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[ it's a familiar scent.
no different from faces, or veins, or the shape of one's wrist, the scent associated with a person is just as unique. the scent that he's following today, having started near one of the subway station entrances, is one that vaguely reminds him of coffee, lingering behind from a certain individual's footsteps.
now that a few days have passed, he's decided to spend his time like this. his body has largely healed, and aside from being a bit sore and tender in places, he's more or less able to move around well. enough so that he can traverse the city with some effort, at least, and so that's what he does, following this rich scent as it slowly grows stronger. he pauses here—somewhere the scent has layered over and over again, many times, and opens his mouth just slightly, allowing the air to brush against the roof of it. his tail curls at the tip, and he makes his decision after just a moment.
because it tastes fresh.
from there, it doesn't take long. peering into buildings, vehicles, and even winding through alleyways—but it's the latter that finds him what he's searching for: a disheveled looking man sitting cramped in the backseat of a car, looking anywhere but choi.
choi taps his knuckles against the glass of the window, knocking with a broad smile. ]
Hey, can I come in?
no different from faces, or veins, or the shape of one's wrist, the scent associated with a person is just as unique. the scent that he's following today, having started near one of the subway station entrances, is one that vaguely reminds him of coffee, lingering behind from a certain individual's footsteps.
now that a few days have passed, he's decided to spend his time like this. his body has largely healed, and aside from being a bit sore and tender in places, he's more or less able to move around well. enough so that he can traverse the city with some effort, at least, and so that's what he does, following this rich scent as it slowly grows stronger. he pauses here—somewhere the scent has layered over and over again, many times, and opens his mouth just slightly, allowing the air to brush against the roof of it. his tail curls at the tip, and he makes his decision after just a moment.
because it tastes fresh.
from there, it doesn't take long. peering into buildings, vehicles, and even winding through alleyways—but it's the latter that finds him what he's searching for: a disheveled looking man sitting cramped in the backseat of a car, looking anywhere but choi.
choi taps his knuckles against the glass of the window, knocking with a broad smile. ]
Hey, can I come in?
[ he can't really stomach it. alone in his car, the stuffing hanging out the font seat's back, and the strips of paper sitting in the floorboard. it's a cramped space, even worse with his shadow holding the weight of a horse from the previous layer. it's so unfitting for kim soleum that no one should know he's here, it's the best hiding space, who would even figure this out?
soleum can't sleep, he can't cry either. he doesn't have anyone to talk to, he doesn't have anyone to make him laugh or say he's done his best. he doesn't have his good friend, good ol' braun who will tell soleum what his options were and then calling him a friend in the same breath. what did he do wrong, how did he do everything wrong. even though agent choi is back to normal, he's alive, soleum wonders if he's done wrong there too.
what if he should have let him die, what if he could have been freed from this. that was their only chance, and soleum made a rash decision that could have ruined everything, but he couldn't do it. he couldn't accept that death. dying by something of this disaster is different from dying by their own means, what if he died here and didn't go home? why is soleum still thinking about this? he's ruined so much, and yet he can't get it out his mind. even with the other person who almost died, his circumstances are more precarious as he's assimilated with this place, he'd probably have vanished entirely.
isn't it a good thing they had a doctor?
if this place is closely or loosely related to sekwang special city...
tap, knock, knock.
knuckles rap against the glass, it beckons kim soleum's attention, but he's too busy closing his eyes so tight to act as if he's not awake. he knows that voice, he knows, but he doesn't dare look his way. he won't, he can't. ]
No.
soleum can't sleep, he can't cry either. he doesn't have anyone to talk to, he doesn't have anyone to make him laugh or say he's done his best. he doesn't have his good friend, good ol' braun who will tell soleum what his options were and then calling him a friend in the same breath. what did he do wrong, how did he do everything wrong. even though agent choi is back to normal, he's alive, soleum wonders if he's done wrong there too.
what if he should have let him die, what if he could have been freed from this. that was their only chance, and soleum made a rash decision that could have ruined everything, but he couldn't do it. he couldn't accept that death. dying by something of this disaster is different from dying by their own means, what if he died here and didn't go home? why is soleum still thinking about this? he's ruined so much, and yet he can't get it out his mind. even with the other person who almost died, his circumstances are more precarious as he's assimilated with this place, he'd probably have vanished entirely.
isn't it a good thing they had a doctor?
if this place is closely or loosely related to sekwang special city...
tap, knock, knock.
knuckles rap against the glass, it beckons kim soleum's attention, but he's too busy closing his eyes so tight to act as if he's not awake. he knows that voice, he knows, but he doesn't dare look his way. he won't, he can't. ]
No.
