uhmani | TDM #14

If the main hub and its features don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.

Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can visit the training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for the deity of sleep (Hypnos) at his shrine! You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage new inhabitants to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.

Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that nearly every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately, that will need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!

It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.

Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.

THE SEXY COMPENDIUM

Upon arrival to Amani, new inhabitants will be notified almost immediately of the sexy compendium that's uploaded to their DTF! This compendium lists all of the flora, fauna, unique geography, and miscellaneous items in Amani that might be worth looking at.

This database will update with seasonal highlights or places and items that might follow a theme! For example, the current theme is love for Valentine's Day and dragons for The Year of The Dragon!

While established inhabitants already know about all these things, it can't hurt to be reminded of what this simulated afterlife has to offer!

The Dragon Onsen

outdoor pool

dragon statue

blue tint

They suddenly look a lot more draconic than they did before.

Heart Jellies

jellyfish shaped like hearts

Wyverns

Taasunni Beach, and can range far into the Aditus Grasslands

Love Blossoms

gorgeous, pink flowers

pheromones

SEXY STAMP CARD

If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.

Sexy Stamp Card

Issued by: The Peacekeeper

1 2 3 4 ♡

6 7 8 9 ♡

❤

<div style="width:100%;padding:10px 10px 0;font-family:garamond, georgia, serif;font-size:20px;font-style:italic;letter-spacing:2px;text-align:left;">Sexy Stamp Card</div>
<div style="width:100%;padding:0 10px 10px;">Issued by: The Peacekeeper</div>

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<div style="max-width:300px;width:100%;margin:-10px auto 0;text-align:right;font-size:10px;"><a title="code credit!" href="http://10billionghosts.dreamwidth.org" style="text-decoration:none;color:#eee;">❤</a></div>

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Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it! NOTES

★ Feel free to check out the sexy compendium and also use whatever is listed there as you like! What's mentioned on the TDM are just suggestions and not only what's available! We want interested players to be able to make their own fun with what Amani has to offer and not feel limited to just the prompts provided here.

★ We are currently at 24/40 slots taken! Anyone wishing to claim a character must have an invite from someone currently in the game and follow the proper rules in place to be accepted into the community!

NAVIGATION

F.A.Q. ★ RULES ★ CHARACTER CLAIM ★ LOCATIONS ★ MAIN NAVIGATION

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It is a bit odd. He seems almost panicked, really... which Mithrun does suppose makes some sense, given what he must have just been told. His brow creases a bit, barely a change in expression at all - but one Kabru is probably more likely than most to notice.]

I've been here for a few months; I can talk you through--

[Oh, well, and we're going. Mithrun blinks, just faintly surprised, but doesn't resist as Kabru pulls him out the door.] --Okay.

[Unfortunately, he won't be much help as far as figuring out where to go from here. ...Maybe he should get Lamb out to guide them.]

I'm here, [he confirms.] It's... arguably good. "There", however, may be more complicated than we know.

[It's... it's a lot, okay. The whole "fate of the multiverse" thing.]

[ standing in the middle of the street, outside of the tavern— is objectively not the wisest plan. considering kabru doesn't know his way around yet, and he knows well enough that mithrun's not the most reliable compass, well. he sobers, gaze flickering around, before he changes his mind, and leads mithrun back inside. the patrons glance up as they return, all a little sceptical at the odd pair. yes— you two just leapt up and ran out, and then walked back in. yes, they're all curious now.

he's also completely forgotten about the siamese cat that's been trailing after them, and he ushers mithrun towards a table at the darkest corner of the tavern, sliding into a seat beside him. the cat sits politely on the floor, blue eyes— not dissimilar to kabru's— flitting upwards towards them.

realising he's still gripping mithrun's elbow, he relinquishes that hold now, leaning both of his own on the table. ]

A few months? That's— a while. [ reaching up, he runs a hand through his hair, pushing dark curls back, off his forehead. ]

You've been alright? You look— good. [ healthy, is what he meant to say— which is a relief, considering what probably happened to their own world. but also mithrun's wearing that outfit so like. maybe he slipped up it's fine.

kabru seems to slowly be composing himself; quickly putting that usual charm back together, even if it's just a semblance of it. he's on edge though, and he sits back, exhaling a long breath, meeting mithrun's eye. ]

It feels like I just saw you, back at the palace.

