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

[Sure, once he gets them all straight and pretty. If Sousuke wanted to, he’d dare Rin to go out all day with a bed-head in that case! But, nah, he doesn’t want to scar his friend for life. Yeah, he’ll admit Rin always does make himself presentable for the day. Of course, Sousuke’s just as presentable no matter what Rin says and he does it in less than a quarter of a time. So there, nyeh back.

Be respectful to the chef, Rin; he’s the one making (or ruining) your food.

Phht, his decorator? You know he can eat his omurice without ketchup, dork. He’ll point out that flush any time he wants! Cause it’s fun to. And don’t give him that “steam” excuse. Sousuke’s the one standing right in front of said skillet and you don’t see red all over his face, do you, hm? As Rin gets the silverware, Sousuke gives the skillet another swirl, already working on another egg disc.]

Hah, yeah right. You put more effort into mine; I saw you. [Cause Rin thinks Sousuke’s cool and deserves the extra attention. Obviously. But when he suddenly gets that ultimatum…] Oy! Don’t eat my food! I’m hungry too! [Jeeze! He’s just cooking all over here and you’re gonna eat his food? Cretin. Anyways, he quickly finishes up the current omelet and skids it off onto the serving plate. The turns the heat off, sets the skillet aside for later, and heads for the table with quick steps.]

Oh, drinks!

[Sure, he could eat his omurice without ketchup, but would it taste the same? Or as good? Of course not. So that's what Rin's here for! And what he needs to be here for! Boring stripes won't cut it in this kitchen. Names and drawings though? That's the only proper way to spice up breakfast (lunch?). Point is, he's making himself more than useful enough over here and Sousuke should be nice about it!]

Haah? You're seeing things.

[Ok, maybe not. He knows he steadied his hand more on Sousuke's name, but like hell will be admit that now that he's been called out. Instead, he'll threaten to eat his hard work. All of it! If his shinki doesn't hurry up and join him over here--]

Oh yeah!

[Rin's already sitting down but at the mention of drinks he scoots up onto his knees so he can turn in his chair and look over towards the fridge. ... It's weird being able to maneuver in a chair this easily. But anyway!]

Get the cola in the fridge! [There should be more than one in there... right?]

[He is being nice about it; he’s making breakfast! Well, they both made breakfast, each one doing his part and everything. They’re just being brats at the same time. The ketchup decorations are as welcome as the skillet tossing. Rin’s scoffing little comment earns a small smug in response, though Sousuke just shrugs, deciding he wants to eat more than get into another petty “war” over something amusingly stupid. The scent of all the omurice’s ingredients is making his mouth water.]

Cola? This early? [Sousuke halts his approach to the table and looks to the fridge instead. Okay, he likes cola and all, but for breakfast? Not sure he’s up for that. Milk or juice is the superior choice here for eggs.] Sure you don’t want milk or juice or something? [He pops open the fridge and—Oh, he doesn’t have to bend down like he normally does. Well, not anywhere near as much. Peering into the fridge, he gets two cans of cola and then eventually emerges with a jug of milk and a half jug of orange juice held with his other fingers.]

Couldn’t decide.

[And he’s too impatient / hungry to be bothered by it now. So have all three!]

Hey, I can indulge a little if I want to. And I want to!

[Besides, what’s really the difference between having soda in the morning and then having one in the afternoon? Either way, it’ll end up inside him! ... Hn. Though he does have to wonder if his diet will still affect his normal body whenever he reverts back to it. Ah, whatever. One soda won’t kill him. Anyway, they’re going to swim and run it off later at the beach, right? Which, speaking of, they’ll need to prepare for right away. Now where did he put their sunscreen...

Breakfast first! He situates himself once Sousuke brings the drinks over then with an outstretched leg he pushes back the chair beside him for the other boy to sit. Yeah, it might be dangerous if they sit side by side (stealing bites of each others’ food is bound to happen), but this table’s too wide and he can’t properly hold a conversation with someone sitting so far away! So. Next to him it is. Now sit.]

[Have a little “hn” in response to that. Hai, hai, he’s getting the drinks. All of them. Can’t blame him for the question since it’s usually Rin teasing Sousuke about his enjoyment of cola. Guess they really have indulged this morning, what with racing through the castle and cooking up a bunch of omurice. It’s needed though since they’ve had such a strange, crazy wakeup call.

