Miss. Felt I ought to reach out, a man of my acquaintance mentioned you're something of a medic? I'm one of the folks here that's got doctoring experience, reckon it couldn't hurt us to be on the same page.
If you ain't from a world like this, and need anything to come up to speed with the medical facilities in this place, I've got something of a guide.
If you've already got the lay of the land, then — welcome, glad to have another hand on deck.
（ said guide is absolutely not a thing i'm going to write out for real, pls imagine it's helpful and detailed and gives all sorts of nifty info about Modern Medical Science and all the cool devices of the future/et al. ）
Yes, that's correct. I'm a doctor and a pharmacologist, though I'm afraid I'm quite behind in terms of the technology and newer practices offered in this world. Regardless, I hope to be able to help in any way I can. Thank you very much for this guide; I'm a quick study, but having a place to start is always welcome.
Please let me know if there's anything I can assist you with, and I look forward to working with you.
Ain't no nevermind — I ain't from a technologically advanced place myself. I think it's equally valuable to have folks with different experiences and from different times to keep any one person from getting too bull-headed about certain tacks to take here. And given how fickle technology can be here, I think it's best we refrain from relying on it too much, which gives plenty of credence to the older methods.
I could use a hand with the hospital on the south side of town, if you're of a mind to get your hands dirty.
That is true. We are a diverse group from different backgrounds and walks of life; finding ways to complement and support each other is important for us to grow as a community. ... Even if we may be prone to disagreements from time to time.
Now that I'm able to come and go freely, I was planning on familiarizing myself with the hospital first, so I'd be happy to lend a hand.
I'd say you've mostly missed the worst of them. The disagreements, I mean. There's a common thread among the Displaced that we're all bullheaded and tend to think we know best based on our own experiences. （ he ain't about to exclude himself from that narrative, neither. gene knows he's stubborn as all get-out. that and pride are the worst of his sins. ） Well-meaning folks, though.
By all means. If you felt like stopping in, I'll show you the ropes.
From what I've gathered, it comes from someone named Nirvana. They're apparently quite well-known, as is this "exclusive" event, so I didn't ask too many questions.
[ Doing so might have exposed his unfamiliarity with this world and its citizens. ]
I don't know what this ball will be like, but would you like to come along?
It's been quite some time since I've been to a ball, but I wouldn't mind being your date for the night. I'll dress suitably so as not to tarnish your rise in popularity.
[ Unheard, Kisame lets out a little laugh that falls somewhere between nervous and excited. He really shouldn't be so pleased by "your date for the night," and yet he is. ]
Please wear whatever you'd like. With your smile, I'm sure you'll look lovely no matter what.
[ Besides, he's had enough "popularity" as a wanted criminal. He's not looking for more. ]
[Since the moment he met her, Shinobu has made everything feel so much easier. Like things were actually going to be okay, even if Simon is the paranoid sort and in his heart there is that thundering, seething violence that seems to suggest otherwise. It flickers on and off all the time, rearing its ugly head in his dreams or in response to various conversations...
Like static. Random jolts of electricity.]
i was wondering if you could drop something off for me
if
[Oddly enough, Simon isn't being insincere with his politeness this time. She has earned that much.]
[ it hasn't been very long since she first met simon, and while the changes are small, they're humbling to see. there's still much to be done, but even small steps like this are more than worth it in the end.
if you give someone a chance, even their hearts will blossom. there was a time when she didn't understand what her sister meant when she'd said that, but little by little, she thinks she's beginning to. ]
[Usually, Simon would be too selfish to give those he had wronged a second thought. He would simply go back to his poorly lit room in the Apex's ransacked mall car and go over the attack plan for the next day or so, trade banter with Grace, add pages to his novel, or even paint his silly little miniatures.
When they see each other he will be sporting a black, oversized hoodie. The hood has been pulled over his head despite the heat, as Simon is still unused to the feeling of the air against his now short hair.]
Hey! Shinobu.
[He waves to her with a hand that's now covered by a black rubber glove, and as she comes closer, she will notice that he is also now clad in another infamous pair of khakis, rip.]
Thanks again for doin' this for me. I, uh, owe you big time.
[The smile he offers her is so soft you would think that it belonged to a different person entirely. In a way, it does. There is a quiet, simple joy in it.
Though that moment is fleeting as Simon pulls a small figurine from his pocket, hand-carved and painted by Simon himself. For something homemade, it's actually miraculously nice-looking while fairly simple, the silhouette looking much similar to that of princess Zelda without the elf ears. The colors are simple, but the most noteworthy features about it is that the little figurine sports a crown painted in gold, a flowly purple gown, and pink hair draping over the shoulders.]
[ she's only seen simon in person a few times at best, but she's able to recognize him even with his hood drawn up. perhaps it's the fact that he's the only one waiting for her, or maybe it's that nervous energy he has. either way, she'll be there, dressed in a light blouse and fitted trousers, her short hair wrapped up in a soft pink headscarf. ]
You don't owe me anything at all.
