[The night went well (if awkward) enough; the two chatting about games and movies and some of the major differences in the world between the time periods from whence they came, doing everything they can to avoid talking about how he is tiny and adorable(and she wants so badly to squish him.) Turns out there's a lot that's changed! And trying to take in all that knowledge was so much for poor Seras that she did eventually decide to call it a night and give both their tired little heads a rest. She put on a classic animated film (on VHS no less) to fall asleep to, made a tsum-sized nest of blankets on one side of her bed for the bean to sleep in. If she'd put just one more minute of thought into it, she may have opted to put him on the couch instead... Because if she had, it may have saved both of them the ensuing trauma.]
Mmn...
[Half asleep, the young vampire snuggles into the warmth of another body, mumbling something unintelligible against the space between his shoulder blades. Her brain is slowly starting up, triggered by a scent she doesn't recognize. Her eyelids flutter open with a curious hum, only to be greeted by a faceful of--
Blue fire?!]
Wh-- AAUGHHH!!? [She scrambles backwards out of the bed, reaching for the water on her bedside table and ripping the top off, spraying the contents of the bottle on (what she assumes is) the source of the fire-- the place where her new little friend was sleeping! When the fire doesn't completely go out (she missed-- she was a cop, not a firefighter, okay!?) she starts looking for a blanket to throw over the remaining flame, hoping to snuff it out in time to save her friend.]
O-oh no, oh no-- Idia!! [Please be okay, please be okay.]
[Idia's never had a sleepover, believe it or not, so he's only loosely familiar with what it entails. He and Ortho's dream, among many others, was always to be invited to play games at someone else's house. Who knew that dream would come true when both of them are dead? And the night is... well, he didn't expect to exchange so many words but it wasn't so bad after all. He doesnt besmirch the nest, though he is flustered at the idea of sharing a bed. But he's so sleepy by the end of the night that theres no energy to make a fuss with.
No small part of him goes to bed looking forward to next time. He wonders what games Seras would like, what would be best for 2 player co-op, if she'll take to them easily...
Before he knows it, he's slept the night through, dreaming of being enveloped by something warm. Blinking blearily ahead, he sees the TV static with a self-ejected VHS tape. Oh thats right, he thinks to himself. That old movie...
There's very little time to process this before he's being doused with water. He yells as she yells, sitting up straight in bed. A hand flies to his face and wipes at the water there, flicking it off hurriedly.]
Ah!! Wh-what's going on, what are you--?
[It's at this point that Idia realized that he's much higher up now, about how high he's used to being. Which is a good thing. But, carding a hand through his mane of (real, not felt!!) hair, he realizes that Seras is looking at him terrified, which is not a good thing.
He hasnt pieced together how very fucking exposed his torso is right now.]
[This is not what she expected the little stuffed toy to turn into. Sure he's the same colors and his voice is the same, but he's so.]
Idia...?
[Unable to take her eyes off of him, she reaches out to set the bottle back down on the nightstand. She misses, the plastic bouncing on the carpet and rolling under the bed to be reunited with it's similarly empty, similarly forgotten brethren, unbeknownst to her.]
A-ah-- you're. [On fire? So... delicate looking? Beautiful? In a full face of makeup before noon? ON FIRE???? Wait no, nothing is actually burning... Maybe his hair works like Fearless's does...] --!! Oh, my god! It worked! You're a person again!
[She's not worried at all about him being shirtless, men are shirtless around her all the time. This is nothing new. So she won't act like she's scandalized by seeing a flaming angel nipple.]
[It's not that he wasn't aware of how much he'd talked to Seras, how much they'd touched and made eye contact-- far from it. That was very keenly at the forefront of his mind at all times. But it feels starkly different, doing these same things with his normal body. He feels instantly on-edge but still. Oh my god what a relief.]
Ah! I-it worked! It really worked! Ha!
[Disbelieving laughter edges at his voice, raising his hands up from where they were clutching at the sheets to really look at them-- and there they are! Bony, long-fingered hands pale as you can get. Those are his alright! Now, when the sheet (the barest top sheet that was re-configured into a nest for him) drops out of his hand, he feels the way it falls against his skin. His... skin.
Re-focusing his eyes, Idia looks past the blur of his hands and finds that... he's naked as the day he was born. Ah....
With a hurried yelp, Idia grabs at the sheets, trying to scrap together some dignity.]
Wh-where are my-- [His eyes zero in on teeny tiny TsumTsum clothes on the sheet between them. Jesus.]
[The whole time that he is staring at his recovered limbs and digits, Seras is staring at him, completely mesmerized by his entire being. Is it the whole becoming-an-angel thing that made his hair like that, or did he show up that way? She supposes his tiny stuffie self had similar shapes in his hair, but it certainly wasn't on fire. Could it be that whatever world he came from just has people like this--
The vampire is startled out of her ponderings by his yelp, realizing belatedly that perhaps In The Buff was not what he intended to be. Her eyes follow the line of his, her lips pressed into a straight line as she fights the urge to coo over how tiny those clothes are. This does not help him in the slightest, and bless his heart that means that he has nothing to wear and is at the mercy of some goth girl's closet... What a tragedy.]
A-ah, hey! No worries! I have stuff you can wear! Bunches of it! [And oop there she goes, skittering off to her closet to grab a bunch of oversized sweaters and tees, some with cool designs, others saying silly obnoxious things, mostly just obviously from the closet of someone with alternative tastes. She comes back and dumps the pile in front of him, grinning brightly.]
[Historically when he's been put into an outfit he doesn't like, he's said dramatic shit like "I'd rather be naked!". Well how does it feel now, huh? Bit of a monkey's paw, isn't it? Idia is clutching those sheets of his to his chest, looking every bit like a deer in the headlights. Those scrawny legs of his are clumsily pulled up toward his chest so they're splayed out a bit. Which has a... demure quality, to be honest. It would even be moe if Idia didn't look like he was going to open up a black hole and sink into the ground.]
N-no worries is easy for you to say! This is totally unheard of territory for me! I... [The rise of terror in his voice drains away when Seras turns around, moving eagerly toward her closet. When she returns with her armful of clothes, he stares hopelessly at the alternative sea. Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink...]
... Th-there's no way I could pull off any of that... even just to get to my room. I'd scream "poser" from a ring of Hell away.
That says more about your concept of "cool" than it does about what actually suits me... [His bony fingers are still splayed against the bedsheet, pressing it against his chest to lean forward. Has anyone ever been so shy about having nipples? Idia starts picking through the sweaters, trying to be normal about the smell of another person (a girl! that he was in bed with!!!!) that wafts toward him with each movement. He's in touch with subculture enough to recognize that the holes are very intentional and not a rat problem, but they're on everything. Not that Seras would know but he's got a very clean-cut techwear vibe in general, which very intentionally doesn't expose much. He sighs, pressing the blue of his lips together.] Would these... fit?
[Oh well, it was worth a try. Seras sighs and shakes her head, resting her hands on her hips. Some people can be so picky. Maybe this guy is more like Nanami and wouldn't be caught dead in something with one hole in it, much less a ton...]
I just figured you and I had similar taste, what with the-- [Gesturing at her face to indicate his makeup.] But fine. These aren't your style. So what is?
[He just would have looked so cool as a gutterpunk like her :C Alas.]
Huh? With-- [It dawns on him. Oh yeah. He came pre-built with the emo vibe, tho. He squints at Seras, breathing a sigh through his nose. The vibe only gets stronger, really stickin' it to himself. Idia doesn't acknowledge it though, holding up an over-sized (on her, at least) black-and-gray striped sweater. It looks like it'd hang off of his shoulder with how wide the neck is...]
Nothing you'd have-- I like baggy clothes that cover me, sharp but not flashy. I'm not a trend-setter but it's fun to customize my avi. [He holds the sweater up to his torso, comparing. Really puts into perspective their size difference.] At least you've got a point of view. [Idia says that not unkindly-- more like "thank god you have clear taste".]
[He really does make her clothes look small... even the biggest of the sweaters would simply fit him instead of being oversized. She does have some of her other friends clothes, but they wouldn't be baggy on him, either. What a conundrum.]
Sharp, but not flashy... but also baggy? [Hm.]
Well, I have this one plain black hoodie? It's really long on me and I wear it as a dress, sometimes. [It definitely is a 4x men's hoodie that she swiped from the lost and found at the Nest.] Would that work until I can take you shopping or somethin'?
[Very visible relief washes over his face and he drops the sheet at his chest, leaning forward to take it from Seras' hands.]
Yes, yes, perfect! The less attention the better... [Glances back up at her. Huh?] Sh-shopping?? Isn't that a little overboard? I just need to get to my room...
[It couldn't possibly be for any purpose other than practicality.]
...Oh, if you have more clothes in your room, then never mind.
[It would have been a fun little outing, but she recalls him saying he doesn't like being made to go outside... So she'll scrap that whole idea. Seras smiles politely, but turns her focus to the bed so she can start gathering up the pile again and not think too hard about how freaking cool (and beautiful and interesting and mesmerizing) he looks.]
When I first got here, I didn't have any of my normal clothes with me. The cherubs thought it would be funny to dress me up like some kind of magical girl and let loose a whole bunch of candy monsters on the town, which promptly destroyed my only outfit.
[Carrying that pile back to her closet.] So I went shopping pretty much immediately, obviously. So I figured you might be in the same boat, what with your clothes getting tiny-fied.
Oh so this is... an "all the time" thing. My friend warned me but-- [It's not like he didn't believe Azul, who isn't prone to exaggeration, generally. But... some things you need to experience for yourself. Having it confirmed from multiple sources? Nail in the coffin.
It's then that he realizes he has two outfits that he's been cycling between. And one is now pill-sized. His lips draw into a thin grimace.]
Well... you can always order clothes online, right?
... I really have a whole world to show you, huh? [no that's a different d*ney movie] Online is the way to go-- you can always send it back if it doesn't fit. Plus you don't have to change in public... It creeps me out.
[Realizing suddenly that he's just been holding the hoodie in his hand, he slips it on. His mop of blue hair pops up from within, and Idia brings his hands up to pull it out and back, shaking it loose. Thankfully the hoodie fits just fine, baggy and comfortable. A smile actually twitches to life on his face and he sighs with relief.]
This sucks! She doesn't need this! She resumes her trek to the closet and ducks in to take time to put things away.... or at least a few of them. He can think she's putting things away while she sits there and reconsiders her entire afterlife.
Goddamnit. He's... Cute! Picky! But cute. And even with a mouthful of razor blades, his smile is very charming-- though maybe she's just feeling his relief coming off of him in waves and it's rubbing off on her and making her feel extra good about it but either way aaaah. Is this how guys feel when girls wear their clothes?
Lord, she hopes she doesn't look as distressed as she feels. She's gonna just. Take a moment to breathe and get her head back on right. Never does she realize that she just stared at him for a while and then walked out without saying anything like a crazy person.]
[Clueless, Idia tucks his hands back into the safety of the hoodie's sleeves so just his fingertips are poking out. It's weird to wear another person's clothes, but even though this was fished out of the lost and found it's still lived in her hotel room enough to smell like her. He's having a hard time figuring out how that makes him feel. It's gotta be something.
It seems he's lost track of Seras because she was just putting her clothes away and-- oh is she just... Standing there? Literally can't imagine why, so he's piecing through a couple of the remaining items on the bed. A bit of sweat beads on his forehead when he feels the sheets against his very very exposed hips.]
You don't have... pants, do you?
[A good thing you want to hear when you're having a crisis about some guy-- that he's very much Pantsless.]
Mmmaybe? [She calls back, digging around for her baggier bottoms and hoping they're even kind of an appropriate length for him.]
Alright, so... [She comes back with a range of options, some sweatpants, some jeans, some pajama pants and even leggings, not really sure what would fit someone as long as he looks. She's even kind enough to grant him some boxers! So he doesn't have to rawdog her pants!]
You... look pretty tall, so I got everything long that I have... I hope there's something in here that works. [Dropping them on the bed with a nervous upturn of lips, she then steps back to give him time to peruse. At least these are all pretty standard Bottoms, nothing too flashy.]
[He presses his blue lips together, eyes flitting across the options laid out for him. Seras is right, he's as tall as he looks. None of these really look quite right but... he'll take what he can get at this point. The closest contender seems to be a baggy pair of gray sweats and he holds them up to his hips cautiously, thinking. Then he looks up Seras, shy but very serious.]
Can you, uh... Give me some time to change?
[This isn't the ideal situation to have his dangus out but he'd rather be here than waddling past Seras to her bathroom, dragging her sheets pathetically along.]
[She will retreat back to her closet for now, waiting for him to give her the cue to come back. In the meantime, she decides to keep hanging up the other sweaters she brought for him (she has to look like she cares about the state of her closet okay, she doesn't need him to know she lives in such a slovenly manner!!) and try very hard not to think too hard about-- well, any of this! Especially the part where she has no idea how long she was clinging to a naked almost-stranger!! In her bed!! And now he's putting his naked body in her clothes!!
Out of her periphery, the glow of bright blue wisps catch her attention and she can't help but be drawn to it; his hair really is so cool... It's almost like a lava lamp, she could stare at it for hours. Then as he stands to get dressed, he turns in such a way that she can see his whole--
Well. Him. The whole him.
Before she can even think, she swipes the closet door closed and buries her face in her hands to scream silently into her palms.
Oh no, oh no. She saw him. SHE SAW IT. The very thing he was trying to avoid! Should she apologize? Should she say anything at all? Surely he'd benefit from not knowing that a stranger saw his donger. Anyone would, right?]
[Blissfully unaware, Idia slides on Seras' boxers. Has she... worn these before? Are these someone else's entirely? He isn't sure which one would be less weird, but he it feels a bit like drinking from the same cup as someone else. What's an indirect kiss for underwear?
Quick as he can, he eases them up onto his hips before reaching to grab those gray sweats. Holding them up to his body, it's clear that they'll be too short. But they're the closest he's gonna get. He slides them on with a grimace, as the ends of them end about mid-calf. God he looks like such a tool... Closing his eyes, Idia inhales deeply. It's as good as it's going to get and there's no real alternative. Except... well, maybe he could camp out in the corner of Seras' room, waiting out an Heaven Am*zon order. It'd teach her how to use the internet more so it kills two birds one stone? No... that'd be terrible. He'd hate to sleep on the floor and, although he's already shared a bed with her, he wasn't even aware of that. Really, he can't believe that happened. What was that weird dream he had anyway of...
Idia flushes. Oh my god that wasn't a dream those were her-- He claps a hand over his face, stifling a groan. Does she remember? Should he apologize?? God, he wishes he could just sink into the ground.
But... well, isn't it close enough to just leave? Make a tactical retreat? Idia stands there a couple more seconds, willing his face to stop being on fire.
Very casually, he steps around the corner in... whatever this is. It doesn't dawn on him that Seras hasn't seen him at his full height. He makes a gesture at himself, like, "this is it".]
