everything's on fire

[krasnaya_vdova]

who: Everyone!
what: The residential building is on fire
when: ~2am, August 23rd
where: The Residential building
warnings: Fire, destruction of property, injury, general warnings for crisis situations



It's a reasonably quiet night, pleasantly dry with a slight breeze. Almost nice, for those that enjoy the hours after midnight long before dawn starts to creep on the horizon. Right until it isn't, when the air changes, and there's the scent of heat that promises smoke. In most places it starts with a flash of blue light that arcs from floor to floor as energy pulses through the building, and there's a crack of sound that follows. The power dies for a moment, and if you're one of the unlucky ones, the light that follows is a literal spark in the dark, burning to life in bright orange-red, yielding heat and smoke and trouble. The energy surge doesn't just hit the lights, but sparked flames that burst to life, and they catch quickly, spreading.

The worst of it starts on the ninth floor, where the smoke and the beginning of heat starts moments before the surge. The fire spreads faster there, people starting to startle awake and realize what's happening as the flames crackle. Eventually there's an announcement on the Network, both alerting people to what's happening and trying to organize both those that are willing to help and those that need it.

Some areas are untouched, while others are ravaged badly, reduced to ashes and crumbling ceilings, so watch your step. There's chaos, but through it there's people doing what they can to help each other, and the official fire services show up to help control the blaze. After that, it's just a matter of repairing the damage that's been done, rebuilding and putting things back together, seeing what's been lost and what was saved.

Even later, people start putting the pieces together, and there's the official investigation into what might have caused a fire like that in the first place.


[ooc: As promised, the residential building is on fire! OOC plotting post is here if anyone wants to work out some last minute plans before diving in. Plotting post also includes the relevant details. Elsewise, just top level and mingle. Try not to get burned too badly. :) Good luck!]

Comments

shigeru miyata | ota

[mysophobic]

[ For the most part Shigeru will be manning a tent, an otherwise haphazard type of shelter, for those in immediate need of some healing or healthcare. He's not going directly into the building itself but he's definitely running around to see which of those people need the most help at the moment. Despite the chaos he might hold up a sign for anyone to read. ]

If you need help or know anyone who does please follow me to the tent over there! [ He'll motion towards with its big cross on the top of it. ]

I can heal people of their wounds and then we can get them to the hospital!

[ It's a complete disaster but he's maintaining his calm rather well. Almost as if he's used to this sort of thing. ]

[bottombitch]

[ When the fire broke out, Aoba evacuated along with everyone else. Thankfully, he'd pulled on jeans, slipped into some sneakers and pulled on a shirt. His apartment was far from the affected floors but now that he was awake, there was no way he was going to be able to sleep after having been woken up by blaring alarms and the scent of smoke. Now he was jittery with nervous energy and, lacking any other way of using it, brashly volunteered to help.

And then the heroes started doing what they do best, leaving him staring after them as they sprung into action and he... stood there. Fingers wrinkling at the hem of his shirt as he realizes he's way, way outclassed in this reality.

Which is how he found himself at Shigeru's side, helping comfort those who are awaiting treatment with blankets, water, anything. But eventually it leaves him with little choice but to approach the quiet man between healing. ]

...You look pretty different from when I saw you last.

[ With that evil-looking aura. Never had an offer to show him how to bake been more maleficent than when he met that alternate universe version of Shigeru. Aoba folds blankets quietly, glancing at him with his shoulders hunched over, all nerves and curiosity. ]

[mysophobic]

[ Ah, yes, he does remember Aoba quite clearly. Even if the one whose eyes he had seen him through were not his own. Shigeru gives him a shaky smile and takes out his phone to type something. ]

I'm sorry about that. I...wasn't myself when we first spoke.

[ He gives the other a sheepish smile. ] For starters I can't speak, unlike the version of me you met.

