[Finn walks up to the box, squinting down into it thoughtfully. Apparently, gift giving was the custom around here. A human custom, as far as Finn could tell. The thought gives him a weird fluttering in his stomach as he focuses on one of the new people he's met -- human or not -- racking his brain for what they might want...]
Dude seems to really miss his daughter. [Finn rubs the back of his head. He could relate, in a sort of sideways way.] Couldn't you get a picture of her for him? That's what I'd want.
Later...
[This month's supply drop has arrived and with it, a little something special for Yujin. He'll see a box wrapped in shiny teal paper, a deep crimson bow, and a small glittery gold tag with 'From Finn' printed on it. The wrapping job is too neat to be from Finn himself, clearly created by the ship's replicator based on his gift request.
Inside the box, he will find small photograph. It's not the original, that's clear from the photo paper it's printed on. Still, the image speaks for itself.]
Dude seems to really miss his daughter. [Finn rubs the back of his head. He could relate, in a sort of sideways way.] Couldn't you get a picture of her for him? That's what I'd want.
Later...
[This month's supply drop has arrived and with it, a little something special for Yujin. He'll see a box wrapped in shiny teal paper, a deep crimson bow, and a small glittery gold tag with 'From Finn' printed on it. The wrapping job is too neat to be from Finn himself, clearly created by the ship's replicator based on his gift request.
Inside the box, he will find small photograph. It's not the original, that's clear from the photo paper it's printed on. Still, the image speaks for itself.]
[Finn's gift is just a small token, sure, but... the original photograph hadn't been his, nor was he even there when it was taken. To say Yujin's touched by the present is an understatement.
In return, Finn will find a neatly-wrapped box outside his own door. Once he tears it open, he'll find a warm winter scarf as well as a small tube made of shiny green paper. With the gift is a short note:]
I can't express how much your gift means to me. Thank you.
P.S.: The charm inside will help to keep you safe from danger. Be sure not to open it, or the blessing will wear out!
[When Finn pops the Christmas cracker open, it'll burst like a toy firework, revealing several small trinkets on the inside. There's a shimmery red paper crown, two small figurines of a hunting hound and a racehorse, a handful of caramel candies, and a bright blue omamori of protection from ill forces.]
In return, Finn will find a neatly-wrapped box outside his own door. Once he tears it open, he'll find a warm winter scarf as well as a small tube made of shiny green paper. With the gift is a short note:]
I can't express how much your gift means to me. Thank you.
P.S.: The charm inside will help to keep you safe from danger. Be sure not to open it, or the blessing will wear out!
[When Finn pops the Christmas cracker open, it'll burst like a toy firework, revealing several small trinkets on the inside. There's a shimmery red paper crown, two small figurines of a hunting hound and a racehorse, a handful of caramel candies, and a bright blue omamori of protection from ill forces.]
γ the sunlight room is one of few comforts aboard the ximilia. impossible as it is—in the midst of so much strangeness— the green of the leaves, the soft snapping of branches underfoot prove soothing.
little relief, however, exists within the wide space today.
by the bridge spanning the frozen stream, helen stands as unmoving as a statue. dressed in white, she appears carved from marble. her arms wrap around her middle. she only shifts when she senses someone come near—then only a turn of her head enough to catch glimpse of who has joined her. sorrow softens her beautiful features, lends them a timeless poignancy.
her tears fall easily, have fallen a while. γ
little relief, however, exists within the wide space today.
by the bridge spanning the frozen stream, helen stands as unmoving as a statue. dressed in white, she appears carved from marble. her arms wrap around her middle. she only shifts when she senses someone come near—then only a turn of her head enough to catch glimpse of who has joined her. sorrow softens her beautiful features, lends them a timeless poignancy.
her tears fall easily, have fallen a while. γ
[Though the sunlight room is rarely empty, Yujin doesn't a habit of stopping for his shipmates. Not beyond quick greetings, anyhow. He values how meditative this place can be, when all else here isn't-- and particularly after how eventful his first month aboard the Ximilia's been.
So, at first, Helen escapes his notice. And then, as he draws nearer, his footsteps tapping lightly upon the bridge, he actually observes her, rather than merely looking. Guarded and tense. When she whirls around, there are tears in her eyes. It's enough to tug at anyone's heartstrings, really.]
My dear... [he begins, voice reassuring. If his tone is anything, it's that of a father. This is the sound that goes with skinned knees, bruised egos, childhood failures, runaway teenage boys.]
