[he's surprised, at first, when he receives any kind of text at all — he half-expects it to be some politician's robotext, or maybe an emergency weather alert, but no, it's a person, kindly... telling him that it might rain today.
who could it possibly be? no one would text him, not any more.]
[it strikes him as odd that the message is absent of emojis, exclamation points, and nezuko's usual familiarity, but maybe she's just having an off day. he did accidentally dye her favorite stuffed animal pink in the washer yesterday...]
That's weird! Did your contacts not import into the new phone? It's Tanjirou
I'm so sorry!!! Guess I mixed up the last digit Thank you so much for letting me know tho!
[tanjirou could leave it at that, sign off with a hope your day gets better! and refocus on making it to class before the gates close, but... his strides slow. some of his peers hurtling by, the ones that spare him a glance, yell over their shoulder at him, beckoning him to follow after.]
You think you'll be okay? The weather can be a real mood dampener.... Might make things worse
[ironically, francel has himself cozied up to the bay window just to watch the rain clouds roll in. he looks down at his phone, then types out a response.]
I'll be all right, thank you.
I think... I always preferred the rain and snow to the sun.
Some say that gloomy weather only worsens their mood, but I personally think it's worse when you feel terrible, but the sun is out, and all the world is golden...
It feels too much like the world is mocking you, and only you deserve to be so unhappy.
I already saved the world so it doesn't need anymore saving! You must have been wronged by some awful fake world saving hero. Was his name Yosuke? I'll beat his ass!
[refusing souji’s help vehemently, francel steps back some two or three paces, arms half-raised as if to indicate that he is not a threat, or else to possibly protect himself from this utter madman. even he can see the inherent humor in this situation, though, and he laughs nervously as he tries to answer the first question.]
...I am troubled, yes. But there is naught anyone can do for it now. It’s over. And I... I made too many poor choices.
[yosuke's bitch ass gets saved today thanks to this large, troubled elf cosplayer. he'll be sure to find another reason to throw hands later.]
Ah, 'aight then.
[he clears his throat, makes sure his collar is sufficiently popped, and puts on another charming smile]
You can't change the past but you can change your future! You can't keep things bottled up, buddy, that's a job reserved for bottles. And you're not a bottle, so you should just tell good 'ol Sooj Doggy Dog here all about your woes.
[and maybe give him one of those cathartic, life changing bonds while he's at it. he has hands to throw later, after all.]
at least the collar popping is weirdly fascinating to watch...???? francel's in no mood to argue, and it's not as though anything souji's said has been wrong (except for the world-saving part, but hey, maybe that's true in his world), so francel relents.]
...I... trusted someone I should not have, I suppose.
[he tries to sound like he doesn't care.]
I knew I was not important to him... but I still thought he cared more than he did. And I was wrong.
[he crosses his arms and nods, looking down with his lips pursed as he recounts wacky adventures in TV Land. they were the best of times, they were the worst of times.
but that's neither here nor there, so souji just claps his hands together and beams at francel with a glimmer in his eyes.]
But! I solved my problems the right way. I reached out to the truth and slammed my problems away behind bars! Literally. So if you realized the truth this nefarious impostor has been hiding, what do you want to do? You wanna be sad? You wanna pretend it never happened and move on? Just feel like going apeshit?
[there's... there's so much. there is so much to respond to here. for one thing, what is apeshit? apkallu shite? the actual crux of the argument is one thing — francel certainly doesn't want to pretend it never happened — but, honestly, what does going apeshit mean?]
...Francel. My name is Francel. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, er...
[sooj doggy dog.]
Souji.
[he sighs and folds his arms over his chest.]
I suppose... you are not wrong. I don't... see the value in brooding over it all my life. I'm... [a frustrated sigh.] I'm just too angry.
[ Brooding? That calls for a free Nice Cream intervention, and so this bunny-monster stops his cart beside Francel, reaches inside, and draws out a wrapped bar, proffering it with a smile. ]
Hi there, friend! You look like you could use some Nice Cream!
to be more accurate, it's a blue... rabbit... man. francel would be surprised if he had any spirit to even do so, and besides, he's gotten used to the sight of monsters recently. somewhat bewildered, he accepts the bar of nice cream, blinking at it with a slightly dazed air.]
I, ah... thank you?
[surely this rabbit runs a business?]
I'm... sorry, but perhaps I should not. I would love to eat something sweet, but I haven't any coin.
