thenearshore | [ Closed ]

[ Rin normally doesn't wake up this early. He often sleeps through his alarm clock, and he could probably sleep the whole day, if no one bothers him. However, this morning he's too hungry to sleep, and he figures that everyone else might get hungry too. So he's in the kitchen in the middle of making Japanese style omelets, when Jakob walks in.

He turns towards the other shinki, his appearance is a bit disheveled since he didn't really bother. Though, now he wishes he's a bit more presentable.]

I am, and you must be Jakob, right? I've heard a lot about you, though it's nice to put a name to a face.

[Rin smiles at the older man, genuinely.]

Were you hungry?

Hmph. Nice to see that someone’s taken the initiative around here. [ But he nods at Rin’s question—it is indeed he, the fabled Jakob, though whether or not good things have been spoken about him…

He decides he’d rather not know. ]

But indeed, I came here for a proper breakfast. To prepare one, specifically.

Yeah? Ain and Roxas don't really need to eat. And if you leave Add to do it himself, he won't, so...

[Rin laughs. So it really leaves him to take care of this stuff. Though now that Jakob is here, they can definitely share the task.

Rin can't really say if what he has known about Jakob is good or bad, but he certainly had big shoes to feel. Even now he feels a little nervous in the presence of this guy.]

To prepare? What're you thinkin' of making?

[Rin is curious, Jakob knows how to cook.]

Yes, I’m aware that he needs constant supervision. [ Only too well, in fact. But he rolls up his sleeves regardless, all business, and approaches Rin’s side of the kitchen, watching his work with a critical eye as they speak. ]

And I suppose a simple breakfast would be good to start with. Perhaps some cured meats to go handily with those omelets… [ He sniffs at the air, looking none too pleased. ]

Perhaps I can bake some bread or biscuits as well—what did you say you’ve put in your omelet?

Cured meats? You mean like sausage?

[ Rin usually keeps his omelets plain because the mixture of mirin, did give it a slightly sweeter taste. Though he's never really had omelets with other stuff inside. It could be interesting.

Jakob goes on to say, bread or biscuits. He plans to make all of that?! Rin is already in the process of beating his eggs, when Jakob asks if he'll put something in them.]

It's plain-- well not really. It's egg with a mixture of cooking sake, soy sauce, and salt. This is the only way I know how to make them, but I'm open to new ideas.

Willing to learn, eh? I suppose that’s an admirable start. [ He’s stingy with his compliments, if you haven’t realized. ]

But yes, I believe that your method, while charmingly traditional, simply won’t do under the circumstances. Add’s diet needs a complete overhaul. We cannot afford to let Add roam about the Heavens in such terrible shape!

[Rin will take it!}

Traditional? Yeah I guess. [ He's ready to set aside the eggs he was making to start anew. Maybe he'll just continue to make them after he learns from Jakob.]

I agree with that. He's a bit on scrawny side, so he should definitely eat more things that fatten him up. What do you suggest?

[Obviously more protein, but maybe fiber too.]

He needs variety, of course. [ Because making an enjoyable meal is just as important as making it healthy and nutritious. ]

Perhaps consider transforming that omelet into a frittata. There should be enough fillings in the fridge to make it a serviceable meal. Meanwhile, I will get on with curing some ham, baking some fresh loaves for the table, preparing the cake for dessert—

Frittata? Yeah I think I can make those.

[It seems simple enough, and the frittatas will certainly offer some variety. Rin can put vegetables and cheeses. Maybe bits of meats, though if Jakob is curing the ham then it should go without for balance.

At mention again of fresh loaves and even a cake, boy this guy really intends to make a lot.]

Even a cake too?! I don't normally eat cake in the morning, unless you're reservin' that for later?

[So Rin gets to work on prepping a few vegetables. Cutting up some spinach, cherry tomatoes, onions and garlic. He takes out a pan and starts to sautes the onion and garlic together. Then adds the spinach until it wilts. As for the tomatoes he allows it to roast in the over for a bit with a sprinkle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Rin's certainly not a novice here.]

