tushanshu_logs | 013 ✤ closed

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013 ✤ closed

Characters: Tiny Nerd #1, Prof. Big Nose, and Burnt Cinnamon Roll
Date: March 18th
Location: Metal Sector
Situation: Tiny Nerd #1 is getting his tiny nerd lessons from Prof. Big Nose and Stuff Happens and they both run into Burnt Cinnamon Roll.
Warnings/Rating: PG-13; likely to be references of an abusive childhood

--

Akito doesn't trust Callaghan - not entirely, at least. But it's enough that he visits the man every second afternoon to be tutored in the subjects he should have learned years ago (at least in his mind). Basic mathematics and physics were both a breeze to complete, and Akito has now moved on to advanced calculus and advanced physics, though his previous knowledge of physics is making it fairly easy to learn as well.

Sometimes he wonders if it's only because Callaghan is a good teacher (something he's never had before, no offense to Miss Tomita), or if he actually is the genius everyone at home claimed he was. Compared to Tony he's nothing but a moron, Akito knows. But some days, when he looks at a question and instantly just knows the answer, he feels like he lives up to the title. His brain absorbs the information like a sponge, and it doesn't take long for him to master whatever Callaghan throws at him.

Today he has a notebook filled with what he's pretty sure are correct answers to the questions he was given the other day. They'll go through them together, making sure he was doing everything correctly (because he has to show his work, which is super annoying when your brain tells you the answer is X or Y before you can even go through the steps. but it's important for trouble-shooting and so does so without complaint), then Akito will copy down another one-hundred questions to answer for the following lesson and learn a new concept if deemed ready for it.

He thinks today will be a new concept day. At least, he hopes it will be.

Akito knocks on Callaghan's door politely, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he waits for an answer. He's bundled up more than usual; shivering despite the extra layers.

"Hey! Professor Oyaji! It's really cold today, so please answer quickly!"

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Normally, Callaghan would agree with that sentiment. There are, however, exceptions to everything. "Sit down," he orders, pulling Akito away even further. And if he wasn't already sitting, he's being pushed in to one now. "The only thing you should be sorry for is not speaking up earlier- we're done for the day, and you are going to go lie down."

He takes another look at the fluid, and- oh, now it's frozen. More magic, or what is this one called, Bending-? He grimaces, either way, turning back towards Akito with an unhappy - if concerned - expression.

"There is no reason to push yourself when you're in this sort of state- I'll help you move, come on."

Gruffness aside, he is worried. It says many things, the way Akito's still trying to work, and none of them good.

His instincts are screaming at him to run away while at the same time to just listen because otherwise he'll just make things worse. Fear is clearly written on his face - it's obvious that he wants to leave, but is scared to.

He stands up again as soon as Callaghan's attention is divided, taking this chance to pull away and move closer to the door.

"I... This is fine! I'm okay. I'm not pushing myself!" Distantly, Akito is aware enough of himself to know that he's babbling. But he's too far away to care much about it. "I'm just- This is... Even if I'm a piece of trash, I can still do things! Like... It's- I can be a useful piece of trash."

Despite a quick grab, Akito's able to slip his grip- and Callaghan's trying to get to his feet, concern warring with anger warring with abhorrance warring with stress-

"Akito, stop!"

Stop moving, stop talking, stop-

Who would do this to a child!? Callaghan's blood is boiling at whatever's led up to this, he knows Akito has had a rather nonstandard childhood, but this-!

Akito stops in an instant, body rigid and limbs shivering perceptibly even when swaddled in warm layers. He looks at Callaghan, visible eye wide; pupil so clearly blown with fear that only a tiny sliver of gold is visible.

Well, he asked for that, and he got it. But he didn't want Akito looking at him like that, either. That rage within cools instantly, solidifying to ice in his veins; still present, but more important is the need to not stress Akito.

"Listen to me- I'm not going to hurt you. You're fine, Akito, just focus on my voice-"

He straightens, slowly, hands up by his chest and palms towards Akito. See, he hasn't a weapon, he's not- making any quick gestures...