[ a few days away is all one needs to recharge, right? at the very least, it's long enough for agent choi to get back into a state where he can wander around, and he's... well, he's handling things one step at a time. being active feels better too. far be it from choi to be satisfied with sitting cooped up inside all day, and even now, he's decided to make himself useful with more scavenging. the new kids will probably need food, and he's sure caelus will need supplies too, with how busy he keeps himself.
but still, it's not so common to come across someone else when you're doing all this. the city is pretty big, and there are only so many people filling it, and it naturally comes as a surprise when agent choi's ears alert him to familiar footsteps in the same building that he's found himself in. when he turns to greet the visitor, the sound of them isn't the only thing he remembers.
so of course, without a hint of shyness, agent choi starts making his way over, clapping guren on the shoulder warmly. ]
Eyy, if it isn't the kid from before. I've been hoping I'd run into you—I owe you a thanks!
[ like, of course he knows his name, but he likes to avoid those where they're not necessary in this place. what matters here is that he remembers the face, and his own brightens up with the recognition. ]
but still, it's not so common to come across someone else when you're doing all this. the city is pretty big, and there are only so many people filling it, and it naturally comes as a surprise when agent choi's ears alert him to familiar footsteps in the same building that he's found himself in. when he turns to greet the visitor, the sound of them isn't the only thing he remembers.
so of course, without a hint of shyness, agent choi starts making his way over, clapping guren on the shoulder warmly. ]
Eyy, if it isn't the kid from before. I've been hoping I'd run into you—I owe you a thanks!
[ like, of course he knows his name, but he likes to avoid those where they're not necessary in this place. what matters here is that he remembers the face, and his own brightens up with the recognition. ]
[ knock knock.
even from the other room agent choi can hear it, the sound of someone politely making themselves known before they let themselves in. he supposes he shouldn't be surprised—he isn't, really, since he's done this before, and come across this very same individual doing exactly this during that time. it's nothing unusual, and nothing to get his hackles up over...
but maybe it's the hunger pangs, or his sore body—he can't quite bring himself to be too excited either.
still, even if he's not feeling his best, he'll do what he can to greet caelus properly, rounding the corner of the hall with a smile. ]
Hey, kiddo. It's been a while~
[ not that long in reality, but forgive him if that underground camping trip and its subsequent consequences made things feel a little longer than they really were. ]
even from the other room agent choi can hear it, the sound of someone politely making themselves known before they let themselves in. he supposes he shouldn't be surprised—he isn't, really, since he's done this before, and come across this very same individual doing exactly this during that time. it's nothing unusual, and nothing to get his hackles up over...
but maybe it's the hunger pangs, or his sore body—he can't quite bring himself to be too excited either.
still, even if he's not feeling his best, he'll do what he can to greet caelus properly, rounding the corner of the hall with a smile. ]
Hey, kiddo. It's been a while~
[ not that long in reality, but forgive him if that underground camping trip and its subsequent consequences made things feel a little longer than they really were. ]
[ …!?
It's the same for Caelus. A small initial surprise, but quickly calms. Maybe he should have expected this, actually. Since this happened before, after all. After that initial reaction, though, his eyes seem to water slightly, but he holds it back and blinks it away. He can't cry again. Since he wants to be the one to support others, he needs to hold back and stay strong.
Choi must've already had one hell of a time, so Caelus doesn't want him to feel burdened anymore. So the younger one successfully pulls himself together, then smiles brightly. He approaches quickly, actually having the desire to embrace the man, but he holds that back, too. Maybe Choi's body hurts, so he's trying to be considerate.
He looks up at him, eyes matching his bright expression. For now, he couldn't bear to say anything, still fighting the urge within himself to just move forward and hug him. He ends up plainly staring up with that fond look across his face. It's the same for him; it does feel like it's been so long now. Distant memories of them fooling around with Saheon, playing UNO or some dumb game. ]
It's the same for Caelus. A small initial surprise, but quickly calms. Maybe he should have expected this, actually. Since this happened before, after all. After that initial reaction, though, his eyes seem to water slightly, but he holds it back and blinks it away. He can't cry again. Since he wants to be the one to support others, he needs to hold back and stay strong.
