sticksandbones | bark bark bark!!

Entry tags:

arknights: phantom

bark bark bark!!

Who: Beat + you
What: Beat says hi! Also WTF!
When: Leap Yeap
Where: The Network and the Grove
Warnings: lots of swearing, will change if more comes up

AIGHT YO who the fuck messed with the Fog this time it's fuckin BLACK I thought we was all agreed bout not messin wid it! weird as fuck even more so than when it was brown an no you cant blame me this time!! i aint do nothin!

[This is how this young adult writes I'm so sorry.]

but aight whatev so where is we this time like cool we get to ~~komuni~~ talk wid each other still but this aint dyster

lest i dont think

it dont smell like it

i mean it kinda do like it got that whole death thing goin for it but it also dont smell like uh stale

oh right aint no usernames wid this its beat yo shadow gal said to write in it to say hi who all here holla at me or come find me im at a well?

also man someone bring me a bandaid i got fuckin bit by something in the forest i dunno wtf is going this fuckin event but i might zombie i dunno

[ After scribbling all over the network Beat will just continue to sit where he sat, which is on the well. That's right, he plopped his ass right on the edge of the well. Do you want water? Too bad, tell him to move. He will then unceremoniously stuff his journal into his pocket the best he can by rolling it up, and sniffing the air. That sure is a fucking large ass werewolf just sitting there, trying to figure out where everyone is by sniffing the air. So even if you don't see his bullshit in the journal, you might run into him if you're trying to get water.

Come say hi, he's a good boy. Even if you don't, the moment he zones in on your scent, he might be locking eyes with you. Even if he can't see you, if he can smell you he's going to stare.

It's fine, that tail wag says he's friendly. ]

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[Is it the Shibuya symbol? Is it? Because he's quite distracted by the suddenly very naked werewolf standing right there in front of him thank you very much!!

Who is then running right for the river, whole ass entirely out. He. Oh. Okay.]

... well, that's one way to do it.

[As long as he gets clean, that's... what matters...??? Good lord.]

[He'll get clean! Have you ever seen a wet werewolf? It looks like he tried to drowned himself by the time he comes back.

Still naked, his clothes are damp still, despite his attempt to strangle the water out of them.

And at least this time he shook by the river side and not came over to shake. His teeth may be chattering.]

You ain't got like... able to magic up a hair dryer, is you?

[A wet werewolf looks very... sad. Somehow sadder than a wet cat. Maybe it's because it's Beat, though. Dogs don't usually look this pathetic when soaking wet.

Though, the height makes him anything but pathetic. It's just the overall effect.]

Hmm. Maybe, maybe not. I haven't been able to conjure anything fancy, so you may have to do with a towel.

[He's not even going to try for the hair dryer, though. He just straight up creates a towel. But hey, it's a big towel, bigger than most bath towels, even, and it's very fluffy. It gets handed to Beat without much fanfare.]

If you need another, there's more where that came from.

[He is the most pathetic, saddest boy. He shook but he is still wet. Josh save him. Josh. Save him, Josh, he's cold. The towel will be taken so gratefully and he begins to briskly rub himself down, trying to dry as much off as possible.]

God yer b- a lifesaver. [Oops almost called him beautiful, can't do that, can't scare him away. His tail wags as he dries down, before his tongue lolls out happily in a pant.]

I think that should be aight. Prolly should hit up the inn an' sit near the ... the fire place. [Grimace.] Dry up the rest of the way. How you doin', by the way? I know you mostly whole but like... do you gotta eat now?

[Focus on his not-husband, ponder him. Nakedly.]

[What was that? Was there a word almost there? Hmm. Surely it wasn't what he thought it was. It was an altogether different word that starts with B, wasn't it?]

I am feeling very benevolent today, yes. You're welcome, by the way.

[Mm, warming up by the fire doesn't sound too bad, though. And he does need to check in on his little friend... He tips his head just slightly, as if pondering the idea. Not that he needs to think it over very thoroughly, of course. Their investigation can pause for a little while longer.]

Warming up wouldn't be a bad idea. [The question makes him pause for a moment, though, with one eyebrow lifting.] I do seem to be stuck in a physical body, so yes, I have to eat. Not that that's a problem.

[It's the other human needs that are a problem. Eugh. He doesn't like thinking about it.]

[He knows exactly what Josh is thinking when he says it's not a problem. Because Josh had the same issue before, forced into a physical body. He heh's softly, laying the towel around his waist to tuck it in so he's not flashing anymore.]

