[ a bit later in the day, the curiosity of all the new places and need to check on everyone... is, unfortunately, getting out beat by that drawn urge to find one person in particular.
so, when Setsu finally finds Jonas, they're just hurrying a bit over and, well, meeting him with an immediate hug to bury a little. yes, hello. there's a befuddled expression because how is it that they're already feeling so drained..?? ]
Sorry, I.. don't know why I feel like I've been ignoring you.
[ and then my monday blew up but i'm here now :yell:
anyway. the thing about it is that jonas is pretty good at ignoring when he feels bad which makes this super unfortunate. he figures it's sort of a same shit different day kind of deal, and it's why he's pushing away whatever emotions he doesn't feel like sorting.
eventually he sort of puts together that he's thinking about one person in particular, even if he doesn't entirely connect that the two things are related. that's what makes it a little confusing when setsu suddenly appears and barrels into him. there's a startled noise with the hug, hand coming up to steady them as they blink a little. ]
...well, I haven't seen you since this morning? We've all been kind of close over the last couple of days. [ he thinks, not thinking that's such a weird thing for them to observe and not lifting his arm off of them yet. ]
there's just some relief to be here. it's... in a way, kind of familiar. it's that same kind of comfort they have felt back home, when they find themselves starting a loop with another. in a better mindset they probably would apologize. however, all that earlier discomfort and emotions eating at them is slowly being swept away just holding onto him. ]
That's true. [ but there's still some pondering to their words. as if they feel like they're missing something here. they have only ever really had such a strong attachment to one person before coming here- and to have it here, again. it's... in a way, a bit terrifying.
they pull a bit back after a moment, though their hands remain gripping a bit at his jacket. mmm... they're a bit embarrassed by their behavior. ] I did not think it would affect me this strongly.
[ truly do love both of them not at all thinking this is different than touch week, like idiots. it's a little more intense, sure, but it's sort of soothing his frayed nerves now that they're back so clearly it's just stress of starting a new week. it's fine. he does not shove them off from holding onto his jacket and he keeps an arm draped over them, still tilting his head down a little to peer at them. ]
It's been...a lot. We haven't really had a break since Thursday morning if you really think about it. [ and he is, in fact, thinking about it. it's not like the same thing won't be happening this week, but he doesn't say so. instead he gives them a slight grin. ] Let's go do something fun.
with his arm still draped over, they remain just as close, glancing up at him to take in his expression. as if anything that would hint to them that he was uncomfortable. that he was bothered by this. and if their thoughts were clearer, they would default to an apology, but they don't want to step away from this comfort. they want to remain blanketed in it. it's... safe. ]
Despite everything, it has been. Our downtime really is starting to seem like it's only at the beginning of the week. [ Setsu may have gone through a lot, but already they're starting to feel better. even though they should be stronger with their past experiences.. but it's fine! their expression softens, smiling now. ] I'd like that. Is there anything you haven't done yet? I've explored a bit around but I don't mind doing anything.
[ the problem is even when jonas is feeling a certain way about anything most of the time his expression is pretty neutral. but he doesn't seem uncomfortable and he doesn't seem to think there's anything weird about this. like. he's really out here just thinking setsu is a touchy person and he's like "yeah this makes sense since they've been in space and alone, essentially, for so long." i hate men. ]
Yeah...I was talking to Wolfwood yesterday and he pointed out that even our Mondays are eventful since the barriers go down to new places. [ and which, speaking of. ] Alex and I looked around this morning, too, but it doesn't hurt to go back? May as well enjoy it for what it is. Or at least check if the food carts have changed at all.
[ men (derogatory) this is what touch week does to people, folks. read it here. alas, Setsu is oblivious to this, but it's fine. so long as he doesn't seem uncomfortable, then they'll relax a little. ]
It's one thing if it's one or two new places... but by now, it does for the most part seem like it's just for entertainment. [ having all these new places. cause of the lack of info gathering... really, what will Setsu do without that hobby. ]
It wouldn't hurt, no. [ their grip slackens, but one arm keeps itself settled around Jonas still. ] The park is pretty nice to look around too.
I think...maybe we're supposed to be grateful for it? Not being stuck in one place and having more to explore. [ jonas personally has been trying to ignore that it also opens up way more places for people to get erased, but it's whatever. he's at least having an easier time ignoring those more negative thoughts here. ]
Then let's go back. Maybe feed the squirrels or something and see if they change at all. Which, by the way, weird that those are the first animals we've seen lately?
