Empatheias IC inbox

[ryuwrighthistory]

Use this for any IC one-on-one contact, messenger birds and finishing any loose ends at empatheias

Comments

voice

[abwehr]

[ THIS IS A BIT AWKWARD. Apollo doesn't exactly remember what happened during the whole Aiada situation but he knows it was bad. Trucy told him he'd been mean and the look on her face had demonstrated that it wasn't just a minor incident. Now he's left in the uncomfortable position of trying to remember who he spoke to. A few faces have flashed back into memory, two of them he certainly won't be contacting to apollogise to anytime soon, but the others he owes an explanation. ]

I think we should probably talk.

voice

[ryuwrighthistory]

...Justice-san? [Well let's be awkward together.] Um...sure. I mean, yes, probably.

[He might sound a little apprehensive, even though he knew Apollo was fine now, that what happened last month was not really him.]

Text

[spiritedafey]

*****SURPRISE beautiful person!!!!!***** Its a beautiful day! Send dis to 5 beautiful friends within 5 minutes or you will be cursed with ugliness forever!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Text

[ryuwrighthistory]

[??????]

Maya-san, what is this?

Christmas

[bewrightback]

[Phoenix deliberated it a bit, but he ultimately had a Christmas package sent to Ryuunosuke and Sherlock's bachelor pad for Christmas Day. He felt like he owed something to his ancestor and might as well honor his famous roommate too.

Ryuunosuke gets some ancient thick law book that Phoenix managed to find at a book store. Also, each of them gets an ugly Christmas sweater and a vintage bottle of very fine... grape juice.

Merry Christmas?!]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Naruhodou had not considered doing anything for Christmas this year, it was not a tradition Japan normally celebrated, and not in this world either. Having not expected anything on Christmas day, he was surprised to find a gift from Wright, for both him and Sherlock. It was a pleasant surprise at least and left him with a smile as he muses over his gifts. Just how old was this law book??

He felt a bit of guilt though, that he didn't have something to give in return. And thus this was how both Naruhodou and Sherlock ended up knocking at Wright's door, wearing those sweaters and him holding the grape juice. He could have just thanked Wright through the amulet, but he felt that was a little impersonal.

...He probably should have checked that he would be home beforehand.]

Ennea 25 ♥

[spiritedafey]

[Christmas morning, a mysterious box is delivered to Naruhodou's front steps. There also seems to be a note on the box for him!]

Dear Naruhodou,

Hey grandpappy! Just kidding! I wasn’t sure what to get you for Christmas, but at least now you can finally taste some rainbows! Merry Christmas!!!

Love,
Maya

[Within the medium-sized box, there are a bunch of sweets and treats from Theasthai. There are some rainbow lollipops, cotton candy, and some chocolates. She remembered that conversation from several months ago, and how he lost that lollipop. Hopefully this will make up for all of that. At the bottom of the box, though, there is another wrapped package. Inside, there is a black apron and written across it in big red letters is:

OBJECTION!

With another short note.]

For when I can finally taste your cooking! ;)

[Voice]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[E-Even more gifts...! He really was not prepared for this, and felt guilty that he didn't have at least something simple ready. So the best he can do is call her up to thank her.]

Good morning Maya-san, and Merry Christmas! I received your present and wanted to thank you for the gifts...ah, and also apologize for not having something prepared for you today. I'm sorry.

voice

[spiritedafey]

[It's during the later hours of the morning Naruhodou receives a voice message from Maya. Her voice is uncharacteristically scratchy and tired, and she may even accidentally transmit some feelings of panic and sadness.]

Naruhodou? Are you there? Please say yes. [There's a very quick pause.] I need your help...

voice

[ryuwrighthistory]

[The sudden feelings of panic brought a chill down his spine. It's the first thing he receives before he actually hears Maya.]

Maya? I'm here. What's wrong? Are you all right?

