greatlydares | kaisou inbox.

[Jax finally got thrown out of the train- not from some grand emotional breakthrough, but from time simply running out on him. He doesn't like the feeling of failure hanging in the back of his head, but he's headed home where he can at least sleep in his own bed again. Except his apartment isn't empty anymore.

So this is how Belle gets a video being sent to her late at night. It's of Jax's eclectic apartment, but it's focused on a Bangboo, which is currently tottering around the place- watched from the couch by a Russian Blue cat. Neither of these things were in Jax's apartment before he was on the train. And now they are. This cannot stand.]

Okay, so I know for a fact you've got one of these things, I've seen it in your store.

[ Hi Belle, how are you today? ]

What do I do with it and why does it keep letting off electric shocks? SMALL words, I've just got off that nightmare train and my head hurts.

Edited 2025-02-24 22:50 (UTC)

Hm.

[Belle is a very helpful person, at heart. Jax might annoy her like nothing else, but he clearly needs help, so she's willing enough to give it.

She is, however, pragmatic enough to use it as leverage.]

I do know what that is, yeah! But you're going to have to return Titanic to the store before I can tell you. [In the background of her video feed, Eous can be seen sitting on a high chair behind the counter, cheerily chattering to a customer in rapid ehn-nas.] It's actually practical too, you can see Eous at work and I can see if there's anything up with your little guy.

I can say that it's not too out of character for them to let off electric shocks sometimes.

[Uggggggggggh, of course she'd use Titanic against him. A small part of him (the teeniest, tiniest part, minuscule, he's not even looking at it) is pretty impressed with that quick spin. She snapped that up in half a second.

Anyway, this sounds like spending time with someone when he wants to lie on the ground and long for death, but he does need to figure out how to get this thing to stop electrocuting everything in case it fries his computer system, so, needs must!]

Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine. You drive a hard bargain, Blockbuster. Give me a few and I'll bring the stupid thing.

[ And about half an hour later, Jax is pulling up outside Belle's store in his car. He's manged to wrangle the Bangboo into a large plastic container, which he holds at arms length as he enters the store, pushing the door open with a foot.]

Genuinely, I don't know where it came from, it was just sitting in my living room.

[ Most people say hi, but he is not most people. He's gonna put the container on the ground, pushing it slightly away from himself with his foot. That done, he'll pull the Titanic tape out of his bag- sighing dramatically like this is a hardship, holding it out to her. It's actually in good condition!!! ]

I want it to be known you never told me what condition to give it you in, so I'm throwing this in without damaging it as a sign of immense goodwill. Remember my kindness to you this day.

You're really so kind.

[Her tone is dry as dust, but she takes the tape and puts it away gently, with some care. Then she picks the Bangboo up from its container with a hum, gives it a quick once-over, and nods.]

Yeah, I can fix it, it's easy enough. Eous, can you get the repair tools from the staff room? I'll run diagnostics.

[Ehn-na! Eous hops off its stool and scampers off to the staff room, as Belle sets the new Bangboo on the now vacated stool and messes around on her phone.]

So these are called Bangboo, [she explains to Jax.] They're from a place called New Eridu, and they were first meant to be assistants in disaster avoidance. But somebody figured out they were smart enough to do basically any job you could put them to, so one thing led to another and they ended up just kinda diversifying in jobs. Now they're—well, they do pretty much anything.

[Eous emerges from the staff room with a toolbox, and Belle quickly gets to work with repairing the new Bangboo as she talks.]

Thanks, Eous. Anyway, Jax—the thing about Bangboo is they're a lot like people, they're very different from each other. Eous is sweet and clever, and it's very dependable. My brother's Bangboo, Bunbastion, is the picture of professionalism, as expected from a butler. I'm fixing this little guy up so it's not accidentally electrocuting you—but I can't guarantee it won't be a deliberate asshole. Can't fix personality.

You take that back right now. How dare you accuse me of being kind.

