noblerise | IC Inbox

[As the time for Jusis to come over near, Elliot felt a mix of both excitement and anxiety. He thought they hit it off pretty well over the network, it honestly felt like talking to an old friend, but man this was still technically their first real meeting in this lifetime. He hoped it doesn't go badly.

Elliot lives in a small townhouse in a modest neighborhood. Some multi-colored Christmas lights still hung on the bushes outside, though it's hardly anything elaborate. All in all, it's a quaint place.

When Jusis finally arrives and rings the doorbell, Elliot will be quick to answer it (well, right after he takes a deep breath from panicking). Despite his best efforts to conceal them, his cat ears responded to his nerves by refusing to disappear, so they will be fully visible when he answers the door with a bright smile. ]

H-Hey Jusis! You made it!

[MAYBE IF I PRETEND EVERYTHING'S NORMAL HE WON'T NOTICE]

[Jusis made sure to have absolutely no major work done for this weekend, which is highly unusual for him. He's... Definitely borderline a workaholic, if he's not there already. So it's a very strange feeling to suddenly have so much freedom with his time.

The neighborhood is very lovely, and it seems the perfect place for Elliot to live, honestly. He almost feels weirdly guilty darkening the doorstep with his massive family problems. There's no backing out now, and he's sure as hell not a coward. Yet, when Elliot opens the door, Jusis simply isn't prepared to see his friend with cat ears.

There's open surprise on his face and it actually startles the German out of him.]

K-kleine Katzejunge? Warum...?

[Jusis clears his throat.]

I'm sorry, that was... quite rude of me. You seem... well.

[Aw crap. He doesn't speak German, but he can pick up enough context to know what Jusis was reacting to. The cat ears will fold down against his head as he lets out a sigh, holding open the door for Jusis to come in]

It's fine. I just got on the bad side of some Fae once, okay?

[Jusis at least has the decency to look a little sheepish. So, he walks inside without a fuss and takes off his shoes in the foyer.]

Of all the people to get on the bad side of the Fair Folk, you're near the bottom of that list. What happened?

[The inside of the house is what you'd expect for Elliot. A well kept and cozy house, decked out in the finest of IKEA and thrift store furniture. There's a piano and numerous other music-related items carefully set around the place. On one wall, there's mantle place with various framed photos.

Besides that, there's a few odds and ends lying around that aren't very Elliot like. For instances, there's a pile of non-fiction books and high school textbooks in the corner, sticking out of a cardboard box labeled "HUNTER" in marker. And more notably, scattered around the place are items that look distinctly Asian in style....as well as a pile of anime DVDs next to the TV.

The signs are clear: A weeb has been here.

Elliot will close the door once Jusis is inside, continuing the conversation]

Well it's not like I was trying to get on their bad side! But they decided to kidnap me and have me be their court musician.

And it turns out...they handle rejection very badly. [He sighs] So now I'm cursed.

Edited 2023-01-10 04:22 (UTC)

[A weeb has definitely been here. Possibly Rean, being the only actual weeb he knows himself, but maybe it's someone else Elliot knows. Maybe.

Though, truthfully, the box labeled "Hunter" catches his attention more. Jusis doesn't recall Elliot having mentioned a kid. Still, the talk of curses has most of his attention.]

From the stories I've heard about their curses, you're very lucky to have come away with a cat curse rather than being a nice addition to their garden.

[Maybe Elliot would be a pine tree, if his memories of him are anything to go by. Not that Jusis is much better, honestly. Anyway, he'll take pity on his friend and change the subject.]

You have a lovely home. And it seems like a quiet neighborhood.

[Elliot makes no mentions about the stuff lying around the place, focused on their conversation]

Good point. I've mostly learned to live with it, though it's been flaring up more recently for some reason- [He trails off, realizing that definitely counts as a "work" topic for Jusis] - which we can talk about later when you're working! Sorry!

[In other words, he's more than fine with the subject change. Not like he wanna talk about grading papers in his off hours]

Eheh, thanks Jusis. It's nothing fancy, but I'm fond of it. [He'll lead him to the adjacent dining room. It's mostly the same kind of deal furnishings wise, but there is a hotpot full of broth in the middle of the table, surrounded by various prepped ingredients.] Where are you staying? Got a place here or are you hoteling your stay?

[It's so surreal to not only have a friend, but for said friend to be not a work friend and comment on a cat transformation like it's an allergy. He shakes his head.]

No, it's fine. I'm sure this has been hard to deal with.