Choi must've already had one hell of a time, so Caelus doesn't want him to feel burdened anymore. So the younger one successfully pulls himself together, then smiles brightly. He approaches quickly, actually having the desire to embrace the man, but he holds that back, too. Maybe Choi's body hurts, so he's trying to be considerate.
He looks up at him, eyes matching his bright expression. For now, he couldn't bear to say anything, still fighting the urge within himself to just move forward and hug him. He ends up plainly staring up with that fond look across his face. It's the same for him; it does feel like it's been so long now. Distant memories of them fooling around with Saheon, playing UNO or some dumb game. ]
[ oh?
he kind of expects a greeting in turn, warm and cheery like caelus usually is, but that's not what he gets. a brilliantly beaming smile and... not much else. it seems like caelus is holding back somehow, but... really, is this much necessary?
maybe if he lightens the mood... ]
What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
[ because cat jokes are okay when he makes them.
though he does notice the slightly puffy redness around caelus' eyes, the glassiness, but there's no reason for something like crying, right? though he does know that caelus is regretfully aware of what happened—but as long as he's fine for now, he hardly sees reason to fuss. it's not so much ignorance that guides his actions as it is him shying away from the focus when he reaches up to ruffle caelus' hair. ]
Don't tell me you got sick. Shouldn't you be resting too?
he kind of expects a greeting in turn, warm and cheery like caelus usually is, but that's not what he gets. a brilliantly beaming smile and... not much else. it seems like caelus is holding back somehow, but... really, is this much necessary?
maybe if he lightens the mood... ]
What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
[ because cat jokes are okay when he makes them.
though he does notice the slightly puffy redness around caelus' eyes, the glassiness, but there's no reason for something like crying, right? though he does know that caelus is regretfully aware of what happened—but as long as he's fine for now, he hardly sees reason to fuss. it's not so much ignorance that guides his actions as it is him shying away from the focus when he reaches up to ruffle caelus' hair. ]
Don't tell me you got sick. Shouldn't you be resting too?
( A supply run is exactly what Guren is up to. Scoping the local shops, seeing what sort of goods are still out there to be found, that metal stick of his still gripped firmly in one hand for his defense. But Choi hears him before he can even make himself known, even as quietly as he steps.
Guren notes that in the back of his mind, otherwise allowing that clap on the shoulder with no more than a slight wobble from the impact, as if he's being swayed by some big bother. Half of it is playful dramatics, but the other half is a spacey feeling he hasn't been able to shake for days, or maybe a week. Related, he thinks, to the subtle shadows of vines crawling along his shoulders and neck, obscured by his uniform. )
I'm not the one you should be thanking. ( Humble or just honest, it can be taken either way. Sure, he did some body movements, some necromancer fetching, but he didn't do any of the heavy lifting.
Not this time. Not for this revival. He's still thinking about it, though. And he sounds tired, distracted, or maybe both— a distant sort of wavering that has his eyes flicking back away from Choi and to the rest of the building, to avoid detection. )
You're already feeling good enough to be wandering around alone? You'd better not waste that life you got back.
( Getting scolded by a child... )
Guren notes that in the back of his mind, otherwise allowing that clap on the shoulder with no more than a slight wobble from the impact, as if he's being swayed by some big bother. Half of it is playful dramatics, but the other half is a spacey feeling he hasn't been able to shake for days, or maybe a week. Related, he thinks, to the subtle shadows of vines crawling along his shoulders and neck, obscured by his uniform. )
I'm not the one you should be thanking. ( Humble or just honest, it can be taken either way. Sure, he did some body movements, some necromancer fetching, but he didn't do any of the heavy lifting.
Not this time. Not for this revival. He's still thinking about it, though. And he sounds tired, distracted, or maybe both— a distant sort of wavering that has his eyes flicking back away from Choi and to the rest of the building, to avoid detection. )
You're already feeling good enough to be wandering around alone? You'd better not waste that life you got back.
( Getting scolded by a child... )
Yeah, don't worry. I'll make sure I don't.
[ that's one thing that's easy for him to agree with. ]
But I'm not much good at sitting still, you know? And besides, this body of mine patches up pretty quickly~
[ something that he relied perhaps a little too heavily on during the battle, but for now, all's well that ends well. it's guren who choi decides to give a quick once over instead, allowing him to step back. in contrast to his easy smile, his gaze sharp and searching, though there doesn't seem to be much physically amiss—at least, not visibly. instead, it's his demeanour that's tired, and isn't that understandable?
honestly, choi feels bad for putting a kid through the lengths guren's already gone to for him in the brief time since he arrived. the least he can do is keep an eye out for him in return. pulling his hand back so that he can pocket it, agent choi spares a short glance to their surroundings. ]
Anyway, you looking for anything in particular? It's the least I can do to show my appreciation!
