June Bonding

[sleight_of_hand]

WHO: Tohru Adachi, and open unless noted
WHERE: All porter cities
WHEN: The month of June
WHAT: Adachi did not have a good month last month, and he's trying to both recover and deal with his sins coming up to bite him.
WARNINGS: Talk about dismemberment and body parts growing back. About after the third week, Gemini is going to be "bugging" Adachi, so she'll be spying in on all his interactions with with other people.

[ I Need a Hand Here | All Cities ]
[ Adachi was fairly miserable at the start of the month, though he still tried to keep up his work. His left arm was slung up in a special sling, one that kept his hand, or lack thereof, from immediate view. Just because it was out of sight, didn't mean it was out of mind. It hurt like hell, and the painkillers were doing practically doing nothing. ]

[ He has to stop a lot, and he's most likely to be found in a cafe or somewhere else cool, or at a local park in this month, especially during the first week. ]

[ You Kids and Your Technology | All Cities ]
[ By the mid-point of the second week of June, Adachi was fitted with a temporary prosthetic, but it doesn't do much to help him. By that point it was obvious that something was growing on the stump that remained, and it hurt like hell. The temporary prosthetic hid the weird... thing growing out of his wrist, and allowed him at least hold things with both hands, but it wasn't much helpful beyond that. ]

[ By this point he's taken less work, and is trying to relax more while keeping himself distracted from the pain. Reading and listening to music help, and he's easily found in libraries around the porter cities. He can also be found at an electronics shop, trying to find something he could use exclusively for playing music... but the only thing he ever had for that other than his phone was a discman a million years ago. ]

[ He... needs help. A lot of help. ]

[ Gliding Off | Heropa ]
[ Adachi at least waited until he got his prosthetic before he tried putting on a pair of ice skates again. ]

[ He's also determined to keep his promise to leave Yuri alone, hanging around the rink before closing time to make sure the kid showed up or not before going to get his skates and put them on. Lacing them with one hand and one kind of hand was interesting, and it took him several tries before he finally managed to get them tight enough to actually use. ]

[ He's sorely out of practice, and it shows with how many times he falls just trying to stay upright. It's a lot harder to get back up to his feet, but he manages it, keeping close to the barrier until he gets used to it again. Adachi started feeling comfortable again by the time he got his music player, and once he had it, he tried skating with the music playing in his ears. He isn't doing anything strenuous, but he is just letting his feet move in ways that felt right, trying to get used to the feel of just moving on the ice again. ]

[ Taking a Page Out of a Book | Heropa | Yusuke ]
[ Eventually Adachi's propensity to be restless and board caught up to him, and he had a pleasant reminder that he had his Persona back. He almost went out to his little training spot by himself, but then he remembered Yusuke, and his offer to train before. Hopefully he still wasn't annoyed with him... it's been a few weeks and he's short a hand; he had to forgive him a little bit, right? ]

At the spot.

Train? y/n

[ He was pretty sure Yusuke would understand what he meant. In the meantime, he would lean against a tree trunk and fidget, glancing around and hoping the teen would show up. ]

Comments

gdit Tohru

[fourlevels]

[ With the ear buds in, Adachi most likely wouldn't hear the doors to the rink swinging open and closed to let the new person in after closing time. He has as long as it takes for Viktor to put on his skates and glide out on the ice towards him purposefully to notice someone else is actually in the rink with him. ]

W-whaaaaaat?

[sleight_of_hand]

[ No, he didn't notice; he thought he was supposed to be alone, and he was pretty sure anyone that would interrupt his skating to do him harm would have made a lot more noise. Adachi was more preoccupied with what he was listening to, just dimmly aware of the sound of his own skates scraping along the ice over the music in his ears. ]

[fourlevels]

[ Except suddenly that scraping sound seems to be a lot louder?? Where are those detective instincts that tell you when someone is close by, huh?

Though I guess Viktor dropping his hands on Adachi's shoulders to make him stop would be a good a clue as anything else. ]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Hunh... yeah they were louder? Maybe his earbuds weren't that goo-- oh god sudden hands?! ]

[ Adachi let out the most undignified squeek ever, managing to spin himself around, giving Viktor a wide-eyed stare. It took him a moment to reach up with his real hand, yanking the earbuds out by the cord. ]

S-sheesh, Viktor! You scared me!

[fourlevels]

[ One of Viktor's hand also raise to his ear, but not for the earbud. Oh no, he's pinching it between his fingers and pulls on it, turning back to the barrier opening and dragging Adachi towards it by said ear. ]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ ...w-wow what was that look fo-- ow dammit that's his ear?! Adachi flailed, triying very hard to put the breaks on what Viktor was trying to do, but that was a little hard when you were on a slippery surface. ]

VIKTOR WHAT THE HELL?!

[lempereur]

[ Yusuke is still mildly annoyed. Not as much as he was before, but things here seemed to get worse immediately after getting better. No forward momentum, just the world's continuous need to drag you back down to earth. His annoyance isn't with Adachi, not really. The new status quo is different from the one he is used to, and subject to change without notice. It's a lot to adjust to.

