Who: Astralin and you! Where: Meadowlands, on his new farm. What: Astralin needs help setting up his new farm, anyone is welcome to help out. Warnings: None.
Prompts below! If you want to mingle, feel free to make your own prompts.
[Shinji the mvp that knows him so well... He's definitely overwhelmed, and he didn't think that many people in Aldrip would show up to help him. Not that he's ungrateful -- he's very grateful over it, but it certainly was overwhelming for the man that often sought out silence and peacefulness. So, honestly, it was nice to just be around the animals -- several stray cats and dogs also making their way into the barn.
He's about to be a whole ass disney princess in here, but --]
Yes. And if you... Ever need a place to stay, you and Miss Kotone are more than welcome to take a bedroom. Although, I suppose that is an odd thing to offer, as there is an inn here, but ah... Forgive me.
[Forgive his awkwardness. He doesn't know how to be normal. But! The chicken seems awfully calm in Shinji's arms, as it nestles into his arms quite comfortably once it's cradled. Needless to say, that's one awfully calm chicken, and it. Honestly gets the sweetest laugh out of Astralin, which is a rarity in these trying times. It's a warming sight, to say the least.]
I think you are alright. I daresay, she likes you.
[Chicken, chicken... He's absolutely got his attention completely split between the bird and Astralin now, shifting one arm to make sure she is very comfortable and the other so he can, like, give her little chicken head a friendly rub with a fingertip... This seems like the best way to pet chickens.
The offer takes him by surprise, as most overtures of kindness still do, but— ah. He blinks, trying for a second to just picture himself... with a bedroom, in a house. He can't remember a time he didn't live in a dormitory or a crowded orphanage or nowhere at all, so a bedroom? The room at the inn is practically a dorm, so a whole bedroom, wow—]
I— maybe. You sure we wouldn't be too much?
[This is a double joke, because they both know Shinji will sit in a corner for a whole day and be satisfied, and they also both know Kotone will never do that in a million years. They're opposite ends of the So Much spectrum, be careful.
He's endeared enough by the suggestion, anyway, shaking his head lightly to signify there's absolutely nothing wrong with it; not a weird offer at all.]
[The chicken seems to like the touch, and it further relaxes in Shinji's arms. Astralin graced with such a delightful sight, as he had the biggest soft spot for animals and also these children. He wasn't sure why, but there certainly was a familial feeling, and while he isn't sure how to parse it, he welcomes it. It's enough to make him smile despite his rather serious offer on the table. He certainly wouldn't mind the company, especially Shinji and Kotone's.]
Certainly not. If I thought you two were too much, I would not have offered. In fact, there is something... Familial about you two. I am not sure how to parse it, but it is not uncomfortable. It is... Almost as if I see you as my own children. But I suppose that is strange, coming from someone like me, who is quite often aloof and unfriendly.
[Once he opens up to someone he's quite blunt, but there's a faint blush on his face that he can't hide from view. Luckily, it's dark enough in the barn that it might not be too visible, but it's still visible to the naked eye. It's pretty embarrassing for him tbh.]
No... In fact, the people of Aldrip thought I would name them. If you have a name... Then please, let me know.
[This chicken, his beloved... Shinji relaxes more as the bird does, mollified by a cute animal content to be held like this. He remembers the brief conversation he'd had with Marianne, about animals and how they don't judge the way people do— Well, now that he's sure he can hold this chicken without dropping it, this is great, he's a big fan of petting chickens already.
And good thing too that he has this chicken to focus on, because it's one thing to be offered the nebulous idea of Living in a House, and it's quite another indeed to be told that someone thinks of him as family. As 'my own children,' and it pulls the rug out from under him for a moment, leaving him honestly— a little dazed. He can't remember his parents; his earliest memories are of Aki and Miki at the orphanage, for all he knows his parents are still out there and he was simply an unwanted burden, so it's— well.
It's a bit of a shock, to be honest... How does he miss a thing he's never had? Does he even deserve it?
He looks up from the chicken, blinking; yeah, it's dark, but Astralin's face... ah. He manages a crooked half-grin, raising his eyebrows under his hat. Sir...]
You think you're unfriendly? [Sir.] Don't be like that.
[He shrugs and looks at the chicken again, thinking.]
