One Foot in front of the Other Foot [ota with closed prompts]

[longforgottenpromise]

Who: Taiki. There is an open prompt and then closed prompts for Inigo, Gyousou and Tidus.
Where: Kitchens, Library, Cinema
When: Horseshoe days 2-5
What: Taiki tries out some recipes from his vegan cookbook. Taiki and Inigo make food to cheer Tidus up, Taiki and Gyousou have a talk in the library and Taiki finally succeeds in tracking down Tidus.
Warnings: Taiki and Tidus' thread will have themes of disappearing/dying- purposefully to try and solve things- with mention of a past suicide attempt. I will add more things as they come up.

Day Two: The Kitchen [OTA]

Tidus' suggestion of a cookbook had come at a good time because as the month changed they once again had meat as one of the main ingredients. It was a little better this time, the meat was processed, already cooked and so entering the kitchen and store room was not an exercise in steeling himself against the smell of blood and raw meat.

He has his new book, Vegan: The Cookbook and has found a recipe for pizza. Considering pizza is one of the recipe's on the ICP this month he is confident that he should find the things to make it.

He moves carefully around the kitchen, gathering ingredients. Soon he has everything but cheese, the book simply says to use vegan cheese, which is not something they have.

He flicks through the book, looking to see if there are any suggestions for alternatives. He has found himself a corner to prepare food in but still feels like he is in the way, mumbling a 'sorry' to anyone who comes near. He hadn't meant for this to take that long...

Day Three: The Kitchen [For Inigo]

Permeating the whole of the last few days has been the lack of Tidus. Taiki has been worried about him, more than worried, ever since Roland told him what had happened on the platform. But despite many attempts he hadn't been able to find him. He wasn't answering his door, Taiki hadn't ran into him in any of his usual places.

He had kept trying, though he feared annoying his friend, the line between being worried and just irritating him so much that he wouldn't want to ever talk to him again was very thin, and Taiki didn't want to cross it.

But he was worried... And he knew Inigo was too, he had seen him around, seen him near Tidus' cabin. He knew he was just as worried, with Yuna leaving... So soon after whatever Tidus had seen on the mountain... It was too much.

He finds Inigo quickly, he's trying not to think about how easy that is to do, and holds out the two books in his hands. One is his cookbook and one is a book on bread making. "I told him I would cook him a meal... Maybe it will chear him up. Do you want to help?"

He doesn't think he needs to clarify who.

Day Four: The Library [For Gyousou]

The situation with Tidus was not the only thing Taiki was worried about. The flashes of the ouki from Inigo, that was worrying too. He knows it has something to do with what happened on the mountain. Something now linked his king and Inigo.

Just as he was certain that these flashes of confusion, of anxiety weren't completely his feelings alone. He was used to feeling overwhelmed and anxious, but this is more so.

Both things put together meant that at times like right now he did not want to stray from Lord Gyousou's side. So here he was, Gyousou was resting on a beanbag reading a history book called Book Not Found Taiki approached silently and sat on the floor next to him, not quite leaning on him but sitting close, his own book Summoning Magic on his knees.

Day Five: Cinema [For Tidus]

He still hadn't seen Tidus, not at all and he was more than worried. But if the other man didn't want to be found, if he was avoiding him and Inigo... then should they leave it? Was it better to allow him his space or make sure he knew they were here for him.

He didn't know but for the last couple of days he had just tried Tidus' room a couple of times. So it was a surprise, when he entered the cinema. He glanced instinctively at the screen, it showed some children clambering through a cave, holding torches as they explored. His eyes went back to where he was walking, scanning the seats and there...

There in the corner, his purple hood was pulled up but Taiki still recognises him.

"Tidus?"

Comments

wow my custom made prompt

[blitzcheer]

It was restlessness that brought Tidus here. Not even quite that, but the repetition of the past few day -- moving between his room and mainly the dressing car -- had him sometimes searching for some other means of distraction from his thoughts. Webs's comics were quickly read, the few books he'd taken from the new library too. He got away sometimes when people were already watching films to shuffle on in, the lights dimmed, and really, nobody cared about others joining in on showings. It was one of those things you had to put up with, with the middle aisle of the car leading to the only ways in and out.

