[No, they haven't brought it up yet. Ichigo can't help but smile himself as he hears Yosuke's rapid footsteps towards him, standing to greet his friend.]
Yeah, it's been way too long.
[His eyes are still closed, though. And when they're this close, it's easier to see that his eyelids aren't rounded like they're supposed to be-no, they're flat.]
I don't know why you were kept in there longer than I was, though...But I guess Adachi-san had his reasons.
[.....y...yeah, did I mention Ichigo actually respects Adachi? because he does.]
[As Yosuke stands there, listening to Ichigo speak and watching his face, he notices that he's keeping his eyes closed, for some reason. And... his face looks kind of weird, too. Something is off about it... he can't quite put his finger on it.
[Frowning, Yosuke leans in even closer to him, practically glaring at Ichigo's face, even though his friend won't be able to see it.
And then, realizing it's true -- that his eyelids actually look collapsed in -- because he has no eyes, because what other explanation could there even be for that --]
...Huh?! What the -- what the hell? How did that happen?! They screwed up bringing you back??
[What the fuck. It's stupid to ask how this could be possible when how bringing people back to life, period, should be impossible, but...]
Is that really a thing that can happen here?! [he sounds completely horrified. because he is.]
[At least, that's what he thinks. There's a note of grim certainty in his voice as he speaks, shaking his head.]
I think they did this on purpose.
[His left hand rests on his scarred right arm, trying to draw Yosuke's attention to it.]
I mean, I came back with these before-It's pretty obvious that they can mess with us however they want.
[He's trying to sound like it doesn't effect him-like it's all fine, that he's perfectly okay without his eyes and no one needs to give him any pity because he's got it all figured out.
It's a lie, of course. But Ichigo doesn't want anyone to be worried over him, or worse....pity him.]
[A sickeningly uncomfortable feeling rises in Yosuke's gut when he sees those twisted scars on Ichigo's arm. He has something similar now, too - his body is stained now too, with the remains of a bullet wound on his chest and deep cut on his thigh. His friend is right... the technicians obviously don't have a perfect system for reviving the dead.
But... but that doesn't make any sense.]
Scars... scars are one thing.
You - you didn't lose your eyes though.
[He says it without thinking. Ichigo probably doesn't know Yosuke saw his mangled body. And even if he did, he probably doesn't know what a good look Yosuke got of his death mask - which definitely involve his eyes being frozen wide open. And fully intact.]
You're saying they brought you back blind for the hell of it? Like, no reason?
[Uh, right. Yosuke has his own little traumatic moment that he failed to mention beforehand, too. He shifts his weight on his feet and looks away, brow furrowed. The expression on the face of Ichigo's dead body is something he'll never be able to forget. It takes all the self-control he can muster to push it out of his mind again.]
I saw you. And, you still had your eyes, so... so, it can't be the same as a scar...
[his voice trailed off. he really doesn't want to talk about the details if he doesn't have to, but he's worried about Ichigo. and himself.]
Belated punishment... [is something like that going to happen to Yosuke, too?]
[And that actually makes Ichigo's eyes widen-which has the unfortunate side effect of him lifting his eyelids.
...Sorry for the view, Yosuke.]
You...
[He's at a loss for words for a moment-at least, until he realizes his eyelids are open and quickly shuts them so Yosuke won't have to keep seeing the holes in his head.
Yosuke saw him like that...He's sure that must have been terrible.]
...I'm sorry. That you had to see that, I mean.
[But like his friend, he's more than willing to drop it. He doesn't want the grisly details either, considering that he had a good idea of how he must have looked.
At the very least, he picks up the worry in Yosuke's voice-and hastens to try to soothe it.]
It's alright. I think...I think it'll just be me, if that's what happened.
[Thankfully for them both, Yosuke doesn't see the holes where Ichigo's eyes were. He's staring down at the dirt, the cogs in his head turning - oiled with worry and confusion.
He had no idea the technicians did stuff like that. They generally didn't seem to single individual people out that much, and when they did, it was for the sake of scaring the shit out of everybody else. (See: the very murder they're talking about now.) This, on the other hand... this is an outright handicap, imposed permanently for all they knew. It just seems... different from usual. Is it really a punishment?]
