ota; catch all until ???

[roppou]

🧙 WHO: hitoya and YOU
⚔️️ WHAT: event and quests and general catch all
🕒 WHEN: throughout january, possibly into february
🗺️ WHERE: around camelot
⚠️ WARNINGS: none



have a ball;
[After learning the theme of the ball, it doesn't come as any surprise that Hitoya would arrived decked out in the crisp white lab coat of a doctor's uniform. His childhood aspirations, and detour from them, were no secret.

What is far more unsettling is that he arrives dressed like one very particular doctor. Hitoya has little interest in dwelling on just what it could mean to show up looking like his old friend. Jakurai isn't here to bother him about it anymore. And if there's anyone from outside their world sharp enough to make the connection? It's easy enough to explain away.

Better to get the first word in before he has to explain.]

That looks like it has a story behind it? [He gestures with a smile.]


truth or dare;
[Hitoya has done his part to contribute to the merry-making of the ball, cautiously sampling the refreshments and making polite conversation that comes naturally to him.

He's also made his fair share of observations, noticing over time how the wallflowers among the attendees are getting ropped against their will into one childish party game or another. Rather than find himself at the mercy of magical coercion, he eventually chooses a spot among the circle of Truth or Dare, deeming it the safest option. At least it's one where he has some level of choice and control.]

Let's see... [He feigns giving it some thought with a languid swirl of the heady drink in hand. Though in truth, it's an easy decision for the lawyer.]

Truth.


beta testing; (body swapped with plenilunium)

[This was all his fault. Hitoya can't even argue with that. It was his idea to take a dark web quest. The task was simple. The money too good to pass up.

All in all, the results had been mostly harmless. The effects promised to wear off before long. They had enough leftovers from Jyushi's various restaurant and delivery jobs to last them a couple of days.

Not long enough, it seems.

Hitoya is forced to venture out wearing Jyushi's face to run all the necessary errands that have piled up over the week. It's the least he can do while Jyushi himself navigates the pitfalls of working in Hitoya's own body. The older man is just trying to get through this as quick as possible, hoping the winter garments he's bundled up in help to keep anyone from recognizing him.

Reaching out for the next item on the list, he catches sight of his nails, polished in black at Jyushi's insistence, and it still throws him off. Enough that he bumps into the person trying to shuffle behind him in the narrow aisles.]

Ah. 'Scuse me.

[God, he needs a cigarette.]

Comments

body swap

[champagnetower]

[In places like this Hifumi has to wear a suit jacket for safety. One never knows who they may bump into... Or who may bump into them!]

Oh-!

[He offers a smile as he notices the familiar face.]

It's quite all right! No worries!

[He reaches over to give Jyushi a friendly pat on the shoulder.]

Fancy meeting you here, Jyushi-kun! Please do not forget that I am here if you need any cooking tips! I'm always willing to help you make the most scrumptious meal of your life!

[roppou]

[When Hitoya bumps into someone, he expects to move on with his day with barely a word exchanged. So it's just his luck that out of all the times it happens, this is the time that someone responds. And not just anyone but someone they know.]

Ah... Hifumi.

[He turns and it's strange to be looking down on the host for a change rather than seeing eye to eye. It's strange to have to listen to his voice pitched so high. The whole damn thing is strange.

Damnit what was he saying? Something about cooking.] Thanks. Doppo always mentioned what a great cook you were...

[champagnetower]

[That mention of Doppo lifts his spirits! As expected of Doppo to always talk about Hifumi's cooking.]

Leave it to Doppo-kun to talk about my cooking! If only others could see how his eyes light up when he eats something delicious that I cooked for him! [he chuckles] I can cook for you some day too, Jyushi-kun, as a token of our friendship!

[Another shoulder pat, he's so touchy all the time...]

[roppou]

[Hitoya on the other hand, is pretty much the opposite of touchy feely. Sure, he knows how to rub shoulders with the right people when it comes to doing business or negotiating favorable results in his line of work. Outside of those those situations where it was demanded, he prefers to keep a pretty wide space bubble but here's Hifumi intruding without a second thought.

