awashlogs | December Catch All feat. a Lion

[ Snow wasn't exactly something Caramia enjoyed being out in, but being a recluse inside his Ruga home wasn't exactly going to work if he wanted some alone time. Not that he normally would have minded! Being around people and being social was amazing in its own right. But sometimes he would rather that the walls didn't have ears.

Hence why Minato would get a message in his inbox to meet him by the forest so they could complete "that bell quest that seemed easiest to do", and why Caramia took his hand to drag him into the normally dangerous forest instead giving any sort of hesitation about it. What's more private than the nearly secluded forest, after all? ]

Sorry for such short notice, Minato. But I appreciate you coming with me, as always.

[Getting a message from Caramia is nice, honestly; Minato hasn't felt too cold lately, and he's missed being able to hang out with Caramia with all of the recent insanity.

So he's quick to agree, and soon enough he's right there by the edge of the forest too, hands tucked into his pockets and watching his breath crystalize in the air.]

It's no problem, Caramia-san.

[A smile.]

I'm interested to see how this goes, honestly.

No, I know. But I appreciate it all the same. [ Even if Minato was so predictably compliant to whatever he asked. Which was a dangerous thing. Poor Minato. ]

I'm sure most people feel the same way about these quests. "What'll happen", I mean. I feel like if there wasn't that curiosity there, nothing would've gotten done at this point. [ He shrugged and shot Minato a sheepish smile of his own. Finally got such a lovely expression out of Minato, and yet he, himself, was feeling too horribly guilty to properly enjoy it. Or, maybe it just made it worse? It's hard to tell. ]

Er... admittedly, though, I really don't care about the quest itself. Not in full essence, anyway. I... I'm using it as an excuse to have some privacy. There's something I wanted to talk to you about.

[Minato takes that pretty well, honestly; he hums curiously, but doesn't otherwise seem too alarmed, no matter how alarming the words "There's something I wanted to talk to you about" can be.

It's fine, he can roll with this.]

Mm... okay. That's fine too, you know.

[Naturally, Minato would never mind that.]

You can tell me whenever you're comfortable.

Not to say we can't still do this, of course. I'm curious to see what's ahead, after all!

[ He's stalling just a little bit. It's unlike him to be nervous, but it's less that than it is just not knowing how to bring this up. Words were terribly hard, after all. ]

... I've been... er, thinking a bit lately. About things I'm not incredibly proud of. I feel a little... guilty about it. I was hoping maybe if I told someone about it, I could have some kind of... reassurance, or at least the relief of getting it off my chest.

[ Pause. ]

How do you feel about this place, Minato?

... This place...?

[Minato wasn't expecting that change in subject (or so he thinks it is) from Caramia, but... obediently, as they walk, Minato hums and begins to speak.]

I guess... I think it's a weird sort of place, you know? It's... got its bad points, and we have been kidnapped here, but...

If I had to describe this place to someone else, I'd have to say that it's been more good memories than bad, you know?

... Much more good than bad. Because of the people I've met here.

I agree. There's a lot I don't like about it. And I'm not exactly happy with the circumstances or whoever brought us here to begin with. However...

[ He carefully kicked aside some of the snow that lingered on the forest's floor as their trek to find the bell continued. ]

I sort of... don't... want to go home. [ And he'll give that a moment to sink in before he added: ] Don't get me wrong, I miss everyone back home dearly, but I'm... afraid of losing what I have here.

[...Aw, Caramia...

So that's what it is, huh? Minato doesn't seem surprised, though he wasn't necessarily expecting this; he's quiet for a moment as he thinks, before he finally settles on:]

I don't think there's anything wrong with that. You're...happy here, right? You have Kyrie-san, and everyone here... and that's what matters. If you want to stay, you should be able to stay.

[ Ah... Minato. You're too sweet? Caramia's going to get cavities?? ]

Of course I'm happy. I've made so many great friends, and... even if it's not the coziest place, just being around them-- people like you and Ochako, Dex, Akechi, Lupin... it makes it feel at home. And... clearly we're not hurting our homes if we're here. But I'm worried that those are just... selfish excuses.

[ He was... allowed to be a little selfish, though, right? Or, he thought it was okay. So then, why did he feel so guilty about it? Probably because it was a bit too selfish, right? ]

... What's wrong with that, Caramia-san?

