thenearshore | 016 | The Good Old Days

Entry tags:

016 | The Good Old Days

Who: Everyone!
What: Ageswapping
When: July 15-17
Where: Everywhere
Summary: A breach in the space-time continuum is messing things up.

Edit: OVERFLOW is here!

The Far Shore has been dealing with a lot of space-time pulsating through the past week or so and everything is culminating on the night of the 15th, even though the Heavens are preparing for an all-out Obon bash. They had planned to have the celebration on the 15th itself, but Amaterasu asked to postpone a day due to the horrible feeling that is permeating the Far Shore.

And it turns out she was right to postpone everything. In fact, it will have to be postponed another whole month at this rate...

Before

Late in the day on July 15th, the new batch of shinki will arrive to a Far Shore with a thick, tense atmosphere. All night on the 15th it feels like something is about to happen - and it's difficult to tell whether that something will be good or bad. Any attempts to contact the management of the Far Shore have fallen on deaf, slightly harried ears and so everyone is left to their own devices to try and figure out why things are so tense.

July 16

Just after midnight, an explosive shock wave rips through the Far Shore, bringing on the age changes with it. Even the spirits of the Far Shore seem to be affected - for example, the library goblins are either toddling around on wobbly legs or are dragging themselves from place to place and looking decrepit. There are a few gods and shinki that seem to have been exceptions from the change, though it is not clear why.

July 17

Another wave of energy comes in the early morning of the 17th. Fewer people are affected this time and it seems to alter those people's ages a second time. There is no rhyme or reason to who is being affected further. Several of the library goblins have just dropped dead from severe old age. Oops.

Aftermath

Late on the 17th brings about one final burst from the energy that has been plaguing the Far Shore. For a short moment, every new temple glows with a soft light, seeming to beckon to their owners. But the light is gone quickly and everyone will find themselves back to normal with complete memories of everything that happened during their age adventures. The goblins that died, though, are still very dead. Looks like the library will need to get some new help soon.

In Summary:

Meet the newbies
Get aged or de-aged
Deal with other too young/too old people
Try to handle the consequences
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's been one hell of a day, that's for sure, with all it's many ups and downs and sides to sides... It really is a wonder how the two of them have managed to make it this far without completely burying themselves head first into the sand and waiting for the tide to take them away. Has it always been this way? He sure doesn't remember it. But, then again, their childhood was a long time ago... and their childhood didn't involve their teenage attitudes and what-have-yous mingled in with it like this.

Needless to say his large and fluffy bed is a welcome sight by the time he and Sousuke return home, but first thing's first: cleaning up. Just because he's a kid again, doesn't mean he has to sacrifice that. Jury's out on if he did it well enough though, considering he raced his best friend through the entire thing. Either way, changed and ready for bed, Rin flops down too then rolls over onto his side with his cheek pressed to his pillow and arms outstretched towards his shinki.

There's considerably more space now that they're all limbs and no muscle... Hn. He wonders how well he's going to sleep tonight with such a significant change.]

What? Seriously?

[He was so sure he forgot all about that! Rin sits up on his knees so he can pout down at Sousuke instead.]

Hnn, I guess I have no choice. What flavor did you want anyway? It better not be something complicated.

[Sousuke rolls onto his side and shoves one arm under his pillow, hooking it so his head’s propped with them both. And there goes the reaction he expects and to it, the boy gives a wry little look. Of course Rin’s going to protest.]

What, thought I forgot?

[Please, he won that fair and square and he’s getting his reward. Though that pout earns a quirked brow, until Sousuke jerks his head up with a protesting look of his own.]

Huh? I gotta pick now?!

[For a second, he looks like he’s about to yell something, but then his expression smooths into a calm one and he drops his head to the pillow with a smug little grin.]

No way. I’ll pick when I get there.

[Oh no no, he’s not falling for that trick; he’s gonna have complete freedom of choice until the very last moment. Ha ha ha. Sides, if he picks now, Rin might ~~would~~ pick something better after him.]

Whateeever I want. That’s the deal.

[One complicated order, coming up.]

