Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Once they've both settled in on the patched-up sofa, Lucas goes over the mess of tabs he left open in his web browser with Jonathan while talking about his thoughts for their itinerary planned for today and tomorrow. Jonathan provides aggressive support for all recipes displayed, with the roast pork even earning active drool.
However, when going over apartments, Jonathan starts expressing reluctance when Lucas indicates he should pick a place out for himself.
"Oh, it's just. Um, could we, um, for at least a little while… I mean, I should at least learn to cook first? I know not forever, but, um, c-could you at least help me get my bearings a bit b-before I'm on my own?" As Jonathan manages to somehow vaguely hint at his request, he reverts into fidget mode. He turns his head away to the side, not looking at Lucas nor the laptop screen. Twisting and twiddling his fingers, he skillfully demonstrates an array of various shades of red and white.
On the other hand, Lucas more or less anticipated this response, and he can't help laughing at the young teen's distress. At least his expression softens into a smile that reaches his eyes, he's not a complete jerk.
"I had a feeling you didn't want to be alone. Still, though, I wanted to give you a chance to be independent if you wanted. Help me pick a few places out, I'm gonna be active throughout the city before long, and having a couple of places could be useful. After all, I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of staying at hotels if I can avoid it. If you wanna tag along on my little adventures, that's up to you." As Lucas says all this, Jonathan's expression lights up with wide-eyed joy, although getting a bit red-eyed as well, as he's a bit overwhelmed with emotion.
"Oh! Um, yeah, of course! That, that sounds great!" With newfound enthusiasm, Jonathan dives headfirst into this mission. Before long though, Lucas claps twice to get his attention.
"Oh right, we should do this later. For now, let's get you some clothes and whatnot. I'd like a few suits too, honestly, I was looking at MF fashion boutique, don't judge me." Lucas watches Jonathan's expression to gauge his reaction, subconsciously raising an eyebrow in inquiry.
"No, no, that's good. I know he has some, um, normal clothes there, too!" Jonathan shakes his head a few times in denial before expressing his agreement.
"Right. I was looking at his enhanced suits online, I feel like we should both get a few, can't go wrong with being bulletproof and fire-resistant last I checked. I'm pretty sure I'd burst the shoulder seams on a normal suit the moment I punched something too, so there's that." Imagining Lucas's description, Jonathan can't help chuckling at the thought of Lucas immediately ruining a suit the moment he steps outside after getting it.
"Besides, I feel like you might want them even more than I do, I can only begin to imagine the… Friction… When you get the zoomies." Lucas has a thoughtful expression as he starts the sentence, but it sinks into clear displeasure by the end.
"Thankfully, it hasn't been too much of a problem… But, uh, yeah, no skinny jeans for me." Jonathan has a deadpan expression on his face, but there is a pearl of sage-like wisdom to his tone of voice. Perking up, he continues. "An-anyway, let's go!"
Jonathan starts heading towards the door but partway there, after a very direct look from Lucas, he realizes he needs to fix his birdnest hair first before going out.
Eventually, they are on their way to a nearby subway station, as MF's is a bit of a distance away. Not far from the entrance to the subway, 427 abruptly chimes in.
[Alert; a new minor GDV task has been assigned. Please prevent the pending vandalism in a side alley approximately a block and a half to your right.]
Lucas jumps slightly after being startled from 427 suddenly giving a task out of nowhere, quickly composing himself while hoping a certain cheerful follower didn't notice. Which he did. Not that Lucas realizes, since he can't see the small change in Jonathan's expression currently.
'Uhhh… That's out of the way though? If I was alone that'd be fine, but..?'
[No time like the present to start practicing dragging him off to random GDV tasks. You'll have to do it eventually anyway if you're going to be keeping him nearby.]
'I mean yeah… But at least help me think of an excuse?'
[That's on you.]
'So no ideas, got it.'
If 427 had a physical form, he would absolutely be rolling his eyes right now.