[Minato tugs a hand out of his pocket to reach for Caramia's, taking his hand in his own so he can squeeze it quietly, expression firm.]

What's wrong with making a selfish choice every now and then, when it doesn't actually hurt anyone else?

This... should be up to you. And you should be able to make the choice that makes you happy. So... don't feel guilty for wanting to.

[ Minato will get a little smile in return, but it leaves as abruptly as it comes. ]

But. That’s the thing, isn’t it? Everyone else is doing their best to find a way home, but I... haven’t helped at all. I’m hindering progress that everyone else has worked so hard for. [ Which wasn’t exactly something a leader should be doing. Maybe that’s why he wasn’t considered such here? Ho hum. ]

I’m glad you understand, though. Thank you, Minato.

[... Mm. Minato shakes his head at that, hands tucked into his pockets.]

I think... you've got the wrong idea about all of this, Caramia-san.

Unless... you'd stand in someone's way if they wanted to go home themselves?

[An arched eyebrow. He highly doubts Caramia would ever do that.]

No, no, of course not. It's just...

[ Overthinking things was never something Caramia had to worry about. He was a "live in the moment" kind of guy. So, of course, Minato should be right. He should laugh it off and go "Yeah, I was worrying over nothing, then." But, at the same time, he couldn't shake this feeling of guilt off yet. ]

Oh, hey, look- [ A distraction, and convenient topic change! Caramia pointed directly ahead at a small bell that hung from one of the trees. ] That's what we're supposed to be wishing to, right?

[Oh... hm. Well. This conversation isn't over, but Minato's willing to let it go for now.

And so, instead:]

Yeah, I think so.

Are you ready to make your wish, Caramia-san?

[ He wasn't actually sure what he was supposed to wish for. But... certainly something he could use to help people. That might make him feel a little better, right? ]

You should go first. I need a moment to think it over. I've never been very good at making wishes.

Me first, huh...?

[Minato's quiet for a moment, thinking--and then he settles on:]

I wish... for some sort of cookware and supplies so I can make a nice meal for my friends here.

[CHEESY.

He rings the bell, though. Minato has simple wants.]

[ ~~Hopefully, the meal will have cheese and truly be "cheesy".~~ ]

Oh-ho? Still selfless even when it comes to wishes, huh? Sure you're not just trying to impress someone? [ How sweet... Despite his teasing, Caramia was rather proud of Minato's wish. He's a good kid.

Caramia walked forward, looking at the snowy floor at first. There was a bit of disgruntled annoyance on his face for a moment as he couldn't think of a proper wish, and then, suddenly, it brightened, with a realization. Not the usual, sunny, bright excitement one might get when they realize the perfect wish, but a more somber realization as he reached his hand out to the bell. ]

I wish... I could better protect the people I love here.

[ Ring. ]

[Caramia...

Minato's quiet for a long, long moment...and then he smiles a little to himself, and reaches for Caramia's hand, squeezing it in his own.]

... Now who's the selfless one?

[ It's a rare thing to feel so energetic in the winter. For Caramia, that is. Yet, here he was, feeling amazing from the moment he woke up. Without his medication, as well, which was quite a feat to pull off. Not that he was naive enough to go without it anyway, but there was at least a couple minutes this morning where he actually felt great.

But, feeling this good in the winter meant he had to take advantage of it where he could. And, seeing as trying to get people's attention on the forums was still something Caramia still had trouble with, he was stuck with doing it ye olde fashioned way: flagging people down and dragging them off a la mafia kidnappings!!! Er. Friendly communications and convincing, I mean. Which, in Caramia's terms, was basically dragging them off without their consent, so??? Details.

Sinistra was the first he spotted, and, had Caramia still been congested, he might've mistook him for Chroma's favorite mute. Alas, if you thought he was going to avoid being too close for comfort because he could smell this was a stranger, you're so poorly mistaken it hurts, and before one can say "Caramia, no", he's already taken Sinistra's hands in between his own and holding them tightly with a solid grin on his face. ]

Would you accompany me into the woods, signore?

[ Why are the people in this place so touchy?

So very, very touchy. Momo was touchy from the start and now here's this guy, grabbing his hand like they were kith or kin from birth.