[It was just a figment of her imagination. There's no way she saw what she saw. The position of the mirror must have skewed the perspective or something. And then he's there in front of her in pants that are too short and tight in all the wrong (or right, if she hadn't just met the guy) places!! She figured since he was thin, these would fit him the same way, but his body is wider than hers by a considerable margin... Whatever math it takes to understand how dimensions work, she clearly did not pass.
Still, at least he looks to be more comfortable than he was nude... Even though he clearly has no idea that he may as well still be with the way he's filling out her sweats. Like, yeah! Sure it could be worse but this is still pretty bad!!!!]
Wow! You're a lot longer than I thought! [WAIT, FUCK. Not like that!! She gestures, bringing one flattened and up and the other down to indicated the measured space between them.] L-like, height-wise! You're just! You're very tall. Wh-which I'm sure you know. Since. It's your body! [Nervous laughter as she steps out of the closet and closes the door behind her, keeping her attention above the metaphorical belt as best as she can.]
H-how are you feeling, by the way? Are you hungry or anything?
[Don't worry, Idia loses several inches by slouching over. Which is what he was already doing but he hunches just a bit more at that comment and starts fiddling with his hands.]
Yeah, I'm pretty aware, thanks... [He tugs a bit at the hem of the hoodie, trying to drag it down. It's not like he looked in the mirror but he can feel that it's not a great fit. And he's very very right to feel that way.] I don't... know about this.
Ah... Well. I... [Sigh. She didn't want to resort to this but this may be a little much for both of them.]
I do have some pants that belong to one of my guy friends if you wanna try that. He's almost as tall as you, so they'd work... But I didn't know how you'd feel wearing another guy's clothes...
[Judging her for something like that is barely a blip on his radar. She's a pretty girl, plus he's only loosely aware of what friends do with each other seeing as he's totally friendless. Idia makes a face at her. Is he pouty?]
I'm already wearing your clothes, that doesn't make more of a difference. [holds out his hand] Something that fits would be epic, thanks.
[That said he can feel his stamina draining second by second. The adrenaline of being woken up is wearing off and now leaving this room feels.... much less desirable. At least he wants to be comfortable.]
CW for cyberbullying and eventual but probably unsurprising death threats...im so sorry
[Envy doesn't remember how he ended up with Idia's number but that's probably not super important bc either way Idia will receive a text-- not a DM! --from a number he may or may not recognize.]
keep ur musty dusty cheeto crusty mitts to yourself nerd
right its annoying like you dont need to maintain eye contact like that to prove that im not cheating im demolishing you because you suck at this game lmao ive tried just looking at his eyebrows he can tell also i dont need your permission to do anything idc who you are
[which he is currently looking into. he'll figure it out pretty shortly.
then, an unfortunately longer break between texts which had previously been rapidfire.]
does everyone in this place have two boyfriends "for all intents and purposes" he gave you terms and conditions didnt he
so what ur saying is that all the intense eye contact is his fault and not because ur madly in love with him? guess i misunderstood the tension there thats my bad
there were terms and conditions in the beginning but we've reneged a few times and now its just that we arent human so we dont have uhhhhh a "human" definition of what our relationship is. If you know what I mean.
[Because Envy thinks he's too special to use a lame human word for a lame human concept like "love"... Dumbass.]
Idia stares at his phone. In love? With Azul? Ha-- god. What a thing to say. Just because he's stared at him longingly for years and doesn't think twice about going to school in person just to be with him and thinks about the way his glasses slip down the bridge of his nose when he's focusing too much, could place Azul's beauty mark precisely on memory alone. Just because of that? Stupid. What the hell is this guy thinking? Love-- that's not real. And if it was, Azul wouldn't feel the same about him. If he did, it would be transactional. If he did he would have said something by now.
He's been idle too long.]
the """"tension""" is azul being a sore loser lol monopoly will do that to a mfer you should see him cry when hes sooooo sure youre breaking the rules but cant find a loophole
anyway i knew it good luck
[action] nanami and idia's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad not!date
[Somehow in some way, Idia Shroud has left his room-- well. Seras' room, which is half of the "problem", as it happens. But he's being so brave about it. As prepared as he'll ever be, too, seeing that he's studied this menu top to bottom and navigated every customer photo of the interior as well as G*ogle indoor maps. If you slapped a napkin and a sharpie in front of him, Idia could draw the entire floor plan. Yes, he knows what's good here. Yes, he's practiced in hushed whispers in Seras' bathroom on how to say "oh, no water for me" and seem casual. Check his Ste*m, he's been logging some hours on "questions to ask the guy you're step-boyfriends with to make him tolerate you". This is as good as Idia Shroud is gonna get today.
Though, in spite of being invited, he's pressed himself against the wall, staring at his phone and praying for a cancelation text. Heaven has never been quite so kind to him, though, so why start now?
[Nanami is difficult to miss walking in, adjusting his cuffs and looking like he's moments from demanding to speak to a manager. Or maybe just take over as manager. He has an aura of determination over his normally serious exterior that is entirely due to his own nerve about the coming evening. He's wearing a nice suit, not a tuxedo but nicer than his average suit. Probably something Azul picked for him. This man is one monotone backdrop from being a luxury brand ad interrupting Idia's Y*uTube video.
And Idia isn't hard to spot either, the hair stands out immediately even if every other part of him wants to hide away. Nanami approaches and inclines his head in a soft, informal greeting.]
Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I hope you haven't been waiting long.
[Glances up at the menswear ad walking straight toward him, trying not to book it out of the nearest fire escape. Mentally hovering over "This Ad is not relevant to me" and instead chooses to brave this out. Idia clutches at his crossbody bag until the strap digs uncomfortably into the tender flesh of his palm. Deep. Breaths.
Idia nods in return.]
(This macho stuff is so not my style. What even is the way I'm moving right now? Get a grip, Idia. Put your hands in your pockets. God can this be over...)
Uh, yeah, no problem. I got here way early anyway, so...
(Aaah I got too anxious and overestimated how long it'd take to get here. Again. Always trust GPS! Computers never lie!)
[Nanami turns around and heads to the host desk where he tells the cherub his name and that he has a special reservation for the evening. He's probably exuding some of the intensity he is trying not to aim at Idia at this poor fluffy creature who squeaks as they lead the pair to private room in the back. There's a lovely attached garden and enough room for more people, even if they're not expecting anyone else. The cherub is gone again almost as soon as the door is open for them.]
[Nanami takes a seat with his back to the garden and lets Idia pick whichever spot he wants. That includes seats on the far end of the table from him, he's already prepared for Idia to want to keep his distance.]
You're welcome to order whatever you want, tonight. On me.
[Nanami hasn't prepared well enough that he doesn't have to look at the menu, but at least this way he's not staring at his dinner partner.]
[Oh. This is. The nightmare scenario. The one room he doesn't know the layout of and now he has to perform 4D chess to solve the puzzle of where Nanami wants him to sit. Maybe it would have been better if he did as Idia had predicted. For a moment he waits for just that. Maybe there is a plan, after all. But... no. Is this an act of respecting his autonomy or is Nanami testing him? Maybe both? If Idia were a computer, his fan would be whirring like crazy trying to keep his CPU from cooking itself.
He hasn't done anything yet. Is just. Standing there.
Until he slowly... stoops to take a seat at the chair across from Nanami and off to the side. Only to think that, no, that's way too awkward. So he sits directly across from him, staring firmly at his plate.]
Uh, thanks. That's... [thinks about it as he scooches his chair in] Thanks.
[Nailed it. Now time to stare at the menu's filigree border and repeat to himself over and over what he wants instead of reading this well-studied menu.]
[If he approves or disapproves of this choice, he doesn't show it, head down toward the menu so he doesn't have to look Idia in the face.]
I do feel like I owe it to you, after inadvertently sending Envy your way. I am sorry about him, by the way, he gets very protective. But that's no excuse for threats.
[He hadn't meant to start with that, but he's also nervous and he wanted to make sure he told Idia he was sorry for spilling these beans to Envy. It was his fault, even if Envy is the only one responsible for his behavior after that.]
And even though it's far too late for a first impression, I'd like to make a good impression none the less.
[Lack of eye contact does NOT bother him, in fact it sets him a bit more at ease (like, .5% so- negligible). But he does glance up in spite of better judgement because--]
Was that-- did you say something to him? I think I skipped a screen.
[Those texts were absolutely a mystery to him. Now it's even more of a mystery since Nanami is somehow involved? That's-- hm. Alright.]
Yeah, uh, a new first impression sounds good by me, too. Please delete all of it from your mind, actually.
[Being literally in the palm of Nanami's hand is sure an experience, isn't it? Looks like he and Seras have another thing in common when it comes to him!!]
I was the one who told him about Azul's... interest... in you.
[He doesn't know quite how to put that. He doesn't like thinking that Azul has a crush on this man. Plus the word 'crush' isn't common in his vocabulary and he doesn't feel comfortable saying it in general.]
It wasn't appropriate at all. I let my own jealousy get the best of me, I'm sorry.
[He doesn't get to say more because their waiter comes in with water for them looking for drink orders. Nanami orders something non-alcoholic and returns his full attention to the menu. Hopefully Idia doesn't have time to process the 'I was jealous' part of that sentence.]
[Idia bursts into a fit of coughing, face turning bright red from the effort and also how fucking embarrassing it is to choke on your own spit. After a second, he talks over the top of his fist, hovering in front of his mouth to preserve some dignity and remain passingly polite.]
His [--cough--] what?
[A nervous intonation, like, come again? There are implications to these things, Nanami. Surely that's not what he means, but being someone that has had a 2-year-long crush (not that he'd call it that- he and Nanami have another similarity and it's shying away from that word) on Azul Ashengrotto it's hard to trim apart the association.
That word "jealousy" doesn't go over his head. Just gets lodged at the back of it for when he's able to hear and register it properly. Slumbering for now.
Idia's so pre-occupied with appearing normal that he forgets to use his "oh, no water for me" script. In fact, anything sounds pretty good right about now. The second the waiter is out of the way he takes a hasty sip.]
[Nanami is going to pointedly ignore that he may have just spilled the beans AGAIN to someone else. He thought Envy had told Idia about Azul's feelings and yet here he is, making it more complicated rather than less. He takes a sip of his own water and finally looks up at Idia. He's not making eye contact, but he is at least talking in his general direction.]
The point of asking you here was to get to know you better. Two people that I love speak very well of you and while we didn't get off to the best start, there may be more we have in common than I thought. I would like to be on at least civil terms with you, if not friendly ones.
[That's-- okay. Idia's white-knuckling the napkin in his hand but with that glance, he's setting it down against the table. Patting the corner as it flops out of place so it lays flat. He can avoid whatever that implication was for now just to make this dinner tolerable.]
Love, huh...
[Kind of a dramatic word, right? Azul said he'd only been here for, what, half a year? Love is already a frankly delusional concept, but that kind of turnaround is speedy. Some people are just like that, though, thinking they know better than the chemicals running rampant in their brain making them do stupid shit like-- Well. Like whatever this is, he guesses.
Idia sighs, taking another sip of his water just to give his hands something else to do. When he sets it back down, he's just cradling it in his hands against the table, thumbing against the condensation.]
Geez... you know I don't hate you, right? You're fine, you got me out of a pinch, it's whatever... Like, everyone seems to think I've got some problem. People I don't know think a lot about me for some reason, which is weird because it has nothing to do with anything that actually matters about me. It's not like anyone's flaming me for being able to out-hack them or make them ragequit in Realm of Peacecraft. Like, I don't even-- uh-- [Realizing himself, Idia presses his lips together. Glances away.] Sorry for the infodump. Don't care didn't ask, I get it.
[They don't even have complimentary bread yet and he's already shoving his foot in his mouth.]
I, uh, I read that people like the Cherries Jubilee.
I am as surprised as anyone else, I never really saw myself falling in love. But my circumstances have changed significantly since death, and I'm trying to embrace the change. I don't know if the me of a year ago would be in a place like this having this conversation the way the me now is.
[He lets Idia talk, trying not to get too lost in the details he doesn't understand. It's strange to hear this in terms of Idia not hating him, since he doesn't hate Idia either. He's just... worried, and insecure about his own position in things.]
I asked you here to talk, I do want to hear what you have to say, even if I don't entirely understand it. And for the record, I don't hate you either. I feel like I don't understand you enough to feel much of anything, which is what I'm trying to change.
[A small lie, that he doesn't feel anything, but he's already brought up being jealous and it's not something either of them seems to want to talk about.]
I won't judge you for just having dessert for dinner, if that's what you want. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable, at least, as much as you can around me.
[Idia is trying to just keep his mouth shut about what he thinks about all that. Everyone's always saying shit like that but it's just to make them look more humble about how good their love life is. "Oooh look at me with my massive biceps and sharp jawline, I never could have imagined I'd be in this situation! Drowning in Idia's favs is such a shock!" Give him a break. Death changes you, probably, but that much? Hm.]
I mean, if you want an FAQ I would've prepped one.
[He's never really had the problem of people not understanding his deal. It's not like Idia's wearing all the details of his life and thoughts on his sleeve, but he's not exactly a subtle person. So it's a change of pace.]
First question, am I ever comfortable? First answer, that's gonna be a shrug emoji from me.
[Inside his head Nanami is rolling around the wording for an actual question he wants to ask, which feels rude. But the way Idia talks is... annoying and difficult for him to follow. On top of making him feel old, he's just plain curious about it. But he can't seem to find the right way to ask, so he swallows it instead. All of his best salaryman skills are coming in handy here.]
You aren't comfortable in your own space?
[He isn't entirely surprised to hear that, but it makes him feel very bad for Idia in a way he wasn't expecting. It's immediately clear to him why Seras has been spending so much time with him, and he asks the next question with a tone that indicates he already knows the answer.]
I mean, yeah, but that doesn't count in the context.
[That... question gives him pause, though. Notable stillness. For a minute he almost looks normal, less like a caricature and more like someone giving earnest consideration to something. Idia thinks about it, how he can spend days with Seras and not feel tired, "people'd out", how he can say the most embarrassing thing at the top of his head and she'll laugh with him, that sweet tumbling laugh of hers falling into the space between them, warming it and keeping it-- well. Comfortable. The tips of his ears are a red and he's looking anywhere besides Nanami.]
I mean... that's different.
[He should know, right? How easy it is to be with her. How easy it is to--
It's simple. Seras makes even difficult things feel simple to navigate. Case in point.]
[Nanami sets his menu down, he knows what he wants and he can't keep using it as a distraction. They've already gotten too deep into this conversation now and they haven't even ordered their meals. But then, he always has been an efficient man. Idia's blush tells him just about everything he needs to know here, that and his somewhat evasive reply.]
When you care deeply for someone [Because he's not about to use the L word again here.] it does feel different. Spending time with them isn't a chore the way it is with other people.
[He stops because he suddenly sees where they might be alike. And that Idia is the him that wasn't forced into social compliance from a young age. But is that part of him (the one that doesn't particularly like or want to be around people) really make him attractive at all? Does it make either of them more attractive? He looks away, thinking too hard about this now.
Which is for the best because he doesn't notice at all that he has implied Idia cares deeply for Seras.]
