No, I'm super dead and you're talking to my ghost.
[Comes the very petulant reply. Scott's lying on the ground somewhere and while a part of him is surprised to hear from Dazai (and honestly glad to hear from him), he's also just a mix of emotions from the recent events. He helped out, he got his ass kicked, and also sort of hurt one of his friends--]
[Comes the very petulant reply. Scott's lying on the ground somewhere and while a part of him is surprised to hear from Dazai (and honestly glad to hear from him), he's also just a mix of emotions from the recent events. He helped out, he got his ass kicked, and also sort of hurt one of his friends--]
Ah, living my dream! Being so dead! I am jealous. Please haunt responsibly!
Ah, no? I simply came for chit-chat.
(he doesn't have to ask, HE'S GIVING DAZAI THE STANDARD GRUMPY TEEN NOT FINE RESPONSE.)
(he doesn't have to ask, HE'S GIVING DAZAI THE STANDARD GRUMPY TEEN NOT FINE RESPONSE.)
Mmmmm, nothing at all! Ah, are all teenagers that moody? There's a bunch of you here, did you know? Have you met them?
Ah? Who from our wonderful youth have you had the pleasure of meeting?
Huh? Why does it matter? Making sure that I'm hanging out with the right people my age?
[Guess he's not surprised if Dazai knows a bunch of teenagers. Maybe that's kinda weird, but circumstances or whatever. Could be they also went to him having problems with their powers, since he can nullify anything.]
[Guess he's not surprised if Dazai knows a bunch of teenagers. Maybe that's kinda weird, but circumstances or whatever. Could be they also went to him having problems with their powers, since he can nullify anything.]
Oh, it doesn't, I really don't care who you hang out with at all! I just have favorites, so I can applaud your good or bad taste in people like that!
Mhmmmmmmm, actually, no, you're a good kid. You're up there with the favorites!
[That's a first for him. Maybe Dazai is making fun of him, but.]
Jesus, you're so nosy. [BETTER THAN ADMITING THAT HE FEELS A LITTLE BETTER because of Dazai's maybe sincere words. It's already embarrassing and it'd be ultra embarrassing if he was just messing with him.] Fine, I've talked to Izuku, and met Mizuki and... Kotone.
[There's a small note of hesitation as he says Kotone's name, but it's fine. Don't worry about it. Nothing happened.]
Jesus, you're so nosy. [BETTER THAN ADMITING THAT HE FEELS A LITTLE BETTER because of Dazai's maybe sincere words. It's already embarrassing and it'd be ultra embarrassing if he was just messing with him.] Fine, I've talked to Izuku, and met Mizuki and... Kotone.
[There's a small note of hesitation as he says Kotone's name, but it's fine. Don't worry about it. Nothing happened.]
Don't care about the first two, but Kotone is my mentee. I hear that hesitation! You into her? I told her men suck, so I don't know if you have a chance! Fufufufufufu.
I definitely am not! Thank God, could you imagine? I barely eat, you would all starve to death!!! Fufufufufu!! That's not a great way to go, I read it in a book!
I'm going to ask my not-child if she's getting hit on, then, since you won't tell me!
I'm going to ask my not-child if she's getting hit on, then, since you won't tell me!
[He hopes that Dazai doesn't actually have a kid because what the fuck.]
I'm not hitting on her!! God, you're so annoying..... [How did he get into this conversation again? Scott's so close to just closing the charm and ending this, but he stops himself, mostly because he is a little curious about Dazai's definitely not!daughter.]
Have you seen Kotone recently? Is she... okay?
I'm not hitting on her!! God, you're so annoying..... [How did he get into this conversation again? Scott's so close to just closing the charm and ending this, but he stops himself, mostly because he is a little curious about Dazai's definitely not!daughter.]
Have you seen Kotone recently? Is she... okay?
Ah, aren't you? Then you have poor taste, she's a great kid.
(men are trash, says dazai osamu, also trash.
either way, at the question, he doesn't hesitate to lie. it's more common than him telling the full truth, and kotone is just like him. a mask under a mask would reveal yet another mask.)
She's fine! Ah, worried about her, aren't we? She's my mentee after all. Nothing she can't handle.
(men are trash, says dazai osamu, also trash.
either way, at the question, he doesn't hesitate to lie. it's more common than him telling the full truth, and kotone is just like him. a mask under a mask would reveal yet another mask.)
She's fine! Ah, worried about her, aren't we? She's my mentee after all. Nothing she can't handle.
[Scott definitely hates him!! Okay, not really, but he hasn't realized how annoying he is until now. The teen pulls back his irritation, however, because he wants to talk about Kotone for just a little longer and he's too chicken shit to try and contact the other teen by himself right now.
Also, giving her space, or something. Mostly he just feels like crap--]
Yeah? Well, glad to hear. [Scott believes Dazai for the time being anyway.] I mean, the whole thing with the giant has been shit and just uh. Wanted to be sure.
[Nothing like he was personally in a fight with her or anything, nope.]
Also, giving her space, or something. Mostly he just feels like crap--]
Yeah? Well, glad to hear. [Scott believes Dazai for the time being anyway.] I mean, the whole thing with the giant has been shit and just uh. Wanted to be sure.
[Nothing like he was personally in a fight with her or anything, nope.]
You can ask her yourself.
(if dazai can microtorture someone in front of her and she still takes care of him and allows him to mentor her, what bad thing has scott done that she wouldn't think it over? especially when it comes to the whole mind control situation.
she's not perfectly fine, but she'll find her way, he's sure.)
She doesn't bite, you know.
(if dazai can microtorture someone in front of her and she still takes care of him and allows him to mentor her, what bad thing has scott done that she wouldn't think it over? especially when it comes to the whole mind control situation.
she's not perfectly fine, but she'll find her way, he's sure.)
She doesn't bite, you know.
Yes???? My crime parchment literally just says 'womanizing', I am fully aware?????
(duh.)
Ah, you should. At your age, I was talking to many women!! Be trash, enjoy life.
(CONFLICTING INFORMATION.)
(duh.)
Ah, you should. At your age, I was talking to many women!! Be trash, enjoy life.
(CONFLICTING INFORMATION.)
Mhm, not really, I'm actually great at that.
Huh. I'm going to go ask her!
Huh. I'm going to go ask her!
Ah, fine, fine. I won't meddle.
(haha he will meddle.)
(haha he will meddle.)
[He's not sure if he believes Dazai, but also, he doesn't want to ask.]
I didn't realize you were this annoying until now.
[Was that comment necessary? No. But he's in a grumpy mood thanks to him, although it's not the same sort of sullenness he had before the older man contacted him.]
I didn't realize you were this annoying until now.
[Was that comment necessary? No. But he's in a grumpy mood thanks to him, although it's not the same sort of sullenness he had before the older man contacted him.]
Wow, you clearly hadn't been paying attention.
Oh, yep. 100%! Anyway, kiddo, thank you for all the information you don't realize you've given me, I should visit you soon for your first drink because it sounds like you...
Need it!
Ah, to be young and grumpy.
(bitch u 22)
Need it!
Ah, to be young and grumpy.
(bitch u 22)
Why would I? I've been drinking since I was younger than you, it's fine, it's fine, I turned out great.
(???????? no????)
Let's go see the ocean.
(???????? no????)
Let's go see the ocean.
Because I want to, doy! Come on, get your shoes, choooooop chop.
Ah, I'll bring the first thing I see. I'm a business owner, I have plenty of booze!
Come, come.
Come, come.
[Great.
Nonetheless, Scott finds himself 'ending' the conversation before making his way to the ocean. He's just assuming that Dazai meant to come as soon as possible and he's too annoyed and stubborn to call him back and ask for clarifying details, so hopefully, he won't stand around too long waiting for the older man.
When Dazai shows up, he'll find Scott just standing around almost awkwardly, his hands shoved in his pockets and clearly not trying to fidget or pout or be anxious. Don't mind him, he's just having thoughts of blasting Dazai in the face, especially if he decides to leaves him high and dry out here.]
Nonetheless, Scott finds himself 'ending' the conversation before making his way to the ocean. He's just assuming that Dazai meant to come as soon as possible and he's too annoyed and stubborn to call him back and ask for clarifying details, so hopefully, he won't stand around too long waiting for the older man.
When Dazai shows up, he'll find Scott just standing around almost awkwardly, his hands shoved in his pockets and clearly not trying to fidget or pout or be anxious. Don't mind him, he's just having thoughts of blasting Dazai in the face, especially if he decides to leaves him high and dry out here.]
(he can't come on time, what, people are gonna think he's RELIABLE now? wait till an emergency--oh, right, that has happened. better to be reliable when shit's going down than to be reliable to be punctual. he comes and goes like he pleases. like an outdoor cat.
either way, he has a tequila in hands, a skip in his step, and he smiles as he plops down on the sand.)
Hey, here it is!
either way, he has a tequila in hands, a skip in his step, and he smiles as he plops down on the sand.)
Hey, here it is!
[Does he complain about waiting for Dazai for like 10 minutes or whatever? Scott squints down at him as he sits on the ground, acting like he has no care in the world. ...Yeah, it probably isn't worth getting on his case and so the teen just goes with holding his hand out, as if expecting Dazai to give him the bottle of tequila.]
Great, you're here. Hand it over.
Great, you're here. Hand it over.
Come down here and get it yourself!
(instead of the bottle, he gets the hand, and well, that wonderful cool wash of emptiness that 'no longer human' brings. two gifts for the price of one?)
(instead of the bottle, he gets the hand, and well, that wonderful cool wash of emptiness that 'no longer human' brings. two gifts for the price of one?)
[He probably should've expected this in hindsight, but as Dazai's powers wash over him-- taking away his optic blasts, the pressure that always sort of exists in his head now, the teen gasps slightly in surprise. He doesn't pull away because he really doesn't want to, as even though he's slightly more accepting of his mutant abilities now, it's always nice to have this reprieve.]
W-warn a guy, next time.
[Scott lets out a breath, but the teen tightens his grip, almost afraid that Dazai will pull away. Once certain he's not going to do so, he plops himself down next to him.]
W-warn a guy, next time.
[Scott lets out a breath, but the teen tightens his grip, almost afraid that Dazai will pull away. Once certain he's not going to do so, he plops himself down next to him.]
Does it still give you a little surprise? You'll get used to it, I promise. If I warn you, then I'm adding to your sense of security, and honestly, in this place, no one should have any! I'm looking out for you, and I do that in mysterious ways, the sooner you get used to it, the better!
(it means that if he needs to stop scott someday, like he had to stop several abilities last time, it's less of a shock, less of a surprise, quicker response to grounding. he's a dick, he knows that very much, but the way he deals with teenagers and mentees alike - they work, regrettable as his actions may be, for all involved including himself. he squeezes the hand, a reminder that all is fine, he won't let go, before dazai passes on the booze.)
You should know, though, I'm covered from head to toe. You can only get 'No Longer Human' from my hands, face, neck, and feet. Everything else is bandaged.
(important information if scott wants to grab dazai's wrist in the future.)
(it means that if he needs to stop scott someday, like he had to stop several abilities last time, it's less of a shock, less of a surprise, quicker response to grounding. he's a dick, he knows that very much, but the way he deals with teenagers and mentees alike - they work, regrettable as his actions may be, for all involved including himself. he squeezes the hand, a reminder that all is fine, he won't let go, before dazai passes on the booze.)
You should know, though, I'm covered from head to toe. You can only get 'No Longer Human' from my hands, face, neck, and feet. Everything else is bandaged.
(important information if scott wants to grab dazai's wrist in the future.)
[What the hell is Dazai getting at?? With his free hand, Scott lifts his shades to perch them on the top of his head, just so that he can use the full force of his squint. He normally can't do this anymore, so might as well use what he has now!!]
That's a long way of saying that you're a complete dick.
[He definitely doesn't get what he may be hinting at, but despite his words, Scott doesn't let go of his hand, especially as he faces him. He mentioned that powers don't work at all around his person, but he'd rather be sure and that's by keeping contact. As much as he thinks Dazai is annoying, he'd be pretty devastated if he actually hurt him--]
Why are you bandaged like a half-assed mummy anyway? [He asks while taking the booze. Scott feels like he's going to need this and underage drinking is totally cool.]
That's a long way of saying that you're a complete dick.
[He definitely doesn't get what he may be hinting at, but despite his words, Scott doesn't let go of his hand, especially as he faces him. He mentioned that powers don't work at all around his person, but he'd rather be sure and that's by keeping contact. As much as he thinks Dazai is annoying, he'd be pretty devastated if he actually hurt him--]
Why are you bandaged like a half-assed mummy anyway? [He asks while taking the booze. Scott feels like he's going to need this and underage drinking is totally cool.]
Ah, you can keep them off, I'll keep holding you, so you can keep giving me that look! That's how I grow stronger!
(well, bullshit. much like everything he says.
'no longer human' is contact-based only, therefore, he has to keep the boy's hand on his. he'd love to say he isn't particularly into holding men's hands, but at this point, bullshit sounds just like that. no one buys it anymore!!!)
Maybe I'm blue from the neck down. Or maybe! It keeps my true powers from exploding!! Maybe I just attempted suicide many times, and the marks don't make me particularly happy. You get to pick, all real possibilities!
(well, bullshit. much like everything he says.
'no longer human' is contact-based only, therefore, he has to keep the boy's hand on his. he'd love to say he isn't particularly into holding men's hands, but at this point, bullshit sounds just like that. no one buys it anymore!!!)
Maybe I'm blue from the neck down. Or maybe! It keeps my true powers from exploding!! Maybe I just attempted suicide many times, and the marks don't make me particularly happy. You get to pick, all real possibilities!
Whatever.
[He leaves his sunglasses on top of his head and maybe that's a con for him, because Scott's never been great at hiding his reactions to shit. Now he's even more of an open book as he stares at Dazai with a 'what the fuck' expression.
Like. Dude. The hell??
He doesn't know what to say to any of his 'suggestions,' so perhaps this is the best time to take a big swig out of the tequila and nearly gag as he feels the liquid burn down his throat. Okay, so maybe he should slow down. Scott coughs, but he doesn't let go of the bottle.]
Your sense of humor sucks.
[He leaves his sunglasses on top of his head and maybe that's a con for him, because Scott's never been great at hiding his reactions to shit. Now he's even more of an open book as he stares at Dazai with a 'what the fuck' expression.
Like. Dude. The hell??
He doesn't know what to say to any of his 'suggestions,' so perhaps this is the best time to take a big swig out of the tequila and nearly gag as he feels the liquid burn down his throat. Okay, so maybe he should slow down. Scott coughs, but he doesn't let go of the bottle.]
Your sense of humor sucks.
Ah, but it is true, however. One of them, anyway! Not really a joke. I thought you knew that!
(that dazai often tries, or fantasises, or whines, about wanting to leave this existence, at least. he doesn't attempt to hide it, to lie about it, and he's cheerful in his lack of connection to breathing. either way, he watches the coughing, gently tapping the boy's back.)
Tequila's strong, so, don't gulp!
(that dazai often tries, or fantasises, or whines, about wanting to leave this existence, at least. he doesn't attempt to hide it, to lie about it, and he's cheerful in his lack of connection to breathing. either way, he watches the coughing, gently tapping the boy's back.)
Tequila's strong, so, don't gulp!
What...?
[Scott frowns at him, swallowing past the burn in his throat to really look at Dazai. He has Doubts that he's fucking blue past his neck and maybe the exploding powers thing is real, but he did mention the whole dying bit to him before. He thought it was him being Really Annoying but now it's possibly more than that???
What does he even say to that??
The mutant cringes, feeling his mood drop, before taking another big drink from the bottle. He doesn't even feel the burn as badly this time, because his thoughts can't help but whirl about Dazai's maybe suicide attempts.]
That's really not funny. What the hell. [He says quietly.] Why.
[Scott frowns at him, swallowing past the burn in his throat to really look at Dazai. He has Doubts that he's fucking blue past his neck and maybe the exploding powers thing is real, but he did mention the whole dying bit to him before. He thought it was him being Really Annoying but now it's possibly more than that???
What does he even say to that??
The mutant cringes, feeling his mood drop, before taking another big drink from the bottle. He doesn't even feel the burn as badly this time, because his thoughts can't help but whirl about Dazai's maybe suicide attempts.]
That's really not funny. What the hell. [He says quietly.] Why.
(the point here is quite interesting. on one hand, it is sort of fun to poke around that teenage rebellion and attitude that scott has, but on the other one, perhaps it is time to drop a little the whole annoying act to be real with the kid a little bit.
it's strategy, after all, he has been like this since forever -- it's not like he won't learn about it one way or another. better keep it controlled than scaring scott in such futures.)
Ah, it might not be, but it is true after all. I've always been like this, so it's preferrable to keep it wrapped -- ah, literally!
it's strategy, after all, he has been like this since forever -- it's not like he won't learn about it one way or another. better keep it controlled than scaring scott in such futures.)
Ah, it might not be, but it is true after all. I've always been like this, so it's preferrable to keep it wrapped -- ah, literally!
[So. He's definitely tried before. Several times, at that.
If Dazai is joking with him, Scott's not only going to dunk this bottle on his head, but also blast his stupid face off. But for now, the teen remains rather morose, his head lowered slightly before he finally finds his voice to speak once more.]
Why? [He asks again, not quite realizing how blunt and maybe a little insensitive his question comes off.] You don't want to anymore, right?
If Dazai is joking with him, Scott's not only going to dunk this bottle on his head, but also blast his stupid face off. But for now, the teen remains rather morose, his head lowered slightly before he finally finds his voice to speak once more.]
Why? [He asks again, not quite realizing how blunt and maybe a little insensitive his question comes off.] You don't want to anymore, right?
Oh, much to the contrary, I'm always trying, but I just seem to be very bad at it if in over eight years I haven't managed.
(math.
honesty, honesty, honesty. he does not enjoy it, but it is rather real - not something he can keep aside when he is constantly talking and whining and trying. at home, usually, there are no questions, an acceptance that dazai simply is this way, only few people have inquired.
here, it surprises him how many people actually get this upset.)
(math.
honesty, honesty, honesty. he does not enjoy it, but it is rather real - not something he can keep aside when he is constantly talking and whining and trying. at home, usually, there are no questions, an acceptance that dazai simply is this way, only few people have inquired.
here, it surprises him how many people actually get this upset.)
[What does he even say? Actually, he doesn't even know how to feel-- angry?? Upset?? Some crushing hopelessness?? Deeply feeling one thing is enough, but multiple at once? Scott feels his teeth clench and as a Master of Emotions, he feels his cheeks heat up too and suddenly, he just wants to hit someone. Maybe Dazai. Actually, that sounds great.
He secures the alcohol between his legs, before using his free to swat Dazai in his face-- anywhere, really.]
Don't try anymore you stupid idiot!!
He secures the alcohol between his legs, before using his free to swat Dazai in his face-- anywhere, really.]
Don't try anymore you stupid idiot!!
(he saw it coming, at least, knowing the signs and always expecting someone to want to smack him. a dodge, easy, but he falls on his back theatrically to do so.
hand still in hand, though.)
Ah, don't yell at me, can't you just be normal and cheer for my dreams???
hand still in hand, though.)
Ah, don't yell at me, can't you just be normal and cheer for my dreams???
No!!
[Because they're stupid dreams and everything! Scott doesn't have the voice to say any of that, however, and continues to try and hit him with his hand. Maybe he'll even result in kicking too, because he's not above any of that. Of course, it's a bit of an awkward position, but he's sure going to try.]
[Because they're stupid dreams and everything! Scott doesn't have the voice to say any of that, however, and continues to try and hit him with his hand. Maybe he'll even result in kicking too, because he's not above any of that. Of course, it's a bit of an awkward position, but he's sure going to try.]
Ouch, ouch, stop!! I'm sensitive, I don't like pain!! I'm going to bite you!!
(child, PLEASE, be normal!!)
(child, PLEASE, be normal!!)
[After one last swat, Scott eventually just sort of... slumps, tired from his sudden burst of violence and just dealing with all this. His eyes stay fixated on the bottle in between his legs, not wanting to look at him.]
Then, just stop.
[He mutters almost inaudibly, before flicking the shades that's been on his head to cover his eyes once more. Maybe then Dazai won't notice him sniffling because that's super embarrassing. It isn't just Dazai's fault that he's reacting this way, but also everything to do with the giant monster and Kotone and shit, but blaming the older man for all his overwhelming feelings sounds good right now.]
Then, just stop.
[He mutters almost inaudibly, before flicking the shades that's been on his head to cover his eyes once more. Maybe then Dazai won't notice him sniffling because that's super embarrassing. It isn't just Dazai's fault that he's reacting this way, but also everything to do with the giant monster and Kotone and shit, but blaming the older man for all his overwhelming feelings sounds good right now.]
(oh, scott. dazai's not good at this. when he first became a mentor, it had been violence and abuse that colored all his guidance, to create a strong and ruthless survivor. with atsushi, that would never work - and this is when dazai's learning how to tend to softness, to understanding, rather than breaking something apart to put it back in the way dazai finds the best fit.
but he hears the sniffing. he squeezes the hand a little tighter before he reaches to remove the sunglasses, unspoken safety before he finally leaves his childish mask to the side.)
Those are your feelings, it's okay to make any expression you want out of them. One general thing is, however, if you keep these things to yourself, they're going to slowly eat away at you. You're still a teenager, you can learn to better deal with it easier - talk, or don't talk, I won't make you, but you don't have to go through these things alone or hide them away.
(because scott is young. he's just met dazai, it hardly matters if dazai were to kick it the next day. just exploring his powers for the first time, finding hope, and then whatever it is that he went through when the monster took over - must be a lot.)
but he hears the sniffing. he squeezes the hand a little tighter before he reaches to remove the sunglasses, unspoken safety before he finally leaves his childish mask to the side.)
Those are your feelings, it's okay to make any expression you want out of them. One general thing is, however, if you keep these things to yourself, they're going to slowly eat away at you. You're still a teenager, you can learn to better deal with it easier - talk, or don't talk, I won't make you, but you don't have to go through these things alone or hide them away.
(because scott is young. he's just met dazai, it hardly matters if dazai were to kick it the next day. just exploring his powers for the first time, finding hope, and then whatever it is that he went through when the monster took over - must be a lot.)
[He's not crying what are you talking about-- okay, he is. Scott doesn't bother to fight Dazai as he pulls his sunglasses away, revealing tightly clenched eyes and tear tracks, which are hastily wiped away even as he starts crying. This may go down later as one of his most embarrassing days in his life, but Scott's going to tell that side of him to shut up for now.]
Shut up. [Scott says without any bite whatsoever.] It's nothing-- I mean, I don't know.
[Puberty is hard enough without gaining mutant powers and being whisked to another world without anyone you know--]
Shut up. [Scott says without any bite whatsoever.] It's nothing-- I mean, I don't know.
[Puberty is hard enough without gaining mutant powers and being whisked to another world without anyone you know--]
(dazai knows that space and comfort will speak more than him asking, it starts the path in case that scott decides to trust him to hear it. he won't say a thing, instead just tap his shoulders as a place for scott to hide if he so wishes.
these children are gonna be the death of him...)
these children are gonna be the death of him...)
[With that simple silent offer, he turns slightly and buries his face against Dazai's shoulder. Hopefully the mafioso doesn't mind his shoulder getting partially soaked as Scott freely lets himself cry against him, letting his pent up feelings that have been growing the past couple of months finally out. He stops himself from sobbing loudly at least, just letting out small choked off noises, because he can't fully stop himself.
He doesn't say anything yet, mostly because he doesn't know where to begin or how much he actually wants to talk about still, but he's glad to have this much.]
He doesn't say anything yet, mostly because he doesn't know where to begin or how much he actually wants to talk about still, but he's glad to have this much.]
(no words fall from his lips. instead, all he can do is hold the boy against him as comfortably as he can, although his hand taps perhaps a little awkwardly against his back. it's not often this happens, so all he can do is his best to make it as open as possible.
scott can sob if he wants. all dazai will do is hold him in the embrace of 'no longer human'. perhaps that will simply create someone else who feels that dazai's touch equals protection.)
scott can sob if he wants. all dazai will do is hold him in the embrace of 'no longer human'. perhaps that will simply create someone else who feels that dazai's touch equals protection.)
[His shoulders stop shaking as his crying quiets, but he still hasn't pulled away, mostly because he's finding comfort in his arms.
...
He wonders if Dazai is going to be mad at him with what he's about to say, but Scott doesn't want to keep quiet about it any longer. His fingers bury deeper against the older man, however, like he's half afraid that he'll push him away or suddenly reject him even if he has all rights to.]
...Kotone and I fought-- I think I might've hurt her. [And she probably thinks she hurt him, with the whole Thanatos tossing him aside. They haven't talked since that whole incident and Scott knows that they should, but talking is also Hard man. At least Dazai mentioned that she's not hurt now, but he still thinks about it a lot.]
...
He wonders if Dazai is going to be mad at him with what he's about to say, but Scott doesn't want to keep quiet about it any longer. His fingers bury deeper against the older man, however, like he's half afraid that he'll push him away or suddenly reject him even if he has all rights to.]
...Kotone and I fought-- I think I might've hurt her. [And she probably thinks she hurt him, with the whole Thanatos tossing him aside. They haven't talked since that whole incident and Scott knows that they should, but talking is also Hard man. At least Dazai mentioned that she's not hurt now, but he still thinks about it a lot.]
(his hand doesn't leave. he knows how calming it can be, to have numbness quiet a storm when his touch is involved. the awkward patting evolves into a similarly awkward caress of his palm making circling motions against scott's back, his chin tucking on the top of the boy's head.
this most likely is regarding the mind-controlling case, not a fight any of them had any control or will over. a moment that he thinks, because, he too has hurt kotone.)
Koto-chan is much stronger than she looks, you know. I've hurt her before, unfortunately. I will say, nothing will be solved if you avoid her. If you reach and she pulls away, give her time. It's all she ever needs.
this most likely is regarding the mind-controlling case, not a fight any of them had any control or will over. a moment that he thinks, because, he too has hurt kotone.)
Koto-chan is much stronger than she looks, you know. I've hurt her before, unfortunately. I will say, nothing will be solved if you avoid her. If you reach and she pulls away, give her time. It's all she ever needs.
[Even Dazai has hurt her...? He wonders if he got involved with the mind-controlling thing too, given his powers and everything. He's a little curious, but not enough to ask him about it, just sort of wanting to turn his mind off and let himself cry against Dazai for a bit longer. The mafioso's presence is actually comforting, despite how odd that may seem, and Scott tries to make himself smaller against him.]
O-okay, I will.
[Reach out to her. Give her time. All the above.]
...I thought you'd be pissed at me.
O-okay, I will.
[Reach out to her. Give her time. All the above.]
...I thought you'd be pissed at me.
(dazai's not big, thin and long, so there isn't a lot to cry on. at least the embrace is warm, there's care in how he keeps the boy there. protection, at least as much as dazai is able to at the moment.
the last words make him shake his head, though.)
I wouldn't. These things? They're part of your growth. Part of her growth. They're important as they are.
the last words make him shake his head, though.)
I wouldn't. These things? They're part of your growth. Part of her growth. They're important as they are.
[He's comforted to hear that, but Scott hasn't fully let go of what happened. He thinks he still sees Thanatos when he closes his eyes, his claw holding him up, or how he wildly shot his optic blasts at his surroundings with complete fear gripping him. He really didn't think of the possibility of someone just standing nearby when he did that.]
Even though I could've killed her? [Or she could've killed him, more realistically.] I-I'm lucky that things turned out okay this time.
Even though I could've killed her? [Or she could've killed him, more realistically.] I-I'm lucky that things turned out okay this time.
I hate the thought that you could have, but you see? If I were to get mad at you, I'd have to get mad at plenty of people. You were not the only person who almost killed someone I like, you see? Ah, if I didn't dissipate any ability upon touch, I myself would have been toast. There, there. It wasn't your fault, and it wasn't hers, either.
[He's not sure if he feels entirely better that other people tried to kill Kotone-- or at least 'other people he likes,' but his words do help to some degree in lessening the feelings that's been in him. They probably won't go away fully, not even after he talks to Kotone, but guess he'll just... deal with it later. Or not deal with it. That's fine.]
Be better if I can get mad at someone. [Scott says, almost petulantly, but his shaking has lessened and the tears stopped streaming from his eyes.]
Be better if I can get mad at someone. [Scott says, almost petulantly, but his shaking has lessened and the tears stopped streaming from his eyes.]
(they also tried to kill him. had 'no longer human' been his ability, dazai might as well not be walking and talking right now. a sad realization to him, of course, as it always is, but scott had reacted so strongly that he definitely doesn't want to make him feel that right now.
instead, his hand goes to the boy's hair. slow, gentle petting.)
Get mad at that thing. Not at you, or her. It's useless and it'll only drive you apart when you can't fix something that wasn't your fault in the first place. That's not what you want, is it?
instead, his hand goes to the boy's hair. slow, gentle petting.)
Get mad at that thing. Not at you, or her. It's useless and it'll only drive you apart when you can't fix something that wasn't your fault in the first place. That's not what you want, is it?
[Later, he's going to deny all this, but Scott finds himself completely at ease with Dazai, relaxing and feeling entirely safe in his embrace. The hand that's softly easing through his hair adds to it, and while his tears have stopped, he still keeps his eyes closed against him.]
I know it's not her fault. Wasn't even thinking about blaming her.
[Maybe blame himself to some degree, because he wasn't mind-controlled at all and still almost killed people. But he knows that's not what Dazai wants... or Kotone, probably.]
Just feel like. Everything is out of my control lately. And nothing makes sense.
I know it's not her fault. Wasn't even thinking about blaming her.
[Maybe blame himself to some degree, because he wasn't mind-controlled at all and still almost killed people. But he knows that's not what Dazai wants... or Kotone, probably.]
Just feel like. Everything is out of my control lately. And nothing makes sense.
(one day, he'll ask all the teenagers why is it that they like dazai so much - or at least, trust him enough with this, seeing their vulnerabilities, holding their emotions. embracing.)
Nothing will ever make sense, Scott. It's up to you to give sense to it. That's not something the world will give you. Even if I directed you towards any, it really is up to you only to take it.
Nothing will ever make sense, Scott. It's up to you to give sense to it. That's not something the world will give you. Even if I directed you towards any, it really is up to you only to take it.
That sounds really fucking hard.
[Where does he begin with that?]
I don't know how to make sense of my laser eyes or being a mutant or being in this stupid world. Two months ago I was falling asleep in class at a boring high school and now everything's different.
[Where does he begin with that?]
I don't know how to make sense of my laser eyes or being a mutant or being in this stupid world. Two months ago I was falling asleep in class at a boring high school and now everything's different.
Ah, kiddo. It is hard, I won't lie to you about this. One thing, however - you don't have to make sense of it now. Perhaps it doesn't even have to. It's what you do with it. I could be using my own ability to make your life a living hell, but instead, I'm using it to look at you! Everything is different every passing moment, we just can't see it that well. You'll find your footing, just like everyone else is trying to.
[Right, he has time to figure shit out. That's good to know, even if he still is lost in many ways. But guess that's fine too?? Scott feels like he should have some idea, but maybe he's just thinking about it too much.
There's one thing he's sure about though.]
I won't use my powers to hurt people. [Not intentionally at least--] I want to help others, like you.
There's one thing he's sure about though.]
I won't use my powers to hurt people. [Not intentionally at least--] I want to help others, like you.
I've used it to hurt people. It's part of what makes me want to help others today. It's all a big path, kid, you're walking yours? Just be patient, ok? Yeah?
(poor q. the kid used as a mass weapon, just a kid -- a monster of a kid, but dazai can't blame them at all. that said, isn't that his own leverage to his life? values, morals, all things scott will find for himself in due time.)
(poor q. the kid used as a mass weapon, just a kid -- a monster of a kid, but dazai can't blame them at all. that said, isn't that his own leverage to his life? values, morals, all things scott will find for himself in due time.)
[He doesn't think too hard about Dazai admitting that he hurt people in the past. Probably an accident or maybe he was a pissed off teenager as well, but yeah, he's not going to place much thought on it. Besides, he's helping people now-- and him. That's what matters, right?]
Okay.
[Scott finally agrees before slowly pulling away from the other man, although he keeps a hand gripped in his so he doesn't accidentally blast him, might ruin the moment. He gives Dazai a slightly watery smile and his eyes are pretty bloodshot now, but he definitely seems better.]
Okay.
[Scott finally agrees before slowly pulling away from the other man, although he keeps a hand gripped in his so he doesn't accidentally blast him, might ruin the moment. He gives Dazai a slightly watery smile and his eyes are pretty bloodshot now, but he definitely seems better.]
You're a good kid. You don't get to forget that and let your anxiety take over, alright?
(is he not giving permission, putting himself in a position of mentor once again, or is he simply motivating? who exactly knows. dazai's hand comes to rid scott's cheeks of any salty water that might still be drying, and he smiles.)
I'm also going to take care of you, so you don't need to worry so much.
(is he not giving permission, putting himself in a position of mentor once again, or is he simply motivating? who exactly knows. dazai's hand comes to rid scott's cheeks of any salty water that might still be drying, and he smiles.)
I'm also going to take care of you, so you don't need to worry so much.
[Does he have anxiety?? Oh god, was that his anxiety getting out of control?? Scott didn't know he could get like that, but the teen slowly nods, managing not to spiral in front of Dazai again. He's got things handled now. 100%.
Doesn't stop a few more tears from slipping from his eyes when Dazai finishes speaking, just overwhelmed and comforted by his words. Scott tries to snort, almost play it off, but he's not fooling anyone, not with the sheer relief coming from him along with a more genuine smile.]
You sure I shouldn't be worried about that? [Letting Dazai take care of him... but he's okay with that.]
Doesn't stop a few more tears from slipping from his eyes when Dazai finishes speaking, just overwhelmed and comforted by his words. Scott tries to snort, almost play it off, but he's not fooling anyone, not with the sheer relief coming from him along with a more genuine smile.]
You sure I shouldn't be worried about that? [Letting Dazai take care of him... but he's okay with that.]
(ay, kiddo, he's actually taking his handkerchief to give him. it's fine to cry -- like dazai said, it's fine to make any expression he wants to make. those are his feelings, after all, and all he can do is be there for them.)
Ah, probably not. Kotone-chan is breathing, and I take care of her often, down to the point we braid her hair and do her nails, and all that. You'll be fine. I can assure that.
Ah, probably not. Kotone-chan is breathing, and I take care of her often, down to the point we braid her hair and do her nails, and all that. You'll be fine. I can assure that.
[He takes the offered handkerchief and wipes his eyes with it. Ugh, they're starting to sting a little from all the crying he did and that's a little embarrassing, but he also feels a whole lot better. Kind of weird to have them hurt from something other than his optic beams too.]
You're not painting my nails. [Scott retorts with a small smirk, but he's pretty much fully accepted Dazai's care and help. Looks like he's stuck with another teenager for good now--]
You're not painting my nails. [Scott retorts with a small smirk, but he's pretty much fully accepted Dazai's care and help. Looks like he's stuck with another teenager for good now--]
[Alright, so after asking around and learning that Scott is alive after what happened, she... avoided him. Completely. For a few days. She's very good at not being found when she wants to be, and maybe if she'd locked herself in the sewing club room for hours with the lights off so no one could come in and find her, well. That's her business.
The result is that once most injuries have healed and she's received more than one good scolding, she does finally emerge into the town proper. She has apologies to make, potentially more scoldings to receive, and- explanations to give. That's the worst part. It's not like a Persona is a secret, really, it's just so difficult to explain that she'd simply rather not.
But Scott, at least, she owes a visit. Luckily his glasses are pretty distinctive, so asking for him at the inn leads her to his room in short enough order. Some of the sparkle is missing from her eyes, but she's trying to keep up a brave face as she knocks on the door.]
Scott...? It's me. Kotone. Um... if you don't want to see me, I can go.
The result is that once most injuries have healed and she's received more than one good scolding, she does finally emerge into the town proper. She has apologies to make, potentially more scoldings to receive, and- explanations to give. That's the worst part. It's not like a Persona is a secret, really, it's just so difficult to explain that she'd simply rather not.
But Scott, at least, she owes a visit. Luckily his glasses are pretty distinctive, so asking for him at the inn leads her to his room in short enough order. Some of the sparkle is missing from her eyes, but she's trying to keep up a brave face as she knocks on the door.]
Scott...? It's me. Kotone. Um... if you don't want to see me, I can go.
[Scott's also been involved in the whole 'avoiding people business,' mostly by going outside and finding some place to sulk while somehow resisting the urge to blow up something with his mutant powers. His mood has somewhat improved since the initial couple of days after the whole mess with the giant ended, but off days and everything. And now? He's... on one of his better days, which is probably good.
He's been meaning to ask how Kotone is doing and if the whole thing with Thanatos is better now, but Scott's been avoiding her as well. He's just not sure how to address any of it. Just walk up to her and ask if she managed to get death under control? Sorry about hurting him-- hurting her? ...Guess he can do that, at some point. Luckily, it seems like he doesn't have to make that first step, as he hears her voice sound through his door.
...
Shit, okay, maybe he isn't ready for this conversation. But he doesn't want her to go either, not wanting whatever this is to remain between them. He considers Kotone a friend and he doesn't have that many here yet.
So, he steadies his breath before making his way to his door, although he doesn't bother to force a smile at her. She looks pretty down as well anyway, a far cry from the girl he danced with not too long ago.]
Hey. You don't have to go. I um. [Scott finds himself exhaling as a rush of words leave him.] I want to see you.
He's been meaning to ask how Kotone is doing and if the whole thing with Thanatos is better now, but Scott's been avoiding her as well. He's just not sure how to address any of it. Just walk up to her and ask if she managed to get death under control? Sorry about hurting him-- hurting her? ...Guess he can do that, at some point. Luckily, it seems like he doesn't have to make that first step, as he hears her voice sound through his door.
...
Shit, okay, maybe he isn't ready for this conversation. But he doesn't want her to go either, not wanting whatever this is to remain between them. He considers Kotone a friend and he doesn't have that many here yet.
So, he steadies his breath before making his way to his door, although he doesn't bother to force a smile at her. She looks pretty down as well anyway, a far cry from the girl he danced with not too long ago.]
Hey. You don't have to go. I um. [Scott finds himself exhaling as a rush of words leave him.] I want to see you.
You do?
[It slips out before she can stop herself, and she winces as she clutches her bag on her shoulder. It sounds kind of pathetic to sound hopeful, right? Yikes. Uncool.
Too late now. She braces herself and draws herself up to her full height before dipping her head into a bow.]
Um... I wanted to apologize. For hurting you. And... explain? If you want.
[-While standing in the hall if he doesn't want to let her in. That's fine. It sucks, but it's fine.]
[It slips out before she can stop herself, and she winces as she clutches her bag on her shoulder. It sounds kind of pathetic to sound hopeful, right? Yikes. Uncool.
Too late now. She braces herself and draws herself up to her full height before dipping her head into a bow.]
Um... I wanted to apologize. For hurting you. And... explain? If you want.
[-While standing in the hall if he doesn't want to let her in. That's fine. It sucks, but it's fine.]
Yeah, um.
[Scott fidgets almost uncomfortably for a moment, before opening his door a bit more and stepping aside, so that she can enter. It's probably better to have this conversation privately instead of the middle of the hallway, no matter how either of them feel right now. He's never been super fantastic talking about feelings and everything, but this needs to happen. Probably.
Once Kotone has entered his room, Scott continues to stand around almost awkwardly, before finally taking in a breath and letting some of that tension dissolve as her apology runs through his mind. It's probably not her fault. She... wouldn't want to hurt anyone, so it's a loss of control. He can get that much.]
You didn't hurt me. [Okay, maybe a little--] Not really. I... felt worse pain falling out of a tree when I was a kid.
[He adds that last part almost lamely.]
But... if you want to explain, that'd be cool.
[Scott fidgets almost uncomfortably for a moment, before opening his door a bit more and stepping aside, so that she can enter. It's probably better to have this conversation privately instead of the middle of the hallway, no matter how either of them feel right now. He's never been super fantastic talking about feelings and everything, but this needs to happen. Probably.
Once Kotone has entered his room, Scott continues to stand around almost awkwardly, before finally taking in a breath and letting some of that tension dissolve as her apology runs through his mind. It's probably not her fault. She... wouldn't want to hurt anyone, so it's a loss of control. He can get that much.]
You didn't hurt me. [Okay, maybe a little--] Not really. I... felt worse pain falling out of a tree when I was a kid.
[He adds that last part almost lamely.]
But... if you want to explain, that'd be cool.
Edited 2023-06-05 20:59 (UTC)
[Enter she does! Under normal circumstances, she'd just assume she's allowed in, maybe flounce around a little and poke around while chatting, but- right now, she just looks around with a little curiosity for anything immediately obvious, checks for a cue to see if she should take her shoes off, and then picks a clear spot to lean against the wall with a sigh.
She's not sure she believes him about the tree, but she gives him a grateful little smile for his efforts anyway.]
You asked if I had an ability before? That's mine. One of them, anyway. Has... anyone told you about Personas?
[If someone else had explained it already, that would make it so much easier.]
She's not sure she believes him about the tree, but she gives him a grateful little smile for his efforts anyway.]
You asked if I had an ability before? That's mine. One of them, anyway. Has... anyone told you about Personas?
[If someone else had explained it already, that would make it so much easier.]
Edited 2023-06-05 21:17 (UTC)
[Scott's room is slightly messy, with an unmade bed and some random clothes tossed around, but not as bad as it could be if he a lot of personal knickknacks to decorate with. It's a far cry from his childhood room, maybe something similar to the standard and not entirely lived in room that he just got at Xavier's mansion before arriving here. Except a lot less fancy than that.
He clearly doesn't care too much about Kotone keeping her shoes on, as he just walks over to his bed and sits cross-legged on it, not caring much about the potential dirt getting on the sheets. The mutant's listening to her, his head titled slightly as he takes in what she's telling him. Oh right, he did ask her a while back... and he forgot about getting an answer. Guess he's getting one now.]
I haven't heard of them before. [...] Is that the whole um. [He raises a finger to his head, clearly forming a gun symbol with it, and makes a quiet 'boom' noise.]
He clearly doesn't care too much about Kotone keeping her shoes on, as he just walks over to his bed and sits cross-legged on it, not caring much about the potential dirt getting on the sheets. The mutant's listening to her, his head titled slightly as he takes in what she's telling him. Oh right, he did ask her a while back... and he forgot about getting an answer. Guess he's getting one now.]
I haven't heard of them before. [...] Is that the whole um. [He raises a finger to his head, clearly forming a gun symbol with it, and makes a quiet 'boom' noise.]
[She doesn't judge him for his messy room, at least! There are more important things to worry about, like the slight wrinkle to her nose at the unfortunate realization that yeah, she's gonna have to be the one to explain. Uuuggghhh...]
Kind of, yeah. [She manages a wan little smile and nods, folding her hands in her lap and leaning back to gaze up at the ceiling. Her thumb rotates a small, faintly glowing ring on her right ring finger; it's a little big for her, but she's gentle with it.]
I guess the easiest way to explain it is that we use our Evokers to summon a manifestation of our souls. A Persona. Thanatos is... one of mine.
[So- yeah. Part of her soul is a literal avatar of death! A fun party trick.]
Kind of, yeah. [She manages a wan little smile and nods, folding her hands in her lap and leaning back to gaze up at the ceiling. Her thumb rotates a small, faintly glowing ring on her right ring finger; it's a little big for her, but she's gentle with it.]
I guess the easiest way to explain it is that we use our Evokers to summon a manifestation of our souls. A Persona. Thanatos is... one of mine.
[So- yeah. Part of her soul is a literal avatar of death! A fun party trick.]
[Evokers. Personas. Manifestation of the soul. It's a pretty wild concept, but one that Scott believes without question. It'd be rather dumb if he didn't, considering that he's seen all of that firsthand, not to mention that he's not really normal himself.
Still, Thanatos, just casually under her control. Sort of control??
Under different circumstances, he'd think that having Thanatos as a personification of your self would be really fucking awesome, but it's slightly harder to have that mindset when you were nearly killed by said death persona. Well, it's still kind of neat, really... and it's not like Kotone wanted to hurt him. Scott's not sure if he's mad or upset with her, as those emotions don't exactly churn within him, maybe he's just relieved to see her as her normal self? Feelings are dumb, man.]
So... part of your soul is the literal incarnation of death? [Scott offers the faintest of smiles, looking up at her from his spot.] That's pretty wicked.
Still, Thanatos, just casually under her control. Sort of control??
Under different circumstances, he'd think that having Thanatos as a personification of your self would be really fucking awesome, but it's slightly harder to have that mindset when you were nearly killed by said death persona. Well, it's still kind of neat, really... and it's not like Kotone wanted to hurt him. Scott's not sure if he's mad or upset with her, as those emotions don't exactly churn within him, maybe he's just relieved to see her as her normal self? Feelings are dumb, man.]
So... part of your soul is the literal incarnation of death? [Scott offers the faintest of smiles, looking up at her from his spot.] That's pretty wicked.
[Normally, she'd expect that he wouldn't believe her, but it's hard to argue with actually seeing him in action. She blinks at him with more than a little surprise at his pronouncement, bringing her right hand to her heart for a moment as she huffs out a humorless little laugh.]
You think so? [The tense set to her shoulders doesn't completely ease, but she relaxes, just a little bit, at the sight of his smile. She's still expecting anger, betrayal, outrage, disappointment -- any of those emotions to spill over because she's the leader. If anyone should have maintained control, it was her. Her own smile doesn't quite reach her eyes, but she makes the effort to drag it to her lips, anyway.]
The marks did... something. Messed with my ability to control him. I couldn't use any of my other Personas, or even really get through to him. That's... I've seen what happens when someone loses control of their Persona, but it's never happened to me.
[Her fingers tighten a little into the fabric of her blouse, but as much as she'd like to, she doesn't let herself look away. They were still her actions, and they're still her responsibility.]
You think so? [The tense set to her shoulders doesn't completely ease, but she relaxes, just a little bit, at the sight of his smile. She's still expecting anger, betrayal, outrage, disappointment -- any of those emotions to spill over because she's the leader. If anyone should have maintained control, it was her. Her own smile doesn't quite reach her eyes, but she makes the effort to drag it to her lips, anyway.]
The marks did... something. Messed with my ability to control him. I couldn't use any of my other Personas, or even really get through to him. That's... I've seen what happens when someone loses control of their Persona, but it's never happened to me.
[Her fingers tighten a little into the fabric of her blouse, but as much as she'd like to, she doesn't let herself look away. They were still her actions, and they're still her responsibility.]
I mean, yeah.
[His smile turns slightly lopsided. What teenage boy wouldn't be impressed!! Or maybe Scott doesn't mind being around redheads that can squish him like a bug-- of course, that terror he felt upon seeing her persona is still there, floating in the back of his mind, but... it's been a few days since then. He's been able to sort of process it?? Maybe he should be angrier and more upset, but his mind's also just been caught up by the idea that he also hurt her.]
I heard about the marks, how it fucked with everyone. [Scott acknowledges with a grimace, not wanting to really imagine how it'd feel to lose control of not only your powers, but your free will. He already has problems with the controlling powers part, he doesn't need another thing added to that.]
But... even though you lost control of him, you didn't really hurt me, Kotone. [He lets out a slow breath, finding himself gaining a little more confidence about what he wants to say. Whatever mixed feelings he's had about that incident, the mutant is sure about this part.]
You kept enough sway over him where you prevented Thanatos from doing anything worse to me. I... I know I was seconds away from getting seriously injured back there. [Or straight out dying.]
[His smile turns slightly lopsided. What teenage boy wouldn't be impressed!! Or maybe Scott doesn't mind being around redheads that can squish him like a bug-- of course, that terror he felt upon seeing her persona is still there, floating in the back of his mind, but... it's been a few days since then. He's been able to sort of process it?? Maybe he should be angrier and more upset, but his mind's also just been caught up by the idea that he also hurt her.]
I heard about the marks, how it fucked with everyone. [Scott acknowledges with a grimace, not wanting to really imagine how it'd feel to lose control of not only your powers, but your free will. He already has problems with the controlling powers part, he doesn't need another thing added to that.]
But... even though you lost control of him, you didn't really hurt me, Kotone. [He lets out a slow breath, finding himself gaining a little more confidence about what he wants to say. Whatever mixed feelings he's had about that incident, the mutant is sure about this part.]
You kept enough sway over him where you prevented Thanatos from doing anything worse to me. I... I know I was seconds away from getting seriously injured back there. [Or straight out dying.]