Edited 2017-05-19 01:02 (UTC)

I thought you stuffed your face enough earlier to forget all about eating for a week!

[Seriously, he knows he's back to being a growing boy and all that but that was a lot of pork to go through. Anyway, was much of a pain in the ass as this is, Rin knows a deal is a deal, so with a sigh he flops back down onto his side, cheek pressed to his pillow and one hand tucked underneath it to mirror Sousuke beside him. It's a good thing their wardrobe shrunk down with them eventually. There's no way he'll comfortably sleep in a pair of oversized tank tops and pants.

He's fully expecting Sousuke to give him a serious answer now... but of course he does the exact opposite and gives Rin reason to once again sit up, ready to spout more angry words his way. Luckily for him, Rin seems too tired for that in the end, so, arms crossed instead, he lies back down with a 'poof' against the mattress, defeated.]

Fine, fine. But you'd better finish it, ok? I'm not gonna help you.

[Oh now he pushes up on his elbow, indignant and glaring.]

Hey! I wasn’t “stuffing my face” any more than you inhaled the table!

[Gosh, the nerve of this brat! The food was good and no one else was going to eat it, plus it was free and they were running around the beach all day being active. He can eat what he wants, thank you very much, mom. Hmph. He gives Rin one more glare and flops back on his side again… then rolls into his back because his bedmate’s a rude piece of work. Yes, a deal’s a deal and he’s going to make good on it when they go to the store tomorrow. Though, what he’s going to get…

At least Rin’s not going to jump on his case about his other answer; not that it’d do Rin any good because Sousuke’s in his complete right to make his decision when and where he wants to. A tiny smirk quirks the corner of his mouth at his friend’s defeat, but it’s hidden and doesn’t stay long. Victory is his, as it should be. He rolls his shoulders dismissively.]

Of course I’m gonna finish it. And it’ll be so good, you’ll be whining for a bite.

[Which Sousuke’s decided now he’s not going to give him. Ha ha. ~~Until Rin starts pouting and crying that is… of course.~~.]

[Wha-- Inhaled the table?? That's totally a lie! He didn't even go back for seconds until two minutes after you, and you know it! Hmph. He bets he'll get up in the middle of the night now and get himself lost looking for the kitchen.]

I will not.

[he whines back.]

I'll just end up getting my own special ice cream to make you regret every decision you ever made.

[And that's that! So, with a big stretch, Rin snuggles up into his pillow and shuts his eyes, as if that's the end of this silly conversation.]

Either way... [peeking up again] ... it'll be fun, right?

[You can tell one then so can he. Fair’s face. Sousuke’s not denying he ate more than Rin; he’s not that stupid. Course, that skinny little noodle across the bed from him probably could’ve used some more food to put some meat on those bones…]

Uh-huh.

[He sounds so convinced. A dark brow arches up and Sousuke looks out the corner of his eye at Rin. That’s a big challenge… but it’s only a few seconds of stubbornness before the boy cracks a smile, like it or not. Every decision he’s ever made, huh? Hah, nothing’ll ever be that special.

But since Rin’s going to burrow into the pillow and close his eyes, he figures that’s conversation ending right there. So simply shuts his own eyes and tucks his hands under his head.

Oh… still talking.]

Aa. [That smile’s still there.] Cause you'll be there.

[Yes, still talking. You can't expect them to fall asleep straight away, can you? They're little kids. Stubbornness is going to keep them up for hours! Or at least it'll try to.

At any rate, Rin opens his eyes again, blinks... and despite the slight pink on his cheeks he smiling wider and lifts one hand up towards his shinki, fingers curled inward into a little fist.]

And so will you.

[Oh he’s hoped some nights in the past… But obviously neither of them are going to pass out immediately even after today. Prepubescent kids have infinite energy, right? And of course they’re both stubborn, arguing about the most pointless things. How many have they had over the past two days? A lot… Sousuke wonders if he or Rin is going to wish this stayed around longer… if it ever ends, that is.

Not going to think about that. Nope.

He hears Rin shift and he feels his eyes on him again. For a second, he does nothing… but it’s only a second and one teal eye opens to slide to the corner, looking at Rin’s pink cheeks and his fist.] Heh. [He tugs one hand out and without missing, lightly bumps it against Rin’s. The soft tap makes warmth crawl up his arm and chest.]