[ but he does seem to start steering them in that direction. eventually, they will likely separate because they're in the same vicinity, but for now it's fine. ]
I'm sure plenty of people here would feel that way. [ they don't sound to mind either way. their own situation, they always saw the same interstellar cruise. always the same amount of places aboard. always went and visited the same rooms to spend their nights after discussions. this is already more than what they're used to. ]
With the food available there, I'm sure they'll be happy with that. [ squirrel feeding time... ] Ah, I did see fish in the canals... and I suppose there's also the lion in the coliseum. But you're right, we haven't seen any until this week!
[ they'll follow his guide when he starts to steer them, still remaining close to him. eventually, it won't be so intense.. the need to stay so close, but for now yes, this is more than fine. and admittedly, if he'll let them, they'll even gently take his hand into theirs. ]
[ again, he really is just out here not at all thinking there's anything weird about this? his own everything seems to settle down while they're walking and he absently allows them to take his hand. normally he is very much not a really touchy person. it's only saved for very close people or times of crisis, but right now he again is figuring it's fine because setsu's a teammate and this is how they expression affection and stave off some sadness. he would be half-right, since they are both warding off their own bad feelings by doing this. thank you, red string. ]
What fish? [ why is this the first question. ] Somehow I missed that, but I didn't look that close either. You think the coliseum's going to be enough to contain the lions?
[ it's really just idle chatter, but it's a nice distraction from other things. ]
[ we appreciate red strings in these trying times, especially the mods who did this. and i guess RNG that did this to us specifically. normally, Setsu keeps to themselves, though with those they care deeply about.. they don't necessarily mind the touch. which, thinking back to last week, had been a bit of weird behavior for them if they actually gave it some serious thought.
though, it's different here. and quite frankly, they also consider it to be the fact that it's because Jonas is their teammate. that this kind of affection is both ways comforting them here. keeping some of those negative thoughts away. ]
I'm not too sure, I couldn't really get a close enough look without risking potentially falling into the water. [ imagine they did. them showing up like a soaking wet cat. ] But they didn't look like artificial fish.
...It should, shouldn't it? I have to assume the coliseum has the means to keep them contained safely. [ honestly, Setsu spends almost every millisecond of their time thinking about information regarding the game, the erasure, the tasks, etc... it's good to have moments like these to reel them back. to have them talk about anything else. ]
[ very funny that they're both calm and free and head-empty about this while somewhere out there kazuki and alex are probably suffering somehow. they'll have to deal with this later when the week is over, but for now there's nothing to worry about or even think is particularly wrong. (maybe they will learn next time they are separated.)
nevertheless... ]
Wonder if we could, like, make a fishing line and try to catch some of them. [ and do WHAT with them. he does not know, it is really just a stray thought. ] At least you didn't actually fall in. Water didn't seem that great from where I was looking. You'd think the coliseum would have some precautions in place, but I think I want to take another look just to see for myself later.
[ sometimes you red string your own teammate and just smooth sail the whole week. the worry and thinking is a problem? for future them.
but now, Setsu looks a bit excited at the concept of fishing. they like fishing... it's fun.... ] One of the spears from the coliseum would make for a sturdy enough rod. Then, it would be a matter of finding some string or even some wire... maybe the gift shop?
[ a nod. ... though, curious. ] With a new set of tasks this week, do you think they'll use the coliseum potentially?
[ ...aaaand setsu is back to thinking about the game. smh. ]
Do you actually want to try? [ they have nothing else to do. ] I doubt anybody would stop us and if we teleport in and out of the coliseum we can grab whatever we want. [ he hums at the question though. ]
My guess is either the coliseum or the museum, honestly. They're both pretty big and could make us put work in.
...I really do. [ they can admit that much. they have been looking forward to it, and when they saw the fish... ] That's true... would you be willing to? It shouldn't take too long.
[ they say to someone that literally has 'breaking and entering' in their profile. ]
Oh, I hadn't given the museum much thought. That could work... though security does seem a bit strict there.
I've practiced teleporting a bit with Nahida last week, I was able to take her with me so... we could go in together. I can take us in, and you take us out?
[ cause no way they're gonna let him do this alone smh. they're in this together, thanks! ]
Oh, I.. think I saw security escorting someone out for touching one of the relics?
I haven't tried with another person yet, so...good to know it's that easy. And I want to see if it boosts if it's both of us together anyway. So let's try it.
[ that sounds about right to him. so he will start to lead them to the coliseum! ]
Oh...yeah that sounds about right. No matter where you go you can't touch anything in those places without somebody getting mad.