[Instead of trying to trick me, trick him instead. It should have a higher success rate at least.]
'Touché'
Clearing his throat, Lucas attempts a half-assed excuse, not really having enough time to think it over.
"Oh, I think I just heard something. I'm feeling a bit curious, so let's go check it out." ...Practice makes perfect Lucas, maybe you'll do better next time.
With an incredulous expression, Jonathan gives a halfhearted "Oh, okay." and follows after him. Whether he is just being polite or a kiss-ass to his rich new caretaker, no one knows but him.
Coming around the corner towards the alleyway, an older teen comes into view. He has a shaved head and is wearing a stained, paint-splattered denim jacket over a ripped tank top, paired with jeans and unlaced sneakers. Currently, he's hunched over a decent-sized duffel bag set on the ground, in the process of zipping it open. Catching sight of the spray paint cans inside, Lucas can't help but smirk.
'Ah yes, a timeless look. Classic, really.'
[...What are you on about?]
'Don't mind me. Heheh'
-----
Lucas kills this chapter: 0
Lucas total kills: 4
Lucas deaths this chapter: 0
Lucas total deaths: 4
Lucas current GDV: 4.2
Jonathan current GDV: .63
-----
Little character theater:
Jonathan, deep in thought: 'I really hope he isn't planning on taking me shopping on the top few floors. I don't think I could walk in heels, let alone run.'
Lucas, baselessly hopeful: Hey 427, think he bought my excuse?
427, completely deadpan: [Absolutely not.]
Author, equally deadpan: Absolutely not. +1 Better luck next time.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch18 - Vandalism
"Oho, what do we have here?" As Lucas approaches, both the hooligan and Jonathan have expressions mixed with both confusion and surprise. The older teen starts to straighten up, however, before he has a chance to start acting like a tough guy Lucas has already reached out for the duffel bag. "Good good, I was just thinking I could use some fun. Thanks."Without any pomp and circumstance, Lucas simply grabs the straps of the duffel bag and turns back around to leave the way he came. Both teens are shocked at this brazen behavior, frozen in place for a few moments. Once the would-be-vandal fully realizes the situation, he goes to catch up to Lucas."Fuck you, give that back." Spitting this out, he gets cut off by Lucas suddenly spinning around and swinging the duffel bag at him. His eyes widen as far as they can in the brief mo
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch19 - Subway Tracks
Having made it to the subway station in a trip that could largely be considered uneventful by local standards, Lucas and Jonathan are waiting a bit behind the big yellow line indicating a safe waiting distance. Lucas had certainly gotten some odd looks on the way here, but a bright smile was consistently sufficient to have them turn away.Starting from the top of the stairs, all the way through the turnstiles and down to the tracks themselves, every available surface is so densely covered in layered graffiti that the original tile color is unknown. Not even the ceiling was spared, somehow, which is now holding Lucas's undivided attention. Well, not quite undivided, it's too much of a challenge to ignore the smell.'Seriously though, how did they get up there? Some supe did it right? I'd say it's a waste, but I can't reall
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch20 - Sidekick
With one final loud screeching of protestation from its brakes, the subway train comes to a complete stop. Once the doors slowly open, a few scattered groups of people enter and exit the various train cars. The door that Lucas and Jonathan are waiting near has a trio of people walk out, one of them elbowing Lucas on the way past.Not even acknowledging them, he takes a deep breath to calm himself. Instead of achieving nirvana, he ends up further tied to the plights of mortality by the pungent bouquet emanating from the foul remnants of human selfishness and indifference.Recovering from his existential-crisis-triggered coughing fit, Lucas turns towards Jonathan, who seems to have a final exam's worth of questions written on his face while staring at him."Ahem. Ah yes,
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch21 - Art Critic
