You told me not to try it and not to ask, not to not laugh! [ they can grab his arm, he's still busy cracking up even though it's obvious he's making an attempt to control himself. ] How else was I supposed to react to this?
[ they WANNA DIE. okay not really, but the embarrassment is still there. at least.. he's trying... they just slump and plop their head against his arm in defeat. they want to ooze away. ]
...It wasn't so bad, except I kept running into people at the diner... Do you know what Vash said? "Thanks, you've saved me five dollars." [ IT'S SO FUNNYYY. ]
[ at least his laughter is dying down and he's able to resume his normal everything. patting them on the head. there, there.
...never mind he's laughing again, but it's more of a sheepish kind of sound. ]
Uh. If it helps? Wolfwood paid me two dollars to try one of the hot dogs myself, and then sent me a third because he felt bad about what happened. [ i hate the triguns so much actually. ]
[ why are you laughing! again!!! there's a fluttery feeling of exasperation. but, they aren't actually mad at him or anything. no, not with that clear telltale amusement flickering. just bonks their head lightly against him. Hmph.
...okay. they'll laugh a little now. because that's actually pretty funny. ]
The compulsive rhyming? I heard from Luo Wenzhou that's what the hot dog does.
Yeah, that thing. [ he doesn't mind elaborating now that it's obvious other people had experienced it. also, it was not mooing. it's fine. he doesn't seem to care about sharing now. ]
We had guesses the food might've done something considering how much it cost, but we weren't sure what until I bought it. It lasted so much longer than I ever wanted it to.
[ he really could have been doomed with mooing. imagine that happening... couldn't be setsu. ]
Now your warning makes more sense. At least the fried milk only lasted for an hour. [ which meant they only saw a few in that limited window but it was still embarrassing... though, they are chuckling a bit more. ] So if I ask Wolfwood, do you think he'll tell me some of your rhymings?
Lucky you. The rhyming was three and it was in text, too. [ IT WAS AWFUL. but he seems to think on that, and there's a little squiggle of something strange in his emotions at the mention of wolfwood in this particular context. ]
You could ask, but I doubt he'd rat me out. We have an understanding. [ yeah the understanding is that they're similar people and it's weird. idiots. ]
Text as well? I hadn't bothered to message with the one I had.
[ they laugh a bit more. just a lil. ]
Hmmm. Is that so? I'll take your word for it. I'm glad you have someone like that.
[ these idiots are good boys be nice. there's a little more contentment at that. sometimes you're happy that others are able to make good connections. ]
I was in the middle of texting Wolfwood when it started, so that's the only reason I knew. [ it might not even have had to be text, i personally just thought it was funny to make lowe sit through a whole thread like that. ]
It's...I don't know what I'd call it. But it feels like I can say some things to him without really having to give a whole explanation and he gets what I mean. I like that part of it. It's been a while since people have been like that.
[ which. he does feel like the team is a little like that, too. so it's nice to know. ]
Ah, that makes a bit more sense. [ i love that for you both. ]
...Mmm, no, I can understand what you mean. [ their thoughts flicker to their experiences here so far ] I feel that way at times with both you and Alex. Which was a bit of a surprise to me. I didn't think I could make connections like those. So, it's nice to see when you do.
[ it helps them to.. not feel as lost as they did when they arrived here on the first day. so, they get it. it's a wistful feeling. ]
I think it helps that Alex and I have sort of unique circumstances that most people probably should not relate to. I doubt any of us thought we'd meet someone similar. [ so like. yes, hard same. ] It was part of why we thought of you and Kazuki most of all when we were picking who to team up with. That connection.
[ he pauses a little...but pursues. ]
I kind of feel bad knowing he's out of the loop on some stuff because of it. But we just have to try a little more to keep Kazuki updated and connected to us, too.
[ there's a brief pause as they think this over. ]
..No, I know. He isn't exactly aware of my own situation with the time loops.. it took him a while to even get around the idea I come from a place where interstellar travel is even possible so I didn't want to put all of.. that onto him as well. [ imagine going from "yeah, i travel in space, but also i'm stuck in time loops"? with the most normie person. terrible. ] But... I think I'll tell him about it later today, if I can. It might.. clear things up, and get him to understand me a bit more.