I'm fine. I mean, you're the one who's - who's blind now. [sigh.] I guess... all we can do is just... hope that's it...
[Although...there was another option that had occured to him about his eyes being taken away. He hesitates, unsure if he should really mention it before deciding to just go for it.]
...But if it wasn't a punishment, then this means they did this for no reason.
[And that's a lot scarier to think about-that the bastards that keep them here can just decide to remove organs and body parts whenever they want. Somehow, that's worse than knowing that they purposefully want to make their captives suffer and die, because it's so much more...hands on.]
[Well - yeah. That's true. If it's not a punishment, then why take his eyes away? Other people don't get revived without body parts. Not as far as Yosuke knows. He's pretty sure he'd have heard about it if anyone had.
Yosuke scratches his chin and wonders. The cogs keep turning.]
... hey, how about that chocolate?
[When he speaks again, it's slow and quiet and distant, like he isn't exactly changing the subject. His foot crunches on the ground as he takes a step forward, and carefully, he pats Ichigo's shoulder with the grace of someone uncomfortably trying to help out a disabled person and not really knowing how.
[Truth be told, he'd almost forgotten entirely about the chocolate-even though it was the entire reason he'd invited Yosuke over. Nodding, Ichigo tilts his head in the direction of the house's door-at least, where he thinks it is.]
C'mon, let's go in. I've got it in there-I didn't want it to melt in this heat.
[And while he feels the patting...he actually winces a little. He knows Yosuke is trying to help, but that kind of gesture is exactly what he's been trying so hard to avoid.
He doesn't want anyone's pity-or to feel weird around him just because he doesn't have his sight anymore. It was why he'd been learning so hard to get around, and why he doesn't bother telling people about his lack of eyes.
Ichigo was trying desperately to act like he could handle it alone, so that no one would see him as helpless. Like it didn't really matter, because he could move past it.
So when his shoulder's patted, he just moves away-hand sliding across the wall until he reaches the door, at which point he carefully feels for the door handle, opening it and walking inside.]
It's only a little cooler in here, but...it's better than nothing.
[It's sad. It's fucking sad to watch Ichigo feel along the wall like that, fumble hesitant for the handle, step inside so blindly...
Yosuke can feel the heaviness in his heart as he follows his friend inside, still struggling with what to do or what to say.]
...thanks, y'know... for saying happy birthday, and all. [he shuts the door behind him, saving them both the awkward situation of Ichigo having to feel for it again, despite Yosuke standing right there. he'll help you whether you want it or not, dammit.] Can't say I'd ever think I'd turn eighteen in a place like... this.
[Well, shutting the door isn't so bad. It does save him the trouble of trying to find it, after all. From there, Ichigo starts feeling his way towards the kitchen, motioning for Yosuke to follow.]
Hey, don't mention it. I know this place is a hellhole, but you've got to take time out to celebrate the little things. Otherwise...this place'd grind you down too much.
[The mention of turning older in a place like this one makes him stop for a second, as if he'd suddenly remembered something.]
...Well, it could be worse.
[He gives a small grin, even if it is a little weary.]
[he huffs a subdued little laugh upon hearing that. Yosuke can't imagine that turning nineteen instead of eighteen could be that much worse, in the grand scheme - they're still stuck here - but technically a lot of the people where were in a coma or whatever for an entire year. so... having been here for that long does suck pretty hard.]
...I can't believe a nerd like you is older than me.
[as much as Yosuke can try to muster some of his usual tongue-in-cheek teasing, the tone of his voice reveals how much his heart really isn't in it. but they got together to have some kind of celebration, however small and meaningless, so he'll stick by it, damn it.]
So, what kind of chocolate is it? [he follows him to the kitchen, looking around the house on the way.] Don't tell me it's strawberry-flavored.
[You are just cruising for a hit, Yosuke. Ichigo scowls at the nerd comment, giving a sharp 'tch'.]
If I'm a nerd, you're a dork.
[He tries to sound like he's going right along with it-which he is-but Ichigo has always been sensitive to the feelings of his friends. He knows that Yosuke is trying to keep it light, and he feels bad for dampening the other teen's good mood with his stupid problems.