You eaten yet? I learned how to cook in the other place. I ain't the best still, but I can do some dishes. Inn kitchen got some stuff we can throw together.

[The ones Josh himself helped him with. The recipes from their cook book. Each one tried together. The ache in Beat's chest takes him a little by surprise. Josh is standing right in front of him, but he's a million miles away. Guess he didn't bottle it up as good as he thought.

And how does he know the Inn kitchen has stuff? Cause he smells it. Delicious food.]

C'mon, O' Benfevolent [Beat you just heard him say it] One, le's go snack on shit for bein' a buncha good boys who [wag wag wag hehe he is a good boy] made a Goddess a bit better.

Edited 2024-03-07 04:52 (UTC)

[... what. Beat can... cook? There's a part of that that is somehow deeply terrifying, but also... intriguing? Not even in the "hey do you want to go see a dead body" kind of way, but a genuine personal interest. It sounds like something that Beat really enjoys doing. That he could go from his state in the original Game to this...

Josh sighs, but it's a kind sigh. It comes with a slight shake of his head and a tiny hint of a smile if you squint at the corners of his lips.]

Well, alright. I guess I could go for something to eat, if you're offering.

[Beat can see that smile because he's trained to see it, and it makes his tail wag more. Good. He'll walk towards the Inn, his damp clothes over his shoulder and towel around his waist.]

Damn right, yo, I'm offerin'! Maybe we can get some fish from the river, if there ain't any stocked, an' I can try to make ya some Boobielays.

[The Husband-In-His-Head snorts to that word and he makes a face, muttering but loud enough for Josh to hear.]

No wait, I know how to say it. Boozy... Bayleafs... No... C'mon, yo. Boobie- no that's the same thin' I jus' said. There ain't no boobies in it, yo!!

[If Beat is headed to the inn, Josh will follow. After all, there is now the promise of food. Possibly entertainment. Though, honestly, if Beat does a well enough job, that's all the entertainment he'll need.

He's right with Beat conversationally, right up until that one word that makes him stop in his tracks. Boobie...lays? Boobielays??? What does that mean--]

I'm sorry, what--

[But he's cut off by Beat's attempt to correct. Boozy. Bayleafs. His mind sets to work trying to decipher this... strange language, brow furrowed and eyes lowered. What in the world is...

But then he makes the connection. "Boobielays". Fish from the river. Seafood. Beat is trying to say--

Josh snorts. He can't help himself. But rather than a "wow you said that so horribly wrong" snobby sort of snort, it's... a laugh. The ridiculousness of it has bled through to the point that it's just funny. My goodness. Boobielays?]

Bouillabaisse. Which there are certainly no boobies in, yes.

[Wow. Immediate mood improvement? It's a miracle. There's even a sparkle in his eye.]

Didn't know you knew how to make something that fancy, let alone know what it is. Very impressive.

[The laugh makes him huff loudly, but his tail is wagging and his ears are gently back. It's a Josh laugh and it warms his heart so badly.]

Yeah, yo. That shit. I dunno if I know how but it's my fav dish an' I bet I can!! Boo-

[Oh for fucks sake he just heard it. Josh just said it. Beat goes absolutely silent and still, staring off into the distance, his eyes unfocused. Somewhere a bird chirps with a song that warbles a little too strangely.

Finally, he whispers:]

Booyababies?

[That's not it, he knows it's not it, but... fuck it whatever.]

Booyablazes is the best, yo! Fish soup!!

[Oh. Oh, there it is. Another attempt. Despite everything, Josh finds himself suddenly paying far more attention than he had before, waiting with bated breath to see just what Beat comes up with next. He could peek, of course, but where's the fun in that? The sense of suspense?

Luckily, he's rewarded. Greatly rewarded at that. The second the attempt leaves Beat's lips, he gets another very clear laugh-snort in response. This one is somehow even better than the last. The confused whisper of two brain cells desperately trying to remember a word.

Booyababies. There's a fun ring to it. Like a ¥100 snack at Moyai Mart.]

You have good taste. If you ever decide to try to make it, I'll volunteer as your taste tester.

[As though he won't be right there watching everything happen.]

[Ugh his heart. His Josh, forgive him, but you're cute no matter what universe you're from. Beat tries so hard not to give Josh the softest look, but it slips out a little anyways. Doting. Gentle.]

Hell ye, yo, I'll make sure it's great. I know yer fav's too, so I can try an' get ingredients fer those.

