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šš‚šš¢šš—šššš•ššžšš” š™¼šš˜ššššœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive topics

ā–¶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.

Although the base has been destroyed, not all hope is lost. Many still view the defeat of the recent kaiju as a significant win, especially knowing how much more powerful it became. Considering the ominous timing of the rift as well, it seems like LILITH predicts everyone is a bit on edge, and as a result, when they come into the main hall that day they will see that it is actually decorated quite nicely. While it’s not a professional venue by any means, it certainly does have its own charms. It’s a step up from the usual pizza party, at least.


There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. It’s either they’ve upped their lab meat game, or they’ve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bulletin board in which they’ve posted—
GOOD JOB:
MACARONS (K.O.)
GOJIRA (K.O.)
RUBBER DUCKY & QUEENOFKUR (600)
POKER & BAD DADDY (678)

While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe it’s only natural that people’s eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else is YOWAI weak in comparison? Whatever the catchphrases are, it seems the new thing on the streets of Neo Tokyo is the emerging trend of people either wearing sunglasses or blindfolds.

It seems to be some sort of fashion statement, but it may be doing more harm than good. The blindfolds are often tech visors that citizens wear to amplify the screens they see directly from their retinas, but it doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Some people even consider it a personal form of training for them to live and breathe with blindfolds on. Unsurprisingly, hoverboard accidents have increased by 24% and the city is looking for ways to address this new craze.

There’s a yearly event that’s rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. It’s in the form of a certified cute and extra cuddly looking kaiju that is strikingly similar to one that people may see on base day-to-day. But that has to be a coincidence, right? Maybe it’s just one more thing that’s been released by a particularly loose-lipped researcher who's been pulling one too many all-nighters.

Maybe people in attendance will end up seeing him a lot more. He’s also given out in the form of a keychain to all attendees. Perhaps he will give GIBUBU a run for their money?

Speaking of kaiju and research, a very popular brand called CHALK-MATE has hit the shelves. Supposedly it’s a food shaped like a stick of chalk that once eaten increases one's overall ability to concentrate; it even claims to make people read a little faster. … Is that a myth? There’s only one way to find out what this little treat actually does.

The only thing is that it definitely tastes a bit like chalk, too. Oddly enough, the flavors come in just ā€œDOCTORā€ and ā€œPHD.ā€

CHALK-MATE, however, seems like it’s especially popular amongst avid readers. Particularly of the romance genre, also known as NOVELTOK. The fans on these platforms have been especially into a new series based on a Goddess of Death who is in constant search of love, only to be met with horrible romanceable options that leaves every reader both salivating and scratching their head. Supposedly, it’s not a book appropriate for children…

A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyo’s nightlife scene. The drink’s iridescent shades of purple, blue, and green have made it a hit despite its high price tag and the condition that needs to be met in order to request one: customers must first play a game of dice with the bartender. Should the customer roll a higher number than the bartender, they will take the order and make the drink; if they roll less than the bartender, they must forfeit the cost of the drink and pay the next seven rounds of drinks, even for people who aren’t in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.


ā–¶ 002. BASE-LESS EXPECTATIONS.

Fortunately, with the success of the last battle with the Imugi and Gigakame, many companies have come forth in support of a few rebuild projects. They state they are very interested in providing funding, granted, it’s not without placing their names down as part of the construction efforts. They’re especially interested in getting some sway down in Kyoto, as that would be a new place for them to not only pitch their businesses and potentially attract those pockets of civilization out there that they haven’t been able to connect with, but it’s a good cause as any in theory, right? We don’t talk about all that free real estate, either.

As such, Outsiders are being encouraged to submit their proposals on how to build up on the city of Kyoto and what attractions would lure the citizens to take on the city. While safety protocols are naturally being put into place, as with any new build, they are also open to any additional ideas to secure the perimeter, as well as to make this a more colorful and unique place amongst the wreckage that sweeps the abandoned areas outside the immediate cities.