[ It was a troublesome thing, being mute, especially in situations like this. He looks downcast as he fiddles with his phone for a brief moment before turning back to Aoba with a small smile. ] I hope I didn't...unnerve you too much?

[bottombitch]

You did scare me a little...

[ A lot. He was terrified. He's also so quick to let bygones be bygones, because the difference is so stark that he's defaulting to manners appropriate to Midorijima, Japan... not... supernatural (?) encounters. His smile is nervous. ]

But let's just put it behind us, okay?

[ But back to the matter of Shigeru being mute. Aoba thinks that's pretty surprising. ]

You mean you really can't speak?

I don't mean to pry, but is this somehow related to that other... you? Or did you get injured?

[mysophobic]

[ Oh no. He's so sorry Aoba! He hadn't meant to scare anyone, at least not this version of himself. He does nod sheepishly however at that. ]

That's right. I can't speak, I haven't been able to since I was 10. I think...something happened to me when I was younger and ever since then I lost the ability to do so.

[bottombitch]

Seriously?

[ Aoba blinks up at him in surprise. Since he was a child... and he looks like he's older than him, too. His attire and mannerisms add years by way of maturity. Suddenly aware that he's never asked his age, Aoba feels bad for him - it's got to be at least ten years of being unable to speak, obviously more. ]

And you don't remember it at all?

[ He's drawn back to a memory of a distorted figure of a blonde man chained by neglect and a lack of connection to the world due to not having a sense of touch. If he can't feel something, it's just not real. He was caged and treated like a monster, so he thinks of himself as something to be hated and hidden away. Aoba flinches outwardly at the unpleasant thought, his fingers wrinkling the blanket he's folding as he twists it. ]

...It must have been [ Something really bad ] really hard for you, growing up... different.

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru just shakes his head 'no' and shrugs his shoulders with a sheepish smile on his face. He didn't remember much of it at all, actually, almost as if his memories were completely wiped of the event. Which they were but the doctors who had put the chip inside his head never thought about that. ]

I had...friends to help me. It wasn't so bad, when I think about it. [ Alex was a huge help towards him back in the day. That's probably where his crush on the other developed from. ]

But during that time it was hard...if only because of what I am and the fact that I was now mute. Many people in my world don't have illnesses or disabilities, because they can be easily cured. So seeing someone like myself only made people make fun of me more.

[ But that was all in the past now. ]

[bottombitch]

[ The more he hears - well, reads - about Shigeru's story, the worse he feels. It does nothing to explain the weirdness of his form and personality from before, it will likely remain a mystery in favor of learning about the present Shigeru. The once small boy who seemed to have suffered in literal silence while surrounded by people who probably didn't approve of him existing at all.

This kind of thing really breaks his heart. Aoba frowns at the blanket in his hands as he tries to smooth away the wrinkles he's put in it, refolding as he speaks. ]

Just friends? Where were your parents?

[mysophobic]

Oh! They were there as well. But being the type of Phrobiests that we are...they were rather busy a lot of the time.

[ They were by no means neglectful parents though. Shigeru's parents loved him dearly and he knew the importance of their work even from a young age. But when they could help him and support him they did in full. ]

But my friend, Alex, really helped me the most out of everybody I knew.

[bottombitch]

[ Finally, a moment where Aoba is wrong and he's gladdened at the news. He had thought the very worst, another tale like Noiz', another childhood snatched away from someone. Not everyone had parents, but they at least deserved someone who played the part, even if alone... like Granny. ]

Alex was your best friend, I imagine?

[ He instantly thinks of Koujaku and his little red sparrow Allmate and his heart hurts. He probably won't see him again, in this world or back in his own reality. Just a few messages now and again over his Coil, a few pictures. ]

Was he kind of like a big brother to you?

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru nods, there's a fondness in his expression as he types something. ]

I never thought of him like that. But I imagine he sees me as a little brother.