But if there's anything Ichigo is good at, it's shoving away his feelings, so he just puts that aside and just focuses on what they're here for. A celebration, even if it's not even a pale imitation of what either of them would get back home.
And as he steps into the kitchen, the small bar can be seen on the table. No real label or brand, just a flat bar of chocolate. But when Yosuke mentions strawberry? Yeah nope, he's flinging a hand at where he thinks the other's head is, fully intent on hitting him for the dumb comment.]
Ha ha, very funny. Keep it up and you don't get any.
[Yosuke was anticipating something like that. He deftly dodges, his sneakers tapping the ground with each light footstep until he comes to a stop again.]
Jeez, you really are sensitive about that, huh. Just makes it easy to exploit, y'know.
[But the benefit of Yosuke's little jab is that he's relaxing more and more. Ichigo may be blind, but he still wants to celebrate his birthday, still fun to joke around with, still gets pissed about his name. It sucks that he's blind now, but...
it's nice that they can still be friends.]
This is the chocolate right here?
[Yosuke steps over to the table and looks down at it. It's pretty much exactly what he expected, just a regular bar of chocolate.]
Where'd you find something like this? Is it melted from the heat?
You try not being sensitive when it's all you ever hear from people.
[Seriously, he gets jokes about it all the time, if not outright name calling. At any rate, being Blind didn't mean they weren't going to be friends-and Ichigo didn't dwell on bad things happening to him.
It was only when other people got hurt...did he fall to the state Yosuke saw him in before.
He nods, placing a hand on the table and feeling his way to a chair.]
Foodland. It was tucked away in a corner, so...Might be a little old, but it's not spoiled at least.
[As for the other question, Ichigo shrugs.]
Might be a little melted, but I tried to keep it in the coldest places I could.
[He's happy to see Ichigo just take a seat, because he wants to help him now, even with stupid things like this. He takes a seat as well and slides the across the table to himself, so he can flip it over to unwrap the paper.
...immediately, it's a little gunky. Yosuke makes a face at the chocolate, but says nothing, not wanting to be rude. Ichigo was nice enough to offer to share something so rare with him. He isn't going to look the horse in the mouth.]
...Hm. It's a little melted, but it's not that bad. Here... [Touching the bar on the parts still covered by the paper, he snaps it in half gently.] ...you can go ahead and take some. It'll be sticky, but that's it.
[He doesn't hesitate at all, quickly taking some-and he doesn't seem to care at all about the melted state of it at all.]
Got it.
[Well...taking some after a few awkward misses. It's hard to gauge where things are when you can't see them, and going off of the sound of Yosuke's voice only helps so much.
But when he has it in hand, he doesn't even miss a beat and pops some into his mouth, obviously relishing the taste. In fact, from the way he looks...it's obvious chocolate is one of Ichigo's favorite foods, as a delighted smile crosses his face.
God, he hadn't tasted chocolate in way too long. It was so good!]
[Yosuke grabs his half of the bar and brings it to his mouth, taking an ungraceful bite out of it. The texture is milky and smooth in a way that's separate from the chocolate's slightly melted state, and after not eating anything like this for months and months now, it's doesn't feel like an exaggeration to say it's the best thing he's ever eaten.
He chews and smacks on it hurriedly, barely taking the time to savor it despite how good it is, before taking another bite. When he glances back up, he catches the weird look on Ichigo's face.
Wow, uh. He... really likes chocolate.]
Psh, it's chocolate. Maybe it'd melt, but I don't think it would go bad.
[Specifically, when the cocoa butter actually seeps to the top of the bar with milk chocolate, which is what this is.
And if Yosuke is thinking it's the best thing he's ever eaten, Ichigo is nearly having a religious experience over this damn bar of chocolate. He's trying to hide how much he really, really loves it...but like always, he's super shitty at trying to hide his real feelings.
Besides, it's a hell of a lot better than canned food and stuff so packed full of preservatives that it'd last through a nuclear winter. Sure, Rin was a great cook, but that could only go so far.]
...So...nineteen, huh. You know, if we were back home you'd only have one more year before you could legally drink.
[Not that it means much here-and besides, this place looked american. Wasn't the drinking age 21 there?]
