noblerise | IC Inbox

[Jusis gives a nod and walks with Rean into his bedroom. It's meticulously clean, most likely thanks to Velvet, but there really isn't too much personalization in this room. The rest of the apartment does have touches of Jusis, but this place is a little less so. About the only things that give his room character are the photos on his desk and what hang from the walls, as well as a couple of trophies on his bookshelf.

One seems to be of his mother, uncle, and a five-year-old Jusis in an beat-up, old frame. Another is the photo taken from Prince Olivert and Schera's wedding. Beside that is a photo of old Class VII. Hanging from the wall to the right are photos that he seems to have been proud of, or at least happy. One's a photo of him in college on the back of a horse during a race. Another, maybe around the same age as the racing picture, is of him and a young woman holding a gold trophy between them for what might be a ballroom dance competition. The last is of Jusis holding up his law license while his mother grins proudly at the camera, her arm around his shoulders.

Jusis is steady once Rean helps sit him down on the edge of his bed. His expression is one of subtle gratitude as his friend pulls away, and he returns the smile with a small one of his own.]

Of course, you have my word.

[The blond waits until Rean has left before getting back up. He's a little shaky in the knees, but after walking around he feels steadier. Jusis almost reaches for his pajama pants. However, on remembering that he's going to be covered in cats, he decides to put on pajama shorts instead. He quickly changes out of his suit and into his pale green PJs. Though, once Jusis returns to his bed, he just... lies down. He's not asleep, too tired for even that, but he's definitely lost the rest of his energy to stay sitting upright.]

[Rean does look around at the things Jusis has on the walls, but doesn't let his gaze linger too long. What he does take in, though, he recognizes as being things that must bring Jusis joy. After all, Rean has his own small collection of similar photos and the like, even framing at least one of the exact same picture, and they bring him joy as well. He's glad to see Jusis surrounds himself with these things in his most private space, even if it is more sparse than the rest of the apartment.

He leaves the room with a nod, and proceeds to go handle the bit of cleaning up he said he'd do.

His first stop is the bathroom, where he does his best to clean off any dirt and grime his clothing may have picked up in Alcatraz, and also patches up a couple of bruises and cuts he sustained while fighting. He knows he could ask Elliot to heal these up, and he probably will later, but for now they're really not bad enough to interrupt his cooking for.

With that handled (and his face splashed with some cold water for good measure, because he is also pretty wiped after this whole ordeal), he moves out into the main apartment. If he sees anything obviously out of place, he does his best to tidy it up— straightening piles of paperwork, marking and closing books left open, small things like that. He's not here to organize Jusis' apartment, just make things a little neater so it's less overwhelming when he inevitably has to get back to work. Having a neat space always helps Rean, anyway.

He does go and poke at Elliot to see if he's sure there's nothing Rean can do to help, but he's quickly ushered away, so Rean heads back towards Jusis' room as promised.]

Am I good to come in?

[Last thing he wants to do is walk in on the poor guy while he's changing. Better safe than sorry.]

[Out in the living room, there seems to be some photos hung on the wall that show he's starting to embrace his single dad life. There's a concert photo taken that Fugo has participated in, and there's a couple of others with either of the three kids in the Order. If nothing else, it clearly shows that Jusis is proud of them.

Jusis' thoughts have certainly been wandering in his momentary solitude, mostly in that he's been trying to process everything that's happened. He didn't see all of that strange prison when they left, but he gets the sense that some things... happened. Things that Jusis should probably talk to them about tomorrow, or at least some time in the near future.

He looks up when he hears Rean's voice through the door.]

It's fine, you can come in.

[Rean's sure to take in all of the photos he finds up in the living room, as well. It's really sweet just how much Jusis has taken to the kids...

...Speaking of kids, they still haven't heard from Ash. God, Rean really hopes he's okay. He has faith he will be, Ash isn't someone who'll go down easy, but still...

He's brought out of those thoughts, at least for the time being, when Jusis responds.]

Coming in, then!