"You're not trash, and you're not in trouble. Just- breathe, okay? Come on, we'll clean this up and you can lie down and-"

-what else are you supposed to do in these sort of situations? He steps forwards, slowly, feeling as though he's trying to wrangle a stray kitten.

It's that one last step that is finally one step too many for Akito, his body finally choosing flight over fight as a response to the situation. He's off like a shot, through the door and heading down the steps, barely paying attention to much beyond just getting away.

"Akito!"

To his credit, Callaghan does not again yell 'stop'. He does, however, immediately rush after him, because if Akito was sick inside recovering from the cold- what will more cold do to him?

On the bright side, his jacket's still in hand, and he's moving in to it as he rushes out. On the down side, he's leaving his door wide open, though he's at least got a device in that auto-closes. He's a bit more intent on catching up with the terrified child than locking it behind him, though.

Edited 2015-03-17 14:27 (UTC)

Tadashi moves quickly through the streets, hat tugged low and his shoulders hunched against the cold. He should be looking into finding a place to stay. Maybe the hotel that the people at the Welcome Center had mentioned. He'd need to find work, too. He can't be sure of just what sort of jobs might be available, but anything will do to start with. Being able to support himself is the important part, and he can't live off of the kindness of the Welcome Center forever. He can look for something better later if necessary.

He should be doing these things, but he's not, because no one can be expected to focus on such practical things so soon after being dropped into an entirely different world from the one they're used to. Instead? He's looking for other Foreigners. People with crystal jewelry like the new ring he's thumbing at in one of his pockets. People whose eyes don't automatically seem to label him as an outsider. Someone who's been in this place a little longer than he has, who can really confirm things for him. Maybe quell some fears and offer some advice, a little guidance.

So that's where the new day finds him, following up on passing mentions and vague references from the few locals he dared to ask for direction. There should be a Foreigner in the area. An older man who mostly keeps to himself, or so they said, and Tadashi can't help but wonder if he'll even be wanted. He has to try, though, because what else is there to do?

Lost in his own thoughts, Tadashi doesn't notice the body barreling toward him until he's already got an armful of small child. He takes the hit with a quiet 'oomph', body automatically curling a bit to absorb the impact and keep himself and the rushing stranger upright. Concern is obvious in his expression when he smiles down at the... boy?

"Hey, hey, slow down a little. Are you okay?"

Akito knows, somewhere in the back of his mind, that he isn't in any danger. It's been years since the last time he was sick and subsequently punished for it (been so long that he doesn't know if Papa would still punish him for it if he were here), and he's not afraid to defend himself anymore. But his body screams for him to run to hide. To avoid the man so much taller than himself, with a gruff voice and angry hands. His body convinces his mind that he's going to be locked up until he's no longer a burden. It scares him so much he can barely breathe.

When he hears his name being called behind him it's scary and confusing and makes his heartbeat pound in his ears and behind his eyes - so distracting that he doesn't notice his route of escape is blocked until he's run head first into a sturdy chest. It's enough of a shock that Akito stills long enough to look at who he's crashed into. An unfamiliar face, but even in his frenzied state he can recognize an honest expression when he sees one. It's enough to give him a chance to take a breath and try to gather his thoughts, at least until he remembers he's still being chased. He glances up at the stranger, pupil still blown so wide his eye looks devoid of colour; pulls out of his grasp because he doesn't want to be touched. Everything aches and the pressure hurts in addition to making him feel confined.

"I- I, um. I'm sorry! Sorry-"

There's no time to run again so Akito takes a risk and plants himself behind the young man he's run into, hoping it's enough to make Callaghan leave him alone.

"Akito, stop!"

In the past few months, Callaghan has kept his fitness. He's no longer in his prime but he is not feeble by any means- still, Akito is far more agile than he. Even with him trying his best to catch up and thread his way through what crowds there are, he's losing ground, and tries calling out again in a vain attempt to get the kid to slow.