[He says it like it's obvious: yeah. She'd never thought of it that way before? None of her teammates had ever really talked about their different Personas, or the meanings behind them, if there were any. Akira and Akechi and Violet had been more interested in that kind of thing. It's... weirdly flattering that he thinks so? Like an indirect way of saying he thinks she's cool, in spite of it all.
So maybe it's that, coupled with the relief that he gets it, that she didn't lose a friend over it, that propels her forward into wrapping her arms around him in a hug. It's not like they know each other well, but she'd decided they were friends at the first meeting.]
Thanks. Her voice is a little muffled, but she squeezes him tight. Maybe not the best thing to do considering what Thanatos had done, but you know. It's the thought that counts, maybe?] I... thanks.
[That's all. Thanks for letting her explain, thanks for giving her a chance, thanks for not hating her. Just thanks.]
So maybe it's that, coupled with the relief that he gets it, that she didn't lose a friend over it, that propels her forward into wrapping her arms around him in a hug. It's not like they know each other well, but she'd decided they were friends at the first meeting.]
Thanks. Her voice is a little muffled, but she squeezes him tight. Maybe not the best thing to do considering what Thanatos had done, but you know. It's the thought that counts, maybe?] I... thanks.
[That's all. Thanks for letting her explain, thanks for giving her a chance, thanks for not hating her. Just thanks.]
[Scott watches as Kotone steps forward in order to... wrap her arms around him?? It's not like he was expecting her to slap him or anything, but this is still!! Shocking!! He dumbly doesn't react for a hot second, his eyes blinking in confusion behind his ruby shades, but Scott eventually feels his arms move before he's returning her hug.
And quietly, in a hopefully comforting manner, he starts responding.]
Hey. It's alright. We're uh, definitely cool.
[Not the most eloquent speaker here, but hopefully gets the point across. Scott suddenly feels like something is stuck in his own throat as the events of the past week crash on him, and he has to put some effort in pushing through that before he can speak once more.]
I'm sorry if I hurt you and um. Thanatos. [Is it weird apologizing to a persona-- an incarnation of death?? But why not.]
And quietly, in a hopefully comforting manner, he starts responding.]
Hey. It's alright. We're uh, definitely cool.
[Not the most eloquent speaker here, but hopefully gets the point across. Scott suddenly feels like something is stuck in his own throat as the events of the past week crash on him, and he has to put some effort in pushing through that before he can speak once more.]
I'm sorry if I hurt you and um. Thanatos. [Is it weird apologizing to a persona-- an incarnation of death?? But why not.]
[At least she doesn't cry. She usually doesn't cry, even if after the events of the past several days, she feels like she wants to. With a quiet sigh of relief, she just lets herself stay there in that hug for a few long seconds.
The apology does kind of make her laugh, just a humorless little huff through her nose as she pulls back and just plops down unceremoniously on the bed next to him, leaning back and propping herself up on her hands.]
It's okay. I'd probably have done the same thing, you know? You were just defending yourself.
[The idea that she might hold a grudge against him is laughable, really. She's the one who attacked him; he's not at fault at all.]
Thanatos is me, basically, so-- it was just me, really. Like, my Personas are all separate, and Thanatos is definitely a special case, but... [she waves a hand, scrunching up her face before just shrugging and laughing helplessly. It's complicated.] Don't worry about it.
The apology does kind of make her laugh, just a humorless little huff through her nose as she pulls back and just plops down unceremoniously on the bed next to him, leaning back and propping herself up on her hands.]
It's okay. I'd probably have done the same thing, you know? You were just defending yourself.
[The idea that she might hold a grudge against him is laughable, really. She's the one who attacked him; he's not at fault at all.]
Thanatos is me, basically, so-- it was just me, really. Like, my Personas are all separate, and Thanatos is definitely a special case, but... [she waves a hand, scrunching up her face before just shrugging and laughing helplessly. It's complicated.] Don't worry about it.
Edited 2023-06-08 15:07 (UTC)
[As she situates herself next to him, Scott keeps his head tilted to her with a slight smile and just lets his hands rest in his lap. He's glad that she looks a little better about all this, as he really didn't want that tense air to continue existing between them. Probably helps that he feels some of his own guilt finally leave his shoulders. She may not have needed an apology, but it's nice to have it out of his system and know that she's truly okay.]
Didn't even sting a little? Damn.
[Death incarnation or not, his optic blasts usually do a little more than sting, but he's glad that she was able to resist them one way or another. Maybe worrying in its own way, but he doesn't view it like that.] Is Thanatos your favorite? I won't tell your other Personas.
Didn't even sting a little? Damn.
[Death incarnation or not, his optic blasts usually do a little more than sting, but he's glad that she was able to resist them one way or another. Maybe worrying in its own way, but he doesn't view it like that.] Is Thanatos your favorite? I won't tell your other Personas.
[She laughs again.]
Thanatos isn't weak to fire, but don't worry, it still hurt a lot! It's a really powerful attack. But I've been hit by way worse.
[He probably wasn't worrying about that... unless he was? Boys are weird about how strong they are, she thinks. If Thanatos had been weak to fire, it would've been another story entirely.
Anyway. She grins with a little bit of embarrassed amusement as she tips her head toward him.]
Some of them are the jealous type. I don't know about favorite, but he is special. I guess you could say he's been part of me the longest...? Before I even really knew about my potential. He's also the only one I ever really got to know and talk to. Or like, a part of him, anyway. [First Pharos, then Thanatos, then Ryoji, then...] Avatars of death are way more complicated than you'd think.
Thanatos isn't weak to fire, but don't worry, it still hurt a lot! It's a really powerful attack. But I've been hit by way worse.
[He probably wasn't worrying about that... unless he was? Boys are weird about how strong they are, she thinks. If Thanatos had been weak to fire, it would've been another story entirely.
Anyway. She grins with a little bit of embarrassed amusement as she tips her head toward him.]
Some of them are the jealous type. I don't know about favorite, but he is special. I guess you could say he's been part of me the longest...? Before I even really knew about my potential. He's also the only one I ever really got to know and talk to. Or like, a part of him, anyway. [First Pharos, then Thanatos, then Ryoji, then...] Avatars of death are way more complicated than you'd think.
[Scott cringes slightly when she confirms that they did actually hurt. He didn't mean it like that...! He can already feel another apology forming, but those words don't quite escape him this time. She's okay, she's already said so and he doesn't want to keep bringing it up when they're both trying to move on. He just has to make it up to her in some other way and never shoot his powers at any of her personas.
Taking responsibility or something like that. He's not sure if this is the way, but he'll just go with it for now.]
That's a fancy way of saying that you talk to yourself, Kotone. [He teases just lightly, his eyes crinkling behind his shades.] And I don't know, death seems like a complicated guy.
Taking responsibility or something like that. He's not sure if this is the way, but he'll just go with it for now.]
That's a fancy way of saying that you talk to yourself, Kotone. [He teases just lightly, his eyes crinkling behind his shades.] And I don't know, death seems like a complicated guy.
[She is okay! And it's a misguided attempt at trying to salve his own feelings, so probably best to just let her have this moment. Instead, she just huffs quietly through her nose and gives him a weary little smile.]
It kind of is, huh? [Taking the teasing absolutely in stride, because yeah! He's not wrong! And it's funny when he puts it like that! But she nudges his shoulder gently.] He's... a part of me. It's really the best kind of explanation I can give. I have a lot of Personas, but Thanatos was one of the first. Him and Orpheus, anyway.
I really am glad you're okay, though. [She lets herself rest against his shoulder, just a little, as if in reassurance.] I mean that.
It kind of is, huh? [Taking the teasing absolutely in stride, because yeah! He's not wrong! And it's funny when he puts it like that! But she nudges his shoulder gently.] He's... a part of me. It's really the best kind of explanation I can give. I have a lot of Personas, but Thanatos was one of the first. Him and Orpheus, anyway.
I really am glad you're okay, though. [She lets herself rest against his shoulder, just a little, as if in reassurance.] I mean that.
[Orpheus... that's another Greek god, right? He just doesn't know which one. Scott definitely is no expert on them, beside Thanatos, because who wouldn't remember the representations of death from different myths and all that? The mutant almost asks if she's like, part Greek or something, but no dumbass, she's clearly Japanese.
He lets out a small laugh, just trying his best to take this all in stride.]
Orpheus, huh? Big fan of Greek mythology? [Maybe that's why two of her Personas are Greek based? But Scott isn't truly seeking to hear the answer to that, especially as he feels her lean against his shoulder. Oh, okay, play it cool, Summers. At least it's not hard to considering the circumstances leading to all this.]
...I'm glad too. You being okay. I know it's not the same, but. I get how scary it is to lose control of your powers and everything.
He lets out a small laugh, just trying his best to take this all in stride.]
Orpheus, huh? Big fan of Greek mythology? [Maybe that's why two of her Personas are Greek based? But Scott isn't truly seeking to hear the answer to that, especially as he feels her lean against his shoulder. Oh, okay, play it cool, Summers. At least it's not hard to considering the circumstances leading to all this.]
...I'm glad too. You being okay. I know it's not the same, but. I get how scary it is to lose control of your powers and everything.
[She hums her dissent. Mm-mm, not really, not before joining SEES. After that, it was almost required to have a passing knowledge of Greco-Roman mythology -- in addition to a bunch of others.
No point mentioning the Norse gods or literal angels she has in her heart right now, or the ones who've passed through before. That's just so much to explain when she can just move on.]
Has it happened to you? [She taps close to her eye, where glasses would sit if she were wearing ones like Scott's.] Lost control of your powers, I mean.
No point mentioning the Norse gods or literal angels she has in her heart right now, or the ones who've passed through before. That's just so much to explain when she can just move on.]
Has it happened to you? [She taps close to her eye, where glasses would sit if she were wearing ones like Scott's.] Lost control of your powers, I mean.
Yeah, when I first got my powers. I didn't know what was happening, besides my eyes hurting a whole lot. One of my classmates was bothering me at the bathroom stall and before I knew it, I opened my eyes and shot those red blasts.
I... came close to really hurting him.
[He's fine throwing spitwads at him and insulting his face, but definitely no actual harming. Also, Scott can't remember if he's told this story to anyone else, maybe a couple others, but it's definitely not common. Remembering that day in his old school high is never fun, although he never liked that school to begin with. He just always thought he was a freak and guess he has an actual reason to feel that way now. Although, like at Xavier's, he's actually sort of making more friends here than he ever did in regular school.
Scott's not quite sure what that says about him, but whatever.]
For a while, I thought I'd had to keep my eyes closed for the rest of my life. Or hurt everyone around me.
I... came close to really hurting him.
[He's fine throwing spitwads at him and insulting his face, but definitely no actual harming. Also, Scott can't remember if he's told this story to anyone else, maybe a couple others, but it's definitely not common. Remembering that day in his old school high is never fun, although he never liked that school to begin with. He just always thought he was a freak and guess he has an actual reason to feel that way now. Although, like at Xavier's, he's actually sort of making more friends here than he ever did in regular school.
Scott's not quite sure what that says about him, but whatever.]
For a while, I thought I'd had to keep my eyes closed for the rest of my life. Or hurt everyone around me.
That's... kind of cool, though. [Like how he'd described Thanatos, honestly, but she means it. No need to use an Evoker, no need to make bargains with literal demons, just -- something he has, something he was born with, maybe? Her smile is a little wry as she nods.] It's good you didn't hurt him, but being able to just do something like that... it's impressive.
[She shrugs. Maybe her metric for "things that are cool" is kind of off compared to most people, but SEES does that to a person.]
How'd you get the glasses? I guess someone came to investigate the explosion?
[She shrugs. Maybe her metric for "things that are cool" is kind of off compared to most people, but SEES does that to a person.]
How'd you get the glasses? I guess someone came to investigate the explosion?
[He's still not sure how he feels about his powers, but he's not going to argue against Kotone, especially if she thinks they're cool. And hey, coming from someone that can summon death and everything, it feeds a little bit into his ego. Helps him be a little more proud of his mutant ability, despite the baggage that comes with it.]
Thanks.
[Scott turns his head just slightly to look at her, smiling and appearing just a tad more upbeat.]
My older brother picked me up and brought me to Xavier's School, it's a place where we're supposed to learn and control our powers. Um, mutants, that is, that's what I'm called back home. [He should probably throw that out there.] Anyway, Professor McCoy developed these sunglasses for me so that I could finally open my eyes.
Thanks.
[Scott turns his head just slightly to look at her, smiling and appearing just a tad more upbeat.]
My older brother picked me up and brought me to Xavier's School, it's a place where we're supposed to learn and control our powers. Um, mutants, that is, that's what I'm called back home. [He should probably throw that out there.] Anyway, Professor McCoy developed these sunglasses for me so that I could finally open my eyes.
[If Scott thinks her summoning death and a bunch of other mythological buddies is cool, she's allowed to think literally shooting lasers out of his eyes is cool, too! Again, her perspective might be warped, but can't help being a Persona-user.]
Mutants?
[She makes a bit of a face. Maybe it's a mistranslation with the charm, but doesn't that sound kind of rude?]
Is that really what they call people like you?
Mutants?
[She makes a bit of a face. Maybe it's a mistranslation with the charm, but doesn't that sound kind of rude?]
Is that really what they call people like you?
[Somehow, he's able to pull of a perplexed expression despite his shades covering his eyes and everything. She... looks slightly offended on his behalf? Because of the term 'mutants?' It's sort of surprising to him, mostly because it never really occurred to Scott how harsh it sounds.]
Yeah, as far as I know. [Which. Isn't much, but it's fine!!] It's because there's a mutation in our genes, err, we have something called the 'x-gene' that makes us different. Like one of my friends can teleport and another can read minds because of it.
[He gives a small shrug.]
Hey, it's fine. I mean, people are usually pretty chill with us unless they're colossal dicks. There's even a 'hero' mutant that saved the president on national television, so everything's cool. [To be young and dumb-- and okay, he's slightly aware that there's some messed up stuff happening, but they are just colossal dicks.]
Yeah, as far as I know. [Which. Isn't much, but it's fine!!] It's because there's a mutation in our genes, err, we have something called the 'x-gene' that makes us different. Like one of my friends can teleport and another can read minds because of it.
[He gives a small shrug.]
Hey, it's fine. I mean, people are usually pretty chill with us unless they're colossal dicks. There's even a 'hero' mutant that saved the president on national television, so everything's cool. [To be young and dumb-- and okay, he's slightly aware that there's some messed up stuff happening, but they are just colossal dicks.]
Oh.
[Just "oh," because that at once explains a lot and not nearly enough. It still sounds kind of rude to her ears, but she just shrugs, taking him at his word. She's not the one to argue over semantics!
...Also the other powers sound way cooler, but she isn't going to say that. Probably. It's very hard not to say that.]
Well, that's good then! We're just called "Persona-users," [she does air-quotes with her fingers and snorts a laugh.] But we're not on TV or anything. Most people don't know anything about us. It's better that way, probably. Explaining it is a pain.
[Just "oh," because that at once explains a lot and not nearly enough. It still sounds kind of rude to her ears, but she just shrugs, taking him at his word. She's not the one to argue over semantics!
...Also the other powers sound way cooler, but she isn't going to say that. Probably. It's very hard not to say that.]
Well, that's good then! We're just called "Persona-users," [she does air-quotes with her fingers and snorts a laugh.] But we're not on TV or anything. Most people don't know anything about us. It's better that way, probably. Explaining it is a pain.
[WOW KOTONE.....]
Pretty original. [Scott snickers lightly, his smile lingering even as he prods a little more at the fact that 'Persona-users' aren't really public knowledge back where she's from.]
You really don't wanna be known to others back home? I mean, you shouldn't have to hide such a big part of yourself. [A pretty cool part of herself--]
Pretty original. [Scott snickers lightly, his smile lingering even as he prods a little more at the fact that 'Persona-users' aren't really public knowledge back where she's from.]
You really don't wanna be known to others back home? I mean, you shouldn't have to hide such a big part of yourself. [A pretty cool part of herself--]
I didn't come up with it.
[Considering Mitsuru's dad and grandpa, though, it makes complete sense. She wrinkles her nose a little at the idea of being ~known~ and shakes her head. For one thing, President Tanaka had promised to make her famous as a spokesperson for his brand and the whole process sounded like hell, not to mention everything she'd heard about being a celebrity from Akechi just sounded like so much work.]
I don't really care about being famous. I'm okay if just my friends remember me! Besides, it's not really hiding. It's just that I'm not gonna summon my Personas for no reason. You know, everyone will panic, blah-blah-blah.
[She points a finger at her temple in mimicry of her usual motion with the Evoker and mimes pulling the trigger, tilting her own head sideways with the imagined impact.]
[Considering Mitsuru's dad and grandpa, though, it makes complete sense. She wrinkles her nose a little at the idea of being ~known~ and shakes her head. For one thing, President Tanaka had promised to make her famous as a spokesperson for his brand and the whole process sounded like hell, not to mention everything she'd heard about being a celebrity from Akechi just sounded like so much work.]
I don't really care about being famous. I'm okay if just my friends remember me! Besides, it's not really hiding. It's just that I'm not gonna summon my Personas for no reason. You know, everyone will panic, blah-blah-blah.
[She points a finger at her temple in mimicry of her usual motion with the Evoker and mimes pulling the trigger, tilting her own head sideways with the imagined impact.]
Yeah. The gun part is the scariest part.
[He gives her a slightly lopsided grin, because yeah, he can imagine a teen pointing a gun to her own head to be horrifying. Fuck, he was mortified. And guess summoning giant mythological beings would cause people to panic, but is it more weird than shooting lasers from ones own eyes? Scott opens his mouth to argue, but the mutant closes it soon thereafter, a small 'hrrm' leaving him as he decides to just leave that point alone. It's not like he's constantly shooting lasers when he's walking down the street, but he's not worried about telling others that he's a mutant.
But also, he doesn't go around announcing to everyone around him that he's a mutant?? He's not sure where he's going with this.
Scott decides to just focus on the shit that's happening now and he nudges Kotone lightly with his elbow.]
So. Are there others like you here? Other Persona users?
[He gives her a slightly lopsided grin, because yeah, he can imagine a teen pointing a gun to her own head to be horrifying. Fuck, he was mortified. And guess summoning giant mythological beings would cause people to panic, but is it more weird than shooting lasers from ones own eyes? Scott opens his mouth to argue, but the mutant closes it soon thereafter, a small 'hrrm' leaving him as he decides to just leave that point alone. It's not like he's constantly shooting lasers when he's walking down the street, but he's not worried about telling others that he's a mutant.
But also, he doesn't go around announcing to everyone around him that he's a mutant?? He's not sure where he's going with this.
Scott decides to just focus on the shit that's happening now and he nudges Kotone lightly with his elbow.]
So. Are there others like you here? Other Persona users?
Scarier than the avatar of Death?
[At least she can joke about it! She bumps his shoulder lightly with her own when he nudges her, and while her bright smile doesn't change overmuch, the set of her eyes goes just a little bit distant.
>Lie
>Dodge the question
>Tell the truth
Maybe it's a testament to how accepting Scott had been of her that she answers at all, but she still hesitates before nodding.]
Yeah. You'll have to find them yourself, though! [The mischievous sparkle returns to her eyes a little as she laughs.] I can't give you all the answers.
[At least she can joke about it! She bumps his shoulder lightly with her own when he nudges her, and while her bright smile doesn't change overmuch, the set of her eyes goes just a little bit distant.
>Lie
>Dodge the question
>Tell the truth
Maybe it's a testament to how accepting Scott had been of her that she answers at all, but she still hesitates before nodding.]
Yeah. You'll have to find them yourself, though! [The mischievous sparkle returns to her eyes a little as she laughs.] I can't give you all the answers.
Totally.
[For various reasons that don't feel entirely cool to joke about, not even to Scott. Plus, keeping the mood light sounds great, even as Scott makes a slightly disappointed noise upon hearing her answer. Really???]
Seriously? Ugh, what are the chances they're going to say 'I'm a Persona person' if I ask over the charms?
[There has to be someone like that, right?? Scott makes another groan, but honestly, he's happy for her. Glad that she's not the only Persona user in this world. Sucks feeling alone, even if there are other powered teens here. Maybe there is another mutant in this world and just doesn't want to tell Scott, which rude.]
[For various reasons that don't feel entirely cool to joke about, not even to Scott. Plus, keeping the mood light sounds great, even as Scott makes a slightly disappointed noise upon hearing her answer. Really???]
Seriously? Ugh, what are the chances they're going to say 'I'm a Persona person' if I ask over the charms?
[There has to be someone like that, right?? Scott makes another groan, but honestly, he's happy for her. Glad that she's not the only Persona user in this world. Sucks feeling alone, even if there are other powered teens here. Maybe there is another mutant in this world and just doesn't want to tell Scott, which rude.]
Hmm... [She counts on her fingers.] Maybe 50%? [Violet and Akira would probably answer honestly, Shinji would ignore it completely, and Goro... Who Knows. Probably wouldn't answer either.
But she smiles up at him and shakes her head.]
Please don't, though. It's annoying to have to explain all this stuff, and people who don't know are gonna be nosy. So, are there other people like you here? With mutations?
But she smiles up at him and shakes her head.]
Please don't, though. It's annoying to have to explain all this stuff, and people who don't know are gonna be nosy. So, are there other people like you here? With mutations?
Alright, I promise not to.
[Guess he'll have to do some old-fashioned snooping. It's cool, it'll be a fun sort of challenge or whatever trying to find the other Persona people. A sort of side gig to focus on when he's not worrying about his own shit-- or want to distract himself from said shit.]
No. [He shakes his head, and his mouth forms into a small pout as he thinks about the lack of mutants here. First he was normal and living a boring normal life, then he becomes a mutant but befriends others like him, and now he's back to feeling like the odd one out, despite the fact that he's talking to a girl that can summon death by shooting a gun to her head. It's just. Different.]
I mean, not that I know of. If they're hiding, I just wanna let them know it's okay.
[Guess he'll have to do some old-fashioned snooping. It's cool, it'll be a fun sort of challenge or whatever trying to find the other Persona people. A sort of side gig to focus on when he's not worrying about his own shit-- or want to distract himself from said shit.]
No. [He shakes his head, and his mouth forms into a small pout as he thinks about the lack of mutants here. First he was normal and living a boring normal life, then he becomes a mutant but befriends others like him, and now he's back to feeling like the odd one out, despite the fact that he's talking to a girl that can summon death by shooting a gun to her head. It's just. Different.]
I mean, not that I know of. If they're hiding, I just wanna let them know it's okay.
Yeah?
[She leans back on her hands and gives him a small, genuine smile.]
You're a pretty good guy. [Not just thinking about himself, but other people like him. It's nice to see someone else just trying to do their best for other people -- it makes her feel a little worse about hurting him, but she's trying not to dwell on that, so she adds,] Once I finally get the club building all finished, you could put out a call.
[She leans back on her hands and gives him a small, genuine smile.]
You're a pretty good guy. [Not just thinking about himself, but other people like him. It's nice to see someone else just trying to do their best for other people -- it makes her feel a little worse about hurting him, but she's trying not to dwell on that, so she adds,] Once I finally get the club building all finished, you could put out a call.
[Scott turns his head slightly as she leans back, a smile to him as well as he considers her words.]
Not sure if I just want to create a 'Mutant Club,' might be a little too exclusive. And that sucks.
[Because he's like 85% sure he'll be the only person in that club, which would be really sad. Plus, if there is someone hiding, they probably won't join a club that completely outs them like that.]
So, gonna stick with the whole general teenagers that have powers. [He gives a small shrug, but he's definitely going to do this.] And maybe mutants would feel easier joining something like that.
Not sure if I just want to create a 'Mutant Club,' might be a little too exclusive. And that sucks.
[Because he's like 85% sure he'll be the only person in that club, which would be really sad. Plus, if there is someone hiding, they probably won't join a club that completely outs them like that.]
So, gonna stick with the whole general teenagers that have powers. [He gives a small shrug, but he's definitely going to do this.] And maybe mutants would feel easier joining something like that.
[She hums and just- plops back on the bed. Way more comfortable this way, and if he didn't mind her sitting next to him and reclining on it, he probably won't care if she lays on it, either.]
It's a good idea. I think... giving people somewhere to belong is really important.
[She tilts her head without picking it up off the blankets, giving him another smile.]
I'll help where I can, okay? So make sure you ask if you need it.
It's a good idea. I think... giving people somewhere to belong is really important.
[She tilts her head without picking it up off the blankets, giving him another smile.]
I'll help where I can, okay? So make sure you ask if you need it.
[He lets himself fall back against his bed, only stopping himself from spreading his arms so that he doesn't do anything embarrassing like smack Kotone in the face. Life would just be completely over if that happened, so he just keeps his arms by his side as he stares at the blank ceiling of his room. This would almost be depressing if he wasn't discussing clubs and shit with a friend.]
Yeah. Didn't think I'd be doing something like this, but.
[It feels important? It's not quite Xavier's school or anything, but it's a start.]
If I have the club master to help, I can't fuck things up too badly, right? ...But thanks. [Scott turns his head slightly to smile back at her.] And um, if you ever need me for like, anything, just uh, know I'm here.
Yeah. Didn't think I'd be doing something like this, but.
[It feels important? It's not quite Xavier's school or anything, but it's a start.]
If I have the club master to help, I can't fuck things up too badly, right? ...But thanks. [Scott turns his head slightly to smile back at her.] And um, if you ever need me for like, anything, just uh, know I'm here.
You'll be fine. [She meets his eyes -- or his glasses, at least -- and the smile she gives him is small but warm.]
Thanks. [For not hating her, for wanting to do this, for offering to help her. For all of it. Exhaling a sigh, she lets her head fall back and closes her eyes.]
I need a nap after a conversation this serious!
[It's impossible to tell if she's serious or just trying to make him laugh.]
Thanks. [For not hating her, for wanting to do this, for offering to help her. For all of it. Exhaling a sigh, she lets her head fall back and closes her eyes.]
I need a nap after a conversation this serious!
[It's impossible to tell if she's serious or just trying to make him laugh.]
[HONESTLY he feels that. Enough serious conversations for today and Scott lets his eyes close from behind those shades.]
Well, that's what beds are for.
[He's not really meaning it as an invitation but also, he's not shoving her off his bed. Besides, they're like, totally joking and everything!!] Only thing I want to think about is... making a monster sandwich later.
Well, that's what beds are for.
[He's not really meaning it as an invitation but also, he's not shoving her off his bed. Besides, they're like, totally joking and everything!!] Only thing I want to think about is... making a monster sandwich later.
Inviting me to stay over?
[Now she's definitely joking, if way she glances at him and laughs is any indication. Then again, she is simply not getting up.]
Anyway, you mean a big sandwich, or a sandwich made of monster meat? [A valid question in Aldrip! Please laugh, she's trying so hard.]
[Now she's definitely joking, if way she glances at him and laughs is any indication. Then again, she is simply not getting up.]
Anyway, you mean a big sandwich, or a sandwich made of monster meat? [A valid question in Aldrip! Please laugh, she's trying so hard.]
Uh.
[That's the only thing Scott manages to say, his mouth suddenly feeling dry as various scenarios start running through his mind. Before he can say anything, however, her laugh cuts through his thoughts, reminding him that she's just joking. Right!! Joking. He feels his cheeks warm up, but he does his best to ignore it.]
Oh um, yeah. The first one. A huge fucking sandwich. [Words are so hard HELP.] Monster meat sounds really gross. I don't think even slathering that with mayo and cheese would save it.
[That's the only thing Scott manages to say, his mouth suddenly feeling dry as various scenarios start running through his mind. Before he can say anything, however, her laugh cuts through his thoughts, reminding him that she's just joking. Right!! Joking. He feels his cheeks warm up, but he does his best to ignore it.]
Oh um, yeah. The first one. A huge fucking sandwich. [Words are so hard HELP.] Monster meat sounds really gross. I don't think even slathering that with mayo and cheese would save it.
[Oh, he's blushing... cute. It doesn't make everything alright, but it does make things a little easier, to know that she can still tease him and he won't take it poorly.
She huffs a quiet laugh at his assessment and shrugs.] I bet Aragaki-senpai could make something decent with it if he wanted. He can cook just about anything.
[Ah- right. There's something she'd wanted to give everybody she'd hurt, even if it seems kind of stupid in the wake of what Akechi had said. Slowly, she pushes herself upright and glances across at him.]
Anyway, I don't have any sandwiches, but I do have something for you. If it's stupid, you're not allowed to laugh, okay?
She huffs a quiet laugh at his assessment and shrugs.] I bet Aragaki-senpai could make something decent with it if he wanted. He can cook just about anything.
[Ah- right. There's something she'd wanted to give everybody she'd hurt, even if it seems kind of stupid in the wake of what Akechi had said. Slowly, she pushes herself upright and glances across at him.]
Anyway, I don't have any sandwiches, but I do have something for you. If it's stupid, you're not allowed to laugh, okay?
Y-yeah, sure, sounds like a guy that I want to befriend.
[Scott almost says that offhandedly, as he's mostly trying to beat down the blush that's still painted across his cheeks, but luckily, he feels his face slowly becoming normal after a few more seconds. Ugh, hopefully she didn't notice!! The only thing to do is try and remain cool, like he's totally been so far.
...Yeah.
But he slowly sits up, his head tilted just slightly to express his curiosity.]
Uh, sure?
[Scott almost says that offhandedly, as he's mostly trying to beat down the blush that's still painted across his cheeks, but luckily, he feels his face slowly becoming normal after a few more seconds. Ugh, hopefully she didn't notice!! The only thing to do is try and remain cool, like he's totally been so far.
...Yeah.
But he slowly sits up, his head tilted just slightly to express his curiosity.]
Uh, sure?
You can't laugh! [she insists as she pushes herself off the bed and pads over to where she'd left her bag, rummaging around inside.] And even if you think it's stupid, it's rude to say so.
[After a minute or two, she pulls out a small hand-knit rabbit, one wearing red knit sunglasses similar to Scott's own. Holding it in front of her face, she wiggles its little paws as if its saying "hi!" before lowering it kind of sheepishly.]
I was trying to think about what I could give people if they didn't want to talk to me to show I was sorry. Um... [She offers the bunny in both hands uncertainly. If he thinks it's stupid, she'll be heartbroken.]
[After a minute or two, she pulls out a small hand-knit rabbit, one wearing red knit sunglasses similar to Scott's own. Holding it in front of her face, she wiggles its little paws as if its saying "hi!" before lowering it kind of sheepishly.]
I was trying to think about what I could give people if they didn't want to talk to me to show I was sorry. Um... [She offers the bunny in both hands uncertainly. If he thinks it's stupid, she'll be heartbroken.]
[He raises a hand up and with a slightly crooked smile, he responds.]
Scout's honor.
[But he waits with some anticipation before Kotone pulls out the present and shows off a handmade plush that obviously represents him. Oh, that's definitely not what he expected, but it's kind of neat. And okay, he's not really a stuffed animal guy, but... it's hard not to feel at least a bit touched by this. Plus, it is Kotone giving this to him, so it... uhh makes it a bit more special. Also, yeah, look at the handknitted sunglasses! That's cute, even if he won't say that out loud.
Scott takes the plush from her and he finds himself smiling down at it, his fingers pressing against the various stitching.]
Don't know why anyone would stop talking to you-- [He cuts himself short before he says anything that's too much, and looks up at her.] But thank you. He's cool, I mean, he is modeled after me.
Scout's honor.
[But he waits with some anticipation before Kotone pulls out the present and shows off a handmade plush that obviously represents him. Oh, that's definitely not what he expected, but it's kind of neat. And okay, he's not really a stuffed animal guy, but... it's hard not to feel at least a bit touched by this. Plus, it is Kotone giving this to him, so it... uhh makes it a bit more special. Also, yeah, look at the handknitted sunglasses! That's cute, even if he won't say that out loud.
Scott takes the plush from her and he finds himself smiling down at it, his fingers pressing against the various stitching.]
Don't know why anyone would stop talking to you-- [He cuts himself short before he says anything that's too much, and looks up at her.] But thank you. He's cool, I mean, he is modeled after me.
[It's hard not to feel nervous! In the past, she'd given her friends bunnies she'd made in Sewing Club after they'd hung out together, as a way to get closer to them. She'd kind of thought giving them as an apology would entail more leaving them at the door with a note.
But he doesn't laugh, and after a moment, she accepts that he won't and relaxes, just a bit, and clasps her hands behind her back. The nervousness is starting to give way to embarrassment, but she refuses to back down now!]
I'm glad. I used to make stuff like this with one of my friends back home, so... take care of him, okay?
[She huffs a small laugh.] You might be cooler than the bunny. Sometimes, anyway.
But he doesn't laugh, and after a moment, she accepts that he won't and relaxes, just a bit, and clasps her hands behind her back. The nervousness is starting to give way to embarrassment, but she refuses to back down now!]
I'm glad. I used to make stuff like this with one of my friends back home, so... take care of him, okay?
[She huffs a small laugh.] You might be cooler than the bunny. Sometimes, anyway.
Guys with glasses have to look out for one another.
[But he's definitely going to take care of him. Well, he's mostly just going to keep it in his room, safer that way.]
Sometimes?
[He places a hand against his chest, like he's been deeply wounded by her words, but Scott soon laughs and lets his new little friend hang out in his lap.] Does he have a name? Unless he's just... Bunny Scott.
[But he's definitely going to take care of him. Well, he's mostly just going to keep it in his room, safer that way.]
Sometimes?
[He places a hand against his chest, like he's been deeply wounded by her words, but Scott soon laughs and lets his new little friend hang out in his lap.] Does he have a name? Unless he's just... Bunny Scott.
[She giggles a little at his faux-offense and comes back over to once again drop onto the bed beside him. With one hand, she gently pats the top of the bunny's head as if to wish him well in his new home before resting her weight back on her hands again.]
I think you have to take the responsibility to name it. Bunny Scott is kind of a cute name, though! [If not exactly the most original. Still, it kind of suits him.] I'm glad you like him. Really.
I think you have to take the responsibility to name it. Bunny Scott is kind of a cute name, though! [If not exactly the most original. Still, it kind of suits him.] I'm glad you like him. Really.
[Scott pulls one of its arms up to wave at her as she plops down on the bed again. And well, if Kotone thinks it's cute... guess he'll stick with it! Besides, now he doesn't have to think of a name.]
I don't get presents from girls often. [...WOW THAT MAKES HIM SOUND REALLY LAME. Scott almost blanches before trying to backpedal--] Err, yeah, I mean, who doesn't like stuffed animals.
[Is the bunny plush cooler than him, probably.]
I don't get presents from girls often. [...WOW THAT MAKES HIM SOUND REALLY LAME. Scott almost blanches before trying to backpedal--] Err, yeah, I mean, who doesn't like stuffed animals.
[Is the bunny plush cooler than him, probably.]
[The little wave from the bunny is so sweet, she can't help but smile, first at the bunny, then at him. Things still feel kind of tender, so she doesn't call him out on that first part as quickly as she might normally -- but there's a mischievous sparkle in her eyes again, which could be a good or bad thing, depending.]
I guess I'll just have to get you more surprise presents every now and then, huh? D'you like sweets?
I guess I'll just have to get you more surprise presents every now and then, huh? D'you like sweets?
[He briefly wonders if Kotone gets a lot of presents, he wouldn't be surprised given her personality. After all this, Scott definitely wants to find something cool for her. It's the least he can do after... everything, yeah. That's it.]
Course I do, I like all the things that's bad for you. [He snorts and leans back against his bed.] How about yourself?
Course I do, I like all the things that's bad for you. [He snorts and leans back against his bed.] How about yourself?
[Perhaps surprisingly, she gives more presents than she gets. Like, sure, all of her friends gave her something, but usually it was right before leaving her life forever, so you know. It is what it is.
She laughs and tosses him a small grin.] So are you saying I'm bad for you, or that you don't like me?
[MEAN TO HIM-!! She's clearly joking and just continues, adding,] I'm pretty good at baking, so maybe I'll make you some sometime!
She laughs and tosses him a small grin.] So are you saying I'm bad for you, or that you don't like me?
[MEAN TO HIM-!! She's clearly joking and just continues, adding,] I'm pretty good at baking, so maybe I'll make you some sometime!
No, of course I like you!
[He may realize a little too late that she's just messing with him and it's official, Bunny Scott is cooler than him. At least the plush doesn't go off and say embarrassing shit.
Scott just. Falls back so that he can lie on his bed. Maybe he'll be lucky and the sheets can swallow his body and embarrassment. Non existing sounds great right now.]
S-sure, yeah, I'd like that.
[He may realize a little too late that she's just messing with him and it's official, Bunny Scott is cooler than him. At least the plush doesn't go off and say embarrassing shit.
Scott just. Falls back so that he can lie on his bed. Maybe he'll be lucky and the sheets can swallow his body and embarrassment. Non existing sounds great right now.]
S-sure, yeah, I'd like that.
[Okay, this time she can't help it, laughing bright and clear as she drops down and lets the back of her head come to rest on his shoulder. No hiding in embarrassment allowed while she's around!
But she's quiet for a few seconds after that, eventually just venturing,] Thanks, Scott. For wanting to be my friend.
But she's quiet for a few seconds after that, eventually just venturing,] Thanks, Scott. For wanting to be my friend.
[Now that he doesn't feel like he's going to die from embarrassment, Scott turns his head slightly to look at her, a slight smile to him that's void of any of his usual exaggerated cockiness.]
You don't have to thank me. [It feels weird to be thanked!! But also he doesn't want to throw her words in her face because he knows she's being like. Uh. Open with this?? Don't ask him how to describe these things!!] Besides, it'd majorly suck if we weren't friends and everything.
[Thanks for wanting to be his friend too.]
You don't have to thank me. [It feels weird to be thanked!! But also he doesn't want to throw her words in her face because he knows she's being like. Uh. Open with this?? Don't ask him how to describe these things!!] Besides, it'd majorly suck if we weren't friends and everything.
[Thanks for wanting to be his friend too.]
[Oh... a genuine smile. She mirrors it with one of her own, some of the brightness fading away to something a little softer and more genuine herself.
Then she closes her eyes and groans loudly, intentionally breaking the moment with something a little sillier.]
I meant it, though! Serious conversations are exhausting. Can I take a nap?
[I take nap right here dot gif]
Then she closes her eyes and groans loudly, intentionally breaking the moment with something a little sillier.]
I meant it, though! Serious conversations are exhausting. Can I take a nap?
[I take nap right here dot gif]
They are seriously exhausting.
[He honestly feels pretty tired himself, because yeah, she's right. Serious conversations are A Lot, not to mention that he's been stressed about other things this past week and it's only now that he's started to unclench. Scott feels his eyes shut behind his shades, not moving from his spot on the bed as he answers her offhandedly.]
That's what beds are for, right?
[He honestly feels pretty tired himself, because yeah, she's right. Serious conversations are A Lot, not to mention that he's been stressed about other things this past week and it's only now that he's started to unclench. Scott feels his eyes shut behind his shades, not moving from his spot on the bed as he answers her offhandedly.]
That's what beds are for, right?
[For a moment, there's a bright sparkle in her eye as if she might make a joke about things beds are used for, but- she refrains and just rolls over onto her side to pillow her head more comfortably on his shoulder.]
Yeah.
[She just wants to be close to another person for a little longer. Someone who won't be angry at her, or disappointed, or upset -- just a friend.]
Yeah.
[She just wants to be close to another person for a little longer. Someone who won't be angry at her, or disappointed, or upset -- just a friend.]
[Thank you for sparing him...
Scott's not really thinking about the fact that Kotone may fall asleep next to him, mostly because he's already nodding off. Look, he's super comfortable and he likes her and if she's comfortable too... then cool. Yeah. He probably had a train of thought somewhere there, but it's definitely gone now, with his breaths evening out into a quiet slumber.]
Scott's not really thinking about the fact that Kotone may fall asleep next to him, mostly because he's already nodding off. Look, he's super comfortable and he likes her and if she's comfortable too... then cool. Yeah. He probably had a train of thought somewhere there, but it's definitely gone now, with his breaths evening out into a quiet slumber.]
[For as energetic as she tends to be during the day, she can crash at a moment's notice -- like a puppy or a toddler that wears themselves out with constant activity. It's still early enough in the afternoon that she's not afflicted by the same bone-deep weariness she's felt since the final battle with Nyx, that only comes on at night, but it's warm and comfortable here like this; with some of her stress easing, she can finally relax.
Curling just closer against his side, she tucks her head into his shoulder and closes her eyes with a soft exhale. The sound of his breathing evening out and the gentle rise and fall of his chest is enough to lull her into her own sleep. She at least has enough decorum to keep her hands to herself, wedged into her own chest instead of draped across his, but it's not a light doze like napping in class; these days, when she takes a nap, she is out. Good luck rousing her from this one, Scott.]
Curling just closer against his side, she tucks her head into his shoulder and closes her eyes with a soft exhale. The sound of his breathing evening out and the gentle rise and fall of his chest is enough to lull her into her own sleep. She at least has enough decorum to keep her hands to herself, wedged into her own chest instead of draped across his, but it's not a light doze like napping in class; these days, when she takes a nap, she is out. Good luck rousing her from this one, Scott.]
[He doesn't know how long it's been before Scott finds himself rousing from his light nap, probably not long, but he still feels a little groggy and out of it as his eyes open to his shielded world of red. Yeah, that's always something he has to adjust to, even now, because he still dreams in color and this is a reminder that everything is not the same to him. It kind of sucks--]
Holy shit--
[The angsty teen monologue is broken up when his brain finally registers that there's a girl-- Kotone sleeping right next to him and a startled yelp escapes him as he abruptly jerks from her and crashes to the floor in an undignified heap. Later, a small part of him will groan at him for wasting the opportunity and being a general loser for not enjoying the moment longer, but that part isn't in charge now! It hasn't woken up, or just simply stomped on by his initial shock and embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Bunny Scott is lying on the bed still, judging him from on top.]
Holy shit--
[The angsty teen monologue is broken up when his brain finally registers that there's a girl-- Kotone sleeping right next to him and a startled yelp escapes him as he abruptly jerks from her and crashes to the floor in an undignified heap. Later, a small part of him will groan at him for wasting the opportunity and being a general loser for not enjoying the moment longer, but that part isn't in charge now! It hasn't woken up, or just simply stomped on by his initial shock and embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Bunny Scott is lying on the bed still, judging him from on top.]
[She doesn't sleep next to other people often enough to really be used to it, but she is very good at falling asleep just about anywhere. Scott's shoulder is loads more comfortable than precariously balancing her head on her hand in class was, so honestly, she could have stayed there longer if there wasn't a sudden loud crash!]
Huh?!
[She bolts upright with a sudden jolt of adrenaline, looking around and for a moment not totally sure where she is. This isn't the farmhouse...? Akira's room? No, wait, that's Bunny Scott, which means-
What is he doing down there. She peeks over the side of the bed, not sure if she should laugh or be concerned.]
Uh... are you okay?
Huh?!
[She bolts upright with a sudden jolt of adrenaline, looking around and for a moment not totally sure where she is. This isn't the farmhouse...? Akira's room? No, wait, that's Bunny Scott, which means-
What is he doing down there. She peeks over the side of the bed, not sure if she should laugh or be concerned.]
Uh... are you okay?
[Scott just helplessly lies on the ground still, mostly out of embarrassment. He sort of hoped that Kotone would've slept through all that, but fate isn't really on his side. He finds himself flushing, but doesn't make any movement to get up from his sprawled position on the floor.]
Yeah.
[........]
Just checking the floor. Thought I saw something.
Yeah.
[........]
Just checking the floor. Thought I saw something.
Oh, yeah?
[She doesn't laugh outright, but the bubbly tone of her voice is a clear indication that she's laughing on the inside as she slowly slides off the bed and sits next to his crumpled sprawl.]
What was it?
[Because it's funnier this way. If her literally almost killing him didn't make him hate her, she can probably tease him a little more, right? At least, if he was willing to fall asleep next to her, it probably means it's okay.]
[She doesn't laugh outright, but the bubbly tone of her voice is a clear indication that she's laughing on the inside as she slowly slides off the bed and sits next to his crumpled sprawl.]
What was it?
[Because it's funnier this way. If her literally almost killing him didn't make him hate her, she can probably tease him a little more, right? At least, if he was willing to fall asleep next to her, it probably means it's okay.]
[His pride. Not that he had much to begin with--
Scott slowly sits up, wincing slightly, but he's okay. He lifts a hand to rub his head and eventually starts to answer her, even though he partially wants the ground to just swallow him whole right now. Can he be even less cool?!]
Uh. [......] A cockroach. But it's gone, scattered somewhere.
[Convincing. Although, hmmm...] I think it might be behind you, Kotone.
Scott slowly sits up, wincing slightly, but he's okay. He lifts a hand to rub his head and eventually starts to answer her, even though he partially wants the ground to just swallow him whole right now. Can he be even less cool?!]
Uh. [......] A cockroach. But it's gone, scattered somewhere.
[Convincing. Although, hmmm...] I think it might be behind you, Kotone.
[He may not fully realize that she's playing along, but Scott finds himself bursting into laughter anyway, watching her scramble to her feet and swat the imaginary bug. Guess even she's not immune to the thought of a gross ass bug crawling around her body.
Not that many people would. Him included.
After a moment, Scott decides to help calm her down, because she's definitely a little freaked out, right? Right.]
I-I think you got it. [He's still giggling-- laughing a little. Totally chortling.] Unless you want me to double check.
[Wait what.]
Not that many people would. Him included.
After a moment, Scott decides to help calm her down, because she's definitely a little freaked out, right? Right.]
I-I think you got it. [He's still giggling-- laughing a little. Totally chortling.] Unless you want me to double check.
[Wait what.]
Edited 2023-07-26 22:05 (UTC)
[Right, totally. She's about to dive into his arms to protect her from the big scary bug.]
Check! Check! [She keeps patting at her arms as if it might somehow still be on her, though she's having trouble keeping her expression worried and not mischievous.] My team used to have to fight these giant armored beetles, make sure it's not a tiny one of those!
[Huh.]
Check! Check! [She keeps patting at her arms as if it might somehow still be on her, though she's having trouble keeping her expression worried and not mischievous.] My team used to have to fight these giant armored beetles, make sure it's not a tiny one of those!
[Huh.]
Okay okay, I'm checking!
[He manages to get his laughter under control as he pretends to check her arms and back for any mischievous bug, but Scott doesn't try very long for obvious reasons. Also what does she mean by giant armored beetles.....]
Pretty sure you frightened it off.
[Scott hasn't let go of Kotone or pulled away from her, just sort of looking down at his friend with a slight smile.] Feelin' okay now?
[He manages to get his laughter under control as he pretends to check her arms and back for any mischievous bug, but Scott doesn't try very long for obvious reasons. Also what does she mean by giant armored beetles.....]
Pretty sure you frightened it off.
[Scott hasn't let go of Kotone or pulled away from her, just sort of looking down at his friend with a slight smile.] Feelin' okay now?
[Don't worry about them or the fact that she had to collect their parts to give Theo for a quest-
The sparkle of delight is obvious in her eyes as he looks down at her, and she isn't sure if she can keep that frightened expression much longer, so she hides it by wrapping her arms around him for an impromptu hug now that they're so close. She has to lean up just a bit to rest her chin on his shoulder so he can't see her break into a silly grin, but really, it's as much relief as it is mischief. It's like everything is just normal like this.]
Yeah. Thanks, Scott.
The sparkle of delight is obvious in her eyes as he looks down at her, and she isn't sure if she can keep that frightened expression much longer, so she hides it by wrapping her arms around him for an impromptu hug now that they're so close. She has to lean up just a bit to rest her chin on his shoulder so he can't see her break into a silly grin, but really, it's as much relief as it is mischief. It's like everything is just normal like this.]
Yeah. Thanks, Scott.
[Oh, has this become serious?? It feels like the mood has changed once more, or maybe he's just reading into things. But his momentary confusion doesn't last long, as he wraps his arms around her, returning the hug in a comforting embrace. What's he going to do, stand there like an idiot while a cute girl is hugging him? No!!]
Course, I'm your official bug-catching guy now.
[He says off handedly, a part of him wanting to express more than just that, but Scott clamps down on it. They're just being normal and hugging as friends in this fucking crazy world, that's all.]
Course, I'm your official bug-catching guy now.
[He says off handedly, a part of him wanting to express more than just that, but Scott clamps down on it. They're just being normal and hugging as friends in this fucking crazy world, that's all.]
[She laughs softly, eyes crinkling a little with the force of her smile as she squeezes him a little tighter.]
I'll remember you said that when I see a spider in a corner of the barn in the middle of the night.
