[ 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. ]
[ Even as Caelus checks the pantry over here, he's doing it with one hand, and his other one remains on Megumi's. ]
Hey, instant noodles!
[ Grabbing them immediately… Caelus also proceeds to check around the counters for condiments and toppings. Soon, he manages to collect enough for a decent lunch for two. He carries them in his free arm. Yes, he still hasn't let Megumi's hand go. They'll continue on like this. ]
Where do you cook?
[ This room doesn't look like it's been used for a while, so Caelus figures Megumi's kitchen must be elsewhere. They need clean hot water at the very least, for the noodles. ]
Downstairs, in what's left of the dining hall. I've been searching through the rooms for supplies gradually, and moving things down there as I go.
[ He may not be good at knowing how to react to people being forward and friendly, but he is at least very good at dealing with the logistics of being thrust headfirst into the zombie apocalypse -- deciding what's necessary, potentially useful, or pointless, and getting it all into repositories for easier access. (All this in between research into the world situation and getting a grasp on the differences in his magic here. He...stays busy.) ]
[ Megumi and Dan Heng truly are the same leaf… Those two should meet sometime… ]
All right.
[ After being told where it is, Caelus leads the way while tugging Megumi along as they leave the room to head downstairs. It's his first time in here, but he's already moving around naturally even when he doesn't know where to turn… It's all that experience from trailblazing that serves him well. Instinct leads him where the right way might be.
Soon enough, they enter the kitchen next to the dining hall, and Caelus sets down the items on the counter, finally letting go of Megumi's hand to begin preparing the food. ]
[ The "stove" is actually kind of a ridiculous makeshift set-up, because the one in the kitchen is electric and thus deadweight. But Megumi's put together a small fireplace right in front of it and moved over some wire shelving to sit over it. It looks goofy, but it functions.
He digs flint and steel out of his pocket and gets to work. ]
[ Considering the high technology of Caelus's universe, seeing something so rustic is quite novel to him! He can't help but start clapping as he cheers Megumi on. But he shouldn't just stand here. While the younger boy is working on that, Caelus looks around to find drinkable water and a cooking pot.
Once everything is ready, he sets down the pot, then pours the water in. Afterward, he's quick to tear open the instant noodle packs and collect the flavoring sachets. He waits until the water starts boiling before dropping the noodles in. ]
Do you like it spicy, or should I leave yours mild?
[ Megumi opens up a cabinet he's turned into drink storage. ] I've got sodas and bottled water from the vending machines, or I could make some of the tea you brought.
[ Moving to Megumi's side, he gives him a quick high-five before returning to the stove. ]
Spicy meals are even better when the weather is cold, like this.
[ As for Caelus's drink… well, now that he knows the ginger tea is Megumi's favorite, he doesn't want to take it from him. After all, he did gift it to him in the first place. ]
[ He'd been very sparing about drinking the bottled water, when they first arrived, but since the expedition into the water treatment plant, Megumi's been more relaxed about it, because honestly, he was getting really sick of Diet Pepsi.
He pulls a couple bottles out of the cabinet and closes it. ]
Yeah. Seems like it's...probably fall here, but without calendars, who knows. [ He doesn't know the climate of New York well enough to stake his life on that guess, after all. ]
Hmm. If it snows in a few months, we'll be able to confirm.
[ While conversing, Caelus keeps his eyes on the noodles so they don't overcook. Once the timing is right, he tears and pours the flavoring sachets to do the last several steps. He stirs the soup with a pair of chopsticks he found nearby.
He places additional seasonings in, to enhance the taste further, namely some chili oil and chili crisps that he found in the room upstairs. After pouring everything into separate bowls, he finishes off by adding dried seaweed sheets as toppings.
He sets both bowls in a tray, then turns around while carrying it. ]
I usually just sit by the firepit I made out in the lounge, but it's just some cushions on the floor and a couple tables I dragged over. Nobody else was living here until pretty recently, so I didn't...really make it that nice.
[ Caelus seems like he's got such a nice civilized approach to things, while Megumi's just been sitting cross-legged by his fire and eating protein bars like some kind of caveman. ]
[ Manners have been drilled onto him by his Astral Express family members… Despite that, Caelus does have his moments of not caring about it, either. Particularly if he's in his own room, or if he's all by himself and nobody's around to judge him.
Caelus smiles at Megumi after hearing the situation. ]
That's fine. It's cozy, and that's what matters.
[ He comes along with him now to head to the place that the younger boy mentioned. Once there, he sets down the tray on one of the tables, and comfortably plops himself down on a cushion.