Jyushi wouldn't tense up. He wouldn't make a face. He wouldn't brush Hifumi off. But Hitoya makes to to the last of these before stopping himself before wondering who he's even keeping up the act for.]

Er... I'll be sure to let him know. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. [But as soon as he starts to explain it somehow comes out sounding more awkward than ever.] Sorry this just isn't what it looks like.

[champagnetower]

Hahaha! [Hifumi laughs, not sure of what Jyushi could possibly mean by that but was amused by it anyway.] Yes please do let him know... I would appreciate it if you did!

[As he laughs some more, he pulls out a carton of eggs from his basket, handing it over to Jyushi.]

Jyushi-kun, my friend, it sounds like you can use some fuel. Please do make sure you're sleeping properly and eating enough protein to fuel your brain!

beta testing

[ichibukuro]

[It's weird. It's not like Ichiro and Jyushi have been seeing each other super frequently - Jyushi being busy with his five jobs and supporting a grown ass adult and all - but when some time passes without seeing the visual kei artist, Ichiro feels it. He notices it.

Which isn't terrible by any means. That just speaks to how he enjoys spending time with him. But it's still a strange feeling.

Needless to say, when the person who bumps into him turns out to be said visual kei artist, Ichiro is more than a little happy. He greets "Jyushi" with a smile.] You're good!

[But wasn't that... a little mellow. For Jyushi, at least? Like, Ichiro's not the most perceptive but... this is Jyushi. And why did he stumble in the first place? He's tall enough to reach anything on the top shelf.] Hey, actually, you okay?

[roppou]

[Regardless of who he might run into, Hitoya was prepared with an exit strategy. Jyushi's busy. Jyushi's got one of his five jobs to get to. Amanda's sick and he's picking up her favorite food and he's gotta get back to her. Anything.

All of those poorly crafted excuses fall part completely the moment Ichiro opens his mouth and it takes everything within Hitoya not to curse loudly. Of. All. The. People. Right. Now.]

Ichiro....

[He forces a smile that carries with it Jyushi's characteristic anxiety better than if he aimed for it outright.]

.....san. [Nailed it.] Fancy meeting you here.

[Wow he sure has known Jyushi for over five years and he's suddenly questioning everything he knows about the teen. How he talks, acts. Scrutinizing Ichiro closely for any sign of which personality is the default between them. Please be the normal one. There's no hope of making it out alive otherwise.]

[ichibukuro]

[Ha ha can't blow off the guy you want your kid to hook up with!!

Ichiro looks pensive, considering how his question was ignored. But he's probably just overthinking; Jyushi seems normal otherwise. He raises his basket.] Guy's gotta eat.

Y'know... if you ever need to pick something up, you could let me grab it for you. I know you're busy.

[With your five jobs and taking care of a grown ass adult and all.]

[roppou]

[He's got one job right now!

Once the intial shock of running into the object of Jyushi's affection wears off, it actually gives Hitoya the space to do what he does best, observe the situation.

Jyushi is someone that has spend so much time fearing the way other's view him, he places a great deal of weight on his own sometimes biased impressions of a situation. When he speaks of Ichiro it's with the certainty that Ikebukuro's division leader is just nice. They're just friends. How could Jyushi possible presume to bother him with his own feelings.

Hitoya tries not to counter it with bias of his own but, the way Ichiro is smiling at him now... well... he's been around the block enough times to know how to read a look like that. And he wants to shake his head and smile in response.

Actually that doesn't seem too out of character?]

Oh no. No thank you! I couldn't possibly bother you like that.

[ichibukuro]

[Yup, that's Jyushi, same as always.

Fully reassured now, Ichiro huffs a laugh and reaches out to tossle Jyushi's hair.]

We're friends aren't we? It wouldn't be a bother.