[And maybe she lets herself stay there in his arms a little longer than is strictly proper, because even if things are patched up with Scott, there's still the lingering dread in the bottom of her heart that the others won't forgive her nearly so easily. Still, it's easier to ignore like this as she finally forces herself to draw back and clasp her hands behind her back.]
I should probably get going before I fall asleep again. You'll take care of Bunny Scott for me, right?
I'll remember you said that when I see a spider in a corner of the barn in the middle of the night.
[And maybe she lets herself stay there in his arms a little longer than is strictly proper, because even if things are patched up with Scott, there's still the lingering dread in the bottom of her heart that the others won't forgive her nearly so easily. Still, it's easier to ignore like this as she finally forces herself to draw back and clasp her hands behind her back.]
I should probably get going before I fall asleep again. You'll take care of Bunny Scott for me, right?
[He keeps a smile about him as she pulls away, only taking a glance back at Bunny Scott (who is definitely not judging him what are you talking about), before returning his attention to her and giving a slight nod. There's absolutely no way that he's brave enough to say that she can just stay over and stuff.]
He's safe with me. Scotts have to look after each other, especially if they're wearing red sunglasses.
[Maybe also he can sort out all his feelings about Kotone, especially the new ones he may be getting--] Uh, see you later, yeah?
He's safe with me. Scotts have to look after each other, especially if they're wearing red sunglasses.
[Maybe also he can sort out all his feelings about Kotone, especially the new ones he may be getting--] Uh, see you later, yeah?
[Surely Bunny Scott wouldn't judge a fellow Scott with glasses! She laughs at his assessment and just nods.]
Absolutely. Any time you wanna hang out, just let me know, okay?
[She can really use the company, after all. It's been a good reminder that as easy as it is to try to stay isolated, it's so much better to make sure she spends time with her friends. She'll have to make sure to keep it up.]
Bye!
[And with a wave, she's out the door.]
Absolutely. Any time you wanna hang out, just let me know, okay?
[She can really use the company, after all. It's been a good reminder that as easy as it is to try to stay isolated, it's so much better to make sure she spends time with her friends. She'll have to make sure to keep it up.]
Bye!
[And with a wave, she's out the door.]
wow you think im an alcoholic or something you can just dangle alcohol in front of mea
at least put functional in front of it
ive saved the world a bunch of times i am VERY functional you have to respect that part!!!!!!
ive saved the world a bunch of times i am VERY functional you have to respect that part!!!!!!
Edited 2023-07-12 19:33 (UTC)
kiddo
at your age i had probably like 20 girlfriends
pipe down
at your age i had probably like 20 girlfriends
pipe down
chuuya's known me since 15 ask him if you think im lying it made his life a living hell!!!!
in context i guess thats correct
in context i guess thats correct
and you are not, loser!
where's my treat for being amazing at nullifying abilities so no one dies!!!!!
where's my treat for being amazing at nullifying abilities so no one dies!!!!!
[ur a loser!!
Honestly, Scott's about ready to end the feed or give some stupid excuse, but he's suddenly struck by an idea, something that he can actually give Dazai. Not that the asshole should get shit because he whined hard enough, but... he's helped him out. A lot. The teenager hasn't forgotten those times.
Also he sort of... means uh, something to scott. BLARGH.]
Wait another day, alright? I'll have something then.
Honestly, Scott's about ready to end the feed or give some stupid excuse, but he's suddenly struck by an idea, something that he can actually give Dazai. Not that the asshole should get shit because he whined hard enough, but... he's helped him out. A lot. The teenager hasn't forgotten those times.
Also he sort of... means uh, something to scott. BLARGH.]
Wait another day, alright? I'll have something then.
nope! i'm coming home from a date.
what's the plan?
what's the plan?
[A part of him wants to ask, but no. He feels like he'll regret it.
And okay, he actually got this asshole something, just like he said he would. Dazai is definitely expecting it by now. So, why is it so hard to say he got a stupid present for him??]
I got you your dumb gift.
[Why can't text accurately display his sullenness!!]
And okay, he actually got this asshole something, just like he said he would. Dazai is definitely expecting it by now. So, why is it so hard to say he got a stupid present for him??]
I got you your dumb gift.
[Why can't text accurately display his sullenness!!]
Yeah, fine. I'll meet you in ten.
[True to his word, Scott walks into Dazai's bar about ten minutes after their conversation. It seems that he's holding a folded piece of clothing close to his chest as he looks around for the mafioso, almost looking a little nervous.]
[True to his word, Scott walks into Dazai's bar about ten minutes after their conversation. It seems that he's holding a folded piece of clothing close to his chest as he looks around for the mafioso, almost looking a little nervous.]
(the coat is not on him today. his bolo tie is a little off, which he fixes as he notices the piece of clothing that the boy is holding against him. scum can sense fear a gazillion miles away, scott, but it's alright. he'll just tap the spot next to him.)
Hey! You did come!
Hey! You did come!
So you can stop whining at me!
[Scott snaps back, but he grips the article of clothing closer to his chest and tries not to look like a complete loser. Why does he even care if Dazai likes this or not? ...Okay, he knows why, but doesn't mean he has to like admitting it and everything. The thought of just dumping the gift on Dazai's table and bolting from the bar passes through his mind and honestly, it's still tempting even as he nears closer to the mafioso.]
Look.
[He had a whole speech planned out, but none of his words come out, so instead, he shoves the black sweater to Dazai, his head tilted to the side so that he's not looking at him.]
If you don't like it, you can just return it or whatever. I don't care. [He's gotten presents before, for other kids, but this is different somehow.]
[Scott snaps back, but he grips the article of clothing closer to his chest and tries not to look like a complete loser. Why does he even care if Dazai likes this or not? ...Okay, he knows why, but doesn't mean he has to like admitting it and everything. The thought of just dumping the gift on Dazai's table and bolting from the bar passes through his mind and honestly, it's still tempting even as he nears closer to the mafioso.]
Look.
[He had a whole speech planned out, but none of his words come out, so instead, he shoves the black sweater to Dazai, his head tilted to the side so that he's not looking at him.]
If you don't like it, you can just return it or whatever. I don't care. [He's gotten presents before, for other kids, but this is different somehow.]
(at this point, dazai is more than used to how scott reacts to most things regarding emotions. he's quite different from the other kids - they tend to react inwardly, but to scott, it simply comes out in angst and biteless anger. it's cute. a look dazai doesn't quite see here too often from the others.
his eyes goggled a little at the delivery, but it feels so nice against his skin that he giggles, snuggling against the fabric.)
Oh, it feels really nice! I'm not returning a thing! It's toooo~tally mine! Should I put it on?!
his eyes goggled a little at the delivery, but it feels so nice against his skin that he giggles, snuggling against the fabric.)
Oh, it feels really nice! I'm not returning a thing! It's toooo~tally mine! Should I put it on?!
[As he watches Dazai rub his face against the sweater, Scott feels himself relax, although god, does he have to be this embarrassing about it?! The teen wills himself not to flush, mostly from second-hand embarrassment, and looks at Dazai with a slightly more confident look.]
...I mean, obviously. If it doesn't fit, it would suck as a sweater.
...I mean, obviously. If it doesn't fit, it would suck as a sweater.
You did good, thank you, Scott.
(in the past, he'd often not offer these sorts of words to his mentees. it'd bring out softness, he mused as he put the sweater on - a little baggy, and he flaps his arms in giggles because it feels comfortable beyond belief.
as he becomes older, he realizes - softness isn't a weakness, after all.)
When do you need me!
(in the past, he'd often not offer these sorts of words to his mentees. it'd bring out softness, he mused as he put the sweater on - a little baggy, and he flaps his arms in giggles because it feels comfortable beyond belief.
as he becomes older, he realizes - softness isn't a weakness, after all.)
When do you need me!
['You did good,' like that means anything to him!! ...It does, a lot, and Scott can't stop himself from smiling, the sullenness from before all but disappearing. The present he picked wasn't stupid and Dazai honestly likes it. Yeah, it's kind of baggy, but it sort of suits him.
Main thing is that he likes it.]
Oh, uh, we already had the meeting and things turned out okay.
[Doesn't mean he won't recruit Dazai in the future if something does go wrong.]
Main thing is that he likes it.]
Oh, uh, we already had the meeting and things turned out okay.
[Doesn't mean he won't recruit Dazai in the future if something does go wrong.]
Edited 2023-08-01 14:22 (UTC)
(often, dazai's smile are phony, a mask upon a mask upon a mask, but this time, it's awfully genuine. his bandaged hands come to his chin, his eyes closing as he taps the spot next to him with his foot.)
Tell me about it! How did it go?
Tell me about it! How did it go?
[Scott finally slides into the spot next to Dazai, because he doesn't have a reason to bail and escape from disappointment now.]
It was pretty cool, Dazai.
[Even though his eyes can't be seen, Scott still seems to visibly brighten, his voice even taking on a slightly more excited tone as he recounts the club meeting on the rooftop.]
I mean, sure, there weren't a whole bunch of us, but still a decent number. And the other teens were pretty chill too. I got to see a couple new abilities and I showed mine off too.
It was pretty cool, Dazai.
[Even though his eyes can't be seen, Scott still seems to visibly brighten, his voice even taking on a slightly more excited tone as he recounts the club meeting on the rooftop.]
I mean, sure, there weren't a whole bunch of us, but still a decent number. And the other teens were pretty chill too. I got to see a couple new abilities and I showed mine off too.
(dazai's hand, as always the only thing visible from his arm, extends to allow scott to take it and find solace in his ability. for once, remove the glasses, to find some peace in the embrace of numbness.)
Who did you meet? Good kids?
Who did you meet? Good kids?
[Dazai's hold is always welcome, but Scott will never fully get used to his powers suddenly going away, the pressure behind his eyes just gone and leaving him as a completely normal teen once more. It's weird that he's lived most of his life as 'normal,' but sometimes it's hard to remember that when all he can see is red now.
Like a constant reminder that he's no longer just a human.
But with the mafioso's hand in his, Scott slides his glasses off, allowing Dazai to see just how excited the young teen is. His blue eyes almost seem to sparkle as he continues to talk about the club meetup.]
Yeah! There were teens that can use magic, one with an alien, and of course Kotone was there-- [Don't mind Scott if he seems to visibly brighten when talking about her. Now more obvious without his shades blocking his eyes.] Deku's probably the closest thing to me being a mutant? It's not the same thing, since he calls it a 'Quirk,' but it's still nice. He even wrote like an entire notebook and gave theories on how my powers work, he's really fucking smart.
Like a constant reminder that he's no longer just a human.
But with the mafioso's hand in his, Scott slides his glasses off, allowing Dazai to see just how excited the young teen is. His blue eyes almost seem to sparkle as he continues to talk about the club meetup.]
Yeah! There were teens that can use magic, one with an alien, and of course Kotone was there-- [Don't mind Scott if he seems to visibly brighten when talking about her. Now more obvious without his shades blocking his eyes.] Deku's probably the closest thing to me being a mutant? It's not the same thing, since he calls it a 'Quirk,' but it's still nice. He even wrote like an entire notebook and gave theories on how my powers work, he's really fucking smart.
(what a damn cute kid. it always makes him so happy to see them this excited, it's like oda said - life would be a little bit more wonderful. it doesn't cure him, far from it, but it's enough fuel for him to keep fighting another day. even his often dead eyes have a sparkle of light before they close with his smile.)
You know, Scott? I work with some teenagers. If they come, I'll have them go to you, so you can help them become a little more at home. 'Quirks', huh-- wait, mutant? So this is your DNA? Ours are connected to our souls, they often tell what our soul is, in their own way? Maybe yours might tell you something, too!
You know, Scott? I work with some teenagers. If they come, I'll have them go to you, so you can help them become a little more at home. 'Quirks', huh-- wait, mutant? So this is your DNA? Ours are connected to our souls, they often tell what our soul is, in their own way? Maybe yours might tell you something, too!
Edited 2023-08-08 23:34 (UTC)
[That's definitely a weird smile on Dazai-- but Scott doesn't think too hard about it, because he's a little distracted himself.]
Huh? [Oh okay, Dazai wants to help make the club bigger. That's cool of him and Scott's Ready for more people.] I mean, sure, they're welcome to join TWAT-- Teenagers With Abilities and Talents Club. Even if they're as annoying as you are, I can make a few exceptions.
[But huh... powers connected to souls. He's not quite sure what it means for Dazai or himself. A thoughtful look crosses Scott's face, but that energy from before doesn't exactly go away.]
Oh, did I forget to tell you? Yeah, I'm known as a mutant back home, we have something known as the X-Gene and... blah blah blah. [Very knowledgeable, this one.] If I have uncontrollable destruction beams, does that I mean I'm meant to be a destroyer? Or a villain?
[He's too much in a good mood to take his own words seriously at least.]
Huh? [Oh okay, Dazai wants to help make the club bigger. That's cool of him and Scott's Ready for more people.] I mean, sure, they're welcome to join TWAT-- Teenagers With Abilities and Talents Club. Even if they're as annoying as you are, I can make a few exceptions.
[But huh... powers connected to souls. He's not quite sure what it means for Dazai or himself. A thoughtful look crosses Scott's face, but that energy from before doesn't exactly go away.]
Oh, did I forget to tell you? Yeah, I'm known as a mutant back home, we have something known as the X-Gene and... blah blah blah. [Very knowledgeable, this one.] If I have uncontrollable destruction beams, does that I mean I'm meant to be a destroyer? Or a villain?
[He's too much in a good mood to take his own words seriously at least.]
One is incredibly optimistic, like you plucked a little drop of sunshine from the sky! The other can turn into a giant tiger, and he's a good kid too. I am the most annoying!
(he laughs, waving his hand to focus on scott's words. there's so much about dazai he doesn't know, after all, might as well continue that way.)
You can become a great construction worker! Have you thought of that?! People would pay millions!
(he laughs, waving his hand to focus on scott's words. there's so much about dazai he doesn't know, after all, might as well continue that way.)
You can become a great construction worker! Have you thought of that?! People would pay millions!
[A giant... tiger. That's pretty awesome, actually. He'd totally be down meeting a kid that can transform into a fucking tiger, especially since he hasn't seen one in person before. And zoos don't count.
Scott actually laughs at the construction worker comment, his cheeks flushing as he protests lightly in fun.]
Are you sure you don't mean destruction worker? But I could totally start a new business. The Summers Demolition Company. Want something destroyed within a few seconds? Just give us a call! No need for unwieldy machines or dynamite.
Scott actually laughs at the construction worker comment, his cheeks flushing as he protests lightly in fun.]
Are you sure you don't mean destruction worker? But I could totally start a new business. The Summers Demolition Company. Want something destroyed within a few seconds? Just give us a call! No need for unwieldy machines or dynamite.
See?! Top dollar!! Kiddo, you'd be famous! Do you know how hard demolition is?! I don't, but probably super hard!
Ooooor, you could work with me at the Armed Detective Agency. Our youngest is 14, so there's little worries about your age there!
Ooooor, you could work with me at the Armed Detective Agency. Our youngest is 14, so there's little worries about your age there!
A detective agency? I'm not sure how useful I'd be at detective work, but sounds pretty neat.
[Honestly working for a detective sounds pretty neat. Not a job he originally considered, but he wouldn't complain too much about trying something like that. Of course, it's unlikely that he'll ever see Dazai or this agency back home, but he can pretend for a while.]
[Honestly working for a detective sounds pretty neat. Not a job he originally considered, but he wouldn't complain too much about trying something like that. Of course, it's unlikely that he'll ever see Dazai or this agency back home, but he can pretend for a while.]
Very much so! We deal with cases that are too complicated for the police, usually supernatural, definitely due to other ability-users. We have police clearance and everything!
(an extra pair of hands would be wonderful in that case.)
(an extra pair of hands would be wonderful in that case.)
[Huh... a detective agency that deals specifically with people that have abilities and stuff. Scott doesn't think anything like that exists in his world, but he can possibly see the need for one, especially if there are some mutants out there that want to use their powers for shitty reasons. Or maybe just start an agency to help locate lost mutants and stuff.
Maybe it's something to look into. He can at least propose that idea to Professor Xavier, right? That's part of being 'a productive member of society.']
Don't know how the police trust you with anything.
[Scott snorts, but he seems oddly hopeful about all this. Even if he can't personally join Dazai's agency, he's gotten an idea or two at least from his dumb ramblings.] If I see your agency back home, I guess I'll take a look. Figure out how your business is still operating.
Maybe it's something to look into. He can at least propose that idea to Professor Xavier, right? That's part of being 'a productive member of society.']
Don't know how the police trust you with anything.
[Scott snorts, but he seems oddly hopeful about all this. Even if he can't personally join Dazai's agency, he's gotten an idea or two at least from his dumb ramblings.] If I see your agency back home, I guess I'll take a look. Figure out how your business is still operating.
Ah, the man whose touch stops them all?!
(he laughs, although, point taken. he's horrible at work, anyway. all he does is what he wants, plans not disclosed unless needed, cards played under tables and then, boom!-- that is, when he's not whining, bitching, sleeping, slacking, being dazai, etc, it all works out.)
Oh, pretty simple. Two strategists, one doctor -- don't ever get too hurt, you wouldn't like her, a man who's crazy about his schedule, and our wonderful attack teams, all under our President's orders. I'd hope you could join, his ability makes it so you can control yours at different levels if you're his subordinate.
(he laughs, although, point taken. he's horrible at work, anyway. all he does is what he wants, plans not disclosed unless needed, cards played under tables and then, boom!-- that is, when he's not whining, bitching, sleeping, slacking, being dazai, etc, it all works out.)
Oh, pretty simple. Two strategists, one doctor -- don't ever get too hurt, you wouldn't like her, a man who's crazy about his schedule, and our wonderful attack teams, all under our President's orders. I'd hope you could join, his ability makes it so you can control yours at different levels if you're his subordinate.
[The more he hears about this detective agency, the more questions he honestly has. Kind of weird that they have their own personal doctor and whatever, but guess that's how his business works. Dazai sort of has that 'do whatever' energy too.]
Huh... so he can control the strength of my optic blasts? [That's an interesting thought. Make it so that when he shoots his beams, they aren't always completely destructive and everything. Yeah, that'd really be useful. Scott lets out a thoughtful noise, his legs swinging from his seat.]
I mean, I don't wanna be anyone's subordinate, but it's interesting. [He nudges Dazai slightly with a slight look of exasperation.] You don't have to convince me to take a look, okay? I said I'll visit if it's there.
Huh... so he can control the strength of my optic blasts? [That's an interesting thought. Make it so that when he shoots his beams, they aren't always completely destructive and everything. Yeah, that'd really be useful. Scott lets out a thoughtful noise, his legs swinging from his seat.]
I mean, I don't wanna be anyone's subordinate, but it's interesting. [He nudges Dazai slightly with a slight look of exasperation.] You don't have to convince me to take a look, okay? I said I'll visit if it's there.
He can't control anything. He makes you able to control it! You could say goodbye to your glasses! Unfortunately, doesn't work on me, as we know, 'No Longer Human' doesn't like company at all!
(it'd be... interesting. he's always touching others, but he knows it's often unwanted - not only because dazai's a piece of shit, but because to people like them, being ability-less means to be vulnerable, fragile, defenseless. uncomfortable, to say the least. to turn it on and off would be a dream, too, the pain he has to go through simply because he can't be healed is off the charts.)
Hooray! ♫ I haven't been in a year! Enjoy my desk full of paperwork!
(it'd be... interesting. he's always touching others, but he knows it's often unwanted - not only because dazai's a piece of shit, but because to people like them, being ability-less means to be vulnerable, fragile, defenseless. uncomfortable, to say the least. to turn it on and off would be a dream, too, the pain he has to go through simply because he can't be healed is off the charts.)
Hooray! ♫ I haven't been in a year! Enjoy my desk full of paperwork!
[Scott reaches over to his eyes for a moment, almost like he's feeling for his glasses, but he stops, because they're off now. They've been off this entire time he's been talking to Dazai and it's not like he's forgotten, but it's getting more and more familiar just always having them on. It'd be so useful having the ability to control his optic blasts, turning them on and off whenever he wants to and not needing to rely on an object to keep them maintained.
He still doesn't think he'd be able to go to Dazai's workplace back home, but it's nice to have some hope. Probably means that there's something possible back in his world, with mutants having all sorts of unusual powers too.]
A whole year? Are you sure that you're not just fired now?
He still doesn't think he'd be able to go to Dazai's workplace back home, but it's nice to have some hope. Probably means that there's something possible back in his world, with mutants having all sorts of unusual powers too.]
A whole year? Are you sure that you're not just fired now?
I'm on a mission!
(if he manages some luck, he'll survive. it's tough to be against fyodor, it's like playing chess with himself and having no mercy on his adversary. it's not so fun to be so smart, but alas, that's not the point. fyodor might manage to kill him, with his legs broken, ribs shattered, it might be his end as soon as he returns.
lucky him? who knows.)
They can't fire me! I'm the only one with this sort of ability.
(if he manages some luck, he'll survive. it's tough to be against fyodor, it's like playing chess with himself and having no mercy on his adversary. it's not so fun to be so smart, but alas, that's not the point. fyodor might manage to kill him, with his legs broken, ribs shattered, it might be his end as soon as he returns.
lucky him? who knows.)
They can't fire me! I'm the only one with this sort of ability.
Nothing to do with Kotone. Meet me in my room.
I didn't ask.
If I have to come to you, I'm going to be annoyed.
If I have to come to you, I'm going to be annoyed.
Fuck you're so bossy.
[But he eventually makes it to Dazai's room, looking as sullen as ever, with his hands inside his pockets before he grudgingly pulls one out to knock on his door. Scott sort of took his time to get here, mostly grumbling and trying not to perish from anxiety and dread. He's fine now, 100%, he can handle this.]
[But he eventually makes it to Dazai's room, looking as sullen as ever, with his hands inside his pockets before he grudgingly pulls one out to knock on his door. Scott sort of took his time to get here, mostly grumbling and trying not to perish from anxiety and dread. He's fine now, 100%, he can handle this.]
(for once, there's no smile, real of phony, when he opened the door, gesturing for the boy to get inside. no chuuya, but the signs of domestic war bliss are rather visible. alas, he sits at the table, stretching his arms above his head and waiting for the boy to do the same.)
You know, Scott. I know a lot about you, but you don't know much about me at all. I want to tell you a few stories.
You know, Scott. I know a lot about you, but you don't know much about me at all. I want to tell you a few stories.
[He briefly thinks about just standing by the door, partly out of rebellion, and partly so he can escape quickly if the time arises because conversations are hard. But with one last sullen look at the exit, Scott shuffles his way over to the table and sits across from him, tryin to decide if he wants to just play things off or... whatever.]
...What kind of stories? [Scott holds back on any smartass remark, knowing that it's not the time right now.]
...What kind of stories? [Scott holds back on any smartass remark, knowing that it's not the time right now.]
Stories about the people I've taught, about the person I've been, and the things you'll learn earlier than I wish you would.
(akechi sucks. everyone sucks!! the fact that all of his people are so outwardly horrible doesn't help either. fuck.)
But I suppose I was beat to it. Do you have any questions for me, Scott?
(akechi sucks. everyone sucks!! the fact that all of his people are so outwardly horrible doesn't help either. fuck.)
But I suppose I was beat to it. Do you have any questions for me, Scott?
[Guess there's no use in pretending, is there? Dazai figured out it was him asking the question anyway on his stupid radio show.]
...They mentioned that you were a murderer.
[He still hasn't figured out who the 'anon' person was, but that's not really on the top of Scott's concerns right now. He... he wants to hear from Dazai, although, he also really doesn't want to. It's stupid. He still feels anxious and a part of him wants to cry again, but the mutant just stares hard at the table, a little glad once more that he's required to wear his shades.]
...They mentioned that you were a murderer.
[He still hasn't figured out who the 'anon' person was, but that's not really on the top of Scott's concerns right now. He... he wants to hear from Dazai, although, he also really doesn't want to. It's stupid. He still feels anxious and a part of him wants to cry again, but the mutant just stares hard at the table, a little glad once more that he's required to wear his shades.]
(dazai refrains from touching, although his hand is strategically positioned so that the boy might take it any time he wishes. it's a matter of allowing Scott time to think, space to feel. there's a sigh from him as he nods his head.)
That isn't incorrect. From the time I was a little younger than you all the way to my late teens, I was part of an organization called Port Mafia. I hold the title of the youngest Boss in history. If you hadn't hear it from me, you would have heard it either way. Chuuya, unlike me, hasn't left the mafia, and he's disgustingly attached.
That isn't incorrect. From the time I was a little younger than you all the way to my late teens, I was part of an organization called Port Mafia. I hold the title of the youngest Boss in history. If you hadn't hear it from me, you would have heard it either way. Chuuya, unlike me, hasn't left the mafia, and he's disgustingly attached.
[Thoughts of The Godfather pop up in Scott's mind when Dazai brings up the mafia and while that's an awesome movie, he doesn't feel it as much right now. Real life and crap really puts a damper on things.]
You killed a lot of people then. [Quietly, almost dully.] For money? Is that why?
[And maybe just a tiny bit hopefully.] Or did... someone just force you into it? Didn't have a choice?
[Is that better? Maybe a tiny bit. Scott just continues to stare down at the table.]
You killed a lot of people then. [Quietly, almost dully.] For money? Is that why?
[And maybe just a tiny bit hopefully.] Or did... someone just force you into it? Didn't have a choice?
[Is that better? Maybe a tiny bit. Scott just continues to stare down at the table.]
Mhm, not really. I was rich, and yet, I lived in a shipping container. I never cared about money.
(it's a little hard to explain, where does he begin? it's such a downer.)
I witnessed something, and I'm... Important to them, but the decision to join was mine. I've been suicidal since I can remember, I thought if I witnessed the worst of the worst, I'd find out why people keep pressing on. Turns out, I didn't find it. When he died, I switched sides, and I've been on the opposite side ever since.
(it's a little hard to explain, where does he begin? it's such a downer.)
I witnessed something, and I'm... Important to them, but the decision to join was mine. I've been suicidal since I can remember, I thought if I witnessed the worst of the worst, I'd find out why people keep pressing on. Turns out, I didn't find it. When he died, I switched sides, and I've been on the opposite side ever since.
Edited 2023-08-14 21:57 (UTC)
[Honestly, Scott's not entirely sure if he's following. He feels like he's trying to piece something together based on the few things he knows about him, such as his suicidal attempts and his boyfriend or lover getting murdered, but he can't. Or maybe he's just too focused on the fact that Dazai is an actual mafia boss that's killed people for... what again?]
...I don't understand still. Why did you kill people?
...I don't understand still. Why did you kill people?
Work, which I did because I was trying to understand the worst in people, so I could find something good about living, and want to live myself. You're very lively, so I don't expect you to understand this part yourself.
(after all, he looked. he tried, he squinted, he has done horrible things, and yet, nothing. nothing made him want to press on as people often do.
odasaku did, and then odasaku was taken from him by the place he helped thrive.)
(after all, he looked. he tried, he squinted, he has done horrible things, and yet, nothing. nothing made him want to press on as people often do.
odasaku did, and then odasaku was taken from him by the place he helped thrive.)
That doesn't make any fucking sense.
[Seeing the worst in people compels him to live?? Shouldn't that be the opposite? Maybe there's no point trying to understand Dazai's thought process, because he's always been hard to really get. Besides, there's still something else that is nagging him, a question that he doesn't want the answer to, but he can't stop the small whisper that comes out.]
...How badly did you hurt people? [Before Dazai gets the chance to answer, Scott turns his head up to look at him with an angry look, one that's trying to desperately hide the breakdown that he feels coming.]
How badly did you hurt others?! Just so that you didn't off yourself?!
[Seeing the worst in people compels him to live?? Shouldn't that be the opposite? Maybe there's no point trying to understand Dazai's thought process, because he's always been hard to really get. Besides, there's still something else that is nagging him, a question that he doesn't want the answer to, but he can't stop the small whisper that comes out.]
...How badly did you hurt people? [Before Dazai gets the chance to answer, Scott turns his head up to look at him with an angry look, one that's trying to desperately hide the breakdown that he feels coming.]
How badly did you hurt others?! Just so that you didn't off yourself?!
Edited 2023-08-15 14:36 (UTC)
(no use in trying to talk to him like he's a child right now, but there's no use lying either. his nickname is in the air, 'demon prodigy' a known title to a few. he wants to sigh again -- it's often more complicated than that. there's a whole lot to unpack, and it won't go anywhere if he doesn't let scott let it out of him - he was born in this. it'd been all he had ever known, and he thought, in his stupid teenage brain, that seeing why others hold on in such circumstances would bring some light to a brain that never stops ticking.)
Scott, breathe. You're spiraling again, and it won't help either of us. Sit, breathe, or I'm leaving.
(authority is a new weight in his voice.)
Scott, breathe. You're spiraling again, and it won't help either of us. Sit, breathe, or I'm leaving.
(authority is a new weight in his voice.)
[He hears the new tone that Dazai's taken and a part of him does shrink back, almost intimidated by his demeanor. But as that feeling emerges, so does his anger, and he feels it taking hold of him, the red light behind his glasses sharpening for a second.]
Stop telling me to calm down! [He bangs the table with a fist, ignoring the pain that shoots up his arm from that action. It doesn't really matter right now.]
Why should I just sit and act like everything's fine when you're telling me all this crap?!
Stop telling me to calm down! [He bangs the table with a fist, ignoring the pain that shoots up his arm from that action. It doesn't really matter right now.]
Why should I just sit and act like everything's fine when you're telling me all this crap?!
(as promised, he'll walk. if he won't be able to continue talking if scott is going to keep the anger on the surface of his skin. useless to talk to fire, so he stands up, hands sticking into his pocket.)
[Scott didn't think that Dazai was actually serious, so he feels his chest constrict as the older man stands up, making his intentions to leave known. I-is that it?]
Y-You're really just gonna leave?
[His voice isn't cracking at the end, what are you talking about. He swallows past the lump in his throat and finds himself clinging to that anger still, ignoring any rationale or that he probably needs to calm down. Screw that.]
Fine, then go! [Even if he's the one that's in Dazai's room. Whatever.]
Y-You're really just gonna leave?
[His voice isn't cracking at the end, what are you talking about. He swallows past the lump in his throat and finds himself clinging to that anger still, ignoring any rationale or that he probably needs to calm down. Screw that.]
Fine, then go! [Even if he's the one that's in Dazai's room. Whatever.]
(Scott is simple. he's not like himself, or the man he shares his bed, when they were his age. not like akechi, or akira, or kotone. in fact, this is the first time he has to deal with an outburst regarding his past, so he pauses at the question.)
I invited you to listen, and yet you are choosing to yell? I'd rather leave and let you come when you feel like listening. So, control that anger. Are you going to listen?
I invited you to listen, and yet you are choosing to yell? I'd rather leave and let you come when you feel like listening. So, control that anger. Are you going to listen?
You just fucking told me to come over.
[He feels like he's being talked down upon and it only serves to fuel the growing frustration that he has about this whole situation. H-he's not some stupid kid!! Scott almost lashes out once more, but the words remain lodged in his throat as he looks at Dazai and how he's about ready to leave, and he finds himself glaring down at the table instead.
He's still mad, but he doesn't say anything else, to either confirm or deny that he'll listen.]
[He feels like he's being talked down upon and it only serves to fuel the growing frustration that he has about this whole situation. H-he's not some stupid kid!! Scott almost lashes out once more, but the words remain lodged in his throat as he looks at Dazai and how he's about ready to leave, and he finds himself glaring down at the table instead.
He's still mad, but he doesn't say anything else, to either confirm or deny that he'll listen.]
(while dazai could be freaking out, he's not. he's collected as he returns, fixing the his trenchcoat on his figure as he moves around the apartment for a cigarette pack, an ashtray, a lighter. it's simply stalling to give the other more time to think, process. he doesn't think he's stupid - after all, he's simply innocent. that's what it comes down to.
he lights it with grace, the drag he takes long and he allows the smoke to sit in his lungs for a moment before blowing it above his head.)
Before I was an Executive, I was on a mission to move counterfeit money, but I got shot a few times, and I thought that was it. Here, here, here... I think here-- oh, no, that one was someone else.
(he points on his stomach, his chest. his skin is marked by so much pain, no wonder he is covered from head to toe.)
A man found me, and he took me against my will - because, of course, I was happy I was finally going to kick it. He tied me up so I wouldn't run and he kept treating me, even while I was trying my best to make him so sick of me he'd kill me himself. I later found out that this man, so humble, so disgustingly good of a person, was a very dangerous killer - who decided to become a writer. Due to this, he decided never to kill again, because he couldn't write about people while being their suffering. The last thing he asked of me before he died in my arms was to become a good person and save others. With this background, the story I want to tell you is hardly my own. Will you listen?
he lights it with grace, the drag he takes long and he allows the smoke to sit in his lungs for a moment before blowing it above his head.)
Before I was an Executive, I was on a mission to move counterfeit money, but I got shot a few times, and I thought that was it. Here, here, here... I think here-- oh, no, that one was someone else.
(he points on his stomach, his chest. his skin is marked by so much pain, no wonder he is covered from head to toe.)
A man found me, and he took me against my will - because, of course, I was happy I was finally going to kick it. He tied me up so I wouldn't run and he kept treating me, even while I was trying my best to make him so sick of me he'd kill me himself. I later found out that this man, so humble, so disgustingly good of a person, was a very dangerous killer - who decided to become a writer. Due to this, he decided never to kill again, because he couldn't write about people while being their suffering. The last thing he asked of me before he died in my arms was to become a good person and save others. With this background, the story I want to tell you is hardly my own. Will you listen?
[At least Dazai hasn't left yet, something that he's honestly glad about, and it's a feeling that he can't entirely get rid of despite how upset he is. So many adults have come and gone since he arrived, many of them wanting to help him, and Dazai sort of has been the only one to stick around so far (at least of the adults he's gotten really talked to). Scott doesn't want him gone or think he's trash, even if he may be a terrible murderer in the past.
Although, he's not sure how that reflects upon him.
He eventually turns his gaze over to Dazai, quietly listening to what he has to say. Scott remembers about his closest person being murdered in front of him, so he figures this is the same guy, but he never figured that individual being kind of terrible as well. He's getting the picture that Dazai probably wants to do something similar, be a better person like his dead partner tried to be.
Does it absolve him for the shit he did in the past though? Scott clenches his hands on the top of his legs, but he manages to keep calm.]
...I'm listening.
Although, he's not sure how that reflects upon him.
He eventually turns his gaze over to Dazai, quietly listening to what he has to say. Scott remembers about his closest person being murdered in front of him, so he figures this is the same guy, but he never figured that individual being kind of terrible as well. He's getting the picture that Dazai probably wants to do something similar, be a better person like his dead partner tried to be.
Does it absolve him for the shit he did in the past though? Scott clenches his hands on the top of his legs, but he manages to keep calm.]
...I'm listening.
The story is about three different kids. The Port Mafia is a place that has a good number of extraordinary kids under their belt. Chuuya and I started our careers at age 15, and there are younger ones. There's a little girl whose name is Kyouka, she's currently 13. She traveled in darkness for a long time, a favorite of another Executive, and at one point, we took her into the Armed Detective Agency, but she hardly felt belonging - she had killed around 35 people at that point directly. She thought she wasn't deserving of doing good, simply because of her past. We spoke, and because she was brave, despite what she had done, she saved our lives, and an entire city. She's a valuable co-worker to me as we both walk the other side. Do you think a little girl like her deserves a second chance, Scott?
(he has a point. two people to go, and he'll get to the core of what he's attempting to teach the boy.)
(he has a point. two people to go, and he'll get to the core of what he's attempting to teach the boy.)
[A thirteen year old girl did all that...? Scott knows that Dazai isn't lying, he's willing to give that much to him, no matter how his view may shift and change.]
Y-Yeah, of course! I'm not an asshole! [Her circumstances were probably different and everything, right? She probably got forced into killing or something...]
Y-Yeah, of course! I'm not an asshole! [Her circumstances were probably different and everything, right? She probably got forced into killing or something...]
Alright. So, Kyouka could be forgiven. Let's look into another case. The Port Mafia is structured into the Boss, the Executives, and then everyone else. The Boss was my mentor, and alongside with me, there was a child. Their name is Q. Their ability is the most fucked up thing I have ever seen - it's activated if someone harms Q in any way, and then they are mind controlled into seeing the worst hallucinations in full belief of it being reality. They have murdered several people in the Mafia, and they also manipulate ways for people to hurt them, even if it's simply a push, so they can activate it. Due to my ability, I'm not affected -- so I've put them in a dungeon, since they do enjoy the carnage. They're simply 13, too, but will act as a child, sweet, innocent. They don't see the sun, and they're solely alive because I'm the only one who's able to approach. Solely 13, though. Do they get a second chance? What makes them so different from Kyouka-chan?
[Man, just... what the hell? Why is he being asked all these stupid philosophical questions? Scott feels a flare of his original anger, but he shoves it down this time, because he also knows they aren't just... what if situations. It's shit Dazai deals with back home.]
I... I don't fucking know. [He turns his face to stare almost grumpily at the door.] If Q enjoys hurting people, he sounds kind of awful, even if he is 13. It doesn't sound like Kyouka enjoyed any of the shit she did.
I... I don't fucking know. [He turns his face to stare almost grumpily at the door.] If Q enjoys hurting people, he sounds kind of awful, even if he is 13. It doesn't sound like Kyouka enjoyed any of the shit she did.
(almost there. 'i don't fucking know' is a wonderful start to where he's getting at.)
My last piece of this long story are actually two of my mentees. Akutagawa and Atsushi. Akutagawa is from the PM, hot-headed, always killed before asking any questions, because he has always equated that with strength, and I failed to remove that from him during my years of mentoring him, and he's extremely attached to me and my approval. My current mentee in the ADA is Atsushi, and he sees that himself - he even says it to Akutagawa's face, that the reason why I don't want him is because he's a broken behavior record, and because of me, he hates Atsushi very much. Atsushi has made him promise they can have a fight to the death in six months, on the condition he doesn't kill anyone in the meantime. I've been watching from afar, and so far, there have been no casualties. Do we consider this a progress in his character, or a setback, when his motivation is still so murder-y?
My last piece of this long story are actually two of my mentees. Akutagawa and Atsushi. Akutagawa is from the PM, hot-headed, always killed before asking any questions, because he has always equated that with strength, and I failed to remove that from him during my years of mentoring him, and he's extremely attached to me and my approval. My current mentee in the ADA is Atsushi, and he sees that himself - he even says it to Akutagawa's face, that the reason why I don't want him is because he's a broken behavior record, and because of me, he hates Atsushi very much. Atsushi has made him promise they can have a fight to the death in six months, on the condition he doesn't kill anyone in the meantime. I've been watching from afar, and so far, there have been no casualties. Do we consider this a progress in his character, or a setback, when his motivation is still so murder-y?
[Sounds like Dazai is just a shitty mentor, but Scott doesn't say that, mostly because he personally hasn't felt that way. Dazai's the person that stopped him from calling himself a freak... not to mention other things. Helping him see the world in color, letting him cry against him. Wanting to help out in TWAT club.
...
Just fuck this. Scott tightly shuts his eyes behind his shades, trying his best not to start crying in front of him.]
Guess it depends if he actually kills Atsushi, doesn't it?
...
Just fuck this. Scott tightly shuts his eyes behind his shades, trying his best not to start crying in front of him.]
Guess it depends if he actually kills Atsushi, doesn't it?
But does it, kid?
(he finally manages another drag from his cigarette, halfway burned with the ash hanging by a thread before he taps it off. dazai's spare hand moves to the boy's own, a quiet invitation for him to put down the glasses for now.)
I told you all this for a reason. All these people I've mentioned, myself included, have committed horrible things. What I've done, and what I'd do, it'll never go away, but life is gray. Right or wrong doesn't mean shit to me, it's always a matter of perspective. You've committed murder yourself, whether that was alright due to the circumstances or whether that is something you'll decide to work to repay is up to you, as it is to all of us. I've bought you here because you were clearly distressed. You're a good kid, and I care about your well-being, but there are things that are not black and white, and much like all these stories, it's not up to us to decide whether something is alright or not. It's up to you and your own feelings towards it. You can decide to hate me for being the youngest Executive in Mafia history -- that tells you much of what I've done, if that gives you a better picture. You can decide it's unforgivable, and I'm not allowed to be good to you or anyone else. Likewise, you can think the opposite. There's not a real way of deciding these things, and you're all that matters.
Have I answered your question now, kid?
(he finally manages another drag from his cigarette, halfway burned with the ash hanging by a thread before he taps it off. dazai's spare hand moves to the boy's own, a quiet invitation for him to put down the glasses for now.)
I told you all this for a reason. All these people I've mentioned, myself included, have committed horrible things. What I've done, and what I'd do, it'll never go away, but life is gray. Right or wrong doesn't mean shit to me, it's always a matter of perspective. You've committed murder yourself, whether that was alright due to the circumstances or whether that is something you'll decide to work to repay is up to you, as it is to all of us. I've bought you here because you were clearly distressed. You're a good kid, and I care about your well-being, but there are things that are not black and white, and much like all these stories, it's not up to us to decide whether something is alright or not. It's up to you and your own feelings towards it. You can decide to hate me for being the youngest Executive in Mafia history -- that tells you much of what I've done, if that gives you a better picture. You can decide it's unforgivable, and I'm not allowed to be good to you or anyone else. Likewise, you can think the opposite. There's not a real way of deciding these things, and you're all that matters.
Have I answered your question now, kid?
[For once, he doesn't remove his glasses, wanting to keep them on longer. It sort of helps to hide expression, something that he wants right now. At least Scott doesn't pull his hand away from Dazai's, letting it rest within his own.
His shoulders tense tightly when he mentions that he committed murder too, a question that he's been wanting answered, so guess he has that now. Scott's teeth clench, finding it harder to ignore the growing pain in his chest. He feels overwhelmed, and maybe parts of him still think that what's Dazai is done unforgiveable, no matter what. But he also doesn't want him to... stop helping people or supporting him when it feels like he doesn't have anyone else here sometimes.
Life really is stupidly complicated and shit, isn't it?]
I guess so. [He's quiet, still filled with confusing and conflicting thoughts, but he does want one thing straight.] So, you do believe that I murdered people.
His shoulders tense tightly when he mentions that he committed murder too, a question that he's been wanting answered, so guess he has that now. Scott's teeth clench, finding it harder to ignore the growing pain in his chest. He feels overwhelmed, and maybe parts of him still think that what's Dazai is done unforgiveable, no matter what. But he also doesn't want him to... stop helping people or supporting him when it feels like he doesn't have anyone else here sometimes.
Life really is stupidly complicated and shit, isn't it?]
I guess so. [He's quiet, still filled with confusing and conflicting thoughts, but he does want one thing straight.] So, you do believe that I murdered people.
That's the point. It doesn't matter what I think. What good would it do? I think what is more important than my opinion on that, is that I truly care for you and think of you the same regardless. Isn't that enough?
(this kid is by far the hardest challenge he has ever had. a recently traumatized one, who hasn't lived a life of horrors. a good one. so, his hand leaves, but not away from scott, but instead, into his hair in a gentle ruff.)
(this kid is by far the hardest challenge he has ever had. a recently traumatized one, who hasn't lived a life of horrors. a good one. so, his hand leaves, but not away from scott, but instead, into his hair in a gentle ruff.)
...But it matters to me, what you think.
[Scott keeps that same quiet tone, looking at Dazai with a slightly desperate expression, even with the comforting hand on his head. If his parents or his brother was here... he's not sure what they'd think, maybe disown him? Maybe think his actions were justifiable? He can't ask, but he can of Dazai.]
You can still care about someone and think they should be in jail or something.
[Scott keeps that same quiet tone, looking at Dazai with a slightly desperate expression, even with the comforting hand on his head. If his parents or his brother was here... he's not sure what they'd think, maybe disown him? Maybe think his actions were justifiable? He can't ask, but he can of Dazai.]
You can still care about someone and think they should be in jail or something.
Oh, I was, for a year. Does that help?
(nope, most likely not. he sighs, knowing what is guiding this.)
It was, I think so. Even self-defense is murder in self-defense.
(nope, most likely not. he sighs, knowing what is guiding this.)
It was, I think so. Even self-defense is murder in self-defense.
[A choked noise leaves Scott when Dazai gives his honest opinion, even though it's been something that he's wanted all this time. He didn't think it would be so painful to hear, however, and despite everything the mafioso's told him, he still can't focus on his earlier words of guidance. The world isn't black and white and everything can be placed in perspective, but to him, he still did something bad. He killed people that were just infected by something, people that could recover, people that could've been the Chosen.
Scott abruptly stands up from his chair, showing his intent to just escape and be somewhere else for a while.]
Scott abruptly stands up from his chair, showing his intent to just escape and be somewhere else for a while.]
(this is precisely why he didn't think asking dazai himself would be ideal. people who were infected by something were still people who were attacking, people who at that moment, were not recovering. dazai is no stranger to walking by a sea of corpses and just seeing numbers, or much worse -- objects to envy.
at the same time, in his agenda there's a plan to harden scott a little. he won't survive in this place if he sees things as black and white. that authoritarian voice comes back, and he pats it again, calmly as he could be.)
Sit down, Scott. I didn't say it was a bad thing. Did you know I'm not a great fighter? What if you hadn't and I was injured? Then you'd feel bad that you hadn't.
at the same time, in his agenda there's a plan to harden scott a little. he won't survive in this place if he sees things as black and white. that authoritarian voice comes back, and he pats it again, calmly as he could be.)
Sit down, Scott. I didn't say it was a bad thing. Did you know I'm not a great fighter? What if you hadn't and I was injured? Then you'd feel bad that you hadn't.
[He doesn't sit back down, but he doesn't start walking towards the door, even though it's very much obvious that he wants to. Scott sucks in a shaky breath, as he does his best to say what he wants to say without cracking in the process.]
I-I know that you want to justify it, but you just told me that all that matters is how I feel about it. And how I feel-- [He swallows again, trying to gather himself.] I killed people. I could've just shot their legs or the ground in front of them, but I didn't. And now they won't come back.
I-I know that you want to justify it, but you just told me that all that matters is how I feel about it. And how I feel-- [He swallows again, trying to gather himself.] I killed people. I could've just shot their legs or the ground in front of them, but I didn't. And now they won't come back.
No, they won't. Do you want to let that take away your ability to do good or are you going to dwell and sink?
(that's another point. like kyouka. like himself, who doesn't care that he has, and who would again, over, and over, if it was needed.)
(that's another point. like kyouka. like himself, who doesn't care that he has, and who would again, over, and over, if it was needed.)
I'm not sinking!
[Maybe the responsible thing is to never take his glasses off, find a way to fight without his optic blasts. He can be like those super cool martial artists or something and know how to defend himself without killing anyone.
But. What can he do against a giant monster? Punching it would solve nothing and he's back to square one. As Dazai pointed out, he can probably still do good with them, just like how he helped Alphen and everything. Scott rubs his arm, with his gaze slowly turning to the ground once more.]
I'm not like you and your colleagues. [He can't just brush away murder so easily. Maybe it's worrying that Dazai can so easily, but what can Scott do about it other than never talk to him again? He doesn't want that.]
[Maybe the responsible thing is to never take his glasses off, find a way to fight without his optic blasts. He can be like those super cool martial artists or something and know how to defend himself without killing anyone.
But. What can he do against a giant monster? Punching it would solve nothing and he's back to square one. As Dazai pointed out, he can probably still do good with them, just like how he helped Alphen and everything. Scott rubs his arm, with his gaze slowly turning to the ground once more.]
I'm not like you and your colleagues. [He can't just brush away murder so easily. Maybe it's worrying that Dazai can so easily, but what can Scott do about it other than never talk to him again? He doesn't want that.]
Naturally so. I couldn't care less that you've murdered someone, especially in a time like that. None of mine would, either. That said, if you don't learn how to keep your emotions in check and move on from moments like these, they'll add up, and you won't be able to move on. Accept it, take it as you must, work on it, try again next time. It's what I do, and it's all you can do. You're free to go if you wish, by the way. I've said what I needed to say, now it's up to you whether you take it or not.
(false illusion of choice, truly. dazai knows how that age works, and scott clearly cares for what dazai thinks, what he has to say. not unlike akutagawa, seeking the approval of a senior, even if for the mafioso, the levels of complexity triple.
he knows the words will seer once scott has time to process who he truly is, what the boy himself has done.)
(false illusion of choice, truly. dazai knows how that age works, and scott clearly cares for what dazai thinks, what he has to say. not unlike akutagawa, seeking the approval of a senior, even if for the mafioso, the levels of complexity triple.
he knows the words will seer once scott has time to process who he truly is, what the boy himself has done.)
