[open] pre-spring cleaning

[glossophobia]

🧙 WHO: Rosho and anyone
⚔️️ WHAT: tidying up here and there and pining for sweets
🕒 WHEN: through January
🗺️ WHERE: various
⚠️ WARNINGS: possible language??

01) A Knocking We Will Go ▮

[ Even with two individuals living in the same space together, Rosho's still not surprised that he has to do most of the cleaning. It helps that he and Sasara don't live in any sort of official decked out apartment or house, which means less to tidy up, but Rosho has always liked to keep a clean space. Though his assistant work over at the school in the city keeps him occupied, he still tries to make sure everything stays in order, and today, that feels especially difficult. Either the housekeeping is slacking or something is seriously wrong at the inn, because he keeps finding the most unsightly dust balls here and there in the room.

And they're alive.

Anyone walking down the hall or in the vicinity of a particular inn room will find themselves assaulted with the sound of wild commotion, banging and thuds, and the next thing you know the front door swings wide open while a flurry of dust bunnies flee the inside of the room. There's also some strange sort of long, weasel-like fox chasing after them, and soon enough, an infuriated Rosho with his hands and face covered in bits of dust and dirt. ]

Out, get out! This is the third damn time in a row! Don't ya dare come back here again!

[ He has had it with this dust bunny infestation. He just wants a clean place, please! ]

02) After the Storm ▮

[ Maybe Rosho's a glutton for punishment (I mean, probably, living with a clown and all). It's the only reason to explain why he'd taken on helping with cleaning up the city, but he's got very little else to do usually, and his job isn't much of a job really to occupy a lot of his time. But one always has to take care of the places you live in, otherwise, it's not much of a good place to live in at all! Even with his background as a simple teacher, Rosho has no problem participating in some hard labor. Shoveling so much snow isn't fun, but someone has to do it. But the shopkeepers appreciate the assistance and that's all Rosho could ask for in return.

I mean, aside from an extra pair of hands. ]

03) Sweet Tooth ▮

[ Rosho is still trying to get a good layout of the city, what with its size and how distracting the beautiful scenery and architecture is, but if there was anything you could reliably depend on him for directions toward, it would be the bakeries. Even though he has a particular route he always likes to take, every once in a while, he'll switch that up so he can pass by one of those buildings and stare into the window like a child looking forlornly at a puppy in the window or a toy on display. And like that same scenario, his budget is terribly lacking for that kind of indulgence. He only makes so much money, and he has to share that between himself and another person. There's no room for daily sweets in his life anymore, and he knows that.

Someone steps out of the bakery with a little dessert box in their hand, and Rosho watches them leave as he sighs in disappointment.

But... it's times like these that he really, really misses pudding. :( ]

Comments

03;

[monostich]

[Kaede has... Never been to a bakery before! He's never even so much as had a cake. He's heard of it, but he's still not quite sure what it is besides something that's used for celebrations. Or something like that? It was a long time ago, so he's not quite sure. Bakeries as a whole are even more mystifying than just cake, though. What do they... Even sell? Bread? You bake bread, right...?

So when he spots Rosho's longing look, he decides that clearly this is a man who might have some answers for him. Nobody would look so dejected if they didn't want something, he thinks, and you would only want food you're familiar with... Or so he assumes, anyways.]

What's the point of this place?

[Because that's not a weird thing to ask someone!]

[glossophobia]

[ Rosho immediately startles at the voice, flustering while he hurriedly focuses on fussing with his glasses, flicking some bangs away from his forehead and tugging at his necklace. He was clearly only looking at his reflection and fixing up his appearance, nothing more than that! But he manages to process the question that'd been given to him, and that's... quite a weird thing to say, really. ]

Wha-What do you mean, what's the point? [ He turns to look at the individual. ] It's a bakery! The point is it has food and sweets!

[monostich]

[Opens mouth. Closes it. He brings a hand to his chin, thinking for a moment, before...]

...But what's the point of sweets? They don't have a lot of nutritional value.

[Or at least that's why they weren't allowed to have any as a general rule.]

...And a place that sells such limited things seems pointless. So...