[Ugh, Jusis actually cringes because of how professional that sounds. They're fine. They're both fine. He follows Elliot to the dining room, and takes a seat. With a poker face that would make Crow proud, he casually reaches into his pocket and pulls out a travel sized bottle of Pepto Bismal to set next to his plate.]

The Order is helping me pay for an apartment here, as it happens. I felt that a hotel would be too much in comparison, and I don't know how long they want me here. Plus, if I happen to like it enough here, I may consider making this a more permanent residence.

[A pause and then a sigh.]

Though, the complex does get a lot louder on Friday and Saturday nights.

[Look, cat transformation curse or not, there comes a point in your life where you stop freaking out about it and it just becomes as routine as an allergy. Or Elliot's just dealt with so much weird stuff at this point he's desensitized to it all.

He'll take a seat as well, just in time to see Jusis bring out the medicine. He'd almost forgot about the joke- so seeing that Jusis actually went through with it? Makes him sincerely break into laughter]

Haha, wow! You actually got the stuff! I can't believe it!

[He's grinning, definitely amused. Good job delivering that joke Jusis. Crow indeed would be proud

But hey! Housing! It's nice to hear that Jusis has more permanent accommodations. He wonders what they look like. He does remember how...insanely huge Jusis's family manor was back in their past life. Though surely it isn't to that degree...]

Friday and Saturdays? Oh, are your neighbors party animals or something?

[This is completely fair.

Jusis seems a little proud of himself judging by his small smile.]

It wouldn't have been right if I didn't commit myself fully to the joke. I'm just glad I could find such a small bottle to get the job done.

[Elliot's reaction to Jusis living in a pretty modest apartment is going to be great when the time comes. It definitely doesn't suit the image he presents, that's for damn sure, and it's especially jarring with the memories of his past self.]

I believe it may be in part due to the proximity of the university. Fortunately, it tends to quiet back down at around 10, so truthfully I can't complain that much. [...] Well, not until I have to bring work home with me, but I can figure it out when I have to.

How long have you known Rean and Crow?

[Be proud Jusis! You did a good funny!

And yeah his reaction will be pretty big. He's already imagining something akin to a very rich person's place. Gold finishings and everything. ]

Ohhh, college student parties. My last place had that problem. I recommend getting some headphones that cancel out external noises and a relaxing playlist. [Of course his answer is music. It's always music]

Crow? I barely know him. Like I said, I just bought weed off him a few times in college. I haven't even seen him since I started getting memories back. [Is he openly admitting to crimes to his prosecutor friend? He sure is. He starts putting ingredients into the hot broth to get the meal started]

As for Rean ... we lived in the same neighborhood in New York during high school, but we went to different schools. Then I lost touch with him when I moved to Kaisou for college. It was only last February that we reconnected again.

[The bar is so fucking low and he's keenly aware of it.]

That sounds like a solid plan. I'll have to try that out. My work playlist will need to be updated, but that's easily manageable.

[There's some punk rock he's been meaning to listen to....

At least Jusis takes it in stride. He couldn't give a damn about weed laws unless he absolutely has to.]

I suppose that's better than gambling.

[The bar is so damn low.]

I see. I guess that leads into my next question well enough. How... Cautious should I be with him on how the two of us know each other?

[It'll be hard pretending that it's the first time ever meeting Rean, but he can manage. Somehow.]

Update your playlist huh? I can send you some recs!

[Prepare to get sent an absurdly long list of songs Jusis. This is the Elliot Craig way.

He gives a snort at the gambling remark. Look, we all know deep in our hearts Crow is still out there gambling. Because of course he is ]

With Rean? [He considers and gives a shrug] It's Rean, tell him whatever you want to tell him. He might not fully understand it, but I don't think he'll reject you.

Besides, he's with me... [He will point at his own cat ears] cat's kinda already outta the bag about paranormal stuff existing.

Edited 2023-01-10 21:02 (UTC)

[Elliot will be literally the only way he can ever hope to keep up with music.]

Thank you, I'd appreciate that, Elliot.

[The man's probably in Atlanta, if he didn't go to Vegas.

Jusis scoffs softly, though fondly.]

That's certainly true, and it's admittedly part of his personal charm. [Honestly, there's a reason Rean is the one who united them as a cohesive unit during their first year at Thors.] I just don't want to make it too awkward when I remember him, but he... Doesn't.

[Elliot will give a bit of a shrug and a smile]

Well, I mean it might be a bit awkward, but I think that's a small price to pay for having Rean around - don't you think?

Besides, even if he doesn't remember the past...you and him have lived whole lives here. You can try to start a friendship based on that. I mean, from what I can tell - you're a pretty cool guy.

