exhibitionistsbox | Hot Springs and Ryokan

Hot Springs and Ryokan

Guess what, y'all. It's time for a field trip. We're heading to a Hot Springs and an Inn for the weekend, and everyone is invited. This place is huge, and has multiple springs both indoor and out. There's separate bathing, mixed, and even a spot for foreigners and prudes who like to keep their swimsuits on. Table tennis? Got it. Room service? You bet. Massages? Possibly. Ghosts? Maybe.

1. Hot springs: after you rinse off come take a relaxing bath. There are multiple options as to what kind of bathing environment you can have, so please choose wisely. Also, please read the signs. None of the springs will kill you, but if you choose the wrong one you might end up with some... adverse effects. Cursed springs might just be a Thing.

2. The Inn: you'll be here for a few nights so find your rooming buddy and get friendly. Whether bonding over food, games, or even just exploring the place there's certainly something you can find to occupy yourself. Just don't be too curious after curfew. The staff are pretty insistent, but they aren't cops so responsibility for your actions are your own.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[ She laughs at the face. Of course she does! She'd known exactly the sort of response she'd get for that, and it's nice to see it happen as expected. ]

It's not selfish. It's just being human.

[ Now Ritsuka leans back a little, onto her hands, looking upwards to the dark starry sky overhead. ]

Wanting to be able to take a break, even when things are serious, wanting to have a moment or two where things aren't so grim... you're right. That's what we're in all this for. But it's no good if we don't get to be part of that, right? Always working, always observing, never getting involved... that's not really a "human life" at all, is it?

[Mash stands there for a moment, struck dumb, but her body's got this. It's on top of things more than her mind is right now, and realizes that hey, she could be shielding herself with the water right now instead of just standing here naked and looming over him. When he sinks down and back, she gradually follows, until she's properly concealed. This whole thing is so embarrassing that she has a sudden, intimate understanding of why exactly someone might want to just . . . sink under the surface for a good long while.

She resists the urge, but she gets it.

She ends up about on his level, meeting his eyes across the surface of the water. This really is a nice hot spring, she thinks, in a fleeting way that she doesn't have the luxury of enjoying just yet.]

No, no, I'm the one who jumped to conclusions! I saw you go under and didn't see you come back up . . . and I got worried. That isn't because of anything you did wrong. I-I could have tapped you on the shoulder or something!

[Solutions that feel obvious in hindsight, without the needless adrenaline coursing through her system . . .

She slips just low enough into the water that her lips go under, and a few bubbles ripple up. Blub.]

Mmmm . . .

[A little agreeing sound, while Mash thinks that over more. Now she's the one having unbidden thoughts of the Doctor. Had Ritsuka meant to invoke his memory with that? Or is that just the way things are, now? It isn't the first time his ghost has crept up in Mash's thoughts when she didn't expect it to. At times, the knowledge of who he truly was and everything he did, explained by the others after Mash's miraculous return . . . it feels like a curse.

She had wanted, deep down, to have gone on believing he was happy.

The placeholder expression on her face slowly crumples into a frown at the thought. It's a much sadder sight than the stars, and Mash hopes Ritsuka keeps looking up at those instead.]

You're right. It isn't just that these are the things I always wanted for myself. They're the things I want for everyone else too.

[ If Ritsuka is going to search for tea, Sasuke will start the water boiling and grab some cups or mugs to drink from. He doesn't have to think too hard about what he's doing. This nighttime route is just that. A routine for him.

Sasuke shrugs at the questions. He's become resigned to his nightmares, even if some part of him knows he shouldn't be. ]

It usually is. I've been plagued with nightmares that could be the set of some psychological horror movie for months now. Sometimes I can make them not as bad, but... well... I can't do that this weekend...

...

[ Ritsuka doesn't look at Mash directly, but she doesn't need to. She can see the shift in Mash's posture, and just a little bit of how that expression changes. Ah. Maybe she'd been more obvious about her own thoughts than she'd hoped.

