[ If he could, Shinjiro likely wouldn't leave his room much for the whole week, if given the opportunity. It's too cold, his chest aches, and the first time he felt something touch his hand out of nowhere he nearly jumped out of his skin.
Unfortunately, a man has to eat. And with the ever-familiar ache in his bones and telltale chills, he knows better to stay out of the kitchen.
So, he shuffles into the cafeteria today, with the point of relief being there's not many bodies in it for the time being. This does mean there's somebody, though, and he very pointedly does not look at the older man as he resists the urge to click his tongue. ]
...Mornin'.
[ Maybe he can get through this without incident, and Urianger will either not notice or pay no mind to the paleness of his features and faint rattle in his lungs. ]
[Urianger's here with a book and some breakfast, similarly trying to fend off the chill of the outdoors. It's just that, though- the cold. He's not feeling particularly ill.
So when he sees Shinjiro come in looking like death warmed over, he can't help but feel concerned.]
Good morning to thee as well, Aragaki. Art thou feeling unwell?
[ Ugh. He should have known. There's a few people around here who'd likely mind their business, but he wound up with one of the ones who wouldn't.
Shinjiro's face pinches in response, exhaling sharp in a way that makes his chest hurt. He could lie, but even he knows he looks like shit. Might as well just bite the bullet. ]
Nothin' new. [ Technically. ] Me and the cold don't mix. That's it.
[ Which is why he looks like the Chill Got Him instead of Him Getting The Chill. ]
[ ...He doesn't think he's ever gonna get used to the way this guy speaks.
The brief pause makes him hope that's it, but that gets dashed the moment the book closes. Shinjiro's features twitch in a way that seem distinctly unsure, sinking his cold hands further in his pockets as his brows furrow.
Ugh x2 ]
I ain't gonna stop you or anything. [ Because that'd just make him a hypocrite. ] But you don't have to go outta your way for me. I can just do it myself.
He's right on the resting part, but you gotta eat, even if you're sick. He doesn't know the people around here enough to cave and ask for something like that, and even if he did, he'd still hesitate. ]
It's not like it's a long trek. [ Thank god, honestly. ] And everybody's got their own stuff to deal with these days.
[ The question makes him pause, but the burn of his throat speaks for him. ]
...Ginger's fine.
[ The taste of peppermint would be dicey with porridge, anyway. ]
That may be true, but the winds have a way of blowing one off the beaten path. This I know firsthand.
[It sucked, Shinji. It sucked so bad.
However, he supposes he can't blame Shinjiro for being reluctant to reach out. Not everyone has close connections to another in this place- someone they can be vulnerable enough with to ask for help when ill.]
Well, I am happy to set aside mine own plans to assist thee this morning.
[Ginger tea it is! He'll start on it right away.]
Hast thou been dealing with this since the start of the week...?
[ His first foray before he'd managed to get his gloves and scarf has been...less than ideal. He's of the personal opinion the sitting room might need a heater, or ye olde fireplace.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really matter where he is; he could be back at the dorm with Akihiko and Mitsuru a few doors away, and he'd still probably not reach out unless poked. ]
A guy with a lot of free time on your hands, huh. [ A bar stool is slid onto. Shinjiro was going to pick a booth at the edge of the room, but it's warmer here under the lights, and he's already been caught. ] Pretty much. The sudden drop in temperature didn't do me any favors.
[ ...Plus, he hadn't been deteriorated this bad last winter. He'd knew it'd be nasty, but... ]
Unfortunately, there is only so much to be done outside of investigating.
[So, yeah. He's got a lot of free time. Sometimes way too much. At least the books keep him busy enough.]
'Twas indeed a stark drop. I, too, was ill-prepared. Thancred did find me trudging through the snow for some proper winter clothing. 'Twas a blessing that I did not also fall ill.
[ The door to the witch's lair does not quite swing open on it's hinges as it does slam, the impact probably rattling a few books off the neat stacks on the floor nearby. They probably fare better than the person who stumbles in dripping rainwater on the floor, of course, damp hands groping for the door handle and...very clearly failing.
Shinjiro looks awful, to say the least. A little like a drowned rat, with all the water streaming off his wet outer clothes not helping, and visibly stressed.