"Akit-"

And he cuts himself off, all the blood draining from his face as he takes in the young human male that the boy's run to- because (it isn't him, it can't be him) the sense of familiarity is so overwhelming it's as though someone's thrust a fist in to his gut.

Impossible.

Callaghan all but skids to a stop, eyes wide and looking- terrified? Aghast? Overwhelmed.

Edited 2015-03-18 04:16 (UTC)

"No, it's okay..."

Tadashi lets him pull away, leaving his arms spread to the sides and his palms open. He doesn't know what's got the kid so upset, but he knows fear when he sees it, and there's no suppressing the protective instinct that rises within him when he does. The boy's so small. Smaller than Hiro, even...

It's not until the boy ducks behind him that Tadashi really hears the calls over the general hubbub of the street. Is that who the kid (Akito, by the sound of it) is running from? And if so, why? The voice is strangely familiar, but figuring out the who or from where comes second to the shivering boy at his back. Tadashi tenses as the voice draws nearer, shoulders squared and eyes sweeping over the crowds and clusters of locals in search of the source.

He doesn't have to search for long, and what was a thin-lipped wariness quickly turns into cautious hope.He'd been half hoping to find people he knew; people who knew him, but at the same time? He hadn't. Meeting people he knew would mean that they'd been pulled from their proper place as well, dropped in a new world with naught but the clothes on their backs.

"... Professor Callaghan?"

So this stranger knows the Professor, and the reverse seems to be true as well given that the man appears to have stopped. They're both distracted, which gives Akito the perfect opportunity to slink away and he doesn't waste it. He won't be able to make the run back to his apartment but there's an alley two blocks away he knows is fairly safe. And quiet.

Akito lurches forward, thrown off by vertigo at the sudden movement that leaves his motions stilted and awkward. It's not enough to keep him from running though, so he does. Non-stop until he reaches the - as expected - empty alley. He feels moderately more safe now. Enough that, after heaving again from the exertion, Akito tucks himself into a tiny ball with the sturdy wall against his back.

Confined enough area he doesn't feel agoraphobic. Open enough to keep claustrophobia away. Safe enough for him to work through his panic attack the best he can.

Akito is, for the moment, forgotten. Callaghan's focus is solely on the taller boy - man, he's a young man, even if he is still a kid - who redoubles that sense of familiarity as he looks up. Not only that, he has an expression that's familiar as well, the sort that's a nearly painful reminder of- how long has it been, since?...

And then he says his name.

Robert swallows.

"...mister Hamada."

If Alistair's here, then it's no surprise others can be, but of all people...how?

Tadashi turns briefly to watch the boy run away. In another situation he might try following after to be sure the kid found himself a safe place to be, but he hadn't exactly prepared himself for... this, and considering the look on Callaghan's face? Neither had he.

With Akito quickly moving out of sight, Tadashi lets that wary posture drop and moves forward, open relief spreading over his face.

"Professor! You're here! Are you okay? How long have you been here?"

And Robert takes a single step back.

He's not even aware of doing so, eyes still locked on Tadashi, pupils dilated from stress- and then he blinks once, twice, managing to pull himself out of his shock. It may be impossible, but-

-so are a lot of other things. He exhales shakily, reaching up to run a hand through his hair, maybe giving it a bit of a grip to make sure he's not dreaming. "A- few months. I didn't..."

What he didn't, trails off in to nothing as he briefly looks around Tadashi, pressing his lips together- no Akito. Lost him. And yet- with his attention returning to Tadashi, Akito and his panic and his words pale in comparison to this.

"I'm sorry," he manages, closing his eyes for a long blink. "I...didn't expect to see you. Again."

Ever.

That step back stops Tadashi in his tracks, relief quickly swapping back to calculated concern. Wide eyes, dilated pupils, stiff posture... Maybe it shouldn't be all that surprising if he's really been here alone for that long. Never mind how that could really work (but heck, if people could come from different worlds or different dimensions, why not different times?) when it was obviously true.