[ timeline reality check..........but also he's watching the elf like he's about to be snatched away from him. ]

[Oh, well - back in they go, he guesses.

He sits down where Kabru directs him and sets the cake box on the table, ignoring the stares around them. Even if he didn't already know most people here were likely just simulacra intended to keep the illusion around them from feeling too empty, he still wouldn't care too much - but knowing they're not real doesn't hurt.

He doesn't seem to notice that slip-up, at least. ...Or maybe he just doesn't comment.] I'm fine. Some people here have been looking after my needs.

[That first observation was pretty much expected, with a quick and easy explanation (quick and easy on a surface level, at least. The details get more complicated).

The next thing Kabru says is... less expected.]

...The what?

That's good. You'll have to introduce me, so I can thank them, hmm? [ the flicker of a smile there, and he tilts his head at mithrun— probably a little odd considering their differing contexts. considering the way they made up at the conclusion of the demon saga, and mithrun's moving to merini village— well. things have taken a slightly more amiable turn for them in kabru's timeline.

the next question causes kabru to pause, but not too much. he and mithrun, back at home— home, which is no longer home, of course— often discuss the palace and its politics. it's helpful having the elf around; he is still a noble, despite the non-linear nature of his recovery, and kabru has gone to him for advice more often than he thinks is necessary. it's a good excuse to spend a day together over the weekend; picking apart the attitudes of the palace. he's never sure if mithrun finds it particularly interesting, but it's fine. kabru takes it as an excuse to help mithrun tidy his house, to have a meal together, do some laundry. it's nice. his relief at seeing the elf spikes again, and he reaches over, tentatively laying his hand on the other's shoulder once again, seeming to want the physical reassurance of it. ]

The palace. [ a nod, and his brows arch. kabru peers into mithrun's face. ]

The Golden Country? You know, where I work? King Laios the demon eater. Mithrun, did you hit your head on your way in here? [ his mouth crooks upwards, and he pats that shoulder, sitting just a little too close to the elf, as if to hide them both away in their corner. ]

You remember, right? [ the cat that sits at his feet has stopped her purring now, watching mithrun closely. ]

Sure. You can meet one whenever I can find the bakery again.

[Which might be a bit. He still needs to deliver this cake, which is already, just, so late. At least the bakery is nearby from there, so it should be quick.]

...I'll just have Lamb lead me there when we go.

[Just, saying that out loud, half to himself, so he'll actually remember. Ignore that despite being mad at Kabru he's just sort of decided he'll be going with.

For now, though, there's... something a bit more urgent. Mithrun looks down at Kabru's hand on his shoulder, up again at how carefully the tall-man is studying his face. And what he's saying is...

...Alright. He doesn't understand, but he might know why he doesn't.]

I see.

Kabru, there's something else you need to know about how this place works.

[ firstly, he has no idea who this lamb is, but he's going to prioritize his questions for the time being. this place is weird enough already— he has a cat essentially glued to his ankles, after all. in fact, he's noticed quite a few people so far have a strange little animal tagging along with them, some not so little. in truth, seeing mithrun again is enough— he remembers the tragedy at utaya; there had been nothing, no one. strangers and a levelled city. the demon saw to it that the entire country was scorched earth, after all.

it's enough for now.

he nods, fingers still subtly curling and uncurling against the fabric of the jacket that he's slung around mithrun's shoulders. ] I'm sure. [ he realises that he's taken to looking out at the rest of the tavern, studying the patrons, and when he looks back to mithrun, it's with more gravity than he usually likes to show. ]

It's alright. This place isn't like other places, is it. [ it's not really a question, but he's putting a stop to the back and forth. a thumb ghosts against the point of the elf's shoulder, moving back and forth. ]

I'm fine, in case you were wondering. [ be the drama you want to see in the world <3

a quick smile, as if he's reassuring mithrun.

the expression fades, and kabru looks— very uncharacteristic for him (unless he's laying down yowling— luckily mithrun was swept here before he could see that little tantrum)— glum. ]

I don't have anywhere to stay.