[Almost silently, but still audible.]
You're an awful person, Dazai.
[Where's Alex? Maybe if he was here, he wouldn't be in a situation like this, where he had to find support and life lessons from a mafia boss. If he can shove his world view into those simple terms, it should be easy to just leave and truly forget about him, but he still can't. He doesn't want to, because Alex and Xavier and none of those people are here. Scott simply can't forget how Dazai's been there for him because of his stupid emotions and shit. Even now, he is, even if it's sort of fucked up.
Maybe Alex wouldn't even want to talk with him anyway, knowing what he did.
But eventually Scott speaks again, just as quietly as before.]
I'll work on my shit.
You're an awful person, Dazai.
[Where's Alex? Maybe if he was here, he wouldn't be in a situation like this, where he had to find support and life lessons from a mafia boss. If he can shove his world view into those simple terms, it should be easy to just leave and truly forget about him, but he still can't. He doesn't want to, because Alex and Xavier and none of those people are here. Scott simply can't forget how Dazai's been there for him because of his stupid emotions and shit. Even now, he is, even if it's sort of fucked up.
Maybe Alex wouldn't even want to talk with him anyway, knowing what he did.
But eventually Scott speaks again, just as quietly as before.]
I'll work on my shit.
I know. I like to think I'm at least good person-adjacent these last few years, though. Would you give me at least that? I have been working really hard.
(most of what dazai says or does has a few ulterior motives behind it. the latter is no exception - it's modelling. dazai can't expect scott to try and work on his shit after all this, if he doesn't show that he, too, is doing so. a little nugget of 'i'm doing it, so you can do it too'.)
(most of what dazai says or does has a few ulterior motives behind it. the latter is no exception - it's modelling. dazai can't expect scott to try and work on his shit after all this, if he doesn't show that he, too, is doing so. a little nugget of 'i'm doing it, so you can do it too'.)
...Sure, whatever.
[Guess he's better than just a murdering asshole, but does it really matter what he thinks? Of course, Dazai does care about his well-being in his own fucked up way, he doesn't second guess that, but right now, he just... can't deal with anymore shit. The teen's shoulders sag and he still doesn't know if he wants to cry or punch a wall somewhere, but he knows that he doesn't want to be here.
So, while keeping his gaze mostly rooted to the floor, Scott starts to make his way out of the mafioso's room.]
[Guess he's better than just a murdering asshole, but does it really matter what he thinks? Of course, Dazai does care about his well-being in his own fucked up way, he doesn't second guess that, but right now, he just... can't deal with anymore shit. The teen's shoulders sag and he still doesn't know if he wants to cry or punch a wall somewhere, but he knows that he doesn't want to be here.
So, while keeping his gaze mostly rooted to the floor, Scott starts to make his way out of the mafioso's room.]
i broke the 'dont stick dick in crazy' rule and now my statue is embedded in the ceiling upside down and i need your eyes real quick
none that can destroy it
(lie.......)
(lie.......)
Edited 2023-08-21 18:59 (UTC)
[Maybe he should've asked how Dazai managed to get the statue inside his room, stuck in his ceiling, but whatever, he's here and knocking on his front door. Scott's not even bothering to hide his moodiness now, his hands shoved in his jacket pockets as he waits for him.]
(it wasn't him, it was gogol in a prank, but how amazingly convenient is that for the current situation? it's fine if scott is mad. at the knock he screams from inside, and when scott manages a peak inside, he'll see the man attempting to pull down a whole ass embedded statue with his twink arms.)
Oh, thank God.
Oh, thank God.
[As Scott steps inside, he pauses slightly just to... sort of take the scene in. Yeah, Dazai really has a statue in the ceiling for who fucking knows reason. He's definitely not impressed and remains sort of stationed at his front door as he finally speaks.]
Let's just get this over with, alright? [So, move, asshole.]
Let's just get this over with, alright? [So, move, asshole.]
Ok, so we need to cut it off from the ceiling, and then carrying it downstairs, preferably before Chuuya comes home.
(please, make it before chuuya gets home. they'll both get yelled at due to his surprise...)
(please, make it before chuuya gets home. they'll both get yelled at due to his surprise...)
You forget, the moment I touch you, you're offline. We can work little by little, perhaps.
Ah, still mad at me, I presume!
Ah, still mad at me, I presume!
If you knew that, why'd you call me over?
[Is he mad at him? Sort of. Scott's not sure if he's more angry or depressed, and his go to has always been his rising temper, but the mutant isn't entirely lashing out like normal. He looks away, almost like he's considering leaving.]
Just trying to prove another point? Like I can use my powers to help people? Great, thanks.
[Is he mad at him? Sort of. Scott's not sure if he's more angry or depressed, and his go to has always been his rising temper, but the mutant isn't entirely lashing out like normal. He looks away, almost like he's considering leaving.]
Just trying to prove another point? Like I can use my powers to help people? Great, thanks.
No, actually, I really do need your help, the clown won't move it, and Chuuya is definitely going to burst my eardrums if he sees it and I really enjoy having hearing.
(it sounds honest, and it's because it is! wrong manipulation idea, Scott, he called you here to check on you.)
(it sounds honest, and it's because it is! wrong manipulation idea, Scott, he called you here to check on you.)
[His mouth thins because he still thinks Dazai is full of shit, one way or another. Maybe he'll remember that next time the mafioso tries to get him over to his place.]
Fine, since I'm already here. [Even though he really didn't have to walk far--] Let's just get this over with.
[So grumpy... but Scott walks a little closer to him. His shades have been hiding how exhausted he's been, not that he's really noticed.]
Fine, since I'm already here. [Even though he really didn't have to walk far--] Let's just get this over with.
[So grumpy... but Scott walks a little closer to him. His shades have been hiding how exhausted he's been, not that he's really noticed.]
Edited 2023-08-22 21:55 (UTC)
(he is, he's not exactly so. dazai looks at scott for a second, gauging the height, and then his eyes turn to the ceiling. not even half a second passes by before he shrugs.)
Alright, we need to put you at the correct angle. I've ran the math right now, so! Come here.
(he taps the table, so the other can climb onto it while he looks at something else he can step on so they can get the closest to the ceiling. it'll most likely leave a few centimeters of marble, but that's fine.)
I'll move your head on the exact angle, because we need to cut it in a few pieces to make it easier to get it out of here, so, ready?
(and if scott looks up, he'll see footstep marks on the ceiling, stains of food and wine, like someone treats it like the floor.)
Alright, we need to put you at the correct angle. I've ran the math right now, so! Come here.
(he taps the table, so the other can climb onto it while he looks at something else he can step on so they can get the closest to the ceiling. it'll most likely leave a few centimeters of marble, but that's fine.)
I'll move your head on the exact angle, because we need to cut it in a few pieces to make it easier to get it out of here, so, ready?
(and if scott looks up, he'll see footstep marks on the ceiling, stains of food and wine, like someone treats it like the floor.)
[Pulling his hands outside of his pockets, Scott uses them to help maneuver himself on top of the table, standing on it and looking at the statue with that same disgruntled feeling from before, but he also seems to be taking this seriously as well. Even if he's still dealing with various conflicting emotions, he... sort of wants to help Dazai out.
Not that he'll ever admit it out loud, especially right now, but whatever!!
He stares up at the ceiling in the mean time, noticing the markings on there.]
...How are there footsteps on the ceiling? [Also food stains?? At least that can sort of be explained by tossing food or something; it'd be weird to toss shoes in that direction.]
Not that he'll ever admit it out loud, especially right now, but whatever!!
He stares up at the ceiling in the mean time, noticing the markings on there.]
...How are there footsteps on the ceiling? [Also food stains?? At least that can sort of be explained by tossing food or something; it'd be weird to toss shoes in that direction.]
Chuuya. 'Upon the Tainted Sorrow'-- his stupid ability that goes with his stupid face--, he's a gravity manipulator, so he likes to hang out up there sometimes. You've never seen someone just walking up a wall? Or floating? Or the meteor marks around the mountains?
(that... probably doesn't explain anything, but he does touch scott to help him prepare.)
(that... probably doesn't explain anything, but he does touch scott to help him prepare.)
[Chuuya, right, his roommate. So, he can walk on the ceiling and everything. Kind of neat and something Scott might've asked a bit more if he was in a better mood. Unfortunately, he's not.
As Dazai gets in contact with him, Scott's breath hitches and he noticeably hesitates, like he's trying to mentally push through a barrier or tell himself that it's okay, before reaching up to pull his sunglasses off.]
Okay, I'm ready.
As Dazai gets in contact with him, Scott's breath hitches and he noticeably hesitates, like he's trying to mentally push through a barrier or tell himself that it's okay, before reaching up to pull his sunglasses off.]
Okay, I'm ready.
(the math is correct. dazai opens his hand, so the blasts can be released, and touches it almost immediately. the loud thud is his stone head rolling, some pieces broken, but it's good enough. next up should be his torso in three parts, and then to roll this shit down to the nearest trash and pretend this never happened at all.)
There we go! One piece down, three to go. Put the glasses on, if you don't mind! Fufu, I have to move your head again.
There we go! One piece down, three to go. Put the glasses on, if you don't mind! Fufu, I have to move your head again.
[As ordered, he places his shades back on, trusting Dazai enough to get him oriented for the next wave. This is simple enough, mindless enough, and there's little to be angry about right now.
Although, while it's nice helping out, even if it's stupid shit like this, Scott feels like there's more to this dumb visit. It's never just a simple thing, right?]
...What is it that you really want to say to me, Dazai?
Although, while it's nice helping out, even if it's stupid shit like this, Scott feels like there's more to this dumb visit. It's never just a simple thing, right?]
...What is it that you really want to say to me, Dazai?
I have already said it. Right now, I simply don't want to sleep on the couch. I'm too tall for it. I also don't want to get yelled at, so--
(after all, if scott is observant, there's just one bed in this room.
it's not what he wants to say, it's more like what he wants to see. observing is important, and that's how he knows how to proceed. life is chaotic, and his predictions are often never wrong.)
(after all, if scott is observant, there's just one bed in this room.
it's not what he wants to say, it's more like what he wants to see. observing is important, and that's how he knows how to proceed. life is chaotic, and his predictions are often never wrong.)
That's not what I meant.
[A slightly irritated sigh leaves Scott, and although he looks pained and troubled for a moment, like he really doesn't want to bring this up himself, he eventually pushes through.]
You're not going to bring up anything from our last conversation?
[A slightly irritated sigh leaves Scott, and although he looks pained and troubled for a moment, like he really doesn't want to bring this up himself, he eventually pushes through.]
You're not going to bring up anything from our last conversation?
(seems like the issue at hand can wait. he childishly hops off the table to find one of the many hidden stashes of cigarettes - it's easy to light one up. he's been smoking much more lately, it's probably the stress he won't account for.
with smoke blowing out the window, his shoulders shrug.)
Mmmm, no, it's not in my plans! What for? So you can ignore what I say due to who I used to be, and let out your frustrations on me because you're at a loss yourself? I'm not particularly interested. If your reaction to my experience as a human is to shut me out, then I'll stay there, you're on your own from now on, enjoy! It's a trade situation. You're lending me your eyes, I'll lend you my touch, and that's how it goes!
(bullshit.)
with smoke blowing out the window, his shoulders shrug.)
Mmmm, no, it's not in my plans! What for? So you can ignore what I say due to who I used to be, and let out your frustrations on me because you're at a loss yourself? I'm not particularly interested. If your reaction to my experience as a human is to shut me out, then I'll stay there, you're on your own from now on, enjoy! It's a trade situation. You're lending me your eyes, I'll lend you my touch, and that's how it goes!
(bullshit.)
Edited 2023-09-02 21:49 (UTC)
[...So, that's it, huh? They're just on strictly professional terms or some shit? Scott feels that familiar anger build in his chest, along with a hurt that he doesn't want to acknowledge, even if he's the one that pushed Dazai away in the first place. I-isn't he supposed to be the adult and help him out anyway?? Or guess he's finally tired of his bullshit.
Scott bites his lip, trying really hard not to slump over, or do anything too embarrassing in front of him, like cry again.]
I'm sorry. [He's not sure what he's apologizing for or if he even means it, but Scott doesn't know what else to do while staring up at the stupid statue that's still lodged in the ceiling.] ....Let's just get this done then.
Scott bites his lip, trying really hard not to slump over, or do anything too embarrassing in front of him, like cry again.]
I'm sorry. [He's not sure what he's apologizing for or if he even means it, but Scott doesn't know what else to do while staring up at the stupid statue that's still lodged in the ceiling.] ....Let's just get this done then.
No need to apologize, isn't that what you wanted in the first place? I'm fine with it.
(the bullshit, gaslighting bullshit, but he can tell that it works, because instead of anything else, an apology is what comes out of scott. perfectly planned.)
I'm smoking, so you can take a break.
(the bullshit, gaslighting bullshit, but he can tell that it works, because instead of anything else, an apology is what comes out of scott. perfectly planned.)
I'm smoking, so you can take a break.
[Scott doesn't move from the table, just sitting there silently and resisting the urge to just curl up and feel sorry for himself. He's been doing that the past week and no matter how much he wants to go home or for his brother to be here, it won't magically happen.
He's still here and with the only adult that he thought he could rely on, but not anymore for a variety of reasons.]
.....Fine, I'm taking a break too.
He's still here and with the only adult that he thought he could rely on, but not anymore for a variety of reasons.]
.....Fine, I'm taking a break too.
There are snacks around the apartment, feel free to eat some. It even benefits me, so Chuuya thinks I ate more than I did.
(eating is so much work. so useless, so useless!!! only good for indulging, but most of the time, he can't muster the energy. therefore, chuuya just makes food that are easy to pick and eat, and strategically places them where dazai spends the most time in.
he sucks in the smoke, letting it crawl into his lungs.)
Alternatively, you can have a cigarette. I don't mind if you do.
(eating is so much work. so useless, so useless!!! only good for indulging, but most of the time, he can't muster the energy. therefore, chuuya just makes food that are easy to pick and eat, and strategically places them where dazai spends the most time in.
he sucks in the smoke, letting it crawl into his lungs.)
Alternatively, you can have a cigarette. I don't mind if you do.
Give me three minutes and 12 seconds.
(because that will be it. it's a bit of a test, to see how scott reacts, honestly. will he say something? to be seen.)
(because that will be it. it's a bit of a test, to see how scott reacts, honestly. will he say something? to be seen.)
[Three minutes, he can last that long. Scott swallows past the lump in his throat and continues to sit at the table, almost like he's counting the time down. He's not the best at keeping track, especially since he feels like his anxiety is going to crawl out of his skin, but he eventually stops digging his fingers into his arms when three minutes pass by.]
It's been three minutes.
It's been three minutes.
I still have seconds.
(for the last drag of his cigarette. it's almost like he timed it perfectly! because he did. once he does, he taps his hands to rid it of any ash or tobacco that clinged, stretching forward.)
That said, aside from apologies, anything else? Would you like to rebuke my decision?
(for the last drag of his cigarette. it's almost like he timed it perfectly! because he did. once he does, he taps his hands to rid it of any ash or tobacco that clinged, stretching forward.)
That said, aside from apologies, anything else? Would you like to rebuke my decision?
[...Rebuke his decision? Like plead with him to talk to him again or be a supportive figure for him once more? He feels sort of pissed even considering something like that, but it's also drowned out by the fact that he does miss having someone to just go to.
However, Scott doesn't say anything, instead, digging his fingers even harder against his arms.]
...Let's just get this done. That's why I'm here.
However, Scott doesn't say anything, instead, digging his fingers even harder against his arms.]
...Let's just get this done. That's why I'm here.
(dazai asks what he asks, but it's not the answers he sees. he sees to see the little reactions, after all, and those fingers tell him something that scott will never say himself. yes, it seems like he wishes to.
eventually, dazai knows he'll return. it's planting seeds, what he does. either way, he'll stand up in his usual cheery disposition to return to the table.)
eventually, dazai knows he'll return. it's planting seeds, what he does. either way, he'll stand up in his usual cheery disposition to return to the table.)
[As Dazai nears him, Scott sucks in a breath and holds it inside, as if that will stop himself from feeling worse. He's not sure if it works or not, but he closes his eyes and takes off his sunglasses, getting himself ready so they can complete this as easily as possible.]
Ready.
Ready.
(none of the rest of the process is different - he positions the other's head, holds at his hand, lets go, and grabs it again in perfect mathematics. there will be a little bit of it on the ceiling, chuuya will notice, but dazai'll just say it is-- well, whatever, something to trip him up.)
... Now to drag these out, and you're free.
... Now to drag these out, and you're free.
[It was probably as painless as it could've been and Scott slides his sunglasses back on when they finish. Good, they're done and he can leave. He looks at the pieces of the statue and a childish part of him wants to kick it, preferably the head, but he decides on a simple act of rebellion instead.
He jumps off the table and buries his hands in his pockets, trying to act all indifferent. He doesn't succeed, mostly because of how whiny he comes off.]
You don't need me to take these pieces out. That has nothing to do with my powers.
He jumps off the table and buries his hands in his pockets, trying to act all indifferent. He doesn't succeed, mostly because of how whiny he comes off.]
You don't need me to take these pieces out. That has nothing to do with my powers.
Well, no, it doesn't-- but you have no idea how thin I am, I can't do it on my own, so needing you is a bit subjective. I don't need your eyes, I need your arms!
(half-truth, half-lie. he could definitely find a way to dispose these with brain and zero brawl, but it's the sense of completion.)
(half-truth, half-lie. he could definitely find a way to dispose these with brain and zero brawl, but it's the sense of completion.)
[Dazai is a skinny asshole, but Scott has a feeling that if he really tried, he'd be able to remove the remains without his help. Guess the question is if he really wants to stick around and help or continue being upset and sulky-- rebellious.]
What's in it for me?
What's in it for me?
Absolutely nothing. I did tell you this is transactional, though. You'll probably need me sooner or later, so isn't it a show of good faith?
I don't need your ability.
[A probably far too reckless thing to say, given how little control he has over his powers. What if his sunglasses break one day and he has to walk around blind? If Jinx hasn't made him a spare by then, he's basically fucked.
Also, it's been really nice having Dazai momentarily stop his optic blasts, so he can see the world as it should be.]
...Fine, I'll help you clear this out.
[A probably far too reckless thing to say, given how little control he has over his powers. What if his sunglasses break one day and he has to walk around blind? If Jinx hasn't made him a spare by then, he's basically fucked.
Also, it's been really nice having Dazai momentarily stop his optic blasts, so he can see the world as it should be.]
...Fine, I'll help you clear this out.
Oh, alright! Then it's off the table. I'll do something else to repay, but don't worry, you won't have 'No Longer Human' again, I'll keep it to myself!
(he's smiling, as if he's taking that as a good thing, a moment of 'good for you', but well. it's just a bit of a fun thought - a boy whose lifeline is an accessory is bound to need it at some point. fun.
he grabs the head with an 'oof', gesturing the other to grab one of the smaller pieces.)
(he's smiling, as if he's taking that as a good thing, a moment of 'good for you', but well. it's just a bit of a fun thought - a boy whose lifeline is an accessory is bound to need it at some point. fun.
he grabs the head with an 'oof', gesturing the other to grab one of the smaller pieces.)
[His neck almost hurts from how swiftly it turns to Dazai, his eyes widening behind his shades.]
No, it's fine, we can keep that...
[He protests, his voice almost sounding desperate before tapering off to something quieter. Has he already screwed up, again? Scott doesn't move from his position just yet, staring at the ground and hoping that it'd just swallow him up now.]
No, it's fine, we can keep that...
[He protests, his voice almost sounding desperate before tapering off to something quieter. Has he already screwed up, again? Scott doesn't move from his position just yet, staring at the ground and hoping that it'd just swallow him up now.]
[Obviously Quentin saw Scott's announcement about his fancy new house. And also obviously he took it as the invitation that it clearly was. Mutants always cohabitate. It's how they protect themselves from the big bad world. Why in the world would Summers get a new house all to himself and then announce it if he didn't want Quentin to show up? Absurd.
Lucky for Scott, Quentin can move himself into an empty room, no help needed. Which is exactly what he does! Overnight. Without telling anyone. You know, like a normal, courteous person.
When Scott wakes up, he'll have a new roommate, one who has immediately made himself at home and can easily be found languishing on the couch eating snacks. This is what you wanted, isn't it, Scott???]
Lucky for Scott, Quentin can move himself into an empty room, no help needed. Which is exactly what he does! Overnight. Without telling anyone. You know, like a normal, courteous person.
When Scott wakes up, he'll have a new roommate, one who has immediately made himself at home and can easily be found languishing on the couch eating snacks. This is what you wanted, isn't it, Scott???]
[It's a great day in the Summers House. He's mostly moved in and had a pretty good first night. Sure, the house is somewhat empty still, but it's his place and everything! No stupid inn dude giving him the stink eye and he gets to make his own rules, like... waking up whatever he wanted. Not that a rule like that existed at the inn either, but whatever. Shut up, not the point.
So, he steps out into the living room with a slight yawn, ready to make some cereal and-- stops immediately at the doorway, his jaw dropping slightly.]
What the fuck.
[He's not dreaming, right?? Scott finds himself blinking behind his shades, before closing his eyes and taking off said sunglasses to wipe his eyes, and putting them back on. Nope, Quentin fucking Quire is still sitting there like this is a totally natural thing to do.
Honestly, Scott thinks he's handling all this pretty well, considering the circumstance. Like he hasn't shouted at the other teen yet.]
Dude, the party's not until tomorrow.
[That's what's going on, right?? RIGHT?? Scott's little brain is trying to process the scene in front of him.]
So, he steps out into the living room with a slight yawn, ready to make some cereal and-- stops immediately at the doorway, his jaw dropping slightly.]
What the fuck.
[He's not dreaming, right?? Scott finds himself blinking behind his shades, before closing his eyes and taking off said sunglasses to wipe his eyes, and putting them back on. Nope, Quentin fucking Quire is still sitting there like this is a totally natural thing to do.
Honestly, Scott thinks he's handling all this pretty well, considering the circumstance. Like he hasn't shouted at the other teen yet.]
Dude, the party's not until tomorrow.
[That's what's going on, right?? RIGHT?? Scott's little brain is trying to process the scene in front of him.]
[Jeez, it's almost like Summers didn't want some guy who's basically a stranger moving into his house uninvited. Almost. But that would be ridiculous. They're mutants! In a place like this, they're the closest each other has to family. Surely whatever version of that old bald geezer Charles Xavier is in Scott's universe taught him that much.]
Huh? Party?
[Did he say something about a party? Quentin can't remember. Honestly, Scott's announcement was really boring. Quentin barely got past even hearing about the house. More importantly—]
Wait, hold on, were you going to have a party and not invite me? [Quentin gestures at himself dramatically, looking highly offended.] That's cold, Summers.
Huh? Party?
[Did he say something about a party? Quentin can't remember. Honestly, Scott's announcement was really boring. Quentin barely got past even hearing about the house. More importantly—]
Wait, hold on, were you going to have a party and not invite me? [Quentin gestures at himself dramatically, looking highly offended.] That's cold, Summers.
[He's having a stroke. At least, it's a similar feeling he gets when he talks to Dazai half the time.
Scott opens his mouth again, but no words come out, so he closes his mouth... before trying again. What's happening?? Logically, he knows that Quentin is sitting in front of him and acting this like a totally normal thing, but it's not!! He's not the weird one for thinking that! His brain is still trying to catch up to everything that's happening, but finally, the younger mutant responds.]
I did invite you!
[HE HAS TO GET THAT OUT OF THE WAY because Scott Summers did not exclusively leave out anyone. He, in fact, invited everyone! It's not his fault this asshole didn't read his message--
Wait a minute.
........
If Quentin didn't know that a party is coming up, then... why... is he in Scott's house?]
Wait, why are you here then?
Scott opens his mouth again, but no words come out, so he closes his mouth... before trying again. What's happening?? Logically, he knows that Quentin is sitting in front of him and acting this like a totally normal thing, but it's not!! He's not the weird one for thinking that! His brain is still trying to catch up to everything that's happening, but finally, the younger mutant responds.]
I did invite you!
[HE HAS TO GET THAT OUT OF THE WAY because Scott Summers did not exclusively leave out anyone. He, in fact, invited everyone! It's not his fault this asshole didn't read his message--
Wait a minute.
........
If Quentin didn't know that a party is coming up, then... why... is he in Scott's house?]
Wait, why are you here then?
Uh, because I live here? Come on, Scotty, keep up.
[Because obviously it's Scott's fault for being confused. Obviously!]
And it's a damn good thing, too. Here you are, having wild parties and not making sure your ole pal Quentin Quire had an invitation!
[He sighs dramatically and shakes his head. What a tragedy!]
Jeez, you're a disaster without me.
[Because obviously it's Scott's fault for being confused. Obviously!]
And it's a damn good thing, too. Here you are, having wild parties and not making sure your ole pal Quentin Quire had an invitation!
[He sighs dramatically and shakes his head. What a tragedy!]
Jeez, you're a disaster without me.
This is my house! And I didn't invite you to live here!
[His voice rises slightly in pitch, which makes Scott come off as just a bit whiny, but he doesn't notice or doesn't care. After all, this asshole just invited himself over to his home like this is something people do.
And Quentin is the disaster between the two of them!!]
Also, don't you...
[Well, guess Quentin doesn't exactly hate him, he made that clear the last time they spoke, but that doesn't mean they're friends or anything like that. Scott frowns slightly and he does his best not to sound uncertain or something lame like that, but he's definitely lost some of that earlier whininess.]
I mean, we aren't exactly friends. [You don't really like me--] And you're kind of annoying.
[So. Why.]
[His voice rises slightly in pitch, which makes Scott come off as just a bit whiny, but he doesn't notice or doesn't care. After all, this asshole just invited himself over to his home like this is something people do.
And Quentin is the disaster between the two of them!!]
Also, don't you...
[Well, guess Quentin doesn't exactly hate him, he made that clear the last time they spoke, but that doesn't mean they're friends or anything like that. Scott frowns slightly and he does his best not to sound uncertain or something lame like that, but he's definitely lost some of that earlier whininess.]
I mean, we aren't exactly friends. [You don't really like me--] And you're kind of annoying.
[So. Why.]
Mutants cohabitate. It's a thing. We're all we've got in this big, scary, fucked up world.
[That could sound very sentimental and all, but Quentin says it like he's doing a dramatic reading at the high school play.]
But I guess maybe mutants in your timeline don't support each other like they do in mine. My bad.
[That could sound very sentimental and all, but Quentin says it like he's doing a dramatic reading at the high school play.]
But I guess maybe mutants in your timeline don't support each other like they do in mine. My bad.
[Scott slowly starts to look more and more unimpressed as Quentin talks, but then, he has to go and say that and the younger mutant's expression just freezes and goddammit. He remembers months ago, how he longed to have another mutant in this world and this place decided to plop down this asshole and he's probably the most annoying person on the entire planet, but he's... still like him. He still counts.
He bites his lip and for a moment, it looks like Scott is processing all five stages of grief at once, before he finally responds.]
No it's not that-- [Mutants in his world support each other... probably at least?? It's not like he's been a big a part of that whole community for long, but he's not going to mention that he just got his powers for like three days before landing in this world because no. Why give Quentin more ammunition?]
Ugh, fine, you can stay.
He bites his lip and for a moment, it looks like Scott is processing all five stages of grief at once, before he finally responds.]
No it's not that-- [Mutants in his world support each other... probably at least?? It's not like he's been a big a part of that whole community for long, but he's not going to mention that he just got his powers for like three days before landing in this world because no. Why give Quentin more ammunition?]
Ugh, fine, you can stay.
Edited 2023-11-05 03:07 (UTC)
[So he and Kotone has made up, but he kind of neglected to mention to her all the people he got mad at. It'll be a conversation for later that will go extremely well!
One thing at a time.]
Hey.
[So now that he's no longer angry and pissy, regret and a moderate amount of shame crops up because fuck. He... treated Yu pretty poorly, huh? Treated one of his friends like shit. Well, worse than that really, because he actually threatened him. Even if he didn't go through with it, he still considered it and that thought makes his stomach turn. Sure, Yu has his powers and Personas, but that doesn't matter.]
It's fine, really.
I'm surprised you even want to talk to me. You don't have to force yourself.
[Also, he's not sure if he's ready for this conversation. Maybe he won't have a choice.]
One thing at a time.]
Hey.
[So now that he's no longer angry and pissy, regret and a moderate amount of shame crops up because fuck. He... treated Yu pretty poorly, huh? Treated one of his friends like shit. Well, worse than that really, because he actually threatened him. Even if he didn't go through with it, he still considered it and that thought makes his stomach turn. Sure, Yu has his powers and Personas, but that doesn't matter.]
It's fine, really.
I'm surprised you even want to talk to me. You don't have to force yourself.
[Also, he's not sure if he's ready for this conversation. Maybe he won't have a choice.]
[It was a mistake to start this in text, wasn't it. He can't read the tone of voice, can't examine any facial features, so he doesn't know if it really is fine or if Scott is just brushing him off again.]
Or force you?
[... That's a little more prickly than he meant to be. But it's hard to imagine Scott wanting to talk to him again. Besides -- that is the sort of thing you say to someone when you're trying to gently get out of a conversation. And this isn't something Yu wants him to get out of.]
I do want to. I was worried about you.
Or force you?
[... That's a little more prickly than he meant to be. But it's hard to imagine Scott wanting to talk to him again. Besides -- that is the sort of thing you say to someone when you're trying to gently get out of a conversation. And this isn't something Yu wants him to get out of.]
I do want to. I was worried about you.
Edited 2023-11-01 21:18 (UTC)
[A small frown tugs at the corner of his mouth seeing that silent emphasis, but he deserved that, didn't he? If Yu is upset with him, Scott can't really blame him, although it makes him wonder why he's checking on him at all. Maybe he's just that good of a guy.
His feelings are practically confirmed as he read the next text and okay, guess he shouldn't avoid him. Scott inhales slowly, before deciding to man up and text back.]
I'm sorry for treating you like crap. Really, I'm okay now.
His feelings are practically confirmed as he read the next text and okay, guess he shouldn't avoid him. Scott inhales slowly, before deciding to man up and text back.]
I'm sorry for treating you like crap. Really, I'm okay now.
[...
It's okay, he wants to write almost reflexively, but -- it's not, not really. He manages not to say anything to that effect in the end, instead opting for--] Thank you. I'm glad.
[But the rest of it is still bothering him. The way Scott seemed to take his presence so personally, the way he seemed so frustrated at Yu without saying what was on his mind... Something was clearly wrong, and as someone who has habitually sought the truth, he can't help but think on it.]
Scott. Is there something we need to talk about?
It's okay, he wants to write almost reflexively, but -- it's not, not really. He manages not to say anything to that effect in the end, instead opting for--] Thank you. I'm glad.
[But the rest of it is still bothering him. The way Scott seemed to take his presence so personally, the way he seemed so frustrated at Yu without saying what was on his mind... Something was clearly wrong, and as someone who has habitually sought the truth, he can't help but think on it.]
Scott. Is there something we need to talk about?
[He's glad, huh? And yet, he knows that Yu means it.
Reading the question, however, Scott finds himself sighing at his device. Yeah, guess no avoiding this.]
Yeah, probably.
Do you want to talk in person?
[Not that Scott really wants to, but he figures he owes Yu that much, if the other teen wants to take that offer.]
Reading the question, however, Scott finds himself sighing at his device. Yeah, guess no avoiding this.]
Yeah, probably.
Do you want to talk in person?
[Not that Scott really wants to, but he figures he owes Yu that much, if the other teen wants to take that offer.]
Edited 2023-11-02 23:45 (UTC)
[It should make him feel nervous when Scott confirms it, but in a way, he's relieved. Whatever it is, it's better to get it out in the open. They're probably not quite to the point of punching it out or anything, but the fact that Scott is okay talking about it is a good thing, he imagines.]
That sounds like a good idea.
In front of the inn, maybe?
That sounds like a good idea.
In front of the inn, maybe?
[No punching!! Probably not, at least. He's already going have to tell Kotone later that he threatened Yu with his optic blasts, he's not going to add 'later I punched him anyway' to the list.]
Sure, okay.
[Okay, he can do this. Scott takes a breath, before typing his next response.]
Meet you in a few? Or busy right now? [Given that Yu contacted him in the first place, he's probably not busy, but Scott's just prolonging this for a little bit longer. It's hard talking to people after a fight, especially one where you're definitely in the wrong.]
Sure, okay.
[Okay, he can do this. Scott takes a breath, before typing his next response.]
Meet you in a few? Or busy right now? [Given that Yu contacted him in the first place, he's probably not busy, but Scott's just prolonging this for a little bit longer. It's hard talking to people after a fight, especially one where you're definitely in the wrong.]
Edited 2023-11-03 19:57 (UTC)
[Listen it's different if they're both punching each other, but also, that's fair.
The nervousness radiates off of Scott's message. Yu is quick to respond here -- maybe due to a similar feeling.]
Now is good. See you soon.
[True to his word, he's waiting by the entrance to the inn not long after, a little off to the side.]
The nervousness radiates off of Scott's message. Yu is quick to respond here -- maybe due to a similar feeling.]
Now is good. See you soon.
[True to his word, he's waiting by the entrance to the inn not long after, a little off to the side.]
[How long is this unsettling feeling going to last? Probably not until he talks to Yu, huh?
So he's here and while he doesn't exactly wave at Yu as he comes into view, he walks straight towards him without delay. His hands are shoved in the pockets of his jacket and he doesn't seem much like his normal confident self, despite how things have improved between him and Kotone. It's just... hard talking to a friend that you just had a fight with, but he's not going to run away or puss out now.
Scott stops before the other teen and nods, doing his best to look neutral as he looks into Yu's eyes through the haze of his ruby quartz.]
Hey.
[Great start.]
So he's here and while he doesn't exactly wave at Yu as he comes into view, he walks straight towards him without delay. His hands are shoved in the pockets of his jacket and he doesn't seem much like his normal confident self, despite how things have improved between him and Kotone. It's just... hard talking to a friend that you just had a fight with, but he's not going to run away or puss out now.
Scott stops before the other teen and nods, doing his best to look neutral as he looks into Yu's eyes through the haze of his ruby quartz.]
Hey.
[Great start.]
[Observation is a trait that Yu has carefully cultivated during his time in Inaba, taking every opportunity to learn more about how to figure people out. It's...kind of a strange way to become friends, admittedly, but it's habit more than anything by now, and sometimes, he finds it both useful and reliable -- now, for instance, hands in his pockets as he watches the approaching mutant's body language. He doesn't avoid eye contact, at least...that seems like a good sign.
Admittedly, his eyes flick to the injured hand. Scott said it was fine, but he's said his share of placating "I'm fine"s, enough to recognize that it might not always be true.]
Thanks for coming.
[The corner of his mouth twitches, maybe not into a smile, but it forms a more neutral line than a frown.]
Admittedly, his eyes flick to the injured hand. Scott said it was fine, but he's said his share of placating "I'm fine"s, enough to recognize that it might not always be true.]
Thanks for coming.
[The corner of his mouth twitches, maybe not into a smile, but it forms a more neutral line than a frown.]
[His eyes glance over to his own injured hand for a moment, before returning to focus on his friend(?), he hopes still at least.]
Yeah.
[Is there any way he can delay the inevitable conversation for just a bit longer? Engage in small talk? It's possible, but honestly, the more he thinks about it, the less appealing that option becomes. Maybe it's just best to get this over with, and maybe he'll feel less shitty about how he behaved.
The other teen at least doesn't seem pissed at him, even though Scott knows that can change in this conversation. Well, guess no point delaying this any longer, and he slowly pulls his hands out of his pockets, although they just remain by his side.
Although, instead of immediately getting into it, Scott starts with something else.]
If you want to punch me in the face, you can. I won't... do anything in return. [Once in a lifetime offering? Scott figures he owes Yu that much anyway, if he wants to sock him.]
Yeah.
[Is there any way he can delay the inevitable conversation for just a bit longer? Engage in small talk? It's possible, but honestly, the more he thinks about it, the less appealing that option becomes. Maybe it's just best to get this over with, and maybe he'll feel less shitty about how he behaved.
The other teen at least doesn't seem pissed at him, even though Scott knows that can change in this conversation. Well, guess no point delaying this any longer, and he slowly pulls his hands out of his pockets, although they just remain by his side.
Although, instead of immediately getting into it, Scott starts with something else.]
If you want to punch me in the face, you can. I won't... do anything in return. [Once in a lifetime offering? Scott figures he owes Yu that much anyway, if he wants to sock him.]
[...!!
Scott offered his face for punching, maybe as a way to get even...
>punch him
>suggest they both punch each other
>why are so many of his social links like this???
>absolutely not
Surprise shows clearly in Yu's expression at the-- offer? But he certainly doesn't move to take it; in fact, he pulls a heel back by about half a step instead.]
I don't want to hit you, Scott. I just want to know what's going on.
Scott offered his face for punching, maybe as a way to get even...
>punch him
>suggest they both punch each other
>why are so many of his social links like this???
>absolutely not
Surprise shows clearly in Yu's expression at the-- offer? But he certainly doesn't move to take it; in fact, he pulls a heel back by about half a step instead.]
I don't want to hit you, Scott. I just want to know what's going on.
[In a weird way, he kind of hoped that Yu would punch him, but guess he's too good of a guy to do that. Scott's not about to bait him either, so he says nothing for a few seconds, letting Yu's answer ring between them for a while, before he finally nods and lets out another breath.]
I was angry. [Okay, obviously--] And jealous.
[Jesus christ saying all this out loud is somehow even worse than thinking about it. So much for feeling better getting it out, but guess that's not the point, is it? It's not about him feeling better, it's about giving Yu an explanation that he deserves.]
...That you were going out on dates with Kotone. [Okay, not just Yu, but Scott decides to leave that out.]
I was angry. [Okay, obviously--] And jealous.
[Jesus christ saying all this out loud is somehow even worse than thinking about it. So much for feeling better getting it out, but guess that's not the point, is it? It's not about him feeling better, it's about giving Yu an explanation that he deserves.]
...That you were going out on dates with Kotone. [Okay, not just Yu, but Scott decides to leave that out.]
[Can't tell if he'd get two music notes for that or three. Oh well -- it happens sometimes.
Yu's expression goes through phases, here: confused, surprised, thoughtful. He takes a moment to respond, working through what Scott is telling him. Almost more importantly...what Scott isn't telling him, the lines he has to connect on his own, the implications. It all takes a moment.]
... You like her, [he ventures at last, less a question than a statement, his tone laced with surprise.] I didn't know.
Yu's expression goes through phases, here: confused, surprised, thoughtful. He takes a moment to respond, working through what Scott is telling him. Almost more importantly...what Scott isn't telling him, the lines he has to connect on his own, the implications. It all takes a moment.]
... You like her, [he ventures at last, less a question than a statement, his tone laced with surprise.] I didn't know.
[It feels really stupid that Yu wasn't even aware about any of this. Which makes sense, honestly, he doesn't see Yu as the kind of guy to try and steal someone's girlfriend-- and it's not like he and Kotone were dating at the time. Just dumb assumptions on his part, on multiple things.
Scott isn't sure how much he can say to him, well, he can say everything, so maybe the real thing is want.]
Yeah, I like her a lot. [He nods as if emphasizing how he feels, although his mouth twists into a small frown.] And... and I know. That you didn't know. [...] It's not like you were the only person Kotone took out on a date during the festival.
[Guess he's going to mention that now.]
Scott isn't sure how much he can say to him, well, he can say everything, so maybe the real thing is want.]
Yeah, I like her a lot. [He nods as if emphasizing how he feels, although his mouth twists into a small frown.] And... and I know. That you didn't know. [...] It's not like you were the only person Kotone took out on a date during the festival.
[Guess he's going to mention that now.]
... I sort of figured that. [A bit of a wry smile.] It's the same for me, I guess.
[Not that he's sure he'd call it "dating," whatever this thing is with Mikey. But it certainly wasn't exclusive between them. Maybe there's something about the wildcards that makes them want to reach out to others, form as many bonds as they can...
...
That's not important right now, though.]
Does she know? That you like her.
[Not that he's sure he'd call it "dating," whatever this thing is with Mikey. But it certainly wasn't exclusive between them. Maybe there's something about the wildcards that makes them want to reach out to others, form as many bonds as they can...
...
That's not important right now, though.]
Does she know? That you like her.
[The same for him...?
It takes Scott a second, but he figures out what Yu means by that and uh, guess that's cool? He's never really been the type to go out on dates just 'purely' for fun and stuff, which is sort of why he and Kotone had a misunderstanding. It's definitely part of it and everything at least. But Scott just nods to Yu's comment, mostly looking rather neutral about that particular admission from him.]
I don't... really do that.
[Maybe that's enough to fill in some blanks?
His mouth finally twitches upward for a brief moment at the other teen's question, because yeah, things are okay now. Mostly. Guess they're still talking about some things? Also rectonning early tag because they might have talked about Scott threatening Yu and Kotone being Pretty Upset about him--]
Yeah, she knows now. [He bites his lip, wondering if he should mention that Kotone always knew that he liked her, but he doesn't want to say that if he doesn't have to.] We're definitely on the same page and everything. Guess talking things out really helps?
[He almost snorts admitting that last bit.]
It takes Scott a second, but he figures out what Yu means by that and uh, guess that's cool? He's never really been the type to go out on dates just 'purely' for fun and stuff, which is sort of why he and Kotone had a misunderstanding. It's definitely part of it and everything at least. But Scott just nods to Yu's comment, mostly looking rather neutral about that particular admission from him.]
I don't... really do that.
[Maybe that's enough to fill in some blanks?
His mouth finally twitches upward for a brief moment at the other teen's question, because yeah, things are okay now. Mostly. Guess they're still talking about some things? Also rectonning early tag because they might have talked about Scott threatening Yu and Kotone being Pretty Upset about him--]
Yeah, she knows now. [He bites his lip, wondering if he should mention that Kotone always knew that he liked her, but he doesn't want to say that if he doesn't have to.] We're definitely on the same page and everything. Guess talking things out really helps?
[He almost snorts admitting that last bit.]
[Yu rubs the back of his neck. Yeah, that does fill in some blanks.]
I don't think you're alone in that.
[Most people want that, he'd assume. Exclusivity. It's just-- well, they're all young, and things are complicated, to put it mildly. A lot of things feel really temporary, especially in a place like this.
... The admission has him exhaling with a small amount of relief. Things are complicated enough here without the three of them --maybe more-- entangled in some weird over-the-top dorama thing.]
Oh, does it? [He huffs out a laugh. If he's disappointed at all --he is, a bit, he can't lie-- it doesn't show on his face.]
... I'm glad you worked it out. Really.
I don't think you're alone in that.
[Most people want that, he'd assume. Exclusivity. It's just-- well, they're all young, and things are complicated, to put it mildly. A lot of things feel really temporary, especially in a place like this.
... The admission has him exhaling with a small amount of relief. Things are complicated enough here without the three of them --maybe more-- entangled in some weird over-the-top dorama thing.]
Oh, does it? [He huffs out a laugh. If he's disappointed at all --he is, a bit, he can't lie-- it doesn't show on his face.]
... I'm glad you worked it out. Really.
It's nice, man.
[Maybe some small encouragement from Scott's side to try and find one personpartner to stick with. He's not going to push it too hard, because Yu can have fun with whomever, but maybe it's good to just throw that idea out there. It's something he's always known about himself, but he's pretty sure Kotone is still happy with just being with one person now.]
But thanks, Yu. [A more genuine smile flashes across Scott's face, definitely not noticing the small disappointment on his end. Although, it soon shifts back into something a little more serious, because saying sorry over text doesn't seem enough.]
And... I am really sorry about what happened, back at the house.
[Maybe some small encouragement from Scott's side to try and find one person
But thanks, Yu. [A more genuine smile flashes across Scott's face, definitely not noticing the small disappointment on his end. Although, it soon shifts back into something a little more serious, because saying sorry over text doesn't seem enough.]
And... I am really sorry about what happened, back at the house.
[look-- listen-- there's no need to be rude here okay
Nice, huh? When he puts it that way, Yu can't help but feel like it must be pretty genuine between them. As for the encouragement, he's not fussed. It'll happen if it happens. There's no sense rushing things in a place where everything can change within moments.
He smiles a bit, sighing as he slips a hand into his pocket.]
Alright, I accept defeat. Guess I'll have to let her have you.
[There's a glint in his eye that shows he's kidding. (Mostly.)
As to the apology--]
Thanks, Scott. It's all history, here. But...if there's a next time, let's try talking first.
Nice, huh? When he puts it that way, Yu can't help but feel like it must be pretty genuine between them. As for the encouragement, he's not fussed. It'll happen if it happens. There's no sense rushing things in a place where everything can change within moments.
He smiles a bit, sighing as he slips a hand into his pocket.]
Alright, I accept defeat. Guess I'll have to let her have you.
[There's a glint in his eye that shows he's kidding. (Mostly.)
As to the apology--]
Thanks, Scott. It's all history, here. But...if there's a next time, let's try talking first.
Edited 2023-11-17 04:01 (UTC)
Sorry man.
[He smirks just slightly, going along with the joke, mostly. While he doesn't believe that Kotone would suddenly cheat on him or Yu is that kind ofhomewrecker guy, he'd actually Fight Him if it happened.
Which may make his next statement a little ironic--]
Yeah, talking things out actually works. [But he's glad he and Yu are cool again. Whatever remaining stress that's been riding on the mutant's shoulders leaves and he huffs out a small laugh. He's... honestly pretty lucky his friends are like this.]
Did you wanna grab something? It's on me today.
[He smirks just slightly, going along with the joke, mostly. While he doesn't believe that Kotone would suddenly cheat on him or Yu is that kind of
Which may make his next statement a little ironic--]
Yeah, talking things out actually works. [But he's glad he and Yu are cool again. Whatever remaining stress that's been riding on the mutant's shoulders leaves and he huffs out a small laugh. He's... honestly pretty lucky his friends are like this.]
Did you wanna grab something? It's on me today.
[Yu huffs out a laugh as Scott goes along with it. He's relieved, all said. It may not show, exactly, but he was worried, at the festival, if something had changed irreparably. He's glad to know he was wrong.
His response at first is a small, knowing smile. Talking things through is usually his preferred method of dealing with things, Yosuke notwithstanding --Yosuke seems to be an exception to just about anything, oddly enough-- though if he's being honest, he'd rather not have any drama like that in the future to begin with. It does bother him a little that Kotone never said anything...but that's not really Scott's problem. For now, he's just glad they're still friends.]
--Hm? [Speaking of still being friends. Normally he might protest and counteroffer to split the cost, but if this is an apology gesture, it'd be rude not to take him up on it.]
I'd like that, yeah. Have you tried the cart down there that has different hand pies?
His response at first is a small, knowing smile. Talking things through is usually his preferred method of dealing with things, Yosuke notwithstanding --Yosuke seems to be an exception to just about anything, oddly enough-- though if he's being honest, he'd rather not have any drama like that in the future to begin with. It does bother him a little that Kotone never said anything...but that's not really Scott's problem. For now, he's just glad they're still friends.]
--Hm? [Speaking of still being friends. Normally he might protest and counteroffer to split the cost, but if this is an apology gesture, it'd be rude not to take him up on it.]
I'd like that, yeah. Have you tried the cart down there that has different hand pies?
[Of all the people that he snapped at during the festival, Yu probably got the worst of it... but he really just accepted his apology despite being threatened with the equivalent of a high powered laser or something. Sounds a little dumb, but it's true.
While Scott can stand around and be so fucking relieved about all this, a more open and easy smile crosses his face as he joins in the conversation about hand pies and stuff.]
Huh, I haven't actually, but I'll give it a shot. You kinda have a good head when it comes to picking places to eat, the curry place was pretty good.
While Scott can stand around and be so fucking relieved about all this, a more open and easy smile crosses his face as he joins in the conversation about hand pies and stuff.]
Huh, I haven't actually, but I'll give it a shot. You kinda have a good head when it comes to picking places to eat, the curry place was pretty good.
[It's-- almost nostalgic, a bit, for Yu. As if Scott revealed his own Shadow that needed acceptance. It wasn't exactly like that, not really, but he can appreciate when he's been shown someone's darker side...being trusted in spite of that. It almost feels unfair, sometimes, that other people have to reveal those things and not him.
Maybe that's just a bit of luck that'll run out, eventually.
Anyway, food is an easy subject. Something to bond over, maybe...at least it has been in his experience.]
Glad you liked it. Curry's good, when it's made right. [Chie. Yukiko. He nods for now, gesturing in the direction of the pie place.] I haven't tried it either. It'll be a first for both of us.