And really, you’re gonna worry about your diet? They’re kids! They’ll burn more energy via metabolism and activity than they do as teenagers. Right, it’s just one soda too. Good fuel for all the plans they’ve got for the day. Swimming, beaching, cooking, racing, all that fun stuff.

The jugs and cans go down on the table and Sousuke glances at the chair scooting out next to him. Oh. Okay. He gets the “sit” command and rolls his eyes, but there’s a smirk on his face as Sousuke takes his seat and scoots the chair back in. … Wow. He’s not used to being his close to the surface of the table. At all. It’s strange and he frowns a little at the distance (or lack thereof) between him and his food. Anyways!]

Itadakimasu!

[And starts digging in with his chopsticks, stomach already growling at him for daring to put this off a second longer.]

[He can worry about his diet if he wants to! Look, he’ll allow himself to indulge in one or two things today, but after that he’s sticking to his usual eating. Honestly, does Sousuke expect Rin to be that much different as a kid?

But back to the most important meal of the day! Still propped up on his knees, Rin picks up his utensil of choice (a spoon) and proceeds to dig in with a pretty sizable scoop. Given that the rice is still steaming and everything else is thoroughly coated in hot sauce, it’s no surprise he nearly doubles over his plate, regretting his decision to dive right in without thinking. Chew chew swallow! Annnd stick tongue out to fan it out and hope it isn’t burned.]

Haah, you really didn’t hold back with the spiciness.

[... Have another toothy grin]

Perfect!

[He’s well aware of his worrywart friend. Not that Sousuke’s entirely different; he watches his figure and monitors what he eats to a degree. Look, he eats a lot but he’s just as likely to eat tonkatsu as he is to have a bowl of salad. Favorites aside, of course. You wanna compare bodies again, bro? And no, he doesn’t expect anything different from little Rin as he does from big Rin. Minus the high pitched squeaky voice and noodle limbs. Those are different…

Anyways, he’s still opting for the traditional utensil; at least until it gets too unwieldy for smaller grains or he’s too impatient to go picking. Sousuke blinks, tips of his chopsticks still sitting in his mouth.] Oy… [Flat face. No surprise here. You don’t just shove a still-steaming spoonful of omurice into your mouth, baka! Especially after you drown your mouthful in hot sauce. Come on… He’s too miffed to laugh at his best friend’s misfortune though, only sits there with one brow arched and sucking on the ends of his sticks.]

Nuh-uh. You added extra. [He still has to eat it too! It’s not a flaming master piece. But then Rin gives him that toothy, happy grin and Sousuke finds himself unable to hold back a smile. “Perfect,” huh.] Told you I was good.

[Wow, some friend you are, just sitting there watching him suffer over his food! Seriously, how can you sit there so casually? Not even a laugh? Even a laugh would feel better than this! Ah, whatever. There's no use in being picky over something that stupid. Besides, he thinks the omurice makes up for the brattiness well enough.

Rin reaches over to try and ruffle his shinki's hair.]

Fine, I'll give you that one.

[...]

But don't forget that I helped you!

[Hey, he's not the reason you're suffering over there. Of course he's just going to sit here and watch with this nonplussed look on his face. No laughing, because that's rude to laugh at other people's misfortunes. No reprimanding either because duh. Rin's choice. And then there's the whole 'Sousuke's a brat' thing going on.

So yeah, it's easy to act casual right now and go back to eating his food. Even if inside he's desperately trying not to laugh and/or roll his eyes. Either one'd risk Rin tearing up...]

Wha-? OY Oy!

[Hey! Who gave you permission to go ruffling his hair again! Sousuke twitches backwards, pawing at Rin's hand in a failed attempt to deflect the ruffle. Earns Rin a little miffed growl soon enough. And a poke in the side with the butts of his chopsticks.]

Jerk... And I didn't forget.

[...]

I like cooking with you.

[He won't tear up! Just because he's a crybaby, doesn't mean he'll cry over little stuff like that! Give him a break, dude!