[You can't get everything you need here so like, why. Why's it gotta be this way. Isn't that impractical?]

[glossophobia]

[ Ah. This sounds like a serious realist. Rosho can't exactly debate the nutritional value issue, because he has a point, and that's the one thing that Rosho knows is a major issue with his sweet tooth. However he does exercise and makes sure to brush and floss, so he's never faced health or dental issues. And that last part? How depressing of an outlook... ]

Even if it's not healthy, it's okay to enjoy it in moderation! Lots of places specialize in specific things that have limited stock, that's just how stores work. They gain their business by the frequence of their customers, and the whole point of the work is restocking and making more product.

[ That's sort of a given though, and Rosho isn't here to preach about how businesses work. He's here to defend sweets!]

Listen, sweets are an indulgence, just like lots of other things. People buy themselves expensive clothes they don't need and go on trips they don't need to go on. They do lots of things that aren't actually necessary or productive, just because they want to. And that's okay, that's just normal human behavior. There's nothing wrong with that!

[monostich]

I've never been to a store before.

[It's a quiet admittance, and his hands come up in front of him, fingers twisting together.

It's also clear that everything Rosho is saying is something he's... Probably never considered, if the confused and overwhelmed look is any indication. Indulgences? Fancy clothes and things you might not need? That's...

Hm.

He chews on his bottom lip, looking between the door of the bakery and Rosho.]

...Okay. So it's about wants and not needs, I see.

[He thinks he understands, even if he also doesn't think he understands. It seems very much like something that wouldn't be allowed to something like him, but he's not just about to admit that.]

So... If you want something from the bakery, why aren't you just standing outside?

[glossophobia]

[ This is... not quite what he was expecting. People from different worlds, okay. People with magic powers and not looking or being human, fine. But not understanding something as simple as a "store"?

Hm. It's concerning. But Rosho's not sure if he should question him about it or not. They'll remain at the issue at hand, at least for now. ]

So, you get what stores do, but the way they work is they offer things. If you want something that they have, you have to exchange something in return. Normally it's what we call money. If you don't have enough money, then you can't have what they've got. That make sense to you?

[monostich]

...

[He's lived a very sheltered life, okay, but he has figured it out.]

Oh.

So you don't have money.

[It all makes sense now.]

[glossophobia]

[ Don't make it sound like he's poor! (He is. God, he always is.)

But thank goodness the guy seems to understand the concept of money. That's one less thing he has to awkwardly explain. ]

Y-yeah, that's the problem... I do work, but it doesn't offer me very much, and I live with another person so I can't really afford to indulge on anything extra.

[monostich]

[He's just saying it like he sees it!

(He had to have money explained to him the first time he got paid for a quest. But, you know, you learn something new every day!)]

...Well, if you want something so badly you're just standing here looking, I could give you some money? I don't have very much either, yet, but, I mean, I'm not really using it for anything and I'm just staying at the inn for now so I really mean it when I say I don't need much money.

[He takes a breath, before letting it out.]

[glossophobia]

[ And to think he'd just sounded like he could care less about spending money on something wasteful like a few bakery sweets, yet he's more than willing to lend him money? Rosho's more than a little flabbergasted before he waves his hands in denial of the offer before he bows his head. ]

Ah, thank you, but you really don't have to do that! As much as I'd appreciate it, you should be keeping your money at hand for important things.

[ He already has some questions in his mind, considering the little amounts of information he knows about this person now. He's never been to a store before, he doesn't understand the concept of supply and demand, indulgences, little things that makes sense as a person because it's just how things are and it's what you're used to. He... this guy, what kind of life does he even live? Rosho raises an eyebrow. ]

Do you not like sweets...?

[monostich]

[It's one thing for him to spend money on himself - his wants and needs are largely irrelevant, so he doesn't need to spend money! Other people deserve to treat themselves to their wants and means. It's logic.

(Not very good logic, but. Logic!)]

...Are you sure? I mean, you're probably right, but I'm not sure what those important things could be...

[Food, Kaede. Food, board, so many things.]

I - Uh. I've never had anything sweet before...? So I wouldn't know.

