Inbox (Kaisou)

[schoolingfish]

Am I doing it right? Is it rec-oh! It is! Hi! You missed me, leave a message!

Comments

[schoolingfish]

[Luca's sure Alberto will know a lot more about the stuff they pass than he will, but like Alberto pointed out, he was working those times. This time Alberto will get to relax and really look at stuff.]

Yep!

[He agrees, following Alberto on the bus and paying his fare before settling down in a seat (next to wherever Alberto sits, of course). It's kind of exciting thinking about how the bus driver probably thinks they know exactly where they're going and what they're doing, even though they really don't. They're definitely doing the 'humans riding on a bus' thing perfectly. As the bus begins to move, Luca looks out the window at the shops as they begin to pass them by.]

So what's the neatest thing you've seen here so far?

[He might as well make conversation to pass the time and, after all, Alberto's seen so much more of this place than he has and he might have some interesting stories.]

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto smiles at the question, looking upwards in thought, holding his chin in his hand for added effect, then glances to Luca a bit slyly. ]

Beh, I dunno if it's the neatest place, exactly... But me and Luz went to this restaurant she heard about called Denny's. It was really hard to find, but we managed.

[ He digs through their plastic bag from the store, and pulls out his classic Monster first, handing the bag off to Luca as he goes on. ]

Thing is, it's timeless — like, there's no time there. All the clocks say it's two in the morning, even when it's— not? I thought the clocks were maybe just broken, but when you come out, it's still the same time as you went in... Really spooky. Definitely the weirdest place I've been, ha.

[ He pops the can open almost pointedly; when he takes his first sip, a wide smile spreads across his face, raising his brow at Luca emphatically. Energy Drink #1 Approved. Here we go... ]

[schoolingfish]

Wow, we should definitely go there sometime! That might be helpful if you ever don't have enough time to really sit down and eat somewhere before you have to go somewhere else...although maybe not if it's hard to find.

[After all, if it's hard to find you might just end up spending all the time you save wandering around looking for this Denny's. When he sees Alberto's look of approval tasting the drink, Luca asks,]

How's it taste?

[prontissimo]

[ He nods at Luca enthusiastically, silently agreeing to show him where the Void Denny's is — because it really is somewhere that could prove really useful, should they ever need some extra time. But for now, cool as that place is, their everyday energy drinks seem far more special. When everything's a novelty, anything's a novelty... ]

Good! Like-fruit-but-not, haha, like you said. Here.

[ He hands the drink off to Luca to try, grinning at him expectantly. He gives him a beat, trying to read his reaction to the first sip. ]

Well?

[schoolingfish]

[Luca takes a sip. And grins.]

Wow, that is good! It's not like any real fruit I've ever tasted, but it's so much sweeter!

[And because this has only increased his curiosity about the remaining drinks, he hands the monster energy back for Alberto to continue drinking.]

I'm going to open another one to try and we can see how they compare.

[He reaches in and takes out the 'orange dreamsicle'. He's curious about what a dreamsicle even is, and he figures they might as well compare the two monsters. He opens it and takes a sip.]

This one's good, too! Try it!

[He thinks he likes the green monster a little better, but they're both good.]

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto takes the first can back, sipping once more, and grins when Luca takes out the second Monster. He may not be having a birthday party, but this totally counts. Already his best birthday ever — now it's just gonna get fast, too...

He swaps cans again to try the Orange Dreamsicle, taking a considerable swig and narrowing his eyes in contemplation. ]

This doesn't taste orange. Or like oranges. I don't know what it takes like. Maybe that's the "-sicle" flavor...?

[ Doesn't stop him from taking another deep sip before they swap back, nodding as he deliberates, then hands it off to Luca with a smile and a final verdict. ]

S'good, though!

[schoolingfish]

Yeah, it's gotta be the sicle flavor, because I'm not tasting oranges either.

[He takes a sip of the regular monster in his hands.]

They're both good! So which do you like better?

[Right then he spots a shopping area out the window, and among the stores is a large building that catches his eye.]

Oh! There's a sporting goods store! What's that?

[He knows both he and Alberto like sports, so it's promising.]

[prontissimo]

I think the green. We can share, though — they're both good.