It all depends on Add’s appetites, of course. But… [ He trails off, watching Rin work. His hands are still occupied with kneading the dough and sundry other kitchen functions, but he can easily take his attention off of them well enough to consider his new colleague.

Rin has…potential, he realizes. More so than a certain other someone, at any rate. ]

I take it you were the one who taught Ain how to cook?

Hm?

[Rin turns to Jakob as he suggests that he's the one who taught Ain how to cook. He shakes his head, smiling genuinely.]

Nah. He's decided to learn on his own, so I can't take credit for that.

[Though it's possible that Ain could've been watching him. He does tend to appear out of nowhere. However, he has more interaction with Roxas when comes to giving step by step instructions. He turns back towards the vegetables and sees that they are the right texture. He turns off the flame. The tomatoes shouldn't take long so he starts to mix up the eggs.]

Though he's really learned a lot on his own. He says he wants to be more useful to Add, so I can understand why he wants to get better quickly.

Yes, he is quite earnest, if nothing else. [ He thinks. Dammit Ain you’re hard to read. ]

But, I must admit, so are you. Looking after Add and maintaining such cheer cannot have been easy.

[ Although granted, having Add genuinely enjoy his meals is a pleasure he does get to enjoy frequently. Not that he’ll admit to that or anything. ]

[If Rin knew what Jakob was thinking, he would agree. Ain is hard to read, but Rin does feel like he's a good person. At least, he's never wronged him. That's enough for him.

Though he blinks when Jakob mentions him.]

Me? I mean it ain't easy. Though even if he plays pranks on me ( he still needs to get him from last time!) and calls me an idiot, I believe Add is a good person, so I just roll with that.

[Rin tends to give people the benefit of the doubt. Attempting to kill him, might get Rin pissed off, but he'll still try to figure out their motive. Rin continues to whisk the eggs until they are thoroughly mixed. He takes out the tomatoes, so he can start assembling the frittata. Though he gets an idea! He decides to use a muffin tray instead of a cast iron one. He starts greasing the molds to ensure that the frittata doesn't stick to the tray.]

Tho, like Ain, I still feel like I can do more.

How optimistic. [ It’s only said with the slightest bit of snark—at the end of the day, he can’t fault anyone for seeing any good in Add, but still. ]

But your earnestness is admirable, I’ll give you that. [ And he nods approvingly at the muffin tin technique—very creative, he hadn’t thought of that. A small, competitive part of him might even feel annoyed at that. ]

And yet…I suppose, if like Ain, you’re simply willing to learn… [ He’s saying he might teach him a thing or two. ]

Of course! I know there's still a lot for me to learn, but I'm looking forward to what you have to teach me.

[ As long as it's not academics, but something more hands-on, Rin is more than willing to learn new skills. He feels that he can learn a lot from Jakob, he seems to know a lot about high-class and refinery, something Rin really lacks knowledge of.

Rin starts putting his ingredients in each mold and adding the feta cheese as well. He then pours over the egg mixture, making sure it fills up the mold and coats everything evenly. Now he's ready to place it in the oven and adjusts the temperature a bit.

He turns to Jakob as he thinks of something else.]

And you've been Add's shinki before, so you can tell me how to deal with his...moods, I guess.

[ Somehow, mood doesn't really seem to explain what he means. Rin doesn't really understand Add, although he would like to. Maybe Jakob could help him figure Add out since it seems Jakob and Add are pretty close.]

[ Academics are definitely important, but luckily for Rin they’re not under Jakob’s jurisdiction. All Rin needs to do is to be a good shinki—he’s not going to ask for the moon here. ]

Give it a little tap. Let some of the air disperse. [ he says offhandedly before Rin can slip the frittata into the oven. But, returning to the topic, he adds: ]

From what I can gather, you seem to have encountered quite a few cataclysms that Add has personally caused, is that correct?

[ He'll try his best to be a good shinki. At least, he knows he can kick some ayakashi butt!

He takes Jakob's advice before he places the frittatas in the oven. His eyes narrow at the rather large word that the other shinki uses?]

What about Add's cactuses?

[He didn't even know he had them. Clearly, this boy needs to read more, if his response isn't enough evidence.]

