[ Sakichi's tone is incredulous, but let's be real he's usually the one harassing Baren nowadays.
His mind races. If Baren is acting, he's doing a good job of it. There's nothing in his manner that suggests duplicity. So if Baren remembers his sister and Sakichi meeting, could it have really happened? If not in Sakichi's memory, then maybe Baren's. If not in this life, then maybe another... ]
When did she and I meet?
[ The question isn't skeptical; if anything, it's demanding. ]
[ - though now that he thinks about it, some parts are missing, aren't they? But he remembers telling Gen... Baren tilts his head at that before nudging Sakichi.]
Oi, did you forget her? You're really going to hurt her feelings, you know?
It's not like she's delicate or anything, but that's really fucking rude of you.
[ They arrive at the nearby foodplace! Turns out it's Catmosphere Cafe. The closest cat to the door perks up and looks at Baren with an expectant :3. ]
but sure, they're going to a cat cafe now. Baren's hungry and even as he reaches out to idly pet the cat - ] Sakicchan, you're paying! That's your penalty for forgetting.
[But he makes a face even as he sits down - ]
Did you hit your head...? I'll tell you because it's something you really ought to know, sure, but what happened to you?
[ this is my first time i think you just got hella people npcing cats for you
The cat is happily petted. It follows Baren in as he goes, and Sakichi follows the cat to his seat. Along the way, he notices the giant kanji on the back of Baren's haori -- the same as on the sign at Baren's shrine. Something sent from Retrospec, he can only assume...
He sits with a disgruntled look to meet Baren's. Being made to pay is exceedingly rude, but this is Baren so Sakichi is already used to it. ]
You're the first anomaly I've encountered today. [ Relatively speaking. ] I can't say your name. I can think it, but my mouth won't speak it.
but Baren will just tilt his head at that - and then here's where he starts to answer some of the missing pieces:] Oh, that. Yeah, some swamp witch stole my name and presumably the memories that I'm missing? I'm Stratus, or something stupid like that. I'll get all my stuff back once I complete the task she gave me.
That doesn't explain why you don't remember Okuni.
Then if one of us is having memory issues, it's clearly you!!
[ Some of the other cafe patrons look at him strangely for his outburst, so he covers his mouth briefly before lowering his voice to an acceptable volume... Ahem. ]
I suspect you're mixing up our current and other lives. Whatever the case, it should become clear once we get your memories back. What was the task she gave you?
Well, I figure you're easiest since we're already halfway there? [A tilt of his head.] Everyone else in this city.... I sorta found Okuni, but I guess she doesn't count since we're already twins. And I haven't been able to reach Gen, so...
[Sakichi it is.]
I don't really want to get to know anybody else if I don't have to.
... Now I understand why you were given this task.
[ Still, it's coming to bear that the Baren in front of him is a product of their other lives. Sakichi never thought he would hear that he was one of Baren's preferred contacts. It must mean they were on better terms than first thought... ]
You already know quite a few people in the city. Have you spoken to Chuuya?
Why does that name keep coming up? Who are they? There was this thing in my pocket that kept sending me annoying messages from someone named Chuuya but it needed some code from me to get in that I didn't know, so I couldn't do anything about it anyway.
Is it a debt collector? Spurned lover? Perverted stalker?
[ Sakichi may be stoic, but he's still a modern man. The thought of casually throwing away a phone doesn't exist, because it's unthinkable. They might have to fish for that phone after this? ]
You heard me. He's very fond of you. I imagine he's worried. How long ago did you see the swamp witch?
[ Another cat starts rubbing against Baren's leg and purring... ]
[can't believe you made them to go to a cat cafe just so that baren can be swarmed with cats. he doesn't even flinch. this is his life now. there are cats around him.
he continues his conversation.
without acknowledging that he tossed the metal brick because yes that's what he said]
A day or two ago—why would he be worried? Am I involved with some kind of flimsy clingy idiot, Sakicchan? How could you let me do that, huh?
[ The cat makes it all the way up to Baren's shoulder and curls itself there like some kind of parrotkin. Another cat starts playing with the end of Baren's haori. ]
If so, I assume you've taken care of it already.
[ Not Sakichi's business. He looks back up at Baren. ]
Is the idea of you liking someone enough to make a commitment so absurd?
[WOULD YOU LOOK AT ALL THESE CATS because Baren is not. He brings a hand up to vaguely steady the cat so that it doesn't fall from his shoulder? That's about it though.
But that's an interesting question, where Baren raises a brow - ]
Of course it is. I'm a shield. I know my mission. Personal commitments like that aren't in the cards, not until Okuni and I decide on which of us needs to deal with having an heir for the family but...
[He waves a hand. That's not on their radar just yet. They're too busy.]
[ A much more detailed answer than the last time Sakichi asked a similar question. Commitment to a cause rather than a person. He can understand that.
It's striking how much more easily he can get along with a Baren who doesn't attempt to surround himself with a maze of deflections. This is more like the Baren whom Chuuya knows, Sakichi can only assume. Or perhaps this is a Baren neither Sakichi nor Chuuya truly knows, born of a foreign time.