[ and why they are the way they are because of it. ]
He's from Earth like me and Alex, so that doesn't surprise me. Even with what we've been through, interstellar travel is still weird to me, too. [ but...he nods. there's a little bit of relief there. ]
...Kazuki just wants people to trust him with things and for us to be people he can trust. Talking and sharing problems and responsibilities and listening to each other. He would probably appreciate knowing more about you and your circumstances so he knows how to talk to you better. I didn't...really want to get into it with him myself because it's your story. But I got the sense it's frustrating for him to feel unheard.
There are a few back on the ship also from Earth, so I often have to remind myself that there is a lot of time discrepancy there too. [ earth is similar in context, but the earth they semi-know is obviously much... much further along in time compared to other versions of earth. ]
...I see. [ a light idle tap of their finger on the counter. as a team, it's better for them to know their story so they can be trusted more, and they understand that. but there are parts of it that... for a moment, they go quiet, thinking it over. ] I'll try to mention what I can... Then work from there.
Our planet is definitely not as advanced as you might be used to. I can pretty much guarantee that.
[ but he watches their hand and he watches their face and there's the tiniest, quizzical frown as he waits for them to speak. ]
...tell him what you're comfortable with. It doesn't have to be everything, but at least the parts to explain why you may not be able to tell him everything he wants to know. Kazuki is the kind of person who doesn't like being shut down. We have to be more careful, as a team, to try and trust each other with everything we can.
...Yeah, you're right. I agree, we do need to be more careful, especially as the weeks get harder. [ which may sound resigned, but it isn't really. there's a light feeling coming from them. a reassured acceptance. though, there's the smallest bit of guilt as they look over at him. ] Thanks, Jonas.
You're... always listening and hearing me out. I feel like I hardly ever get to help you in return. [ whether it's about their story about home, or some of the problems coming up here, he's always been there to listen. of course they would want to return the favor. ] ...You know, if there ever is something, you can tell me.
[ why is it that this still surprises him a little? it's hard to say, but it's there and just the faintest blip before he settles to look at them again. ]
That's what we're supposed to do as a team, you know? As friends, even. I don't mind hearing you out even if I don't always know what I should say or what makes sense. Everything's going to get harder, so if there's a way I can help, then...I will.
[ but he pauses again. ]
But I know. If there's ever anything, I think I could tell any of the three of you. [ debatable if he would, but he at least feels like he could. ]
No, I know... it's just. [ a quiet pause, contemplating ] Even if I was never really in a position to before, it's.. not a topic I can just easily talk about.
[ only one person would have been able to understand back in their loops. there was no point in explaining to anyone else when the loop would end and the new begin. but, no, that wasn't the point. ]
I just mean... if there's something about your home as well, not just here and the game, that you want to talk about, I'm here, too. As a friend. [ not just as a teammate, but someone to confide in just as they have in him. ] I know our situations are different.. but, I'd say I'm a pretty good listener?
[ which. is both a serious answer but also part of a joke? cause they are used to gathering so much information? get it...? ]
I don't necessarily mean now, of course. Just... if you ever want to. I want you to be able to rely on me as well.
I know. Kind of crazy how things are different here.
[ there are tiny flickers of both amusement, curiosity and gratitude, followed by little questionable feelings as well. ]
Setsu, do you think there's something I should be saying? [ it's a tease, but he has to wonder actually if there is something he's projecting that he's not aware of. ] I do trust you. And I rely on you guys. No matter what else I'm dealing with, those things are true.
Not necessarily. I mean... I wouldn't really know if there was or not. [ don't tease... there's warmth there towards him, protective... some worry. ] I just figured I should say it. On the chance you weren't already aware.
...If I can help you even a little bit-- [ coming here had seemed like a curse at first. left haunted by the uncertainty and plaguing thoughts they had failed.
but already they've come to cherish some of these connections, more than they expected, and after being told they should make the most of everything... ] I just want to give it my all.
