softspokenlandlord | IC Inbox

Thank you. It is nothing of -- well, it is nothing that --

...

[He can't say "it isn't serious," or "it isn't important." Even "it isn't bad" isn't quite true, as the obect he is after will take away Bakura's powers.

Faerie.]

I have come to bestow a sincere compliment, and to shake your hand.

[Hm. Perhaps he should wait a moment for that paint to be cleaned off before he moves to shake hands.]

[Ryou lets Sherlock chatter for a moment as he shuts the door behind them both, before starting towards the kitchen to wash up, but...he thinks better of it, turning to glance at his guest curiously, his ears faintly twitching.]

A...sincere compliment?

[He looks thoughtful, thinking that over while the tufted tip of his tail flicks back and forth, betraying no color. Then after a moment, he nods.]

I think I know what's going on here.

You've requested something of Mana, haven't you?

[He sounds silly saying it--it's pretty obvious!]

Not that I wouldn't appreciate a sincere compliment from you, don't get me wrong, but...it feels a bit spontaneous, right?

[As a veteran Mana requester, Ryou is quite certain that he's correct here. He wants to ask if Holmes has requested anything above eighty coins...but perhaps that's not his business. He's just concerned for anyone getting something expensive, since Mana has always screwed him over on those quests.]

Ah...anyway, let me wash my hands. You caught me in the middle of some figure work, but the paint's easy enough to clean up!

[Fog bless water soluble acrylics. He's just gonna slide into the kitchen, but of course Sherlock is welcome to follow. There's no lion underfoot as of yet, so nothing to worry about there, if that's even a worry at all.]

Quite correct, yes.

[There's some brain in there under that fluff after all -- or perhaps, it is wisdom born of experience. At any rate, Holmes appreciates the common sense, and steps carefully inside. His antennae turn this way and that, taking in the vibrations in the air, making notes quick as thought on the unfamiliar space. He remains just outside the kitchen, out of the way.]

I appreciate your willingness to assist in the matter.

Oh, it's no problem at all. I'm always glad to help someone achieve goals in a place like this.

[As for his perception, it's a little of column brain, and a little of column been here forever.

It's why Ryou doesn't really bat an eye at Holmes being a faerie, because he's seen him as one--sort of, it was mixed with simulacrum, but the bones of it are there--and Ryou is quite the monster-type vacationer himself.

Plus...unlike with Jonathan, he's sure Sherlock would probably give the equivalent, if not the actual action itself, of rolling his eyes at Ryou stating the obvious.

At any rate, he stops at the sink and goes about washing his hands.]

So, what's it like being a faerie, if I might ask? I've never tried that one.

[Easing in with small talk feels more natural than just...carrying on with things like it's just business. Ryou doesn't want to seem standoffish.]

[Ryou is terribly correct about the eye rolling. Please spare him the inane observations and stick to the useful questions.]

Unplanned, [he says, measuring his reply for truth as he goes,] and as inconvenient as any unexpected monster change. I don't like having to adjust to new needs, new restrictions, even if it comes with additional abilities.

[He folds his arms, displeased.]

Still -- being able to travel far distances instantly is convenient, I suppose.

[Ryou doesn't expect that much of an outward emotional display, but...it's nice. It's very nice to feel the other seeking comfort from proximity, and Ryou happily, if awkwardly, reciprocates it. He holds the Ring-Spirit close and buries his nose in the the spirit's feathery hair, snuffing gently.

Given the size of Ryou's tail, perhaps the other monster sees it sway from side to side gently. Or...maybe he doesn't. Maybe he's too distracted.

Ryou lets him stay, as long as he likes, but as soon as the Ring-Spirit starts to pull away, he lets him. Ryou's tail stops wagging, but there's still an odd fondness in his golden eyes.

(he has a weird family

but sometimes that's ok)]

I...well, I didn't know any better, really. But I suppose for what it was, it wasn't terrible, I was just missing limbs.

[Ryou what?.]

I thought they'd always been gone, so I was used to getting around like that.

[As of yet, he doesn't comment on the physical Ring itself appearing to move on its own. Maybe it's because they'd just pulled apart from each other. Maybe it was leftover inertia.]

Oh. So Mana did it to you against your intentions. That's happened to people I know before, they ask her for one thing and she gives them something else.

[Absently, he levitates a kitchen towel towards him, using it to dry up his hands before gently draping it over the sink edge. That done, he hesitates for a moment near the refrigerator.]

Would you like something to drink? I can make tea, or if you'd prefer something quick and don't mind it cold, I have some Calpis from my last trip out. It's quite refreshing.

[Whether Sherlock's in a rush or not...Ryou's not going to be a poor host.]

[...he watches the towel float to Bakura with sudden interest. Sherlock had nearly forgotten about that -- about how, as a shade, he had been able to move small things without needing to touch them.