[He opens the door, steps inside, and goes over to take a seat in Jusis' desk chair after a moment's hesitation. He does consider sitting on the bed beside him, but decides Jusis deserves the space to sprawl out. For now, anyway. The Cattening cometh.

He's quiet for a moment, just letting a silence hang between them. When he does speak up, his voice is uncharacteristically soft, like he's not entirely sure he wants to break that silence yet.]

...Hell of a day, huh?

[Jusis uses his pillow to help prop himself up more comfortably against the backboard of his bed frame. This way, he can at least continue to rest while being able to look at Rean as they talk.

He's equally quiet, though his friend's question earns a soft chuckle.]

Very much so. It's... going to be a lot to unpack, but I've yet to back down from a challenge.

[...]

If it's all the same to you, I don't want anyone to feel as if I'm fragile. Or that they can't talk to me about what they saw or heard. I'm not entirely certain what went on in that place, but....

[But he doesn't want them to treat him differently because of it. He's not made of glass. Jusis will accept their support more readily than he did previously, but he doesn't want it to reach a point where they believe he can't do anything himself.]

Oh, I'm sure. I don't envy you there.

[But at that last bit, Rean tilts his head a little, as if he's confused by the suggestion.]

...You know I've never once thought of you as fragile, right? And what happened in there doesn't change that.

It was... a lot of puzzles, mostly? Puzzles led by what seemed to be ghosts of your past. It was all a bit fragmented, and I'm sure I really only have the basic outline of a lot of things. Still, I feel bad that I didn't get to hear it from you. Feels a little bit intrusive, knowing things about you that you didn't get the chance to tell me.

[...]

I still want to hear it all from you, though, whenever you're ready. I still want you to have the space to make that call on your own, and I'm not going to let that place take that from you.

What I will say, though, is that from what I saw? You're not fragile at all. It takes a lot to shoulder the things you have and keep standing.

I just don't want you to feel like you have to shoulder it all alone. I want to be here to help you carry those burdens— not because I don't think you can, but because I want to be a part of your life, no matter what that may mean.

Does that make sense? [He gives a tiny smile.] I'd make a joke here about 'lapsing into my native language,' like you did for me, but I don't really speak any other languages well enough to pull it off, I'm afraid.

[Jusis doesn't speak. Instead, he silently listens to Rean, taking in his words. From the sounds of it, they've gotten fragmented glimpses of his past. Perhaps enough to paint a certain picture, but not necessarily the whole thing. Moments in his life that should've come from him by talking to his loved ones, rather than displayed like it's some sort of show of guilt.

However, at least one thing is clear at this point. He feels ready to talk about it with Elliot and Rean. Even after all of that, neither of them left him or judged his feelings as inherently wrong. They both still want to know who Jusis is, and that he's deserving of their time and care. It's... A lot to take in, but he's trying, slowly yet surely.

Though, Rean making that little call back to their previous conversation does get a smile out of him.]

I believe the language you speak most fluently in is sappy speeches. However, I did understand what you're getting at.

[Even if it sounds suspiciously close to a confession of romantic feelings. That just feels strangely familiar, so he can bet that his past self had been subjected to that once or twice before.]

It's going to be a lot to talk about, but... if you're both serious about having me in your lives, and I don't doubt anymore that you are, then I need to take steps to show you that I'm equally committed. Not out of obligation or some kind of fairness, but because I want to. As I've said, you and Elliot are important to me.

I'll see how I feel about how much I want to discuss tomorrow once I've slept. Not just to make sure my head is in the right space, but I'm also liable to pass out asleep in the middle of talking if I get into any of it in depth tonight.

[Rean can't help but laugh at that.]

Okay, you got me there. Sorry. It's like I told you before... I just can't help myself.

[There's definitely a warmth and a light to his eyes as he continues.]

I'm glad to hear that. And don't worry about taking your time— I'd rather you be in the right headspace for this, and I'm sure Elliot feels the same way. If that takes some time yet, so be it. We're here when you're ready.

...Just try not to faceplant into your chowder and we'll call that a win for tonight, yeah?

