ic inbox | ruby city

[heirdisqualification]

This is the voicemail of Byakuya Togami. Leave your business here, and I'll determine whether or not it's worth my time.

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[heirdisqualification]

Oh, god.

[naeggs]

[Ignoring that.]

It's just that it's getting a little late, and I think I've passed the same street a few times.

[heirdisqualification]

Naegi, the city's barely a mile across.

[naeggs]

Is that... really true

[heirdisqualification]

Yes, and you're pathetic. Where are you so I can come collect you?

[naeggs]

I don't know!

You really don't need to come get me, though. I'm sure if I go somewhere easily recognizable and you point me from there, I'll be fine.

[heirdisqualification]

It's all a big circle. You should be able to loop yourself around and come back home--it's not difficult.

[Home.]

[naeggs]

[Naegi doesn't miss that. It makes him wish he were curled up in a library chair.]

Ahhh, I see.

[No he doesn't.]

[heirdisqualification]

If you make your way to the center of town, there's an obelisk. Around that obelisk are shops. I'm in one of them, on the outside part of the circle. It's genuinely not difficult.

[naeggs]

[Look! It's dark! And he's bad with directions! And- and this is super embarrassing.]

Right. I'm on my way!

Did I wake you up?

[heirdisqualification]

No, you didn't; I don't get much sleeping done. Lights are on.

[naeggs]

[The lit up windows make the library even easier to spot. Almost there.]

Oh yeah. I'm not sure what you like, but I got some food. I thought I should make something to say thank you for giving me a room to stay in!

[heirdisqualification]

You don't need to do that.

[Togami isn't sure why people insist on cooking for him, but for whatever reason, the thought makes him oddly warm.]

[naeggs]

Well, you didn't need to help me, either. But isn't this sort of thing just what friends do?

Oh, is the door unlocked?

[heirdisqualification]

Don't delude yourself. Byakuya Togami doesn't have friends.

Yes. Just checked.

[naeggs]

Ah, of course. : )

Thank you.

[He hopes the sound of the library door clicking open will distract Togami from getting too aggravated at his disbelieving text.]

I'm home...!

[Now that Naegi knows it's alright to say that, it's going to be hard to stop.]

[heirdisqualification]

[The man himself is in the cramped entryway of the bookstore with his hands on his hips, looking none too happy...and none too rested, though those are both fairly normal.]

Finally found your way back, I take it.

[naeggs]

[Naegi offers him a bashful smile, and tries to edge past with his phone in one hand and a full bag in the other.]

Yeah... Sorry about that. It got dark before I even realised.

[heirdisqualification]

[Togami starts up the stairs after him, hardly impressed with the excuse.]

It got dark hours ago. I would ask if you're truly that pathetic, but I suppose I have my answer in your actions.

[...And then, mumbled:]

At least you're not dead.

[naeggs]

[Ah man, isn't Togami being really harsh? Naegi just sighs and shakes his head--

Oh. Maybe he was just... worried? Maybe Togami was just a little bit worried. Naegi pauses halfway up the stairs to turn and look at him. It feels really strange to be at an even height. His expression is solemn.]

I'll make sure to come back earlier from now on.

[heirdisqualification]

[Naegi doesn't have to speculate on whether or not Togami was worried: it's written all over his face in a knit brow and wide eyes, a quiet amount of concern that should have gone unseen. He quickly collects himself, though, nodding in recognition.]

That would be appreciated. At least know how to get here if you insist on...late-night shopping sprees, or whatever it was you were doing.

[naeggs]

[It really surprises him. It's not often Togami's emotions are painted on his face. Naegi doesn't know about to feel about it, so he shoves it away for now.]

That really isn't what I was doing! I just thought I could get back by myself... but it kept getting later and later.

[How does one person wander around for that long. How is it feasible. What was he even doing? Leaving these mysteries and more up for debate, Naegi finishes climbing the stairs and empties out the contents of the bag.]

Since you're up, do you want something to eat? I missed dinner, so...

[heirdisqualification]

Sure, whatever you say. I don't know what you could be doing in a city this small.

[Togami quickly beelines to an armchair, where it's clear he's been settled for the past few hours with a blanket and a book, taking no time in rearranging his various long limbs to fit within the confines of the chair.]

I've eaten.

[A lie, but a smooth one.]

Not everyone's on the same nonsensical schedule you are, Naegi.

[naeggs]

Well, there's a lot of new things to see.

[Naegi takes it for the truth it appears to be, and doesn't bother to respond to the jab. Well. Out loud, anyway.

Like he's one to talk about nonsensical schedules...!

He hums as he prepares the food, and it's not long before the small space is filled with the smell of it. There is... definitely more than enough for one person. He kinda got carried away.]

Um, Togami-kun...

[heirdisqualification]

[By the time Naegi has finished cooking his meal-for-one-and-a-half, Togami has thoroughly engrossed himself in a book ominously labeled "KNIFE SKILLS", looking more cozy than he's possibly ever looked in his entire life. It's odd, having someone around to witness his usually private mannerisms--not quite uncomfortable, but far from ideal.

He eventually looks up from the pages, squinting at Naegi from across the room.]

Yes?