It had been rather useful, hadn't it? It would have a number of practical applications. Perhaps he should consider regaining it -- if he works out very specific, loophole-free wording.]

No, thank you, I'm quite all right.

[True, apparently, and not just politeness. He's fine, he's here for the Mana quest, not a tea party.]

Edited 2024-01-06 15:41 (UTC)

[Right, right. It makes sense--Ryou can understand that Sherlock is here for a singular purpose. He's...getting used to this guy more and more, and picking up that he'd rather get to the point of things.

He navigates himself out of the kitchen, then moves in closer to Holmes, offering him a freshly cleaned hand.

A...very big hand. He even looks apologetic about it. Most monsters don't have obnoxious, spindly fingers like this.

(except the Ring-Spirit because of course he does why wouldn't he)

That's beside the point though.]

I wouldn't want to keep you too long, so feel free to do what you must.

[After all, what else do you say to a man who's here to do a very specific task for a witch?]

[Sherlock takes the hand -- the little glove looks terribly small, fragile, and human in comparison, but the faerie doesn't flinch.]

Mr. Bakura, I admire your refusal to act in lockstep with the other Fog priests. Many of them have strong personalities, and it would be far easier simply to go along with their destructive rhetoric and do as the Fog commands. I find it very respectable that you have held to your own beliefs.

[And he shakes Ryou's hand!]

It is a nice change to disagree peacefully on metaphysical matters, rather than on mass murder.

[Ryou's fingers curl in just enough to initiate a proper handshake as best he can. Then, as Sherlock gives his compliment, he finds himself smiling a bit. It's more funny than awkward to him if he's honest, being complimented for not making an entire ass of himself like some priests do

(looking at you javert and aunamee

like the hypocrite i am since i've done terrible awful things)

but it's equally nice to be seen for something past his allegiance here.

It...gives him a little hope that he doesn't just have to be the bad monster people make out Fog followers to be.]

That's very kind of you to say. I wish there were no disagreements, but that's not the nature of this place, nor will it ever be. And...if you ever do choose a side, know that even if we might be at ends from what comes of it, I can probably understand why you might take any actions.

[There's a pause, then he adds:]

Not that I recommend getting wrapped up in either, as I've said before. Just, um. If you do.

[Sherlock lets go of the hand naturally, ritual concluded.]

I do believe you would. I will remember that.

[Funnily, he's very certain that if he told Ryou Bakura right now that he's chased tier 3 with the Fourth because of his fear of being trapped in torment, because he wants to have an escape route from the sorts of things they experienced in the leviathan that still lurks in the sky that won't cost him his memories, his actions would be understood.

However, Sherlock is not sure who Bakura would tell. Therefore, he keeps that close to his chest.]

...if you still believe you owe me a favour from November's aborted flight, you may consider the matter settled.

Oh! Oh, ah. Yes, I did say I'd make it up to you, didn't I?

[Ryou smiles awkwardly. He's...just the kind of guy that feels bad if he leaves a matter unresolved, so he'd been a little stubborn about that, hadn't he? Still...maybe Sherlock doesn't realize it, but that kindness afforded to Ryou had softened his feelings a bit more.

Where at first he'd considered this guy to be at best a tactless jerk with a half-decent heart somewhere in there, now he was starting to suspect that the tactless part was not on purpose. It's just the way Holmes approached things, that's all.]

A favor repaid, then. All the same, if you do need my help for anything like this again, feel free to ask. I'm happy to help! Plus sometimes it can be difficult to meet Mana's demands without help...

[The graveyard's getting more populated by the day, and it scares Steven. There's a ticking clock at play, it feels like. A countdown until he loses Quentin, or Peter, or Layla or Marc... Any one of those tethers who helps him move through Ryslig's daily life. He's spoken to Javert about it before. Then he spoke to Beat, a fellow follower of the Fog who had a plan. Then Beat joined the others in the graveyard...

So he ends up knocking on Ryou's door at the 38-8, later in the day on February 10th. He wasn't on the list of trustworthy Fog followers that Javert gave him, but Steven thinks he's trustworthy. And if anyone understands how important it is to stop the Sea from swallowing even more people, it'll be Ryou.]

[Ryou, thankfully, is home at that time. He'd already stocked up at the conbini for the day and was settling in for a quiet, reflective day. He has plenty to think about so close to the 14th, really...and not just because it's mid-month.

Still, he's not visited half as often as he'd probably like, so he's curious who's calling.

Steven won't have to wait for long before the shade opens the door for him, the curious look on his face shifting to a soft smile.]

Hello, Mr. Grant. It's nice to see you!

[He gives a quick, reflexive incline of the head to be polite.]

Is there something I can help you with?

[As soon as the door opens, Steven's already struck with second thoughts and wondering whether he should change tack to a purely social visit. Ryou's having it hard too- he shouldn't bother the guy with his own problems. But if he doesn't bring it up, he'll never get more perspective, so he's going to have to.