Sinistra offers him a dull gaze, disinterested from the start. His brother had told him to avoid going into the forest without him there. Still... Dextera had gone after Guren into that forest without even telling him or asking for help. So hadn't he broken that promise, too?

He lets out a long breath through his nose and looks down at their linked hands. ]

Why me? And for what purpose?

[ Let them love you, Sinistra... ]

There's somewhat of a buddy system in place, where we shouldn't go into the forest on our own. Usually. If you're busy, of course, then don't worry about it! But I would looking for someone to join me for one of the quests. The bell one, to go into the woods?

[ He carefully pressed his hands together with Sinistra's still sandwiched between them. He was absolutely getting the vibe that Sinistra wasn't really receptive of the physical contact, but Caramia, unfortunately, was just like this. ]

I'd appreciate it!

I was told that connections were important to that system, but you are a stranger.

[ It's very matter-of-fact. He doesn't know Caramia from Adam. But... quests are important and he hasn't exactly died on one yet. He wants to contribute to all this, in spite of himself. He never knows when he might get an opportunity to make something better for his brother.

And the bell one... if he can make a wish for his brother... if he could do something for him after all he's dealt with lately... ]

Even so... I want to attempt that quest. So let us go together, I suppose. I will need to go and get my sword.

Well, they are! Of course they are. But don’t you think it’s a good way to make those connections, too? [ Pause. ] But I’d understand if you don’t want to!!

[ Should he let go of Sinistra’s hands? Yeah. Probably. Is he going to? Well, yes, but not until he mentioned something about fetching a sword. Mostly because he’s not sure where he lives, and he’s not about to impede his progress. ]

Of course!! [ Probably a good idea to keep safe. Even if the quest seemed safe on its own, the forest was too unpredictable. ] Would you rather I wait here?

I suppose it is, but I do not trust you all the same.

[ This 'being approached by strangers' thing is tiring to him. He always looks weary when a new person decides to drag him along for something, or worse, use him as some update system to find out about his brother.

He is just glad when he's been released. He puts his hands in his coat pockets for safety. ]

Follow if you want. That choice is yours.

[ Either way, he's turning to head off to Ruga. He'll know where to find Caramia if he doesn't trot after him. ]

[ Subtly lingering around someone's house and waiting for their roommate to leave so you could approach would classify as an act of stalking under any other circumstance. Hell, one may argue that even in this circumstance, that's what it classified as. That much did not exactly go unnoticed by Caramia. However, though the thought had dawned on him, it didn't stop him from doing just that. Not that he had any worry of seeing Lupin, but it was just a lot easier to have an empty house rather than walking around outside in the cold. Even if the sun was out, this weather and the snow that still lingered on the ground weren't the most inviting things in the world.

An empty house would work to be just private enough to have a conversation like he wanted to. Like he... needed to. He wasn't sure he could handle feeling so guilty anymore without at least sharing his thoughts about this. And so, waiting around like this was a necessity if he didn't want to go about barging in only to kick the gentleman thief out of his own home. Seemed a bit dickish even for a mafia don.

But, once he was, in fact, out of the house, Caramia popped up like a weed on Akechi's doorstep to eagerly knock. ]

[ That could... potentially be described as stalking, yes, and Akechi probably finds the perfectly timed visit from Caramia immediately after Lupin has left for errands a little odd if not downright suspicious, but this is just his usual detective instincts talking and coming up with conspiracy theories and hypotheses. In the end, it doesn't really matter either way. ]

Oh-- I wasn't expecting you, Caramia-san. But please, come in!

[ Regardless of motive, Caramia is a face Akechi is always happy to see. ]

[ It's probably fine? Don't think about it too hard, Akechi. It's not like Caramia acted any different, after all. There was the usual smile, and he seemed all too comfortable to be around, as per the norm. Surely nothing's really up... would be a fool's thoughts.

He made himself at home, regardless, heading inside and finding a place he could linger for the inevitable conversation. ]

You weren't busy with anything, I hope? I was hoping we could have a chat.

[ On the one hand, water wasn't inherently bad on his own. You wouldn't find him going out in it on his own accord unless it was for a quick bath, but it wasn't bad, necessarily. On the other hand, the harbor would still be taboo as hell. He almost drowned in it? Twice??? Granted, on both occasions something was literally pulling him under, but he's good, thanks.