[That-- he doesn't disagree but it's a lot to hear your own thoughts spoken out loud by someone else. Time with Seras is never a chore and that's something that he's been trying to understand, a realization he's turning around in his head constantly. Obviously he cares. The depth of that is hard to wrap his head around. But... not untrue.]
Yeah that... makes sense. [Glances up from fiddling with his napkin.] Introverts just get that sorta thing.
[Because, like, duh Nanami's in the same boat as him. It's a callout but a very obvious one, like pointing out that the circus is in town.]
[Nanami isn't going to deny it. He's absolutely spot on with that analysis. And it's probably for the best that the waiter comes back with Nanami's drink then and asks if they're ready to order. Nanami doesn't hesitate to order first, calm and certain of himself. It's years of practice at asserting himself this way, and it helps to overcome the other thoughts running through his head to have something to focus on.]
[He keeps his gaze fixed on his own glass while Idia orders, giving him one fewer set of eyes to worry about.]
I never really considered that introversion would be attractive to some people, but I suppose I should rethink that considering our circumstances. [He's still trying to find things they have in common that might attract the same people.]
[Idia's grateful for the interruption, even if it means having to order. He's thankfully prepared for this and follows his mental script to a T in spite of the terrors (Nanami isn't watching him, at least. Idia checks). Dessert order complete-- mission success! He can practically hear the victory noise after it's done! Heheh!
Immediately, though, they're back in awkward city.]
Ah... Attractive is kind of a stretch... Knowing what you're getting is kind of an appeal. A login bonus.
[It's not that he doesn't think it's a perk, especially knowing that he and Seras are on the same page when it comes to social battery.
Why the fuck is he talking about this? Why is he indulging this? Why does Heaven have this effect on him? Idia rotates his glass of water around in search of some half-dissolved truth capsule.]
Wait. [Sets his glass down with a thunk.] Are you speculating?
I'll admit that part of my reason for asking you here is to understand what makes us both so appealing to the same people. I didn't really think of us as being all that similar, and yes, I suppose I am speculating about it.
[He does look up at Idia and for a moment it's a dark look, full of emotions he's been keeping in check. The jealousy, the anger, the disgust. But the look is gone in a moment and he's back to his usual businesslike demeanor.
It doesn't help his mood that Idia seems to be reading him fairly accurately. He can't decide if he's upset by it or just accept that it's probably another reason they share interested parties.]
But I don't think either of us enjoys talking about that. Maybe you can tell me a little about what you like to do in your free time.
[Does Idia even have a job? Nanami can't really picture it, but it's the best way to phrase his question so he says it like he believes it.]
[oh. hm! very interesting. idia can't help but press his grin against the rim of his glass as he takes a drink.]
Heh. Can probably only speak for myself but [setting the glass down with a soft "thunk"] better not heheh~
[there's a level of smug confidence to idia right now that hasn't been present in the past. the intimidation factor doesn't really hit at this angle. he does, in fact, thrive when it comes to others being envious of him. like, yeah, of course.
the "both" does snag on his brain. what the fuck does that mean? but nanami is ultimately right. he super doesn't want to talk about this.
moving on--]
Uh game, mostly... I'm into all kinds-- PC, BG, MMORPG. [lots of fuckin letters] A p rich diet if I do say so. Heh, actually it's cool, Seras got pretty into 'em too. Started small with cozy games like Critter Crossroads -- super reliable, great parallel play -- but we've been getting into Mortal Kombat and--
[that grin of his is all earnestness now, slipping into something almost... fond. enthusiasm for being able to share his hobby is truly the link between his crushes, on top of a multitude of other that'll stay locked firmly in his head. idia's gestures become more animated as he goes on about his character picks, how seras is really picking it up, actually. that creme brule of his goes neglected as he gestures with his fork.]
[The confidence is a new kind of annoying and Nanami shifts back from his more open emotional stance to something that he would bring to a business meeting. It's almost an admission of defeat, but he's trying to keep his cool and not make this interaction worse, so it's more of a fall back move.]
[There isn't much room to interject once Idia gets to talking about something he's interested in. But this is what Nanami wanted, to hear about something he has real passion for. Only, it's all just gibberish for him. There's some chatter in there about Seras and how they're bonding over this, but Nanami can't be that jealous over what he doesn't understand. What does he even do with this? For the moment he's going to eat his dinner (duck breast with seasonal vegetables in a red wine sauce) and try to let the words wash over him.]
Don't forget your meal. [He manages to get in edgewise at one point.]
[Idia's not put off by this, someone used to needing a reminder to eat. The way he holds his utensils is detestable but it gives Nanami a brief reprieve from the onslaught of nonsense.]
So yeah, it's uh [Idia wipes at the corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb.] sorta like that. Not a big deal.
[He's content to just go back to his meal but he gets this distinct feeling like he's being watched. That's probably just what it's like to have Seras at the back of his head, gesturing with her hands for him to say words, to at least try. Idia sighs lightly.]
I see. [He absolutely does not see. But he's also not interested in any further explanation.
Watching Idia hold utensils is throwing him off some, he isn't going to say anything because that would be rude, but he is staring somewhat intensely. There's definitely a part of him that resents their shared traits right now because he doesn't want to be thought of like this.
But he's been asked a question and he can latch onto that.]
I enjoy reading, and I've been cooking and learning to dance. I don't have a lot of time to myself still, I've been working more than I should. But there's a lot of things I want to do here, and people I want to be there for.
[He can hear it, the heavy sound of his voice as he realizes he's in the same rut he's been in before. Twice. Not that Idia would understand, that was part of a whole different lifetime for him. And the whole point of being here was to learn more about each other.]
I suppose I can't really escape my life no matter how dead I get.
Pulls his headphones away from one ear and listens. Squints. He probably should have had the foresight to install cameras or something but he's been preoccupied with-- oh forget that. Idia just sits there for a minute before. Standing. He's not gonna call out and look stupid because they probably just have the wrong room but. Well.
Stands to the side of the door and leeeeans over to look through the peep hole.]
[At first it feels like Idia's just gonna stand there and not do anything. The silence stretches a beat too long. Then Fearless can hear the door unlock, a sliver of Idia's tired mug in the doorway.]
[Yeah, that really would be best for literally everyone. Idia isn't the type of person who wants to have any conversation in view or earshot of another living breathing thing.]
Fine, sure.
[That doesn't stop his jittering nerves. Still, he steps out of the way and holds the door open.]
[Looking from the pile, to Idia, to the pile again.]
Yeah. Uh,
[Hm.]
Sure.
[Right. Anyway, not the point. Fearless puts his hand to his head, starts a sentence while pointing at Idia, and then retracts his hand to start again.
Puts his hand in his pocket, wiggles side to side.]
[He should have known. But there's something so general in Fearless' demeanor that he can't stand right now. Idia doesn't know what to make of it, this anxious churning in his stomach.]
[Fearless stops, breathes in, pinches the bridge of his nose.]
I really wasn't a good guy before I got here, Idia. And I'm trying really hard not to be the kind of guy that decks another dude just for making a girl cry.
[That-- visibly shifts Idia's posture. Not the threat, but the fact that Seras has cried? About him?]
Huh? How should I--
[Ah... Oh. Idia presses his lips together, slowly stuffing his hands in his pockets. How would he know? He's quiet for a moment, disappointment weighting his shoulders.]
Did she... say anything? [Closes his eyes tightly, shaking his head-- interrupting himself.] Right, the thrall.
[If anything, Idia's understanding of it is probably even more than Fearless can conceptualize, just because he's familiar with magic. But as Fearless will point out;]
Yeah, uh, I also just, uh, have eyes.
And, you know, context. And the ability to ask questions.
[An unfortunately transparent surprise washes over his features.]
Okay, hold. On. What are you even saying? Turn--
[There's, like, way too much to internalize there. Since when does Fearless like him? Obviously he's misattributing one feeling for another. And Seras-- Idia closes his eyes, shaking his head like it'll clear it out. It doesn't. He gestures rigidly.]
How could I turn her down?
[That would imply she asked something of him or that there was something to be turned down from. But there's not. They're not!]
[Flushes and looks away, the tips of his hair flickering pink when Fearless says "sex" out loud.]
Friends do that sort of thing! [Seras said so herself! That this is what friends are for! Right?? Anyway Idia gestures hurriedly at Fearless.] You do the same things! What difference do I make?
[That was. Too loud. Too loud and too much. Realizing how stupidly vulnerable that is, his teeth practically click with how fast he shuts his mouth. There's a stretch of silence and then;]
Look, I don't know anything, okay? About anything! You're right, I'm wrong, "ha ha" have a laugh about it.
[Fearless doesn't even flinch at being yelled at, but he does squint—]
What—
[Fearless shakes his head, huffing out steam through his nostrils, holding out his hand as if to tell Idia to stuff it. He knows he can't handle this the way he handles everything with Vicious.
The only problem is, he... doesn't actually know how else to handle it.]
I'm not here to laugh at you. I'm trying to keep you from making a mistake.
[Oh. Idia's defensive stance slips, evening out into something... open. Sympathetic. If there's one thing he understands, it's being left. If there's another thing he understands, it's picking up the pieces. Idia's eyes follow him, watching the slope of Fearless' shoulders change and shift, his expression feel through the memory. It's familiar in a way that's raw, tender.
If and when Fearless looks back at him, Idia has turned his gaze away. Eyes fixed on the carpet.]
Not much of a genius.
[That was supposed to be a thought, but there it is out in the open. Fine. Whatever. It's true. He's quiet for a stretch. Then;]
[Fearless is quiet for a moment, just standing in place. He tries to gather his thoughts, to not seem inarticulate in front of— well, anyone, because pretty much anyone is more well-educated than he.
He gestures like he's about to start talking again once— twice— a sigh.]
Probably,
[It's a bit quiet. Is he unsure? No, there's something else to it.]
Shit good it does realizing it once he's gone, though.
BEFORE CATER'S PARTY time literally isn't real in heavell
He's not always here, so I'm glad I made sure to check this time....
[Maya doesn't actually know where Idia runs off to, though. Not really her business. She's confirmed he's here and ready for a steel samurai sesh, and has brought Cater along with her as a surprise.
She's ready to knock when she looks over her shoulder to Cater and asks;]
[Oh, he is so excited. Far too excited to see Idia here in the afterlife. His eyes are shining as he nods, lowering his voice.]
I really want him to be surprised, so if he asks who's there, you answer, okay?
[Because, in all honesty, if Idia realizes Cater is there before opening the door, it's very likely getting locked, bolted, and barricaded. Maya doesn't need to know that Cater's expecting that, though.
So, with a wink, he reaches around Maya to knock on the door.]
[Idia hears the knock an appropriate amount of time after the standard "on my way" text has been sent, so nothing stands out to him as odd about the situation. And why should it? It's Steel Samurai night, when everything is perfect and nothing hurts.
Instead of actually opening the door, Maya's phone gets a little notif--]
u here?
[That's, like, common courtesy! Every day Idia's grateful he didn't grow up in a time where people just showed up at your house unannounced. Then again... he didn't grow up in a time where anyone came to his house at all! Let's not split hairs about it.]
[if Maya'd had the forethought she might have, oh, you know, prefaced Idia with the fact that she, too, has been smacked with the Now I'm A Fish gene and isn't as kitty-cat as usual. Her forethought has instead been preoccupied with the fact it still is in fact fun to dunk on this guy.
She shows Cater the phone over her shoulder, too, grinning. This is probably a very predictable Idia move actually.]
[This is such a cool and fun thing to do to someone. Idia's soul will definitely not be ejecting itself from his body when he sees who is at his door. He knocks again after Maya makes her affirming text. He is poised and ready to give not only a bombastic surprise greeting, but to wedge his foot in the doorway before it can get slammed shut again.]
[Idia immediately shoves himself off from his computer with the telltale "gamer chair wheels on tile floor" noise. In a second he's opening the door, already gabbing a mile a minute--]
[You're not going anywhere, nerd. Trapped, trapped in your cave! Cater's all but throwing open the door the rest of the way, inviting himself forward.]
Surprise! Guess who died and went to Heaven? It's ya boi Cay-Cay!
[Well, died and went to Hell, but who's actually paying attention? He's all smiles!]
As soon as my new bestie, Miss Maya, told me you were here, I just had to come say hi in person! Isn't this great? We can spend soooo much time together!
(Eep! Not another one of these party animal extrovert types! What kind of broken odds are these?) (And now he wants to "spend" "time" """together"""?? This halo's fake! I'm in Hell!!)
Wh-what is this?
[Idia stumbles backward, not sure what to realistically do with himself. He knows what he wants to do (phase through the ground) but this afterlife has pretty much never given him what he wanted.]
Everyone can enjoy the appeal of the Steel Samurai, Idia.
[always a creature of habit, Maya creeps over to where she usually sits and kneels down like she's going to watch the two of them perform some slapstick routine instead of the agreed-upon programming.]
And! And! Mister Pop Music here might even like the sound track. Especially from the movie.
[Caught between a rock (shining extrovert that leaves him too stunned to speak) and a hard place (girl he can actually talk to but wants to yell at). Classic Idia Shroud moment #hardwatch!]
Oh, uh... That's... (Mayaaaaa! Inviting Kalim along was bad enough and now you desecrate Steel Samurai night even more?? If we don't start gatekeeping now-- when???)
[Idia has just been standing in the middle of his own room watching this happen, unsure what to do in this nightmare scenario.]
(Likes me? Likes me? Even if that's true-- PRESS X TO DOUBT-- I never asked for that!! Why does he think we're friends, anyway? Absolutely no flags to be found here!)
Look... It's... kinda lore-heavy...
[He's technically addressing Cater but his eyes are downcast and he's only kind of facing him. The vibe is like a young child being asked to say hi to their distant relative they don't remember meeting until now.]
That's no problem, that's no problem! Just gimme the basics and I'm sure I can pick up the rest.
[The "basics" may very well trigger a gigantic tl;dr...but that was okay. Cater liked it when Idia got excited. It was fun hearing him go all out about something he was into--much preferrable to all that cryptic grumbling.]
I'm all ears--floor's yours!
[And he'll plop down next to Maya. Now he's part of the captive audience, too!]
[with Cater sat down beside her, Maya works even harder to use her own force of will to break down Idia's.
she puts her hand to her mouth, half covering it, and pitches her fairly low voice even deeper into something more rigid and like an announcer or interviewer.]
And now, bringing us the life, the history, the legacy of the Steel Samurai, Heaven's new Steelverse Lore Prodigy, Idia Shroud!
[and then she imitates the sound of a crowd cheering by making a rushing noise into her cupped hand, accenting the crowd with tiny pitched-up cheers as though made by far away voices;]
S-stop, that's so embarrassing for you. What's with that voice? What are you even-- ugh. Never mind.
[It's like a mom standing up in a crowd to cheer on her kid in the middle of a play. At least, he imagines it does. He's seen movies.
Speaking of, he sighs, maneuvering over to their cozy little TV set-up, backlit with a blue LED glow. Ofc he's already got the 4K version pulled up and ready to go (Maya had been concerned about finding a physical copy but forgot that the Internet always provides to those most loyal), so it's not a big deal that he can just get it started. Snacks are already there and none of them are good for your body or your teeth. He's just that generous of a host.