[ it's no trouble to make a stop at red wings, and she's mostly still surprised that he's decided to trust her with this task. it's clearly important, however, and shinobu wonders if his change in demeanor is thanks to glimmer's efforts. maybe it is—the little figurine is detailed and made with care despite the limited amount of resources they have at the moment, and she wraps it up carefully in her handkerchief before tucking it away in her bag. ]
So it's to be a secret, then? [ her smile turns a little fond. ] I'll do my best. Was there anything else you'd like me to pass along?
It's a beautiful figurine. [ and she's not one to hand out compliments frequently. ] At the very least, I'm sure she'll appreciate it. I'll make sure it gets to her safely.
[ a pity that he doesn't want her to know who made it, but perhaps he has his reasons. but now that that's out of the way, she gives him an appraising look, as if checking to see if he has any injuries. old habits, and all that. ]
Just that very question is enough to make him want to gouge his eyes out. A control freak of the greatest proportions, he is stranded in a new land with none of the things that he has come to rely on in the past eight years. No Apex, no Grace, no electric shoes or working harpoon packs, and no number. Nothing is predictable and there aren't even any rules! How on Earth could he possibly be okay? This is the worst he has felt in a long time, and considering how much fear and rage he feels constantly, that's really saying a lot.
The only thing keeping him here is the glow, the promise of power. His number may be one of the highest he'd ever seen, and that meant something, sure, but Simon has never been more than human.
He can't wait to feel what it's like to be a god.]
Oh, me? Greaaaat! Much better.
[The smile he flashes Shinobu is saccharinely sweet.]
And it's all thanks to you. No, really!
You've done a lot for me.
[She has been useful. The most useful, perhaps.
So he will do whatever it takes to stay in her good graces. Yes!!! That has to be the only reason. Simon ignores the pang of warmth in his gut when she asked about him. This place is not safe, so it would not do him well to succumb to stupid ooey-gooey emotions.
[ there's a reason why she asks how he's adjusting, rather than if he's okay. she knows he isn't. none of them are, in fact. but sometimes it is better to acknowledge it, better to feel and let it run its course, so that the first few steps towards reformation can be taken. shinobu does not expect him to be fine, she'd be more concerned if he was, and so she recognizes his response for what it is. after all, she has done the same for most of her life.
her expression remains the same, calm and neutral in the face of his forced smile. ]
But remember that you are not alone here. When you are able to, take the time to reach out to others should you ever feel like withdrawing into yourself.
[He smiles through the pain, though it's mixed with a tinge of genuine softness. Shinobu's patience with him through the first few days has helped to soothe some of his ire. People are not Simon's forte, after all, he is no Grace, but he does recognize that he and Shinobu share a bond.
He senses that her life back home, too, must constantly hang in a tricky sort of balance. Her next morning is also not guaranteed.]
And between you and me?
[Simon may not have much to offer others, because pain and misery have worn him thin. Each and every traumatic experience in his life has beat Simon into submission, twisting his once normal and even kind-hearted personality into something ugly, unrecognizable.
And so, the people who have stayed by his side or held his hand or lifted him up, well.
He will defend them until his dying breath. Even though dying is what he fears most of all.]
[ Familiarity is an elusive thing in this world. It doesn't significantly impact Kisame's ability to adjust, though he suspects he would do so faster if there weren't such a steep learning curve. However, it does affect his ability to feel … if not "relaxed," at least "mildly comfortable" with his surroundings. He would likely be more at home outside of the city, navigating the backroads and countryside as he has for years on end. Perhaps it will come to that one day when his restlessness overpowers him. Until then, he seeks familiarity in other places — and in other people.
So it is that Kisame and Shinobu decide to take a trip to New Tokyo. It's the place where they first awoke in this world; they were prevented from exploring it at the time, but they may as well do so now. And although the city itself is strange — a steel structure built vertically rather than horizontally, with its lowest levels deep underwater — the language alone is more familiar than anything in New Amsterdam. Kisame is clad in his usual attire (dark clothing, a sleeveless shirt, and arm warmers), but he sticks his gloves in a pocket rather than wearing them. That, too, speaks of familiarity.
As they navigate the crowded city streets, Kisame looks up at the buildings and keenly feels his inability to mold his chakra. It would be so simple to run above the crowd if he could just stick to vertical surfaces… Then he looks down to Shinobu, flashing a smile far more genuine than the one he presents to strangers. ]
Shall we start by getting something to drink, Shinobu-san? Or perhaps we can find one of the city parks?
[ The fall foliage should be lovely this time of year — provided they can locate it. ]
she'd always meant to come back here after they were collectively moved to new amsterdam; things there have kept her busy lately and it was eventually pushed aside until kisame suggested it later. coming to the city almost feels like returning home again if not for the advancement in technology and architecture, but the sounds and the sights make the ache of homesickness a little sharper as she looks up (and up) at the tall buildings obscuring the sky.
familiar and unfamiliar. old and new. ]
I'm sure we could find something to drink on our way there, [ she says, bringing her gaze back down again with a smile. ] Some tea sounds nice. Or did you have something else in mind?
