locumstudentesquire | GEN. OPEN POST

[He... doesn't know how to react to the question. He doesn't remember anyone asking him something like that before. Will he be alright? It seems like an inane thing to ask. He's not even sure what "alright" is supposed to mean.

In truth, this is the first time he's even wanted to speak to someone he isn't allowed to--he's been content to move through London like a ghost, waiting for something to happen to tell him why he's supposed to be here. (He tries not to think that it may have been meeting Naruhodo.) It's never really felt like a punishment before now. It's not exactly like he has friends he would talk to if he could.

But now--

No. He isn't going to think about how he already wants to see the man again.]

I've managed so far. I'll be fine. You should return to your lodgings before night truly falls.

[Ryunosuke doesn't look very convinced of that, the way his dark eyes are still studying the masked man with concern. Though at his suggestion he should get to safety for the night he can't quite help the sardonic grin that spreads across his lips.]

Hah. Twice this week I've been threatened already... What are the odds of my getting jumped a third time?

[...OK, Bad joke. The odds are actually probably pretty good, knowing his famously bad luck.]

Erm. Well... If you do find yourself in need of someone to talk to... I'd be glad to hear from you again.

[He wants to ask why, but he knows why.

Naruhodo believes he's his dead friend. He very likely is Naruhodo's dead friend. But is this a situation he wants to encourage? Where would it end? Would he try to dissuade Kazuma from his mission if he knew about it? Would he distract him into blowing his cover and losing everything? Maybe it would be better for Naruhodo's friend to stay buried. Kinder. He doesn't even know if he can be that person anymore.

Or maybe, a stray thought begins, he could help you try to figure out what your mission is in the first place. And below that, what he still doesn't want to voice: he doesn't want to lose this fragile connection, either.]

I... I go out at night sometimes. [Even as the words are coming out of his mouth, he can hardly believe he's saying them.] If you had somewhere to meet...

[Truth be told, he was kind of half expecting to be shot down at the suggestion... It's both a surprise and a delight that he isn't.]

I... Hm. Actually, I might have an idea of just the place. Have you heard of McGilded park...?

[It would be ridiculous for Ryunosuke to try and claim that his suspicions around the man's identity didn't factor into his suggesting they keep in touch... Though he does feel rather conflicted and somewhat ashamed about those motivations. It'll eat at him later on tonight, when he reflects on the situation. Even if he's right, and it turns out to be his friend's face behind that mask... Without his memories, is it really Kazuma? Or is it a complete stranger inhabiting a familiar body?

That said... The potential connection to Kazuma may be the initiating reason for reaching out, but it's far from the only reason. Ryunosuke feels a strong sympathy for the man and his situation now, too. He's not sure exactly what van Zieks and Stronghart are playing at, but... What he's heard tonight doesn't sit well with him at all. It's infuriating to think that, even if he wasn't honor-bound by his word to keep this a secret, he STILL wouldn't be in any position to confront either of them about this. It seems the least he can do is try to provide some sort of outside support to the man.

...Lastly, it must be acknowledged that, with Ms. Susato back in Japan, he's been sorely missing having the company of someone whom he can converse with in his first language. It'll be good to get back to that, he thinks.]

Everyone's heard of McGilded Park.

[His flat tone says: I'm amnesiac, not stupid. But he does see why Ryunosuke made the suggestion. He pauses, mulling over options. There's... really no reason not to meet this very night; it's not like he has plans. It's just that, without a purpose to them meeting, he doesn't know why he should be so eager about this.

He'll figure that feeling out when he gets there, he decides.]

Midnight tonight, then, if you can make that. Will you be all right out that late? Do you know how to use that? [He nods at the sword strapped to Ryunosuke's waist. He hadn't used that the other night, but that didn't have to mean anything.]

['Everyone's' heard of it? Alright, well excuse him for not wanting to make any assumptions about how much an amnesiac illegal immigrant on a short leash might know about London's parks and recreation scene :/

Ryunosuke follows his nod down to the katana, his eyebrows flying up at the suggestion of using it.]

Karuma? Heavens, no, it's not... [It's not FOR that, at least not in his eyes, or his hands.] ...I keep it close to me for sentimental reasons. Not for self-defense. Truth be told, I'm... Not exactly comfortable with blades...

[His heart gives a painful little pang; rather ironic that his masked friend here wouldn't recognize his very own soul, that is assuming he and Kazuma are one in the same.]

Edited 2022-10-20 19:03 (UTC)

[Of course, he has no idea the reason for Ryunosuke's hesitation.] Maybe you should learn. You were lucky I was there last time.

[The sword really shouldn't mean anything to him, but he finds his gaze lingering on it regardless before he shakes himself and peers back at Ryunosuke.]

Just be careful.

[Maybe he should learn... The idea feels wrong to him somehow, though. He may be the sword's caretaker now, but the legacy of the entire Asogi clan is housed within that blade. It feels presumptuous of him to even think about trying to master it....

Ryunosuke shakes his head lightly, resting his hand on the sword's hilt and flashing a wry little grin.]

Ha... Not to worry. After the week I've had? I'll definitely be on my toes. [A brief pause; he hesitates a moment before adding:] So. I'll... See you at midnight, then.

[He has much to think about, between now and then. Plus, a certain great detective to find and wring some answers out of...]

[Continued over here!]

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