and you still act like you're in freshman year

[unbreaker]

WHO: Josuke & Open
WHERE: Porter Cities & the Interwebs
WHEN: All throughout April
WHAT: Catch-all for the month
WARNINGS: All the terrible language and violence that comes with playing a FPS and bad fashion choices that come with MMORPGs
NOTES: Brackets or prose, I'll match whatever you prefer. Closed starters in comments. Open prompts below the cut. Don't see a prompt that works for you? Feel free to write your own or hit me up so we can plot something specific together!


a. GOOD MORNING, HEROPA-CHO!
GYM OR SUBURBS & PARK

[March had come and gone like a raging storm, taking with it any chance Josuke might have had for a bit of extended R&R. Between training in secret with Jonathan, attempting to make headway with Crane, battling anachronisms, healing the wounded, and searching for anyone who had gone missing or seemed otherwise unreachable, he'd run himself ragged and was not only long overdue for a break of some sort, but equally SOL.

Never before had being a legal adult seemed like such an ungrateful kick in the pants.

He took pride in being able to help others, of course. Couldn't really imagine himself doing anything else or standing idly by while people he knew, or even perfect strangers, were faced with any kind of problem that he could resolve quickly and painlessly. But it didn't leave him with any of the time he'd grown used to having for himself when he was younger.

Player Select, his favorite Nonah arcade, saw him less frequently these days, even if he still stopped by every now and again to have a go at DDR and to harass its most prominent (and overworked) employee, Vanessa McInnis...but that was only when he bothered to venture away from Heropa. Even his favorite eateries (Re:Cafe and The Munchbox respectively) were visited less often, his obligation to the Florida hotspot for imPorts too great to let him stray for too long.

Which explained his newfound dedication to rising before the sun, as well as his commitment to a rigorous morning routine that would make any aspiring bara proud: some days were spent taking in the fresh air on a long morning run through Heropa's suburbs and its most prominent park, and others (usually when the weather was poor) he'd spend at the gym. He hadn't yet run into anyone he knew, but the routine was still new, implemented at the start of the year with his enrollment into Heropa's police academy.

Maybe today would be the day he finally saw a familiar face, or maybe he'd even meet someone new...]

b. THE BOY WITH THE COLD HARD CASH!
PORTER CITIES BESIDES HEROPA

[As great as his responsibility to Heropa was, there was still one thing that could be counted upon to lure Josuke away: shopping. Especially now that he and Hazel had officially gotten engaged. There was the wedding to consider, which neither of them had even discussed setting a date for yet, but even if the rest of the year came and went before they tied the knot, they couldn't leave all the planning until the last minute. They had a new house to furnish now, too. And there were birthdays this month he needed to shop for, and other up and coming events he needed the right outfits for: a fashion show and auction, a classical music performance he was hoping to invite someone along on, and in just a couple months time, something to celebrate his graduation from the police academy...

All of which meant spending countless hours in the other Porter cities. At a bookstore looking for books his friends might like and through magazines he liked. At local music stores perusing classical CD selections so that a certain doctor wouldn't find himself with an excuse to be a pompous ass when next they spoke. Browsing for tuxedos and casual suits (and because he lacked self control, browsing through just about everything else apparel) at numerous different outfitters and shoe stores. Stopping by the salon for a bit of personal pampering because how could he even resist? And checking out every bizarre odds-and-ends boutique he happened across for wedding and home decor inspiration.

Probably, he'd need someone to whisper stop sooner or later. Preferably before he found out the hard way what buyer's remorse felt like.]

c. AH AH AH AH STAYIN' AWAKE!
ONLINE FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER SHENANIGANS

Welcome to PОЯTЄЯ, an all new, completely immersive gaming experience and popular online MMORPG FPS made for imPorts, by imPorts.

[Or imPortkin, if you will.]

Russia has invaded American soil, and the only thing standing between them and a complete hostile takeover are heroes from another world: imPorts. Begin your adventure by building your very own imPort in our upgraded BUILD A CHARACTER studio complete with 3 powers from a database of over 100 special abilities, each inspired by your favorite imPort superheroes and villains. Or, with the implementation of our newest expansion, GHOSTS OF WAR, play as special prebuilt imPorts that bear a striking resemblance to those who have long since come and gone! Perhaps there is someone you miss whom you wish was still among us? Well, now it will be as if they never left!