Eighteen. [he corrects. there's a soft snap as he takes another bite of the chocolate.] But I guess twenty is getting pretty close, huh...? You're even closer than I am. Although I wonder if anyone would really care in a place like this if we drank anyway.
[DON'T MIND HIM, he'll just. turn his head away and take another bite of the chocolate himself, trying not to show the faint embarrassment he has over getting the year wrong.]
...Yeah, I am. I'll turn twenty-
[He pauses, then blinks.]
-Next month. July 15th.
[Yes, he was born on the 15th. and it's possible to read his name as 'one five' as well.
Just layers to that name, seriously.
But it actually makes him stop eating for a second, expression going a bit somber. Twenty already...That'd make two birthdays that passed while he's still stuck in this place.
So when Yosuke mentions drinking, he just gives a slow nod.]
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Yeah, it's been way too long.
[His eyes are still closed, though. And when they're this close, it's easier to see that his eyelids aren't rounded like they're supposed to be-no, they're flat.]
I don't know why you were kept in there longer than I was, though...But I guess Adachi-san had his reasons.
[.....y...yeah, did I mention Ichigo actually respects Adachi? because he does.]
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He takes a step closer and peers at him.]
...um... are you okay?
[pause.]
What's up with your eyes?
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Ichigo pauses, sucking in a little breath.]
I...
[Shit. Okay, he really doesn't want to turn this into something all about him, but...well, he can't just keep Yosuke hanging.]
...I don't have them anymore.
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[Frowning, Yosuke leans in even closer to him, practically glaring at Ichigo's face, even though his friend won't be able to see it.
And then, realizing it's true -- that his eyelids actually look collapsed in -- because he has no eyes, because what other explanation could there even be for that --]
...Huh?! What the -- what the hell? How did that happen?! They screwed up bringing you back??
[What the fuck. It's stupid to ask how this could be possible when how bringing people back to life, period, should be impossible, but...]
Is that really a thing that can happen here?! [he sounds completely horrified. because he is.]
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[At least, that's what he thinks. There's a note of grim certainty in his voice as he speaks, shaking his head.]
I think they did this on purpose.
[His left hand rests on his scarred right arm, trying to draw Yosuke's attention to it.]
I mean, I came back with these before-It's pretty obvious that they can mess with us however they want.
[He's trying to sound like it doesn't effect him-like it's all fine, that he's perfectly okay without his eyes and no one needs to give him any pity because he's got it all figured out.
It's a lie, of course. But Ichigo doesn't want anyone to be worried over him, or worse....pity him.]
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But... but that doesn't make any sense.]
Scars... scars are one thing.
You - you didn't lose your eyes though.
[He says it without thinking. Ichigo probably doesn't know Yosuke saw his mangled body. And even if he did, he probably doesn't know what a good look Yosuke got of his death mask - which definitely involve his eyes being frozen wide open. And fully intact.]
You're saying they brought you back blind for the hell of it? Like, no reason?
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[That's a strange statement, Yosuke. Ichigo can't help but give you a strange look at that.
...Well, as much as a look can be considered strange while your eyelids are shut.]
And yeah, I think so. ...Unless this is a belated punishment for breaking the quarantine.
[Honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if that was also the case.]
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[Uh, right. Yosuke has his own little traumatic moment that he failed to mention beforehand, too. He shifts his weight on his feet and looks away, brow furrowed. The expression on the face of Ichigo's dead body is something he'll never be able to forget. It takes all the self-control he can muster to push it out of his mind again.]
I saw you. And, you still had your eyes, so... so, it can't be the same as a scar...
[his voice trailed off. he really doesn't want to talk about the details if he doesn't have to, but he's worried about Ichigo. and himself.]
Belated punishment... [is something like that going to happen to Yosuke, too?]
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...Sorry for the view, Yosuke.]
You...
[He's at a loss for words for a moment-at least, until he realizes his eyelids are open and quickly shuts them so Yosuke won't have to keep seeing the holes in his head.
Yosuke saw him like that...He's sure that must have been terrible.]
...I'm sorry. That you had to see that, I mean.