[ Nice Cream on its own, of course, won't dispel the gloom hanging over this pointy-eared fellow like a dark cloud, but the fact that the young man takes the bar at all prompts a wider, even brighter smile from the monster standing before Francel. With a shake of his head, a cheery wave of both paws, he quickly tries to reassure his not-quite-customer. ]
Oh, that's no problem — it's on me! Tell me what you think? I've been working on new flavours and wrappers, so your feedback is all the payment I need!
[ That smile turns expectant. His ears flick toward Francel, hopeful. ]
[francel supposes he cannot resist a pair of expectant ears and a friendly face. slowly, almost timidly, he opens the nice cream bar as neatly as he can manage. he’ll have to finish it before he notices anything on the wrapper, but he slowly takes a bite.
iced dairy was not too common in ishgard, not even before the calamity, but this is sweet, milky, and melts in the mouth. comforting. francel closes his eyes and lets the sweetness of it wash over him.
the wrapper asks is this as sweet as you?
smiling faintly, francel can’t find it in himself to throw the thing away, despite the fact that it’s stained with melted ice cream, he holds it loosely by a clean corner, fixing the nice cream guy with a sorrowful gaze.]
...It was delicious, thank you. A finer sweet I have never known. I cannot imagine that this would sell poorly anywhere in the world.
[ Watching with undisguised interest from first bite to last, he can't help but notice that Francel's smile doesn't reach his eyes — it's just a small, sad curl of his lips. As a matter of fact, sitting here all by his lonesome makes Francel himself look small and sad, and his new acquaintance decides to take a seat next to him, his own smile a little more subdued, gentler. ]
No, thank you! Hearing that really means a lot to me! [ He glances back at his cart, only for a second, and chuckles. ] It wasn't always like that, you know. I tried all sorts of places, but it took a while before my first customer came along... Anyway, business has picked up, that's all that matters now!
[ Cocking his head, the rabbit-monster peers at Francel after scanning the wrapper's message. ]
I have to say, in a contest between you and my Nice Cream, I bet you're sweeter!
[francel laughs in return, shaking his head in polite denial; he isn't sweet, not at all, and (he thinks with a pang) cain might have said something like that once, too — but the sentiment itself is appreciated.]
And yet you must be the sweetest of all. Only a rare soul would get into the business of spreading cheer to others.
[wearily, he closes his eyes as if to fall asleep on the bench beside the nice cream monster's cart.]
...If I'd known more men like you, perhaps my life would have been different.
[ But he hasn't spread cheer to this little corner, not really. Here, the sorrow is like a thick, heavy layer of snow, like all of Snowdin's frost piled together in one spot, and one bar of Nice Cream can't melt it all away.
He rests one paw on Francel's shoulder, concerned. ]
If I'm a rare soul, wouldn't you call yourself another one? Why, even though you can't be in the mood to smile, you've gone out of your way to brighten my day!
[francel does not react outwardly to the paw upon his shoulder, but he tips his chin slightly inward, almost as if in a nod. his gaze falls into his lap, where his gloved hands still cradle the nice cream wrapper.]
...Being sad is no excuse to be cruel to others. My problems are mine and mine alone.
[ After a moment, he withdraws his paw, but his eyes are fixed on Francel, following each shift in his posture. He hums a thoughtful sound, and sits back. ]
You're right about the first part, but you shouldn't have to handle what's got you down alone!
[ That's the ideal scenario, he knows — if I'd known more men like you, perhaps my life would have been different tells him enough. ]
Say, why don't you share those problems with me? Consider it payment for a supply of Nice Cream whenever you want it!
[his attention roused for a moment, francel smiles at the rabbit-man good-naturedly enough, but his expression soon falls as his mind is turned back toward his broken heart. it seems cruel, somehow, to push his problems on an innocent monster who is idealistic enough to go about selling sweets for a living. francel knows better. in wartime, sweets are one of the first things to go.
it was different opening up to cain. cain had been wiser, more familiar with the ways of the world, and francel had been all too eager to trust him. and he knows it was not so simple as being lied to — it was nothing so cruel as deception — but maybe, in the end, trusting cain had been his first mistake.
trusting aymeric had been his second.]
I... trusted someone I should not have, I suppose.
[he swallows on a hardness in his throat.]