Now that his hands are freed, he raises both to energetically gesture, patting the free seat right next to him. ]
[ The firepit isn't going at the moment, but after a moment's consideration, Megumi decides not to light it up unless Caelus looks like he's getting cold. He's been pretty diligent about stockpiling fuel, but they still don't really know what the winter is going to look like.
And the food's hot, after all. That should probably be good enough for now.
So he plunks two bottles of water down next to the tray, and sits himself down next to Caelus. ]
[ Thankfully for Megumi, Caelus has increased endurance because of his experience as a Trailblazer! He'd have better endurance if his abilities weren't nerfed, but even without those abilities, he did journey enough to get used to extreme temperatures and conditions. So he's not bothered by the cold, already feeling relaxed as if he's been living here for a while.
Caelus sets the two boiling hot bowls in front of them, handing over a new pair of chopsticks next to Megumi's bowl. The air smells amazing because of the food, spices and soup wafting. ]
[ Megumi nods and murmurs his own itadakimasu as he takes the chopsticks, using them to give the soup a quick stir before he plucks up a bite of noodles. ]
You actually mean it when you say spicy. [ This is a positive observation, from the way he says it. ] My teacher's idea of spicy is pretty sad.
He's not here, no. Which is kind of a relief, because he's a pain in the ass.
[ He says that, but. ] ...he's been my legal guardian since I was six, though. So I guess he's had more time to grate at me than most people have. [ Than literally anyone else has, since everyone he's known longer is dead, disappeared, or comatose. Gojo is Megumi's opposite in a lot of ways, and it definitely puts some strain on their relationship, but he's still a constant. A source of stability, for someone who's had so few of those to look to. ]
He's arrogant and flippant and he never takes anything seriously. [ A cardinal sin for someone like Megumi, who takes everything too seriously. ] But he's the strongest person I know.
[ As Caelus is quietly eating, he's intently listening to every word that Megumi says. Sometimes the trailblazer loses his smile, but in the end, he regains it genuinely. He was mostly saddened to hear that Megumi may potentially be an orphan. Though with the way the younger boy talks about his teacher, it seems that it turned out all right.
Megumi is obviously fond of this person (the way he affectionately shit talks the guy is a clear sign), and that's what relieves Caelus. It's unfortunate that person isn't here, but regardless, Megumi isn't alone. He has many good friends here, and Caelus counts himself among them. So he reaches to land his hand gently on the top of the younger one's head, setting it there for a while to share some warmth from his hand. A simple proof that he's here for him. ]
Megumi, you don't fall back either. You're also quite strong!
[ Not just physically, but through his mental strength. ]
[ Ah? ] I...I try. I've got a long ways to go, though.
[ For all that he works hard, he never quite manages to stop the things he needs to stop. He couldn't get his sister out of her coma, he couldn't stop Yuji from dying at the detention center. He couldn't save Gojo from being sealed in Shibuya, although hopefully his -- not death? near fatal wounding? -- at least helped everyone else get in there and do what they could.
Maybe the problem is just...being a mere mortal, in a world where Satoru Gojo exists. He's been chasing in the shadow of the strongest jujutsu sorcerer for so long that it's hard to remember what a normal idea of strong even looks like. ]
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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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Hey, instant noodles!
[ Grabbing them immediately… Caelus also proceeds to check around the counters for condiments and toppings. Soon, he manages to collect enough for a decent lunch for two. He carries them in his free arm. Yes, he still hasn't let Megumi's hand go. They'll continue on like this. ]
Where do you cook?
[ This room doesn't look like it's been used for a while, so Caelus figures Megumi's kitchen must be elsewhere. They need clean hot water at the very least, for the noodles. ]
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[ He may not be good at knowing how to react to people being forward and friendly, but he is at least very good at dealing with the logistics of being thrust headfirst into the zombie apocalypse -- deciding what's necessary, potentially useful, or pointless, and getting it all into repositories for easier access. (All this in between research into the world situation and getting a grasp on the differences in his magic here. He...stays busy.) ]
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All right.
[ After being told where it is, Caelus leads the way while tugging Megumi along as they leave the room to head downstairs. It's his first time in here, but he's already moving around naturally even when he doesn't know where to turn… It's all that experience from trailblazing that serves him well. Instinct leads him where the right way might be.
Soon enough, they enter the kitchen next to the dining hall, and Caelus sets down the items on the counter, finally letting go of Megumi's hand to begin preparing the food. ]
I'll leave the drinks to you.
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[ The "stove" is actually kind of a ridiculous makeshift set-up, because the one in the kitchen is electric and thus deadweight. But Megumi's put together a small fireplace right in front of it and moved over some wire shelving to sit over it. It looks goofy, but it functions.
