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]

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.

[beneathmoonlight]

I wish I could say that’s not true, but people are cruel.

[It’s not reassuring, but...]

The people that matter would never think that of you, Howard-san.

[There’s a tendril wrapping around Atsushi’s foot, but it almost feels like more of a hug than anything.]

Maybe...you can learn to control it eventually?

[ohrlyeh]

...I suppose so.

[The tendril just sort of rests around his leg - if Howard is conscious he's doing it, he doesn't say a word.]

Maybe. If I could control my eyes changing, then I can deal with this. But it would probably take time.

[beneathmoonlight]

It might, but I bet you can do it, Howard-san.

[He reaches down to gently touch the tentacle around his leg. It feels like you’d expect.]

You could multitask a lot with these! Imagine how many cats you could pet!

[ohrlyeh]

...

[He straightens. He actually hadn't thought of it that way.]

[The tentacle wraps around his hand, like he's giving it a handshake.]

You're right. I could pet... so many cats...

[beneathmoonlight]

Right?

[Howard could multitask a lot of things!]

I bet the croissants are ready to eat now!

[But Atsushi will wait until Howard has one first. It’s only polite.]

I’m glad to see you’re okay, though. I was worried because you seemed extra quiet.

[ohrlyeh]

[Of course he'll have one. And of course, they're always delicious - he leans back, letting out a very pleased noise.]

Well...I've been dealing with a lot. [He chews some more, his expression falling.] You've...seen what I have to deal with.

[beneathmoonlight]

I know.

[Atsushi takes a couple of bites before continuing.]

I know it’s easy for me to say, but you don’t have to hide your changes from me. I promise I won’t think any less of you because of them.

[ohrlyeh]

Really...?

[That gets him to look over at Atsushi, his eyebrows raising in slight surprise.]

I mean, thank you, but...uh. What if it...gets too much?

[beneathmoonlight]

Too much?

[Atsushi shakes his head.]

You’ll always be Howard-san to me, no matter what.

[ohrlyeh]

Even if I...

[He swallows.]

Even if I don't look anywhere near human anymore?

[beneathmoonlight]

Even then.

[If only Atsushi knew what was in store for himself in the future.]

I don’t mind staying for a bit, if you’d rather not be alone during this.