Getting 'caught', too, in a stuffed train of over a hundred people, was bound to happen.

He isn't that engrossed in the movie, but Tidus still isn't entirely aware of Taiki when he first appears, entering from the end behind him. Head lifting, but he doesn't turn it at first; that comes hesitantly, a small glance at Taiki taken that then lowers, and then he looks back in the direction of the movie.

Arms folding across his lap, Tidus says nothing.

only the best 4u

[longforgottenpromise]

He sees that glance, knows that Tidus has seen him but then he looks away, crosses his arms. It's enough to make Taiki want to flee, he shouldn't be here. Tidus has made it clear that he doesn't want company, doesn't want Taiki to be around.

But...

He is hurting. Taiki can tell that. Even from over here, that look is one that holds pain, sadness. Tidus is his friend and he can't in good consciousness let him hurt like this, be alone like this.

He had just lost Yuna, someone so important to him. Taiki steps closer. When Gyousou had disappeared Tidus had not left him, he had helped him back to his feet, he had stayed near him. Taiki wanted to help him as much as he had been helped.

Even if he's not the right person for it.

"Tidus." He stepped closer and then closer again, crossing over to where Tidus was and crouching in the aisle next to his seat. "I can... I can leave if you really don't want me here..."

[blitzcheer]

There's a guilt, the instant that he'd seen Taiki--atop the guilt he was already stewing in, a fresh amount plunged into his stomach. Tidus knows he's pushing him away--he knows he's pushing everyone away. But he doesn't know what else to do.

...He doesn't know what to do.

But-- he doesn't want to hurt Taiki. He's never wanted to hurt Taiki, though the shame of being near people was more than Tidus knew what to do with, if eased over the last day or so. Tidus fidgets his arms, not exactly wanting to speak.

Yet, under the noise of the dialogue, while at the same time speaking to not be completely drowned out, Tidus says simply, "You can stay if you want."

that feel when your cat sits next to you #blessed

[eyeslikeblood]

Flashes of anxiety were contagious nowadays. Gyousou had been experiencing them like panic attacks, unanticipated beyond flares of nervousness in the lead-up. It was fine for now, and he was, at least, reasonably certain that he knew the source; he could separate the feelings from his own. But it wasn't pleasant, and less so to think that any number of passengers were experiencing something similar.

A problem shared, he thought, wryly, as Taiki appeared. He turned the page, then tucked a finger into the page so he could set it down and give the kirin a look over.

He looked... haunted? Almost like he had, those years ago, in the lead-up to the coronation. He studiously picked the book back up. Spoke to it, rather than at Taiki, for now, his voice light and conversational.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

[longforgottenpromise]

He wasn't quite expecting Gyousou to question him, though perhaps he should have been. He has been distracted for a few days, more than distracted. There's a lot to think about, a lot to unravel and it's been a very worrying time.

He hasn't wanted to burden Lord Gyousou, so hasn't been forthcoming about... Anything really. But the question, no the command to tell him, is not one he can ignore.

He looks down at his hands holding the book. "Something strange is going on, A few times I have felt something... like the ouki but when I go to the place I believe you are, Inigo is there."

[eyeslikeblood]

He hums, as if that information isn't deeply concerning. Turns the page, and then looks at Taiki sidelong.

"Have you stopped feeling the ouki from me, at those times?"

[goingthroughaphase]

Coming into the kitchen looking for practice a bit of cooking herself, Kitty couldn't help noticing Taiki in the corner.

"Hey," she says, coming over to where he is. "What're you making?"

[longforgottenpromise]

"Oh hello Kitty." He smiled at her, a little nervously. "Pizza, it's not too difficult so I hope it turns out alright..."

He has never really cooked for himself before, nor had he ever learned how so he can only hope that following the instructions is enough.

[goingthroughaphase]

"Oh nice." Man, it felt like it had been a really long time since she had pizza. "How's it going?"