He still comes to their previous meeting spot, after sending Adachi a message to confirm. ]

Good morning, Adachi.

[ But...seriously. ]

Are you sure you're in a condition to do this?

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi was downright giddy when he saw Yusuke coming through the trees, so at least there was that. His face broke out into an immediate grin as he snapped up to his feet, looking like an excited puppy dog. His expression fell immediately at is question, and he lifted his "hand", waving the prosthetic like it wasn't a big deal. ]

Oh c'mon; training is too handy to be worried about my condition.

[ You asked for that one, Yusuke. You've only yourself to blame. ]

[ The grin was back as he settled his hands on his hips. ]

Besides, it just hurts. I'll be fine.

[lempereur]

[ Who are you and what have you done with Adachi?

Really, though, Yusuke's pretty sure he's never seen him this happy. Or happy at all. Amused, at best. It's infectious, and not even that half-baked pun can deter him from smiling warmly back. ]

That barely made sense.

[ Don't start this. Pls. ]

However, it is good to know you are feeling better. We should begin. Just let me know if it starts getting out of hand.

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Look, he spent the better part of a month without his Persona; he's allowed to be happy. He swung his arms back and forth, stretching himself out a bit as he let out a small chuckle. ]

Gotta hand it to you, Kitagawa-kun, you can get to the point.

[ He could keep this up all day. ]

[ For a moment it looked like he was going to sprint to the other side of the clearing, giving them plenty of room for their Personae to duke it out, when he paused, his eyes widening slightly, like he just remembered he left the oven on. He held up his hand after a moment, biting his lip. ]

...okay. You need to tell me how you summon your Persona. Because the Iwatodai crew used to have to shoot themselves in the head with a fake gun, and I don't need a nasty surprise like that again.

[lempereur]

[ They could...but they shouldn't. They were here for a reason! ]

I just have to take off my mask. It's only violent sometimes.

[sleight_of_hand]

Oh... that's all...

[ It's hard to miss the relief in Adachi's voice. It was just a mask, that was-- ]

[ ...wait. ]

What mask?

Bugging (Standalone)

[stretchy_girl]

[ooc: Following this thread.]

[The Florida air was hot and humid as a solitary hawk flew unerringly through the darkness, winging it's way in an unusually straight line towards a particular address. As it landed it looked around to check carefully for any onlookers, beady eyes looking for any signs of movement. But there was nothing, so after a moment it opened it's beak and a long thin spaghetti like tendril of blue rubber emerged, elongating unnaturally down through the air. Heading downwards it slipped in through one of the apartment windows, quickly winding straight towards the bedroom.

Squeezing easily under the closed door, the tendril paused, seeming to glance to the left and right before homing in on the target. Hovering over the sleeping Adachi, the tendril positioned itself over his head, the tip carefully liquefying to deposit a small blob of itself onto the forward facing section of his ear. The moment the tiny blob made contact it immediately flattened and adhered against the skin, taking on the same colour and texture to blend in perfectly.

Job done, the tendril retracted, spooling rapidly back up to the bird perched on the rooftop, the bird taking wing once more, a satisfied gleam in it's eyes as it flew away.]

Heropa rink, after Perskater drama and talking to Revan

[dun_moch]

I thought I might find you here.

[Hey look Adachi, it's your favourite person in the world standing at the edge of the rink as you skate. Happy to see him?]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi had feeling he was being watched, but since he hadn't had his ear grabbed, he didn't think it was anyone that would bother him too much. He continued practice until he could hear Dooku over his headphones, and he pulled the buds out, but continued with his circles. ]

You know, I don't know why I bother paying for this when the owner just lets anyone in anyway.

[dun_moch]

I can be most persuasive when I need to be.

[Dooku watches Adachi silently for a moment, hands behind his back, tracking his circles with his eyes.]

You seem to be recovering well from your injury. I heard what happened during your training.

[sleight_of_hand]

You mean you just walked by him while he snored at you.

[ Look, it's not like it's the first time he's been here with his night pass, and it's definitely not the first time he's had surprised guests. This is old hat by now. ]

Yeah, well... it hurts, but it's growing back. Pretty soon it'll be too big to hide in my prosthetic.

[ He took a breath, trailing off a moment as he switched his focus to the circle he was skating. When he reached the top, he switched feet, wobbling slightly, but managing to keep himself upright. He let out another breath, before turning his focus back to Dooku. ]

By the way, I've got a 'makeup box' for you. It's in my bag over there.

[ He waved toward where his belongings were near a bench. ]

[dun_moch]

A... Makeup box?

[Dooku doesn't know why Adachi would want to give him cosmetics, but he has a feeling he'll regret learning the answer. Nonetheless, he duly moves over to Adachi's belongings to poke into his bag, alert for any trap.]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Seriously, Dooku; did you really think he was going to say he got the cloning kit for the Constellation out loud? Adachi tried not to roll his eyes at his confusion, shaking his head as he continued his circles. At least the kit was concealed in a zip up fabric bag; to anyone none-the-wiser, it really did look like a makeup box. ]

Didn't you say you wanted a good one for public appearances?