Of course.

[Sousuke doesn't remember, he may never remember again, but they've missed a lot of moments just like this one from when they were kids, and for that reason alone Rin wants to keep himself awake. If he falls asleep, who's to say they'll stay like this another day longer? It's a silly thought, a childish thought, but... he's a kid after all, isn't he? It's in his nature to dream about impossible things.

Still, with that returned bump he too feels warmth flood his chest, and it brings him enough comfort to last the rest of the night. So even if their bodies change tomorrow, he knows one thing for certain: they've had their fun and they'll continue to do so... because Rin will still be Rin and Sousuke will still be Sousuke.

He drops his hand back down onto the sheets with a laugh on that note. It's weird... smiling and laughing without his sharp teeth. He almost feels like a different person. Almost.]

Sousuke?

[Rin curls up in on himself a little more, knees tucked towards his chest.]

Thanks. For still being with me. I know it's hard sometimes, but... everything's more interesting with you here.

[Sousuke wants to stay like this because it’s fun. And there’s… something nice about it that comforts him. Lying here like this, talking with Rin under the hush of the night and blankets, makes him feel like everything’s going to be all right no matter what happens. Hn, a romantic little notion, perfect for a kid to have even if Sousuke’s going to silently deny it really means much. But he’s little right now so… why not have a private little thought. Rin doesn’t need to know.

As their fists part, Sousuke lets his hand flop back to the bed. The action’s got something to it, doesn’t it. Rin’d offered it to him a long time ago, their first meeting together when Sousuke’d been in his vessel form the first time. Had no idea what it was meant for. But now… he knows that motion means a lot. It’s a promise, an agreement, a peace offering, an apology… It’s the symbol of a bond. Their bond.]

Hm? [Sousuke turns his head this time, looking at Rin as he curls up. What, is he cold--] --!! [The darker boy tenses a little, eyes widening a little as he stares at Rin for a second or two. Thanks. He blinks and looks back up at the ceiling.] Urusei… [Said through a pout that’s probably as visible as the obvious pink crawling over his face.] I’m not going anywhere.

[So don’t thank him like that. It makes him feel like… well… like Sousuke’s just allowing this. Which, well, he is; he knows Rin isn’t keeping Sousuke here if he doesn’t want to be. But Sousuke doesn’t like the idea that Rin might be always wondering if Sousuke’d up and abandon him. Does he still doubt him or something?His eyes narrow a little, but they’re softened regardless.] I don’t mind if it gets hard… You’re always there for me.

[And rolls onto his side, back facing Rin because he’s obviously embarrassed and touched and… a lot of things all of a sudden.] That’s why I like being with you.

[Even in the darkness he can see that pink on his face and even with some comfortable distance between them he can tell Sousuke's not really upset. He's just embarrassed... maybe even a little bit touched. But come on. What's wrong with thanking him a little? He hasn't done it a lot, so he needs to catch up and make up for it. And as for not going anywhere... He won't lie. He's thought about it, because he knows he's given Sousuke all the freedom in the world to make leaving an option. He knows life hasn't been easy for him here. He knows training is difficult when they don't even know what they're exactly fighting for. Their first night here, he was so sure Sousuke would choose to leave his side.

But here he is. Sharing his bed.

Touched himself, he's speechless at first and only watches quietly while Sousuke shifts to turn onto his side, but a few beats after that last muffled comment his eyes widen and he can't keep himself from shifting too, scooting closer until he almost has his head on Sousuke's pillow.]

Oy... [he teases quietly, one hand reaching out to poke his shinki's shoulder.] Don't be embarrassed. [He laughs, but with his higher pitched voice it sounds like more of a giggle.] I like being with you too.

