sticksandbones | bark bark bark!!

Entry tags:

arknights: phantom

bark bark bark!!

Who: Beat + you
What: Beat says hi! Also WTF!
When: Leap Yeap
Where: The Network and the Grove
Warnings: lots of swearing, will change if more comes up

AIGHT YO who the fuck messed with the Fog this time it's fuckin BLACK I thought we was all agreed bout not messin wid it! weird as fuck even more so than when it was brown an no you cant blame me this time!! i aint do nothin!

[This is how this young adult writes I'm so sorry.]

but aight whatev so where is we this time like cool we get to ~~komuni~~ talk wid each other still but this aint dyster

lest i dont think

it dont smell like it

i mean it kinda do like it got that whole death thing goin for it but it also dont smell like uh stale

oh right aint no usernames wid this its beat yo shadow gal said to write in it to say hi who all here holla at me or come find me im at a well?

also man someone bring me a bandaid i got fuckin bit by something in the forest i dunno wtf is going this fuckin event but i might zombie i dunno

[ After scribbling all over the network Beat will just continue to sit where he sat, which is on the well. That's right, he plopped his ass right on the edge of the well. Do you want water? Too bad, tell him to move. He will then unceremoniously stuff his journal into his pocket the best he can by rolling it up, and sniffing the air. That sure is a fucking large ass werewolf just sitting there, trying to figure out where everyone is by sniffing the air. So even if you don't see his bullshit in the journal, you might run into him if you're trying to get water.

Come say hi, he's a good boy. Even if you don't, the moment he zones in on your scent, he might be locking eyes with you. Even if he can't see you, if he can smell you he's going to stare.

It's fine, that tail wag says he's friendly. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

If it is, that's bullshit, but it kinda aligns wid the shit she'd say about like... alla us bein' all in the Seas an' they just pluck us from there. So if I got returned to the Seas somehow, then some other God can jus take my ass out again. It could be I was closest to the Fog shit there so other Fog shit here got me.

[He stares down at his feet, then at Josh. The thoughts are easy to read. But that doesn't explain Josh. It doesn't explain why he recognizes Vash but Vash has no knowledge of Ryslig either. He huffs and throws his hands into the air.]

I dunno yo, it's makin' my head spin, too much thinkin'.

[He gets to his feet and brushes his butt off.]

[The thoughts are easy to read indeed. He already knows about this alternate him. But Vash? He doesn't even know Vash himself. Beat came here with memories intact, but is it possible for others to come here without? It's an interesting and terrifying thought...

But one that he isn't keen on spending too much time on. Because, if it's true, that means things that he doesn't feel equipped to deal with right now, and it's just easiest to pack everything up in a suitcase and cram it into the metaphorical closet, to be touched never.

With Beat standing up, he's once again towering over Josh. The Composer looks up, tipping his head just a little. This is, honestly, making his head spin a bit, too.]

Well, we can't have that. Don't want those gears burning out on day one.

[Closing his satchel back, he turns, looking back toward the Grove proper.]

... feeling up for a walk? There's a lot more to explore, I think.

Aw c'mon, I've had three years of gear burnin'!

[On the word walk, Beat's tail begins to wag briskly, and he grins at Josh.]

Uh, yeah? Now you gotta walk though cause you can't jus' say that an' not go on a walk wid me.

[He turns on his heels to head back towards the Grove, giving the Statue one last look. Gotta remember to come back here. He's surprisingly silent as they head back, his paws tucked into his back pockets, shoulders slightly hunched as he thinks, until:]

The Fog covered the entirety of the rest of the world, save for this little spot on the Pen'sula. It feels like.... I know it ain't the same world. I can look up at the sky an' tell that. Cuz it doesn't scare me to look up. An' the moon ain't weird an' got a spot on it. But it feels like it is. Like a portion of it.

[There's a snort to that, but it's not an unkind one. There's a smile on Josh's lips, and he lifts a hand in a vague gesture.]

I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it.

[Though, depending on the length of their walk, he might end up floating a bit. We'll see.

The silence is surprising, but Josh won't question it. Beat is, after all, different - he's changed in some ways, grown a bit. And not just physically. Three years in this other world has clearly had an effect. Far more than his Game did...

When Beat speaks up again, he listens, tipping his head aside to look up at his companion.]

Like the same type of story, but a different setting with different details.

[Still fog, but different. No cannibalism. No forced changes into monstrous forms. And yet, they're still trapped, and Beat's form is still monstrous... in a sense.]

Is it a relief to be out? Or would you rather go back?

Yeah!! Same shit, yo, but diff tellin'.