[ His face kinda reddens a little as he types that up. Shigeru was in love with Alex, but since arriving here he's met other people that have honestly stolen his heart too. ]

I like him. But I don't think he'd ever see me that way. I never really told him my feelings either.

[ He fiddles with his phone as he huffs a little. ]

And then I was brought here and I met people that I think I'm starting to love too. [ Basically Shigeru is a mess. ]

[bottombitch]

[ Aoba recognizes that look. It draws his chin up to observe it, then makes him tuck it down against his chest as he experiences second-hand embarrassment. Oh.

Hashtag relatable, Shigeru. ]

Is that so... [ That's really getting him down in the dumps. Aoba makes a mental note as he lifts his eyes up the towering apartment building to intrude on Noiz' work in his office tonight and give him the tightest hug he'll never feel. He glances down again to read the rest on the device and then smirks back at him. ]

Heeh? Now you have to spill. You've said this much already, so who is he?

[mysophobic]

[ ugh oh no. He shouldn't have mentioned it! Now he looks all flustered and his face is totally red. Even in the dim lighting of the tent it's pretty easy to tell. ]

His name is...Genji Shimada. [ Oh god, please tell him you don't know him. Even though he's already done something super awkward with the other man already. ]

I did something embarrassing when I forgot I had my phobia. It's a little awkward now between us, but he said he didn't mind that I kissed him on the cheek! ( ；´Д｀) I'm just...not good with this sort of thing, I've never been on a date before Genji and Dodger asked me to go out with both of them.

[ Augh he doesn't know what to even do. He's so bad at this. ]

And I don't know who to talk to about it either. [ Because it's embarrassing that a man his age hasn't dated before. But given the extent of his phobia...it makes sense. ]

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji needs a break for a few minutes as his internal systems are warning him of potentially overheating. He's brought some people to Shigeru earlier so he makes his way over to his friend's tent to see if he needs any assistance.

His mask if off and the ports on his shoulders are still faintly steaming. There's a burn on his temple, curving around to his cheekbone and he doesn't seem to even notice it. ] Are you doing all right, Shigeru?

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru is currently cleaning up the tent after another few patients have been seen to. He is...sort of distant and focused on cleaning enough to almost not hear Genji's words. He does nod though it seems fake seeing how concerned his expression is. Sorry he gets a bit...overwhelmed when things like this happen and he doesn't have the proper means to keep everything clean and organized like he likes it.

But Genji snaps him out of it, at least for now, Shigeru's eyes widen upon seeing the other man's condition. He instinctively reaches out to address the wound by tilting Genji's head to the side. Ah. But he pulls away and his face is super flushed now. Oh gosh he didn't even ask if it was okay to do that?! He's sorry! He just gets into doctor mode when he's like this! ]

I'm sorry! But your face Genji! It's...doesn't it hurt? [ It's pretty bad burn, even for him. ]

Please sit and let me treat you!

[flowlikewater]

[ And Genji is— a little blindsided, honestly. He didn't expect his friend to suddenly touch him, the coolness of his hands leaving him just slightly dazed for an instant.

But then Shigeru goes red and Genji kind of can't help but feel like he should be too for some reason. But he's still a little confused. ] Hurt...?

[ He reaches up and touches his face and— ow. That's definitely a burn. He quickly taps into his body's life support, getting an audio readout that his support was sending pulses of nano-biotics to his cranial area to assist in healing. Oh. Huh. Now that he thinks about it, he does feel pretty exhausted.

He can't help a tired little laugh. ] You don't have to apologize, Shigeru. Please, I would appreciate it.

[ Genji manages to not wobble as he finds a spot to sit. ]

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru will nod still flustered by his own actions and the fact that someone close to him is injured like this. He'll let Genji get settled before he hurries off to the other side of the tent to get his supplies. Mostly it's just bandages and some bottled, sterilized water. He'll look over the wound with a careful eye before activating his powers. Shigeru's eyes will turn black with purple irises and a giant sigil will erupt behind him. He'll get to work on healing Genji's burns and within a matter of minutes Genji will soon feel the effects. Most of the burn is healed by the time Shigeru is done with him, but just to be safe he'll pour that cold water on the sterile bandage and gently pat the burn to ease some of the pain. ]

How does it feel?

