[ sena has little time to react, and while he's dodged out of the way, the arrow still leaves a cut on his cheek and -
you know? this has been one fucking hell of a week. sena almost died, had gotten his ass kicked by the only girl who has struck complete fear in him, and slowly developing feelings for some guy he's only recently acquainted to. sena should've gone home instead and recuperate and think of his life choices but no. he chose to look for takumi as soon as he got out of there, one of the few people he can really call as a close friend...
only to have this kind of welcome wagon.
this time, sena's anger isn't as explosive as the bombs he's carrying in his fannypack, he's too tired to fly off the handle. instead it's cold and piercing as he icily stares at takumi, a bit of blood streaking from his cheek. ]
... I guess I didn't have to check up on you after all.
[ Takumi's complexion pales even more when he sees the blood trickle down. Even though his eyes want to rest, dark circles waning under, they strain to widen as it dawns on him that he could have easily killed his friend. Slowly his shoulders drop as he tries to find the words, but only self-loathing and exhaustion show on his face.
Despite that, he's inwardly frantic, only pushing the lightheadedness he feels from the workload. ]
I'm sorry—I... [ His mother's voice can be heard inside the restaurant, asking why is Takumi taking so long at the front? Is there another monster? She doesn't seem surprised because they've always had monster problems. ] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—
I can treat you, so please... [ Desperate. ] Come in.
[ He can't just start sobbing over Sena in front of the customers and the storefront. ]
[ sena's about to bite back, saying that not even his favorite sushi and tea can get rid of this cut on his cheek, but he acquiesces and lets himself in anyway. even with all the monster attacks, this place is still rather packed, and sena finds it very disconcerting - don't they care about their lives at all? while sena was out there getting himself killed just to find out what the fuck's been going on?
can't they all just die or something?
but, still giving takumi the coldest silent treatment, he'll follow him to somewhere more private so that they can talk. and boy does he have a LOT of shit to take off his chest right now., despite takumi looking... rather odd. can't blame him, really. ]
[ His mother beams up to greet Sena with a sweet Secchan as he passes, mentioning that Takumi seems to look worse each passing day without his friends and adds a giggle right after. Those monsters must be keeping them away, she says.
Takumi doesn't even retort against his mother even when he should be predictably embarrassed. Her upbeat nature that continues to shine only exasperates him more. His siblings are the same... Like nothing is wrong. He's wondering if he's going insane, but Mizuki is here. ]
Can you prepare us some nigiri? Some tea... Maybe some ice cream.
[ His mother nods and gets to work for once; she's having the time of her life. He's deprived of sleep, so he doesn't notice the silence as anything foreboding. With only a couple of strides more, they're in the break room except Momo is nowhere to be found. Little guy probably has to stay at home with the outbreak of monsters. Still, Takumi doesn't utter a single word as he rummages through the cabinet for a first aid kit only for a bandaid. He seems to be in the room and out, returning with a bowl of water, some soap, and some more paper towels. Once everything is ready, he takes a seat and expects Sena to sit beside him so he can treat the shallow cut. ]
I forgot to say thanks for checking on me. I'm glad to see you and—I'm... Okay. [ For the most part. ] Are you all right? From what I can see, you've been through a lot. You should have gone straight home and rested.
[ It's time to wash that shallow cut of yours. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide is nowhere in sight, but there's a tube of antibiotic ointment. ]
Then you... I...
[ He wouldn't have almost killed his friend. It's something he would bring up with more elegance, but without sleep he's going hysterical. ]
[ minamoto-san has always been cordial and friendly to sena, but it's still rather strange. it's making sena think that his own parents would've reacted the same way if they're here, but they've always been like that, so would it even make a difference? sena doesn't want to get mad at takumi's own family for being unaware of what's really going on, but rather he's pissed at everyone who doesn't the app, who just don't give a shit!!!
so he can't really fault takumi for doing what he can for protect himself, he thinks as he takes a seat in the breakroom as indicated and letting takumi fuss all over him. he winces at the sharp sting of antibiotic on his cut, his mind already thinking of where to buy those expensive scar removers. he'll make do with foundation for now.
but takumi's sleep-deprived rambling is testing on his patience, honestly, and sena holds up a hand to shut him up. ]
You know, I should've expected that from a mile away. That's actually the second time I almost got killed today.
[ just putting it out there in the most offhanded way possible. takumi should sense by now that sena is REALLY HOLDING HIMSELF BACK RIGHT NOW, because he's just so damn tired of being angry. he's had enough. ]
[ Calm down, Sena. If you're not calm, who else will be? Takumi is actually washing the wound with some water and soap rather than rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol might actually destroy skin tissue, so even if he's tired, he's still considerate of Sena's model face. The ointment is applied carefully next before a bandaid covers it completely. If Sena continues to put on ointment and lets it bleed, it shouldn't scar... Or at least it shouldn't stay for more than a two to three months.