He was... very kind to me, even in my worst, most selfish moments, and I... I tried to do all that I could in return for him. But it never... it never seemed to matter, and... in the end, he chose someone else.
sad boys unite HE CAN BE HUMAN-SHAPED despite birdtalk
[ As Francel broods, a button quail wearing a scarf timidly interrupts him, approaching with shuffling steps, clasped wings held to his chest, fingers (????) anxiously laced together. Kazuaki has never been good at anything — except for writing, maybe, and maybe that is one reason why he got his job teaching literature at St. Pigeonation's, even if there are days when he still can't believe it, not that being a teacher helps right now — but something about this stranger reminds him of himself at his lowest, in college, when getting up seemed too hard. He knows he won't be any good at cheering someone up, he can't save anyone — still, he'd like to try, for once. ]
Um... hi, is this seat taken? Not yours, of course that's taken...
[it's... a quail. a talking quail. and it's very cute. utterly bewildered, francel unconsciously mirrors lacing of the bird's fingers (????) as he responds.]
I, ah... no? It... isn't.
[that doesn't seem to suffice as an answer, but he's still trying to catch up to talking quail.]
I mean, er, that is to say — I have no companions. Please, feel free to sit where you wish.
[ Not good, when no companions sounds a lot like no friends. Then again, that's probably jumping to conclusions, projecting — it doesn't have to mean anything so sad. Maybe he's not saving somebirdie a seat, that's all, Kazuaki thinks, and instantly, he second-guesses offering the man his company. Maybe I should go... What if he's just being polite, but he actually wants to be alone?
Giving himself a shake, he resolves to do his best to act a little more like a capable bird, though he fidgets with the fringe on his scarf as he hops up onto the Bench That Happens To Be There Now, and continues his fidgeting once seated. ]
[it is suddenly very difficult to resist the urge to take this plump bird and hug it — the scarf only makes it look all the more plush and cuddly — but francel tries to remind himself that he is speaking with a sentient being, not a talking, walking stuffed animal.
...even if that sentient being does, in fact, look like an adorably nervous and fidgety stuffed animal.]
I suppose there is a solace in being alone together, yes.
[...this might lapse into an awkward silence. at... least he's staring.]
[ Is there? Is that why he's being stared at? It's nice to think that he's somehow managed to provide solace after all, but—
This is absolutely turning into an awkward silence, so Kazuaki hurries to focus on the conversation, nodding vigorously. ]
Y-yes! There is, isn't there? If we're alone together, we're not really alone anymore...! [ Hesitantly, he musters a smile with... his beak. ] I'm glad you think so, I mean. For a moment, I was worried... You looked sad, but I'm nobirdie you know, and I just invited myself into your space all of a sudden...
[nobirdie... nobirdie... fury have mercy, why is that so darling...]
You mustn't be so concerned about my space. It's not as though I'm anybirdie special.
[two awkward boys, sitting on a bench together, trying to make their silence less awkward. sensing kazuaki's discomfort, however, francel smiles, trying to resist the urge to reach out and stroke the quail's feathers.]
[ That simple compliment prompts a mix of emotions, all welling up at once — hopeful joy, trepidation, disbelief. Kazuaki clutches at his scarf, bunching it together, and buries his face in it, overcome. It hides the glimmer of tears springing to his eyes for no good reason while he takes several deep breaths before reemerging. ]
You're so nice...!
[ How to return the compliment occupies his thoughts for the next few moments; he looks Francel over. ]
I've never met a bird like you before, but your wings are very pretty, did you know that?
[this is, somehow, even more adorable than the casual pronouncement of nobirdie — francel has to repress yet another violent urge to wrap his arms around the large button quail and cuddle it. he smiles broadly, however, visibly amused by this innocent compliment; he flaps his large white wings.]
Haha! I'm afraid that's because I am not a bird as such — technically speaking, I am a dragon.
[it's strange to think that he can say that so easily now. once upon a time it would have made him sick just to think about turning into a dravanian, but now...]
You may think of me as your fellow bird if you wish, however. I would be most flattered.
the only seemingly safe spot is an innocuous cafe filled with the enticing aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. sandalphon's absentmindedly cleaning off a mug, even when sharks are visibly plummeting from the skies beyond the window. to his credit, he's refined his customer service voice. he's Leveled Up in cafe management, after all.]
[admittedly, this is pretty effective — francel can't possibly brood on his tragic interpersonal relationships when there are murderous, man-eating sharks after him! nearly teary-eyed, he sputters:]
[bemused, sandalphon spares a glance at the window. somehow, he doesn't look surprised at all...]
...Ah. Them. They must be leftovers from the recent tornado we dispelled. [he flashes his equivalent of a reassuring expression, looking bizarrely calm about the whole situation.] No need to worry about them. They'll scatter after they hit land or sea.
[...somehow, this is not entirely convincing as a shark flies by the window with a sharp cry of "SHAAAAAARK!"...]