[ helping him find it, that is, whether that's in this house, the next, or choi's very own. ]
[ that's one thing that's easy for him to agree with. ]
But I'm not much good at sitting still, you know? And besides, this body of mine patches up pretty quickly~
[ something that he relied perhaps a little too heavily on during the battle, but for now, all's well that ends well. it's guren who choi decides to give a quick once over instead, allowing him to step back. in contrast to his easy smile, his gaze sharp and searching, though there doesn't seem to be much physically amiss—at least, not visibly. instead, it's his demeanour that's tired, and isn't that understandable?
honestly, choi feels bad for putting a kid through the lengths guren's already gone to for him in the brief time since he arrived. the least he can do is keep an eye out for him in return. pulling his hand back so that he can pocket it, agent choi spares a short glance to their surroundings. ]
Anyway, you looking for anything in particular? It's the least I can do to show my appreciation!
[ helping him find it, that is, whether that's in this house, the next, or choi's very own. ]
[ The joke earns a visible pout, Caelus unable to stop himself from inflating his cheeks. Why is Choi suddenly making jokes about that, when the man got so upset about it before? But nevermind. Caelus easily lets it go, so he stops pouting seconds later. That must be Choi's attempt to make him feel better, so he'll appreciate it for that alone, and not think too hard about it.
Especially when his hair is suddenly being ruffled so playfully. Rather than respond vocally, he takes the chance to take the older man's extended arm, then gently embraces it as he lowers his head, cradling it within his two smaller arms so preciously… like something he's lost for a long time, and finally found it again. It's difficult to find the right words right now.
He stays like that a while, until— ]
… I'm glad… to see you again.
Especially when his hair is suddenly being ruffled so playfully. Rather than respond vocally, he takes the chance to take the older man's extended arm, then gently embraces it as he lowers his head, cradling it within his two smaller arms so preciously… like something he's lost for a long time, and finally found it again. It's difficult to find the right words right now.
He stays like that a while, until— ]
… I'm glad… to see you again.
[ is it his fault if the puffed cheeks just make him want to smile even more? for a moment, it even looks like he's holding back a laugh at the combination of his own corny joke and caelus' pouty expression, but he dare not let it escape in a situation like this. that might be taken as actually mean when, in fact, it's quite the opposite.
because he does want to make caelus feel better, and really, he's no good at situations with this kind of gravity in the first place. it especially shows when all he really has to say for himself at caelus' heartfelt words is: ]
Okay...
[ he does let caelus hold his arm close though, doesn't move to pull away, even if he feels a bit awkward. ah, hm... he should probably say something more. ]
Hey, it's alright. I'm fine, see?
because he does want to make caelus feel better, and really, he's no good at situations with this kind of gravity in the first place. it especially shows when all he really has to say for himself at caelus' heartfelt words is: ]
Okay...
[ he does let caelus hold his arm close though, doesn't move to pull away, even if he feels a bit awkward. ah, hm... he should probably say something more. ]
Hey, it's alright. I'm fine, see?
[ What a response. Man died, and that's all he has to say for himself. Caelus wonders how Choi reacted to Subaru and Saheon after showing his face to them, assuming they already saw him anyway. Or maybe this is normal…? Is this how some humans are?
"Okay," he says. … Wouldn't this be a cue for a "thank you" or "I'm sorry for worrying you?" Those are the kind of words that Caelus is more used to hearing from others back in his universe. But maybe… It's just too different elsewhere.
Is Caelus the strange one for being so sentimental all the time? He's a little embarrassed now. But that's all right. It doesn't matter. What matters to Caelus in the end is seeing Choi, alive and safe. Slowly, he pulls back and straightens himself. ]
Okay.
[ He'll copy that response, then. If being less sentimental is more normalized for people like Choi, then he'll want to adjust to it. ]
Are you hiding out here again?
"Okay," he says. … Wouldn't this be a cue for a "thank you" or "I'm sorry for worrying you?" Those are the kind of words that Caelus is more used to hearing from others back in his universe. But maybe… It's just too different elsewhere.