His hands are meticulous at work, but then Sena drops the bomb (no pun intended). Takumi lets it sink, trying to process it as his fingertips tremble while he retracts his hands. With how tired he is, he shouldn't feel much, but so emotions well inside his chest as his eyes finally become watery. He tries to bite back the tears and his words, but they come out in a soft yet broken voice. ]
How can you say that like it's nothing...?
[ Not only did he almost kill Sena, he could have lost his friend even earlier than this. He hasn't realized the tears are hanging off the corner of his eyes, only dwelling on how much his friend must have gone through and this is only a cherry on top of it. Quickly, he lowers his gaze and tries to wipe his tears when it dawns on him. He's really a piece of work... Despite how stressful it must been for Sena, he's giving him so much trouble.
But he can't stop himself from crying now. He's remorseful. ]
[ wait, no, this isn't supposed to happen. here sena is, snappy as ever, and takumi can usually brush that off but... maybe that was the final straw. they're both tired to the bone, and sena should've just kept his mouth shut and continued the silent treatment, but.
the arrow may have left a tiny wound on his face, but sena's own words can be as sharp as any other sword out there. it's a double-edged blade, as one might say.
sena's eyes widen as takumi finally breaks down in front of him, not knowing what to do. even when he can be harsh with his words, it normally doesn't make anyone cry, so this is where he realized that he fucked up just as much. this entire thing -- the unrealities, alternate dimensions, the app -- it's ruining everything they have. ]
O-Oi, that's not -- [ he suddenly reaches forward to grip takumi's shoulders at an utter loss of what to do in this situation. ] Snap out of it! I'm fine, okay? It's just -- I've seen worse! You were only doing what you had to do?!
[ at least takumi's doing all he can to protect himself and his family. sena here had almost jeopardized the entire mission and gotten killed in the process. if anything, he's the worse one here, and his heart feels heavy at the thought. ]
[ It's an instant and strong exclamation as his gripped shoulders shake, one filled with so much vexation as he hangs his head, just doing his best to hide his face. He hasn't cried since he was a child, so he's feeling even extra vulnerable. He wants to go back and bottle this back up, just brush off Sena's prickly needle-like words, but this is going too far. His family has already shrugged off whatever small injury they gained from monsters earlier this month, so this does not help at all.
He doesn't sound sad, not hurt at all. Instead, his words are painted with pedantic rage. ]
If I was focused, I wouldn't have shot that arrow. If I took care of myself better, it would have even been easier...! If I managed my time, If I got more sleep—you must have been through so much that you're trying to brush it off. It pisses me off so fucking much, but if I... [ His voice finally settles, volume considerably falling as his voice sounds pained, finally dropping the fury. ] wasn't this mentally weak, I could be supporting you right now instead.
[ Sniffling, it's becoming even more difficult to talk. Maybe that's for the better, but he finally calms down to say a little more. ]
I'm even making this about me. I'm sorry.
[ In the end, spilling all of that doesn't make him feel better. He's even shaking more like a frightened animal, barely keeping himself together. ]
[ all sena can do his drop his hands off takumi's shoulders and sit there with wide eyes, listening to his friend let it all out. he should've noticed it by now - how dark the bags under takumi's eyes have become, silvery hair all unkempt, the way he's trembling like a lost child right now...
ah. sena really is the worst, isn't he? as if putting his team in great peril because of one little miscalculation isn't enough, and honestly? comforting a friend proves to be much more difficult that any of their missions. he's never been good at this, you know? once a cactus, always a cactus.
but he's going to try anyway. ]
You're not the only one who's lacking sleep either. [ takumi's already avoiding his eyes, but sena lowers his own gaze anyway. ] It just sucks, you know? You're the one who actually has experience with a weapon, and yet they sent someone like me out there to fight monsters and solve puzzles. It's unfair, Takumi. This whole thing is just a load of bullshit...!
[ his hands curl into fists, wanting to punch something... but he can't because his knuckles has to stay perfect. his body may look flawless besides the face wound which will soon turn into a scar, but inside he's... not. he's hideous, really. ]
It's not your fault. All of us are going through a lot of shit right now. I would've lost it too like you, to be honest. [ he even manages a wry smile as he looks up to takumi and says, ] Wouldn't it be nice if we can just treat all of this as if it's nothing? Like them?
[ like the customers. takumi's family. they all seem happier than these two are, despite the circumstances. ]
[ It starts soft, but the anger is rising again. Fast. ]
What the hell are you even saying? After what's happened, you can't just start regretting now! We would just be letting others in Retrospec shoulder the hardships for us. If none of this ever happened, we would never be actual friends. I wouldn't even consider you more than an insufferable model face mooching off of my notes.
[ Even if he has his insecurities, he still has his heart in the right place. He can see through this bleak situation more than he can lift his self-worth. Sena only took another small mistep and Takumi lashes out, extremely volatile, but he calms down.
Instantly, he regrets blurting all of that out. He has enough experience to know that Sena tried his best to give him comforting words, to calm him down, but only reality shakes him out of this hysteria. Fear stirs in him, but he lifts his gaze to finally look at his friend with puffy eyes. Slowly, his hands reach to Sena's fists, gripping onto them firmly with his callous fingertips. ]
Mizuki... [ What can he even say? Staying quiet, he sniffles and tries to recollect himself. ] Thank you for holding out longer than me. For this, too. For even thinking about me when protecting my family was all I could handle. For whatever you're doing for the rest of us, so please never joke about your life like that.
