bakerstreet | when we were young

[Kisuke was flying through screens, lines of data reflecting off of his eyes, wide and cheerful despite what he was saying about himself. Nemuri cared for him. Anyone could see that.

But, he couldn't imagine a scenario in which he could live in the living world and meet someone so sweet to him. For some reason, he didn't trust the person who sat in the seat he was in on a daily basis. He lied easily enough, not wanting it to actually be true. There was no way he could just flip and turn into him.]

Oh? But, I really don't think I am! It's unlikely that, if you had met me the way I am right now, you'd ever want to spend time with me.

[He set up a program, running through a file he found on results regarding himself. The encryptions were easy to go through--he just guessed what would be the most infuriating codes to match were.]

I'm not charming or nice. I get up late every morning. I cheat during training drills. I slurp my tea. I don't ever brush my hair. I space out. I ramble. I...

[He couldn't match Nemuri's eyes at all. Kisuke thought he was a coward.]

So, I must have done something to change all that. I'd have to change who I am for anyone to look at me like you do, right?

[ Nemuri sighed as she listened to all of that, pulling out another of his chairs so that she could sit beside him and look at him earnestly. So he was avoiding her gaze. Nemuri was used to grown men unable to look her in the eyes, especially when she was in her Pro Hero costume. That was fine, so long as he was listening. ]

Slurping your tea, not brushing your hair, spacing out, rambling... Trivial things. [ She waved a hand carelessly. ] First of all, you should see how I look on my days off. I look like what the cat dragged in. And I've already talked your ear off numerous times because I'm a teacher and I can't help but drone on and on. In fact, I'm about to do that now.

[ A wry smile. ]

Change is something that occurs upon that which has already been built. You won't be the Kisuke I'm dating today if you weren't the Kisuke that you were 100 years ago. I treasure you as you are now, because to remove your history from the equation would be to shun who you are today, and I could never do that.

[ She reached out to brush his hair away from his face - that same flaxen lock touching his nose as it did at present. ]

If the lesson has been learned, then I'll dismiss the class. But if not, you'll have to stay for extra credit.

[Kisuke didn't bother trying to reverse-engineer the quirk. He simply looked through the computer's database to look for something relevant that could overlap with the effects based on what the blood sample did to interact with his own blood samples. Eerily enough, the Kisuke of 'today' took samples of his own blood on a daily basis. All he had to do was interpolate the changes between his blood at the moment and the blood on file based on interactions with the quirk-user's blood. Obviously, he thought it would be that simple because he could reason it out to be. It would take exhaustive testing for anyone who didn't have an insane amount of data collection tools like his future self seemed to.

Kisuke reached to the sample trade below and pulled out an unused syrette, positioning it along his arm. As Nemuri continued, he paused and his hand started shaking. The polite smile bled away and he suddenly looked as tired as he actually felt, just as Nemuri brushed his hair aside. He was listening to her intently the whole time but he didn't want to give up his way of thinking. He wasn't happy the way he was but he could only imagine the discomfort of admitting it was a problematic line of thinking and trying to change. Kisuke took the sample and put it the slot he used before, watching it load up out of the corner of his eye. He was startled when the result came up so quickly, expecting it to take at least an hour.

The computer 'dinged' and a little panel on the side opened. A little blood-red sphere popped out on a tray, sitting on the desk by the keyboard. It was the same color as the statue of Midnight on the table. Kisuke's eyes shifted to glance at it, bewildered. He didn't remember choosing the application method. The computer defaulted to 'hardened syrup'--a little ball of candy. He would have chosen that but it was baked into his process for creating medicine. On the screen, the resulting code indicated: Approximation complete. Matched for 'most recent blood sample'. Kisuke opened his mouth, feeling his chest tighten when he looked at the little piece of candy. If there was candy loaded up for sample medications, then he had made it ahead of time. There wasn't any sound from inside the computer that indicated it was made on the spot. There was just a little bit of a medicated spray on the surface. The inside of his computer was loaded with candy and it stuck in his mind.]

I don't think you can fix me... or, that you'd really want to. That much seems true to me even if I feel like I don't believe any of the evidence.

[He picked up the candy. The sad little smile he made this time was the real deal.]

I won't know until I do it firsthand and meet you properly for myself... [Two beats.] ... Nemuri.

[He popped the candy into his mouth, giving it a thoughtful suck before his whole body disappeared in a cloud of mist. Waving his hands rapidly to dispel the cloud of mist, the 'Kisuke' of that morning rapidly waved his arms around, visibly startled. His whole body was pink, as if he had just spent the day soaking in an onsen.]

Woah, woah--that's super hot!

[ Nemuri had her eyes fixed upon Kisuke, and so she saw that look of exhaustion and defeat that shadowed his face. It tugged at her heartstrings, because it looked like he was trying to live up to some ideal of himself that he didn't feel he could achieve.

