chokuto

[thank goodness, it would've been a little embarrassing if so, but nothing he couldn't handle. toward the nod, he politely inclines his head, straightening right back up afterward and doing his best to not focus on those bruises that immediately catch his attention. as if he could say anything when he's currently sporting his own, all of which are luckily hidden beneath his clothes.

the nickname makes him laugh, one hand raising to cover it, though he nods his head in affirmation and lowers it again to reply.] Yes, that's me. My name is Sizhui. [he, too, could've remembered his manners and actually introduced himself before they'd parted ways on the watches, it's fine that they're remedying it now.] Nice to meet you face-to-face, Sasuke. Do you have an idea of what you want to get?

[They can wear their hickeys in solidarity, not that Sasuke is about to have a discussion about that any time soon. What happens in the bedroom should, in his opinion, stay there forever.]

Sizhui. [He says it again, mainly to solidify the proper pronunciation.] I hadn't planned out a meal, since I wasn't sure what ingredients would be available here. But I'd like to buy vegetables, if they have them fresh. And some rice.

[Easy, flexible items.]

It would be a good idea to look at the inventory on other staples too. Seasoning, oil, sauce — they might have a variety. What sort of flavors or types of food do you prefer?

[He'll be taking Sizhui's preferences into account, since he's planning to share some of the food with him.]

[hey, they're both in agreement there! sizhui much prefers to not, uh, kiss and tell, as it were? especially not with someone he's only just met. making sasuke uncomfortable isn't what he wants, after all.

he nods with affirmation.] Fair enough. We can see what they have to offer and, if there's something you want that they don't have vegetable-wise, I could grow it for you. Like... right away.

[however, he imagines rice is a pretty common staple, so they shouldn't struggle to find that. he raises a hand to thoughtfully tap his cheek, humming, head tilting one way then the other before he straightens again.] I'm not fussy. I do try to follow my rules of vegetarianism, but if you make something with meat, I will eat it. [because they also have a rule that says they can't be picky or wasteful? this is what happens when you have over four thousand rules—]

Although, admittedly, I cannot handle anything too spicy.

[That — causes him to look over at Sizhui, surprised. Right away? He's come to learn of many surprising abilities across different dimensions, and this shouldn't be one among them given what his own people are capable of doing. But, still, it takes a minute for the lag of thought to catch up.]

... That's fine, I wasn't intending to get anything with meat. [On account of the fact that someone very important to him here also prefers not to eat it.] And I can avoid spice. I generally wouldn't include it, anyway, unless the recipe requires it.

[Sasuke turns to lead them into the convenience store with a nod forward.]

When you say "right away", what do you mean? How?

Edited (typo begone ) 2024-02-08 17:48 (UTC)

[sizhui's preparing to immediately clarify, though he waits long enough for sasuke to explain his food plans, nodding again in understanding. it's a relief, hearing that he's willing to avoid both meat and spice, even if he imagines there might be something that will call for it at some point.]

Then we should be fine. I can handle certain things, food tastes better with some flavor, after all, but it's more things like chilies or wasabi that affect my tastebuds.

Ah! [he follows without hesitation, falling into step beside sasuke, a small smile lifting his lips at the corners.] I mean I have nature powers. [to emphasize this, his right hand lifts, upturned, a thin green stem sprouting up from his palm and blooming into a pretty little flower.] With more proper components, I can grow things better, but this sort of gives an idea.

[Nature powers? The closest comparison Sasuke can draw is that of earth transformation — but then, that is only materials like clay and dirt, not what Sizhui demonstrates in front of him now, not life from nothing. There's a slight widening of mismatched eyes, one black and one pale purple; he studies the pretty blue flower, scrutinizing for something that will tell him what this ability is, but of course there's nothing on the surface.]

That's... impressive. [Praise? From Uchiha Sasuke? He's really changed.] And convenient. When you say components, what sort of things do you need?

[At the entrance, he selects one of the small plastic baskets to carry items in as they shop.]

[the reaction has him grinning outright this time, a faint hum of satisfaction passing his lips before he says,] Thank you. I'm fortunate enough to have maintained all my extra abilities. [they'll just. leave the monster transformation talk for another day, maybe?]