[ 🥺

but wait, there's more— he adds: ]

Maybe we can talk at your place. You can tell me that thing I need to know.

Edited 2024-02-21 16:47 (UTC)

[Mithrun just nods, silent, at Kabru's statement about this place's nature. ...The reminder that he hadn't asked after Kabru's wellbeing, though, gets his expression darkening, nearly imperceptibly. He sits back, arms crossed - it's a similar posture to how he sat when they first met, honestly. Confident and detached.]

You're clearly in one piece.

[Stupid way to respond. It just sounded defensive, and he knows it as soon as he says it. But what's done is done - and he is mad at Kabru.]

Finding somewhere to stay here isn't difficult. Most of these houses are unoccupied; you can just choose one, and fix it with stamps as you see fit. [...But, okay, he'll add:] If you really need help getting settled, I can talk to the people I'm staying with - though I... don't know for sure how permanent that arrangement is meant to be. So I'd have to check.

[His brow creases a bit, almost like he... might feel some kind of a way about the theoretical end of his current arrangement.

And then that glimpse of worry is gone again, replaced with, just, maybe a hint of contempt.] Of course, if you'd rather, you could always ask if Laios has space.

You’re going to scold me while you’re wearing these? [ kabru says, crooking a smile at mithrun and reaching down to pluck at the fabric of his stockings.

the thin fabric smacks gently against the elf's thigh, and kabru glances at the other's face, his playfulness diminishing once again. after the dramatic finale, things had settled easily into what kabru has now come to consider normal life. ever since he gripped mithrun's hand that day, after the banquet, he's been less and less willing to be parted from him for any significant amount of time. sure, the palace keeps him occupied, but he makes time for the elf, when he can. he wonders if this is about that—? it seems like a very small thing when their home has been destroyed. in fact, there's a pettiness in mithrun's tone that he's unfamiliar with— a vision of that so-called perfect young man does flit through his mind; a silver-eyed, silver-haired beauty who was known for his charms, but not much more than that.

the mithrun of a long time ago would have said that, he's sure. it's got the snag of a scorned lover, even. jealous—? kabru stares at him, completely perplexed, and doesn't reach to touch him again. ]

I want to stay with you.

[ it sounds a bit— bewildered.

he leans an elbow on the table and tips himself far enough so that he's looking directly into mithrun's face— funny, it's sort of the thing he'd do if one of his lady friends was grumpy with him. why he's decided that mithrun needs to be treated like this, today of all days, isn't fully clear to him— that tone, probably. ]

Hey, look at me. [ a graver note in his own voice, now. ] Our home is gone. You're the only— [ a pause, and he seems to search mithrun's face. ] We have to look after each other, like we did in the dungeon.

If you deserve it, I'll scold you wearing anything or nothing. [He stays completely straight-faced as he says that.

However-- he's not quite prepared for Kabru to say, so simply, what it is he's looking for. That surprise shows on his face, too - probably a more familiar look on him to Kabru. Some things may have changed, but he hasn't gotten any better at masking when he's been put off-balance.]

...Oh.

[...Alright. Fine, then. Mithrun lets out a breath, though his body language barely relaxes.]

Fine. It... seems our world may not be entirely beyond help, actually - but you're right. We will have to cooperate.

[Like in the dungeon.

When Mithrun thought Kabru really understood what they had to do, and when Kabru kept trying to do more than he had to - more than Mithrun could properly appreciate, and they both knew it. Will this cooperation mean anything more than that turned out to? He has to wonder.

He reaches for the cake box, ready to stand back up.]

Come on. I have to deliver this and go back to work. You can meet Angeal there, and I'll ask about you staying.

[...At least he's asking Kabru to come with him?]