Is everything all right?
[He's at her side with the handkerchief from his breast pocket already in his hand, offered out to her.]
So, at first, Helen escapes his notice. And then, as he draws nearer, his footsteps tapping lightly upon the bridge, he actually observes her, rather than merely looking. Guarded and tense. When she whirls around, there are tears in her eyes. It's enough to tug at anyone's heartstrings, really.]
My dear... [he begins, voice reassuring. If his tone is anything, it's that of a father. This is the sound that goes with skinned knees, bruised egos, childhood failures, runaway teenage boys.]
Is everything all right?
[He's at her side with the handkerchief from his breast pocket already in his hand, offered out to her.]
Action; backdated to... IDK, early on, whenever Ryu first reached out to Viv
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
locumstudentesquire
2023-01-10 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
[It starts with a private voice message, and Ryunosuke's words have an unmistakably troubled edge to them when they come through.]
Professor, I-- I don't wish to interrupt you, but. Could you come back to our quarters? The sooner the better, if you don't mind. I've called Kazuma over as well, it's... It's about that little matter I mentioned I was going to speak to Miss Viveca about.
Professor, I-- I don't wish to interrupt you, but. Could you come back to our quarters? The sooner the better, if you don't mind. I've called Kazuma over as well, it's... It's about that little matter I mentioned I was going to speak to Miss Viveca about.
[Yujin had been hoping for the best, but Ryunosuke's tone... isn't reassuring.]
Of course. I'll be right over. [and that's all-- he hangs up and makes his way back to their shared room.
He doesn't speak until the door behind him's shut tight. Taking a seat in the nearest chair, he presses his lips together, then begins carefully:] I assume Miss Viveca did not have good news for you?
Of course. I'll be right over. [and that's all-- he hangs up and makes his way back to their shared room.
He doesn't speak until the door behind him's shut tight. Taking a seat in the nearest chair, he presses his lips together, then begins carefully:] I assume Miss Viveca did not have good news for you?
Shoves that last thread under the rug for a retcon (Action)
locumstudentesquire
2023-01-29 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
[At some point early on in their stay, Yujin will come back to their shared quarters just moments after Ryunosuke has just wrapped up a rather troubling conversation with Viveca.
The young man is parked over at the cabin's seating area, rubbing his eyes slowly with thumb and forefinger blearily. Of course, he stops doing that and looks up sharply when he hears the door open, blinking owlishly at Yujin's sudden return.]
Oh! Professor Mikotoba! Welcome back, sir!
[The pleasantry rolls off his tongue with his usual degree of nervous energy, but in most other regards Ryunosuke seems even more noticeably tense than ever. He just cannot help but linger on the revelation Viveca just imparted to him: that they're both from different timelines. So... Does that mean isn't really his Yujin Mikotoba...?]
The young man is parked over at the cabin's seating area, rubbing his eyes slowly with thumb and forefinger blearily. Of course, he stops doing that and looks up sharply when he hears the door open, blinking owlishly at Yujin's sudden return.]
Oh! Professor Mikotoba! Welcome back, sir!
[The pleasantry rolls off his tongue with his usual degree of nervous energy, but in most other regards Ryunosuke seems even more noticeably tense than ever. He just cannot help but linger on the revelation Viveca just imparted to him: that they're both from different timelines. So... Does that mean isn't really his Yujin Mikotoba...?]
[ Now that Yujin is formally An Adult Finn knows, (an educated one, a doctor, even) heβs going to be recipient of questions Finn is too embarrassed to ask people closer to his age. Lest they shame him, eg/ the potato.]
Professor Mikotobaβ¦can I ask you a question?
[Rather than waiting for a response, he sends along an image of several eggs arranged on the chrome countertop of the shared kitchen. Some are clearly regular chicken eggs, some small, the size of quail eggs. One dwarfs the others, a massive, gleaming off-white specimen; likely an ostrich egg or something similar.]
Mr. Asogi taught me how to make scrambled eggs, but the fridge here has all kinds of eggs in thereβ¦can I use this big one? Itβs probably safe, right? Just more egg, less crackinβ.
Professor Mikotobaβ¦can I ask you a question?
[Rather than waiting for a response, he sends along an image of several eggs arranged on the chrome countertop of the shared kitchen. Some are clearly regular chicken eggs, some small, the size of quail eggs. One dwarfs the others, a massive, gleaming off-white specimen; likely an ostrich egg or something similar.]
