[ Before anything else, Caelus sets down the package aside, and finishes the last bite of his toast. Then… ]
Me! 🌸 [ Oh, no. ] Gu! 🌸 [ One leg moves inside now, securing his foot against the wall— ] Mi! 🌸
[ Right after saying that, Caelus finishes positioning his balance enough to launch himself towards Megumi, embracing his younger friend around his neck after leaping in, emitting cheerful laughs. He's happy to meet him personally for the first time. ]
[ Megumi has never been a very tactile person himself, but he's close to enough big huggers that he's gotten used to accepting it instead of backing away slowly, so he braces for impact and doesn't get bowled over. ]
[ Shame, Caelus wants to know if Megumi's healing well and if there aren't any issues. But he supposes he'll find out soon enough. He remains dangling around his friend's neck, but only for a few seconds more. He doesn't want to weigh down an injured person, so down he goes. ]
You're way younger than me, aren't you? But your height is so impressive.
[ Raising an arm up, to pat the top of Megumi's head! ]
Thanks? I don't...think I'm done yet, but who knows.
[ Gojo's mentioned that he'll probably turn out taller than he's gotten so far...which probably makes sense, since Gojo seems to have been some level of informed about his dad. But Megumi has very pointedly never asked about that. ]
You'll grow. Just be sure to eat well, sleep enough, and exercise daily.
[ As Caelus speaks, he collects his stuff from the windowsill— skateboard and package. After turning back around, he offers the package over to Megumi. ]
Here's your care package!
[ Should Megumi open the box, he'll find the following items inside: two soup cans, two sports drinks, teabags of ginger tea, a couple of assorted snacks, a scented candle, a tissue roll, a few sachets of body lotion and shampoo, a bar of soap, and most notably some blue items.
First, colorful erasers (because Megumi likes to take notes of events going on), this little friend (who doesn't want more cute friends?), and binoculars. Caelus repaired the binoculars himself. ]
Hopefully, this little friend will help you sleep better!
[ The stuffed animal is almost enough to make him ask if Aventurine suggested it, but Megumi holds back, because Caelus does absolutely seem like the kind of guy who'd come up with that on his own. (But still...two nickels, weird that it happened twice, et cetera. And it's even the same animal as another of his shikigami, even if it's a rather different looking elephant!)
But what really holds his attention is the tea. ]
That's my favorite kind.
[ And he hasn't said anything to anyone about his love of ginger, so that one is entirely blind, beautiful luck. ]
[ Of course, Caelus is oblivious to Megumi's thoughts, so he remains smiling brightly at him with that same air of laidbackness and warm energy. ]
Oh!? Which one? Everything?
[ He hopes it's everything!! Naturally, the trailblazer is super happy to know that he managed to pick out at least one thing that the younger boy truly likes. This confirms it truly is blind luck. (And yes, he picked out everything by himself.) ]
The tea. I haven't been finding much of anything with ginger, really.
[ Although he has been using the newfound daylight to do some research on where the Asian grocery stores are in New York, so he's making plans to go look for some very specific things soon. He expects he'll have better luck there. ]
[ At first, it seems Megumi is saying that he likes tea, but the mention of ginger specifically makes it click that's what he's actually referring to. ]
Ginger is delicious. You said that you guys couldn't find fresh produce before, right? [ "You guys" referring to the veterans who have been here earlier than Caelus. ] I'll see what I can do for you next time.
[ The raccoon will investigate more and see else what he can unearth… Something to look forward to. ]
Anyway, I found the tea in… what was it? [ Someone had to read it for him, since he can't read anything here… ] H Mart, I think. In Koreatown.
Yeah. I don't know how long everything was dark for before we showed up, but if it's been like that for a while, I can't imagine much was growing.
[ That and...it's a goddamned city, but even in a metropolis there are places that might be workable. Rooftop gardens, windowsill planters, something. With all the packaged bullshit they've been subsisting on, just about anything would be an improvement. ]
That makes sense, though. Asian markets would probably be better for that kind of thing. [ And he's been thumbing through a few travel books and city guides he looted from a bookstore, now that there's better light to read by. He hasn't gone and sought out the places he's researched yet, but he's been taking notes. ] I was reading that there are a few Japanese grocers in Bryant Park. I still need to head that way and take a look.
[ Some of the terms are lost on Caelus, because he's… an alien, after all. He looks at Megumi with dumbfounded eyes, but obviously full of curiosity, and wants to find out.
Actually, he feels he heard the latter term somewhere before, but it's not clicking with him yet. He'll remember after a repeat of the word. ]
[ Luckily for him, Megumi is very used to being The Explanation Guy! ]
Asia is a continent that's on the other side of the world from here. A lot of the cultures in that part of the world use ginger more heavily than ones that originated over here, since that's where it came from.
[ Good kid, Megumi! Caelus listens intently to his explanation, face easily lighting up as the details immediately fascinate him. ]
I see. Wait… Ohh! Japaan! [ The alien accent is showing. ] Ja— pa… nice! I remember now. That's the place where Subaru came from, too. He agreed to tell me more about it and also teach me some words.
