[The use of "another" is intentional here. If he can't work for the ADA, then he doesn't want to work anywhere.]
[But he sighs right after, settling down at the table before just laying the side of his head on it.]
...besides, do you know how many jobs I was fired from before I met Fukuzawa-san? I don't think I'm cut out for anything normal people do. I'd rather sleep all day.
Atsushi isn't, contrary to some of his life choices, an idiot. He can kind of hear what Ranpo means, and instead he slides over a takeout box: Yakisoba, extra meat as ordered.]
I suppose that makes sense... Maybe you could join me for my morning jogging, if you like? It's a good way to start the day.
[He's just trying to be helpful, okay!]
I didn't know you'd had other jobs before, though.
[Though... he's not exactly surprised by the firing, sorry Ranpo.]
[But okay, the offering of food has been given, so he'll just start digging into that now.]
Mm, I had a bunch when I was a lot younger... I entered the police academy, but got fired after fighting with the dorm head and calling him out as a womanizer. I tried military school, but they kicked me out when I found out one of the higher-up's was embezzling funds from the school. Then there was the construction site, but their company was a hassle to work with, so I quit that one. Then the post office fired me for refusing to send junk mail...
[...]
[He's laying his head back down again. And still trying to eat at the same time, smh.]
[Suddenly, Atsushi feels so much better about getting fired for throwing a perverted customer...
And yet, all of it feels so very like Ranpo. It's both surprising and completely unsurprising at the same time. He settles into a seat across from Ranpo, pulling out yet another takeout bo and opening it-- Chicken skewers! He'll just take one of those before grabbing a box of Yakisoba for himself.]
That was when I was 14. I was actually on my way to another interview when I met Fukuzawa-san -- considering I would have had to sleep in the slums that night otherwise, I'd say I was pretty lucky.
[--because, naturally, this was after his parents died. And with no other family to look after him, he was effectively homeless.]
[But also-- gee, this story sounds familiar, huh?]
[It sure does. Atsushi's quiet for a long moment, comically paused mid-bite of a chicken skewer, staring at Ranpo curiously and with a hint of surprise.
After a moment though, he'll finish chewing his bite, swallowing before offering Ranpo a sympathetic smile.]
[...yeah, he should have expected a reaction like that. But then, that's something he's wanted Atsushi to know. Obviously, they had very different experiences growing up-- but they had some shared ones, as well.]
Anyway, you probably didn't come up here to hear my life story-- didn't you say something about a gift?
[They did. It was surprising, really... but he could understand a bit better why Ranpo admired Fukuzawa so much, above everyone else.
It meant a lot, having someone reach out to you when you were lost and at your lowest.]
Maybe I didn't, but its kind of nice... learning more about you, I mean.
[His smile grows, but then he's reaching into his messenger bag, tugging out--
...a little package. It's nothing fancy looking, it looks a bit like those paper boxes they put jewelry in. he offers it over to Ranpo, taking another bite of his chicken skewer as he does.]
Oh...! Um, right... see, there's a shop run by a man named Lumi, and he sells a variety of really useful things! This is... one of those.
[He nibbles on the tip of his skewer, a little nervous. He's always a tad nervous about giving gifts.]
It's called a Barrierette. If you're ever attacked or caught up in something you can't escape, it will absorb the blow for you. I know you don't get involved in fights usually, but... I thought it would be a good idea.
[Ranpo can probably read between the lines. They all wanted to keep Ranpo safe, but they couldn't always be there, either, no matter how they tried. Maybe with this...
[Oh, he can read between the lines all right. Considering what happened the last time they spoke, there's no question as to why Atsushi would get something like this for Ranpo.]
[Even with everyone back home, he still managed to die. So this is an insurance policy-- so it doesn't happen again. He's touched, really, even if his smile looks a bit sad.]
[He picks up the barrierette and looks it over, before smoothing a bit of his hair down and pinning it in.]