[Or, for those fans that are slightly more obsessive in nature, it means having an opportunity to play as the imPort they were most infatuated with before they were exPorted. Thank you, OLYMPUS ENTERTAINMENT, for providing a new way for creepy fans to get their creep on.]

Now that your character is all set, you have to make a choice. How do you want to play?

1. Story Mode: Where a small group of players set out on various missions to progress the story
   OR
   
2. Free-For-All Mode: Where it's every player for himself in a private 2 person PVP match or multiplayer PVP match

Excellent choice!

Please be advised that after you pick your map, your game will automatically load. Be prepared and don't forget, [Player]... Watch your six out there!

[Alright, so here's the OOC rundown! Essentially this prompt is How To Avoid A Trip To The Hospital Because Of A Caffeine Overdose: The Game. Which is basically what you'd get if you mixed in-game world elements with Final Fantasy Online and Call of Duty. The maps are modeled after the 4 Porter cities and have the same names. In a comment below, please fill out the following form and I'll get us started...]

<b>Map:</b> <b>Gameplay Mode:</b> Story / 2 person PVP / Multiplayer PVP <b>Character:</b> A short blurb about what your character's PC looks like (complete with bullshit urban fantasy equipment that gives ridiculous and impractical stat boosts), whatever powers you've equipped them with (min 1 - max 3), and/or whatever funky username your character is playing under. For example: Josuke is playing as RogueRainbow99, a young-looking bara sporting his trademark regent hairstyle, an armored pink-and-blue scuba diving suit, star-shaped sunglasses, iridescent astronaut boots, and has equipped his PC with the Titan-shifting ability.

Comments

A-Park (because clearly this is the best time for them to meet again)

[beastfang]

[Routines were a stability that Genda had fallen even more into the longer he had remained in this place. The entire attack by the anachronisms had only heightened such as he fully saw just how much this world had already effected Kidou, and neither he nor Sakuma had been there to help with that burden.

It was why that just after dawn one could likely find Genda at a certain tree and evidence that he likely has been here for a while already. That or the sound of a tree limb creaking as a rope held tire swings and twists in the air likely catches the attention of any other early risers in the park. That or the sudden and loud thwack as the soccer ball being used is kicked and makes contact with the tree itself and avoiding being knocked off course by said swinging tire. Look's like someone is practicing their shooting accuracy and finding it lacking if the frown clearly visible on Genda's face is anything to go by even as he jogs to intercept the ball as it bounces off the tree and back in his general direction.

That's a bit of an odd exercise for a goalkeeper, but hey maybe no one will really realize that or question it if they don't have a passing familiarity with the sport or know what position Genda normally plays.]

[unbreaker]

[This early in the morning, the park is usually a lot quieter, so the leathery smack of a ball against a tree carries some distance. Josuke's not sure what he expects to find as he follows the sound to its source, but Genda certainly isn't it.

When last he saw the younger boy it was at Player Select in Nonah, and while he'd tried to check in on him during the attack a few days ago, his concern had been met with stonewalling. Which wasn't entirely surprising given that they didn't know each other very well, and so Josuke had been willing to let things slide. The fact Genda had been well enough to respond at all was enough, as he assumed that if things were truly dire, Kidou at least knew he could heal and could have contact him.

And now here they are...having a chance encounter at a rather bizarre time for someone as young as Genda to be out on his own, but maybe that's just something the athlete in him feels compelled to do.

He isn't aware of what position Genda plays, Kidou had never mentioned it even when he'd confirmed they knew each other, so as he draws up, slowing from a jog to a brisk walk and then stopping, he can't really tell if Genda's accuracy isn't up to par or not. Only that he seems frustrated. But that could just be his face. Josuke hasn't seen the younger boy make very many other expressions...]

You're up bright and early.

[He glances curiously at the tire. He's seen it there on runs in the past, but had always thought some kids had tossed it up for swinging on.]

How come you're practicing by yourself?

[beastfang]

[That voice wasn't one he expected to hear, especially not at this time or place as he uses his knee to stop the ball's momentum and snag it under a foot once it drops to the ground.