Mr. Asogi taught me how to make scrambled eggs, but the fridge here has all kinds of eggs in thereβ¦can I use this big one? Itβs probably safe, right? Just more egg, less crackinβ.
[That. That is. Why on Earth is that egg so huge.
While he has no idea where that thing's FROM, it IS in the fridge, so it stands to reason Viveca and Degar wouldn't have stocked it with something inedible. Right?]
Did he? I'm glad he could help.
As long as you cook it through, I'm sure it's fine.
While he has no idea where that thing's FROM, it IS in the fridge, so it stands to reason Viveca and Degar wouldn't have stocked it with something inedible. Right?]
Did he? I'm glad he could help.
As long as you cook it through, I'm sure it's fine.
After Olivia's containment, around the time of the Aldyhion mission briefing
heroooic
- 2023-02-04 18:53 (UTC) - Expand[The text will find Yujin in the midst of the dremnin's attack, its cadence staccato and abrupt. Wherever Finn is, he doesn't seem to be in a position to voice his mayday aloud.]
professor please come to the edge of the field near the trees on the opposite side of the stone wall. it's right near where we arrived with jun. it's super important, my friend is hurt. please come fast.
professor please come to the edge of the field near the trees on the opposite side of the stone wall. it's right near where we arrived with jun. it's super important, my friend is hurt. please come fast.
[He, on the other hand, had been close to the lines until the end-- once the rest of their work was finished, it was all he could think of to keep himself as useful as he could.]
Yes. All safe and accounted for.
I should ask you the same question, my dear.
Yes. All safe and accounted for.
I should ask you the same question, my dear.
[ The exhaustion from Ciraiwei took some time to leech out of Jake's bones, but that was nothing compared to the lingering tension from their final efforts there. It took some time for joking to start feeling normal again, dripping down through time until laughs could finish robustly rather than the awkward trailing off that came with remembering.
It's during one such laugh that Jake flips through his mental rolodex, settling on Yujin's name. ]
Hey, buddy. I was just thinking about you. Doing anything right now?
It's during one such laugh that Jake flips through his mental rolodex, settling on Yujin's name. ]
Hey, buddy. I was just thinking about you. Doing anything right now?
[It isn't new, sitting with his grief. By now the feeling is almost like an old friend, rather than the shroud it was in his youth. But Ciraiwei-- the losses they'd felt there, in spite of all they'd saved-- was very, very different.
Yujin, too, has been doing all he can to break the tension of the exhaustion and what-if's. Without much else to do on station, that's translated to a Lot of reading, which is right when Jake catches him.]
Hello, Jake. [There's a smile in his voice-- it is always nice to be thought of. Yujin dogears the page he's on and sets his book back down on his desk.] No, not much, really. Did you have something in mind?
Yujin, too, has been doing all he can to break the tension of the exhaustion and what-if's. Without much else to do on station, that's translated to a Lot of reading, which is right when Jake catches him.]
Hello, Jake. [There's a smile in his voice-- it is always nice to be thought of. Yujin dogears the page he's on and sets his book back down on his desk.] No, not much, really. Did you have something in mind?
[ Jake was fast asleep when the feeling of someone scratching his ear coaxes him slowly from his nap. As far as wakeup calls went, this one was hardly a rude or unwelcome one. He slowly opens his eyes, blinking wetly at the kind smile of none other than Idris Elba head of the Federation, Emerton Haughtford. ]
He's very cute. You say you found him?
He's very cute. You say you found him?
[If Yujin Mikotoba is good at anything, it's sticking to a story. He's spent the last two months solidifying it-- re-adjusting to typical forensic pathology work and the hospital morgue's day-to-day-- and, with Jake's idea, it'll finally all pay off.
If he can keep it together in front of his very handsome boss, with a very enthusiastic wing-dog in his arms, that is.]
My daughter, actually. [Half to sell it, and half to soothe his own nerves, he scratches under Jake's chin.] She all but begged me to let us keep him, but... as it turns out, she's allergic to his fur. The poor girl's heartbroken.
If he can keep it together in front of his very handsome boss, with a very enthusiastic wing-dog in his arms, that is.]