I don't know how any of that is supposed to work. My parents— I grew up in an orphanage. So, y'know... I don't know how to... tell. I guess.
[What does a family feel like when it's not 3-and-then-just-2 orphans, he has no idea.]
....But you've been good to me. [So, that's a start. Give him some time.] ....I'm calling her Scramble.
[Astralin watches in silence, and he brushes back some of his hair again. The blush that had taken over his face quick to subside, now that he's calmer. A soft sigh escaping from his lips once Shinjiro speaks, and he manages to make a face. A bit... Surprised, to say the least, that Shinji doesn't seem to agree with him. Which. Well. Shouldn't be a surprised, all things considered. The boy had come to his rescue, and that alone was enough to make him relax around him entirely.]
I suppose unfriendly is the wrong word... I suppose I am aloof to those who do not know me. I cannot help it, due to my past, but I am trying my best to not be like that.
[It wasn't hard to see the deep, tissue scars that lingered all over his skin. It was visible to everyone right now, and this is the most he's ever had his jacket off in front of someone that wasn't his wife or husband. The fact that he has it off means that there is a deep trust with Shinji. Which is rare.
So, when Shinji opens up to him, it surely is a mutual feeling of trust. He certainly had no idea that Shinji grew up in an orphanage. Perhaps he had overstepped his boundary, but what he says next is enough to relax any anxious, lingering thoughts.]
I see. I thank you for telling me such information. I will not betray your trust.
[And just like that, the serious moment is ruined with Astralin. Actually laughs whole heartedly.] That is... Quite the morbid name for a chicken, but it is also a cute one, so we will go with that.
[Hm. There's still that part of Shinji that doesn't see Astralin as anything close to aloof— but then, the circumstances of how they met kind of nipped that reputation in the bud real quickly. Even so, the way Astralin talks about himself...]
Nah. You can be as aloof as you want. If anyone gives you shit for looking out for yourself, they're not worth the time.
[He shrugs, like, it's that easy! And it's really not, and he knows that, but he doesn't see any reason Astralin has to push himself past his comfort zone that quickly. Sure, eventually maybe, but right this second... nah.
Just give him a call and he'll start swinging, honestly--]
And, uh— ....It's not really a secret, but... not everyone has to know.
[There's been enough putting up with shit about being an orphan in his life, so while it isn't a particularly deep secret at all, he's glad Astralin isn't going to go telling his life story all over town. Who knows how Aldrip- or even the other Chosen- will react, after all. So. Yet again:] Thanks.
[And for his favorite chicken, with the vaguest ghost of a chuckle(!!),] She's made it past scrambling. It's a badge of honor.
[I mean, Shinji's not wrong, and Astralin knows that. There isn't a reason why he needs to change for anyone, and honestly, he has no reason to. It seems that there are people that like him for who he is, and that was enough for him. Enough for a silent smile to creep upon his lips. That smile only growing bigger as it shifts into a light laugh.]
You need not worry, I have no intention of telling anyone your secrets. They are safe with me.
[Oh man. He still can't get over the name, to be honest and every part of him does want to laugh. It's almost hilarious.]
It is a cute name... If you feel so inclined, feel free to name the other animals as well. I would have just named them after flowers, as I am not very creative.
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no subject
He's about to be a whole ass disney princess in here, but --]
Yes. And if you... Ever need a place to stay, you and Miss Kotone are more than welcome to take a bedroom. Although, I suppose that is an odd thing to offer, as there is an inn here, but ah... Forgive me.
[Forgive his awkwardness. He doesn't know how to be normal. But! The chicken seems awfully calm in Shinji's arms, as it nestles into his arms quite comfortably once it's cradled. Needless to say, that's one awfully calm chicken, and it. Honestly gets the sweetest laugh out of Astralin, which is a rarity in these trying times. It's a warming sight, to say the least.]
I think you are alright. I daresay, she likes you.
no subject
The offer takes him by surprise, as most overtures of kindness still do, but— ah. He blinks, trying for a second to just picture himself... with a bedroom, in a house. He can't remember a time he didn't live in a dormitory or a crowded orphanage or nowhere at all, so a bedroom? The room at the inn is practically a dorm, so a whole bedroom, wow—]
I— maybe. You sure we wouldn't be too much?
[This is a double joke, because they both know Shinji will sit in a corner for a whole day and be satisfied, and they also both know Kotone will never do that in a million years. They're opposite ends of the So Much spectrum, be careful.