If only someone could be so generous as a guest!! Whatever. Idia slumps back, separate yet close to the others.]
Okay, so... TLDR: This guy called the Evil Magistrate fights The Steel Samurai for control over this poor township. [Flatly:] Boom, pow, wha-pah-- the fights are most of the episode. And they're pretty cool, idk if it's your thing tho. Kind of serious for a toku but the Evil Magistrate always loses. Well... until he doesn't. Like, okay [his bored affect starts to pick up, gaining some enthusiasm;] he loses and loses and Steel Samurai goes in for what you think is gonna be the kill, but of course it's not because he has a noble heart and fighting spirit. That's when we learn that The Evil Magistrate has actually been holding back his true power because-- get this-- The Steel Samurai is actually his separated-at-birth twin brother. Jaw. Dropped. It sounds like a cliche but the lead-up to the reveal elevates the early series. The foreshadowing is subtle, real prestige for syndicated primetime. It's like.... Uh...
[Idia realizes that he's talking a lot, running his stupid motor mouth, sitting up straight and gesturing at the screen, that he's not just ranting to Maya. So he... sits back a little, tries to pretend that that didn't just happen. He clears his throat.]
[Cater laughs at the combination of Maya's encouragement and Idia's embarrassed reaction--but as entertained as he is, the catterbox goes quiet to give his full attention to the following explanation. Even if he's sitting a little closer to Maya, his eyes are all but glued to Idia, and his smile gets brighter the more into the explanation that he gets. Yeah, when he got super into something, Idia was really so much fun to listen to. Cater's almost disappointed when he cuts himself off.]
Wow...that sounds cool, alright! I can't wait to dive in--is that where we're picking up in the story? Post-reveal?
[but Maya doesn't mind being the joke, isn't embarrassed in the slightest. this is her favorite part! listening to Idia go on about things he likes is the whole appeal, and when she looks over at Cater, she can tell he sees the same thing.
...what a look, really. it makes Maya smile a little harder herself, a knowing smile like a too-pleased cat, before she looks back Idia's way.]
[it's a little weird, having fallen into a routine with Idia. but for Fearless, the tension between them had resolved after challenging Idia to real about his feelings with Seras. even further still had Fearless's endearment toward Idia been assured after Idia's reaction to seeing Fearless fight.
see, getting critiqued on his form hadn't swayed Fearless one way or another. it was the idea that Idia even cared about things like that, that he could pay such attention. that he was endlessly considerate about some things, despite being so obtuse about others. it reminded him a lot of someone else, even if the shape of that personality was still different. and so Fearless had actually come to look forward to joining Idia in Seras's room routinely, crashing on Seras's bed for a few hours, ordering food, and sharing that food with Idia.]
Man, I'm glad you eat noodles,
[Fearless says, past a slurp. there is a huge chance he missed whatever Idia said before that, since he's been preoccupied with tasting Flavors.]
Japchae is the bomb.
I dunno why everybody doesn't just use bean starch noodles, man. Total cardboard-free flavor.
[It's. Nice, actually. It's good, this weird little routine. Idia feels lighter for it, being able to stretch that strategic, puzzle-solving muscle and see it pay off. Fearless gets better and better, that grin of his stretches wider. Even talking to the guy gets easier, like any strange energy is mostly behind them. Idia's shyness and reservations fall to the wayside, so slowly and surely that he doesn't even notice.
This, for example, would have been an impossible sight just a few months ago. He'd be hunched over himself trying to go back to his room to eat. Now-- well, Idia looks like he'll be comfortable in a minute. Right now, he's seeing if Poob has it.]
Legit. If it's not max flavor I don't want it.
But hey-- [He gestures to the screen, where he's rapidly cycling between two options, using the selection noises to get the Fearless' attention back.] Focus. Street Fighter II or The Animatrix?
[Either option would be epic, but he's particularly excited about this pick. Sometimes luck really is on your side. Idia starts rambling as he navigates over to Street Fighter II;]
Hehehe! You're gonna love this one. It's, like, way past cool. The fights are so epic, everyone's style is unique and accurate to the game's movesets. [Fearless has most definitely seen Seras and Idia playing SF together, they might be recognizable!] And-- no spoilers-- but the final battle is so sick. Total. Sakuga.
[Idia takes a seat beside Fearless, curling his legs up as he snatches his noodles from the to-go bag. Ever since Idia's been breaking down Fearless' fights they've had to be decently close to each other, so it's been a slow acclimation. Now he doesn't even seem to have a problem with it.]
[His face lights up. Smile and optimism-- returned!]
Nice!!
[Fuck the main course, Idia always goes for the sides and the dessert first and foremost. He's commandeering the sweet and sour sauce for himself because rangoons can be a dessert if you're brave enough. Excuse him that he's grabbing one of those bad boys already.
Idia pauses as he's about to go in for it.]
Wait, seriously? [Information loads in. Fearless backstory Get.] Oh, right. Well, at least we're starting you right. This is Peak.
[Fearless is used to, by now, the fact Idia doesn't eat food like most people do. he's got... kind of his own little order to things. which like, alright. it's kind of entertaining, too, like watching a little creature at the zoo.]
Myeah.
[as he goes back to slorping on his noodles, he comments;]
Do like skipping all the shit ones. Not gonna let you live it down if it sucks, though.
[Fearless can poke fun all he wants, but he's actually enjoying himself. he knocks Idia's knee with a shove of his foot.
he does also, however, start to pay attention to the movie, slurping his noodles all the while. movies always seemed like a waste of time when he was a kid, and he could neither afford that time to waste nor any means to watch many, but actually having plenty of safe free time to spend is an incredible new luxury Fearless has on account of being dead. and while for the most part what Fearless really benefits from is the companionship, there have been movies here and there Fearless has found quite compelling.
stories really can change something within you, can't they? just like the people around you. the Fearless who can sit down with Idia and watch Street Fighter II isn't the same one who wouldn't bother with movies before. just like this Idia isn't the exact same one Fearless met before, either. and maybe that's why things have shifted between them, why they can actually sit and eat and enjoy this movie not just in each other's presences, but together, even without Seras.]
[There's no way to escape his reality, so media has always been a necessary reprieve for Idia. Being able to pretend that he could possibly be a hero, or see a long-buried feeling expressed in someone else's words-- when things were hardest, that's what he needed. Sad as it might seem (and he'd never admit this), in the time it took to bring Ortho back, it felt like some pixels on a screen were his only friends. Even at school Idia didn't really believe he had any. The fact that he has that now, for real, sitting right beside him is surreal.
Idia zones out for a moment and notices that their legs are nearly touching. Fearless has never minded this sort of thing, but contact is something Idia struggles with. Still does, even if Seras has opened that previously sealed-up door a little wider. There are rules to these things that he doesn't know, never had much practical experience with. Shrouds aren't touchy people. Idia least among them.
When did they become like this? When did Fearless go from a dreaded presence to someone he looks forward to seeing? He's reacting to all the right parts, walking with him in this space that he doesn't think many people can inhabit. And here he's...
Idia returns his attention to the movie. Man, whatever's going on in his brain is totally dissonant from animated violence. He fiddles with the string of his hoodie, not sure how to hold himself.]
... He moves like you do.
[Fei Long, that is. He's about to get his ass kicked by Ryu, so Idia corrects;]
In the game, I mean. Same style. Ryu's the protag here so he has to come out on top, but you get it.
You were playing him the other night, right? When Seras was playing, uh, Cammy.
[he points with his chopsticks at Fei Long, though;]
That guy looks like the guy who put that fighting style on the map back in the day. Bruce Lee. Total legend of a martial artist.
Vicious'd talk your ears off about his movies, if he were here.
[it's the same reason he doesn't really mind listening to Idia do it. yeah, they were weird. yeah, they were talking too much. but they knew what they were talking about. they knew more than anyone else about what they were talking about, sometimes. and Fearless had learned more from either of them than most anyone else.]
[ ... He remembers both of their picks. People don't usually make it a habit of remembering the games he plays, let alone the details. Pair that with the fact that all these months he's low-key thought Fearless was making fun of him for his interests, couldn't really get on that level. It's... hm!
Idia's quiet for a second, feeling through the questions that are piling up. When did he start caring about that? Is this Vicious guy, like, his only friend? Does it matter?]
Are those the movies you've seen? Or did you just get the infodump?
once they'd joined the syndicate, they'd suddenly found themselves with more money. a little bit more time. or rather, time they'd suddenly rather spend doing anything but thinking about work. until, eventually, work was the only thing Vicious really did think about.]
But, uh, y'know. I'm sure they've got 'em here, somewhere, if you wanna catch 'em.
[Idia retrieves his phone to commit that to a running notes*pp list. All of the things that he and Seras have talked about watching or playing together are here; the list with him and Fearless is increasing day by day.]
You can be the one to talk my ear off now! Uh, not like you asked for that from me.
[That comes free with the territory. Like a bonus that sucks!]
but he's learning, whether he wants to or not, that while this might feel familiar, it's not the same. it's something new, unique, and it's fine to be that way. a new melody with a similar, but different, leitmotif.
but he does like the song.]
Shut up.
[he shoves Idia's shoulder, gentler than he would with Nanami or Greed, of course.]
[This feels like something he's missed all his life, some familiar phantom figure that's playful and teasing. Warm. It's something he doesn't think consciously about as it happens, just feels a strange pang at the back of his chest, the negative space around a larger feeling. It makes him laugh, actually. It makes him nudge Fearless back.]
She's allowed!
[An honor and a privilege that she has such poor taste. Some might call that lucky.]
[oh, things are getting serious now, huh? Fearless leans away to put his noodles down, which at first he makes a big show out of being definitely just so that he can grab a napkin and wipe his hands and mouth for.]
Oh, yeah, cos the rules don't apply to her, yeah.
I gotcha.
[fair and valid. Fearless reaches over to grab his drink, takes a sip, and—]
but, uh, the thing is—
[he scrunches up his face—]
I don't really care about rules.
[this is Idia's only warning that something is about to go down.]
[As you can imagine, this is all going over Idia's head. Sailing so far over that these cues might as well be in a different room. If something feels off, different, it's because something always feels abnormal when you live in this body.
Idia rolls his eyes.]
I don't make the rules, I just call it like I see it. Maybe if you--
[And so he blabs. Would be a shame (?) if something were to stop him.]
[maybe if he what? the world may never know, because Fearless doesn't let Idia finish. he leans over, takes Idia's cheek in his palm like it's as simple as reaching over to fix Idia's shirt, and leans in to kiss his stupid blue lips, gentle but insistent. just to see what all the hype is about.]
[The last of Idia's words are a hum against Fearless' lips before it dies out completely. He's-- kissing him. He's being kissed. Did... did he skip a scene? Is he holding his breath? Idia feels like he must be, like all of these questions are piling up with nowhere to go, not when someone's mouth is slotted against his. No, not just someone. That thought brings about new questions. All he can do is sit there, body completely frozen, uncertain of itself.
Just when it might feel to Fearless like this is a futile venture, like Idia might just sit there like a stiff-- that's when he slowly, slowly presses forward. Lets his eyes finally slip shut.]
[there is a moment where Fearless starts to wonder, starts to doubt, to think— but Idia presses against him, and Fearless forgets that worry. it's replaced with a need to be closer, to cup Idia's other cheek with his free hand, too.
this is what he wanted. but how long has he wanted this? had Seras's feelings bled into him, or were these always his own? those were questions for later. he kisses Idia a moment longer— and when he pulls away, it isn't far.]
[that feeling caught in his throat slips away as Fearless takes Idia's face into his palms. he can count the people who have touched him like this on one hand. this is different in a lot of ways that his mind is too hazy to count. most notably, Fearless' hands aren't soft, but they hold him gently. they're careful but certain; he does exactly what he means to. this is something he means to do.
Idia sighs against his mouth. he can feel it ghost against Fearless' lips when he pulls away just enough. now that he can say something, Idia doesnt know what. so he stays close.]
Uh... [wow-- "uh"? Idia screws his eyes more tightly shut.] Did I miss something?
Fearless isn't some blushing virgin, doesn't really get all flustered when he might be wrong, but he does still sort of clam up. hesitant, quiet. his brow creases.]
I— I dunno.
Probably?
[probably? no, definitely.
how could Idia have noticed anything when it all stays locked in Fearless's head?]
[is it a good or a bad sign that Idia is still inches away from Fearless' face? probably more like that pretty long face of his is still being held... but it's not like he's pulling away. it's not like his body isn't poised toward him, nearly touching.
in fact the stumbling from someone else, someone who usually exhibits a certain self-assuredness, is all it takes for Idia to open his eyes. glance at the concern etched across Fearless' face.]
... Probably?
[so this is what "probable" looks like to him. interesting.]
[one of Fearless's hands trails down, catches at the end of Idia's hair as it falls. it's strange to him that it just kind of feels like hair, huh. everything that seems so mystifying about Idia is pretty tangible, in the end.]
I think I did, too.
[he missed the part where he put the math together, he thinks. but now that he looks back at it, the logic is all there, for him.
he pats Idia's cheek, that kind of absent look in his eyes easing away.]
[oh, Idia recognizes this. the pattern that Fearless falls into in his fights (in conversations, Idia began to realize) where he lets a little uncertainty get the better of him. this situation throws him for a loop, but behavior like that-- it's information to latch onto, almost grounding.
he doesn't move away. in fact, he very intentionally stays close.]
[Fearless is pretty good at being emotionally unaffected. he isn't even harboring some secret deep resentment about this. as far as he thinks, he's taking every vibe as it comes at him.
but he's also used to being right. he's used to, at least, thinking he's right about what he perceives. he is always correct about the reality he lives in.
it's not very often that someone else forces him to confront their reality in contrast with his.
so Fearless just kind of halts, like a cat that's seen something no one else can see in the room, dark eyes trained unmoving on Idia's face.]
Ehn— I—
...no.
[he acknowledges.
but his brow scrunches again, because he's very aware suddenly that he doesn't actually know what's happening. what he should say next.]
[that makes two of them. Idia doesn't have the guide for this, didn't even recognize the flags. like, since when did Fearless-- never mind.]
Yeah. Exactly. [if there's one thing he's not going to be tonight, it's a mouthpiece for some other guy's assumptions. he's had about enough of that here. Idia's quiet for a second, gaze flitting across Fearless' face.] Just-- give me a second.
[there's an implication that he might leave or at least turn away. Idia doesn't do that. Idia stays right where he is, staring thoughtfully at the corner of Fearless' mouth like he might burn a hole in it. he doesn't say a thing, doesn't hum. if his hair didn't flicker, it might seem like the whole situation was on pause.]
[Fearless... does give him that second. he's not sure why he waits. this isn't the kind of reaction he'd normally stick around for, but maybe it's this sudden self-actualization from Idia that halts him. maybe it's Fearless's own curiosity. maybe it's the gentleness that people like Seras and Angel and Greed have done so well to weasel out of him.]
