sticksandbones | [netbook] birthdays!

[netbook] birthdays!

[Urbain needs some whimsy while he's working in the kitchen as full-time crashout staff (aka: making everyone meals and ignoring his own mental health as usual). And Genya just had a birthday, and Luca also had his, so hmmm...]

When is everyone's birthdays? I'll put them in my phone calendar and pray it works when the time comes lol

Luca is exempt from answering because he didn't like it last time I asked but the REST OF YOU are not bc I need something to do and an excuse to make more cakes and pastries and stuff

also why don't we have an air fryer this place sucks ngl

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[ Unlike before Muichiro now had the presence of mind not to blurt what came to mind at the description, and also... took note of how Kyojuro's hands form fists and his posture stiffened. That certainly is a response that gives an impression.

So Muichiro gives a nod, and lets the topic pass without prying deeper. He still wants to know more... but that might be a conversation for when Senjuro felt safe telling him as much. He at least understands it's involved now rather than garden variety insecurity. ]

I suppose then, I'll just have to keep at encouraging him in what he enjoys doing. Maybe we can find new hobbies together, too.

That... is a good idea.

[Slowly, the tension begins to ebb. It's easier to talk about just Senjuro, especially when it comes to his growth and development beyond everything else. But then, anything would be better than dwelling on the impact their father had on them.]

Know this, though. I gave him my blessing long ago to not pursue swordsmanship. Regardless of what he may believe, so long as he pursues what grants him happiness, the Rengoku name will not tarnish because of him, no matter what anyone has said.

To be entirely honest, lineage means little to me. I'd think the same of you both whether you were from a bloodline of swordsmen or not.

[ Hearing he was related to a demon... did not help his viewpoint on any of this. ]

... I know that you would do well teaching anyone, and that "talent" or not, he's likely more skilled than he thinks. It confused me why he dismissed himself so quickly. Not being a Hashira doesn't mean he isn't talented.

[ He shakes his head ]

But if he simply doesn't want to, that's his choice. I don't think less of anyone for making that choice.

Edited 2026-01-22 02:27 (UTC)

And that is a good thing! Blood should mean nothing. But...

[His smile is a sad one, even as he picks his words carefully.]

It is an immense pressure, knowing that your family had produced powerful swordsmen all the way back to the Sengoku era. Collectively, the Rengoku family has saved countless lives. Being young, being faced with that pressure... I can only speak for myself in saying that it was difficult.

I did all I could to save Senjuro from that burden. But even I know it was not enough. To say nothing of what came, ah... After.

[After his death, when both Senjuro and Shinjuro were faced with their own grief. He had not been there to be a buffer. He can only guess at how bad things were.]

My understanding is that he has sworn off trying to be a swordsman. And I could not be prouder. I do not want him to continue our line simply because it is his duty. I want him to grow into his own person, and lead the life he wishes.

As his friend, I only care that he knows his worth. Something like that is inherent, he doesn't need to be a swordsman.

[ Muichiro nods in acknowledgement. Maybe it would seem cold, but... part of why he took up the sword was so that others wouldn't have to. ]

If he's made that decision, then I'm glad. Maybe with encouragement the weight of that expectation will fade? We aren't in our world, after all.

I can only hope that your support, in addition to my own, will continue to bring that confidence out in him. To know that he is a capable lad, no matter what path he might choose to take.

[Seeing him occasionally dabble within the clinic, or even just burying himself within his books, has been a relief. The burden of trying to prove himself as a swordsman has been at least removed from his direct responsibilities, even if Kyojuro suspects it might yet weight on his mind.]

I truly do hope that will be the case. It may take time yet, but he is already well on his way to discovering that which he enjoys.

I can't remember much of what I used to enjoy doing. The last few years of my life have just been sword training. Not that I regret it, but I understand how it feels to be at a loss for what to do.

[ Especially since many adults don't seem keen on letting him help here. ]

... I think maybe it'll just take time. He's smart, he probably needs to work it out in his mind before anyone's words will reach him.

Then I am all the more glad that he counts you as a friend. If anyone can help him find himself, I think it will be you. Not that I do not plan on helping, of course!