[Speaking of chowder, Elliot will return to Jusis's room, carrying a tray with three soup bowls and some bread. He can't really knock with his hands full, so they will hear Elliot's voice]

Um, room service!

...Can someone please open the door? My hands are full.

[For a very brief moment, Jusis wonders if it'll take more energy to teleport outside and then teleport Elliot in here. Obviously the answer is yes. He really is tired if he's entertaining thoughts like that for even a second.

Well, the blond is about to get up to get the door for Elliot if Rean doesn't stop him first.]

H-hey!

[Yeah, no, Rean is definitely stepping in and stopping him. Being that he's the less exhausted of the two, he's on his feet much faster.]

Listen, I know I just gave you a whole speech about how you're not weak or anything, but at least for tonight? You are letting us dote on you.

[He flashes a bright, if bone-chilling, smile at Jusis and heads over to get the door.]

Sorry about that, Elliot. Come on in.

[He can hear Rean through the door, and he gives a small headshake. Honestly just what he expected from these two. When Rean opens the door, he'll smile]

Eheh, it's no problem! Sounds like our patient is being as stubborn as I expected.

[He perhaps asked Rean to look after Jusis to prevent him from doing something like trying to straighten up the place okay.

He walks into the room properly. He sets the tray on the first flat surface he can find and busies himself with bringing a bowl of chowder to set on Jusis's nightstand with some bread. He'll then also pour a cup of tea for Jusis as well, bringing it over]

Go ahead and grab your stuff Rean. There should be plenty for all!

[In addition to the two bowls, the bread and the team - Rean will also notice there's a can of tuna on the tray. ]

[...Is he supposed to find that dangerous smile threatening or hot? Or a little of column a and a LOT of column b?

Jusis is going to ignore that and settle back down on his bed either way.]

I'm afraid that my stubbornness has gotten worse now that I'm part unicorn, part bird.

[Neither of those animals like being confined, even if it's the healthy choice. It doesn't help that Jusis is a bit too used to taking care of himself even if he's unwell or injured.

He moves to sit on the edge of his bed as Elliot places the food on his nightstand. The blond isn't risking getting food on his sheets and making it unpleasant for everyone involved, thanks. He'll take the tea from his friend.]

Thank you, Elliot. The tea is very welcome, though I hope you didn't have too much trouble finding everything in the kitchen.

Okay, yeah, I'll grant you that one. Animal instincts are hard to resist.

[Especially when you're Rean and have no dignity whatsoever. Speaking of which— IS THAT TUNA?

Rean's eyes light up like a kid on Christmas before he stops dead for a second and looks suspiciously at Elliot.]

...Are you just teasing me with this, or...?

Ahah...yeah. I know that well. I'm regularly having to keep my cat curse in check...

[Though since he has SOME dignity when he's not being a useless gay, he does it better than Rean does.

Speaking of...]

I'm not teasing! Today's been a really long day for all of us and I thought you'd like a treat. [....] Just make sure you brush your teeth before you kiss me, okay?

It's easier to keep it in check so long as I'm not startled.

[Okay, and his protective instincts are lot sharper because of his unicorn side. He's definitely noticed that he's gotten more protective over his team and his loved ones since this curse was inflicted. It'll probably be fine.

Jusis gives Elliot a Look.]

Bold of you to assume I'd let him in this bed if he didn't brush his teeth after eating it.

[Rean slumps in defeat.]

Of course I'm going to brush my teeth. I'm part-cat, not a monster.

[With a deep sigh, he takes his bowl of chowder and hunk of bread, leaving the tuna be for now. He'll be back for you later, tuna.]

[Elliot chuckles as he grabs his own food and drink, finding a chair to sit and eat at]

Just wanted to make sure...

[Anything to avoid tuna breath]

And navigating your kitchen was fine! You have a really nice place, Jusis. Though it's not nearly as fancy as I was expecting...

Thank you.

[Though, he does look confused for a moment about the fancy comment.]