[messenger bird/early April]

[staredown]

[Maybe Naruhodo looks out his window in time to see it, but Abi's little pet bird is leaving him a letter. Abi's tried to wait for the dust to settle both from the proceedings themselves and from Shin-Ah's rounds, but really, proper thanks have waited long enough. Enclosed alongside the letter is a few packets of tea leaves, that are supposed to be calming and stimulate brain activity. Addressed to Master Advocate Ryunosuke Naruhodo, the letters reads:]

I have been very dilatory in expressing my gratitude to you, sir, and that obliges me to apologize as well. I could never have hoped to be so well represented. Both your professionalism and your cognitive dexterity went a long way toward easing my mind, even if that did not always manifest in my countenance. That you managed to do so well even with myself standing in your ways speaks to your talent and you have my thanks.

If ever I hear of anyone needing your services, I will recommend you first, absolutely. If ever you have need of my powers in some future case, please do not hesitate to ask; I would hope that everyone be given the same courtesies and respect I was shone in this land.

Thank you again,

Abi

action, 9/2!

[spiritedafey]

[Unannounced visits aren't typically out of the ordinary for her. She would often bring sweets from the bakery to her friends when she took some home, and today is no different. The only difference is that she is carrying three boxes in her arms as well as another two in a bag hanging from the elbow of her other, and they're all filled with treats for Naruhodou and Sherlock.

Charley and Tofu are with her, both of them sitting on the front step behind her as she kicks the door with her foot to knock, unable to hit the doorbell.]

Naruhodoooouuuuu~! Are you home?

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Wagahai is first at the door, sensing all the commotion on the other side. It made her just a little uneasy, whatever was waiting on the other side. She looks at Naruhodou with concern as he comes walking to door, confused by the pounding. He's not really dressed for the day just yet, still just in a dress shirt and casual pants.

Upon seeing through the peephole who it is, he's both happy and even more confused.]

M-Maya...? [He says as he slowly opens the door.] And Charley-san and...who is this one again? [He'll remember Tofu sooner or later. He should probably help her with the bags, but he's kind of busy wondering why she brought a party.]

Mystery Gift - November.

[empc]

[ When Naruhodou wakes, he will find that his crystal is glowing! His emotion drops for the month of Octha have resonated with Empatheias' giant crystal, and a reaction has been formed.

By his feet, he will find a blue tennis racquet. When holding it, Naruhodou will find the urge to shout and he will have the excitement to do almost anything - even things he normally wouldn't do. The effect disappears when he isn't touching the racquet. Huh... how odd.

(Thank you for submitting to the Emotion Tracker!) ]

action, 12/6 (dgs2 spoilers ahead)

[exchangeable]

[ Today in Verens, there is a very . . . strange newcomer stumbling through Verens. The Disciple grits his teeth as he trudges down the streets, trying not to let the pounding in his head disorient him too much. He'd seen it then, he'd seen— something that stirred up whatever it was that was now causing a great deal of pain in his skull. And then he looked up and his surroundings were different — everything was different.

Old Bailey. He'd just have to get back to Old Bailey and get a better look.

Of course, nothing around him looks quite like the London he knew — or, at least, the London he'd come to know over the past few months trailing in van Zieks's shadow. The Disciple frowns, lifting a hand to his head again, as if that will lessen the pain or tell him something. Silently, he wanders the quarters of Verens, sticking to the shadows as best as he can and craning his neck at buildings here and there. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[The Disciple's wandering will take him down the neighborhood of Naruhodou and Holmes' residence. The door to their home opens with Naruhodou exiting, looking a little disgruntle. Holmes' mood has not improved much since his return and he needs to resupply on food and cleaning supplies, maybe a dryer or fan considering how everything keeps getting soaked by Holmes' man-made rain.]