The only thing is… bureaucracy strikes again. The forms must be filled out in a specific fashion, and Outsiders will be expected to go through a similar trial like when gaining clearance to travel. They will be required to sign documents, and even rushed to the temporary ā€œcity hallā€ in order to drop it off on the dot. They may even expect some people to warp back to Tokyo just to submit a page or two of a signed waiver.

With city plans still emerging, there are positions open for Outsiders to apply and run as local government. While the government of Neo Tokyo have already designated a mayor for the city, there are positions open for people to be in charge of other areas such as healthcare, food, energy, culture, justice, treasury, and infrastructure. LILITH is placing no restrictions on Outsiders who want to contribute their time and expertise to the new city as long as they continue to carry out their missions to defeat the kaiju. Those who wish to apply are free to do so at city hall, but they will need to rally votes and support from civilians and other Outsiders alike to be elected.

Speaking of trouble and real estate, while a lot of vacant land is available, Outsiders have been summoned to confirm all the plots of lands are free of kaiju before any real scoping can be done. Outsiders will be tasked to go out and survey the areas and stave off any large or mutated creatures that may exist in the expanse of wilderness that borders the area around Kyoto. For anyone interested in assisting with the scoping efforts, they will be encouraged to travel in pairs. The permanent rift that’s opened in Tokyo has been making many strange waves all across the country. Kaiju have been acting far more erratically, almost as if they can feel the pulses from this rift, regardless of the distance. Or perhaps, it’s all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think it’s better to remain on-guard because of this, especially when traveling through uncharted territory.

Outsiders are also welcome to explore the region. They will find several old temples that may appear dilapidated, but very much recognizable all the same. Such as the Todai-ji Daibutsuden in the neighboring Nara, or even closer sights like the string of tori that line the Fushimi Inari Shrine. There is even a setting in the oculars in which a general tour guide audio can be heard. However, Synthia is still on the fritz and there is no telling what she says is completely accurate. She also can’t control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random people’s calls and text messages to one another.

There’s no way that negatively impacts any travel plans, right?

(Note: Please fill out the thread below and submit ideas for buildings and businesses in Kyoto! If players wish to have their characters take a role in managing the city, you are free to coordinate this with other players with the same goals for their characters (or handwave it if your character will be taking a smaller role). Mods will not be choosing any characters officially. )


ā–¶ 003. KAIJUCON.

This is the yearly event everyone has been looking forward to— KAIJUCON is here. This event not only acts as a large research symposium for those who work in kaiju-related research fields, it’s also a place where the most enthusiastic members of the kaiju community come together to share their mutual fascination with the creatures. The event makes it clear that this is in no way meant in any support of the kaiju or the devastation that’s hit humanity, but of coming to be a better understanding of them. Or that was its original purpose.

Now it’s become a larger, more commercialized event where vendors from all over come to pitch their safety gear, offer classes in case of a city-wide emergency, and even have several large and popular exhibitions for kaiju. As much as people may fear kaiju, it seems that kaiju themselves as a concept have been popular for decades before even the first rift opened.

As a result, there are sections of KAIJUCON for the most… zealous kaiju researchers in which they can enter virtual reality scapes and pretend to be kaiju. This form of live action roleplaying has become wildly popular in the city, and has become a hobby to relieve stress for some.

On the flip side, it seems this also has opened up a whole group of people who come up with their own KAIJUSONAS and who attend the event dressed up as their idealized version of kaiju. Fortunately, as LILITH does have its fair share of research and information to trade, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base … and of course, how could they not ask the Outsiders to join in?

Instead of the usual team building exercises, they will be expected to help at various booths at KAIJUCON. Whether these are panels in which they teach and share all the intimate details of kaiju anatomy, or where they join in the highly coveted title of BEST KAIJUSONA.