Or maybe it's Rin who should be giving Sousuke a break from all the hair ruffling. Mm... nah, he doesn't think so. Not when he can get the perfect reaction out of him like this, chopstick poking and all. Snickering, he bats at Sousuke's hands before returning to his food, this time being sure to take careful, cooler bites so he can spare his tongue the pain.

Oh? But what's this he hears?

Perking up and with spoon still in his mouth, he blinks with those huge baby eyes of his... then shuts them again with another beaming smile.]

Ohh? Sousuke said something cute? [Hee hee] Then we should do this more often!

[And miss out on all the fun of teasing him? Hell no. You tease him mercilessly about his grumpy attitude, sleeping habits, and eating trends. So he gets back with the crybaby and romantic. Fair’s fair, nyeh.

Plus the hair ruffling; don’t forget about that. Sometimes Sousuke wonders if him turning into a dog really had been a random choice. Or if it’d been subconsciously working off his god’s preferences… Well, he can’t complain too much; it’s better than being turned into an item with no freedom of motion. Sousuke gives up when Rin retorts at his batting hands and goes back to his food, trying to will the hot pink off his face. Che, stupid guy.

And stop paying attention the moment he says something like that! Jeeze! Rin’s got some kind of sensor for honing in on his words, not to mention somehow having no problem drawing them out of Sousuke. He furrows his brows and closes his eyes, pouting as he chews on his food and pretend not to notice that “cute” comment. Or how cute Rin looks when he’s beaming/smiling like that. Unfair.]

We normally cook together, baka.

[A random choice, maybe, but there’s no way to discern that for sure. All Rin knows is being a dog in his vessel form suits Sousuke, and he wouldn’t want him to be anything or anyone else. It’s a nice thought though, hoping Sousuke subconsciously had some choice in the matter. Hair ruffles aside, having free will as a living, breathing creature is pretty ideal. (And don’t try to lie; he knows you enjoy those ruffles, dog or not.)

He hums nonchalantly while he eats, choosing once again to ignore Sousuke’s grumpiness. He knows it’s all fake anyway.]

Yeah, but not often! We get a lot of food outside too.

[Like take out and some nicer dishes from restaurants tucked away in the city. They should be more practical!]

I haven’t gotten to show you all my tricks in the kitchen!

[Ugh, stop knowing him so well; he’s not admitting to liking those ruffles! Sheesh. And now Rin’s ignoring his protests. Typical. Anyways, back to his food. Another piece of egg-topped, ingredient flavored rice down the hatch. It feels weird—no duh—to be holding chopsticks in his smaller hand. Doesn’t fit right, has to put more conscious effort into moving them, and right now, he’s figuring Rin made the better choice of spoon for utensil. BUT, Sousuke made his own choice and he’s not going to give Rin the opportunity to tease him more.]

Yeah but we still have to prepare it. Sometimes.

[Sousuke’s fine with going out or ordering in; less hassle all around. But he’d be lying if he said he doesn’t want to cook more often. It’s something they do together, gives them time to talk while being “distracted” and such. Theirs is a quiet life for the most part, split between training, answering prayer requests, cooking, athletics, and exploring. He’s not complaining about it. But yeah, more practical couldn’t hurt.

Wait, someone just said something interesting. Sousuke swallows his bite, chopstick tips resting just inside his lips as he gives Rin “a look.”] Hm? What tricks?

Sometimes.

[He smiles around his bite of food, half of his omurice already gone, and after setting his spoon down he leans his elbow up against the table so he can lounge for a while. They don’t usually eat together like this. Not at all if he really thinks about it. But he can get used to sitting side by side with Sousuke now and then. Or maybe it’s only easier to do now that they’re kids. Anyway, point is, he feels comfortable this way, and it takes away the awkward burden of being stuck in a tiny child’s body.

With a pout, Rin readjusts his shirt after it starts slipping down his shoulder. Well. Somethings are comfortable at least.]

Some other stuff I picked up while I lived overseas! Since I was alone a lot, I had to learn my way around a kitchen.

[More ~~cute~~ beaming!]