[ He's serious, so very serious. The tone only becomes sharper, but that might be a good thing. Takumi seems to have a better handle when he's mad than in pure despair. ]
[ wow, he bounced right back just like that, huh? sena can only give takumi an incredulous look as the latter starts ranting about their friendship ever since the app, about not giving up... and it's nice to hear that from him, really.
staring down at their hands, he thinks long and hard about this. sure, the app has brought nothing but misfortune to them, but misery does love company, and at this point sena wouldn't know what to do without takumi, tbh. they both look out for each other in their own cactus ways. it's nice.
but goddammit sena's been too soft nowadays. which is why he pulls one hand out of takumi's grasp to cover his mouth, but nothing can stop the chuckles bubbling up from inside him. it's nothing malicious this time - it's actual, genuine laughter, and sena can't believe it himself either. is he going insane from all this? ]
Did that feel good, Takumi? That's it, let it all out.
[ just give him a moment to compose himself again. why is he being a total prick about this. ]
I do value myself, you know. I'm always going to be that insufferable model face that mooches off your homework and food. And yet --
[ and here is one of those rare soft smiles again. going back to his usual dynamic with takumi does feel great. he really does miss his sorta-mom. ]
I really needed to hear that, so... Thanks, Takkun.
Shut up! You're supposed to let it all out, too! Goddamnit.
[ The last thing he wanted to do was start crying in front of a friend. He can't even cry in front of his family. While Sena is trying to pull back and cope with this situation in his own way, Takumi continues to be uncharacteristically angry. It's probably from all the pent up rage from his recent memory, but...
He pipes down when he realizes there was a chuckle. Sena seldom laughs without some underlying vexation, so it's strange yet sweet. Then there's a smile that comes after? Takumi's face was pale, but did gain some color from bawling his eyes out, but now the color only deepens to a beet red. This is embarrassing. Seeing that smile is heartwarming, but embarrassing. Sena has seen him cry, heard him whine. Frantically, he pulls his hands away and keeps to himself!
He hates this. ]
What the fuck did you call me? Do you want to die?
[ On defense now. It's probably the first time he has actually gone full tsundere on Sena. ]
Hah? [ yeah that's it, he's gonna lift his hand and flick at takumi's forehead because apparently this is a tsundere fight now? ] Don't just say that when you almost killed me, shithead. It may look like I just brushed it off like it was nothing, but I was fearing for my fucking life earlier, goddammit.
[ sighs. they both have different ways of coping through this. doesn't mean either mechanism is right nor healthy. if anything, sena's way of treating it like it was nothing, that he doesn't really care if he dies on the next mission or not - it's way worse than takumi's sleep deprivation and his tendency to fire arrows at anything that moves in his line of sight. ]
What, you don't like that nickname? You were being such a weepy brat that I just had to do it.
[ so mean!!! but he quickly changes course. ]
It's not like you to be like that, though. I-- That was my bad, I guess. I don't know how to deal with any of this myself, you know? My life... it has always been boring before the app came and ruined it. So, in a way, I... guess I'm glad that we became more than classmates. Maybe.
[ sheepishly scratches the back of his head, sena turns his eyes away from takumi, a light embarrassed blush spreading across his cheeks. u g h, this is so annoying, can't they just go back to their usual dynamic? ]
[ He was going to scold Sena, but the flick to his forehead forces a small yelp from him before he retaliates by... He can't pull Sena's cheeks, so he's going to just place both hands against his face and squish instead. Sorry, he's forcing him to look back even if he has pulled away. Let him see that flushed model face of yours. ]
How could I not be a weepy brat when you were trying to act so nonchalant about all of it like you're some too cool for life kid. Jesus.
[ ... Shit. What does he do now? What does he say? He's happy, but he can only put on such a frustrated expression out of shame. With a huff, he squishes Sena's face again. ]
So we're both idiots for whatever reason, even though you're more of an idiot. [ Sorry. He does relent, letting his shoulders drop and taking back his hands again. ] I don't mind the nickname since... I'm glad, too.
[ how many times must takumi try to ruin his beautiful face? he had various cuts on it while he was at the catacombs earlier and now his face is being squished between his hands like mochi?? sena is pretty sure takumi is holding back the urge to deck him but chooses not to, and sena honestly just finds it funny. really, takumi, you should hit him while you're ahead. it's only fair.
his face is soon released from takumi's hands after some more indignant scolding from him and sena rubs at his cheek, avoiding the bandaid that covers the fresh cut as he shoots a scowl at his friend. that didn't hurt much, but he still hates being touched without any precedence. at least warn the guy before you do that? ]
I dunno. It's pretty hard to forget having an arrow fired at you, don't you think? [ he's smiling, but it's mischievous instead of those gentle ones he's been flashing to certain people nowadays. ] I can keep my mouth shut with some sushi and that plum ice cream you mentioned back then, though. ♪
I meant—come here. [ Him crying, but... Okay? You know what? Takumi pulls him into a headlock before mussing his hair. Asking for permission is not a thing when you're friends of this caliber. The struggle continues, but finally his mother comes in and slides some sushi for them and a side of miso soup, some tempura vegetables, and ice cream.
