Let's Take a Detour!

✧Sangaku Manami | 真波山岳 ✧ Yowamushi Pedal RP Blog Yarrow Apt. Room 2 Affiliated with Toshi City

[pocarisweating-blog]

Napping Angel

[razzledazzleidol]

Soon enough, a shadow would fall over his face, a girl peering down at him curiously. The breeze was nice, though Rise didn’t appreciate how she had to keep her skirt down with a hand. She’d wandered over here curiously, having spotted the shiny bike and wondering who it belonged to.

"Hey, excuse me, uhm…." She sure felt a little awkward, talking to the dude when he seemed so… relaxed. "…Isn’t that a little irresponsible? I-I mean, what if someone takes your bike when you’re dozing off?"

[pocarisweating-blog]

An instance of blue peeked up from behind sleep lids, Manami sitting up with a stifled yawn as the girl's inquiry registered. She looked familiar somehow and yet... They hadn't met before! Like, ever. Maybe it was just too much sun frying his brain; That had to be it.

 "Huh? You think someone's going to steal..? Even when it's right next to me..?" He spoke in between another long exhale, rubbing his eyes to get himself out of this napping spell. Ohhh, now it was beginning to click..! "Oh, wait... were you going to take it..?! Did you want to ride my bike, Miss, um..?"

[pocarisweating-blog]

Napping Angel

After a long morning of cycling. Manami parked his bike along the nearest available surface and plopped himself down on the soft, freshly cut grass. In the shade of the tree's full branches overhead, he found some peace from the blazing sun, closing his eyes for a quick snooze. The passing breeze felt so nice, too. What a perfect day... 

 "....."

[equesstellula-old-blog]

They fell into another bout of steady silence as the topic ran its course. Though Manami was indeed proving himself to be an interesting conversation partner, Alcor was thankful. His feet felt little more than heavy weights, and now that the shock had worn off, he could feel the burden of every breath he took. If even breathing sent shockwaves of pain through his entire body, then he was probably facing more than just a bit of bruising—at least a broken rib or two. It was going to be a long month… Well, it was his own fault for being so careless.

What a relief it was when the apartments finally rose into view.

"Yes, this is it." Thank goodness. He couldn’t wait to just collapse into the couch. Or perhaps fall into a long sleep on his futon. "I live in the Marigold apartment. It is but a block away."

It was the longest block that Alcor had experienced, but once the doors had finally come into view, he heaved a small sigh of relief, then immediately regretted it. That had hurt… 

He turned back to Manami. “I must thank you for accompanying me. I loathe to think of what could have befallen me if you had not been there.” A pause. Well, it never hurt to open up… “I have neglected to ask you, but in which apartment do you live?”

[pocarisweating-blog]

 "--I live at Yarrow Apartment. Room 2, to be exact. I'm not exactly a homebody so don't visit unexpectedly.. I might not be there!" The last thing Manami needed was to stir disappointment with his absence.. after all, he such a flighty presence, coming and going as he so pleased. Being sickly and bedridden for most of his life, the last thing he really wanted to do was waste his precious time indoors. Especially now that summer was right around the corner, he wanted to make the best of his vacation.  "Well, I'm sure we'll meet again regardless, Alcor-san. Take care and stay out of the heat!" Getting ready to push off his heel and slam onto the pedals, Manami looked back over his shoulder for just a moment as he circled around, giving the elder a grand thumbs up followed by a smile. "Oh and don't worry about the water bottle! Please think of it as a token of apology!"

[equesstellula-old-blog]

"I see… Then I suppose it can be said that riding your bicycle is your reason for life?"

A simple reason, but a reason nonetheless, and that was what made humans human. Of course, that would have meant that, a few years ago, Alcor wouldn’t have been considered a human being… But that was knowledge common to him already.

"Having such a reason would surely lead to a satisfying existence. Every waking day must be fulfilling for you."

Alcor had yet to reach that level of fulfillment, but so long as he was surrounded by the people that he loved, and the people that loved him, that was more than he could ask for. If that was all someone like Alcor could ever achieve, then that was fine with him.