As Outsiders within LILITH, all characters will be approached to speak at panels. Characters previously deemed as HEAVY HITTERS or characters who have dealt a K.O. to a kaiju will be particularly popular at the convention, with fans flocking to them with requests for pictures and autographs. While at panels, a Q&A session will often be held, and Outsiders may have to deal with questions ranging from sensible to ... uncomfortable.

Once their shift is over, they’re more than welcome to take a look around!

(Note: You are all free to presume everything you’d expect at a convention to be there! Including, but not limited to, merchandise, snack carts, panels, and more! Outsiders with inhuman forms do not need to wear their cloaking devices. As a note, Outsiders are public figures known by their alter egos/usernames. However, the fact that they are from a different dimension remains classified information to the public. )


ā–¶ 004. CROSSED WIRES.

While rebuilding of both the Tokyo Base and Kyoto are coming along, certain other departments seem to be struggling. SYNTHIA in particular is still broken, and try as the LILITH engineers might, repairs are slow going.

While SYNTHIA is down, there are all sorts of communication errors:
- Messages being sent to the wrong recipient, or to the base at large
- Thoughts transcribing themselves as texts and being sent without approval
- Text messages glitching during the sending process and sending as illegible symbols and strings of letters
- Text messages never sending, or sending dozens of times repeatedly
- SYNTHIA generating inaccurate information about Outsiders and sending them during the numerous reboot processes (think Google AI summaries)
- Blocked users suddenly becoming unblocked, and best of friends suddenly blocking each other

If asked, researchers will apologize for the errors and suggest that Outsiders meet in person to discuss any important topics. There's no better way to grow relationships than to spend time in person after all, right? Towards the end of the month, the errors will slow until they are finally fixed.

(Note: Feel free to use this as a general text glitch event in either your top levels for this event or in inboxes and individual player logs! We've listed out some suggestions of what characters might experience but feel free to come up with your own fun ideas as long as they aren't gamebreaking.)


ā–¶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth downtime mingle!

As stated in the prompt itself, players are welcome to suggest buildings and business to be found in Kyoto by replying to the header below. Please submit all suggestions by March 31.

The texting glitches will last to the end of the month, at which point SYNTHIA will be repaired and all systems will go back to normal.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.


EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships, including cute plushies, stylish sunglasses and blindfolds, and edible chalk enhancements among other things.

2. BASE-LESS ACCUSATIONS: ICly, Outsiders are tasked with assisting in rebuilding projects across Kyoto, which include scoping out land, suggesting what new businesses and buildings to construct, and general exploration. OOCly, players are welcome to suggest new businesses and buildings to add to the Kyoto area.

3. KAIJUCON: The annual convention centered around kaiju-related research and inventions. Outsiders can find all sorts of kaiju-related merchandise and gear for sale, as well dress up and meet other kaiju enthusiasts.

4. CROSSED WIRES: With SYNTHIA still broken, communications within LILITH are breaking down. Outsiders will experience a string of troubles when trying to message others. This will be fixed by the end of the month.

cranekin: (pic#16863494)

[personal profile] cranekin 2025-03-31 03:33 pm (UTC)(link)
You know! Stories with a lot of twists and turns.

(That doesn't really explain much but...)

For example... I once saw a spirited young lord leave my master's home with one of his most precious swords. All of the guards saw it too and they immediately chased after him! He ran right out the gate and far, far away without even trying to explain.

(As he speaks, his tone is light, like he's remembering something very fond,)

Unknown everyone, my master had seen everything, too. He was famous for his temper. So famous, in fact, that the old capital still has scars from some of his rampages! However, instead of being angry, he merely laughed.

... Because actually, he'd given the sword to the younger lord as a reward.

Ah, I'll never forget the looks on everyone's faces that day~ It's one of my favorite stories.
cranekin: (pic#15469791)

[personal profile] cranekin 2025-03-31 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
A surprise attack?!

(NOT HIS SWEATER...... he yelps and jumps back from surprise. Would this set off the sprinkler system in the convention center? He doesn't know. Stammering, )

... I-it's nothing.