Accepting one's self, flaws and all, and deciding to grow and improve, were all tall orders. The tallest of all orders was loving one's self. Nemuri didn't think she'd be able to change his way of thinking just with one pep talk - these were processes that took time. But Nemuri was willing to do it - day in and day out - until he believed it. ]

"Fix" you? You're hardly a machine, and you're not broken either.

[ But he was right in that he wouldn't know he could do it until he did. If that made sense. She couldn't change him for him. He had to do it himself.

Nemuri watched as he popped the candy-medicine (since it was mostly candy rather than medicine) into his mouth, making him "poof!" into a cloud of smoke.

Waving the mist away with him, Nemuri eyed him curiously. He looked fairly normal, aside from turning pink like a lobster. ]

Hi, handsome.

Edited 2020-09-04 08:30 (UTC)

[For the moment, Kisuke didn't seem eager to ask any questions. He felt unbelievably tired and sweaty, like he'd been running for days on end in the blistering heat. Everything about his body felt new even down to his soul. He'd have to do a routine check on that gigai to make sure it was working.

The steam hadn't completely cleared and there was plenty coming off of his skin and out of his mouth as he made out Nemuri's face. She looked a little bothered by something--which he assumed was probably the reason why he was dripping wet and steaming.]

I'm like a fresh dumpling out of the pot! [It was even coming out of his ears.]

Hello! [He wanted to reach over and give Nemuri a kiss but he felt like the steam wasn't all that superficial. It wasn't all unpleasant, though. It was like feeling of popping out of a hot shower, except it wasn't really ending that fast.]

Nemuri, I'm sorry but... I think I need to drink a gallon or so of nice, cold water.

[ She had to smile at the idea of dumpling-Kisuke. She wanted to ask if he recalled what had happened, but making sure that he was alright was the priority at the moment. ]

Do you have a fridge down here or do we need to go back upstairs?

[ Nemuri stood, in case he needed her to get him anything. ]

The fridges down here just contain temperature specific medications. I don't think I need any of them unless I don't stop--

[The steam cleared up and he held his breath a moment for good luck.]

Oh. Good! Well, I'd rather go upstairs.

[He suddenly came to a clear realization of where he was and who he was with and he felt very, very self-conscious about it all.]

We need to get out of the completely unprepared and messy lab full of secrets gifts that hasn't been tidied up for guests at all. [He was trying not to glance at the statue he'd been using as a constant motivation for improvement in the past couple weeks.]

[ Smiling, she gave him a kiss to his cheek. So the cat was out of the bag. Well, he'd already told her about the costumes, the new skinsuit, and the kimonos, so she didn't mind seeing his progress. ]

Let's go, then.

[ She was itching to ask him what he could remember, but physical needs and his safety came first. Nemuri headed back up and out of his lab, checking where the cold water was, if he had any, as well as ice just in case they ran out.

She turned to Kisuke as he entered the kitchen, giving him a warm smile. ]

How are you feeling?

[Kisuke couldn't turn any redder but he did get his dopey little smile back where it belonged. He followed side by side with Nemuri just in case he suddenly felt like collapsing.]

Oh, just remembering little bits of the day, suddenly. Calibrating my body to advance in time with a specific blood test result was Part One and Part Two was letting the quirk itself wear off.

[Jinta and Ururu were eating lunch at the table, both saying 'Hello' to Nemuri politely, even if Jinta looked as sullen as he always did. When Kisuke stepped through the door, still beet-red and sweaty, the both of them jumped a little bit.

Ururu gaped, her jaw dropping and a little sparkle coming out of her eyes.]

Mr. Shopkeep is turning into an ogre!

[Jinta spat.] What're you, stupid!?

[Kisuke gave them a lengthly, tired look and then turned back to Nemuri, lifting a hand in his usual 'Here's some science facts!' tone of voice, albeit a little muted because his throat was dry.] Oh. Also, I'm sure everyone who recovers from it will figure it out but it's very uncomfortable having a whole day's memories shoved back into your head all at once. I feel sorry for the people who had to experience years of it in a few hours!

[ Nemuri poured Kisuke a full glass of cold water, ready to give him more as soon as he'd finished it.

Seeing the long, tired look that he gave the kids, she put her hands upon each of their heads. ]

Be nice to your father.

[ Ururu looked abashed while Jinta sputtered. ] I didn't do nothin'!

Be nice to your sister.