[ He finally stopped after a moment, letting out a breath. He'd been going at this for awhile, and he glided himself over to the barrier, grabbing his water bottle from where it was resting and downing a few gulps. ]

Was there anything else you wanted?

heropa

[bypasser]

[Otabek has yet to meet Adachi. He's been pointed out, he knows what he looks like, but they haven't crossed paths. He assumes that's because the man is staying away from Yuri or he's good at sneaking around, the latter offers him little comfort. Viktor had promised that Adachi could be trusted. That he trusted him as much as he did Yura and that was supposed to mean something.

He hadn't made any firm decisions as to the stranger's character and won't until he meets him, but it's hard to not feel something when Yuri had been as upset as he had.

Skates laced, he glides onto the ice without paying much attention to the other person already there. He's used to sharing the ice during practice, it was big enough for both of them. He does a few laps to warm up, focused, and by chance, he glances over as he skates past the other man, ice spraying up as he comes to an abrupt stop.]

You.

[His brow furrows.]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Really, Adachi was more amazed Viktor hadn't caught him skating again yet. With everything that happened, he had a lot of steam to burn off, and had been at the rink almost every day since the confrontation at the coffee shop. Skating helped, though he was surprised he was still trying so hard. Maybe Viktor just had that kind of influence on him, or maybe he just finally found something he enjoyed doing enough to keep with it. Who even knew. ]

[ He was back to doing basic practice -- those circles that he had seen Viktor warming up with the one day. It was seriously doing miracles for keeping pace with where he was at in relation to where his blade was, not to mention what it was doing for his balance. He was so absorbed in it, he almost didn't hear the person there with him until he spoke, and Adachi reached up, popping his earbuds out and blinking at the guy. Wasn't this the other skater that had been at the skating panel at Fanport? What the heck was his name... he was terrible with names. ]

Oh, hi. Aren't you Ota...bae?

[ ...that sounded wrong. ]

[bypasser]

[He had thought he'd feel anger when finally meeting Adachi face to face. That he'd be overcome with emotion, risking using his ability, but instead, he's calm. Extremely calm. His body stills and he can't look away. Otabae. Sigh.]

Otabek Altin.

[The other sounded like something he'd find on social media or in a fan video.]

You're Adachi. Yuri told me about you. [He makes eye contact, not one to back down.] We don't know each other, but I want you to explain yourself.

Tell me why you did what you did.

[While he knows Yuri has the capability to exaggerate, Otabek had seen that he was afraid. Of Adachi. That didn't sit well with him. If he was Viktor's friend, Yuri shouldn't feel that way around him. Something was clearly wrong with the whole situation.]

[sleight_of_hand]

Ah, Otabek. Sorry, it takes me a bit to get names down.

[ It was a weakness of his, even before he ended up in Inaba and stopped caring. He rubbed the back of his neck, bowing his head slightly in apology, despite the uncomfortable expression that came to his face. Yeah, he was suspecting he already knew all about him, considering his tone and the stern look on his face (at least, it was more stern than it had been at the panel at Fanport). ]

[ He let out a breath after a moment, letting his arm flop to his side. ]

Well, what he's probably said is true. Back home I committed murder for pathetic reasons, and was waiting for my inevitable death sentence for it. I've been trying to take steps to atone for it here, but it's been hard, and I've screwed up a lot, because I really don't know what I'm doing half the time.

[ Adachi paused, trying to think of what else Yurio would rant about, before letting out a sigh. ]

...and yeah, I used my powers to try and scare an apology out of him. That was dumb, and I should have apologized for that long before I did.

[bypasser]

[He waves a hand, dismissing the topic of names. They've just officially met, he couldn't hold a mistake like that against Adachi.]

Did you mean it?

[Otabek wants to understand. He doesn't make judgments of others quickly or easily, but Yuri had been really upset. To the point that his voice shook and he'd admitted that he was afraid. Part of him wanted to write Adachi off as evil, someone who hurts others, but what he says makes it difficult. People mess up and they should be allowed to try again, though the circumstances he mention make it a little different.]

Your apology, did you mean it? Yes, it should have been sooner, but it doesn't matter unless you meant it. [He points at Adachi, makes eye contact.] Look at me and say the truth.

[He keeps his expression hard, leaning towards blank as much as he can. Otabek might not look it, necessarily, but he's young too, hasn't been 18 for all that long. He doesn't have nearly as much experience with defending friends as others his age do, he'd been busy with training and competing, but he knows that a friend was hurt. He had to do something to help make that right. Even if this man was a murderer and Otabek couldn't protect himself, he had to try.]

[sleight_of_hand]

[ Adachi let out a tired sigh, looking at Otabek. His expression was stressed, conveying just how exasperating the person in question was for him. ]

Of course I did.

[ It wasn't a lie; he had meant it. But getting Yurio to actually accept that? HA! Plus the whole issue with his past hadn't helped matters either. ]

I stepped over the line, and I apologized for it. I even did my best to avoid him like I promised, though we did run into each other a couple times. I did my best to keep things civil for his sake.