It's strange. After nearly six months, Roman's name has barely come up between them, but his presence lingers. There's no way either of them could forget.

Still without looking directly at Mash, she lets her hand slide over, covering Mash's with a small squeeze. ]

Yeah. Everyone deserves it.

[ Even the people she doesn't get along with. Even the people who never managed that in their lives. ]

I'm glad if we've helped with that in any way.

[Yeah, the looming was kind of--you know--9S did his valiant best to avert his eyes, at least!! Until Mash ends up sinking down herself. This is kind of a mutual relief, since...in this fashion, it's definitely a lot easier to actually. Talk, and also look at each other? Without trying to rival a tomato in complexion?? Yeah....]

W-Well, that's--okay, yeah, that would have been a bit less awkward. But you probably, must have been pretty worried, to pull me back up like that anyway...? Look, let's--we can both pretend this totally never happened! And both be sorry about it?! I mean, I'm still pretty sorry too...

[Ah, does this even make sense...the chances are good that he's half just kind of, babbling the first things to come to mind at this point, and 9S finds himself at that embarrassing sort of stage where he's aware of it but still can't actually make himself stop. --Until he bobs down a bit to submerge his mouth too, a sort of subconscious inspiration taken from Mash's own bout of mortified bubbling. Blub...it's a mood....

--Though actually, it ends up reminding him of something, and--9S rises back up just enough to speak again, after an awkward moment's pause.]

...Actually--hold on. Humans can't breathe underwater, right? ...Can they not hold in air for very long either? [Because that...would actually explain a lot, whoops.....]

[It's probably going to be a long while before he really gets used to it, physical contact to this extent? His breath is still sort of hitching whenever her hands apply a particularly hard knead or press over fibers he rhetorically never realized he even had--and any region near or on his neck seems especially sensitive too, if the low-key flinching every time her fingertips sweep there is anything to go by. ...But even with all this being said, it's all still really...ah.....]

Bad posture--you guys can get that? ...Hadn't figured tension would be a problem for humans either, but I guess it makes sense. --Hah, it does feel pretty nice, to be honest?

[Too nice to entirely deny, that's for sure; gradually, 9S is already beginning to relax more than he tenses up. He's even leaning back into her palms a little now, as opposed to the initial automatic urge to bend away. Hmm--]

"Imitate us so hard", though? Hey, it's not like we're trying, just...we were made this way, you know? [--Not that the idea's ever been a particularly unhappy one, to him. Being made in the human image is kind of an honor--or at least, that's something Command would say. Maybe a little strong, but still...it's not completely wrong, is it? Especially when it opens opportunities for...experiences like this, yeah. A machine wouldn't be able to enjoy something like this, right?

9S is quiet for a few long moments. But eventually, with a soft hum:] You're right, though. Nobody has time for stuff like this back home, but there's--this now, yeah. ...Seriously, thanks for inviting me to all this, Kaname.

[Her hand closes on Ritsuka's, gratefully. That's all Mash needs to know that she was noticed, though she's not sure how much Ritsuka knows of why. Should she come out and say it? The name Roman feels heavy inside of her, impossible to lift out of her mouth. She feels the same dread she felt when she made her confession to Ritsuka—without any of the excited hope that accompanied that. It's so much easier to link their fingers together and grip on just a little more tightly than a casual moonwatching date would call for.

The longer she sits in silence, though, the harder it is to think she has anything worth saying at all, on that subject or any other. What finally comes out comes from deep within her. She hadn't expected to say it now. But she had wanted to, someday, say it at all, and apparently now is the time.]

. . . I'm sorry . . . that I wasn't there at the end.

[The edge begins to ease off of her. 9S's obvious anxiety over the whole thing makes Mash feel guilty, but also less alone, and that's something. At least they're both in this mortifying situation together, blubbing away! She takes a deep breath through her nose, soothing herself; the warm water really does help with that, too. It's beginning to become clear why people pay to soak in these things despite the public nudity aspect.