Nothing stop this onslaught—not the appearance of food, his mother... But he does end up just giving Sena a hug, squeezing him a bit before letting go. ]
Whatever. Hurry up and eat before you pass out.
[ He vehemently picks up his chopsticks and starts on some tuna though he doesn't feel... that hungry after everything. ]
[ this is really the worst? this is worse than getting decked or shot at. sena tries pushing himself away from takumi but not before the other male embraces him into a hug. jeez, this guy. first he's all emotional, then pure rage, and now this. it looks like he has some stiff competition in the tsundere department.
they do pull away once takumi's mother delivers the goods, and sena wastes no time in clapping his hands together and thanking for the foor before grabbing a pair of chopsticks and digging in to the almighty mackerel. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
he does look up at takumi's question and shoots him a pointed look. how dare you say he looks terrible? although that's not totally a lie at all. ]
Like I said, I almost died. It happened underground, and --
[ he pauses. shit. the last thing he wants is for takumi to know that he almost died because of his own powers so uh. let's just gloss over that. ]
There were a lot of monsters who were out to get us, so that's to be expected. Got banged up along the way, but there was a healer who took care of my injuries. That's why I looked okay when I showed up here.
[ They're doing nicknames? They're doing nicknames. Takumi takes a sip of the miso soup, enjoying it in full before rolling his eyes at Sena's offended glower. Sorry, dude, you look like shit right now.
Quietly, he listens as he chews on some fish, pensive. He doesn't seem as mad that his friend almost died since there are people backing him up, even a healer ready to save them. Instead of getting another piece, he idly nibbles on the ends of his chopsticks, forgetting his manners altogether. ]
It's good that the healer took care of your. [ Nodding once, but— ] And this is all for what...? Did you guys learn anything at all?
[ Since... That sounds like a lot if they came out empty-handed. Takumi's eyebrows knit, unforgiving if Retrospec sent people to their deaths with nothing to show. ]
[ is takumi really using the same nickname asuka uses on sena whenever the former is being particularly annoying? fine, it's only fair. sena takes his time chewing on his own food, his face thoughtful as he tries to remember what happened so far in his little foray underground.
swallows. right, get ready, takumi. you're not gonna fucking believe this. ]
We're dealing with something much bigger. The reason why monsters started appearing, why they just deleted the two most important colors from our lives --
It's because of temporal anomalies. We're fixing unreality.
[ i
you still here with me, man
because yeah, sena doesn't know what he himself just said either ]
[ Maybe he's just on the same wavelength on Shin and Sena is just out of loop? It only shows how well they know each other, to be honest. Takumi blinks once, twice, and sips loudly as he takes this all in. ]
You know what? That would make sense. Temporal anomalies do the creation of separate alternate realities and universes. If there's something that even causes a shift or imbalance, it may spill into ours.
[ Fortunately for Sena, Takumi is rather intelligent, also he's just not surprised by anything anymore after this monsters fiasco. Please continue? His bright eyes practically glisten in intellectual curiosity and this determination that won't die down. ]
I have a feeling fixing unreality will take more than just a couple of teams to fix... I can't even imagine time. [ ... ] What is Retrospec?
[ wait, takumi's not finding any of this weird at all? is this because he watches anime like their missing mutual friend here? this is really annoying! but this is actually even better, because let's spare the dramatics this time around, all right? they just had a Moment, after all.
anyways, the sushi has been consumed, so sena moves on to the tempura. better eat these quick before the ice cream melts. ]
Retrospec is working on getting some of its users back. Ones who are currently "out of contact". [ complete with airquotes ] Apparently something or someone is causing these twists of unreality to happen, and they need our help in turning them back to normal.
Dunno what these twists look like just yet, though. We're going into the next phase of this mission tomorrow so stay tuned, I guess.
[ Wow I meant *do include, but you get me. Sena... There are monsters roaming around town. How can any of this weird him out even more? There's a fucking dragon flying around the city, please. To be honest, a weird cause only makes sense for a weird situation.
Usually, anomalies happen for whatever reason, but he can't easily accept that there's possibly someone behind it. A being like that must be powerful, even godly. His expression twists at the thought... ]
Sounds like one hell of a ride... But at least they're doing something. [ Which is better than he expected. ] Did they debrief what this next phase entails?
[ He'll help with the tempura vegetables before he takes his bowl of ice cream. Sena's bowl waits there, ready to be gobbled. ]
All they said was to deal with four unreality twists in our current location.
[ chew, chew, and swallow. he probably shouldn't eat more than he's required, but it's only now that he realized that he's starving and that the food here tastes almost like home. ]
Mm, but someone in our group enabled me to gain "level 2 access" or whatever, which pretty much means installing some sort of GPS in my phone to keep track of our other team members. Look.