[singlefaith]

Ran cooks as a pastime. Even though she's no longer at home and she's not required to cook for her father and Conan, she comes to cook because she enjoys it . . . and because for at least a little while, she can focus in on the task in front of her rather than all the worries their environment provokes. There's something very soothing about working with her hands, blending ingredients into something that tastes good, and it absorbs her, allows her to lose herself in the moment.

She's a little less sure about this teddy bear luncheon meat. At least with the vegetables from previous months, there had been a number of different possible applications. But . . . processed meat? How much could she -- anyone -- really do with that?

She'd been resolved to find some options as she heads into the kitchen, about to steer towards digging her meaty adversary out of storage when she catches sight of Taiki in the corner, hunched over his book with a number of ingredients spread out in front of him on the counter. Something about his body posture, self-conscious and uncertain, makes her eyes soften.

"Ne." Her voice is gentle, aiming not to startle him. "Are you having trouble?"

[longforgottenpromise]

His eyes flicker up, uncertain as he sees someone he doesn't know very well. Rather someone he has never spoken to, even if he has seen her around on the train before. Still he gives her a small smile and a smaller shrug.

"Sorry... I think I should have read more carefully before I began. Did you need this space?"

Red team isn't even on meal preparation this month though he has tried to time this for a less busy time.

[singlefaith]

"No." Ran returns the smile, warm. "I just came to see if there was some room to do some cooking myself, and there's plenty." Her eyes flick over the assortment of ingredients he's laid out. She's not terribly familiar with them; she's Japanese, and pizza is in the Italian sphere. She's had it before, but only a couple of times, not as a regular dish. "What were you trying to make?"

[flatteries]

Inigo isn't too surprised to suddenly spot Taiki. It's like he's been spotting the other more than ever lately - even the times when Taiki doesn't approach him, when he can see him curiously wandering over before stopping in the distance. So the other approaching him today doesn't seem like too much of a surprise either, though it's with more purpose than usually, apparently, since suddenly Taiki is holding out those books to him.

For a moment there's faint surprise, but then Inigo's expression melts into a smile. Smoothly, easily, and he smiles widely, like there's not a single care in his head.

"That's a great idea!"

Taiki indeed doesn't need to specify who this is about. Of course Inigo knows. Tidus has been a constant worry for the past few days, constantly lingering in the back of his mind, rendering him too uneasy to sleep well at night. But right now there's none of that on his face. It's not something he should be showing in front of Taiki, who has to be just as worried about Tidus as Inigo himself is. He has to be the strong one now - to maybe distract Taiki's mind from the worry for a few moments, or maybe just to try and make things feel a tad more normal.

"You know I'm always impressed by you, right?" He laughs slightly, an arm reaching out to put a hand on Taiki's shoulder. "You always have the best ideas. Let's go make some right away, we can't let him go hungry!"

[longforgottenpromise]

He smiled at that, he knew Inigo would agree quickly. Inigo must be as worried as Taiki is. After all Inigo had lost Yuki not so long ago and so he must know deeply what Tidus is feeling right now.

As for the rest... That was all worrying and not something Taiki wanted to talk about, before he could talk to Tidus.

But he could focus on something that might cheer their friend up, coax him out of hiding. He blushed at Inigo's words. It's along the lines of what Inigo usually says but... Now, when he gets the odd flashes of the ouki from Inigo.... It's almost too much.

"Okay." He smiled at him and moved in the direction of the kitchen.

[flatteries]

He follows right along, not wanting to waste any time. As long as he can keep himself occupied, Inigo thinks, he can hide all his own worries and sadness from Taiki. It'll make it easier to keep up this energetic and positive act.

So by the time they arrive in the kitchen, he's quick to gesture at the books Taiki is carrying.

"Did you have any idea what you wanted to make for him? I don't think I've ever asked him what his favourite food is.."

[10billionpercent]

He came into the kitchen with the express purpose of looking through the ingredients to see if he could come up with his plan or if he'd be out of luck. He was craving something really special, but also with Gen around he was intending on having him help.

Senku stepped around Taiki to look at the basics of the cupboard and grumbled a bit. At least there was soy sauce, even if there wasn't much else. He could work with it. He wasn't afraid of the mystery meat.