He digs flint and steel out of his pocket and gets to work. ]
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[ Considering the high technology of Caelus's universe, seeing something so rustic is quite novel to him! He can't help but start clapping as he cheers Megumi on. But he shouldn't just stand here. While the younger boy is working on that, Caelus looks around to find drinkable water and a cooking pot.
Once everything is ready, he sets down the pot, then pours the water in. Afterward, he's quick to tear open the instant noodle packs and collect the flavoring sachets. He waits until the water starts boiling before dropping the noodles in. ]
Do you like it spicy, or should I leave yours mild?
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[ Megumi opens up a cabinet he's turned into drink storage. ] I've got sodas and bottled water from the vending machines, or I could make some of the tea you brought.
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[ Moving to Megumi's side, he gives him a quick high-five before returning to the stove. ]
Spicy meals are even better when the weather is cold, like this.
[ As for Caelus's drink… well, now that he knows the ginger tea is Megumi's favorite, he doesn't want to take it from him. After all, he did gift it to him in the first place. ]
I'm okay with water.
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He pulls a couple bottles out of the cabinet and closes it. ]
Yeah. Seems like it's...probably fall here, but without calendars, who knows. [ He doesn't know the climate of New York well enough to stake his life on that guess, after all. ]
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[ While conversing, Caelus keeps his eyes on the noodles so they don't overcook. Once the timing is right, he tears and pours the flavoring sachets to do the last several steps. He stirs the soup with a pair of chopsticks he found nearby.
He places additional seasonings in, to enhance the taste further, namely some chili oil and chili crisps that he found in the room upstairs. After pouring everything into separate bowls, he finishes off by adding dried seaweed sheets as toppings.
He sets both bowls in a tray, then turns around while carrying it. ]
These are ready! Where do we eat?
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[ Caelus seems like he's got such a nice civilized approach to things, while Megumi's just been sitting cross-legged by his fire and eating protein bars like some kind of caveman. ]
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Caelus smiles at Megumi after hearing the situation. ]
That's fine. It's cozy, and that's what matters.
[ He comes along with him now to head to the place that the younger boy mentioned. Once there, he sets down the tray on one of the tables, and comfortably plops himself down on a cushion.
Now that his hands are freed, he raises both to energetically gesture, patting the free seat right next to him. ]
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And the food's hot, after all. That should probably be good enough for now.
So he plunks two bottles of water down next to the tray, and sits himself down next to Caelus. ]
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Caelus sets the two boiling hot bowls in front of them, handing over a new pair of chopsticks next to Megumi's bowl. The air smells amazing because of the food, spices and soup wafting. ]
Thanks for the food!
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You actually mean it when you say spicy. [ This is a positive observation, from the way he says it. ] My teacher's idea of spicy is pretty sad.
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Of course, I have an iron stomach. [ in other words, he's not weak!!! haiya!! ] But your teacher, huh? Is that person here? What are they like?
[ Then, he finally joins Megumi, beginning to eat from his own bowl. ]
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[ He says that, but. ] ...he's been my legal guardian since I was six, though. So I guess he's had more time to grate at me than most people have. [ Than literally anyone else has, since everyone he's known longer is dead, disappeared, or comatose. Gojo is Megumi's opposite in a lot of ways, and it definitely puts some strain on their relationship, but he's still a constant. A source of stability, for someone who's had so few of those to look to. ]
He's arrogant and flippant and he never takes anything seriously. [ A cardinal sin for someone like Megumi, who takes everything too seriously. ] But he's the strongest person I know.
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Megumi is obviously fond of this person (the way he affectionately shit talks the guy is a clear sign), and that's what relieves Caelus. It's unfortunate that person isn't here, but regardless, Megumi isn't alone. He has many good friends here, and Caelus counts himself among them. So he reaches to land his hand gently on the top of the younger one's head, setting it there for a while to share some warmth from his hand. A simple proof that he's here for him. ]
Megumi, you don't fall back either. You're also quite strong!
[ Not just physically, but through his mental strength. ]
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[ For all that he works hard, he never quite manages to stop the things he needs to stop. He couldn't get his sister out of her coma, he couldn't stop Yuji from dying at the detention center. He couldn't save Gojo from being sealed in Shibuya, although hopefully his -- not death? near fatal wounding? -- at least helped everyone else get in there and do what they could.
Maybe the problem is just...being a mere mortal, in a world where Satoru Gojo exists. He's been chasing in the shadow of the strongest jujutsu sorcerer for so long that it's hard to remember what a normal idea of strong even looks like. ]
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