[ fishing out his phone, sena thumbs over to the retrospec app and opens it, revealing a map and a series of dots all over the city that's indicating the current location of their members. pretty neat, huh? ]
Now that I have this, I won't have any reason to be any more reckless out there, right?
[ just gonna eye the ice cream because oh man almost there he's kind of excited already ]
[ Huh... He'll only have to trust that Sena and his team can do that. Takumi doesn't question more since he imagines if he knew more, he would tell him. For now, he'll nudge the bowl of ice cream closer to his friend, knowing full well he might forego for his model diet.
You're dying, might as well die happy? He does lean in to check the GPS, carefully plucking the phone from Sena's hand so he can get a closer look. Hm. He does look impressed. ]
You know, this definitely will help ensuring everyone's safety, but you can also make some dangerous strategic plays with this, too...
[ High risk, high reward—then this would only give them more opportunity to reap benefits. He'll return the phone, curiosity overall sated. There's something itching in the back of his mind, but he's not sure what it is. Isn't it weird to be given such a great asset without a con?
...
He trusts Sena. Just repeating that to himself. ]
Your chess plays aren't bad, so your group made a good choice. I kind of wish there was something I could do to help.
[ takumi has a point, something that sena hasn't considered at all - he's glad that his friend actually acknowledged his chess prowess, considering that he hasn't played in a while aside from that loss from ritsu, and maybe sena should look at it that way. become a strategist and just direct people on where to go so as not to suffer any more grave losses.
but as much as sena prides himself for being intelligent, stuff like that just isn't his thing. he didn't mean to be so reckless out there either, but it felt like he somehow belonged in that chaos. just standing there and not doing anything is stupid anyway. ]
You're doing the best you can, all right? You don't have to force yourself. Though... we do need a lot of medical supplies since we only have one healer in our team and all. Maybe we can shop for that later.
[ and so he finally gives in to that sweet dairy temptation, eyes starry as he dips a spoon into the bowl of ice cream and takes a bite. oh man...... this is actually pretty good and while it's not halo top he'll take what he can get. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
you know? this has been one fucking hell of a week. sena almost died, had gotten his ass kicked by the only girl who has struck complete fear in him, and slowly developing feelings for some guy he's only recently acquainted to. sena should've gone home instead and recuperate and think of his life choices but no. he chose to look for takumi as soon as he got out of there, one of the few people he can really call as a close friend...
only to have this kind of welcome wagon.
this time, sena's anger isn't as explosive as the bombs he's carrying in his fannypack, he's too tired to fly off the handle. instead it's cold and piercing as he icily stares at takumi, a bit of blood streaking from his cheek. ]
... I guess I didn't have to check up on you after all.
no subject
Despite that, he's inwardly frantic, only pushing the lightheadedness he feels from the workload. ]
I'm sorry—I... [ His mother's voice can be heard inside the restaurant, asking why is Takumi taking so long at the front? Is there another monster? She doesn't seem surprised because they've always had monster problems. ] I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—
I can treat you, so please... [ Desperate. ] Come in.
[ He can't just start sobbing over Sena in front of the customers and the storefront. ]
no subject
can't they all just die or something?
but, still giving takumi the coldest silent treatment, he'll follow him to somewhere more private so that they can talk. and boy does he have a LOT of shit to take off his chest right now., despite takumi looking... rather odd. can't blame him, really. ]
no subject
Takumi doesn't even retort against his mother even when he should be predictably embarrassed. Her upbeat nature that continues to shine only exasperates him more. His siblings are the same... Like nothing is wrong. He's wondering if he's going insane, but Mizuki is here. ]
Can you prepare us some nigiri? Some tea... Maybe some ice cream.
[ His mother nods and gets to work for once; she's having the time of her life. He's deprived of sleep, so he doesn't notice the silence as anything foreboding. With only a couple of strides more, they're in the break room except Momo is nowhere to be found. Little guy probably has to stay at home with the outbreak of monsters. Still, Takumi doesn't utter a single word as he rummages through the cabinet for a first aid kit only for a bandaid. He seems to be in the room and out, returning with a bowl of water, some soap, and some more paper towels. Once everything is ready, he takes a seat and expects Sena to sit beside him so he can treat the shallow cut. ]
I forgot to say thanks for checking on me. I'm glad to see you and—I'm... Okay. [ For the most part. ] Are you all right? From what I can see, you've been through a lot. You should have gone straight home and rested.
[ It's time to wash that shallow cut of yours. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide is nowhere in sight, but there's a tube of antibiotic ointment. ]
Then you... I...
[ He wouldn't have almost killed his friend. It's something he would bring up with more elegance, but without sleep he's going hysterical. ]
no subject
so he can't really fault takumi for doing what he can for protect himself, he thinks as he takes a seat in the breakroom as indicated and letting takumi fuss all over him. he winces at the sharp sting of antibiotic on his cut, his mind already thinking of where to buy those expensive scar removers. he'll make do with foundation for now.
but takumi's sleep-deprived rambling is testing on his patience, honestly, and sena holds up a hand to shut him up. ]
You know, I should've expected that from a mile away. That's actually the second time I almost got killed today.