[ there's a moment's pause where he seems to be trying to think it over. like he's wondering if he did, in fact, need to actually have the reminder. ]
Well...thanks. Never hurts just in case. [ there's a soft frown at that though because...it shouldn't have to be just about that. ]
I think our entire team feels like that to an extent, you know? All of us want to help and rely on each other, and all of us plan on doing what we can. It's both a good thing and a bad thing when we're all trying to take care of each other and aren't great at taking care of ourselves or letting other people do it. I don't know. Maybe I'm just rambling about it now.
[ Sometimes, it's reassuring to the person themselves for it to be said out loud. it's fine.
...a quiet laugh leaves them then, leaning to bump their shoulders together. kinda, I forget smol. ]
No no, you're right. I know on more than one occasion I've had you guys tell me to look after myself. That's why, I want to make sure you guys do the same. We can't exactly help one another if we don't look after ourselves.
...Sorry if this came out a little sudden. As I said, I just wanted for it to be said. [ Their emotions seem to relax more afterwards. a quiet, calm warmth, a softer feeling as they look at him. ] Anyways, that's all.
[ he takes a moment where he's just looking at them. and there's a little bump back instead. ]
It's not that sudden. I mean it is, but it's not like I don't know why you said it. So...don't apologize. I get it. [ there's a pause. ] We'll just have to keep reminding ourselves ,and Alex and Kazuki, too. We're only going to be as strong as our team lets us.
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...It wasn't so bad, except I kept running into people at the diner... Do you know what Vash said? "Thanks, you've saved me five dollars." [ IT'S SO FUNNYYY. ]
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...never mind he's laughing again, but it's more of a sheepish kind of sound. ]
Uh. If it helps? Wolfwood paid me two dollars to try one of the hot dogs myself, and then sent me a third because he felt bad about what happened. [ i hate the triguns so much actually. ]
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...okay. they'll laugh a little now. because that's actually pretty funny. ]
The compulsive rhyming? I heard from Luo Wenzhou that's what the hot dog does.
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We had guesses the food might've done something considering how much it cost, but we weren't sure what until I bought it. It lasted so much longer than I ever wanted it to.
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Now your warning makes more sense. At least the fried milk only lasted for an hour. [ which meant they only saw a few in that limited window but it was still embarrassing... though, they are chuckling a bit more. ] So if I ask Wolfwood, do you think he'll tell me some of your rhymings?
[ hehe. ]
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You could ask, but I doubt he'd rat me out. We have an understanding. [ yeah the understanding is that they're similar people and it's weird. idiots. ]
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[ they laugh a bit more. just a lil. ]
Hmmm. Is that so? I'll take your word for it. I'm glad you have someone like that.
[ these idiots are good boys be nice. there's a little more contentment at that. sometimes you're happy that others are able to make good connections. ]
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It's...I don't know what I'd call it. But it feels like I can say some things to him without really having to give a whole explanation and he gets what I mean. I like that part of it. It's been a while since people have been like that.
[ which. he does feel like the team is a little like that, too. so it's nice to know. ]
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...Mmm, no, I can understand what you mean. [ their thoughts flicker to their experiences here so far ] I feel that way at times with both you and Alex. Which was a bit of a surprise to me. I didn't think I could make connections like those. So, it's nice to see when you do.
[ it helps them to.. not feel as lost as they did when they arrived here on the first day. so, they get it. it's a wistful feeling. ]
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[ he pauses a little...but pursues. ]
I kind of feel bad knowing he's out of the loop on some stuff because of it. But we just have to try a little more to keep Kazuki updated and connected to us, too.
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..No, I know. He isn't exactly aware of my own situation with the time loops.. it took him a while to even get around the idea I come from a place where interstellar travel is even possible so I didn't want to put all of.. that onto him as well. [ imagine going from "yeah, i travel in space, but also i'm stuck in time loops"? with the most normie person. terrible. ] But... I think I'll tell him about it later today, if I can. It might.. clear things up, and get him to understand me a bit more.
[ and why they are the way they are because of it. ]
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...Kazuki just wants people to trust him with things and for us to be people he can trust. Talking and sharing problems and responsibilities and listening to each other. He would probably appreciate knowing more about you and your circumstances so he knows how to talk to you better. I didn't...really want to get into it with him myself because it's your story. But I got the sense it's frustrating for him to feel unheard.