[ The two of them subsided into obedient silence, and Nemuri glanced back up at Kisuke with a sympathetic frown. ]

I imagine it's information overload. [ Like a year's worth of a classroom lecture shoved into one moment. ]

Edited (what is English, baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me no more) 2020-09-06 03:22 (UTC)

[Kisuke gave off a dumb little smile the moment Nemuri came to his defense. The fever would probably die off but he wanted it to die off before Tessai got a look at him and decided he'd need to fish out more of the awful medicine from the shed--]

Thanks~. [He promptly swallowed it all in one long gulp and set down the glass, reaching into his pocket for his wallet and holding out a bill for Nemuri.]

Can I have another coffee? I'll pay for the second round ♥! [Ururu and Jinta, reasonably confused, watched him carefully.]

--Oh. Wait, I think I'm catching up! We're definitely not in the coffee shop anymore.

Afraid I'm no barista, but I can pour an amazing glass of fresh, cold water.

[ Which she promptly did, passing it to Kisuke with a reassuring smile. (That actually gave her an idea of what to give him next...)

She looked at the two teens, deciding to explain the situation to them when she noted their confusion. ]

He was hit by an age-reversal Quirk earlier. He went back around a hundred years. It's alright now, though; he created a medicine that returned him to his usual age.

[ Nemuri looked back to Kisuke, concern wrinkling her brow. ] Are you alright now? You still look red... Perhaps you should lie down?

[Ururu whispered to Jinta, "Was he a baby?"

Jinta gaped, unsure how to answer until he finally replied, "...I dunno. He's gotta be pretty old, right?"

Kisuke was sipping at the water the second time around, his face slipping into the usual dumb little smile he had on when he was with Nemuri. The kids were whispering about Urahara being probably a thousand years old and that he was actually a grandpa.]

Oh, it's fine, Nemuri! It's just going to be like a really bad sunburn later, so I'll have to take a dip in the bath tonight~.

[He started walking out of the kitchen, looking for the living room where he could throw himself on the nice couch. With a happily dizzy hum in his voice, Kisuke shakily made his way over.] Come on, let's watch the news! I bet they're showing you working right now.

[ Nemuri caught wind of them whispering and said, ] So you're saying I'm dating a thousand-year-old grandpa? The age gap is scandalous - that makes me feel naughty.

[ Laughing, she left them with dumbfounded expressions on their faces as she headed off to the living room with Kisuke. ]

Do you need any help with topical medicines, anything like that?

[ When she passed by Tessai as she said that, she thought she saw a gleam shine the large man's eyes. ]

Does Tessai-san have some ointment we can put on you?

Hah! Well, that's definitely a hurtful thing for my adoring charges to say about me, isn't it! About a man who's already quite sensitive enough about his age, hmmm?

[There was some shuffling in the kitchen as he made an effort to raise his voice to say that. Shortly after, Kisuke's eyes bulged and fixed on Tessai. He was breaking into a sweat again.]

No. No, Tessai's bussy. He has to--He has to-- [Crap, what day was it--] He has to unload shipments and he's very busy!

Well, it's clearly not true, considering how full of vigor you are. Only a youthful, lively man could do the things that you've -

[ Tessai coughed loudly, and Nemuri's smile was just a tiny bit smug as she settled down beside Kisuke.

However, his nervousness was rolling off him in waves, and she glanced at Tessai, who looked... excited about something? ]

Alright, then...

[ That was a little odd.

Nemuri glanced as Kisuke, wondering if she could now ask about what had happened. ]

Are your memories of the day back now?

[Strangely enough, Kisuke was holding his cane between him and Tessai defensively, even as a little glimmer of light shined off of the giant's glasses.]

Y-yeah, let's talk about that! I'm feeling great after all, so we can definitely do some small talk!

[He was keeping Tessai in sight as he slid into the living room with Nemuri and closed the shoji with a solid thud. A slight calm washed over him, even if it was a little muted.]

But, yes, I think I'm back up to speed. I think I was the main target, whoever that... Uh, weird fellow was. He was very adamant about sending you a message and he claimed I was ruining his life?

[Wouldn't be the first time that would happen to him, he was sure.]

I was expecting fans of yours to harass me but I wasn't expecting it to be a grown man in a diaper.

[ Nemuri caught Tessai's look of disappointment as the shoji panels slammed shut. She had to ask about that.

Ugh. Remembering the Babymaker made her rub at her temples. ]

I'm so sorry he had to get you like that. He asked for my number and I wouldn't give it.

[ She cupped Kisuke's face to give him a kiss to his cheek. ]

So... is your past self happy now, looking at what you've made for yourself?

Edited 2020-09-07 08:40 (UTC)

...Is that really it?

[Having never had rabid fans before, Kisuke was left with a perplexed look on his face. He sat down with Nemuri as she planted a kiss on him and he was reluctant to kiss her back until he had a second to think about how strange that morning was.

He brushed it off and returned the kiss before taking off his haori and resting it on the back of the couch along with his hat. Even if he had some water to cool off, his remedy was very hastily prepared and a bit difficult on his body.