You should take a seat; you look unwell. I'll prepare our special for you—how does that sound? I've had compliments on my coffee, so I'm certain it'll ease your nerves.
[still somewhat agitated, francel looks over his shoulder, but... no, there are no sharks chasing him. in fact, there strangely don't seem to be sharks anywhere near the vicinity of this cafe, which is partly why he ran here in a panic to begin with, but... what is this place? some kind of enchanted storefront? perhaps some particularly effective magical barrier...
francel has his concerned for anybody else who is out and about right now, but the barista seems wholly unconcerned, and maybe it's best not to contradict his hospitality when keeping this man happy might be the only thing standing between francel and several rows of deadly shark teeth. gradually, he relaxes... or at least he tries to relax.]
I'll... I... well, certainly. If you would be so kind. I... don't believe I've ever had this "coffee" of which you speak.
im too lazy for big deets but imagine we storming aef!francel palace, similar premise to futaba's
[it's not the first time akira's accidentally crossed worlds.
there was the incident with the sky realm, and then the other time when he'd perhaps not-so-accidentally stolen someone's invitation to a tournament. which makes this time round three, so after cruising through the other incidences with relative ease, akira lands in this new one with his characteristic aplomb.
it's dark outside. he knows he's not in tokyo anymore, that's for certain. the lights of the tall, near-ornamental houses shine around him as he looks around, trying to triangulate his position. it's a fruitless endeavor when he has no idea where he is.
the most curious part, however, is the fact that akira isn't quite akira right now—he's joker, if his phantom thief outfit is any indication, and a blink later, his surroundings morph in a kaleidoscope of color until finally, they settle once more, changed. this hasn't happened before, but he's familiar enough with this feeling in the pit of his stomach to know that he's in a palace of some sort.
there's someone nearby. eerily, he's reminded of the time he'd gone to change futaba's heart. the man doesn't quite look like a shadow, and there doesn't seem to be much security yet, but...]
Hey. It isn't exactly safe here.
i barely remember p5 palace rules BUT I WILL PRETEND
it's a neighborhood in aefenglom's residential district, to be certain, but none of the street names seem to make sense when he looks at them. the buildings around him are static, but the letters on storefronts and shop signs refuse to congeal into words. but just as he's starting to feel slightly sick and disoriented, joker approaches, giving francel something real and solid to focus on.]
...It's not? But... this is the Haven. And my home is... somewhere near here.
I AM HOME AGAIN and starting to reboot my brain... hopefully tags will be more regular again
[akira takes a moment to look over the newcomer. he's tall -- far taller than akira, and his pointed ears set him apart from the average human. most striking is the set of...are those horns? akira's reminded of the dragons from some of futaba's fantasy rpgs. all of this cements this town as Definitely Not His World.
as if to taunt them, the letters on the nearest signpost distort again.]
What should I call you?
[this, instead of what's your name, because akira still isn't sure who's listening. this feeling around him... it definitely gives off the same vibe as a palace. which is odd, considering akira hasn't tried any keywords... and ordinarily, a palace would be a single building, as opposed to a whole town. he pulls out his phone, and the usual app has taken over the screen, confirming his suspicions.
he doesn't have futaba's knack for detecting safe spots in the palace where the distortions are weakest, but he knows well enough to realize that standing here in the open is disadvantageous. the urgency of this thought increases as he spots a flash of blue -- and with instincts honed from countless palace infiltrations, akira catches francel by the wrist and pulls him into the cover of an alleyway as another man with black hair and distinguished blue armor strides past with graceful steps.
[there's something telling about the way francel looks forlornly after the shadow wearing aymeric's face — his eyes widen, and he looks distraught as the shadow-aymeric walks coldly past their hiding place. he doesn't question why akira pulled him aside. it doesn't matter much either way.
akira's glove feels cold against his skin. the tall elezen's eyes fall to the ground, long-lashed and empty and blue.]
Y... Yes. That's Aymeric. Or... Ser Aymeric, rather.
[he remembers, belatedly, that he ought to place distance between them. because the last time he opened his heart to the lord commander — what did he get as reward?]
I live with him. Or I did, some weeks ago. My name is Francel.
[akira doesn't miss the look that francel slants in the figure's direction, but tactfully, he makes no comment on it.
it feels strange, having so little information to go on. back in tokyo, nearly every target the phantoms had hit was a major figure in some way. akira knows nothing about this aymeric, and from the eeriness of the town's atmosphere, he probably can't casually duck into a cafe to ask around.
there's...a story behind how they used to live together, clearly.]