[ Alberto clinks his can into Luca's something like a toast, some random human-ism he's recently picked up — so of course he needs to put it into practice.

When Luca points out the sporting goods store, though, Alberto's eyes go wide and he quickly stops sipping his drink, rushing to tug the cord on the bus to signal a stop. Say no more, Luca! ]

Sells stuff to make you good at sports. Let's go.

[ Said so matter-of-factly, like he's certain. But he's already standing, ready to go as the bus slows to a stop. Here they go... ]

[schoolingfish]

Yeah, I agree. The green's the best, but they're both good.

[A place that sells stuff to make you good at sports? Well, they're both already great at sports, but there's always room for improvement so he's all for it.]

All right!

[Once the bus stops, he leads the way off, more than happy to go check out this sports store. Of course, even though Alberto's description isn't entirely accurate, he won't be disappointed when he sees what really is there. He hurries up to the building, and as they near it, he takes in the sheer size of it, much larger than any of the shops he saw around Portorosso and Genova.]

Wow...it's so big. I didn't even think you could have that much sports stuff to fill a building that big.

action; backdated to 17 November, two days after Bruno's departure

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto tried to stay patient and calm the past two days, he really did. He'd been on edge ever since Bruno's kidnapping in October, and while the rescue mission was a success, it was the scariest and most violent experience of Alberto's life, and has left him secretly shaken for the past month now. He's been paranoid about Bruno's disappearance specifically, but it's had a ripple effect in Alberto, who's finally realizing how unstable and chaotic and dangerous this place really is. Anything could happen to anyone at any time. It's been over half a year he's lived here, and despite the many dangers life in Kaisou throws their way, this is the longest stretch of time that Alberto's ever experienced some sense of stability in his life. He's gotten so comfortable, so familiar, in his new life here, to the point he can trust in expectations that certain people will just— always be there...! Luca and Bruno, namely. Long after living with Bruno in April, scarcely a day has passed that Alberto hasn't heard from him, if only just one or two texts to check in and say hi. Bruno was still always there for him, interested in him, wanted to talk with him every day... every day for half a year.

Until now. Until two days ago. Granted, when Luca showed up, Alberto went dark on Bruno for two days, too, so Alberto wants to give the man the benefit of the doubt. Maybe more of his family showed up, or he's just been busy, or he broke his phone, or— well, really, anything but "kidnapped or magicked away somehow," or so Alberto's trying to convince himself. But he's trying to convince himself that his entirely too reasonable fears are unreasonable. He's shouldered these worries on his own, not remarking on it but once or twice off the cuff to Luca, but even then it was a simple "huh, still haven't heard back from Bruno yet," without hinting at his truer fears. But when Bruno doesn't respond to a text inviting him to Luca's birthday party, that raises suspicions enough to call him. And when Alberto's call goes unanswered... that raises alarm. When Alberto's next string of several calls in a row go unanswered repeatedly? It's like a siren going off inside. He was supposed to be finishing up the dishes after dinner, but these thoughts were too gripping, so he paused to panic. He'd been hoping to prove himself wrong by texting Luisa, but even as he was texting her, "Wheres Bruno?" he had a terrible gut feeling he'd already guessed the answer. So that leads him to frantically calling Luisa, too — who thankfully did pick up. But after a short talk, Alberto got the confirmation he sorely did not want. Learning to trust your gut is a good life lesson — but not like this. Not like this.

He leaves the dirty dishes abandoned, half-done, and stands in the kitchen doorway staring at Luca for a moment, looking rather dazed and confused. He saunters over toward where Luca is, making a point to sit nearest to him. But Alberto doesn't gymnastically plunge himself into the pile of cushions like he does when he's in a good mood, which he'd seemed to be when he'd left to do the dishes; he doesn't even limply flop down dramatically, like he does in a bad mood. No, he just— sits. Normally. Like he might sit in class, back straight with his legs bent, though he is rubbing one hand nervously against his knee. In the other, he holds his cell phone, but instead of turning on music like usual, he keeps it off, simply staring at the dark screen blankly. The silence he's brought into the room is loud enough. He stays still next to Luca without saying a word, feeling thoroughly lucky to be beside him right now. ]

[schoolingfish]

[Luca had been sitting in the pillow nest reading a book when Alberto came out into the hallway, just staring with a look that makes Luca feel instantly concerned. Then he comes over and sits next to Luca, all without saying a word. The quiet, somber nature of everything Alberto's doing, the lack of music, the lack of turning on the TV, the lack of any goofing around or anything sends a chill up Luca's spine and creates a pit in his stomach. He'd faintly heard Alberto on the phone in the other room but hadn't been listening and hadn't heard any of what was said, and now, judging by the look on Alberto's face, he fears what that conversation might have been.]

