[ open + closed ] hello darkness, my old friend

[livingimpaired]

WHO: Kei Shigaraki and you; one closed prompt to Mizuki Sena.
WHERE: RAMEN shop, his back-alley clinic and throughout the city.
WHEN: 3/4 and throughout the month.
WHAT: Kei just trying to live a quiet, peaceful life.
WARNINGS: Kei's an asshole. cw: suicidal thoughts/inclinations in thread with Albert Wesker. cw: gore, mental illness, etc. in Atsushi briefly and Heine's.

i. who likes lava? (restaurant.)

[ As always, whenever anyone enters the shop, they are greeted with a heavy smell of spices. It hangs in the air that one can just tell that the food cooked is going to burn -- unless they ask for it to be toned down. It is thanks to a few people that he decides to reinstate the discounts of before.

To those of Retrospect, he offers a 50% discount to them with no strings attached. However, should they be feeling weak and close to death (of which he will have to determine for himself), he will give a 75% discount. Still, he really wonders if people will be into eating from his menu. It certainly will be entertaining -- ah, profitable, if he gathers a lot.

There is only one thing new to the restaurant. On the counter, there is a plate of chocolates. The sign next to them reads "free" and indeed, they are free to anyone who wants them. Unfortunately, the catch is that thanks to the efforts of Orihime Inoue and Akira Kurusu, they're filled with mapo tofu sauce. Enjoy. ]

ii. no discounts here! (back-alley clinic.)

[ In the late night (or a sudden call in the middle of the day), he steps into small building that he uses as his back-alley clinic. It is attached to his restaurant to allow him to easily enter and had, at one time, been extra storage room for the shop. He takes in a deep breath as he sets himself down on the stool in front of his client. ]

Well, how can I help you today? And I'm afraid that I'm going to have to once more say that there isn't going to be any discounts to my service. [ He holds his hand up before he suddenly gets up out of his chair. Walking over to pick up a plate of chocolates that is resting on the counter, he walks back to hold them out. ] But I do have these. Please, help yourself.

iii. TAKE ME TO CHURCH (closed to Mizuki Sena (adoringpast), 3/4).

[ Mass is over.

Kei actually wears a suit instead of his usual black turtleneck and jacket. It is pressed and looks well-taken care of. His hand is pressed over his mouth as he walks down the street, yet he does not appear to be ill. No, his expression is best read as thoughtful. However, he continues to breath hard out of his nose and onto his knuckles. Occasionally, he shakes his head before his hand finally drops. He looks down to his nephew and says one thing: ]

It's been longer than a month since you've been to church. [ A very calm statement. There is no disappointment in it. If anything, he sounds contemplative like he's commenting on a brush stroke an artist took to a painting. ] I'm surprised... You really went out of your way for me. [ Yes, that is what is surprising him so much. His nephew, who has been neglected by his brother, who has been made ignorant of what kind of person Kei is, went far out of his comfort zone to appease his simple wish. ]

It seems like I won't be able to repay you with just one day of ramen. Was that your plan all along, Mizuki?

iv. wildcard

[ Kei is also being garbage blowing through the city. If you don't like any of these prompts, you can throw down your own! I'll work with it. Or if you want to talk it out, you can send me a PP at saltandburn. ]

Comments

2

[glaciers]

[Shouto's not really here for the clinic part of this clinic. His injuries were the ghost kind that came from his partner's mishaps and they aren't even connected anymore.

But he does take a chocolate and stare down at it. It's funny that he's talked so much to this man without really meeting him in person. But sometimes it's much easier to talk to people with that distance between them.

For this though, Kei had asked him to talk in person. So he's here.]

That conversation we had over the app a few days ago. I want to continue it.

[livingimpaired]

[ He smiles warmly when the chocolate is taken before he walks back to set the tray back down on the counter. Kei lifts his head up when he hears what Shouto wants to talk about. Honestly, he had also wanted to continue the conversation but thought that the young man would want to wait on it. He had thought that he would have to bring it up himself -- and that the reason Shouto was even here was to talk about Izuku Midoriya. ]

I see. [ A small nod as he walks back to takes his seat once more. Interlacing his fingers, he rests his hands on top of his knee after crossing his legs. ] Let's see... we left off with your feelings at that time when all the adults would dismiss the "bad" that you were feeling... which is why I believe it is difficult for you to allow it to be shown now.

