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[truthliesinspace]

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ALSO FOR SUISUI I DON'T WANNA MAKE ANOTHER POST

AND NOW HECK GAME I'M SORRY I'M LIKE THIS]

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<pyro> September 12th

[toaflame]

[A lot...has happened since Adrian has spoken to Kaito last. He's not particularly in a good mood even after having talked out some of his more pressing issues with people, but said talks have kindof put into perspective how shitty he's been to people, consistently.

And he did make a promise, so.]

are you busy

<Luminary>

[truthliesinspace]

Hey man! I'm thE LUMINARY OF THE STARS, I've always got a busy schedule!

But yeah I've got some time, what's up?

<pyro>

[toaflame]

[Normally, Adrian might have been like "oh you're busy cool never mind" and just went with that, but...he's not really feeling all that normal right now.]

are you hungry or what

<Luminary>

[truthliesinspace]

[He will always make time for his sidekicks!!]

Hell yea dude I could use a bite!



You mean like real food tho right? Still human over here! No cannibalism hahaha.

<pyro>

[toaflame]

[Funny how he says "real" food in a place like this, but Adrian gets it.]

yea
just meet me at this address in a half hour

[And he sends it shortly after, a place somewhere in downtown Bavan it looks like.]

Re: <pyro>

[truthliesinspace]

cool, see you in a bit!

[He does not question this whatsoever. He also just, has no problem hanging out with other monsters even if he's still human. Monsters are friend shaped.

He shows up to the spot as directed, a few minutes early, even. Astronauts have to be timely! He's waving as eagerly as ever.]

Yo, man! Over here!

[toaflame]

[Adrian had arrived early as well, fortunately earlier than even Kaito so he could keep an eye out for him. Kaito may not care too much about meeting monsters, but like...it's a weird time on the peninsula right now. The very air feels wrong, and with how Kaito can be Adrian can't help but be surprised a different monster hasn't tried to make a meal of him yet, especially being still human as he is.

It's past sundown as well since Adrian can't be out in the day without turning into a hunk of Jasper, which means even more opportunity for possible trouble. Fortunately though, he's got eyes on every block where he's chosen to perch, and there are still people as well as other monsters out this evening. It should be fine.

Adrian walks up to where Kaito is and walks past without stopping, gesturing with a jerk of his head for him to follow. He may have to walk a bit at his side to avoid those wings, or his massive sweeping tail.]

C'mon. It's down a couple alleys this way.

[truthliesinspace]

[Kaito's worst enemy so far is himself, to be honest. He's got way too much confidence than any one person should have, and it's made him interact with and chat up monsters that would have otherwise made him into a space kabob. He's one lucky fucker, but for now, he fully intends to keep coasting on those good graces he's built up.

He gets just a bit startled when Adrian stomps on by him without returning the wave, but he's quick to follow after him, lightly skipping over the other's tail as he catches up to his side. He still thinks being a dragon is just one of the coolest fucking things ever though, so he makes no effort to distance himself.]

Some sort of tucked away place? Hey, those tiny mom and pop places are always the best. But what brought his on all of sudden?

[toaflame]

[Adrian shrugs, claws jammed into his pockets as they walk, slightly hunched over.]

Jus' felt like it.

[It's not totally a lie, but not entirely the truth either...but for now that's all Kaito is getting until they come up on Adrian's restaurant of choice. It's a little ramen place he recalls seeing someone mention being a thing on the network a long time ago, not remembering who it was, just knowing that he'd wanted to try it at some point. Turns out it's really good, and since it's kindof out of the way it's become a place he frequents pretty often. He'd never even had ramen before coming to Ryslig, so...who would have known he'd like it so much.

And since Kaito is like...from the place that has this kind of food mostly, he figures he'd get it. Maybe.

Regardless, Adrian is so big now he just has to use his head to push aside the curtained off door, letting Kaito walk in ahead of him.]

