[closed] the snozberries taste like snozberries

Entry tags:

[closed] the snozberries taste like snozberries

Who: Barnaby (Brook) |

mettle & Kaede (Maple) |

fledged
Format: action
When: late March 30th, around when the hinamatsuri dolls are gone
Where: floor 2 of housing
Summary: Brook finally has an unfortunate run-in with one of those court lady dolls. Thankfully, Maple has experience with drunks.
Rating: as G as possible because ten year old girl :|

[It had to happen at some point and he could hardly blame himself for the slip up. An entire week with hardly any sleep and continuous efforts to fight off dolls had gradually left Brook with less and less energy to make it through another day. Though he was certainly used to overworking himself, he'd never quite had the experience to go up against one of the more formidable new opponents around the bathhouse and that was the court lady dolls.

As he woozily stumbled his way up the steps to the second floor of the housing rooms he tried to figure out just what he'd done wrong in order to end up this ridiculously drunk. Unfortunately he was too out of it to manage a coherent thought for long and he found himself having to abruptly sit on the steps to steady his head. Not to mention the stairs kept moving also. Stupid stairs. It was like he was on an escalator, but those didn't exist in bathhouses, right? At least not traditional ones. Unless Yubaba was remodeling.

Ugh, he really needed to just sleep. He hated being drunk. Especially in unfamiliar places. Taking in a deep breath and standing back up, Brook continued his shaky trek up the stairs until he finally reached the hallway. ...and then he realized that his room was on the first floor. Maybe if he sat here long enough with the most pathetic look on his face someone would pick him up and take him downstairs.]

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[She just wanted it to be over now. After fighting off dollpeople with weapons and after the noises from another that actually made her ears bleed, she really just wanted to curl up in a corner and hide from everything. She'd been able to avoid most of them, but on few occasions, she wasn't so lucky.

But it was late enough now, and Maple was definitely off to find the darkest, most secluded and doll-free closet she could find. This was a horrible Hinamatsuri. Attacking dolls... Dragging her feet, she continued walking down the hall, tired eyes glancing every which way...

Until she spotted Brook sitting on the stairs, looking like a drowned puppy. Worried for him, Maple wasted no time approaching.]

Mr. Brook. Hey... Why are you sitting out here?

[The sudden voice was just enough to startle him, but as soon as he recognized it... he felt even worse. Oh god, he's drunk and his partner's daughter is here and he's drunk and he's going to embarrass himself in front of this poor little girl who adores him and he's so obviously drunk.

Brook quickly attempted to push himself up into a more visually appealing seated position, but he knew standing wasn't possible just yet because he'd certainly fall over and make a worse impression than he knew he was already making considering his words had a faint slur to them.]

Maple--? I-I was... I got tired, from the dolls. I'm sorry, it's late and... why aren't you sleeping?

[She could hear the faint slur, but she was ready to dismiss it as him just being tired. After all, it had been a long, chaotic past few days, and perhaps her favorite hero was just one of those who mumbled when he got sleepy. Or maybe he was fighting back a yawn.

Who knew, really.]

Me? Oh, I was still fighting away the dolls, but I was about to go back to my room.

[She figured, as long as they were there, she could stay up a little longer to keep him company. So, without any hesitation, she plopped down on the step next to him.]

It's been really busy, huh?

[Sitting closer to him, she could pick up the ever familiar scent of alcohol. But of course she wasn't connecting that with the hero - instead, she glanced to the steps, wondering where a cup would have fallen. After all, in all of the chaos, there was bound to be a spilled drink or two.]

[Oh no... no no no, why is she sitting next to him? She needs to go back to her room, he needs to take her to her room somehow and then get back downstairs because she can't see him be this irresponsible and pathetic and drunk.

But the complaint dies off before he even manages it and Brook just sighs heavily, hands reaching up to slip under his glasses and rub at his closed eyelids. He just wants to lay down and let this day be over. Hopefully when he wakes up those dolls will finally be gone otherwise he'll not only have to fight more but he'll have to deal with a possible hangover too.

Eventually too tired to keep rubbing at his eyes, his hands reach up to run through his hair, clutching at the top of his head while he buries his face into the crook of his arms, almost like he's trying to hide away into them.]

Y'should go back, it's late. 'least glad you're not hurt. Too many dolls. Everyone got drunk. Did too much. Tired... I'm tired.

[The more she watched Barnaby, the more concerned she got. He looked very tired, and a little disoriented from his movements. Rubbing his eyes, holding his head... She worried for a moment that he was sick.

But as he spoke about the dolls and drinking, she frowned. He must have been drunk. That would explain it. Being drunk reminded her of her father - way too much of her father, of his nights stumbling about in a disoriented, drunken mess, having to rely on his little child to lead him back to a bed somewhere.