Does it ultimately matter? No, not really. Not to Sakichi. He only cares that Baren has been honest with him, and he nods, accepting the answer. ]
Have you decided on your food?
[ A few more cats pad over and wedge themselves under Baren's chair. ]
Sandwiches will do, I guess. And tea! I'm not really familiar with this marketplace but...
[He's not familiar with most things in this city? But he knows that Sakichi is also too honest to lead him astray, so this is probably a trustworthy establishment.
If Baren still had his modern set of memories, he'd be shocked at himself. The amount of blind trust being put into this person... but everything that Baren knows and remembers at the moment tells him that Sakichi is easily manipulated and led around, and not very good at doing the same in return.
[ It's a question, but he doesn't very much expect an answer. It's best to keep one's expectations low with Baren, even if he is being unusually forthright today.
A waitress stops by their table, and Sakichi orders a pot of tea and sandwiches before returning his attention to the man across the table. The other patrons are also starting to stare at Baren, slightly resentful of him hogging all the cats. Sakichi still isn't sure how he should be handling this overfamiliar Baren. It will be best to lay out the terrain, he thinks.
His mouth stops on Baren's name again, then on Kaiyou, but stubbornly he bulls on through to the next best thing. ]
-- Kumou. [ That's the name of Baren's shrine, as well as what's written on his haori. It's as good a name as any. ] What am I to you?
[That's an easy answer, because it's the one that he gave Gen. Baren is generally bad at describing his relationships with people in their sincerely fond terms.
The nice thing is that he doesn't need to admit to fondness in order to elaborate on agreements, on contracts, and that's why he rests his chin in his hand. It occurs to him for a second to see if he can test the band of Sakichi's loyalty, if he could make up additional facets to their relationship and see if the other man will remember it at any point. If he didn't, wouldn't that be convenient?
... but he doesn't, instead shrugging on shoulder.]
And someone to work with and trust, in exchange for information. Not necessarily a partner... but you are something worthwhile, at least so far.
[ Trustworthy and worthwhile. Strong words from Baren. Sakichi doesn't expect their relationship now to match whatever it was in their other lives, but the possibility that it might have been a genuinely fruitful one catches him off guard.
(A freeloader, though?)
Since Baren has been so informative, Sakichi may as well return the favor. ]
From my perspective, you're a needlessly evasive nuisance with hazy intentions. It's exhausting talking to you.
[ He says it with no change in expression, matter-of-factly. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ Sakichi's tone is incredulous, but let's be real he's usually the one harassing Baren nowadays.
His mind races. If Baren is acting, he's doing a good job of it. There's nothing in his manner that suggests duplicity. So if Baren remembers his sister and Sakichi meeting, could it have really happened? If not in Sakichi's memory, then maybe Baren's. If not in this life, then maybe another... ]
When did she and I meet?
[ The question isn't skeptical; if anything, it's demanding. ]
no subject
[ - though now that he thinks about it, some parts are missing, aren't they? But he remembers telling Gen... Baren tilts his head at that before nudging Sakichi.]
Oi, did you forget her? You're really going to hurt her feelings, you know?
It's not like she's delicate or anything, but that's really fucking rude of you.
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I can't help what I can't remember.
[ They arrive at the nearby foodplace! Turns out it's Catmosphere Cafe. The closest cat to the door perks up and looks at Baren with an expectant :3. ]
Tell me about her. It might jog my memory.
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but sure, they're going to a cat cafe now. Baren's hungry and even as he reaches out to idly pet the cat - ] Sakicchan, you're paying! That's your penalty for forgetting.
[But he makes a face even as he sits down - ]
Did you hit your head...? I'll tell you because it's something you really ought to know, sure, but what happened to you?
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The cat is happily petted. It follows Baren in as he goes, and Sakichi follows the cat to his seat. Along the way, he notices the giant kanji on the back of Baren's haori -- the same as on the sign at Baren's shrine. Something sent from Retrospec, he can only assume...
He sits with a disgruntled look to meet Baren's. Being made to pay is exceedingly rude, but this is Baren so Sakichi is already used to it. ]
You're the first anomaly I've encountered today. [ Relatively speaking. ] I can't say your name. I can think it, but my mouth won't speak it.
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but Baren will just tilt his head at that - and then here's where he starts to answer some of the missing pieces:] Oh, that. Yeah, some swamp witch stole my name and presumably the memories that I'm missing? I'm Stratus, or something stupid like that. I'll get all my stuff back once I complete the task she gave me.
That doesn't explain why you don't remember Okuni.
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Then if one of us is having memory issues, it's clearly you!!
[ Some of the other cafe patrons look at him strangely for his outburst, so he covers his mouth briefly before lowering his voice to an acceptable volume... Ahem. ]
I suspect you're mixing up our current and other lives. Whatever the case, it should become clear once we get your memories back. What was the task she gave you?
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[Baren tilts his head - clearly confused. How can he have another life besides the one he's thinking of?]
Mm... Something about making a connection with another human being.
[A pause. An evaluating glance. And then a grin.]
I guess you'll do.
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Is that all?