[This feels very similar to their first conversation but that's all the more reason to insist! They've become much closer since then so Jyushi should rely on him some.]

beta testing!

[glossophobia]

[ Too bad for you imposter old man that this timing just so happens to be when Rosho has decided to go out and grab some extra groceries. I mean, no one else in the house ever does it, and even if they do its just Sasara bringing back junk food and Rei bringing beer. At least the beer is useful. ]

Oh no, its okay. [ Rosho's at least courteous, but unfortunately, even in all those layers he also happens to recognize Jyushi's voice. ]

Ah, Jyushi! [ He's got his full attention immediately. Jyushi sure is bundled up tight. It doesn't seem his usual style but then comfort does win over style sometimes, especially in the winter. ]

Its been really cold lately, hasn't it? How are you doing?

Re: beta testing!

[roppou]

[Not expecting to get a reaction, Hitoya is actually startled to have a familiar voice respond. Which probably helps to sell the lie right up until the moment he opens his mouth.]

Se--- [Sensei, is what he's about to say before he catching himself, with all the grace of someone who's caught a frog in their throat.

See he remembers his remembers his promise to Jyushi, grudgingly agreed to after countless tears. Surely Jyushi didn't think Rosho needed to be included in this farce? But he can't exactly ask about now with someone standing right in front of him.

Nothing to do but force an awkward smile and carry on with it then. Running on instinct and adrenaline and far too little sleep by now.]

Say! Looks like we had the same idea, Rosho-san? I was just looking for some things to help beat the cold.

[Fortunately, they're in the aisle with tea and hot chocolate which Jyushi had asked him to pick up.]

[glossophobia]

[ Thankfully Rosho's pretty used to startled expressions like Jyushi's right now, followed by the spluttering of the word "Sensei", so he can't notice for even a second that something odd might be up. ]

It can be difficult. Even when you bundle up tight, it only does so much. [ Warm things like clothes and drinks help, but having a cozy home? Thats important too. With that thought in mind Rosho's unabashed protectiveness starts to kick in. ] If its okay for me to ask, do you live in the inn, or do you have a place of your own?

[ Even though he is 18 (19? He did have that birthday here after all, but aging kind of works weirdly in these other worlds) he's unsure if Jyushi is the type that can live on his own. He wonders if perhaps Hitoya is helping him out in some regard with housing. Camelot is still having an overpopulation issue with the refugees. ]

closed to sasara; mid-february

[roppou]

[It's after hours at the Roost cafe but between Hitoya and Sasara, it isn't too difficult to get Rei to give them access to the kitchen for this little project. It was Rosho's network post that has given him the inspiration to tackle this request on the quest board but, in what was becoming a trend, it was his partner that had responded, eagerly, at the mention of ice cream.

Getting settled, Hitoya drops a large bag down on one of the prep tables.]

This should be everything we need plus enough to try a few different flavors if we like. Don't suppose you have any requests?

[Considering who he's working with, he wouldn't be surprised to find that Sasara prefers something divisive like pistachio. Not like Hitoya will be the one eating it though...]

[whosaysdajare]

[ One can't fault Hitoya for thinking that a key means they've got permission; after all Sasara'd argue, too, that getting in through the lock isn't really breaking anything. So they're just entering! Teh— people can't say no if you don't ask, besides, and that might just be how he shoehorned himself into the situation to begin with.

With that gaggle of kids after him, Hitoya seems the type used to having his 'No' brushed off. ]

You're a newbie, right? Err, let's see... [ As in Sasara takes a peek inside the grocery bags as soon as, leaning over the table. His eyes are closed even though he's looking, as always, but the gears behind them have already turned. Pistachio... that wouldn't be a bad pick, and what seemed like his consideration, regarding Hitoya's experience, isn't much of one either. It's all down to taste after all!! ]

I could got for some mocha! A-ah, or maybe coconut...!?

[roppou]

Newbie?

[Excuse you? Not that he has any idea what Sasara is talking about but it's just like him to take offense anyway.

