[His team is very well put together, it's true... After he hears about the shenanigans everyone else has been getting into, he'll feel glad that his own was so organized.
BUT FOR NOW he doesn't know that, and he's too exhausted and distraught to even pay mind to Baren's already increased attention, so that's going to come kick his ass someday. He leans into the hand just a little, more reflexive than anything, and sighs.]
Something light's fine. I don't want a full stomach if I've gotta leave in the middle of the night to fight or something.
We spent most of our time unlocking a terminal... Got to talk to a doctor, that was pretty much it. There were some stupid puzzles and riddles and then we had to fight things. I think it's some kinda exam?
[WHICH IS THE WORST what the heck kind of company even is Retrospec, he's exhausted?? All of that work just to unlock a communication line and be told to prepare for the real work ahead.]
Think so. All Retrospec employees have to go through it - it's probably some sort of testing our worth and trustworthiness to help them...? But apparently that'll work for getting the others back, and that's the most important part.
[He's speaking candidly - openly about how much he cares about the well-being of the missing people - which is something that he's less open about when it comes to the others. There were enough times when he was in the Retrospec basement where he thought to himself how important it was to get Yamato back to Kashuu, so he doesn't have to deal with being alone.
I get that it's not their fault that we've gotta do it, but it's still stupid. Especially when we're running on borrowed time already.
[He's pretty hyperfocused on Yasusada, but he hasn't not noticed all of the other people who are gone. Anya, Karkat, Dave, Yato - too many people he knows are at risk. Like Baren, he's worried even for the ones he doesn't know. Even for the ones who don't know about Retrospec at all, and maybe even for the employees.
He huffs out a little sigh, part forced irritation and part real exhaustion.]
He better be. I'm gonna kick his ass for making me wait.
[of beating up Yamato??? okay yeah, apparently. Still though - Baren's exhausted, but he'll make the effort not to show it too much. Not when Kashuu appears to be so down, so he'll skip forward so he's in front - then turn on his heel so he's walking backwards. He bends at the waist to get a look at Kashuu's expression.]
You're really no fun right now... how about a bath when you get home? You can have a soak and get all your contemplative angst out while I make dinner.
[ONE BATH ALONE is not enough for him to get out all of his contemplative angst!! He's also tempted to reach out and pinch Baren's nose, but he'll Refrain.]
Yeah, yeah, sure. I need to take one anyway, the woods stink.
[Of the outdoors and little else but?! That's him for you... Even if he's huffy and prickly now, he's still grateful for the effort Baren's going through, and his expression softens a little into something less severe.]
[THANKS FOR THE CONTROL, KASHUU. Still Baren laughs faintly at that, taking the ever so slight improvement as a good sign. Even if it's gradual, any chance of returning a little to Kashuu's good humor is something he's glad for.]
You're not underground in the crypts, maybe count your blessings? Some people really got the bum end of the deal. Lucky us, right?
[it's like. almost optimism. but in a judgmental lens]
[But at least they're approaching Kashuu and Yams' apartment now? Baren's grinning though, amused as ever. Even if he's tired, he'll keep up appearances.]
Help me make a new one, 'kay? Since you'll probably be helping me cross some of 'em off anyway.
As long as they're not things that're gonna give me wrinkles.
[HE'S TOO OLD ALREADY his old old soul is so tired. BUT YES there's the apartment, and in Kashuu will go, looking tired and sounding tired and pausing just long enough to collect Cat the cat from his perch by the window, where he waits for people to come home when they're gone for too long like a dog in kitten clothes.]
[The best kind of cat. Baren hums thoughtfully as he reaches over to scratch behind the cat's ear, just as much a fan of animals as they're fans of him.
That said he's not going to linger long, instead moving into the bathroom so he can start to run a bath while Kashuu is with his comfort animal.
[Cat's a fan of Baren, it's true... He's sad when Baren moseys away like what the heck, he wanted more ear scratches?? But Kashuu will provide in the meantime, it's fine.
Baren is really too kind to this scrub, though. Even if he's earned having a bath or two drawn after dealing with years of party satan shenanigans.]
[Baren will become good friends with this cat so fast.
So fast.
Regardless he's sounding confused as he walks out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him so the heat doesn't escape the bath that he's drawn too quickly, blinking in confusion.]
[Yeah honestly please be worried about Kashuu. He's just squinting a little, canting his head first to one side and then to the other in a way reminiscent of a confused animal.]
But like, drawing baths and stuff?
[THAT SEEMS REALLY SMALL and totally unrelated to battle?! He figures that's where the majority of their agreement is, anyway - that if Baren ever needs his help, he'd be there to lend his strength. The rest is just... friendship, isn't it??
He's starting to get the creeping realization that he might have bit off more than he can chew, here.]
[Confused animal.... It's kinda cute, Baren's entertaining the idea of petting his head again. This still might be because Baren likes animals more than people.
Still though, he hums at that and mirrors the tilt of Kashuu's head.]
Sure.
It's not like it's anything I wouldn't do for my sister.
[ . . . that's still a pretty high level of importance, Baren.]
[When will swords rank supreme over animals, the real question.
But anyway THAT'S yes that sure is definitely a high level of importance, hm. HM. But maybe he's just reading too much into it because he's tired and wants a nap already...]
—Well, thanks. You can use the bathroom after I'm done, I'll go set out the guest towels and stuff.