[But like his friend, he's more than willing to drop it. He doesn't want the grisly details either, considering that he had a good idea of how he must have looked.
At the very least, he picks up the worry in Yosuke's voice-and hastens to try to soothe it.]
It's alright. I think...I think it'll just be me, if that's what happened.
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He had no idea the technicians did stuff like that. They generally didn't seem to single individual people out that much, and when they did, it was for the sake of scaring the shit out of everybody else. (See: the very murder they're talking about now.) This, on the other hand... this is an outright handicap, imposed permanently for all they knew. It just seems... different from usual. Is it really a punishment?]
I'm fine. I mean, you're the one who's - who's blind now. [sigh.] I guess... all we can do is just... hope that's it...
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[Although...there was another option that had occured to him about his eyes being taken away. He hesitates, unsure if he should really mention it before deciding to just go for it.]
...But if it wasn't a punishment, then this means they did this for no reason.
[And that's a lot scarier to think about-that the bastards that keep them here can just decide to remove organs and body parts whenever they want. Somehow, that's worse than knowing that they purposefully want to make their captives suffer and die, because it's so much more...hands on.]
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Yosuke scratches his chin and wonders. The cogs keep turning.]
... hey, how about that chocolate?
[When he speaks again, it's slow and quiet and distant, like he isn't exactly changing the subject. His foot crunches on the ground as he takes a step forward, and carefully, he pats Ichigo's shoulder with the grace of someone uncomfortably trying to help out a disabled person and not really knowing how.
Which... is... actually pretty accurate.]
Let's, um, sit down.
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[Truth be told, he'd almost forgotten entirely about the chocolate-even though it was the entire reason he'd invited Yosuke over. Nodding, Ichigo tilts his head in the direction of the house's door-at least, where he thinks it is.]
C'mon, let's go in. I've got it in there-I didn't want it to melt in this heat.
[And while he feels the patting...he actually winces a little. He knows Yosuke is trying to help, but that kind of gesture is exactly what he's been trying so hard to avoid.
He doesn't want anyone's pity-or to feel weird around him just because he doesn't have his sight anymore. It was why he'd been learning so hard to get around, and why he doesn't bother telling people about his lack of eyes.
Ichigo was trying desperately to act like he could handle it alone, so that no one would see him as helpless. Like it didn't really matter, because he could move past it.
So when his shoulder's patted, he just moves away-hand sliding across the wall until he reaches the door, at which point he carefully feels for the door handle, opening it and walking inside.]
It's only a little cooler in here, but...it's better than nothing.
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Yosuke can feel the heaviness in his heart as he follows his friend inside, still struggling with what to do or what to say.]
...thanks, y'know... for saying happy birthday, and all. [he shuts the door behind him, saving them both the awkward situation of Ichigo having to feel for it again, despite Yosuke standing right there. he'll help you whether you want it or not, dammit.] Can't say I'd ever think I'd turn eighteen in a place like... this.
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Hey, don't mention it. I know this place is a hellhole, but you've got to take time out to celebrate the little things. Otherwise...this place'd grind you down too much.
[The mention of turning older in a place like this one makes him stop for a second, as if he'd suddenly remembered something.]
...Well, it could be worse.
[He gives a small grin, even if it is a little weary.]
You could be turning 19 like I am.
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...I can't believe a nerd like you is older than me.
[as much as Yosuke can try to muster some of his usual tongue-in-cheek teasing, the tone of his voice reveals how much his heart really isn't in it. but they got together to have some kind of celebration, however small and meaningless, so he'll stick by it, damn it.]
So, what kind of chocolate is it? [he follows him to the kitchen, looking around the house on the way.] Don't tell me it's strawberry-flavored.
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If I'm a nerd, you're a dork.
[He tries to sound like he's going right along with it-which he is-but Ichigo has always been sensitive to the feelings of his friends. He knows that Yosuke is trying to keep it light, and he feels bad for dampening the other teen's good mood with his stupid problems.
But if there's anything Ichigo is good at, it's shoving away his feelings, so he just puts that aside and just focuses on what they're here for. A celebration, even if it's not even a pale imitation of what either of them would get back home.