Is Caelus the strange one for being so sentimental all the time? He's a little embarrassed now. But that's all right. It doesn't matter. What matters to Caelus in the end is seeing Choi, alive and safe. Slowly, he pulls back and straightens himself. ]
Okay.
[ He'll copy that response, then. If being less sentimental is more normalized for people like Choi, then he'll want to adjust to it. ]
Are you hiding out here again?
[ sorry caelus, this particular guy just happens to be not so great at times like this. hard to know what to say and all.
though caelus' next question gives him something to say alright. ]
I dunno if I'd call it hiding?
[ it's enough for his smile to shift into more of a grimace. that makes it sound like he's scared of something? he's not scared, just kind of cranky and majorly hungry. a little sore, maybe. ]
But Subaru's still pretty bad, so I don't wanna leave him on his own for now. That's all.
[ that, and the more time he spends around him, the better choi himself feels—not only physically from the rest of willingly confining himself to the house, but also mentally, as the vestiges of their violently shattered convergence slowly begin to mend. there's also the guilt that weighs heavy in his chest though. being the one who caused this situation, he should do his part to take responsibility for it. it's the least he can do after all the fuss and problems he's caused for those around him, subaru included. ]
though caelus' next question gives him something to say alright. ]
I dunno if I'd call it hiding?
[ it's enough for his smile to shift into more of a grimace. that makes it sound like he's scared of something? he's not scared, just kind of cranky and majorly hungry. a little sore, maybe. ]
But Subaru's still pretty bad, so I don't wanna leave him on his own for now. That's all.
[ that, and the more time he spends around him, the better choi himself feels—not only physically from the rest of willingly confining himself to the house, but also mentally, as the vestiges of their violently shattered convergence slowly begin to mend. there's also the guilt that weighs heavy in his chest though. being the one who caused this situation, he should do his part to take responsibility for it. it's the least he can do after all the fuss and problems he's caused for those around him, subaru included. ]
[ Hiding doesn't always equate to fear. It can also equate to avoidance, which is what Choi tried to do with Saheon back then. Because of what happened to Choi, as death is not a light subject, it's not too impossible to think a possible reason for the agent to be here… is to lie low a little while from certain people. Rather similar to last time, hence the question.
But Caelus doesn't explain why he words it that way, instead listening intently and patiently. The man only recently recovered, so it's possible that he's not thinking too clearly yet, or his mood is generally… just not too great at all, making him possibly sensitive to particular things.
A small smile crosses Caelus's equally small lips. Rather than go into an unnecessary discussion, it's better to comfort this person straightforwardly. That's what he's decided from the beginning, after all. ]
I won't leave either of you.
[ He was going to look around for Choi after visiting Subaru, so this works out well. ]
How are you adjusting? Can you walk long distances…? If you're all right with it, I can collect anything you'd need from your place.
But Caelus doesn't explain why he words it that way, instead listening intently and patiently. The man only recently recovered, so it's possible that he's not thinking too clearly yet, or his mood is generally… just not too great at all, making him possibly sensitive to particular things.
A small smile crosses Caelus's equally small lips. Rather than go into an unnecessary discussion, it's better to comfort this person straightforwardly. That's what he's decided from the beginning, after all. ]
I won't leave either of you.
[ He was going to look around for Choi after visiting Subaru, so this works out well. ]
How are you adjusting? Can you walk long distances…? If you're all right with it, I can collect anything you'd need from your place.
I know, I know.
[ if there's anybody who wants to support the people around him, it's caelus, and he and subaru seem plenty close in their own right.
it's a nice sentiment. a little easier to accept when someone who's actually still majorly hurt is involved, compared to focusing on just himself too. ]
But you don't have to do all that, Caelus. I'll make sure to pay Subaru back for what I use while I'm here.
[ he's probably got, what, two or three outfits here from last time still? and it's not like subaru doesn't stock his own food and supplies either, and most importantly of all... there's a nagging, prickling sensation ringing around his neck, telling him not to leave caelus around saheon any more than he needs to be. at least for now. ]
[ if there's anybody who wants to support the people around him, it's caelus, and he and subaru seem plenty close in their own right.
it's a nice sentiment. a little easier to accept when someone who's actually still majorly hurt is involved, compared to focusing on just himself too. ]
But you don't have to do all that, Caelus. I'll make sure to pay Subaru back for what I use while I'm here.
[ he's probably got, what, two or three outfits here from last time still? and it's not like subaru doesn't stock his own food and supplies either, and most importantly of all... there's a nagging, prickling sensation ringing around his neck, telling him not to leave caelus around saheon any more than he needs to be. at least for now. ]
[ The living move on.