[His tone is flat though, there's no bite to it. He's too worn out to really make himself a nuisance. He moves to drape his lanky frame on the counter, watching Belle as she talks. His brow furrows softly as she sends Eous to go and get repair tools. He'd been expecting her just to explain what the fuck this thing was in exchange for the tape and to turf him out again. She's helping him and he can't understand why. What's her angle here? ]

Bangboo, God they sound like something from the Care Bears. But sure, okay. Got it. Little worker robots. Does the butler one have a little butler outfit? Enquiring minds need to know. So I've got a little robot worker now. I'm absolutely gonna use it for evil.

[ Again, his tone is flat. Is he being serious? Is he being a jackass? Maybe it's both! He snorts lightly at the comment though. ]

I'm good at deliberate assholes. That's my vibe. Maybe I can use it to fry Janet, for funsies.

[ Hm. No. He has to ask. It's bugging him. People don't help him.]

Why are you helping fix it? I only asked what it was. I don't have any other tapes to give you, don't turn around and charge a surprise bill on me for fixing the worker robot. That wasn't part of the agreement.

Yep, and even a little fake mustache. [She hums.] But you can dress them up however you like, there's nothing really stopping you.

[She's seen enough criminal Bangboos not to really give much of a shit what Jax gets his to do. As long as he doesn't cause it deliberate harm, what he uses it for isn't really any of her business.]

I'm not the one who named them. [Said with a shrug.] You could try. Chances are good it'll do it, the amount of moral compunctions varies from one to the other. [Just like with people!

She pauses with her repair work. Glances at Jax, then shakes her head.]

I'm not doing this because I want to charge you a surprise bill. I'm doing this because it's hurting, and I have the ability to make the hurt stop. [A huff of breath, as she resumes her work. Almost, almost...] Did you think I started working on it just to, what, spite you and your worldview? That's pretty egotistical. Didn't I tell you I was going to see what was up with your little guy?

Oh god, so it looks like a tropey butler. Careful, those are the ones that always end up doing a murder and trying to pin it on someone else. [He chuffs lightly. ] I'm gonna hard pass on the dress-up. This thing is lucky I'm letting it stay in my apartment at all.

[ Jax is allergic to saying he likes something, he's not gonna risk having a reaction now! ]

No kidding? Okay, duly noted! The little robot rabbits are down for crime. That just makes my previous comment about the murder butler even more legit.

[Jax looks at her for a moment, then at the counter. He prods at it idly with a finger. This is skirting too close to Real Talk for him and he blundered face-first into it himself. He can't quite get the walls up high enough today - the train has chipped away at him and he's feeling. uncomfortably vulnerable about it. An Jax hates feeling vulnerable. ]

I dunno. Not like we're friends or anything. I thought all you were gonna do is tell me what is was and then kick me out. That's what I'd do. [Untrue. He wouldn't even offer any help in the first place. He rolls his eyes, desperately trying to regain some emotional distance again.] Whatever. You wanna bleeding heart and do this for free, guess that's on you.

[Well, that was an unwanted and frustrating delay to his return home. It took longer than he'd like to finally get off the train, but eventually he does get let off. He doesn't immediately to the mansion, instead opting to go somewhere to get himself cleaned up and pick up an apology present for Belle. Something to help soothe the time apart.

Then, he makes his way to the mansion. He actually hasn't been here before, since Belle got it while he was in El Nido. In truth... he's not sure how he feels living in a mansion again, needing a moment to collect himself outside when it comes into view. He would've preferred to stay at the old place... but he's sure he'll get used to it.

He can't run away from every aspect of his past.

Once he's ready though, he'll walk up to the door. He'll give a knock or two of warning before he uses the security key to let himself in. Into the foyer, he'll call out]

Belle! Your no-good older brother is home!

[It's words he's been wanting to say for a long time now. Tiny apartment, mansion- it doesn't matter in the end. As long as his sister's there, that's home enough for him]

Hah, Bunbastion wouldn't if it wasn't a direct command. It's very devoted to my brother. [Though it does have a taser at the ready just in case for anybody else who might approach the house with ill intent.] Some of the Bangboo are down with crimes, some aren't. Eous wouldn't.