And as he steps into the kitchen, the small bar can be seen on the table. No real label or brand, just a flat bar of chocolate. But when Yosuke mentions strawberry? Yeah nope, he's flinging a hand at where he thinks the other's head is, fully intent on hitting him for the dumb comment.]
Ha ha, very funny. Keep it up and you don't get any.
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[Yosuke was anticipating something like that. He deftly dodges, his sneakers tapping the ground with each light footstep until he comes to a stop again.]
Jeez, you really are sensitive about that, huh. Just makes it easy to exploit, y'know.
[But the benefit of Yosuke's little jab is that he's relaxing more and more. Ichigo may be blind, but he still wants to celebrate his birthday, still fun to joke around with, still gets pissed about his name. It sucks that he's blind now, but...
it's nice that they can still be friends.]
This is the chocolate right here?
[Yosuke steps over to the table and looks down at it. It's pretty much exactly what he expected, just a regular bar of chocolate.]
Where'd you find something like this? Is it melted from the heat?
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[Seriously, he gets jokes about it all the time, if not outright name calling. At any rate, being Blind didn't mean they weren't going to be friends-and Ichigo didn't dwell on bad things happening to him.
It was only when other people got hurt...did he fall to the state Yosuke saw him in before.
He nods, placing a hand on the table and feeling his way to a chair.]
Foodland. It was tucked away in a corner, so...Might be a little old, but it's not spoiled at least.
[As for the other question, Ichigo shrugs.]
Might be a little melted, but I tried to keep it in the coldest places I could.
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[He's happy to see Ichigo just take a seat, because he wants to help him now, even with stupid things like this. He takes a seat as well and slides the across the table to himself, so he can flip it over to unwrap the paper.
...immediately, it's a little gunky. Yosuke makes a face at the chocolate, but says nothing, not wanting to be rude. Ichigo was nice enough to offer to share something so rare with him. He isn't going to look the horse in the mouth.]
...Hm. It's a little melted, but it's not that bad. Here... [Touching the bar on the parts still covered by the paper, he snaps it in half gently.] ...you can go ahead and take some. It'll be sticky, but that's it.
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Got it.
[Well...taking some after a few awkward misses. It's hard to gauge where things are when you can't see them, and going off of the sound of Yosuke's voice only helps so much.
But when he has it in hand, he doesn't even miss a beat and pops some into his mouth, obviously relishing the taste. In fact, from the way he looks...it's obvious chocolate is one of Ichigo's favorite foods, as a delighted smile crosses his face.
God, he hadn't tasted chocolate in way too long. It was so good!]
I'm glad it hasn't gone bad, at least.
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He chews and smacks on it hurriedly, barely taking the time to savor it despite how good it is, before taking another bite. When he glances back up, he catches the weird look on Ichigo's face.
Wow, uh. He... really likes chocolate.]
Psh, it's chocolate. Maybe it'd melt, but I don't think it would go bad.
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[Specifically, when the cocoa butter actually seeps to the top of the bar with milk chocolate, which is what this is.
And if Yosuke is thinking it's the best thing he's ever eaten, Ichigo is nearly having a religious experience over this damn bar of chocolate. He's trying to hide how much he really, really loves it...but like always, he's super shitty at trying to hide his real feelings.
Besides, it's a hell of a lot better than canned food and stuff so packed full of preservatives that it'd last through a nuclear winter. Sure, Rin was a great cook, but that could only go so far.]
...So...nineteen, huh. You know, if we were back home you'd only have one more year before you could legally drink.
[Not that it means much here-and besides, this place looked american. Wasn't the drinking age 21 there?]
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[hell, everyone could use a drink.]
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[DON'T MIND HIM, he'll just. turn his head away and take another bite of the chocolate himself, trying not to show the faint embarrassment he has over getting the year wrong.]
...Yeah, I am. I'll turn twenty-
[He pauses, then blinks.]
-Next month. July 15th.
[Yes, he was born on the 15th. and it's possible to read his name as 'one five' as well.
Just layers to that name, seriously.
But it actually makes him stop eating for a second, expression going a bit somber. Twenty already...That'd make two birthdays that passed while he's still stuck in this place.
So when Yosuke mentions drinking, he just gives a slow nod.]
...Yeah.
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