That's what's important isn't it? People die all the time, and the living move on. To the dead, the context and the situation of their death are unimportant. Their suffering is over. It's for those who remain to make sense of their deaths. If anyone is to blame, the living should decide that, not the dead.
What occurs when the natural order of things is upended, and the dead return to judge the living?
Nothing at all, apparently. Saheon has kept up all normal appearances. He visited neither Choi or Subaru, but he isn't a sentimental person, so who would expect that. If they pulled through that isn't any concern of his, but with all danger gone, he's not served by their deaths any longer. He got, in the end, exactly what he wanted. The best possible outcome.
So why is he still standing in the hallway of a three months shared apartment with an empty stare. ]
You came back.
[ He doesn't turn to look at the person who finally arrived. There's no tether, but he can smell who it is. ]
That's what's important isn't it? People die all the time, and the living move on. To the dead, the context and the situation of their death are unimportant. Their suffering is over. It's for those who remain to make sense of their deaths. If anyone is to blame, the living should decide that, not the dead.
What occurs when the natural order of things is upended, and the dead return to judge the living?
Nothing at all, apparently. Saheon has kept up all normal appearances. He visited neither Choi or Subaru, but he isn't a sentimental person, so who would expect that. If they pulled through that isn't any concern of his, but with all danger gone, he's not served by their deaths any longer. He got, in the end, exactly what he wanted. The best possible outcome.
So why is he still standing in the hallway of a three months shared apartment with an empty stare. ]
You came back.
[ He doesn't turn to look at the person who finally arrived. There's no tether, but he can smell who it is. ]
...I'm starting from scratch, so anything helps.
( For the moment, Guren doesn't feel like pestering Choi too much about being out. After all, it's hard to sit still when you've just been brought back to life and the world is falling apart around you. He's just immensely relieved that he doesn't have to hide this one from him, that Dante doesn't have to hide it from him.
Guren.
Mahiru's voice has been ringing forward in the last couple of days more than usual. But it's not just that. As his eyes lift to scan across the building with Choi, he looks past cabinets and bookshelves to see her figure there, visible only to him, that same distant smile on her face.
He ignores her, not wanting Choi to spot any lingering of his eyes in one spot in particular. But he does reach to rub at his own wrist, beneath the sleeve of his uniform, restless. Despite his diligent attempts not to give his hallucinations away, it's incredibly clear he's not fully in this conversation, right now. )
Food and a roof would be a good start.
( For the moment, Guren doesn't feel like pestering Choi too much about being out. After all, it's hard to sit still when you've just been brought back to life and the world is falling apart around you. He's just immensely relieved that he doesn't have to hide this one from him, that Dante doesn't have to hide it from him.
Guren.
Mahiru's voice has been ringing forward in the last couple of days more than usual. But it's not just that. As his eyes lift to scan across the building with Choi, he looks past cabinets and bookshelves to see her figure there, visible only to him, that same distant smile on her face.
He ignores her, not wanting Choi to spot any lingering of his eyes in one spot in particular. But he does reach to rub at his own wrist, beneath the sleeve of his uniform, restless. Despite his diligent attempts not to give his hallucinations away, it's incredibly clear he's not fully in this conversation, right now. )
Food and a roof would be a good start.
[ it had taken him a while to find his way back, not necessarily in direction, but possibly in desire.
a few days away has done wonders for his clarity of mind, if not the nightmares that followed his unfortunate demise, and as if to match the dark bags under his eyes, the smile he wears today is none too bright or cheerful. just enough to indicate that he's 'okay' enough to make it, and as if to emphasize that okay-ness: ]
You miss me?
[ the greeting is a little dry, but choi seems to think himself amusing, continuing from where he'd paused in the hall. there's still a slight limp to the leg that had been caught and compacted and inevitably led to his death, but that aside, he does look hale and whole as he brushes past saheon.
it's only once he's made his way to their door ahead of him that choi pauses. turns around to properly face saheon, and more importantly, place himself right in the line of saheon's vision. ]
Come on, don't tell me I don't even get a welcome back? After all the trouble those guys went to.
a few days away has done wonders for his clarity of mind, if not the nightmares that followed his unfortunate demise, and as if to match the dark bags under his eyes, the smile he wears today is none too bright or cheerful. just enough to indicate that he's 'okay' enough to make it, and as if to emphasize that okay-ness: ]
You miss me?