[truthliesinspace]

[Kaito quirks an eyebrow at that, but he doesn't mind it, really. He just opts to subject Adrian to a myriad of random space facts as they walk (who brought up space?? Kaito did), filling any possible uncomfortable silence.

Hitting the restaurant, Kaito's immediately distracted and Adrian is spared from any further star trivia. He ducks in quickly, mostly just a little excited to see something familiar. Maya's place is great, but still not really all that familiar. Of course it's not a one to one, but the aesthetic is close enough, and the smell of ramen has him hype. He doesn't even notice whether or not any of the other patrons raise their own eyebrows at the big ol' dragon following after him.]

--woah!! This feels and smells almost like the real thing, who would have thought there would be a joint like this tucked away. Shoot man, I bet we're in for a real treat, you've got some good taste!

[toaflame]

[Adrian knows little about what these places are like, so it could be authentic or it could be a cheap imitation for all he knows. But the food is good, and it's served hot and fresh, and it...reminds him of the better parts of home, in a weird way. It seems that Adrian is at least recognized as a frequent customer (or, well, frequent enough that him suddenly being a Gargoyle isn't a problem), because the employees look as they enter but don't look particularly alarmed by their presence. If anything, monsters are great for business since they typically eat a lot, moreso if you're the size Adrian is.

Adrian moves to sit at the bar on the far end, mostly to ensure that nobody will sit beside him other than Kaito. It's probably for the best too, since his wings are bulky and liable to knock somebody down otherwise. He curls his tail around the barstool to try to make himself a bit smaller as he folds his arms across the countertop as menus are placed down in front of both of them.]

It ain't too busy this time'a night usually, so...I like comin' here.

[truthliesinspace]

[Sweet. Kaito eagerly takes a seat next to him--or, one seat over at least, given Adrian's size, but it's close enough! He really wishes phones were things right now, he'd be taking sooo many pictures. And the shop owners are in luck; he may not have a monster's appetite, but Kaito's a six foot 18 year old jock, so he'll definitely still be worth their while.

He looks over the menu, grinning like an idiot, just pleased as punch.]

Yeah? Seems like a pretty laid back place, so it's perfect for ya. Since you're so familiar, pick for me! Your judgment is my judgment, and that ain't steered me wrong so far.

[toaflame]

[Hopefully Kaito is okay with something very savory, then. Adrian isn't overly fond of sweet tastes, which is why he orders two of what he usually comes here for: tonkotsu, but the spicier version of what they offer here. With that taken care of, Adrian...just sits there, silent, sort of looking off over the bar with his gaze not really drifting anywhere in particular.

Now that they're under the lights inside, Kaito will see that Adrian actually looks...kindof rough. Both in the "hasn't slept in days" department, but also literally like he's been in a fight. He has some missing scales in a few places, and some healing-over scratches from the claws of something. Most notably though is a huge gash over his left eye, one that doesn't appear to be healing well at all.]

[truthliesinspace]

[Kaito's busy taking in the interior design, still utterly captivated. It's when he finally turns back to Adrian, about to run his mouth again about some trivial bullshit, that he finally takes notice of the dragon's state. Adrian always looks a bit gruff to him, but this a whole other level. The wounds are especially alarming, and Kaito has to wonder what could fuck up a dragon that badly.]

--so hey, you good? Always glad to hang, but you're lookin', uh, like you got in a fight with a potato peeler and lost, man.

[Ever blunt this guy, but his voice rings of genuine concern. He almost wonders if something happened in the outlands last month, but the last time he saw Adrian in the city he looked totally fine as far as he could see, so he figures this must be recent. ]

[toaflame]

No.

[Well, at least he's being honest.

Adrian glances over at Kaito briefly out of the corner of his eye before looking away again, exhaling a slow stream of smoke from his nostrils.]

Got into it with another monster, but s'fine. Don't worry 'bout it.

[It isn't the first time, and sure as hell won't be the last.]

[truthliesinspace]

Hey man, can't worry about something that's already happened. You're your own man--and a dragon, to boot! You can fight your own battles, and that's your business.