Maybe that's just a bit of luck that'll run out, eventually.
Anyway, food is an easy subject. Something to bond over, maybe...at least it has been in his experience.]
Glad you liked it. Curry's good, when it's made right. [Chie. Yukiko. He nods for now, gesturing in the direction of the pie place.] I haven't tried it either. It'll be a first for both of us.
That goes for most food, wouldn't you say? But guess if you really screw up curry, it's nasty as hell.
[It's probably easier to get away with messing up a sandwich, not that he screws that up or anything. Just meat, cheese, and lettuce, even he can pull that off.]
Wait, you haven't even tried it before? Almost feel like a guinea pig now.
[Is this Yu's secret way of getting back at him.....]
[It's probably easier to get away with messing up a sandwich, not that he screws that up or anything. Just meat, cheese, and lettuce, even he can pull that off.]
Wait, you haven't even tried it before? Almost feel like a guinea pig now.
[Is this Yu's secret way of getting back at him.....]
[hahaha...ha...]
Yeah. It can get bad.
[A strange expression crosses his face for a moment and then abates. He's had his share of cooking messes, but nothing comes remotely close to the out-of-body experience that was Mystery Food X...or its harrowing sequel, Mystery Food 2: The Omelet Boogaloo.
He chuckles, waving off the suspicion.]
We'll be trying it together. It'll be an experience for us both.
[...hopefully a good one!]
Yeah. It can get bad.
[A strange expression crosses his face for a moment and then abates. He's had his share of cooking messes, but nothing comes remotely close to the out-of-body experience that was Mystery Food X...or its harrowing sequel, Mystery Food 2: The Omelet Boogaloo.
He chuckles, waving off the suspicion.]
We'll be trying it together. It'll be an experience for us both.
[...hopefully a good one!]
[It doesn't take a genius to figure out what Mikey is thanking him for. Still, seeing the gratitude on his screen helps to diminish some of the tangled knot that's been in his chest since the whole incident. He couldn't save Yosuke or Deku, but... at least he managed to help Takemichi, someone that is super important to Mikey. It'd be a good feeling on his own, but the fact that it's Mikey really adds to it.
He's not a complete fuck up, shut up Quire.]
Hey, no problem, I'm just glad that Yu and I got to him on time. You two recovering and everything?
[With the whole Takemichi almost dying and Mikey going ballistic. It was some scary shit. He saw a side of his friend that's honestly unnerving, but at least everything worked out?]
He's not a complete fuck up, shut up Quire.]
Hey, no problem, I'm just glad that Yu and I got to him on time. You two recovering and everything?
[With the whole Takemichi almost dying and Mikey going ballistic. It was some scary shit. He saw a side of his friend that's honestly unnerving, but at least everything worked out?]
we're fine. takemitchy honestly is used to getting beaten.
i came to check on you.
i came to check on you.
[...He's not sure if that's a real comfort, but guess if he was actually in danger, Mikey wouldn't be this chill. Gang people are probably used to all sorts of fights and bruises and stuff.]
He's made of sturdy stuff, huh? And I'm fine.
[He's not really, but he's doing better than some other people, like Yu. The loss of his friends truly stings, but Scott thinks he's coping okay?? Because as shitty as he feels about their deaths, Kotone is still alive-- she's with him and he's so relieved about that, even if it may be slightly shitty on his end. Of course, what Quentin has said to him still settles uncomfortably in his chest, the shards jagged, but he doesn't want to talk about that.
He. He just needs to be better. He doesn't need people to waste their time protecting him.]
I just hate that we lost people, lost friends.
He's made of sturdy stuff, huh? And I'm fine.
[He's not really, but he's doing better than some other people, like Yu. The loss of his friends truly stings, but Scott thinks he's coping okay?? Because as shitty as he feels about their deaths, Kotone is still alive-- she's with him and he's so relieved about that, even if it may be slightly shitty on his end. Of course, what Quentin has said to him still settles uncomfortably in his chest, the shards jagged, but he doesn't want to talk about that.
He. He just needs to be better. He doesn't need people to waste their time protecting him.]
I just hate that we lost people, lost friends.
yep. once a dude stabbed him through the hand and it didn't stop him at all. he's way more baddass than he looks, but i never said that, okay? ❤︎
(an attempt to lessen the vibes, with the truth. he knows what everyone's going through. he has experienced it himself too.)
i know how you feel, i've lost family members and toman members over the past few years. i'm sorry for your losses.
(an attempt to lessen the vibes, with the truth. he knows what everyone's going through. he has experienced it himself too.)
i know how you feel, i've lost family members and toman members over the past few years. i'm sorry for your losses.
[......is takemichi actually okay.]
yeah, got it.
[But any lightness he feels from that conversation fades as he reads Mikey's messages. So, even he couldn't save everyone from his group. It's probably unrealistic to think that he could, but it still feels surprising in some ways. Scott's not sure if it helps or not knowing all this.]
Even you can't save everyone, huh?
yeah, got it.
[But any lightness he feels from that conversation fades as he reads Mikey's messages. So, even he couldn't save everyone from his group. It's probably unrealistic to think that he could, but it still feels surprising in some ways. Scott's not sure if it helps or not knowing all this.]
Even you can't save everyone, huh?
(obviously not????
also, ouch.)
i'll tell you another time, it's not the story you need right now. but my bike, my room, the charm i wear around my neck, they're all from people who are gone. they stay, somehow. that i can promise you.
also, ouch.)
i'll tell you another time, it's not the story you need right now. but my bike, my room, the charm i wear around my neck, they're all from people who are gone. they stay, somehow. that i can promise you.
[Yeah, guess he really doesn't need the details of Mikey losing people that are important to him. Just knowing that he dealt with shit like this before is more than enough for now.]
Kind of like carrying reminders of them? I don't think I'm close enough to either of them to do that.
[It'd feel a little strange to Scott. Maybe Yu can do that for Yosuke though.]
Kind of like carrying reminders of them? I don't think I'm close enough to either of them to do that.
[It'd feel a little strange to Scott. Maybe Yu can do that for Yosuke though.]
but youre upset like as if you were. it wouldnt hurt to do something like this, i think, even if it is just in your head.
[He just hates losing people, not that they weren't-- aren't his friends.]
Should I try to think of good memories of them?
[It makes the pain worse though, remembering how fucking kind and determined Deku was, and Yosuke being pretty chill and easy to talk to when dealing with the maze (he's not going to think about the Hot Springs Incident).]
Kind of hard right now.
Should I try to think of good memories of them?
[It makes the pain worse though, remembering how fucking kind and determined Deku was, and Yosuke being pretty chill and easy to talk to when dealing with the maze (he's not going to think about the Hot Springs Incident).]
Kind of hard right now.
youll find your own way to deal with it. i can only speak from experience, but i'm also not as kind-hearted as you are.
of course i do. im just used to it, so it dont hit me the same.
you wanna come to the shed?
you wanna come to the shed?
[Sake?? That's Japanese alcohol or something, right? He's certainly never had it before, but right now, he's willing to take any drink.]
Thanks, Mikey. I'll be there.
[He definitely doesn't have to wait long before Scott's footsteps can be heard outside the shed, stopping only so he can knock on the door. Look, even though they're friends and he invited him in the first place, he doesn't want to just barge in still.]
Thanks, Mikey. I'll be there.
[He definitely doesn't have to wait long before Scott's footsteps can be heard outside the shed, stopping only so he can knock on the door. Look, even though they're friends and he invited him in the first place, he doesn't want to just barge in still.]
(mikey said the shed, but that's not where they'll be hanging out. it's cold, so nothing better than some hot sake, right? so when he opens the door, he won't have the other step in. instead, he comes out himself.)
Hey, kitchen.
Hey, kitchen.
[Despite everything that's been going on, or maybe because things have been so hard, Scott smiles when Mikey opens the door, the familiar sight of his friend soothing some of the guilt that's been lying semi-thick around his shoulders. He'll never fully stop blaming himself for what happened to Deku and Yosuke, but he wasn't useless, being out there was important. He helped Mikey and Kotone and those things alone made the trip worth it.
More people would've been hurt if he wasn't there, right? Maybe he can't make that sort of judgment, but it's what Scott wants to believe.]
Not cramming in your shack today?
[He laughs slightly, but nods, a look of appreciation appearing on his slightly tired face. He's been sleeping okay, mostly, but it's not like he can easily bounce back. As Mikey probably already knows, he's not like him. He's not used to all this.]
More people would've been hurt if he wasn't there, right? Maybe he can't make that sort of judgment, but it's what Scott wants to believe.]
Not cramming in your shack today?
[He laughs slightly, but nods, a look of appreciation appearing on his slightly tired face. He's been sleeping okay, mostly, but it's not like he can easily bounce back. As Mikey probably already knows, he's not like him. He's not used to all this.]
Hot sake, we need the stove. It's cold, innit? Something like that can warm your soul.
(his hair is in a full ponytail, and instead of wearing his uniform, he's wearing his casual clothes, a very large hoodie that looks like a dress on him, jeans, and no shoes, which he will remind scott to remove once they enter the dojo. the kitchen is in the first floor, and he needs a chair to grab the sake from the top shelves.
heating it takes him three minutes in the tokkuri, and when he's finished, he brings it with two little cups to the dining table.)
There. With how many Japanese people there are here, you must be having an interesting cultural exchange, hm? It also ain't a shot, even with the size of the cup, so drink it with patience.
(his hair is in a full ponytail, and instead of wearing his uniform, he's wearing his casual clothes, a very large hoodie that looks like a dress on him, jeans, and no shoes, which he will remind scott to remove once they enter the dojo. the kitchen is in the first floor, and he needs a chair to grab the sake from the top shelves.
heating it takes him three minutes in the tokkuri, and when he's finished, he brings it with two little cups to the dining table.)
There. With how many Japanese people there are here, you must be having an interesting cultural exchange, hm? It also ain't a shot, even with the size of the cup, so drink it with patience.
Oh, you drink it warm? I didn't know that. Sounds nice though, yeah. Hell of a lot better than cold, cheap beer.
[EXCUSE SCOTT FOR HIS IGNORANCE, MIKEY... but honestly, hot sake on a cold day sounds great. He's already a supporter of 'drink hot chocolate' or something like that during the winter, so this is even better, because alcohol, duh. Breaking the laws that don't exist!!
But he follows Mikey into the dojo, while removing his shoes as requested, letting his socks shuffle across the floor until he's sitting by the table, his legs crossed as he watches him. He offers a small, but sincere 'thank you' when he brings the cups over, sitting still as he nods to his comment. It just feels a little formal, somehow?? Even though it's just Mikey and everything.
And he's trying to show respect and shit.]
Yeah, almost feel like I've been an exchange student in some ways. [Except this place isn't Japan, but.] Learned a lot, I think. It's kind of cool. Have I rubbed off any Americaness on you?
[EXCUSE SCOTT FOR HIS IGNORANCE, MIKEY... but honestly, hot sake on a cold day sounds great. He's already a supporter of 'drink hot chocolate' or something like that during the winter, so this is even better, because alcohol, duh. Breaking the laws that don't exist!!
But he follows Mikey into the dojo, while removing his shoes as requested, letting his socks shuffle across the floor until he's sitting by the table, his legs crossed as he watches him. He offers a small, but sincere 'thank you' when he brings the cups over, sitting still as he nods to his comment. It just feels a little formal, somehow?? Even though it's just Mikey and everything.
And he's trying to show respect and shit.]
Yeah, almost feel like I've been an exchange student in some ways. [Except this place isn't Japan, but.] Learned a lot, I think. It's kind of cool. Have I rubbed off any Americaness on you?
You can drink it cold, too. It's just because of the weather.
(look at him, it's cute to exchange these things. the beer was a nice gift, and mikey's glad he can repay it with his own alcohol -- well, his grandpa's, but all in all, it's his now, isn't it?
the little sip he takes with both hands bring a smile to his face as he gently puts the cup down.)
Maybe a little. I guess time will tell, but I think there's no way to be close to someone and not have something of theirs with you over time. I did think a little about what the United States must be like - my little sister and I have different mothers, and hers is American, but she left her here with us and never came back, so we don't know a lot from first-hand experience, so all we know is really movies and stuff. You're my first non-Japanese friend.
(look at him, it's cute to exchange these things. the beer was a nice gift, and mikey's glad he can repay it with his own alcohol -- well, his grandpa's, but all in all, it's his now, isn't it?
the little sip he takes with both hands bring a smile to his face as he gently puts the cup down.)
Maybe a little. I guess time will tell, but I think there's no way to be close to someone and not have something of theirs with you over time. I did think a little about what the United States must be like - my little sister and I have different mothers, and hers is American, but she left her here with us and never came back, so we don't know a lot from first-hand experience, so all we know is really movies and stuff. You're my first non-Japanese friend.
Edited 2023-12-09 19:53 (UTC)
Good call.
[Scott compliments lightly, the corners of his mouth twitching upward, before he cups the drink in his hand and takes a small sip, as suggested. Mikey said to drink it with patience, so that's what he's going with. The flavor is certainly new, his face twisting slightly as it goes down his throat, but it's something he thinks he can get used to. It's just nice sharing a drink with a friend anyway.
Not thinking about the deaths and everything too.
So, he likes it when Mikey shares more information about himself, about the sister that he was probably looking for when he first arrived. He'd never would've guessed that she was American, but he's never seen her before either. Still, he smiles slightly, unable to stop the laugh at being called his first non-Japanese friend. There's also a warmth there too, having that sort of title, a feeling that Scott welcomes right now.]
I'm the first, huh? Feel like that's a title I can put on my resume or some shit.
[Majiro Sano's First Non-Japanese Friend.]
[Scott compliments lightly, the corners of his mouth twitching upward, before he cups the drink in his hand and takes a small sip, as suggested. Mikey said to drink it with patience, so that's what he's going with. The flavor is certainly new, his face twisting slightly as it goes down his throat, but it's something he thinks he can get used to. It's just nice sharing a drink with a friend anyway.
Not thinking about the deaths and everything too.
So, he likes it when Mikey shares more information about himself, about the sister that he was probably looking for when he first arrived. He'd never would've guessed that she was American, but he's never seen her before either. Still, he smiles slightly, unable to stop the laugh at being called his first non-Japanese friend. There's also a warmth there too, having that sort of title, a feeling that Scott welcomes right now.]
I'm the first, huh? Feel like that's a title I can put on my resume or some shit.
[Majiro Sano's First Non-Japanese Friend.]
(when he was little, and emma had just arrived, he thought she felt alone for being different. sure, both of them are natural blonds, but she's the one whose name was different in every way, thrown in a house where she didn't belong to start. shinichiro, manjiro, emma. sano and kurokawa. mikey's change in name was solely for her benefit, so she felt more at home, more like the welcomed sister like he thought she was. with her surname change and time, everything fell in place. he loves her dearly, and loves who he is due to her existence.
there's such a gentle smile in her face, his eyes closing as he takes the tiniest of sips. a first american friend in a resume? if he was in manjiro's tokyo, honestly? just being mikey's friend overall would give him street rep like no others.)
Makes you that happy? I'd have told you earlier. You're a good friend. I'd make you of the Manji.
there's such a gentle smile in her face, his eyes closing as he takes the tiniest of sips. a first american friend in a resume? if he was in manjiro's tokyo, honestly? just being mikey's friend overall would give him street rep like no others.)
Makes you that happy? I'd have told you earlier. You're a good friend. I'd make you of the Manji.
[Part of Scott wants to say 'shut up, man' at least good-heartedly, but it's hard to even make that slightly teasing remark when Mikey's just so genuine with his other words. It's really kind of nice to have someone be so honest with him in return, no holding back anything and just saying how they feel. Lot of the other teens just keep things in, something that he's been trying to adopt himself, and it's hard.
At least he doesn't have to worry too much about it with Mikey.]
Yeah, it does. [His smile grows, something in his chest dislodging.] ...And thanks, man, that's uh, really something. I know. Being part of your group.
[He can see why people follow him so easily, why he's the leader despite being so young.] You're a good friend too, kay?
At least he doesn't have to worry too much about it with Mikey.]
Yeah, it does. [His smile grows, something in his chest dislodging.] ...And thanks, man, that's uh, really something. I know. Being part of your group.
[He can see why people follow him so easily, why he's the leader despite being so young.] You're a good friend too, kay?
(at least not with things like these. there is no shyness in mikey, he can talk about fondness, dislikes, what he has done, what he hasn't done. information isn't hard to take from him, but how he feels? those things are so much harder. the opening to emotional bonding is narrow, if one doesn't see it, they'll miss it.
so, it's nice, limited, but nice.)
Ah, I know.
(also, no modesty, which is why he laughs, good-hearted.)
You feel any better?
so, it's nice, limited, but nice.)
Ah, I know.
(also, no modesty, which is why he laughs, good-hearted.)
You feel any better?
[Later on, Scott will realize that Mikey is just as emotionally constipated as all his other friends, maybe even worse in some ways... but that wakeup call won't be now, probably. He's still allowed to enjoy the feeling of openness between them.
Scott joins in with Mikey's laugh, an open sound that isn't held back by anything, before it ends in a large grin from the mutant.]
Yeah, I actually do.
[While he's still in a far better mood, his smile starts to lessen, replaced by visible concern as Scott looks at him. All the shit on the island is still fresh on his mind and he wants to make sure that he's really okay.]
So, you're good and stuff? It was uh, pretty wild seeing you back there.
Scott joins in with Mikey's laugh, an open sound that isn't held back by anything, before it ends in a large grin from the mutant.]
Yeah, I actually do.
[While he's still in a far better mood, his smile starts to lessen, replaced by visible concern as Scott looks at him. All the shit on the island is still fresh on his mind and he wants to make sure that he's really okay.]
So, you're good and stuff? It was uh, pretty wild seeing you back there.
(so far, nobody's asked him about it. he's going on as he usually would, like he wasn't ever ready to snap any of them in pieces, and not even recognize he was. a state where all he can see is darkness, all he does is walk by impulse, he'd kill like that.
his expression isn't a smile, but neither is it anything else. it's neutral as a single shoulder raises in indifference, but it comes back to place quickly.)
Yeah, I'm cool. Can't lose Takemitchy, it's all, so I got a little carried away. I'm good now that he's safe. I lost quite a few people recently, so I don't want a repeat of that. Regardless of it, I'm glad it wasn't worse. I'm very thankful for you two - I should tell Yuchin that sometime.
his expression isn't a smile, but neither is it anything else. it's neutral as a single shoulder raises in indifference, but it comes back to place quickly.)
Yeah, I'm cool. Can't lose Takemitchy, it's all, so I got a little carried away. I'm good now that he's safe. I lost quite a few people recently, so I don't want a repeat of that. Regardless of it, I'm glad it wasn't worse. I'm very thankful for you two - I should tell Yuchin that sometime.
Edited 2023-12-13 00:02 (UTC)
[It's understandable not wanting to lose anyone close, but that blind rage that took a hold of Mikey was truly something else. Scott's pretty sure that no one would've been able to pull him out of that trance if Takemitchy wasn't there, after all, he didn't listen to him or Yu, not until Takemitchy spoke up and showed that he was okay. It was the first time he's seen someone consumed by their emotions, especially to the point they wouldn't even listen to reason anymore.
They could've lost another person if Yu and him didn't get to Takemitchy in time and that's fucking terrifying.]
It was like we couldn't even reach you back there.
[How do you even admit that you're kind of scared though? Partly because of the violence he displayed, but also just how different Mikey seemed at the moment. He was far from the charming leader and just... possessed.]
But I think Yu would like hearing that, man. Probably mean a lot to him.
They could've lost another person if Yu and him didn't get to Takemitchy in time and that's fucking terrifying.]
It was like we couldn't even reach you back there.
[How do you even admit that you're kind of scared though? Partly because of the violence he displayed, but also just how different Mikey seemed at the moment. He was far from the charming leader and just... possessed.]
But I think Yu would like hearing that, man. Probably mean a lot to him.
(they could have, and they would have. manjiro wouldn't have even noticed, truth be told, if the entire island had vanished before his very eyes. wouldn't have felt it, wouldn't have seen it. he can't blame scott for worrying - but at the same time, there's nothing he can say. he barely understand it himself. so, there's a gentle smile on his lips. whenever things are tough, whenever he wants to scream inside, a smile blooms on his face.
he's fine, he's got it.)
You don't have to worry.
(he does. EVERYONE DOES. don't get on his ass, though. he's great at making others leave him.)
Yuchin and I are working other shit out right now. When I stop wanting to kick him, I'll thank him. Just give me a few weeks.
he's fine, he's got it.)
You don't have to worry.
(he does. EVERYONE DOES. don't get on his ass, though. he's great at making others leave him.)
Yuchin and I are working other shit out right now. When I stop wanting to kick him, I'll thank him. Just give me a few weeks.
[Even though Mikey is telling him not to worry, it doesn't actually stop him from doing so. It's not a order that he can simply follow, mostly because he really fucking cares about him. Scott doesn't plan on getting on his case about it, but it's probably clear to Mikey that this whole incident isn't something he's really ever going to forget about either.
Guess that means he really has to make sure that Takemichty doesn't fucking bite it in the future.
Not that he wants any of his friends to be hurt ever again. He childishly wishes that, even though he knows deep in his heart, that is impossible. Hopefully it'll just be him that gets hurt over any of his friends.]
Hm? Why are you mad at him?
[Is that a pretty bold thing to ask? Well, he'll just blame the sake for that. But really, Scott's kind of surprised to hear that Mikey upset's with Yu, especially since the latter's been deeply hurt with Yosuke's death. So, don't mind Scott as he lightly frowns at him, although he's more than willing to hear him out.]
Guess that means he really has to make sure that Takemichty doesn't fucking bite it in the future.
Not that he wants any of his friends to be hurt ever again. He childishly wishes that, even though he knows deep in his heart, that is impossible. Hopefully it'll just be him that gets hurt over any of his friends.]
Hm? Why are you mad at him?
[Is that a pretty bold thing to ask? Well, he'll just blame the sake for that. But really, Scott's kind of surprised to hear that Mikey upset's with Yu, especially since the latter's been deeply hurt with Yosuke's death. So, don't mind Scott as he lightly frowns at him, although he's more than willing to hear him out.]
If someone cut off my legs so I couldn't kick, and I went on a suicide mission, you'd be mad at me too.
(but it's all he's going to say. it's easier to compare it like that, when yu was vulnerable with the one thing that makes him as powerful as he is. for mikey, it'll always be his own physical strength, something not as easily taken, and yet. another shrug.
losing someone doesn't insent others. he'd know it, he's lost too many people, been held against it, and yet, here he is. the last sip of sake warms him, and with two hands, he serves both again.)
It's whatever, it'll pass. How are you and Kototan?
(but it's all he's going to say. it's easier to compare it like that, when yu was vulnerable with the one thing that makes him as powerful as he is. for mikey, it'll always be his own physical strength, something not as easily taken, and yet. another shrug.
losing someone doesn't insent others. he'd know it, he's lost too many people, been held against it, and yet, here he is. the last sip of sake warms him, and with two hands, he serves both again.)
It's whatever, it'll pass. How are you and Kototan?
[...The hell kind of analogy is that? Scott would argue that you couldn't really get anywhere if your legs were cut off, but guess that's not the point, is it? He turns the words around in his mind for a moment, trying to get the meaning behind them, and... Mikey's mad at Yu for going to the island, huh?
Oh, shit, going to the island without being able to use his Personas.
Scott was aware of that, but he wasn't going to stop someone that wanted to save his friends. Besides, Yu had a sword, so he wasn't entirely defenseless, but he can get why Mikey is upset. That's uh, he's going to leave it alone. That's definitely a conversation for them.
As such, he's fine with the conversation changing over to focus on him and Kotone. He smiles a bit at the mention of her name, her nickname even, because that's just how he always feels when she's brought upmost of the time.]
We're doing good. She only suffered a small injury, so she's okay.
[He bites his lip, not wanting to go too hard in front of Mikey, saying how he was so scared of losing her and all that. How he became even more attached when she returned to him, fully realizing that they can truly lose each other at any moment. He knew that it could happen, but it doesn't mean he was really... thinking about it or was really ready for it. He's probably still not ready for it.]
Oh, shit, going to the island without being able to use his Personas.
Scott was aware of that, but he wasn't going to stop someone that wanted to save his friends. Besides, Yu had a sword, so he wasn't entirely defenseless, but he can get why Mikey is upset. That's uh, he's going to leave it alone. That's definitely a conversation for them.
As such, he's fine with the conversation changing over to focus on him and Kotone. He smiles a bit at the mention of her name, her nickname even, because that's just how he always feels when she's brought up
We're doing good. She only suffered a small injury, so she's okay.
[He bites his lip, not wanting to go too hard in front of Mikey, saying how he was so scared of losing her and all that. How he became even more attached when she returned to him, fully realizing that they can truly lose each other at any moment. He knew that it could happen, but it doesn't mean he was really... thinking about it or was really ready for it. He's probably still not ready for it.]
(he doesn't think it's lame. he thinks it's cute, to see summers all in love. he's surrounded by love, after all, at home. his sister and his vice-president, takemichi and hina, all the feelings manjiro himself holds inside, it all feels good. his own smile blooms, sweet, gentle.)
A hardass, huh? It's always the girls who are the most hardcore.
A hardass, huh? It's always the girls who are the most hardcore.
She's definitely stronger than me.
[Is it bad saying that to another guy? Perhaps, but Scott doesn't care and it seems like Mikey sort of agrees anyway. Besides, it's the truth, Kotone is far stronger than him and been through so much more, which is why he wants to get better. Whether that is improving his powers or just being a more reliable guy, he wants to just catch up.]
Don't know where some people got the idea that girls are weak.
[Is it bad saying that to another guy? Perhaps, but Scott doesn't care and it seems like Mikey sort of agrees anyway. Besides, it's the truth, Kotone is far stronger than him and been through so much more, which is why he wants to get better. Whether that is improving his powers or just being a more reliable guy, he wants to just catch up.]
Don't know where some people got the idea that girls are weak.
They ain't weak, but I do think they are smarter than us about getting into fistfights. That's why I don't hit girls, but to be fair, there aren't many chicks around us, you know. The girls around us are my little sister, Takemitchy's girl, two little children under the age of 10, Sanzu's sister that doesn't come around anymore, and Hakkai's sister, Yuzuha. That's about it, when it's like, 450 men at some point. They're definitely smarter than us.
(one that doesn't come around anymore - and of course she does, why would she? manjiro never found out she lied to him, but once he figures out that it had been her who broke his toy and in turn, he ripped her brother's mouth apart, it will become clear the guilt that follows.
either way, not what he is thinking about.)
There were girl gangs called Sukeban back home, though. The culture died out and there are a few bosozoku, like me, girl gangs, but not in my turf. They ride these super customized to hell and back bikes, and do crazy shit just like us, too. I haven't had a lot of chance to meet girls, considering. I think Kototan and Vi are the closest I've gotten that aren't family.
(one that doesn't come around anymore - and of course she does, why would she? manjiro never found out she lied to him, but once he figures out that it had been her who broke his toy and in turn, he ripped her brother's mouth apart, it will become clear the guilt that follows.
either way, not what he is thinking about.)
There were girl gangs called Sukeban back home, though. The culture died out and there are a few bosozoku, like me, girl gangs, but not in my turf. They ride these super customized to hell and back bikes, and do crazy shit just like us, too. I haven't had a lot of chance to meet girls, considering. I think Kototan and Vi are the closest I've gotten that aren't family.
Definitely smarter.
[Scott agrees on that last bit, but it's clear that he was paying attention to Mikey the entire time. Learning about the other teen and his home is always fascinating to him, partly because he's a gang leader, but because he's his friend and everything. His life is just so different, like he can't imagine only being around 450 other guys and just 5 girls. Everyone's lives seem so much wild compared to his, honestly, and he shoots optic blasts.
It really makes him feel kind of boring sometimes, but at least Mikey and the others don't seem to mind. Kotone almost seems to appreciate in a way, strangely enough.
Scott takes another sip of his sake, his cheeks a little more flushed as he feels the alcohol rest warmly in his stomach.]
They sound pretty hardcore. I haven't really met girls in gangs before... but I have a friend back home that can read people's minds, so that's pretty intense. [As his thoughts turn to Jean, his chest pulls slightly, honestly missing her. He still really likes her, but it's been months since he last talked to her. Scott just hopes she's okay.]
But yeah, uh, Kotone's the closest person I have here. [It's some of that alcohol speaking now--] But Vi's cool too. And Caitlyn and Jinx and Ange...
[Scott agrees on that last bit, but it's clear that he was paying attention to Mikey the entire time. Learning about the other teen and his home is always fascinating to him, partly because he's a gang leader, but because he's his friend and everything. His life is just so different, like he can't imagine only being around 450 other guys and just 5 girls. Everyone's lives seem so much wild compared to his, honestly, and he shoots optic blasts.
It really makes him feel kind of boring sometimes, but at least Mikey and the others don't seem to mind. Kotone almost seems to appreciate in a way, strangely enough.
Scott takes another sip of his sake, his cheeks a little more flushed as he feels the alcohol rest warmly in his stomach.]
They sound pretty hardcore. I haven't really met girls in gangs before... but I have a friend back home that can read people's minds, so that's pretty intense. [As his thoughts turn to Jean, his chest pulls slightly, honestly missing her. He still really likes her, but it's been months since he last talked to her. Scott just hopes she's okay.]
But yeah, uh, Kotone's the closest person I have here. [It's some of that alcohol speaking now--] But Vi's cool too. And Caitlyn and Jinx and Ange...
Oh, fuck no. Do they control it? It sounds like a literal headache.
(he doesn't know any other way to be. not when every older influence in his surroundings lived the life he leads. this means something to him, the culture the youth built and he breathed in during his formative years, shaping him with so many standards that he couldn't even dream of being anyone else.
he doesn't mind normal, that said. not shoes he could fit, but it's a different experience, and experience is what makes someone.)
Those other ones I don't know. I don't know so many people, anyway, which is fine. I'm grateful for those I have. I guess part of me is just thinks more of ToMan will show up here, even if I'd rather them not to. We are a gang, after all, some of us are locked up, so I figure if this place is looking for crime committing and they found Takemitchy and me, they might bring the who belong to me at the end of the day.
... Or the rest of the motherfuckers, which really ain't thrilling.
(he doesn't know any other way to be. not when every older influence in his surroundings lived the life he leads. this means something to him, the culture the youth built and he breathed in during his formative years, shaping him with so many standards that he couldn't even dream of being anyone else.
he doesn't mind normal, that said. not shoes he could fit, but it's a different experience, and experience is what makes someone.)
Those other ones I don't know. I don't know so many people, anyway, which is fine. I'm grateful for those I have. I guess part of me is just thinks more of ToMan will show up here, even if I'd rather them not to. We are a gang, after all, some of us are locked up, so I figure if this place is looking for crime committing and they found Takemitchy and me, they might bring the who belong to me at the end of the day.
... Or the rest of the motherfuckers, which really ain't thrilling.
[Scott smiles slightly at his words.]
Sort of? I think it's hard for her to control sometimes... but she's doing her best. I think she just needs to get out of that school more often and have fun just being a normal teen.
[Even if none of them are really 'normal,' but it's fine. Jean really seemed to enjoy hanging out at the mall with him and the others, despite her initial protests.
As Scott recalls her smile, the way she sassed back at him, that pit of not quite longing, but genuine just missing his friend, deepens. She was the first friend he made at Xavier's and he's pretty sure that he was her first friend in return, despite being there for much longer. All the other mutants were afraid of her, but... she's really cool and niceand pretty.
While his crush on her is pretty much gone now, he still would like to see her again.]
I don't think we can really count on anyone being brought here and it doesn't seem to matter what we did back home. [He raises one shoulder in a half shrug.] I mean, I'm the only one from my world still and there's a known mutant terrorist back home. Quentin doesn't count because he's from an alternative reality or whatever. I don't really care.
[Except he sort of cares because apparently his other self is sort of scary and a wreck?? But no point talking about that. Also, he's still upset at his roommate.]
Sort of? I think it's hard for her to control sometimes... but she's doing her best. I think she just needs to get out of that school more often and have fun just being a normal teen.
[Even if none of them are really 'normal,' but it's fine. Jean really seemed to enjoy hanging out at the mall with him and the others, despite her initial protests.
As Scott recalls her smile, the way she sassed back at him, that pit of not quite longing, but genuine just missing his friend, deepens. She was the first friend he made at Xavier's and he's pretty sure that he was her first friend in return, despite being there for much longer. All the other mutants were afraid of her, but... she's really cool and nice
While his crush on her is pretty much gone now, he still would like to see her again.]
I don't think we can really count on anyone being brought here and it doesn't seem to matter what we did back home. [He raises one shoulder in a half shrug.] I mean, I'm the only one from my world still and there's a known mutant terrorist back home. Quentin doesn't count because he's from an alternative reality or whatever. I don't really care.
[Except he sort of cares because apparently his other self is sort of scary and a wreck?? But no point talking about that. Also, he's still upset at his roommate.]
School sucks, Summers. Everyone just needs to get out of school. Isn't going to school normal teen shit? Even I kind of go to school, sorta, kinda... I'll definitely drop out, but until then, sorta...
(sir. please complete freaking middle school at least. have something...
these arguments all contradict one another, he'd say.)
... Alternative reality.
(sir. please complete freaking middle school at least. have something...
these arguments all contradict one another, he'd say.)
... Alternative reality.
School definitely sucks. Honestly, I thought that you already dropped out.
[That sentiment gets the mutant to smile, because it feels like such a normal thing to say and share with other teens, almost like he's just complaining about stuff that really seems dumb now. It's still nice, in fact, he appreciates it more in a way, having that familiarity and with someone that he can truly call a friend.
Although, that lighthearted feeling doesn't last long, because now they're talking about stuff that's been on his mind more lately. Stuff that actually matters and drives his anxiety because things aren't just stupid math exams or English tests anymore.]
Yeah, like... a parallel universe or something. [Funny how he thought the concept of alternative realities to be cool, but now he's less enthusiastic about it.] Quentin's from an Earth that has mutants, like me, and he even knows a Scott Summers there... but he's not like me.
[A frown pulls at his mouth at the thought. Also, so much for not talking about it. Sue him, he changed his mind.]
[That sentiment gets the mutant to smile, because it feels like such a normal thing to say and share with other teens, almost like he's just complaining about stuff that really seems dumb now. It's still nice, in fact, he appreciates it more in a way, having that familiarity and with someone that he can truly call a friend.
Although, that lighthearted feeling doesn't last long, because now they're talking about stuff that's been on his mind more lately. Stuff that actually matters and drives his anxiety because things aren't just stupid math exams or English tests anymore.]
Yeah, like... a parallel universe or something. [Funny how he thought the concept of alternative realities to be cool, but now he's less enthusiastic about it.] Quentin's from an Earth that has mutants, like me, and he even knows a Scott Summers there... but he's not like me.
[A frown pulls at his mouth at the thought. Also, so much for not talking about it. Sue him, he changed his mind.]
No, but I arrive at lunch time and use my classes to nap at so I have energy for the rallies. Food in Japanese schools are the best.
(and lowkey, his grandfather would kill him. he doesn't seem to mind that manjiro sucks at school, probably because of how well he does in the dojo grounds.
oh. so scott too is dealing with something like that.)
Ah. Quentin is the twerp who's trying to fuck Vi's lil' sister, yeah? Or fucking her, I don't know. Did he tell you about everything in detail?
(and lowkey, his grandfather would kill him. he doesn't seem to mind that manjiro sucks at school, probably because of how well he does in the dojo grounds.
oh. so scott too is dealing with something like that.)
Ah. Quentin is the twerp who's trying to fuck Vi's lil' sister, yeah? Or fucking her, I don't know. Did he tell you about everything in detail?
Probably better than the food they serve at the cafeterias in America.
[...There's probably no way that Mikey is graduating even middle school, is he? Well, Scott's not going to be the guy to hound him on that. Seems like he already has his future with the gang and everything, and he seems to have a good head and shit. Who cares if he can't do algebra--]
Oh, you know, huh? Yeah, pretty much.
[Scott smiles a little when Mikey calls Quentin a 'twerp' though. He encourages everyone being a dick to his roommate, because he is a huge asshole that sort of deserves it. Maybe not full out people kicking his ass, but being a jerk back. It's a nice little reprieve before he gets into the whole, alternative reality bit.]
...No. [He looks down at his sake for a moment, pausing his drinking.] I didn't ask, didn't really want to. Hearing that other me is this scary, slightly unstable guy was sort of enough.
[...There's probably no way that Mikey is graduating even middle school, is he? Well, Scott's not going to be the guy to hound him on that. Seems like he already has his future with the gang and everything, and he seems to have a good head and shit. Who cares if he can't do algebra--]
Oh, you know, huh? Yeah, pretty much.
[Scott smiles a little when Mikey calls Quentin a 'twerp' though. He encourages everyone being a dick to his roommate, because he is a huge asshole that sort of deserves it. Maybe not full out people kicking his ass, but being a jerk back. It's a nice little reprieve before he gets into the whole, alternative reality bit.]
...No. [He looks down at his sake for a moment, pausing his drinking.] I didn't ask, didn't really want to. Hearing that other me is this scary, slightly unstable guy was sort of enough.
Students over there are overworked, it's their job to feed us well and shit.
(CLEARLY not him. who cares if he can't name three countries in europe--
oh. but scott clearly is upset if that doesn't warrant a bigger grin. he can understand - he is on the same boat with that, after all.)
It's why I don't ask Takemitchy anything about what he knows. He's not from the same time. I get you - it's better to focus on who you are now, I think.
(CLEARLY not him. who cares if he can't name three countries in europe--
oh. but scott clearly is upset if that doesn't warrant a bigger grin. he can understand - he is on the same boat with that, after all.)
It's why I don't ask Takemitchy anything about what he knows. He's not from the same time. I get you - it's better to focus on who you are now, I think.
[He can see how it would be hella awkward, even scary, to ask someone from your actual future what things are like. If you're dead, if you're coping, if things are okay. Scott gets where Mikey is coming from there, even if it may be tempting. Being a leader of a gang probably makes things even more unpredictable, unlike Scott's mostly normal life back home. Although, he's still kind of afraid asking anyone from his world what he's like 20 years from now.
Is he apparently crazy too?]
Y-yeah, that's a good idea. We are who we are right now and that's all that matters. Live each day to the fullest, right?
[Repeating Kotone's words in a way. Guess it helps now.]
Is he apparently crazy too?]
Y-yeah, that's a good idea. We are who we are right now and that's all that matters. Live each day to the fullest, right?
[Repeating Kotone's words in a way. Guess it helps now.]
Nah. I just know that we decide our own future. Think about who you want to be, what do you want to achieve, and go from there, Summers. Whatever he knows, isn't the you you are, ya know? It's a version of you. It ain't gotta be true if you don't make it be.
(and they're going to need more sake, don't they? he's going to down his. didn't he say to sip--)
What do you wanna be, anyway?
(and they're going to need more sake, don't they? he's going to down his. didn't he say to sip--)
What do you wanna be, anyway?
[A small part of him, the part that's sometimes pessimistic, can't help but think that the other Scott probably didn't want to be crazy either, but it happened anyway. Maybe that's what will happen to him, despite all protests. Can fate really be changed, maybe it's actually impossible. Like saving Kotone from her 'death.' But as immediately as that thought comes to mind, the mutant shoves it down.
He's not going to be like that. He has to try.]
Honestly? I don't know who I want to be. Never really thought about it. [Mostly because he was too busy being a little angry and grumpy at his old school.] Not like there's anyone really counting on me back home. I know you have hundreds of people looking up to you.
He's not going to be like that. He has to try.]
Honestly? I don't know who I want to be. Never really thought about it. [Mostly because he was too busy being a little angry and grumpy at his old school.] Not like there's anyone really counting on me back home. I know you have hundreds of people looking up to you.
Really? Nothing you like to do like that?
(not that they have to have a shred of answers at their age, but scott has got to have something that makes his heart sing a little bit, doesn't he?
the other part of the conversation? it makes him laugh, albeit a weak one.)
Yeah, but you know? We'll grow up eventually, and I'm sure all of them will want futures, wives, children, jobs. I expect no less, and I hope no less. I want none of that, so in a way? My future is much less important than making sure they live to see theirs.
(not that they have to have a shred of answers at their age, but scott has got to have something that makes his heart sing a little bit, doesn't he?
the other part of the conversation? it makes him laugh, albeit a weak one.)
Yeah, but you know? We'll grow up eventually, and I'm sure all of them will want futures, wives, children, jobs. I expect no less, and I hope no less. I want none of that, so in a way? My future is much less important than making sure they live to see theirs.
...Not really. I mean, there are the other mutants and everything, and they're cool, but I don't think they really rely on me or anything. We're just friends.
[Maybe if he knew them longer than a day, his opinion would be different, but it's been months since he hung out at the mall with them and while that moment would always be with him, it's not like Mikey and his group. He was pretty much the new kid trying to impress others and have fun.
Hearing that admittance from Mikey though, draws his undivided attention. By now, he's set his cup back on the table, not interested in drinking more at the moment, even though it feels like alcohol would help.]
That's not true, Mikey. Just because you don't want to get married and everything, doesn't mean that your future is less important. [Scott frowns, sounding just a little more upset at the end there. He doesn't want Mikey to think that way, especially since it feels like the future of a lot of his friends here is... bad.]
[Maybe if he knew them longer than a day, his opinion would be different, but it's been months since he hung out at the mall with them and while that moment would always be with him, it's not like Mikey and his group. He was pretty much the new kid trying to impress others and have fun.
Hearing that admittance from Mikey though, draws his undivided attention. By now, he's set his cup back on the table, not interested in drinking more at the moment, even though it feels like alcohol would help.]
That's not true, Mikey. Just because you don't want to get married and everything, doesn't mean that your future is less important. [Scott frowns, sounding just a little more upset at the end there. He doesn't want Mikey to think that way, especially since it feels like the future of a lot of his friends here is... bad.]
Mhm, maybe it isn't at all important. We don't know if we are going back, when, how-- might as well just survive here. Should be enough.
(oh. he upset the other, it seems... it isn't any less true, though. being a leader means sacrificing yourself for others benefits more often than not, and he isn't particularly sorry or upset about his choice.
there's a sweet smile on his lips.)
It's not about being married, or anything like that. It's about having a life outside the one we have right now. I don't really fit anywhere else, and I don't want to either? So I'd rather take care of my own so they can have a future, it's a conscious decision. The way I see it, they belong to me. They put their lives in my hands, all their dreams and struggles are mine, too. It's my responsibility to take care of that. Whatever the future has for me, I don't know, but I have a duty, you know? That's important to me. So... I think my future is to make sure the future exists.
(oh. he upset the other, it seems... it isn't any less true, though. being a leader means sacrificing yourself for others benefits more often than not, and he isn't particularly sorry or upset about his choice.
there's a sweet smile on his lips.)
It's not about being married, or anything like that. It's about having a life outside the one we have right now. I don't really fit anywhere else, and I don't want to either? So I'd rather take care of my own so they can have a future, it's a conscious decision. The way I see it, they belong to me. They put their lives in my hands, all their dreams and struggles are mine, too. It's my responsibility to take care of that. Whatever the future has for me, I don't know, but I have a duty, you know? That's important to me. So... I think my future is to make sure the future exists.
[Honestly, a part of him doesn't even want to go back home at this point. Saying goodbye to all of his friends... to Kotone, it's a very difficult thought. It's not like he has too much waiting for him back home, even if it'll be nice seeing the other mutants again. However, he doesn't voice his thoughts, because Mikey isn't like him, right?]
When you put it that way... it sounds less bad. [Small wince, as Scott tries to backtrack about what he really wants to say.] I mean, having your dream and your future revolve around your friends' happiness is kind of noble, actually. And I'm pretty sure they still want to have you in their life, even after gang stuff. Invite you to their weddings and crap.
When you put it that way... it sounds less bad. [Small wince, as Scott tries to backtrack about what he really wants to say.] I mean, having your dream and your future revolve around your friends' happiness is kind of noble, actually. And I'm pretty sure they still want to have you in their life, even after gang stuff. Invite you to their weddings and crap.
And I wouldn't miss it for the world. Like I said, the priority is to make it so everyone makes it to their own future, you know.
(they'd be fucked one way or another. if not under mikey, under someone else. doing something else.)
(they'd be fucked one way or another. if not under mikey, under someone else. doing something else.)
I think I get it, Mikey.
[Mikey really is a selfless guy, isn't he? Scott feels the knot in his chest lighten too, because while maybe it's a little sad to hear that he doesn't value his future as much as his followers, at least he's trying his damn hardest to make that future for them. He's just the type to live for others. It's just something so noble and self-sacrificing.]
It's easy to see why so many people follow you. [Scott chuckles lightly, his smile back in place as he takes his cup again to drink some more.]
[Mikey really is a selfless guy, isn't he? Scott feels the knot in his chest lighten too, because while maybe it's a little sad to hear that he doesn't value his future as much as his followers, at least he's trying his damn hardest to make that future for them. He's just the type to live for others. It's just something so noble and self-sacrificing.]
It's easy to see why so many people follow you. [Scott chuckles lightly, his smile back in place as he takes his cup again to drink some more.]
It's because I'm cute as hell.
(it's his own way of joking. this conversation, however, should be reaching the end. he's not someone who can drink and stay awake -- truth be told, it's hard to be awake a lot of the times, with tired sleepy bitch disease.)
I should go to bed, though, Summers. Wanna take the sake for Kototan?
(it's his own way of joking. this conversation, however, should be reaching the end. he's not someone who can drink and stay awake -- truth be told, it's hard to be awake a lot of the times, with tired sleepy bitch disease.)
I should go to bed, though, Summers. Wanna take the sake for Kototan?
Yeah, I guess that too.
[Scott laughs, agreeing with him because it's kind of true, but also because it's fun. A good natured sort of joke as their conversation winds down. It is getting a little late though, or at least it's pretty clear that Mikey is getting tired, and he's not going to keep him up longer than needed.]
Oh, sure. If you're cool with that. [He slowly starts to get up again, a light smile to him as he stretches.] Thanks for inviting me, man.
[Scott laughs, agreeing with him because it's kind of true, but also because it's fun. A good natured sort of joke as their conversation winds down. It is getting a little late though, or at least it's pretty clear that Mikey is getting tired, and he's not going to keep him up longer than needed.]
Oh, sure. If you're cool with that. [He slowly starts to get up again, a light smile to him as he stretches.] Thanks for inviting me, man.
Yeah, legit. I'm sure she knows how to warm it, too.
(cultural knowledge? he hopes she does, at least. he's already a very small zombie, with his eyes starting to close without him willing them to, arms stretched up for a second before he jumps off his seat.)
You know the way out?
(cultural knowledge? he hopes she does, at least. he's already a very small zombie, with his eyes starting to close without him willing them to, arms stretched up for a second before he jumps off his seat.)
You know the way out?
??? huh? is he not on the island still or waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out in rumpitur? we lost connection so i havent heard from him since he left. i know hes not dead or i would had know about it by now from u or my old man.
hmmmmmmmmmmm.... what kind of games are u into?
hmmmmmmmmmmm.... what kind of games are u into?
[Weird that he hasn't talked to Jinx yet, but whatever, he's not Quire's keeper. Scott doesn't think he's in danger or anything, so he's probably just being a prick. Like normal.]
We made it off the island, maybe he is hanging out in Rumpitur for whatever reason. I don't know.
As for games, there's an arcade that opened up not too long ago here, we can go there. Ever been to one? Kind of hard to tell sometimes. :p
We made it off the island, maybe he is hanging out in Rumpitur for whatever reason. I don't know.
As for games, there's an arcade that opened up not too long ago here, we can go there. Ever been to one? Kind of hard to tell sometimes. :p
( how frysquint worthy. well, if he doesn't turn up soon, she'll have to do something drastic to bring him back out in the open. trashing his room comes to mind, but it'll be difficult to do when his room is already a bit of a pigsty. jinx will have to think a little more out of the box... get rid of his clothes maybe? threaten to burn it all and waste money on buying new ones? or maybe pour out his hair gel or whatever he uses for his hair? for now, jinx will put a pin on it. )
u mean that place with all the game machines? so u guys call it an arcade. huh. we just called it gamespot back home. anyway, i checked it out once to see if they were cheap muckups but didnt play anything. i use to build gaming machines as a kid on my spare time.
u mean that place with all the game machines? so u guys call it an arcade. huh. we just called it gamespot back home. anyway, i checked it out once to see if they were cheap muckups but didnt play anything. i use to build gaming machines as a kid on my spare time.
