July Quests and Catch-All [OPEN]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Who: Berserker (Cú Chulainn Alter) and you!
When: Throughout July
Where: Through the city
What: Quests and other things!
Warnings: Some threads are NSFW!


[ 1. Sew and Tell ]

[ While Berserker can't help with the magical parts of upgrading the shop, he is strong. He's doing any grunt labor asked of him, lifting things, moving heavy objects, and holding people up to reach things. You need something carried? He's your dragon man.

He finishes a task to take a small break to stretch. He looks over to a coworker (or customer, he doesn't care to know the difference) and tilts his head slightly. ]

Is there something you need me for?

[ 2. Out of the City ]

[ There's a lull in the activity of the day and Berserker takes a moment to rest. He slumps down against a tree, his spear Gae Bolg resting against his shoulder. He's only doing this because he knows he's good at it -- fighting and killing is boring and routine. A sound catches his attention and he grabs his spear without getting up. ]

Do I need to stand up or did you just trip?

[ He's a jerk, sorry. ]

[ 3. Wildcard ]

[ Got an idea? Did we plot something already? Drop me a starter or PM me here or on discord at glitzkrieg#0673! ]

Comments

1.

[lonewanderer]

[ Likewise, Lex can't do any magic. She can lift, though; while the strength isn't exactly superhuman, she's definitely getting stronger as her chimera features come in. The metal fused to her bones help in this case, though she's still having definite growing pains. Those pains are why Lex is taking a quick break, stretching out her arms, the talons growing in place of nails flexing.

When Berserker asks his question, he probably doesn't mean to help her stretch. Despite that, Lex tilts her head and considers it. It has gotten more difficult to stretch her legs while standing, thanks to the talons... ]

Don't suppose you know any cooperative stretching? [ The question almost sounds rhetorical, but she's listening, if there's an answer. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Berserker just gives an indifferent stare. Cooperative anything is not something he's good at -- he's extremely solitary in everything. Even back in Chaldea when he fought alongside other Servants, he preferred to act as a one man war. ]

No, I don't. [ It's like talking to a wall. ] If you need help stretching, try a wall.

[ Or someone else. He's not interested in human monster contact today. ]

[lonewanderer]

[ She snorts. It doesn't bother her too much; Lex instead shifts her weight to one leg and stretches the other behind her back, gripping her ankle with one clawed hand. There's a scraping noise as the talons slide against her well-worn combat armor, but she's able to do it - maybe not as well as she would without it, though. ]

You're the one who asked.

[ But she sounds amused more than anything else. ]

From what I heard, they've got to figure out some of the magic shit before we go lifting things for them again.

[curruid_coinchenn]

I meant about work, not about your personal needs.

[ He figured that much was obvious, but it's suddenly clear it wasn't. There's only a brief glance at her before he looks away again. Idle time is something he loathes just because it gives people a chance to interact with him. Isolation is his preferred way of life. ]

So we just sit here until we're told what to do. [ Berserker breathes out a sigh.. ] Of course.

[lonewanderer]

Stretching makes me more effective at work.

[ She's not here to argue about it, but Lex also likes making sure her point is clear. A few seconds longer and she drops her leg, switching to the other. ]

Hopefully they figure out the magic side of things soon. Staying busy is preferable.

[curruid_coinchenn]

Then learn to do it on your own.

[ A real charmer, this one.

He finally takes an actual look at Lex. ]

What are you? [ YOU CAN'T JUST ASK PEOPLE THAT, BERSERKER. ] I haven't seen anything like you before.

[ This is what happens when you isolate yourself, you jerk. ]

[lonewanderer]

Someone learning how to use talons.

[ It's said a bit flatly, but once she's done stretching that leg and lets it drop, she shrugs. ]

Chimera, as far as I can figure. Lots of variety.

closed to Waver

[curruid_coinchenn]

The cold annoys him endlessly. Dragons are not meant to be cold like this, at least not the sort of dragon he is. He wouldn't have even left the apartment if he hadn't needed to pick something up from the shop. It wasn't even a long trek, but the snow was falling heavy in a frigid, gusty wind. After the stupidity from a few days ago, Berserker is still sore and, as a result, crankier than ever. Being forced to venture out in the cold didn't help that attitude.

