Day 24: Breakfast

[blood_and_pocky]

Aidou Hanabusa, a vampire, was one of the first into the cafeteria, which was swimming in dim sunlight. A grey morning suited his mood.

The fact that his biological clock was pitching fits was only the cherry on top of the cake; the last thing he wanted to do was sleep. "Waking up", once again, with no memory of how or why he'd been brought back

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[screwthegods]

At least when he had died, Homura had known what was happening: the slow loss of his vision, the numbness that crept into his limbs. Looking back, Homura preferred that awareness to this, a transfer from battle to his bed in what felt like an instant, but had to have been a much longer time. He was dressed in fresh clothing, and his burns had even been treated, though the aching flesh reminded Homura that it was indeed still there when he tried to sit up.

And if the injury alone wasn't bad enough, what did Homura have as gain from his efforts? A single skillet, and not a damn thing more. The pot he had filled with silverware was gone, strewn about the kitchen floor or scattered throughout the Heavens for all Homura knew. But what was most important was that the spoils weren't there, in his possession, a needed sign that the night before hadn't been a total waste

[coolegoist]

Despite having previously resolved to be as pleasant and cooperative as possible with the administration, Kyouya started off his day with growling threats and insults at his nurse for waking him up. That she denied him any satisfaction by only reacting with smiles and patronizing sighs seemed to be the final icing of frustration on this morning's cake.

He hated mornings, and this was under even the best of circumstances. Last night was decidedly not the best. He hadn't been injured, and certainly not as badly as Homura or River, but how long would that last? And how could Tamaki or Haruhi or the twins take care of themselves...? "Why am I even here?" Kyouya groaned after his nurse departed, and buried his face in his hands.

Self-pity - not attractive to the opposite sex. He had to pull himself together. Slipping on his glasses, he went to look for his journal, which he found in the dresser along with...

Interesting.Kyouya headed into the cafeteria early, pausing only a moment when he saw his best friend being accosted by-Renge? He

[screwthegods]

The voice pulled Homura from his reverie, though he didn't bother to restrain his foul temper from Kyouya. When he wasn't in a good mood, Homura preferred to be alone, the solitude giving him opportunity to think without having to worry about impressions, or more importantly, having to bother with trivialities not worth his time.

"Ootori Kyouya." Homura returned the greeting, his voice lacking its typical coolness. "I'm afraid now isn't the best time."

Of course, the boy had no idea how fortunate he was. Normally when Homura said something like that, he was speaking to some opponent rather foolishly trying to throw their life away by fighting with him. And while Homura did indeed enjoy battle, he could be quite merciless when he was in a foul temper...and there was little fun when it came to battling the weak.

Yes, Kyouya was very fortunate. Most gods weren't quite so benevolent as Homura, nor as patient.

[coolegoist]

"Very well," answered Kyouya, unfazed. He couldn't blame Homura for being less-than-pleased this morning-the burns he'd incurred were obvious even bandaged up and complimented with a fresh change of uniform.

He himself had been in a sour mood just minutes ago, but there was something satisfying about having the upper hand for once since he'd come here. And, well, he couldn't claim that seeing Renge be Renge wasn't a heartening sight. Not that it wasn't tragic that she was here too. Right. Were his priorities insensitive?

Kyouya casually picked up his tray again. "I thought you'd like to know that the metal you collected from the kitchen is currently in my room. If you wish, you can pick it up when night comes again."

[screwthegods]

Homura met Kyouya's gaze with an expression of shock that was unusual, and that didn't really suit him. The metal he had worked so hard to gather, had thought lost...

And Kyouya had it ready for Homura to pick up. If he wished.

"Smug this morning, aren't you?" It was said in the nicest way, of course, Homura's mood instantly seeming to brighten. How Kyouya could have done it was a mystery, but somehow it had happened, and Homura couldn't have been more pleased.

And Kyouya's attitude: the sense of superiority, the undoubting knowledge that he had indeed somehow gotten a victory, be it over the war god or the place where they were imprisoned, or both...and being unafraid to flaunt it?

That was a great thing to see first thing in the morning (at least now that Homura had perked up).

"It does suit you rather well. You should try and seize the advantage more often." A concession, as much of one as the war god ever gave, really. Though it might not be so easy to tell with the return of Homura's own arrogant smile.

[coolegoist]

Kyouya was unable to suppress a slight laugh at the uncharacteristic shock on Homura's face. Coming here had dismantled all his knowledge and carefully laid plans, but seeing someone stare at him with that look on their face, thanks to just bit of foresight on his part - it was almost like being back home. Almost.

It felt good, in any case.

"Thank you. It's definitely on my list of goals for the future," answered Kyouya in his usual warmly polite tones, but there was no hiding the air of satisfaction. He was sure Homura didn't mind. "May I join you for breakfast, or is this still not a good time?"

While mornings were rarely social occasions for him, the demi-god's company had become rather enjoyable in their short acquaintance. However, if Homura still wished for solitude, there were probably other interesting characters in the cafeteria.

[screwthegods]

"It does seem to have gotten better." Homura didn't mind the smugness practically bleeding from Kyouya's words--though he might have minded it a bit less had it not been about him. But it was good to see that spirit in Kyouya, a fire that had been lacking during the nightshift, where the teen was uncomfortable it best.

It was very good, because Homura liked Kyouya...especially the potential he saw in the boy. Perhaps not as a fighter, Hmoura thought as he motioned for Kyouya to put down his tray, but Kyouya had the spirit of manipulator, and those could be just as useful.

"Will you be venturing out with me again tonight? Or will you make other arrangements?" Homura would use the common board to contact the weaponsmiths (hopefully with greater success than his prior attempt), but he had no inclination to waste time. The day would pass quickly, and the war god wanted to make his plans early. The lack of a goal ate up precious moments that Homura couldn't afford to lose.