Of course, the automatic response screeches a bit to a halt when Josuke asks why he's by himself. That pretty much makes it a certainty that Josuke knows someone else, likely Kidou, and learned that little fact that he didn't actually have to practice alone. So there's likely other things the other knows that he is not aware of just yet.]

Individual training.

[He'll just completely bypass the comment and possibly fishing for info regarding being up this early. As well as hopefully give enough of an excuse for why he's out here when he should be employing the buddy system.]

Is this your usual jogging route?

[Why are you here and how did he not realize this meeting was a possibility until this moment?]

[unbreaker]

[Although Josuke tries not to make a face when Genda answers, he's not very successful. It's clear by the way his brows hike that he would have expected 'individual training' to take place at a less ungodly hour in the morning. At least for someone around Kidou's age.

He won't argue the point, though. As far as he's concerned, there's no better judge of individual limits than the individual himself. Genda will know what he can and can't handle, and probably, if he thought he was in any kind of danger out here, he either wouldn't have come alone or wouldn't have come at all.

Maybe.

But, come to think of it, maybe not. At least, not if Genda was anything like Kidou.]

I come this way sometimes. [He gives a nod to the soccer ball at Genda's feet.] I think I heard you kicking that around, though. I wasn't sure what it was, so I came to check it out.

You get much out of practicing with a tree?

[beastfang]

[That look Josuke gives is noted, it's not the first time he's gotten such over his odd schedule before and won't be the last. Though, if he was getting such a look at this time of the morning then he likely didn't want to know the reaction if Josuke were to find out he's been up since four and does that daily even when not training.]

For self assessment of individual skills. Actual growth not as much.

[Maybe if he explains it upfront he can avoid playing twenty questions.]

B, time for an UGLY FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

[helpline]

[ Josuke is browsing for apparel when he runs into the Doctor browsing for apparel. Apparently pastels were in this year? Which was interesting, because he would never think to wear pastels to begin with, but the Doctor can't deny that he looks pretty good. It's a bit outside his usual aesthetic, but what's life if you don't try new things!

He's wearing a fitted baby blue suitcoat with a cobalt blue lining and looking at himself in the mirror. This isn't too bad. It goes well with the sunglasses and the band t-shirt he's wearing underneath it, showing the logo of some awful Heropa punk band, the sort that records their albums on shitty recording equipment in someone's basement.

As Josuke exits the dressing room, the Doctor turns to look, mostly because of the movement...but he just grins as he spots Josuke. ]

Great minds think alike! So come on, show me what you're getting.

ONLY OTHER PEOPLE THINK THEIR HAULS ARE UGLY

[unbreaker]

[It's been a while since the two of them have spent any time together,
but as the Doctor calls out, it feels as if no time at all between them has passed.

By this point in time, Josuke has accumulated a few selections that he's laid out flat on a bench by one of the dressing rooms, but he's sporting one particular suit jacket that seems to have attracted quite a bit of his attention, one he can't quite keep from modeling in front of one of the mirrors. At least until he's invited to show it off.

As he turns to face the Doctor, he gives the lapels a little tug and grins.]

There's this fashion show and silent auction coming up...what do you think? It really speaks to you, doesn't it?

[helpline]

[ The Doctor looks Josuke over before giving the other man a thumbs up. It's definitely a statement piece, it looks good on him, and if you're going to a fashion show, why not wear something fun? ]

I say go for it. It's classy enough that you fit in at the fashion show but not too classy that you overpower the models. Best of both worlds, I'd say!

[unbreaker]

[Somehow, Josuke's grin actually seems to get larger with the Doctor's compliment.]

I guess that settles it! This is the one!

[He looks back in the mirror and smooths out some wrinkles in the front of the jacket before giving an approving nod at his reflection. Yeah, he'd be able to dress this up or down really easily, and it'd be just as simple to accessorize with.

Tossing the Doc another glance, he returns the thumbs up gesture.]

You're looking sharp, too! Blue really works for you!

b

[jojoceanman]

[Jotaro arrived here a couple days ago, and was keeping a low profile as he adjusted to this new situation. It was actually pretty easy doing so in a world where no one knows him, or cares as well. However he needs to get his living space in order, so he's doing shopping today as well. Once he figures out how online shopping works, he will probably never have a reason to go to a store. Until then, the bookstore will be among his first stops. He needs a good stock of books to read.

