voice| on the other (octopus) hand

[ohrlyeh]

[Usually Howard interacts with the network through text, since he's nervous of using any other format, but this time, his deep and weary voice can be heard.]

Um. A question out of curiosity, I-I suppose. If you've "received" a physical change through Retrospec, what was it? If you've received several, what is the worst one...?

[There's the sound of something falling off a table onto the floor. He lets out a shuddering sigh, his tone slightly exasperated.]

Yeah. [A pause.] Before I forget, I need someone who can go out and get some groceries for me. I'll pay you for it. I just don't feel like going outside for a while. I-I'm fine...really...............

[ooc: somebody's got tentacle hands now. life is fun!]

Comments

[ohrlyeh]

I know about the eyes, but...your hair?

[White hair? That's an odd color...and with his two-toned eyes...]

Like, naturally white? Not dyed?

[beneathmoonlight]

Naturally white.

[He sends a picture.]

I don’t know why there’s only one stripe.

[ohrlyeh]

Oh dear. I mean, it's not half bad on you, but that seems...random, to have as a natural hair color, especially at your age.

Maybe you have two-toned hair? Like your eyes...

[beneathmoonlight]

Maybe. It’s kind of ridiculous, but at least it’s all cosmetic.

You didn’t...get another change, did you?

[ohrlyeh]

That's true, you can be happy with that.

And me? [There's a clear instant of him holding his breath here.] Uh. No.

[He's a bad liar.]

[beneathmoonlight]

[Atsushi doesn’t buy it, but he won’t push.]

Oh...

Well. Just know you can tell me if something is wrong, okay? I won’t judge you for it.

[A pause.]

Do you still need groceries? I can pick up whatever you need.

[ohrlyeh]

...I know. But you've seen so much already.

[A shuddering sigh.]

Uh. Actually, could you bring me something from your bakery?

[beneathmoonlight]

Oh, sure! What did you have in mind?

[ohrlyeh]

A croissant with chocolate icing inside of it...I know you make them sometimes. I've been craving one for a long while...

[beneathmoonlight]

Sure! I can do that!

Is it all right if I head over now then?

[ohrlyeh]

Yes.

[Wait..............................his hands are tentacles. How is he supposed to let Atsushi see this?]

Actually, uh, I can't let you into my apartment. I mean....well, I'm sick. And it's a mess, but...I'll be glad to see you.

[beneathmoonlight]

Oh...okay. That’s fine.

[Howard pls. Has Atsushi ever rejected you because of your changes? Silly goose.

Eventually he makes his way to Howard’s apartment, basket of goodies in hand. Inside are a dozen of the croissants Howard requested, freshly made that morning. He knocks on the door, hoping that he can at least catch a glimpse of his friend.]

[ohrlyeh]

[The door eventually opens, but only slightly - a part of Howard's face can be seen peering through the crack, his dark eye moving down to stare at the wonderful goodies his friend has brought.]

Atsushi. [He's not opening the door further.] You...you brought a lot. That's really nice of you...

[beneathmoonlight]

Yes...

[Atsushi knows that Howard said he was sick, and he really shouldn’t pry, but he can’t help wondering if something else is amiss here.

He glances at the basket, then back up at Howard.]

Do you...want me to leave it out here?

[ohrlyeh]

...Yes.

[He knows this looks strange. He's not even opening the door with his hands (he has none), so just him poking part of his head out must look like quite the image.]

I just don't want you to get...sick. [A bad attempt at a lie.] Sorry.

[beneathmoonlight]

...okay.

[Atsushi has no idea what to make of this, but he should...probably just leave, right? He sets the basket down by the door, looking unconvinced as to the reason behind Howard’s sudden reluctance to show himself.]

Howard-san...you don’t have to hide from me, you know.

[Atsushi gives him a sad smile.]

I won’t barge in, but I just wanted you to know that.

[ohrlyeh]

...I know.

[When he was recovering from a hangover, eyes gone, put in the position of finding powers alien and strange to him, and Atsushi had held him close, comforted him in such a dark time.]

[He casts his gaze down, feeling guilty.]

I don't want to burden you, Atsushi. [A pause. He seems to be trying to find words to say.] You don't deserve that.

[beneathmoonlight]

You’re never a burden, Howard-san, I promise.

[That’s the truth, but still, Atsushi won’t pry.

He makes sure the basket is out of the walkway before giving Howard a little bow.]

I’ll let you rest, Howard-san.

[He turns to leave, adding one more thing over his shoulder.]

They’re really good if you try heating them up for thirty seconds in the microwave.

[ohrlyeh]

...Atsushi, wait.

[Comes his voice, suddenly timid, behind the other - Howard shrinks back into his room, only his eye visible. This is stupid. He should let Atsushi go.]

Can you...can you turn on the microwave for me?

[This is...so embarrassing. But now that Atsushi mentioned it...]

I know it sounds strange, but, I...I can't turn it on by myself.

[beneathmoonlight]

Huh?

[Atsushi honestly isn’t expecting Howard to stop him, but he immediately turns around and comes back to listen.

...what??

Atsushi is so confused, but Howard needs his help for whatever reason, so he can’t possibly refuse.]

Um. Sure...

[Atsushi stares at Howard for a moment.]

Can I come in?

[ohrlyeh]

...Yes.

[There's a sigh from him, defeated. To hide this is just...ridiculous. Atsushi will see it eventually. Feeling a growing sense of shame, he steps back from the door, opening it wider.]

You can come in. [A beat, as he moves further into the apartment.] Please...please don't scream.

[Since, you know, when Atsushi enters, the apartment floor is practically covered with tentacles of different sizes, twisting and winding all over themselves.]

[beneathmoonlight]

[Atsushi isn’t sure what he’s expecting when he enters Howard’s apartment, but it sure isn’t this. His initial reaction is his eyes widening in shock, and he nearly drops the basket of croissants out of sheer surprise, but no screaming happens.]

Howard-san...

[Oh, there’s a tentacle stuck to his ankle...

This is...strange...but somehow Atsushi isn’t afraid.]

How long has this been happening?

[ohrlyeh]

Since this morning.

[He moves to sit on the couch in his living room - he sounds helpless, like a child who has accidentally spilled their glass of milk all over themselves.]

I can't even type.

[beneathmoonlight]

Oh...

[Atsushi, despite being shocked by all this, wades through the tentacles to pop a couple of croissants in the microwave, because that’s what friends are for.

It only takes about a minute for them to come out piping hot, and Atsushi brings them over to the couch and sits next to Howard.]

I’m so sorry...I had no idea it was preventing you from leaving your apartment.

[ohrlyeh]

Yes, well, I can't...go out like this, can I?

[Just dragging his tentacles behind him...that's quite the sight. He gives the croissants a good few minutes to cool down, though a few tendrils are already wrapping around the coffee table legs.]

Can you imagine walking down the street like this? People would see me as a freak.