[ 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. ]
[ Setting down his chopsticks for a second, Caelus frees both his hands now so he could scoot closer and slowly embrace the younger boy. Considering how responsible and mature Megumi is, it may be easy to forget that he's only a young teenager. (It doesn't help that he's so damn tall and handsome?) Many people must've relied on him. But because he's so young, he has an entire life ahead of him. There's plenty to experience and learn.
Caelus wonders if Megumi sometimes forgets that he's a kid. He seems to be so serious. But that may be an effect on someone who is forced to mature and grow up quickly, even though he's still technically not done growing up… Caelus finds that a little saddening, too. So he moves their heads together, allowing the younger one to lean on him. It goes unsaid, but the trailblazer doesn't mind it if this boy acts more like his age around him. ]
Because you have a big heart, Meggy, I know that you'll be all right. You draw people to you, in your own way. As long as you don't lose sight of yourself and never forget what's important, you'll be able to reach the answers you seek.
[ And he doesn't have to seek it by himself, as people who care will walk alongside him, no matter how long it takes. ]
[ How does someone this kind-hearted and optimistic even exist? When the world is chronically unfair and unforgiving, and there's something around every corner to wear you down, and --
-- it's not that Megumi doesn't know that people that good exist in the world, of course. But it's more that Caelus is doing an excellent job of echoing the best person Megumi's ever known, the one person he wanted to protect from everything in the world and succeeding at protecting from none of it.
It just goes along with your kindness.
Tsumiki was the first person who ever said Megumi was kind. Until now, he's pretty sure she was the only one. Most people see the cool exterior and take it at face value.
Megumi usually can't stand being treated like a kid. Doesn't want anyone to see anything even adjacent to vulnerability. But being talked to in the same way Tsumiki used to, before he hit middle school and became a door-slamming back-talking terror, is hard to object to, because he misses her like hell. ]
[ Permission for tether? 💕 When Megumi thanks Caelus with such a small voice, the trailblazer beams radiantly and embraces him a bit closer. Maybe Megumi is finally allowing a bit of… well, letting his guard down a little, and not having to think too hard. He must've been constantly doing his best nonstop, knowing his diligent personality. Sleeping is one thing for the physical body, but actually resting one's mind is another.
Even for a few simple minutes, Caelus hopes Megumi will give himself a much-needed break from every burden he's been carrying. It's only the two of them in here right now, after all. No one else will see if he decides to act a bit more selfishly in secret. And he's still a child… he needs to have moments where he actually lives like one. It's important to have a memorable childhood to look back to, after truly growing up.
If only they were in a normal city, and not a zombie apocalypse. Caelus would've happily taken Megumi to places like the movie theatres, sports centers, karaoke, and many other fun places. Still, this doesn't mean he's given up on the idea. He'll figure out something! ]
Of course. All right, come on, let's finish our meal. What did I say, right? You have to eat well to grow more.
[ Though reluctant to let go, Caelus slowly does, and then encourages Megumi to finish the rest of his food. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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[ Setting down his chopsticks for a second, Caelus frees both his hands now so he could scoot closer and slowly embrace the younger boy. Considering how responsible and mature Megumi is, it may be easy to forget that he's only a young teenager. (It doesn't help that he's so damn tall and handsome?) Many people must've relied on him. But because he's so young, he has an entire life ahead of him. There's plenty to experience and learn.
Caelus wonders if Megumi sometimes forgets that he's a kid. He seems to be so serious. But that may be an effect on someone who is forced to mature and grow up quickly, even though he's still technically not done growing up… Caelus finds that a little saddening, too. So he moves their heads together, allowing the younger one to lean on him. It goes unsaid, but the trailblazer doesn't mind it if this boy acts more like his age around him. ]
Because you have a big heart, Meggy, I know that you'll be all right. You draw people to you, in your own way. As long as you don't lose sight of yourself and never forget what's important, you'll be able to reach the answers you seek.
[ And he doesn't have to seek it by himself, as people who care will walk alongside him, no matter how long it takes. ]
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-- it's not that Megumi doesn't know that people that good exist in the world, of course. But it's more that Caelus is doing an excellent job of echoing the best person Megumi's ever known, the one person he wanted to protect from everything in the world and succeeding at protecting from none of it.
It just goes along with your kindness.
Tsumiki was the first person who ever said Megumi was kind. Until now, he's pretty sure she was the only one. Most people see the cool exterior and take it at face value.
Megumi usually can't stand being treated like a kid. Doesn't want anyone to see anything even adjacent to vulnerability. But being talked to in the same way Tsumiki used to, before he hit middle school and became a door-slamming back-talking terror, is hard to object to, because he misses her like hell. ]
...thanks.
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Permission for tether? 💕When Megumi thanks Caelus with such a small voice, the trailblazer beams radiantly and embraces him a bit closer. Maybe Megumi is finally allowing a bit of… well, letting his guard down a little, and not having to think too hard. He must've been constantly doing his best nonstop, knowing his diligent personality. Sleeping is one thing for the physical body, but actually resting one's mind is another.Even for a few simple minutes, Caelus hopes Megumi will give himself a much-needed break from every burden he's been carrying. It's only the two of them in here right now, after all. No one else will see if he decides to act a bit more selfishly in secret. And he's still a child… he needs to have moments where he actually lives like one. It's important to have a memorable childhood to look back to, after truly growing up.
If only they were in a normal city, and not a zombie apocalypse. Caelus would've happily taken Megumi to places like the movie theatres, sports centers, karaoke, and many other fun places. Still, this doesn't mean he's given up on the idea. He'll figure out something! ]
Of course. All right, come on, let's finish our meal. What did I say, right? You have to eat well to grow more.
[ Though reluctant to let go, Caelus slowly does, and then encourages Megumi to finish the rest of his food. ]
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