(He thinks? How does one react to that?)

Your honor is more important.
gorb: (xvi.)

[personal profile] gorb 2025-03-31 03:36 pm (UTC)(link)
He'll have been hobbled like the rest of us, at least. That might make him more inclined to working with other people. He's out of his element here, not the strongest. It could throw him off enough that he'll think twice about acting alone.

( It feels a little like clutching at straws, Geto isn't entirely sure he's a fan of that. So he appraises Yuta again, the quick sweep of his gaze barely there before it settles. )

Are you going to stitch the two of you together, Okkotsu-san?
cranekin: (pic#15469920)

[personal profile] cranekin 2025-03-31 03:40 pm (UTC)(link)
(It's soothing, feeling Aki's touch, but he shakes his head all the same,)

But I can be better.

(Even if he didn't do anything wrong and even if his words and actions had a point, he could have still been better for Aki. He doesn't want to just be good for him, he thinks, he wants to be better.)

Take a break. I'll keep you company.

(And he leans in to kiss him on the cheek, quick so no one else can see. Pulling back, he holds his head up high and places both hands on his waist, striking a proud little pose,)

As your sword, I won't let anyone near you.
cranekin: (pic#15469960)

[personal profile] cranekin 2025-03-31 03:43 pm (UTC)(link)
In principle, it's the same as any other polishing...

Ah, wait, you don't know, do you?
cranekin: (pic#16834545)

[personal profile] cranekin 2025-03-31 03:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Eh?!
Really?
Right now?!

I'm standing but I'll sit if you want.
cranekin: (pic#15469801)

[personal profile] cranekin 2025-03-31 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
I feel the same!
But sometimes, people end up in situations where all they can do is pray, and pray, and pray. It's frustrating, especially when it seems their god is only listening.
Ah, well, that's humanity and divinity for you!
cranekin: (pic#15469897)

[personal profile] cranekin 2025-03-31 03:52 pm (UTC)(link)
I guess I was too slow~

(... Which is exactly what he was. So deep into the fight, by the time the call for retreat came, he wasn't able to make it back in time. Well, that's just how it goes.)

I think it depends... sometimes one, sometimes the other, other times, a bit of both. (And he shrugs,) Humanity and divinity are strange when they come together.

Hmm... are you sure? I think things are easier to learn when they're exciting and fun.
queenofkur: (aaa 011)

[personal profile] queenofkur 2025-03-31 03:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[ T-That's quite the bucket! Isn't eating that much going to make them gain weight? She no longer got her divinity to protect her from such things! M-Maybe she can offset this by going climbing after this, there's a mountain nearby. Well, not the one with the rift, she supposes... ]

R-Right...!

[ Okay, deep breathes. She closes her eyes to put herself together, she can't let the anxiety win! Once she's sitting down, she gives her a smile. ]

I must properly thank you for what you did earlier. Few are those who stood up for me like this.
byoukyu: (pic#17714110)

[personal profile] byoukyu 2025-03-31 04:23 pm (UTC)(link)
(Stop, when they have to fight kaiju, he has to keep an eye on the kaiju and not other people's feet????)

Well, I something of a local celebrity back home~

(Said with the type of tone that let's everyone know he's playing around more than actually being serious. It's clear from the way he even goes back to being normal, shoulders relaxing, head lowering, and going back to his usual, laidback speech,)

As for what I did... it doesn't sound too different from what you guys do here? Fighting monsters in cities, helping out the people... that sort of thing.
byoukyu: (pic#17711746)

[personal profile] byoukyu 2025-03-31 04:32 pm (UTC)(link)
(When you live in a world where actually being the age you look is just as surprising as when you don't look your age...)

That's it?

(He sits up and leans over, a bright, mischievous shine in his eye. It's clear he's scheming something...)

I think I've seen you around... you're like me, right? Working for the big mysterious organization to save humanity from disaster?

(AKA... an Outsider for LILITH.)