[Eous, watching them, pipes up with ehn-na ehn. To Belle, it sounds like, I'm a very law-abiding Bangboo.]

We're not friends, and you're a thorn in my side. That doesn't mean I'm not gonna help you when you really need it, because everyone deserves sincere assistance when they ask for it. It just means I'll be really annoyed it's you. [Just one more test to go aaaaaand...voila!]

Good news, your Bangboo's all fixed up! [Peering down at it, as Eous crowds in closer with a worried ehn-ne-na? (Are you feeling better?)] How are you feeling, hm?

[What greets him are the Bangboo first, running around doing their jobs and picking up after what looks like an ungodly amount of cats. Then Belle calls from upstairs:]

Zelos! I'm coming!

[She all but flies downstairs, covered in a fine layer of dust, her hair kept out of her face with a bandana, her hands in gloves. She's clearly been doing some cleaning, and she hugs Zelos the second she can get close enough.]

I missed you. [How could she not? He's her brother. Then she pulls away, and smiles, a little embarrassed.] Sorry about all the dust. The house is huge, Bunbastion can't cover everything.

[Though bless its heart for trying anyway.]

Your room's totally soundproofed, by the way, you're welcome. Security system's up and running, but I do have some bad news for you—for some reason we started getting a lot of cats coming around, and Her Majesty the ghost kitty threw a whole tantrum about that, and your vase became a casualty.

[Actually it was shot by a surprised Bangboo but shhhh.]

Oh, yeah! We've got a ghost cat.

[Of course the bangboo would be the first to greet him. Zelos notices the signs of cats being there, but he opts to focus on what he cares about first. He grins at Bangboo and give them friendly headpats, but then pulls away when he hears Belle bounding down the stairs.

Which....yeah, she's definitely dirty and covered in dust- but he doesn't care. He'll return that hug warmly, giving her a headpat as she pulls away.]

Hey there sis! I missed you too!

[And then Belle starts going a mile a minute talking about everything. It's a lot to take in, so he holds up his hand]

Whoa, whoa- slow down! I just got in, no need to speedrun the updates!

[Honestly. ]

How about we sit down in... wherever the living room is and talk there? Let me get off my feet?

Sure, sure. Let me just wash my hands first, I've been [and she grimaces, looking like she kinda hates herself for putting herself through this,] cleaning.

[Cleaning up a huge mansion, even with two Bangboo helping, is a much harder task than cleaning an apartment on your own. Next time she's just hiring some cleaners. She moves away and to the kitchen to wash up her hands, and in the meantime calls:]

Oh—I got you something for the coming spring and summer. It's in the living room sitting on top of the latest chocolates from your admirers.

[It's a sun hat with a red string tied around it, and a pair of snazzy aviator sunglasses that Eous is sneakily putting back on the table after having tried them on itself.]

Awwww, boo. That's boring. Let me have my fun imagination of a little murder robot bunny butler.

[He likes thinking of them causing chaos, if you have little bunny robots why not let them loose into the world? Sounds like a GREAT time. He glances at Eous as he makes his little noise, having no idea what the hell that was. Was he talking shit? Maybe!

As Belle calls him a "thorn in her side" Jax's grin returns for the first time since he entered the store today. That's the sort of thing he wants to hear. He's been having a miserable time, feeling far more vulnerable than he usually allows. This is nice to hear. Some normalcy to cling desperately onto.]

You better believe I am! Glad to make this whole process more miserable for you. Happy to be of service!!!

[There we go! He can ignore that "everyone deserves sincere assistance" stuff because that makes him feel uncomfortable. That's far too close to leaning on another person and while he DID need the help, being subjected to it was an exercise in almost-humility he'd rather not get too deep into.

His Bangboo shakes itself off, looking between Belle and Eous, letting out a little ehn-ne-na in response. Yes! It felt a lot better now! Thank you!! Jax watches them curiously. ]

So... like. Can you speak to them?

If it helps, [Belle contemplatively says,] in a past life, I knew a Butlerboo that could hold their own and then some in combat.