[glossophobia]

[ This person gets so much weirder by the second. How is that sort of thing even possible? I mean sure, there are people out there that aren't into sweet things, but never eating one? That solidifies his response then. ]

Please join me! Even though you're the one paying, I'll find something that you'll absolutely like, I promise!

[ Awfully big words to say, but Rosho's a big fan of sweets, so he doubts he'd have trouble finding something that'll make this person regret never having eaten anything sweet in their lives before! Rosho pushes the door open but holds it to allow his companion inside.

Oh, that's right. ]

Sorry, you're doing me a favor but I haven't introduced myself. Please call me Rosho.

[monostich]

[He doesn’t even realize how strange he is, honestly.]

Ah- Well, thank you?

[He’s surprised by the change of heart, but he’s in no mind to protest. He steps into the bakery, eyes going wide. It smelled a bit outside the shop, but inside it’s almost overwhelming.

But in a good way, he thinks.]

Ah, I’m- Kaede. It’s nice to meet you, Rosho.

1

[grylls]

[ Riou is coming back to the inn after having stocked up on some supplies for his eventual moveout. His arms are filled with a big sleeping bag and a couple of bags, opaque so it's hard to see what's inside. As Rosho screams and chases out the dust bunnies, he lifts up one leg to let them by, standing still as the bunnies hop past him. ]

You appear to require assistance.

[glossophobia]

Don't just let them walk by!

[ He ends up shouting at an approaching individual by the hall, but the little balls of fluff just bounce on their way, and Rosho's unable to pursue any further with this big guy holding a bunch of things in his arms. The glasses are dusty too, he doesn't want to accidentally knock into him. Rosho's fox goes bounding after the bunnies though, slipping right past Riou. Must be convenient to be so small.

There's a heavy sigh, Rosho reaching up to remove the glasses so he can wipe them off on his shirt. ]

Would'a been way more help if ya stomped those things on your way here. Whatever, I got a feeling they'll come back anyway. They won't stop poppin' up!

[ He wipes at his brow with the back of his hand. Ugh, he feels really gross, he wants a shower. That's when Rosho falls silent as he peers over the bundle of items in the guy's arms. He's familiar, isn't he? Rosho's eyes widen. ]

AH! I remember you!

[grylls]

It would have made a mess in the hall if I had done that.

[ And all over his feet... then he would have to clean his boots before going into his room. ]

It is nice to meet you in the daylight.

[ Since they were in a cavern last time.. Riou recognizes the voice though, so he can at least tell it was that person he only ever got a dim look at.]

[glossophobia]

[ Things are already a mess, Rosho wants to say, as he looks at the floor and the dust bunnies have left little spots of dust in their escape route. He's absolutely not sweeping the hallway though, that's for the lazy housekeepers of the in. ]

Don't remind me of that cave, just thinking about it gives me the creeps...

[ He thinks about those sinister bats and it sends chills down his spine. Things hiding in the dark, anything at all... Rosho shakes his head. Don't think about that! Think about cleaning. So much cleaning.

Suddenly, an idea hits him. ]

Hey, I can tell you're busy, but are ya doing anything else? Dealing with this mess on my own is a major pain, and you seem like you're really reliable. Could ya help me with some cleaning?

[grylls]

[ Riou gives a firm nod, taking the words to not bring it up again to heart. ]

The Navy has very strict cleaning standards. I will not fail those standards in assisting you.

[ He can keep stuff clean even outside, he will be militant... ]

[glossophobia]

[ Oh, a navy man. That explains a lot (but also offers up a slew of other questions).

...maybe he should have sought out a different helper. Oh well, beggers can't be choosers. ]

Uh, thank you very much. [ He gives a courteous bow. ] It's not a bad mess, but I have a roommate and he never cleans, and I just started working so I'm not around much.

[ As he's speaking, his familiar comes scuttling back, right past Riou and up to Rosho's feet where it begins to scamper up his pant leg. Unfortunately in chasing down those dust bunnies its now covered in dust and... well, Rosho's pants are getting covered in it. He looks down, startled. ]

Hey! You're gettin' me all dirty! You're dirty! Stupid, you're gonna need another bath now!