[ another thing to get used to—how long has it been since she'd last gone on a day trip with someone just for the sake of it? too long for her to remember, really. ]
[ Familiar and unfamiliar, indeed. Kisame has learned that the life he knows — that of a shinobi — is nothing but a legend here. He has also learned that the lands he once traveled have never even existed in this universe. Yet he recognizes the language spoken on New Tokyo's packed streets; he can read the writing on advertisements without translation; he knows the proper etiquette of a culture that is ostensibly not his own. He doesn't know how to reconcile this futuristic mirror image with the world that he knows — but the fact that he is already more comfortable here than in New Amsterdam speaks volumes.
Although … he wouldn't feel nearly as comfortable navigating this strange city without Shinobu at his side. Is that nostalgia rearing its head, the ache of an absent partner making itself known? Is it because Shinobu is far more familiar than even this city? Or is it simply (and far more dangerously) because he enjoys spending time with her?
Thoughts for another time. For now, Kisame focuses his mind on the matter at hand: finding a place for refreshments. ]
Tea does sound nice, [ he agrees without a second thought. She does know his tastes well by now, doesn't she? ] I'd have to pass on anything stronger…
[ Any level of inebriation would be unthinkable in such an unknown environment. And while Kisame may have been pulled from the shinobi world, shaking that paranoia doesn't come quickly or easily. ]
Do you think there might be a shop with a view of a park?
[ it's a strange feeling, to feel both lost yet found—a tourist in her own home, so to speak. just as kisame doesn't know how to reconcile this with what he knows, so too, does shinobu find it difficult to settle her thoughts and emotions. people move around them seamlessly, and she wonders how easy it would be to get swept up in the crowd; would she find her way back? would she even want to?
it's almost too much. her throat feels too tight all of a sudden. ]
I don't see why there wouldn't be.
[ she reaches out then, slow enough for him to track the movement, and curls her arm gently around his. she is careful to only touch his arm warmers rather than his skin; they've already experienced the empathy bond before, but there's too much going on within herself at the moment, and she knows the same could be said for him. but she is here and so is he, and sometimes perhaps that is comfort enough in and of itself. ]
[ Physical contact is a tricky thing for Kisame. It feels natural during a fight; he shamelessly revels in the fierce joy brought on by his fists and feet connecting with his target. However, outside of combat, Kisame is rusty at best. He spent years as a wanted criminal, and his years before that were stained with the repeated killing of comrades. Offering his hand to Shinobu was an act both brave and foolish, driven by a desire that frightens him even now.
Yet despite his inherent wariness, he doesn't avoid Shinobu's touch, nor does he so much as stiffen. She is slow; careful; gentle. He has time to understand and accept what is happening. Then her arm winds around his, careful not to touch his skin, and he is struck yet again by how small she is compared to him. Her petite stature is deceptive, in a way: she appears fragile, though she is anything but. It's as intriguing as everything else about her.
The dull ache of an absent partner and inaccessible abilities lessens within him. That should be alarming. He's playing at something far more dangerous than a brutal, bloody fight. But rather than feeling concerned, he feels… ]
Yes, let's do that.
[ Said with a smile that betrays a touch more warmth than he realizes. And then off they go, arm-in-arm, like two perfectly ordinary people.
Kisame pulls up a map of the city as they walk, finding the nearest park and angling them in that direction. It's not a task that comes intuitively to him, particularly when he's so aware of Shinobu's warmth and touch. So when he dismisses the map, he admits, ]
I don't think I'll ever adjust to that… It's just not the same as holding a map in your hands, is it?
[ he doesn't pull away and that says a lot, most of which she decides is better to analyze later, when it is quiet and she is alone. kisame has always been bigger than herself, and while it has never really bothered her, at this moment it feels... nice. this gentle contact, the way he directs them to their destination; to anyone else, they probably look like any normal couple walking down the street. there's comfort in that anonymity, in the little steps they take to meet each other, and it settles some of that ache in her chest. ]
Not quite, no. [ her smile turns a little rueful. ] Though, I'm afraid it's been some time since I've had to look at one.
[ they've always had crows to guide them, and looking at maps while hunting demons in the dead of night wasn't very efficient. they've all travelled enough in their line of work to know their home like the back of their hands. ]
It's a little strange, isn't it? I knew this place would be different, but there was a part of me that believed I wouldn't need one anyway.
[ That Shinobu hasn't needed to look at a map in some time raises questions for Kisame. Had she stopped traveling to new places? Did she not travel much at all? The latter would be a curiosity in itself. Kisame hasn't had a place to call "home" since he left his village over six years ago, and even before then, he traveled so much that he was rarely within its borders. The idea of needing no map sits strangely with him, an idea both bizarre and, in the quiet corners of his mind, appealing. ]
That's a good way to put it. I wonder how it can be so familiar and so strange at the same time…?
[ It's more of a rhetorical question than anything, putting a voice to the thoughts swimming through his mind. He knows that Shinobu doesn't have any more answers than he does. There's a sense of camaraderie in that — though that in itself is a dangerous feeling. ]
My responsibilities unfortunately kept me at home, most of the time. If a mission was especially dire, they would send me. But for most of them, Kanao would go in my stead while I took care of our patients.
