farawayplace | You heard of April Fools, get ready for-

Entry tags:

!event,
mingle post

You heard of April Fools, get ready for-

The reverse of that.

*image vaguely related

Silly white lies? No, none of that will be coming out of anyone's mouths today. Instead, anyone you meet and talk to you be shocked to realize you're incapable of lying. Staying silent may be an option--or is it? For whatever reason, it's really hard to keep your words in today.

You just might be spouting the first thing that comes out of your mind!

What another, peaceful day in Ultern it is!

...what do you mean that it's not? Well, things have been mostly peaceful for a while anyway. Some chaos is always in order! (Apologies to any Domeists in our midst).

(🌺You thought there'd be no April Fools event?! Surprise! It's true, this is reverse-April Fools. Please enjoy, and don't forget about the OOC plotting post!🌺)

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It... wasn't expected, but it wasn't unwelcome. So, this is another way Manzana's different from Hun.

It was kindness all the same, but it just made Attila even more upset... it did quell his anger, however, and his hands loosened from the fists they had curled into. He laughed a little, although he wiped at his eyes before turning back to face him.

"... you're like them. You are. Don't care if you can't see it, but just like that, you fit in with these guys just fine. They're all soft... don't mean it in a bad way, y'know. Soft-hearted, I guess. Kind. Yeah, that's the word I'm looking for. Even if you aren't soft... ugh, am I making ANY sense?"

He turned back and squinted hard at the sky. Was there something he could do here too?

"... guess I could farm or somethin'. Maybe help fix things... I'd make a good mechanic."

That was his cover-up, too.

Manzana felt relieved seeing Attila turn back to him, as he pulled his own hand away. He smiled, a warm genuine smile.

"You're right, I really can't see myself like them but I won't deny that they left a mark on me. Especially when they told me about icharibachoude. A stranger like me... they told me I'm family."

He gave a soft laugh.

"If you're not uncomfortable with the idea, would you like to stay with my family and I?" He then paused realizing what he had said. "I just didn't want you sleeping uncomfortably, anywhere...If I am being too presumptuous again, I apologize."

"Can I?" he asked, too hopefully and too quickly to think of another response.

"... I'm used to sleeping rough, but if you really don't mind... just until I get on my feet, I guess. I won't scare them, will I?"

He's a pretty imposing guy.

"Sí, I mean yes!" His expression lit up. "It's just the two of us living together. Her name is Anemone, she's the light of my life, mi corazón. Without her I would be the same as I was back in Kalos."

He didn't even seem ashamed that he gushed about his fiancee right in front of a complete stranger. It was most likely the norm for Manzana.

"...and I am supposed to keep this a secret but she isn't as dainty as she looks. She managed to lift me out from the sea by herself when I first drifted here."

"I'm guessin' that's a pet name?" Attila said in a light, teasing tone.

"... sounds strong! She must be a good help with your gardening, if she likes that sort of thing. Yossha! sounds like farming's the way to go, for me! I'll come by, be on my best behaviour around yer lady."

"It's a term of endearment for the beautiful flower in my life." Manzana chuckled, clearly not minding the teasing.

"Of course, she's amazing. She and I work and live over in Gilterrace Town. Do you know where it is? It's right down Route 2, and through Turnterrace Tunnel in case you haven't been down in that direction. Whenever you're ready, just stop by the flower shop Churahana. ...ah, that's right. Please, don't forget. No matter what the trouble, I will help you. We're brothers now after all."

“Must be nice… gotta congratulate ya, not much in this world that’s nicer than a beautiful woman,” he said a bit wistfully. “Lucky guy… nothin’ I love more than wine an’ women.”

A moment later, he looked a little embarrassed.
“Ah… yeah! ‘Course, we’re brothers. But, don’t laugh or take it the wrong way or anythin’, but it’ll take me a ‘lil while to get used to ya. It’s a little embarrassin’ imposin’ when we just met, so I’ll take it a little slow—sorry if it’s lame or unexpected.”

Shier than expected! The more he thought about his gushing, the more he felt the need to explain himself.
“‘Course, I won’t gawk at yer girl either, y’can turn me out to the street if I look at’er too long or in a way you don’t like, won’t be in the way of yer happiness or let it come between us… I swear! … I’ll do a blood oath if needed. Y’know, like sworn brothers.”

Nobody needs Attila bleeding anymore than he already has today, but it really does seem all he knows.

"Thank you." He chuckled to himself. "You are right, I am lucky--I never thought I'd end up dating let alone getting engaged to someone. Although, she was the one who proposed to me."

He then shook his head. At least he didn't seem bothered by Attila's comments about wine or women, he had his own vices ~~which is just going out for picnics and making the sloppiest sandwich~~.

"No, I understand completely. We are still strangers...but I'm not about to let you go off on your own. There's a lot about you that I can relate to, despite our differences." There's another laugh, with amusement clear in Manzana's eyes. "I wasn't worried about that, really. She can protect herself just fine, and besides. I will understand if you do stare a little. She is lovely to look at."

