chokuto

[Sizhui isn't wrong to wonder, he thinks. Mismatched eyes scour the shelves, choosing to look around for more items he might need rather than face the other man directly — because, in that moment of vulnerability, it's harder to bear. How could anyone retain that sort of hope? An ordinary person would have given it up and accepted their fate, surely.

Moving further down the aisle, he passes off his delay of a response in the search for spices and oils. When he speaks again, his voice is a little quieter.]

Are there people waiting for you there? In your world. Is that why you won't give up? Or is it something else?

[Sorry, small talk doesn't exist with an Uchiha.]

[fortunately, he doesn't seem to mind that sasuke won't look directly at him. could be because his expression changes pretty drastically, far more pained than it'd been moments ago for a brief second or two, before he manages regaining himself and silently pushing the uncomfortable sensation away; he has to go home after this, has to, there truly can't be another place for him to go . . . right?

sizhui is the one to glance over, his head faintly tipped at first, then he straightens and nods.] Family, friends. I want to get back to them and see if I've missed anything or if time has stood still during my absence.

[no, maybe not, but he's going to take this conversation as a sign that he's doing something right.]

[That's something he hasn't considered — time standing still. Perhaps it's possible in a place where time seems so fluid, so unpredictable, where it can be rearranged and undone by external forces, but Sasuke doesn't know if it would matter in his case. As long as Naruto's alive and well, that's all that truly matters. And will he ever have an answer to that?

Quiet as he selects salt, mirin, tamari, and dashi stock from the shelves, Sasuke is careful to arrange them in the basket so as not to overly burden the other man.]

Then hopefully you will. [The remark may seem off-handed, but it's delivered seriously.] I've found what I need. Is there anything else you want to purchase?

[it wasn't something he'd initially considered, to be fair, but the longer sizhui's stayed away from his homeworld, the more he's wondered if that's the case because how could it be two years later and no one's been searching for him? that, alongside nobody back home knowing about multiverse travel, is the only other option that comes to mind.

once they've made their way out of the store, they'll come back around to this half of the conversation, sizhui will make sure of it, he just focuses on sasuke's comment for now, unable to keep from smiling.] Thank you. [then he glances down at their basket, considering what they have, his head shaking afterward.]

No, I think I found the few items I was searching for. [more than that, really, taking the vegetables he picked too into account.]

[A curt nod of his head answers that. Sasuke gently takes the basket from the other man and carries it to the front — fully intent on paying. If Sizhui tries to stop him, then he'll be pinned with a narrow look, hopefully enough to quiet the impulse of generosity.

They have not spent much time so far in each other's company, but whatever suspicion might have clawed its way to the surface has been soothed. Sizhui's demeanor is too... soft, truly, unless he's being played for a fool. There's still time to tell.]

If you have the time, [he'll say once they've stepped outside the door,] I'm willing to use your kitchen now. Otherwise, I'd ask that you hold onto the ingredients until then.

[of course, sizhui allows sasuke to take the basket, only looking mildly surprised at first, but once he realizes the other man intends to pay for everything, it's reflex to prepare an argument— which immediately dies in his throat following sasuke's look. he wrinkles his nose, exhales a sigh and crosses his arms with (mostly) feigned sulkiness. those planters and some vegetables are his, you know?

but he will be good and accept the generous offer. if anything, it could sort of be seen as him being paid back for the use of the kitchen? even though he already chose something for that and wouldn't want to change it. luckily for sasuke, sizhui's entirely wholehearted and candid despite completely understanding why sasuke would be wary; sizhui is too nice for his own good sometimes.

he tosses a glance sasuke's way, head faintly tilted in consideration.] I have time, we can use it now. This way, you can use the ingredients at their freshest.

[Sizhui can pay him back with continued use of his kitchen. While it may seem disproportionate, given how much lower his own rank is, Sasuke doesn't care; he'd prefer never to be indebted to someone else. They'll work it out to an even give-and-take later, is his opinion. And even as a rank two, he's benefited from pooling his resources with someone else, not to mention his own severe frugality.

Outside the store, Sasuke nods. It's true — it would be better to cook them sooner rather than later. And if Sizhui has the time, he's willing to go along.]