While Sasara is busy inspecting the ingredients which he has already assured him of, Hitoya starts opening rummaging through the drawers and cabinets. Some bowls and utensils, measuring instruments and sauce pans appear on the table in his search for the ice cream maker that Jyushi had promised was here. For the affogatto!]

If you want something weird like that, you're gonna have to look outside the bag. Do we also have permission to help ourselves to the pantry?

[Somehow he doubts it but then, it is a coffee shop. Like all the beer on tap that gets dumped at a bar, who would even notice?]

[whosaysdajare]

[ Teasing folks in passing like so, it comes as naturally to Sasara as brushing past the grumbling it evokes. Teh! Hitoya fits right in with the types he'll draw into his circle, in that sense. For now it's still about the ice cream, though. He watches this and that kitchen tool appear, while he knows no better about the ice cream maker's location. Surely, it's somewhere though; Sasara needs it for his cream sodas, too!! ]

Eh? [ –Ain't it obvious!? That's what the question in his tone means, nothing to do with never having asked and now freely assuming. ] Well, sure. It's all taken care of by yours truly, ya see!

[ What the eye doesn't see the heart doesn't grieve. Hitoya is getting on the right track. And Sasara, with that call to his own action, has started towards the espresso machine. That machine looks as expressive and eloquent as you'd expect from something Rei's set up.

Complicated, that's the other word. Sasara turns back around and, as if Hitoya ain't busy, admits roundabout that he barely knows how to work anything behind this counter. ]

You're more the coffee type, yeah? [ Not just a newbie... ]

whenever magic goes nutty during February

[doppomine]

[ Like with most things, Doppo's abilities make him nervous as hell. Alchemy doesn't sound as cool and glamourous as other abilities he's heard about but him not being as cool or glamourous compared to other people is kind of par for course...

But he wants to be useful here. After the chaos that happened, he's all the more motivated to try to master these abilities. So far, he's got a decent understanding of how to transmute things, even if the prospect of that going wrong still makes him hesitate. Moving things with his mind like superheroes do in the movies though? Seems like too big of a responsibility that he can't handle. Still, he wants to try and the best place to do that is somewhere outside and away from a crowd. He starts with a nearby rock that's no bigger than his fist.

Just lift the rock. No, too much. Roll it. Yeah, just roll it.

Fingers shaking, he holds his hand out, and does his best to not totally throw rock across the field like a falling meteor. It's at this moment that his nose crinkles like a floating bit of dandilion just brushed against it, causing him to sneeze. ]

...ah...HUH?!

[ When he opens his eyes, he sees himself hovering at least 20 meters in the air. (Or more like 15 but when you're already that high up, does it even matter???) This isn't what he wanted...! And it's like his mind or some higher being heard him and lets his magic give as he starts to alternate between falling and levitating in small increments, until ultimately falling the rest of the way. He makes out a person on the ground and fear just takes over. Torn between screaming at the stranger to catch him or move out of the way, Doppo just lets out a scream that probably would put a pause to all nearby wildlife in hopes that the man will make the decision himself. ]

[roppou]

[It's been a hell of a week. Things only just starting to feel like they were starting to return to, not normal, but something stable after the destruction of two cities and the influx of refugees that had been flowing into Camelot for months. And much like that time, Hitoya finds him out with the public, with his sleeves rolled up, helping where he could. It never fails to elicit reminders of his time as a med student, enlisting right on the heels of Jakurai to help in the war effort, minimize the damage. Help people wherever he could. It isn't glamorous but it's good honest work.

And thankfully one that doesn't rely on the magic that's been going haywire ever since.

He's just finished up helping to direct a local family on their way to a nearby clinic when he finally has to stop, take a step back, considering taking a break. Jyushi should be between jobs soon. Maybe they could grab lunch and have a conversation over something other than their phones for a change.

He's about to pull out his phone when a shout from above pulls his attention skyward. Not exactly where a human shout should be coming from, and his eyes widen in time to register the body hurtling towards him.]