Edited 2023-12-09 18:44 (UTC)
[At least she's had some experience with arcades-- gamespots, already more knowledgeable than Kurt was.]
Damn, you built gaming machines before? You really are a fucking genius.
But still a big difference between making them and playing them. I can't believe you went to the arcade here without trying any of the games. We gotta rectify that.
Damn, you built gaming machines before? You really are a fucking genius.
But still a big difference between making them and playing them. I can't believe you went to the arcade here without trying any of the games. We gotta rectify that.
[Maybe it feels a little weird hanging out with Jinx when Quentin still hasn't made contact with her, but whatever, not his issue. He's just spending time with a friend at an arcade and there's nothing wrong with that. Plus, he definitely has to beat her now, because as any good competitive boy, he's not just going to back down from a challenge or simply let this go.
So, Scott's already waiting by the entrance when Jinx shows up, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket like normal.]
Going to make me cry, huh?
[He didn't respond to that last text over the tablets, but he definitely saw it.]
So, Scott's already waiting by the entrance when Jinx shows up, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket like normal.]
Going to make me cry, huh?
[He didn't respond to that last text over the tablets, but he definitely saw it.]
( it's a bit likewise with her. sure, she counts scott as being a member of her INX CLUB and there's definitely nothing wrong with hanging out with him. it's more so there's a hidden meaning behind hanging with him. despite the two boys not seeing eye to eye with each other, scott is probably the closest connection to quentin besides herself.
and if anyone is going to hear from her boyfriend before her, it might be scott -- with them living together and all. maybe he'll reach out to him sometime during their outing or something. it's a little rude, but what else is she suppose to do? she's been lonely without him and silco and her anxiety's been making her hairs stand on end with each passing day. jinx needs a distraction, just anything to do before she hurts herself accidentally or her "jinx" steps in to make matters worse. so for once, the teenager makes it there quicker than she normally would -- spotting scott with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. )
You bet I am. Ya brought enough tissues? I'm fresh out.
( teasing, she bumps her arm to his when she's close and wishing for a split moment she did that with quentin instead of scott. because with quentin, it would linger longer or it wouldn't be so weird to close in the gap between them. fuck. she is so touch starved right now. just where the fuck is he? trying to keep her facade up, she giggles as she enters inside the building -- braids swaying as she skips. )
You got a game in mind?
and if anyone is going to hear from her boyfriend before her, it might be scott -- with them living together and all. maybe he'll reach out to him sometime during their outing or something. it's a little rude, but what else is she suppose to do? she's been lonely without him and silco and her anxiety's been making her hairs stand on end with each passing day. jinx needs a distraction, just anything to do before she hurts herself accidentally or her "jinx" steps in to make matters worse. so for once, the teenager makes it there quicker than she normally would -- spotting scott with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. )
You bet I am. Ya brought enough tissues? I'm fresh out.
( teasing, she bumps her arm to his when she's close and wishing for a split moment she did that with quentin instead of scott. because with quentin, it would linger longer or it wouldn't be so weird to close in the gap between them. fuck. she is so touch starved right now. just where the fuck is he? trying to keep her facade up, she giggles as she enters inside the building -- braids swaying as she skips. )
You got a game in mind?
Edited 2023-12-15 01:11 (UTC)
[Scott nearly smirks hearing her return tease, because this is fun and uncomplicated. Even though he and Jinx don't always see eye-to-eye and they had that one fallout, it feels like all of that is behind them now so that they can just jive at the arcade. That's what it's there for anyway, right? He returns her nudge just briefly, his smile widening as they step inside the building. All this still feels kind of out of the blue, but whatever, maybe she just wants to hang out with a friend. He's not opposed.
Now, to choose their game...]
Shouldn't it be challenger's choice? Trying to give you some advantage.
[He's definitely asking for it, isn't he?]
Now, to choose their game...]
Shouldn't it be challenger's choice? Trying to give you some advantage.
[He's definitely asking for it, isn't he?]
Edited 2023-12-19 01:05 (UTC)
( challenger's choice? that will just make things easier, she thinks. the trick is to find a game that's similar to your strengths, and you roll with it. you'd be a shoe in to win, maybe every time if you're lucky. so the game in question? anything that revolves around a gun. without further delay, jinx searches along each machine, passing through any that seemed way too kid-like for her standards.
she comes into a screeching halt when she locates an arcade game with two plastic guns with a banner displaying zombies charging after civilians. the preview on the screen is going with a blinking text of "start game" in big bold letters. )
This one!
( she exclaims, pointing it out with her index finger. giggling, jinx hurries on over to get a closer look at the toy gun. oh, this is going to be a piece of cake for sure. )
she comes into a screeching halt when she locates an arcade game with two plastic guns with a banner displaying zombies charging after civilians. the preview on the screen is going with a blinking text of "start game" in big bold letters. )
This one!
( she exclaims, pointing it out with her index finger. giggling, jinx hurries on over to get a closer look at the toy gun. oh, this is going to be a piece of cake for sure. )
[The coolest thing about this arcade showing up? It's way more advanced than the ones he's familiar with. No Space Invaders, but actual full on graphics and interactive gun shooting on a moving screen. It's all pretty incredible. Maybe stuff to look forward to back home, but at least he got a taste of new technology here. The tablets have been amazing too...!
But enough being excited about that, because as he follows Jinx around the arcade, she comes to a stop next to one of those interactive shooting games he thought about earlier. Well, this will be fun, and he's definitely not surprised that she picked this one. After all, it involves violence and guns, that's like the two traits that comprise her.
Sometimes he thinks if it's really okay to be friends with her, but... he's having fun with her now, so it's fine. Stuff like that he'll deal with later. Hopefully he won't--]
Didn't want to go for the knowledge machine?
[He teases, but soon picks up the other toy gun, holding it with some level of confidence because he's going to give it his all. He's not so confident to think that he'll actually win, but he doesn't plan on making this easy.]
But enough being excited about that, because as he follows Jinx around the arcade, she comes to a stop next to one of those interactive shooting games he thought about earlier. Well, this will be fun, and he's definitely not surprised that she picked this one. After all, it involves violence and guns, that's like the two traits that comprise her.
Sometimes he thinks if it's really okay to be friends with her, but... he's having fun with her now, so it's fine. Stuff like that he'll deal with later. Hopefully he won't--]
Didn't want to go for the knowledge machine?
[He teases, but soon picks up the other toy gun, holding it with some level of confidence because he's going to give it his all. He's not so confident to think that he'll actually win, but he doesn't plan on making this easy.]
( the azure haired girl snorts at his suggestion, rolling her eyes too, but her smile is warm and somewhat gentle to show she isn't serious. )
Yeah, and I'll blow you outta the water in that too.
( jinx teases right back while shifting her weight from one foot to the next. a resemblance of the past creeps and swirls within her bones, a scar that once healed, but now steadily reentering the surface. a time when her world was less terrible and she had a decent family.
she and ekko did this exact thing once upon a time; ripping on each other before starting a game match. and every day, they kept score by documenting each win on whatever blank sheet of paper they could find. if jinx remembers exactly, ekko was the one in the lead. typical. that bug always found a way to one up her at the very last second. it's years later and it's still so damn infuriating. )
Do we really gotta enter a coin to play?
( she asks, aiming the barrel at the secondary flashing sentence (a way to draw the attention away from her brief silence prior). it'd make sense if this game was personally owned by someone. but if it's a free for all, who are they paying to, exactly? hopefully not the council. )
Yeah, and I'll blow you outta the water in that too.
( jinx teases right back while shifting her weight from one foot to the next. a resemblance of the past creeps and swirls within her bones, a scar that once healed, but now steadily reentering the surface. a time when her world was less terrible and she had a decent family.
she and ekko did this exact thing once upon a time; ripping on each other before starting a game match. and every day, they kept score by documenting each win on whatever blank sheet of paper they could find. if jinx remembers exactly, ekko was the one in the lead. typical. that bug always found a way to one up her at the very last second. it's years later and it's still so damn infuriating. )
Do we really gotta enter a coin to play?
( she asks, aiming the barrel at the secondary flashing sentence (a way to draw the attention away from her brief silence prior). it'd make sense if this game was personally owned by someone. but if it's a free for all, who are they paying to, exactly? hopefully not the council. )
Calling me stupid?
[He snorts, but it's clear he's not offended, his own teasing smile still on him as he looks back at the screen. They're really just hanging out as friends and something about that is so normal. It feels like it's been a long time since he's felt that way in this place, even though that's what he sets out to do on a regular basis, but with everything that happened in the other town and losing friends, it's been hard. So, he really appreciates this time with Jinx, even if she has other reasons for bringing him out here.
Besides, it's not going to be the first time a girl crushes him at a video game--]
Yeah, looks like it. [Sort of annoying, but guess capitalism exists everywhere.] I have enough quarters to get us through. Don't worry, I wouldn't just come here emptyhanded.
[He digs into his pocket and holds out a coin for her to take.]
[He snorts, but it's clear he's not offended, his own teasing smile still on him as he looks back at the screen. They're really just hanging out as friends and something about that is so normal. It feels like it's been a long time since he's felt that way in this place, even though that's what he sets out to do on a regular basis, but with everything that happened in the other town and losing friends, it's been hard. So, he really appreciates this time with Jinx, even if she has other reasons for bringing him out here.
Besides, it's not going to be the first time a girl crushes him at a video game--]
Yeah, looks like it. [Sort of annoying, but guess capitalism exists everywhere.] I have enough quarters to get us through. Don't worry, I wouldn't just come here emptyhanded.
[He digs into his pocket and holds out a coin for her to take.]
( she responds to his question with a wink. he might not be genius smart like her or quentin (although nowadays, she questions his intelligence), but she knows he's no true idiot. an idiot wouldn't survive this far or long in this continent, by now, they would have died by simply staring up at the sky with their mouth hanging open during a storm or mauled by a furious beast for being exposed.
her eyes cut down to his hands, watching him shovel around for change for each of them. despite the stupidity of paying to the council, at least the price is fair -- two players, two coins. she takes the offered money and slips it in the slot, the clanks of copper and metal slamming together as it goes deep down to the machine's empty belly. the sound of it gives her goosebumps, and she resists the urge to seek out for another coin somewhere just so she could hear its lovely short song again.
whenever scott glides in his currency, the game starts -- the retro music jingles as the screen switches away from its previews. the storyline is pretty short and simple to understand. the two main characters are in a downtrodden area and they need to make it to civilization alive. there are zombies between them and this new world, and they have four lives each to spare. if out of lives, they'll need to insert an extra coin to come back. to reload, they need to physically tilt the plastic gun to the side or upward -- either works. character number one looks at their partner and asks, "are you ready?" (meaning if the players are ready, hit the trigger button to move on). jinx mimics her counterpart and smiles to scott, looking over. )
Are you?
her eyes cut down to his hands, watching him shovel around for change for each of them. despite the stupidity of paying to the council, at least the price is fair -- two players, two coins. she takes the offered money and slips it in the slot, the clanks of copper and metal slamming together as it goes deep down to the machine's empty belly. the sound of it gives her goosebumps, and she resists the urge to seek out for another coin somewhere just so she could hear its lovely short song again.
whenever scott glides in his currency, the game starts -- the retro music jingles as the screen switches away from its previews. the storyline is pretty short and simple to understand. the two main characters are in a downtrodden area and they need to make it to civilization alive. there are zombies between them and this new world, and they have four lives each to spare. if out of lives, they'll need to insert an extra coin to come back. to reload, they need to physically tilt the plastic gun to the side or upward -- either works. character number one looks at their partner and asks, "are you ready?" (meaning if the players are ready, hit the trigger button to move on). jinx mimics her counterpart and smiles to scott, looking over. )
Are you?
Edited 2023-12-30 16:48 (UTC)
[After he slots in his own coin and wraps his hand around the grip of the toy gun, Scott sets his focus on the arcade cabinet in front of him, only half listening to the story that's he heard a few times by now (it's all rudimentary anyway). It's not that he's really nervous or anything, but he's just getting into The Zone when it comes to playing video games. Everyone has that, right? Just getting lost in a game and putting all your effort into it?? A small escape from reality, and it's something that can be more easily done with how advanced and involved the game is. Luckily, the fact that he can only really see things in red doesn't affect his playing all that much, since it's just shooting the obvious zombie creatures.
He sends a small smirk at Jinx, nodding before curling his finger around the trigger.]
Ready.
[And he pulls the trigger on his end, and 'Player 1' appears on the screen with the necessary HUD information.]
He sends a small smirk at Jinx, nodding before curling his finger around the trigger.]
Ready.
[And he pulls the trigger on his end, and 'Player 1' appears on the screen with the necessary HUD information.]
( she follows along scott, pulling the trigger so "player 2" joins in the game. there's still a tiny bit of dialogue, and jinx uses this opportunity to shift to her usual shooting stance. her cheerful expression changes to something hard and serious -- fully focused as the screen jerks around to indicate their characters running.
there's her side and scott's, and as the zombies growl and appear on each side screen -- jinx tugs on the trigger immediately, missing the first headshot. she doesn't dwell on it though, after all, there's a glaring difference between using an actual gun and a toy. but after three shots in, the teen gets use to its gears, and she ranks up in points -- headshot after headshot. there's an urge to just weasel over her friend's section to take those zombies down too, but... gaming etiquette. never break them. it's poor sportsmanship. )
there's her side and scott's, and as the zombies growl and appear on each side screen -- jinx tugs on the trigger immediately, missing the first headshot. she doesn't dwell on it though, after all, there's a glaring difference between using an actual gun and a toy. but after three shots in, the teen gets use to its gears, and she ranks up in points -- headshot after headshot. there's an urge to just weasel over her friend's section to take those zombies down too, but... gaming etiquette. never break them. it's poor sportsmanship. )
[While Scott isn't doing terribly, he's definitely not doing as well as Jinx. He manages to shoot the zombies on his end, but he doesn't nail those headshots as often as her. It's pretty noticeable, enough that Scott grunts slightly seeing the difference in their scores, because man, she is really good at this, huh? He's not enough of a sore loser at least to blow up the machine or stomp off elsewhere, continuing the game until the stage ends and promptly declares 'Player 2, the Winner' in bold letters across the screen.
With a huff, he slides his toy gun back into the arcade cabinet.]
Okay okay, you beat me. [At first, it almost looks like the irritation is going to latch onto Scott, but he soon snorts and nudges her lightly with his elbow.] I'll admit, you are pretty fucking awesome with that.
With a huff, he slides his toy gun back into the arcade cabinet.]
Okay okay, you beat me. [At first, it almost looks like the irritation is going to latch onto Scott, but he soon snorts and nudges her lightly with his elbow.] I'll admit, you are pretty fucking awesome with that.
( victory! and in all honesty, it feels pretty good to win, not that she never had her share of winnings before. going up against mylo is a casual walk in the lanes, but going up against ekko had always been a challenge. a lot of wins and loses between the two of them.
although the very "last" game she played was vi's boxing machine, and she scored second -- hardly even close to her big sister's numbers. it left a sour mark underneath her skin and to this day, it still festers every so often. but winning here feels like a confident boost, and brings a smile to her face. guess she isn't all washed up, so suck it, mylo! giggling, she slips the gun back in its hostler cubby and props her hands on her waist, chest out. )
Hehe, well! I had a lotta training. I was starting to think I was losin' it there since... ya know, hadn't shot anything for a while.
although the very "last" game she played was vi's boxing machine, and she scored second -- hardly even close to her big sister's numbers. it left a sour mark underneath her skin and to this day, it still festers every so often. but winning here feels like a confident boost, and brings a smile to her face. guess she isn't all washed up, so suck it, mylo! giggling, she slips the gun back in its hostler cubby and props her hands on her waist, chest out. )
Hehe, well! I had a lotta training. I was starting to think I was losin' it there since... ya know, hadn't shot anything for a while.
Edited 2024-01-04 17:49 (UTC)
[Maybe for the sake of his sanity, he doesn't ask how or why she's had so much training. He's probably doing it again, pushing back known faults of someone that he knows, because he just wants to hang out with a friend-- someone that he genuinely likes most of the time. It's just those hints of danger that he probably should keep in mind, but it's hard, especially when he's having so much fun now.
Future problem, probably. Hopefully never.
Besides, she just admitted that she hasn't shot anything in a while, so that's good! Yeah.]
Clearly you haven't lost your touch, Jinx. [He compliments, smiling just lightly.] And that's good, since you don't have to really train and uh, waste bullets.
Future problem, probably. Hopefully never.
Besides, she just admitted that she hasn't shot anything in a while, so that's good! Yeah.]
Clearly you haven't lost your touch, Jinx. [He compliments, smiling just lightly.] And that's good, since you don't have to really train and uh, waste bullets.
Yeah, that's the REAL bummer about this place not being Zaun.
( as if scott knows what "zaun" is in the first place. although come to think of it, they've been friends for this long, and they know pretty little about each other beyond the basics. well, he knows the shimmer thing, and he's the only one so far who knows about it in great details. and somehow, letting him know about it didn't blow up in her face. so maybe letting him in more about herself won't be such a bad thing. after all, he... did see vi's younger self in the maze and witnessed how she was being treated. hrm.)
— Back home if I wanted bullets, I'd just ask. No matter when or what time of the day.
( as if scott knows what "zaun" is in the first place. although come to think of it, they've been friends for this long, and they know pretty little about each other beyond the basics. well, he knows the shimmer thing, and he's the only one so far who knows about it in great details. and somehow, letting him know about it didn't blow up in her face. so maybe letting him in more about herself won't be such a bad thing. after all, he... did see vi's younger self in the maze and witnessed how she was being treated. hrm.)
— Back home if I wanted bullets, I'd just ask. No matter when or what time of the day.
[Scott will hold back his opinion that it's not too much of a bummer. Maybe easy for him to say since he can shoot beams out of his eyes, but he's never been too much of a gun guy anyway. Honestly, defending himself from others never really crossed his mind until he got here, even though he got into a few scuffles back home. It was just assholes throwing punches, nothing really big.
He's aware that it was very different for her though. She grew up in a rough place.]
Honestly, that really doesn't feel too much different from America. I mean, I'm pretty sure you have to be at least 21 or something to buy a gun and ammo, but it's still not that hard.
He's aware that it was very different for her though. She grew up in a rough place.]
Honestly, that really doesn't feel too much different from America. I mean, I'm pretty sure you have to be at least 21 or something to buy a gun and ammo, but it's still not that hard.
You gotta be a certain age to buy guns?
( she stares at her friend, completely dumbfounded. and she tries to imagine herself how things would be if her weapons weren't a part of her life. it would be dull, that's for sure -- and what would she build if not her friends? )
An age can't determine anything. If it's about maturity, you can be BEYOND twenty-one and still be a clumsy oaf and shoot your own eye out if you're dumb enough.
( jinx hadn't seen anyone be ungraceful with a weapon personally, but she's aware there are idiots out there who don't have the slightest idea how to use anything properly. )
— You just gotta train the person real good from the start. Then you got nothin' to worry about!
( she stares at her friend, completely dumbfounded. and she tries to imagine herself how things would be if her weapons weren't a part of her life. it would be dull, that's for sure -- and what would she build if not her friends? )
An age can't determine anything. If it's about maturity, you can be BEYOND twenty-one and still be a clumsy oaf and shoot your own eye out if you're dumb enough.
( jinx hadn't seen anyone be ungraceful with a weapon personally, but she's aware there are idiots out there who don't have the slightest idea how to use anything properly. )
— You just gotta train the person real good from the start. Then you got nothin' to worry about!
You gotta be a certain age to do a lot of things.
[She sort of has a point, like Scott can see how maturity and training and all that should be way more important than age. It's how he's felt a lot about certain things too, like he should totally be allowed to drive a motorcycle and get his license if he studied real hard on it. ...Okay, maybe he doesn't fully get it. Granted, he's still not sure if Jinx should really have a gun, but he knows to keep those thoughts to himself.
Man, the place she grew up really must be something though. Scott barely stops himself from lifting one shoulder in a half shrug, just placing his hands in his pockets.]
Most of the people I know back home don't train for stuff like that. We just... go to school. Do homework and shit.
[She sort of has a point, like Scott can see how maturity and training and all that should be way more important than age. It's how he's felt a lot about certain things too, like he should totally be allowed to drive a motorcycle and get his license if he studied real hard on it. ...Okay, maybe he doesn't fully get it. Granted, he's still not sure if Jinx should really have a gun, but he knows to keep those thoughts to himself.
Man, the place she grew up really must be something though. Scott barely stops himself from lifting one shoulder in a half shrug, just placing his hands in his pockets.]
Most of the people I know back home don't train for stuff like that. We just... go to school. Do homework and shit.
Yyyessh, no wonder you're a dud buzzkill sometimes. If that's the life you were livin', I don't wanna be a part of it.
( a rude thing to say, she knows, but hopefully the smile she flashes him will make up for it. jinx links her arm around his, then tugs him in a direction away from the zombie arcade game. )
Alright! — Jinx one, Scott zero. It's your turn to pick the next game. Best to three, okay?
( a rude thing to say, she knows, but hopefully the smile she flashes him will make up for it. jinx links her arm around his, then tugs him in a direction away from the zombie arcade game. )
Alright! — Jinx one, Scott zero. It's your turn to pick the next game. Best to three, okay?
Gee, thanks, Jinx.
[Scott can't stop the sarcastic reply this time, because wow!! Jinx could be a little less rude about the way life was for him back home. But he's not actually upset, because he's still having fun, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smile as she pulls him from the arcade machine. Okay, next game next game...
He takes a look around, because honestly, he doesn't want to play the knowledge game, so maybe...]
How about the crane machine? [He points to said machine, a cabinet that has multiple plushies and everything. Maybe he can kill two birds with one stone here, beat Jinx and win a plush for Kotone. Wow, genius idea! Scott smiles a little, trying to lead her towards it.]
First person to get a prize wins?
[Scott can't stop the sarcastic reply this time, because wow!! Jinx could be a little less rude about the way life was for him back home. But he's not actually upset, because he's still having fun, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smile as she pulls him from the arcade machine. Okay, next game next game...
He takes a look around, because honestly, he doesn't want to play the knowledge game, so maybe...]
How about the crane machine? [He points to said machine, a cabinet that has multiple plushies and everything. Maybe he can kill two birds with one stone here, beat Jinx and win a plush for Kotone. Wow, genius idea! Scott smiles a little, trying to lead her towards it.]
First person to get a prize wins?
( and this is where scott discovers something about jinx that not many people do. so many of the chosen sees jinx as a girl who is dangerous, ruthless, heartless, and cynical. and while all of this is very true, there's a side of her that only a selective handful of people get to witness. at the sight of the machine that carried various plushies inside, jinx's eyes wide and shine in pure excitement. her smile beams vibrantly, and tugs poor scott along as she squeals. )
Oh my gosh, look at them!!
( letting go of her friend, the girl presses her palms (and almost her face) against the glass as she gasps over the display of dolls. )
They all look so adorable! I don't know which I should to go for first, they all need a good home...!
( it's a strange sight, isn't it? someone who is a terrorist, who has a body count, and invents deadly weapons and machinery is this ecstatic over playthings. it's why some people like her sister, ragna, quentin, and possibly a few others are usually beside themselves regarding jinx. on one hand, she is a menace, but on the other? she's... just a girl with human emotions and needs. like everyone else. )
Oh my gosh, look at them!!
( letting go of her friend, the girl presses her palms (and almost her face) against the glass as she gasps over the display of dolls. )
They all look so adorable! I don't know which I should to go for first, they all need a good home...!
( it's a strange sight, isn't it? someone who is a terrorist, who has a body count, and invents deadly weapons and machinery is this ecstatic over playthings. it's why some people like her sister, ragna, quentin, and possibly a few others are usually beside themselves regarding jinx. on one hand, she is a menace, but on the other? she's... just a girl with human emotions and needs. like everyone else. )
[He definitely was not expecting that scream of pure excitement from Jinx, a startled noise leaving Scott as he's suddenly tugged along with her to the machine. Is she really this excited? He didn't know she would be this ecstatic about a crane machine, but the reason why quickly becomes apparent and Scott barely stops his jaw from sliding open in shock.
She... she's squealing about plushies. Like a regular girl.
Scott just stands there for a moment, a couple of feet behind, still in shock about all this, because... who would've thought? Dangerous Jinx that talks about blowing buildings and shooting people can still get cutesy about stuff like this. Since he values his life, he doesn't point it out, only stepping closer so that he's next to her again.]
Hard to choose just one, huh? [He asks, almost helpless, a large grin to him because this is kind of cute.] How about you go first?
She... she's squealing about plushies. Like a regular girl.
Scott just stands there for a moment, a couple of feet behind, still in shock about all this, because... who would've thought? Dangerous Jinx that talks about blowing buildings and shooting people can still get cutesy about stuff like this. Since he values his life, he doesn't point it out, only stepping closer so that he's next to her again.]
Hard to choose just one, huh? [He asks, almost helpless, a large grin to him because this is kind of cute.] How about you go first?
( even if he didn't offer for her to go first, her hand was already on the joystick and twitching it around, despite it needing a coin to operate. the teenager beams a smile towards his direction, then focuses stiffly to her selections. )
Lessee... I got a bunny and a pup at home. So I'm thinkin' a cat will be the next choice to go for.
( letting go of the stick, jinx takes a step back and begins to maneuver around the machine in search of the animal. with them so jammed in there like a can of sardines, it's definitely hard to pinpoint if there's a feline plush for the taking. )
Lessee... I got a bunny and a pup at home. So I'm thinkin' a cat will be the next choice to go for.
( letting go of the stick, jinx takes a step back and begins to maneuver around the machine in search of the animal. with them so jammed in there like a can of sardines, it's definitely hard to pinpoint if there's a feline plush for the taking. )
[As she fiddles with the joystick, a passing thought crosses Scott of 'maybe he'll just give her his plushie if he wins.' He loves Kotone and he'll definitely get her something later, but it's a little hard resisting the urge to give Jinx something if the game doesn't slide up to her favor this time. She's just so fucking excited...]
Cat's a good choice.
[He looks over the various plushies squished together in the machine and it's definitely hard at first to find what she's looking for, but...] How about that one?
[While Scott can't exactly see the colors, he points to an adorable orange cat that's buried underneath a... weird Jack Frost doll and a mushroom? He doesn't quite get it, but they're not trying for those prizes anyway.]
Cat's a good choice.
[He looks over the various plushies squished together in the machine and it's definitely hard at first to find what she's looking for, but...] How about that one?
[While Scott can't exactly see the colors, he points to an adorable orange cat that's buried underneath a... weird Jack Frost doll and a mushroom? He doesn't quite get it, but they're not trying for those prizes anyway.]
[ The video opens to Mitama, though just like in her recent post, she's wearing her "disguise". She's here on an important business, after all. ]
Ho, ho, ho! Thank you for joining our Secret Santa event~ It's time to find out what ─ or rather who ─ your assignment as Santa's Little Helper for this year is! Drumroll, please...
[ She makes a pause for a dramatic effect, her hand slipping into a Santa hat she's holding and pulling out a small piece of paper with a name on it. ]
It's none other than... [ This time, the pause is definitely not planned, and a little "Oh my," escapes her lips as she reads the name on the slip, but she quickly clears her throat and gets back into the act. ] ... Jerry, our guardian angel of justice!
Remember, you should present your assignee with a gift of your choice until December 25th! Good luck, and remember: your main task is to spread joy, happiness and the spirit of Christmas cheer!
Miss Santa Coordinator, out!
Ho, ho, ho! Thank you for joining our Secret Santa event~ It's time to find out what ─ or rather who ─ your assignment as Santa's Little Helper for this year is! Drumroll, please...
[ She makes a pause for a dramatic effect, her hand slipping into a Santa hat she's holding and pulling out a small piece of paper with a name on it. ]
It's none other than... [ This time, the pause is definitely not planned, and a little "Oh my," escapes her lips as she reads the name on the slip, but she quickly clears her throat and gets back into the act. ] ... Jerry, our guardian angel of justice!
Remember, you should present your assignee with a gift of your choice until December 25th! Good luck, and remember: your main task is to spread joy, happiness and the spirit of Christmas cheer!
Miss Santa Coordinator, out!
[ It takes Mitama a little while to get back to him, since it's a busy day for Miss Coordinator, but she does reply eventually in what she hopes comes off as both innocent and confused manner. ]
No, of course not. Why would you say that?
[ Well. She has a pretty good idea why, but she'll play dumb for the time being. ]
No, of course not. Why would you say that?
[ Well. She has a pretty good idea why, but she'll play dumb for the time being. ]
[ To be fair, she can't exactly blame him for being a little suspicious... You mess around with them juuust a little bit and they all get their guard up, gosh! ]
Ah yes, that. Well, he's only doing his job, no? We can't exactly fault a man for it!
Ah yes, that. Well, he's only doing his job, no? We can't exactly fault a man for it!
So are some of the Chosen if you stop and think about it.
[ Mitama continues to be Objectively Correct. In other news, water is still wet. ]
I am. I don't think there's any harm in including him, and there's nothing wrong with showing some level of courtesy on our part.
[ Mitama continues to be Objectively Correct. In other news, water is still wet. ]
I am. I don't think there's any harm in including him, and there's nothing wrong with showing some level of courtesy on our part.
It's not really the same.
[Scott groans though, because he's going to end up getting something for fucking Jerry, isn't he? He pinches his nose as a feeling of defeat courses through him, before texting back.]
Fine, I'll get him something. But he can't bitch about it.
[Scott groans though, because he's going to end up getting something for fucking Jerry, isn't he? He pinches his nose as a feeling of defeat courses through him, before texting back.]
Fine, I'll get him something. But he can't bitch about it.
[ That's good enough for her! Just the fact he's willing to play along, even if it's not an ideal assignment, makes her happy. ]
Perfect! Thank you so much, Scott~ ♥
And don't worry about it; if he chooses to complain, then I suppose Santa will have to put him on the naughty list next year ♪
[ Is that a threat? Maybe. ]
Perfect! Thank you so much, Scott~ ♥
And don't worry about it; if he chooses to complain, then I suppose Santa will have to put him on the naughty list next year ♪
[ Is that a threat? Maybe. ]
Dully noted! Next time, I'll make sure you get only the best assignment ♥
[ Which technically should be out of her hands, since it's random, but hey, if it makes him feel better... Surely she can pull some strings behind the scenes. ]
[ Which technically should be out of her hands, since it's random, but hey, if it makes him feel better... Surely she can pull some strings behind the scenes. ]
Scott-san, can I ask you something?
Are you and Kotone-san dating?
Are you and Kotone-san dating?
I was curious.
Especially when Hanamura-san brought it up.
[Thanks Yosuke.]
Especially when Hanamura-san brought it up.
[Thanks Yosuke.]
[Of course Yosuke brought it up... but he's glad he's doing better.
Also, this kind of feels like he's talking to Kotone's younger brother, who in which is asking about his sister's dating life. Just a little.]
So, you're cool with it and everything? No... questions?
Also, this kind of feels like he's talking to Kotone's younger brother, who in which is asking about his sister's dating life. Just a little.]
So, you're cool with it and everything? No... questions?
No, not really. I just wanted to make sure if it was true or not.
[But with that said....!]
And what about you? How do you feel about me finding out?
[But with that said....!]
And what about you? How do you feel about me finding out?
Edited 2023-12-17 15:40 (UTC)
Yeah, it's definitely true. We're happily dating and everything.
[Did he need to add that 'happily' part? Maybe not, but Scott's pretty confident about them both being happy with each other.]
I don't mind. I mean, I'd tell everyone around town if it wouldn't embarrass Kotone.
[Did he need to add that 'happily' part? Maybe not, but Scott's pretty confident about them both being happy with each other.]
I don't mind. I mean, I'd tell everyone around town if it wouldn't embarrass Kotone.
Then don't worry, the secret is safe with me.
However, all I ask is that you make her happy. I think she deserves it.
[Especially considering what happened to her in the end.]
However, all I ask is that you make her happy. I think she deserves it.
[Especially considering what happened to her in the end.]
[He's sure that Kotone would appreciate it anyway.]
I plan on making her happy. She definitely deserves it after everything.
[He wants to make her happy for as long as he can. Something aches in his chest thinking about it, unable to really stop his thoughts from turning just a little south. He's been trying not to dwell on how temporary everything is here, but sometimes it's hard. But no matter how hard it is sometimes, he doesn't want to just give up. He loves being with her.]
I plan on making her happy. She definitely deserves it after everything.
[He wants to make her happy for as long as he can. Something aches in his chest thinking about it, unable to really stop his thoughts from turning just a little south. He's been trying not to dwell on how temporary everything is here, but sometimes it's hard. But no matter how hard it is sometimes, he doesn't want to just give up. He loves being with her.]
...How much as she told you? Especially with what happened back home?
[Not that he wants to dampen the mood but Scott just had to know that everything here was always fleeting. Especially given how Kotone was supposed to be dead back home.]
[Not that he wants to dampen the mood but Scott just had to know that everything here was always fleeting. Especially given how Kotone was supposed to be dead back home.]
[Kotone's fate back home was not on the list of things he wanted to talk about today, or any day, if he's fully honest with himself. A shuddering breath leaves him as he rereads Ken's message, somewhat glad that everything is text so that the younger boy doesn't have to see his pained expression.
But guess if anyone would really understand and feel the hurt of her death, it's Ken. It doesn't make it too much easier, and a part of him doesn't want to talk about it all or change topics, because she's here and alive with them now, but this is probably important to the younger boy.
His hand shakes a little typing back, and so it takes Scott a moment to respond.]
That you guys stopped Nyx from ending the world or something. ...Kotone told me that she died stopping Nyx.
But guess if anyone would really understand and feel the hurt of her death, it's Ken. It doesn't make it too much easier, and a part of him doesn't want to talk about it all or change topics, because she's here and alive with them now, but this is probably important to the younger boy.
His hand shakes a little typing back, and so it takes Scott a moment to respond.]
That you guys stopped Nyx from ending the world or something. ...Kotone told me that she died stopping Nyx.
So she did tell you.
[Was it something that he wanted to bring up? No but he also wanted to be sure of Scott was ready. He didn't want to know that she was dead back up after he got together with her and that he had to be ready should they go back home. It was a good thing at Scott couldn't see Ken's expression for he too was a little worried about all of this.]
...Would this be where the right thing to say is that I leave her in your hands?
[Was it something that he wanted to bring up? No but he also wanted to be sure of Scott was ready. He didn't want to know that she was dead back up after he got together with her and that he had to be ready should they go back home. It was a good thing at Scott couldn't see Ken's expression for he too was a little worried about all of this.]
...Would this be where the right thing to say is that I leave her in your hands?
Yeah, a while back.
[And was so upset by it, raising his own voice at her and asking why she's so calm about it. It definitely wasn't his finest moment, because he felt like he upset her, but his emotions haven't changed all that much since that conversation on the rooftop months ago. He's still upset, but... what can he do about it besides spend each day with her to the fullest? Making her happy?
He just hopes that she doesn't disappear one afternoon without warning, like so many others.]
Is... is there really no way to save her, Ken? [He asks, not quite answering his own question yet.]
[And was so upset by it, raising his own voice at her and asking why she's so calm about it. It definitely wasn't his finest moment, because he felt like he upset her, but his emotions haven't changed all that much since that conversation on the rooftop months ago. He's still upset, but... what can he do about it besides spend each day with her to the fullest? Making her happy?
He just hopes that she doesn't disappear one afternoon without warning, like so many others.]
Is... is there really no way to save her, Ken? [He asks, not quite answering his own question yet.]
I don't really know. I just know that Nyx wants to help humanity by bringing death.
[Because in the deepest parts of humanity, they all wish for death. With all of their struggles and hardship, their deepest desire was what screamed out to Nyx.]
However, my teammates and I are trying to help one person at a time. If they stopped wishing for death, then maybe we can save her.
[Or at least, that's what they wish for.]
[Because in the deepest parts of humanity, they all wish for death. With all of their struggles and hardship, their deepest desire was what screamed out to Nyx.]
However, my teammates and I are trying to help one person at a time. If they stopped wishing for death, then maybe we can save her.
[Or at least, that's what they wish for.]
['Help humanity by bringing death?' Sounds like a bunch of crap. He hates Nyx for a multitude of reasons, but it looks like that hating them is something everyone sort of feels.]
Wait, I don't quite understand Ken, is Kotone not... fully dead then? Like she didn't die in battle?
[Maybe he's just being desperate, clinging to any sort of hope that Kotone can be helped in some way. Of course, he's not from their world so it's up in the air what he can really do, but Scott still wants to know. He wants her to live so badly... because she deserves it. Because he loves her.]
Wait, I don't quite understand Ken, is Kotone not... fully dead then? Like she didn't die in battle?
[Maybe he's just being desperate, clinging to any sort of hope that Kotone can be helped in some way. Of course, he's not from their world so it's up in the air what he can really do, but Scott still wants to know. He wants her to live so badly... because she deserves it. Because he loves her.]
No, not really?
[Oh man, how does he explain everything that had happened to the both of them??]
More like her mortal body is gone but her soul isn't. Her soul acts like a gate between Nyx and our world to prevent Nyx from coming.
[...But the more he thought about it, the more he wondered if he should be explaining it when Kotone should probably be the one to tell him.]
[Oh man, how does he explain everything that had happened to the both of them??]
More like her mortal body is gone but her soul isn't. Her soul acts like a gate between Nyx and our world to prevent Nyx from coming.
[...But the more he thought about it, the more he wondered if he should be explaining it when Kotone should probably be the one to tell him.]
[Almost immediately, he feels his heart leap directly into his throat, not being able to read past 'no, not really' for a solid few seconds. Is she really not gone? Can she have a life?? His hands shake once more, but the motion isn't something he really notices, because his mind only centers on the fact that Kotone may actually have a chance. He's not sure if he's even breathing right now, suddenly overrun by a variety of feelings, the most being hope.
...Okay, hearing that her body is gone and her soul is acting like a gate isn't great but, he finds himself immediately typing in response.]
What happened to her body? But okay, if her soul is pulled from that gate and Nyx is still stopped, she'll... be alive again?
...Okay, hearing that her body is gone and her soul is acting like a gate isn't great but, he finds himself immediately typing in response.]
What happened to her body? But okay, if her soul is pulled from that gate and Nyx is still stopped, she'll... be alive again?
I like to think so. While she might not have a mortal body to go to, it doesn't mean that she can't be revived again.
[Which was a hopeful thought. However, he never really thought too much about it given that it seemed rather impossible to go and save his leader. And yet, now that he did...?]
However, I never thought that I would see her again.
[Which was a hopeful thought. However, he never really thought too much about it given that it seemed rather impossible to go and save his leader. And yet, now that he did...?]
However, I never thought that I would see her again.
You guys summon Personas by shooting special guns to your head, defeat Shadows, and went through something known as the Dark Hour. Pretty sure that Kotone regaining her body if her soul's released wouldn't be too out there.
[Again, it might be that desperation talking, clinging to some miraculous hope because it feels good. It's nice to be able to hope for Kotone instead of just knowing that she's simply gone forever back home. Fuck. It's the best thing he's heard in months and Scott feels his eyes prick, but for once, it's out of sheer relief.]
Nothing's impossible, right?
[Again, it might be that desperation talking, clinging to some miraculous hope because it feels good. It's nice to be able to hope for Kotone instead of just knowing that she's simply gone forever back home. Fuck. It's the best thing he's heard in months and Scott feels his eyes prick, but for once, it's out of sheer relief.]
Nothing's impossible, right?
You're right, nothing is impossible and especially when we have gone through a lot.
[Funny that. After fighting against death and knowing that there was a chance that they could defeat it, they still managed to do the impossible. If they could do that, why couldn't they do it the same with Kotone?]
...Perhaps I just needed that reminder.
[Funny that. After fighting against death and knowing that there was a chance that they could defeat it, they still managed to do the impossible. If they could do that, why couldn't they do it the same with Kotone?]
...Perhaps I just needed that reminder.
[He's glad to see Ken agreeing with him, because he definitely has more insight on what's possible or not, being that he's actually from her world and been through all kinds of things with her. Seeing that he's unwilling to just give up truly helps, like this isn't a long shot or just dreams of a boy that wants a life for his girlfriend. Of course, it's a little upsetting that he can't really do anything, unless he's able to go back to her world.
Which, haha. Is that even possible? Well, maybe--]
I promise to never give up on her.
The other members of SEES, have they thought about this at all?
[He's mostly referring to the ones back home, because in this place, uhh Ryoji is Ryoji, and Shinji is in a comaactually dead but. So, hard to really talk to them about this, and he doesn't know too much about Mitsuru yet.]
Which, haha. Is that even possible? Well, maybe--]
I promise to never give up on her.
The other members of SEES, have they thought about this at all?
[He's mostly referring to the ones back home, because in this place, uhh Ryoji is Ryoji, and Shinji is in a coma
Aragaki-san, no. As for the others, probably.
[Because you know. With Shinjiro being in a coma and totally not being there with everything that happened? He probably didn't have much time to think about it.]
Almost all of us fought Nyx and uh...another God so we all had the same thought when we realize we could help Kotone-san out.
[Because you know. With Shinjiro being in a coma and totally not being there with everything that happened? He probably didn't have much time to think about it.]
Almost all of us fought Nyx and uh...another God so we all had the same thought when we realize we could help Kotone-san out.
[It's nice to know that her friends haven't forgotten about her. Wasn't Kotone worried about that? Ken's proof that he still remembers everything they've been through, so it's reasonable to think that the other... surviving members are in the same boat.
And they'd want to help her, right? Save her in some way. That's what friends do. He feels like that small hope from earlier is growing, but even if it was just a miniscule amount, he would've still clung to it.]
Geez, there was another threat after Nyx? So, you guys are already thinking about saving her back home?
And they'd want to help her, right? Save her in some way. That's what friends do. He feels like that small hope from earlier is growing, but even if it was just a miniscule amount, he would've still clung to it.]
Geez, there was another threat after Nyx? So, you guys are already thinking about saving her back home?
We didn't think about saving her until we realized that she was acting as a barrier between us and Erebus. But now that we knew, it was then that we thought about saving her.
[Because before then, they just assumed she died with no real closure or what was the motive of how she died.]
Because we didn't know what happened.
[Because before then, they just assumed she died with no real closure or what was the motive of how she died.]
Because we didn't know what happened.
She didn't tell you?
[Well, that just made things a little more tricky.]
....Just how much did she tell you?
[Well, that just made things a little more tricky.]
....Just how much did she tell you?
[Not too much, but also, it's not something he's really gone out of his way asking her about. Kind of a touchy subject. Like, why bring up the circumstances of her death when he could just continue teasing her and having fun? He's sure that she doesn't want to talk about it either...]
Mostly that Nyx was going to destroy the world and she had to stop it.
[By sacrificing herself, but he figures that he doesn't need to say that.]
Mostly that Nyx was going to destroy the world and she had to stop it.
[By sacrificing herself, but he figures that he doesn't need to say that.]
Because Erebus is the God of Death and Nyx was simply a messenger to deliver what humanity wanted. Nyx herself isn't dangerous since she's acting on what people wish for.
By her acting as a gate, she was trying to stop the both of them.
[There was the issue with Ryoji and then there was the whole God where he just wanted nothing but chaos for humanity. However, he'll keep that to himself. He didn't want to break Scott's mind anymore than he is doing right now.]
By her acting as a gate, she was trying to stop the both of them.
[There was the issue with Ryoji and then there was the whole God where he just wanted nothing but chaos for humanity. However, he'll keep that to himself. He didn't want to break Scott's mind anymore than he is doing right now.]
[Ryoji is part of Nyx or something like that, right? And now Nyx and Erebus are also connected and really, it's a lot just hearing about this. He can't imagine what it was like actually fighting all this. No wonder everyone from that world is tired or riddled with shit and everything.
Kotone is definitely no exception either. Still, Scott presses on, because this is important.]
So we either people need to stop fucking wishing for death or defeat Erebus himself?
Kotone is definitely no exception either. Still, Scott presses on, because this is important.]
So we either people need to stop fucking wishing for death or defeat Erebus himself?
More or less. We need to have people stop wishing for death so Nyx doesn’t feel the need to be a bridge for Erebus to kill humanity.
…That and we tried. We did defeat him but he’ll always come back. We can’t really kill a God, can we?
[But even then, Ken plans to fight until he can’t anymore should it happen.]
…That and we tried. We did defeat him but he’ll always come back. We can’t really kill a God, can we?
[But even then, Ken plans to fight until he can’t anymore should it happen.]
[So the options to save Kotone are... changing people's views so that they no longer want death or defeating the God of Death itself, except that he comes back anyway. It feels like a fucking mountain to climb and he's at the base of it, not even knowing how to get past the first step.
But he's not going to give up, even though he's honestly a little clueless on where to even start.]
I mean, if you defeated Erebus before and have the means to do it again, doesn't that mean Kotone can just be freed?
But he's not going to give up, even though he's honestly a little clueless on where to even start.]
I mean, if you defeated Erebus before and have the means to do it again, doesn't that mean Kotone can just be freed?
Just enough where it'll lessen the burden on her but not enough to set her free.
[Which was an impossible task. He really didn't want to bring Scott's optimism down and he also didn't want to give up saving his leader. But with the resources they had back home? It seemed rather difficult at the moment.]
I'm not giving up if that's what you're wondering. With what we have right now, it's a rather impossible task. Not only that, I'm also not even sure if we can go back to where we fought Erebus.
[Well, there was Elizabeth but..................]
[Which was an impossible task. He really didn't want to bring Scott's optimism down and he also didn't want to give up saving his leader. But with the resources they had back home? It seemed rather difficult at the moment.]
I'm not giving up if that's what you're wondering. With what we have right now, it's a rather impossible task. Not only that, I'm also not even sure if we can go back to where we fought Erebus.
[Well, there was Elizabeth but..................]
[He doesn't want to read or accept impossible.]
Maybe it take a couple more years, but we just have to keep fighting for her.
Of course, I'm saying this as if I'm part of your world, but... I want to hope with you, Ken. You won't ever be alone with this.
Where did you fight him anyway?
Maybe it take a couple more years, but we just have to keep fighting for her.
Of course, I'm saying this as if I'm part of your world, but... I want to hope with you, Ken. You won't ever be alone with this.
Where did you fight him anyway?
The Abyss of Time, where time doesn’t move forward or go back. We only managed to find out by fighting one another as we were debating on what to do. We didn’t know should we go back to find a way to save Kotone-san and fight Nyx? Or should we just let things as it be?
It was rather…difficult.
[And why Ken hasn’t told her anything yet. If she knew, he didn’t know how she would react.]
It was rather…difficult.
[And why Ken hasn’t told her anything yet. If she knew, he didn’t know how she would react.]
[You know what, they might as well add time shenanigans to all this, why not.]
Why would some of you would even question that. Shouldn't the obvious choice be to fight Nyx?
[He's a little angry, but luckily, they are only communicating through text, so Ken doesn't have to see him like this.]
Why would some of you would even question that. Shouldn't the obvious choice be to fight Nyx?
[He's a little angry, but luckily, they are only communicating through text, so Ken doesn't have to see him like this.]
Nyx herself doesn't bringing death, Erebus does. Even if we fought Nyx, Erebus will still bring death no matter what.
[And this is where he wished Metis would be the one to explain all of this!]
[And this is where he wished Metis would be the one to explain all of this!]
Edited 2023-12-24 17:40 (UTC)
[And then there was a long silence. As he wondered what Scott might say to Kotone once word gets out, he feared what his leader would think of the aftermath of her death. At the same time, he couldn't get out of this. Not when Scott deserved to know too.]
...We all wanted to see Kotone-san again. Because of our grief, the Abyss of Time was made. All of us didn't want to move forward and continue without her.
...Even when we know we had to.
...We all wanted to see Kotone-san again. Because of our grief, the Abyss of Time was made. All of us didn't want to move forward and continue without her.
...Even when we know we had to.
[A place being created because of their grief. It's weird to think about, but also, Scott can fully understand that feeling, of at least wanting to see her again. He hasn't lost Kotone yet, but just the thought of it pulls at his heart. Scott's honestly not sure what he'd do if she disappeared, even though he knows that it'll happen at some point. He just doesn't want to think about it.]
I know that I've only known Kotone for 8 months or so, but I'd feel the same way. I'd want to see her again, no matter what.
I know that I've only known Kotone for 8 months or so, but I'd feel the same way. I'd want to see her again, no matter what.
Then until we find a way to help her, all we can do is to treasure whatever time we have. I know I worry the day she might leave this place and I won't see her again.
I think she feels the same way.
[Because at the end of the day, Ken was powerless to do anything. He didn't know what these people wanted, he didn't know how to fight against Erebus or Nyx. He didn't even know if people stopping people to wish for death would do much of anything.