Edited 2017-05-25 08:53 (UTC)

[Of course Rin can see it; that’s why he’s got his back facing him. Duh. But as a little uncomfortable, embarrassed, flustered, whatever, as he is, Sousuke’s not lying. The words hang in the air longer than he wants them to, and he knows Rin’s stuck in silence because since when does his normally-stoic shinki offer such kind of words. At least, you know, not in that teasing sense that usually plays on his god’s romantic notions. For his part, he does appreciate the gratitude, even if it makes him think of weird things. Because he doesn’t want to think much about leaving Rin. He’s comfortable here, has grown to enjoy their time together. Losing that…

Hn, look, he’d rather not shake up the status quo, that’s all.

They’ve gotten through a lot together and grown. While Sousuke wouldn’t stand in Rin’s way if his god decided to dismiss him for whatever reason, he knows he wouldn’t be “fine” with it despite his most likely saying so. Ugh, why is he even thinking about this right now?!

Sousuke pulls the covers up to his shoulders for no reason other than he wants to move and make his mind do something other than think. He hears the sounds of cloth against skin and the bed dips a little behind him. Rin scooted closer. He’s probably got his head on his pillow too. That’s… uh… that’s pretty close. Enough that the other boy’s words ghost his breath barely on the back of Sousuke’s neck and he shivers a little.

At least until a hand pokes him in the shoulder. And what was that? What was that?!] I’m not embarrassed! [Hmph! He lightly, pointedly, kicks a leg backwards, bonking Rin’s foot with his heel. Poking him and calling him embarrassed, hah, like that won’t earn a response.] You’re being romantic again.

[It's always something of a shock, hearing words like this come from Sousuke, but before coming here maybe he's had enough experience with them to help tone down his reactions. In hindsight, maybe he should act a little more, be a little more bewildered, more taken aback... but he's both too tired and too unconcerned to bother. Right now, all he can think about is getting under Sousuke's skin. Because it's fun, because it's lighthearted.

Because it's them.

There's nothing, not even a little kicking, that could keep Rin away. Not for long at least.]

Oof!

[he pauses... then with a snicker quickly takes aim... and... lunge! Have a tangle of noodly limbs trying to wrap around and pin you down!]

How about now?

[As uncomfortable as saying those words leaves him, Sousuke doesn’t regret them. Because they’re true and it feels good to actually say them out loud for once. It means that Rin deserves them, that he’s comfortable enough around the other boy to even shoulder this pink-faced admission for him. Of course, he could chalk it up to being tired and happy and not thinking as guarded… but that’s just an excuse. Sousuke keeps his back to the other boy, expecting, but hoping not, to be teased about that little slip.

Sheesh, of course the one time he gives Rin a little something like that, he’s going to get heck for it. What a friend Rin is.

He should’ve kicked him harder.]

What? [Sousuke grumps over the edge of the bed; he heard that snicker. Rin’s having too much fun with this. He reaches silently towards a stray pillo-] AUGH! R-Rin!

What the heck!? [And instantly he’s scrambling around, trying to find his limbs under that wriggling pile of noodle arms and legs. No, like, seriously! What are you trying to do?! He’s already on the damn bed!]

Hey! [Oh that’s it! Have a pillow to the face so he can try to pin YOU down next!]

[Oh, sorry, was he trying to grab a pillow there? Hah! Looks like Rin was too quick for him again! Feeling more than a little cocky for that one, he laughs out loud while trying to grab Sousuke's wrists, but it seems he started celebrating a little too early.]

Wah!

[POMF. Right in the face. Everything goes dark as he scrambles to push the pillow away and kick to keep Sousuke at bay at the same time. Aw, come on! Can't you stay down for one second?]

This means war!

[Time to make a grab for another pillow so he can try to whack him right back. En garde!]

HAH! [Sousuke lets out a triumphant noise when he nails Rin right in the face with his pillow. Good! That’ll at least give him a break to scramble backwards and try to put some distance between himself and this noodley octopus on the bed. But he doesn’t get away scot free, wincing as a kick lands right in his ribs.

Okay, okay! He’s backing up, keep your feet to yourself, jeeze! Sousuke smacks his pillow against those kicking legs a few times, punishment for catching his side. Damn, Rin. You got a boney heel. But he’s not staying down, nope! Sousuke gets up on his knees as Rin searches for another pillow and quickly pulls his own up in offensive posture.]