By the time she surfaces to answer the question properly, she's feeling better, if still very, very red.]

Ah . . . yes, you're right. The average human can hold their breath for under two minutes, though there are training techniques to improve that. But without training, it gets concerning after a minute.

[At times like this, she can sound like she's reading from an online search or something, which isn't that far from the truth.]

[Look, he totally makes up for the bad color scheme by carrying it all with utter confidence anyway....!! Though just reveling in being able to choose whatever he wants at all is already rendering him pretty immune to any kind of self-consciousness on the whole, it's true. And maybe he did hear distant snippets of a scolding Mash once or twice at some point in the past, yes, which might be the reason Ritsuka's admission of enough relaxation is earning another small laugh. But at least the topic's shifting before he can quite get the chance to properly rib her about this--]

Yeah, when I got invited I kind of figured it was going to be a more private sort of trip? It's pretty fun like this too, though! Everybody's just kind of, doing whatever they want...but I guess that is kind of the point in a place like this, right?

[It reminds him....of that one amusement park area back home, honestly, though the parallels feel a little weird to draw when he thinks on it too much. The machines there sure were messing around in kind of the same way a lot of the people here are now...but 9S much prefers this place by comparison, he thinks. Loud energetic people that aren't machines--it's not necessarily a bad thing? And very entertaining to watch, at the very least...especially when you can avoid the more intense and ridiculous scenarios by sticking to the water!!

9S is definitely nodding in knowing agreement, anyway, as he draws up properly next to Ritsuka.]

Man, I can't even blame you there, though--it's kind of a shame to think about having to leave eventually... [He puffs out a highly overdramatic sigh, and then grins.] But if you become one with the water then they'll have to let you stay for longer. Sounds like a pretty foolproof plan to me! Are you headed to the baths right now too?

One is more of a spread for the bread, but it creates a great combination in the end.

[ When Sasuke asks him about making extra, considering that it wouldn't hurt to save on any lost time (in case there were hiccups) for future orders, he simply nods in approval. ]

Yes, thank you. If refrigerated and covered, they'll keep for a couple of days.

[ The greens are kept in remarkable condition, he realizes. All they'd need to do after a rinse was boil them down a little bit. ]

Chaldea...?

[ He pauses only for a moment as he grabs the sake for the first step. He'd heard the name before, and while his expression is more curious than anything, there's still the more pressing matter of instructing Mash! There'd be time for that later. So instead, he simply nods at her eagerness to get better. ]

Yeah. I'm looking forward to the end result. [ A beat. ] Then, first off...

[ He pops the lid on the cooking sake as he steps in alongside her at the row of salmon fillets. Placing them in a baking tray so the next step wouldn't go spilling down the counter, he places the pieces skin-side down to start. ]

Before seasoning, sprinkle the salmon fillets with a little bit of sake. [ Of which he proceeds to do. After patting his hands for a moment, he offers a shaker of salt for his new student. Your turn, Mash! ] And salt them lightly on both sides.

Uh-huh... that doesn't actually sound like an okay thing.

[ She comes up with some stuff that smells mostly like flowers. Okay, cool. They can work with this, no problem. She's more concerned with Sasuke's comment. For a couple of moments, she watches him gather up cups and all, leaning one elbow against the counter and frowning slightly. ]

You... wanna talk about that at all?

[MUTUAL BLUBS...combined with very pleasantly warm water--it is a little harder to stay tense when these things are at play, isn't it? Man, this would definitely be a lot worse if it were happening anywhere else...though then again, would an incident like this actually happen anywhere else either?

Well--never mind that--really, even if most of it was babbling, 9S would be pretty happy to just proceed as if the last five minutes hadn't actually happened. As impossible as it is to actually willfully forget about it, though, the slight shift in topic helps too...and 9S is already perking up with visible interest.