Yes, same Japan...we're from the same city, too. Or at least we were both living in Tokyo.
[ He's not sure if Subaru's actually from Tokyo, or considers it to be Home with a capital H. Especially given his affiliation with a major clan of mystics; the ones Megumi knows tend to be based out of Kyoto.
[ They must be happy to meet other Japanese people here. Well, it's a terrible situation to be in, but it helps to have each other. It makes it less painful and less lonely. ]
Some people from my universe are here too, like Aventurine, as you already know. If you meet the others, do say hi to them as well! They're Nameless from the Astral Express, like I am. Another two are allies of the Express.
[ Megumi's been glad to meet Subaru here for a myriad of reasons, but their both being Japanese is probably the least of them. It's the other things they have in common, going beyond nationality. Subaru has had more understanding of who Megumi is and what makes him tick in a few conversations than Megumi's ever really felt that he had from the people who've known him most of his life.
Calm down, emo kid. ]
Sunday's one of them, right? I don't think I've met the others yet.
[ That's cute… Eventually, Caelus hopes he'll be among those for Megumi's life. As evident at this point, he's doing his best to connect with the people here. It's his duty as a Nameless! That and he really does enjoy aiding people whenever he can.
When Sunday is mentioned, Caelus instantly lights up once more. (But when doesn't he?) ]
Sunday, yes! You've been so nice to Aventurine, I hope you can befriend Sunday as well. He needs more friends.
[ No, seriously, Sunday does… Poor guy had very rough life, too. ]
Sunday and Dan Heng are Nameless. Jing Yuan and Phainon are our allies. Aventurine is an ally as well.
[ Caelus is making an excellent start at the other way to become one of Megumi's people: just slide in, take a seat on the couch, and make it clear that you live here now. ]
He seems pretty sensible. [ Which means that Megumi will probably immediately find him much easier to get along with than Aventurine, who has been a clear proponent of the "take a seat" method into his life. ] I'll keep an eye out for the others.
[ It's true. Caelus has already made himself at home, and he's only been in this building for five minutes. ]
He is! He has a noble soul, but he's quite shy. He's been raised to become a leader figure, but he no longer needs to live that way after joining us at the Astral Express. So he's still trying to find his new footing in life.
[ Anyway, enough about him and his friends. Today's star is Megumi, after all! Caelus came all the way here to make sure he's doing all right. That seems to be the case, but he wants to check more to be sure…
Curiously, Caelus leans up to Megumi's handsome face after tipping his feet upwards, staring. How's his skin complexion? Does he have eye bags? Are his eyes clear? ]
[ Megumi's probably less pale now that they've had the sun back for a bit, at least, but he's naturally on the fair side to begin with. He does look a little more tired than is ideal, but he's been doing a decent job at taking care of himself despite the circumstances.
He's also visibly confused at the sudden invasion of his personal bubble. ]
[ Ohh! Looking great! Caelus is instantly pleased to observe these details, and he can't help himself. So after beaming up enthusiastically, he tips himself higher so he could plant down a little kiss on Megumi's forehead. ]
Nothing, just glad to see you looking great. You've done your best all this time… Good boy.
[ Returning his feet flat on the ground, Caelus gives Megumi an approving thumbs up. ]
By the way, have you eaten yet? Let's have lunch together if you haven't.
[ This is exactly the kind of social interaction Megumi's personality is 100% not built to handle, wherein someone cheerfully red rovers through his boundaries and yet does it with such good-natured concern that to protest would feel like kicking a puppy.
And then just moves on like it's nothing, before he's even done having his mental blue screen over it!
[ Cheerfully taking Megumi's hands now, Caelus energetically spins around with him twice and then immediately drags him in the direction of this room's kitchen, all their hands still connected. ]
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You work fast.
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Me! 🌸 [ Oh, no. ] Gu! 🌸 [ One leg moves inside now, securing his foot against the wall— ] Mi! 🌸
[ Right after saying that, Caelus finishes positioning his balance enough to launch himself towards Megumi, embracing his younger friend around his neck after leaping in, emitting cheerful laughs. He's happy to meet him personally for the first time. ]
Hey, Meggy! Did you receive your check-up yet?
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Hi. Not just yet.
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[ Shame, Caelus wants to know if Megumi's healing well and if there aren't any issues. But he supposes he'll find out soon enough. He remains dangling around his friend's neck, but only for a few seconds more. He doesn't want to weigh down an injured person, so down he goes. ]
You're way younger than me, aren't you? But your height is so impressive.
[ Raising an arm up, to pat the top of Megumi's head! ]
I hope you continue to grow well!
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[ Gojo's mentioned that he'll probably turn out taller than he's gotten so far...which probably makes sense, since Gojo seems to have been some level of informed about his dad. But Megumi has very pointedly never asked about that. ]
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[ As Caelus speaks, he collects his stuff from the windowsill— skateboard and package. After turning back around, he offers the package over to Megumi. ]
Here's your care package!
