Chapter Text
Kurogiri checked his map for the umpteenth time, tilting his head this way and that as he studied it. He was sure he was on the right path, he'd only come across one fork in the trail so far. If all else failed, he could always return to his car.
Warping there would be the easiest option, but he didn't have the coordinates to anywhere in the national park. Or, anywhere in the country, actually.
God, America was confusing.
He sighed, putting the map away and continuing along the dirt path. He had taken the path marked 'Two Forks' but he didn't quite recall the distance to said location. Regardless, he walked on.
The trip took two days by foot, and he only saw the tower after night had fallen. Even then he barely saw it, his only clue to its presence being its silhouette against the starry sky.
He made his way up the spiraling stairs, the old wood creaking under his weight. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him, then pressed the switch to turn on the power. The lights kicked in first, nearly blinding the mist man with the sudden brightness. Then the radio crackled to life.
"Greetings, Two Forks Tower!" The clearly male voice spoke English, which he could at least understand, thankfully. He was almost stunned into silence, nearly dropping his bag in his startled state. The hesitation was noted, and the voice came again, though slightly less cheerful than before.
"Two Forks Tower, this is ThoroughFare Tower. Come in." Kurogiri scrambled to pick up the radio and turn it on, almost dropping the device as the voice spoke for a third time. "I know you're there, your lights are on." He brought it closer to his mouth, just outside the range of the mist obscuring him.
"I'm here." He said, internally wincing at his English. Needless to say he wasn't very good at it, not knowing much more than what he could figure out along the way.
"It's Kurogiri, right?" The voice asked. He was able to pick up the distinct accent now that he wasn't as startled, and he guessed it was the male on the other end's second language.
"Yes, it is."
"I'm Atsuhiro." Ah, now the accent made sense. The man was Japanese, not American like he originally thought. Well, that certainly made communication easier.
"Indeed. That is what the man over the phone told me." It wasn't even a full few seconds before this 'Atsuhiro' was speaking again.
"So, what's wrong with you?" He asked, his speech ever so slightly slurred at the beginning. Kurogiri blanked, stunned for the second time in minutes.
"E- excuse me?"
"Apologies! People only take this job to get away from something. We're all sort of kindred spirits in a manner of speaking. So, I'm asking what's wrong." The man was certainly bold in his approach. Something he was unfortunately used to.
"What's wrong with you?" He asked, raising an eyebrow questioningly. Not that anyone could see it.
"That's a marvelous idea! Go on!"
"I'm sorry? I don't follow." He said. He was beginning to wonder about the man, particularly his mental state.
"You take a stab at what's wrong with me." Atsuhiro said, chuckling in an amused manner. Kurogiri sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Very well. Then will you let me get to sleep? It's almost midnight." Another chuckle was audible over the radio.
"Alright, Giri. Can I call you that? I'm calling you that. Go on, take a stab at me." Kurogiri pulled the radio away for a moment to sigh deeply. This man was far too personal for his liking.
"Are you out here, alone in the wilderness, because no one back home can stand your antics?"
"That's a low blow, Giri. A low blow. I'll just assume you're tired. And clearly a bit grouchy." Kurogiri made a noncommittal noise in response.
"I'm going to bed." He set the radio down firmly, then moved to his back to retrieve his sleepwear. He groaned quietly as the man spoke again.
"Wait! Now it's my turn!" His tone was far too cheerful for this late at night.
"Goodnight." He responded, changing into his sleepwear. Still, the man kept talking as if he hadn't heard.
"Let's see now. . . I don't know anything about you. Perhaps you like trees! Oh! Maybe a borderline fetish! A tree fetish."
"Good. Night." He repeated, collapsing onto what apparent passed for a bed in the corner. The last thing he heard was a warm chuckle, and the man speaking gently once more.
"Goodnight. Welcome to the job, Giri."