He comes up the steps to the apartment and opens the door, shaking the snow from his cloak before he comes in. He didn't think to wipe his slushy boots, though, and tracks the mess along with him. Mercifully, he leaves them nearish the door, so it's not an egregious problem. Wetness drips from his hair and clothes as he stops to strip off most of his outer layers. Instead of hanging them up or anything else, he just lets them drop onto the rug beneath him.

"Anybody home?"

At least he thought to announce himself this time.

[tryhard]

Waver may not be particularly averse to the cold by nature or instinct, but that doesn't mean he really enjoys it. He's perfectly content to stay indoors while the weather's all wonky, other than to go to work or run necessary errands.

He's only just returned from his shift at the apothecary a few minutes ago when he hears the door open. His ears prick automatically, but he recognizes the scent and the voice calling out. Even if it doesn't make him all that happy to hear Berserker, and without Diarmuid.

It's been a bit awkward, but all things considered, Waver's gotten used to the large dragon's presence-- potentially even to the point of considering one of the household, if grudgingly. They haven't had occasion to interact too much even with Berserker coming and going regularly these days, but Waver doesn't mind keeping it that way. Vague politeness and willingness to share space when needed is all that's required of him, and it's a deal he can live with for now.

So when Berserker calls out his question, Waver steps out of his room with the intent to stay just long enough to say hello and make himself some hot tea to settle in with, now that he's home as well.

"Just me," Waver replies, making his way down the hall with a small wave.

And then he spots Berserker's boots in damp disarray by the door, having already tracked mud inside past the rug for wiping off shoes. On top of that, he's a mess, looking awfully bedraggled and miserable, and standing amidst a pile of what appear to be sopping jackets and coats just getting the floor wet.

Waver sighs.

"Are you serious? Don't leave those on the floor. You're getting everything dirty."

[curruid_coinchenn]

Berserker had a vague hope he'd be the only one here. The past few days have been rough, with isolation being the only relief from complicated feelings. No such luck today, but such is the risk of living with others. It's fine. It's not ideal, but it's fine. He gives a cordial nod in response to the voice, but says nothing himself.

His feelings about Waver are largely indifferent. He's important to Diarmuid so he's at least trying to not be outright cruel to him. There's still an attempt at avoidance made whenever possible to try to keep the peace. He has no interest in being overly friendly or trying to force more of a relationship when it's unnecessary.

Berserker narrows his eyes as he drops off his last layer, down to a loose dark shirt and dark pants. Manners of any kind are a foreign concept -- he's more like a wild animal than a person in some ways.

"I'll deal with them in a moment."

And, to his credit, he does pick up the layers abandoned on the floor and hangs them up to dry. His boots are left where they are, mostly because his focus has gone to how cold he is. Berserker fights off a shiver as he wipes wet hair away from his face.

"Is that better?" Indifferent. He mostly wants to be left alone so he can go bundle himself up in all the blankets he can find.

[tryhard]

"...I guess."

The real answer is 'no' but Waver has surmised that Berserker is clearly incapable of doing a simple task like cleaning up after himself. He can't stand the mess though, so Waver stalks over to the boots first, brushing past Berserker as he bends to grab them, mouth twisting in distaste.

"You need to stomp the excess snow off outside. Wipe your feet on the rug before you come in," he lectures as he moves to go do that himself now, meaning to shake off the boots before coming back in to mop.

[curruid_coinchenn]

Warm...That's all Berserker can focus on as Waver brushes past him. The lecture annoys him, but the annoyance is background noise to the thought of that warmth. It would be inappropriate and, frankly, weird to ask Waver why he's so warm and if he can leech off of it. And yet...No. Focus.

"I can do it myself. I wanted to warm up first," he admits, "don't clean up after me. It's not your responsibility."

[tryhard]

"By the time you warm up, the floor will be wet and the rug will be stained. Just take care if it before you get settled in and it won't be a problem next time," Waver points out flatly. He also doesn't think it's his responsibility, but frankly, he'd rather not deal with worse messes later.

"I'll do it this time. Don't expect me to do it again."

closed to Diarmuid, event continuation

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ OOC: continued from here ]

[ The threat isn't a surprise. Dragons are fiercely protective of those they're close to and the things they own. It's an instinct deeply ingrained in the fiber of their being. Berserker silently accepts it with a cold look. He would have said the same thing if their positions were reversed.