All he could do was just try his best and hope.]
I think she feels the same way.
[Because at the end of the day, Ken was powerless to do anything. He didn't know what these people wanted, he didn't know how to fight against Erebus or Nyx. He didn't even know if people stopping people to wish for death would do much of anything.
All he could do was just try his best and hope.]
Edited 2023-12-28 17:43 (UTC)
[So, it's back to square one? Just cherishing every moment that he has with her? Scott can feel some of his hope breaking apart reading Ken's message, but some extremely stubborn part of him refuses to give up. Even if it will take years, even if they're from different realities, he still wants to do something.]
She does, she wants to live each day to the fullest. And I want to spend what time we have with her too.
But I still want to hope for more.
She does, she wants to live each day to the fullest. And I want to spend what time we have with her too.
But I still want to hope for more.
Then hopefully when we can get out of this place, we can find a way for her to be alive. If she is able to be here, who is to say that she can't somehow?
[But again, this was him being optimistic. He really didn't know what this world wanted from her or anyone really. But if they managed to find a way to bring her back, then it must mean something right?]
[But again, this was him being optimistic. He really didn't know what this world wanted from her or anyone really. But if they managed to find a way to bring her back, then it must mean something right?]
Then all the more reason why we need to talk to them and see what will happen.
Of course, they won't be honest but...
At least it's something. [And yet, he really really wanted to be hopeful but he's also prepared for the worst case scenario. However, he won't say that. Not to Scott anyway]
Of course, they won't be honest but...
At least it's something. [And yet, he really really wanted to be hopeful but he's also prepared for the worst case scenario. However, he won't say that. Not to Scott anyway]
[On Christmas Day, Scott will hear a knock at his door. When he opens it, however, no one is there! Curious. Left in place of whoever knocked is a small parcel, wrapped in festive paper and ribbons. Inside of the parcel, Scott will find several printed photographs of Kotone, posed cutely at first and then suggestively, with a final two where she is only in an oversized shirt Scott would recognize as his own and a pair of pink panties. Included is a thumb drive and a note, written in messy handwriting.]
so the object of a secret santa is for me to not tell you who i am giving this to you, so i'm not gonna say, but.
so you don't worry, these come with the disclaimer that she consented to these and we're all friends.
merry christmas, scott, have a physical spank bank and also some cute photos. :)
there's more on the usb stick-- plug it into your tablet but be careful, that's where most of the racier ones are. >:)
so the object of a secret santa is for me to not tell you who i am giving this to you, so i'm not gonna say, but.
so you don't worry, these come with the disclaimer that she consented to these and we're all friends.
merry christmas, scott, have a physical spank bank and also some cute photos. :)
there's more on the usb stick-- plug it into your tablet but be careful, that's where most of the racier ones are. >:)
[maybe in a different situation, he would've laughed a little, but mikey's definitely in a Mood and scott is worried too. also he just... doesn't feel great.]
i tried talking to him too, didn't really work. [he's still sort of upset about that but-]
give him some space.
i tried talking to him too, didn't really work. [he's still sort of upset about that but-]
give him some space.
[he wants to see kotone so badly but what if he infects her with whatever shit is going on with him? or if he loses control of himself? but he doesn't want to tell her no either--]
you can hang out in the living room while i'll be nearby in my room.
[GREAT COMPROMISE.....maybe he should just tell her the truth.]
you can hang out in the living room while i'll be nearby in my room.
[GREAT COMPROMISE.....maybe he should just tell her the truth.]
[BUDDY THAT'S WEIRD?? And now she's even more concerned. But also Mikey just blocked her so you know what this is a literal foot in the door--]
Hmm, ok! I'll see you after dinner then. :D
<3
[Maybe he's sick and he just doesn't want to get her sick? But she doesn't know why he wouldn't just say so if that were true. Either way, she's just going to make some simple chicken soup, just in case, and let herself into his house with a cheerful call of,] It's me! [as if she isn't at all worried. It's not remotely true, of course, but she can fake it until she finds out what's going on.
And with a knock on his door, she adds without losing her smile,] Have you eaten anything in a while?
Hmm, ok! I'll see you after dinner then. :D
<3
[Maybe he's sick and he just doesn't want to get her sick? But she doesn't know why he wouldn't just say so if that were true. Either way, she's just going to make some simple chicken soup, just in case, and let herself into his house with a cheerful call of,] It's me! [as if she isn't at all worried. It's not remotely true, of course, but she can fake it until she finds out what's going on.
And with a knock on his door, she adds without losing her smile,] Have you eaten anything in a while?
[Even when he's like this, it's extremely hard for Scott to say no to her. Partly because he still loves being around her, that feeling still present despite the heavy weight of something crushing down on him. It doesn't fully go away, but just hearing her voice, knowing that she's here for him, makes it a little more manageable. He's being selfish though, isn't he? Potentially putting her in danger by allowing her to come here.
That thought only increases as he sees the black markings trail up from his fingertips. Maybe he should've tried harder to say 'no' to her, but he hates making her sad. It felt like a lose-lose situation no matter what.
He shuffles close to his bedroom door and keeps it locked, but he wants to be close so that he doesn't have to shout his response across his room.]
Sandwiches. [Some levity in all this right--] Kotone, I'm sorry that you came all the way here... but I don't think you should be near me right now.
That thought only increases as he sees the black markings trail up from his fingertips. Maybe he should've tried harder to say 'no' to her, but he hates making her sad. It felt like a lose-lose situation no matter what.
He shuffles close to his bedroom door and keeps it locked, but he wants to be close so that he doesn't have to shout his response across his room.]
Sandwiches. [Some levity in all this right--] Kotone, I'm sorry that you came all the way here... but I don't think you should be near me right now.
[She does try the door, and this time her smile does fade, because it's weird that it's locked. No point faking a smile when he's doing something so obviously strange. She can't even quite muster a smile at the crack about sandwiches.
With her hand on the knob, she just thunks her forehead lightly against the closed door, confused and more than a little hurt that he's quite literally shutting her out.]
Why not?
[He doesn't sound like he has a cold or anything, and he's obviously well enough to come over to the door. Her lips press tightly shut, but she keeps her voice calm, trying to keep the confusion closer to the surface and hide the hurt.]
With her hand on the knob, she just thunks her forehead lightly against the closed door, confused and more than a little hurt that he's quite literally shutting her out.]
Why not?
[He doesn't sound like he has a cold or anything, and he's obviously well enough to come over to the door. Her lips press tightly shut, but she keeps her voice calm, trying to keep the confusion closer to the surface and hide the hurt.]
[Scott can't say for sure what expression she's making on just the other side of this door, but he can only guess. Probably sad, most likely upset, and the thought that he made her feel that way only drives in that grief that's been hovering around him. Scott's eyes clenches shut, a shaky exhale leaving him. This sucks, it hurts, and why is it so hard making the right choice? He thought that the correct decision was to keep her away, but now he's not so sure.
Is making her sad ever the right decision??
He presses his forehead against the door, and he likes to imagine that he's placing his head against hers, like what they always do when comforting each other. However, it's just the cold, hard surface of the wood, not her, and no matter how tightly he shuts his eyes, he can't imagine Kotone in its place.]
...There's something wrong with me. I could hurt you. So, I should... keep myself isolated.
[She feels so far away even though she's so close and really, he's the one that can close the gap between them, but Scott still isn't sure about going through with it. His hand presses against the door alongside his head, and it's clear that he's more than upset keeping her shut out.]
Is making her sad ever the right decision??
He presses his forehead against the door, and he likes to imagine that he's placing his head against hers, like what they always do when comforting each other. However, it's just the cold, hard surface of the wood, not her, and no matter how tightly he shuts his eyes, he can't imagine Kotone in its place.]
...There's something wrong with me. I could hurt you. So, I should... keep myself isolated.
[She feels so far away even though she's so close and really, he's the one that can close the gap between them, but Scott still isn't sure about going through with it. His hand presses against the door alongside his head, and it's clear that he's more than upset keeping her shut out.]
Tell me what's wrong.
[It's a quiet command, just loud enough to be heard through the door. She doesn't jiggle the knob or try to push her way through -- she keeps her voice calm, as if somehow she could take her own strength and shove it through the door to keep him going and help break him out of -- whatever bout of self-pity this is. Vaguely, she wonders if he's locked his window -- in the same second, she considers picking the lock. But it feels important for Scott to be the one to decide to let her in, if he wants to. Like, breaking into his room feels like it would be breaking his trust, in a way. No matter how upset she is, she can't do something like that unless things get way worse.
But she wants to be in there. Whatever's afflicting him, locking himself away can't be the way to cope with it. Her fingers tighten lightly around the doorknob as she adds a quiet,] Please. Let me help.
[It's a quiet command, just loud enough to be heard through the door. She doesn't jiggle the knob or try to push her way through -- she keeps her voice calm, as if somehow she could take her own strength and shove it through the door to keep him going and help break him out of -- whatever bout of self-pity this is. Vaguely, she wonders if he's locked his window -- in the same second, she considers picking the lock. But it feels important for Scott to be the one to decide to let her in, if he wants to. Like, breaking into his room feels like it would be breaking his trust, in a way. No matter how upset she is, she can't do something like that unless things get way worse.
But she wants to be in there. Whatever's afflicting him, locking himself away can't be the way to cope with it. Her fingers tighten lightly around the doorknob as she adds a quiet,] Please. Let me help.
[There's a period of silence from Scott's end, almost like he's not going to answer her. He knows if push comes to shove, he can make her leave, but that stupid selfish part of him that doesn't want to be alone stops him from saying that. The thought of her leaving only increases that mounting weight on him, a feeling that's only gotten worse because of Mikey's dismissal.
He really doesn't want to be by himself and he thought just responding to people over the tablets was enough, but it's not.
Scott eyes the doorknob, finding himself folding in some ways. Maybe he if tells Kotone what's going on with him, she'll make the reasonable choice herself and leavehe knows that won't happen. So, with another shaky breath, he responds quietly, but still audible.]
There's markings on my fingertips... on my arms. Marianne mentioned that they looked like those sigils from that giant monster months ago... you know, when people lost control of themselves. I haven't been feeling like myself either since then.
He really doesn't want to be by himself and he thought just responding to people over the tablets was enough, but it's not.
Scott eyes the doorknob, finding himself folding in some ways. Maybe he if tells Kotone what's going on with him, she'll make the reasonable choice herself and leave
There's markings on my fingertips... on my arms. Marianne mentioned that they looked like those sigils from that giant monster months ago... you know, when people lost control of themselves. I haven't been feeling like myself either since then.
[She doesn't repeat herself -- they both know she's still out here, and if he has something to say, he will. It sucks being shut out -- there's no way he actually wants her to leave, right? He'd tell her so if he did. His actions don't match his tone at all, and besides... if he just said why he wanted to be alone, she'd let him have it, probably.
But when he finally does speak, it's not much better. Dread pools in the bottom of her heart as her fingers unconsciously tighten around the handle once again, and she stands up a little straighter. It's nice of him to say that it's when "people" lost control -- she's one of those people. And-]
Locking yourself up definitely isn't going to help. [There's a fresh wave of urgency in her voice, in spite of her attempts to keep her voice steady and calm.] Scott, please open the door.
But when he finally does speak, it's not much better. Dread pools in the bottom of her heart as her fingers unconsciously tighten around the handle once again, and she stands up a little straighter. It's nice of him to say that it's when "people" lost control -- she's one of those people. And-]
Locking yourself up definitely isn't going to help. [There's a fresh wave of urgency in her voice, in spite of her attempts to keep her voice steady and calm.] Scott, please open the door.
[Hearing her plead against the door draws a small sound out of Scott, one that's bordering a sob that he can't hold back because she cares so much and it's making his resolve weaken even further. Why can't he resist better and tell her firmly no? Like what Mikey did to them both. But he can't help wanting to be close to her, even if he's putting her in danger. He's pretty pathetic isn't he??]
What if I hurt you though?
[Like you almost hurt me. The implication isn't actually there, because Scott doesn't blame her one bit for what happened, but it may still be easy to infer that based on what he said (especially as he doesn't expand more).]
If I lose control of my powers, I'd...
[He'd kill her, instantly. Vaporize her body and that thought alone makes him shudder, with what little contents in his stomach almost purging up from that mental image. Even though she'd probably forgive him, he wouldn't. How can he be close to her again after brutally tearing her body apart?? Murder is still murder anyway, right?? That's what people have told him here.]
What if I hurt you though?
[Like you almost hurt me. The implication isn't actually there, because Scott doesn't blame her one bit for what happened, but it may still be easy to infer that based on what he said (especially as he doesn't expand more).]
If I lose control of my powers, I'd...
[He'd kill her, instantly. Vaporize her body and that thought alone makes him shudder, with what little contents in his stomach almost purging up from that mental image. Even though she'd probably forgive him, he wouldn't. How can he be close to her again after brutally tearing her body apart?? Murder is still murder anyway, right?? That's what people have told him here.]
[She has to take in a quiet breath, because while he might not sound accusatory, that is a little how that reminder feels. She squeezes her eyes tightly shut and swallows hard, not able to answer immediately. She'd almost killed him, back then. She hadn't even realized what was happening or what she was doing, but she'd almost killed him. That he hadn't hated or resented her after that was...
Gritting her teeth, she forces herself to take another breath in and shake her head, even if he can't see it.]
If you do, I'll stop you. [And there's an edge of steel beneath her voice, because if she has to -- she will. Whether that means running for Dazai's help, or taking him down herself... she'll do it.] By the time you can take your glasses off, I can change my Persona.
[It would be a scramble, and she's not as confident as she's forcing herself to sound, but even if she can-- mentally, she rotates through her Personas. Scott's said before that his optic blasts are more of a physical strike, not a fire attack -- it explains why it had hurt so much when he'd used them on Thanatos, but it hadn't killed her. Thanatos resists physical damage. But Sandalphon blocks it.
Maybe that could work. They'll have to test it. But she can't do that unless-]
If you lose control of your powers, you'll need someone with you to stop you. Let me be that person, Scott, please...
Gritting her teeth, she forces herself to take another breath in and shake her head, even if he can't see it.]
If you do, I'll stop you. [And there's an edge of steel beneath her voice, because if she has to -- she will. Whether that means running for Dazai's help, or taking him down herself... she'll do it.] By the time you can take your glasses off, I can change my Persona.
[It would be a scramble, and she's not as confident as she's forcing herself to sound, but even if she can-- mentally, she rotates through her Personas. Scott's said before that his optic blasts are more of a physical strike, not a fire attack -- it explains why it had hurt so much when he'd used them on Thanatos, but it hadn't killed her. Thanatos resists physical damage. But Sandalphon blocks it.
Maybe that could work. They'll have to test it. But she can't do that unless-]
If you lose control of your powers, you'll need someone with you to stop you. Let me be that person, Scott, please...
[A complex swell of emotions builds in his chest hearing her conviction. It's almost a little scary, in a way, to know how ready Kotone is, but more than that, it's... reassuring. He doesn't have to worry about her going easy on him in case his powers become uncontrollable or if he becomes evil or something, she'll do what she has to even though they love each other. And he knows that she'll be able to take him down, she's fought fucking gods and everything and he's just a mutant. He probably doesn't stand a chance.
God, this is starting to feel like something out of some tragic romance movie, a thought that would normally make Scott snort, but he's really serious about this. Now, the next step is to... really trust her. Let her in again. Although, this is a little more than just promising to tell each other anything, even if they think it's stupid.
Or maybe it's not.
Swallowing past the tight knot in his throat, he pulls his head away from the door and shakily reaches for the doorknob, nearly forcing his hand to clench around the cool material. He trusts her, he believes in her, and more importantly, he... does want her here. The perhaps relieving sound of a door unlocking resounds between them as Scott slowly opens the door, although it's just a crack.]
...You promise, Kotone? [His voice is quiet, edged with wanting reassurance from her. If she looks past the small crack, she can see that his head is tilted towards the ground, not feeling brave enough to really look at her or fully open the door yet. Kotone may also notice that the tips of his fingers are black, and those undetermined patterns snake up his hand until they're hidden behind his sleeves.]
That you'll stop me.
God, this is starting to feel like something out of some tragic romance movie, a thought that would normally make Scott snort, but he's really serious about this. Now, the next step is to... really trust her. Let her in again. Although, this is a little more than just promising to tell each other anything, even if they think it's stupid.
Or maybe it's not.
Swallowing past the tight knot in his throat, he pulls his head away from the door and shakily reaches for the doorknob, nearly forcing his hand to clench around the cool material. He trusts her, he believes in her, and more importantly, he... does want her here. The perhaps relieving sound of a door unlocking resounds between them as Scott slowly opens the door, although it's just a crack.]
...You promise, Kotone? [His voice is quiet, edged with wanting reassurance from her. If she looks past the small crack, she can see that his head is tilted towards the ground, not feeling brave enough to really look at her or fully open the door yet. Kotone may also notice that the tips of his fingers are black, and those undetermined patterns snake up his hand until they're hidden behind his sleeves.]
That you'll stop me.
[He really is scared, isn't he...? She doesn't have to see his face to know that. Distantly, somewhere beneath the urgency, she's scared, too. She remembers what the corruption had felt like -- her back itches, where the symbol had lurked on her skin without her knowledge until finally bleeding forward onto her chest when the corruption took hold. At least Scott knows. At least they can try to do something this time.
Her breath escapes in a quiet little exhale of relief when he cracks the door open, and as much as she wants to just shove her way inside, she knows this has to be important to him. It has to be his choice, not just her shoving his wants aside. Not for something like this. Her eyes go immediately to what she can see, taking in the sight of the black skin of his hand with a sinking feeling. And yet-]
I promise.
[There's no hesitation. This isn't like when Ryoji was begging her to kill him for hers and her friends' sakes. This is about Scott. If he hurts anyone, if he kills anyone, it'll destroy him.
She won't kill him, not if there's any other way. But she will stop him. She doesn't force the door open any wider, just lets her fingers press into the frame to stop him from closing it (or at least discourage him if he doesn't want to pinch her fingers).]
Her breath escapes in a quiet little exhale of relief when he cracks the door open, and as much as she wants to just shove her way inside, she knows this has to be important to him. It has to be his choice, not just her shoving his wants aside. Not for something like this. Her eyes go immediately to what she can see, taking in the sight of the black skin of his hand with a sinking feeling. And yet-]
I promise.
[There's no hesitation. This isn't like when Ryoji was begging her to kill him for hers and her friends' sakes. This is about Scott. If he hurts anyone, if he kills anyone, it'll destroy him.
She won't kill him, not if there's any other way. But she will stop him. She doesn't force the door open any wider, just lets her fingers press into the frame to stop him from closing it (or at least discourage him if he doesn't want to pinch her fingers).]
[He lets her promise settle in the dead weight of the air for a moment, with Scott keeping silent again. But it's not too long before there's a small little nod, one that may be easy to miss, before he slowly starts to open the door wider for her. He doesn't say anything, but the invitation is clear, even as he remains still in the entryway. Maybe for the first time, he doesn't look happy to see her as his eyes dart to hers for a moment before turning downward again, but there was still some unquestionable relief there, something that Kotone might've noticed.
He hates facing things alone and her presence here confirms that he doesn't have to. It's nice... and he's so lucky, isn't he? He wonders if this was how she felt before her markings started to acted up, and it hurts to think she dealt with it by herself. He didn't even think to check on her back then. Hopefully Akira or someone did.
Feeling somewhat self-conscious all of a sudden, Scott pulls his sleeve down, as if trying to hide the corruption that's seeped into his skin.]
I'm sorry.
He hates facing things alone and her presence here confirms that he doesn't have to. It's nice... and he's so lucky, isn't he? He wonders if this was how she felt before her markings started to acted up, and it hurts to think she dealt with it by herself. He didn't even think to check on her back then. Hopefully Akira or someone did.
Feeling somewhat self-conscious all of a sudden, Scott pulls his sleeve down, as if trying to hide the corruption that's seeped into his skin.]
I'm sorry.
[The moment the door is open, she's crossing the threshold and wrapping her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a tight hug. There hadn't been anyone there for her when she'd finally realized she had the markings. It was too late to tell Dazai by the time she'd realized, and she wouldn't have wanted to bother Shinjiro with it back then, so...
She gets it. She knows why he wanted to hide away. But that doesn't mean she'll let him do it, and the fact that he opened the door on his own means he doesn't want to be alone, either. Right?
Shaking her head to dismiss the apology, she squeezes him more tightly, tightly enough that it might hurt.] Thanks for letting me in. I know it's hard.
[He's warm, and solid, and... she loves him. She doesn't want to hurt him, any more than she'd wanted to hurt Ryoji. Her nostrils flare with a sudden bout of emotion that she tries to swallow down as she keeps him close. No. She'll find a way to stop him. Without killing him.]
She gets it. She knows why he wanted to hide away. But that doesn't mean she'll let him do it, and the fact that he opened the door on his own means he doesn't want to be alone, either. Right?
Shaking her head to dismiss the apology, she squeezes him more tightly, tightly enough that it might hurt.] Thanks for letting me in. I know it's hard.
[He's warm, and solid, and... she loves him. She doesn't want to hurt him, any more than she'd wanted to hurt Ryoji. Her nostrils flare with a sudden bout of emotion that she tries to swallow down as she keeps him close. No. She'll find a way to stop him. Without killing him.]
[Scott can't stop the full body shudder as Kotone wraps her arms around him, pulling him into a familiar hug that both stresses him and comforts him. She's truly here, but also now firmly at risk. The battling feelings stretch his emotions to the point that a loose sob escapes past his lips and once again, he feels so pathetic that he couldn't handle this by himself. Still, he can't find himself regretting his choice as he soaks in her presence, her steady and firm grip almost a balm to everything he's feeling, although he doesn't magically feel better either.
There's still that self-hatred, some guilt, along with a strange detachment that he doesn't know how to describe. Maybe that's the worst part. He felt it more when he was talking to Marianne and it was nearly consuming when he was sitting here by himself, completely isolated. It really only disappeared when his concern for Kotone was pushed to the top, but now it's back, nearly co-existing with his worry.
He's used to feeling all sorts of emotions, but... not like this. It's distracting enough that he doesn't really say anything to how tightly she holds him, but Scott sort of welcomes it anyway even though he hasn't returned her hug yet.]
Is... is this how you felt?
[Scott asks quietly, referring to when she had the markings. Maybe it'll be good for him to know, but also... he wants to ask how she felt and everything because it's important. They really haven't talked about that incident since it happened.]
There's still that self-hatred, some guilt, along with a strange detachment that he doesn't know how to describe. Maybe that's the worst part. He felt it more when he was talking to Marianne and it was nearly consuming when he was sitting here by himself, completely isolated. It really only disappeared when his concern for Kotone was pushed to the top, but now it's back, nearly co-existing with his worry.
He's used to feeling all sorts of emotions, but... not like this. It's distracting enough that he doesn't really say anything to how tightly she holds him, but Scott sort of welcomes it anyway even though he hasn't returned her hug yet.]
Is... is this how you felt?
[Scott asks quietly, referring to when she had the markings. Maybe it'll be good for him to know, but also... he wants to ask how she felt and everything because it's important. They really haven't talked about that incident since it happened.]
[It's okay if he doesn't hug her back. She'll hug him enough for the both of them, gently rubbing his back with her thumb as she keeps that tight grip.
But she shakes her head, takes a breath as she forces herself to think back to when it had been her.]
I didn't know I had it, [she murmurs, her voice still quiet and calm. Again, her back itches, and she desperately wants to check to make sure she's not infected, but- later. Scott takes first priority.] Mine was on my back. It wasn't anywhere anyone could see until it was too late.
[She keeps rubbing small circles with her thumb against his back, wishing their roles were reversed. If she could take it away from him, she'd do it in a heartbeat. She can manage this kind of thing. It would be hard for him, but not as bad as losing control himself. Still, it's a useless wish, and she just presses her lips together rather than voice it.]
How do you feel? [she asks instead, because he said he hadn't felt like himself. He didn't sound like himself earlier either, but maybe that's just because he was scared of worrying her? It backfired spectacularly if so but-!]
But she shakes her head, takes a breath as she forces herself to think back to when it had been her.]
I didn't know I had it, [she murmurs, her voice still quiet and calm. Again, her back itches, and she desperately wants to check to make sure she's not infected, but- later. Scott takes first priority.] Mine was on my back. It wasn't anywhere anyone could see until it was too late.
[She keeps rubbing small circles with her thumb against his back, wishing their roles were reversed. If she could take it away from him, she'd do it in a heartbeat. She can manage this kind of thing. It would be hard for him, but not as bad as losing control himself. Still, it's a useless wish, and she just presses her lips together rather than voice it.]
How do you feel? [she asks instead, because he said he hadn't felt like himself. He didn't sound like himself earlier either, but maybe that's just because he was scared of worrying her? It backfired spectacularly if so but-!]
[His worry returns, pulling that dullness away again, when she mentions her previous experience. On her back, huh? Shouldn't he check? He probably should, especially since she's now in contact with him. It's possible that he's already spreading whatever this is to her and he nearly shoves her away from that single thought, but... he's already let her in. It's probably too late, or he's just making excuses now, because every passing rub against his back is soothing and he doesn't want it to end. He really feels better with her, even now.
He's so selfish--]
We should check.
[He says quietly, because he's not so self-involved right now to completely ignore Kotone's safety. Besides, if she's started to get infected too, then... guess he should also worry about her losing control again. He's at least faced Thanatos before, although Scott's not sure if he's really all that much better prepared now compared to those months ago. Besides, he wouldn't use his powers right now, even if it means he'd get hurt. It's better him than her, even if that would also make her upset.
The thought makes him shut his eyes, and he brings up one hand to lightly place against the small of her back, just holding her without pulling her close. He doesn't need any intimate contact, this feels enough.]
...It's hard to describe. [If anything else, at least Scott remains mostly honest about his feelings, telling her straight about how he's feeling.] Like I... don't really want to do anything. Just thinking about stuff that I usually don't try to think about, like losing you. Feeling... I don't know.
He's so selfish--]
We should check.
[He says quietly, because he's not so self-involved right now to completely ignore Kotone's safety. Besides, if she's started to get infected too, then... guess he should also worry about her losing control again. He's at least faced Thanatos before, although Scott's not sure if he's really all that much better prepared now compared to those months ago. Besides, he wouldn't use his powers right now, even if it means he'd get hurt. It's better him than her, even if that would also make her upset.
The thought makes him shut his eyes, and he brings up one hand to lightly place against the small of her back, just holding her without pulling her close. He doesn't need any intimate contact, this feels enough.]
...It's hard to describe. [If anything else, at least Scott remains mostly honest about his feelings, telling her straight about how he's feeling.] Like I... don't really want to do anything. Just thinking about stuff that I usually don't try to think about, like losing you. Feeling... I don't know.
Later.
[It's another gentle, but firm order. This isn't about her right now, and yeah, they'll have to check and see if she's infected later, but... it doesn't have to be right this second. It doesn't even have to be today. What's more important is making sure Scott is okay.
But oh. Yeah, it is hard to describe, but she suspects she knows exactly what that feeling is.]
Feeling like nothing matters? [she asks softly, resting her chin on his shoulder and feeling her heart squeeze a little painfully. It's a feeling she'd almost gotten used to, but after talking with Dazai a while back, something she knows now that not everybody feels -- at least, not all the time. And Scott feels everything so strongly, this kind of emotional numbness must be hard for him, huh...?]
[It's another gentle, but firm order. This isn't about her right now, and yeah, they'll have to check and see if she's infected later, but... it doesn't have to be right this second. It doesn't even have to be today. What's more important is making sure Scott is okay.
But oh. Yeah, it is hard to describe, but she suspects she knows exactly what that feeling is.]
Feeling like nothing matters? [she asks softly, resting her chin on his shoulder and feeling her heart squeeze a little painfully. It's a feeling she'd almost gotten used to, but after talking with Dazai a while back, something she knows now that not everybody feels -- at least, not all the time. And Scott feels everything so strongly, this kind of emotional numbness must be hard for him, huh...?]
[A part of him wants to argue, but no protests emerge from the sullen teen as he keeps quiet, silently following her order. He has no energy, not to mention it's hard for him to argue against her in the first place. Guess she wouldn't be affected that quickly anyway... and he'll be sure to keep an eye on her fingers. See if those terrible markings start showing up on her.
He hopes to whatever god out there that she somehow stays okay. It seems improbable, since she's close to him now, but maybe this place will at least be nice to her for once.]
...Yeah, actually. [His face tilts somewhat, trying to get a glimpse of her expression as she rests her chin against him. She... pretty much nailed it right on the head, almost immediately, and something dull but still painful curls around his heart because of that. He's glad she understands, but also. What does that really mean? An acute pain throbs in his chest, because even though nothing seems to really matter, it still hurts.]
Do you... feel that way a lot?
He hopes to whatever god out there that she somehow stays okay. It seems improbable, since she's close to him now, but maybe this place will at least be nice to her for once.]
...Yeah, actually. [His face tilts somewhat, trying to get a glimpse of her expression as she rests her chin against him. She... pretty much nailed it right on the head, almost immediately, and something dull but still painful curls around his heart because of that. He's glad she understands, but also. What does that really mean? An acute pain throbs in his chest, because even though nothing seems to really matter, it still hurts.]
Do you... feel that way a lot?
[The right answer is to lie to him. Tell him no, she doesn't! Dazai's told her about it, though. The answer that's going to make him feel better, or at least, the answer that won't make him worry, would be to lie to him. She knows this; it's so obvious.
But he won't want to hear that. They'd promised to tell each other the truth. She exhales quietly against his shoulder and tilts her face to meet his gaze. Though she can't see his eyes, he can see hers, and within, the unmasked weariness that she usually tries to hide.]
Sometimes. [One corner of her lips quirks up into a resigned little smile.] For a really long time, I thought everybody felt that way. It's not until I got older that I realized.
But he won't want to hear that. They'd promised to tell each other the truth. She exhales quietly against his shoulder and tilts her face to meet his gaze. Though she can't see his eyes, he can see hers, and within, the unmasked weariness that she usually tries to hide.]
Sometimes. [One corner of her lips quirks up into a resigned little smile.] For a really long time, I thought everybody felt that way. It's not until I got older that I realized.
[It's a look he's only seen a few times on her, and usually, he was in a better mindset to help pull her out of it. Or guess that's not really correct, since she still feels like this, but least be able to support her. Now, he just sort of wants to sink into that exhaustion with her, close his eyes and not get up.]
It feels so... hard.
[Scott's not eloquent enough to describe how it feels, but it's a lot, ironically enough. Feeling like nothing really matters, feeling dull against the brightness of the day... he really doesn't know what to do with this. It's hard to think Kotone feels like this so often and a tired little frown meets her resigned smile.]
How do you cope with it? Do... I help at all with that feeling?
[Normally, Scott would be hurt knowing that she feels like this, despite them being together, despite being in love, but... he's feeling that way now and can't stop it. And he still loves her and everything. He doesn't want her to go away.]
It feels so... hard.
[Scott's not eloquent enough to describe how it feels, but it's a lot, ironically enough. Feeling like nothing really matters, feeling dull against the brightness of the day... he really doesn't know what to do with this. It's hard to think Kotone feels like this so often and a tired little frown meets her resigned smile.]
How do you cope with it? Do... I help at all with that feeling?
[Normally, Scott would be hurt knowing that she feels like this, despite them being together, despite being in love, but... he's feeling that way now and can't stop it. And he still loves her and everything. He doesn't want her to go away.]
Mmhm.
[It is hard. There's no point denying it when he can feel it like this. There's no way of knowing if it's exactly the same feeling that she still has sometimes, but it sounds close enough that she can sympathize, reaching up with one hand to gently smooth her thumb against that frown. She's not expecting him to return it, but she tilts her head and presses a gentle, chaste kiss to his lips as if in reassurance.]
I spend time with my friends, [she says simply, stroking her thumb along his cheek, tracing beneath his the lens of his glasses.] If everyone else is having fun, it's easier to feel like it, too. If someone else is sad, it's easier to feel sad with them. I go out and I keep busy so my mind doesn't get stuck just thinking about... other stuff.
[The last bit is a quiet admission. This stuff is hard to talk about, even for her -- maybe especially for her -- but it's important for him to hear, she thinks.]
[It is hard. There's no point denying it when he can feel it like this. There's no way of knowing if it's exactly the same feeling that she still has sometimes, but it sounds close enough that she can sympathize, reaching up with one hand to gently smooth her thumb against that frown. She's not expecting him to return it, but she tilts her head and presses a gentle, chaste kiss to his lips as if in reassurance.]
I spend time with my friends, [she says simply, stroking her thumb along his cheek, tracing beneath his the lens of his glasses.] If everyone else is having fun, it's easier to feel like it, too. If someone else is sad, it's easier to feel sad with them. I go out and I keep busy so my mind doesn't get stuck just thinking about... other stuff.
[The last bit is a quiet admission. This stuff is hard to talk about, even for her -- maybe especially for her -- but it's important for him to hear, she thinks.]
[While he doesn't fully return the energy of her kiss, his mouth still moves in response, following her lead rather than continuing the kiss or making it more heated or intimate between them. It's more of just like trying to react in some way, so that she's not kissing a mannequin. How awful would that be? Granted, there's still that warmth he's producing, along with the softness of his lips, the corruption not taking that away from him.
Plus... he still likes it. Wants it.
With his eyes slipping shut, he tilts his face into her gentle tracing, allowing her to explore as she wishes. At least the markings haven't appeared there, still relegated to his fingers and arms.]
...It sounds exhausting being around others right now. [He admits, quietly, the appeal of seeing any of his friends here at an all time low. Maybe it's the fear of hurting them, but also... it's that crushing emptiness as well. Kotone is really the only person he wants to be around, and she had to push her way in.]
By 'other stuff,' do you mean... just one day leaving here? [His voice is low, barely audible, because this is one of his least favorite topics. It always will be. Something that he's acknowledged, but rarely ever wants to think about. However, Scott can't stop himself from rambling just slightly about it.]
Leaving everyone behind. Possibly never to see them again. [His hand drops from her back, leaving his arms by his sides as he almost stares into the ground.]
Plus... he still likes it. Wants it.
With his eyes slipping shut, he tilts his face into her gentle tracing, allowing her to explore as she wishes. At least the markings haven't appeared there, still relegated to his fingers and arms.]
...It sounds exhausting being around others right now. [He admits, quietly, the appeal of seeing any of his friends here at an all time low. Maybe it's the fear of hurting them, but also... it's that crushing emptiness as well. Kotone is really the only person he wants to be around, and she had to push her way in.]
By 'other stuff,' do you mean... just one day leaving here? [His voice is low, barely audible, because this is one of his least favorite topics. It always will be. Something that he's acknowledged, but rarely ever wants to think about. However, Scott can't stop himself from rambling just slightly about it.]
Leaving everyone behind. Possibly never to see them again. [His hand drops from her back, leaving his arms by his sides as he almost stares into the ground.]
[At least he kisses her back. Honestly, she wasn't expecting it, even if it's not as full of emotion as it normally is from him. Like going through the motions -- but at least he's trying. That's a step forward, she thinks. Or if not forward, at least not backward, either.]
It can be, sometimes, [she admits, fingertips moving back to stroke gently through his hair with a quiet sigh. She leans up and presses her forehead into his, as if she could somehow give him her strength through that alone.] But... sometimes I can borrow everyone else's energy.
[But she just nods, a small motion more felt than seen, both hands looping around his shoulders and twining into his hair with a quiet sigh.] That's part of it. Or thinking about the people who didn't make it as far as I did, or even just thinking about how much stuff sucks sometimes. It'd be way easier to stay in bed.
It can be, sometimes, [she admits, fingertips moving back to stroke gently through his hair with a quiet sigh. She leans up and presses her forehead into his, as if she could somehow give him her strength through that alone.] But... sometimes I can borrow everyone else's energy.
[But she just nods, a small motion more felt than seen, both hands looping around his shoulders and twining into his hair with a quiet sigh.] That's part of it. Or thinking about the people who didn't make it as far as I did, or even just thinking about how much stuff sucks sometimes. It'd be way easier to stay in bed.
[It's a little hard to see Kotone needing energy from others, when she's so... vibrant and energetic herself. But Scott knows better, that there's something exhausted in her as well, even before all this. Now, however, he... thinks he can understand it, the drain of not wanting to do anything, and it really only makes him believe that she's even stronger. If she's dealing with this more often and still getting up each day... she's really amazing.
Although, maybe she should just lie in bed a couple of days. Maybe he can do that with her. That could be nice... especially since he just wants to do that right now. His eyes close once more at the thought, before Scott lowers his forehead against hers, as if trying to feel what she wants him to feel.]
Can I borrow your energy? [...] Or maybe we can just... lie in bed. That's okay now, right? You don't have to force yourself to be happy around me.
Although, maybe she should just lie in bed a couple of days. Maybe he can do that with her. That could be nice... especially since he just wants to do that right now. His eyes close once more at the thought, before Scott lowers his forehead against hers, as if trying to feel what she wants him to feel.]
Can I borrow your energy? [...] Or maybe we can just... lie in bed. That's okay now, right? You don't have to force yourself to be happy around me.
I'm not forcing it when I'm with you.
[It's a simple answer for a simple feeling. No, being with him doesn't magically make everything better, but he makes her smile, makes her laugh, makes her genuinely want to see him every day. She wants to see what every new day holds with him.
Her fingers massage gently against the back of his neck, as if she could somehow transfer her own strength into him with just her touch, and she bumps her nose lightly against his.] You can have as much of my energy as you need.
[It's a simple answer for a simple feeling. No, being with him doesn't magically make everything better, but he makes her smile, makes her laugh, makes her genuinely want to see him every day. She wants to see what every new day holds with him.
Her fingers massage gently against the back of his neck, as if she could somehow transfer her own strength into him with just her touch, and she bumps her nose lightly against his.] You can have as much of my energy as you need.
[Her words draws Scott's gaze from the ground, instead fixating on that supporting smile on her face and truly seeing that she's not just saying that to make him feel better. Not that he doubts their connection, but it's still nice to hear. She really is strong, someone so special... and she's here for him. For a moment, he can feel the haze around his mind dissipate and he almost smiles at her, because even in a corrupted state, Scott's so easily affected by her affection and words. It doesn't quite get there, but she may still notice the way his body eases against hers.
But since he can take some of her energy... he lowers his head down so that he's gently pressed against her shoulder, with one of his arms coming back up to wrap around her waist. He's fine like this, although Scott, this may be the opposite of having energy--]
You really don't mind being around me when I'm like this...?
But since he can take some of her energy... he lowers his head down so that he's gently pressed against her shoulder, with one of his arms coming back up to wrap around her waist. He's fine like this, although Scott, this may be the opposite of having energy--]
You really don't mind being around me when I'm like this...?
[Listen it just means it's mental energy--
She shifts, just a little, to accommodate the change in position, but just keeps holding him. If this is what he needs right now, that's what he'll get. One hand stays in his hair, the other gently rubs his back in a gesture she really hopes he takes as soothing and not childish.]
Of course I don't mind. We'll get it taken care of, I promise.
[She tilts her head and lets it press against his with a quiet exhale. No, she doesn't know how yet, but... they'll think of something. Dazai will know what to do.]
Just... please don't shut me out again, okay? Not on purpose.
She shifts, just a little, to accommodate the change in position, but just keeps holding him. If this is what he needs right now, that's what he'll get. One hand stays in his hair, the other gently rubs his back in a gesture she really hopes he takes as soothing and not childish.]
Of course I don't mind. We'll get it taken care of, I promise.
[She tilts her head and lets it press against his with a quiet exhale. No, she doesn't know how yet, but... they'll think of something. Dazai will know what to do.]
Just... please don't shut me out again, okay? Not on purpose.
[Is that really a promise that she can keep...? Granted, things like this do get resolved eventually (at least so far), before something else happens and then they have to deal with that. But... can they really hope that nothing bad will happen, that he won't lose control and hurt the people he cares about? His thoughts turn south and the normal optimism in him doesn't step up, but he nonetheless nods his head against her. Even if he doesn't believe it fully, he'll at least believe in Kotone.
And... that counts for something. He trusts her at least. As she said, she'll stop him if need be.]
...I really scared you, huh?
[Maybe he would've teased her some other day, but now isn't the appropriate time.]
And... that counts for something. He trusts her at least. As she said, she'll stop him if need be.]
...I really scared you, huh?
[Maybe he would've teased her some other day, but now isn't the appropriate time.]
[Listen, one way or another, it's getting taken care of. No matter what she has to do. There's a bit of a shudder in her breath with that resolution, but she'll do it. For his sake, if nothing else.
She huffs a little humorless laugh through her nose and turns her head to lightly press her lips to his cheek.]
I was worried. You've never shut me out like that before.
[She knows she's done it to him, if not physically with a door, definitely emotionally more than once.]
She huffs a little humorless laugh through her nose and turns her head to lightly press her lips to his cheek.]
I was worried. You've never shut me out like that before.
[She knows she's done it to him, if not physically with a door, definitely emotionally more than once.]
It's normally pretty hard to.
[While Scott still doesn't exactly smile, his voice carries a tone that edges just a bit lighter compared to earlier, as if recalling something humorous. In a way, it is, his inability to really block Kotone from his life. Maybe kind of pathetic, but he really loves her. That feeling is still there, present in his heart. He has no doubts. Even if she shuts him out sometimes, he at least believes in that emotion above all else.
As if pulling some sort of resolve, he straightens himself up just slightly, maybe taking some of that energy she offered.]
...Still hard to.
[While Scott still doesn't exactly smile, his voice carries a tone that edges just a bit lighter compared to earlier, as if recalling something humorous. In a way, it is, his inability to really block Kotone from his life. Maybe kind of pathetic, but he really loves her. That feeling is still there, present in his heart. He has no doubts. Even if she shuts him out sometimes, he at least believes in that emotion above all else.
As if pulling some sort of resolve, he straightens himself up just slightly, maybe taking some of that energy she offered.]
...Still hard to.
[That patheticness is charming, though, in a way! And in this moment, even knowing how heavy his emotions must feel, that he can still manage to be a little lighter when talking about her -- it's equal parts endearing and stressful. She doesn't want to let him down, no matter what.
She smiles a bit when he straightens that little bit, shifting just enough to take his hands in her own and squeeze them both gently.]
Then will you come outside with me? Sometimes being sad outside doesn't feel as crushing as being sad inside.
She smiles a bit when he straightens that little bit, shifting just enough to take his hands in her own and squeeze them both gently.]
Then will you come outside with me? Sometimes being sad outside doesn't feel as crushing as being sad inside.
[Scott's face immediately turns downward, his face scrunching at the thought of going outside. That just sounds tiring, if anything, especially since it's still pretty cold outside and he's not even really dressed for that. He could just throw on his heavier jacket and that'd probably be enough, but that's still more work.
But she's trying, for him, and Scott doesn't want to just push that away. Kotone has pushed past his attempts to shut her out and planted her feet squarely next to him despite everything, maybe because of everything. He wants to spend time with her now, at least before things get worse. Living each day to the fullest... right? Even now.]
...Can we just stand outside for a little while? [He asks quietly.] I don't know if I want to go walking around.
But she's trying, for him, and Scott doesn't want to just push that away. Kotone has pushed past his attempts to shut her out and planted her feet squarely next to him despite everything, maybe because of everything. He wants to spend time with her now, at least before things get worse. Living each day to the fullest... right? Even now.]
...Can we just stand outside for a little while? [He asks quietly.] I don't know if I want to go walking around.
Sure.
[Yeah, that's enough. It's not as much as she's hoping for, but it's something, a break from stagnation. The people who'd suffered from Apathy Syndrome seemed to just stop where they stood, so... if he can keep moving, maybe he'll be okay.
She cups his cheeks and gives him another kiss, once again as if she might somehow impart some of her own energy to him. If only it was that easy, right? But in short order, she takes his hand and tugs gently.]
C'mon. We can at least go be sad in the fresh air.
[Yeah, that's enough. It's not as much as she's hoping for, but it's something, a break from stagnation. The people who'd suffered from Apathy Syndrome seemed to just stop where they stood, so... if he can keep moving, maybe he'll be okay.
She cups his cheeks and gives him another kiss, once again as if she might somehow impart some of her own energy to him. If only it was that easy, right? But in short order, she takes his hand and tugs gently.]
C'mon. We can at least go be sad in the fresh air.
[No, he doesn't magically feel better still, but everything feels less dull and empty when she's around. Like he can muster getting up and moving around as long as he gets to see her. If this is how she feels sometimes... he really hopes that he does the same for her. Maybe he'll ask.
Not right now though, his hand curling into hers as he lets himself be tugged in her direction. He just wants to follow whatever she does, even if it's just remarking about the outside with a small laugh. Something so small, but he still looks forward to it.]
Okay, Kotone. Let's go outside and be sad.
[He almost smiles and there's something in his expression, almost like he wants to say more, but he just tightens his grip in hers instead. Scott wants to say how thankful, how much he really loves her, but he just hopes that she can understand him through their contact.]
Not right now though, his hand curling into hers as he lets himself be tugged in her direction. He just wants to follow whatever she does, even if it's just remarking about the outside with a small laugh. Something so small, but he still looks forward to it.]
Okay, Kotone. Let's go outside and be sad.
[He almost smiles and there's something in his expression, almost like he wants to say more, but he just tightens his grip in hers instead. Scott wants to say how thankful, how much he really loves her, but he just hopes that she can understand him through their contact.]
hey, scott
can i ask you a favor?
a really big one?
can i ask you a favor?
a really big one?
I guess??
Depends on what it is.
[On one hand, he's feeling really down and low still, but this is Takemitchy... one of the people that's really close to Mikey and Scott still cares, even though he's a little hurt from their last interaction. Something is going on with Mikey, for sure, but... doesn't feel it's something he can really help with.]
Depends on what it is.
[On one hand, he's feeling really down and low still, but this is Takemitchy... one of the people that's really close to Mikey and Scott still cares, even though he's a little hurt from their last interaction. Something is going on with Mikey, for sure, but... doesn't feel it's something he can really help with.]
can you not tell anyone else what i'm about to tell you? it's about mikey
he'd probably kill me if he knew i was doing this but [But he knows from firsthand experience that he can't save Mikey without help. Lots and lots of help.] he'd hate it even more if someone got hurt because of this
he'd probably kill me if he knew i was doing this but [But he knows from firsthand experience that he can't save Mikey without help. Lots and lots of help.] he'd hate it even more if someone got hurt because of this
[Wow, something that's super secret, huh? Kind of neat... although it's probably not the fun sort of secret. Just a guess.]
...Yeah, I promise, I won't tell anyone. Especially since... it seems like he would actually kill you right now. I haven't seen him like this before.
...Yeah, I promise, I won't tell anyone. Especially since... it seems like he would actually kill you right now. I haven't seen him like this before.
he really isn't like this!
this isn't the real mikey at all
[Takemichi takes a deep, calming breath, willing himself to keep typing. He can't help but hesitate even after Yu's stern reprimand. These are the sorts of things he never thought he'd tell anyone, the sorts of things that would get him thrown in an asylum if he tried to explain them back home.]
it's a curse
i don't think even mikey knows about it yet, but i've seen it in action
it makes him want to destroy everything around him
he tries to fight it but every time he hides away on his own it just gets worse
that's why he kicked everyone out
he doesn't want to lose control and kill someone.
yu was able to see him, and his hands are turning black
at this rate he really might lose control
this isn't the real mikey at all
[Takemichi takes a deep, calming breath, willing himself to keep typing. He can't help but hesitate even after Yu's stern reprimand. These are the sorts of things he never thought he'd tell anyone, the sorts of things that would get him thrown in an asylum if he tried to explain them back home.]
it's a curse
i don't think even mikey knows about it yet, but i've seen it in action
it makes him want to destroy everything around him
he tries to fight it but every time he hides away on his own it just gets worse
that's why he kicked everyone out
he doesn't want to lose control and kill someone.
yu was able to see him, and his hands are turning black
at this rate he really might lose control
[A curse. Seriously.
Don't ever kill a timeleaper, Scott. It tanks your karma straight to hell.]
i think its kickstarting the curse
mikey is scared so it must be making it hard for him to resist
and yu said his fingers are starting to turn black too
that's 3 people now!
we have to find out how to fix it before ANY of you get worse!!!
Don't ever kill a timeleaper, Scott. It tanks your karma straight to hell.]
i think its kickstarting the curse
mikey is scared so it must be making it hard for him to resist
and yu said his fingers are starting to turn black too
that's 3 people now!
we have to find out how to fix it before ANY of you get worse!!!
focus on mikey and yu first, okay...? i don't feel like punching anyone or lasering anyone, so i'm probably not a huge threat.