Maple's frown grew just that much more, and she gently placed a hand on his head, stroking his hair. He didn't need to know about the bruises or the bleeding ears. He just needed to sleep.]

Mr. Brook, it's okay... It's bedtime. Want to go to your real bed?

[It was an odd feeling, having such a small hand attempting to comfort him while he was in such a pitiful state. Obviously he'd had little to no experience in dealing with this sort of concerned affection so the touch had caused him to go completely still, unsure of what to do. Originally all he'd had was Maverick but that wasn't something he ever wanted to think about again. Samantha never had much time to visit let alone care for him in-person but she'd done her own share of work while he'd been younger. Again, thoughts he didn't need to have.

Then there was Kotetsu, and as much as the thought of his former partner fretting over him with the prospect of a measly meal of fried rice and alcohol afterward seemed to settle his feelings, the missing gaps of his memory about him just proceeded to make Brook feel worse.

He breathed in for a long moment then let out a shaky breath, trying his best not to get emotional. He couldn't do that in front of Maple and she was clearly doing her best. She really was a sweet girl. Soon his shoulders relaxed as he allowed his hands to fall away from his hair so that at least his face was visible. His eyes remained shut though in order to keep the young girl from noticing his underlying distress.]

No... not yet. More could come back, and I need to help get rid of them. My job, I can't... I can't not do my job. Someone could get hurt.

[And to make up for his lack of experience, Kaede had plenty. Although her father wasn't around much for her growing up, there were still quite a few glaring incidences she could remember filled with empty glasses and the aggressive odor of alcohol. Those nights where her head made the best cane to lead papa back to his room, bringing him water when he could hardly get out of bed...

If she could do it for her father, she certainly had no problem doing the same for his partner. She just continued to pet his hair, staying as calm as she stroked his hair, trying to not get distracted by how soft his hair was. Barnaby was just so perfect, even while drunk.

And trying to fight? Oh no.] No, you can't! You'll just get hurt... It's not good to fight like this... T-there aren't anymore dolls.

[She was just pulling lies out of nowhere. Sometimes they came in handy, although she tried not to lie because it wasn't a good habit. Her free hand's fingers gently brushing against the back of his hand.] Come on... I'll help you downstairs, okay?

[One of his eyes slowly opened and glanced at Maple lazily, though his view of her was rather hazy and obscured not just from his position but from the fact that his glasses had gone crooked while he'd been hiding away. Did she really need to keep messing with his hair? Even if it was feeling rather nice by now, almost soothing, and she wasn't doing it in a way that would get his hair in too much of a mess. No, her hand was very careful and considerate. That's exactly how she was acting too, being so concerned for him. It almost made him smile. Actually, he just might be smiling right now. He has no idea. God, he's tired.

This should be completely embarrassing, he's more than twice her age but it feels like the age difference is reversed with how kindly she's treating him. He's starting to wonder if he can get away with just napping where he is for a while. His eye closes again as he mumbles back, fingers weakly attempting to brush aside her hand but he ends up grabbing a hold of it.]

Maybe they're... taking a break. Sleeping. I can... sleep here. A while. 's okay. It'll be fine.

[She bit back a laugh at his smile. Even in whatever strange mindset he was feeling, he just looked peaceful. Maybe that's how he looked when he slept. Tired but so calm, so relaxed. As much as she would have liked to just sit here and pet his hair, she knew she couldn't keep it up forever, and this would be a horrible place to wake up in.

Her fingers tightened in his.]

Come on... Just stay awake for five more minutes, okay? Let's go downstairs to your bed. [Her hand on his head stopped petting his hair and reached for the hand holding her other one.] I promise you can sleep when we get downstairs. It'll feel better, I promise.

[Well, not until she got him some water. But all these little white lies...]

[By this point he really was starting to lose the will to resist or complain, the alcohol clouding his normal course of judgement and the fatigue making him want to just flop over onto the ground and curl up into a ball. But she was there, talking to him and holding her hand in such small hands, and maybe he owed her this much to not worry her and just head on downstairs as carefully as he could. Could he even stand? Or walk? Let alone walk downstairs? He had no idea, but he'd try.

Shutting his eyes tightly then opening them again, Barnaby sucked in a breath and as carefully as he could tried his best to stand on his own, keeping his hold on Maple's hand for support... as well as the odd fact that he didn't really want to let go yet. Maybe so he can show her that yes, he's standing. They're going downstairs. Being a responsible adult and listening to the words of wisdom from a ten year old girl.]

Okay... s-sorry, about this. This isn't norm... normal, for me. Y'don't have to go with me. Can go down the stairs myself.

[Even though as he finally stood he needed a second to rest his back against the wall of the hallway because wow everything is suddenly moving again.]

It's okay. I'll be here, and I'll make sure you don't fall.