If there's anyone here, he doesn't notice; he's too busy cursing under his breath as he inches across the floor almost cautiously as he tries to close the door behind him. It's a Task. ]
[It's very difficult to miss the sudden commotion at the door. Urianger startles from whatever book he was reading further into the lair, and immediately rises to his feet to see what's going on.]
Shinjiro?
[There's a concern in his voice that Shinjiro has likely become all too familiar with. He quickly leaves his book behind to attend to the boy. Shinjiro seems to be struggling with the door...ah.]
Thy vision hath left thee, I presume. [What terrible timing. Thank goodness he at least found shelter.] Twelve forefend, but thou art soaked to the bone... Pray, shrug off thine coat and I shall fetch thee a warm blanket.
[ He jerks in surprise at the call of his name, but that familiar archaic way of speaking registers pretty fast. He's not sure if he's relieved or exasperated, because he's sure they've been in this situation before somehow. ]
Augurelt-san?
[ Normally, he'd protest somewhat. It's his nature! But everything is black, he's wet and cold, and there's that frayed tension that even the return of his control couldn't heal up completely. After another moment of groping for it, he manages to grasp the doorknob, before letting out a breath that seems far shakier than he'd like. ]
...Thanks. [ An awkward step as he stumbles to close it, sound of rain drowning out to faint taps against the roof. ] Sorry about this.
[ This is a different coat from he's used to, his red one still with Nala, so he fumbles with it as he stays where he is to avoid tripping over anything. After he tugs his beanie off, because it sure it soaked. Oof. ]
Thou needn't apologize. And thou mayest address me as Urianger, if it pleaseth thee.
[Not that he minds the formality, but Shinjiro really doesn't have to with him anymore.
He quickly makes his way over to Shinjiro.]
I shall relieve thee of these... [He takes the coat and beanie, and finds a spot for them to dry before returning to reach for Shinjiro's arm.] May I guide thee to a seat?
[ Addressing someone older than him by first name feels...weird, but he supposes that's probably normal to them, huh.
Rainwater drips down his face from his damp hair as he hands over the articles, shoulders relaxing now that there's not that heavy dampness weight weighing him down. He's still kinda wet, but better, at least.
Shinjiro does his best not to flinch at the touch he couldn't see coming, and is only mildly successful. ]
Alright. [ He shifts, awkwardly. ] Not like I wouldn't embarrass myself if I did it alone.
[ That just earns a headshake. Nobody really expects anyone they know to go blind randomly, so not his fault. ]
I know.
[ A click of the tongue as he looks(?) away. No one would blame him. Even so, he doesn't want to embarrass himself all the same.
After all the time he's spent shrugging off help, it just feels...off to be lead around. Helpless? It leaves an unpleasant taste in his mouth, even if he knows it shouldn't. He's not supposed to be the one who needs help.
Still, he's quiet as he gets shuttled towards the table, and hesitates for only a second before the scrape of the chair behind him feels safe enough to sit. Once he is, he finally lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding, running a hand through his wet hair. Give him a second. ]
[Urianger responds as he leaves the table in search of a blanket.]
'Tis one of the new locations- a study for researchers of magick. Many of mine hours have been spent here since I chanced upon it.
[Aha, there's a blanket! Tucked away in a corner with another pile of books, but it looks in good condition...though it might smell a little musty. Oh well, better than nothing.
He returns to drape it over Shinjiro.]
Didst thou lose thy sight whilst out in the rain...?
[ Nothing for him to do but sit here, huh...he'll gently reach out and feel the table?? Oh, there's more books here. Figures. ]
How many studies do we even need...? Pretty sure there's more books here now than anything else.
[ Not that he's got anything against them, but isn't there like...four? He's not the type to sit surrounded by books, so they're never really on his frequent list. Plus, he's not doing a whole lot of reading now to begin with.
With the approaching footsteps stopping so close, he braces himself this time, but the thick weight that settles over his shoulder is nice. He reaches up to grip it and pull it around himself a bit more, although he frowns. ]
...Yeah, I did. I was headin' somewhere else. [ Anywhere else, after, well. That. ] Anybody gonna complain I'm getting this thing wet?
[ A familiar head of red hair flashes in his mind.... ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WEEK 2. TUESDAY
Date: 2025-11-18 09:29 pm (UTC)Unfortunately, a man has to eat. And with the ever-familiar ache in his bones and telltale chills, he knows better to stay out of the kitchen.