[ ...don't talk about scolding him wearing nothing, mithrun— this poor man. now that image is going to sit in the back of his head for the foreseeable future, slowly eating away at his subconscious. on top of that, the stockings will probably have their own feature, honestly. anyway— storing that away for a more quiet evening.

for the time being, there are more pressing matters than mithrun's state of dress (or undress, considering).

the elf seems to relax— but he's still not fully sure why laios was mentioned (and so— snappishly? interesting), he's also not even sure why he's being scolded in the first place. still, mithrun seems to have put this aside, and kabru stands too, murmuring a quick here, let me, and gently taking the cake box out of the elf's hands. ]

Hold onto the jacket instead. [ he shifts the cake over to one hand, and tugs the corners of his jacket closer around mithrun, hiding— well. not hiding much. but it's better than seeing him go around in that state.

he frowns at the elf, but nods, seeming reluctant to move too far away from him. there's something about this place too, kabru has noticed— it started to sneak in when he first saw mithrun here. a baseline simmer of wanting for something; of wanting to curl the elf closer. it must be the stress, he decides, but slides a hand against mithrun's shoulder blade anyway, more as an anchor for himself, than as one for mithrun. mechanically, mithrun had gripped his hand in the dungeon— kabru finds himself wanting to return the gesture here.

as they move towards the door, that hand is removed from mithrun's shoulder, and held out towards him, palm up. blue eyes meet black.

there. an offer. ]

Let's go?

[Mithrun goes along with Kabru's request and holds the corners of the jacket together, albeit halfheartedly. He doesn't see what Kabru is so bothered about; it's not like he's that cold. Probably.

He only hesitates for a moment before taking that offered hand with his free one, answering with a faint nod.

Once they're outside, he taps his right thumb against a small, silver ring encircling his index finger. In a shower of what neither man is equipped to recognize as code and pixels, the ring takes a new shape on the sidewalk: A black and white lamb, just old enough to be growing short little horns. It stares expectantly (and maybe a little judgmentally? How does a baby sheep look judgey?) at Mithrun and Kabru, and Mithrun addresses it with a nod.] We need to get to Rosie's Records, and then back to the bakery.

[The sheep bleats in confirmation and starts trotting down the street, and Mithrun follows it - now towing Kabru behind him.] If you request me to feed you at the bakery, we can keep talking there.

[ he's never thought about it before now— mithrun's hand is bony in his own; like a bunch of dry twigs, tied with string. he links their fingers, equally without thinking; his own palm settling against the elf's with a warmth that causes him to glance over. he'd never realised how fine the elf's hands were; how well made. it's the air itself that makes him run a thumb along mithrun's forefinger— but it's not, is it. it's kabru too. it's a reassurance, a quick gesture to account for what happened back in the tavern; the tension, the sudden reintroduction, his confusion, mithrun's lack of confusion. a second— outside of time periods, or simulations, or anything, really, that says, in no uncertain terms: it has been, and will be, the pair of us.

he's taken mithrun's hand before— many times. their hands are well-acquainted.

kabru himself seems to have calmed now, and he follows along, doesn't react when he sees the lamb spring to life, his cat following at his heels. it lopes towards the creature, sniffing at the thing's tail, pulling its head back in shock when the lamb turns to blink at it.

he gives mithrun a tug as the other starts to tow him along, dragging the elf back, so that they're now walking together, kabru's arm tucked behind mithrun's. ] Feed you? Were you planning on telling me what kind of bakery that is? I hope you haven't fallen into the hands of an establishment of ill-repute. [ mithrun.....did you sell out......be honest

kabru seems bemused now, brightening a bit, losing an edge of that tension he'd worn earlier. he's starting to relax, with mithrun nearby, and while he's joking, he stays close, holds a curious affection in the way he slows his pace to accommodate the elf's. he watches the former captain's profile, thumb doing that thing again— like a reminder. ]

We do need to talk. [ people pass them by in casual droves, and kabru notices an odd thing— his cat; a creature that has proven so problematic and feral that he figured he'd need to find a way to get rid of it, is walking brushed up against mithrun's lamb. he huffs a laugh. ] Seriously? They like each other?