What the-!

[He could dodge to. There's just enough time for that but it would leave this guy on a collision course with the cold hard ground. Six feet under if he's particularly unlucky. Thinking fast, trying not to think about how this could all go wrong, Hitoya spits out a quickly conjured spell.]

spirits heed my flow
needs some help from below

[The ground immediately breaks around him, churning and softening as the three animated corpses climb out from it. Just in time to catch Doppo. Which must be quite a horrific sight that greets him in the seconds before they all topple to the ground beneath the force of his descent.]

[doppomine]

[ Doppo apologies to everyone and everything as life flashes before his eyes; his family, Hifumi, Jakurai, even to the person who may see his messy splattered corpse and -

From the teary corner of his eye, he spots the ground splitting. Wonderful, Hell's welcoming him with open arms apparently. He thinks this even before it registers to him that those are needed corpses that just broke his fall. Maybe one of the many hands around him can cover his mouth to keep him from screaming but it's too late, Doppo's screeching apologies and taking back what he thought about Hell welcoming him. ]

I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY!! [ He shuts his eyes and covers his face, afraid to see what kind of faces will greet him when he opens his eyes. ]

PLEASE DON'T TAKE ME! I'M NOT READY TO GO YET!! I'LL DO BETTER, I SWEAR!

[roppou]

[It takes a moment for Hitoya to come around after the impact. There's a ringing in his ears leaving all sounds outside it muffled like listening from under six feet of water. He's having a hard time telling which way is up. But the corpses don't have much to say, don't have much left in the way of vocal cords to make a sound, so slowly, slowly he registers the shrill panicked voice must be coming from the person that fell on him.

And slower still the masking on that voice dissolves away into something recognizable.]

Kannonzaka??

[He's sitting up. Or he's trying to sit up until Doppo proves a bit too heavy but he tries speaking over the the businessman to get his attention, get him to focus and calm down even as the gruesome company around them is already starting to melt away, back into the earth, having served their purpose.

Probably not such a good sight to someone thinking they're about to be dragged to hell.]

Hey Kannonzaka, you're fine! It's me, Hitoya.

closed to jyushi; mid-february

[roppou]

[It's starting to seem like he can't go more than one day without receiving a message from Jyushi, in tears, about some new crisis or revelation. He can't really blame the teen for all that's heaped up on his plate but it's also a chance to encourage him to put to practice all he's been working on since they first formed their team.

Today however, is not one such case. Today's message sees him dragged out to the, Trappist Cafe, where Jyushi awaits in the uniform of his delivery job next to a tower of boxes decorated for the Valentine's Day holiday pile up almost equal in height to the courier himself. The message had said something about delivery being promised within Camelot borders within an hour or less or the order would be free.]

I know I already asked but... you're sure this isn't some clerical error?

[No way this is a job intended for just one person unless it's some kind of scam right???]

[plenilunium]

[Jyushi would like to believe that in their own world, he's gotten better at trying to stand on his own.

But in this case, with these deliveries that are not going to make themselves, he had gone crying to Hitoya who he knew would help. It was just in Hitoya's nature.]

Apparently, they got more orders than they thought they would. But one person alone definitely can't do this, right?

[roppou]

[The sun rises and sets, water is wet, and Jyushi still knows how to play Hitoya like a fiddle.]

That's why I'm asking! I'm not even sure it's a job for two people.

[Looking it over, considering the size and number he thinks he could carry five or six boxes at best before the pile would start to tower over his vision. At least they appear sturdy and not prone to tipping over.]

[plenilunium]

But if we [you're a part of this now, Hitoya] don't then we're letting down the cafe! [He's tearing up again and it's Kuko's words that come to mind. How getting his emotions so tangled up won't help so he takes a breath.]

I took on the job so I have to take responsibility! Do you think...we could use our magic? I might be able to get some animals to help and there's some ghosts around here...?

[Part of taking responsibility is problem-solving!]