There was a pause in him as he thought about it.]

It was like a little dream added to the back of my mind--I barely remember it except a couple of nice things you said. [She was naturally gifted when it came to speaking to positive thinking and for that, he was grateful. He remembered one other thing.]

Unfortunately, as a particular type of scientist, I'll never be happy with any given thing I make, whether it's a complete failure or as close-to-perfect as one can get. What's made me happy is the process.

I was very happy to meet everyone again in that process and I'm pretty satisfied with other forms of progress I'm making. [He lifted his head up and leaned over, falling with his head on Nemuri's lap, looking up at her. He had one leg kicked over the couch's armrest.]

No. Very satisfied.

[ Nemuri nodded, making herself comfortable as Kisuke sprawled out across the couch, laying his head on her lap. She stroked her fingers through his wheat-colored hair, brushing away that persistent patch that fell across his face and touched his nose. Deja vu - she'd done that earlier this day and thought, his hair does the same thing when he's older. Now she had that thought process in reverse. ]

Mm. [ She gave him an affectionate smile. ] I'm glad.

[ She was gratified to know that her mindset aligned with his - that the journey was just as vital as the outcome, and that whoever he was in the past was instrumental in making him the man that she loved today. ]

[He never bothered to style it or do anything with it. For most other people, that kind of hair was a sign of laziness. He had split hairs and little knots in it but it never looked bad even if he left it alone. Somehow, the style always seemed to work even if just a little. It was one of the points of him that he knew was charming because it was effortless.]

Really? [He knew it was an understatement. In the moments when Nemuri calmed down and all she had for him was a smile, he knew she was completely satisfied. Kisuke looked up at Nemuri, reaching aside for the remote so he could turn on the T.V. and watch her twice at the same time.]

'Cause, I can hear the pitter-patter of your heart all the way from down here.

[ Kisuke was right about that. Nemuri liked him best when he was being himself - whether it was lounging around in his "getaboshi" outfit like he was now, or tinkering like a madman in his lab, or being wonderfully extra about mundane things. (So basically all the time?)

He was also right about when Nemuri calmed down enough just to sparkle and beam at him, it meant that she was completely satisfied. It was the equivalent of Sushi sleeping belly up, without a care in the world.

She grinned, continuing to stroke his hair. ]

Mm. I'm just really happy. [ Not just for herself, but for Kisuke too - because he'd come all this way and was now comfortable in his own skin. ]

[It was a bit of a shame. They were supposed to spend the day going out and walking and Nemuri ended up having to watch over him as he had a little mental breakdown and he nearly dehydrated himself.

He felt bad about it for just a moment until he realized she looked absolutely pleased with herself. The television began to hum and he reached up to flip it to the news. It wasn't often that non-violent villains made it into the news but the Babymaker's quirk was strange enough to--

Immediately, the camera was pointed at Nemuri, about to kiss a Kisuke in his 'mid 20s' as a reporter described the recovery phases the victims of the 'attack' were going through.]

...Oh. Well, I'm sure I'll have to look over my shoulder for a while.

Edited 2020-09-11 03:51 (UTC)

[ It was true that it hadn't been a typical date, but then again, what about their lives or their relationship was typical? Nemuri was just happy that she was able to spend time with him and that he was alright now - never mind what had transpired during the day. All's well that ends well, in her book.

Nemuri was just relaxing when she saw the freeze frame of her about to kiss Kisuke, and her jaw dropped. ]

Do they not have any respect for your privacy -

[ She sighed, once again rubbing at her temples. ]

We should probably stay away from the public for a while. I don't want any more rabid "fans" attacking you.

[ She knew that Kisuke could more than easily defend himself, but the idea that they'd go out only to spend it paranoid about every single person that they came across did not sound like Nemuri's idea of a good date. ]

Edited 2020-09-11 04:06 (UTC)

[Kisuke reached into his robes for his phone, looking at what appeared to be a dozen texts from Yoruichi. A number of them were angry and the rest were concerned when she realized he was one of the people affected.

Or, well, they were concern veiled by anger. She couldn't possibly worry about him without wanting to kick him in the face. He responded, 'No worries, I'm being comforted as we speak! Sorry about worrying you~.']

Oh, don't worry about that! It's not the first time a soul reaper ever got caught on camera in a gigai. I'll get scolded for being inattentive but it won't affect much.

[He knew that wasn't really Nemuri's concern but he had a solution, none-the-less. Kisuke reached over and rubbed Nemuri's knee, trying to ease a little of the stress she had built up watching the crass news story unfold.]

I can whip something up if you want to keep going out without the two of us being identified~.

[Kisuke smiled and shrugged.]

Besides, it's not the first stalker of yours I've encountered. The first two were a lot meaner, though.

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