This wasn't a problem, as he was very rarely ever in Bluo. Until now, when he decided now was a great time to handle the well situation. And the only things he could think of that could work well (hehe) enough for some kind of signal, was a bell. And the only bells that could really work were the little nautical boat house bell. Yes, boat house. As in the kind of boats that are out on the water.

He paced a good couple of feet away from the edge of the harbor, looking out at said house boats with vague mutters as his expression weighed in somewhere between "annoyed" and "pouty". Whatever is a Poor, Helpless Otome Boy(tm) to do in such a scenario! Oh, woe is him! If only there was! Someone! Around! Who could help him!1!

(Cue dramatic music.) ]

[ As an active member of Nearly Drowned in the Harbor Multiple Times club, Sinistra understands the hesitation about the docks. Luckily, their experiences with ending up in the 'water' there were very different: Caramia was dragged down and Sinistra was thrown in.

That's why he hesitates to approach Caramia as the man wanders about the edge of the harbor, looking distressed. He feels like it would be a fool's errand to approach and risk yet another drowning episode but... at the same time, maybe Caramia is suffering the same Harbor Curse as he is. He can at least approach and ask.

At least he's ready to fight if someone tries to shove him in this time. ]

Do you need something from the docks?

[ Oh good! So they get to bond over nearly succumbing to the hell harbor together. What a good way to make friends.

He looked to Sinistra with a new, hopeful expression. ]

Yeah, I... was kind of hoping I could get one of those bells off the boat houses. But... every time I've gotten near the harbor here, I seemed to have the worst luck hit me, so I'm fairly hesitant to try and fetch it myself.

[ Sinistra looks at Caramia then out at the harbor.

He lets out a sigh and looks very tired. ]

I suppose you want me to try for one... correct?

[ Poor guy. Does stuff like this happen to him often? Caramia feels a bit bad that he's just pulling this guy into things... twice now. Whoops. ]

If you don't mind? If you do, it's perfectly understandable. I'll figure a way over there without much hassle, I'm sure.

[ Like, you know... messaging another friend to come and help him out. That's "figuring a way over there", right? ]

If we manage to grab one, I want to fasten one to the well in the center of town. That way it can be like an alarm of sorts for when people arrive.

[ He really hates the docks. A lot. Also it's not his fault that Caramia just happens to need the bells from there, right?

But he's been trying to be a good person. He's been trying to make up for his sins. Doing this... helping him to help others is for the best, right?

He makes a sound in his throat as Caramia finishes his explanation. ]

Fine... alright. I can retrieve it. I can try.

[ he just starts walking past him towards the dock, fighting his reluctance. ]

[ Hating the docks seems to be another thing he had in common! Alas, he just hates water in general, so that's what he had going for them. But the church bells were way too big to put on the well, and these seemed to be the perfect size. It was kind of a bitch, really. ]

Grazie, signore. I really owe you one. [ Even if he didn't manage to get it, Caramia would absolutely treat him to a nice meal, even if just for the attempt. ]

[ He just really hopes Caramia doesn't decide that it's tempting to shove him into the water. That's the big wish right now.

He pauses at the edge of the docks and looks back at Caramia just to check. His eyes squint at him before he keeps going, stepping across the wood with care. His pace is a lot slower and he's trying to brace himself. ]

Just any one will do, right?

[ Sorry, Sinistra, this bell won't grant wishes. Good news, though, Caramia would never do that. Water was a fate he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy. Though if his worst enemy happened to be a fish or something, maybe it'd be fine then. Still.

Sinistra's unease seemed to rub off on Caramia. He bristled quite a bit as he crossed over to the boat houses, readying himself for something like a bridge collapse or something. That's happened before, too. Those aren't fun. But at least this time he'd be ready to help. ]

Any that still has all it's parts.

[ He approaches one of the bells, reaching up to it and tapping it with the tip of his finger. He's staying as far back from the edge as he can. It puts him at an awkward reaching distance. ]

So I should... ring them first before plucking one, correct?

December Catch All feat. a Lion

12/3 Minato

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12/????? Sinistra

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12/3 Akechi

ARRIVES WITH AN ENTIRE STARBUCKS

can't believe this is a competition now

12/??? Sinistra/Lux

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