rain don't change the sun

[unbreaker]

WHO: Daryl Dixon, Josuke Higashikata, Ken Kaneki + open to anyone else in the Group/whoever they'd invite
WHERE: The Group's house, Nonah
WHEN: Wednesday, March 8th, late afternoon
WHAT: A casual meet-and-greet between familiar faces and potential new friends
WARNINGS: TBA


[Tucking a pair of sunglasses into his pocket as he bid his taxi driver goodbye, Josuke approached the large white farmhouse where Kaneki had migrated from Heropa. Even in the last stretch of winter, the property was a lot more beautiful than he imagined, with a bubbling little river creeping through one corner of the land and tall treetops with branches that seemed to be trying to scrape away at puffs of low hanging clouds. The place had a good feeling about it, an atmosphere of 'unity' that was gently hinted at in the cleanliness of the white siding on the house, the brightness of the green balloon he passed on his way to the porch, and the quiet sounds of animals going about their own business in or at least around one of the many out buildings he could see.

And with each new sight, with the fresh air filling his lungs, reminding him of the countryside back home, any anxiety Josuke'd been harboring at meeting Ken's new family began to ebb. The people he would be meeting were mostly strangers, but he had confidence in Kaneki's judge of character. Now, he was just sorry he hadn't made arrangements to meet everybody sooner.

Although he'd mentioned to Enid when they'd spoke once before that he'd have a hell of a time deciding what to wear for the occasion, he'd gone with something casual: a crisp leather jacket, a green anchor-print button down, and dark jeans. He'd forgone most of his more flashy trappings, leaving behind his many golden pins and bracelets and instead brought with him an unmarked bag that he carried at his side containing a small gift for everyone to enjoy. Or so he hoped.

He could only hope for the best as he finally stood before the door and, putting on his most winning smile, finally raised his hand and knocked...]

Comments

[dirtyredneck]

Daryl is not in the best of moods when he opens the door. He's still mostly going through the motions. The annoyance he'd had over a conversation with IO the day before hadn't been enough to push him out of his funk. So rather than being suspicious or hostile at the unexpected knock on the door, he just pulled it open and stood there staring. Waiting for Josuke to say something.

[unbreaker]

Not exactly a fan of being put on the spot, a stare like Daryl's is one way to get Josuke to pipe up. Of course, it's not for a few awkward seconds at best, and even then he barely manages an awkward bow of his head in greeting followed by a hesitant, "Hi?"

He's got the right house, he's sure of that. He's not so bad with directions as that one kid he met a few months back. So he has to presume the problem is his timing. He didn't miss Daryl's post from the day before. It's natural that kind of wound would still be raw barely twenty-four hours later.

"Um...thanks for having me over. I hope I'm not too early? Or late."

[dirtyredneck]

Daryl lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug, his expression turning to one of confusion. He wasn't aware there were visitors expected. So he had no clue if the kid was early or late. After another moment he let out a soft grunt and stepped away from the open door, leaving room for Josuke to enter and either shuffle his shoes off or follow along into the living space.

In the entry hall, on the walls, were a couple rough perches. And on those perches were currently two ravens, staring at the newcomer with a lot more interest than Daryl had shown. Daryl didn't pay them no mind, though, as he moved further inside.

[unbreaker]

Oh boy. Birds. Josuke gives the pair a wary glance as he crosses the threshold and, like any good Japanese person, removes his shoes at the front door, lining them up neatly against the wall. But as long as the birds remain where they are and don't attempt some crazy ass aerial assault like Hazel's pet owl who, for reasons beyond him, seems to have it completely out for him, well...he'll be fine.

Meaning, of course, he's still got his eyes on them. Even as he follows Daryl further into the home, toting that bag along with him.

"Ken didn't tell me this place was so big. It's really nice."

[dirtyredneck]

The twins follow Josuke with their eyes, their heads, their whole bodies. Both of them hopping down the length of the perches to the ends. Then launching themselves to new perches not that far from them. It wasn't immediately obvious, but over the last few months, Daryl had put some fairly random object up on the walls as 'decor' that also very conveniently acted as suitable spots for the two to roost. It made it easier for them to get around when they weren't up to flying everywhere. They were still young enough yet that flying for long was a bit of a strain. For the moment they were content to just watch and hop around the edges of the room.

"His room's upstairs," Daryl responded, finally speaking, though his tone left much to be desired in way of sounding interested. "Ain't sure if he's home yet. You wanna a drink?"

[unbreaker]

For a change, Josuke is glad he didn't come sporting his usual adornments, the two golden studs in his ears being the most elaborate pieces of jewelry he'd bothered to wear, and those only because he's never without them. Anything flashier might entice the birds to use his shoulders or, worse, his hair as a roost. He's got nothing against birds. He has four chickens of his own. But between them and Hazel's owl, he's well aware of what it's like to be pecked at and he's not exactly down for that right now.