There weren't any side effects for the person that was taken with, from what Nahida told me. Which I wouldn't have been too worried to think about with two Drift users working together. [ it's just good to know in general though. ] But so long as I had some kind of contact with her... the teleport happened naturally.
[ they can squirrel feed another time, it is pole stealing time from the coliseum. ]
I wonder if it's also because some of those relics are a bit familiar to those here.
I didn't even think about side effects of other psych users. So at least we can rule that out. That helps a lot. We can take a person with us but I wonder how big of an object we can take, too. I mean we can test that later. It's not like what we're taking from the coliseum's going to be that big.
[ hold on. ]
Wait we can't both go in and both get out together if one of us has to take the rod. [ he'll go back to the relic thing in a second. ]
I'm not sending you in with a lion. [ the lion might not even be there? ] Plus I could use the practice in the first place since you already went with Nahida. I haven't tried with another person or item yet.
It's alright, I have my military experience, remember? I'd be able to handle myself if there's one around. [ No Fear! ] I.. I get needing the practice, but we can do that anytime. And...I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if you went in and got hurt because of me. [ :( ]
I get that I don't have the same experience, but I think I can hold my own pretty okay. And also...unlike someone I know, if I did get hurt I wouldn't refuse healing. [ the gentlest callout. ]
then promptly. closes. hrm. arms come to a cross, brows furrowing as they glance off to the side, then back to him. they, unfortunately, can't argue here. ]
...Call me if you need help. I'll come right away.
WEEK 1, MONDAY.
so, when Setsu finally finds Jonas, they're just hurrying a bit over and, well, meeting him with an immediate hug to bury a little. yes, hello. there's a befuddled expression because how is it that they're already feeling so drained..?? ]
Sorry, I.. don't know why I feel like I've been ignoring you.
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anyway. the thing about it is that jonas is pretty good at ignoring when he feels bad which makes this super unfortunate. he figures it's sort of a same shit different day kind of deal, and it's why he's pushing away whatever emotions he doesn't feel like sorting.
eventually he sort of puts together that he's thinking about one person in particular, even if he doesn't entirely connect that the two things are related. that's what makes it a little confusing when setsu suddenly appears and barrels into him. there's a startled noise with the hug, hand coming up to steady them as they blink a little. ]
...well, I haven't seen you since this morning? We've all been kind of close over the last couple of days. [ he thinks, not thinking that's such a weird thing for them to observe and not lifting his arm off of them yet. ]
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there's just some relief to be here. it's... in a way, kind of familiar. it's that same kind of comfort they have felt back home, when they find themselves starting a loop with another. in a better mindset they probably would apologize. however, all that earlier discomfort and emotions eating at them is slowly being swept away just holding onto him. ]
That's true. [ but there's still some pondering to their words. as if they feel like they're missing something here. they have only ever really had such a strong attachment to one person before coming here- and to have it here, again. it's... in a way, a bit terrifying.
they pull a bit back after a moment, though their hands remain gripping a bit at his jacket. mmm... they're a bit embarrassed by their behavior. ] I did not think it would affect me this strongly.
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It's been...a lot. We haven't really had a break since Thursday morning if you really think about it. [ and he is, in fact, thinking about it. it's not like the same thing won't be happening this week, but he doesn't say so. instead he gives them a slight grin. ] Let's go do something fun.
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with his arm still draped over, they remain just as close, glancing up at him to take in his expression. as if anything that would hint to them that he was uncomfortable. that he was bothered by this. and if their thoughts were clearer, they would default to an apology, but they don't want to step away from this comfort. they want to remain blanketed in it. it's... safe. ]
Despite everything, it has been. Our downtime really is starting to seem like it's only at the beginning of the week. [ Setsu may have gone through a lot, but already they're starting to feel better. even though they should be stronger with their past experiences.. but it's fine! their expression softens, smiling now. ] I'd like that. Is there anything you haven't done yet? I've explored a bit around but I don't mind doing anything.
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Yeah...I was talking to Wolfwood yesterday and he pointed out that even our Mondays are eventful since the barriers go down to new places. [ and which, speaking of. ] Alex and I looked around this morning, too, but it doesn't hurt to go back? May as well enjoy it for what it is. Or at least check if the food carts have changed at all.
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It's one thing if it's one or two new places... but by now, it does for the most part seem like it's just for entertainment. [ having all these new places. cause of the lack of info gathering... really, what will Setsu do without that hobby. ]
It wouldn't hurt, no. [ their grip slackens, but one arm keeps itself settled around Jonas still. ] The park is pretty nice to look around too.
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Then let's go back. Maybe feed the squirrels or something and see if they change at all. Which, by the way, weird that those are the first animals we've seen lately?