[ He still looks concerned but not as much. His powers have definitely fixed the majority of it. ]

Do you want me to wrap it with this? [ Though he seems calm his hands are a bit shaky as he holds the bandage away from Genji's face. ]

[flowlikewater]

[ It certainly is a sight to behold. He's a little dazzled by it as he watches Shigeru work, finding it almost kind of beautiful in it's own way. The burning on his face does alleviate and once he's patting at the remains of the wound with the cloth he blinks a few times, as if he's coming out of a trance. ] Ah— Much better than before, thank you.

[ He smiles and finds his hand reaching up, fingers brushing against a part of Shigeru's arm covered by his clothes. Genji doesn't really realize he's doing it, all he noticed was that his friend was trembling. ] If you need to rest now, I can do it.

[ And then he blinks, as if he's finally out of his little haze there and removes his hand and plops it back in his lap. ] Ah, apologies.

[mysophobic]

[ Well considering what happened between them in the gardens during the amnesia event Shigeru's expression is still flustered as all hell. He can't not get flustered when he thinks about what he did. Ahghdh! He's just so awkward and he keeps doing these things to himself!! It doesn't help that Genji's fingers brush up against his arm and he shivers slightly at the touch. He does flinch a little, but that's just a habit he has, he doesn't look put off by Genji's movements however.

Shigeru will shake his head and give Genji the wet bandage. He fumbles slightly with his phone as he replies. ]

It's okay! You don't have to apologize! I'm just glad...that you're okay.

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji can't help but think of it as well... it had been such a surprising yet tender little moment, it was hard not to remember. Tenderness, in the grand scheme of his life, was rather rare.

He feels bad at the flinch but Shigeru's expression eases it. He gives him a tired little smile as he takes the bandage. ] I'm glad you're all right as well. Have you had a break at all?

[mysophobic]

[ He does looks tired right now actually. Genji can probably see the slowly forming bags underneath his eyes as he goes and gets the other something to drink. All that smoke and heat isn't good for the body. He'll hand him a water bottle before sighing and sitting down on an empty cot next to Genji. ]

Not since all of this started, no. But it seems like things are calming down, so I can take a break for a little bit.

[ He was used to working crazy hours and long shifts at the hospital so this isn't too bad. ]

[flowlikewater]

[ He says a quick thanks for the water and opens it up, taking a couple good long drinks. He was definitely more exhausted than he thought he was. ] It does, thankfully. It seems most everyone was able to get out.

[ The vents on his shoulders have finally stopped steaming though, which is good. Genji taps behind one of his ear coverings to hear an audio readout on his internal systems, since he doesn't have his visor on. He laughs a little in a self deprecating way. ] Ah, yes, I did almost run myself ragged there. I tend to forget myself when I'm far too focused.

[mysophobic]

You should be more careful! [ Ah, well, his face might color slightly as he holds his phone out for Genji to read. ]

You could've gotten extremely hurt in there, and if you hadn't taken care of that burn...you could have gotten sick too.

[ Is Shigeru mother henning a 35 year old, he sure is. Never mind the fact that Shigeru also runs himself ragged all the time. ]

[flowlikewater]

[ Genji is at least able to look a little sheepish. ] I know, I'm sorry. It's always been an issue.

[ He absently reaches up to touch the bandage on his face. ] The doctor who saved my life always gave me a similar lecture too.

[mysophobic]

[ Being used to it is not a good thing!! ]

She'd thank me then for giving you this one now.

[ Please love yourself more Genji! ]

You should really take better care of yourself. There's people that care and worry about you. So...so try not to do anything reckless like this.