[ He was expecting something more overtly swamp witchy. Like gathering a squirrel horn or bat scale? ]
Very well. Let's make a connection.
[ ... However one does that. ]
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[Sakichi it is.]
I don't really want to get to know anybody else if I don't have to.
[he's still pretty awful]
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[ Still, it's coming to bear that the Baren in front of him is a product of their other lives. Sakichi never thought he would hear that he was one of Baren's preferred contacts. It must mean they were on better terms than first thought... ]
You already know quite a few people in the city. Have you spoken to Chuuya?
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Why does that name keep coming up? Who are they? There was this thing in my pocket that kept sending me annoying messages from someone named Chuuya but it needed some code from me to get in that I didn't know, so I couldn't do anything about it anyway.
Is it a debt collector? Spurned lover? Perverted stalker?
[definitely the last one]
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Chuuya is your significant other. [ More or less? ] That device is your cell phone. Do you have it with you?
[ Hearing Baren's snap, a waitress drops off some menus for them. Also, a cat jumps onto Baren's lap. ]
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[Baren accepts the cat. He pets it.
He picks up the menu, but he's still making eye contact with Sakichi.]
No, I tossed it, because it was annoying.
Say that again, Chuuya's my what? I must've misheard you.
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[ Sakichi may be stoic, but he's still a modern man. The thought of casually throwing away a phone doesn't exist, because it's unthinkable. They might have to fish for that phone after this? ]
You heard me. He's very fond of you. I imagine he's worried. How long ago did you see the swamp witch?
[ Another cat starts rubbing against Baren's leg and purring... ]
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he continues his conversation.
without acknowledging that he tossed the metal brick because yes that's what he said]
A day or two ago—why would he be worried? Am I involved with some kind of flimsy clingy idiot, Sakicchan? How could you let me do that, huh?
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Sakichi glances at the menu. ]
I'm not your mother, and I'm not interested in meddling with the romantic affairs of others. Am I supposed to curate your love life?
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he doesn't even flinch]
Not at all, but you know more about this weird backwards world than I do. How can I be dating someone? That's ridiculous.
Is Okuni seeing someone? Do we need to put scorpions in their shoes?
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If so, I assume you've taken care of it already.
[ Not Sakichi's business. He looks back up at Baren. ]
Is the idea of you liking someone enough to make a commitment so absurd?
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But that's an interesting question, where Baren raises a brow - ]
Of course it is. I'm a shield. I know my mission. Personal commitments like that aren't in the cards, not until Okuni and I decide on which of us needs to deal with having an heir for the family but...
[He waves a hand. That's not on their radar just yet. They're too busy.]
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It's striking how much more easily he can get along with a Baren who doesn't attempt to surround himself with a maze of deflections. This is more like the Baren whom Chuuya knows, Sakichi can only assume. Or perhaps this is a Baren neither Sakichi nor Chuuya truly knows, born of a foreign time.
Does it ultimately matter? No, not really. Not to Sakichi. He only cares that Baren has been honest with him, and he nods, accepting the answer. ]
Have you decided on your food?
[ A few more cats pad over and wedge themselves under Baren's chair. ]
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[He's not familiar with most things in this city? But he knows that Sakichi is also too honest to lead him astray, so this is probably a trustworthy establishment.
If Baren still had his modern set of memories, he'd be shocked at himself. The amount of blind trust being put into this person... but everything that Baren knows and remembers at the moment tells him that Sakichi is easily manipulated and led around, and not very good at doing the same in return.
So.]
At least you're not acting that differently.
pbbbbbbbbbbt
[ It's a question, but he doesn't very much expect an answer. It's best to keep one's expectations low with Baren, even if he is being unusually forthright today.
A waitress stops by their table, and Sakichi orders a pot of tea and sandwiches before returning his attention to the man across the table. The other patrons are also starting to stare at Baren, slightly resentful of him hogging all the cats. Sakichi still isn't sure how he should be handling this overfamiliar Baren. It will be best to lay out the terrain, he thinks.
His mouth stops on Baren's name again, then on Kaiyou, but stubbornly he bulls on through to the next best thing. ]
-- Kumou. [ That's the name of Baren's shrine, as well as what's written on his haori. It's as good a name as any. ] What am I to you?
i still love u. and now i'm late too lmao
[That's an easy answer, because it's the one that he gave Gen. Baren is generally bad at describing his relationships with people in their sincerely fond terms.
The nice thing is that he doesn't need to admit to fondness in order to elaborate on agreements, on contracts, and that's why he rests his chin in his hand. It occurs to him for a second to see if he can test the band of Sakichi's loyalty, if he could make up additional facets to their relationship and see if the other man will remember it at any point. If he didn't, wouldn't that be convenient?
... but he doesn't, instead shrugging on shoulder.]
And someone to work with and trust, in exchange for information. Not necessarily a partner... but you are something worthwhile, at least so far.
yay for matching
(A freeloader, though?)
Since Baren has been so informative, Sakichi may as well return the favor. ]
From my perspective, you're a needlessly evasive nuisance with hazy intentions. It's exhausting talking to you.
[ He says it with no change in expression, matter-of-factly. ]