Wonder if there's a way to put an umbrella on his head....? [He's looking over his list, not looking where he's going and ends up getting his foot caught in the crack of the pavement and starts to fall.] Uwah!!

action

[exchangeable]

[ While Naruhodou is out for a lovely surprise, Asougi spends most of the afternoon cleaning the attic up. Sorting through the clutter takes the bulk of his time, though he eventually manages to get it to something a bit more manageable. Anything that's clearly junk and unuseable has been placed in a box near the door to Naruhodou's room — Asougi's not-so-subtle way of saying "you deal with this." The rest of it gets sorted through slowly.

Eventually, when the attic is at least noticeably cleaner than it was before, Asougi stops to take a break, sitting on the couch with his journal. He doesn't even look up when he hears Naruhodou eventually return. ]

So? What was the "surprise"?

[ryuwrighthistory]

[The moment Naruhodou enters, there's a noticeable shift in the temperature, a comforting warmth radiating through the room. Someone was clearly in good spirits, he doesn't even notice things have been moved around in the attic just yet. He remains at the foot of the stairs as he tries to find his words.]

I...I was knighted. [He says it as if he was still in disbelief himself.]

later in the day, 12/25

[exchangeable]

[ ON THIS FINE HOLIDAY, Asougi is sitting in Naruhodou's room, on the edge of his bed, arms crossed and staring at the door. Sitting next to him are three wrapped gifts — a long box, a tin, and a smaller box.

He may or may not be tapping his foot impatiently. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Naruhodou had other friends to deliver gifts to ok? So maybe it takes him a bit of time to return to his room that day. He was ready to lay down in bed as soon he was back home though, having been on his feet for most of the day. What he wasn't expecting, was to find his best friend sitting on his bed when he entered his room.]

A-Asougi? [He looks to him with a start, then he notices the gifts beside him.] ...Oh, did you receive some gifts too? I'm glad to see you've made some friends already!

Christmas

[manasponge]

[ For Naruhodou, Marcille would leave a neatly wrapped dinner containing ribeye steak and truffled potato gratin, along with a bottle of wine.

Congratulations on your knighthood! It's so nice to meet someone so level-headed and conscientious.

By the way, if you see any stray chicken feathers on Mr. Sherlock, I wouldn't ask him about them.

-Marcille ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[The card from Marcille gets his eyebrows raising. What's this about stray chicken feathers? She said not to ask, but that only makes him want to ask more.

...Well, maybe he'll make a decision after sampling this dinner she had prepared for him. Like seriously, this is amazing!]

12/25; messenger bird

[novility]

[ On the day of Christmas day, a bird flies over to Naruhodou, bringing him a neatly wrapped present dressed up in blue paper. Inside there's a stylish carry on bag and a homemade christmas cake inside a white box. There's also note tucked in with his presents. ]

Merry Christmas, Naruhodou-san! May you have the grandest holiday.
From, Sonia Nevermind

12/25

[princesswhatshername]

[Here's another gift via bird! This time when he opens the package, inside is a somewhat stylish hand mirror along with a hand-knitted black scarf with his name in gold. It's hideous, but Minnie did her best. And the card?]

Merry Christmas! Please use this to see all the wonderful qualities you have ♥

Love,
Princess Minnie Mouse.

12/25

[oathkeeper]

[Christmas gift delivery! Sora leaves a wrapped gift box full of meats, cheeses, spreads and holiday cookies and a leather-bound notebook. There's a card attached!]

Merry Christmas, Naruhodou!

-Sora

Mystery Gift - December.

[empc]

[ When Ryuunosuke wakes, he will find that his crystal is glowing! His emotion drops for the month of Ennea have resonated with Empatheias' giant crystal, and a reaction has been formed.

By his feet, he will find a box of bacon toothpaste. Please brush??? your teeth! Do not swallow the toothpaste.

(Thank you for submitting to the Emotion Tracker!) ]

12/25

[lightthedarkness]

Waiting for him come Christmas morning is a bag of cookies. Attached is a simple note:]

Happy holidays!