Some of his selections are in his field, wanting to read some published journals and figure out how far advanced marine biology is in this world compared to his. It'll be important later if he decides to pursue research, but it'll also be enjoyable regardless. He also ventures in the mystery section, wanting to indulge in his detective novel hobby. This section was a lot cheaper thankfully, with most of them being small paperbacks.

On his way out, picking up a couple interesting books, he notices a familiar haircut walking into one of the aisles. Not many people have that pompadour hairstyle, or insist on constantly wearing it. It might just be his imagination, but he still decides to check just in case. His hunch doesn't fail either when he peers around the shelf and sees Josuke in full.

...He wasn't expecting to find him here, or see him at all. Still, he has no reason to not make himself known. So he walks up toward the man and taps his shoulder.]

Hey.

[unbreaker]

[Comics really aren't Josuke's thing, but nevertheless, there he is pouring over one that appears to have caught his interest when Jotaro taps him on the shoulder. It's not the first time someone's come up to him in the store today, although usually the tap is accompanied by a gruffly cleared throat and the aggressive tapping of a sign somewhere nearby that begs customers to please buy before they read.

What a stupid rule. How's anyone supposed to know if they want to buy something if they don't take a peek at what it's got to offer, first?

His first instinct is to brush the hand away from his shoulder and mumble, "Yeah, yeah. I'm gonna buy it, don't worry." The story isn't a very exciting one, but he swears this comic was inspired by someone he knows, and it wouldn't be the first time somebody produced an imPort-inspired piece of fiction.

And then he hears that voice...a voice he'd recognize anywhere and hadn't expected to hear again any time soon.]

Jotaro-san?

[He turns, thumb and forefinger marking his page in the comic as he glances at the older man. And then, face splitting into a mile-wide grin, he let's out a happy...]

It really is you!

[...that promptly earns them a lot of stares from other people in the store. Oops.]

[jojoceanman]

[So much for the hope of a low profile. Oh well. Though he would like to hope there aren't any enemies nearby in a bookstore of all places. It'd be a pretty shitty place to stalk and sulk. He can feel people staring, but they'll get over it. A store isn't a library and he won't chide Josuke's enthusiasm.]

Yeah. Are you going to be here much longer?

[He was planning to leave soon, but he'll stick around if Josuke is still busy doing his stuff. Even if it's just reading some comic.]

[unbreaker]

[Even chiding wouldn't curb his enthusiasm at the moment. It's been too long since Josuke's seen Jotaro, and the first time in this world, the other man hadn't even recognized him. Hearing his name spoken so clearly now felt a little like a bit of home had showed up to greet him.]

No, I was just...

[He looks at the comic and then sets it back among the others for the time being. He could pick it up another time, his promise to buy it after having already leafed so much already long forgotten.]

I'm done! We can go.

[Because talking about things, catching Jotaro up, it'd all be much easier to do if they didn't have curious people staring at them.]

April 1st - Closed to Hazel

[unbreaker]

[Moving out of government housing and into their own home is a big step, but it's one Josuke is eager to take, as evidenced by the brilliant smile he's sporting as unloads what few boxes they've brought off the moving truck and runs them into the house. They don't really own a whole lot between them, but with all the space they'll have now at their disposal, for art and gardening and letting some of their pets run freer than they've been able to so far, that'll change soon enough.

Carefully carting an enormous picture frame (wrapped safely in a sheet to keep it from getting damaged) up to the front door, Josuke throws Hazel a broad grin and a wink he expects will either fluster her, or spark the kind of caustic sarcasm he's come to expect from her and also finds pretty endearing by now.]

Our own place...it feels a little surreal, huh?

[He taps the picture frame. She won't need to see what's beneath the sheet to know what it is. He only owns one picture that large, and considering that they had their first kiss in front of it, there was no way he was gonna leave it behind.]