"Soda, if you got it," he answers, his attention wandering long enough from the birds to mark where the stairs are and that's all. If Ken's not home yet, there's no point going up there to look for him, and wandering off on his own so soon after arriving would just seem rude. Not the kind of first impression he'd like to make.

[dirtyredneck]

Daryl's drink of choice was either water or one of the alcohols that would burn his tastebuds off with a couple of swigs so he could actually enjoy the damn buzz without feeling like gagging. Or one of Mako's teas. Mostly because of the tastebud problem. But there were people in the house that did enjoy something a little more sugar laden so they had small selection of that.

Since no preference was given, Daryl just headed into the kitchen and grabbed a cola. The twins's attention moved from Josuke to Daryl when it was obvious he was leaving the room and they started moving once more, heading in the direction of the kitchen to keep up with him.

They stopped when he returned before either of them could get over there. One was close enough to jump off it's perch and land on his shoulder while he passed and did so. He leaned his head to the side to give it room, but didn't react otherwise as he held the drink out.

"This okay?"

[unbreaker]

Josuke says nothing as the birds attempt to follow Daryl, hanging back until the older man returns with the drink. He observes as one of the ravens migrates to Daryl's shoulder, who doesn't so much as blink or register this behavior as out of the ordinary. As someone who keeps his fair share of pets (having inherited all of them except for his goldfish) Josuke can and does appreciate that level of familiarity. Especially when it's not his own shoulder being hopped around on.

"This is fine, thanks." As he accepts the cola with his free hand, he's suddenly reminded about the bag he's holding onto. He should probably wait until later to offer the gift, in keeping with propriety, but there isn't anyone here currently to scold him for presenting it early, so he holds it out to Daryl. "Ah...here. It's not much, but I got it with everyone in mind."

Presuming everyone there likes coffee. The French press within the unmarked white bag isn't elaborate, but it's well made with a solid wood handle and wrapped within a soft grey furoshiki printed with sun-yellow flowers and white leaves.

[dirtyredneck]

Daryl eyed the bag for a few seconds before reaching out and taking it. He opened it far enough to have a look at what was in side, then set the bag on the coffee table. His lips pressed together and he nodded. What could be interpreted as an appreciative grunt squeezed itself out of his throat before he moved to sit down on the couch and waved for Josuke to take a seat.

As soon as his butt was firmly in the cloth, the other raven flapped it's way over to join him on his other shoulder. Once more he moved his head to accommodate it without thought and the first one crouched lower to make room for his head to tilt that way. He slouched once he was settled. Feet up on the edge of the coffee table and knees bent high. His arms came up to loop around his knees and then the two birds moved along them to start lightly nipping at his fingers in an attempt to get his attention and affection.

Daryl nodded at one, then the other, "Jackhammer. Nailgun. I can put 'em in their room if you'd rather."

The looks Josuke had been throwing them had not gone unnoticed.

sometime later okay?

[itstheirworld]

[Coming home through magical means, Enid steps through the front door with a few things in hand. Cigarettes she swiped for Daryl and a bubble tea for herself. She hadn't been expecting guests now of all days (one word: Mako), but the noise going on just across the hall made it clear enough it was welcome. Curious of what was going on, she shuts the door behind her and makes the small journey onto the living room.

Josuke wasn't someone she already forgot, so the second she sees that tell-tale head of hair of his and that he half lived up to his promise of dressing to impress everyone... well, you can say she faintly smiles at the sight.]

So, you weren't lying about dressing up for the occasion. Thought maybe you would have shown up in a suit, though.

perfectly okay!

[unbreaker]

[Josuke's managed to relax a little more by the time Enid arrives, and her comment about his wardrobe incites a light laugh and a grin.]

What, this isn't casual enough?

[For him, it's pretty ordinary. The only thing he could have worn from his closet that might have appeared any less polished might have been the zebra sweater Hazel hated so much...or maybe one of the glaringly Fresh Prince/Saved By The Bell abstract monstrosities he had buried in there somewhere, too. Honestly, he hasn't got a clue what her problem with his style is. But whatever.]

You gonna sit and join us?

[A safer question than asking how she is when he assumes that, like Daryl, she's probably processing Mako's departure. They'll both talk about if they want to. And if they don't, the least he can do is provide a suitable distraction in the form of friendly company.]

[itstheirworld]

If you were trying for biker casual, then it is.

[But she sees he put effort into it and drops it there. No sense teasing the guy too much. His offer to her taking a seat is promptly accepted when she moves to the nearest available seat and sits herself down.]

Sure. What were you up to down here anyway?

[As far as safe questions go, she was playing hers on the safe side too.]

[unbreaker]

[Biker casual? Alright...he supposes a lot of his wardrobe choices appear influenced by a very particular fashion era, but that's not a bad thing. Is it? No, it can't be, and when Enid finally takes a seat and redirects the conversation, Josuke's satisfied with that conclusion.]

Well, you know Ken and I are friends, but I hadn't really been out this way since he moved from Heropa.

[He leans back in his chair and rests his hands on the arms.]

And since Daryl mentioned I should visit sometime to fix that...here I am. No time like the present to get to know Ken's new family, right?