[pocarisweating-blog]

 "I guess that's the easiest way to put it!" Alcor was pretty sharp and quick with the intake of things, which Sangaku could wholly appreciate. He wasn't much for words, and idle chatter wasn't his forte, but if what he said could suffice, then that's what counted most.  As they rounded the corner and passed down another street, the buildings condensed, and the crowds thinned, fewer cars passing as the towering structures of brick and mortar blocked out the intensity of the sun. "Ah, this is it right? The residential area? Which apartment is yours, Alcor-san? I'll drop you off."

[arukityasutomo]

Climber's low

[arukityasutomo]

How dare you narrate using my first name, you shit kouhai

"Reason? Who taught you to talk like that?" Yasutomo asked, challenging the junior’s musing. Now he was being pulled into another of the boy’s daydreams, wasn’t he? Manami always had his head up there, somewhere among the clouds. His speech and ideas often reflected it too, along with his laid back attitude. 

"Ya keep talking like there’s something more out there. I got here by my own volition and if I still can’t shake you off my leg, then so be it." On the other hand, Yasutomo himself was more the physical, the down-to-earth type. It was no wonder the two often clashed, or more accurately, it was no wonder the senior often felt compelled to scold him for taking everything too easily.

"I’m glad to see a face I know around these parts!"

At the statement, Yasutomo only clicked his tongue in response, then turned his head away. Coincidentally, what Manami just told him was the exact same thought he had earlier. It was nothing worth considering, yet still, he felt his own pride being flattered. Still, not in a million years would he ever admit anything of the sort to that impertinent kid. 

"Ah yeah, I saw something about that." The elder replied more freely to this subject, recalling the few pamphlets he read upon his move. "It’s some distance from here, so I have yet to bother to get there. When are you planning to go?”

[pocarisweating-blog]

"Ahh, that's pretty cool of you, Senpai. So tough! Spoken like a true biker warrior!" And though that was pure gushing praise coming from the likes of Sangaku, there wasn't an ounce of sarcasm to be heard. Each word was laden with a certain honesty, though probably in spite that the elder would retort with the usual declination. A vicious cycle, but it was the only way he knew to carry an on-going conversation with Yasutomo. 

"It’s some distance from here, so I have yet to bother to get there. When are you planning to go?”

Good question. And Sangaku's grin only doubled in size with his undoubted answer. 

 "Today!" How could he resist the opportunity to do more biking? And in a true mountain side? Not to mention that it would only take a few inquiries of the locals to get the exact directions! It was meant to be; His adventure would start now! "Arakita-san, why don't you come with me?"                                                              --Call it a date!

[equesstellula-old-blog]

"Well… I must thank you for your continued company, then."

He’d have to make it up to the boy for accompanying him. But now that he took a good look at his benefactor, he realized just how…tall he was. He had to have been a few years younger, yet he was nearly at Kai’s height. He looked, then, to the bike that he was on. It was a pure white, majestic thing, and quite unlike those that Alcor had seen in the possession of many other riders.

"I am called Alcor. It is a pleasure, Manami Sangaku."

That should suffice for an introduction. Even if he did have a false surname to fall back upon, he had grown so used to just omitting it from conversation altogether. It wasn’t necessary for Manami to know anything more than that, anyway.

"…I could not help but notice, but you are quite adept on your bicycle." Didn’t most people ride in a more upright position? Although, Alcor wouldn’t know. He hadn’t ridden a bike in his entire life. "Is cycling your pastime?"

[pocarisweating-blog]

 "Pastime...?" Manami stifled a chuckle at that. "That's one way you could put it, Alcor-san. Cycling for me.. is really one of the only things that helped me feel most alive. Whereas a starving man would desire food, I desire the need of confirming my existence through cycling." It was a lot more dire in that sort of context, the emphasis a bit exaggerated, but, truly, Manami wouldn't have been as free as he is now without the likes of bicycles. It was a longer story for another time, the details on the more personal side, but Manami would never mind at least sharing his motivation. It was his passion, after all.  "--Or something like that! Hahaha!" 

[arukityasutomo]

Climber's low

[arukityasutomo]

Yasutomo was not going to wait for the person behind him, but he would be lying if he said he was not curious for one bit. During his stay here in Toshi city, he witnessed maybe one or two other cyclists, but from the build of their bikes, it was obvious they were only normal city-dwellers. He wasn’t hoping for much, but it would be savior if it could be someone interesting. When the other finally came into range, he peeked to the back and what he found was… a sight in no way unfamiliar to him. 

"Haah? It’s only you, Manami." Yasutomo said with a hint of complaint in his voice. "There are better ways to greet your upperclassman, you blockhead." 