My daughter, actually. [Half to sell it, and half to soothe his own nerves, he scratches under Jake's chin.] She all but begged me to let us keep him, but... as it turns out, she's allergic to his fur. The poor girl's heartbroken.
backtagging this NOW of all times is so harrowing flkailgdsf
softshoes
- 2023-06-11 02:22 (UTC) - ExpandSMILING AND LAUGHING, EVERYTHING'S FINE, NOTHING IS RUINED
doooooog
- 2023-06-11 03:39 (UTC) - ExpandMikotoba-sensei.
Doctor McCoy seems to have had his memory tampered with, quite possibly a side effect of the current events on the ship. He has no recollection of our acquaintance. He asked if you had sent me to bring him food, and I said yes.
Kindly maintain the cover as long as necessary. I have no wish to upset him unduly.
Doctor McCoy seems to have had his memory tampered with, quite possibly a side effect of the current events on the ship. He has no recollection of our acquaintance. He asked if you had sent me to bring him food, and I said yes.
Kindly maintain the cover as long as necessary. I have no wish to upset him unduly.
[Dr. McCoy had sounded normal earlier, if not a bit prickly: either way, a far cry from Stephen's panic attack. Maybe, Yujin had hoped, the man had escaped from his encounter with Olivia unscathed.
Not so, it seems.] I see. [he replies, his weary sigh not picked up by the text.] I shall. Thank you for warning me, Itachi-san.
Do you know what else he may have forgotten?
Not so, it seems.] I see. [he replies, his weary sigh not picked up by the text.] I shall. Thank you for warning me, Itachi-san.
Do you know what else he may have forgotten?
Hey man, I really need to talk to you.
[ Coming to you live from some private spot on the ship. Close to the kitchens, if the smell is anything to go by. Not that Jake is super confident of the smells on this fake-Ximilia. ]
[ Coming to you live from some private spot on the ship. Close to the kitchens, if the smell is anything to go by. Not that Jake is super confident of the smells on this fake-Ximilia. ]
Edited 2023-06-18 02:15 (UTC)
[ They've been back for a little while when a certain someone emerges from whatever counts as sleep for a clothing item that doesn't need any to find the station fully crewed. Out of Stephen's room the next instant, zipping past teammates in the common area (no luck), sailing through the central control room (no dice) and veering off to the right to try the other common areas via the Sunlight Room—
And stops, yanking itself back as it recognises the man looking out over water running under the bridge.
Company arrives almost silently. The cloak hovers carefully closer until it's near enough to set a careful fold of fabric on Yujin's shoulder to announce its presence. ]
And stops, yanking itself back as it recognises the man looking out over water running under the bridge.
Company arrives almost silently. The cloak hovers carefully closer until it's near enough to set a careful fold of fabric on Yujin's shoulder to announce its presence. ]
[There's plenty about these last few weeks left for Yujin to mull over. Now that they're all back on the proper Ximilia again, he has nothing but free time-- so much wretchedly free time-- to do so.
Which brings him to an imaginary bridge over an imaginary river, dreamed up into a very large terrarium, within a metal ship outside of time. Without the Sunlight Room, he'd have lost his mind ages ago. Since he first arrived all many months ago now, the nature, illusory though it may well be, has been grounding in its familiarity among so much that is unfamiliar. It's true even moreso now, with Yujin's mind in several places at once. He has apologies to make; thanks to give; difficult conversations he needs to begin, sooner rather than later.
And then, after the more pressing issues... there is the small matter of Stephen Strange.
Yujin, staring down into the creek, makes a face.
It's a good thing he does, too. Watching his own sorry reflection etching deeper wrinkles onto his forehead is the only reason he catches the blurry red glimpse of the cloak behind him. But before he can turn around, the cloak drapes a little of itself over him, feeling very much like someone has tried to put a blanket halfway on his shoulder. It's funny enough to draw half a smile out of Yujin. With a loose, gentle grip (how do you greet a sentient piece of cloth?) he takes a bit of the cloak's hem between his fingers.]
Hello, there. It's been quite some time since we saw each other last, hasn't it?
Which brings him to an imaginary bridge over an imaginary river, dreamed up into a very large terrarium, within a metal ship outside of time. Without the Sunlight Room, he'd have lost his mind ages ago. Since he first arrived all many months ago now, the nature, illusory though it may well be, has been grounding in its familiarity among so much that is unfamiliar. It's true even moreso now, with Yujin's mind in several places at once. He has apologies to make; thanks to give; difficult conversations he needs to begin, sooner rather than later.
