[ AKECHI IS INSANE, DON'T USE AKECHI AS A METRIC FOR ANYTHING!!
Maruki stares wildly at the wolf's behavior, mind racing. It could be a trap. Generally, he isn't predisposed to paranoia or even much suspicion – he is a trusting man to his bones. But this place has been getting under his skin, and he's wary.
But the wolf is pretty cute, for a huge wolf. What's the worst that could happen? ]
[Eren could eat him. That's probably the worst that could happen in this scenario. He won't do that though-- although? No, just kidding. He won't.
[Maybe though?
[He won't, he won't. Relax.
[Maruki is so clearly nervous that Eren doesn't even have the heart to fuck with him; aside from that, Maruki's really been nothing but kind to Eren, and they aren't exactly friends, just...
[Whatever they are, he supposes. Patient and doctor? Weird...
[Eren slowly lifts his head, pressing his face against Maruki's outstretched hand, eyes blinking. There's no way for him to talk like this, and he's not ready to change back. Eren wonders if there's any way to let Maruki know it's him. Probably not, huh...]
That's Maruki's immediate first thought, nerves quelled by a pleasant sensation. His survival instincts are zero.
He stays staring at the wolf as he rubs its cheek. Weird. So weird.
His first instinct is to call Akechi – he has offered to help with anything Maruki runs into trouble with, after all – but they've spoken so recently that it feels a bit pathetic. He shouldn't cling to the one person from his reality. Besides, Akechi was able to distract the goblins that were after them well enough, but he's just a high schooler slash detective slash celebrity. He wouldn't be able to fight off a wolf if need be.
On the other hand... ]
Ah, no sudden movements...
[ Slowly, very slowly, he reaches into his coat pocket with his other hand and pulls out his phone to dial Eren.
It rings through until he can leave a message. ]
Hi there, Eren-kun, this is Dr. Maruki. Thank you again for your hospitality the other night, it really is unmatched. Ah, if you get this, I'm currently on the outskirts of the housing district and I've been cornered by a wolf. I'd appreciate your assistance if you're available. If not, no worries! I'm sure I'll be able to handle it! Bye!
[ He hangs up, pauses for a moment, dials again and sighs when it still doesn't connect. ]
["No sudden movements." Now this is funny. Eren disobeys. When Maruki says his name, he pulls his head away and loudly, brightly barks, tail wagging rapidly. Maruki finishes his message, and Eren gets up from the ground, butting his head repeatedly into the hand that holds Maruki's phone. Although Eren is pretty subdued most of the time, there's only so much a wolf can do to communicate (that, and the...embarrassing dog instincts); point being, it's an energetic, enthusiastic motion, the way he nudges at that phone, yipping all the while.]
[ For a brief moment he's terrified again, freezing in place – but then it becomes clear that the motion isn't aggressive. It's still scary, being from a huge wolf, but it's...
[Eren might only feel this way because he's in his less thought-heavy form, but he really does think he'd laugh right now if he could. He yips instead - little staccatos that almost sound like he's making conversation. He paces around in a circle a few times - just taking a walk! His tail continues to swish in a friendly manner.
[He sits down and barks at Maruki, tilting his head heavily to the side? What on Earth are you doing out here? Maruki?]
[ Maruki finally stands up from his pathetic ball of accepting death, knees audibly cracking as he does, and rests a hand on Eren's head to scritch between his ears. Weird, won't stop being weird, but so long as he's a wolf it's probably okay... ]
Are you going to make it a habit to join my mandatory mental health walks, then? I wouldn't mind, now that I know not to fear for my life.
[He can't deny head-scratching while in this form, it's true. They don't have to talk about it later - it's fine!
[At Maruki's question, Eren nudges his big head into Maruki's side, signaling to pay attention. He paces back a few steps, hunkering down low as if he's about to pounce, run, or something else.
[If he doesn't get this right, it's going to be really embarrassing; he's been practicing...
[Passing Maruki, he runs a few yards and then leaps - nails it! Half-way through the jump, wolf morphs seamlessly into a white seabird. Eren circles in the air, letting out a cry. He always get a little too carried away with flying, at first, swooping around and soaring up high. He's used to going a little crazy like this, but he hasn't forgotten Maruki. He circles slowly back down and lands on his shoulder.]
