chikaidestroyer | ∞ 90: Snowy springs [action]

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∞ 90: Snowy springs [action]

[Takes place on the 28th.

Part of him is still surprised he made the suggestion a few days ago. If he tried to look for excuses, he could think of many -- the season, the new arrival of an ocean, the constant talk about holidays and good cheer. But whatever the reason, he had suggested to his housemates that they take their gift exchanging to an admittedly strange location: the mountain hot springs. And they had all agreed to it.

So in the early morning, he can be found in the clothing store looking for ... a pair of slippers. By noon, he will be on the way to the rec center to try out the teleporter and scope out the mountain hot springs for the first time.

And by mid-afternoon, he will be up in the mountains with his brother and Raine. Belatedly celebrating a holiday they don't know. Perhaps even celebrating the plaza fountain returning to normal after being shifted to resemble Bil for four days.]

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I had not heard much of Kratos before his disappearance. It's a shame; he was one of the few who remembered the first few months here. [That old vanguard was dwindling. How long would it be before there was no one who remembered the year before the barrier cracked?]

To verify what everyone else has already verified? [He shakes his head.] I may have a lot of time on my hands, but that would be a complete waste of it. No thanks.

[But this conversation about someone he didn't know and a time he didn't remember is uninteresting to him, so he takes a breath and dunks his head into the water. His hair is wet and dripping but that feels much better.]

Some people don't think that would be a waste of time, but I suppose the circumstances are different for you. [Being lazy and knowing that he can trust the verified information. When he sinks into the water, she turns back to Albert.]

He had been keeping to himself even more, especially these last few months. That number of those who remember seems to be dwindling even more lately. It makes having solid records from that time even more important. [Not that they're here to talk about that; they're here to relax, such as it is.]

Lately. [He muses over that, shaking his head to himself. Instead of saying anything else, he slips his other arm into the water and slides lower so his shoulders are submerged.]

[Caesar gazes absently into the water for a moment when he remembers something. He reaches over his shoulder to pick up an item that he'd left on a rock near him just before he got into the water earlier.

In his hand, he holds a yellow toy duck. Yes, this would be a fine distraction from all that boring conversation. He examines the duck before setting it in the water. He doesn't say anything while he does this, either—it's as if he was completely minding his own business.]

[Don't pick over her words, Albert. In any case, it seems a good opportunity to fall quiet and appreciate the warm waters for what they are, with eyes closed.]

[Albert silently looks at Caesar's toy duck, raising a brow as Caesar lets the toy float on the water. He makes no comment, tilting his head back to look at the darkening sky. It wasn't unusual for the communal baths to go completely silent after a few minutes of talking.]

[Caesar knows when he's being looked at, but he doesn't look up from the duck just yet. In fact, he stares at it intently for a moment.]

...huh. Nothing's happening.

[He tilts his head, making little waves in the water with his hand and watching the duck go. ...despite being completely ridiculous, this is vaguely entertaining.]

[She opens her eyes again at that, looking over at Caesar and watching him play with the toy.]

Hm? Was something supposed to?

[Since Raine asked the question, Albert sees no reason to echo. Soooo he just shuts his eyes and listens for Caesar's response.]

I'm not sure. They said that if you soaked certain items in the bath, something would happen. The water would seem to change color, for example.

[There had definitely been a logical reason for bringing the duck. But that doesn't matter, because suddenly, Caesar has an awesome idea. And even if his plan fails, that's okay, because he's sure the attempt will be worth it. So in that brief pause after he finishes that sentence, he picks up the duck and... throws it in his brother's direction, of course.]

Is that so? I can't say that's something I've -- [And she watches the duck sail in Albert's direction at Caesar's throw.] heard.

[You better hope that toy duck is made of rubber and not wood, Caesar, or your brother is going down faster than the Titanic.

Assuming the toy duck is made of rubber, it will make a loud squeak as it strikes Albert in the head, and he will open his eyes just in time for the duck to make a little splash next to him.

...

He silently levels an unreadable look at Caesar, lifting his hand to rub his face.]

[Oh, would you look at that. His aim has gotten better! Caesar is not terrible enough to try and throw a wooden anything at Albert, though, so he hears that squeak and tries his hardest not to laugh.

...but it's pretty difficult.]

Hey! Something happened! S-sorry about that, brother. This thing isn't safe!

[She's... trying not to laugh. So childish, Caesar. And yet...] A flying duck. Who would have expected that?

I believe the stunning aspect is the fact that it's made of rubber. [While he keeps his fuming to himself, Albert reaches for the offending toy and gives it a squeeze. It squeaks and burbles on the water's surface as water enters the rubber duck, becoming waterlogged.]

Certainly not I! [He can see the duck sink a little into the water thanks to Albert.] It's something different, isn't it? At least it's not too dangerous.

Unless it has another surprise in store.

[He glances over at Raine, nodding slightly.] Yes, I believe that might be the case. [He takes the duck in hand, testing its weight as he flips it onto its back. It looks like he may lob the duck right back at Caesar.

But instead he squeezes the toy hard, squirting water at his brother.]

[Caesar shuts his eyes when Albert squeezes the duck. He didn't expect him to throw the toy at him despite the gesture, but he's surprised by what he does do either way.]

H-hey! [He pauses and blinks, realizing what just happened. What did just happen, anyway?] Such an unpredictable duck. I didn't know it could do any of that!

... Imagine that. [Rare, to see them like this. But it was nice.]

I take it that you must not have had it for too long. [Not that it's surprising that Caesar brought a toy to ensure he was amused.]

[Once the toy is empty of water, Albert carelessly tosses the duck back over to Caesar, leaning against the edge of the spring again.]

I somehow doubt Caesar would feel like looking for a toy, even while in a childish mood. [Work ethic. Laziness. The explanation is left unsaid.]

[Caesar catches the duck, but he sets it back into the water again.]

Who's being childish? [He frowns. ...and pulls the duck under water and lets it float up to the top again.] Kogoro gave it to me when I found him. I completely forgot about it until I was getting ready to leave today.

Kogoro? [She tilts her head at the unfamiliar name.] An odd gift to give, isn't it?

Perhaps not. Waterfowl seem like an appropriate gift from him. [Even if it's ... rubber. He'll leave the explanations to Caesar, shutting his eyes again.]