But he'll pause thinking on it.

"...but try not to stare too long, please. I might get a little jealous." He's looking away, definitely to hide his embarrassment. "No blood oath is necessary either! I don't like the thought of you hurting yourself. I mean, I am sure it wouldn't hurt too badly but the thought of seeing you cut yourself in anyway worries me..."

"Brave, isn't she?" Attila sounded amused and curious about the story.

~~And mar that face? Maybe Manzana's vices are worse! ... okay, no, just kidding.~~

"Yeah! Y'got it. Don't worry. I'll keep my eyes off'a her."

At Manzana's concern, Attila went quiet a moment, as if genuinely surprised someone could care about him getting a little cut. He couldn't help but laugh a little, but his expression's warmer still.
"Been through worse, but it sure is sweet of y'to care. Don't worry about me, alright?"
He patted Manzana's shoulder, although watched him carefully to make sure he didn't mind it. He probably didn't, given how he tried to comfort him earlier, but... better safe than sorry. Besides, some were only fine with contact if it's on their terms. Attila was still learning about Manzana, for now.

"She would have to be given that she dived into the sea waters to save a complete stranger." He laughed, both from recollecting his memories with his fiancee to what Attila had said. "Unlike me, she was so honest and forward. It's endearing."

Looking back to Attila he was relieved to see the look on Attila's face.

"I had a feeling you would have said something like that, but Ultern really have softened me up, like you said." When he felt Attila pat his shoulder, he looked over to him. Manzana didn't mind the physical contact. He smiled back to indicate as such. "You seem capable of taking care of yourself so I will try not to worry too much."

He reached up to return the pat of his own to Attila, although it was onto his forearm, really.

"I know you...I know you intended to swing by the house on your own but why don't we go there together? That way I can properly introduce you to my fiancee, Anemone." It's then followed by a smile. "That and I feel a little better, having someone to talk about what I've been carrying inside me this whole time. I don't know if you would understand, but I am glad to have met you, despite our argument earlier."

That's great, then! Attila won't have to restrain himself too much from expressing physical affection (... except maybe he'll reign in the rough-housing unless he knows for sure how much Manzana can handle.)

Listening to the offer, Attila smiled. "Sure. Beats wandering around alone, we can walk back home together... haven't had someone to walk with in a real long time."

At that genuine, heartfelt gratitude, Attila felt both touched and deeply ashamed of how unworthy he felt. He isn't used to feeling shame! It's a weird, almost nostalgic feeling, in the pit of his stomach and arching his back, like he wanted to hide away from Manzana. Yet, he also felt lighter and freer than he had in months or, in some ways, even years.

"... man, walkin' home, bloody and bruised, with someone by my side.... feels like bein' little brats in school again. Haven't felt this light in a long time. Missed havin' someone to talk to."

He stretched his arms out and clasped his hands behind his head. "So, lead the way, Manzana. I dunno where you place is... but thanks. Fer carin' about me. And the girly napkin I don't even wanna use, but might make a good temporary bandage, actually. I don't feel worthy'a any'a this yet, just so y'know, but I'll work hard to be someone who is."

"You would probably get stopped by some other person worried about the way you're looking." Manzana commented with a knowing smile. "I've been in that same situation after all."

He of course meant his earlier days in Ultern. At the mention of school there's a frown.

"I didn't have anything like that in school, but I'm glad I can remind you of better times." He began to take a step forward. He paused as he looked back over to Attila with a worried smile.

"It's not whether you're worthy or not, Attila. I know it is hard to accept it right away, but they really are...that kind. That and I would like to trust you, too." He then turned to continue with leading the way. "You can hold onto that handkerchief in that case. I'll be sure to get your wounds looked over once we reach home."

"Yeah?" Attila asked, absent-mindedly.

He wondered if he'd really inspire worry... as relatively unknown as he is here. Maybe they'd be concerned for "Akira," if they knew him.

"Lonely childhood, huh...?"

He felt kind of bad for Manzana. "I'll be your friend, then. Walkin' home together's nice..."

The worried smile got a frown from Attila and he avoided his gaze, suddenly sounding quite frustrated. "Che... just when I was feelin' good, too. It's not that I don't believe it. I do. They're soft and kind and all'a that... I believe you. I've seen it, too. I just... don't like takin' advantage'a people's kindness. Makes me feel scummy. I don't like unsettled scores, I don't like owin' things to anyone, it doesn't feel right! ... maybe when we're closer, it'll be natural, like it was with—... like before. But, for now... I just wanna make things up to you. I don't wanna let you down."

It felt embarrassing admitting to all of this stuff outloud, Attila groaned and focused on bandaging his hand, trying his hardest to distract himself, but it wasn't working. Words kept spilling out.

"I'm already scum, this is the least I can do... don't take it away from me. I guess it's selfish too, just for a sense'a honour, so I don't feel like the dirtbag I really am. Or hell, maybe I'm scared and don't like feeling indebted to other people. Even if you don't seem like the type'd use it against me. Whatever. Just... let me make it up to you two, somehow."