[ Should Megumi open the box, he'll find the following items inside: two soup cans, two sports drinks, teabags of ginger tea, a couple of assorted snacks, a scented candle, a tissue roll, a few sachets of body lotion and shampoo, a bar of soap, and most notably some blue items.
First, colorful erasers (because Megumi likes to take notes of events going on), this little friend (who doesn't want more cute friends?), and binoculars. Caelus repaired the binoculars himself. ]
Hopefully, this little friend will help you sleep better!
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But what really holds his attention is the tea. ]
That's my favorite kind.
[ And he hasn't said anything to anyone about his love of ginger, so that one is entirely blind, beautiful luck. ]
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Oh!? Which one? Everything?
[ He hopes it's everything!! Naturally, the trailblazer is super happy to know that he managed to pick out at least one thing that the younger boy truly likes. This confirms it truly is blind luck. (And yes, he picked out everything by himself.) ]
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[ Although he has been using the newfound daylight to do some research on where the Asian grocery stores are in New York, so he's making plans to go look for some very specific things soon. He expects he'll have better luck there. ]
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Ginger is delicious. You said that you guys couldn't find fresh produce before, right? [ "You guys" referring to the veterans who have been here earlier than Caelus. ] I'll see what I can do for you next time.
[ The raccoon will investigate more and see else what he can unearth… Something to look forward to. ]
Anyway, I found the tea in… what was it? [ Someone had to read it for him, since he can't read anything here… ] H Mart, I think. In Koreatown.
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[ That and...it's a goddamned city, but even in a metropolis there are places that might be workable. Rooftop gardens, windowsill planters, something. With all the packaged bullshit they've been subsisting on, just about anything would be an improvement. ]
That makes sense, though. Asian markets would probably be better for that kind of thing. [ And he's been thumbing through a few travel books and city guides he looted from a bookstore, now that there's better light to read by. He hasn't gone and sought out the places he's researched yet, but he's been taking notes. ] I was reading that there are a few Japanese grocers in Bryant Park. I still need to head that way and take a look.
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[ Some of the terms are lost on Caelus, because he's… an alien, after all. He looks at Megumi with dumbfounded eyes, but obviously full of curiosity, and wants to find out.
Actually, he feels he heard the latter term somewhere before, but it's not clicking with him yet. He'll remember after a repeat of the word. ]
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Asia is a continent that's on the other side of the world from here. A lot of the cultures in that part of the world use ginger more heavily than ones that originated over here, since that's where it came from.
Japan specifically is where I come from.
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I see. Wait… Ohh! Japaan! [ The alien accent is showing. ] Ja— pa… nice! I remember now. That's the place where Subaru came from, too. He agreed to tell me more about it and also teach me some words.
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[ He's not sure if Subaru's actually from Tokyo, or considers it to be Home with a capital H. Especially given his affiliation with a major clan of mystics; the ones Megumi knows tend to be based out of Kyoto.
Not that it super matters, though. ]
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[ They must be happy to meet other Japanese people here. Well, it's a terrible situation to be in, but it helps to have each other. It makes it less painful and less lonely. ]
Some people from my universe are here too, like Aventurine, as you already know. If you meet the others, do say hi to them as well! They're Nameless from the Astral Express, like I am. Another two are allies of the Express.
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Calm down, emo kid.]Sunday's one of them, right? I don't think I've met the others yet.
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When Sunday is mentioned, Caelus instantly lights up once more. (But when doesn't he?) ]
Sunday, yes! You've been so nice to Aventurine, I hope you can befriend Sunday as well. He needs more friends.
[ No, seriously, Sunday does… Poor guy had very rough life, too. ]
Sunday and Dan Heng are Nameless. Jing Yuan and Phainon are our allies. Aventurine is an ally as well.
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He seems pretty sensible. [ Which means that Megumi will probably immediately find him much easier to get along with than Aventurine, who has been a clear proponent of the "take a seat" method into his life. ] I'll keep an eye out for the others.
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He is! He has a noble soul, but he's quite shy. He's been raised to become a leader figure, but he no longer needs to live that way after joining us at the Astral Express. So he's still trying to find his new footing in life.
[ Anyway, enough about him and his friends. Today's star is Megumi, after all! Caelus came all the way here to make sure he's doing all right. That seems to be the case, but he wants to check more to be sure…
Curiously, Caelus leans up to Megumi's handsome face after tipping his feet upwards, staring. How's his skin complexion? Does he have eye bags? Are his eyes clear? ]
Hmm.
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He's also visibly confused at the sudden invasion of his personal bubble. ]
Er. Problem?
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Nothing, just glad to see you looking great. You've done your best all this time… Good boy.
[ Returning his feet flat on the ground, Caelus gives Megumi an approving thumbs up. ]
By the way, have you eaten yet? Let's have lunch together if you haven't.
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And then just moves on like it's nothing, before he's even done having his mental blue screen over it!
He can't keep up. ]
I...no, not yet.
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Let's go! Go!
[ Who really lives here now, huh… ]
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Aventurine's reaction to Caelus makes so much sense now! ]
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