[itstheirworld]

[Good. Because she in no way means it is as a bad thing. He's actually just a bit like Daryl. Cool, possible carefree, in his own unique way. Fashion choices are things she cares about just a little bit now that life allows her to again.]

Mmhm. If you don't mind our spirits today, no time like the present. [She's not trying to bring the mood down, though, so in an effort to not bring it to that--] So, you get the grand tour already? Meet everybody?

[unbreaker]

I got no reason to mind.

[He means that sincerely. Who is he to tell anybody that they shouldn't mourn the departure of a friend in whatever way helped them cope the best? He's just happy to not have been turned away and to be able to provide a distraction in the form of being a new face.]

Haven't had the grand tour yet, though. I figured Ken might give that. And...I think I've met everyone? Except Carl. Is he gonna be joining us?

[itstheirworld]

Good to hear.

[She's a bit sad herself, but more numb and willing to use his distraction to think about anything but Mako right now. Though in her defence the story was different and she had the knowledge/hope Mako was home safe and still very alive.]

I promise I won't get in the way of that then. [Whenever Kaneki may start the tour, that is.] Not sure where Carl is. Most likely his job or somewhere. You haven't met everyone until you met the animals, too, though.

[unbreaker]

Pretty sure you wouldn't get in the way if you felt like showing me around a bit.

[Knowing Kaneki, he wouldn't mind at all, and the property seems large enough to be able to split that task easily between two people.]

Maybe...we can go meet the animals, then? I've only met Nailgun and Jackhammer so far. What others you guys got here?

[ghoulking]

[ the past couple of days have been horrible for Kaneki after seeing and being followed by Shirazu. Nobody really knows who Shizaru is, what he meant to Kaneki, who he was to Kaneki - to Haise - so it's not like he could talk about it. It's not like he wanted to, either, after all what Kaneki does best is to avoid.

It has been terrible but he soldiers on. Hinami had her visit as well and Kaneki had to focus on her, Mako left and so he got worried for Daryl even though he doesn't know how to deal with Daryl. If you keep yourself busy, you end up not thinking about your own issues, at least that's what kaneki has always done (that really works out well).

Of course with Josuke coming by it's also another reason for him not to think about it at all. The day before he makes cupcakes and other snacks for his friend and when he hears he arrived, he comes down the stairs with his usual smile, greeting his friend when he spots him ] Welcome-

[unbreaker]

[When Ken finally makes his appearance and enters the living room to greet his friend, he'll immediately find himself on the receiving end of a one-armed hug and pat on the back. In true Josuke fashion, he can't resist being honest about his feelings, and Kaneki's presence is one he's missed around the house back in Heropa. And in general.

Especially with everything that's been going on. Mako disappearing, and all of those apparitions of people popping up all of a sudden...]

Hey, it's good to see you! This place is amazing, you're gonna have to give me the full tour later.

[ghoulking]

[ kaneki pats Josuke's back as well, with a warm smile. He is used to how physical he is, even though through his life kaneki hasn't been hugged all that much by those around him (in fact, he can count the amount of people who have hugged him quite easily). However, with Josuke he is already pretty used to that and to him. ]

yeah, Daryl has great taste. [ kaneki quite likes the place, too ]

Have you met the others?

[unbreaker]

Everyone except...Carl, I think it is?

[With one final pat to Kaneki's back, Josuke steps back and crosses his arms.]

Looks like you're surrounded by good people. I'm glad.

[Because there's no way around it, really. Regardless of how strong Kaneki is physically, Josuke will always worry about his mental well-being and how well he's taking care of himself. He know's how Kaneki gets, after all. He's seen it firsthand. Somebody has gotta look out for him when he won't look out for himself.]

[ghoulking]

Yeah, I am. I'm very glad I was asked to share the place with them. [ Daryl would immediately go "he's part of the group", whatever that really means, but kaneki no longer questions ]

I can show you around the place, unless someone already did that.

[unbreaker]

[That whole "group" mentality is something Josuke can understand, of course. And he'll be grateful Kaneki's found that, or more accurately, has been welcomed into that here.]

Ah...let's take a look around, anyway. It'll give us a chance to catch up, just the two of us!

[ghoulking]

[ kaneki nods. he supposes they can start with the kitchen - which has food there since kaneki bakes and cooks a lot ]

You can grab something from the kitchen first. I'm sure you aren0t going to say no. [ Josuke never does. For now he was cookies and mochi cake to offer, but he will also give his friend a glass of juice to go along ]

[unbreaker]

[Kaneki knows him so well. Probably well enough to predict that he'll happily take a few mochi instead of just one, the first of which is popped whole into his mouth eagerly. He turns down the juice, though. Daryl offered him soda when he arrived and he hasn't found himself thirsty since.]

So, how've things been?

[He knows enough not to ask outright if his friend's kept out of trouble. For starters, trouble always seems to find Kaneki, and to be perfectly honest, he's fairly confident his friend wouldn't tell him if there'd been any anyway.]