And then, after the more pressing issues... there is the small matter of Stephen Strange.
Yujin, staring down into the creek, makes a face.
It's a good thing he does, too. Watching his own sorry reflection etching deeper wrinkles onto his forehead is the only reason he catches the blurry red glimpse of the cloak behind him. But before he can turn around, the cloak drapes a little of itself over him, feeling very much like someone has tried to put a blanket halfway on his shoulder. It's funny enough to draw half a smile out of Yujin. With a loose, gentle grip (how do you greet a sentient piece of cloth?) he takes a bit of the cloak's hem between his fingers.]
Hello, there. It's been quite some time since we saw each other last, hasn't it?
( In the days since McCoy lost and regained his memories, the guilt of lashing out has eaten away at him. Yujin only acted out of kindness, and Leonard had thrown it back in his face.
The return to the station follows a familiar routine, the drift of orbers toward rooms and rest, kitchen and food, or the infirmary and healing. Few, if any, seem to be in need of the last option β for mercy much thanks β just bruises needing tending, or a salve or two for the odd muscle ache. With those in need since taken care of, he turns to find the man he's looking for before he can leave. )
Doctor Mikotoba.
( Squaring his shoulders, McCoy takes a breath, and drops into a deeply respectful bow, hands at his sides, eyes on the floor. )
I regret my actions toward you on the other Ximilia. They were thoughtless, cruel, and inexcusable, and it will not happen again. Please forgive me.
The return to the station follows a familiar routine, the drift of orbers toward rooms and rest, kitchen and food, or the infirmary and healing. Few, if any, seem to be in need of the last option β for mercy much thanks β just bruises needing tending, or a salve or two for the odd muscle ache. With those in need since taken care of, he turns to find the man he's looking for before he can leave. )
Doctor Mikotoba.
( Squaring his shoulders, McCoy takes a breath, and drops into a deeply respectful bow, hands at his sides, eyes on the floor. )
I regret my actions toward you on the other Ximilia. They were thoughtless, cruel, and inexcusable, and it will not happen again. Please forgive me.
[Yujin wouldn't be a professional if he couldn't navigate a little awkwardness at work. Even so, the dynamic in the infirmary as they get back to station routine is... awkward, understated. What's important for the sake of all the orbers is keeping the peace, not his own feelings. If the apology is coming, he reasons, he'll accept it; if it isn't, well, it'll show him the kind of man Dr. McCoy really is.
Not to say he's not greatly relieved when the man meets him with a deep bow and an apology. A sincere one.
But it's also very Japanese, which is a little less than expected. Somebody gave him advice. There's a moment where Yujin hesitates, mulling that over-- McCoy going the extra mile on this is as powerful a statement on his character as any-- but from the obvious, it's not immediately obvious whether he'll accept the sentiment.]
...It's all right. The orbs had affected you, Dr. McCoy It would be remiss of me, Dr. McCoy, to place all the blame on your head.
[And then he bows in return, a slight smile on his face.]
I'm sorry to have doubted you, even a little.
Not to say he's not greatly relieved when the man meets him with a deep bow and an apology. A sincere one.
But it's also very Japanese, which is a little less than expected. Somebody gave him advice. There's a moment where Yujin hesitates, mulling that over-- McCoy going the extra mile on this is as powerful a statement on his character as any-- but from the obvious, it's not immediately obvious whether he'll accept the sentiment.]
...It's all right. The orbs had affected you, Dr. McCoy It would be remiss of me, Dr. McCoy, to place all the blame on your head.
[And then he bows in return, a slight smile on his face.]
I'm sorry to have doubted you, even a little.
What would you say is good team building exercise?
Oh, hello, Miss Clarke.
[It's an odd, specific question-- and from a teammate he doesn't speak to very often to boot-- but hey, they could all use some orber bonding every once in a while. Not led by Newt, even.]
Hm. For students of mine, I'd suggest a shared trip (though, I suppose we are always doing that, aren't we?) or some type of fun group activity, to get to know each other. [Considering some among their number don't want to bond willingly, any kind of obvious talking exercise is definitely out of the question.] Perhaps some games?
[It's an odd, specific question-- and from a teammate he doesn't speak to very often to boot-- but hey, they could all use some orber bonding every once in a while. Not led by Newt, even.]