Nice meeting you, Francel. I go by Joker. [he offers a half-smile, well-aware that he sounds a little ridiculous right now.] Where's your—
[belatedly, he catches himself. he looks suspicious enough in his full phantom thief getup; the average person would probably not want him anywhere near their house. still, the smartest thing to do right now is get francel out of potential harm's way. from there, akira could tail that aymeric projection. or something. god, if only makoto were here to help with a more definitive plan.]
Where's a good place for me to see you off to? It's pretty late to be out. [alarmingly, the a light nearby flickers, then dies. when it flickers back to life after another few seconds, the color is slightly off—a colder hue compared to its original yellow. every few seconds, even the ground and the walls of the buildings seem to shift, as if they're television images with static interference.]
[strangely, this question seems to send francel into a panic, though why he should be so perturbed is hard to say. he brings a clawed hand to his mouth as though he might be sick.]
I don't... I don't know. I don't want to go back home. I — I can't —
[francel's eyes look almost sky blue in the odd light, though their natural color hews closer to navy, deep and dark as the night sky; they gleam, suddenly, wet with tears. the long-eared man blinks, taking a deep breath in what seems to be an effort to calm himself. as discreetly as he can manage, the elezen wipes his eyes on the back of his hand.]
...I'm sorry. [he breathes, after a moment, the edges of panic lost from his voice.] I don't know where to go. Not anymore.
[he shakes his head.]
...Many of the homes here are empty. Might I... that is, if you would not be troubled, might I ask you to help me find a new home? The hour grows late, and I fear some might feel stirred by the light of the moon. It wouldn't do to run into a burglar of some sort...
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storibook
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he broods.]
some random ass modern au..... also, misfire
GOOD!!!!!!
who could it possibly be? no one would text him, not any more.]
I'll try to stay dry, thank you.
Who is this?
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That's weird! Did your contacts not import into the new phone? It's Tanjirou
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Forgive me, Tanjirou, but I'm afraid I'm not your friend. You've got the wrong number.
Still, I... appreciate the sentiment. I'm having a bit of a bad day, so it's nice to pretend someone's looking out for me.
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Thank you so much for letting me know tho!
[tanjirou could leave it at that, sign off with a hope your day gets better! and refocus on making it to class before the gates close, but... his strides slow. some of his peers hurtling by, the ones that spare him a glance, yell over their shoulder at him, beckoning him to follow after.]
You think you'll be okay? The weather can be a real mood dampener....
Might make things worse
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I'll be all right, thank you.
I think... I always preferred the rain and snow to the sun.
Some say that gloomy weather only worsens their mood, but I personally think it's worse when you feel terrible, but the sun is out, and all the world is golden...
It feels too much like the world is mocking you, and only you deserve to be so unhappy.
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So you're saying that the rain doesn't make you feel as alone?
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I'd never thought about it in precisely those terms, but...
Yes, I suppose you're right.
Thank you, Tanjirou.
elf social link time?!
Hello my dude, I can tell you're troubled by something. As someone who also struggles with troubles sometimes, I think I can help solve this case.
It would be no trouble for me at all to help you with your troubles. Because I'm great at solving troubles.
(VELVET ROOM THEME PLAYING IN THE DISTANCE)
...I am suddenly very afraid to tell you about my troubles.
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[a thumbs up and a winning smile]
Don't be afraid! Why would you be afraid? I'm Souji! As in, Seta Souji? I saved the world, so you can trust me to save you too! +｡:.ﾟヽ(´∀`｡)ﾉﾟ.:｡+ﾟﾟ
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M-Men who save the world are exactly why I'm upset right now!
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[refusing souji’s help vehemently, francel steps back some two or three paces, arms half-raised as if to indicate that he is not a threat, or else to possibly protect himself from this utter madman. even he can see the inherent humor in this situation, though, and he laughs nervously as he tries to answer the first question.]
...I am troubled, yes. But there is naught anyone can do for it now. It’s over. And I... I made too many poor choices.
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Ah, 'aight then.
[he clears his throat, makes sure his collar is sufficiently popped, and puts on another charming smile]
You can't change the past but you can change your future! You can't keep things bottled up, buddy, that's a job reserved for bottles. And you're not a bottle, so you should just tell good 'ol Sooj Doggy Dog here all about your woes.
[and maybe give him one of those cathartic, life changing bonds while he's at it. he has hands to throw later, after all.]
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at least the collar popping is weirdly fascinating to watch...???? francel's in no mood to argue, and it's not as though anything souji's said has been wrong (except for the world-saving part, but hey, maybe that's true in his world), so francel relents.]