[ just putting it out there in the most offhanded way possible. takumi should sense by now that sena is REALLY HOLDING HIMSELF BACK RIGHT NOW, because he's just so damn tired of being angry. he's had enough. ]
But other than that, I'm still alive, I guess.
no subject
His hands are meticulous at work, but then Sena drops the bomb (no pun intended). Takumi lets it sink, trying to process it as his fingertips tremble while he retracts his hands. With how tired he is, he shouldn't feel much, but so emotions well inside his chest as his eyes finally become watery. He tries to bite back the tears and his words, but they come out in a soft yet broken voice. ]
How can you say that like it's nothing...?
[ Not only did he almost kill Sena, he could have lost his friend even earlier than this. He hasn't realized the tears are hanging off the corner of his eyes, only dwelling on how much his friend must have gone through and this is only a cherry on top of it. Quickly, he lowers his gaze and tries to wipe his tears when it dawns on him. He's really a piece of work... Despite how stressful it must been for Sena, he's giving him so much trouble.
But he can't stop himself from crying now. He's remorseful. ]
no subject
the arrow may have left a tiny wound on his face, but sena's own words can be as sharp as any other sword out there. it's a double-edged blade, as one might say.
sena's eyes widen as takumi finally breaks down in front of him, not knowing what to do. even when he can be harsh with his words, it normally doesn't make anyone cry, so this is where he realized that he fucked up just as much. this entire thing -- the unrealities, alternate dimensions, the app -- it's ruining everything they have. ]
O-Oi, that's not -- [ he suddenly reaches forward to grip takumi's shoulders at an utter loss of what to do in this situation. ] Snap out of it! I'm fine, okay? It's just -- I've seen worse! You were only doing what you had to do?!
[ at least takumi's doing all he can to protect himself and his family. sena here had almost jeopardized the entire mission and gotten killed in the process. if anything, he's the worse one here, and his heart feels heavy at the thought. ]
no subject
[ It's an instant and strong exclamation as his gripped shoulders shake, one filled with so much vexation as he hangs his head, just doing his best to hide his face. He hasn't cried since he was a child, so he's feeling even extra vulnerable. He wants to go back and bottle this back up, just brush off Sena's prickly needle-like words, but this is going too far. His family has already shrugged off whatever small injury they gained from monsters earlier this month, so this does not help at all.
He doesn't sound sad, not hurt at all. Instead, his words are painted with pedantic rage. ]
If I was focused, I wouldn't have shot that arrow. If I took care of myself better, it would have even been easier...! If I managed my time, If I got more sleep—you must have been through so much that you're trying to brush it off. It pisses me off so fucking much, but if I... [ His voice finally settles, volume considerably falling as his voice sounds pained, finally dropping the fury. ] wasn't this mentally weak, I could be supporting you right now instead.
[ Sniffling, it's becoming even more difficult to talk. Maybe that's for the better, but he finally calms down to say a little more. ]
I'm even making this about me. I'm sorry.
[ In the end, spilling all of that doesn't make him feel better. He's even shaking more like a frightened animal, barely keeping himself together. ]
no subject
ah. sena really is the worst, isn't he? as if putting his team in great peril because of one little miscalculation isn't enough, and honestly? comforting a friend proves to be much more difficult that any of their missions. he's never been good at this, you know? once a cactus, always a cactus.
but he's going to try anyway. ]
You're not the only one who's lacking sleep either. [ takumi's already avoiding his eyes, but sena lowers his own gaze anyway. ] It just sucks, you know? You're the one who actually has experience with a weapon, and yet they sent someone like me out there to fight monsters and solve puzzles. It's unfair, Takumi. This whole thing is just a load of bullshit...!
[ his hands curl into fists, wanting to punch something... but he can't because his knuckles has to stay perfect. his body may look flawless besides the face wound which will soon turn into a scar, but inside he's... not. he's hideous, really. ]
It's not your fault. All of us are going through a lot of shit right now. I would've lost it too like you, to be honest. [ he even manages a wry smile as he looks up to takumi and says, ] Wouldn't it be nice if we can just treat all of this as if it's nothing? Like them?
[ like the customers. takumi's family. they all seem happier than these two are, despite the circumstances. ]
no subject
[ It starts soft, but the anger is rising again. Fast. ]
What the hell are you even saying? After what's happened, you can't just start regretting now! We would just be letting others in Retrospec shoulder the hardships for us. If none of this ever happened, we would never be actual friends. I wouldn't even consider you more than an insufferable model face mooching off of my notes.
[ Even if he has his insecurities, he still has his heart in the right place. He can see through this bleak situation more than he can lift his self-worth. Sena only took another small mistep and Takumi lashes out, extremely volatile, but he calms down.