[Pickled Plum Onigiri might be impossible to make for the dog, but there are other dishes Beat knows Josh will find delight in. Tail wagging, he turns to keep going to the Inn or he'll continue to stand there and stare at Josh with love in his eyes, and he knows that's going to put the other off.

So he sort of maybe jogs his way there.]

[So long as it's only a quick slip, it's easy for Josh to ignore! Beat just sees a different him for a moment, that's all it is. It's not directed at him at all.

Jogging is probably a good choice, then, since any more prolonged expressions of fondness in his direction might indicate otherwise! Don't want that! Can't have that!

Not that Josh is fond of jogging anyway. But it's easy enough to just... levitate, just a couple inches off the ground, for a quick and effortless way to catch up.]

Oh? You know my favorites, hm? Enlighten me.

[Beat how well do you really know him--]

Well. You like coffee in the mornin', yo, an' you like it fresh brewed, no shit that's been out the night before. You like umeboshi everythin', tho onigiri is yer go to snack. You share my love of the definitivo chili dog, yo, an' we spent a lot of time tryina perfect it an' I think we did.

[He sounds so proud of that, honestly. Chili dogs made with love.]

I know you like shio ramen, yo, I know you like booyablaze too. There's a lot of ramens you like actually. [His tail is wagging.] An' I know you like foe grass cuz we had it on a date, you liked the pineapple upside down cake I made fer yer birthday, you like some bento boxes. Neither of us like ice cream really, yo, 'specially the soft stuff you get from the machine.

[Stopping at the inn door, Beat opens it and steps aside for Josh, beaming, tongue lolling.]

I think you like milk in yer coffee too, but I'd often drink from the milk cartoons in my sleep, so I dunno how much of it you actually got.

[... oh. And here Josh expected obvious things. That he likes ramen, maybe, or coffee. Not how he likes his coffee or what multiple kinds of ramen he enjoys, let alone his choice of konbini snacks or that his tastes often lean toward the pricier things.

It could all be clever guesses. Japan is the home of ramen, it's a good guess that someone might like multiple types. Coffee is a popular drink, and milk is a common addition. He had talked on the network about not liking soft serve because of how cheaply made most of it was, and even if Beat wasn't around to see it, someone might have mentioned it.

But no. It's all too spot on. Beat isn't one to just make targeted guesses like that. Beat has committed this all to memory, plus things he's never honestly done. Foie gras on a date. Pineapple upside down cake on his-- on his birthday.]

... you really do know.

[It's a soft murmur, said as he realizes he's paused in his forward movement, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully at the lolling tongue emerging from that fuzzy snout. These are all things that... well, no one knows, to his knowledge. Maybe a scattered fact here and there, but to know all of it is...

Terrifying. It brings that tight feeling back to his chest again. Beat loved this other him enough to memorize all of these things, when he can't even say bouillabaisse correctly immediately after hearing it said the right way.

It's not him. He's not that Josh. But, in terms of taste, he's the same.

The door is open, and it's still chilly outside, so he won't linger long. Clearing his throat and putting up the casual veneer once more, he drops back to his feet on the ground, moving past Beat to the warmth of the indoors.]

Well. Knowing all of that, I expect you to do a bang-up job, then. Don't disappoint me now~

[His ears perk to the soft murmur, but since the words aren't really directed at him, he doesn't respond. Instead he just wags his tail against the door and waits for Josh to decide to come inside. He knows what the other may be feeling. No, not may. Is. If this Josh is just his Josh without memories, he knows he's feeling... known. And it's scary and frightening.

And not just known but placed in a slot of importance in someone's life.

Hmmmm.....

Beat steps in after Josh, closing the door behind them and then moving to sling his clothes over one of the chairs, pushing it towards the fireplace at arms length so they dry. Then very cautiously sit himself close enough for the heat to get to his fur but far enough away it can't get him.]

Heh, how hard can booyalazy be, yo? It's fish soup!

[Covering up the feelings of discomfort at being known and cared about is all par for the course. There's really no need to acknowledge them, so why should he? Curiosity killed the cat, and now he's burying that life and continuing on with the next. Finding out that Beat knows him so well was an unintended result and there's nothing to be done about it now. It's a net gain, really. He's obtained a Beat that knows how to cook and knows his tastes. It's a net win.

He's noticing that hesitance around the fire, though. Hm. What happened there?]

It isn't hard at all, really. The most time consuming part is the broth, and even then it can be made fairly quickly and simply. Tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and various seafood scraps useful for making stock, and you should have everything you need for a good soup base in thirty minutes or so.

[Which he... hm. He might be able to conjure those things up. If Beat really wants to try.]