His eye twitched at the greeting. That same silhouette, those ever-messy hair, that smile and that attitude showing as if he never had a single worry in the world… Not needing to act any familiar with this little one, the senior turned his attention to the road in front of him. What was he even being all sparkly about, he asked himself, slightly ticked. Just seeing the junior act so radiant was enough to wear him down. 

At the same time, well, it wasn’t entirely bad to be in the company of a familiar scent.

"It’s boring over here," the elder confided. "With roads like these, no wonder nobody picked up riding in this damn city."

[pocarisweating-blog]

Giving an airy laugh and the tilt of his head in question, Manami didn't catch that hint of irritation, easily catching up to Yasutomo's pace with little to no effort. Wow, just what were the odds of seeing one of his former teammates here..? That was really something! Manami had come to this place of his own volition, but to think he hadn't been the only one with the idea of a fresh start... It was heart warming, somewhat. Perhaps the close bonds he was meant to carry on with were worth preserving after all. 

 "--You say that," Manami started, looking over with large, earnest eyes. "... but there must've been some reason we were drawn here, don't you think?" Or perhaps it was just fate, but Manami resisted--he wasn't so oblivious as to make such an open romantic comment as that. Surely the elder would be grateful for the relent as well.  "I'm glad to see a face I know around these parts!" Now neck and neck, the cool wind blowing past them and through his hair and open collared shirt, he was reminded of that certain tid-bit he had received the other day, deciding to make it a point of conversation. "Did you hear though? I heard that there's a mountain range somewhere close to a place called the Toshi City shrine.. Doesn't that sound like the perfect place to cycle, Senpai?"

[heidancho]

Manami Sangaku - Episode 22

[equesstellula-old-blog]

At the boy’s suggestion, Alcor instinctively reached into his pocket, only to find that his wallet wasn’t there. A quick glance about the vicinity told him that it hadn’t fallen out either. He must have left it at home. Why had he even come out in the first place if he was going to forget his wallet at home?!

Well, one thing was for sure: busing was out of the question.

"…I do not seem to have my bus fair on my person at this moment. Walking is indeed the only option available to me."

He sighed, his aching bones suddenly feeling all the more weary with his dire realization, only looking up again when the boy spoke up once more.

"I have no intentions of inconveniencing you." He tilted his head ever so slightly and regretted it immediately when the headache worsened. "I will not protest if you wish to accompany me, but if there is someplace else that you must be, then do not let me stop you from reaching that destination."

[pocarisweating-blog]

..... Just watching the other struggle in search for his wallet or belongings clenched Manami's heart in all the wrong ways, a growing sense of compassion overwhelming him. For what it was worth, he was better off seeing this entire incident to the end, giving a sigh as he walked his bike over beside the other. It was going to be a long trip, sure, but he was over it by now.

 "--Not at all. I'm headed in that direction so... it's no skin off my back." Slipping back on to his raised seat, he waited for the other to begin walking before he gave the pedals a light push, going at a turtle's pace. There was plenty Manami could talk about, trying to choose one topic to pick up conversation with, when he noticed one important formality missing between them. "Oh...! Um, I didn't catch your name... I'm Manami, by the way. Manami Sangaku."

[equesstellula-old-blog]

Was he really still alive? Alcor felt like he was beholding some sort of divine entity.

"Are you certain? There is no telling when I will next see you. This city is vast."

…Though he seemed dead set on lending it to him, and Alcor couldn’t deny his logic. In retrospect, he was lucky to have been run over by a bicycle, and not, say, a truck (though he doubted trucks drove along such a narrow street anyway).

"The fault is my own. I should not have walked onto the street without looking both ways first." Basic knowledge, really, but to his credit, he had been practically half-dead. "I will be fine," he continued as he wobbled to his feet. His entire body protested against the movements and he stood unsteadily. He would have liked nothing more than to jump into a pool of ice right this moment. "…Most likely."

And the sinking reality sent him crashing back down to Earth. The walk back to Marigold was looking like a grueling one…

[pocarisweating-blog]

"Like I said keep it. I don't need it back or anything.." Consider it a gift from the young man who completely plowed you over, kind sir... "Ah, well, if you don't think you can walk there's a bus shelter right here," Manami followed up, pointing first to the roofed bench area and then to the small ticker sign at the edge of the stop sign with the respective route symbol and number.  "--You should probably take the next one available if you can. Don't stay out in this heat if you're not well.