[glaciers]

[Sometimes when Shouto realizes he has an area to work on, he'll actually go and work on that area. This is, unfortunately, an area that he really needs to work on right now, because he'll be needing to give testimonials and such to the police and the judges.

The more times he can say it and go through it, then the easier it'll be.

He hopes.]

Is that what you think? ... I guess I have trouble with my feelings, but I'm not sure it's related to that, exactly.

It's more like I have thoughts and feelings I don't want. But they're still there.

wildcard cuz im a bad bitch

[odasaku]

[ having taken into account the advice given to him on the app, odasaku had set off to gather the necessary things to take care of this cat. the cat food is a lot more expensive than he thought, but the sacrifice is worth it— it’s not like he spends much either.

that said, every day around the late hours of the afternoon, oda passes by the ramen shop. he never goes in, though, he never even turns his head towards the entrance to see who might be inside. no, his objective is the stray cat that hovers around the shop, thin from malnutrition and a rough life. for the past few days, odasaku has been feeding the animal diligently, watching from a distance and then taking the bowls away once they’re cleaned.

today is no different. odasaku watches from a distance as the cat eats desperately, the food and water disappearing in a matter of minutes. but when he goes to pick up the bowl, he’s surprised that, not only does the cat not run away, it actually meows at him, rubbing its head against the back of oda’s hand. ]

Sorry, cat, you already ate it all. [ still, he can’t help but feel compelled to pet the animal, and is pleasantly surprised when the cat doesn’t hurt him. ] You’ll get fat if you eat too much, probably.

[livingimpaired]

What's this? A loiter?

[ He exits the shop so that he could close it for his own lunch hour. It's passed the point where his regulars would come to enjoy (suffer through) a burning pile of lava. Stepping forward, he tucks his hands into his jacket pockets. Is that man all right? Kei notices him bent over and pauses as he sees the cat.

Blinking slow, he looks back toward the man. "By the way, I found a cat near a ramen restaurant that looked hungry, but I didn’t have food with me. Any good suggestions on how to feed a stray cat?" Indeed, that was Oda's post on the network wasn't it. Kei thought that he should respond to it, but he relented. His curiosity about the man was something that he was uncertain about, too.

I was surprised to read that you even would waste your time on a stray creature. It isn't there isn't a lot in the city. What is so special about this one? Why would you do something that has no benefit to yourself? Are your emotions really as empty as mine? Or is it that you're seeking out something you can give them without giving up the emptiness? ]

Sakutarou Oda. How are you doing today?

I

[beneathmoonlight]

[Now that he’s back in the city, Atsushi makes a point to visit everyone he’s gotten close to during his time here. One such person is Kei Shigaraki, his newfound father figure, and Atsushi drops by the Ramen shop to say hello on his way back to the bakery. When he walks in the door he doesn’t immediately see Kei, but he does see a plate of free chocolates. Now, most people would be at least somewhat wary of that, but Atsushi, being naive and trusting as he is, takes one of the chocolates and pops it into his mouth, and-

OH. OH GOD. IT BURNS!!!!! His mouth is on fire!! Eyes watering, he coughs and frantically searches for a glass of water to numb the pain.]

W-why????!

[livingimpaired]

Atsushi?!

[ Kei had been in the small backroom that connects to the kitchen. He hears the horrid coughing and immediately came out to see what is happening. It surprises him to see the young man apparently in a lot of pain and he hurries over to see what is the matter. ]

What is-- [ Oh. The chocolates. ] Right. [ He turns, hiding his amusement, as he rushes back behind the counter to pour a glass of milk for Atsushi. Returning quickly, he holds it out to him. ] Perhaps that batch was a little strong?

i

[scythegun]

[Jaeger enters like he owns the place, moving over to a chair immediately and propping his elbows on the counter while he waits for the owner's acknowledgement. He seems to be in a good mood, as he usually is.

Hopefully you aren't too busy today, since he'd love to chat!]

[livingimpaired]

Hello, Jaeger.

