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'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.]

[He snorts at Albert's comment.]

An odd gift from an odd dog. But I'm glad it was a toy and not a real bird.

Certainly less appropriate for a bathing trip. [She'll close her eyes and try to go back to just... enjoying the steam and hot water. Because it's not cold.]

I doubt even he would catch a real bird in this particular weather. [Not that he believes Caesar one bit. Kogoro was a strange dog, and catching prey--or prizes--didn't seem like something the dog would do.]

Perhaps he'll make up for it when it's warmer out! [Caesar meant well with his lie. After all, it didn't take a genius to figure out that not everyone would have received gifts as harmless as his own from the statue. He does let out a yawn, though. It really felt like the warmth of the bath was making him sleepier.]

[For now she remains quiet, eyes closed, smiling softly and listening to the pair. It was a shame it wasn't a clear night, where they could look up at the stars. And yet, they were in the mountains. A sky that heavy could only mean one thing ... a change in weather. She opens her eyes, lifting her gaze upward.] ... It seems like the wind is changing.

Edited 2011-01-07 04:26 (UTC)

[He turns his head slightly towards Raine at the comment, not sitting up as he responds.] We might see snow again soon. It's been a very cloudy winter.

Edited 2011-01-07 04:43 (UTC)

It's only just started. [Weather talk. He leans back against the edge of the bath.] We've still got a long way to go.

A few months worth. It doesn't feel as if we've done as much preparing for it as we did last year, though. [Probably because they were already fairly organized from the last time.]

I'm sure Caesar would be more than happy to chop more firewood should the need present itself.

[Well, that grabs his attention pretty fast.]

S-says who?