Not if he wanted to taste true freedom again.

[coolegoist]

Kyouya settled comfortably and smoothly back in his chair, having known that Homura wouldn't reject him - he wouldn't have asked otherwise. Still, it was better to offer others the semblance of a choice, especially irritable five-hundred-year-old war gods who'd just suffered serious burns on much of their bodies.

"I promised that I would keep an eye on someone," answered Kyouya, starting on his eggs. He had no illusions that his best intentions alone would be enough to protect his classmates, but there was no one else to rely on... for now, anyway. "Of course I won't inconvenience you, Homura-san. Today will be spent meeting with people, and should I develop plans, your metal will be waiting for you underneath my bed. M11."

[screwthegods]

Illusions or not, Homura's raised eyebrow spoke of his doubts adequately enough when Kyouya stated he would be a caretaker that night. Still, it was the boy's choice, and if he had suddenly developed a death wish, better it be done while he wasn't under Homura's care

[coolegoist]

"Same to you. I imagine that it's not the easiest thing to get a sword out of silverware, but I hope you get what you need without any further hassle." It was something of a wonder that Colonel Roy Mustang would agree to provide such a service for no compensation, if alchemy was real. Kyouya could believe it - he'd seen the swords, and much else that was fantastical and unrealistic

[shiki_master]

Tsuzuki was terribly difficult to wake up in the morning. He liked to just lay in the sheets and let his mind wander rather than actually attempt to get up and do something productive. Last night didn't given him much incentive to want to be social, either, so it was only with the promise of food that he even crawled out of his bed.

Reaching the cafeteria, Tsuzuki gladly loaded his plate with more food than it seemed possible to eat by one man before scanning the cafeteria for someone to sit with. It was really full by this point, and everyone was talking and eating. Hisoka had told him to gather information, and seemed to already be doing so himself.

Approaching what seemed to be the closest, friendliest individuals he could find who didn't seem to be thoroughly engrossed in conversation, he set his tray down beside them, but didn't sit down just yet.

"Good morning," Tsuzuki greeted them cheerfully. "Mind if I sit here with you two?"

[screwthegods]

"They simply said to gather metal of some type." Homura had a hard time understanding it could be possible himself, considering the effort it usually took to make a weapon. Although it might not hurt to gather some of a stronger type, as a great deal of what was to be had in the kitchen left much to be desired.

And Homura felt no great compulsion to go back to that room again so soon.

"Treated." Treated, but certainly not healed, and certainly still there. It was annoying how each time he moved, even in the slightest, tremors of pain and nausea teased at his torso, uncaring reminders that he was indeed mortal, and so weak now.

They were most likely the reason Homura had yet to touch his breakfast, despite his improved mood.

And then a new person, inexplicably cheerful given their surroundings, and one who Homura couldn't remember seeing before. Well, he had just been thinking about making plans, hadn't he?

"Not at all. You're free to sit where you like."

[coolegoist]

Kyouya would have liked to see the alchemy process himself, and for that alone, was tempted to change his mind and follow Homura, should tonight be the night he got his sword. But no. It would be nice to find some different company, maybe someone who wasn't so prone to attracting monsters.

"They appear to have done a proper job of it, at least," Kyouya commented, looking him over. In fact, anyone looking in now would be hard-pressed to say that the patients were being neglected. The only disquieting part was that there were so many injuries in a mental hospital. "It's an interesting game they have us playing: monsters at night, care and plentiful food during the-"

Kyouya stopped himself when the man approached, and raised his eyebrows at the 'plentiful food' piled onto his tray. But this surprise was gone in a second, replaced by one of the teen's warm host smiles. "Hello, sir. Of course it's fine. I'm Ootori Kyouya, and this man calls himself Homura."

[shiki_master]

Tsuzuki gladly plopped down into the seat once he'd gotten the 'go ahead' from both of the other patients. They seemed friendly enough, like he thought they were. Even the younger one seemed oddly polite. He'd even called Tsuzuki 'sir'! Most kids weren't nearly as polite as this.

"Thanks! I'm Tsuzuki Asato," the shinigami introduced himself in turn, giving them both a big smile. With lots of food on his plate and a fairly successful night, he was in a very good mood. Even with his legs being bandaged up.

"So, what were you two talking about?"

[screwthegods]

Well. Either this newcomer, Tsuzuki Asato, had no manners, or was far too obvious in his ploys to gather information. It could be some unintended mix of the two, as the man's jovial nature and stack of food couldn't help but remind Homura of Son Goku, who for all his strength and skill still lacked a sense of restraint.

But that was what had made the boy stand out in the Heavens, wasn't it? It was what made Konzen change, what sparked a fire in the infamously icy deity.

It could be that they shared the same stubborn streak as well...which would make Tsuzuki a fun one to play with.

"Isn't it a bit intrusive to ask something like that so openly?" Homura placed an elbow on the table, propping his head up as he looked to the side at the new addition. His smile was a cocky as ever, and his eyes gave away no indication of the pain he still felt in his side. "Especially to complete strangers."

[coolegoist]

Kyouya smiled, bemused. What they'd been discussing wasn't exactly a secret, but he wouldn't interrupt. His unselfconscious cheerfulness reminded him of Tamaki, and Kyouya wanted to see how Asato Tsuzuki would react to the war god.

He picked up the untouched journal from where he'd placed it on his tray, and cracked it open. Hadn't it been Hikaru who said that it was strange to see him without a notebook? He might be here, and this paper grade wasn't what he was used to, but he was still Ootori Kyouya.

Sitting back, the teen touched his pen to the page and started writing.