So, he shuffles into the cafeteria today, with the point of relief being there's not many bodies in it for the time being. This does mean there's somebody, though, and he very pointedly does not look at the older man as he resists the urge to click his tongue. ]
...Mornin'.
[ Maybe he can get through this without incident, and Urianger will either not notice or pay no mind to the paleness of his features and faint rattle in his lungs. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-18 10:34 pm (UTC)So when he sees Shinjiro come in looking like death warmed over, he can't help but feel concerned.]
Good morning to thee as well, Aragaki. Art thou feeling unwell?
[Mission failed.]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-19 02:58 am (UTC)Shinjiro's face pinches in response, exhaling sharp in a way that makes his chest hurt. He could lie, but even he knows he looks like shit. Might as well just bite the bullet. ]
Nothin' new. [ Technically. ] Me and the cold don't mix. That's it.
[ Which is why he looks like the Chill Got Him instead of Him Getting The Chill. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-19 03:09 am (UTC)So it seemeth. I am sorry to hear that the sudden coming of winter hath stricken thee so.
[After a moment of thought, he closes his book shut.]
Might I prepare some tea for thee? 'Twould do wonders for thy inflammation.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-19 10:12 pm (UTC)The brief pause makes him hope that's it, but that gets dashed the moment the book closes. Shinjiro's features twitch in a way that seem distinctly unsure, sinking his cold hands further in his pockets as his brows furrow.
Ugh x2 ]
I ain't gonna stop you or anything. [ Because that'd just make him a hypocrite. ] But you don't have to go outta your way for me. I can just do it myself.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-19 11:35 pm (UTC)'Tis no trouble, I do assure thee. Thou shouldst be resting as much as thou art able. 'Tis a shame that thou didst trek through the cold as it is.
[How is Shinjiro gonna get any better if he keeps exposing himself to the elements?!
He gives the young man a glance as he makes for the kitchen.]
Dost thou have a preference 'twixt peppermint or ginger?
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-20 03:16 am (UTC)He's right on the resting part, but you gotta eat, even if you're sick. He doesn't know the people around here enough to cave and ask for something like that, and even if he did, he'd still hesitate. ]
It's not like it's a long trek. [ Thank god, honestly. ] And everybody's got their own stuff to deal with these days.
[ The question makes him pause, but the burn of his throat speaks for him. ]
...Ginger's fine.
[ The taste of peppermint would be dicey with porridge, anyway. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-20 04:02 am (UTC)[It sucked, Shinji. It sucked so bad.
However, he supposes he can't blame Shinjiro for being reluctant to reach out. Not everyone has close connections to another in this place- someone they can be vulnerable enough with to ask for help when ill.]
Well, I am happy to set aside mine own plans to assist thee this morning.
[Ginger tea it is! He'll start on it right away.]
Hast thou been dealing with this since the start of the week...?
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-21 04:33 am (UTC)[ His first foray before he'd managed to get his gloves and scarf has been...less than ideal. He's of the personal opinion the sitting room might need a heater, or ye olde fireplace.
Unfortunately, it doesn't really matter where he is; he could be back at the dorm with Akihiko and Mitsuru a few doors away, and he'd still probably not reach out unless poked. ]
A guy with a lot of free time on your hands, huh. [ A bar stool is slid onto. Shinjiro was going to pick a booth at the edge of the room, but it's warmer here under the lights, and he's already been caught. ] Pretty much. The sudden drop in temperature didn't do me any favors.
[ ...Plus, he hadn't been deteriorated this bad last winter. He'd knew it'd be nasty, but... ]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-21 05:46 am (UTC)Unfortunately, there is only so much to be done outside of investigating.
[So, yeah. He's got a lot of free time. Sometimes way too much. At least the books keep him busy enough.]
'Twas indeed a stark drop. I, too, was ill-prepared. Thancred did find me trudging through the snow for some proper winter clothing. 'Twas a blessing that I did not also fall ill.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-11-22 09:39 am (UTC)[ While there's a pause, it's only to cough a few times into a clenched fist.
At least the story makes it easy to pretend it didn't happen. ]
Waters did? [ Always where someone needs him, apparently. ] I'm more surprised you didn't freeze in that get-up. You must have some stupid luck.