[Trapped again. Not home. This time he's missing two pieces of himself. Having Josh nearby helps, but it's not his Josh. It's not the Naphil that would settle onto his back and let himself be carried around. Not the Josh he smooched on New Years. That he's killed for.

The question draws him out of his thoughts and he heaves a hard sigh, kicking a little rock at his feet as they walk.]

You know, I ain't got an answer fer that? You'd think I'd say hell ye, 'cuz who the fuck wants to be livin' like that? But you know how it is, yo. You grow accustomed to it. Every month was a pile of shit in one way or another, but I had friends. I had a business, yo! Runnin' a youth center! I was doin' things, an' married, an' now...

[He stops when they hit the intersection of hte Grove and the Burnt Village, staring forward out at the buildings. Quaint. Woodsy. Far from the bustle of cars and skyscrapers, and Neku swooping with a delighted screech, and Josh with his light umbrella.]

It's all been yanked away again.

... sounds like you were doing pretty well for yourself. I'm impressed.

[Not just from Beat's words, but from the thoughts skittering on the surface. And it's a genuine sentiment, too - not a hint of sarcasm in those words.

Josh goes silent for a moment after that, those thoughts leaving a sort of... not exactly sour, not exactly bitter taste in his mouth, an anxious tightness in his throat and chest that he can't rationalize. He's being compared to another him, and it shouldn't bother him. He isn't the one that Beat wants to be with, so it's fine. There's another him out there that's been twisted by the same fog that twisted Beat, and that's who Beat wants. That's who Beat is pining for. Altogether different.

So why does he feel like disappearing? Hm.

He doesn't, though. Not yet. Not now, not in the middle of investigating. It's so easy to compartmentalize. It's so easy to put distance between himself and... whatever that is.]

If it's ever too much for you, by the way, just say so. I'm just fine on my own. Wouldn't want you making things worse for yourself on my account.

Heh, thanks yo, I really tried. Wouldn't of gotten far widdout you an' Phones though. Er, uh, other you.

[Christ. He knows he's probably making Josh feel uncomfortable and awkward every time he slips up. He knows the Composer stuffs that all down and has issues with the idea. Not in disgust just that "really? me?" attitude Beat knows too well.

The question makes him huh? glancing back to Josh with a genuine pure look of confusion, head tilted 45 degrees even, before he realizes what Josh means.]

What! No way, yo!! I'm fine. It hurts, yeah, but I ain't gonna treatchu like you silver or some shit, an' avoid you. We're in this together, yo, I got yer back!! Like, yer still you, an' I know you, an' jus' 'cuz there's some missin' bits cause we all alternate timeline up in here, ain't mean I ain't friends widchu!

[He doesn't start walking again yet, instead staring at Josh thoughtfully. And shockingly? His mind closes off. Just a bit, he's not good at it, being an open book and all but it's an attempt. To save Josh from the constant barrage there.

But also... this is a chance to see if they can become friends without trauma forcing them together.]

Unless you want me to fuck off, then hey, s'cool, you lemme know.

[... ah. It may only be a bit more closed off, but he can still tell. In combination with Beat's words, it makes Josh pause, smile slipping into something a bit more... perplexed. It's all the softness instilled by caring for another version of him, surely. Any other Beat would probably have good reason to punch him in the face, much less want to be friends.

It's weird. Foreign. Being punched in the face, or at least an attempt at such, would be easier for him to understand.]

It's hardly about me. You're welcome to stick around if you'd like.

[It's hard to avoid anyone in a place this small anyway. Especially when one party has the nose of a bloodhound.]

It may even be beneficial to stick together. After all, today's exploration went well. Who knows what else we might find?

I do like, yo!

[Now his tail is beginning to wag again, happy little stop and go motions of wag wag, pause, wag wag. Especially as Josh turns the conversation back to their exploration. It begins to go more.]

Fer real... hopefully better than uh, evil vines and a lot of dead bodies.

[Beat finally glances at himself. He... is covered still. Despite shaking off what he could, he's caked in ash and dirt, reeking of everything he'd uncovered. Everything.]

You wanna take a quick break first or jump right into the next area? There's a lot of weird fuckin' smells all over.

[Well. At least he's happy. Josh considers that a success. It's better than dwelling on things out of either of their control.]

Luckily, I haven't seen the vines elsewhere. Can't say the same about the bodies, though.

[Bodies can be anywhere. Ask him how he knows!

At the offer of a quick break, though, Beat is getting a very long and considering glance. Sir, you are stinky and dirty.]

Maybe a break first. You look like you could use a quick rinsing off. Maybe a change of clothes.

I ain't got extra clothes but I can wash these ones!