[For a brief moment, it sounds like Kaito will mind his own business for once. . .but nah. After a waiter brings out glasses of water for them, Kaito lifts it, and taps the cool glass against Adrian's shoulder.]

But that said, you can still talk about. If you've got a weight on your shoulders, it'll gradually wear you down if you keep it there for too long. Talking helps lighten the load, y'know?

[toaflame]

[Boy, it's like Kaito and Maya are the same person in this instance. Trying to encourage him to confront his feelings, as if Adrian hasn't been running headlong away from them for weeks. It's hard to keep doing that though when the consequences of his actions have started to really pile up, to the point where he can't possibly ignore them anymore. To the point where he actually is starting to push people away, and only when it's too late does he realize he didn't want that to happen, actually.

So instead of brushing Kaito off or expressing his usual frustration at being in his space, he just...exhales and drops his head onto the counter on his folded arms, his long neck curved over to accomodate the position.]

I don't care about that. Fucker can rot for all I care.

[He tilts his head a little, his jaws slightly open as he sighs again.]

Did you end up in the Wastelands? I don't think I ever saw you.

[Before he lost his mind, that is.]

[truthliesinspace]

[Honestly a good move for Adrian, because now that he's gotten a whiff of it, Kaito would still pester him regardless. And despite his official title being Ultimate Astronaut, he's better suited as Ultimate Bro. Once Kaito's actually aware of someone else having a problem? They've got his undivided attention and support.

He props his chin on his hand as he leans on the counter to listen, sipping at the water--there's only a slight sputter when Adrian mentions the wastelands. Man, who DIDN'T have a bad time out there?]

Yeah, I was out there for a bit, but found my way back somehow. [Via dying, but this is Adrian's time now, no one needs to know that!!] I mostly just stuck by a couple others. Something happen out there? You didn't look that roughed up when I saw you last--but gonna take a wild guess it's cuz of whoever the "fucker" is.

[toaflame]

...nah. They ain't related at all to what happened out there.

[Adrian, for a blessing, didn't see Alucard in the wastelands. If he had, he has no doubt he would have tried to kill him on sight during his frenzy, and probably would have gotten killed instead for his efforts. It's a miracle still he didn't die when he attacked Mukuro, but at least she had her senses about her not to strike to kill. That's the only reason he didn't die out there.

But he's not searching for Kaito's pity. Far from it.]

I lost my mind out there. Thought I'd be able to handle it, since I can feel the hunger comin', but...fat lotta good that did.

[He grumbles, the skin along his snout wrinkling as he grimaces.]

...I ate my roommate, n' dunno how many other monsters. He don't want nothin' to do with me anymore.

[truthliesinspace]

. . .huh! That's a pretty loaded statement to make right before dinner. [No matter what, he seems to always be looped back around to the subject of murder. Such is life, but especially so in Ryslig, he's discovering. He let's out a light huff.]

That'd certainly. . .mess some folks up for sure, on both your ends, so it's no wonder they might be a little spooked. But--you said you lost your mind? I've heard of others blanking out like that. I'm not gonna softball ya and say it's not your fault, but I ain't gonna say it's all your fault either. This place screws with people's heads really bad, right?

[Even though his luck has carried him this far, he has had a few minor brushes with crazed monsters. Fortunately for Kaito, they regained their sensibilities right before they could maul him. So from Kaito's perspective? Hunger be damned, he's positive no monster wants to enter a frenzied state, ever.]

So. . .I doubt they're cutting you off forever. Like, are you guys staying together now, or. . .?

[toaflame]

[Adrian maybe would apologize, if Kaito hadn't basically volunteered himself to be a sounding board. He would have happily not talked about it, of course...but, well. Here they are.

Kaito is right, of course. It both is and isn't Adrian's fault, what happened. Obviously he didn't intend to frenzy, but he also did hurt people, and he can't take that back. The best he could potentially do is try to make amends, but that doesn't mean the people he hurt are under any obligation to forgive him.