 "Unless.... you'd want me to ride alongside you all the way to the residential area? Just in case, I mean." It was just a spontaneous idea, but whatever it took to pacify this guy's preference; Manami owed him at least that. (Boy, how guilty could he make him feel in just one sitting?)

[arukityasutomo]

Climber's low

It was another one of those days, an unbusy morning spent doing rounds on his bicycle at the hill near the school ground. It was nothing compared to Mount Hakone, but so far, it sufficed. It sufficed because by the time the hill was covered, Yasutomo was about sick of this regimen. There was no club activity to attend (like hell he’d join other clubs), no race to look forward to and his former captain was nowhere to keep him in check.

Having crossed the hill’s peak, the descent was in view. He considered heading back; doing another round would be troublesome and it was nearly lunchtime in any case. On the way down, he ceased his pedaling, only letting gravity pull him forward. For a short moment, all he heard were the sounds of his own wheels turning, but a certain noise coming from far behind him began to catch his attention.

"Another bike…?" For certain there was nobody behind him all the way during the course. That was unless… someone managed to catch up during the climb.

[pocarisweating-blog]

The conditions today were just perfect for biking, and though he had yet to find out the sweet spots in Toshi, the tiny referral given to him by a pleasant acquaintance had been a literal godsend. Riding in the tight public streets had been quite the turn off, and though just cycling brought Manami joy, he wouldn't be able to last very long without that certain freedom that a hill or open road brought. He had gotten up fairly early too, heading over to those spacious slopes located just around Toshi Academy.  This might even give me more incentive to actually attend class if there's bike paths so conveniently nearby! ...Or not, eheh. Speeding through every twist and turn, the wind was at Manami's beck and call, pedaling faster and harder than ever before. It was something he had taken for granted, getting continuously stuck in the public passage ways, but now that he could cut loose, he was going to go at it until he was absolutely spent. Pushing himself to the limits, feeling that incredible burn throughout every muscle and joint... That was truly living.  Not even an hour passing, the sound of another bicycle caught Manami's ears, curiosity taking a hold of him as he chased down the source. Maybe he could get some company... Riding with a buddy was always a pleasure, after all! Zipping up the steeper slope, the mystery cyclist in question was just up ahead, Manami bee-lining it as he gave a friendly wave. Oh... that was...

 "Yo~☆! Nice weather, huh?"

[equesstellula-old-blog]

Pop the…? The words weren’t even making sense, and Alcor felt as if his body was just going over the motions and imitating what the boy was showing him rather than his brain actually processing what he was being told. Somehow in his struggle, he had managed to get the bottle open. And this…boy…wanted him to drink from it? His thoughts were far too muddled to be able to protest. He pressed the bottle to his lips, squeezing ever so slightly. Not even the taste was registering; just the trickle of cool liquid making its way down his throat.

What a relief. After a few more gulps, he felt as if a fog had lifted. Suddenly more aware of his surroundings, he looked around. This was the street that he had tried to cross before something had bowled him over. And the angel crouching beside him was the one that had saved him…?

"…You have my thanks." He blinked at the bottle that was in his hands before holding it out to the boy again. "This is yours, is it not?"

[pocarisweating-blog]

Watching the other carefully as he re-hydrated himself, a certain salience entered that once muddled gaze, drinking greedily to his own relief. Manami didn't mind either (it wasn't as if he desperately needed it); He was more preoccupied about the collateral damage he may have issued..

 "Hang on to it," he ushered once the other was satisfied, declining the offer. "It's a scorcher today and you might need it again." Straightening himself, Manami wiped the prickling sweat from his brow and stretched his arms high above his head. He wasn't in any dire rush to get back to his housing situation, but he did hope to do so before it got too dark. He didn't have a light hooked up for night cycling just yet and riding without the proper equipment would be too detrimental for both him and the general public. (He didn't want to end up running TWO people over in one day, after all..) Walking over to his lonesome vehicle, Manami looked back at the pale haired young man while still donning a pleasant smile.  "Sorry, by the way, for crashing right into you. Will you be okay on your own?"