He's endeared enough by the suggestion, anyway, shaking his head lightly to signify there's absolutely nothing wrong with it; not a weird offer at all.]
....Did the chickens come with names?
no subject
Certainly not. If I thought you two were too much, I would not have offered. In fact, there is something... Familial about you two. I am not sure how to parse it, but it is not uncomfortable. It is... Almost as if I see you as my own children. But I suppose that is strange, coming from someone like me, who is quite often aloof and unfriendly.
[Once he opens up to someone he's quite blunt, but there's a faint blush on his face that he can't hide from view. Luckily, it's dark enough in the barn that it might not be too visible, but it's still visible to the naked eye. It's pretty embarrassing for him tbh.]
No... In fact, the people of Aldrip thought I would name them. If you have a name... Then please, let me know.
no subject
And good thing too that he has this chicken to focus on, because it's one thing to be offered the nebulous idea of Living in a House, and it's quite another indeed to be told that someone thinks of him as family. As 'my own children,' and it pulls the rug out from under him for a moment, leaving him honestly— a little dazed. He can't remember his parents; his earliest memories are of Aki and Miki at the orphanage, for all he knows his parents are still out there and he was simply an unwanted burden, so it's— well.
It's a bit of a shock, to be honest... How does he miss a thing he's never had? Does he even deserve it?
He looks up from the chicken, blinking; yeah, it's dark, but Astralin's face... ah. He manages a crooked half-grin, raising his eyebrows under his hat. Sir...]
You think you're unfriendly? [Sir.] Don't be like that.
[He shrugs and looks at the chicken again, thinking.]
I don't know how any of that is supposed to work. My parents— I grew up in an orphanage. So, y'know... I don't know how to... tell. I guess.
[What does a family feel like when it's not 3-and-then-just-2 orphans, he has no idea.]
....But you've been good to me. [So, that's a start. Give him some time.] ....I'm calling her Scramble.
no subject
I suppose unfriendly is the wrong word... I suppose I am aloof to those who do not know me. I cannot help it, due to my past, but I am trying my best to not be like that.
[It wasn't hard to see the deep, tissue scars that lingered all over his skin. It was visible to everyone right now, and this is the most he's ever had his jacket off in front of someone that wasn't his wife or husband. The fact that he has it off means that there is a deep trust with Shinji. Which is rare.
So, when Shinji opens up to him, it surely is a mutual feeling of trust. He certainly had no idea that Shinji grew up in an orphanage. Perhaps he had overstepped his boundary, but what he says next is enough to relax any anxious, lingering thoughts.]
I see. I thank you for telling me such information. I will not betray your trust.
[And just like that, the serious moment is ruined with Astralin. Actually laughs whole heartedly.] That is... Quite the morbid name for a chicken, but it is also a cute one, so we will go with that.
no subject
Nah. You can be as aloof as you want. If anyone gives you shit for looking out for yourself, they're not worth the time.
[He shrugs, like, it's that easy! And it's really not, and he knows that, but he doesn't see any reason Astralin has to push himself past his comfort zone that quickly. Sure, eventually maybe, but right this second... nah.
Just give him a call and he'll start swinging, honestly--]
And, uh— ....It's not really a secret, but... not everyone has to know.
[There's been enough putting up with shit about being an orphan in his life, so while it isn't a particularly deep secret at all, he's glad Astralin isn't going to go telling his life story all over town. Who knows how Aldrip- or even the other Chosen- will react, after all. So. Yet again:] Thanks.
[And for his favorite chicken, with the vaguest ghost of a chuckle(!!),] She's made it past scrambling. It's a badge of honor.
no subject
[I mean, Shinji's not wrong, and Astralin knows that. There isn't a reason why he needs to change for anyone, and honestly, he has no reason to. It seems that there are people that like him for who he is, and that was enough for him. Enough for a silent smile to creep upon his lips. That smile only growing bigger as it shifts into a light laugh.]
You need not worry, I have no intention of telling anyone your secrets. They are safe with me.
[Oh man. He still can't get over the name, to be honest and every part of him does want to laugh. It's almost hilarious.]
It is a cute name... If you feel so inclined, feel free to name the other animals as well. I would have just named them after flowers, as I am not very creative.