[mingle] the space (january).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably. Or did you get something back recently?

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble. It might've changed since the last time you saw it.

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin.

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[crudest]

[What the hell....

It's probably simple to think that Baren's confusion is over the situation, or the fact that his memories have been tampered with again - but it's also in some part to the fact that seeing this person unhappy in front of him, frustrated over memories out of reach, strikes some weird weird weird chord of deja vu and causes a weird ache that he can't quite place.

But he won't acknowledge that.

Instead he'll walk forward so he can lower himself to the ground in front of Marshmallow, offering his hands out to the doggo.]

... the timing's not great - but chill out, alright?

We probably know each other in some context, but we might be missing memories of each other or whoever else. Maybe we got sent on one of those weird missions of theirs and got memory wiped all together so it would've been more dangerous for us. Hell if I know.

But there's probably an explanation somewhere.

[So Baren is a brat, but he'd rather be a brat with a plan.]

[doublesmall]

[Marshmallow sniffs excitedly at his hands, licking at them before just shoving his big head right into them to ask for pets. Hello! Hello he missed you! Love him!

Chuuya just watches this happen as he listens to Baren speak, arms folded... and eventually he huffs again, giving his head a shake to try to clear it. He really doesn't want to admit it, but his thoughts say ugh, fuck, maybe he has a point. And something about that in itself feels a little familiar in a way he can't put a finger on, which is even more unsettling, thanks.]

-yeah, maybe. Whatever. I need a drink if I'm dealing with this level of fuckery again, are you coming or what?

[crudest]

[Baren's just going to huff out a soft laugh when Marshmallow barrels into him, giving him rubs and pets and scratching right where he wants to be scratched because regardless of what Chuuya says, this is his dog.

Which gives the fragment of the thought - Ah, that'll be weird to untangle...

But he doesn't elaborate further on what he's thinking about! Again! Instead he's just going to snort faintly and glance up at Chuuya because Baren always has a point. It's what makes him so annoying.]

Ohh? The owner of the Inkwell treating me to a drink? I'll have high expectations then.

[doublesmall]

Make them as high as you want, I'm not in the habit of letting people down.

[this cocky-ass little gremlin i hate him so much.

But he whistles for Marshmallow as he gestures for Baren to follow him, and the dog gives Baren's face a lick before trotting back to Chuuya, tail wagging. They don't sound mad, he is reassured.]

C'mon. I saw a bar, that'll be easier than dealing with the giant-ass bottles from the store.

[crudest]

No? Enough wine to fill a swimming pool sounds like a fun weekend to me - but as long as I get a free drink out of it, I guess I won't complain.

[for now, anyway?

regardless baren will follow, keeping pace and letting marshmallow walk between them, even as his hand will occasionally stray to give the dog a scritchscratch]

[doublesmall]

Eh, I tried it once, it really wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

[that time they were tiny had so many opportunities, some of them disappointing...

but ON TO THE BAR THEY GO, where chuuya inspects the bottles lining the wall with a hum. he refuses to just summon a fuckin drink.]

Alright-- what're you feeling? Or should I surprise you?

[crudest]

[the pride involved in this... but baren will go ahead and just help himself to a seat at the bar, clicking his tongue to encourage marshmallow closer to his side, reaching down to give him some more pets]

Surprise me.

[easily

but also - ]

And if it's not up to standard, you pay a penalty.

[hm]

[doublesmall]

[he wrinkles his nose a little bit as baren STEALS HIS DOG'S ATTENTION, but it's fine, he's busy, it'll keep marshmallow happy... why does he like this guy so much filters through, as marshmallow eagerly lifts his front paws up to rest them on baren's leg. hi, he is here.]

A penalty, huh... how do I know you're not just gonna say anything I make isn't up to your standards then?

[chuuya knows enough little shits who would do this!!

he sets to work anyway, though, apparently already having something in mind.]

[crudest]

[with a straight face:]

You're doubting me already? We just met - technically. I'll have you know I'm a very honest individual. ♥

[no]

[doublesmall]

An honest individual who's thinking about penalizing me if a drink I'm taking time out of my day to make for you doesn't meet whatever the fuck your standards even are?

[he doesn't believe this for a SECOND!!

anyway it's a bar so i assume there's also things like. lime etc to put into drinks. he's set aside tequila, some agave, some orange & pomegranate juice, & he's busy muddling the aforementioned lime with a jalapeño.]

[crudest]

I'm a fun very honest individual?

[ :^) ]

Hey, you're the one who wanted a drink. Not that I was opposed. But what, do you want me to pinky swear that I'll be on my best behavior?

[that's also not happening, but he is going to just. watch whatever chuuya makes for him]

[doublesmall]

I'm busy, I don't want a stupid pinky promise.

[his hands are full thank you!

the lime/jalapeño mixture is joined in its shaker by ice, the agave, tequila, and orange juice, while he pours the pomegranate juice into two glasses and adds ice to those as well. then the rest is strained in, and he slides a spicy tequila sunrise across to baren after a quick garnish, keeping one for himself.]

There you go. Tell me what you think, yeah?

[crudest]

Then I'm under no expectation to behave.

[LIKE HE WOULD'VE AGREED ANYWAY

but he is taking the glass and before he drinks - ]

Hey, pick something to cheers to.

[doublesmall]

Seriously? Well...

[chuuya hums to himself, idly swirling the cocktail in his own glass as he considers-- and then he raises it to baren's.]

To good booze-- and company that could be worse.

[you little shit.]

[crudest]

Presumptuous...

[Does he mean about the booze or the company - but he smirks a bit regardless and clinks their glasses together.]

Gotta admit it'd be hilarious if we were sworn enemies or something and we just forgot.

[but also he's drinking and doesn't seem mad about it!! but he's keeping his expression from giving away that he's pleased]

[doublesmall]

Eh, I'll just have to fight you later if that's the case.

[he takes a long drink from his glass, there, watching baren. yeah, it'll be a pain in the ass if they do turn out to have hated each other before, but...

well, he doesn't hate him now. he could have been enemies with literally anyone here and forgot, he can just make up for lost time if he figures it out.]

Well? Don't tell me you're going to leave me hanging.

[crudest]

Oh, you're hanging off my word now...?

[he's teasing but - ]

What if I said... seven out of ten?

[that's like

Just Insulting Enough]