The rest of their journey through the subway system is largely uneventful. Jonathan merrily amuses himself, Lucas is awkwardly trying to make heads and tails of recent events, and the physical manifestation of chemically enhanced depression continues his noisy slumber.Disembarking at the station that Lucas is pretty sure is closest to MF Fashion Boutique, the adventures of unemployment man continues on the journey alone. Someone that was going to enter that particular train car heard him from outside the door and simply went elsewhere.As Lucas looks around the area he can't help but comment."Oh, by comparison, this platform is lacking in both art and aroma. Truly a pity.""R-rather than lacking, I'd
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch22 - Bubble Gum
Eventually, Lucas manages to compose himself. Before exiting the alley, however, he turns to face Jonathan with a grin."Hey, wanna find out if you're faster than an explosion?" As he says this, Lucas shakes the two cans of spray paint in front of Jonathan.Initially, Jonathan's expression is faintly confused. Before long though, he ends up with an even larger grin."Oh! Oh! What do you have in mind?" As he asks this, Jonathan initiates overly-energetic mode, his desire for mischief self-evident. He's nearly prancing in place, distinctly reminiscent of a dog that just got asked if it wants to go out for a walk.Stifling a laugh at Jonathan's enthusiasm, Lucas goes back into the alley and holds both spray cans ou
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch23 - That's What She Said
Having recently arrived at a major four-way intersection, Lucas and Jonathan stare up at the massive building diagonally across from them. Multi-tiered stone steps lead up to a corner entrance, its double-wide glass doors are held open with large free-standing signs with the store's current promotional information on them. Above the broad entryway is a sign with "MF Fashion Boutique" written in a large and elegant font.The outer walls are completely transparent, the floor-to-ceiling windows showing that every floor has a double-height ceiling. The first six floors display a mix of tables and myriad racks on racks of merchandise, with the occasional male mannequin or other such promotional displays. Beyond these six floors, the remaining ones still have a few promotional displays, however, there are walls covered in posters and tapestries blocking off further sight inside behind the
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch24 - Cloth Mountain
As Jonathan diligently takes inventory of every single style of clothing on the first floor, Lucas is slowly being buried under a mountain of fabric. Not that he has been putting up any resistance, if anything he keeps verbally directing Jonathan to grab more things in his size as well. While he is unaffected by the weight of what he is carrying, he feels tired from watching Jonathan zipping back and forth.[...Are you two planning on buying the entire store?]'Pfft, look how excited he is. Besides, we both should probably have several changes of clothes left at each of the apartments we get tomorrow anyway, so no harm in getting a bit extra. A lot extra. This really is a lot, isn't it?'[Just how do you plan on getting it all home?]
I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please Ch25 - Mind Flare
While the mighty cloth mountain, as sung in legend, was once the tallest point at the checkout counter, it has been trounced by the glorious shoe tower. Insignificant before its regal splendor, Jonathan has to hand the shoebox he bears to Mind Flare to add to its majestic parapets.[Oh dear. You probably won't make it to the grocery store tonight at this rate. Is there anything you're in the mood for, I'll start researching restaurants in the area for you in advance?]'Uhh... Not really. Apart from being rude, I'm worried if I ask Jonathan right now, we'll end up with a third joining us. And making the plans for us. Whew. At least hearing Jon's version of the exploding duffel bag incident was pretty funny. I guess MF is a bit... Lonely?'[Probably, on multiple
Latest Chapter
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 11 - System Updates
Lucas and Jonathan—dressed decently but nowhere near as fancy as yesterday—are most of the way to Cat’s Paw Cafe, pointedly not utilizing the stinky subway station to get there.‘Ya know, it’s been surprisingly peaceful, yeah? Though, not havin’ people gawk as much as yesterday is kinda nice. All that attention was gettin’ old fast.’[Ahem, well, fortunately, Boss System approved my long-term task priority filtering proposal.]‘Oh? Whassat?’[Compared to before, now it requires an opt-in before being bombarded with every single task in range. Before receiving alerts—and therefore penalties for ignoring them—we’ll run the calculations of the tasks’ estimated impact vs. potential unwanted attention. This effectively weeds out a majority of minor tasks—plus some moderate ones—by accounting for how suspicious it would be for you to know the event was taking place, let alone be believably compelled to interfere. I knew there was no need to ask if you were interested in activating it immedi