[But he knows how high of a standard that Senjuro holds himself to. Just as he knows it isn't easy having someone like himself as a sibling. Kyojuro will never lament his talents, but he can acknowledge how difficult it must be, seeing how effortlessly he went about his affairs.]

But you are right. Time is also important.

You think so?

[ He seems a little surprised that Kyojuro is so sure he'll be able to help after admitting to being aimless himself... but maybe that was the point. ]

Is there anything else you can tell me about him?

[ look, he has totaly normal levels of interest in Senjuro. Even if he's incredibly cute. ]

Indeed! You have an idea of what it is like to find yourself after being lost. You may still be working on it, but you have become far more grounded than ever. You would be an excellent role model to him.

[Oh, the way Kyojuro's eyes light up at that question. He opens his mouth, absolutely eager to dive in... only to pause for a moment.]

I could! But... perhaps you ought to learn from him? That is part of building a friendship, is it not?

It is, but I think there's a place for learning from loved ones. There are some things the person themself might not mention. I did ask him what he likes and he answered pretty... vaguely.

[ in this case he thinks maybe Senjuro may just not think much of what few things do interest him. ]

I'm not taking shortcuts, I simply like talking about him.

Is that so?

[Kyojuro's eyes dance with a bit of amusement. You like talking about him, huh? He makes a note of that for later. For evil purposes, perhaps? Who knows.]

He enjoys studying new things, even if they may not be relevant to him right away. Reading about countries to the west, even if we did not met the means to travel there, that sort of thing. [The longer he talks, the more Kyojuro relaxes into something close to contentment. Muichiro isn't the only one that likes talking about him, apparently.]

Growing up, our father was terribly opposed to us having animals. But that did not stop him from tending to the local strays, or nursing young birds back to health. [Another pause as he closes his eyes, clearly recalling a fond memory.] Ah, and he told me he enjoyed dressing up in the realm he visited before this. There was something called, ah... Prom, I believe? A young woman took him to look for clothing, and he enjoyed being able to dress up. Unfortunately, he is a bit too practical to indulge in the habit himself, I think.

Edited 2026-01-25 19:04 (UTC)

He did mention a dance on a floating ship when we danced at the ball last month. He didn't mention a girl though.

[ A friend of his maybe? Innocent head tilt. ]

Maybe he'd enjoy visiting the tailor? I've been considering expanding my wardrobe a little. All I have right now are my uniform and the formalwear from the ball... I think that'd be a pretty good excuse?

Oh, yes! Angel, I think he said. She looked after him, and she and her husband gave him a place to stay during the winter!

[It had been relieving to know that someone was taking care of his younger brother, when he could not. Especially in such a strange and fascinating world.]

I think that is an excellent idea. That being said, you would have to be creative in how you phrased it! Ask for company, rather than getting outfits together. And perhaps then entice him, while you're there?

I was going to invite him for "a second opinion" since I don't know much about clothes or what would look good. I figure he might have fun making suggestions too if he has an interest in fashion.

[ He doesn't mind playing dress up doll. The girls probably dressed him up a couple times. He can't remember, but he wouldn't be surprised. ]

Animals, too... I love animals but with the ones around here being... the way they are, I'm not sure what's safe to interact with. I guess that's a question for someone who's been around longer?

A fantastic idea! I think you may be better at this than I am!

[Unfortunately, Muichiro makes a good point. Especially when such monsters could run about. He's marginally certain that the plantimals are usually a safe bet, but there were always exceptions.]

White Lily should have a good idea on which animals are safe. And if nothing else, you could visit the rabbit cafe?

That's true.

[ It's not the same as befriending wild ones, though. There's a certain level of satisfaction from gaining the trust of a skittish creature. ]

I'll ask her when I get the chance. We won't be doing very much while all this is going on, but it will be nice for after. He'll probably need something to unwind with.

I agree. It is better to plan these things out, and have an idea of how to stretch our legs once things have settled, I think!

[They'll all need something to relax over, once the horrors have ceased.

... They will cease, right?]

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[netbook] birthdays!

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