Cool. Okay.
[he doesn't mind waiting, he's finding. there's a lot to look at, here. the curve of Idia's brow, the gentle glow of blue against his skin coming off his hair. the bands of gold fiber in Idia's irises. he's a wonder to look at, like a gleaming star, flickering with life even as he sits so very still. Fearless's patience becomes less unsure, and more reverent.]
[Idia can feel every second that he sits there in silence. it's too long, he knows it, but there's a lot to think through, to make sense of. everything about this is new: someone taking interest in him (what??), acting on it (huh??), having another person (that he's in love with??) to account for. the fact that it actually feels-- anyway. of course he needs to consider the cut of Fearless' jaw as if he can find some meaning there. does someone's mouth look different after they kiss you?
after an agonizing stretch of silence, he suddenly glances up at Fearless proper.]
[it's actually kind of embarrassing that being distinguishable from a specific "type" is flattering to him. like, aw, you want to give him a smoocharoo on his own stupid merit? or... wait, is it back-handed? is it, like, "you're not that special"? well-- the fact that he's considered at all has Idia's hair flickering an incriminating pink.
his eyes zero in on Fearless' gesture.]
Dyeheh... Wow... What does that say about you, huh?
[don't ask about him and his taste-- where fearless may or may not be slotting into it.]
[Fearless notices that pink, because he notices everything. because he's always had to notice everything, to be safe. lucky him, though, that noticing everything in a place like this means finding things that are kind of wonderful.
his eyes soften, his smile tugs a bit mischievously and he feigns a sense of shame for a second, scratching his neck just a touch—]
Ehnnn., judging a person by their taste's about as accurate as a personality test.
[look, he's still recovering from his own Flustering... it's not especially confident as he angles his head to get a better look at this prestige performance.]
That's something a person who's been read for filth would say.
["A good time"!! Woah, y-you can't just say that in this context!! Idia flushes a brilliant red.]
Whose fault is that?
[Don't look at his lips, don't look at his lips, don't-- shit. He glances down and realizes just how close they are now, how close they have been this whole time. Get any closer and he'd be climbing into Fearless' lap. Oh, he's going to pop if he thinks about that.]
[it doesn't help that Fearless is as touchy as he is. Idia's reaction inspires a grin, a lean— Fearless rests his hand on Idia's knee in a good-natured pat, rocks forward, back— shakes with a silent laugh.]
Good point. Yeah.
Guess it's mine, huh?
[there were times— like when he first arrived— that the course of this conversation would have made him more frustrated. the normalcy of this, though, knowing his life doesn't hang on the line, knowing he's not a part of the Red Dragon here, knowing no matter what he does or decides there is money for a meal in his pocket— it really lowers the stakes. makes it okay to play, makes it okay to get ribbed by someone who isn't Vicious.
there'd been times like that before, too, where even if those threats had been present, he'd been able to relax with that one person. it's amazing that in being dead, there can be more who fill the role.]
Yeah, but I told you, I'm not really the regretful or apologetic type.
Y'know.
What happens, happens.
[he looks back at Idia, into those golden eyes that are so very close by. what is happening, Idia? what happens next?]
I said I didn't ask. C'mon, at least try to listen.
[Idia's obviously annoyed, but there's a soft edge to it as he glances at Fearless' lips. technically he has the go-ahead to lay another smooch on the guy. but tbh he didn't know this was an option and honestly it just gives him a weird feeling to go ahead on his own. it's cool for Seras but Idia's the kind of guy that's ride-or-die for one person, one group. intimacy is something completely new to him, feeling the way he does toward Seras is something even newer. add another person to that and-- jeez. what's a guy like him supposed to do with that?]
It's not like I'm mad. You're... [the tips of his ears are red, he can feel them. Idia untucks a lock of hair from behind his ear to cover it up.] well... you know. I just shouldn't. Right now.
[has he been looking at Fearless' mouth too much? is it obvious that he wants to figure out if there's something to this or is he coming off like a total tool?]
[it's not the most comfortable realization in the world by far, but Fearless does recognize that this encompasses more than his own actions. anyone could need time to think about anything like this, for any reason. Fearless can't deny that, nor can he deny he's been being impulsive, anyway.
not even he really understands what's going on between himself and the people around him, Idia and Seras most of all right now.
so it's uncomfortable, but still honest and real, when Fearless raises his hands to be like;]
Nah, man, I get that.
I— do,
[more than he ever really wants to talk about.
but he does.
he stares at Idia's mouth, too, watching for something— but what? a sudden turnaround for the worse? what?]
[ah... super awkward... that's typical of him, though, right? comes with the territory. Idia presses his lips together, trying not to think too hard about someone else's. mission failure.
it's... slow, but Idia... leans against Fearless' side. not fully, not curling around him or crawling into his lap like he would with Seras, but enough to make himself known. it's way more contact than he's had with another person. he feels tense doing it, like this is the second huge overstep of the night. but it's nice. it's warm.]
This part's crazy, by the way. You'd better lock in.
[Idia's eyes are back on the movie, but his concentration is way out of wack.]
it wouldn't have been enough, before, when Fearless was still having to fight everything so hard on account of being thrust into this overwhelmingly strange new world. but it's nice, now, actually, to have something simple.
something new, yet so familiar. an aching saudade warmed by the balm of a freshly lit candle.]
Dude, I am so locked in.
[he leans away— but just to grab his noodles. when he leans back in he presses back against Idia, once again reiterating the gesture. they are warm, here, together.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[THE NEXT MORNING]
Mmn...
[Half asleep, the young vampire snuggles into the warmth of another body, mumbling something unintelligible against the space between his shoulder blades. Her brain is slowly starting up, triggered by a scent she doesn't recognize. Her eyelids flutter open with a curious hum, only to be greeted by a faceful of--
Blue fire?!]
Wh-- AAUGHHH!!? [She scrambles backwards out of the bed, reaching for the water on her bedside table and ripping the top off, spraying the contents of the bottle on (what she assumes is) the source of the fire-- the place where her new little friend was sleeping! When the fire doesn't completely go out (she missed-- she was a cop, not a firefighter, okay!?) she starts looking for a blanket to throw over the remaining flame, hoping to snuff it out in time to save her friend.]
O-oh no, oh no-- Idia!! [Please be okay, please be okay.]
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No small part of him goes to bed looking forward to next time. He wonders what games Seras would like, what would be best for 2 player co-op, if she'll take to them easily...
Before he knows it, he's slept the night through, dreaming of being enveloped by something warm. Blinking blearily ahead, he sees the TV static with a self-ejected VHS tape. Oh thats right, he thinks to himself. That old movie...
There's very little time to process this before he's being doused with water. He yells as she yells, sitting up straight in bed. A hand flies to his face and wipes at the water there, flicking it off hurriedly.]
Ah!! Wh-what's going on, what are you--?
[It's at this point that Idia realized that he's much higher up now, about how high he's used to being. Which is a good thing. But, carding a hand through his mane of (real, not felt!!) hair, he realizes that Seras is looking at him terrified, which is not a good thing.
He hasnt pieced together how very fucking exposed his torso is right now.]
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...That's...
[This is not what she expected the little stuffed toy to turn into. Sure he's the same colors and his voice is the same, but he's so.]
Idia...?
[Unable to take her eyes off of him, she reaches out to set the bottle back down on the nightstand. She misses, the plastic bouncing on the carpet and rolling under the bed to be reunited with it's similarly empty, similarly forgotten brethren, unbeknownst to her.]
A-ah-- you're. [On fire? So... delicate looking? Beautiful? In a full face of makeup before noon? ON FIRE???? Wait no, nothing is actually burning... Maybe his hair works like Fearless's does...] --!! Oh, my god! It worked! You're a person again!
[She's not worried at all about him being shirtless, men are shirtless around her all the time. This is nothing new. So she won't act like she's scandalized by seeing a flaming angel nipple.]
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[It's not that he wasn't aware of how much he'd talked to Seras, how much they'd touched and made eye contact-- far from it. That was very keenly at the forefront of his mind at all times. But it feels starkly different, doing these same things with his normal body. He feels instantly on-edge but still. Oh my god what a relief.]
Ah! I-it worked! It really worked! Ha!
[Disbelieving laughter edges at his voice, raising his hands up from where they were clutching at the sheets to really look at them-- and there they are! Bony, long-fingered hands pale as you can get. Those are his alright! Now, when the sheet (the barest top sheet that was re-configured into a nest for him) drops out of his hand, he feels the way it falls against his skin. His... skin.
Re-focusing his eyes, Idia looks past the blur of his hands and finds that... he's naked as the day he was born. Ah....
With a hurried yelp, Idia grabs at the sheets, trying to scrap together some dignity.]
Wh-where are my-- [His eyes zero in on teeny tiny TsumTsum clothes on the sheet between them. Jesus.]
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The vampire is startled out of her ponderings by his yelp, realizing belatedly that perhaps In The Buff was not what he intended to be. Her eyes follow the line of his, her lips pressed into a straight line as she fights the urge to coo over how tiny those clothes are. This does not help him in the slightest, and bless his heart that means that he has nothing to wear and is at the mercy of some goth girl's closet... What a tragedy.]
A-ah, hey! No worries! I have stuff you can wear! Bunches of it! [And oop there she goes, skittering off to her closet to grab a bunch of oversized sweaters and tees, some with cool designs, others saying silly obnoxious things, mostly just obviously from the closet of someone with alternative tastes. She comes back and dumps the pile in front of him, grinning brightly.]
Take your pick!
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N-no worries is easy for you to say! This is totally unheard of territory for me! I... [The rise of terror in his voice drains away when Seras turns around, moving eagerly toward her closet. When she returns with her armful of clothes, he stares hopelessly at the alternative sea. Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink...]
... Th-there's no way I could pull off any of that... even just to get to my room. I'd scream "poser" from a ring of Hell away.
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[She starts pulling sweaters and shirts out of the pile and laying them out across her bed, giving him a chance to really look at them.]
I mean, if you want t'stay shirtless, it's not like I'll stop you.
[She crosses her arms beneath her chest and smiles in a cheerful, yet oddly threatening manner.]
It's entirely up to you.
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I just figured you and I had similar taste, what with the-- [Gesturing at her face to indicate his makeup.] But fine. These aren't your style. So what is?
[He just would have looked so cool as a gutterpunk like her :C Alas.]
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Nothing you'd have-- I like baggy clothes that cover me, sharp but not flashy. I'm not a trend-setter but it's fun to customize my avi. [He holds the sweater up to his torso, comparing. Really puts into perspective their size difference.] At least you've got a point of view. [Idia says that not unkindly-- more like "thank god you have clear taste".]
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Sharp, but not flashy... but also baggy? [Hm.]
Well, I have this one plain black hoodie? It's really long on me and I wear it as a dress, sometimes. [It definitely is a 4x men's hoodie that she swiped from the lost and found at the Nest.] Would that work until I can take you shopping or somethin'?
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Yes, yes, perfect! The less attention the better... [Glances back up at her. Huh?] Sh-shopping?? Isn't that a little overboard? I just need to get to my room...
[It couldn't possibly be for any purpose other than practicality.]
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[It would have been a fun little outing, but she recalls him saying he doesn't like being made to go outside... So she'll scrap that whole idea. Seras smiles politely, but turns her focus to the bed so she can start gathering up the pile again and not think too hard about how freaking cool (and beautiful and interesting and mesmerizing) he looks.]
When I first got here, I didn't have any of my normal clothes with me. The cherubs thought it would be funny to dress me up like some kind of magical girl and let loose a whole bunch of candy monsters on the town, which promptly destroyed my only outfit.
[Carrying that pile back to her closet.] So I went shopping pretty much immediately, obviously. So I figured you might be in the same boat, what with your clothes getting tiny-fied.
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It's then that he realizes he has two outfits that he's been cycling between. And one is now pill-sized. His lips draw into a thin grimace.]
Well... you can always order clothes online, right?
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They've got all sorts of stuff here, so probably? But... why would you do that? You can't try them on, first...
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no that's a different d*ney movie] Online is the way to go-- you can always send it back if it doesn't fit. Plus you don't have to change in public... It creeps me out.[Realizing suddenly that he's just been holding the hoodie in his hand, he slips it on. His mop of blue hair pops up from within, and Idia brings his hands up to pull it out and back, shaking it loose. Thankfully the hoodie fits just fine, baggy and comfortable. A smile actually twitches to life on his face and he sighs with relief.]
Not bad! Low-key can be good sometimes.
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Oh, no.
This sucks! She doesn't need this! She resumes her trek to the closet and ducks in to take time to put things away.... or at least a few of them. He can think she's putting things away while she sits there and reconsiders her entire afterlife.
Goddamnit. He's... Cute! Picky! But cute. And even with a mouthful of razor blades, his smile is very charming-- though maybe she's just feeling his relief coming off of him in waves and it's rubbing off on her and making her feel extra good about it but either way aaaah. Is this how guys feel when girls wear their clothes?
Lord, she hopes she doesn't look as distressed as she feels. She's gonna just. Take a moment to breathe and get her head back on right. Never does she realize that she just stared at him for a while and then walked out without saying anything like a crazy person.]
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It seems he's lost track of Seras because she was just putting her clothes away and-- oh is she just... Standing there? Literally can't imagine why, so he's piecing through a couple of the remaining items on the bed. A bit of sweat beads on his forehead when he feels the sheets against his very very exposed hips.]
You don't have... pants, do you?
[A good thing you want to hear when you're having a crisis about some guy-- that he's very much Pantsless.]
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Mmmaybe? [She calls back, digging around for her baggier bottoms and hoping they're even kind of an appropriate length for him.]
Alright, so... [She comes back with a range of options, some sweatpants, some jeans, some pajama pants and even leggings, not really sure what would fit someone as long as he looks. She's even kind enough to grant him some boxers! So he doesn't have to rawdog her pants!]
You... look pretty tall, so I got everything long that I have... I hope there's something in here that works. [Dropping them on the bed with a nervous upturn of lips, she then steps back to give him time to peruse. At least these are all pretty standard Bottoms, nothing too flashy.]
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Can you, uh... Give me some time to change?
[This isn't the ideal situation to have his dangus out but he'd rather be here than waddling past Seras to her bathroom, dragging her sheets pathetically along.]
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[She will retreat back to her closet for now, waiting for him to give her the cue to come back. In the meantime, she decides to keep hanging up the other sweaters she brought for him (she has to look like she cares about the state of her closet okay, she doesn't need him to know she lives in such a slovenly manner!!) and try very hard not to think too hard about-- well, any of this! Especially the part where she has no idea how long she was clinging to a naked almost-stranger!! In her bed!! And now he's putting his naked body in her clothes!!
Out of her periphery, the glow of bright blue wisps catch her attention and she can't help but be drawn to it; his hair really is so cool... It's almost like a lava lamp, she could stare at it for hours. Then as he stands to get dressed, he turns in such a way that she can see his whole--
Well. Him. The whole him.
Before she can even think, she swipes the closet door closed and buries her face in her hands to scream silently into her palms.
