riverviewlogs | ( open ) may/june catch all

Entry tags:

( open ) may/june catch all

who: genji and others
what: tdm prompts/catch all starters
when: end of may/beginning of june
where: all around the quarantine
warnings: none yet! will mark for them if needed

i — death from above
[ Genji had done his fair share of battling Omnics that took to the air before, but this was a bit ridiculous. It was almost like something out of a movie except it was very real and very much of a concern, and very much not something to be particularly amazed or awed about.

He takes the Perimeter Guard detail gladly and carries around a few extra umbrellas strapped to his back to hand out to those who need it. And any beast that tries to make a meal out of a citizen will be met with a swift strike indeed. If you're in the Perimeter Guard, feel free to chat him up about it, or if you need a cyborg ninja dude to help you out he will be there. ]

ii — homesick bazaar
[ Now Genji doesn't eat that much but he still indulges. Not eating was, honestly, incredibly dull. So when this bazaar shows up he figures he might as well peruse and see what's available, maybe bring something back to share. His helmet filters the air so he's left it behind for once; his tongue is entirely synthetic now and the artificial taste buds leave something to be desired, so his sense of smell is really all he has going for him in that department.

But it's that sense that makes him pause abruptly as a certain scent hits his nose, causing waves of nostalgia to roll over him. It's like he's there again, a young man, waiting impatiently in a line for a bowl of ramen. He whirls around and sees a familiar noodle eating alien creature at one of the stalls and—

Genji can't help a little laugh, putting his hand to his forehead and shaking his head. This ridiculous place, making him remember all of these things. He should go find his brother, he would hopefully get a kick out of this.

But first. He approaches the booth and anybody who is standing near it, or in line. ] I can vouch that this is quite good.

iii — where in the world is genji shimada?
[ It has been established that Genji likes to meditate, and he's needed to meditate quite a lot since coming here. He's found he enjoys the side of the river, so if you're walking on by you may come across him. Most people seem to think he's some kind of statue or sedentary robot at first glance, which is quite amusing. But he's started to leave the helmet at home, so that mistake is probably harder to make now.

If you know him, feel free to say hi. But there are other spots around the quarantine he could be! Feel free to message me for a starter/thread. ]

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[ Gladiolus stands in front of him in line, apparently not ready to decide whether or not he's sold on this bowl of ramen. He shifts his weight from leg to leg, scrubbing his beard, leaning his head this way or that. This ~~ridiculously photogenic~~ dude is holding up the line, but apparently that unsolicited advice is just what he needed. Almost.

He turns, facing the heavily armored guy - or so he assumes - behind him. ]

Really? ...We talkin' Cup Noodle good?

[ Well aren't you a strapping young man? Genji's simultaneously reminded of Blackwatch rookies and the muscle the clan would 'hire.' (He definitely, at some point, had a bit of an entourage himself. Oh his misspent, horrible youth.)

But at the mention of Cup Noodle, of all things, Genji gives a bit of a sneer that definitely makes him look like the arrogant man he used to be. He scoffs. ] Much better than that, believe me.

[ But the look fades as quickly as it comes and he shakes his head with a bit of a chuckle. ] This place is from my world, so I admit to being a touch biased.

[ Gladio looks every bit like a thug, complete with a full back tattoo that stretches out over his 'sleeves' and scars. His shoulders visibly sag as he hears the derisive sound escape the man. He clicks his tongue, clearly disagreeing. Cup Noodle is the best, it's convenient and delicious! ]

When it comes to instant noodles, Cup Noodle is where it's at. [ Hands on hips, he returns his attention to the steaming bowls of ramen and thinks they're definitely... different. They look like something you'd get in a restaurant. ]

...I guess this is on a different level though - sure, I'll take whatever this guy's having. [ Finally, he... sorta makes a choice, enough at least to keep the line moving. He drops a hand from his hip and points at Genji. ] I'm countin' on you. Don't pick something that sucks, okay?

[ Genji will freely admit the tattoo is pretty damn impressive; and coming from a former yakuza heir with a full back tattoo of a dragon, that's saying something. (Pity it can't really be seen anymore.)

That gets a snicker out of him. ] When it comes to instant noodles, I will grant you that. But I still would rather eat military rations.

[ Genji gives the young man an amused look and a snort. ] I have wonderful taste, I will have you know. You have nothing to worry about. [ He turns to the person running the booth and asks for two tonkotsu ramen bowls. Genji gestures for his newfound noodle eating friend to take one of them. ] Shall we? I must hear your opinion.

Rations? Ugh.

[ That sounds horrible. Even Gladio would rather find a monster and roast it over a fire on cut branches before he touched that stuff. Despite being a survival instructor, he's not the type who stocks up on MREs. They're nasty. ]

Cup Noodles are convenient when you just gotta satisfy a craving, you know? Besides... not everyone can sit down to a hot bowl of soup like this when they're out past the perimeter.