[A lot of Bangboo can, now that she thinks about it.]

What, Bangboo repairs? It's actually pretty relaxing no matter who's asking me to do it. [Anyway. She looks down at the Bangboo.] 'Course I can. You can too, you know, they can understand our languages just fine, and I'm sure you can probably understand theirs. [Or at least she assumes everyone else can.

Eous chirps at the newly-repaired Bangboo: eh-na! ehn-ne watta? (Welcome to Random Play! Do you need anything else that Belle and I can get for you?) It's polite, with the general cheer of someone who's used to its person doing something like this often.]

Your new friend here [words chosen deliberately, with a side glance at Jax] brought you over because you were shocking him by accident. If you don't mind, little one, I'd like to run another diagnostic, see if there's anything lingering. [Out of habit, she reaches out to pat its little head.]

[He'll snort] Yeah, I can tell. Have you tried using a feather duster instead of yourself?

[He says that teasingly, heading toward the living room. With his angel hearing, he can hear her just fine. ]

Ohhhh, a present for me? You shouldn't have! 💖 [Walking into the living room, he'll spot the gift. He grins a little as he picks up] Hey, new hat and sunglasses~! [He'll immediately put them on, posing for Eous] How they look?

A feather duster can't mop the floors, Zelos!

[Eous seems to mull this over, peering at Zelos as if it's a judge at a fashion show. Then it nods sagely and pronounces with great gravity, Ehn-ne. (You're beach-ready.) Belle picks that moment to come back into the room, casually pat Zelos's shoulder, and just as casually steal a chocolate right in full view as she flops onto the nearest chair.

And just sprawls out with a melodramatically exhausted sigh.]

Your baby sister spent a week and a half working on a new security system, and I'm proud to say that unless someone is very determined, it'll stand up to most hacker attacks.

[There's a meow from a corner.]

It'll let any stray cat in, though, apparently.

[ Jax gives his hand a little waggle, palm flat. ]

It's better than thinking about them being cutesy and adorable all the time, I'll take it.

[He pulls a face, nooooooo you're suppose to hate doing this for him, don't make this pleasant no matter who's asking for it to be done. That's not the game. But then she starts talking about understanding them and his brow furrows in confusion. ]

What? No. They're just making weird noises to me. Those aren't words.

[The repaired Bangboo waves its arms happily. I'm doing great now, thank you! I woke up in the giant Bangboo's home and now I'm here!!! ]

Not my friend. I don't have those. It's a roommate at best. [He sees what she did there, he sees it!!

The Bangboo nods enthusiastically! Of course! Thank you for helping me! ]

Edited 2025-03-02 23:14 (UTC)

You can't? [That's actually a surprise to her, because she's just...always been able to understand them, probably since before Eous showed up in a closet and tumbled through back into her arms. Belle looks now at Jax with a searching frown.] I thought you might.

[She pats the Bangboo, does a quick once-over, and proceeds to translate for Jax:] It says it's doing great, and it just woke up in your house one day. Now it's here, and it's thankful for the help.

Anyway, good news is, it's fine now! My guess is it got a little banged up while you weren't around, but that's an easy enough fix. [She rubs at her chin and lets out a sigh.] Lucky thing, too, I'm not a specialist. Anything deeper and I'd probably have had to call in a real mechanic and that...could get complicated.

[Oh, god, is she the go-to Bangboo mechanic around here?

To the Bangboo:] I'm Belle, this is Eous. The giant stick of a Bangboo, [heh,] is named Jax, and he's not actually a Bangboo, he just looks like one.

[Naturally, Jax takes that the wrong way immediately, gesturing at himself. ]

Why? Because of the rabbit thing? You know I'm not actually a rabbit, right?

[Ugh. He lets out a huff, going back to leaning on the counter. ]

Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I just brought it here because it was shocking me. It wasn't me being nice or anything. I don't do that.