Oh no, oh no. She saw him. SHE SAW IT. The very thing he was trying to avoid! Should she apologize? Should she say anything at all? Surely he'd benefit from not knowing that a stranger saw his donger. Anyone would, right?]
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Quick as he can, he eases them up onto his hips before reaching to grab those gray sweats. Holding them up to his body, it's clear that they'll be too short. But they're the closest he's gonna get. He slides them on with a grimace, as the ends of them end about mid-calf. God he looks like such a tool... Closing his eyes, Idia inhales deeply. It's as good as it's going to get and there's no real alternative. Except... well, maybe he could camp out in the corner of Seras' room, waiting out an Heaven Am*zon order. It'd teach her how to use the internet more so it kills two birds one stone? No... that'd be terrible. He'd hate to sleep on the floor and, although he's already shared a bed with her, he wasn't even aware of that. Really, he can't believe that happened. What was that weird dream he had anyway of...
Idia flushes. Oh my god that wasn't a dream those were her-- He claps a hand over his face, stifling a groan. Does she remember? Should he apologize?? God, he wishes he could just sink into the ground.
But... well, isn't it close enough to just leave? Make a tactical retreat? Idia stands there a couple more seconds, willing his face to stop being on fire.
Very casually, he steps around the corner in... whatever this is. It doesn't dawn on him that Seras hasn't seen him at his full height. He makes a gesture at himself, like, "this is it".]
Well... it could be worse.
[Oh yes it could.]
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Still, at least he looks to be more comfortable than he was nude... Even though he clearly has no idea that he may as well still be with the way he's filling out her sweats. Like, yeah! Sure it could be worse but this is still pretty bad!!!!]
Wow! You're a lot longer than I thought! [WAIT, FUCK. Not like that!! She gestures, bringing one flattened and up and the other down to indicated the measured space between them.] L-like, height-wise! You're just! You're very tall. Wh-which I'm sure you know. Since. It's your body! [Nervous laughter as she steps out of the closet and closes the door behind her, keeping her attention above the metaphorical belt as best as she can.]
H-how are you feeling, by the way? Are you hungry or anything?
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Yeah, I'm pretty aware, thanks... [He tugs a bit at the hem of the hoodie, trying to drag it down. It's not like he looked in the mirror but he can feel that it's not a great fit. And he's very very right to feel that way.] I don't... know about this.
[So, answer: feeling WEIRD]
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I do have some pants that belong to one of my guy friends if you wanna try that. He's almost as tall as you, so they'd work... But I didn't know how you'd feel wearing another guy's clothes...
[Please don't judge her okay—]
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I'm already wearing your clothes, that doesn't make more of a difference. [holds out his hand] Something that fits would be epic, thanks.
[That said he can feel his stamina draining second by second. The adrenaline of being woken up is wearing off and now leaving this room feels.... much less desirable. At least he wants to be comfortable.]
CW for cyberbullying and eventual but probably unsurprising death threats...im so sorry
keep ur musty dusty cheeto crusty mitts to yourself nerd
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done ez
[clearly thats got nothing to do with him]
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good so youll stay away from azul, glad we're on the same page. <3
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are we even talking about the same thing?
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wow
you must be braindead. my hands are nowhere near azul
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mister "IRL is better than IRC"
what are you his boyfriend or something
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ill give you permission to look at his eyebrows and that should be enough right
for all intents and purposes yeah i am
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like you dont need to maintain eye contact like that to prove that im not cheating im demolishing you because you suck at this game lmao
ive tried just looking at his eyebrows he can tell
also i dont need your permission to do anything idc who you are
[which he is currently looking into. he'll figure it out pretty shortly.
then, an unfortunately longer break between texts which had previously been rapidfire.]
does everyone in this place have two boyfriends
"for all intents and purposes" he gave you terms and conditions didnt he
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guess i misunderstood the tension there thats my bad
there were terms and conditions in the beginning but we've reneged a few times and now its just that we arent human so we dont have uhhhhh a "human" definition of what our relationship is. If you know what I mean.
[Because Envy thinks he's too special to use a lame human word for a lame human concept like "love"... Dumbass.]
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huh?
[Huh?
Idia stares at his phone. In love? With Azul? Ha-- god. What a thing to say. Just because he's stared at him longingly for years and doesn't think twice about going to school in person just to be with him and thinks about the way his glasses slip down the bridge of his nose when he's focusing too much, could place Azul's beauty mark precisely on memory alone. Just because of that? Stupid. What the hell is this guy thinking? Love-- that's not real. And if it was, Azul wouldn't feel the same about him. If he did, it would be transactional. If he did he would have said something by now.
He's been idle too long.]
the """"tension""" is azul being a sore loser lol
monopoly will do that to a mfer
you should see him cry when hes sooooo sure youre breaking the rules but cant find a loophole
anyway i knew it
good luck
[action] nanami and idia's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad not!date
Though, in spite of being invited, he's pressed himself against the wall, staring at his phone and praying for a cancelation text. Heaven has never been quite so kind to him, though, so why start now?
...
Well, he did it. He's here. Can he go home now?]
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And Idia isn't hard to spot either, the hair stands out immediately even if every other part of him wants to hide away. Nanami approaches and inclines his head in a soft, informal greeting.]
Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I hope you haven't been waiting long.
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Idia nods in return.]
(This macho stuff is so not my style. What even is the way I'm moving right now? Get a grip, Idia. Put your hands in your pockets. God can this be over...)
Uh, yeah, no problem. I got here way early anyway, so...
(Aaah I got too anxious and overestimated how long it'd take to get here. Again. Always trust GPS! Computers never lie!)
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[Nanami turns around and heads to the host desk where he tells the cherub his name and that he has a special reservation for the evening. He's probably exuding some of the intensity he is trying not to aim at Idia at this poor fluffy creature who squeaks as they lead the pair to private room in the back. There's a lovely attached garden and enough room for more people, even if they're not expecting anyone else. The cherub is gone again almost as soon as the door is open for them.]
[Nanami takes a seat with his back to the garden and lets Idia pick whichever spot he wants. That includes seats on the far end of the table from him, he's already prepared for Idia to want to keep his distance.]
You're welcome to order whatever you want, tonight. On me.
[Nanami hasn't prepared well enough that he doesn't have to look at the menu, but at least this way he's not staring at his dinner partner.]
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He hasn't done anything yet. Is just. Standing there.
Until he slowly... stoops to take a seat at the chair across from Nanami and off to the side. Only to think that, no, that's way too awkward. So he sits directly across from him, staring firmly at his plate.]
Uh, thanks. That's... [thinks about it as he scooches his chair in] Thanks.
[Nailed it. Now time to stare at the menu's filigree border and repeat to himself over and over what he wants instead of reading this well-studied menu.]
This place is pretty fancy. Top-tier.
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I do feel like I owe it to you, after inadvertently sending Envy your way. I am sorry about him, by the way, he gets very protective. But that's no excuse for threats.
[He hadn't meant to start with that, but he's also nervous and he wanted to make sure he told Idia he was sorry for spilling these beans to Envy. It was his fault, even if Envy is the only one responsible for his behavior after that.]
And even though it's far too late for a first impression, I'd like to make a good impression none the less.
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Was that-- did you say something to him? I think I skipped a screen.
[Those texts were absolutely a mystery to him. Now it's even more of a mystery since Nanami is somehow involved? That's-- hm. Alright.]
Yeah, uh, a new first impression sounds good by me, too. Please delete all of it from your mind, actually.
[Being literally in the palm of Nanami's hand is sure an experience, isn't it? Looks like he and Seras have another thing in common when it comes to him!!]
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[He doesn't know quite how to put that. He doesn't like thinking that Azul has a crush on this man. Plus the word 'crush' isn't common in his vocabulary and he doesn't feel comfortable saying it in general.]
It wasn't appropriate at all. I let my own jealousy get the best of me, I'm sorry.
[He doesn't get to say more because their waiter comes in with water for them looking for drink orders. Nanami orders something non-alcoholic and returns his full attention to the menu. Hopefully Idia doesn't have time to process the 'I was jealous' part of that sentence.]
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His [--cough--] what?
[A nervous intonation, like, come again? There are implications to these things, Nanami. Surely that's not what he means, but being someone that has had a 2-year-long crush (not that he'd call it that- he and Nanami have another similarity and it's shying away from that word) on Azul Ashengrotto it's hard to trim apart the association.
That word "jealousy" doesn't go over his head. Just gets lodged at the back of it for when he's able to hear and register it properly. Slumbering for now.
Idia's so pre-occupied with appearing normal that he forgets to use his "oh, no water for me" script. In fact, anything sounds pretty good right about now. The second the waiter is out of the way he takes a hasty sip.]
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The point of asking you here was to get to know you better. Two people that I love speak very well of you and while we didn't get off to the best start, there may be more we have in common than I thought. I would like to be on at least civil terms with you, if not friendly ones.
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Love, huh...
[Kind of a dramatic word, right? Azul said he'd only been here for, what, half a year? Love is already a frankly delusional concept, but that kind of turnaround is speedy. Some people are just like that, though, thinking they know better than the chemicals running rampant in their brain making them do stupid shit like-- Well. Like whatever this is, he guesses.
Idia sighs, taking another sip of his water just to give his hands something else to do. When he sets it back down, he's just cradling it in his hands against the table, thumbing against the condensation.]
Geez... you know I don't hate you, right? You're fine, you got me out of a pinch, it's whatever... Like, everyone seems to think I've got some problem. People I don't know think a lot about me for some reason, which is weird because it has nothing to do with anything that actually matters about me. It's not like anyone's flaming me for being able to out-hack them or make them ragequit in Realm of Peacecraft. Like, I don't even-- uh-- [Realizing himself, Idia presses his lips together. Glances away.] Sorry for the infodump. Don't care didn't ask, I get it.
[They don't even have complimentary bread yet and he's already shoving his foot in his mouth.]
I, uh, I read that people like the Cherries Jubilee.
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[He lets Idia talk, trying not to get too lost in the details he doesn't understand. It's strange to hear this in terms of Idia not hating him, since he doesn't hate Idia either. He's just... worried, and insecure about his own position in things.]
I asked you here to talk, I do want to hear what you have to say, even if I don't entirely understand it. And for the record, I don't hate you either. I feel like I don't understand you enough to feel much of anything, which is what I'm trying to change.
[A small lie, that he doesn't feel anything, but he's already brought up being jealous and it's not something either of them seems to want to talk about.]
I won't judge you for just having dessert for dinner, if that's what you want. First and foremost I want you to feel comfortable, at least, as much as you can around me.
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I mean, if you want an FAQ I would've prepped one.
[He's never really had the problem of people not understanding his deal. It's not like Idia's wearing all the details of his life and thoughts on his sleeve, but he's not exactly a subtle person. So it's a change of pace.]
First question, am I ever comfortable? First answer, that's gonna be a shrug emoji from me.
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You aren't comfortable in your own space?
[He isn't entirely surprised to hear that, but it makes him feel very bad for Idia in a way he wasn't expecting. It's immediately clear to him why Seras has been spending so much time with him, and he asks the next question with a tone that indicates he already knows the answer.]
Are you comfortable around Seras?
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[That... question gives him pause, though. Notable stillness. For a minute he almost looks normal, less like a caricature and more like someone giving earnest consideration to something. Idia thinks about it, how he can spend days with Seras and not feel tired, "people'd out", how he can say the most embarrassing thing at the top of his head and she'll laugh with him, that sweet tumbling laugh of hers falling into the space between them, warming it and keeping it-- well. Comfortable. The tips of his ears are a red and he's looking anywhere besides Nanami.]
I mean... that's different.
[He should know, right? How easy it is to be with her. How easy it is to--
It's simple. Seras makes even difficult things feel simple to navigate. Case in point.]
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When you care deeply for someone [Because he's not about to use the L word again here.] it does feel different. Spending time with them isn't a chore the way it is with other people.
[He stops because he suddenly sees where they might be alike. And that Idia is the him that wasn't forced into social compliance from a young age. But is that part of him (the one that doesn't particularly like or want to be around people) really make him attractive at all? Does it make either of them more attractive? He looks away, thinking too hard about this now.
Which is for the best because he doesn't notice at all that he has implied Idia cares deeply for Seras.]
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Yeah that... makes sense. [Glances up from fiddling with his napkin.] Introverts just get that sorta thing.
[Because, like, duh Nanami's in the same boat as him. It's a callout but a very obvious one, like pointing out that the circus is in town.]
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[Nanami isn't going to deny it. He's absolutely spot on with that analysis. And it's probably for the best that the waiter comes back with Nanami's drink then and asks if they're ready to order. Nanami doesn't hesitate to order first, calm and certain of himself. It's years of practice at asserting himself this way, and it helps to overcome the other thoughts running through his head to have something to focus on.]
[He keeps his gaze fixed on his own glass while Idia orders, giving him one fewer set of eyes to worry about.]
I never really considered that introversion would be attractive to some people, but I suppose I should rethink that considering our circumstances. [He's still trying to find things they have in common that might attract the same people.]
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Immediately, though, they're back in awkward city.]
Ah... Attractive is kind of a stretch... Knowing what you're getting is kind of an appeal. A login bonus.
[It's not that he doesn't think it's a perk, especially knowing that he and Seras are on the same page when it comes to social battery.
Why the fuck is he talking about this? Why is he indulging this? Why does Heaven have this effect on him? Idia rotates his glass of water around in search of some half-dissolved truth capsule.]
Wait. [Sets his glass down with a thunk.] Are you speculating?
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[He does look up at Idia and for a moment it's a dark look, full of emotions he's been keeping in check. The jealousy, the anger, the disgust. But the look is gone in a moment and he's back to his usual businesslike demeanor.
It doesn't help his mood that Idia seems to be reading him fairly accurately. He can't decide if he's upset by it or just accept that it's probably another reason they share interested parties.]
But I don't think either of us enjoys talking about that. Maybe you can tell me a little about what you like to do in your free time.
[Does Idia even have a job? Nanami can't really picture it, but it's the best way to phrase his question so he says it like he believes it.]
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Heh. Can probably only speak for myself but [setting the glass down with a soft "thunk"] better not heheh~
[there's a level of smug confidence to idia right now that hasn't been present in the past. the intimidation factor doesn't really hit at this angle. he does, in fact, thrive when it comes to others being envious of him. like, yeah, of course.
the "both" does snag on his brain. what the fuck does that mean? but nanami is ultimately right. he super doesn't want to talk about this.
moving on--]
Uh game, mostly... I'm into all kinds-- PC, BG, MMORPG. [lots of fuckin letters] A p rich diet if I do say so. Heh, actually it's cool, Seras got pretty into 'em too. Started small with cozy games like Critter Crossroads -- super reliable, great parallel play -- but we've been getting into Mortal Kombat and--
[that grin of his is all earnestness now, slipping into something almost... fond. enthusiasm for being able to share his hobby is truly the link between his crushes, on top of a multitude of other that'll stay locked firmly in his head. idia's gestures become more animated as he goes on about his character picks, how seras is really picking it up, actually. that creme brule of his goes neglected as he gestures with his fork.]