He blinked at what he was making and guessed. "Pizza?" He asked, even though it was full of vegetables and no cheese.

[longforgottenpromise]

Taiki watched him, making himself small to let him step around him. There wasn't much room, even with the kitchen being two floors now. It was still a train, it was naturally restricted in space, people on top of each other all the time.

"Yes." He nodded with a small smile, at least it was recognisable. "Are... Are you looking for something?"

[10billionpercent]

"Mirin, but there isn't any, or rice vinegar." Senku shook his head a little bit. "Guess I'll have to come up with a work around." That was fine, he wasn't daunted.

"Just planning ahead. What kind of pizza is that?"

Kitchen

[hotheadwarmheart]

It was a little while yet until they needed to start dinner, but Lea had wanted to check how much fish they still had from the island. Lunch meat was more versatile than some people realized, but if it wasn't broken up by other things, it could get old pretty quickly.

He wasn't expecting to see Taiki there, apparently having appropriated a bit of counter space near one of the ovens to work on something. Lea could see several different types of vegetables stacked around his work area, among other things, and put his own inspection of the fish stocks on hold to check and see what his friend was up to. He wasn't expecting the mumbled apology as he approached.

He chuckled. "Not sure what you're sorry for," he said. "If anything, I should be the one apologizing, since I'm interrupting you. But anyway, I was wondering what you were making?"

[longforgottenpromise]

He just smiled politely at that, Lea wasn't interrupting at all. Indeed it was a welcome break from trying to figure out if pizza could work without cheese.

"Pizza. Have you had it before?"

[hotheadwarmheart]

"Lots of times," Lea said. "It was pretty popular back home, for all the right reasons. Though it's been awhile since I had any; it wasn't really a thing in the last world I was in."

"It seems like the recipe is giving you some trouble though. Anything I can do to help?"

Kitchin

[loveandduty]

Minako may have been in the kitchen attempting to do the chore. She may have prep and get ready to attempt cooking something.

She also may have somehow started a fire.

Minako was soon running around like a headless chicken trying to find a way to put the fire out. Eventually, she managed to find what she was looking for and put it out.

"I'm sorry about that."

oh Minako

[longforgottenpromise]

A situation like a fire obviously gets Taiki's attention and he quickly moves to help her. Luckily it is not large, but it is enough to be worrying in a small space like the kitchen and it is lucky they can put it out quickly before it spread or caused damage.

"Are you alright?"

He looked her over, checking for obvious burns, eyes slightly wide at the situation.

do you have too many tags yet? 8D

[theturksway]

Reno was watching Taiki from a stool pulled over into one corner of the kitchen. It was a bit hot in here and he didn't like it but he'd set out to do something so he was going to suck it up and deal.

What had he set out to do? Well, he was watching Taiki. Specifically, he was here to coerce the kid into making him a meal since it was on his list of things to have the kid do for his I-owe-you. He figured the kid was probably better at cooking than he was but as he watched Taiki prepare Reno was beginning to have some doubts. Maybe it was nothing.

He was lounging, one leg pulled up and his foot onto the stool with him and with the other stretched out, his back against the wall and his head lolled backwards. Another lazy cat pose from the redheaded delinquent. He rolled his head around to get a better look at Taiki before he spoke up.

"Hey, kid. How long is this supposed to take? Have you even started yet?" Seriously, what was the kid doing with his nose in that book? At this point in time Reno felt like the kid should have the recipe memorized he'd stared at it for so long.

Never!

[longforgottenpromise]

He had smiled at Reno when he saw him in the kitchen, glad to see him. He made him a little nervous, it was hard to forget just how much he had seemed to enjoy the fight on the last mission.

But he was a fighter, it was just his nature and Taiki didn't judge people for being fighters or soldiers, after all Tai's was a very military court. Or at least it had been once.

Reno's attitude was different than most the people he knew though, more casual in baring. Not like a soldier at all.

"I have." He nodded nervously, gathering ingredients was starting. "Um... Are there any vegetables you don't like?"