Okay. Then let's go. [He'll let Sizhui lead them back to the lobby elevators.] You said you were a rank nine? Clubs?

Edited (help... sorry for the edits) 2024-02-15 17:28 (UTC)

[fine, fine, it is an alright exchange for now. this, however, also means he gets the certainty of knowing that sasuke's at least eating decently when he comes to use the kitchen, and that's honestly more than enough repayment for him. sasuke can keep right on pooling his resources up with whoever else and saving them for more important things.

sizhui nods in affirmation and wastes no time starting to guide them back toward the elevators, left hand raising to tug lightly on the collar of his sweater.] That's right. I hope blue doesn't bother your eyes, by the way. [because his room is. extremely blue. and shiny and starry.

—one day, he'll change it to something more fitting.]

[Blue...? There's a dubious look on his face.]

No. It doesn't bother me.

[What could that mean? He chooses not to comment further, expecting he'll find out soon enough. Following, Sasuke carries the groceries in his right hand, seemingly unbothered by the weight of their purchases.

Once they're in the elevator, he looks over at Sizhui again.]

How does this dimension compare to the ones you've seen before?

[he could clarify better, of course, but rather than do that, he simply smiles, says,] Good. [then he finishes bridging the distance between them and the elevator, reaching out to push the button.

his attention is first drawn toward the bags, the thought of offering to take one coming to mind, though he brushes it aside for now, figuring sasuke would just give him another look that he'd end up laughing at.

following him clearing his throat,] They have some similarities: the other two worlds I was on before this one also based currency and energy on intimacy. Those were more... open-world, though, in comparison to the resort. [noctium had multiple planets to explore, amani had whole other biomes to check out; the golden peacock isn't small, not in the slightest, but it definitely feels more closed off.]

Is it anything like the world you were on before?

[Sasuke gives a low hum of thought, eyes studying the portraits on the wall of the elevator as he considers the words. Intimacy — for it to be some sort of fuel for an economy in other places is worthy of consideration, although he struggles to understand the motive. Is something like that really so valuable?]

No, it isn't. [Yet he has not spoken of the Netherworld with anyone except Ichigo, so now he picks his words carefully.] This dimension is mild by comparison, at least in terms of survivability. That place... it called itself the afterlife, and it claimed that we had died. We were in a constant battle against — ourselves, as well as other beasts and forces of nature. Disease. It was a purgatory more than anything, I suppose.

[Mismatched eyes turn back onto Sizhui.]

But now that I'm here, it's clear to me that it was some kind of deception, unless I have been returned back to life without my knowing. [A shrug of one shoulder.] Have you encountered anyone here that you met somewhere else?

[depending on how it's used, apparently? sizhui's own gaze watches the number buttons for now, his hands moving to tuck into the pockets of his jacket, the corners of his lips faintly pinched. however, at the mention of ‘afterlife’, his head raises and turns in sasuke's direction, widened eyes staring for a few long moments.]

Strange. One of the worlds I was in called itself the ‘afterlife’, too, but come to find out, it was a ‘simulation’ instead. [noctium had it's fair share of problems, but amani had more and it prepared him for things he wouldn't have known how to anticipate otherwise.] Sounds about right for purgatory, to be honest. [constantly being tested to see if one could be purified and purged.

luckily, sizhui looks somewhat less stunned by the time sasuke looks at him again. they'd clearly both been lied to, right? unless, of course, this is somehow the afterlife? no, that'd be way too convoluted.]

Who knows at this point? Hopefully, none of us have visited the afterlife and we're simply stuck in these worlds until we either help enough to be let go or finish the game like we're expected. [he sighs.] I have. He doesn't seem to remember me, but that's okay. I'd rather we be allowed to get better impressions of each other.

[A simulation... If not for the Infinite Tsukuyomi, Sasuke would not have been prepared for even the concept of what that might mean for them. It is still uncomfortable, imagining that this is not real — that everything he's done up to this point is only a half-imagined dream — but he also understands the uselessness in thinking that way. He can only trust his own abilities would have prevented such a feat. This has to be real, and physical, or he would know. His eyes would know.

