container in the kitchen, claiming he found it on the road, and moved the cup to the back of dishware cabinet - Blue will receive a message! ]
That was kind of you. A simple text would have satisfied me, but I appreciate you going out of your way to make those. It was quite clever.
Thank you.
um....
Thanks. But no thanks.
Thanks. But no thanks.
Yes, you're the only person who knows I have an ability and I plan to maintain that for as long as possible. Quite frankly, I don't trust a majority of those here. I'm not interested in showing my full hand to anyone.
You've been hush on that matter as well. I assume your plan is the same, but I would like to get a confirmation.
You've been hush on that matter as well. I assume your plan is the same, but I would like to get a confirmation.
Hello, Akechi? I believe we’ve messaged one before, some months ago.
I’m contacting you to verify that Dr. Maruki is, in fact, as qualified as he claims, and if you would vouch for his character, since I can’t exactly check his credentials from another world.
I’m contacting you to verify that Dr. Maruki is, in fact, as qualified as he claims, and if you would vouch for his character, since I can’t exactly check his credentials from another world.
[What in the online testimonial is happening here? Maruki must have given this guy notice to contact him - there's no other reason to believe they share a world.
Oh, he'll remember that. No chance that man is getting away with using him as some kind of verification system. Cognitive Psience researcher turned counselor - incredible.]
Yes, that's me. I recall your username. I hope you're doing well.
Your skepticism is refreshing, to be frank. The amount of people who take others at face value, without question, is rather concerning. However, to your inquiry-
Maruki-san and I never met in our reality. Our experience has been limited to this world and our current situation as roommates. For his character, I can certainly vouch. He is overwhelmingly genuine.
[And a fucking liar - not that Akechi cares.]
As for credentials, he was a counselor at a high school in our world for some time. He was hired on to assist with the traumatic events that had occurred there with the populace. If my own experience doesn't suffice, perhaps that will put you at ease.
Oh, he'll remember that. No chance that man is getting away with using him as some kind of verification system. Cognitive Psience researcher turned counselor - incredible.]
Yes, that's me. I recall your username. I hope you're doing well.
Your skepticism is refreshing, to be frank. The amount of people who take others at face value, without question, is rather concerning. However, to your inquiry-
Maruki-san and I never met in our reality. Our experience has been limited to this world and our current situation as roommates. For his character, I can certainly vouch. He is overwhelmingly genuine.
[And a fucking liar - not that Akechi cares.]
As for credentials, he was a counselor at a high school in our world for some time. He was hired on to assist with the traumatic events that had occurred there with the populace. If my own experience doesn't suffice, perhaps that will put you at ease.
Edited 2024-06-05 11:17 (UTC)
[He'll hold that grudge until the day he DIES.]
It's fine. Vil reached out and we had a short discussion on the matter.
Frankly, it's refreshing to have someone who questions what they're told and doesn't blindly follow what someone proclaims.
It's fine. Vil reached out and we had a short discussion on the matter.
Frankly, it's refreshing to have someone who questions what they're told and doesn't blindly follow what someone proclaims.
[ Sure, everything has gone to pure shit, but they do occasionally have to rest away from the forest and he stays silly. ]
If we all survive this mess Sky has gotten us into, I plan to have that sushi night for you and Kuro once things are back to normal.
Huge "if"!
However, in the interest of planning, please put in your order now.
If we all survive this mess Sky has gotten us into, I plan to have that sushi night for you and Kuro once things are back to normal.
Huge "if"!
However, in the interest of planning, please put in your order now.
Edited (jk i made new icons. give me a reason to use this) 2024-06-14 09:02 (UTC)
[Away from the forest, but not enrichment!! The sushi text having apt timing as he finishes off a snack, unconscious body at his feet.]
I'll survive regardless - please refrain from perishing when I'm not around.
Night Sky would certainly be distressed to find there isn't a room for her to crawl into in your absence.
However, for sushi -
I would say omakase, but I can already see the look on your face.
Salmon and otoro nigiri. The latter may be beyond your expertise to prepare, so please know I'll be content with any type of sushi provided.
I'll survive regardless - please refrain from perishing when I'm not around.
Night Sky would certainly be distressed to find there isn't a room for her to crawl into in your absence.
However, for sushi -
I would say omakase, but I can already see the look on your face.
Salmon and otoro nigiri. The latter may be beyond your expertise to prepare, so please know I'll be content with any type of sushi provided.
[So, the thing to do after one almost gets killed by their ???friend for no apparent reason is to… go sleep over their castle. Yeah. Sure. You know? Why not. It’s been a wonderful time for decision-making all around, really.
[Aubrey does not sleep. Finds it’s not difficult to stay up, anyway, what with the endless darkness and the leftover mortal terror and everything. She tells herself it’s because she wants to watch her back. It’s that, and not… the glint in his eyes as he talked about Featherman, or the way he fell silent when bandaged palm took gloved hand, or wild laughter, or pleasant, airy words, or—
[“I’m happy you understand.”
[“You pathetic nobody.”
[Come on, man.
[Maruki hasn’t seemed too concerned; Aubrey’s acted like she’s not. She watches Akechi, though. Any stir or turn, half-conscious mumbling. Maybe nothing. She could be hallucinating by now, frankly.
[But when he moves enough to suggest wakefulness, she nudges that water mug closer to his side of the table.]