Hm. For students of mine, I'd suggest a shared trip (though, I suppose we are always doing that, aren't we?) or some type of fun group activity, to get to know each other. [Considering some among their number don't want to bond willingly, any kind of obvious talking exercise is definitely out of the question.] Perhaps some games?
[there's a familiar face poking around the infirmary today. someone who's looking specifically for Yujin. someone who has all the body language of a dog that did something it's not supposed to do. and they're lingering in the door.]
< Professor...I think I need help. >
[they're never going in the tech lab without company again.]
< Professor...I think I need help. >
[they're never going in the tech lab without company again.]
this baby yujin icon is his #mood pretend he has a stache
softshoes
- 2023-08-13 16:47 (UTC) - Expand[ It's early on the morning of August 7th, in as far as time really counts for anything on a station beyond universes, when Yujin receives a message.
They're set to be called into action today, and there's every chance his plan will be met with such inconvenient hurdles as needing to go and be a pirate, but while they are still here and in the absence of having arranged for an actual gift... ]
Hey. Have you had breakfast yet?
They're set to be called into action today, and there's every chance his plan will be met with such inconvenient hurdles as needing to go and be a pirate, but while they are still here and in the absence of having arranged for an actual gift... ]
Hey. Have you had breakfast yet?
[Although Yujin would usually be asleep until mid-morning-- or whatever that is here-- he's packing and making some last-minute preparations early, for the sake of the upcoming mission. So he's awake. Nominally.]
Good morning, Stephen.
[...Okay, a little more awake now.]
No, not yet.
Is this an invitation? :)
Good morning, Stephen.
[...Okay, a little more awake now.]
No, not yet.
Is this an invitation? :)
(continued)
[Yujin doesn't address the threat, but he does humor it, taking his seat beside Jake with a sardonic huff.]
I'm full of surprises. [Yujin settles in, staring into the fire with a dry, ironic expression on his face.] Also, you made me.
[The joke softens the sting of remembering the entire argument, but not entirely. Pulling his knees in closer, he rests his arms around them-- not pulling them into his chest completely, but still crouched protectively into himself. Dirty, exhausted, and in this almost boyish pose, it makes for a strange, vulnerable sight.
There's a moment of stillness. Clover yawns, then ruffles his feathers once more before he falls asleep and begins to faintly snore. Yujin finishes the Ankatan fruit-- for all its resemblance to stone fruit, there isn't actually a pit-- and wipes its juice off his mouth with the back of his hand.
Now is as good as time as any for them both to face the music.]
Would you like to speak first, or shall I?
[Yujin doesn't address the threat, but he does humor it, taking his seat beside Jake with a sardonic huff.]
I'm full of surprises. [Yujin settles in, staring into the fire with a dry, ironic expression on his face.] Also, you made me.
[The joke softens the sting of remembering the entire argument, but not entirely. Pulling his knees in closer, he rests his arms around them-- not pulling them into his chest completely, but still crouched protectively into himself. Dirty, exhausted, and in this almost boyish pose, it makes for a strange, vulnerable sight.
There's a moment of stillness. Clover yawns, then ruffles his feathers once more before he falls asleep and begins to faintly snore. Yujin finishes the Ankatan fruit-- for all its resemblance to stone fruit, there isn't actually a pit-- and wipes its juice off his mouth with the back of his hand.
Now is as good as time as any for them both to face the music.]
Would you like to speak first, or shall I?
[ There they were: two old men made young by the forgiving glow of the firelight and their mutually earned awkward silence. Jake would've found the entire thing pretty funny if he could bring himself to look fully at Yujin's knocked knees and dirty face, rather than merely listening to the slow sounds of his friend's insufferably polite chewing. He'd been scared of that word, of that instinct, and how it might creep back into their relationship in defiance of Jake's own rudeness. People might not know it to look at him, but Yujin was a crafty guy about payback. The sort of person who knew revenge was a dish best served petty. It was enough to spur Jake's hand, grabbing up a decidedly un-polite fistful of their berries and chomping them with enough gusto to drown him out.
He made it through two open-mouthed chews before Yujin broke their silence, prompting Jake to look up at him with stuffed cheeks and a few lines of juice coming dripping down his chin. ]
Uhm. [ He blinks, voice muffled through fruit. ] Ew furf.
He made it through two open-mouthed chews before Yujin broke their silence, prompting Jake to look up at him with stuffed cheeks and a few lines of juice coming dripping down his chin. ]
Uhm. [ He blinks, voice muffled through fruit. ] Ew furf.