You should see if working for LILITH can also count as direct experience. That way, you can get hours for one job while working the other one. A bunch of places accept that sort of thing.

(If there's a shortcut for anything... he will find it.)

You might have to fill out some paperwork but trust me, it'll be worth it! Especially if you can get someone else to do the paperwork for you.
byoukyu: (pic#17714116)

[personal profile] byoukyu 2025-03-31 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
(To his relief, they get back stage easily and he even gives the security guard a friendly pat on the shoulder as squeeze past. Backstage, it's a lot quieter with fewer people around. Right now, it's mostly technicians and organizers preparing for the next event.)

Huh?

(What was that? Harumasa was in the middle of doing some stretches,)

Eh... not really. I just figured it'd be a lot less crowded back here and that's probably what you want, right? I could take you back out if I'm wrong.
photosympathies: (lxxix.)

[personal profile] photosympathies 2025-03-31 04:43 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll get you a hot one then.

And cake! Where are you?
fursuit: (ā‘  huitztli.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-03-31 05:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ …Well, that’s anticlimactic.

Like, sure. Tezcatlipoca knows that he’s not exactly at the fame levels of, say, the Greek or Norse pantheons, but still. He’s the god of the Aztecs, second in fame (annoyingly) only to Quetzalcoatl. There’s a lineage of over a thousand years of names and worship before it went kaput, dammit. He might not hold a grudge like Quetzalcoatl, but it’s yet another reason to be annoyed by the Spaniards.

The sharp, dangerous look deflates completely as he sighs. ]


You’ve gotta grow a better sense of danger if it’s as simple as that. Here I was thinking the Foreign God’s little team was at least interesting…

[ He clicks his tongue like he’s dissatisfied by something, but he also doesn’t elaborate. Whatever it is, it’s not important. ]

Well, if you don’t have the loyalty to care, then no need for me to be preemptive.
fursuit: (ā‘  cualnezcatlatoliztli.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-03-31 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Tezcatlipoca huffs out a noise of agreement, since, yeah, too much time indeed. He was interested by this at first, since the festivals of other cultures were interesting, and so far, they’d been pretty enjoyable, but this one is… Not quite what he was hoping. It’s not boring, that’s for sure, but.

His idle thoughts drift back to her as she introduces herself, and he smiles just a little as she stumbles over the name. He can guess why, at least. ]


Welcome aboard, Asano. DavƬd Suchil. Or, that’s what they make me go by when we’re hanging out like this.

[ He waves a hand vaguely, since he understands the need, but that doesn’t mean he likes that it’s by someone else’s rule. Though, Outsider to Outsider, he essentially refuses to use it. Since it’s (conveniently) just the two of them, he smiles a little more toothily as he gets to his real introduction. ]

I’m Tezcatlipoca. One of the resident deities.
fursuit: (ā‘  icpol.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-03-31 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Tezcatlipoca hums out a noise that makes it clear that he understands why she’d take Tsurumaru under her wing immediately. It’s likely that very nearly every god with a direct hand in the fate of souls would. Even if their afterlives differed greatly in the experience they offered, there’s a core premise that unites them. Death isn’t quite the true, definitive end. ]

That’s sweet of you.

[ It sounds genuine, but also with everything else about Tezcatlipoca, perhaps a little condescending… That part isn’t intentional, but. It’s there. ]

See, and that’s why I asked about dibs. We’ve got all kinds of weirdos here, so I figure it’s perfectly likely that half of them have something weird going on when it comes to the end.