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[There isn't much room to interject once Idia gets to talking about something he's interested in. But this is what Nanami wanted, to hear about something he has real passion for. Only, it's all just gibberish for him. There's some chatter in there about Seras and how they're bonding over this, but Nanami can't be that jealous over what he doesn't understand. What does he even do with this? For the moment he's going to eat his dinner (duck breast with seasonal vegetables in a red wine sauce) and try to let the words wash over him.]
Don't forget your meal. [He manages to get in edgewise at one point.]
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[Idia's not put off by this, someone used to needing a reminder to eat. The way he holds his utensils is detestable but it gives Nanami a brief reprieve from the onslaught of nonsense.]
So yeah, it's uh [Idia wipes at the corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb.] sorta like that. Not a big deal.
[He's content to just go back to his meal but he gets this distinct feeling like he's being watched. That's probably just what it's like to have Seras at the back of his head, gesturing with her hands for him to say words, to at least try. Idia sighs lightly.]
You've got hobbies, right?
[Spreadsheets?]
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Watching Idia hold utensils is throwing him off some, he isn't going to say anything because that would be rude, but he is staring somewhat intensely. There's definitely a part of him that resents their shared traits right now because he doesn't want to be thought of like this.
But he's been asked a question and he can latch onto that.]
I enjoy reading, and I've been cooking and learning to dance. I don't have a lot of time to myself still, I've been working more than I should. But there's a lot of things I want to do here, and people I want to be there for.
[He can hear it, the heavy sound of his voice as he realizes he's in the same rut he's been in before. Twice. Not that Idia would understand, that was part of a whole different lifetime for him. And the whole point of being here was to learn more about each other.]
I suppose I can't really escape my life no matter how dead I get.
backdated nebulously to February
There are more knocks on Idia's window.
God damn, someone just keeps knocking on Idia's window...]
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If only there were some other way! To get in!]
1/2
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Pulls his headphones away from one ear and listens. Squints. He probably should have had the foresight to install cameras or something but he's been preoccupied with-- oh forget that. Idia just sits there for a minute before. Standing. He's not gonna call out and look stupid because they probably just have the wrong room but. Well.
Stands to the side of the door and leeeeans over to look through the peep hole.]
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[No, he's not at the wrong door. Idia's just face to face with Fearless's chest when he looks at the peephole.]
Let me in.
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No one says that anymore. [He thought you were from the future... Idia folds his arms over his chest.] What do you want? Can't you text?
[This literally could have been an email.]
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And before you ask why not: I didn't fuckin' want to.
[Leaning down to peer into the peep-hole;]
Open the door.
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Did you think about if I don't want to either? [... Sigh.] Why should I?
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I need to talk to you.
Come on. It's important.
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... Well?
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Kind of an inside-the-room conversation, my guy.
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Fine, sure.
[That doesn't stop his jittering nerves. Still, he steps out of the way and holds the door open.]
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Damn. Really is a cave in here, isn't it.
[Motions with his finger to kind of 'everything'.]
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It's efficient.
[By "efficient" he means piles of nonsense within grabbing range of his chair and bed and horrible cable management.]
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Yeah. Uh,
[Hm.]
Sure.
[Right. Anyway, not the point. Fearless puts his hand to his head, starts a sentence while pointing at Idia, and then retracts his hand to start again.
Puts his hand in his pocket, wiggles side to side.]
So uh.
Seras.
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You need to be more specific than that.
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[Fearless stops, breathes in, pinches the bridge of his nose.]
I really wasn't a good guy before I got here, Idia. And I'm trying really hard not to be the kind of guy that decks another dude just for making a girl cry.
[A long sigh. He isn't built for this.]
So I just wanna know what's going on.
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Huh? How should I--
[Ah... Oh. Idia presses his lips together, slowly stuffing his hands in his pockets. How would he know? He's quiet for a moment, disappointment weighting his shoulders.]
Did she... say anything? [Closes his eyes tightly, shaking his head-- interrupting himself.] Right, the thrall.
[Granted his understanding of it is. General.]
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Yeah, uh, I also just, uh, have eyes.
And, you know, context. And the ability to ask questions.
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Is she... [Rubs a hand at his neck before shoving his hand back into his pocket. He knows the answer to his own stupid question.] What did she say?
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You don't wanna know that.
Wouldn't fit your little 'world hates me' emo-kid narrative you've got goin' for ya.
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[It's putting a weird twist on his worry for Seras. Is this just how it's gonna be with the two of them?]
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[That's the one thing keeping him from busting Idia's face open.
But posturing... that hasn't worked in the past, has it? Never really seems to. Never really seems to be what the others want to hear.
So Fearless rolls his head back, looks at the ceiling, and takes a breath before looking back at Idia.]
So I just wanna understand, man.
What the hell are you on that you'd turn a girl like that down?
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Okay, hold. On. What are you even saying? Turn--
[There's, like, way too much to internalize there. Since when does Fearless like him? Obviously he's misattributing one feeling for another. And Seras-- Idia closes his eyes, shaking his head like it'll clear it out. It doesn't. He gestures rigidly.]
How could I turn her down?
[That would imply she asked something of him or that there was something to be turned down from. But there's not. They're not!]
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Oh.
Idia might be stupid. That might be what's going on, here.]
Hold— hold on.
[Fearless rubs his temple again. He has to make sure they're on the same page.]
You live in the girl's room. She takes you out places. Hangs out with you. Watches movies with you. Plays your little video games.
Has sex with you.
You know what that means, right?
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Friends do that sort of thing! [Seras said so herself! That this is what friends are for! Right?? Anyway Idia gestures hurriedly at Fearless.] You do the same things! What difference do I make?
[Ope! Too close to the real issue!!]
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Exactly. We do the same damn things, Idia.
[As if that makes it obvious.]
I could do the same damn things with her, and she'd still be crying over you.
The fuck kind of difference do you think it makes.
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Is this about me or about you?
[It's. Honestly hard to tell. Results unclear.]
1/2
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I'm not the one avoiding the girl I like, dude.
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Why would I need to talk about this with you?
[Even when he's talking with strangers anonymously on the internet he's got 5 layers of security in place and is still on edge about the topic.]
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...You don't. You don't need to talk about this with me.
But you should talk about it with her.
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[He cuts himself off. Idia doesn't want to talk about this; his shell is too rigid for that.
His gaze falls to the floor, looking like he's working through some problem in his head.]
Don't act like that wouldn't just make it worse.
[He's running the scenarios nightly, the outlook is not great.]
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You're worried about making it worse?
Do you even know what worse is?
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[That was. Too loud. Too loud and too much. Realizing how stupidly vulnerable that is, his teeth practically click with how fast he shuts his mouth. There's a stretch of silence and then;]
Look, I don't know anything, okay? About anything! You're right, I'm wrong, "ha ha" have a laugh about it.
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What—
[Fearless shakes his head, huffing out steam through his nostrils, holding out his hand as if to tell Idia to stuff it. He knows he can't handle this the way he handles everything with Vicious.
The only problem is, he... doesn't actually know how else to handle it.]
I'm not here to laugh at you. I'm trying to keep you from making a mistake.
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[Obviously the best preventative measure is avoidance. You can't make a mistake if you don't do anything.]
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Fine. You're right. I don't know what you're thinking, or doing...
We all know I'm not the 'genius'.
[Fearless turns away from Idia, starting to pace, slow and careful.]
But there are people who were here before you even showed up, who got sorted out before you even had the chance to meet 'em.
Before the rest of us even had a chance to say goodbye.
All I'm saying is, you don't know if she's ever gonna be the next one to disappear, and you're the one left behind wondering what could have been.
I didn't get a warning when it was Anthony.
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If and when Fearless looks back at him, Idia has turned his gaze away. Eyes fixed on the carpet.]
Not much of a genius.
[That was supposed to be a thought, but there it is out in the open. Fine. Whatever. It's true. He's quiet for a stretch. Then;]
... You loved that guy, huh?
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He gestures like he's about to start talking again once— twice— a sigh.]
Probably,
[It's a bit quiet. Is he unsure? No, there's something else to it.]
Shit good it does realizing it once he's gone, though.
BEFORE CATER'S PARTY time literally isn't real in heavell
He's not always here, so I'm glad I made sure to check this time....
[Maya doesn't actually know where Idia runs off to, though. Not really her business. She's confirmed he's here and ready for a steel samurai sesh, and has brought Cater along with her as a surprise.
She's ready to knock when she looks over her shoulder to Cater and asks;]
You wanna do the honors?
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I really want him to be surprised, so if he asks who's there, you answer, okay?
[Because, in all honesty, if Idia realizes Cater is there before opening the door, it's very likely getting locked, bolted, and barricaded. Maya doesn't need to know that Cater's expecting that, though.
So, with a wink, he reaches around Maya to knock on the door.]
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Instead of actually opening the door, Maya's phone gets a little notif--]
u here?
[That's, like, common courtesy! Every day Idia's grateful he didn't grow up in a time where people just showed up at your house unannounced. Then again... he didn't grow up in a time where anyone came to his house at all! Let's not split hairs about it.]
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[if Maya'd had the forethought she might have, oh, you know, prefaced Idia with the fact that she, too, has been smacked with the Now I'm A Fish gene and isn't as kitty-cat as usual. Her forethought has instead been preoccupied with the fact it still is in fact fun to dunk on this guy.
She shows Cater the phone over her shoulder, too, grinning. This is probably a very predictable Idia move actually.]
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1/2
That last episode was so epic, I keep thinking--
2/2
Then, just as one might expect, he tries to make a tactical retreat.]
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Surprise! Guess who died and went to Heaven? It's ya boi Cay-Cay!
[Well, died and went to Hell, but who's actually paying attention? He's all smiles!]
As soon as my new bestie, Miss Maya, told me you were here, I just had to come say hi in person! Isn't this great? We can spend soooo much time together!
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Ta-dah!
I figured you wouldn't mind welcoming in one of your friends from school.
[...nah she knew he'd mind. But he needs enrichment!]
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(And now he wants to "spend" "time" """together"""?? This halo's fake! I'm in Hell!!)
Wh-what is this?
[Idia stumbles backward, not sure what to realistically do with himself. He knows what he wants to do (phase through the ground) but this afterlife has pretty much never given him what he wanted.]
(Top 10 anime betrayals... in my own home...!)
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Can't a guy come see what's up with his favorite 3B buddy? Don't mind me, though, ya'll should talk shop about Steel Samurai! I'm all ears.
[He's just here, now. This is your new reality, Idia. Cater, snooping around your room. Taking interest in your fandoms, whether you like it or not.]
Pretty nice digs...
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[Idia groans, a barely audible grumble.]
It's... You probably wouldn't like it.
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[always a creature of habit, Maya creeps over to where she usually sits and kneels down like she's going to watch the two of them perform some slapstick routine instead of the agreed-upon programming.]
And! And! Mister Pop Music here might even like the sound track. Especially from the movie.
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[His absolutely winning, works on everyone without exceptions smile shifts from Idia to Maya.]
You think so? I definitely gotta hear it, now! I'm totes gonna need some new tunes to fill up my new phone.
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Oh, uh... That's...
(Mayaaaaa! Inviting Kalim along was bad enough and now you desecrate Steel Samurai night even more?? If we don't start gatekeeping now-- when???)
[Idia has just been standing in the middle of his own room watching this happen, unsure what to do in this nightmare scenario.]
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and she is also manipulative. she can feel those vibes coming off Idia, okay.]
Thaaaat's a great idea and I'm the best?
I know, I know. It's just that I knew there would be no one better at explaining the intricacies of the story than you.
I mean, you've even picked up stuff that I totally missed, and I'm a long-time fan!
And since Cater already likes you so much, it's the perfect match for spreading the good word of the Steel Samurai!
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(Likes me? Likes me? Even if that's true-- PRESS X TO DOUBT-- I never asked for that!! Why does he think we're friends, anyway? Absolutely no flags to be found here!)
Look... It's... kinda lore-heavy...
[He's technically addressing Cater but his eyes are downcast and he's only kind of facing him. The vibe is like a young child being asked to say hi to their distant relative they don't remember meeting until now.]
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[The "basics" may very well trigger a gigantic tl;dr...but that was okay. Cater liked it when Idia got excited. It was fun hearing him go all out about something he was into--much preferrable to all that cryptic grumbling.]
I'm all ears--floor's yours!
[And he'll plop down next to Maya. Now he's part of the captive audience, too!]
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she puts her hand to her mouth, half covering it, and pitches her fairly low voice even deeper into something more rigid and like an announcer or interviewer.]
And now, bringing us the life, the history, the legacy of the Steel Samurai, Heaven's new Steelverse Lore Prodigy, Idia Shroud!
[and then she imitates the sound of a crowd cheering by making a rushing noise into her cupped hand, accenting the crowd with tiny pitched-up cheers as though made by far away voices;]
You're the greatest, Idia! Show us how it's done!
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[It's like a mom standing up in a crowd to cheer on her kid in the middle of a play. At least, he imagines it does. He's seen movies.
Speaking of, he sighs, maneuvering over to their cozy little TV set-up, backlit with a blue LED glow. Ofc he's already got the 4K version pulled up and ready to go (Maya had been concerned about finding a physical copy but forgot that the Internet always provides to those most loyal), so it's not a big deal that he can just get it started. Snacks are already there and none of them are good for your body or your teeth. He's just that generous of a host.
If only someone could be so generous as a guest!! Whatever. Idia slumps back, separate yet close to the others.]
Okay, so... TLDR: This guy called the Evil Magistrate fights The Steel Samurai for control over this poor township. [Flatly:] Boom, pow, wha-pah-- the fights are most of the episode. And they're pretty cool, idk if it's your thing tho. Kind of serious for a toku but the Evil Magistrate always loses. Well... until he doesn't. Like, okay [his bored affect starts to pick up, gaining some enthusiasm;] he loses and loses and Steel Samurai goes in for what you think is gonna be the kill, but of course it's not because he has a noble heart and fighting spirit. That's when we learn that The Evil Magistrate has actually been holding back his true power because-- get this-- The Steel Samurai is actually his separated-at-birth twin brother. Jaw. Dropped. It sounds like a cliche but the lead-up to the reveal elevates the early series. The foreshadowing is subtle, real prestige for syndicated primetime. It's like.... Uh...
[Idia realizes that he's talking a lot, running his stupid motor mouth, sitting up straight and gesturing at the screen, that he's not just ranting to Maya. So he... sits back a little, tries to pretend that that didn't just happen. He clears his throat.]
Yeah, it's cool.
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Wow...that sounds cool, alright! I can't wait to dive in--is that where we're picking up in the story? Post-reveal?
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...what a look, really. it makes Maya smile a little harder herself, a knowing smile like a too-pleased cat, before she looks back Idia's way.]
Yeah, Idia, is that where we're picking up today?
at some point idk when
see, getting critiqued on his form hadn't swayed Fearless one way or another. it was the idea that Idia even cared about things like that, that he could pay such attention. that he was endlessly considerate about some things, despite being so obtuse about others. it reminded him a lot of someone else, even if the shape of that personality was still different. and so Fearless had actually come to look forward to joining Idia in Seras's room routinely, crashing on Seras's bed for a few hours, ordering food, and sharing that food with Idia.]
