[A longer sigh.]
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.
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.
[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;]
... You loved that guy, huh?
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?
Edited 2025-03-07 05:32 (UTC)
[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.
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
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
parillegal
2025-05-21 05:05 am (UTC)(link)
Alright. Here's the door.
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?
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?
[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.]
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.]
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.]
it me :3c
[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.]
[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.]
Edited 2025-05-29 05:38 (UTC)
[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.]
[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!
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!
[Incredibly unsurprising reaction from Idia! Maya follows Cater in, hands behind her back.]
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!]
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!]
(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.]
(Top 10 anime betrayals... in my own home...!)
(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...!)
[It's a hostile takeover, is what it is.]
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...
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...
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.
[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.
See, yeah, you won't know that until you tell me about it. Consider me your very own Steel Samurai Enthusiast-Apprentice!
[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.
[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.
Edited (Cater is such a poser he can't even get the name right) 2025-06-01 04:47 (UTC)
[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.]
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.]
[unfortunately, Idia, Maya doesn't share your view that normies might ruin fandom!
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!
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!
[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.
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?
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?
[Fearless puts down his noodles and reaches into his back pocket, pulling out his wallet to fish out a coin.]
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.
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.
Yus!
[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?
[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?
[No!!! That's not what he meant at all!!!!!]
(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.]
(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.]
Yeah, that one and—
[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.
[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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