He wants to shake the coat off and refuse the help, but he's really too numb to fight it. It's warm, dry, and smells like Diarmuid, all of which are welcome and comforting. He manages to get to his feet finally, even as every nerve in him lights up in pain.

Speaking of pain, the pain on Diarmuid's face concerns him. The ache is shared through their bond, troubling him further. Ah, this is all his fault. Well, no, Caster shares a good bit of the blame, too, but mostly it's his fault. He has to say something. He keeps his voice low, as these words are only meant for his Bonded. ]

I will give you the choice to sever our bond. I won't hold it against you if you choose to do it. I will no longer be your burden to bear. You would be better off if you simply gave up on me.

[ He'd told Diarmuid not to let him push him away, but things have changed. This is too severe of a situation to hold to that. An Alter Servant is a problem for everything and everyone around them. The reality of his existence is crystal clear. ]

I'm giving you this choice out of courtesy. Don't think of it as running away...I was never your responsibility to bear. I was never supposed to exist. [ He never wanted to exist. ] Don't feel obligated to help an impossibility. You owe me nothing, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne...

[ He closes his eyes, expression pained momentarily. ]

Do as you will.

[ua_duibhne]

[He knew it was coming and it still makes his chest tighten. Against all instincts, he stays quiet and listens, letting his unhappiness at the offer show only in a tightening of his jaw. Obligation. Courtesy. Burden. The words wash over him as coldly as the breeze but he says nothing the whole while.

Diarmuid swallows.]

... there's some truth in that. [He tightens the front of the coat around him and fastens a couple of buttons to hold it in place.] And yet here we both stand. Together, no less.

[Next, the scarf. Gently, he wraps it around Berserker's neck, making sure to cover his wounded ear without pressing on it too much. As he draws back, he touches a hand to his cheek to wipe some of the blood away. Since he gave up his coat, he has little left to offer in the way of body heat, but he's still warmer than the dragon and the prickle of magic has its own heat.

To hell with vows. The decision he comes to is made not as a knight but as a friend.

The smile he gives him is faint but its fragility belies the strength behind it. He sounds firm.]

An impossibility and a fool.

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ He didn't think Diarmuid would take him up on it, but he offered it regardless. To think he has this sort of determination in him. It's misguided in his mind; he's not worth this effort -- he's not worth anything at all. The same conflicted feelings trouble him as they did when he and Waver met. It was a mess, he was a mess...He's still a mess.

He passively accepts the additional warmth, expression unreadable. The least he can do is pull the Lancer closer. It's purely practical, he tells himself, for warmth and nothing else. In truth, it's a comfort to have him close. He wants to ease the burden placed on Diarmuid in anyway, even if he doesn't understand that's why he does this. ]

And you're a fool for staying here. [ There's no bite in his words, no edge whatsoever. ] Let me get Gae Bolg and... [ He should ask, not assume. ] ...Can I stay with you for the night?

[ It's closer to Diarmuid's apartment than Ozymandias' home. Practical, he tells himself. No, that's a lie. He wants the comfort only his Bonded can provide. Even he can't justify it another way. He wants to lie with him and rest his aching body. It's an indulgence he shouldn't take, one he should be ashamed for even considering...No. That's not right, either. It's okay to take comfort from Diarmuid. ]

[ua_duibhne]

I know. [A soft, strange laugh.] That's usually how it goes.

[The proximity is a relief he couldn't have expected. His head's still spinning in the aftermath and, now that he doesn't have to worry about Berserker breaking their bond, he's just... tired. It's only now that he even realises that he was afraid of that possibility; deep down, he was absolutely certain that he'd turn away and that would it be. Two down in one night. But he can breathe. Emotionally, his every resource has been drained dry but he can breathe. The smile fades and he leans into him, eyes closed for just a moment as he appreciates the steady pulse of energy between them.

There's no point worrying about right or wrong decisions tonight. When he pulls away, he makes an effort to perk up and hides his anxiety with a curt nod.]

... of course. You can take a bath and then I'll look at your injuries or you can just rest.