Instantly, he regrets blurting all of that out. He has enough experience to know that Sena tried his best to give him comforting words, to calm him down, but only reality shakes him out of this hysteria. Fear stirs in him, but he lifts his gaze to finally look at his friend with puffy eyes. Slowly, his hands reach to Sena's fists, gripping onto them firmly with his callous fingertips. ]
Mizuki... [ What can he even say? Staying quiet, he sniffles and tries to recollect himself. ] Thank you for holding out longer than me. For this, too. For even thinking about me when protecting my family was all I could handle. For whatever you're doing for the rest of us, so please never joke about your life like that.
[ He's serious, so very serious. The tone only becomes sharper, but that might be a good thing. Takumi seems to have a better handle when he's mad than in pure despair. ]
Value yourself more, prick.
no subject
staring down at their hands, he thinks long and hard about this. sure, the app has brought nothing but misfortune to them, but misery does love company, and at this point sena wouldn't know what to do without takumi, tbh. they both look out for each other in their own cactus ways. it's nice.
but goddammit sena's been too soft nowadays. which is why he pulls one hand out of takumi's grasp to cover his mouth, but nothing can stop the chuckles bubbling up from inside him. it's nothing malicious this time - it's actual, genuine laughter, and sena can't believe it himself either. is he going insane from all this? ]
Did that feel good, Takumi? That's it, let it all out.
[ just give him a moment to compose himself again. why is he being a total prick about this. ]
I do value myself, you know. I'm always going to be that insufferable model face that mooches off your homework and food. And yet --
[ and here is one of those rare soft smiles again. going back to his usual dynamic with takumi does feel great. he really does miss his sorta-mom. ]
I really needed to hear that, so... Thanks, Takkun.
no subject
[ The last thing he wanted to do was start crying in front of a friend. He can't even cry in front of his family. While Sena is trying to pull back and cope with this situation in his own way, Takumi continues to be uncharacteristically angry. It's probably from all the pent up rage from his recent memory, but...
He pipes down when he realizes there was a chuckle. Sena seldom laughs without some underlying vexation, so it's strange yet sweet. Then there's a smile that comes after? Takumi's face was pale, but did gain some color from bawling his eyes out, but now the color only deepens to a beet red. This is embarrassing. Seeing that smile is heartwarming, but embarrassing. Sena has seen him cry, heard him whine. Frantically, he pulls his hands away and keeps to himself!
He hates this. ]
What the fuck did you call me? Do you want to die?
[ On defense now. It's probably the first time he has actually gone full tsundere on Sena. ]
no subject
[ sighs. they both have different ways of coping through this. doesn't mean either mechanism is right nor healthy. if anything, sena's way of treating it like it was nothing, that he doesn't really care if he dies on the next mission or not - it's way worse than takumi's sleep deprivation and his tendency to fire arrows at anything that moves in his line of sight. ]
What, you don't like that nickname? You were being such a weepy brat that I just had to do it.
[ so mean!!! but he quickly changes course. ]
It's not like you to be like that, though. I-- That was my bad, I guess. I don't know how to deal with any of this myself, you know? My life... it has always been boring before the app came and ruined it. So, in a way, I... guess I'm glad that we became more than classmates. Maybe.
[ sheepishly scratches the back of his head, sena turns his eyes away from takumi, a light embarrassed blush spreading across his cheeks. u g h, this is so annoying, can't they just go back to their usual dynamic? ]
no subject
[ He was going to scold Sena, but the flick to his forehead forces a small yelp from him before he retaliates by... He can't pull Sena's cheeks, so he's going to just place both hands against his face and squish instead. Sorry, he's forcing him to look back even if he has pulled away. Let him see that flushed model face of yours. ]
How could I not be a weepy brat when you were trying to act so nonchalant about all of it like you're some too cool for life kid. Jesus.
[ ... Shit. What does he do now? What does he say? He's happy, but he can only put on such a frustrated expression out of shame. With a huff, he squishes Sena's face again. ]
So we're both idiots for whatever reason, even though you're more of an idiot. [ Sorry. He does relent, letting his shoulders drop and taking back his hands again. ] I don't mind the nickname since... I'm glad, too.
[ Awk. Ward. ]
This never happened. Got it?
no subject
his face is soon released from takumi's hands after some more indignant scolding from him and sena rubs at his cheek, avoiding the bandaid that covers the fresh cut as he shoots a scowl at his friend. that didn't hurt much, but he still hates being touched without any precedence. at least warn the guy before you do that? ]
I dunno. It's pretty hard to forget having an arrow fired at you, don't you think? [ he's smiling, but it's mischievous instead of those gentle ones he's been flashing to certain people nowadays. ] I can keep my mouth shut with some sushi and that plum ice cream you mentioned back then, though. ♪
no subject
Nothing stop this onslaught—not the appearance of food, his mother... But he does end up just giving Sena a hug, squeezing him a bit before letting go. ]
Whatever. Hurry up and eat before you pass out.