...I... trusted someone I should not have, I suppose.
[he tries to sound like he doesn't care.]
I knew I was not important to him... but I still thought he cared more than he did. And I was wrong.
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[he crosses his arms and nods, looking down with his lips pursed as he recounts wacky adventures in TV Land. they were the best of times, they were the worst of times.
but that's neither here nor there, so souji just claps his hands together and beams at francel with a glimmer in his eyes.]
But! I solved my problems the right way. I reached out to the truth and slammed my problems away behind bars! Literally. So if you realized the truth this nefarious impostor has been hiding, what do you want to do? You wanna be sad? You wanna pretend it never happened and move on? Just feel like going apeshit?
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Oh my bad, forgot my manners; what's your name?
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...Francel. My name is Francel. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, er...
[sooj doggy dog.]
Souji.
[he sighs and folds his arms over his chest.]
I suppose... you are not wrong. I don't... see the value in brooding over it all my life. I'm... [a frustrated sigh.] I'm just too angry.
some...how...
Hi there, friend! You look like you could use some Nice Cream!
[ Or more than that, maybe a friendly ear? ]
magically...
to be more accurate, it's a blue... rabbit... man. francel would be surprised if he had any spirit to even do so, and besides, he's gotten used to the sight of monsters recently. somewhat bewildered, he accepts the bar of nice cream, blinking at it with a slightly dazed air.]
I, ah... thank you?
[surely this rabbit runs a business?]
I'm... sorry, but perhaps I should not. I would love to eat something sweet, but I haven't any coin.
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Oh, that's no problem — it's on me! Tell me what you think? I've been working on new flavours and wrappers, so your feedback is all the payment I need!
[ That smile turns expectant. His ears flick toward Francel, hopeful. ]
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iced dairy was not too common in ishgard, not even before the calamity, but this is sweet, milky, and melts in the mouth. comforting. francel closes his eyes and lets the sweetness of it wash over him.
the wrapper asks is this as sweet as you?
smiling faintly, francel can’t find it in himself to throw the thing away, despite the fact that it’s stained with melted ice cream, he holds it loosely by a clean corner, fixing the nice cream guy with a sorrowful gaze.]
...It was delicious, thank you. A finer sweet I have never known. I cannot imagine that this would sell poorly anywhere in the world.
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No, thank you! Hearing that really means a lot to me! [ He glances back at his cart, only for a second, and chuckles. ] It wasn't always like that, you know. I tried all sorts of places, but it took a while before my first customer came along... Anyway, business has picked up, that's all that matters now!
[ Cocking his head, the rabbit-monster peers at Francel after scanning the wrapper's message. ]
I have to say, in a contest between you and my Nice Cream, I bet you're sweeter!
[ Obviously not to eat... ]
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And yet you must be the sweetest of all. Only a rare soul would get into the business of spreading cheer to others.
[wearily, he closes his eyes as if to fall asleep on the bench beside the nice cream monster's cart.]
...If I'd known more men like you, perhaps my life would have been different.
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[ But he hasn't spread cheer to this little corner, not really. Here, the sorrow is like a thick, heavy layer of snow, like all of Snowdin's frost piled together in one spot, and one bar of Nice Cream can't melt it all away.
He rests one paw on Francel's shoulder, concerned. ]
If I'm a rare soul, wouldn't you call yourself another one? Why, even though you can't be in the mood to smile, you've gone out of your way to brighten my day!
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[francel does not react outwardly to the paw upon his shoulder, but he tips his chin slightly inward, almost as if in a nod. his gaze falls into his lap, where his gloved hands still cradle the nice cream wrapper.]
...Being sad is no excuse to be cruel to others. My problems are mine and mine alone.
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You're right about the first part, but you shouldn't have to handle what's got you down alone!
[ That's the ideal scenario, he knows — if I'd known more men like you, perhaps my life would have been different tells him enough. ]
Say, why don't you share those problems with me? Consider it payment for a supply of Nice Cream whenever you want it!
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it was different opening up to cain. cain had been wiser, more familiar with the ways of the world, and francel had been all too eager to trust him. and he knows it was not so simple as being lied to — it was nothing so cruel as deception — but maybe, in the end, trusting cain had been his first mistake.
trusting aymeric had been his second.]
I... trusted someone I should not have, I suppose.
[he swallows on a hardness in his throat.]
He was... very kind to me, even in my worst, most selfish moments, and I... I tried to do all that I could in return for him. But it never... it never seemed to matter, and... in the end, he chose someone else.
sad boys unite HE CAN BE HUMAN-SHAPED despite birdtalk
Um... hi, is this seat taken? Not yours, of course that's taken...