Love Usagi

1/9

[exchangeable]

[ January 9th never used to hold any significance for him, but ever since his memories returned to him, the date has loomed large in Asougi's head. Only a few others had really stood out before — the date his father left for Great Britain 16 years ago, the date of his mother's passing nearly 10 years ago — but this was different, somehow. It's not every day that you get to 'celebrate' the day of your own passing after all, even if it all turned out to be one huge farce.

It goes without saying that it's near impossible for him to sleep that night, with that on his mind. He wakes up just past midnight, eyes straying towards the window to confirm that it's still dark outside and not even remotely close to morning, and then he sighs deeply. For the next hour, he changes his position again and again, trying to settle back in so he can close his eyes and drift back off to sleep. It's stupid for him to not be able to. Eventually, he sits up, rubbing at his forehead in annoyance. He pauses, hand drifting down and around to the back of his neck for a moment. It had long healed up, leaving only a scar as a reminder of what had happened. With a soft grunt in frustration, he stands, lowering his hand and going out of his room to sit in the main room in the attic for a bit. If nothing else, Asougi could distract himself with a book for an hour or two until he feels ready to fall back to sleep again and promptly ignore the date altogether. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[As Asougi walked out to the main room, the door to Naruhodou's room opens. Looks like he wasn't going to be getting much sleep tonight either. He was coming out to get some air, maybe make some tea when-] -Oh!

[There be Asougi in the main room. For a split second he looked thoroughly shocked and confused. It's as if he had seen a ghost, like he was having another dream that his friend wasn't...he shakes his head, frowning. He's alive, it's just the day messing with his sense of reality right now.]

action

[exchangeable]

[ He hadn't intended on coming back this late but then again, it had seemed like an easy enough task and one that would net them a lot of sylvs at that. At least the latter had been true. Still, while it wasn't strange for him to be out at night — with a quick word, a casual "I'll be back," or something — even this was pushing it for him. Asougi sighs as he approaches their home, tugging his cloak off and wadding it up. Most of the blood on it had dried by now and at least mostly blended in with the material. As for the rest however . . . with a frown, Asougi shakes his head and tugs his gloves off, then glances down at his outfit. His sleeves had flecks, hints of what had happened, particularly on his more exposed right arm. As for his slacks, they were in better shape in that there was more dirt and mud splattered over them than blood, aside from the hint of it here and there. At least nothing had been torn and he hadn't suffered any real injury.

Slowly, Asougi sits down on the steps, removing Karma from its sheath. He eyes the blade quietly; though he'd tried to wipe off as much as he could right after the fact, there was still some dried blood on it. Pulling out a cloth, he begins to clean the blade, brows furrowing in contemplation. Nothing had happened; he could probably go in quietly and not have to say a word about any of it. He lost track of time, it's fine. But then again, hadn't he promised Naruhodou that he'd try and be more open with him? That he'd trust in him more? He makes an irritated noise at the back of his throat at that. Yes, he had, but he can also see exactly how this conversation would go — Naruhodou would be upset at the hints of blood on his clothing (and at that, Asougi reaches over to fold the cloak over his gloves, hiding any remnants as best as he could), unhappy that he'd gone off without a word about it, probably not happy about how late he'd been out, and so on. He pinches at the bridge of his nose. In all honesty, he can't . . . really blame him, at the end of the day. Their separation had been a terrible thing, but it had been much worse for Naruhodou than it was for Asougi, a fact that he's slowly beginning to realize as the days pass.

Despite his better judgment, Asougi finally decides to reach out to Naruhodou, giving him a quiet telepathic nudge through the crystals. ]

I'm back. I'm outside, I'll be in shortly.