I’m the fastest cook there is~

Edited 2018-01-02 11:01 (UTC)

[Those first few days together with his god had been trying. Despite his agreement to be Rin’s shinki, Sousuke found the guy regularly annoyed him. From the cheerful attitude (that Sousuke knew was forced half the time) to the tears that he seemed to exasperatingly pulled from Rin because of… hell, he didn’t know what, to the challenges that the other teenager kept pulling on him. Even worse was that Sousuke found himself responding to those things almost instinctively. Calling Rin out on being happy if he wasn’t feeling it, telling him not to cry (look, when his eyes get all glassy and his face puffs red and his voice gets pouty, what else is he to think?), and agreeing to the challenges out of pride and annoyance. Those kinds of things colored their new relationship and strained it.

But…

Now look at them. Eating brunch side by side after coordinating together perfectly in the kitchen to make it. Even as little kids, bodies changed and angles different, they work together. Laughing, fighting, competing, teasing, enjoying, talking… None of this would be possible had those first few days not happened and slowly smoothed out. Hn, he really has learned so much about Rin, about himself, their relationship. Everything together feels like how it should be. To where nothing has to change. It’s comfortable… and he’s happy. To be side by side with Rin, not just eating, but in everything.

Ugh, what’s up with getting all sentimental all of a sudden? Sousuke shoves another bite of omurice through his lips and glances to the side when Rin tugs his shirt up. Smirk. Heh, and Rin had teased Sousuke about his larger shirt falling off one shoulder. S’matter? Can’t rock the shoulder slip like your bigger best friend can? Poor shark.

Sousuke pauses. Overseas… They don’t… really talk too much about Rin’s past. It’s been Rin’s decision, mostly to protect Sousuke. The whole shinki amnesia thing’s to blame for that. But…]

You were alone a lot?

[There’s a pathetic image in his head of Rin sitting under a bridge trying to cook a can of something over a matchbox fire… Phhht.

He’ll get back to that ludicrous “fastest cook” boast in a few.]

[Wow, those are some pretty romantic thoughts you've got going through your head there, Sousuke. But it all evens out in the end, doesn't it? What with Rin thinking similar, if not the same thoughts these past few weeks they've been together, relearning each other, discovering what they never knew to make sure this partnership holds strong... Some people might say they're lucky to have gotten as far as they have, but Rin knows luck has nothing to do with it. It's just... fate, he thinks, for the two of them to blend together as well as they do, no matter what challenges they face.

Ugh, sentimental is right. Rin drums his fingers on the edge of the table to distract himself from all that, but it's not effective for very long. Sousuke's question makes sure of that.

To be honest, he doesn't see it coming (definitely thought he would've chosen to challenge his boast, if anything), so for a good three seconds he's quiet and unprepared. Even if speaking about his past already rests somewhere between dangerous and uncomfortable here, Rin wouldn't choose to bring it up anyway. That isn't to say his life overseas is best left forgotten. He holds many precious memories of all the friends he made in those four years. Still... there's parts he's embarrassed to share. Yes, even with his own best friend.

Picking up his spoon again, Rin starts pushing his rice around on his plate.]

Maybe I shouldn't say "a lot." [...] It's an experience though, adapting to a new place and new people. [Putting it vaguely. He doesn't want to admit his decision to start isolating himself well into his first year away. That's why it's embarrassing. ... He was alone because that's what he wanted. Another push around his plate then he reaches over for his soda, tapping on the tab before popping it open with a sharp fizz.]

I was occupied with swimming most of the time anyway. Didn't matter one way or the other who or what was around me. [He takes a sip then stares down into the can... before looking up again and flashing another smile.] I was a dumb kid, that's all.

Edited 2018-01-04 02:01 (UTC)

[Shut up. He’s just reflecting the past; there’s nothing romantic about it.

Sousuke picks up another bite, arching a brow when Rin pauses. Did he… ask a bad question? He knows the past isn’t a good place to go, but admittedly that’s more because it’s a danger to Sousuke. But now he’s suddenly struck with the question of whether Rin doesn’t like to talk about his past because it’s difficult for him too. Rin’s father passed away early in his life; Sousuke knows it was difficult for him growing up like that. But much beyond that and knowing Rin’s dreams as a champion swimmer remains vague. … Maybe he should’ve just went for the challenge.