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BUT FOR NOW he doesn't know that, and he's too exhausted and distraught to even pay mind to Baren's already increased attention, so that's going to come kick his ass someday. He leans into the hand just a little, more reflexive than anything, and sighs.]
Something light's fine. I don't want a full stomach if I've gotta leave in the middle of the night to fight or something.
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[Listen, if Kashuu isn't going to say anything about Baren's increased attention, then Baren isn't either. He'd rather it not be brought up at all...]
It's better if you keep eating normally so you don't lose energy or strength.
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For now, he just looks Tired and almost old in a way that doesn't suit.]
I'm not gonna be unprepared if I do have to, that's all. [A little, sloping shrug.] But I'll eat whatever you make.
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[He's already contemplating recipes and such on the way back, humming thoughtfully.]
What's your team been doing out in the forest anyway?
[If they've still got time to kill on the walk back - Baren is admittedly still in a bit of an info-hunting mode.]
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[WHICH IS THE WORST what the heck kind of company even is Retrospec, he's exhausted?? All of that work just to unlock a communication line and be told to prepare for the real work ahead.]
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[He's speaking candidly - openly about how much he cares about the well-being of the missing people - which is something that he's less open about when it comes to the others. There were enough times when he was in the Retrospec basement where he thought to himself how important it was to get Yamato back to Kashuu, so he doesn't have to deal with being alone.
He thinks it's the same now.]
Samurai Jack should be on his way back soon.
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[He's pretty hyperfocused on Yasusada, but he hasn't not noticed all of the other people who are gone. Anya, Karkat, Dave, Yato - too many people he knows are at risk. Like Baren, he's worried even for the ones he doesn't know. Even for the ones who don't know about Retrospec at all, and maybe even for the employees.
He huffs out a little sigh, part forced irritation and part real exhaustion.]
He better be. I'm gonna kick his ass for making me wait.
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[of beating up Yamato??? okay yeah, apparently. Still though - Baren's exhausted, but he'll make the effort not to show it too much. Not when Kashuu appears to be so down, so he'll skip forward so he's in front - then turn on his heel so he's walking backwards. He bends at the waist to get a look at Kashuu's expression.]
You're really no fun right now... how about a bath when you get home? You can have a soak and get all your contemplative angst out while I make dinner.
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Yeah, yeah, sure. I need to take one anyway, the woods stink.
[Of the outdoors and little else but?! That's him for you... Even if he's huffy and prickly now, he's still grateful for the effort Baren's going through, and his expression softens a little into something less severe.]
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You're not underground in the crypts, maybe count your blessings? Some people really got the bum end of the deal. Lucky us, right?
[it's like. almost optimism. but in a judgmental lens]
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[BURIED.
But okay that's probably at least the closest to his usual shittery that he's gotten ever since Yasusada disappeared. So good work, Baren?! Maybe??]
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[ . . . . fuck, what's left on his bucket list.
. . . . ]
Make a new bucket list!
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Don't go through your bucket lists so fast! ...Or I guess that's the point, but still!
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[But at least they're approaching Kashuu and Yams' apartment now? Baren's grinning though, amused as ever. Even if he's tired, he'll keep up appearances.]
Help me make a new one, 'kay? Since you'll probably be helping me cross some of 'em off anyway.
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[HE'S TOO OLD ALREADY his old old soul is so tired. BUT YES there's the apartment, and in Kashuu will go, looking tired and sounding tired and pausing just long enough to collect Cat the cat from his perch by the window, where he waits for people to come home when they're gone for too long like a dog in kitten clothes.]
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That said he's not going to linger long, instead moving into the bathroom so he can start to run a bath while Kashuu is with his comfort animal.
It's too automatic how he does some things...]
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Baren is really too kind to this scrub, though. Even if he's earned having a bath or two drawn after dealing with years of party satan shenanigans.]
Thanks— [Calling out after him!] I owe you one.
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So fast.
Regardless he's sounding confused as he walks out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him so the heat doesn't escape the bath that he's drawn too quickly, blinking in confusion.]
.... why?
I said I'd take care of you.
[????]
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Kashuu also arches a brow, pausing for a second to just sort of smash his face into his cat because he needs the comfort leave him alone. But also:]
Yeah, and we're not in the middle of a battle or anything. You're doing me a favor here, y'know?
[He, a simple fool, does not understand how far "I'll take care of you" extends. He doesn't know what he's gotten into.]
Just put lunch on my tab next time we grab a bite or something.
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That said, we should all be very worried about Kashuu? Baren just continues to look... befuddled. Normally he's super willing to cash in favors but.]
I can if you want, but I don't really see the point.
You said you'd be mine, right? It's the least that I can do to take care of you.
[such a straightforward answer
we're all getting whiplash here]
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But like, drawing baths and stuff?
[THAT SEEMS REALLY SMALL and totally unrelated to battle?! He figures that's where the majority of their agreement is, anyway - that if Baren ever needs his help, he'd be there to lend his strength. The rest is just... friendship, isn't it??
He's starting to get the creeping realization that he might have bit off more than he can chew, here.]
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Still though, he hums at that and mirrors the tilt of Kashuu's head.]
Sure.
It's not like it's anything I wouldn't do for my sister.
[ . . . that's still a pretty high level of importance, Baren.]
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But anyway THAT'S yes that sure is definitely a high level of importance, hm. HM. But maybe he's just reading too much into it because he's tired and wants a nap already...]
—Well, thanks. You can use the bathroom after I'm done, I'll go set out the guest towels and stuff.