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 10 - Chosen Chores
Once the allotted thirty minutes have passed—precisely down to the second—427 tentatively undeafens Lucas. At first, all he can hear is a booklet’s pages being flipped through, followed by Lucas grumbling.Hesitantly removing the remaining sensory suppressions one at a time, 427 nearly sighs with relief upon discovering that Lucas is standing in the kitchenette by the new automatic drip coffee maker—thankfully dressed—in the midst of poorly attempting to demystify its instruction manual.‘How the hell is this so complicated?’[Ah, making good on your promise to Jonathan?]‘Oh, thank fuck; yer back. Took ya long enough.’[…Hello, again, to you, too.]‘Yeah, yeah, yeah. Welcome back. So, anywho, can ya scan through this or somethin’ and tell me how to use it?’[…I already looked up the instructions from everything’s model numbers earlier. First, measure out—]427 guides Lucas through measuring and grinding a serving’s worth of coffee beans and setting it up in the machine with such in-d
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 9 - Solitary Request
For a few peaceful minutes, Lucas delights in demolishing the delicious delicatessen delivery. As Jonathan reaches for his coffee cup to gauge if it’s cool enough for a sane person to drink, he ends up cutting himself off with a yawn, earning a side-eye from Lucas.“Hey, ya barely got any sleep, yeah? Instead of havin’ caffeine, shouldn’t ya go take a nap?” Upon Lucas’s question, Jonathan pauses, looking at the contents of his mug with an obvious longing. “I’ll make ya a fresh one in like half an hour; I’m sure 427 can figure out howta use whatever newfangled machine ya got,” Lucas continues, his eyes also fixed on the beverage.[…I suppose I appreciate your vote of confidence.]Jonathan’s gaze lingers on the coveted coffee for a moment before he sets it back on the table. As soon as he lets go of it, Lucas lays his claim upon it.“Um, o-okay, yeah. I just, um, sh-should take a shower first,” Jonathan stammers as he stands.Lucas hums an agreement around a mouthful of coffee.[Did y
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 8 - Good Un-Morning
Thankfully, there are no further interruptions during the rest of this round of deliveries. Or even during the next one, either.Once Jonathan finally has the fourth and final load of freight, he makes a detour to a delicatessen. More specifically, the one where he previously purchased yesterday’s breakfast.After equally uneventfully acquiring milk, third breakfast for himself, and first breakfast for Lucas—since he’d totally only eat sugary baked goods if real food wasn’t conveniently available—he makes his way home.With his back to the recently re-locked front door, Jonathan reclaims the last armload of supplies as he looks at Lucas’s still-shut bedroom door.‘…Our food will still be too hot to eat for a little while; I’ll make some coffee first.’Jonathan may or may not be making up excuses to keep putting off waking up Lucas in the hopes that he’ll do so on his own, knowing full well that he probably won’t.While taking longer than necessary to decide which appliance to christen
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 7 - Ongoing Onerous Obligations
“Ah! Um…” Jonathan’s face scrunches up a bit as he looks over his pending purchases.‘Can we at least turn off tasks while my hands are full? I really don’t want to drop everything and have it get broken or stolen by the time I get back to it… It will be annoying enough having to run back and forth a bunch.’[Requesting temporary task suppression… Permission granted; disregarding minor tasks for one hour at no penalty, effective immediately.]Jonathan barely represses his urge to sigh with relief.Before Ji Soo works up the nerve to express concern over Jonathan’s vacant stare at the wall behind the service bot, Jonathan’s attention returns to reality and redirects to said bot.“Um, c-could you hold some of it for a few minutes once I’m done paying? I-I won’t take long… Like, five minutes?” Before fidgety Jonathan even finishes asking his question, the bot is already nodding.“Certainly. Do you wish to use a private scanning kiosk to complete your order?”‘I’m surprised it’s even an