[grylls]

You should handle your familiar's bathing needs and change. I can handle the apartment.

[ Those two things are things Riou can't help with, after all, but he can sure organize and clean a room. So he would much rather focus on that. Besides, he'll get to investigate this person and Riou likes to learn more about people through indirect means. How do you friend someone if not by going through their trash or bugging their workplace? ]

[glossophobia]

[ He gives a thankful nod as he sighs, bending down to pick up his familiar by the scruff of the neck. ]

Ya better behave. I'm not washing you a third time.

[ The kuda-gitsune gives a confused chitter but dangles in Rosho's grip without struggling. He turns, gesturing for Riou to follow him down the hall so they can get to his room. Rosho steps in and makes his way to the bathroom right away. From first glance the place doesn't look all that bad, just some rustled sheets, a few things like some books and a desk lamp have fallen onto the ground, probably from the chaos of the dust bunnies. Speaking of, there's little balls of dust around here and there, tiny smudges on the walls like something tried to scamper up them.

There are other things though: a bright jacket flung on a chair rather messily, a pair of shoes and mismatched socks just tossed on the ground next to the doorway, a wastebasket is overflowing with wrappers of snacks and junk food and cans of beer. ]

omg i never got this notification.. sorry u_u

[grylls]

[ Riou watches Rosho and the Kuda-gitsune leave to the bathroom and then takes to a mental inventory of the room, before he gets to reorganizing it. Reorganizing should happen before he gets to any of the dust and dirt, since doing that will make sure it has nowhere to hide.

Riou thinks that is the best plan, and as such, by the time Rosho returns, every single sheet and piece of laundry is folded and organized by article of clothing type, the trash is taken out and he seems to have obtained a second bin at some point so that Rosho can separate out his recycling. ]

You may consider locking your familiar in the bathroom until we eradicate the dust bunnies.

it is daijoubu

[glossophobia]

[ Thankfully his little fox friend is relatively small, so cleaning him up only takes a short while with some warm water and a towel to dry him off. Rosho's got his familiar bundled up in his arms, wrapped up in the towel, when he pauses at the doorway only to stare speechlessly at the fact everything's been tidied up. Did... Riou do that?

As he speaks up, Rosho snaps out of his daze then nods with no complaint. His familiar is sort of an annoyance when it comes to uninvited guests in the room (like Rei and Sasara, even though Sasara lives with him). He gives a few parting words to the fox then leaves him on the bathroom floor still in the towel. He knows the creature can just appear in a poof of smoke, but he hopes that for once, it listens to him and stays put. Closing the door behind him with his familiar left behind as instructed, he takes another awed look around the room. ]

I'm sorry about the mess, but you really didn't have to clean up like you did. —I mean, I don't want to seem ungrateful, thank you! But I should have done that for myself. It's my room after all.

[grylls]

In the Navy, we had strict standards about how things should be organized and cleaned. My own space is always at that level, it is refreshing to do it from scratch.

[ Cleaning is calming, especially for someone who's used to strict regimens. He doesn't dislike it, even if he's not a germaphobe or anything. Riou just likes his military standards. In other words, Rosho doesn't have to worry about it, because Riou enjoyed himself. ]

However, we need to find a means to capture and release the rabbits in another location. I suggest laying a trap.

[glossophobia]

[ In the navy, he says, and Rosho immediately finds himself standing up straight like a rod. Now the vibe he's been getting off of this guy since he met him makes complete sense. It's also kind of really intimidating now. He had to let someone from the navy clean up his own home...! ]

I-I'm sorry, my space is a mess in comparison to what you're used to...! I like to keep things clean, but when you live with someone else who doesn't clean up, it gets kinda difficult to stay tidy... ah, but I shouldn't be making excuses, again, I'm sorry.

[ This is so embarrassing, he wishes he hadn't asked for help now. ]

Ah, a trap? They're not like normal rabbits or anything so I'm not sure what kind of trap we need... I mean, they're attracted to messy things? Should I make a specific pile of stuff where they'll find it? B-but I promise, I'll clean it up myself this time!