[ had she lived a different life, one that kanae had wanted for her, she likely would have travelled frequently, explored whatever the world had to offer her. her curiosity would not be stifled; she would not have been content to stay in one area with her desire to discover new things and places.
but that isn't the life she led. neither would it ever be a life she could have. ]
I don't think that was the case for you, was it? You don't strike me as a man who settled down, so to speak.
[ "Kanao" is a name filed neatly away in Kisame's mind without any conscious thought. It is a trained reaction, a result of gathering intelligence in enemy lands. Kanao is connected to Shinobu; they are likely some sort of fighter, though they could be a doctor instead (or as well). In any case, they are not as skilled as Shinobu herself. A student, perhaps, or an apprentice of some kind.
All of that from only two sentences. Kisame doesn't find it strange at all. Nor does he feel any need to ask for clarification and gain a clearer picture. He simply makes his mental notes as he listens.
He lets out a little laugh at her comment — a sound closer to wry amusement than genuine cheer. He couldn't have settled down in his world even if he tried. ]
No, I didn't settle down. It's been some years since I called anywhere "home," and I frequently traveled even back then. My missions rarely keep me in one place for long… [ He pauses for a moment, then adds, ] I suppose that's another unusual thing about life here.
[ he doesn’t ask and she doesn’t clarify. it would be more worrisome if shinobu wasn’t completely confident in kanao’s abilities as a combatant, having trained her herself. kanao is strong, and shinobu had taught her everything she knows—she’d left her legacy for her. perhaps it is cruel to leave such a weight on her shoulders, but the world they live in shows no mercy. they’ve all lost too much to believe otherwise.
shinobu can’t predict the future, but she knows undoubtedly that kanao will finish what she started. she will destroy doma and she will avenge their sister. she will take shinobu’s place as the new head of the butterfly estate and take care of the girls kanae had taken in years ago. there is nothing waiting for shinobu back home except death and a chance at vengeance, but it is enough. it is enough. ]
Something new for the both of us, then. [ there’s a quiet laugh as they make their way down the street, sidling closer to him in the more crowded areas. ] I suppose that’s one of the few good things this place has managed to provide.
[ being ripped to another dimension aside. anyway, she looks up when they get closer to the park and the little tea shop nearby. ]
That looks promising. I've neglected to ask you before, but do you have a preferred type of tea, Kisame-san?
[ Whether staying in one place is "good" or not is something Kisame has yet to decide. There is a part of him that longs for such a thing — to find a quiet place where he can attain inner peace. But that world has yet to be created. There is still so much left to do, so many obstacles to overcome. He would rather do so quickly so that he can rest, but he recognizes that such thinking is unrealistic; Itachi pointed out as much.
Then again, those obstacles don't exist in this place. Is there anything preventing him from resting? Could he truly do so in such a place as this? Could the lack of constant travel be a "good" thing?
He allows those thoughts to simmer in the back of his mind as they walk arm-in-arm through a city both familiar and unfamiliar. When Shinobu speaks, it takes a half-second before he answers — a minimal distraction, but a distraction nonetheless. ]
Ah, so it does. [ Look promising, that is. ] I'm rather fond of kobucha, myself. The land where I was born was an island nation, so it was readily available.
[ "The land where I was born," not "my homeland." It's a deliberate turn of phrase, a way of distancing himself from the village and country he left behind. ]
[ the wording is deliberate; she has come to realize that kisame never does anything without purpose, and naturally it would extend to his speech as well. it fits, given what she knows of him, though not for the first time she wonders what happened to him in the past. she had lost so much in her life, but she was fortunate enough to have had her sisters and the girls at the estate. she would not and could not abandon them.
the possibility that he didn't have anything like that saddens her. she's glad that they haven't triggered the empathy bond yet in this moment. ]
Gyokuro. [ her smile turns a little wry. ] You could say I have a bit of a sweet tooth.
[ she draws away from kisame when they reach the shop to step up to the front counter and greet the server. they're lucky enough to carry both of those types of tea and shinobu orders both for them before kisame can offer to pay. hopefully, he won't mind. ]
[ Kisame has just enough time to recognize "gyokuro" as yet another thing their worlds have in common; as he recalls, it's typically a rather expensive tea. Then Shinobu continues on, her smile wry and her words hitting like an anvil.
A sweet tooth. She has a bit of a sweet tooth.
She steps to the counter to order their drinks. Kisame stands a short distance behind her, his eyes never leaving her back. Some part of him recognizes how odd he must look, gazing at her as though nothing else exists in this world. Do people think he's lovestruck, or does he appear as shaken as he feels? Still, he can't bring himself to look away; he feels as though doing so might cause the revelation to slip between his fingers like so many grains of sand.
How did he fail to notice it before? Is it because she smiles so often? Is it because she is warm and tactile? Is it because she exudes concern for others and seeks to look after them? He doesn't know. Looking at her now, it seems as obvious as words on a page or blood on a blade. How did it take this long for him to recognize the similarities between Shinobu and Itachi…?