Will he hate him? Will he think he's insincere about changing? Or will he just think he's a mistrustful coward? He didn't know, but he was troubled that this, more than anything else, would make Manzana dislike him.

"... guess my personality's worse than my job."

"When I first arrived I had nothing on me, but my Team Flare uniform." He stated in a calm tone. "I didn't look the best given where I had been before drifting here. ...and I can see someone worrying if they saw how you looked now." He added.

On the comment of his childhood, Manzana wasn't sure if he was able to keep up his smile.

"I didn't want to share that, but my childhood wasn't the best back in Paldea." A soft sigh left, but at Attila's offer he was touched. It was enough to lift the heaviness that took over himself. "I am certainly getting a lot today. A brother and a friend. I am truly lucky."

Manzana's quiet, taking in the worries that were inside of Attila. He couldn't help but reach out to the bulkier man once more. He'll hold his hand up with his palm out to Attila.

"Let me." He offered, while continuing to talk. "...don't beat yourself up over what you feel. I know that is far easier said, than done. I still do, every day. I question whether I'm even worth being here, or if I should just leave altogether but I can't. I'm selfish, I love it here. I love the people I met. I just want to be a part of the joy and light they bring, even if I truly am not a part of that."

Was that too much? Too upsetting? Manzana had no idea, but his mouth kept moving regardless of what he worried about.

"With such thoughts in your mind, I doubt that you would ever let me down. All that matters is that you try."

"Sorry."
Attila stayed quiet after that, not wanting to pry at what Manzana didn't want to talk about.
He tried to pull the hat down lower, thinking it might distract from the bloody lip.

He's glad Manzana didn't dwell too much on it, though.

He looked confused at Manzana's raised hand, but didn't reject it, although he wasn't sure what he intended to do. "Sure, but, let you... do what? Fix my face? Bandage my hand? ... hold hands?"

He's at a loss, really! But he isn't rejecting Manzana's kindness.

"... I think that's a good kinda selfishness."

And at Manzana's assessment, Attila smiled a warmer, more genuine smile that softened even his gaze.

"... yeah. That, I can do."

"Don't be, it is far in the past." He was quick to reassure Attila. The past that still haunted and hurt him, was far more recent anyway.

At Attila's confusion as he took Attila's hand chuckled softly.

"I should specify, I meant let me bandage your hand." He placed one hand under Attila's offered hand while reaching for his handkerchief. "It is hard to bandage your own hand like that."

Hearing Attila's reaffirmation, and from the warm smile, Manzana couldn't help but return it. They were small steps, he was sure but those small steps forward could change the world around Attila. Or at least, he couldn't only hope.

"I also hope that...well, I know it takes time, but I do hope we can become close friends as well."

“Oh… thanks.”

Yeah, he should’ve guessed, but he wasn’t used to care and so, the purpose eluded him a bit.

He was fully prepared to believe Manzana was just that lonely that he wanted to walk hand-in-hand with a relative stranger after they lay their hearts bare due to this place’s strange influence… and Attila wouldn’t have minded. He wanted to be of use to him.

But being bandaged like that… Attila stayed quiet as he thought of how to repay Manzana’s many kindnesses. For the first day, he’ll observe. Then, he’ll help out around the house and everything! He could fix anything that needs fixing, do odd jobs, and, of course, try to make an honest living…

"You are most welcome." Taking the handkerchief, Manzana will carefully wrap up Attila's injured hand. Making sure it was covered enough, and securely he nodded to himself. Slipping his hands away, he stepped forward.

"There, how does that feel?" He questioned. "It should hold until we reach home."

It's been a while since he had to bandage himself up, so he wasn't sure if he had done it too well on a complete stranger. Manzana could trust Attila to be honest, given the factor they were both forced to be at that very moment.

“Warm,” Attila answered, without thinking, then felt slightly embarrassed. “… s’good. It should hold.”

Attila tried to focus on the sky and its colours instead, not wanting to linger on the thought too long. Besides, they still had to keep walking. That was something to enjoy, too.

“Thanks, Manzana.”

"You're welcome." Manzana smiled, not minding the moment they were sharing. "Let's head on then."

With that he'll take the lead, making sure Attila was close by as he began to move forward. It was a nice day out in Ultern, as usual and there were still much more they could talk about as they made their way to where he resided in Gilterrace Town.

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You heard of April Fools, get ready for-

[cuuuuuuuute, sob]

it became wholesome....

I brought Attila here to cause trouble and he ends up with a new brother, this is funny & adorable

ultern just out here creating new kinships

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[typical tanuki interests + more foot-in-mouth moments]

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[they could head back together soon, right? ^^ I think it'd wrap it up nicely!]

That sounds good to me!!!

[he's like a big (dangerous) puppy]

only this apple is crazy enough to adopt a feral puppers

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[belated~]

I'd consider it a wrap! ^^