[ He then purses his lips, bracing himself for the inevitable. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Naruhodou was in the kitchen of their home when the message reaches him. It had gotten rather late, but Naruhodou held onto that trust that his friend would return, that he's fine. So he never pressed, but as the night got longer, he had to find something to keep himself busy, reading, figure out new sewing techniques, whatever to keep his worry at bay. Hearing his voice after so long was a wave of relief. Though there was something a little unsettling about how quiet he was. And why was he taking his time coming inside?]

Are you all right? Where have you been? [He's working to get his dinner onto a tray, deciding he'll bring his dinner to him. Wagahai was already pawing at the front door, sensing, or smelling someone on the other side of that door.]

action.

[exchangeable]

[ There had been a mini explosion of small plush toys in the Bakerstreet flat. But then again, to Asougi, a "mini explosion" is more than three or four, so that's probably not the best way to classify it. Still, it's something he notices after not too long, finding one downstairs, a couple more in their office, and even one on the stairs that was likely discarded there by Wagahai at some point. He picks that one up, frowning, and then wanders around in search of Naruhodou, holding the plush up once he finds him. ]

Naruhodou. Where did these come from and why are they multiplying?

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Naruhodou can be found on the floor in the office upstairs, dangling another one of plush toys on a string for Wagahai to play with. Unlike the others that were clearly round cat plush, for some reason this one was a cat with a turtle shell?]

Eh? Oh, I made that one, and the others too. [He says it matter of factly, like it was obvious. Go get it Wagahai! She's doing her best to smack the turtle cat down with her paws.]

2/14

[exchangeable]

[ It's something he spends a good week feeling cagey about. The "holiday" isn't something they even celebrate back home, though it had been in Great Britain. He recalls reading about racey Victorian letters being sent off with ridiculously high postage over half a century before, something that still makes Asougi roll his eyes upon remembering. Big, grand declarations both were and weren't his thing — that is, they were when they were generalized, but something like this was different. It was more personal, and that he kept closer to chest.

So he quietly looked into the various traditions celebrated by people around Verens, both native and otherworlders alike. And what he gathered was . . . a bit embarrassing, if he's being honest with himself. But he also felt the need to do something, if only because it was as good of a time as any to test the waters.

. . . And also, a part of him kind of wanted to see how Naruhodou would react.

Flowers get nixed almost immediately. They're wasted upon Naruhodou and Asougi isn't the sort to give them out to begin with. Chocolates . . . well, it may not be the most proper gift for a man where they're from, but it's the best thing for Naruhodou given that Asougi knows his best friend is basically the equivalent of a human garbage disposal. He picks out something similar to what Naruhodou had received for Christmas — less seasonal, of course, but nice, since he knows he'd enjoy it. The box itself, however, is professionally wrapped, topped with a beautifully tied bow. The note takes longer, though. Asougi goes through several drafts, crinkling them up and tossing them in the trash out of annoyance after scratching out elaborate note after elaborate note. Eventually, he just writes out in English to decrease the likelihood of his handwriting getting recognized: "For Naruhodou — ." Nothing more, nothing less.

Satisfied, he steps out early on the morning of the 14th, leaving it at their doorstep, then immediately heads back in and back up to his room. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Naruhodou had far too many other things to concern himself with today than some holiday about confessing love and all that junk. He wasn't expecting anything anyway other than maybe exchanging chocolates between friends. The holiday just never meant much to him.

There was a different special occasion to prepare for today as it is. The Baker Street home was expecting a new resident, so he's been busy making sure he had all the necessary supplies for their new feathered guest. As he returns with the last of the supplies he needed, he stops on the steps when he noticed a small rather well wrapped box in front of the door.] Hm. . .? [It hits him then what today was and that makes him even more confused by the gift. He comes up the steps and kneels down to pick up the box. It was addressed to him, but there was no sender's name on it. He frowns. Immediately the first thing he thought was that this may be one of Holmes' pranks, although, he didn't put his name down this time. Hrm. Well for now, he'll put the box into the bag and head inside.