[Well... He can't deny that Elliot is being logical about it.]

I suppose that's true. He certainly needs a second minder, just in case he gets another destructively selfless idea.

[Though, he's certain that Elliot has been doing just fine on that front. Still, Jusis does worry in his own way over the two of them.]

This is also true. Though, I must admit, I believe that's possibly the first time someone's said that about an attorney. Quite a historical moment.

Eheh, I wish I could disagree but...you're probably not entirely wrong there. If anything, him not being on the app might be a blessing...

[Rean can be a HANDFUL sometimes ok, as much as he loves him]

Really? Well, then that just makes you a trailblazer! A cool attorney!

That may be true. You, at least, I can trust to take care of yourself if things get dicey.

[His degree of worry for Rean directly scales with how many people that man "needs" to save.]

Heh, I'll take that.

[Oh, but that hot pot is smelling really good, now.]

Hm, from the smell of it, you seem to have kept your culinary skills on point.

I hope so anyway. I don't want to hold anyone back.

[Elliot no that's not what he means at all-

Speaking of the hot pot, the food should be nearly cooked now. He'll move to stir it a bit more and ladle up a bowl for Jusis]

Haha, sure did! Cooking is something I like to do for stress relief, so I guess it was only natural I improved...

[Considering how stress is an almost constant emotion for him. Yeah. He's a real ace at it]

[Dot dot fucking dot. Maybe Jusis will try out a pep talk. He's more used to demoralizing his opponents in the courtroom, but... guess it's time to learn how to use those skills to try to be more motivating.]

With how fully you throw yourself into any skill you have a mind to learn, I don't see how you could ever hold anyone back. Whether it's a new instrument, magic, or healing, your best always goes above and beyond. But if you feel like that's not enough, I'll gladly offer to be a practice partner.

[Though, mayyyybe not a music partner. For some reason, that thought fills him with immense foreboding.

Jusis takes the bowl with gratitude.]

I fear my own skills are only passable, which might be an improvement over my past self. Still, it's hard to find the time some days to cook for myself.

[-- Wow Jusis way to read him. Elliot is caught a little off guard and looks a little sheepish]

H-Hey, I thought it was Rean's job to get mushy! [GOSH! The smiles on his face does betray that he's flattered though ] Geez...thank you though. Maybe I'll take you up on the practice thing though.

[Not with music though, don't worry. He's burned enough partners through college to realize maybe most people can't handle him]

Eat a lot of take out, in other words? [Sounds about right...] And hey, at least your skills aren't as bad as Millium's! Did you ever recall any of her cooking?

Edited 2023-01-12 04:23 (UTC)

[When you smell blood but decide not to strike. Jusis has a deadpan expression on his face.]

His speeches apparently rubbed off on me. [Gross, feelings. Still, he's glad it seems to have helped even a little bit.] I'll ensure my schedule is free for you.

[At the question of eating take out, he has the decency to look aggrieved as he nods.]

Take-out, leftovers, frozen food... it depends on what I was able to prepare over the weekend.

[Millium's cooking... only one phrase is recalled about that, and it always fills him with dread, especially with how insanely cheerful she said it.]

'Death tolls in the thousands....' That's about all I remember, and perhaps that's enough.

Yeah, it sure seems that way!

[Don't mind Elliot, he's still working on accepting compliments. What is praise and acceptance???]

Oh, well that's not great....on the other hand, it could be worse. My coworker keeps insisting he can survive on beansprouts.

[Please eat real food Yusuke]

Y-Yeah it is. I got a memory of it after one of my students tried to cook me breakfast. [He sighs] Closest I've ever come to feeling what death is like.

[Jusis only understands this in a tsun way.]

He... what?

[Is eating beansprouts a new cry for help or a depth of weeb / otaku that he's wholly unaware of?

He winces a little in sympathy.]

That is... unfortunate. [Jusis looks away for a moment, as if in thought.] Hm... on thinking about it, the memories I have of Class VII are sparse on details, and a bit more jumbled in terms of timeline. Most of my memories are centered around my past life's family, which I suppose makes sense.

He only eats beansprouts that he grows. He's an artist, so I think he's trying to save money for art supplies. Which I somewhat get, but he takes it a bit far even for me...

[Even at his worst he still ate actual food!!! ]

Oh really? Yeah...I guess that does make sense, these memories seem to get triggered on similar stimuli, so if you spent a lot of time with your family... [yeah, that tracks why you'd remember them more]

Eheh, guess that just means you'll have to hang around us more and see what pops up!

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