[Sorry, Josh. Beat has no body shame. This means that he strips, right there. Off comes the shirt, off comes the pants, and he holds them out like they're time bombs as he heads towards the well. Bare ass naked. At least he's furry enough to cover everything that needs covering, with the obvious exception of his mess of scars.

Is that the Shibuya symbol on his chest, half hidden behind some fluff?]

I wonder if they got hoses, yo, runnin' water... wait, yo, the river!

[And there goes a streaking werewolf, running towards the river....]

[Is it the Shibuya symbol? Is it? Because he's quite distracted by the suddenly very naked werewolf standing right there in front of him thank you very much!!

Who is then running right for the river, whole ass entirely out. He. Oh. Okay.]

... well, that's one way to do it.

[As long as he gets clean, that's... what matters...??? Good lord.]

[He'll get clean! Have you ever seen a wet werewolf? It looks like he tried to drowned himself by the time he comes back.

Still naked, his clothes are damp still, despite his attempt to strangle the water out of them.

And at least this time he shook by the river side and not came over to shake. His teeth may be chattering.]

You ain't got like... able to magic up a hair dryer, is you?

[A wet werewolf looks very... sad. Somehow sadder than a wet cat. Maybe it's because it's Beat, though. Dogs don't usually look this pathetic when soaking wet.

Though, the height makes him anything but pathetic. It's just the overall effect.]

Hmm. Maybe, maybe not. I haven't been able to conjure anything fancy, so you may have to do with a towel.

[He's not even going to try for the hair dryer, though. He just straight up creates a towel. But hey, it's a big towel, bigger than most bath towels, even, and it's very fluffy. It gets handed to Beat without much fanfare.]

If you need another, there's more where that came from.

[He is the most pathetic, saddest boy. He shook but he is still wet. Josh save him. Josh. Save him, Josh, he's cold. The towel will be taken so gratefully and he begins to briskly rub himself down, trying to dry as much off as possible.]

God yer b- a lifesaver. [Oops almost called him beautiful, can't do that, can't scare him away. His tail wags as he dries down, before his tongue lolls out happily in a pant.]

I think that should be aight. Prolly should hit up the inn an' sit near the ... the fire place. [Grimace.] Dry up the rest of the way. How you doin', by the way? I know you mostly whole but like... do you gotta eat now?

[Focus on his not-husband, ponder him. Nakedly.]

[What was that? Was there a word almost there? Hmm. Surely it wasn't what he thought it was. It was an altogether different word that starts with B, wasn't it?]

I am feeling very benevolent today, yes. You're welcome, by the way.

[Mm, warming up by the fire doesn't sound too bad, though. And he does need to check in on his little friend... He tips his head just slightly, as if pondering the idea. Not that he needs to think it over very thoroughly, of course. Their investigation can pause for a little while longer.]

Warming up wouldn't be a bad idea. [The question makes him pause for a moment, though, with one eyebrow lifting.] I do seem to be stuck in a physical body, so yes, I have to eat. Not that that's a problem.

[It's the other human needs that are a problem. Eugh. He doesn't like thinking about it.]

[He knows exactly what Josh is thinking when he says it's not a problem. Because Josh had the same issue before, forced into a physical body. He heh's softly, laying the towel around his waist to tuck it in so he's not flashing anymore.]

You eaten yet? I learned how to cook in the other place. I ain't the best still, but I can do some dishes. Inn kitchen got some stuff we can throw together.

[The ones Josh himself helped him with. The recipes from their cook book. Each one tried together. The ache in Beat's chest takes him a little by surprise. Josh is standing right in front of him, but he's a million miles away. Guess he didn't bottle it up as good as he thought.

And how does he know the Inn kitchen has stuff? Cause he smells it. Delicious food.]

C'mon, O' Benfevolent [Beat you just heard him say it] One, le's go snack on shit for bein' a buncha good boys who [wag wag wag hehe he is a good boy] made a Goddess a bit better.

Edited 2024-03-07 04:52 (UTC)

[... what. Beat can... cook? There's a part of that that is somehow deeply terrifying, but also... intriguing? Not even in the "hey do you want to go see a dead body" kind of way, but a genuine personal interest. It sounds like something that Beat really enjoys doing. That he could go from his state in the original Game to this...

Josh sighs, but it's a kind sigh. It comes with a slight shake of his head and a tiny hint of a smile if you squint at the corners of his lips.]

Well, alright. I guess I could go for something to eat, if you're offering.

[Beat can see that smile because he's trained to see it, and it makes his tail wag more. Good. He'll walk towards the Inn, his damp clothes over his shoulder and towel around his waist.]

Damn right, yo, I'm offerin'! Maybe we can get some fish from the river, if there ain't any stocked, an' I can try to make ya some Boobielays.