Any idea where we should put this up?

how did i not notice these were here

[deadtective]

[as always, Hazel's enthusiasm is much more subdued than her favorite companion's; even so, it's impossible for anyone who knows her well enough to miss the excitement in her gait as they busy themselves with making a mess of this perfectly tidy house. this is like a dream, and she can't help but navigate through it like one.

she leaves most of the box ferrying to Josuke, a rare submission to his superior muscle mass, and instead focuses her energy on getting their meager belongings out of the packaging. she has no idea how she's going to tell half of her wardrobe from Josuke's when it's boxed up like this, but that's a problem for a few hours from now.

at the moment she's seated comfortably on the floor, sorting through things that could feasibly be placed in the living room. Masaw is sulkily perched on her shoulder, puffed up indignantly and pressed as close to her face as his fragile bones will allow. someone is clearly not happy about this move - or the way his mistress rolls her eyes fondly at Josuke's attempts at flirtations.]

I can't believe there was actually someone stupid enough to let us sign a lease, yeah.

[Hazel may have weathered the wink fine, but she doesn't do half as well when her attention is drawn to the covered frame. there's absolutely no doubt about what could possibly be under there in her mind, and it elicits a look somewhere between total mortification and disbelief.

why did he still have this? she was really starting to regret giving it to him. who carted around a giant picture of an eldritch abomination, anyway? more importantly, who wanted to display it in their home???

she puts the most recent rescue from the box, what is hopefully a conversation piece, on the ground before rising and wanders over to evaluate the frame. a hand taps at it vaguely as she shoots Josuke a fairly impressive scowl to cover her expression from only moments before.]

Bedroom or main bathroom, I'd say. Depends on who you wanna make shit their pants more.

[right now her own opinion is leaning more heavily towards Josuke than theoretical guests...]

i stealth prompt as well as i stealth app i guess

[unbreaker]

[As Hazel approaches, Masaw still perched on her shoulder, he and the owl exchange looks before he remembers something Daryl told him. They just want respect or some such thing. Maybe it'd go a long way? And even if it doesn't, he won't really know until he tries...which might just be worth it if they'll be living under the same roof from now on.

His puffed cheeks deflate a little, but then puff right back up again when Hazel suggests putting the painting in their bedroom or a bathroom.]

No way, both of those are out!

[He's not looking at it when he tries to sleep, but he also doesn't wanna chance it getting wrecked by exposure to water...even if he could just fix it up again, because that's beside the point. The point being he wants to take care of Hazel's original work. And maybe display it someplace that won't make it hard for them to lie in bed next together and

oh boy that sure is a thought that's maybe not good to have with the owl scowling at him right now.]

Uh...what I mean is, what about the living room? That'd be easier to play off around Halloween anyway, for decorating and stuff.

would you say the success rates are about equal

[deadtective]

[as if he can sense Josuke's impure thoughts, Masaw chooses this moment to puff up even further and dance back and forth on Hazel's shoulder like he's just daring this pudgy interloper to even try it. a small tap on the head of concern from his perch gets him to settle down somewhat, but the look of total disgust remains. he's onto you, asshole.]

And what, we just tape a bow on her for the rest of the year? When was the last time you even fucking looked at this thing, anyway?

[she supposes if Josuke is that determined to have a picture featuring a woman ripped in half featured front and center in the one room guests couldn't really escape from she wouldn't stop him...it was an admirable kind of determination, after all. it just seems a little strange for him to be so insistent that it go up where people could see it - but then, she's hardly been the fairest judge of her own work since her resurrection.]

April 4th - Closed to Jonathan

[unbreaker]

[Although the day was a little on the humid side, the sky was clear and there was a light breeze rolling in off the sea. In all, Josuke couldn't have asked for better weather to take his great grandfather fishing. Especially on his birthday. Which was as great a time as any to spend time with the older man and make up for not joining him on the trip to John Pennenkamp Park (and sending Laurie instead).

Of course, neither of them were real fishermen, so the better part of their morning had been spent at Hook, Line, & Tinker getting familiar with and purchasing the gear they would need for their little jaunt into the urban wilderness — which consisted primarily of buying rods, line, bait and lures, and some waders because neither Jonathan nor Josuke had any kind of boater's license or education card. But at least the shop had waders in pastels and prints? They wouldn't get to look cool operating a boat, but they could still fish in style!

By the time they made it out to an ideal spot along a shaded river hedged by tall trees and grass (recommended by someone at the bait shop) the sun was already rising steadily in the sky. And Josuke...was beginning to second guess the idea of trying to bait anything in a place that looked as likely to be home to fish as it was larger reptilian creatures...]

We didn't miss a turn somewhere and end up at the wrong river, did we?