Alberto? What is it?

[prontissimo]

[ It takes Alberto pause to respond, drumming his fingers along his knee before stilling his hands, his gaze drifting unseeingly up into space. He purses his lips and takes a sharp, shallow breath before he speaks, a slight rasp already tugging his voice. ]

...Bruno left.

[ His wise mind knows that's not the right word for the situation. But that's the word that comes out of his mouth. He still doesn't look at Luca, eyes unfocused on nothing, but his brow begins knotting as he registers what he's just said aloud, his chest growing tight. Hearing himself say it, having to relay the news to Luca, makes it real. ]

[schoolingfish]

[Luca knows what he means. He knows people just disappear to who knows where here sometimes and he knows Bruno wouldn't have left him if he could help it. He also knows that Alberto's been abandoned before, though, so he he knows how difficult that must be.]

Oh, Alberto.

[And he immediately pulls Alberto into a hug. He'll miss Bruno too, of course, but he also knows that Alberto desperately needs a father that can stay, and to have him finally have that only to lose Bruno so abruptly...]

I'm sorry.

I'm imagining like a Scheel's or Bass Pro Shop or something, yeah?

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto also is marveling at the size of the building, even just from the outside. But once they're inside, he's all but overwhelmed. American sporting goods shops like these can go... a little wild. Alberto's immediately taken by an elaborate display in the hunting department, catching his eye almost as soon as they walk in. It takes him a second to realize they aren't real animals — which doesn't stop him from rushing them to get a closer look, even before he realizes they're models... ]

Woooooah! Luca, look! There're a bunch of— oh, wait, nevermind. ...Still! Coooool! Haha!

Yep!

[schoolingfish]

Some kind of fake animals...and look down there! They have fish stuff!

[There were some fake mounted fish near a display of fishing rods and tackle boxes.]

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto swallows hard when he hears his name. It's still hard for him to feel comfortable with being vulnerable and transparent, even after so much progress — largely with Bruno's help... and of course Luca's. Which is why it shouldn't surprise him when Luca pulls him into a hug right away; but the last two times "this" has happened (his racing mind already connecting these dots with losing his father and Massimo), there'd been no one to hug him. He was alone — and now, even finding himself in the same position again, he's not alone. Luca's hug reminds him of this, a powerful realization to break the surreal trance this news left him in. He hugs Luca back instinctually, but after a moment, just long enough to register this new reality, he tightens the hug and clings to Luca's shoulders more desperately, burying his face in the crook of Luca's neck. He takes in a sharp, anxious inhale and lets it out in a shaky, shallow sigh. He's willing himself to keep composure, but he feels a tidal wave swelling inside as the shock settles. His voice breaks slightly when he first speaks, but he swallows the lump forming in his throat again and tries to cover it up smoothly. ]

I thought maybe— M-Maybe he got kidnapped again or something. But Luisa said no... He's gone...

UN: Zodiac; 12/1

[kaisoumods]

Happy Holiday from Zodiac!

Congratulations! You've been specially selected to take part in our first annual Secret Santa holiday gift exchange! 🎁

This year, you'll be giving a gift to Eve! Please try to find a nice gift for them by December 25th! And remember, Secret Santa always works best when it's a surprise!

We highly recommend you participate, as no one wants to suffer on the holidays!

Thank you, and enjoy the season! ☃️

[As usual, any replies will receive no response from Zodiac]

[schoolingfish]

Maybe he got to go back to his world?

[Not that that would be a huge comfort, he realizes, since Bruno would still have left Alberto.]

I know he'd have never left if he could help it.

