antumbrac | WEEK 4

WEEK 4

Last week could probably only be summed up as a mess. Three people died, one was turned to currency and the hotel pool remains in a general state of unusability unless swimming in pulpy mush is someone’s idea of a good time. And that’s not even counting the haunted morse code T-Rex. At least the greenhouse is as relaxing as ever, even if someone seems to have made off with a number of succulents and cacti.

But with the new week comes a new set of locations to explore as the fog retreats to reveal another portion of the city. The half moon wanes to a new moon this week, leaving streets even dimmer this week -- hopefully you have some other portable sources of light available if you plan on straying too far beyond the reach of the lampposts in the new areas.

[[Welcome to Week 4! Note that new areas have been added, and can be found under the Week 4 tab on our Locations page. Once again, feel free to make top levels at your discretion, and remember to note it in your header if you plan on investigating any locations. You can also privately contact The Lady or Rembrandt.]]

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[ Indeed they should shop when they return!!

Anyway, Rean was probably uncharacteristically quiet on the way to their destination—the garden. It was nice and generally a quiet area even if it was semi-new. It was especially a place that didn't have much danger for eavesdropping, as far as he was concerned.

Once they stopped in the middle, Rean took in a breath of what he considered to be the faux nightly air and turned to face him. ]

...I had been wondering, if you might have developed some feelings for me.

[ Normally Rean was an oblivious person. But, just because he was didn't mean he was blind. ]

If I'm wrong, then feel free to say so, and I'll apologize for that at least.

[ For once, Dazai doesn't fill the air with needless chatter. He's quiet as the gears in his head churns. Rean was normal just before, so it's probably nothing about them never talking again.

Maybe he's seen just how deep the darkness really goes? It would probably be for the best. Or maybe it's just information he wants to share without being over heard?

None of this shows on Dazai's expression. Outwardly, he has his hands in his pockets and he just looks around as they walk, seeing what else might be new. Once they get to the garden and Rean stops to face him, he realizes what it is and that it's too late to abort. ]

[ It's Rean though. Rean has some how stumbled his way to being on the same level to him as Odasaku and Ango. Rean also wasn't afraid to push past that space others have kept in place.

He meets his gaze before closing his eye into something more relaxed again. ]

You don't have to worry. I won't act on it.

[ Beyond the usual touches shared between them or the teasing that he does. ]

[ At least Dazai was right it was nothing about them talking ever again. Because when it came to it, even with some missteps having been made last week, the brunet had apologized, and Rean knew that they had bridged that gap so they could continue as they were.

...That being said, he wondered what to do about that response.

There had been so many ways he could react to that comment, but considering their situation...not acting on such things was the best to go about it. With the situation as it was, Rean hadn't even had time to consider falling in love with someone, but he also attributed it to stress. He knew others were different.

Though now that this was out, there were some things that probably had to be done as well. He just hoped Dazai would understand. ]

Then, from now on hands up here—definitely above the waist. And we should cut down on the hand-holding for now.

...And like I said before, please no jokes or teasing about my love life.

[ He knew Rean would go the responsible route. He made it clear in private that there was too much happening here. Especially after that last trial.

Logic says it's better to leave it like this. Whatever he can gain from perusing this budding fondness will end with one of them dying or them returning to their own worlds.

Even if that's what is logic, he can't help but think that maybe this is why romance, however fleeting, is written about so often. That he can even entertain the idea of trying with someone for a moment... that was something. Whether it was worth prolonging the inevitable for... he isn't sure.

He does understand though. ]

You know, normally when people get a confession they say if they like them or not. [ A pause, as he gets serious again. ] I know, you haven't thought about it. I'll keep my hands to myself unless you want them.

[ Or need them for the little comfort Dazai can offer. Or if they are engaged in a pillow fight. ]

I'll try to keep teasing to a minimal. I might slip up because I do like you. Which reminds me...I want to enlist your help tonight and tomorrow.

[ Olivert would've said that it was worth it, with those exact same words. But, Rean knew he couldn't be that person right now.

He enjoyed Dazai's company, it's true. And he didn't mind physical affection to a certain extent, but considering the level of the other's feelings...he thought it'd be wise to keep it to a minimum when Rean couldn't properly reciprocate right now. ]

...I'm sorry. Though to be fair, I think I was clear when I said that I wasn't looking at anyone, last time we spoke a few days ago. And if I wasn't, I want to make it clear that that hasn't changed.

[ Rean didn't want the other to wait on him, considering the situation. ]

Thank you for understanding, though. But, if you do slip up, I'll let you know. [ ... ] And what do you need my help with?

[ Even right now he was eager to help, he just wanted to find out what it was first. ]

Edited 2020-01-28 12:21 (UTC)

[ Waiting would mean having hope and he's not even sure he can manage that. He was being truthful about not planning on acting on it. He's used to losing anything he ever wants to obtain, and Rean wasn't any different.

He'll focus the conversation to what he needs help with. His expression goes back to being detached. Conceal and don't feel. ]

Give me a hand making fish bone brother tonight. Ango made a request chazuke, but he doesn't want my special touch added to it.

[ And then rolling right along...

Also, he totally understood Ango's unwillingness to not want the other's hand in making food. He's heard it from Dazai himself how interesting the result could be. ]

I wouldn't mind lending a hand in doing that. Did you want any help with anything else as well?

[ Like him making another dish to go along with it, maybe... ]

He also asked for tempura. What do you think would taste good with that?

[ Rean can help with tempura making, too. At least he can see Dazai make normal food. ]

This all started because he called me lazy. Can you believe that?

[ He's so picked on, Rean. ]

I've got an idea, but I think I'll leave that as a little surprise until I'm done.

[ So he's gonna be in the kitchen, assisting with that as well. He'll definitely see Dazai make normal food and be hella surprised, probably... ]

Haha, maybe I can. [ ... ] Just kidding, of course.

[ Sorry he joined in on the harmless teasing there, Dazai! ]

[ At least it means that Rean will be eating. Dazai can even have him taste some of the good, like the chicken or the tempura.

At Rean joining in the teasing... ]

I take back my words.

[ Which words? Rean will find out as Dazai steps in closer to tickle his sides. Perish. ]

[ He'll laugh a little. Rude, staging a tickle attack on him like that.

He'll step back after a bit and fold his arms to block his armpits!! ]

...I guess that's what I get for teasing you.

[ Reaching up to give him a hair ruffle before he drops his hands back to his sides. ]

The Mafia has a rule about paying people back double.

[ Then he'll nods towards the exit of the garden. ]

Come on. Let's get going then.

I see. Well, the Mafia sure does live up to it's name.

[ But he'll nod to agree; they've gotten their private business finished with here, so... ]

Yeah, let's get going.

[ Rean will lead them out of the garden! ]

WEEK 4

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