[Kabru's hand really is oddly familiar, by now - even with the months since Mithrun last saw him, and even with how little attention Mithrun had really paid to his hands in the time they spent together. Now, he can better notice how much bigger Kabru's hand is than his own, the callouses on his palm from training with a sword.

He lets Kabru pull him back without complaint, and glances up at him sidelong.] The bakery is perfectly fine. We're just holding an event right now, since hand-feeding is one of the kinks of the month. [Normal sentence.]

Mm. We do. [About a lot. About how this place works, and the fate of their world - and about what they each remember before their arrival.

He looks down at their DTFs when Kabru laughs.] You're surprised?

[ it should just be familiar; walking with mithrun like this. it should be a comfort to them both— being far from home, having each other again, like they did in the dungeon. maybe the rest of the adventure before them— if it ever becomes that, and isn't just the disaster of the saga with the demon— stands to be less fraught, because mithrun; dependable and serious as ever, is back with him. and sure, it's that, but walking through unfamiliar streets with mithrun's hand in his feels curiously like the epilogue of a story, rather than the start of one.

the city itself is like nowhere he's ever seen back in their world— an amalgam of architectures, of plant life, of new and old. kabru doesn't pay it too much attention.

he turns, meets mithrun's eyes too, as lamb and his cat slot themselves close too. ] Well, yeah. She hasn't liked anyone so far. And she tries to attack the other animals too. I've actually been having some trouble.

[ what does that say about his soul, huh.........

as for this business about the bakery and these "kinks"— he knows enough about how this place works; rosie had been pretty specific, and of course, the information has all been supplied via his cat. ] Everyone has to participate in that stuff, huh. You're fine with it?

[ it's a stupid question, he supposes. he readjusts their hands, but rethreads his fingers through mithrun's, giving it a companionable squeeze.

he's quiet for a time, as they walk to the bakery— ] I suppose, I don't mind it.

[ with— mithrun? with— some arbitrary girls? in general? it's vague. but, it's the elf's hand that he's holding, after all. what further interpretation could there be? ]

Hmm. [Mithrun shoots Kabru a glance, just barely raising an eyebrow. Yeah, there's nothing he can say to Kabru about his soul cat attacking other DTFs that Kabru couldn't determine himself.

He looks away again.] Lamb is usually friendly enough. It's a judgmental asshole, though.

[He wonders, if he were still capable of faking the "friendly" part himself, if Lamb would be more like Kabru's cat.]

It's more or less unavoidable. Much of the time, it's not all that obtrusive; we'll probably get a couple stamps each for this walk, since we're holding hands and I'm wearing this costume. Anyway, it's fine with me, yeah.

[Of course, Kabru would know to expect that answer, but... there's a bit more to it than that. For a moment, the faintest hint of a smile flickers over Mithrun's lips.] I've... actually started liking some of it.

[Even though he doesn't know what all Kabru has experienced since Mithrun last saw him... Mithrun knows Kabru will know how significant that is.]

[ he huffs a laugh as they turn a corner, following after the lamb— whose name, apparently, is lamb. not exactly surprising considering well, mithrun. he gives the elf another tug, half-leading him along. ] Not so fond of it, hm? We can trade.

[ the cat glances back at both himself and mithrun, and crowds closer to lamb, as if kabru had threatened to separate them. souls, wasn't it— he supposes something fundamental in himself does feel close to mithrun. and lamb appears to be as sweet on the cat as the cat is on it.

i've actually started liking some of it— kabru doesn't answer this, there isn't so much as a shift in expression, either.

it's good. he should agree, and congratulate him.

the walk continues now, after that, with that odd silence hanging over it— there was space for kabru to reply, and he doesn't. he should say something— he knows.

as the bakery comes into sight, kabru adds, as if commenting on the weather: ] Do you think you'll like it— when it's with me?