Water, dirt, uhm. Maybe a pot for said dirt? I've been growing a few things in the gardens for now, but I have considered getting some supplies for my room, too. [actually, with that in mind, he makes a note to check and see if they might have anything here. (they probably won't, but hey, looking doesn't hurt anything, right?)

he gently plucks the flower free from its stem, the tiny vines recede and he offers it out to sasuke, free hand motioning toward the side of his head for clarification— yes, he wants to put it behind his ear or in his hair.]

[Monster transformation WHAT.

Sizhui's phrasing does catch his attention, because extra implies in addition to what he was already capable of doing, but the rest distracts him away from further scrutiny. He nods, understanding — if he had space in his own room, he might consider the same. But that just isn't possible as a rank two, lowest of low. The gardens are a convenient alternative; he'll have to pay that area a visit again with plants in mind.

That flower is extended out to him, motioned to be put somewhere on his head, and Sasuke — stares.]

What?

[Sorry, Sizhui, you'll have to make your gesture clearer. This has simply never happened to him in his life.]

[y e a h, funny little thing, that is.....

cultivation, however, is always on the table for discussion! they'll eventually find a way to come back around to that, and maybe sizhui will have a chance to mention the tiny plot and how sasuke could plant stuff there he'd help grow or he can bring any soil-filled pots to his room—

but the way sasuke reacts to his offering of the flower has him thoroughly distracted. is he asking about where he wants to put it or about the whole thing entirely?

sizhui watches him with a wide, doe-eyed sort of look, he blinks once, twice, then he huffs a small laugh, shakes his head and asks,] May I put this flower in your hair or behind your ear? [hopefully that ought to clear things up a bit.]

[He doesn't know what he's asking, truthfully, which is why he's not prepared for the question Sizhui poses in turn — innocent, seemingly harmless, except for the fact that it is a gesture of patent familiarity he has crossed only with one person, and in that case only behind closed doors. Perhaps mild, the act of putting a flower in his hair or behind his ear is... too much, too far, an embarrassment that burns up the back of his neck.

I'm not a girl, is what he almost says. You don't even know me. Sentiments of derision meant to wedge distance between them with the ruthless habit of someone who has never made more than one friend in his life.]

No. [— is, eventually, the blunt answer. A testament to Cy's efforts of communication that he hasn't said something more unthinking and cold. Still, there is a chill to it, borne through discomfort.] ... You keep it.

[Then he whips away, turning into the first aisle like the man on a mission to buy some vegetables that he is.]

[it's funny, sizhui would've been prepared with responses to both of those, especially the comment about not being a girl. what does that matter? anyone can enjoy flowers. something he has known since he was young and has only grown into the longer he possesses these nature powers. three-and-a-half years now, it'd be weirder to not have them, at this point.

still, he seems unfazed by sasuke's frank answer, simply nodding his head in acceptance, which is better than he would have expected, because he'd normally anticipate a more outright show of unease— so yes, kudos to sasuke, and his suggestion that he keep it instead.]

Okay, [he agrees easily, drawing the flower back in, one hand reaching to the hairtie he has holding his hair and the other neatly tucking it into place near the top of his bun where it won't get lost.

in spite of himself, he grins after sasuke has turned away, clearly pleased with himself, regardless of the fact he doesn't entirely know what he did.]

[It tells him something, even if he doesn't know what, that Sizhui is still behind him the next time he turns around. Perhaps that he won't leave so easily from a little standoffish treatment, or that he's more desperate for a homecooked meal than he seems, or... who knows? It could be anything, but he doubts it has to do with himself. They don't know each other, and he didn't come here to change that more than necessary to prove no harm. He just needs a kitchen.

He does spare a glance when he notices Sizhui is now wearing the flower — less surprise than a dubious contemplation. It doesn't look bad, even if it is girly. Yet that soft femininity isn't out of place on the other man. Hm.]

Here. Carry this.

[The basket is outheld for Sizhui to take, if only because it'll be difficult to shop one-handed while also carrying the items he'll need.]

Do you like mushrooms?