[ He recognizes him from his profile image as he gives a small wave before gesturing toward the chocolates sitting on the counter. ]

Please, don't be shy. Help yourself. [ He tightens the apron strings as he steps forward to copy the pose that the man has. ] So, what sort of mapo tofu shall you be having today, sir?

iii

[adoringpast]

[ that felt like the longest sermon mizuki's attended in like... ever, and he had to resist yawning and he and kei file out of the church and into the streets. he doesn't get why his uncle is dressing so fancily just for sunday mass, but mizuki can't call him out on it since he's dressed up almost as if he'd just come out of this year's winter collection.

but anyways, he casts his gaze up at kei through his sunglasses, almost scowling at his words. ]

More like a year. You do know that my parents aren't as religious as you, right? [ of course kei doesn't.] I'm just as surprised as you, you know. You have quite the nerve to drag me to church like that. It's not like I needed to go to confessional or anything? I'm doing fine.

[ thankfully he didn't, but the thought of confessing his past self's crimes to a person who's probably not aware of the app is silly and awkward and he'd rather not entertain that, thank you. ]

[livingimpaired]

No. I wasn't aware. [ The look that he gives Mizuki is actually shock, a little dumbstruck that his brother no longer engages with the church or his own faith. Was the wound of what happened that deep? ]

No, it isn't. You seem like you are doing fine. [ A light smile as he looks a little proud that his nephew dressed up for the affair. ] But seeming and actually doing are two different things. Which means that I get the joy of listening to you complain to an uninvolved third party. [ Lifting his hand, he points to his face to indicate that he's talking about himself.

It's to hide how surprised he still is about hearing his brother has given up on being as religious as he once was. Why wouldn't he impart that upon his son? Oh well. ] After such a tortuous affair, it seems only right to listen to any and all complaints, my nephew has about it.

I

[blondferret]

[Derek saw the small restaurant and decides to enter and give it a shot. He's not in the mood to cook tonight anyway. He takes a seat in one of the booths and looks at the menu. Wow, is it really only Mapo Tofu?]

Uh... how spicy is this dish? I'm alright with spice, I like curry, is this mapo tofu similar?

[Please don't judge Derek. He's very British and has very little experience with Tofu. But, he is willing to try it.]

[livingimpaired]

It depends on the curry.

[ Kei answers honestly with a slight bowing of his head in apology for his vague explanation. ] I would say that it's something that those that crave spice greatly enjoy. But if you're uncertain, I can ensure what you have is a milder spice. [ There is a frown threatening to crumble his expression. If there is one thing that he enjoys, it is giving lava to people. ]

But you look familiar... ah, that's right. Derek Matthews, right? [ Something from the police? Isn't that a little bad for an illegal doctor? ] That means you get an automatic fifty percent off, though. Congratulations.

i

[ohrlyeh]

[Don't mind Howard, Kei. He tried one of your chocolates. In fact, he tried about ten of them. At the same time. His eyes are watering heavily, face scrunched up in an immensely uncomfortable expression.]

[Whenever Kei comes over, Howard will shoot him a very withering look.]

Why. Just...why.

[HE'S SUFFERING. YOU FOOLED HIM, DELICIOUS LOOKING CHOCOLATES]

[livingimpaired]

[ His mouth opens and closes. It's noting that Howard's fingers has some chocolate on them, which wouldn't be so damning but the amount means that he had more than one. ]

Howard. How many did you eat?

[ Kei holds his hands out in a bit of exasperation and concern. ] That was concentrated mapo tofu sauce. [ Leaning forward, he asks: ] Are you all right?

ii,,,

[vitis]

[ for once, john makes a decent decision.

or so he thinks; the decent decision being not allowing the angry, infected wound currently hidden beneath a sleeve to fester any longer. turns out, swamp water doesn't do much for stab wounds. it's not his fault, really. kei's client looks a little flushed with a fever, but he manages clear eyes and a welcoming smile regardless of any dizziness. ]

[ but oh, food. before he responds, john reaches out to grab-- as much as he can stretch his fingers over, really. he drops the handful into his bag, lying neatly on the floor to him. safe to say, if kei weren't here, he'd have just slid the remainder of them into there. ]

... Really? [ john tips his head to the side, a note of innocent curiosity to the gesture. truth be told, he hadn't been aware of there having been any discounts. ] Reckon I should take my business elsewhere, then?

[ an honest question as to affordability. he-- in scruffy, torn pants and a wrinkled shirt, has never been one for dressing to impress. ]

[livingimpaired]

[ Uh.