[ It cannot be overstated that Maruki is possibly the most normal Persona user to ever use a Persona. He has seen nothing out of the plain and ordinary fare that modern Tokyo has to offer besides (static noises) and even that was the briefest glimpse. He has most definitely never seen a wolf, who used to be a human, transform into a bird.
He falls back flat on his ass in his shocked flailing when the bird lands on his shoulder. ]
Eren-kun, if you turn into a dolphin next, I'm going to need some advanced warning!
[ ... The bird is pretty though. He'll hold up the back of his hand to see if it'll perch there. ]
lmk if u need more he can change back into a human eventually lmao
[Perch, he does, hopping onto Maruki's finger when its offered. He has no idea what the fuck a dolphin is, so he doesn't plan to turn into one (knows who Dolph is, but doesn't particularly plan on transforming into him either).
[Eren lifts his wing and preens. Pretty cool, right? His feathers flutter across Maruki's nose when he pulls his wing back.]
[A preference? Eren spreads out his wings, giving a few wide, heavy flaps. He takes off into the air, soaring fast and high, high, high above Maruki, so far up into the sky that he should only be a small speck. He's wondered how far he would be able to fly like this. Is there another world on the other side of Somnius's ocean? They can't be sure...
[He circles slowly, slowly, slowly back down from the top of the sky, landing gracefully back down on Maruki's shoulder, or hand if he holds it back out.]
[ Maruki watches him, neck craned back and hand shielding his eyes, a wide smile over his face. It's almost meditative to witness. He can only imagine how calming it must feel to get to do.
He does indeed hold his hand out. Even strokes his other hand over Eren's feathers, down his back. It might be weird, but he likes animals, okay!! ]
Yes, I think that would be my preference too if I had animal transformation powers of mysterious origin. You're full of surprises, Eren-kun.
[ And then a quick glance around. ]
That's not... not an effect going on right now or anything, is it? Like the fish?
[Well, it seems about time to explain. Eren hops off of Maruki's hand and soars up into the sky again, just for a few more minutes before he has to change back. As he comes to land, he transforms back into the Eren Maruki met (stumbles a little on the landing - whatever). Not only is he fully clothed in his usual outfit (casual, long black coat - not his Scout attire), but he's apparently armed with some strange weapon, as well.
[He starts up conversation again, casual as anything (his mood has gone back to its usual disenchantment, as well).]
I drank the gold potion when I first got here. I could only transform into a wolf at first. I figured out how to change into the bird myself, later. [The crystal helped, but he doesn't know that.]
[ Okay, yes, theoretically he knew that was Eren, but seeing him transform back into the usual Eren still takes him off guard. He clutches his chest over his heart and then laughs, high and disbelieving. ]
Oh, that's what the potions do? I've been ignoring mine–
Eh...[Eren makes A Face.] Jean was being a huge asshole about his, so I wanted to take mine and see if I could use it to kick his ass.
[Husbandly love!]
Different color potions do different things, though. He took the red potion, which gives elemental powers. Gold potions give animal transformations. Blue potions give healing abilities.
[ The explanation of a potion taken purely out of competitive spite makes him laugh – a rare moment where Eren reminds him of any random Shujin student, young and reckless and so very endearing. ]
Thank you for letting me know. Guess it makes sense why mine is blue.
[ Not that he intends on drinking it. When he moves in with Akechi he will probably end up smashing it. It's Fine
He cocks his head to smile at Eren. ]
You can go back to being an animal, if you prefer. Or not! It's good to see you either way.
[Eren doesn't have to consider long; an appropriate pause, and then he nods. It's tempting to turn back into a wolf, but his energy is running low now, and he doesn't...hate the idea of talking to Maruki. Maybe it won't turn into a counseling session this time.]
[ It isn't Maruki's intention to try counseling him now – just as it wasn't over lunch, but at least they'd been in a safe, enclosed space then. Doing it out in the open, in a world where anything bizarre or dangerous could happen at the drop of a hat? With someone whose emotional state is as volatile as Eren's? Absolutely not.