[ Gladio digs out his device to pay, but when the vendor shakes his head at him he returns it to his pocket. Weird, this stuff is free? All of it? Picking up his bowl, he stares at the creamy broth, noting the mottled surface of floating, rendered fat adding a delicious richness in the steam that wafts up to his face. He flinches back, stunned at the strong aroma of garlic, onion and pork - it's so good that his mouth instantly waters, causing him to swallow audibly. Gladio flashes an uncertain smile at the armored man, as he makes his way toward a free table. ]

Don't think I've had this before... smells good, at least.

Of course. There is an appropriate time and place for everything. [ And MREs work great when you don't really have much of a sense of taste. He was far... more troubled when he was out in the field regularly, so he didn't much care what he ate to get energy.

Genji picks up his own bowl with one hand and follows after him towards an empty spot. The smell is definitely the same as he remembers, from what seems like another lifetime ago, and a nostalgic little smile pulls at his face. He will definitely need to bring his brother.

He hears him swallow and looks up to meet his uncertain smile, which makes Genji huff a little laugh. ] Doesn't it? This place was across the road from where I grew up, I would eat there at least once a week. [ Sometimes more... come to think of it, he hardly ever even paid. Oh, to grow up a criminal.

Genji puts the bowl down on the table when they approach it, sliding easily onto the bench. ] I just realized we are sharing a meal and have not even introduced ourselves.

Ah... yeah, you're right. Sorry, guess I can't really help myself when it comes to this stuff.

[ Reaching over the table toward this heavily armored ramen aficionado, Gladio offers to shake hands. ]

Gladious Amicitia. [ He lifts a chin toward what he assumes is his outfit, some kind of power suit? In any case, he's learned not to assume everything like that is Imperial in nature. ] That's a lot of protection. You in the 'Guard? Police?

[ Genji smiles as he reaches over to shake his hand. Now that's quite an impressive name he's got. ] It isn't any trouble. I am Genji Shimada, it is nice to meet you.

[ He looks down at his chest plate then back up at Gladio. ] I am in the Perimeter Guard, yes. It is partially armor, but mostly a cybernetic prosthesis. Are you familiar with it?

Cybernetic... [ Gladio trails off, but nods. He's encountered a few robots, or... cyborgs or androids, whatever they're calling themselves. Enough that he's somewhat familiar with the concept but it still strikes him as odd. On one hand, his only frame of reference from home is the Empire, and none of these so much as stink of Niff magitek.

So... okay, file that under 'other alternate universe stuff'. ] Seriously? All of that is... [ Gladio's eyes wander. That plating covers a LOT of real estate there, Genji. ]

Just how much of your body is cybernetic?

[ Gladio definitely isn't the first person with wandering eyes, which doesn't bother Genji. He knows when someone is genuinely curious, amazed or confused at this point.

He picks up the chopsticks and pulls them apart with an almost elegant sort of ease. ] Most of it. My head— [ Except for the obvious synthetic lower jaw, a black, smooth silicone attached by a silver metal. ] —and torso are still organic.

[ His tone suggests this is something he's had a lot of practice saying, almost like he's reading off a cue card. But he doesn't hate having to explain it, not anymore. Genji takes a bite of his ramen before he speaks again. ] Is that uncommon in the world you are from?

Kinda. But then we're talkin' about the Empire and that's... hah. That's just gonna make the food taste bad.

[ Gladio watches the steam drift off the surface of his meal with a wry half-smile before picking up his chopsticks. He breaks them apart with more effort of someone not quite used to them. They break unevenly - chopsticks warped at the end where one came away with too much wood from it's twin. ]

One guy replaced his whole arm. But I'm pretty sure he did that by choice and... [ A pause and Gladio looks up, apologetic: ] Sorry. Probably not the best topic at the table.

How long have you been in Quarantine, Genji?

[ With a name as ominous sounding as 'the Empire' Genji figures it isn't a pleasant topic. He gives Gladio an easy smile when he looks back up at him and shakes his head. ] There is no need to apologize. Those discussions can always be had later.

[ He takes another bite from his bowl, a few noodles. His sense of taste is dulled but the texture is still how he remembers it, so it's a comfort. A funny little warm feeling settles in his chest, which he welcomes. ] About a month and a half, I would say. What about you? Is there anyone else from your world here with you?

About the same. Feels longer, but not necessarily in a bad way.

[ Gladio dips down and expertly tucks a mouthful of noodles between his teeth, then slurps them up like a pro. He's got noodle noshing down to an artform, following up each satisfying bite of chewy noodles with warming broth. He exhales his enjoyment a moment later. It's not Cup Noodle but it's... different. The noodles are thicker, chewier, the broth a little more complex. ]

Hey, this stuff is alright! I wouldn't have minded tucking into something like this once a week.