[The Husband-In-His-Head snorts to that word and he makes a face, muttering but loud enough for Josh to hear.]

No wait, I know how to say it. Boozy... Bayleafs... No... C'mon, yo. Boobie- no that's the same thin' I jus' said. There ain't no boobies in it, yo!!

[If Beat is headed to the inn, Josh will follow. After all, there is now the promise of food. Possibly entertainment. Though, honestly, if Beat does a well enough job, that's all the entertainment he'll need.

He's right with Beat conversationally, right up until that one word that makes him stop in his tracks. Boobie...lays? Boobielays??? What does that mean--]

I'm sorry, what--

[But he's cut off by Beat's attempt to correct. Boozy. Bayleafs. His mind sets to work trying to decipher this... strange language, brow furrowed and eyes lowered. What in the world is...

But then he makes the connection. "Boobielays". Fish from the river. Seafood. Beat is trying to say--

Josh snorts. He can't help himself. But rather than a "wow you said that so horribly wrong" snobby sort of snort, it's... a laugh. The ridiculousness of it has bled through to the point that it's just funny. My goodness. Boobielays?]

Bouillabaisse. Which there are certainly no boobies in, yes.

[Wow. Immediate mood improvement? It's a miracle. There's even a sparkle in his eye.]

Didn't know you knew how to make something that fancy, let alone know what it is. Very impressive.

[The laugh makes him huff loudly, but his tail is wagging and his ears are gently back. It's a Josh laugh and it warms his heart so badly.]

Yeah, yo. That shit. I dunno if I know how but it's my fav dish an' I bet I can!! Boo-

[Oh for fucks sake he just heard it. Josh just said it. Beat goes absolutely silent and still, staring off into the distance, his eyes unfocused. Somewhere a bird chirps with a song that warbles a little too strangely.

Finally, he whispers:]

Booyababies?

[That's not it, he knows it's not it, but... fuck it whatever.]

Booyablazes is the best, yo! Fish soup!!

[Oh. Oh, there it is. Another attempt. Despite everything, Josh finds himself suddenly paying far more attention than he had before, waiting with bated breath to see just what Beat comes up with next. He could peek, of course, but where's the fun in that? The sense of suspense?

Luckily, he's rewarded. Greatly rewarded at that. The second the attempt leaves Beat's lips, he gets another very clear laugh-snort in response. This one is somehow even better than the last. The confused whisper of two brain cells desperately trying to remember a word.

Booyababies. There's a fun ring to it. Like a ¥100 snack at Moyai Mart.]

You have good taste. If you ever decide to try to make it, I'll volunteer as your taste tester.

[As though he won't be right there watching everything happen.]

[Ugh his heart. His Josh, forgive him, but you're cute no matter what universe you're from. Beat tries so hard not to give Josh the softest look, but it slips out a little anyways. Doting. Gentle.]

Hell ye, yo, I'll make sure it's great. I know yer fav's too, so I can try an' get ingredients fer those.

[Pickled Plum Onigiri might be impossible to make for the dog, but there are other dishes Beat knows Josh will find delight in. Tail wagging, he turns to keep going to the Inn or he'll continue to stand there and stare at Josh with love in his eyes, and he knows that's going to put the other off.

So he sort of maybe jogs his way there.]

[So long as it's only a quick slip, it's easy for Josh to ignore! Beat just sees a different him for a moment, that's all it is. It's not directed at him at all.

Jogging is probably a good choice, then, since any more prolonged expressions of fondness in his direction might indicate otherwise! Don't want that! Can't have that!

Not that Josh is fond of jogging anyway. But it's easy enough to just... levitate, just a couple inches off the ground, for a quick and effortless way to catch up.]

Oh? You know my favorites, hm? Enlighten me.

[Beat how well do you really know him--]

Well. You like coffee in the mornin', yo, an' you like it fresh brewed, no shit that's been out the night before. You like umeboshi everythin', tho onigiri is yer go to snack. You share my love of the definitivo chili dog, yo, an' we spent a lot of time tryina perfect it an' I think we did.

[He sounds so proud of that, honestly. Chili dogs made with love.]

I know you like shio ramen, yo, I know you like booyablaze too. There's a lot of ramens you like actually. [His tail is wagging.] An' I know you like foe grass cuz we had it on a date, you liked the pineapple upside down cake I made fer yer birthday, you like some bento boxes. Neither of us like ice cream really, yo, 'specially the soft stuff you get from the machine.

[Stopping at the inn door, Beat opens it and steps aside for Josh, beaming, tongue lolling.]

I think you like milk in yer coffee too, but I'd often drink from the milk cartoons in my sleep, so I dunno how much of it you actually got.

bark bark bark!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)