[equesstellula-old-blog]

Was he still alive? His entire body was screaming and refused to obey his commands, save for the slightest movements. Everything sounded muffled, like he was underwater. The only thing that rang clear was that voice…

Alcor dared look up. The sheer intensity of the sun’s rays were enough to make his head pound, though no sooner than that did a shadow fall over him. The way the light framed the individual like a halo made him seem like…

An angel…?

Was he really dead, then? He was feeling an awful lot of pain for someone who was dead. Incredibly dazed, he slowly pushed himself onto his knees and accepted the chilled bottle, though he stared at it as if it wasn’t registering that this divine stranger had offered him a much-needed drink on such a scorching day. Actually, it wasn’t even registering that what he was holding was a drink at all. It just felt like some cold, plastic lump that served no purpose to him or anyone.

"…"

"…This is…?"

…Perhaps he had hit his head as well. Good lord he was dizzy, he could barely form coherent sentences in his head. In that moment, words were nothing more than nonsensical jumbled sequences of letters.

[pocarisweating-blog]

Blue hues blinked at the inquiry, going from curious to plainly concerned. Ye--ah, this guy was in pretty bad shape--just near heatstroke from the looks of it, given the incoherent state he was in. It was a good thing Manami had, literally, crashed into him, or else he could have wandered out into the open street. Though in his struggle to find a reason for their discommunication, it suddenly pinged. Of course; how could Manami be so daft?!

 "Do you know how to drink from it?" he moved a little closer, gesturing alongside his explanation for clarity. "--You have to pop open the top by lifting it; then crush the bottle to get a big gulp! Go on."

[electrene-deactivated20140511]

"Hey there, roomie! I’m Ene, it’s nice to meet you! I hope we can get along…!"

[pocarisweating-blog]

 "Ene-chan, then? I hope so, too! The name's Sangaku Manami, pleasure's mine!" Well! At least he had been received by such a warm welcoming; It was more than he could have hoped for in a roomie. Looking around, there was plenty of space in this flat for the both of them; He wasn't particularly worried about sharing a domestic setting with a girl either--years of having a tough female childhood friend certainly prepared him for this. "This is my first time living on my own in a big city so you'll have to show me the ropes!"

[pocarisweating-blog]

electrene 

 "Ahh, you're my roommate I was given a head's up about. I hope you'll have me."

[equesstellula-old-blog]

It was…hot today. Far hotter than what he would have anticipated for springtime. Needless to say, Alcor was quite overdressed for the weather; his thick red sweater just seemed to absorb heat by the kilojoules. And he was quite far away from home… Actually, where was he? He must have spaced out again, or perhaps strayed from his intended path in his daze. But there was a sign on the other side of the street, he could use that to re-orientate himself…

He noticed far too late the whizzing that had been growing ever louder, and just as he had begun to take his second step onto the street, something collided into him and set him sprawling to the hot cement, rolling painfully until he came to a stop flat on his face.

"…"

He was done. He was absolutely done for the day.

[pocarisweating-blog]

To be completely honest, the density of the city was not the most ideal place to be biking, the thin strip they called a cycling path just plain laughable. Of course, once Manami got directions towards the nearest mountainous range, he would kiss goodbye to this sea of tar and concrete.. But for now, he'd have to abide to the constrictions of the boisterous traffic and crowds. It was his first day here, after all, and he had to get to his apartment first and foremost.  In his adrenaline high--That delivery truck had just completely swerved wayyy too close to him! Whoa!--Manami entered the sidewalk again and turned a sharp corner, lifting off his seat for a quick speed up. Ahh, there were less people here, this would be ideal for a nice cruise-- Or so he thought. Passing a wide bus shelter, and in the sudden glare of the sun, he hadn't expected to see a hobbling figure intercept his field of vision, colliding over the unfortunate individual and coming to an abrupt stop.

 Oooohh. That could not be good. "Hey! Are you all right?! Oh, I'm so sorry--" Hopping off of his bike and leaning it against the closest surface to them, Manami rushed over to his victim's sprawled out body, fretting for just a second all the while wondering if he should call for the police or make a run for it. The latter would have been easier, but... With a low and agonized moan coming from the near motionless corpse before him, Manami felt a wash of relief--They were alive! Thank goodness!--quickly pulling his water bottle from its holder and offering it out.  "Take this. I hope pocari is fine.. You don't look so good at all there, friend..."

[nachtfaust]

I’m taking a detour again. The hills are calling me.