By the time Kisame regains his composure, Shinobu is already paying for their order. He looks away, catches sight of an older man giving him a knowing look, and promptly turns his head in the other direction. (Now he knows that he didn't appear shaken.) He spots an empty place near a window overlooking the park, and he makes his way over, wanting to at least secure a place for them to sit. Better to do something rather than allow himself to be overwhelmed by far too many emotions. ]
[ she's unaware of the revelations he’s going through at the moment, nor the look that the older gentleman gives to kisame. the girl behind the counter chats enthusiastically with her, recommending a few cakes that pair well with the tea. kisame doesn’t strike shinobu as someone interested in sweets, so she passes on them, opting to leave the girl a bigger tip instead to make up for it. when she turns around, she spots kisame at the window and makes her way over with their tea. ]
Thank you, [ she says, for securing a spot as she places his tea next to him. it’s a nice view, one that softens the smile on her face when she takes a sip of her own tea. the ache of homesickness is soothed a little by the newness of his company and she tries not to dwell on those emotions, shifting in her seat to look at the cup in his hands. ] How is it? Is it similar to what you’ve had back home?
[ she wonders if it’s selfish of her to allow herself this sort of indulgence, to let herself come to this city with him rather than working to find a way back home. but it had been so long since she’d been able to that she didn’t realize how much she’d wanted it, to put down the weight of duty and responsibility for a little while. perhaps this is what kanae had wanted for her, to live a normal life where she could have these kinds of meetings; to meet someone she would grow to care for and spend her life with.
she keeps her hands around her own cup, fingers tightening around the ceramic so she doesn’t reach for his instead. ]
[ Shinobu's thanks is returned with one in kind as Kisame expresses his appreciation for her generosity. Mentally, he notes that he'll have to move faster and pay next time. (It doesn't strike him as odd that he is already planning for a "next time." Then again, he's grappling with quite the revelation.) He sips his tea slowly, savoring the familiar flavor; it's a perfect match for what it knows, and it takes him back to countless teashops in his own world.
Shinobu would fit right into his world, he thinks, though he wouldn't wish such an ugly place upon her. Then he catches his own thoughts, incriminating in the wake of that knowing look, and pulls himself away from such musing. ]
Oh, yes, very similar, [ he says with a smile once he lowers his cup. ] I'm not a connoisseur, but I can't taste any difference at all. Strange, isn't it? I would have expected at least a slight variation.
[ His gaze drops to her cup, taking note of her grip on it. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@eugene.hicks
If you ain't from a world like this, and need anything to come up to speed with the medical facilities in this place, I've got something of a guide.
If you've already got the lay of the land, then — welcome, glad to have another hand on deck.
（ said guide is absolutely not a thing i'm going to write out for real, pls imagine it's helpful and detailed and gives all sorts of nifty info about Modern Medical Science and all the cool devices of the future/et al. ）
no subject
Yes, that's correct. I'm a doctor and a pharmacologist, though I'm afraid I'm quite behind in terms of the technology and newer practices offered in this world.
Regardless, I hope to be able to help in any way I can. Thank you very much for this guide; I'm a quick study, but having a place to start is always welcome.
Please let me know if there's anything I can assist you with, and I look forward to working with you.
no subject
I could use a hand with the hospital on the south side of town, if you're of a mind to get your hands dirty.
sorry this is late!!
... Even if we may be prone to disagreements from time to time.
Now that I'm able to come and go freely, I was planning on familiarizing myself with the hospital first, so I'd be happy to lend a hand.
no subject
By all means. If you felt like stopping in, I'll show you the ropes.
@kisame.hoshigaki
I've received an unexpected invitation to something called "the Insomniac's Ball." Have you heard of it?
no subject
I have not, but it does sound like quite the party.
Are you aware of who sent it?
no subject
[ Doing so might have exposed his unfamiliarity with this world and its citizens. ]
I don't know what this ball will be like, but would you like to come along?
no subject
Perhaps your face is welcoming after all.
It's been quite some time since I've been to a ball, but I wouldn't mind being your date for the night.
I'll dress suitably so as not to tarnish your rise in popularity.
no subject
Please wear whatever you'd like. With your smile, I'm sure you'll look lovely no matter what.
[ Besides, he's had enough "popularity" as a wanted criminal. He's not looking for more. ]
no subject
But it's sweet of you to say.
Shall I meet you at the venue?
no subject
[ He sends along the location. ]
no subject
@simon.laurent; sent a few hours after the newbies have received their ids in september
[If anything, she is the one person who has proved herself trustworthy.]
i need
[Help. Reassurance. Comfort.
No.
What he needs is information... And a favor.]
i need to ask you something
no subject
How can I help you?
no subject
no subject
Did you need something from there?
no subject
[Since the moment he met her, Shinobu has made everything feel so much easier. Like things were actually going to be okay, even if Simon is the paranoid sort and in his heart there is that thundering, seething violence that seems to suggest otherwise. It flickers on and off all the time, rearing its ugly head in his dreams or in response to various conversations...
Like static. Random jolts of electricity.]
i was wondering if you could drop something off for me
if
[Oddly enough, Simon isn't being insincere with his politeness this time. She has earned that much.]
it's not too much trouble, or anything
no subject
if you give someone a chance, even their hearts will blossom. there was a time when she didn't understand what her sister meant when she'd said that, but little by little, she thinks she's beginning to. ]
It's no trouble at all.