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto just shrugs limply, shaking his head even as it's buried in Luca's shoulder. He's already forming disconcerting thoughts about this theory, ideal as that best case scenario now may be. He doesn't know if that's where Bruno ended up, recalling the Zodiac post a couple months ago mentioning how they didn't know if people who disappeared were possibly just floating around in the ether, or deposited in another dimension entirely, just how they ended up here. But if Bruno did return to the Encanto safely... then it's still of little comfort to Alberto. He takes another sharp breath and shallow sigh, fighting back the wave of emotion building, as if his thoughts are warming up before they begin racing. It takes him a moment to get the words out, but when he does, they're not helpful. ]

No. He wasn't happy in the Encanto. He's happier here.

[ While this is absolutely accurate about Bruno's case... the way he says it somehow, the thickness building in his tone betrays how Alberto may also just be subconsciously speaking through him. Bruno's not the only one who's been happier in Kaisou. ]

[schoolingfish]

Well maybe he's not there, either. We don't know where people go when they leave. Maybe he's somewhere nice? Somewhere with lots of rats?

[But of course, they have no way of knowing that one way or the other. That makes things even harder.]

[prontissimo]

But his family’s here…

[ It’s his knee jerk reaction to protest Luca’s attempts at comforting him, but an important thought occurs to him because of it. He pulls back from their hug, instead placing his hands on both Luca’s shoulders seriously, looking at him with wide, wild eyes. ]

Dolores. Dolores came back. Bruno’s niece, Pepa’s daughter, she used to live here, and then she went home, and then she came back. She said she was home for just a moment, and it was like she’d never left. She forgot everything about this place…

[ He loses Luca’s gaze at that note, glancing aside with a dark look, tightening his grip on Luca’s shoulders slightly. But he meets his eye again with renewed hope — and more than a hint of desperation. ]

But when she ended up back here again, months had passed — but she remembered being here before. She came back. So, maybe…—

[ He doesn’t finish that sentence. He lets the hope hang. ]

[schoolingfish]

Yeah...maybe Bruno will come back, too. Maybe he'll only have to experience being gone for a moment, so he won't have to deal with being back home for long at all, even if it seems long to us.

[Granted, Luca's a little nervous about giving Alberto too much hope in this area in case it doesn't happen. He thinks of the tallies on the wall of the tower while Alberto waited for his father's return. Of course, this is different. They both know Bruno didn't choose to leave and would absolutely come back if he's ever able. He just doesn't want Alberto to put all his hope in Bruno's return. He'll deal with that if it happens, though. He doesn't want to dash Alberto's hope now. Especially not when Alberto could be right.]

[prontissimo]

[ Luca's right to assume Alberto might put all his eggs in this basket, now that the realization has hit him. As it settles, his hopes start attaching to this theory... He nods slowly, pursing his lips in thought. He lets Luca go, turning away to sit forward again, and hugs his arms to himself, still nodding decisively with a vague stare into nothing. ]

Yeah... Yeah. Dolores said maybe it's not like that for everyone, but, I mean — so many Madrigals have been here. Bruno's sisters, all his nieces, his nephews... Dolores even showed up twice. So it seems pretty likely he'll show up again, right? I mean, it might be a while, but— Th-This place loves burping up this family! Hah...

[ He's trying to affect some weak levity, but despite his wan smile, his eyes look purely worried still. It's a panicked hope, grasping at straws, just as Luca anticipated. He may not start counting the days until Bruno's return... but Luca knows Alberto's got that inclination in him, when the going gets tough. Delusional optimism works wonders sometimes. But probably not for this. ]

Voice; un: Koromaru

[whatsamada]

[Ken never really got a chance to play secret Santa back home. It wasn't something he was used to nor did he really have the time. That said, when he found out who he was giving a gift to? It seemed fairly easily to know what to get.]

Uh...this is Ken? I heard from Alberto that you liked to read a lot so I hope you don't mind books.

[Because otherwise, he's really not sure what to get!]

[schoolingfish]

We don't know if he'll show up again or not, but...he definitely might show up again.

[He's trying to tread a thin line here. It's not impossible that Bruno will show up again, so he doesn't want to dash Alberto's hope when there really is hope to be had, but he also does want to subtly remind Alberto that while it's possible, Bruno's return certainly isn't guaranteed.]