[And with that, she tightened her grip on his hand, pulling it to her shoulder to let him know that he he could hold on to her if he wanted. It might not be the best support because she was so small, but she sure was trying! She was just glad he was willing to go downstairs.]

Just take your time, okay? We can go slowly so you don't get dizzy.

[After a few seconds to steady his head Brook adjusts his glasses and finally pushes away from the wall.]

Not real nesar... necessary... but, thank you.

[When he looks down at her his smile is more visible, sheepish yet completely thankful of her actions. So persistent no matter what he says. Gosh kid, you don't let up. Kind of reminds him of someone.]

You're... like your dad.

[Flushing, Kaede turned her eyes away. She was a little torn between swooning over Brook and embarrassed that he compared her to her father, but she couldn't be bothered by that. The comparison had her quiet for a long moment, and she just kept a hand over his.]

W-we're not that alike.

[Though even her uncle sometimes said they were more alike than she thought, sometimes she just couldn't bring herself to believe the comparisons.]

[His laugh is light and quiet as he starts to slowly take cautious steps to the stairs, being sure to use her to steady himself while trying not to be too much in the way.]

Not completely, no. But, I think that's a good thing.

[It would somehow be a little overwhelming to know there was a tinier girl version of Kotetsu, in terms of recklessness and occasional annoyance. But no, Maple wasn't like that at all. It was like every personality trait that Kotetsu lacked as an adult Maple had and was actually able to use. Basically a more mature Kotetsu in the form of a ten year old.

Once again, it was just way too fitting. The father acted like a child and the daughter acted like an adult, on occasion.]

Yeah... It's sometimes better that way, right? It'd be really weird if there were two of my dads running around. ...or two of me, really. But mostly two of him. He causes a lot of trouble.

[She smiled to the floor, watching their steps. It was kind of odd being compared to her father at all, especially when they spent so much time apart, but it was pretty obvious. She could remember trying to do things like him, and since they talked almost every day, she couldn't help but pick up a few of his habits.

However, living with her grandmother raised her with a lot more common sense. They totally weren't that alike, she was sure.]

[There was a bit of a wince, not just from another wave of drunken dizziness hitting him but because he actually started to think about having to deal with two Kotetsus. As much as he cared about the other man, having two of him around would be just shy of a headache.]

I can't argue about that. Two... would be tiring. One is enough.

[Once they finally reached the edge of the stairs Brook swallowed and reached out carefully for the side of the railing as he squeezed Maple's hand. Don't fall over, don't fall over.]

Definitely.

[She was quite relieved once they managed to find flat ground again. At least, if he fell, it wouldn't be as hard or dangerous of a distance. But she was hoping he wouldn't, and she just made sure to tighten her hold on his arm.]

Come on, Mr. Brook! You're so close!

[Why did she say that. It's like he's a toddler attempting his first steps. Embarrassing, why did he allow this to happen, why is this happening, he's so ashamed of himself just let this be over already. After a slow nod Brook decided that with some effort, he'd be more than capable of handling this.

Except one minute later all he managed was two steps. ]

Is there an elevator? I remember I saw an elevator once.

Edited 2012-04-03 00:10 (UTC)

[Wait... what?

She took a long moment just staring at the floor as she tried to remember this. There was an elevator, wasn't there? Which... they could have taken. Had they remembered.

With a laugh, she glanced up at him.]

Next time. Too bad we're already on the floor we went to be on.

[She took another step forward.] Come on. Let's keep going.

[Life, why would you conspire against him like this? After a brief glance over his shoulder Brook reminded himself not to drink again for the entire time he'd be stuck in this bathhouse and extended his foot toward the next step.]

[She just stood by him and helped him inch forward. Maple really was far too used to this. Just leading along this figure twice her height and holding on to her far harder than she could take...

The thought of just powering up and carrying him to his room came to mind, but that was silly. After all, even if she could possess the strength pick him up, she wasn't sure she could figure out how to carry him. Plus he might throw up. And that would be bad.

So slow walking it was, while she quietly giggled to herself about the odd mental imagery of trying to carry Barnaby.]

[For some reason Brook had the sudden urge to sneeze and after a few more steps he paused and scrunched up his nose, trying to fend it off without letting go of the railing or Maple's hand. Thankfully after a few seconds the feeling subsided and his careful walk down the stairs continued until finally they reached the bottom. Cue relieved sigh.]

Done...

[She loosened her other hand's grip and smiled up at him, reaching over to rub the small of his back. Being so small, she couldn't quite reach much higher, but this seemed good enough for now.]

You did very well! See, your bedroom's right there. We're almost there.

[What was that all about? Brook glanced down at her as if to ask what the back-rubbing thing was supposed to do for him but decided against it, merely deciding to finally let go of her hand.]

You don't have to go farther. I can walk the rest of the way myself.

[It was supposed to be encouraging! But she figured she did something wrong when he let go, and merely took his hand back. No way, Mister!]