He shrugs amicably as they wander off. ]
No, I've just been making myself go on walks to try to keep some sort of routine while I'm spinning my wheels. I was going to do one more loop and then head back to see if I can get some work done.
[ He inclines his head toward Eren and smiles, zero compunction to share about himself if he can be self-deprecating. ]
In other words, Eren-kun, you're a welcome distraction for a boring guy like me.
[ GOD THE TEMPTATION IS SO REAL. But no. Resist the urge to prod and analyze and advise. Have a normal conversation. Think of Akira. Actually maybe don't think of Akira or it's bound to get sad. ]
We have that in common then! And everything I would have done with my free time back in Tokyo doesn't exist here, so...
[ So walking. Through nature. Not something a perennial Indoor Guy has ever done for fun. He kind of hates it too. ]
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Maruki stares wildly at the wolf's behavior, mind racing. It could be a trap. Generally, he isn't predisposed to paranoia or even much suspicion – he is a trusting man to his bones. But this place has been getting under his skin, and he's wary.
But the wolf is pretty cute, for a huge wolf. What's the worst that could happen? ]
You are friendly, aren't you?
[ He reaches out a hand, visibly trembling. ]
... Good wolf??
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[Maybe though?
[He won't, he won't. Relax.
[Maruki is so clearly nervous that Eren doesn't even have the heart to fuck with him; aside from that, Maruki's really been nothing but kind to Eren, and they aren't exactly friends, just...
[Whatever they are, he supposes. Patient and doctor? Weird...
[Eren slowly lifts his head, pressing his face against Maruki's outstretched hand, eyes blinking. There's no way for him to talk like this, and he's not ready to change back. Eren wonders if there's any way to let Maruki know it's him. Probably not, huh...]
on god i can always make it stupider
That's Maruki's immediate first thought, nerves quelled by a pleasant sensation. His survival instincts are zero.
He stays staring at the wolf as he rubs its cheek. Weird. So weird.
His first instinct is to call Akechi – he has offered to help with anything Maruki runs into trouble with, after all – but they've spoken so recently that it feels a bit pathetic. He shouldn't cling to the one person from his reality. Besides, Akechi was able to distract the goblins that were after them well enough, but he's just a high schooler slash detective slash celebrity. He wouldn't be able to fight off a wolf if need be.
On the other hand... ]
Ah, no sudden movements...
[ Slowly, very slowly, he reaches into his coat pocket with his other hand and pulls out his phone to dial Eren.
It rings through until he can leave a message. ]
Hi there, Eren-kun, this is Dr. Maruki. Thank you again for your hospitality the other night, it really is unmatched. Ah, if you get this, I'm currently on the outskirts of the housing district and I've been cornered by a wolf. I'd appreciate your assistance if you're available. If not, no worries! I'm sure I'll be able to handle it! Bye!
[ He hangs up, pauses for a moment, dials again and sighs when it still doesn't connect. ]
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[ For a brief moment he's terrified again, freezing in place – but then it becomes clear that the motion isn't aggressive. It's still scary, being from a huge wolf, but it's...
Familiar, almost?
And those eyes...
Oh, he really is losing his mind. ]
Eren-kun?
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He picks up the phone and dials again. ]
Hi, Eren-kun. It's Dr. Maruki again. Ignore my last message. The wolf is you.
[ He hangs up, pockets the phone, and laughs helplessly. ]
What on earth are you doing out here?
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[He sits down and barks at Maruki, tilting his head heavily to the side? What on Earth are you doing out here? Maruki?]
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Are you going to make it a habit to join my mandatory mental health walks, then? I wouldn't mind, now that I know not to fear for my life.
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[At Maruki's question, Eren nudges his big head into Maruki's side, signaling to pay attention. He paces back a few steps, hunkering down low as if he's about to pounce, run, or something else.
[If he doesn't get this right, it's going to be really embarrassing; he's been practicing...
[Passing Maruki, he runs a few yards and then leaps - nails it! Half-way through the jump, wolf morphs seamlessly into a white seabird. Eren circles in the air, letting out a cry. He always get a little too carried away with flying, at first, swooping around and soaring up high. He's used to going a little crazy like this, but he hasn't forgotten Maruki. He circles slowly back down and lands on his shoulder.]