May I ask who it's for?
no subject
Some people, however, make the wrong choices.]
i'm pretty sure her name is glimmer?
[Usually, Simon would be too selfish to give those he had wronged a second thought. He would simply go back to his poorly lit room in the Apex's ransacked mall car and go over the attack plan for the next day or so, trade banter with Grace, add pages to his novel, or even paint his silly little miniatures.
Here he has nothing.
All he has is time to think.]
somethin like that
she's very uh... sparkly
no subject
I think I know who you're referring to.
Should I meet you after my shift later today to pick it up from you?
no subject
oh yeah! that's perfectamundo
[he is... this is Peak Dork behavior...]
i should be done with it by then anyway
sweet!!! awesome, coolio✌️
'preciate it
no subject
You're very welcome.
text -> action
When they see each other he will be sporting a black, oversized hoodie. The hood has been pulled over his head despite the heat, as Simon is still unused to the feeling of the air against his now short hair.]
Hey! Shinobu.
[He waves to her with a hand that's now covered by a black rubber glove, and as she comes closer, she will notice that he is also now clad in another infamous pair of khakis, rip.]
Thanks again for doin' this for me. I, uh, owe you big time.
[The smile he offers her is so soft you would think that it belonged to a different person entirely. In a way, it does. There is a quiet, simple joy in it.
Though that moment is fleeting as Simon pulls a small figurine from his pocket, hand-carved and painted by Simon himself. For something homemade, it's actually miraculously nice-looking while fairly simple, the silhouette looking much similar to that of princess Zelda without the elf ears. The colors are simple, but the most noteworthy features about it is that the little figurine sports a crown painted in gold, a flowly purple gown, and pink hair draping over the shoulders.]
But just... FYI?
[A nervous pause.]
Could you not tell her who it's from?
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You don't owe me anything at all.
[ it's no trouble to make a stop at red wings, and she's mostly still surprised that he's decided to trust her with this task. it's clearly important, however, and shinobu wonders if his change in demeanor is thanks to glimmer's efforts. maybe it is—the little figurine is detailed and made with care despite the limited amount of resources they have at the moment, and she wraps it up carefully in her handkerchief before tucking it away in her bag. ]
So it's to be a secret, then? [ her smile turns a little fond. ] I'll do my best. Was there anything else you'd like me to pass along?
no my edits smh
Uhhh, yeah. Secret. Sure.
[Oh no. It's nice to see someone smile like that at him.
Even if it just makes him miss Grace even more.]
Oh, no. That's it.
And, when you give it to her, you don't even need to tell me what she does with it, just...
See if she'll take it.
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[ a pity that he doesn't want her to know who made it, but perhaps he has his reasons. but now that that's out of the way, she gives him an appraising look, as if checking to see if he has any injuries. old habits, and all that. ]
How have you been adjusting so far?
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Just that very question is enough to make him want to gouge his eyes out. A control freak of the greatest proportions, he is stranded in a new land with none of the things that he has come to rely on in the past eight years. No Apex, no Grace, no electric shoes or working harpoon packs, and no number. Nothing is predictable and there aren't even any rules! How on Earth could he possibly be okay? This is the worst he has felt in a long time, and considering how much fear and rage he feels constantly, that's really saying a lot.
The only thing keeping him here is the glow, the promise of power. His number may be one of the highest he'd ever seen, and that meant something, sure, but Simon has never been more than human.
He can't wait to feel what it's like to be a god.]
Oh, me? Greaaaat! Much better.
[The smile he flashes Shinobu is saccharinely sweet.]
And it's all thanks to you. No, really!
You've done a lot for me.
[She has been useful. The most useful, perhaps.
So he will do whatever it takes to stay in her good graces. Yes!!! That has to be the only reason. Simon ignores the pang of warmth in his gut when she asked about him. This place is not safe, so it would not do him well to succumb to stupid ooey-gooey emotions.
He can't afford to be weak.]
I'm so glad I met you.
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[ there's a reason why she asks how he's adjusting, rather than if he's okay. she knows he isn't. none of them are, in fact. but sometimes it is better to acknowledge it, better to feel and let it run its course, so that the first few steps towards reformation can be taken. shinobu does not expect him to be fine, she'd be more concerned if he was, and so she recognizes his response for what it is. after all, she has done the same for most of her life.
her expression remains the same, calm and neutral in the face of his forced smile. ]
But remember that you are not alone here. When you are able to, take the time to reach out to others should you ever feel like withdrawing into yourself.
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[He smiles through the pain, though it's mixed with a tinge of genuine softness. Shinobu's patience with him through the first few days has helped to soothe some of his ire. People are not Simon's forte, after all, he is no Grace, but he does recognize that he and Shinobu share a bond.
He senses that her life back home, too, must constantly hang in a tricky sort of balance. Her next morning is also not guaranteed.]
And between you and me?
[Simon may not have much to offer others, because pain and misery have worn him thin. Each and every traumatic experience in his life has beat Simon into submission, twisting his once normal and even kind-hearted personality into something ugly, unrecognizable.