Tadashi stops a few feet away from Callaghan, not bothering to try and mask the once-over he's giving the man. Now that he's really looking, he can see the differences in the man that shouldn't be there. Not since the last time he saw him anyway, which was... what, a few minutes before he woke up in this strange city on the back of a flying turtle? Clothing is largely unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but there's something in his face that seems to bear the extra time the professor's spent here, and in more ways than just a few extra lines here and there.

"No, no, it's fine! I mean, it feels like I just saw you, but if it's been that long for you-" His hands move around uselessly in front of him as if trying to articulate the big, confusing mess that is their current situation. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting to find anyone I knew. Hoping, but-... y'know. Not expecting."

It's certainly a different set of clothing- the materials are different, if nothing else, though he's tried to stick to as similar as styles as he can without sticking out like a sore thumb. It's more well-worn, if nothing else, a few patches and repairs here and there, and his hair is perhaps a bit longer and cut less evenly...

He lets that hair go, lowering his hand to rub at his face almost sheepishly. What does he even say, though? I'm glad you're not dead?

"No, I...understand. I was confused when I got here, too, and literally asking for everything at once didn't help-" A laugh, of all things, bubbles out of him, perhaps bordering on hysterical.

You're dead.

It's short-lived, though. And he elaborates- "It's been a long few months."

And more still, before he got here.

Tadashi, on the other hand, is looking exactly as he did the last time the professor saw him. In fact, depending on how good Callaghan's memory is, he might recognize that particular cardigan and blazer as the very ones Tadashi wore the night of the student showcase. Granted, Tadashi's wardrobe isn't exactly all that varied and that old green blazer has always been his default when a situation called for more than a t-shirt and sweater, so who knows.

He laughs along with Callaghan, more awkward than anything else as he tries to work through just where to go next with all of this, and in the end he settles for a vague, but necessary confirmation.

"So all of this... this is all for real? Because they told me about a giant turtle and a war and different worlds- I just." He shrugs a little helplessly. "I mean, I guess it probably sounds really awful to say this, but I'm just really glad you're here."

Edited 2015-03-19 02:39 (UTC)

If the coincidence has hit him, he doesn't show any sign. Then again, he's already so off-balance - would it matter? Tadashi laughing with him, again, just like old times...

Robert takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Right. Focus.

"Giant turtle, a war- magic and 'Bending'. Things are...very different here, from San Fransokyo. There is some mention about this being 'dreaming', but I still have a few when I sleep, so..."

He feels like he's rambling. Life, death, and dreaming he remembers. So maybe that explains Tadashi, maybe.

"I...we need to catch up, but there was a boy, he's not well, I spooked him- did you see him run by?"

Edited 2015-03-19 03:39 (UTC)

"It sure isn't like any dreaming I've ever done before..."

Definitely not, and while they're in a city, it feels about as far from San Fransokyo as they can get at the moment. He's probably wrong about that, but the rest of this can be dealt with in time. For now there's something a little more immediate to focus on.

"Ah, yeah! He crashed right into me, but he ran off when you showed up." He frowns a bit and looks around for a moment before nodding to himself and pointing down the street.

"He went down that way. I can help you look."

Because if Callaghan was the one to spook him, he might not be the best person to try and calm him down.

Edited 2015-03-19 04:13 (UTC)

Akito doesn't know how long it's been since he curled up against the alley wall. It felt like an eternity before he could even just breathe again, and for his heart to stop thrumming painfully in his chest. There's still a lingering heaviness in his ribcage that forces him to concentrate on breathing in, out, in, out. In for six, out for eleven. His whole body hurts; joints aching in a way worse than he's used to, skin tight and hypersensitive over strained muscles.

And he still feels scared. Even though he knows there's no reason for it. His body is convinced he's in danger, but at least now his mind knows otherwise at the moment. It's not a new sensation to lose control of his own body, yet it's never happened to him in this way before. He hates it. It's embarrassing and he just wants to curl up in on himself and disappear.

But he can't. And he's still shaking from fear and exhaustion, limbs twitching with the desire to move again.