Ye! Easy as shit, even I can't fuck it up.

[Yes he can. He wiggles his toes to the fire. Baked beans. And he'd never ask Josh to do that, he's already pondering what the Inn kitchen might have, cause he can smell stock in there. Mmmmm.]

I betchu I can make you somethin' else too.

[He lays on his back to give Josh an upside down grin, his tongue creeping to his ear from the dangle.]

I wonder how much meat they got here.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Mistakes can happen anywhere.

[Especially in the kitchen. Luckily, bouillabaisse is fairly simple... But he wouldn't say you can make it blindfolded.

Though, if Beat could, he'd be impressed.

The additional comment catches Josh's attention, and he turns, glancing down with eyebrows raised. A brief flicker of a cat-like curiosity.]

Oh? And what would that be?

The fucks chickens got to do with boobielays?

[Silly Josh, he's not making chicken soup!.... He has a feeling he knows that saying but he's forgotten it, hm. Oh well. Doesn't matter. Chicken doesn't go in fish soup.

He wags his tail to Josh's question.]

It's mostly what I eat, yo. Ima big dude, I need a lot of meat, plus I go through it pretty fast if I don't get my uh... other food source.

[Human.]

An' it can kinda hold off the urge if I pack enough in. The rawer, the better.

[Oh boy.]

It's a saying. Just because you have ten eggs, that doesn't mean they'll all hatch and you'll have ten chickens. So, don't assume you'll have ten chickens before they hatch. Don't assume everything will go well before you actually do it. Plan for the worst but hope for the best.

[Maybe it'll stick! Maybe it won't. He'll see either way.]

Hm. So you're going to need a pretty big stock, then. Probably best to conserve what there is, so whatever you're thinking of making, it's probably a good idea to keep the meat for yourself. Unless you can go hunting, anyway, but I'm not sure I'd trust that from what I've been hearing.

OH, shit yo, why don't peeps jus' say that last bit. Yeah, I hear ya.

[ It sounds like something the black hole static in his brain would say. Not Nanami, the other one. The one he knows he forgot. Tucking his arms under his head, Beat relaxes by the fireplace to continue drying. ]

... Ye, peeps pretty damn adamant [ he... he says it as adam ant ] 'bout not going into the forest. So... huntin' prolly gonna be off the table fer me which ain't good, but that jus' means s'much fish as I can get. ... Uh. I don' actually know a recipe for boolyababies...

[Oh? Did it work? Josh tips his head curiously, watching the werewolf as he leans back to dry off.

If he needs to eat certain things and doesn't have a strong enough food supply... mm. This could be dangerous, potentially. Whatever that other world did to him, it messed with him beyond comprehension. Beyond what even he is capable of, normally. He'll have to keep a close eye on things.]

Well, then, we'll just have to find enough fish. The last thing we want you to do is starve.

["Adam ant"... really.]

It's easy enough. Just start by finding tomatoes and seafood scraps. I'll help, if you like.

[ It'll work for an hour, but no longer. He wiggles his toes, then spins himself to dry his head, frowning thoughtfully. ]

Shouldn't be too hard, yo. Ima great hunter.

[ Except he's gonna find out about the whole river guardian shit and be like hm, you gotta return the bones. Sad.

Plus he's uh. Big dog. Fish are fast. He scratches his chin and closes his eyes, relaxing contently. Having Josh with him like this is just... home. He can pretend. ]

Tomatoes an' fish scraps, yo. Got it. Gimme a bit, then we can totally scrounge some shit up. I smell veggies in... I guess the kitchens direction? Prolly stuff there. Tomato and fish. [ .... ] Ain't that a gaysnatcho. [GAZPACHO.]

Mm. I'm sure you are.

[And it isn't even said in a sarcastic manner. The sentiment is completely serious. Beat is a very large, very... effective-looking dog. He's already seen some instincts at play. He can only imagine that Beat had no problem feeding himself in that other world.

Hmm. Does it count as cannibalism if you're no longer human?

"Gaysnatcho" briefly startles him from his thoughts, brow furrowing as Josh blinks and looks back at his companion. Gaysnatcho? --oh.]

Gazpacho. [It's a gentle correction, though there's a curl of his lips as he says it. Gaysnatcho...] It's close, but no. The difference is, bouillabaisse is French, contains seafood, and is served warm. Gazpacho is Spanish, is made solidly of vegetables and herbs, and is served cold.

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soundsurfing - 2024-03-18 09:29 (UTC) - Expand

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