And so, the people who have stayed by his side or held his hand or lifted him up, well.
He will defend them until his dying breath. Even though dying is what he fears most of all.]
We're a team. And teammates, well...
We gotta stick together.
@simon.laurent;
[Of course, even though he's finally settled in, he hasn't forgotten what she has done for him.]
It's been a while, and since I haven't really heard from you... I just wanted to make sure that you were doing okay.
So... Are you?
new tokyo time
So it is that Kisame and Shinobu decide to take a trip to New Tokyo. It's the place where they first awoke in this world; they were prevented from exploring it at the time, but they may as well do so now. And although the city itself is strange — a steel structure built vertically rather than horizontally, with its lowest levels deep underwater — the language alone is more familiar than anything in New Amsterdam. Kisame is clad in his usual attire (dark clothing, a sleeveless shirt, and arm warmers), but he sticks his gloves in a pocket rather than wearing them. That, too, speaks of familiarity.
As they navigate the crowded city streets, Kisame looks up at the buildings and keenly feels his inability to mold his chakra. It would be so simple to run above the crowd if he could just stick to vertical surfaces… Then he looks down to Shinobu, flashing a smile far more genuine than the one he presents to strangers. ]
Shall we start by getting something to drink, Shinobu-san? Or perhaps we can find one of the city parks?
[ The fall foliage should be lovely this time of year — provided they can locate it. ]
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she'd always meant to come back here after they were collectively moved to new amsterdam; things there have kept her busy lately and it was eventually pushed aside until kisame suggested it later. coming to the city almost feels like returning home again if not for the advancement in technology and architecture, but the sounds and the sights make the ache of homesickness a little sharper as she looks up (and up) at the tall buildings obscuring the sky.
familiar and unfamiliar. old and new. ]
I'm sure we could find something to drink on our way there, [ she says, bringing her gaze back down again with a smile. ] Some tea sounds nice. Or did you have something else in mind?
[ another thing to get used to—how long has it been since she'd last gone on a day trip with someone just for the sake of it? too long for her to remember, really. ]
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Although … he wouldn't feel nearly as comfortable navigating this strange city without Shinobu at his side. Is that nostalgia rearing its head, the ache of an absent partner making itself known? Is it because Shinobu is far more familiar than even this city? Or is it simply (and far more dangerously) because he enjoys spending time with her?
Thoughts for another time. For now, Kisame focuses his mind on the matter at hand: finding a place for refreshments. ]
Tea does sound nice, [ he agrees without a second thought. She does know his tastes well by now, doesn't she? ] I'd have to pass on anything stronger…
[ Any level of inebriation would be unthinkable in such an unknown environment. And while Kisame may have been pulled from the shinobi world, shaking that paranoia doesn't come quickly or easily. ]
Do you think there might be a shop with a view of a park?
[ Two birds, one stone. ]
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it's almost too much. her throat feels too tight all of a sudden. ]
I don't see why there wouldn't be.
[ she reaches out then, slow enough for him to track the movement, and curls her arm gently around his. she is careful to only touch his arm warmers rather than his skin; they've already experienced the empathy bond before, but there's too much going on within herself at the moment, and she knows the same could be said for him. but she is here and so is he, and sometimes perhaps that is comfort enough in and of itself. ]
Shall we go find it?
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Yet despite his inherent wariness, he doesn't avoid Shinobu's touch, nor does he so much as stiffen. She is slow; careful; gentle. He has time to understand and accept what is happening. Then her arm winds around his, careful not to touch his skin, and he is struck yet again by how small she is compared to him. Her petite stature is deceptive, in a way: she appears fragile, though she is anything but. It's as intriguing as everything else about her.
The dull ache of an absent partner and inaccessible abilities lessens within him. That should be alarming. He's playing at something far more dangerous than a brutal, bloody fight. But rather than feeling concerned, he feels… ]
Yes, let's do that.
[ Said with a smile that betrays a touch more warmth than he realizes. And then off they go, arm-in-arm, like two perfectly ordinary people.
Kisame pulls up a map of the city as they walk, finding the nearest park and angling them in that direction. It's not a task that comes intuitively to him, particularly when he's so aware of Shinobu's warmth and touch. So when he dismisses the map, he admits, ]
I don't think I'll ever adjust to that… It's just not the same as holding a map in your hands, is it?
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Not quite, no. [ her smile turns a little rueful. ] Though, I'm afraid it's been some time since I've had to look at one.
[ they've always had crows to guide them, and looking at maps while hunting demons in the dead of night wasn't very efficient. they've all travelled enough in their line of work to know their home like the back of their hands. ]
It's a little strange, isn't it? I knew this place would be different, but there was a part of me that believed I wouldn't need one anyway.
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That's a good way to put it. I wonder how it can be so familiar and so strange at the same time…?
[ It's more of a rhetorical question than anything, putting a voice to the thoughts swimming through his mind. He knows that Shinobu doesn't have any more answers than he does. There's a sense of camaraderie in that — though that in itself is a dangerous feeling. ]
Did you not travel much before this, Shinobu-san?