Akito is safe. He keeps telling himself this. Safe safe safe. Being sick caught him off guard. Being sick is the only reason he panicked - it makes sense that if he has a fever he'd be stupid, right? Because what Kaito did to him growing up... It never really bothered him before. Sure, loud noises make him flinch, as does anything that sounds like gunfire or the cracking of a whip.

This has never happened to him before, which is what scares him the most.

He'd go more in to it, but as he'd said, there's something else on his mind. Robert nods as Tadashi confirms it, and then again at the offer; of all people he knows, if anyone could help, it would be Tadashi.

"Please." He moves forwards, half-raising a hand as though to touch Tadashi's shoulder- and then pulling it back, moving it in to his pockets with a sigh.

He can't let himself dwell on this right now. His blood pressure must be through the roof...

"I've been giving him some lessons," the professor explains as they begin to search. "He's a brilliant young man, with a bit of a troubled past, but I think there's some things I've missed or didn't put together until now."

If Tadashi can draw the implications from his voice and face, so be it, but considering Robert still isn't sure of it...he's not sure about voicing his theory. And while Akito didn't seem hesitant to share certain details of his upbringing, they still seem a bit private to him.

Tadashi just nods again. He doesn't need the gritty details just now. Sharing that will be Akito's decision, and Tadashi will gladly listen should the boy choose to share, but making sure he's alright takes precedence.

He leads them down the street quickly. Never mind that Callaghan's been around much longer and likely knows the area very well. Tadashi has a certain amount of experience in finding runaway kids. There's no GPS to help him this time, but he's been at this long enough to have a feel for things. It helps that Akito didn't actually go all that far.

After quick searches down a few alleys and offshoots, he spots a huddled lump a ways down one and stops, lingering at the mouth of the alley and waving Callaghan over before calling out gently.

"... Hey, there. It's Akito, isn't it?"

He can hear the young man approach before he speaks, even through the near-deafening pounding of his heartbeat. Akito doesn't flinch - a fact that he's minutely proud of himself for - but he does bury himself even further into his jacket. Make himself smaller; less noticeable. An unconscious habit he picked up over the years. People don't notice you if you're small and unobtrusive.

...But Akito is calm enough now to realize he could use some help, even if he wishes he didn't, and so he peeks out over his knees and nods. With a shaky wave of a hand he clears the path between them of the slick ice he left there as a defense, moving it to freeze in haphazard fractals up the wall beside him instead.

"I... I dunno why I'm scared," he admits, voice soft and tired, but the alleyway's acoustics are enough that he can be heard. "It's not like... 'yaji wouldn't lock me up, even if he had a cage. And he doesn't have a gun or a whip or anything."

It's clear enough by the way he stumbles over his words that he's exhausted and sick. Normally he would keep any hints of what happened to him as a child to himself after what happened with Gene, but the fever's loosened his tongue and he either doesn't notice or doesn't care. Maybe a mix of both.

When waved over, Callaghan is quick to follow, though he does linger behind. Rather, just to the side- Akito curled up in himself surrounded by ice tugs at something within, but he reminds himself that he had not helped things by chasing him.

He'd scared him.

Akito's scared him, in return, with his reactions, but Callaghan can't help but think, now that he's calmer, that he should have known better. But when Akito's voice echoes to him, mentioning things like cages and whips-

His fists tighten and he turns away from Tadashi. With his jaw clenching and the entirety of his body language suggesting anger, it's not hard to tell he's upset by this additional, confirming information.

God help the people responsible for this. He hates to rely on Tadashi for help, here, especially with him so disorientated by arrival, but Robert's going to need a moment or two to calm himself before daring to try again.

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this icon isn't foreboding at all

nope not even a little

w o w

i don't have another 'callaghan running in to another terrible situation' icon okay

i have some, but they're all tadashi about to run into a big fire :|a

I have one but it's not into a dangerous situation and he looks ecstatic /cries

let's use none of those

i make no promises

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AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.. except not really

BABY

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