Which, at this point, he feels is a totally lost cause.]

You kiddin'? He moved in with somebody else by the time I finally got back. Was kind 'nough to leave me a note an' everything.

[truthliesinspace]

Damn, cold. But they probably just needed a little space, y'know? Think how messed up you'd be if they had just disappeared without saying squat--you might've thought you kill 'em for good. If the guy was that pissed at you, that would have been the way to go.

[It's cruel, but effective. Kaito's not even sure if the newer monsters can stay dead, given what he saw in the wastelands, but killing someone permanently is the biggest taboo for him. It's why he puts so much emphasis on respecting the dead humans they've attacked. He quickly perks up though, finding a silver lining.]

But hey, from the sounds of it, you really miss the guy! No offense, but a big bad dude like yourself? Bet you don't soften up for people all the time, eh? [He nudges at him with an elbow, playfully. Kaito, of course, feels that he is the exception, but he feels he's the exception to Every Rule, so no surprise there.] That feeling means you've made a connection or some kinda bond, and those are pretty special.

So! If you're feeling guilty, you gotta confront it. How is all on you, 'course. My granpop always said, a man shouldn't apologize so easily. If you do, it's gotta be genuine, thorough! It's gotta be something YOU want, not just something you feel obligated to do. Might fix things, might not, hell, might make it worse. But confronting your enemy is the first step.

[The enemy here being metaphorical, of course, but Kaito doesn't bother, to explain that. Instead, he immediately follows it up--]

--Oh yeah, tell me what this guy is like! Must've been a good dude to get you moping like this.

[toaflame]

[The way Kaito can just...talk about this shit so effortlessly simultaneously makes Adrian jealous while also making him want to tear his own face off. It really just puts into perspective how Adrian does wish he were the kind of person who could do that...even if typically he's confident in who he is and isn't ashamed of it. He still knows he's more than a little rough around the edges, and a little healthy pessimism is, in fact, not always a bad thing.

And of course Kaito is hitting on all of those (very accurate) soft parts of Adrian's issues that he's been having trouble facing, and it's enough to make him bury his snout against his sleeves for a moment, exhaling on a long, drawn out groan.

Like...Kaito is right, but it's not like Adrian is going to say that. At least...maybe not now.

Adrian very much wants to just brood forever and never respond, but their food comes right at that time, forcing Adrian to sit up reluctantly. He looks down into his own bowl for a moment, catching his reflection in the broth before he says anything.]

He's...real fuckin' annoyin'.

[...]

Not that that's a deal-breaker for me these days.

[truthliesinspace]

Hah! Guess those types have a way of growing on ya, eh? Not that I'd know.

[Surely he's not included in that category, no way. Adrian's struggles aren't lost on him though, as Kaito notices how he seems to curl in more himself, physically and metaphorically. The long body really suits him right now. Thankfully, Adrian is spared from more commentary for just a few moments when the ramen is presented to them.]

--thanks for the meal! [He thanks the waiter as they're walking back to the kitchen, turning his attention to his own bowl, and letting the steam engulf his face. If, or when, he gets turned into something, he sure hopes he's able to continue to enjoy meals like this. It'd just be a damn shame if not! He takes a big spoonful of the broth first, savoring the flavor.]

Now that's the good shit! Man, didn't know how much I'd miss this. Maybe you should invite your friend here--who needs to talk when there's food this good between you?

[toaflame]

[Oh Kaito, if you only knew.

Adrian honestly isn't all that hungry. At least, not for what the monster in him really wants. And this restaurant is a human-friendly establishment as much as it is a monster-friendly one, so he won't be taking care of that here. Still, eating is better than just sitting there trying to pretend he has nothing to talk about...so he'll eventually pull his bowl towards himself while Kaito talks. Hopefully he can handle the spice, because Adrian didn't skimp on that end of the spectrum.]

Maybe, but...I doubt he'd have much of an appetite even if he agreed to meet me anywhere.