[He knows they didn't and that he'll just have to suck it up and deal, but he can't help wishing he still had his ability to talk with reptiles. At least then he'd know if there were any lurking close by. And if he should make a mad dash for the nearest high ground to get away from any of them.]

[fistofthejoestar]

I don't know if it would really make much of a difference, given our skill level.

[for his part, Jonathan is in a strikingly good mood even for him. he enjoys family and nature in equal measures, and to have them combined into a single outing is perhaps one of the greatest birthday gifts he could have asked for. even his total inexperience with fishing couldn't get him down - if anything, the prospect of learning something new today makes it all the sweeter.

he's especially glad to have finally emerged from the tackle shop; between poring over the tiny instruction booklets and struggling to find any color wader that would fit his wide frame, he'd begun to worry that the sun would have long set before they could even start. there's still a bit of uncertainty in putting any of this newfound knowledge into practice, but it's easy to forget when looking out across the lolling river.

there's no sign of his great-grandson's trepidation over the locale in Jonathan's demeanor, although he does allow himself a good-natured chuckle at the uneasiness as he carefully begins depositing the various gear he's been toting at the base of the tree. somehow he doubts that reptiles would be their greatest foe today.]

[unbreaker]

[Josuke wishes he had his great grandfather's confidence, but as the other man sets his gear down by the base of a thick tree trunk, he supposes that he has to agree that it won't make much of a difference. They're already getting settled here and turning around now to look for someplace else would mean cutting short their bonding time.]

Yeah, you're probably right...

[The things he does for family.]

Looks pretty shady here, but it's sunnier out over the water. Think we should use one of those lures that'll catch the light?

[He might just be asking that because the idea of using live bait makes him squirm as much as the worms in the little white, unmarked container they've brought along with them. Eww.]

[fistofthejoestar]

I...suppose? Do you think they'll make much of a difference?

[don't be too jealous, Josuke, because most of that self-assurance melts away upon being asked an actual question that relates to fishing technique. he'd been as diligent as possible during all the explanations, but so many of them had ended with 'you'll get a feeling for it once you're out there' that he isn't all that certain how helpful it actually was.

who would have thought that he'd be pining for the more manageable-seeming trials of defeating a zombie with a glass of wine in his hand...]

Perhaps we can each try a different one.

[they did had two rods, after all. someone was bound to figure out what worked eventually.]

b

[ghoulking]

[ Kaneki is around bookstores, for no one's surprise. This time he isn't buying books for himself, but rather, he is asking the shop owner to sell him the extra books no one bought or that had some sort of damage and couldn't be sold among with the rest - that's how he make his book-café bigger.

That's also how he ended with a pile of books in his hands, and as he is about to walk outside, he spots a familiar hair.

Curiously, he approaches and once he is certain it's Josuke he calls for the other ] Hi, Josuke.

[unbreaker]

Oi, Ken!

[Psychology isn't something Josuke is deeply taken with, but given the field of work he's leaning towards joining in the near future, and a number of the acquaintances he keeps and is trying to get to know better, he assumes brushing up on a few things can't hurt. And so that's where Ken finds him, though he doesn't appear eager to explain that fact as he sets the book he was looking at back on the shelf and gestures instead to the stack Ken is carrying.]

Some haul you got there! Need a hand?

[ghoulking]

I can handle it, don't worry. [ ghoul strength is really helpful in these situations. ] I'm trying to make the coffee shop more varied. [ his collection is great, but they all rely on very heavy topics. The haul he currently has? They are mostly young adult novels - if you look closely, you'll find this world's version of Twilight there as well. ]

Have you found anything interesting?

[unbreaker]

[He doubts that's the case, but nevertheless has to ask...]

Are people not donating enough?

[He doesn't normally collect a lot of books himself, but there are probably plenty of magazines stuffed into boxes that he could donate if out-of-date issues weren't any kind of a problem. Though, he gets the impression that it wouldn't generate the kind of 'atmosphere' Kaneki's looking to produce in the cafe, and Josuke can't blame him. Books feel more homey and don't lend to feeling like you're stuck in a waiting room sifting through what's not already been mangled by other readers just to kill time.

At the other boy's question though, he gives a shrug.]

Depends on your definition of interesting. I'm uh...trying to understand someone a little better.