I can't imagine why I'd want to live somewhere more ostentatious. The manor of my past life was nothing more than an elegant, expensive cage, and the home I had with my father was about the same.

[If not for his duties as Acting-Duke, Jusis is certain his past self would've left the Albarea Mansion far behind.]

I'm much more comfortable living in an apartment, personally. My mother and I used to live in one that was relatively close to my uncle's restaurant.

Mm... I think Elliot and I are probably used to people with money choosing to live more "ostentatiously," as it were. My parents aren't in the top 1% or anything, but they certainly have money for our area, and now that I'm living on my own, I can definitely say looking back that you can tell. We never really needed all the land or all the space in the house. It was more of a hassle to maintain than anything, really.

[Rean's quiet for a moment.]

Of course... I realize I'm also lucky enough to have a family that, by and large, gets along pretty well. We've had our spats, of course, but it's nothing like how things have been with your father.

[In this life or the past.]

[Elliot will nod along with Rean]

Yeah, I still remember how big some of the houses were in our hometown. My family's home was smaller than the Schwarzer household, but it was still bigger than my current place. And you are a lawyer. It's not exactly a profession known for small paychecks...

[Just saying!!]

But...I get it. Considering where you came from, I can't blame you for not wanting anything to do with that lifestyle.

[Jusis seems fascinated, at least. This is a bit more of their pasts that he's going to treasure learning about. At the comment about his paycheck, Jusis gives a slight shrug.]

Yes and no. I was fortunate enough to have gotten a free ride through university, but not all of my peers were. That being said, I also went into prosecution instead of defense. Had I gone into defense, especially depending on the state, my salary would've been closer to what a teacher makes on average, especially if I worked at the state level.

[It's depressing to think about. That said, he's very aware of the wage disparity between himself, his peers, and probably especially Rean and Elliot, so he does try not to flaunt it if he can at all help it.

Jusis shakes his head, though.]

My relationship with my father may not be ideal, and my relationship with my older brother is still... uncertain, but my mother and uncle more than make up for that. I don't hold any bitter feelings or jealousy over what you have with your families.

[Maybe if he'd been much younger he would've, but he's grown out of those feelings.]

[Rean sighs a little.]

Yeah... I can't say my parents were all too pleased with what I've decided on, at least in terms of likely compensation. They're still supporting me, and they say they're happy so long as I am, but... I highly doubt Elliot and I are going to be sizing up much any time in the near future.

[They suffer.]

That is true. I know we don't want to get too far into it tonight, but one of the things I saw... I guess some kind of ghost of you was making little drawings of things that made you happy. One of them was a guy in a chef's hat. Am I correct in guessing that's your uncle?

[After all, they've spoken about him before, if briefly, and he's in the photos in here as well.

Also, while waiting for a response, Rean takes a bite of the chowder. Can't let the food get too cold!]

Oh! Elliot, this is really good! Not that I expected any less, but you never cease to amaze.

[Elliot also gives a little sigh]

I get your point, but do you really have to use my salary as a bar for being badly paid? I mean, I know it's true but it still stings a little to be reminded of it....

[They truly suffer. Especially considering Elliot choose music teacher so he could have SOME financial stability. Not like his other options were much BETTER unless he somehow got real lucky and made it huge.

He's already asked Jusis about his uncle in the past before, so he won't add anything to that bit, but he will smile at Rean complimenting his chowder]

Aha, thanks Rean. Glad you like it!

Edited 2023-04-19 03:31 (UTC)

[Jusis gives Elliot an apologetic look.]

I apologize for the reminder.

[He's been taking small bites of chowder and bread as they talk. It's delicious, of course, but he's barely tasting it. Still, Jusis will eat every last bit.

He frowns for a moment in thought. That's unexpected.]

A ghost of me? Interesting... I suppose there's some truth to that, however. Yes, that would've been Uncle Hammond. He owns a restaurant in Düsseldorf, and my mother used to work there as a waitress. When I was a child, I'd often stay with him at the restaurant after school, sometimes with friends.

IC Inbox

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)