...hmm, what do you think? Maybe it'd still work if I pinned it to my hat instead?
[...Alright, now Atsushi's lips are quirking up a bit more at one corner, amusement sparkling in his eyes as Ranpo shows off the barrette. It was certainly... cute. A bit silly looking though, with how fluffy his hair was.]
Well, I'd say you're always pretty cute... But it'd probably look better if you pinned it to your hat, yes.
[Yep, even his tone is amused. But he's terribly glad that Ranpo didn't seem to take offense to the gift.]
[wait what excuse. Don't do this to him, Ranpo. A double whammy of being called cute and suggesting he's going to buy him a gift? Rude, now he's blushing.]
Ah... y-you don't have to do that! I did buy it for you without asking, and um... A gift isn't something you have to repay, is it?
[THERE SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT-- oh heck now they're both just sitting here blushing.]
Well, no... if you had to repay every gift with a gift, you'd get stuck in an infinite gift-giving loop.
But I want to do something for you, too. [And as if he wasn't already blushing enough, his cheeks dust a bit more as he looks a bit sheepish.] ...you've been a big help to me ever since I arrived. And I want to make sure you know just how much I appreciate it-- and you.
Ranpo's words are really not helping that blush, either. Atsushi is just sorta comically sitting there with a chicken skewer held inches from his face, forgotten in the face of Ranpo's words.
He... appreciated him? The statement sends a rush of warmth through him for a moment, and Atsushi looks downright flustered as he tries to come up with a response to that.]
But I-I wanted to help you. You're my friend... and I appreciate you just as much, Ranpo-san!
I know all that! And it's true for me too-- but you're missing the point!
[Does he even have a point? Sorta. It's a thought he had back then, after that game ended and he held Atsushi in his arms, trying in vain to comfort him. Atsushi's done so much more Ranpo since he arrived-- but what has he done for Atsushi? Without the ADA around, it's not so clear what he's doing, if anything, for the people he cares about.]
Because of all that... I want to do more for you. I just don't know what yet.
[Atsushi was right in pointing out that he clearly needed to be doing something. And if not a new job-- then he just had to find something else.]
[Atsushi doesn't really think about it in such lines of thought. Mostly because he wouldn't be as happy as he is now without Ranpo and everyone else at the agency. They truly were the most important people in his life, bar none.
Is it even possible to repay that sort of thing? He isn't sure. But he wants to be there for Ranpo more than ever now, knowing what he knows.
He doesn't what to think about the fact that if he goes home, there might not be a next time.]
You really don't have to, Ranpo-san... I-I'm just happy that you're here.
[He pauses, hesitating a long moment. It might be wrong of him to request as much, but...]
...But maybe, if you want to do something for me... you could try not to spend all day in bed? Do something for yourself.
[A hobby, a job, whatever it is-- he knows Ranpo needs something, has always needed something.]
It's not Poe-san's writing, but the bookstore I work at has a mystery section! I could bring you some.
[But also-- he leans up and reaches out over the table, and flicks Atsushi on the forehead.]
Look-- I don't make a habit of this. Do you really think I could get away with sulking in bed for days on end when I live with Yosano-san? I'm out almost every day, you know-- this world has too much to see and do to waste my days sitting around! I even learned how to ride the trains all by myself so I could see all of it!
[...]
But... you know I eventually lost that game, right? And spent a few days as a ghost. It was...
[He pauses, forcing his face into a smile for a few seconds before dropping it, as if remembering he doesn't have to do that around Atsushi anymore.]
...it was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced. I thought I was going to stay that way forever. And all things considered, it wasn't exactly good timing. And I only actually came back the day before last.
So just-- let me sulk about it right now! You said to do something for myself, and letting myself actually deal with this instead of pretending it's fine is doing something!
[And then, sitting back in his seat, mumbling:]
Even if that something is just... sitting around sulking until your friends notice.
[Oh.... oh. That flick gets a tiny jump and a widening of eyes.