[ the greeting is a little dry, but choi seems to think himself amusing, continuing from where he'd paused in the hall. there's still a slight limp to the leg that had been caught and compacted and inevitably led to his death, but that aside, he does look hale and whole as he brushes past saheon.
it's only once he's made his way to their door ahead of him that choi pauses. turns around to properly face saheon, and more importantly, place himself right in the line of saheon's vision. ]
Come on, don't tell me I don't even get a welcome back? After all the trouble those guys went to.
[ the not so subtle distraction guren is going through doesn't go unnoticed by the agent. after all, the very first time they'd met, he made his sharp instincts and tenacity more than clear. even in the tunnels, he'd had a steadier presence to him compared to here, where it now feels scattered.
so it's with that in mind that agent choi chooses what he'd like to focus on first. ]
Let's start with a roof.
[ he can just give guren food, that's not a problem, but a lot of places around here are so filled with mold and fungi that it takes a good deal of effort to get them back into a state that's anywhere near livable. kind of feels like the most important of essentials to pick from, so why not lead with it?
oh, yeah, and he guesses it gives him the chance to pry a little too~ ]
You must've made some friends by now, yeah? Any names? You should stick to a place that's close to them if you can.
[ surely guren's figured out how it is by now, what with sundowning and all, right? ]
so it's with that in mind that agent choi chooses what he'd like to focus on first. ]
Let's start with a roof.
[ he can just give guren food, that's not a problem, but a lot of places around here are so filled with mold and fungi that it takes a good deal of effort to get them back into a state that's anywhere near livable. kind of feels like the most important of essentials to pick from, so why not lead with it?
oh, yeah, and he guesses it gives him the chance to pry a little too~ ]
You must've made some friends by now, yeah? Any names? You should stick to a place that's close to them if you can.
[ surely guren's figured out how it is by now, what with sundowning and all, right? ]
I don't have to, but I want to…
[ A continued, reassuring smile, the usual confident Caelus, even if there's still a bit of shyness within it because of suppressing emotions within himself. He doesn't want to continue embarrassing himself if Choi isn't used to emotional people, so he holds it back.
No matter how much passionate energy Caelus wants to release, he pushes it all down. Besides, it must be overwhelming for Choi still, having recently been resurrected and continuing to recover from such serious injuries. He must have a lot of worries on his mind, so the trailblazer allows him some peaceful air by remaining calm.
He's entirely oblivious to why Choi doesn't want him to head there. ]
Wait here for a moment, okay? Can you babysit Anko while I head out again?
[ Just after mentioning its name, the cake cat, Anko, peeks out from Caelus's hoodie and lets out a squeaky set of meows. It hops out of the hood to land on Caelus's shoulder, then one more hop to sit on his head. ]
I won't be long!
[ A continued, reassuring smile, the usual confident Caelus, even if there's still a bit of shyness within it because of suppressing emotions within himself. He doesn't want to continue embarrassing himself if Choi isn't used to emotional people, so he holds it back.
No matter how much passionate energy Caelus wants to release, he pushes it all down. Besides, it must be overwhelming for Choi still, having recently been resurrected and continuing to recover from such serious injuries. He must have a lot of worries on his mind, so the trailblazer allows him some peaceful air by remaining calm.
He's entirely oblivious to why Choi doesn't want him to head there. ]
Wait here for a moment, okay? Can you babysit Anko while I head out again?
[ Just after mentioning its name, the cake cat, Anko, peeks out from Caelus's hoodie and lets out a squeaky set of meows. It hops out of the hood to land on Caelus's shoulder, then one more hop to sit on his head. ]
I won't be long!
Haha, very funny. Grapes.
[ so here comes this guy, who'd moved his hand to grab the handle anyway, but when he pulls it's kind of stuck? or, wait—he gives it a better tug, and the car itself shakes slightly as he lets it go. no way... you can't be serious? choi's warm and friendly smile (if he does say so himself) quickly becomes more of a grimace.
then he knocks on the window again. tap, tap. ]
...Grapes? Your door's locked, you know.
[ ... ]
C'mon, I have something important to tell you.
[ so here comes this guy, who'd moved his hand to grab the handle anyway, but when he pulls it's kind of stuck? or, wait—he gives it a better tug, and the car itself shakes slightly as he lets it go. no way... you can't be serious? choi's warm and friendly smile (if he does say so himself) quickly becomes more of a grimace.
then he knocks on the window again. tap, tap. ]
...Grapes? Your door's locked, you know.