WEEK 4. MONDAY
Date: 2025-12-03 07:48 am (UTC)Shinjiro looks awful, to say the least. A little like a drowned rat, with all the water streaming off his wet outer clothes not helping, and visibly stressed.
If there's anyone here, he doesn't notice; he's too busy cursing under his breath as he inches across the floor almost cautiously as he tries to close the door behind him. It's a Task. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-03 11:42 pm (UTC)Shinjiro?
[There's a concern in his voice that Shinjiro has likely become all too familiar with. He quickly leaves his book behind to attend to the boy. Shinjiro seems to be struggling with the door...ah.]
Thy vision hath left thee, I presume. [What terrible timing. Thank goodness he at least found shelter.] Twelve forefend, but thou art soaked to the bone... Pray, shrug off thine coat and I shall fetch thee a warm blanket.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-04 12:21 am (UTC)Augurelt-san?
[ Normally, he'd protest somewhat. It's his nature! But everything is black, he's wet and cold, and there's that frayed tension that even the return of his control couldn't heal up completely. After another moment of groping for it, he manages to grasp the doorknob, before letting out a breath that seems far shakier than he'd like. ]
...Thanks. [ An awkward step as he stumbles to close it, sound of rain drowning out to faint taps against the roof. ] Sorry about this.
[ This is a different coat from he's used to, his red one still with Nala, so he fumbles with it as he stays where he is to avoid tripping over anything. After he tugs his beanie off, because it sure it soaked. Oof. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-04 02:20 am (UTC)[Not that he minds the formality, but Shinjiro really doesn't have to with him anymore.
He quickly makes his way over to Shinjiro.]
I shall relieve thee of these... [He takes the coat and beanie, and finds a spot for them to dry before returning to reach for Shinjiro's arm.] May I guide thee to a seat?
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-04 02:50 am (UTC)Rainwater drips down his face from his damp hair as he hands over the articles, shoulders relaxing now that there's not that heavy dampness weight weighing him down. He's still kinda wet, but better, at least.
Shinjiro does his best not to flinch at the touch he couldn't see coming, and is only mildly successful. ]
Alright. [ He shifts, awkwardly. ] Not like I wouldn't embarrass myself if I did it alone.
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-04 03:22 am (UTC)No one would blame thee. [He fully takes Shinjiro's arm.] But this will guarantee thy safety, at the very least.
[With that, he brings Shinjiro over to one of the chairs at the table in the midst of books and other magical curiosities.]
Hither.
[He lets go and positions the chair so the boy can sit safely.]
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-04 04:09 am (UTC)I know.
[ A click of the tongue as he looks(?) away. No one would blame him. Even so, he doesn't want to embarrass himself all the same.
After all the time he's spent shrugging off help, it just feels...off to be lead around. Helpless? It leaves an unpleasant taste in his mouth, even if he knows it shouldn't. He's not supposed to be the one who needs help.
Still, he's quiet as he gets shuttled towards the table, and hesitates for only a second before the scrape of the chair behind him feels safe enough to sit. Once he is, he finally lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding, running a hand through his wet hair. Give him a second. ]
...Where are we, anyway?
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-04 04:48 am (UTC)'Tis one of the new locations- a study for researchers of magick. Many of mine hours have been spent here since I chanced upon it.
[Aha, there's a blanket! Tucked away in a corner with another pile of books, but it looks in good condition...though it might smell a little musty. Oh well, better than nothing.
He returns to drape it over Shinjiro.]
Didst thou lose thy sight whilst out in the rain...?
(no subject)
Date: 2025-12-04 07:30 am (UTC)How many studies do we even need...? Pretty sure there's more books here now than anything else.
[ Not that he's got anything against them, but isn't there like...four? He's not the type to sit surrounded by books, so they're never really on his frequent list. Plus, he's not doing a whole lot of reading now to begin with.
With the approaching footsteps stopping so close, he braces himself this time, but the thick weight that settles over his shoulder is nice. He reaches up to grip it and pull it around himself a bit more, although he frowns. ]
...Yeah, I did. I was headin' somewhere else. [ Anywhere else, after, well. That. ] Anybody gonna complain I'm getting this thing wet?
[ A familiar head of red hair flashes in his mind.... ]