Meet me on deck? The quiet spot you found.
[ The ship hovers all but motionless on the breeze, air a litany of sawing and clanging and the tnk tnk tnks of metal on metal as the crew work to undo the subtle acts of sabotage that keep them sky-locked. A little removed from all of this, Stephen Strange leans with his elbows on the railing, staring out at the red bleeding into the horizon just a few easy paces from where weeks ago he'd stood and stared at Yujin instead. More rapt then than he is now.
It's not quite the clear coast he'd hoped for, but at the rate people are working it's now or never. We take our chances as they come. ]
I have a small favor to ask.
[ Turnabout's fair play if it's true. ]
[ The ship hovers all but motionless on the breeze, air a litany of sawing and clanging and the tnk tnk tnks of metal on metal as the crew work to undo the subtle acts of sabotage that keep them sky-locked. A little removed from all of this, Stephen Strange leans with his elbows on the railing, staring out at the red bleeding into the horizon just a few easy paces from where weeks ago he'd stood and stared at Yujin instead. More rapt then than he is now.
It's not quite the clear coast he'd hoped for, but at the rate people are working it's now or never. We take our chances as they come. ]
I have a small favor to ask.
[ Turnabout's fair play if it's true. ]
Edited (subject formatting? A curse) 2023-09-07 23:15 (UTC)
[Stephen doesn't get a reply on the earpiece. Instead, Yujin simply retraces his steps back to where they'd been before, without very much delay at all. He appears quietly beside the other man, the sound of his approach dulled by the sounds of the crew's preparations.]
A favor for a favor. [says Yujin as he rests a hand on the railing.] It's only fair.
[And it is, of course, only fair to give Stephen the chance to make his next move too.]
[he turns to him, expression open:] What can I help you with, Stephen?
A favor for a favor. [says Yujin as he rests a hand on the railing.] It's only fair.
[And it is, of course, only fair to give Stephen the chance to make his next move too.]
[he turns to him, expression open:] What can I help you with, Stephen?
[ The ship swayed in the choppy winds left behind by the storms that rocked them from the night prior well into mid-morning. More than a few of their number - the ones less accustomed to air-slash-sea travel - were left green-gilled from the motion and you couldn't pass a deck without the now familiar sight of at least one poor soul bent over the side, bidding farewell to their dinner.
Finn was lucky. Being tossed through the air was old hat for him - impressive, when you consider just how attached this kid (this man, very nearly) was to old hats. Only those memories, of soft comfortable fur and familiar dog stink weren't bringing their usual comfort. Something in him felt yellow and green.
Soul-nausea, that's what Jake called it. Finn sighs, running a hand through his hair and accidentally pulling a few strands out of his already loose braid. Maybe he was sick after all.
Finn finds Yujin in the the belly of the ship, reading a book. He looked a thousand years old to Finn, gray hairs cast orange in the candlelight. It didn't make sense; seeing the way Jake carried on with him, you'd think they were peers. But Jake wasn't that old, was he?
This line of thought kept Finn hesitating at the door for a few moments, unsure of how to start, when Yujin looks up. The sudden eye contact startles Finn, who promptly ducks out of view in the wall behind the door frame. An instinctual reflex that immediately sends Finn's entire body cringing inward like he'd just given the Earl of LG a big juicy kiss. Wh-y did you do that, Finn!? You're being so weird!
He takes a deep breath, eyes squeezed shut in hope. Maybe he didn't see.
Please don't say anything, please don't say anything- ]
Finn was lucky. Being tossed through the air was old hat for him - impressive, when you consider just how attached this kid (this man, very nearly) was to old hats. Only those memories, of soft comfortable fur and familiar dog stink weren't bringing their usual comfort. Something in him felt yellow and green.
Soul-nausea, that's what Jake called it. Finn sighs, running a hand through his hair and accidentally pulling a few strands out of his already loose braid. Maybe he was sick after all.
Finn finds Yujin in the the belly of the ship, reading a book. He looked a thousand years old to Finn, gray hairs cast orange in the candlelight. It didn't make sense; seeing the way Jake carried on with him, you'd think they were peers. But Jake wasn't that old, was he?
This line of thought kept Finn hesitating at the door for a few moments, unsure of how to start, when Yujin looks up. The sudden eye contact startles Finn, who promptly ducks out of view in the wall behind the door frame. An instinctual reflex that immediately sends Finn's entire body cringing inward like he'd just given the Earl of LG a big juicy kiss. Wh-y did you do that, Finn!? You're being so weird!