[ but he does seem to start steering them in that direction. eventually, they will likely separate because they're in the same vicinity, but for now it's fine. ]
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With the food available there, I'm sure they'll be happy with that. [ squirrel feeding time... ] Ah, I did see fish in the canals... and I suppose there's also the lion in the coliseum. But you're right, we haven't seen any until this week!
[ they'll follow his guide when he starts to steer them, still remaining close to him. eventually, it won't be so intense.. the need to stay so close, but for now yes, this is more than fine. and admittedly, if he'll let them, they'll even gently take his hand into theirs. ]
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What fish? [ why is this the first question. ] Somehow I missed that, but I didn't look that close either. You think the coliseum's going to be enough to contain the lions?
[ it's really just idle chatter, but it's a nice distraction from other things. ]
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though, it's different here. and quite frankly, they also consider it to be the fact that it's because Jonas is their teammate. that this kind of affection is both ways comforting them here. keeping some of those negative thoughts away. ]
I'm not too sure, I couldn't really get a close enough look without risking potentially falling into the water. [ imagine they did. them showing up like a soaking wet cat. ] But they didn't look like artificial fish.
...It should, shouldn't it? I have to assume the coliseum has the means to keep them contained safely. [ honestly, Setsu spends almost every millisecond of their time thinking about information regarding the game, the erasure, the tasks, etc... it's good to have moments like these to reel them back. to have them talk about anything else. ]
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nevertheless... ]
Wonder if we could, like, make a fishing line and try to catch some of them. [ and do WHAT with them. he does not know, it is really just a stray thought. ] At least you didn't actually fall in. Water didn't seem that great from where I was looking. You'd think the coliseum would have some precautions in place, but I think I want to take another look just to see for myself later.
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but now, Setsu looks a bit excited at the concept of fishing. they like fishing... it's fun.... ] One of the spears from the coliseum would make for a sturdy enough rod. Then, it would be a matter of finding some string or even some wire... maybe the gift shop?
[ a nod. ... though, curious. ] With a new set of tasks this week, do you think they'll use the coliseum potentially?
[ ...aaaand setsu is back to thinking about the game. smh. ]
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Do you actually want to try? [ they have nothing else to do. ] I doubt anybody would stop us and if we teleport in and out of the coliseum we can grab whatever we want. [ he hums at the question though. ]
My guess is either the coliseum or the museum, honestly. They're both pretty big and could make us put work in.
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...I really do. [ they can admit that much. they have been looking forward to it, and when they saw the fish... ] That's true... would you be willing to? It shouldn't take too long.
[ they say to someone that literally has 'breaking and entering' in their profile. ]
Oh, I hadn't given the museum much thought. That could work... though security does seem a bit strict there.
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Guess we can call it some practice? It shouldn't be bad if I teleport in and out before anything tries to eat me or something.
[ yeah he has no qualms otherwise. ]
What's wrong with the security? [ he is Unaware. ]
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I've practiced teleporting a bit with Nahida last week, I was able to take her with me so... we could go in together. I can take us in, and you take us out?
[ cause no way they're gonna let him do this alone smh. they're in this together, thanks! ]
Oh, I.. think I saw security escorting someone out for touching one of the relics?
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[ that sounds about right to him. so he will start to lead them to the coliseum! ]
Oh...yeah that sounds about right. No matter where you go you can't touch anything in those places without somebody getting mad.
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[ they can squirrel feed another time, it is pole stealing time from the coliseum. ]
I wonder if it's also because some of those relics are a bit familiar to those here.
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[ hold on. ]
Wait we can't both go in and both get out together if one of us has to take the rod. [ he'll go back to the relic thing in a second. ]
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Ah.
[ well. uh. their cheeks burn a bit red, their free hand coming up to rest against their forehead. EMBARRASSING.... ]
I... completely forgot. [ aaaaaa ] Then, hmm... I can just go in myself! I'm the one that wants to make a fishing pole in the first place, so.
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I'm not sending you in with a lion. [ the lion might not even be there? ] Plus I could use the practice in the first place since you already went with Nahida. I haven't tried with another person or item yet.
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It's alright, I have my military experience, remember? I'd be able to handle myself if there's one around. [ No Fear! ] I.. I get needing the practice, but we can do that anytime. And...I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if you went in and got hurt because of me. [ :( ]
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then promptly. closes. hrm. arms come to a cross, brows furrowing as they glance off to the side, then back to him. they, unfortunately, can't argue here. ]
...Call me if you need help. I'll come right away.
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