Oh you wanna fight? Okay! [Have a doublehanded overhead sledgehammer pillow smash on your crown, shark boy! Whap whap whap!]

[Hah! He's got you now! One kick like that and he's sure to gain the upper hand! So as soon as Rin grabs another pillow he's turning right back around to every intention of smacking Sousuke in the face as quick as he can, but unfortunately for him he's a split second too slow.]

Whoa!

[Ahhh a barrage of attacks! He's not so sure how he's supposed to crawl himself free from this one. He'll sure as hell try though, rolling like a log to the opposite edge of the bed to dodge any more hits. From there he's on his feet on the mattress, gripping his pillow with both hands and raising it high above his head.]

You're gonna regret that!

[And wham, bam, poof! Hopefully they both won't go toppling off the bed with all this roughhousing (not like that could stop them anyway).]

[You don’t got anything! And Sousuke crows in triumph when his barrage of attacks lands home.] Hah! Take that! [It’s obvious Rin’s not supposed to get away because Sousuke is the Pillow Master of a Thousand Blows! And he’s making sure he gets as many hits in as possible before the other boy gets his bearings back on him. Whamp Boff Fwop! He doesn’t want a smack in the face so have more pillowy offence.]

Uwah-? Hey! [Where do you think you’re going? Rin can’t go rolling away from him! Sousuke lands on one foot, his heavy attack throwing him off balance. Eyes widen and he jerks his head towards that raised pillow. Only a second of mistake and--] Crap! [He yanks his head down, trying to shield himself from the rain of blows.] Why you- Hey cut it—Oh that’s it! [Smack! Smack smack! Have some semi-pathetic flails to the side as he tries to smack at Rin’s hips to get him distracted or something. Sheesh! What a stubborn guy!]

[Pillow Master? Since when? He can't call himself the Pillow Master; that's cheating! And also very much not true when Rin's totally getting more hits in right now. Not that he's counting, but he can feel it!

And lookie here, he's clearly caught Sousuke off guard with his masterful escape tactics! All that's left to do now is keep him down. One hit there, another one here-- Ah! He's been whacked in the side! It's enough to have him wobble on his feet and thanks to the bed being pretty uneven all around his toes catch on the blankets and he quickly goes hobbling backwards in an attempt to right himself and get away at the same time. It proves to be a little too much and with momentum conserved he wobbles, teeters, and--]

Whoa!

[Right onto his bottom he goes, bouncing a couple times before somehow tipping backwards over the edge, pillow still gripped in his hands and one foot still up on the bed. Whoa, that was pretty high. He takes a second or two to process what happened... then he's right back to grinning, hugging his pillow to his stomach while he laughs out loud from the ground below.]

I flew!

[He just did. What are you gonna do about it, hm? Sousuke’s quite proud of his new title. Which actually doesn’t sound as fitting right now, considering he’s being beaten over the head by someone’s stupid pillow!

But lucky him—he gets a shot in from the side and Hah! Sousuke grins, one eye shut, as Rin tries his best to escape from the slick maneuver. He sees the other boy wobble and that cocky expression turns to surprise. Eyes widen and he lets out a yelp when Rin tilts.] O-oy! [Hey! Careful!]

Rin- the bed—stop backing up-! [Instantly he reaches out as Rin falls backwards, the scramble of blankets suddenly flying up against his face. Knees slip in the sheets and Sousuke falls forward.] Oof!

[Splats right on his face and stomach and everything. But he feels something solid smack against his palm and he quickly grabs it with all the gusto of a lifesaver. Got him!

But there’s no yank, no pull and he looks up, finding one leg sticking up in the air over the edge of the bed, his hand locked around that ankle. And… Rin’s laughing? It takes a second to realize it, but Sousuke quickly scrambles forward on his hand and knees and looks over the edge of the bed.] Are you-?!

[Uh… why is Rin laughing? He’s splayed out on the floor… Sousuke frowns almost instantly, feeling like a fool for having been so worried.] You didn’ fly; you fell, dummy. [Ugh, stop laughing! He was worried about you, you big dolt!]