But dammit, it strikes a bad feeling inside that someone like Rin could be alone during his childhood. It’s not like Rin to shut himself away from everyone; he’s a social butterfly. Well, what’s done is done. He’s popped the question and now he’s sitting here munching away, doing a fine display of listening quietly for an answer and kicking himself in the butt because of the question. Multitasking at its best.

It’s obvious Rin’s not comfortable with the topic; he’s pushing his food around on his plate and his eyes are down. Sousuke isn’t as ready to stop eating, though. Mostly to keep himself shut up while Rin talks. He hums quietly, acknowledging the whole “adapting to a new place” comment. Yeah, he knows about that. They’ve both being doing it here. But luckily they have each other as an anchor to always come back to.]

So you were a swimming maniac even as a kid… [It’s not surprising. Still, that sounds more like tunnel vision. Sousuke screws a little face when Rin throws the smile at him. Oy, he’d just spent a few seconds looking bummed. Don’t just grin it away!] You grew out of it though, right? Since you like the relay and all.

[Sousuke doesn’t reprimand or criticize Rin about that tunnel vison though; he knows he can be very narrow-minded too and focused on something to the point of dogged exhaustion. So he’s in no place to say anything against Rin. ... Even if he will, if he sees it happening.]

[It's not like he'd know any better about what's safe to ask and what's not, and anyway, it's Rin's fault for being so sensitive about something so stupid. It's why he smiles and eventually goes back to eating, even if he's taking little bites at this point. The past is the past. He's spent too long wasting his time being upset over what he can no longer change.

"Tunnel vision" is a good way to put it. A stupid kid with unrealistic visions and dreams, only focused on one thing for five years straight... Not his proudest years, that's for sure.]

Hmph. Again with calling me that... [Not that it's a lie. He was was born with the sport in his blood. Setting his spoon down again, Rin folds his arms over the table then leans forward while he tilts his head at his best friend, smile still bright on his face, shorter hair falling away from his eyes.]

That's right. I can swim any stroke and perfect them if I put my mind to it, but... there's really nothing that can compare to swimming in a relay.

If we had more people, putting one together wouldn't be difficult, you know. [Yeah, he knows Sousuke's never been partial to relays, but with the right team, anything's possible, right?]

[They’re both learning about what can and can’t be talked about around Sousuke. Which obviously makes the dark-haired boy really happy. Sarcasm there. But that’s their lot in life and he’s doing… mostly-his-best to adapt to it. Begrudging growls notwithstanding at times. When Rin doesn’t pursue the topic further and returns to his food with that covering smile, Sousuke takes the hint. They can return to stuff again later. Right now, they’ve got a whole day ahead of them to do other things, find some excitement, and generally distract themselves with having fun as little kids again! Competitions are on the horizon.]

Sorry, I’ll try to come up with something new next time. [Sousuke says it all smug too. But take out swimming maniac, romantic, princess, crybaby… what else is there? It’s not like he can call Rin “jerk” or “idiot” because Rin calls him the same things plenty! Needs to be more… personalized. And it’s not like Sousuke isn’t being a little hypocritical about the swimming maniac thing, since he loves swimming too. Anyways, Sousuke begins working on the last fourth of his omurice, arching a brow when Rin looks at him like that. He makes a little face when Rin brags.]

So can I. [Defensive pout. Butterfly is his favorite and best, but he’s been slowly working on picking up the other strokes. Each one tends to bring a renewed instinct-fear-of-swimming relapse and they have to take it from the beginning all over again. But it gets quicker and easier each time. Sousuke hums at the mention of the relay, but then scoffs a bit.] You need four people, right? Even if we found two more swimmers, it’d probably take a long time for them to reach our caliber.

[Oy, something new? As if! Can't he just stick with "Rin"? That works better than anything! Ah, whatever. He can complain all he wants, but he knows Sousuke will keep calling him whatever works for him at the time. You know, like a best friend would do.

Hearing that defense in the other boy's voice, Rin scoffs because that's just so typical of him, isn't it? Yeah, yeah, he knows he can, though he'll argue it's difficult to make a huge guy like Sousuke look stylish and graceful swimming breast stroke. But the aesthetic part isn't the most important aspect anyway. So long as he can swim at all, that's all that matters.

... Learning to swim with other people though-- Looks like that's still something to work on.

Sighing, Rin props his cheek on his hand. Typical.]