Atsushi listens as he speaks, and feels bad as he continues. Of course being a ghost would be upsetting for Ranpo, especially considering what had happened. Of course he just needed time to deal with it, to process and relax. He shouldn't be prodding him like this for taking care of himself.
Honestly, it's probably a healthier way of dealing than some of them had, all things considered.]
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I don't need another job.
[The use of "another" is intentional here. If he can't work for the ADA, then he doesn't want to work anywhere.]
[But he sighs right after, settling down at the table before just laying the side of his head on it.]
...besides, do you know how many jobs I was fired from before I met Fukuzawa-san? I don't think I'm cut out for anything normal people do. I'd rather sleep all day.
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Atsushi isn't, contrary to some of his life choices, an idiot. He can kind of hear what Ranpo means, and instead he slides over a takeout box: Yakisoba, extra meat as ordered.]
I suppose that makes sense... Maybe you could join me for my morning jogging, if you like? It's a good way to start the day.
[He's just trying to be helpful, okay!]
I didn't know you'd had other jobs before, though.
[Though... he's not exactly surprised by the firing, sorry Ranpo.]
1/2
[Yosano would be worried he suffered a stroke or something if he willingly got up early just to exercise.]
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Mm, I had a bunch when I was a lot younger... I entered the police academy, but got fired after fighting with the dorm head and calling him out as a womanizer. I tried military school, but they kicked me out when I found out one of the higher-up's was embezzling funds from the school. Then there was the construction site, but their company was a hassle to work with, so I quit that one. Then the post office fired me for refusing to send junk mail...
[...]
[He's laying his head back down again. And still trying to eat at the same time, smh.]
I feel tired just thinking about it.
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[Suddenly, Atsushi feels so much better about getting fired for throwing a perverted customer...
And yet, all of it feels so very like Ranpo. It's both surprising and completely unsurprising at the same time. He settles into a seat across from Ranpo, pulling out yet another takeout bo and opening it-- Chicken skewers! He'll just take one of those before grabbing a box of Yakisoba for himself.]
It does sound tiring, you're right.
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[--because, naturally, this was after his parents died. And with no other family to look after him, he was effectively homeless.]
[But also-- gee, this story sounds familiar, huh?]
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After a moment though, he'll finish chewing his bite, swallowing before offering Ranpo a sympathetic smile.]
Yeah, it sure sounds like it.
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Anyway, you probably didn't come up here to hear my life story-- didn't you say something about a gift?
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It meant a lot, having someone reach out to you when you were lost and at your lowest.]
Maybe I didn't, but its kind of nice... learning more about you, I mean.
[His smile grows, but then he's reaching into his messenger bag, tugging out--
...a little package. It's nothing fancy looking, it looks a bit like those paper boxes they put jewelry in. he offers it over to Ranpo, taking another bite of his chicken skewer as he does.]
I thought... well, just open it.
[Inside is a barrette. of all things.]
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[...]
Er... you didn't mean to give this to Yosano-san, did you?
[It's very pretty, sure, but he isn't exactly the hair-accessory type?]
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[He nibbles on the tip of his skewer, a little nervous. He's always a tad nervous about giving gifts.]
It's called a Barrierette. If you're ever attacked or caught up in something you can't escape, it will absorb the blow for you. I know you don't get involved in fights usually, but... I thought it would be a good idea.
[Ranpo can probably read between the lines. They all wanted to keep Ranpo safe, but they couldn't always be there, either, no matter how they tried. Maybe with this...
He didn't want him to die here. Not again.]
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[Even with everyone back home, he still managed to die. So this is an insurance policy-- so it doesn't happen again. He's touched, really, even if his smile looks a bit sad.]
[He picks up the barrierette and looks it over, before smoothing a bit of his hair down and pinning it in.]
...hmm, what do you think? Maybe it'd still work if I pinned it to my hat instead?
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Well, I'd say you're always pretty cute... But it'd probably look better if you pinned it to your hat, yes.