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...I see. [ a light idle tap of their finger on the counter. as a team, it's better for them to know their story so they can be trusted more, and they understand that. but there are parts of it that... for a moment, they go quiet, thinking it over. ] I'll try to mention what I can... Then work from there.
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[ but he watches their hand and he watches their face and there's the tiniest, quizzical frown as he waits for them to speak. ]
...tell him what you're comfortable with. It doesn't have to be everything, but at least the parts to explain why you may not be able to tell him everything he wants to know. Kazuki is the kind of person who doesn't like being shut down. We have to be more careful, as a team, to try and trust each other with everything we can.
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...Yeah, you're right. I agree, we do need to be more careful, especially as the weeks get harder. [ which may sound resigned, but it isn't really. there's a light feeling coming from them. a reassured acceptance. though, there's the smallest bit of guilt as they look over at him. ] Thanks, Jonas.
You're... always listening and hearing me out. I feel like I hardly ever get to help you in return. [ whether it's about their story about home, or some of the problems coming up here, he's always been there to listen. of course they would want to return the favor. ] ...You know, if there ever is something, you can tell me.
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That's what we're supposed to do as a team, you know? As friends, even. I don't mind hearing you out even if I don't always know what I should say or what makes sense. Everything's going to get harder, so if there's a way I can help, then...I will.
[ but he pauses again. ]
But I know. If there's ever anything, I think I could tell any of the three of you. [ debatable if he would, but he at least feels like he could. ]
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[ only one person would have been able to understand back in their loops. there was no point in explaining to anyone else when the loop would end and the new begin. but, no, that wasn't the point. ]
I just mean... if there's something about your home as well, not just here and the game, that you want to talk about, I'm here, too. As a friend. [ not just as a teammate, but someone to confide in just as they have in him. ] I know our situations are different.. but, I'd say I'm a pretty good listener?
[ which. is both a serious answer but also part of a joke? cause they are used to gathering so much information? get it...? ]
I don't necessarily mean now, of course. Just... if you ever want to. I want you to be able to rely on me as well.
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[ there are tiny flickers of both amusement, curiosity and gratitude, followed by little questionable feelings as well. ]
Setsu, do you think there's something I should be saying? [ it's a tease, but he has to wonder actually if there is something he's projecting that he's not aware of. ] I do trust you. And I rely on you guys. No matter what else I'm dealing with, those things are true.
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Not necessarily. I mean... I wouldn't really know if there was or not. [ don't tease... there's warmth there towards him, protective... some worry. ] I just figured I should say it. On the chance you weren't already aware.
...If I can help you even a little bit-- [ coming here had seemed like a curse at first. left haunted by the uncertainty and plaguing thoughts they had failed.
but already they've come to cherish some of these connections, more than they expected, and after being told they should make the most of everything... ] I just want to give it my all.
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Well...thanks. Never hurts just in case. [ there's a soft frown at that though because...it shouldn't have to be just about that. ]
I think our entire team feels like that to an extent, you know? All of us want to help and rely on each other, and all of us plan on doing what we can. It's both a good thing and a bad thing when we're all trying to take care of each other and aren't great at taking care of ourselves or letting other people do it. I don't know. Maybe I'm just rambling about it now.
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...a quiet laugh leaves them then, leaning to bump their shoulders together. kinda, I forget smol. ]
No no, you're right. I know on more than one occasion I've had you guys tell me to look after myself. That's why, I want to make sure you guys do the same. We can't exactly help one another if we don't look after ourselves.
...Sorry if this came out a little sudden. As I said, I just wanted for it to be said. [ Their emotions seem to relax more afterwards. a quiet, calm warmth, a softer feeling as they look at him. ] Anyways, that's all.
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It's not that sudden. I mean it is, but it's not like I don't know why you said it. So...don't apologize. I get it. [ there's a pause. ] We'll just have to keep reminding ourselves ,and Alex and Kazuki, too. We're only going to be as strong as our team lets us.
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Hehe... with the four of us, we will be plenty strong. I believe in that for sure.
[ they'll tilt their head to the menu after. ]
Let's eat. My treat!
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Sounds good to me.
[ gently closes this thread. ]
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