[ He vehemently picks up his chopsticks and starts on some tuna though he doesn't feel... that hungry after everything. ]
What were you even doing...? You look horrible.
no subject
[ this is really the worst? this is worse than getting decked or shot at. sena tries pushing himself away from takumi but not before the other male embraces him into a hug. jeez, this guy. first he's all emotional, then pure rage, and now this. it looks like he has some stiff competition in the tsundere department.
they do pull away once takumi's mother delivers the goods, and sena wastes no time in clapping his hands together and thanking for the foor before grabbing a pair of chopsticks and digging in to the almighty mackerel. mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
he does look up at takumi's question and shoots him a pointed look. how dare you say he looks terrible? although that's not totally a lie at all. ]
Like I said, I almost died. It happened underground, and --
[ he pauses. shit. the last thing he wants is for takumi to know that he almost died because of his own powers so uh. let's just gloss over that. ]
There were a lot of monsters who were out to get us, so that's to be expected. Got banged up along the way, but there was a healer who took care of my injuries. That's why I looked okay when I showed up here.
no subject
[ They're doing nicknames? They're doing nicknames. Takumi takes a sip of the miso soup, enjoying it in full before rolling his eyes at Sena's offended glower. Sorry, dude, you look like shit right now.
Quietly, he listens as he chews on some fish, pensive. He doesn't seem as mad that his friend almost died since there are people backing him up, even a healer ready to save them. Instead of getting another piece, he idly nibbles on the ends of his chopsticks, forgetting his manners altogether. ]
It's good that the healer took care of your. [ Nodding once, but— ] And this is all for what...? Did you guys learn anything at all?
[ Since... That sounds like a lot if they came out empty-handed. Takumi's eyebrows knit, unforgiving if Retrospec sent people to their deaths with nothing to show. ]
no subject
swallows. right, get ready, takumi. you're not gonna fucking believe this. ]
We're dealing with something much bigger. The reason why monsters started appearing, why they just deleted the two most important colors from our lives --
It's because of temporal anomalies. We're fixing unreality.
[ i
you still here with me, man
because yeah, sena doesn't know what he himself just said either ]
no subject
You know what? That would make sense. Temporal anomalies do the creation of separate alternate realities and universes. If there's something that even causes a shift or imbalance, it may spill into ours.
[ Fortunately for Sena, Takumi is rather intelligent, also he's just not surprised by anything anymore after this monsters fiasco. Please continue? His bright eyes practically glisten in intellectual curiosity and this determination that won't die down. ]
I have a feeling fixing unreality will take more than just a couple of teams to fix... I can't even imagine time. [ ... ] What is Retrospec?
no subject
anyways, the sushi has been consumed, so sena moves on to the tempura. better eat these quick before the ice cream melts. ]
Retrospec is working on getting some of its users back. Ones who are currently "out of contact". [ complete with airquotes ] Apparently something or someone is causing these twists of unreality to happen, and they need our help in turning them back to normal.
Dunno what these twists look like just yet, though. We're going into the next phase of this mission tomorrow so stay tuned, I guess.
no subject
Usually, anomalies happen for whatever reason, but he can't easily accept that there's possibly someone behind it. A being like that must be powerful, even godly. His expression twists at the thought... ]
Sounds like one hell of a ride... But at least they're doing something. [ Which is better than he expected. ] Did they debrief what this next phase entails?
[ He'll help with the tempura vegetables before he takes his bowl of ice cream. Sena's bowl waits there, ready to be gobbled. ]
no subject
[ chew, chew, and swallow. he probably shouldn't eat more than he's required, but it's only now that he realized that he's starving and that the food here tastes almost like home. ]
Mm, but someone in our group enabled me to gain "level 2 access" or whatever, which pretty much means installing some sort of GPS in my phone to keep track of our other team members. Look.
[ fishing out his phone, sena thumbs over to the retrospec app and opens it, revealing a map and a series of dots all over the city that's indicating the current location of their members. pretty neat, huh? ]
Now that I have this, I won't have any reason to be any more reckless out there, right?
[ just gonna eye the ice cream because oh man almost there he's kind of excited already ]
no subject
You're dying, might as well die happy? He does lean in to check the GPS, carefully plucking the phone from Sena's hand so he can get a closer look. Hm. He does look impressed. ]
You know, this definitely will help ensuring everyone's safety, but you can also make some dangerous strategic plays with this, too...
[ High risk, high reward—then this would only give them more opportunity to reap benefits. He'll return the phone, curiosity overall sated. There's something itching in the back of his mind, but he's not sure what it is. Isn't it weird to be given such a great asset without a con?
...
He trusts Sena. Just repeating that to himself. ]
Your chess plays aren't bad, so your group made a good choice. I kind of wish there was something I could do to help.
no subject
but as much as sena prides himself for being intelligent, stuff like that just isn't his thing. he didn't mean to be so reckless out there either, but it felt like he somehow belonged in that chaos. just standing there and not doing anything is stupid anyway. ]
You're doing the best you can, all right? You don't have to force yourself. Though... we do need a lot of medical supplies since we only have one healer in our team and all. Maybe we can shop for that later.
[ and so he finally gives in to that sweet dairy temptation, eyes starry as he dips a spoon into the bowl of ice cream and takes a bite. oh man...... this is actually pretty good and while it's not halo top he'll take what he can get. ]