He listens to Sizhui, unfazed by everything that is said up until the end. And then Sasuke turns, expression losing some of its schooled discipline.]

He doesn't remember? [This is, unfortunately, his first time encountering something like that.] Were the two of you... close, before? ['Better' implies perhaps not.]

[he huffs another breath, briefly fixated on the elevator doors, the following silence lingering, probably longer than necessary. sizhui tries to believe the same thing: if this was a simulation, he'd know by now, but he hadn't known on amani, so what would make this different? (maybe knowing that his senses were dulled a hundred times over in comparison?) they could do anything to confuse them, which is why sasuke has the right idea to ignore it. sizhui, on the other hand, is still struggling with that somewhat.

finally, he redirects again, his own features softening, even if the doors pop open on their designated floor before he can answer. so, he leads them out first, waiting until sasuke can fall into step beside him before replying.]

Mmn... no, but part of that was my fault. [after everyone had disappeared, he sort of. closed himself off from anyone who was left— and then he vanished, too.] It may not even be him, exactly. It could be him from a whole other universe, from a completely different time.

But we're making the best of it now.

[The elevator opens on a floor of the residential area much higher than he's gone since he has been in the resort, and Sasuke notices the differences immediately. The carpet here is rich, plush; everything is clean, gleaming and well-maintained. They even pass some of the cleaning staff on their rounds and Sasuke's gaze lingers a moment, surprised by it. Not that he expected differently, given the disparity he has already experienced everywhere else.

Sizhui continues speaking, so he puts his attention back onto the other man. It may not even be him — this catches in his mind, indelible.]

You believe that there are separate versions of others out there in the universe? [This is the first time he's heard the idea. He keeps pace with Sizhui, following where he's led.] Is this man originally from your own world?

[and sasuke's about to see exactly what he meant with that whole ‘blue’ comment a bit ago. until then, they'll continue onward, with sizhui only getting sidetracked by glancing at the cleaners once or twice too, which he's always quick to shake off and keep right on going; he dawdles because he's curious about where the staff come and go from and wants to make certain to keep them under a watchful, cautious eye, mostly for safety reasons.]

I do. There's no way there can't be, in my honest opinion. [he's experienced way too many doubles (and triples, technically) of people he knows, it's the only explanation. that, or cloning, and well . . . he would definitely prefer the former over the latter.] No, he's from an alternate version one that is similar to mine.

[he does his best to keep his pace steady, but it's fortunate, they don't have far to go. just a little ways further up the hall and he stops, waves his watch in front of the door and gestures sasuke inside.]

[Sizhui has had more experience across dimensions than him, it becomes clear. He does not let it show that this information unsettles him — he will consider it later, in private. The subject rests there for now; it isn't his business to pry into Sizhui's relationship with someone else, and he does not want to make an impression that he is being nosy, so he allows himself to be led. And soon they reach the man's room.

Once the door opens, Sasuke steps through. His first impression is...]

It's large.

[Yes, that's it. As someone who has spent the better part of the last month either in his own cramped, rank-two closet or someone else's slightly-larger closet of a bedroom, the amount of space is a shock. Of course, as warned:]

And blue.

[luckily(?), it's more a familial relationship type of thing, so it's something he'd be willing to talk about if sasuke were interested, but he also wouldn't want to dump a bunch of unknown information on someone he's only just met. as for having more experience with the dimension-hopping? best believe, he sometimes wishes he didn't have all of it, even if it's proven to be quite helpful multiple times now.

if sizhui were the type, there's some silly joke to be made at sasuke's first remark, but he is (unfortunately) extremely mature and would never—

the secondary comment, however, makes him laugh wholeheartedly right after he's gotten the door shut behind them.] I warned you! We're able to change the room to our liking, but I haven't decided what I want yet, so. [he gestures.] Blue. Blue everywhere until then.

But it is worth it to have a working kitchen.

[Listen, he heard the warning, but he did not... expect this to quite such an extent. With a sigh of breath — as close as he will visibly come to an expression of humor, really — Sasuke toes out of his shoes at the door before looking around in a closer study of the interior.]

It must be your favorite color. [It couldn't be more clear.] I didn't know that level of customizability was possible. It is... nice. I can see that you keep it clean.