Ultimately, he decides to start off with the social visit and then see where things go based on the conversation's tone.]

Hey Ryou. I was wondering if you've got some time to chat. Nothing serious, just... wanted to catch up and see how you're doing, yeah?

I will remember that, as well.

[He gives a short, polite bow -- more an incline of the head and shoulders than anything -- and takes a step backwards, toward the door.]

Thank you for your assistance; I shall leave you to your painting.

Oh, of course. Please, come in!

[Ryou steps aside, allowing Steven free rein to enter. And...to see how very well appointed the apartment is. It's an equal spread of Ryou's and Atem's things, though there are a few boxes packed and stuffed into a corner.]

Excuse the mess, I wasn't expecting company.

[...Seriously there's like no mess, except for those out-of-place boxes.]

[Steven thinks it's quite a pleasant apartment, and is more than happy to enter! Though, at the mention of a mess, he stops and frowns, his gaze sweeping the place a second time. Huh... Yeah, no, he's not seeing it. Even the boxes look pretty typical to him.]

You think this is a mess? [He devolves into a nervous little smile.] Hah, I'm not sure I feel right showing you what my flat looks like nowadays, then. That's proper chaos next to this.

[Ryou closes and locks the door, then his tail swishes from side to side and flashes a faint green in embarrassment.]

W-well, it is a little...isn't it?

[Who leaves boxes around? No, this is clearly a very big issue that Ryou should have taken care of by now! Honestly!

That being said...]

At any rate, your place probably looks perfectly fine! I'm sorry I haven't visited, actually...I'm not a very good friend.

[Ryou does consider Steven a friend, of course. He wouldn't blame Steven for being confused about that though...]

Ah...I'm being rude though. Would you like something to drink? We can talk, of course, but it's better to be comfortable while doing so!

[Even before he gets an answer, Ryou's beelining to the kitchen because even if he hasn't said it yet, he does quite insist!]

[Oh no! Now he's made Ryou embarrassed! He's so bad at casual visits, how'd he mess up something this simple? It's wild to him that Ryou would call himself 'not a good friend' when it's the other way around in Steven's opinion. And he'd correct the guy on that, but Ryou's already moved on to drinks and comfort.

He trundles along into the kitchen too, lingering near the doorway so he doesn't risk getting in the way somehow.]

Tea would be nice if you've got the kettle ready, but you don't need to go out of your way. Water's good too. Something easy, yeah?

Tea actually sounds nice...I'll make some up, it's not a problem.

[Ryou seems to latch onto that suggestion and gets to it! It's easy enough to get the kettle going, he always has it set in case he wants something warm and comforting. He's just lucky that it's clean and ready with water, rather than blood.

Once the water's on, he heads to a nearby cabinet and pulls out some tea bags. Keeping it simple today, honestly.]

Is mint alright? If not, I have some other varieties...

[Oh good, the tea is not a problem because Ryou wants it too. At least that means the guy's not going out of his way for Steven. Small victories! He smiles lightly, watching Ryou take out some of the tea bags.]

Mint's fine. I'm not fussy when it comes to my teas, it's all alright with me. [He pauses for a few seconds, turning on the spot glance around the apartment again.] ... Is Tybolt here today?

[Ryou pulls some cups from one of the cabinets, then sets them on the counter and looks thoughtfully past Steven.]

Hmm. He is here, somewhere. I think he might be sleeping, or he's hiding because he knows he'll be headed to Poundmates soon.

It's safest...if he's not in the apartment when things happen around here.

[Tybolt is, in fact, lounging under the couch. He's entirely too lazy to peel himself up yet and greet Steven. The need for pets has not yet overridden the want to be prone.]

[H...Hiding because he knows he'll be taken to Poundmates soon? Be still, Steven's crying heart! He understands Ryou's logic all too well, having the same worries with Crumpet all the time, but the thought of big sad lion cub eyes gets to him.]

Oh... That poor wee thing! He wants to stay here with you, doesn't he? We'll just have to make sure he gets extra attention before he goes, yeah?

[His gaze is sweeping the apartment again, wondering where a cub could be hiding right now. ... Wait, that's not why he's here. FOCUS, Steven. Shaking his head, he turns his attention back to Ryou.]

But ah... Actually. I did want to ask you about something. Your opinion as a priest to the Fog, so to speak.

IC Inbox | ryslig

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You don't have to respond to this if it's too old! sorry...also cw; missing body parts

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this tag ofc goes with the other one. lol

[Action, backdated to February 10th]

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two insecurities chillin in a hot tub

five feet apart 'cause they're not anxious!

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, WhiteWizard. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 007.80.751.19 * WhiteWizard has joined 007.80.751.19 <WhiteWizard> Hello, this is Ryou Bakura! <WhiteWizard> Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything. :) <WhiteWizard>** I will get back to you as soon as possible.