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[ had she lived a different life, one that kanae had wanted for her, she likely would have travelled frequently, explored whatever the world had to offer her. her curiosity would not be stifled; she would not have been content to stay in one area with her desire to discover new things and places.
but that isn't the life she led. neither would it ever be a life she could have. ]
I don't think that was the case for you, was it? You don't strike me as a man who settled down, so to speak.
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All of that from only two sentences. Kisame doesn't find it strange at all. Nor does he feel any need to ask for clarification and gain a clearer picture. He simply makes his mental notes as he listens.
He lets out a little laugh at her comment — a sound closer to wry amusement than genuine cheer. He couldn't have settled down in his world even if he tried. ]
No, I didn't settle down. It's been some years since I called anywhere "home," and I frequently traveled even back then. My missions rarely keep me in one place for long… [ He pauses for a moment, then adds, ] I suppose that's another unusual thing about life here.
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shinobu can’t predict the future, but she knows undoubtedly that kanao will finish what she started. she will destroy doma and she will avenge their sister. she will take shinobu’s place as the new head of the butterfly estate and take care of the girls kanae had taken in years ago. there is nothing waiting for shinobu back home except death and a chance at vengeance, but it is enough. it is enough. ]
Something new for the both of us, then. [ there’s a quiet laugh as they make their way down the street, sidling closer to him in the more crowded areas. ] I suppose that’s one of the few good things this place has managed to provide.
[ being ripped to another dimension aside. anyway, she looks up when they get closer to the park and the little tea shop nearby. ]
That looks promising. I've neglected to ask you before, but do you have a preferred type of tea, Kisame-san?
i'm so mad at her icons, she's so pretty
Then again, those obstacles don't exist in this place. Is there anything preventing him from resting? Could he truly do so in such a place as this? Could the lack of constant travel be a "good" thing?
He allows those thoughts to simmer in the back of his mind as they walk arm-in-arm through a city both familiar and unfamiliar. When Shinobu speaks, it takes a half-second before he answers — a minimal distraction, but a distraction nonetheless. ]
Ah, so it does. [ Look promising, that is. ] I'm rather fond of kobucha, myself. The land where I was born was an island nation, so it was readily available.
[ "The land where I was born," not "my homeland." It's a deliberate turn of phrase, a way of distancing himself from the village and country he left behind. ]
And you, Shinobu-san?
three weeks later..... whew
the possibility that he didn't have anything like that saddens her. she's glad that they haven't triggered the empathy bond yet in this moment. ]
Gyokuro. [ her smile turns a little wry. ] You could say I have a bit of a sweet tooth.
[ she draws away from kisame when they reach the shop to step up to the front counter and greet the server. they're lucky enough to carry both of those types of tea and shinobu orders both for them before kisame can offer to pay. hopefully, he won't mind. ]
we've got this
A sweet tooth. She has a bit of a sweet tooth.
She steps to the counter to order their drinks. Kisame stands a short distance behind her, his eyes never leaving her back. Some part of him recognizes how odd he must look, gazing at her as though nothing else exists in this world. Do people think he's lovestruck, or does he appear as shaken as he feels? Still, he can't bring himself to look away; he feels as though doing so might cause the revelation to slip between his fingers like so many grains of sand.
How did he fail to notice it before? Is it because she smiles so often? Is it because she is warm and tactile? Is it because she exudes concern for others and seeks to look after them? He doesn't know. Looking at her now, it seems as obvious as words on a page or blood on a blade. How did it take this long for him to recognize the similarities between Shinobu and Itachi…?
By the time Kisame regains his composure, Shinobu is already paying for their order. He looks away, catches sight of an older man giving him a knowing look, and promptly turns his head in the other direction. (Now he knows that he didn't appear shaken.) He spots an empty place near a window overlooking the park, and he makes his way over, wanting to at least secure a place for them to sit. Better to do something rather than allow himself to be overwhelmed by far too many emotions. ]
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Thank you, [ she says, for securing a spot as she places his tea next to him. it’s a nice view, one that softens the smile on her face when she takes a sip of her own tea. the ache of homesickness is soothed a little by the newness of his company and she tries not to dwell on those emotions, shifting in her seat to look at the cup in his hands. ] How is it? Is it similar to what you’ve had back home?
[ she wonders if it’s selfish of her to allow herself this sort of indulgence, to let herself come to this city with him rather than working to find a way back home. but it had been so long since she’d been able to that she didn’t realize how much she’d wanted it, to put down the weight of duty and responsibility for a little while. perhaps this is what kanae had wanted for her, to live a normal life where she could have these kinds of meetings; to meet someone she would grow to care for and spend her life with.
she keeps her hands around her own cup, fingers tightening around the ceramic so she doesn’t reach for his instead. ]
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Shinobu would fit right into his world, he thinks, though he wouldn't wish such an ugly place upon her. Then he catches his own thoughts, incriminating in the wake of that knowing look, and pulls himself away from such musing. ]
Oh, yes, very similar, [ he says with a smile once he lowers his cup. ] I'm not a connoisseur, but I can't taste any difference at all. Strange, isn't it? I would have expected at least a slight variation.
[ His gaze drops to her cup, taking note of her grip on it. ]
What about yours, Shinobu-san?