[ 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. ]
[ hell to the YES It's a relief when Caelus lets go and gives him an out. It's not that he doesn't appreciate the support, or that the hug wasn't nice, it's just that even admitting that much to himself, in the privacy of his own mind, is kind of a lot. It's vulnerable. He's bad at vulnerable, because in his mind that's always been a luxury he can't afford.
So, sure! Back to eating. Can't let the noodles get cold. He dips his chopsticks and takes another mouthful. ]
I don't know if I'm done growing or not, really.
[ ...he's likely not, because his papa is built like a brick shithouse, but he doesn't know that. ]
[ Because Megumi is still really young!! There's a lot of room to grow!! He only needs to keep taking good care of himself… But considering he passed Caelus's health check earlier, he will be just fine as long as he maintains it. 🌸
Caelus smiles warmly at Megumi one more time, then continues to eat now as well. He's mostly quiet now as he eats, but sometimes he does make passing comments. ]
I miss television. Normally, I'd be watching with the crew while we dine. It's either that, or we have the radio playing in the background.
I don't really watch much TV. I read a lot of books, though.
[ A pause to down another bite -- ] Don't really read as much while I'm eating anymore, though. Once Yuji started at Jujutsu High he'd usually be talking instead. [ Which had initially been kind of aggravating, but it's grown on Megumi considerably. To the point that being here without Yuji for two months was very lonely. ]
Oh! You two are from the same place? I met him in Central Park some time back.
[ That's adorable. Caelus considers that Megumi and Yuji very likely had a lot of cute moments together, considering their personalities. They're a perfect fit since they complement each other. Just like Caelus (the energetic jock) and Dan Heng (the silent intellectual)! ]
Yeah, we're classmates. [ Although Megumi could just as easily say "best friends." If it were anyone but Megumi, they probably would say as much, but Megumi is an antisocial gremlin so the soft warmth that creeps into his tone will have to do the heavy lifting there. ]
We played a game of baseball against the Kyoto students. He won it for us...but I don't think they've invented a sport Yuji can't win at. [ Given that the first time Megumi ever saw him, he was throwing a shotput like it was a baseball. ]
[ Because of their newly formed tether, still small but already so sweet, Caelus is able to directly feel the fondness that Megumi is emanating in his heart. But even without this tether, it's easy to see the innocent love Megumi has for Yuji. It's more than enough for Caelus to form a melting smile, feeling so warm to witness such a thing.
And the trailblazer laughs gently. ]
We should all play sometime. There are people here who have never heard of baseball. Clearly, we should do something about it.
There was a shed with some sports equipment not too far from here. I ran into it back when I was first scouting out the rest of the campus.
[ Most of the stuff was there, he's pretty sure. Bases, helmets, gloves, a few bats (even if not a terribly wide selection)... ] I can't remember if I saw a ball, but I think I remember everything else being there.
The stuff I found was around the quad. I think it was mostly there for pickup games or intramural things...but I'd be surprised if there wasn't a full dedicated field around here somewhere, too. It's a big university, so they must've had a team, right?
[ Americans are deep in the college sport trenches, he's pretty sure? ]
There's some spaces that would work if we cleared some of the things that are trying to grow over, but if there's an actual stadium around here, that might not need as much prep work.
[ Which would be nice, considering they're plenty busy cleaning up the spaces they use for everything else, too. ]
[ There are only a few bites left on Caelus's bowl, so he pauses to finish it off first. Once his food is properly chewed and swallowed, he drinks the remaining soup and follows it up with water to wash it all down entirely. ]
I'm always wandering around, so I'll let you know if I encounter any. Anyway, give me your bowl once you're done!
[ So Caelus can go and wash all the used dinnerware and also the pot he used to cook with earlier. ]
[ It takes Megumi a couple minutes more to finish off his own bowl, but then he passes it over. ]
I can take a better look at the maps around here, too. That'd at least tell us where we should be looking. [ He was kind of zeroed in on finding other things, but something like this ought to be on there, too. ]
[ Collecting everything, including the reusable chopsticks, back into the tray… Then, Caelus stands up first and offers his free hand to Megumi to help him up. ]
Hehe, I'm really looking forward to it. You should get some rest now before Mr. Sakurazuka arrives! It's best to be in good condition when he examines you, so don't exhaust yourself now.