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I, ah... no? It... isn't.
[that doesn't seem to suffice as an answer, but he's still trying to catch up to talking quail.]
I mean, er, that is to say — I have no companions. Please, feel free to sit where you wish.
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[ Not good, when no companions sounds a lot like no friends. Then again, that's probably jumping to conclusions, projecting — it doesn't have to mean anything so sad. Maybe he's not saving somebirdie a seat, that's all, Kazuaki thinks, and instantly, he second-guesses offering the man his company. Maybe I should go... What if he's just being polite, but he actually wants to be alone?
Giving himself a shake, he resolves to do his best to act a little more like a capable bird, though he fidgets with the fringe on his scarf as he hops up onto the Bench That Happens To Be There Now, and continues his fidgeting once seated. ]
Me neither... So it works out?
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...even if that sentient being does, in fact, look like an adorably nervous and fidgety stuffed animal.]
I suppose there is a solace in being alone together, yes.
[...this might lapse into an awkward silence. at... least he's staring.]
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This is absolutely turning into an awkward silence, so Kazuaki hurries to focus on the conversation, nodding vigorously. ]
Y-yes! There is, isn't there? If we're alone together, we're not really alone anymore...! [ Hesitantly, he musters a smile
with... his beak. ] I'm glad you think so, I mean. For a moment, I was worried... You looked sad, but I'm nobirdie you know, and I just invited myself into your space all of a sudden...no subject
You mustn't be so concerned about my space. It's not as though I'm anybirdie special.
[two awkward boys, sitting on a bench together, trying to make their silence less awkward. sensing kazuaki's discomfort, however, francel smiles, trying to resist the urge to reach out and stroke the quail's feathers.]
I do like your scarf.
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[ That simple compliment prompts a mix of emotions, all welling up at once — hopeful joy, trepidation, disbelief. Kazuaki clutches at his scarf, bunching it together, and buries his face in it, overcome. It hides the glimmer of tears springing to his eyes for no good reason while he takes several deep breaths before reemerging. ]
You're so nice...!
[ How to return the compliment occupies his thoughts for the next few moments; he looks Francel over. ]
I've never met a bird like you before, but your wings are very pretty, did you know that?
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Haha! I'm afraid that's because I am not a bird as such — technically speaking, I am a dragon.
[it's strange to think that he can say that so easily now. once upon a time it would have made him sick just to think about turning into a dravanian, but now...]
You may think of me as your fellow bird if you wish, however. I would be most flattered.
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the only seemingly safe spot is an innocuous cafe filled with the enticing aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. sandalphon's absentmindedly cleaning off a mug, even when sharks are visibly plummeting from the skies beyond the window. to his credit, he's refined his customer service voice. he's Leveled Up in cafe management, after all.]
Welcome! What will you be having today?
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Why are there sharks outside?!
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[bemused, sandalphon spares a glance at the window. somehow, he doesn't look surprised at all...]
...Ah. Them. They must be leftovers from the recent tornado we dispelled. [he flashes his equivalent of a reassuring expression, looking bizarrely calm about the whole situation.] No need to worry about them. They'll scatter after they hit land or sea.
[...somehow, this is not entirely convincing as a shark flies by the window with a sharp cry of "SHAAAAAARK!"...]
You should take a seat; you look unwell. I'll prepare our special for you—how does that sound? I've had compliments on my coffee, so I'm certain it'll ease your nerves.
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[still somewhat agitated, francel looks over his shoulder, but... no, there are no sharks chasing him. in fact, there strangely don't seem to be sharks anywhere near the vicinity of this cafe, which is partly why he ran here in a panic to begin with, but... what is this place? some kind of enchanted storefront? perhaps some particularly effective magical barrier...
francel has his concerned for anybody else who is out and about right now, but the barista seems wholly unconcerned, and maybe it's best not to contradict his hospitality when keeping this man happy might be the only thing standing between francel and several rows of deadly shark teeth. gradually, he relaxes... or at least he tries to relax.]