[ And even though he calls them weirdos, it’s said very fondly, like it’s a compliment… ]
nutkick: @benchrental (pic#17740461)

[personal profile] nutkick 2025-03-31 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ "When you're with me, I always feel better." .... ah.

the words sank in like a weightless kind of warmth, one that spread from the center of his chest, curling around his ribs, coiling up his throat, leaving him fumbling for an answer and failing. bakugou had said it so simply. so effortlessly. as if he hadn’t just reached inside him, taken the mess of insecurities and quiet fears denji never thought were lingering inside of him, and crushed them over with a touch as light as a whisper. it's an ugly suspicion, one that is buried so deep even the half-devil wasn't aware of, only recognizing its presence when his reaction took him back. and then— it makes sense why he didn't feel as confident recently, especially after his last trip back home. denji had to be more kind to himself, as no one is expected to be 'okay' after everything he's been through, and while it had nothing to do with bakugou, it surely was the perfect breeding ground to center all that negativity towards the person who's been loving him the most. unfairly so.

the truth is, no matter how much affection someone brings into your life, they can’t fix what they can't reach. denji has to be willing to tear down the walls, to face the open wounds, to let bakugou in. 'you don't deserve it' - that voice, on repeat, continuously, until he, subconsciously, started to believe it. however, all bakugou had to say was a few words, offering denji a sense of ease he didn't know he desperately craved.

his cheeks burned before he could stop it. denji lowered his head; his pulse thrummed in his ears, faster than it had any right to. he wanted to say something, anything, but his tongue felt clumsy in his mouth, and all the words that came to mind seemed so small compared to what was swelling in his chest. so, he nodded in acknowledgment. ah, the book. he meets bakugou's eyes again, getting more flustered but his tone is steady. ]


You said getting relationship advice from the movies is not a good idea, right? One of the options is to read a book. So, I'm getting a book. [ as boring as it will be, he will do it if it's the right step into a healthier relationship. finally, he picked up the pot, tilted it forward, and watched as a thin stream poured into the waiting cup on bakugou's side. the aroma filled up the space between them, welcoming a feel of coziness into their exchange. ] I'm trying the, uh, audio books thing? Maybe it's a lot easier this way ...
gilgamess: (gil looking all happy)

[personal profile] gilgamess 2025-03-31 06:45 pm (UTC)(link)
It would seem a much better use of resources to simply augment existing limbs with this nanotechnology, as opposed to removing and replacing them.

[ Something like Gilgamesh's gauntlet, but more thorough/futuristic and imbued with nanotech. But Raidou has a point: it does seem that LILITH has some drastic methods, a real give and take with a big emphasis on the take. ]

Focusing on susceptibility... that is sensible. Do you know if any Outsiders have made attempts to upgrade the weapons, or perhaps combine them in a united front? If indeed these kaiju are very large creatures, as they sound to be...

[ He's still new here, but he's definitely happy to contribute on this sort of project. ]
Edited 2025-03-31 18:45 (UTC)
blastedass: by blastedass @ dreamwidth (Default)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-31 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Tch. Start running more.

[Bakugo would have more to say if the sword mentioned his bloodlust caught him up too much to notice obvious signs of impending explosions, but he's pretty sure Aki already ripped his boyfriend a new one for his mistake.

... well, then again, this is Aki; does he even know how to rip someone a new one?]


Cop out answer. [He's never seen anyone give thanks for calamity or celebrate it in any way. Those who wish it on other people being exceptions.]

There's here to gawk over monsters, not learn survival skills.

[Though Tsurumaru's not wrong. Many hero conventions saw visiting heroes or speakers give very important messages on how to handle villain threats or reminders about calling the police and evacuating.]
30storieshigh: (Know what'll fix this? Violence.)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-03-31 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
Indeed.

[ He nods as he pauses for a moment, lifting his tail up above head height to allow a group of cosplaying con goers to pass for easily. ]

I once lived amongst your kind, long ago during the rise of their first attempts at empire. The humans of that age built temples for myself to make use of as homes, venerated my presence. It was... pleasant, being welcomed in such a way. I had begun to miss such a coexistence in more recent years
cosmarchy: (pic#17604544)

[personal profile] cosmarchy 2025-03-31 08:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Not that I've noticed.

I just felt sick on the day of, but I was fine afterwards. My body can heal itself faster when I sleep though, so I can't tell you if that's going to be the same case for someone else.