He takes a deep breath, eyes squeezed shut in hope. Maybe he didn't see.
Please don't say anything, please don't say anything- ]
Edited 2023-09-24 03:42 (UTC)
[While Yujin is no stranger to travel by ship, sailing through the air is another experience entirely. He's not afraid of heights-- he even enjoys the broad vistas above the clouds-- but sometimes, glancing out a porthole and seeing nothing but the open air can be a bit... much.
Luckily for Yujin, he's on the Hawking. Most of this ship's crew are bookworms. It's not unusual for him to spend most of his free time reading below deck. It's expected enough, in fact, that the whole time he's been here, he's only ever been disturbed by an orber. So, when he hears the sound of a floorboard creaking near the doorway of the sleeping quarters, he glances up immediately: it could be something important.
Instead, he sees a split-second of messy blonde hair... then nothing. Yujin blinks, puzzled, and shuts his book.]
Hello? [And then, a pause: he doesn't know a whole lot of blondes, does he?] ...Finn?
[You're out of luck, Finn. Yujin doesn't just sit up in his hammock, he gets out of it entirely, craning his neck in an attempt to peer past the doorframe.]
Everything all right, lad?
Luckily for Yujin, he's on the Hawking. Most of this ship's crew are bookworms. It's not unusual for him to spend most of his free time reading below deck. It's expected enough, in fact, that the whole time he's been here, he's only ever been disturbed by an orber. So, when he hears the sound of a floorboard creaking near the doorway of the sleeping quarters, he glances up immediately: it could be something important.
Instead, he sees a split-second of messy blonde hair... then nothing. Yujin blinks, puzzled, and shuts his book.]
Hello? [And then, a pause: he doesn't know a whole lot of blondes, does he?] ...Finn?
[You're out of luck, Finn. Yujin doesn't just sit up in his hammock, he gets out of it entirely, craning his neck in an attempt to peer past the doorframe.]
Everything all right, lad?
[they're on break, which means Emily has a moment to sit down, and she's fidgeting with her tea cup. what's to come isn't known, but from all she's read, she's expecting the worst. so it becomes critical to let someone know about what's available, if needed.]
...Professor, a moment, if you can spare the time.
...Professor, a moment, if you can spare the time.
Hm? Of course, Miss Dyer.
[Fortunately, things have cooled down in the infirmary with the influx of new arrivals and the passing of the dread pirate flu alike. They aren't short-staffed, and the breaks are more leisurely-- thank god for that. Once she catches his attention, Yujin pulls up a chair across from Emily and takes a seat, expression inquisitive.]
What did you want to speak about?
[Fortunately, things have cooled down in the infirmary with the influx of new arrivals and the passing of the dread pirate flu alike. They aren't short-staffed, and the breaks are more leisurely-- thank god for that. Once she catches his attention, Yujin pulls up a chair across from Emily and takes a seat, expression inquisitive.]
What did you want to speak about?
[ The preparation this latest mission file requires of them is... something.
He sits with it exactly as long as he can. Too long, almost, enough time for a back and forth argument to start raging in the back of his mind as he nonetheless boots up his recent contacts, opens the conversation he'd last been having with Yujin, and - ]
Do you have some time?
He sits with it exactly as long as he can. Too long, almost, enough time for a back and forth argument to start raging in the back of his mind as he nonetheless boots up his recent contacts, opens the conversation he'd last been having with Yujin, and - ]
Do you have some time?
[For all its convenience, there is a downside to the earpiece's thought-to-text function:]
Yes.
[Sometimes, it's just a bit too sensitive for him to tamp down his first instincts before they're sent along. Yujin pinches the bridge of his nose, cursing the embarrassing speed of that answer, then waits another moment before he continues.]
Where should I meet you? Naruhodo is out for the moment, if you'd like to come here.
[Stephen hasn't said what this is about, but he can make an educated guess.]
Yes.
[Sometimes, it's just a bit too sensitive for him to tamp down his first instincts before they're sent along. Yujin pinches the bridge of his nose, cursing the embarrassing speed of that answer, then waits another moment before he continues.]
Where should I meet you? Naruhodo is out for the moment, if you'd like to come here.
[Stephen hasn't said what this is about, but he can make an educated guess.]
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