[That's probably sounding less convincing than he wants it to. He's too damn tired from the train and he's not got his Asshole Mask on as tightly as he'd usually like it to be. ]

...I mean. Great. At least. [ Uggggggggggggh, he's going to have to thank her and he'd rather eat rocks. Fuck. ] Thanks. Or whatever.

[Belle might be the first person Jax has thanked for anything for literal years. She better cherish it. He snorts, raising his hand to flip her the bird for the Bangboo comment. Naturally the

filter appears over his finger the second he does it, but the feeling's there.

The Bangboo makes its happy little noises, waving at Jax, before turning to its saviours thank you very much! I feel a lot better now! Do I have a name? ]

[Giving him yet another look like, really? Really? Just jumping to a conclusion right there? Bruh.] No, because everyone can talk to them just fine. In fact I think you're the first one I know who can't understand them.

[She might also be jumping to conclusions just a tad. But she does smile a little, and it is, to some degree, sincere.]

You're welcome. I'm very proud of you for managing that, I know it must be a hard feat. With a little more practice, you might even be able to graduate to "thank you very much".

[She's just also not above a petty jab herself. To the Bangboo, she shakes her head.]

I don't know your name. [You didn't come in with one, Eous chimes in.] And you aren't my Bangboo, so I can't name you anyway. But you can ask Jax if he's willing to give you one, or you can make one up.

[He's just jumping immediately to stupid conclusions because why would he process information like a reasonable person? Wow! That's asking so much of him!!! ]

What? Are you serious? They're just making noises.

[Jax grimaces at the "you're welcome". Ugh. It makes him feel gross. He hates this. He hates every living second of this. ]

I literally wish I was dead right at this very second in time. It will never happen. I'll be dead before it does.

[ Honestly, he kind of likes the jabbing though. He enjoys the back and forth. It's easier than sincerity by a country mile.

Still, he sees a means to claw back some dignity and puts his grin on, pointing at the Bangboo. ]

You need a name? Sure, I'll give you a name. I'm gonna call you... Useless!

[ Belle it is absolutely okay to hit him. No one would berate you for it! The Bangboo blinks, and then "eh neh ehs" softly. Is... is that a good name? ]

A mop then!

[Does Zelos know what Eous is saying? No. But it sounds positive, so he'll grin and give him a thumbs up going "thanks lil guy" before he flops down into a chair as Belle is coming in. As she grabs a chocolate, he's digging into his own bag to pull out a drink that's been sealed and stored away- offering to her it and the straw to puncture the seal]

Thank you for the new stuff~ And here. New drink to wash down all those chocolates with, and a thank you for all your hard work.

[He knows his sister loves trying new stuff, so might as well get one that seems particularly fancy]

Well, they don't call them "cat" burglars for nothing. So long as we can rest without worrying about human invaders, that's fine.

But seriously, what is with all the cats? Did they come with property?

[He's glad to have called out today, but after this... he's exhausted emotionally. And physically. Harumasa didn't have much hope for that to have ended positively, but at least it didn't end worse than he thought. So, he sends a text to Belle with the understanding that she's probably going to still be busy with customers.]

Hey, Manager~ I got caught up in some family issues and drama, and can't make it in tomorrow! I'm far too frail to handle all this stress. It's bad for my heart.

[It's true he's needs the time off to recover and decompress, but.]

[Even if it's technically the work line, it becomes pretty clear it's Not Belle texting]

Uh we're the ones with the family issues and drama, Bandana boy?? Are you using OUR family's drama for your sick leave???

I thought it'd be hard to top your claim last week to contracting dengue fever, but this sure is up there

[... Hang on a goddamn second. There's no way, right? There's no fucking way. The "affair child," Luke looking similar to Zelos and Belle, and now they're also having a family blowup today?]

I have a little brother who joined the app recently, but he doesn't remember me or the place we'd been. I tried to talk to him today and it seemed like something was wrong. Like he was in pain.

Long story short, I now have to ask you a weird question. Would your newly discovered sibling's name be Luke?

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video: UN:idontcare Forward dated to Feb 28

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Action | Post Train!

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Text from phone; not long after HIS conversation with Luke

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