[Yep, even his tone is amused. But he's terribly glad that Ranpo didn't seem to take offense to the gift.]
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[No matter how many times he's called cute, he'll never get used to it -- his face is already turning red.]
Besides, you're the cute one, buying me something like this... now I have to find a way to return the favor!
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[wait what excuse. Don't do this to him, Ranpo. A double whammy of being called cute and suggesting he's going to buy him a gift? Rude, now he's blushing.]
Ah... y-you don't have to do that! I did buy it for you without asking, and um... A gift isn't something you have to repay, is it?
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Well, no... if you had to repay every gift with a gift, you'd get stuck in an infinite gift-giving loop.
But I want to do something for you, too. [And as if he wasn't already blushing enough, his cheeks dust a bit more as he looks a bit sheepish.] ...you've been a big help to me ever since I arrived. And I want to make sure you know just how much I appreciate it-- and you.
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Ranpo's words are really not helping that blush, either. Atsushi is just sorta comically sitting there with a chicken skewer held inches from his face, forgotten in the face of Ranpo's words.
He... appreciated him? The statement sends a rush of warmth through him for a moment, and Atsushi looks downright flustered as he tries to come up with a response to that.]
But I-I wanted to help you. You're my friend... and I appreciate you just as much, Ranpo-san!
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[Does he even have a point? Sorta. It's a thought he had back then, after that game ended and he held Atsushi in his arms, trying in vain to comfort him. Atsushi's done so much more Ranpo since he arrived-- but what has he done for Atsushi? Without the ADA around, it's not so clear what he's doing, if anything, for the people he cares about.]
Because of all that... I want to do more for you. I just don't know what yet.
[Atsushi was right in pointing out that he clearly needed to be doing something. And if not a new job-- then he just had to find something else.]
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Is it even possible to repay that sort of thing? He isn't sure. But he wants to be there for Ranpo more than ever now, knowing what he knows.
He doesn't what to think about the fact that if he goes home, there might not be a next time.]
You really don't have to, Ranpo-san... I-I'm just happy that you're here.
[He pauses, hesitating a long moment. It might be wrong of him to request as much, but...]
...But maybe, if you want to do something for me... you could try not to spend all day in bed? Do something for yourself.
[A hobby, a job, whatever it is-- he knows Ranpo needs something, has always needed something.]
It's not Poe-san's writing, but the bookstore I work at has a mystery section! I could bring you some.
1/3
[He's touched, really.]
[But also-- he leans up and reaches out over the table, and flicks Atsushi on the forehead.]
Look-- I don't make a habit of this. Do you really think I could get away with sulking in bed for days on end when I live with Yosano-san? I'm out almost every day, you know-- this world has too much to see and do to waste my days sitting around! I even learned how to ride the trains all by myself so I could see all of it!
[...]
But... you know I eventually lost that game, right? And spent a few days as a ghost. It was...
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...it was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced. I thought I was going to stay that way forever. And all things considered, it wasn't exactly good timing. And I only actually came back the day before last.
[...]
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So just-- let me sulk about it right now! You said to do something for myself, and letting myself actually deal with this instead of pretending it's fine is doing something!
[And then, sitting back in his seat, mumbling:]
Even if that something is just... sitting around sulking until your friends notice.
1/2
Atsushi listens as he speaks, and feels bad as he continues. Of course being a ghost would be upsetting for Ranpo, especially considering what had happened. Of course he just needed time to deal with it, to process and relax. He shouldn't be prodding him like this for taking care of himself.
Honestly, it's probably a healthier way of dealing than some of them had, all things considered.]2/2
Well, he'd always had slightly better hearing than most, even without activating his ability.
He... wanted them to notice?
....He wanted to be comforted.]
....You know... you could have just said that last bit from the start.
[He smiles softly, sheepishly.]
I'm sorry for pressuring you, though. I was just worried about you.
1/2
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