[definitely the former, given he can fend for himself just fine, but he's certainly not complaining about their exchange: letting sasuke use his kitchen helps him out and getting to yoink some of what he's making while he's taking care of himself is a plus for him. honestly, this is probably the one time sizhui will accept food, most every other cooking session will be spent watching what sasuke makes then sending him off with all of it, and he will slowly but surely figure out how to worm his way into sasuke's good graces.

gosh though, if sasuke thinks that wearing a flower in his hair makes him look girly, let's hope he never finds out about the other things sizhui's worn . . . ]

Ah, [is his initial response, regardless of the fact he reaches out and accepts the basket without hesitation, observant enough to realize the reasoning, yet polite enough that he doesn't mention it outright.] I can do that.

And yes, I do.

[He says nothing else at first, leading them through the convenience store until he reaches the brightly lit corner on the other side, a colorful array of vegetables on display around them. It doesn't seem that the choices abide by any particular seasonal restriction; he sees daikon and leeks right alongside cucumbers, tomatoes, and edamame.

There's an obscure fussiness to the way Sasuke shops, picking a vegetable up and scrutinizing it before he chooses — and then carrots, sweet potatoes, snow peas all go into the basket that Sizhui carries. Burdock root and dried kelp are also chosen just as carefully. And last, shiitake mushrooms, tucked into a folded paper bag. It's more than a decent selection for what he thought would be a narrow and picked-off at best.]

Rice. [He turns, taking them down another aisle of dried foods.] You were the one who said they've been to other dimensions. Is that correct?

[following along behind sasuke is easy enough, but as he does, sizhui's attention darts here and there, keeping a lookout for anything in particular that might catch his eye. he does spot some colorful little porcelain planters on a shelf nearby, yet waits for the moment sasuke is distracted with examining his vegetables to go collect a few of them; the light blue, yellow and green get put into the basket and he's quickly back at the other male's side before he's decided.

all of the vegetables look well-chosen, and alongside dried kelp, he's starting to wonder what it is sasuke's planning to make. whatever it is, he's also rather surprised by the variety, mostly the daikon, leeks, cucumbers, and edamame, the second, third and fourth of those he actually scoops up for himself to bring back to his suite. the latter two can be snacks and he'll figure out something to make with the leek—

rice, he says, and sizhui nods, continuing to trail behind him, at least until he's being asked about that whole world-hopping thing, which prompts him to shuffle up beside sasuke instead so they can chat easier. (there's no one else in the aisle, it's fine—)] It is. I resided in two other places before being brought to this one.

[He doesn't miss the planters being added to the basket, eyes lowered as soon as he's added the vegetables, but he makes no comment on it otherwise — on the assumption that they must be for Sizhui's powers of nature growth.

It's only after Sasuke has located a small bag of rice, set beside those colorful planters, that he pursues the line of conversation about other dimensions. It was something he'd felt reluctant to discuss publicly before; like this, perhaps it can be done with discretion.]

I was also taken somewhere else before this place. [Their outlook is... bleak, if what Sizhui says is true. In his opinion.] There appears no shortage of dimensions willing to invite others against their will.

Do you believe you'll return, eventually? To your own home.

[it's a correct assumption, given a bit of what they were discussing earlier, before sizhui accidentally made sasuke feel awkward with the flower debacle. it's fine, though, he isn't really that fussed, especially since he hasn't been told to kick rocks or anything.

he's still walking with sasuke, after all, watching the rice get added to their basket, arm shifting to adjust the placement of the handles as it grows slightly heavier.

at this revelation, however, sizhui's eyebrows lift with interest, a million different things he wants to say rising up within him, but he tamps them down, clearing his throat and,] No, there doesn't seem to be. [a beat] Ah... [he trails off, forgoing the question he was going to ask in favor of replying to sasuke's.] A part of me still holds out hope that I will, but having been brought to this world, I am starting to wonder. [a small, somewhat rueful-sounding laugh.] Still, I don't want to give up on it.

[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.]

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i'm sorry for him

look at his FACE so grumpy, sasuke

😔 this is who he is

it's true but that's ok 😌

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you are totally good, i have been there fhdfjghdf