Once he puts down the bag in the living room area, he picks the box out again. He turns it over a few times, eyeing it suspiciously and then decides to head upstairs to check with someone.] Hey, Asougi? Are you home?

early march.

[exchangeable]

[ The weather hasn't been too great around Verens for the past few days and yet, Asougi had gone out and about to do whatever tasks and odd jobs he could, generally keeping busy as he tends to do these days. So busy, in fact, that he doesn't quite realize just how tired he is until he slows down, pausing here and there to wipe at his brow. It's later in the day when he makes it back to the Bakerstreet flat, sitting on one of the couches once he's removed his boots and everything, and throws an arm over his face, covering his eyes to rest for just a bit. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Wagahai is the first to come and greet Asougi when he settles on the couch. She could tell that something wasn't up and presses her body against him, purring. There are sounds coming from the kitchen, Naruhodou likely preparing dinner. When he heard the front door though, he'll appear in the living area, one baby chocobo on his head and a tray with tea in his hands.]

Ah, welcome home. Are you finished for today? [He hasn't noticed anything was wrong just yet.]

[exchangeable]

[ It's typical for them to spend the night in bed together, sprawled over each other in some fashion. At one point during the night however, Asougi pulls away from Naruhodou, murmuring softly under his breath as he rolls over and curls up on himself. He practically hugs the edge of the bed as he shifts away from his partner, brows furrowed just a bit in his sleep. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Naruhodou can sleep like a log on most nights until his head starts giving him unpleasant thoughts. Usually there's a warm body he can cling onto when it gets bad, but no matter how much he reaches, there's no one there. Now panic starts to sink in as his mind couldn't tell what's real and what's a dream. Was his best friend really gone? There's a bit of movement as he rolls in bed, finding no comfort in whatever position he was in. He's not here afterall.

His breathing became shallow, as he curls up on himself. Whispers started leaking out from his mind and his lips, saying the same thing over and over.]
Where are you?

Please don't go.

I'm sorry.
[Each time it repeated, it came with more intensity until it was a jumbled mess. The only thing that could be made out was "I'm sorry", over and over. Meanwhile the room was becoming foggy, with frost starting to form at bed frame.]

text!

[torsion]

[ Nothing like starting off meeting someone the awkward way, Jill still figures the immediacy of trying to contact via crystal versus a physical note is better off. ]

Hey, is this Naruhodou?

[ryuwrighthistory]

Yes?

Who is this? [Is he in trouble with someone??]

Action | 04/15

[greatestdefective]

[These past few days, the Zephyras Flower Festival has been happening in various locations of this world. Holmes has never had a particular interest in it- not in the previous years, nor right now. Sure, it's a good opportunity to see Arehtei up close and observe local customs. Sure, a festival is meant to ensure a fun time. Trouble is, flowers are not the only focus of Zephyras. All the emphasis on couples- on finding a partner- inevitably hits a sore spot every single time.

He's spent most of his time actively avoiding the festivities and instead being holed up inside the house in an attempt to distract himself. It isn't working, though. By the time Naruhodou returns from the third day of Zephyras, he'll find Holmes seated on the floor before the coffee table- if indeed one can call it being seated. While his butt and legs are undoubtedly touching the floor, his upper body is sprawled all the way across the table, arms dangling off the other side. Half his face is hidden from view behind his bicep, the other half hidden by the mess of his hair.

Is he sleeping? Nope, because he sure is sighing very loudly.]

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaangh...

[Also, there's some murky fog swallowing up most of the floor, so there's that.]

[ryuwrighthistory]

. . .That was quite a sigh. [Holmes doesn't even need to sigh for Naruhodou to immediately notice his poor detective friend on the floor, looking rather dejected. Sighing himself, he comes over and sits on the floor beside him.

It puts a gift bag in front of him. Inside he'll find a small container of emotion induced tobacco of the calming kind, and a bottle of red wine.] The floor isn't the best place to sit, you know. . .