[ That's why Caelus will take care of the dishes! He playfully pokes Megumi's cheeks before disappearing into the kitchen. But seconds later, he pokes his head back out. ]
I had fun today, Meggy. I'll be sure to drop by again soon.
[ Caelus will go after cleaning up, but he'll keep his word and visit again eventually. ]
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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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hell to the YESIt's a relief when Caelus lets go and gives him an out. It's not that he doesn't appreciate the support, or that the hug wasn't nice, it's just that even admitting that much to himself, in the privacy of his own mind, is kind of a lot. It's vulnerable. He's bad at vulnerable, because in his mind that's always been a luxury he can't afford.So, sure! Back to eating. Can't let the noodles get cold. He dips his chopsticks and takes another mouthful. ]
I don't know if I'm done growing or not, really.
[ ...he's likely not, because his papa is built like a brick shithouse, but he doesn't know that. ]
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[ Because Megumi is still really young!! There's a lot of room to grow!! He only needs to keep taking good care of himself… But considering he passed Caelus's health check earlier, he will be just fine as long as he maintains it. 🌸
Caelus smiles warmly at Megumi one more time, then continues to eat now as well. He's mostly quiet now as he eats, but sometimes he does make passing comments. ]
I miss television. Normally, I'd be watching with the crew while we dine. It's either that, or we have the radio playing in the background.
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[ A pause to down another bite -- ] Don't really read as much while I'm eating anymore, though. Once Yuji started at Jujutsu High he'd usually be talking instead. [ Which had initially been kind of aggravating, but it's grown on Megumi considerably. To the point that being here without Yuji for two months was very lonely. ]
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[ That's adorable. Caelus considers that Megumi and Yuji very likely had a lot of cute moments together, considering their personalities. They're a perfect fit since they complement each other. Just like Caelus (the energetic jock) and Dan Heng (the silent intellectual)! ]
He and I bonded over baseball!
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We played a game of baseball against the Kyoto students. He won it for us...but I don't think they've invented a sport Yuji can't win at. [ Given that the first time Megumi ever saw him, he was throwing a shotput like it was a baseball. ]
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And the trailblazer laughs gently. ]
We should all play sometime. There are people here who have never heard of baseball. Clearly, we should do something about it.
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There was a shed with some sports equipment not too far from here. I ran into it back when I was first scouting out the rest of the campus.
[ Most of the stuff was there, he's pretty sure. Bases, helmets, gloves, a few bats (even if not a terribly wide selection)... ] I can't remember if I saw a ball, but I think I remember everything else being there.
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This school has baseball equipment? That means… there's a baseball field!?
[ If they weren't eating, Caelus would've bolted out the door to find it. But since they're not done having their meal, he stays put. ]
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[ Americans are deep in the college sport trenches, he's pretty sure? ]
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[ They need some pick-me-ups time to time, after all! Sports are a great way to exercise, socialize, and have fun all at the same time. ]
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[ Which would be nice, considering they're plenty busy cleaning up the spaces they use for everything else, too. ]
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I'm always wandering around, so I'll let you know if I encounter any. Anyway, give me your bowl once you're done!
[ So Caelus can go and wash all the used dinnerware and also the pot he used to cook with earlier. ]
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I can take a better look at the maps around here, too. That'd at least tell us where we should be looking. [ He was kind of zeroed in on finding other things, but something like this ought to be on there, too. ]
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Hehe, I'm really looking forward to it. You should get some rest now before Mr. Sakurazuka arrives! It's best to be in good condition when he examines you, so don't exhaust yourself now.
[ That's why Caelus will take care of the dishes! He playfully pokes Megumi's cheeks before disappearing into the kitchen. But seconds later, he pokes his head back out. ]
I had fun today, Meggy. I'll be sure to drop by again soon.
[ Caelus will go after cleaning up, but he'll keep his word and visit again eventually. ]
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[ It's the truth...in this, specific, circumstance. But Megumi is the king of overdoing it most of the time. ]
Thanks, Caelus.