Man, I'm glad you eat noodles,
[Fearless says, past a slurp. there is a huge chance he missed whatever Idia said before that, since he's been preoccupied with tasting Flavors.]
Japchae is the bomb.
I dunno why everybody doesn't just use bean starch noodles, man. Total cardboard-free flavor.
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This, for example, would have been an impossible sight just a few months ago. He'd be hunched over himself trying to go back to his room to eat. Now-- well, Idia looks like he'll be comfortable in a minute. Right now, he's seeing if Poob has it.]
Legit. If it's not max flavor I don't want it.
But hey-- [He gestures to the screen, where he's rapidly cycling between two options, using the selection noises to get the Fearless' attention back.] Focus. Street Fighter II or The Animatrix?
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Heads for Streetfighter.
[it's an easy way to pick, after all. a flip, then he snatches it out of the air and slaps it against the back of his opposite palm.]
Aaaand, Streetfighter it is.
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[Either option would be epic, but he's particularly excited about this pick. Sometimes luck really is on your side. Idia starts rambling as he navigates over to Street Fighter II;]
Hehehe! You're gonna love this one. It's, like, way past cool. The fights are so epic, everyone's style is unique and accurate to the game's movesets. [Fearless has most definitely seen Seras and Idia playing SF together, they might be recognizable!] And-- no spoilers-- but the final battle is so sick. Total. Sakuga.
[Idia takes a seat beside Fearless, curling his legs up as he snatches his noodles from the to-go bag. Ever since Idia's been breaking down Fearless' fights they've had to be decently close to each other, so it's been a slow acclimation. Now he doesn't even seem to have a problem with it.]
This one's mine, right?
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[He tugs out another box, popping it open to reveal;]
—and we're sharing the rangoon.
[a generous order, of course. no point in having money now if Fearless can't use it to eat well.]
Swear, I've watched more movies with you in the past year than I have my whole life.
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Nice!!
[Fuck the main course, Idia always goes for the sides and the dessert first and foremost. He's commandeering the sweet and sour sauce for himself because rangoons can be a dessert if you're brave enough. Excuse him that he's grabbing one of those bad boys already.
Idia pauses as he's about to go in for it.]
Wait, seriously? [Information loads in. Fearless backstory Get.] Oh, right. Well, at least we're starting you right. This is Peak.
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Myeah.
[as he goes back to slorping on his noodles, he comments;]
Do like skipping all the shit ones. Not gonna let you live it down if it sucks, though.
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If you don't like it, that's on you. My taste is flawless. I'm p much your own personal content filter.
[He shoves that drenched rangoon in his mouth.]
Seriously, you'll love it. It's your style.
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Alright, Flawless.
[Fearless can poke fun all he wants, but he's actually enjoying himself. he knocks Idia's knee with a shove of his foot.
he does also, however, start to pay attention to the movie, slurping his noodles all the while. movies always seemed like a waste of time when he was a kid, and he could neither afford that time to waste nor any means to watch many, but actually having plenty of safe free time to spend is an incredible new luxury Fearless has on account of being dead. and while for the most part what Fearless really benefits from is the companionship, there have been movies here and there Fearless has found quite compelling.
stories really can change something within you, can't they? just like the people around you. the Fearless who can sit down with Idia and watch Street Fighter II isn't the same one who wouldn't bother with movies before. just like this Idia isn't the exact same one Fearless met before, either. and maybe that's why things have shifted between them, why they can actually sit and eat and enjoy this movie not just in each other's presences, but together, even without Seras.]
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Idia zones out for a moment and notices that their legs are nearly touching. Fearless has never minded this sort of thing, but contact is something Idia struggles with. Still does, even if Seras has opened that previously sealed-up door a little wider. There are rules to these things that he doesn't know, never had much practical experience with. Shrouds aren't touchy people. Idia least among them.
When did they become like this? When did Fearless go from a dreaded presence to someone he looks forward to seeing? He's reacting to all the right parts, walking with him in this space that he doesn't think many people can inhabit. And here he's...
Idia returns his attention to the movie. Man, whatever's going on in his brain is totally dissonant from animated violence. He fiddles with the string of his hoodie, not sure how to hold himself.]
... He moves like you do.
[Fei Long, that is. He's about to get his ass kicked by Ryu, so Idia corrects;]
In the game, I mean. Same style. Ryu's the protag here so he has to come out on top, but you get it.
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You were playing him the other night, right? When Seras was playing, uh, Cammy.
[he points with his chopsticks at Fei Long, though;]
That guy looks like the guy who put that fighting style on the map back in the day. Bruce Lee. Total legend of a martial artist.
Vicious'd talk your ears off about his movies, if he were here.
[it's the same reason he doesn't really mind listening to Idia do it. yeah, they were weird. yeah, they were talking too much. but they knew what they were talking about. they knew more than anyone else about what they were talking about, sometimes. and Fearless had learned more from either of them than most anyone else.]
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[ ... He remembers both of their picks. People don't usually make it a habit of remembering the games he plays, let alone the details. Pair that with the fact that all these months he's low-key thought Fearless was making fun of him for his interests, couldn't really get on that level. It's... hm!
Idia's quiet for a second, feeling through the questions that are piling up. When did he start caring about that? Is this Vicious guy, like, his only friend? Does it matter?]
Are those the movies you've seen? Or did you just get the infodump?
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[after things had changed.
once they'd joined the syndicate, they'd suddenly found themselves with more money. a little bit more time. or rather, time they'd suddenly rather spend doing anything but thinking about work. until, eventually, work was the only thing Vicious really did think about.]
But, uh, y'know. I'm sure they've got 'em here, somewhere, if you wanna catch 'em.
Enter the Dragon, Game of Death... easy pulls.
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[Idia retrieves his phone to commit that to a running notes*pp list. All of the things that he and Seras have talked about watching or playing together are here; the list with him and Fearless is increasing day by day.]
You can be the one to talk my ear off now! Uh, not like you asked for that from me.
[That comes free with the territory. Like a bonus that sucks!]
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No, no, I'm used to it.
Free commentary on every flick.
Part of the selling point, if you ask me.
[it's fine if he flirts with Seras's boyfriend. he flirts with everyone, practically.]
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I don't know if that's a dig or not...
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No, it's, uh.
[he gestures with his chopsticks, but the motion seems to mean absolutely fucking nothing.]
I'm into it.
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Now I know it's a dig.
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[that was a dig, judging by how hard Fearless is grinning]
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[Like, seriously, his taste is awful. But he can be taught! That's why Fearless needs this-- it's culture.]
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but he's learning, whether he wants to or not, that while this might feel familiar, it's not the same. it's something new, unique, and it's fine to be that way. a new melody with a similar, but different, leitmotif.
but he does like the song.]
Shut up.
[he shoves Idia's shoulder, gentler than he would with Nanami or Greed, of course.]
That's Seras's taste you're calling bad, too, y'know.
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She's allowed!
[An honor and a privilege that she has such poor taste. Some might call that lucky.]
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Oh, yeah, cos the rules don't apply to her, yeah.
I gotcha.
[fair and valid. Fearless reaches over to grab his drink, takes a sip, and—]
but, uh, the thing is—
[he scrunches up his face—]
I don't really care about rules.
[this is Idia's only warning that something is about to go down.]
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Idia rolls his eyes.]
I don't make the rules, I just call it like I see it. Maybe if you--
[And so he blabs. Would be a shame (?) if something were to stop him.]
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Just when it might feel to Fearless like this is a futile venture, like Idia might just sit there like a stiff-- that's when he slowly, slowly presses forward. Lets his eyes finally slip shut.]
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this is what he wanted. but how long has he wanted this? had Seras's feelings bled into him, or were these always his own? those were questions for later. he kisses Idia a moment longer— and when he pulls away, it isn't far.]
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Idia sighs against his mouth. he can feel it ghost against Fearless' lips when he pulls away just enough. now that he can say something, Idia doesnt know what. so he stays close.]
Uh... [wow-- "uh"? Idia screws his eyes more tightly shut.] Did I miss something?
[like, for example, why is this kind of a rush?]
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Fearless isn't some blushing virgin, doesn't really get all flustered when he might be wrong, but he does still sort of clam up. hesitant, quiet. his brow creases.]
I— I dunno.
Probably?
[probably? no, definitely.
how could Idia have noticed anything when it all stays locked in Fearless's head?]
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in fact the stumbling from someone else, someone who usually exhibits a certain self-assuredness, is all it takes for Idia to open his eyes. glance at the concern etched across Fearless' face.]
... Probably?
[so this is what "probable" looks like to him. interesting.]
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[one of Fearless's hands trails down, catches at the end of Idia's hair as it falls. it's strange to him that it just kind of feels like hair, huh. everything that seems so mystifying about Idia is pretty tangible, in the end.]
I think I did, too.
[he missed the part where he put the math together, he thinks. but now that he looks back at it, the logic is all there, for him.
he pats Idia's cheek, that kind of absent look in his eyes easing away.]
I'm not really an apologies guy, though, so.
Have fun with that.
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he doesn't move away. in fact, he very intentionally stays close.]
Did I ask?
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but he's also used to being right. he's used to, at least, thinking he's right about what he perceives. he is always correct about the reality he lives in.
it's not very often that someone else forces him to confront their reality in contrast with his.
so Fearless just kind of halts, like a cat that's seen something no one else can see in the room, dark eyes trained unmoving on Idia's face.]
Ehn— I—
...no.
[he acknowledges.
but his brow scrunches again, because he's very aware suddenly that he doesn't actually know what's happening. what he should say next.]
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Yeah. Exactly. [if there's one thing he's not going to be tonight, it's a mouthpiece for some other guy's assumptions. he's had about enough of that here. Idia's quiet for a second, gaze flitting across Fearless' face.] Just-- give me a second.
[there's an implication that he might leave or at least turn away. Idia doesn't do that. Idia stays right where he is, staring thoughtfully at the corner of Fearless' mouth like he might burn a hole in it. he doesn't say a thing, doesn't hum. if his hair didn't flicker, it might seem like the whole situation was on pause.]
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[Fearless... does give him that second. he's not sure why he waits. this isn't the kind of reaction he'd normally stick around for, but maybe it's this sudden self-actualization from Idia that halts him. maybe it's Fearless's own curiosity. maybe it's the gentleness that people like Seras and Angel and Greed have done so well to weasel out of him.]
Cool. Okay.
[he doesn't mind waiting, he's finding. there's a lot to look at, here. the curve of Idia's brow, the gentle glow of blue against his skin coming off his hair. the bands of gold fiber in Idia's irises. he's a wonder to look at, like a gleaming star, flickering with life even as he sits so very still. Fearless's patience becomes less unsure, and more reverent.]
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after an agonizing stretch of silence, he suddenly glances up at Fearless proper.]
... Me?
[that doesn't sound like a complete sentence.]
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he shrugs.]
Why not?
[like it's as simple as that, but then he kind of glancing to the side, takes a breath in as a few more gears start to turn;]
Everyone thinks I have a— um, type?
[Seras sure did. she had a similar reaction as Idia, he's remembering.
Fearless tilts his head to the side he'd glanced at, kind of shakes his head side to side like a weighted scale rather than a dismissal.]
I really don't.
[remembering something, Fearless lifts a finger to make a point;]
You said I had bad taste, anyway.
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his eyes zero in on Fearless' gesture.]
Dyeheh... Wow... What does that say about you, huh?
[don't ask about him and his taste-- where fearless may or may not be slotting into it.]
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his eyes soften, his smile tugs a bit mischievously and he feigns a sense of shame for a second, scratching his neck just a touch—]
Ehnnn., judging a person by their taste's about as accurate as a personality test.
[probably.]
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That's something a person who's been read for filth would say.
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Y'know, I thought I was being nice, here.
[did he, though? he's not being very convincingly offended with that stupid grin.]
Came out to have a good time, and now all this...
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Whose fault is that?
[Don't look at his lips, don't look at his lips, don't-- shit. He glances down and realizes just how close they are now, how close they have been this whole time. Get any closer and he'd be climbing into Fearless' lap. Oh, he's going to pop if he thinks about that.]
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Good point. Yeah.
Guess it's mine, huh?
[there were times— like when he first arrived— that the course of this conversation would have made him more frustrated. the normalcy of this, though, knowing his life doesn't hang on the line, knowing he's not a part of the Red Dragon here, knowing no matter what he does or decides there is money for a meal in his pocket— it really lowers the stakes. makes it okay to play, makes it okay to get ribbed by someone who isn't Vicious.
there'd been times like that before, too, where even if those threats had been present, he'd been able to relax with that one person. it's amazing that in being dead, there can be more who fill the role.]
Yeah, but I told you, I'm not really the regretful or apologetic type.
Y'know.
What happens, happens.
[he looks back at Idia, into those golden eyes that are so very close by. what is happening, Idia? what happens next?]
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[Idia's obviously annoyed, but there's a soft edge to it as he glances at Fearless' lips. technically he has the go-ahead to lay another smooch on the guy. but tbh he didn't know this was an option and honestly it just gives him a weird feeling to go ahead on his own. it's cool for Seras but Idia's the kind of guy that's ride-or-die for one person, one group. intimacy is something completely new to him, feeling the way he does toward Seras is something even newer. add another person to that and-- jeez. what's a guy like him supposed to do with that?]
It's not like I'm mad. You're... [the tips of his ears are red, he can feel them. Idia untucks a lock of hair from behind his ear to cover it up.] well... you know. I just shouldn't. Right now.
[has he been looking at Fearless' mouth too much? is it obvious that he wants to figure out if there's something to this or is he coming off like a total tool?]
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not even he really understands what's going on between himself and the people around him, Idia and Seras most of all right now.
so it's uncomfortable, but still honest and real, when Fearless raises his hands to be like;]
Nah, man, I get that.
I— do,
[more than he ever really wants to talk about.
but he does.
he stares at Idia's mouth, too, watching for something— but what? a sudden turnaround for the worse? what?]
I do.
It's cool.
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[ah... super awkward... that's typical of him, though, right? comes with the territory. Idia presses his lips together, trying not to think too hard about someone else's. mission failure.
it's... slow, but Idia... leans against Fearless' side. not fully, not curling around him or crawling into his lap like he would with Seras, but enough to make himself known. it's way more contact than he's had with another person. he feels tense doing it, like this is the second huge overstep of the night. but it's nice. it's warm.]
This part's crazy, by the way. You'd better lock in.
[Idia's eyes are back on the movie, but his concentration is way out of wack.]
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that's something.
it wouldn't have been enough, before, when Fearless was still having to fight everything so hard on account of being thrust into this overwhelmingly strange new world. but it's nice, now, actually, to have something simple.
something new, yet so familiar. an aching saudade warmed by the balm of a freshly lit candle.]
Dude, I am so locked in.
[he leans away— but just to grab his noodles. when he leans back in he presses back against Idia, once again reiterating the gesture. they are warm, here, together.]
You don't even know.