[ Jakob just…stares at him for a moment, before sighing and turning his attention back to his damn dough. ]

I see that you still have much to learn.

Huh?

[ Jakob's reaction confuses Rin for a second, but of course, he's not going to leave the topic alone. He's eager to figure out what Jakob means.]

No, but seriously...you were saying something about cactuses...castles...catalys--something another! [He still doesn't get the word, but he thinks he gets what the older man is trying to say.] I think you were tryna ask what happened with the void and everything, right?

[He watches Jakob knead the dough, and feels as if he could be doing something with his hands.]

Hey, you need help with that? Or maybe you want me to start something else?

A cataclysm, Rin. And yes, that may or may not have anything to do with the void—Add can get quite creative even without that.

[ He shoots Rin a look as he waves off offer for help, preferring to focus on something a good deal more important than breakfast at the moment. ]

I have heard that he has caused a fair bit of trouble in my absence. I wish to year your take on the matter.

Oh! Yeah, that! [ He's going to have to look up the word later, but nine out of ten, he'll forget.

Though he takes on a more serious stance as Jakob asks him his opinion on Add's recent activity. To be honest, he's been quite tame except for the void incident and he did scare him a bit when he went into that coma.]

Well, as far as I know, he hasn't really done anything. He's been keepin' a low profile after the incident inside the void, and I think that shook him up a little. Even if he doesn't want to admit it. He was tryna to install some sort of gun outside of the temple, to protect his flowers ( probably to fend off his enemies too), but I was against it, so he didn't set it up.

[ He then frowns.] Then afterward he fell into a coma and returns as a kid. That was a bit confusing for the both of us, I didn't recognize him and he must've thought I was some sort of illusion. Anyway, we were able to come to an understanding, but he must have been through a lot. I just hope he confides in someone before he explodes from all the things he bottles up inside.

[ All things considered, as unrefined as Rin is, he does get straight to the heart of the matter, and Jakob appreciates that.

But damn, that’s a lot to unpack in one day. Add’s definitely been busy. ]

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. [ Though, ugh, just hearing about all of that is making him tired—even though he barely even sleeps to begin with. ]

Did he turn you into a child as well? [ Er, even more of a child than he already is in Jakob’s eyes?? ]

He’s done that before, as well. [ And the memory of it makes him cringe. ]

Turn me into a child? No...

[Rin doesn't recall any of that. Though it's probably for the best since Rin's tantrum in his youth were pretty scary.]

Is he done that to you? No way!

[Though he can't imagine it, he does believe that Add is very capable of it.]

It would make sense now. Maybe he wants a bit of companion, you know someone his own size.

[ Rin chuckles at that.]

Ugh, I should hope not. [ Jakob thinks he’s a pretty shitty companion to begin with—and definitely not somebody Add would want to hang around if he could help it. ]

He’s hardly any less difficult as a child, I’ll have you know. Though perhaps he’s a tad more civil, as such.

[ Rin chuckles at Jakob's displeasure in being Add's companion. He goes and checks on his frittatas. He opens the oven to see that the egg has risen, but it still needs a bit more time.]

I guess that's one way of putting it. More civil...I guess he hasn't really been causing trouble since his return. He does seem easier to talk to.

[Maybe because he looks like a kid.]

Though he seems a bit more reserved.

Yes, I find that alarming. [ Even though he of all people should appreciate a quieter and more reserved Add… ]

Sowing chaos has always been in his nature for as long as I’ve known him. For him to avoid going so far, even superficially, well…

[ Well his baking’s going to be a bit neglected for a while. He shakes his head. ]

Something just does not seem right.

You get that same feeling too, right?

[ Rin also finds this a little weird, and somehow he's kind of expecting Add to do something to keep him on his toes. Even if his god has some unusual methods, they do make things exciting.

He's not going to say that to Jakob out loud, though.]

I'm sure he'll come around, sooner or later. Even if I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

[He's going to regret, hoping for Add to return to his old ways.]