[ he squints a little at the high tops of the buildings, eyebrow quirked at mithrun, as if he didn't just say the most— arbitrarily bold thing on earth. but also— he knows that this is what is expected of them, this is the nature of this place. dungeons were like that, at times; there were circumstances, and those circumstances had to be dealt with. and, it'll be the pair of them. just like it was then. it's fitting, he supposes. ]

[Whether that brief, faint smile from Mithrun fades only as quickly as it was always going to, or if it guttered out under Kabru's underwhelming response, is impossible to say. Not even Mithrun could be sure - not that his having trouble reading his own feelings is anything new.

His eye stays locked on the animals leading them forward, until Kabru speaks again.

"When", he says.]

That's certainly forward. [He tilts his head slightly. He knows what Kabru wants to hear, but... he can't give him that answer so confidently.] It's... hard to predict. But, I don't see any reason it wouldn't be possible. It tends to take some time with someone, and I at least already know you.

You will. [ he watches the animals too, fingers shifting lightly against mithrun's as he readjusts his grip. it's just a mutter— that statement, but he sounds so oddly sure of himself in this that he doesn't add anything further. it's said mildly; again, his commentary on the weather. a prediction of rain under his breath.

it's strange— to go from having such agency over another body, to finding that they have been separated, brought to a new world, and that a life has begun without him. one that he doesn't even know the finger, more specific details of. it's just— odd. maybe, somewhere deeper, there's a curl of anger at the whole situation; to be left out, to have to play catch up. to lose his home, his rapport with mithrun there, where they were slowly but surely growing closer.

to be swept here, with all of this surrounding him— he feels set adrift. at sea.

he tightens his hold on mithrun's hand, walks that much closer.

he pauses, tugging gently on the elf's hand to stay him. the lamb has stopped, and kabru's cat too. the creature looks up at the pair of them— a mild look passing between it and lamb. ] I think we're here.

[ and look— kabru's been carrying that cake for you so. technically he is now the delivery boy. he looks expectantly at mithrun, brows arched. ] I don't need to come in with you to make the delivery, do I?

[ their— hands are still joined, though. ]

[That gets a faint raise of one brow, as Mithrun glances at Kabru again.]

You sound confident.

[Well. He supposes they'll see. And the chances are probably good; he's noticed he tends to like being peaceful more with people he's invested in in some way, and... there's no doubt he's invested in Kabru. As much grief as that's caused him.

He looks up at the sign for Rosie's.] Ah... right. [He glances over at Kabru, in turn.] ...You don't, but you'll have to give me the cake back. And my hand.

[ he doesn't return the cake, or mithrun's hand yet, instead meets the elf's eye, watching him closely. there's a beat, and then another, and kabru says, voice still quiet: ] Not confident. Certain.

[ it's not about confidence, maybe. it's the aftermath of their strange acquaintance that makes him sure, that if they were back in that golden city, it would have happened in the coming months. that golden city held all kinds of equally golden futures— he resolves that it's better to not think too deeply on what is lost. utaya's scar now has another beside it, this one fresh and open. but— there is a stitch across it. he holds onto that hand for one more moment, and then nods, allowing mithrun to go. ] Sorry.

[ things feel amorphous and vague, here— even mithrun feels somewhat different. kabru has the sense that he's lost time, that the months of separation have further separated them. he's all smiles as he hands the cake over, but seems downcast— he has a canine way of revealing how he feels; bad at faking it around mithrun, his demeanour seems to wilt. if he had ears, they'd droop.

when mithrun returns from the delivery, he'll find kabru sitting on the bench outside, a little blank-faced, hands clasped in his lap. this man is so wrapped up in his thinky thoughts that he hasn't noticed his cat— purring, and grooming the lamb's pelt. why are those two so... stupid about each other—? the cat has shown only an inordinate hatred for anything and anyone (even kabru at times; it bit him), but this little sheep seems to bring out its gentlest side.

he brightens when he sees mithrun, standing to greet him (he's been sitting on the designated 'bored husbands' bench......giving dad at the mall energy). ] All done?

[Hmm. Kabru is still being weird and sad, and... well, Mithrun can partially guess why. This wouldn't be the first world-altering cataclysm Kabru has survived; no wonder it would weigh on him.