Like, sure, that was a surprisingly thorough response, but--it's honestly kind of refreshing in its detail! Most people don't bother to answer things nearly that helpfully, you know? In his experience, anyway... ~~9S may also be biased about this since he pulls from the database for more trivial things half the time himself, which is basically the same thing as reading from an online search anyhow--~~]

Under two minutes, huh? Wow, that isn't for very long at all... [A hand emerges from the water on his end, if only so he can wave it around a little in a vague but intrigued sort of gesture.] Geez, it's no wonder you were starting to get worried, in that case! Us androids can retain air intake for about five minutes or so, I'd say? That's the average with the tests I've run on myself, anyway! And that probably varies depending on body size too, but it seems to be a pretty decent baseline. I--aha... [Ah, a second hand emerges--and now he can raise both of them in a thoroughly apologetic sort of gesture, with a sheepish smile to accompany it.] I wasn't running any tests this time around, though! I was just...er, since these baths are--really, really nice? I've never been able to soak as much as I want before! Sooo...

[Mmmmaybe he was trying to take advantage of his five minutes being underwater in this particular instance, yeah........]

I don't know what's there to talk about. I've had nightmares since I was small, and they decided to get a million times worse after the school got destroyed. I could give you the graphic details. But what would be the point of that?

[ It's bad enough he has to see them. Why subject someone's mind's eye to the same thing? However, if she insists, he'll start talking about some elements of his dreams. ]

What'd you find? Loose leaf or bagged?

[ Just so he knows if he needs to find a teapot or not. ]

Because I would? The only thing stopping you from doing it now is just who you are.

[She knows like three dudes who wouldn't hesitate at grabbing her and dragging her in. Kaname would still have the nerve to push them in anyway. But before he has the chance to try it she hops in with him.]

You don't think I will? [ It's true, though. Shirou could have just jumped up and grabbed her by the leg (or an arm if he was lucky enough), but his brain was also telling him, (No, don't. What if she slips, falls backwards and cracks her head?) Still, she seemed close enough that it could be worth the risk. He only manages to wade a couple of steps closer before Kaname suddenly hops in.

Right in front of him. Like, just a few inches in front of him close. ]

... [ But instead of clam up like an idiot, despite the faint tint in his cheeks, ] I'm glad you came with me, Chidori.

You looked like you could use the R&R.

[Phew... she didn't call him out, which obviously means she didn't notice his little slip-up. HIS DIGNITY LIVES TO DIE ANOTHER DAY.

But will they survive? Stay tuned...]

Hm?

[He turns his head quick as the hawk his dumb hair makes him resemble, but it's already too late. He narrows his eyes a little, then huffs quietly.]

Are you trying to prank me? [That's what fellow kids do on these kinds of trips, and this would be the best time to do it! Good thing he doesn't buy into that crap.]

[Check out that aggressive stance... OH GOD WHAT SHOULD HE DO. He doesn't have his kata-- wait, no, this bird is an endangered national treasure! He shouldn't attack it anyway! Even if it's in self-defense... First the crying babies, and now wildlife acting like they own the place - the hell is wrong with this inn?

If he can't physically ward off this CRAZED BEAST, then the next-best thing is intimidation. The loose sleeves of his yukata resemble wings, don't they? Especially if he spreads his arms and flaps them a little. That's right! Be the dominant bird!

And accidentally initiate a mating dance, it's fine.]

Whoa. [Isn't that convenient... and it must be a damn good cut if they keep meat not even on the menu! It must be for the rich guests. His eye lights up in excitement.]

45 minutes, seriously? Fine, I can starve a little longer for the good stuff...

[He starts to turn, forlorn, but he pauses to jab a finger at the air in front of Shirou's face.]

But it better be the best! And I'm from Sendai, so high standards are pretty much in my blood, you see? I ain't gonna be happy if I wait for something I could get off the streets.

[A hungry dragon is an especially cranky one, apparently.]