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 6 - Whole Latte Shopping
Jonathan, however, doesn’t hear the utterance of recognition. Unaware, he continues his quest for a coffee maker.A short time later, Jonathan stands--while quietly grumbling--before a row of two-in-one coffee/espresso machines.Behind him is a sea of drip coffee machines, with cold press equipment further off to the side. Alongside the arrangement of two-in-ones sits a selection of espresso machines, both automatic and semi-automatic.‘How are there so many!? What even are the differences? Wait, no, don’t answer that. The technical details will probably just be even more confusing.’[Understood.]Although Jonathan notices movement in his peripheral vision, he doesn’t outwardly react to the recent arrival at the end of the aisle. Instead, he pulls out one of the two-in-one machines set at eye level, rotating it so he can read the back of the box.“Ah! Don’t get one of those! That entire line is overpriced trash,” the newcomer blurts out, muffled by the layers of carbon-filter fabric f
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 5 - The Worst Part of Waking Up Is Almost Endless Tasks
After the harrowing--see also; totally normal--experience of getting his hair professionally cut, Jonathan blinks a few times as he looks himself over in the mirror. ‘Oh, wow. That’s way better.’ He’s now sporting a long-top, backswept, tapered hairstyle with a rounded back. Given how clearly tense he was throughout the entire cutting process, a trendy skin fade would have fairly obviously been too much for his liking. After giving Jonathan a few moments to make his mental evaluations, one of the hairdresser’s dreadlocks uses a soft-bristle brush to clear away the loose hair clippings around the collar of the barber cape. A few other coils of his hair organize the various tools he used, setting them aside for cleaning. Meanwhile, he quickly sweeps aside the bulk of the rogue tufts of hair on the ground in a much more conventional hands-on-broom method as he uses the mirror to make eye contact with Jonathan again. “Lookin’ good, mon. Well? Whaddya tink?” His question pulls Jonath
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 4 - Coiffure Conundrum
Once Jonathan is finally en route to the hairdresser...[Safe distance from Mikah’s power detected. Alert; you have exceeded 10 GDV. You have one enhancement available.]‘Oh! Um, you said before that rank three vision should be good enough to see through Maria’s powers, right?’[Correct, rank three should be sufficient as long as her target is in motion. Rank four would be necessary to see anything stationary, given the current strength of her powers. Please be aware that going beyond rank three for any individual enhancement has additional requirements.]‘Three should be good enough to avoid most of her pranks... Use my upgrade on vision.’[Please confirm that you would like rank two vision.]‘Yeah.’[Understood. Please close your eyes during calibrations to avoid nausea.]Jonathan slows from running at enhanced speed into a normal-paced jog for a few steps, then stops and shuts his eyes.[Bzzt... Calibrations complete.]He opens his eyes and looks around, blinking several times.‘Wo
- I'd Like to Change My Reincarnation Subscription, Please
Vol 2 Ch 3 - Chaos in the Streets, Asleep in the Sheets
The duo’s fiery funnel further forces the growing multi-car pile-up towards the middle of the street for a few seconds longer. Finally, the flames falter and fade. After a short delay, the wind wanes as well.‘Oh, I shouldn’t give them any extra reasons to think I’m a threat.’Jonathan swiftly shuts and pockets his switchblade as he follows the sidewalk. While doing so, his attention flicks between the ongoing chaos in the street and the front door of Howling Cartographer’s HQ lobby.Ashley steps through the door with Jason right behind her. They both take a moment to appreciate their destructive handiwork with smug expressions. Considering that Jonathan is conspicuously the only person still in the immediate vicinity, they quickly focus on him.Before either of them manage anything beyond a glare, Jonathan raises both hands in a submissive gesture, showing that he isn't wielding a weapon. "I-I just wanted his gun!"Ashley's exposed eye squints with amusement, the not hair-hidden cor