[ He needs to get Ignis to try this, and then steal the recipe for his own! ]

You know what you need to try? Ignis' cooking. He's on the Surveyor team, you might actually have met him.

[ His genuine enjoyment of it gets an amused, hoarse little chuckle out of Genji. ] I am glad you like it. All of the cooks knew me by name when I was younger, so you can see why. [ ...well, and because he was the second son of the massive criminal empire seated right across the street. The clan definitely used the place as a front and recruitment from time to time.

Genji takes another bite himself as Gladio continues to speak. He wipes a bit of broth off of his lips as he ponders the name. ] I have heard the name but I do not think we have met. He is a good cook then, your friend?

No, not good. The best. [ Gladio's pretty expressive, passionate too when it comes to things he feels strongly about - good noodles and good friends are just the tip of the feels iceberg. He's animated as he speaks, smile wide as he gestures over the steaming bowl of ramen. ]

We're both from the same reality and we've known each other for ages -- trust me when I say you're not gonna meet a better guy.

[ He sidesteps all the little details, like the fact they knew each other from work, their work being in service to the boy who would be king perhaps a few years sooner than anyone would like. These aren't necessary for others to know, not when the prince himself has indicated he wanted to stay here. Gladio settles down long enough to drink some more broth and heave a satisfied sigh at the spreading warmth that broth gives him before looking up again. ]

How about you, Genji? Anyone from your reality here?

[ He can't deny that Gladio's obvious pride in speaking of his friend is a nice sight to see; a small little smile pulls at Genji's lips as he speaks of Ignis. There is nothing quite like the bond between old friends, is there? Genji almost feels like he's become a tad too cynical in response to it. ] Then I will have to meet him, after that glowing praise.

[ He continues to eat in the slight pause in the conversation. At the question, Genji nods easily. ] Yes. My elder brother is here, as well as my best friend and the doctor who assisted in my— [ He gestures to the lights and armor on his chest with a smile. ] Although I am not sure if I should consider myself fortunate for it or not.

[ He conviently doesn't mention Rey— Reaper. ]

[ Gladio has a little sister, so his smile broadens with tangible approval at the mention of a brother. Family is clearly important to this one. That pleasure fades and diminishes at the attention on his less than human attributes. Still. He might not know his situation to it's fullest, but the man seems to embrace life full enough - it warrants some level of acknowledgement to what measures he's had to take to keep that going, at least to some degree.

Gladio hasn't had to deal with anything like this, nothing like what Ignis will have to deal with either. ]

Sorry to bring up bad memories.

From the looks of it, you seem to be doing pretty well... [ Gladio notes the way his body seems to stop at the chest -- is the rest of him synthetic? How does someone survive like that? With their humanity intact enough to enjoy that most basic of human pleasures, food? ]

I mean, all things considering.

Hm? Oh no, you did nothing of the sort. [ Genji shakes his head, although he appreciates it. ] I have accepted this body of mine and hold no ill will towards those who helped give it to me.

[ He lifts up the bowl to take a few sips of the broth. The heat is nice, even though he can only get hints of the flavor. The memory is more than enough though, reminding him of simpler times. ] But it is kind of you to show concern, especially to a stranger like me.

[ He puts the bowl down with another hoarse little chuckle. ] Is there anyone else here from your world, besides this Ignis?

[ It's hard not to stare at the little things, to be honest. Knowing what he does now, it's an incredible feat of engineering to get him to move as fluidly and delicately enough to manipulate chopsticks, hold a bowl. The minutia in life that you take for granted when you're able bodied.

Gladio pokes at the noodles in thought, then nods. ] Noctis and Prompto, they're about the same age - they met in high school and have been together since.

[ GLADIO. THAT PHRASING... he's distracted by good food, so he completely neglects how that might give off the wrong impression about the nature of their relationship. He's already chewing through another mouthful of noodles as he moves on too. ] And Iris, my little sister.

[ Such interesting names, Genji thinks. They sound Latin? It was never his strong suit. And he doesn't think much either way of Gladio's phrasing, either way it is a nice thing to hear. ] That is good. I am not sure how I would be fairing in this place were I alone myself.

[ He brightens at the mention of little sister much int he way Gladio did at the mention of his brother. ] Ah, yes! I had thought you seemed like an elder brother type. It is good you are together here, then.

[ He at least hopes his relationship with Iris is better than his tenuous one with his brother... getting better, but still rough. ]

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( open ) may/june catch all

ii.

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..........I'm sorry for the food porn

gladio and ramen sitting in a tree!!

S-L-U-R-P-I-N-G

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