[Ha ha, oh wow. Masamune has two options here: be a kind and helpful person and explain to 9S not only that he was joking, but also what the yakuza do (at least as far as the Date Clan goes),

OR

he could fuck with him a little more and see just how far he can push it.

Go on, guess which one it's going to be.]

You know, come to think of it... I heard from my old man before he died, that he heard from his dad, that there was this fancy old resort right around this area that got rented out for some really high-ranking yakuza members to take a nice vacation... [He folds his hands behind his head and purses his lips while he tries to ~~pull something out his ass~~ uh, remember the details.]

Then, uh... Oh. One day a rival family found out and came to kill them all right in the springs where they had nothing to defend themselves with. A literal bloodbath. Maybe this was the place... Maybe their angry spirits did curse it.

[This eye's been trained to pinpoint speeding baseballs, of course it'd catch an entire human being. And now it locks onto that human and narrows, suspicious and piercing.]

And who are you?

[He's seen similar face paint before but that's the only similarity to the Sasuke he remembers. So no connection is even made.]

[What's with the attitude all of the sudden? She wanted nothing to do with him back when she punched him! He almost wants to dash away and leave her out of pure spite, but... she'd catch up anyway. There's no point.]

Alright, if you say so. Just don't get mad if it doesn't work the same for you.

[He folds his arms and tucks his hands into his sleeves, wrinkling his nose a little. How could such cheap sake hit him so hard, so fast...? It's not really that important, as long as he doesn't stumble and fall into the water and drown or something. Wouldn't that just complete today.]

...Can't think of a whole lot of problems marriage would fix.

[ At first, Shirou was amused by his forlorn expression. In a sense, it reminded him of a certain tiger that lived in his house. If Masamune was this type, he knew just what to do and how to handle them. Even when his back straightens when he has that finger jabbed in front of his face.

Instead, he's met with a very confident look as Shirou nods. ]

Roger that.

[ Now then...! He quickly gets to work, lining everything up that he'd need, ingredients and all. Watch and learn! ]

First, thinly slice about 1/4 a pound of beef tongue into thin slices. Slice them thicker if you want a chewier texture. [ After having washed the tongues off and patted them down of excess moisture, he proceeds to do just that, setting aside around 6 slices. He seemed hungry, so there would be extra! ]

Next, mix your seasonings into a bowl for the marinade.

• Yuzu Kosho [ 1 Tbsp ]
• Soy sauce [ 1 Tbsp ]
• Half a tablespoon of sake [ 1/2 Tbsp ]
• Sesame oil [ 1/2 Tbsp ]
• And a teaspoon of yuzu juice [ 1/2 tsp ]

Whisk together until everything's well mixed and spread the sauce on a container for your beef tongue. The next step— [ Shirou takes his thin beef tongue slices! ] —is to spread the slices without overwrapping each other. And pour the rest of the sauce on top.

Finish it off with some finely grated onion, [ About 1/8th of an onion. ] and freshly ground black pepper.

With that, it'll marinade for at least 30 minutes. Be careful not to leave it too long, or the tongue will be too salty.

...

[ There's a long pause before Ritsuka squeezes back, harder this time, swallowing hard. For the most part, she thinks she's put behind everything that happened at the Temple behind her -- it's been months! There's still plenty that needs to be done, with two remaining Pillars out there. Who knows where they're hiding? It had been awful at the time, certainly, but she'd made it through.

She's alive. They both are. That's what matters, right? ]

It's fine.

[ It's fine. ]

You came back. That's the part that matters. And...

[ She forces a bit of a laugh, ducking her head and turning it away. ]

I found out, your shield's even heavier than I thought. Even when you were -- [ dead, gone, lost ] -- weren't there, you protected me.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 7 of 14

Hot Springs and Ryokan

no subject

no subject

I GUESS FGO PT 1 SPOILERS FOR ANYONE WHO CARES!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Sorry for the delay! And yes. This show is a treat.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

time to pretend i have my shit back together

b gone

no subject

no subject

no subject