[The spear, he's assuming, is somewhere in the middle of all that rubble and he's quick to step in and help; the sooner they get out of the cold, the better. Hell, he'll even try to coax Berserker into a coach once they get back to the main street.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Trying hide what can be felt is a bit pointless, but Berserker leaves it alone. There's a time and a place to dig at such a thing, neither of which were right now. Slowly things are changing, even if just a little bit. Don't tear at someone's worries and fears just because you can, have a reason. It's an improvement.

There's a certain relief once his favored weapon is in hand once again. He's already in better spirits, even agreeing to the coach. It's faster and out of the cold. The pain in his muscles is enough that he might not have made it back just walking, either. A practical solution to these problems. Berserker spends the ride in silence, leaned against Diarmuid.

Once out of the coach, he makes a stubborn show of walking up to the apartment. It's not as though he's truly walking unassisted -- Gae Bolg is a decent support. The second he's inside, he makes a determined line for the nearest bathroom. No words, only action -- he's on a mission. Careful with the borrowed coat and scarf, they go first and are left somewhere safe. The rest of his clothes form a wet trail behind him in his wake. Everything else be damned, a hot bath is what he needs.

As he draws the bath, he realizes he doesn't have a spare set of clothing...Oh well, he'll worry about that later. The comfort of hot water is calling now. He sinks into the water, his head just barely above it. Anything to soothe his stinging skin and aching muscle. ]

[ua_duibhne]

[There's something there. He knows it. At first, he'd wondered if what he was seeing was simply a reflection of himself in Berserker, parts that were passed down through the bond against his will, but now he has to wonder..

Abandoned clothes are gathered up- the wet ones ready to be hung out to dry when the snow lets up- boots are set somewhere out of the way and his own damp shirt is swapped out for a sweater. It's only when he hears the bathroom door shut, though, that Diarmuid sinks into an armchair. What a mess. Waver's at work if he's remembering correctly. Probably for the best; he's almost certainly felt that disturbance through their own bond but this isn't a conversation he wants to have right now with anyone. At least he knows Berserker will feel the same.

But there's no rest for the wicked- and god knows he's feeling as though he counts among their numbers right now. He gives the other Servant some time alone to decompress but, after a short while, heads into the bathroom himself, a pile of clothes he thinks might fit him under one arm. They're not too different in size, really, just built differently.]

... may I look at your ear?

2

[definingfuture]

[Tony is maybe not the subtlest explorer. Even without his armor, he isn't usually the stealthiest person in the room. He does have his few moments of inspiration, but this is not one of them. When he stumbles into the area, it is actually over a branch that is half-buried in dirt and foliage, making a loud snapping noise as his leg catches it.]

Uh, you don't have to get up if you were resting.

[He did not just trip! He's still on his feet.]

[curruid_coinchenn]

[ Stealth and subtlety certainly aren't his strong suit, no. Berserker's expression doesn't change as he watches Tony almost eat it. He could call it out, but he's sure the other man knows. ]

There's a branch there. [ Indifferent. He does stand up, though. ] You should watch your footing.

[ Is he being a jerk for no reason? Yeah. He's good at that. ]

[definingfuture]

[ Tony very nearly trips again as he turns to avoid stepping into the branch Berkserker mentions, just in time. He almost doesn't make it, but despite looking surprised and completely out of place in the woods, Tony does have more coordination than he appears like he should. ]

What are you doing way out here? It's dangerous.

[curruid_coinchenn]

I'm doing my job...There's just nothing for me to do right now.

[ There's no need to lie or cover up his true purpose for being out here. They needed fighters and he's good at that, even if he doesn't enjoy it. ]

I could ask the same of you. You don't look like you belong here at all.

[definingfuture]

[ Tony gives Berserker a questioning look. While he understands that the job is probably defending the city, which is something he's used to, he feels bad that apparently the warrior is standing guard out on his own. ]

I guess I don't. But none of us really belong here and we're still here, so I need to help out as much as anyone else does. I thought taking a look out here might give me some inspiration. Maybe shed some light on how to stop the diseases.

[ And putting himself at risk is totally reasonable for the sake of science. ]

[curruid_coinchenn]

Wouldn't it be safer to research it elsewhere?

[ Berserker narrows his eyes for a moment. He's used to being a solitary force, so standing guard alone is fine for now. ]

Inspiration might be infection. [ As if to punctuate this, he suddenly kills a small rodent with his spear. Aside from the fact it's dead, something seems off about its general look. ] Be careful if you go any further.