It's okay. I want to make sure you get thee safely.

[She would feel much safer knowing he was actually in bed instead of just trying to get there.]

[Brook was a little surprised to see her be so quick to grab onto his hand again but he couldn't possibly complain. She was just being cautious. Scratching at the back of his head, he gave a slow nod then glanced over in the direction of his room.]

Five... fifth room. That one's mine.

[Of course she was cautious. She was worried for him, especially in this state. Hangovers looked really painful.]

That's not too far from here. You've got it!

[Attempting to walk to the doorway... though once he gets there he has to sort of lean against it for a moment and hold his head in his free hand.]

W-wait, gonna... stay here. Gotta wait, for when it all stops spinning.

[She waited a minute and nodded, looking up at him.]

Just take a few deep breaths. It'll go away.

[Going to become one with this doorway soon. Ugh, and he'll need to sleep in those lousy futons too. Why can't he just have a nice normal bed for one night?]

'm sorry, I didn't wanna be this much of a bother.

No, it's okay. You didn't mean it.

[Beds are overrated. But as he took a breather in the doorway, Maple found herself fighting off a yawn of her own. No, she couldn't be tired yet! She still had too much to do! Shaking her head, she turned to Brook again.]

Want to try making it to your mat now?

[After a few seconds of silence and a quiet yet still agonized groan, he nodded and pushed away from the doorway, making a slow shuffle toward his futon.]

For once, why can't they be nice beds. This... isn't gonna feel good. On the floor. It's ridcu... ridilo... I don't understand.

[The complaints slip out before he can care about stopping them. He's drunk, he's tired, putting up a nice front is hard in a condition like his.]

They're really traditional here.

[And of course, all of his crankiness was due to him being tired. Kaede just continued to lead him over.] Maybe we can buy more pillows with the money we make.

I understand that much by now. [Once he finally makes it to the futon all he does is remove his glasses before taking a seat on it, rubbing at his temples and sighing heavily through his nose.]

Our money's better off goin' to more.... sourceful things. ...wonder if we can buy our way out.

[Sliding the glasses from his grasp, she set them on the floor next to his pillow. There; he'd see them in the morning.]

Maybe... Think about it tomorrow, okay? Come on, lay down.

[Brook immediately blinks in confusion as his glasses are snatched away from him and he even slowly reaches out his hand as if to grab them again but once his eyes land on the pillow he knows that he can't manage much more movement than that, and so he finally lays down onto his side, eyelids suddenly feeling heavier than they were before.]

Not gonna feel good, tomorrow. ...'m sorry, y'had to help me. And that yer here. Kotetsu must be crying. Breaking things. Idiot.

[She stood for a moment, getting his blanket to cover him with it. Once he seemed properly tucked in, she knelt back down next to him, her hand stroking his hair again.]

Want some water? Uncle says it won't hurt that much tomorrow if you drink some water now.

[All he does is roll onto his stomach and bury his face into the pillow, muffling out a request of "water".]

[She laughed softly and scuttled off to the kitchens. A few minutes later, she returned with a large glass of water. Setting it on the floor, she knelt down and pat his shoulder.]

Mr. Brook, are you still awake? I brought you some water.

[Mumbling something or another, who knows. He really was starting to doze off there but now that she's here he can't just ignore her so time to find the strength to sit up somehow.]

Sorry, a'most... sleep. Thanks.

[She smiled again, picking up the glass and holding it closer.]

It's okay. Once you drink this, you can go to sleep. I promise.

[There's a bit of squinting going on as he tries to get a better image of this blurry glass in front of him so he can know where to reach out, far too lazy to get his glasses for this. Thankfully it's not too far otherwise this would be a disaster. Once Brook has a hold of it he decides to pretty much down the whole thing in one go. Don't judge.]

[That's okay, she won't judge. She was glad he managed to down it all. Now, hopefully he wouldn't throw up or anything.]

There you go... Now I'll let you sleep.

[Of course not, that would be bad for his image. Once he's done he lets out a quiet exhale of air and hands the glass back, wiping at his mouth with the back of his hand which eventually gets used to hide another yawn.]

Thank you... be, careful goin' back t'yer room... no drinking... g'night.

[And with that said he just slowly lowers himself back to lay down sideways on the futon, curling up a little. He can't even put the blanket back over himself because he's out like a light.]

[Straightening the blanket over him again, she smiled. Oh he was so cute, even while sleeping... If only she had a camera here.]

Sweet dreams, Mr. Brook.

[She took a good second or two to glance around, just to make sure no one else was awake or paying attention. Then, during the silence... she placed a small kiss on his forehead.

Fangirl dream come true. Okay. She was good. She could die happy now. But it wasn't time for death, it was time for sleep. So she ran all the way back to her own room to have happy dreams.]

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[closed] the snozberries taste like snozberries

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