That his mood might have anything to do with Mithrun himself doesn't quite occur to him. Kabru asking to live with him was a surprise, yes - but Mithrun isn't quite at a point of thinking to investigate that beyond thinking it doesn't quite make sense... and probably has to do with those pesky timeline discrepancies

He can figure out more when they get to talking properly, anyway.

For now, he delivers that cake - which is pretty quick, now that he's actually at the right storefront, just a matter of confirming to the staff at Rosie's that he has the cake and they can tell Angeal he didn't wander into the ocean or die or anything - and returns outside to Kabru. ...And to their DTFs. He gives Lamb a look. Traitor.]

Yeah. The bakery is... [He trails off and looks at Lamb, who just... tilts its head pointedly to a building right across the street.

Mithrun turns around.] ...Oh. It's there.

[ ...seriously mithrun—? kabru follows the elf's line of sight all the way across the road to— yeah. the bakery. incredible feat of directional awareness. it's on lamb, though, and his cat, weirdly cryptic thing that it is, seems to be looking up at kabru smugly. just because it's made a new friend that it's obsessed with, doesn't give it license to be rude, surely.

the cat doesn't listen to kabru, though, and the odd pair strike off across the street in the direction of the bakery, not paying too much attention to their masters.

instead, kabru turns back to mithrun, reaching to tug that jacket more securely around the other's shoulders. ] It's a pity that you have to work at all today. I'd rather take the time to— you know. We need to talk.

[ yes, mithrun said they can talk at the bakery— but does kabru have any interest in a performative stunt in front of a store full of people, while eating baked goods; none of which he has much of a taste for? no. obviously not. pastries and cakes are the sugared nonsense of elvish tables, and he'd never liked them— something about that recurring thing here again now; after another tragedy. as a child he'd come to associate them with the first days of his new home; milsiril was always staring at him as he swallowed obediently.

there's no move from kabru to go towards the place, and no move to retake mithrun's hand. he looks— out of place. like someone has dropped him there, to stand against the outline of this curiously cheerful city street. ]

[At this point, Kabru, can you truly be surprised that he can't find a building across the street without the help of a sheep-shaped externalized piece of his soul?

Mithrun stares, almost curiously, at Kabru, looking so lost here in the street. He can't know the extent, of course, of what Kabru is thinking - but even if he could, assuring him that, say, the bakery has things other than sweets probably wouldn't do much to help the core issue.

What he is getting is that maybe talking at the bakery isn't the best course of action after all. Mithrun tilts his head, humming quietly.]

...How about this. The library is nearby, and has some soundproofed rooms. I'll ask Angeal to take my break now, and we can go talk there.

[ there's a skeptical look for mithrun, and he watches the former captain's face for a serious moment. ] Since when have you ever asked for permission to do something, captain? I think there's quite a lot that you need to fill me in on.

[ there's a flicker of kabru's eyes over the other's outfit again, and while he'd joked about it earlier, he now wonders what sort of change this world has brought about in the elf. to see him brought down to wearing the trappings of a cabaret girl, going door to door with deliveries— kabru has a certain amount of scorn for whoever runs this establishment. he keeps it to himself, though, and now reaches out again, offering his hand to mithrun. it's not needed— they're close to the place already; it's less out of need, than out of breaching what seems like an un-breachable chasm between them. ]

Come here.

[ no question mark there— his voice doesn't rise with it.

his fingers flex, inviting mithrun closer again. ] Let's just leave.

[ consider: your man here might be a little higher on the manipulate, mansplain, manwhore scale than he likes to appear. but— he's going to try his luck regardless.

this, too: let's just leave holds a stranger note— leave the town? leave the simulation? kabru can't do either, but there's an echo of contra mundum about that tone he's using. ]

[Mithrun waves off that look, unconcerned.] It's not like he'll say no. [If anything, he suspects Angeal finds it a relief when Mithrun does ask for his break, instead of just working continuously until he's physically removed to the break room.

He stares at that offered hand, and looks up to Kabru again without taking it.] I'll be right back, Kabru.

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