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[ It cannot be overstated that Maruki is possibly the most normal Persona user to ever use a Persona. He has seen nothing out of the plain and ordinary fare that modern Tokyo has to offer besides (static noises) and even that was the briefest glimpse. He has most definitely never seen a wolf, who used to be a human, transform into a bird.
He falls back flat on his ass in his shocked flailing when the bird lands on his shoulder. ]
Eren-kun, if you turn into a dolphin next, I'm going to need some advanced warning!
[ ... The bird is pretty though. He'll hold up the back of his hand to see if it'll perch there. ]
lmk if u need more he can change back into a human eventually lmao
[Eren lifts his wing and preens. Pretty cool, right? His feathers flutter across Maruki's nose when he pulls his wing back.]
DO WHATEVER YOU WANT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS
[ It tickles and makes him laugh, very genuinely – possibly for the first time around Eren, all of his guards he puts up in counselor mode dropped.
He will analyze this later, of course. But for now it's nice to take a break.
He stands, huffing a little oof at his knees again, and holds his hand up higher to look bird Eren in the eye. ]
Do you have a preference between the two?
HOORAY!!!
[He circles slowly, slowly, slowly back down from the top of the sky, landing gracefully back down on Maruki's shoulder, or hand if he holds it back out.]
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He does indeed hold his hand out. Even strokes his other hand over Eren's feathers, down his back. It might be weird, but he likes animals, okay!! ]
Yes, I think that would be my preference too if I had animal transformation powers of mysterious origin. You're full of surprises, Eren-kun.
[ And then a quick glance around. ]
That's not... not an effect going on right now or anything, is it? Like the fish?
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[He starts up conversation again, casual as anything (his mood has gone back to its usual disenchantment, as well).]
I drank the gold potion when I first got here. I could only transform into a wolf at first. I figured out how to change into the bird myself, later. [The crystal helped, but he doesn't know that.]
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[ Okay, yes, theoretically he knew that was Eren, but seeing him transform back into the usual Eren still takes him off guard. He clutches his chest over his heart and then laughs, high and disbelieving. ]
Oh, that's what the potions do? I've been ignoring mine–
[ Wait. ]
You drank yours right away?
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[Husbandly love!]
Different color potions do different things, though. He took the red potion, which gives elemental powers. Gold potions give animal transformations. Blue potions give healing abilities.
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Thank you for letting me know. Guess it makes sense why mine is blue.
[ Not that he intends on drinking it. When he moves in with Akechi he will probably end up smashing it. It's Fine
He cocks his head to smile at Eren. ]
You can go back to being an animal, if you prefer. Or not! It's good to see you either way.
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[He recalls that dream. He talked about his father so callously; when he first learned the news, he sprinted to Commander Erwin's bathroom to vomit.]
Ah. What did you say? Sorry.
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[ The lapse in attention doesn't escape his notice.
Maruki tucks his own hands into his pockets and jerks his head back toward the path he was taking before he got wolf'd. ]
Either way, will you walk with me?
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Are you headed somewhere in particular?
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He shrugs amicably as they wander off. ]
No, I've just been making myself go on walks to try to keep some sort of routine while I'm spinning my wheels. I was going to do one more loop and then head back to see if I can get some work done.
[ He inclines his head toward Eren and smiles, zero compunction to share about himself if he can be self-deprecating. ]
In other words, Eren-kun, you're a welcome distraction for a boring guy like me.
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[Still...]
I get it. I go crazy if I have to sit still too long. It took me forever to get used to having free time at all. I kind of hate it...
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We have that in common then! And everything I would have done with my free time back in Tokyo doesn't exist here, so...
[ So walking. Through nature. Not something a perennial Indoor Guy has ever done for fun. He kind of hates it too. ]
Mm. I'll eventually need new hobbies, I suppose.
maruki is like GOD THIS KID IS A FEAST
IT'S LITERALLY SO DIRE HE WANTS TO CRACK EREN'S BRAIN OPENP
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the first time I thought he was (whispering)
dhskdhjfkdbdks tiny mouse whisper: eren i am pathetic
we can wrap here if you'd like
absolutely perfect im feral i love them