[Everything flies by in a split second. His name, Sousuke's voice, blankets flying, himself flying-- The world's already tipped upside down then right side up again once Rin realizes what's happened, but he's too amused (and shocked) to be afraid. On that note though, what happened to Sousuke in all that?

A quick peek reveals the answer: his shinki face down on the bed, fingers gripping his one ankle like a true hero... then that familiar frown once he scrambles to lift his head.

Oh-ho, that's a look he's seen before.

Grinning behind his pillow, Rin waggles his foot side to side.]

You were worried.

[And he can't lie about that, because he can feel it!]

[Ugh, it’d serve him right if Sousuke tossed him around or something. At the very least, in the face of that most-definitely-a-grin behind that pillow, the other boy gives an annoyed grunt and tosses the waggling foot away.]

Was not.

[There’s a grumbling pout for you and he flops over onto his back before sitting up and rolling his neck and shoulders. Hmph. Like he was worried. Rin doesn’t know if he’s lying or not so there. Rin fell off the bed; that’s all there was to it.]

You gonna spend all night on the floor?

[Giving a glance over his shoulder, Sousuke keeps the pout on his face, trying to make it look grumpy. It’s… not as effective though, unfortunately.]

Yeah, right. You came after me faster than ever.

[Another laugh, then he's back to sitting up. He's a little winded from all that jumping around and falling business, but nothing's bruised or scratched as far as he can tell. As for Sousuke, perhaps he's wounded his pride, even just a little, and when he sees that glance over his shoulder Rin blinks... before pulling himself back up onto the bed and crawling over to lightly punch his shinki on the arm.]

Even if I wanted to, you wouldn't like that.

[And don't try to deny it because he knows that's not the truth! Now, back onto his pillow he goes, flopping over and curling up with the blankets halfway pulled over his legs.]

Rrrgh…

[He wants to deny that, but bared, grit teeth and that little pouting growl are all the progress he gets on that denial. Sheesh, he did not come after Rin. It’d simply been instinct. Yeah, that’s right. And Sousuke knows that’s a load of bull right there, but doesn’t mean he has to admit it or anything. He sits back on the bed with a little grunt of annoyance and crosses his arms over his chest, legs tucked under him for the time being.

Of course Rin’s still getting some laughs out even with that wind knocked out of him. As the other boy crawls back on the bed, Sousuke deliberately ignores him, even doing that mature response of turning his head away from him to pout off to the wall. Just gonna sit like this—Whap.]

Hey!

[Did you just punch him?! First the pillow and now this? Sousuke gapes at Rin in shock for a second, but when the other boy hits him in the face with that truth, it’s all Sousuke can do to sputter something unintelligent and get red in the face.

He would not!

… care that is! Rin could sleep on the floor all he wanted; Sousuke didn’t care if they shared a bed together. Not at all. … nope. He scowls, mouth closing with a click as he watches Rin flop onto his side and curl up in the blankets. Ugh, this guy. Sousuke heaves a sigh and unfolds himself so he can twist at the hip and walk on his hands and knees over to Rin’s side. And drops down onto his chest, face down in the pillow.]

You’re so annoying. [After a moment, another muffled comment.] You’re sure you’re okay, right?

[Sheesh, has he always been this pouty and grumbly as a kid? Rin doesn't remember it... or maybe he does, but it's all too much of a distant memory. It's kind of funny really. Once upon a time, the two of them were virtually inseparable. Attached at the hip, closer than family. But it scares him to think they've lost several years... and with that they've lost more than just time spent together. Rin's caught himself second guessing this conversation or that they might have shared on his doorstep, or the exact moment they both decided fistbumping was their thing.

So maybe changing into kids again hasn't been so bad. It's helped them relive some things, rediscover who they used to be before they grew up. Sure, he isn't one to live in the past, but-- This is nice. For a little while.

He's smiling when the bed beside him bounces and after opening his eyes he giggles, seeing Sousuke face down in his pillow, all lanky limbs and no muscle. But then he has to go and ask that and almost instantly Rin tucks his head back in to his pillow, maybe the slightest bit embarrassed. Hmph. So he was worried.]

Yeah.

[A beat.]

... Just kinda cold.

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