[In his path to being a better person, communication is an ongoing process, but he still tries. Sasuke lifts his right hand, indicating the bag of groceries.]

Where's the kitchen? I'll get started now.

[it's okay, sizhui hadn't expected it either, which is exactly why he gave the warning. upon his arrival to his suite, he had to finagle with the lightswitches and turn everything off until his eyes could somewhat adapt. if it ends up being too much, he can do the same for sasuke. there are a few lamps around for just such an occasion, after all, and the all-blue does only extend to a couple of places in the suite.

he snorts,] How would you have ever known? [joking aside, though.] It is quite convenient, that's for sure, and I do prefer my space to be clean. [pretty much everywhere, as sasuke will soon see as he gestures for the other man to follow and guides them around a wall-partition into the kitchenette that has clearly been scrubbed sparkling clean for sasuke's arrival; there's a large flower adjacent to the right of the sink and a group of herb planters on the opposite side nearish to the stove, but otherwise? the area looks well-ordered.]

Those are up for grabs, [while gesturing toward the herbs.] And if there are any others you need, let me know and I'll magick you up some.

[The kitchenette is clean, he notices, and though he keeps his gratitude private he does give a small nod to Sizhui in appreciation. Eyes study the ceiling, then drift to the flower, then last to the indicated herbs.]

I shouldn't need anything else for this, since it's a simple dish, but I'll keep that in mind.

[It must be convenient, to be able to summon up any sort of plant as needed. Sasuke sets the bag onto the counter and begins rifling through it, extracting items — vegetables set aside near the sink to be washed and sliced.]

How did you learn that ability?

[once sasuke has stepped into the area and started getting to work, he hangs out near the doorway for now, leaning against the wall, both arms tucked behind his back.]

Completely fair, yes, I figured I would offer anyway, just in case. [never know what one might need, even if it's simply salt. (he cannot, however, summon salt, but there are plenty of other things inside his cabinets to choose from as well.) tempting as it is to immediately step in and help with the food prep, sizhui remains where he is, left fingers fidgeting with the right, his attention unwavering.]

Learn the—? Oh! [he shakes his head, straightens slightly, brings his right hand up and motions over his shoulder.] They were the powers I obtained after receiving my gemstone.

[The next step of his preparation is searching Sizhui's cabinets and counter for the appropriate cooking supplies he will need — a pot, a bowl, cutlery. Then he moves onto measuring out the rice and washing it under the flow of water from the sink. These steps are almost meditative, even if he hasn't had opportunity to do them for... a while. Years, perhaps. That alone is strange to him, but the act is at least familiar and practiced.]

Gemstone? [He stops to turn and look at Sizhui, lingering curiously.] Do you mean from one of the other dimensions you visited?

[slowly but surely, he's inching his way back into the kitchenette, making certain to give sasuke plenty of room so he can work, but also standing close enough so he's able to see what he's doing. washing the rice first, it seems, which is something he's done many times himself, meaning he could understand the calmness of it. whenever sasuke's attention is on him, he straightens, blinks, does a neat heel-turn then lifts his sweater all the way up to his shoulders to reveal the blueish-green gemstone that sits between his shoulderblades.]

I got my Emerald from Noctium, the first place I visited. [then amani went and gave him more monster forms from the sapphire gemstone, so now it's sort of his own kind of strange, mixed thing.]

[Noctium. He recalls that name, mentioned when they had first spoken on the network. His hand stills as Sizhui exposes the skin between shoulders — and nestled there, glinting in the light of the kitchen lights, is a teal-colored gemstone.]

I see. It reminds me of... [A frown touches his lips as he debates whether to share the thought.] It's similar to the suit markings. Almost as if it's meant to be a brand to identify us.

[Or worse, given all that has happened so far, in Sasuke's experience. While there was nothing quite like it in the Netherworld, he certainly recalls that dimension's other insidious influences. Quiet for a moment, he begins cleaning vegetables and setting them aside.]

Can you chop these? [Working one-handed, it's not a task he can do easily on his own.] It doesn't need to be perfect.

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you are totally good, i have been there fhdfjghdf

😭

shhh gentle pats

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