I'll... I... well, certainly. If you would be so kind. I... don't believe I've ever had this "coffee" of which you speak.
im too lazy for big deets but imagine we storming aef!francel palace, similar premise to futaba's
there was the incident with the sky realm, and then the other time when he'd perhaps not-so-accidentally stolen someone's invitation to a tournament. which makes this time round three, so after cruising through the other incidences with relative ease, akira lands in this new one with his characteristic aplomb.
it's dark outside. he knows he's not in tokyo anymore, that's for certain. the lights of the tall, near-ornamental houses shine around him as he looks around, trying to triangulate his position. it's a fruitless endeavor when he has no idea where he is.
the most curious part, however, is the fact that akira isn't quite akira right now—he's joker, if his phantom thief outfit is any indication, and a blink later, his surroundings morph in a kaleidoscope of color until finally, they settle once more, changed. this hasn't happened before, but he's familiar enough with this feeling in the pit of his stomach to know that he's in a palace of some sort.
there's someone nearby. eerily, he's reminded of the time he'd gone to change futaba's heart. the man doesn't quite look like a shadow, and there doesn't seem to be much security yet, but...]
Hey. It isn't exactly safe here.
i barely remember p5 palace rules BUT I WILL PRETEND
it's a neighborhood in aefenglom's residential district, to be certain, but none of the street names seem to make sense when he looks at them. the buildings around him are static, but the letters on storefronts and shop signs refuse to congeal into words. but just as he's starting to feel slightly sick and disoriented, joker approaches, giving francel something real and solid to focus on.]
...It's not? But... this is the Haven. And my home is... somewhere near here.
I AM HOME AGAIN and starting to reboot my brain... hopefully tags will be more regular again
[akira takes a moment to look over the newcomer. he's tall -- far taller than akira, and his pointed ears set him apart from the average human. most striking is the set of...are those horns? akira's reminded of the dragons from some of futaba's fantasy rpgs. all of this cements this town as Definitely Not His World.
as if to taunt them, the letters on the nearest signpost distort again.]
What should I call you?
[this, instead of what's your name, because akira still isn't sure who's listening. this feeling around him... it definitely gives off the same vibe as a palace. which is odd, considering akira hasn't tried any keywords... and ordinarily, a palace would be a single building, as opposed to a whole town. he pulls out his phone, and the usual app has taken over the screen, confirming his suspicions.
he doesn't have futaba's knack for detecting safe spots in the palace where the distortions are weakest, but he knows well enough to realize that standing here in the open is disadvantageous. the urgency of this thought increases as he spots a flash of blue -- and with instincts honed from countless palace infiltrations, akira catches francel by the wrist and pulls him into the cover of an alleyway as another man with black hair and distinguished blue armor strides past with graceful steps.
a shadow? or...a projection?]
Do you know him?
NYOOMS TO YOU two weeks later
akira's glove feels cold against his skin. the tall elezen's eyes fall to the ground, long-lashed and empty and blue.]
Y... Yes. That's Aymeric. Or... Ser Aymeric, rather.
[he remembers, belatedly, that he ought to place distance between them. because the last time he opened his heart to the lord commander — what did he get as reward?]
I live with him. Or I did, some weeks ago. My name is Francel.
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it feels strange, having so little information to go on. back in tokyo, nearly every target the phantoms had hit was a major figure in some way. akira knows nothing about this aymeric, and from the eeriness of the town's atmosphere, he probably can't casually duck into a cafe to ask around.
there's...a story behind how they used to live together, clearly.]
Nice meeting you, Francel. I go by Joker. [he offers a half-smile, well-aware that he sounds a little ridiculous right now.] Where's your—
[belatedly, he catches himself. he looks suspicious enough in his full phantom thief getup; the average person would probably not want him anywhere near their house. still, the smartest thing to do right now is get francel out of potential harm's way. from there, akira could tail that aymeric projection. or something. god, if only makoto were here to help with a more definitive plan.]
Where's a good place for me to see you off to? It's pretty late to be out. [alarmingly, the a light nearby flickers, then dies. when it flickers back to life after another few seconds, the color is slightly off—a colder hue compared to its original yellow. every few seconds, even the ground and the walls of the buildings seem to shift, as if they're television images with static interference.]
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I don't... I don't know. I don't want to go back home. I — I can't —
[francel's eyes look almost sky blue in the odd light, though their natural color hews closer to navy, deep and dark as the night sky; they gleam, suddenly, wet with tears. the long-eared man blinks, taking a deep breath in what seems to be an effort to calm himself. as discreetly as he can manage, the elezen wipes his eyes on the back of his hand.]
...I'm sorry. [he breathes, after a moment, the edges of panic lost from his voice.] I don't know where to go. Not anymore.
[he shakes his head.]
...Many of the homes here are empty. Might I... that is, if you would not be troubled, might I ask you to help me find a new home? The hour grows late, and I fear some might feel stirred by the light of the moon. It wouldn't do to run into a burglar of some sort...