One can never be too sure of Add. [ His unpredictability’s always been a problem…

Actually he can’t help but wonder why Rin somehow manages to remain so chipper despite being Add’s shinki. What’s your secret, Rin?? ]

But I am getting ahead of myself. Precisely how long did you say you’ve known him?

I guess so.

[Rin laughs at that. He has to agree with Jakob on their god being unpredictable.

Though when Jakob asks how long he's known Add, Rin has to think about it. Somehow it feels longer than what it's actually been. Yet, thinking about it, it hasn't been long at all.]

Maybe about four months. It feels like it's been longer.

Yes, he does have a way of inspiring that feeling in others.

[ And honestly it’s exhausting. At least it’s never boring around Add, but honestly, he’d rather do without all that excitement to begin with. ]

And yet you’re still terribly energetic after all that. I envy you.

[ Rin laughs. Well Jakob is funny in a very blunt way.]

Energetic? Yeah? Well, I try not to sweat the small stuff. And if it's big stuff, I don't keep quiet about them either. It makes it easier to stay upbeat if you don't have things bottled up inside.

And I know if you have certain thoughts it can be dangerous to gods, so if I can't talk to Add about it, I know there are other people I can talk to.

[ Rin goes over to check on his frittatas. They look about ready and they smell really good too. He takes out the muffin tray and sets it on the stove to cool.]

A friendly sort as well, eh? [ And a responsible one too, judging by the way he looks after the cooking without having to be told to.

Yes, he has potential. But still he wrinkles his nose at Rin’s reply. ]

Ugh, how tedious. I don’t know how you can stand baring your heart out to others. [ Because clearly bottling it all up inside is the healthier option!! Yeah!!! That’s not going to backfire horribly on him or anything. ]

[He's not that responsible, but with certain things, he can easily get into the routine. He's still very much a teenager with selfish desires and lazy tendencies.]

Bare my heart? Well, sometimes there are things I can't hide, even if I tried. People often say I wear my heart on my sleeve, so I feel if it's already showing, it's more exhausting to hide it, right?

[His way of thinking might be a little odd for someone like Jakob, but it makes sense to Rin. It always makes him feel better to talk about things, and people usually offer really great advice.]

Like the whole demon thing. I made sure I talked to as many people I could about how afraid I was.

[ Jakob will beat the lazy out of him one way or another if he isn’t careful… ]

The demon thing? [ Well that is way more important than the perfectly healthy way Rin’s handling his emotions! ]

Is that another bit of trouble Add has unleashed upon the Far Shore?

[ Beating the lazy out of him will probably be a hard task, even for Jakob...]

[At that responds, it dawns on Rin that Jakob doesn't know! Rin places his hands up as if in surrender as Jakon guesses this must be another of Add's antics.]

Nah! It's not about Add, it's about me! It's not his fault or anything. Short story, I turn into a demon whenever I draw a sword. Although, even without drawing it, I still have some lasting effects.

[ If Rin really needs proof, his tail does unravel from underneath his shirt and starts waving at Jakob.]

[ A demon? For a shinki?! That’s news to him, though then again, with Ain being here…he supposes it’s not as farfetched an idea as he might think.

Still. He’s actually taken aback at that tail, as if Rin had just shown him a bug he’d picked up from the outside. ]

That’s…truly one of the strangest things I’ve ever heard. And I’ve been in the Far Shore for a good deal of time.

You think? I thought the same thing. Like why would I be allowed into Heaven? Though it must not be so weird. I know of, at least, three other demons in the Far Shore. Though most of them are gods.

[ Does that count? Not too long ago there was even a boy his age who was filling in for Satan as a god.

Rin allows his tail to wrap around his stomach, so he can properly hide it under his shirt again.]

Well, if it helps. I don't bite.

I suppose it doesn’t matter. In a strange way, your demonic nature probably suits Add’s tastes quite well.

[ He recalls that, a long time ago, he’d once stumbled into a strange place ostensibly from Add’s past, and shudders. ]

Though he operates under the cold and practical auspices of modern science, I fear that he has a certain sense of…superstition, or rather a sense for the morbid, or somesuch.

[ Not a fun thing to talk about at this early hour, come to think of it. ]

[ Closed ]

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