[At first, he's back in Tokyo - phantom vibrations from a smartphone left behind a pillow, covered in his own blankets on a comfortable mattress. Maybe his couch. The perpetual night is due to the blackout curtains in his room and the entire ordeal is over. An irritating dream concocted from stress to be pushed aside forever. He tries to reach for his phone, eyes closed and-
He's snug. Tightly packed into the fabric like a human sardine. In fact,
It would be too convenient for the Green Knight to propel him back to Tokyo. No exchange for serving in that shitty army? Unreal.
Arms and legs are untangled from whatever the fuck tucked him in - an already embarrassing thought. This is a level of malicious care that reminds him he was enthralled, Maruki had to get him and-
A flash of faded pink. A sudden, vivid memory of screams, bloody palms and a coiled up blue flame wrapped around them.
What the hell is she doing here?
The teenage jumpscare is the surprise of the century and it not grogginess that keeps him silent - no, he's very fucking awake. Rapid fire recollection of their fight, the outcome, the sudden loss of consciousness after Maruki's attack. Enthrallment is the simple excuse - an easy one. True. But why the hell is she here, settled in the room beside him? Voice hoarse - early morning throat clearing, a mask donned too early. Holy fuck. ]
My apologies - I didn't expect to see you here, Aubrey. I'm not-
[He pulls the blankets off in their entirety, tossing them over the arm of the couch, eyes the half drank water from a familiar, likely unwashed cup and-
Oh, what a goddamn morning(???). It's a battle he won't surrender, despite being at an immediate loss.]
Or rather, have you been here long?
He's snug. Tightly packed into the fabric like a human sardine. In fact,
It would be too convenient for the Green Knight to propel him back to Tokyo. No exchange for serving in that shitty army? Unreal.
Arms and legs are untangled from whatever the fuck tucked him in - an already embarrassing thought. This is a level of malicious care that reminds him he was enthralled, Maruki had to get him and-
A flash of faded pink. A sudden, vivid memory of screams, bloody palms and a coiled up blue flame wrapped around them.
What the hell is she doing here?
The teenage jumpscare is the surprise of the century and it not grogginess that keeps him silent - no, he's very fucking awake. Rapid fire recollection of their fight, the outcome, the sudden loss of consciousness after Maruki's attack. Enthrallment is the simple excuse - an easy one. True. But why the hell is she here, settled in the room beside him? Voice hoarse - early morning throat clearing, a mask donned too early. Holy fuck. ]
My apologies - I didn't expect to see you here, Aubrey. I'm not-
[He pulls the blankets off in their entirety, tossing them over the arm of the couch, eyes the half drank water from a familiar, likely unwashed cup and-
Oh, what a goddamn morning(???). It's a battle he won't surrender, despite being at an immediate loss.]
Or rather, have you been here long?
[ Things seem to have worked out for the best– or at least for the better.
Maruki ventures downstairs only when he no longer hears muffled voices. Finds Akechi asleep again on the couch, Aubrey with her head down on the dining bar. He makes coffee, offers breakfast. Makes simple omelettes for both of them. Chats amicably, sparingly, cognizant that she likely needs the silence more. Doesn't let her leave without a small supply of snacks to bring into the woods next time she goes.
Watches her go, back out into that eternal night with all its horrors.
Then returns to the living room and stares down at Akechi, still asleep.
Azathoth is summoned silently, the Tentacle of Healing does its work on his aches and scrapes left over from the fight. There's a bruise blooming along his jaw where Aubrey hit him; it's gone.
He picks up the mug, wipes the spilled water with one of the spare blankets he'd given to Aubrey and gathers those linens up to put in the wash.
Returns to Akechi, still out.
Irritation and exasperation tug in his chest right alongside a protective fondness.
Maybe that's what makes him bring another cup of water – full this time, and not the same mug that he favors – and set it down on the table, along with one of the crossword pages they haven't yet gotten to. A pen, an apple.
Maruki tugs one of the blankets that's slipped half-off the couch back up over him and leaves him with a final thought, whether he hears it or not: ]
At least try to enjoy it less next time you stab one of your friends.
[ Maruki OUT. ]
Maruki ventures downstairs only when he no longer hears muffled voices. Finds Akechi asleep again on the couch, Aubrey with her head down on the dining bar. He makes coffee, offers breakfast. Makes simple omelettes for both of them. Chats amicably, sparingly, cognizant that she likely needs the silence more. Doesn't let her leave without a small supply of snacks to bring into the woods next time she goes.
Watches her go, back out into that eternal night with all its horrors.
Then returns to the living room and stares down at Akechi, still asleep.
Azathoth is summoned silently, the Tentacle of Healing does its work on his aches and scrapes left over from the fight. There's a bruise blooming along his jaw where Aubrey hit him; it's gone.
He picks up the mug, wipes the spilled water with one of the spare blankets he'd given to Aubrey and gathers those linens up to put in the wash.
Returns to Akechi, still out.
Irritation and exasperation tug in his chest right alongside a protective fondness.
Maybe that's what makes him bring another cup of water – full this time, and not the same mug that he favors – and set it down on the table, along with one of the crossword pages they haven't yet gotten to. A pen, an apple.
Maruki tugs one of the blankets that's slipped half-off the couch back up over him and leaves him with a final thought, whether he hears it or not: ]
At least try to enjoy it less next time you stab one of your friends.
[ Maruki OUT. ]
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