That's why they'd have to practice regularly with us. We can't be a successful team if we don't work together.

[Sure, right after you stick with only calling him “Sousuke.” Don’t think you can do it. And yeah, Sousuke’s pretty much going to tease Rin no matter what; it’s not like Rin doesn’t give back just as good. They do have that competitive clashing friendship going on after all.

The scoff earns a wry expression and a “hmph” before Sousuke goes back to polishing off the rest of the omurice on his plate. Look, breast stroke doesn’t really lend to anyone looking stylish, much less graceful, when swimming it. Sousuke may be determined to swim all the strokes, but he’s definitely not planning on becoming supremely skilled in all of them. He’d rather focus on butterfly since it feels the best for him. Freestyle is a good second, though it’s a less-demanding stroke for him. Backstroke and breast are supporting strokes. That’s the plan at least. So long as he can keep swimming… and swimming with Rin.

Yeah, the “with Rin” part remains firmly ingrained in Sousuke without him even realizing it. He quirks a brow at the sigh beside him and looks at Rin with a small frown, putting his empty plate to the side. (He’d normally go for a second, but… smaller tummy. Ugh.) What’s with that sigh, Rin? He knows it’s directed AT him.]

I know that. [The issue of the skill gap remains, but he doesn’t push it.] But they should focus on improving their own skill first, before getting put on a team.

[Whoa, finished already? Not like he's surprised or anything. That's probably one race he can never beat Sousuke in, kid or not. What can he say? His best friend is a bottomless pit.

He's not far behind though and soon enough with a couple more spoonfuls the only thing left on his plate is a streak of ketchup or two. See? He didn't leave a single grain of rice behind!

Back to swimming though, and back to pouting at Sousuke for saying the usual Sousuke stuff. Always so harsh.]

They can't do that alone. Swimming's not an individual sport.

[Not only is he finished, but he’s thinking about going for a second one! … Was thinking about going for a second one. Smaller body = smaller stomach. One pan-sized omurice is enough to fill him up, apparently Which is a problem, since they have plenty of eggs and filling left. (Look, he’s a growing boy; he has to fuel this big body.)

But Rin comes in close second and Sousuke wonders if his best friend’s quick shoveling is some attempt to make up for the picking at his food he’s been doing for the past few minutes. Hey, congrats on the clean plate award.

The topic, however, earns a small frown, teal eyes focusing on the drink in his glass.]

Yes it is. You dive into the water, you’re alone. And you swim under your own power.

[Even the relay’s the same.]

[They probably have enough to cook some tomorrow. Or dinner if they're really feeling up to it. Either way, Rin's going to make sure none of that goes to waste, so there's no need to worry about not being able to attack a second omurice yet, ok?

Drink in hand, he's about to take a sip, but pauses once Sousuke starts speaking, that serious tone all too familiar. It has Rin frowning, steeling himself for what's inevitably going to come out of this conversation. It took them several years before they were able to reach an agreement on this, but of course Sousuke doesn't remember. For him, swimming's still brand new.]

You're not alone. Whether you're in an individual race or in a relay, you're always swimming with your team.

[He lifts his head to look at his shinki directly.]

And they're always swimming with you.

[Despite the whole “overnight lets the flavors marinate and combine” idea, the taste is good enough as it is. Sousuke’s already planning on making another omurice for dinner. Besides, the eggs shouldn’t stay in the fridge for too long anyways. And who knows what they’ll want to make for breakfast tomorrow; maybe try something new.

Sousuke gets the feeling they’re not going to agree on this the moment he notices Rin frowning at him. He doesn’t exactly “get” it though. How Rin views swimming despite its theoretical obviousness. It’s the same romantic lens he views other things through. Most of the time, Sousuke finds it amusing, sometimes annoying, but generally easy to accept with a shrug or small smile. This…]

Duh. [Okay, so he’s still a kid. Anyways! Yeah, you’re not “technically” alone, but still.] It doesn’t matter if you’re on a team; that’s got nothing to do with how well you can swim. It’s not like basketball or volleyball where you’re working together as one unit.

[Swimming’s an individual sport regardless of how many people are lined up behind the block. He meets Rin’s eyes with a quiet, unwavering look.] No one’s moving your arms but you.

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