He is a little surprised at the young man's response to the chocolates. It is really only lucky that they are regular chocolates rather than mapo-tofu-sauce infused. Kei isn't so cruel as to punish those that are visiting him with his little trick. All the same, he is getting up off of his stool to walk over to his client. His head tilts as he looks him over, noting the slight flushed look. ]

No. You're right where you need to be. [ He gives the briefest of glances over the clothes as he gently takes his arm so that he could manueveur him to sit on the "hospital bed." ] I only charge how much a person can afford when they come here. That's why there are no discounts. [ A beat. ] You're ... ah... John Becket, right? We spoke briefly on the network, but I made a point to remember who answered. I felt it was important.

I.

[manufactured]

[You know, Wesker is usually not the kind of asshole that will walk into a restaurant like five minutes before it closes and expect full service; thankfully, he's not being that kind of asshole today either - he's certainly here shortly before closing today, but he's not interested in eating anything.

Thankfully. Spice isn't really his thing.]

I was wondering if you had time for a discussion tonight.

[livingimpaired]

[ Kei honestly looks relieved to see Wesker. His shoulders drop as he feels the tension that has been clinging to them fade. He does not trust this man at all; he believes him to be "evil." It puts his heart at ease that has been clenched and violently strangled with guilt. ]

I do. And how are you, Albert Wesker? Are you feeling some anxieties and troubles that you wish to share with me? [ He smiles bright and sincere; it's an awful sight. ]

i.

[bitemefightme]

[Orion steps in here for his lunch break, because why not? It's food. And who hates ramen?

Though, when he sees the menu it's... surprisingly limited? And he'll pass on that free chocolate for now, thanks.]

Are these all... Mapo Tofu?

[All of it. Guess he knows what he's getting then. Decisions made easy.]

I guess I'll do the Mapo Tofu Ramen, then...

[livingimpaired]

Yes.

[ His hand rests on his hip, like he will argue about the finer points of mapo tofu. Kei might since he enjoys the food. But it would be a poor man's attempt at showing he cares about something in the world. ]

All right. And if you are part of Retrospect, you get a fifty percent discount. [ A beat. ] And if you don't know what that means, it is just a new app and I am part of a promotional campaign of my own making.

[ He chuckles before he starts cooking. ]

i

[daemonized]

[Today's the day, or so it would seem. In walks none other than Ardyn Izunia, adjusting the scarf around his neck as he takes in the sight. In his nose, he catches the scent of spices, so prominent in the air; but what catches his eye, beyond perhaps the immediate obviousness of anyone working here, are the plate of chocolates that he spots on the counter. "Free", they say. Well, perhaps he'd indulge himself later.

For now, though, if the owner is to be found, he'll receive a lopsided smile from Ardyn.]

Ah, so, is my promised discount still in effect?

[Yes, that's his 'hello' for right now.]

[livingimpaired]

It is still in effect.

[ Kei accepts that as a 'hello' as he bows his head slightly as almost an additional greeting to the man. ]

I'll even allow it to be the seventy-five percent that we discussed. [ He lifts his hand to lightly chuckle into his hand. ] Though, I will say that you don't look like someone that is feeling the chill of death... you did volunteer for something outrageous. It would be remiss of me not to do my part for one who left this city to right the wrong of a legend.

[ It is a bit overly dramatic for someone that sells lava, but -- he softly applauds. If he is going to be dramatic, he might as well carry through with it rather than give a half-hearted performance. His hands drop down to his sides. ]

But it is good to see that you are all right, even if this is the first time we are meeting face-to-face.

[hananobooks]

[Robin is walking back from the pet shop after getting a few things for Mimi when she notices the restaurant again. Well, she has some time to visit. She walks inside and takes a seat in one of the stools by the counter.]

Hello Kei, how are things today?

[She picks up the cat toys that fell out her bag when it tipped over before she straightens up to look at the menu again. She notices the chocolates out the corner of her eye and points to them.]

Have you added something new to the menu?

[livingimpaired]

Nothing appears to be on fire.

[ His calmly spoken response about how his affairs are. As far as he is aware, he has found some sort of moderation in his life to where he can say it isn't a fiery inferno. ]

I see that you've had an eventful day of buying presents for your cat. [ It doesn't sound like an insult, but it doesn't sound like a compliment, either. More of a neutral observation as he slides back into his usual apathetic state -- it is comfortable there and he has missed it. ]

I wouldn't say add. It's more ... something that I am experimenting with, Robin Nikolaev.