[ At least someone is worried about Beru!! He will be grateful to Yuta... ]

He's already dead, technically. I can't imagine anything permanent will happen.

But sure, we can be more cautious.
blastedass: by blastedass @ dreamwidth (šŸ’„ Casual blue~)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-03-31 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[not matter how much he shouts and fights or tells someone to their face it's not true, there are battles Bakugo can't win, only defeat and beat back until the next one shows up. self-doubt, weakness, mistrust, things bred by scars left over from wounds in the past he can't reach and heal or erase no matter how much he wants to. hard realities of life he has to accept. everyone has their own issues. and he won't be able to fix or control everything. what matters is staying true to the promises he made. he told denji they'd get through anything together, and this is one more anything in the queue.

you know, it's kind of cute when denji gets flustered. head dipping, lashes lowering over his eyes, rouge blooming on his face and even kissing the curve of his ears. but he won't mention it, no this time, when the conversation is too serious for a bit of flirting out of nowhere. no words needed; as if denji's feelings radiate off his body with the same heat as his flushed expression. bakugo rests his elbow on the table, jaw settling in his hand as his posture shifts to something more casual.]


I see. Did you search the library or did someone give it to you? [look, he's glad denji's gonna go for something a bit more trustworthy than romantic movies, which give stupid ideas like a few flowers and some kisses are enough to make everything dream perfect once more. books take a more concrete and serious path, able to spend more effort and time on the subject than a happy-feeling movie would bother with. bakugo takes a silent breath, sampling the aroma drifting from his glass cup. not bad.] Oh yeah, you got those earbuds/headphones several months ago.

[i forgot which one!]
copy: (0 0 7)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-31 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Can he keep up with a giant flying robot? Well, he's about to find out. He's eager not to disappoint either way. ]

Alright, I'll do my very best! I'm familiar with the bestiary so that should be no problem.

[ He's done his due diligence in making sure he's prepared for whatever this place might throw at him plus he just didn't want any ignorance to be a liability now when he's out and about for these patrols.

He's only momentarily distracted from taking up a run-ready position by the sight of the mobile suit taking off — it's just really cool to see in person, he can't help it — before he does so, eyes lighting up with the artificial glow of the ocular dutifully at the reminder. ]


Got it.
copy: (1 0 6)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-31 09:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yuta settles into the pace with apparent ease and not a single word of complaint. Between the slightly longer stride that his taller height affords him and a superhuman stamina to fuel his steps besides, it's not a problem. He's not raising an eyebrow at the state of undress his newfound companion is in either. He's been around too many people with an apparent distaste for keeping a shirt on for long to be fazed at this point, it barely registers as an oddity. (Which maybe says something about the strange life he's been living, but any sense of 'normal' has been beyond his grasp for years now.)

To hear Muramasa is a fellow newbie is a bit surprising given the ease with which he takes command, but Yuta gets distracted from that at the mention of Ise Province. Like from the past? Or is it just another alternate universe thing? Maybe Yuta will put two and two together and realize the company he's in yet, but for now he's oblivious. ]


It's the same for me. I got here pretty recently.

[ There's nothing like just managing to save the world only to be dragged to another without a moment of rest to do it all over again. ]

Back home I grew up in Sendai, but I was in Tokyo for school. It's actually pretty surprising how much is the same here.

[ He could give better directions! Probably. ]
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[personal profile] copy 2025-03-31 09:47 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Yuta is pretty nonplussed at the whole introduction — her name itself, the pose, the statement that follows — but also... strangely endeared? It's hard not to be with that bold exuberance. It's the sort of easy confidence and self-assurance he could only dream of when he was still an anxious wreck only a sparse few years ago.

Ultimately, he just rolls with it. ]


That's a good name to have.

[ Simple and to the point or so he figures. Since it doesn't seem like she'll take offense, he finally dares to venture with cautious but open curiosity: ]

You're a devil then, Power-san?