[ ... ]
C'mon, I have something important to tell you.
...
[ if it were that easy... can he not see soleum is sleeping, or just staring at nothing? it's why he can feel the car shake, his heart beat rapidly, and kim soleum turns onto his side as though to ignore his boss.
he's not even his boss, he resigned already, there's no need for him to even respond.
hasn't he done enough? he brought him back, there's a chance something is wrong, and maybe this is a type of haunting. he hasn't seen him in days, he's like a ghost who comes and goes, and after death... he stayed, they spoke, nothing else is needed.
hadn't he told him everything, well, in that amount of time probably not, but... ]
What?
[ the door is not unlocking. ]
[ if it were that easy... can he not see soleum is sleeping, or just staring at nothing? it's why he can feel the car shake, his heart beat rapidly, and kim soleum turns onto his side as though to ignore his boss.
he's not even his boss, he resigned already, there's no need for him to even respond.
hasn't he done enough? he brought him back, there's a chance something is wrong, and maybe this is a type of haunting. he hasn't seen him in days, he's like a ghost who comes and goes, and after death... he stayed, they spoke, nothing else is needed.
hadn't he told him everything, well, in that amount of time probably not, but... ]
What?
[ the door is not unlocking. ]
Edited 2026-01-17 10:20 (UTC)
?
[ forgive him if his expression betrays his surprise a little bit. resting his forearm against the window and trying to peer past his reflection and to grapes now, he's visibly frowning. ]
You're really gonna make me stand outside in the cold like this?
[ yeesh, he doesn't remember his kid being so cold-hearted? ]
[ forgive him if his expression betrays his surprise a little bit. resting his forearm against the window and trying to peer past his reflection and to grapes now, he's visibly frowning. ]
You're really gonna make me stand outside in the cold like this?
[ yeesh, he doesn't remember his kid being so cold-hearted? ]
[ he ain't tell your ass to come out in the cold, actually. ]
...I'm not sure why you're here. Shouldn't you be resting?
[ when he does this, it's not out of hate, and it's not being cold-hearted, it's more like acceptance. with a pause, kim soleum pushes himself up with one arm, and one hand comes to his head running fingers through black locks. ]
There's no heat in here, either.
[ makes no difference. ]
...I'm not sure why you're here. Shouldn't you be resting?
[ when he does this, it's not out of hate, and it's not being cold-hearted, it's more like acceptance. with a pause, kim soleum pushes himself up with one arm, and one hand comes to his head running fingers through black locks. ]
There's no heat in here, either.
[ makes no difference. ]
[ don't say something annoying. don't say something annoying. don't say something annoying. don't say something annoying. he repeats it like a mantra in his mind, and then his lips quirk up at the corners, and— ]
There's body heat? Haha...
[ okay, okay, he meant that so normally though. like, as in, because soleum's in there with all kinds of blankets and such, his body is probably making it a bit warmer than the wind chill out here has choi.
but he doubts he's getting in now. his shoulders slump. ]
I came to find you, Grapes. If you want me to rest...
[ let him in. ]
There's body heat? Haha...
[ okay, okay, he meant that so normally though. like, as in, because soleum's in there with all kinds of blankets and such, his body is probably making it a bit warmer than the wind chill out here has choi.
but he doubts he's getting in now. his shoulders slump. ]
I came to find you, Grapes. If you want me to rest...
[ let him in. ]
[ there goes soleum laying back down in his seat to act like he didn't hear what he had to say. truthfully, he doesn't know if he likes that.
stay out there and freeze, worm. ]
What sense does it make to leave from home to look for me in the cold?
[ he knows soleum can go nowhere, he's unable to escape this darkness, and when he should be resting... he comes here. it's troubling, he's doing this to blame soleum if he gets sick, and the question is... can he even get sick? unknown to him, the employee lifts a hand towards the lock of the car door.
his hand lingers before pulling away.
he can't. ]
I'm sure you're aware of the outcome.
stay out there and freeze, worm. ]
What sense does it make to leave from home to look for me in the cold?
[ he knows soleum can go nowhere, he's unable to escape this darkness, and when he should be resting... he comes here. it's troubling, he's doing this to blame soleum if he gets sick, and the question is... can he even get sick? unknown to him, the employee lifts a hand towards the lock of the car door.
his hand lingers before pulling away.
he can't. ]
I'm sure you're aware of the outcome.
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