[Okay honestly, he's kind of worried about himself, that he might lose control at some point. But also, he's more worried about Mikey and Yu, and they should be helped first. Kotone will... take care of him if something goes south.]
it's not too late for mikey, right? you mentioned the curse and how the corruption kickstarted it. will it stop even if we stop the corruption.
[Okay honestly, he's kind of worried about himself, that he might lose control at some point. But also, he's more worried about Mikey and Yu, and they should be helped first. Kotone will... take care of him if something goes south.]
it's not too late for mikey, right? you mentioned the curse and how the corruption kickstarted it. will it stop even if we stop the corruption.
["Focus on Mikey and Yu first," he says, as if Takemichi isn't already fully invested. As far as he's concerned, helping one of them helps all of them.
It's the second half of Scott's text that brings Takemichi pause.]
i don't know
[And ain't that a bitch?]
mikey won't tell me anything so i don't know how bad it is right now
but he was fine until today!
i think he'll be okay as long as the corruption stops before he does something he'll regret
It's the second half of Scott's text that brings Takemichi pause.]
i don't know
[And ain't that a bitch?]
mikey won't tell me anything so i don't know how bad it is right now
but he was fine until today!
i think he'll be okay as long as the corruption stops before he does something he'll regret
i just didn't want anybody to chase after mikey cuz of that announcement!
yu tried and it didn't go great
i didn't know so many people were going through the same thing either.
make sure you stay safe and call me if you find out anything!!
yu tried and it didn't go great
i didn't know so many people were going through the same thing either.
make sure you stay safe and call me if you find out anything!!
i don't need promises anyway
i just need you guys to not kill each other til this gets fixed
sounds like you've got that covered even better than i do, so thanks for that, man
seriously.
i just need you guys to not kill each other til this gets fixed
sounds like you've got that covered even better than i do, so thanks for that, man
seriously.
Scott-san, it's me, Ken.
When you have a moment, can I talk to you for a moment?
When you have a moment, can I talk to you for a moment?
[His corruption is gone but man he still feels like utter crap. He's still in the recovery process and nearly doesn't respond, but eventually he pulls himself up enough to type back to Ken.]
Hey Ken.
Yeah, sure. What's up?
[Because he cares about Ken and everything and it's not too common that he messages him out of the blue.]
Hey Ken.
Yeah, sure. What's up?
[Because he cares about Ken and everything and it's not too common that he messages him out of the blue.]
Are you okay with me talking to you? I think I need your advice on something.
[Because he wanted to know if Scott was ready for such a serious topic!!]
[Because he wanted to know if Scott was ready for such a serious topic!!]
[Can he really give the best advice right now?? He's emotionally drained. Scott feels his eyes slip shut behind his shades, questioning himself once more, but he wants to help out. Maybe it'll be good for him.]
Yeah man, of course. You can talk to me anytime.
So, what do you need advice on?
Yeah man, of course. You can talk to me anytime.
So, what do you need advice on?
[Should he say it? He didn’t know but he just had to find out. With a heavy sigh, he just hoped this was a good idea.]
How did you know you liked Kotone-san?
[Not directly saying it yet but just enough where someone might wonder…]
How did you know you liked Kotone-san?
[Not directly saying it yet but just enough where someone might wonder…]
[As much as he wanted to disagree, he knows he couldn't. Instead, he gave a very long pause before responding.]
.......Yes, I think so.
.......Yes, I think so.
She's older than me! And it's kind of embarrassing too!
Especially when I tell you who too.
Especially when I tell you who too.
[................
oh my god.
brb he may need to recover from this, but he will actually respond.]
I didn't know you guys knew each other and everything.
Uh, that's cool, Ken, I mean I get why you like her, she's a good friend. When did you have this realization and everything??
[She's definitely older than him but that's not something Scott's going to worry about.]
oh my god.
brb he may need to recover from this, but he will actually respond.]
I didn't know you guys knew each other and everything.
Uh, that's cool, Ken, I mean I get why you like her, she's a good friend. When did you have this realization and everything??
[She's definitely older than him but that's not something Scott's going to worry about.]
I'm not sure, she said that she wanted a cake so I tried to make her one.
[....]
But I guess it was then that I realized.
[....]
But I guess it was then that I realized.
Edited 2024-01-26 19:50 (UTC)
So you were in the middle of making a cake for Ange and suddenly realized that you have feelings for her?
Like wanting to see her happy, no matter what? Or when she smiles at you, you feel like you're on top of the world?
[Granted, Ange doesn't smile, but not the point!!]
Like wanting to see her happy, no matter what? Or when she smiles at you, you feel like you're on top of the world?
[Granted, Ange doesn't smile, but not the point!!]
Just wanting to see her happy since I heard a lot about her upbringing.
...I don't want to see her upset anymore.
And when she told me I didn't do that bad on the cake, it made me happy to know she liked it.
...I don't want to see her upset anymore.
And when she told me I didn't do that bad on the cake, it made me happy to know she liked it.
[He wonders how much Ken knows about Ange. Sounds like possibly even more than him; he's aware of her abusive aunt and everything, but they really haven't gotten to much else. He's not going to pry now.
It's a little sobering. Not to mention, Ange has told Scott that she's dead back home and... isn't that familiar? Something twists in his chest and suddenly, he finds this all a little less fun, but he tries to keep up. He's not going to be the one to tell Ken that.]
Okay, that's a good start, but there are other things too, like. Do you want to hold her hand? Spend whole days with her? Kiss her??
It's a little sobering. Not to mention, Ange has told Scott that she's dead back home and... isn't that familiar? Something twists in his chest and suddenly, he finds this all a little less fun, but he tries to keep up. He's not going to be the one to tell Ken that.]
Okay, that's a good start, but there are other things too, like. Do you want to hold her hand? Spend whole days with her? Kiss her??
[If only Scott could see Ken right now. He was getting flustered and just found his face getting hotter. Instead, he gave a cough before continuing onward!]
Aren't I a little too young to be kissing her? But I do want to spend the entire day with her or just...hold her hand too.
[But at the same time, given everything on? He also knows it was impossible for him to do much of anything.]
Aren't I a little too young to be kissing her? But I do want to spend the entire day with her or just...hold her hand too.
[But at the same time, given everything on? He also knows it was impossible for him to do much of anything.]
Uh, maybe? That's something you'd have to talk with Ange, I guess.
[Oh right, the age gap. Honestly, he's pretty sure Ange is going to say no for that reason alone, but not his responsibility to burst this. He wants to be encouraging!]
Hmm, from this evidence alone... I think you do have a crush! When I started developing feelings for Kotone, I felt the same way. Wanting to hold her hand, spending the entire day with her, making her happy. Whenever she smiled at me, I felt my heart beat faster.
[Oh right, the age gap. Honestly, he's pretty sure Ange is going to say no for that reason alone, but not his responsibility to burst this. He wants to be encouraging!]
Hmm, from this evidence alone... I think you do have a crush! When I started developing feelings for Kotone, I felt the same way. Wanting to hold her hand, spending the entire day with her, making her happy. Whenever she smiled at me, I felt my heart beat faster.
...
It seems like I do. Which makes me wonder what I should do about it.
[On the one hand, he also knows he can't bottle things up. It wouldn't do him any good. On the other, he wasn't even sure how she would react to it and what he should do afterwards too....]
It seems like I do. Which makes me wonder what I should do about it.
[On the one hand, he also knows he can't bottle things up. It wouldn't do him any good. On the other, he wasn't even sure how she would react to it and what he should do afterwards too....]
.....................................
...................................
....................
......What if I don't want to? What would she even say?
...................................
....................
......What if I don't want to? What would she even say?
[Okay, he's going to be a little more serious.]
It's better to just get it out in the open.
You know, especially with how crazy things can get around here. Or how any of us can go home without warning, you know? Even if she might say 'no,' it's better to have an answer than none at all.
It's better to just get it out in the open.
You know, especially with how crazy things can get around here. Or how any of us can go home without warning, you know? Even if she might say 'no,' it's better to have an answer than none at all.
I suppose so.
It's still not something I really want to talk about. I haven't even said any of this to Kotone-san.
It's still not something I really want to talk about. I haven't even said any of this to Kotone-san.
Edited 2024-01-30 13:35 (UTC)
...Perhaps it would be best if I told her.
I just know that I'm still struggling with how to feel about this. I never dealt with having a crush before until now........
I just know that I'm still struggling with how to feel about this. I never dealt with having a crush before until now........
Don't worry, I won't.
...I'm just really nervous what will happen if I tell her. I wonder if she would still want to be my friend if I do...
...I'm just really nervous what will happen if I tell her. I wonder if she would still want to be my friend if I do...
If you say so.
...Thanks, I really appreciate you helping me out.
...Thanks, I really appreciate you helping me out.
[He didn't expect to hear from Mikey, not anytime soon.
As such, he knows that he's not really prepared for this conversation, especially not after how he lost control over himself and everything. He's fucking exhausted. Even though it's his friend, he's tempted to not answer, but he spent the past weeks being isolated and he doesn't want to continue that. He needs to try, push himself a little, especially since he cares a lot about him.]
...Mikey?
How are you?
As such, he knows that he's not really prepared for this conversation, especially not after how he lost control over himself and everything. He's fucking exhausted. Even though it's his friend, he's tempted to not answer, but he spent the past weeks being isolated and he doesn't want to continue that. He needs to try, push himself a little, especially since he cares a lot about him.]
...Mikey?
How are you?
i'm fine, summers. you okay?
(he's beaten into a pulp, but he'll live. he'll be fine.)
i'm sorry for being shitty.
(he's beaten into a pulp, but he'll live. he'll be fine.)
i'm sorry for being shitty.
Edited 2024-01-26 22:44 (UTC)
[He wonders if he should tell the truth or not. Mikey has enough on his plate, right? Recovering from his own corruption, not to mention the curse that Takemitchy brought up. At least he sounds like he's back to normal, so... they don't have to worry about the curse for right now.
Hopefully.]
I'm fine, too. The corruption's all gone and everything.
No, it's okay, Mikey. Really. I get it... you didn't hurt me at all.
Hopefully.]
I'm fine, too. The corruption's all gone and everything.
No, it's okay, Mikey. Really. I get it... you didn't hurt me at all.
you were fucked up too, huh.
(wouldn't have known, locked up in that dojo.)
(wouldn't have known, locked up in that dojo.)
u want some help?
actually nevermind im coming
actually nevermind im coming
yu healed me. i'm fine.
i don't have to do shit, i'm choosing to do it.
i don't have to do shit, i'm choosing to do it.
come on. out of bed. meet you at your place?
it's just that i know you.
(but he's ignoring the second message, showing up two minutes after the one he has sent. he knocks once, twice.
he has a few japanese sweets in his pocket, too. his stash is almost done and it will drive him insane, but alas.)
(but he's ignoring the second message, showing up two minutes after the one he has sent. he knocks once, twice.
he has a few japanese sweets in his pocket, too. his stash is almost done and it will drive him insane, but alas.)
[DUDE, MIKEY. HE'S TUGGING HIS PANTS ON.
Mikey might hear a swear from inside the house, some stumbling, before Scott yanks the door open. He's slightly out of breath and if it was anyone else, he'd be more annoyed, but. It's Mikey.]
Dude, did you just teleport here or something?
[At least Scott's up and no longer depressed.]
Mikey might hear a swear from inside the house, some stumbling, before Scott yanks the door open. He's slightly out of breath and if it was anyone else, he'd be more annoyed, but. It's Mikey.]
Dude, did you just teleport here or something?
[At least Scott's up and no longer depressed.]
(ah, the gremlin giggles from the other side of the door. the sounds make it so funny to imagine what must be happening in there, hence the way he is sniggering.)
I was already out. Here, for you.
(enjoy the pockys, sir.)
I was already out. Here, for you.
(enjoy the pockys, sir.)
[It's a good thing you're cute Mikey-- Scott continues to look slightly put out for a moment, but seeing his friend up and sociable again... it's nice. He's so glad Mikey's back to his usual self, pushing away his anxiety about Takemitchy's warning to the back of his mind. Curse isn't activated, yeah.]
Guess that makes sense-- oh, thanks?
[Curious, he takes the pocky from his friend, holding the small box with curiosity before pulling out one of the chocolate sticks and taking a bite out of it. Hey, this is pretty good stuff.] Shit, this is good. Thanks, man!
[He's back to being happy. Look, sometimes it's not hard to please Scott, even after feeling like shit for weeks.]
Guess that makes sense-- oh, thanks?
[Curious, he takes the pocky from his friend, holding the small box with curiosity before pulling out one of the chocolate sticks and taking a bite out of it. Hey, this is pretty good stuff.] Shit, this is good. Thanks, man!
[He's back to being happy. Look, sometimes it's not hard to please Scott, even after feeling like shit for weeks.]
(he's smiling right back. it's not a smile that comes when he's facing hardship, one that hides what he's really feeling. it's one that is sincere, genuine, and bright -- perhaps even blinding as he takes scott's hand to pull him out of the house with him.
come, come. it's perhaps a little too strongly, considering the soft nudging motion, but he hasn't noticed just yet.)
Yeah! You know what people do? Put one side in between their lips, and someone else on the other end. You go eating it slowly, and whoever pulls back and bites it completely loses. Give it to Kototan, she'll probably know. Probably.
come, come. it's perhaps a little too strongly, considering the soft nudging motion, but he hasn't noticed just yet.)
Yeah! You know what people do? Put one side in between their lips, and someone else on the other end. You go eating it slowly, and whoever pulls back and bites it completely loses. Give it to Kototan, she'll probably know. Probably.
[It's not like his heart skipped a beat or anything--
But Scott follows Mikey, letting himself be pulled while somehow managing to keep that chocolate stick in his mouth. He considers that to be pretty skillful! Because man, Mikey sure is strong, isn't he? Even if he wanted to, Scott highly doubts that he'd be able to break free of his grasp. Guess that's just what it means to be the leader of a biker gang.]
Oh, I definitely have to do that with her now. [He not only gets to eat chocolate, but do a fun little game with Kotone? He doesn't need to be told twice.] You guys have some pretty fun traditions.
But Scott follows Mikey, letting himself be pulled while somehow managing to keep that chocolate stick in his mouth. He considers that to be pretty skillful! Because man, Mikey sure is strong, isn't he? Even if he wanted to, Scott highly doubts that he'd be able to break free of his grasp. Guess that's just what it means to be the leader of a biker gang.]
Oh, I definitely have to do that with her now. [He not only gets to eat chocolate, but do a fun little game with Kotone? He doesn't need to be told twice.] You guys have some pretty fun traditions.
(bisexual awakening never stops
regardless, he doesn't want to let go of the hand! mikey in a good mood is very much like glue, touch as a love language, and he chuckles a little at how excited scott sounds over something so simple.)
I'd let you practice with me, but I think it'd give you a heart attack. You're pretty shy, ain't you, Summers?
(mikey-- isn't. and he wouldn't lose, either. rip.)
Guide us, I have no idea where we are going.
regardless, he doesn't want to let go of the hand! mikey in a good mood is very much like glue, touch as a love language, and he chuckles a little at how excited scott sounds over something so simple.)
I'd let you practice with me, but I think it'd give you a heart attack. You're pretty shy, ain't you, Summers?
(mikey-- isn't. and he wouldn't lose, either. rip.)
Guide us, I have no idea where we are going.
[It's a good thing he's finished his pocky, because one of his cheeks puff up in indignation at that comment. He's not a pushover and he's not shy! ...Mostly! It's just that Mikey is very uh, Mikey. He's a force of nature okay, not many people can keep up with him.]
I'm not shy! I can definitely take you on.
[Even though Mikey wouldn't back down and if he didn't... would that mean they would kiss?? Okay, maybe he should ask Kotone first before anything. But the pout soon falls from the mutant's face, replaced by minor exasperation, because really Mikey?? Appeared in two minutes in front of his home, but doesn't know where to go from there.]
Geez, you don't know where the building is at? [The rubble anyway--] Alright, follow me.
[He steps a little ahead of Mikey now, so that he can start guiding them. He has this way memorized by now, not that village is large to begin with, but also because the club building really meant a lot to him. His thoughts almost gets him to frown, a quieter look briefly taking over.]
I'm not shy! I can definitely take you on.
[Even though Mikey wouldn't back down and if he didn't... would that mean they would kiss?? Okay, maybe he should ask Kotone first before anything. But the pout soon falls from the mutant's face, replaced by minor exasperation, because really Mikey?? Appeared in two minutes in front of his home, but doesn't know where to go from there.]
Geez, you don't know where the building is at? [The rubble anyway--] Alright, follow me.
[He steps a little ahead of Mikey now, so that he can start guiding them. He has this way memorized by now, not that village is large to begin with, but also because the club building really meant a lot to him. His thoughts almost gets him to frown, a quieter look briefly taking over.]
(summers, summers. do you not know the man? he nods towards the pocky, as he is telling him to do it, knowing fully well-- probably not! he just wants to see him have a little heart attack, it's cute!
either way, he hasn't been leaving the house. he left to see yu -- it was heartbreaking, but seems like... they're still a thing, even if manjiro's afraid of it, for them. he doesn't know what's going on, he focused on resting, healing, trying to keep in shape.)
Yeah, my bad, I have no idea what's going on.
either way, he hasn't been leaving the house. he left to see yu -- it was heartbreaking, but seems like... they're still a thing, even if manjiro's afraid of it, for them. he doesn't know what's going on, he focused on resting, healing, trying to keep in shape.)
Yeah, my bad, I have no idea what's going on.
[Scott doesn't have max courage, so he doesn't take the bait. And if proving Mikey's point, the teen almost looks shy at the nod, face staring pointedly away as he tries to stop himself from being completely flustered. Look, Mikey is cool and he doesn't want to look like an idiot.
Even though he still remembers Mikey's words to just be himself. Because he likes him as is. Scott hasn't forgotten that at all.
He takes a slight glance over at Mikey as he leads the way, pushing down his own guilt and negative feelings so he can focus on his friend. He's had enough of feeling like shit; he wants to do things and make up for how he acted. Easier said than done, but he has to make some progress towards that goal, right?]
Seriously? Guess I have to watch over you this time. [Small teasing.] Ever thought about joining a club? They're pretty cool, way better than those lame ones at school.
Even though he still remembers Mikey's words to just be himself. Because he likes him as is. Scott hasn't forgotten that at all.
He takes a slight glance over at Mikey as he leads the way, pushing down his own guilt and negative feelings so he can focus on his friend. He's had enough of feeling like shit; he wants to do things and make up for how he acted. Easier said than done, but he has to make some progress towards that goal, right?]
Seriously? Guess I have to watch over you this time. [Small teasing.] Ever thought about joining a club? They're pretty cool, way better than those lame ones at school.
Edited 2024-02-08 14:20 (UTC)
Not really.
(sorry, summers. in this case, mikey is so straightforward that it hurts. clubs are a big thing for japanese schools, but for mikey, anything related to it just has never been of importance. his friends went to his school, and even the ones who didn't spent all their free time with him anyway. it was never like he had a curfew, so it just never interested him.
but now that he is thinking about it...)
... But maybe I should learn the basics of cooking. One time? I tried to make Yuchin dinner, tried to be all cool and romantic and stuff because he said romance is dead with me, but then I almost burned down the house, and he had to make dinner anyway.
(sorry, summers. in this case, mikey is so straightforward that it hurts. clubs are a big thing for japanese schools, but for mikey, anything related to it just has never been of importance. his friends went to his school, and even the ones who didn't spent all their free time with him anyway. it was never like he had a curfew, so it just never interested him.
but now that he is thinking about it...)
... But maybe I should learn the basics of cooking. One time? I tried to make Yuchin dinner, tried to be all cool and romantic and stuff because he said romance is dead with me, but then I almost burned down the house, and he had to make dinner anyway.
[.....Wow Mikey and Scott thought he was terrible at cooking. A snort leaves him, unable to hide his laughter or amusement, because he can totally picture Mikey setting fire to something and Yu assisting him in putting it out while slowly perishing in his own way. Probably a lot of running and maybe some swearing before Yu adamantly cooked for the both of them.]
Maybe you should start with sandwiches first, that's what I do. Just slap some meat and cheese between two pieces of bread and you're basically good to go.
[Until they can start cooking club again and give Mikey some true help. Hopefully his cooking won't make the building explode again--]
Maybe you should start with sandwiches first, that's what I do. Just slap some meat and cheese between two pieces of bread and you're basically good to go.
[Until they can start cooking club again and give Mikey some true help. Hopefully his cooking won't make the building explode again--]
That ain't romantic, though.
(not that, like, putting out a fire and then taking over the kitchen screams romance, and that is exactly what will happen if manjiro tries again. and probably the time after. and possibly the time after that.)
So Kototan does your cooking, huh? Admit it.
(not that, like, putting out a fire and then taking over the kitchen screams romance, and that is exactly what will happen if manjiro tries again. and probably the time after. and possibly the time after that.)
So Kototan does your cooking, huh? Admit it.
Aw, come on, you can make it romantic still. Just set the mood.
[...Or maybe Kotone just has really low standards--]
She bakes more than cooks. [...So, kind of, yes.] But I'm going to learn how to start cooking better when the club starts again.
[When the building's repaired and everything. Scott's smile fades a little at that, but he's really trying not to be a downer again. He knows that the building will be restored and everything, but it's just... hard to deal with still, especially as they near the rubble. It's just a big fucking reminder of what happened just a few days ago.]
You should join, if you want to impress Yu. Or at least don't burn the kitchen down. Maybe we can see who can cook better between the two of us-- it'll probably be me.
[...Or maybe Kotone just has really low standards--]
She bakes more than cooks. [...So, kind of, yes.] But I'm going to learn how to start cooking better when the club starts again.
[When the building's repaired and everything. Scott's smile fades a little at that, but he's really trying not to be a downer again. He knows that the building will be restored and everything, but it's just... hard to deal with still, especially as they near the rubble. It's just a big fucking reminder of what happened just a few days ago.]
You should join, if you want to impress Yu. Or at least don't burn the kitchen down. Maybe we can see who can cook better between the two of us-- it'll probably be me.
(the record scratches at the last thing he says, and it was going pretty easy before, with him nodding, because they can do that together? but ahahaha... IF HE WANTS TO IMPRESS YU????? LISTEN
LISTEN
OK LISTEN
lmao yu better be impressed by default at literally everything he does thank you)
... Impress-- what? Nope, fuck him, I ain't ever cooking a single thing for him ever again.
LISTEN
OK LISTEN
lmao yu better be impressed by default at literally everything he does thank you)
... Impress-- what? Nope, fuck him, I ain't ever cooking a single thing for him ever again.
[...Okay time to poke at Mikey again. It's far better than focusing on the shit that's bringing him down. Guess his friend's always good at making him feel better and... he really appreciates that.
Doesn't stop the slight ribbing in his voice.]
What, did he give you a hard time afterward? That just means you have to prove him wrong. Show him that you won't set fire to the kitchen when trying to cook mac and cheese.
Doesn't stop the slight ribbing in his voice.]
What, did he give you a hard time afterward? That just means you have to prove him wrong. Show him that you won't set fire to the kitchen when trying to cook mac and cheese.
(AT LEAST HE HAS A SENSE OF HUMOR, HE COULD BE SO OFFENDED... but he is laughing, rolling his eyes before he shows scott his tongue.
very mature.)
No!! I'm never cooking ever again!!!!
very mature.)
No!! I'm never cooking ever again!!!!
[So charming. Kind of amusing to see the leader of a famous Tokyo gang stick his tongue out at him like a regular teen, but maybe Mikey does this sort of shit with his members anyway. Either way, Scott finds himself pleased, because... it means shit. He doesn't know, it's hard to describe it.]
Didn't think you were a quitter, Mikey. Want to make it a competition?
Didn't think you were a quitter, Mikey. Want to make it a competition?
(the more scott hangs with mikey, the more he might notice that when he isn't putting on his president foot forward, he's pretty much a kid at heart.
it's good. it's part of it, to him. so many times he just wanted to be a kid, and yet.)
Nah, it ain't like that, it's more like-- have you met me? If he ain't impressed, it's not cooking that's gonna do it.
it's good. it's part of it, to him. so many times he just wanted to be a kid, and yet.)
Nah, it ain't like that, it's more like-- have you met me? If he ain't impressed, it's not cooking that's gonna do it.
[This time, Scott turns a little more serious. While far from upset, a slight hum leaves him as he shakes his head.]
Dude, of course Yu's impressed. He wouldn't really be with you otherwise, right? You did something right to have him keep coming back and everything.
Dude, of course Yu's impressed. He wouldn't really be with you otherwise, right? You did something right to have him keep coming back and everything.
(does he want to shittalk just to make scott embarrassed?
abso-fucking-lutely.)
Many right things. Do you even know how flexible I am? Look.
(let him release the hand, only to lift his leg up so his shin touches his ear.
melt scott melt)
abso-fucking-lutely.)
Many right things. Do you even know how flexible I am? Look.
(let him release the hand, only to lift his leg up so his shin touches his ear.
melt scott melt)
[Mikey's action may not have its fully intended effect, because Scott just starts laughing. W-what even is that move, man? Guess he's happy for him that he's so flexible, because he's pretty sure he can't do that. He'll even spare himself the embarrassment by not trying at all.]
Yeah, I'm sure that made him swoon.
Yeah, I'm sure that made him swoon.
(okay, he laughs too, it backfired, but he can play back.)
Listen, you do that first, you laugh after! Let me see, I'll even let you hold on me.
Listen, you do that first, you laugh after! Let me see, I'll even let you hold on me.
(he was NOT expecting that, fuck, the laughter makes him almost fall. the way his foot finds the floor, though, leaves a crate with how he stomped to find balance. what in the actual fuck.
he's just looking at it, with a very stupid look on his face. he's confused. to be nice about it.)
he's just looking at it, with a very stupid look on his face. he's confused. to be nice about it.)
[Scott's broad grin immediately changes into one of shock, his expression almost comedic as he stares at Mikey's foot and the crater underneath it. Uh, what the hell?? A slackened jaw accompanies Scott as he slowly looks up to meet Mikey's gaze, a questioning look on him. Is that normal??
Judging by the expression on his friend's face, nope. Or maybe surprised at his own strength??]
What--- have you been working out?
Judging by the expression on his friend's face, nope. Or maybe surprised at his own strength??]
What--- have you been working out?
(he'd find this HILARIOUS if it weren't so out of the blue - if it weren't him. he'll try again, and lo' and behold, a second crater.)
... Not more than the usual. What the fuck?
... Not more than the usual. What the fuck?
[A part of Scott wants to exclaim how fucking cool Mikey is, like dude, literally breaking the ground with just your foot. Who else can do something like that?? It's only his friend's confusion about the whole matter that causes him to hold back, taking this just a little more seriously.]
Huh, well, if you're not eating more protein, maybe this place's done something to you? That happens every so often, right? [...Okay, maybe he can't fully hold back, because a smile crosses his face.]
Mikey, we totally gotta test this out now. [Weren't they supposed to help repair the building? Maybe they can still do both.]
Huh, well, if you're not eating more protein, maybe this place's done something to you? That happens every so often, right? [...Okay, maybe he can't fully hold back, because a smile crosses his face.]
Mikey, we totally gotta test this out now. [Weren't they supposed to help repair the building? Maybe they can still do both.]
That's... Probably it? I'm strong, but nobody can fucking do this on a stomp?
(okay... test it out, scott says, test it out... but how should one just freaking test it out? too bad for all involved that manjiro is not responsible, because his eyes search for the further thing he could break without too many issues...
and it's a chunky tree. he runs towards it, a flip in the air giving him more traction with the kick that he gives it, and it snaps out of the roots, falling onto branches that from the one behind him, breaking studied ones on the process.)
...
(okay... test it out, scott says, test it out... but how should one just freaking test it out? too bad for all involved that manjiro is not responsible, because his eyes search for the further thing he could break without too many issues...
and it's a chunky tree. he runs towards it, a flip in the air giving him more traction with the kick that he gives it, and it snaps out of the roots, falling onto branches that from the one behind him, breaking studied ones on the process.)
...
[He remembers Caitlyn's new ability, where she can control metal to some degree and it wasn't something she could do before. Maybe it's something like that? He doesn't think his friend is suddenly becoming a mutant, as awesome as that would be. Man, he'd honestly love that, being able to relate to his friend just a bit more, but he's not holding his breath. It's been him and Quentin for months now.
But he watches as Mikey speed towards a tree before fucking kicking it down, breaking its roots and just. Holy shit. That tree stood no chance-- the gang leader really is super strong now.
Okay, suddenly, he feels lucky that Mikey didn't crush his hand earlier.]
Dude.
[Scott breathes out, eyes a little wide behind his glasses.] That was incredible.
But he watches as Mikey speed towards a tree before fucking kicking it down, breaking its roots and just. Holy shit. That tree stood no chance-- the gang leader really is super strong now.
Okay, suddenly, he feels lucky that Mikey didn't crush his hand earlier.]
Dude.
[Scott breathes out, eyes a little wide behind his glasses.] That was incredible.
(here's the weird part for him. manjiro made scott feel good about his own situation - don't hate the situation you were born in, thanks to mitsuya, is carved in his brain. in this case, however, he's never felt so scared over his own capabilities. both know manjiro's strong point is physical fighting, and yet, then, he's guaranteed a victory. he's never liked weapons, when all he does is fist fight. this makes him a weapon, even more so.
but he can't be bitchy about it to scott. that would be shitty. so he's just taking a look at the tree, at his hands, at the tree again...
ah, he's fucked.)
... I guess you have another for the club, huh? How would you go training for this?
but he can't be bitchy about it to scott. that would be shitty. so he's just taking a look at the tree, at his hands, at the tree again...
ah, he's fucked.)
... I guess you have another for the club, huh? How would you go training for this?
You've been invited long before this.
[Because Mikey's a close friend and he's certainly talented, so he'd fit right in! But taking this a little more seriously, because well, he noticed that the gang leader doesn't seem as excited about this as he thought he would be. Scott gets it, really. If you tell someone that he shoots lasers out of his eyes, they'd probably think that to be super cool. And it is, but also, there's a lot of other shit that kind of sucks.
Getting a new power can be hard, especially at first. Learning control and everything.
He starts walking over to Mikey, supportive, something almost self-assured about the mutant as he speaks.]
We can start small, Mikey. See what you can break and what your limits are. Learn how to adjust your strength when interacting with the stuff that you normally deal with.
[Because Mikey's a close friend and he's certainly talented, so he'd fit right in! But taking this a little more seriously, because well, he noticed that the gang leader doesn't seem as excited about this as he thought he would be. Scott gets it, really. If you tell someone that he shoots lasers out of his eyes, they'd probably think that to be super cool. And it is, but also, there's a lot of other shit that kind of sucks.
Getting a new power can be hard, especially at first. Learning control and everything.
He starts walking over to Mikey, supportive, something almost self-assured about the mutant as he speaks.]
We can start small, Mikey. See what you can break and what your limits are. Learn how to adjust your strength when interacting with the stuff that you normally deal with.
(oh, manjiro thought it was super cool. he has always understood that there are complications in several levels, but it made scott into who he is. perhaps that's also true for mikey, but it's still too new and too fresh in his brain for him to accept it so quickly.
he will, but right now, he's a little scared of touching the other.)
Teach me. Come on.
he will, but right now, he's a little scared of touching the other.)
Teach me. Come on.
[There doesn't seem to be any fear in Scott's expression as he takes Mikey's hand in his own, before leading him to go just a little deeper in the forest. Yeah, he still wants to focus on rebuilding the club, but helping Mikey with his new powers and learning about them seems even more important. He's sure that Kotone would understand.]
Okay, the first step in understanding your power is knowing the extent of it.
[Oh no, is he already quoting Professor Xavier? But that's really all he has to go off from, at least when it comes to emerging abilities. Plus, the advice is pretty useful, it's sort of helped Scott. It probably would've been more meaningful if he was at the mansion for more than two days. It's fine. He's not going to let that stop Scott from helping Mikey.]
We saw you kick a tree down. Let's see if there's any size that can stop you.
Okay, the first step in understanding your power is knowing the extent of it.
[Oh no, is he already quoting Professor Xavier? But that's really all he has to go off from, at least when it comes to emerging abilities. Plus, the advice is pretty useful, it's sort of helped Scott. It probably would've been more meaningful if he was at the mansion for more than two days. It's fine. He's not going to let that stop Scott from helping Mikey.]
We saw you kick a tree down. Let's see if there's any size that can stop you.
(for security reasons, mikey's hand won't close on the other's. scott might not fear it, but manjiro certainly does. it wouldn't be the first time he harmed someone he loves, but you know IF WE CAN PREVENT IT THE BETTER????
but alright. scott's the expert, and he just sees this as if it were a martial arts practice. he breathes, once and again, focused.)
Where should I kick, and how much force?
but alright. scott's the expert, and he just sees this as if it were a martial arts practice. he breathes, once and again, focused.)
Where should I kick, and how much force?
Hello, Scott.
[ Marianne sounds worn, and she is, from long nights of working on the cure with Ethyln and the other clinic volunteers, but there's hope in her voice when she tries to reach him. ]
How are you feeling? I have good news to share. We've been investigating the infection and we've found a way to ease it.
[ Knowing how he had been the last time they spoke, she had thought of him right away. ]
[ Marianne sounds worn, and she is, from long nights of working on the cure with Ethyln and the other clinic volunteers, but there's hope in her voice when she tries to reach him. ]
How are you feeling? I have good news to share. We've been investigating the infection and we've found a way to ease it.
[ Knowing how he had been the last time they spoke, she had thought of him right away. ]
Hey, Marianne.
[He's so tired and for once, it's not because of the corruption affecting him. Dealing with the aftermath of how he lost control, just feeling bad about everything... it's been a whole fucking lot. Honestly, he doesn't want to really get up, but Scott knows that he should-- he has to. People and friends he needs to apologize to, while trying his hardest to get himself back to 'normal.'
Normal feels so out of reach right now, but he has to try. Just like how she's trying right now, even though she must be worn out too. She's just really strong, isn't she?]
Tired, guess that's not surprising though. [...] Dara sucked most of the corruption out of me, I think, but maybe it'd be good if I swung by and try the cure you developed.
[He's so tired and for once, it's not because of the corruption affecting him. Dealing with the aftermath of how he lost control, just feeling bad about everything... it's been a whole fucking lot. Honestly, he doesn't want to really get up, but Scott knows that he should-- he has to. People and friends he needs to apologize to, while trying his hardest to get himself back to 'normal.'
Normal feels so out of reach right now, but he has to try. Just like how she's trying right now, even though she must be worn out too. She's just really strong, isn't she?]
Tired, guess that's not surprising though. [...] Dara sucked most of the corruption out of me, I think, but maybe it'd be good if I swung by and try the cure you developed.
[Part of him wants to protest, because hasn't he already been enough trouble for everyone? He should just go to where she's at and not cause any more grief on his behalf. But if she's really okay coming over... he'd honestly prefer that because it's just hard getting up and doing things. Maybe he can give himself a pass this time and do more shit after she comes over.
Feels like a cop out still. Like he's making excuses.
Scott appears to struggle with the decision, before he eventually nods, the movement difficult to catch.]
Are you sure? I guess if it's not out of your way.
Feels like a cop out still. Like he's making excuses.
Scott appears to struggle with the decision, before he eventually nods, the movement difficult to catch.]
Are you sure? I guess if it's not out of your way.
Yes, of course. It's my job to as a healer.
[ Even if she weren't one, she would still insist on coming with the cure. Marianne is already getting ready to go and the sound of shuffling can be heard over the device as she gathers the medicine into a pouch. ]
Where are you staying?
[ Even if she weren't one, she would still insist on coming with the cure. Marianne is already getting ready to go and the sound of shuffling can be heard over the device as she gathers the medicine into a pouch. ]
Where are you staying?
Oh... right.
[Man, why didn't he know that she was a healer this entire time? Just feels like he sucks even more not knowing these basic details about his friends. And there he goes, feeling sorry for himself and he doesn't even have the corruption to blame. Or maybe it's a hint that he really hasn't fully recovered, some remnants of the affliction still affecting him.
He doesn't know which one is worse.]
I'm in my house, but I can meet you outside. I can do that much at least.
[He'll give her directions when prompted.]
[Man, why didn't he know that she was a healer this entire time? Just feels like he sucks even more not knowing these basic details about his friends. And there he goes, feeling sorry for himself and he doesn't even have the corruption to blame. Or maybe it's a hint that he really hasn't fully recovered, some remnants of the affliction still affecting him.
He doesn't know which one is worse.]
I'm in my house, but I can meet you outside. I can do that much at least.
[He'll give her directions when prompted.]
I'll be right there. See you soon.
[ Marianne almost tells Scott that he doesn't have to meet her outside, but she thinks that maybe he's tired of resting, in the same way she's seen recovering patients push to be discharged early to regain a sense of normal in their lives. So she doesn't protest it, merely hurries along following his instructions. Marianne arrives with a basket dangling from her arm - with medicine as well as food. When she sees him, she gives him a little wave. ]
[ Marianne almost tells Scott that he doesn't have to meet her outside, but she thinks that maybe he's tired of resting, in the same way she's seen recovering patients push to be discharged early to regain a sense of normal in their lives. So she doesn't protest it, merely hurries along following his instructions. Marianne arrives with a basket dangling from her arm - with medicine as well as food. When she sees him, she gives him a little wave. ]
[Scott's been sitting on his porch when he sees Marianne come into view, a small wave being returned that isn't quite enthusiastic, but at least acknowledging because he's not a complete asshole. He's still tired in a lot of ways and when he looks at his hands, he doesn't see any of the marks, but he's not going to drive her away now that she's here. That'd be really rude.
He pushes back his exhaustion, his feelings, and tries to smile at her with not much success.]
Hey, thanks for stopping by. [He bites his lip for a moment, as if realizing something.] Um, how are you feeling, by the way? I didn't ask earlier...
He pushes back his exhaustion, his feelings, and tries to smile at her with not much success.]
Hey, thanks for stopping by. [He bites his lip for a moment, as if realizing something.] Um, how are you feeling, by the way? I didn't ask earlier...
[ It's a small relief to see that there are no visible marks on him. ]
I'm feeling better now. Calmer than I was.
[ It's been a rough and emotional few weeks. Cooped up at the clinic researching the cure, she'd even gotten frustrated and raised her voice, surprising everyone and herself. Even Marianne had her breaking point. Now she is back to her usual gentle self. She reaches into the basket and takes out a pouch. ]
I brought the medicine. You'll probably want to drink it with water.
I'm feeling better now. Calmer than I was.
[ It's been a rough and emotional few weeks. Cooped up at the clinic researching the cure, she'd even gotten frustrated and raised her voice, surprising everyone and herself. Even Marianne had her breaking point. Now she is back to her usual gentle self. She reaches into the basket and takes out a pouch. ]
I brought the medicine. You'll probably want to drink it with water.
[There's visible relief when he hears that she's doing better. H-he's really glad that the corruption is finally leaving his friends, that this fucking nightmare is about over. It's a revelation that breaks through some of the tiredness that's been dragging his movements, with Scott's smile turning a little more sincere as she holds out the pouch to him.]
Thanks for bringing this to me and everything, you're amazing. [His hand curls around the pouch, holding it carefully as if it'll be a cure to all his problems and feelings. He's already healed, but... it's a nice thought. With a small nod, he slowly stands up.]
Um, want to come inside for a while? I need to get water from the kitchen.
Thanks for bringing this to me and everything, you're amazing. [His hand curls around the pouch, holding it carefully as if it'll be a cure to all his problems and feelings. He's already healed, but... it's a nice thought. With a small nod, he slowly stands up.]
Um, want to come inside for a while? I need to get water from the kitchen.
Not at all. I'm sorry it took so long.
[ She feels like she hasn't done much in the end. Marianne won't pry into what happened with Dara, but she suspects it was too little, too late. So all she can do now is be there for him in the aftermath. ]
I brought you some food as well. I didn't know what kind of pastries you liked, there's sweet and savory ones...
[ She'd picked them up from the bakery. Marianne figures he'd be too tired to cook or get food for a while. ]
[ She feels like she hasn't done much in the end. Marianne won't pry into what happened with Dara, but she suspects it was too little, too late. So all she can do now is be there for him in the aftermath. ]
I brought you some food as well. I didn't know what kind of pastries you liked, there's sweet and savory ones...
[ She'd picked them up from the bakery. Marianne figures he'd be too tired to cook or get food for a while. ]
At least you're helping out-- you're good.
[Scott's assuming that she's been making these personal trips to anyone that still needs the cure. So here she is, making sure everyone's recovered and everything while he was busy sulking and feeling terrible, stuff that probably didn't help anyone. Sort of makes him want to kick his own ass. He'll do better, after this, definitely. He'll be fully cured without question and then he can help out.
It still sounds sort of tiring.
Ugh, you're doing it again, Summers. Stop it. Chin up because things are going to get better. Like the fact that she brought him food-- pastries, even. That's definitely a huge bonus, Scott actually brightening up as he glances at her basket. He's sincerely in a better mood, but he may exaggerating some of his good cheer--]
Seriously? Man, it's like you read my mind! I've been craving pastries and everything, I'll eat them all! [Okay, he'll probably share some with Kotone, but.]
[Scott's assuming that she's been making these personal trips to anyone that still needs the cure. So here she is, making sure everyone's recovered and everything while he was busy sulking and feeling terrible, stuff that probably didn't help anyone. Sort of makes him want to kick his own ass. He'll do better, after this, definitely. He'll be fully cured without question and then he can help out.
It still sounds sort of tiring.
Ugh, you're doing it again, Summers. Stop it. Chin up because things are going to get better. Like the fact that she brought him food-- pastries, even. That's definitely a huge bonus, Scott actually brightening up as he glances at her basket. He's sincerely in a better mood, but he may exaggerating some of his good cheer--]
Seriously? Man, it's like you read my mind! I've been craving pastries and everything, I'll eat them all! [Okay, he'll probably share some with Kotone, but.]
Oh, I'm glad.
[ Nothing like a hearty meal to make one feel better, as one of her old classmates might say. She's relieved to see Scott cheer up and her own expression brightens in turn. They all deserve a good meal and rest after being put through that ordeal. Marianne unhooks the basket of food from her arm and sets it on the table. ]
It's been a lot. I hope things will return to normal now.
[ Nothing like a hearty meal to make one feel better, as one of her old classmates might say. She's relieved to see Scott cheer up and her own expression brightens in turn. They all deserve a good meal and rest after being put through that ordeal. Marianne unhooks the basket of food from her arm and sets it on the table. ]
It's been a lot. I hope things will return to normal now.
[The exaggerated cheer lessens, but he finds himself smiling seeing her own brightened expression. He pours himself a glass of water in the mean time, because he really wants to get this part done and over with. Partly because taking medicine is sometimes gross, but mostly, he wants to be 100% sure that the corruption won't seep into his skin and thoughts once more. He'll drink two cures if he has to, as long as they have extra--]
Y-yeah, I think they will. I mean, that's how it always works, right? Something crappy happens, but we pull through. [He fiddles with the pouch, opening it and trying to hide how shaky his hands are. Saying all this almost makes him feel better, because it's true, but it doesn't erase everything he's done.]
We're pretty durable, huh?
Y-yeah, I think they will. I mean, that's how it always works, right? Something crappy happens, but we pull through. [He fiddles with the pouch, opening it and trying to hide how shaky his hands are. Saying all this almost makes him feel better, because it's true, but it doesn't erase everything he's done.]
We're pretty durable, huh?
[ The powder will taste as medicine does, bitter and hard to swallow. Marianne herself had downed the cure. It didn't taste like much, but she can guarantee it works.
Seeing the way his hands shake, her expression furrows in concern. ]
I think we're more durable than we realize, but that doesn't mean what we went through won't stay with us.
[ What they suffered wasn't easy or fair and she wouldn't expect anyone to shrug it off. She gets the sense that Scott's been pushing himself, trying to be cheerful to not worry her. ]
Scott... Are you alright? [ She adds gently. ] It's okay if you aren't.
Seeing the way his hands shake, her expression furrows in concern. ]
I think we're more durable than we realize, but that doesn't mean what we went through won't stay with us.
[ What they suffered wasn't easy or fair and she wouldn't expect anyone to shrug it off. She gets the sense that Scott's been pushing himself, trying to be cheerful to not worry her. ]
Scott... Are you alright? [ She adds gently. ] It's okay if you aren't.
[She's more than right about that, how what they went through will stay with them. It'll definitely stay with him, a reminder of how his powers can easily go out of control and that he really has no mastery over them.
Somehow, he manages to get the pouch open despite the shakiness of his hands. It's another thing to make sure that he doesn't spill anything as he lifts it, holding it over his glass and promptly pouring everything in the water. Definitely doesn't look appetizing, worse than any protein powder or whatever, but this is for the best. Mixing it slightly, Scott grimaces and is about to take a sip, when Marianne's comment draws his attention from his glass.]
Um, I. [...He's obvious, isn't he? How much all of this is on his mind still. How afraid he's been about hurting his friends, hurting Kotone.] I... I don't know.
[He frowns at himself, staring down at the glass. So much for not worrying her, but she caught him anyway...] Sorry, I didn't want you to listen to my whining.
Somehow, he manages to get the pouch open despite the shakiness of his hands. It's another thing to make sure that he doesn't spill anything as he lifts it, holding it over his glass and promptly pouring everything in the water. Definitely doesn't look appetizing, worse than any protein powder or whatever, but this is for the best. Mixing it slightly, Scott grimaces and is about to take a sip, when Marianne's comment draws his attention from his glass.]
Um, I. [...He's obvious, isn't he? How much all of this is on his mind still. How afraid he's been about hurting his friends, hurting Kotone.] I... I don't know.
[He frowns at himself, staring down at the glass. So much for not worrying her, but she caught him anyway...] Sorry, I didn't want you to listen to my whining.
[ Marianne reaches out, thinking of helping to steady his shaking hands, but would he feel even worse then? She lowers her hand back to her side, wishing she was better at knowing what to say. ]
It wouldn't bother me. I'm happy to lend an ear.
[ Besides, they have the right to complain after what they've been put through. What had Astralin said back then, when she had been shaken and frustrated with herself? He'd been kind and understanding, sitting with her over a cup of relaxing tea, and that had made her feel better. ]
Shall I boil some warm water and cut up a pastry for us to share? It'll help the medicine go down.
It wouldn't bother me. I'm happy to lend an ear.
[ Besides, they have the right to complain after what they've been put through. What had Astralin said back then, when she had been shaken and frustrated with herself? He'd been kind and understanding, sitting with her over a cup of relaxing tea, and that had made her feel better. ]
Shall I boil some warm water and cut up a pastry for us to share? It'll help the medicine go down.
[No, of course it wouldn't bother her, because she's amazingly sweet and supportive and this isn't the first time she's been there for him, huh? She didn't hesitate to help him during the maze and it's kind of dumb, isn't it? That she's once again assisting him with his own issues about his powers and everything. He like totally owes her after everything.
Still, should he tell her? Scott struggles, clearly torn about what he wants to do and sort of hating that she's brought into his mess. As such, he's grateful when she offers to boil some water and cut a pastry for them, pulling him from his thoughts.]
Oh, yeah, that would be great.
[He still takes a large gulp from his drink, however, his face scrunching at the terrible taste but he forces himself to swallow it. He wants at least some of that cure in him as they wait for the water to boil and everything. H-he can endure some bitter medicine for the time being, especially if he won't lose control of himself again.
Hands wrapped around his glass, Scott tries to get that taste down his throat.] Jesus that's worse than the cough syrup back home.
Still, should he tell her? Scott struggles, clearly torn about what he wants to do and sort of hating that she's brought into his mess. As such, he's grateful when she offers to boil some water and cut a pastry for them, pulling him from his thoughts.]
Oh, yeah, that would be great.
[He still takes a large gulp from his drink, however, his face scrunching at the terrible taste but he forces himself to swallow it. He wants at least some of that cure in him as they wait for the water to boil and everything. H-he can endure some bitter medicine for the time being, especially if he won't lose control of himself again.
Hands wrapped around his glass, Scott tries to get that taste down his throat.] Jesus that's worse than the cough syrup back home.
It really tastes awful. I had to down a spoonful of sugar.
[ Marianne sympathizes because she had to take the medicine herself. Several times, in fact, as they researched and tested the cure on themselves. Unfortunately, there was simply no way ground-up minerals would taste good. If they weren't in a pressed for time, maybe they could have gotten more creative about flavoring the medicine, but for now, everyone must suffer through it...
Marianne finds a plate, hoping she's not intruding too much as she retrieves the pastries from the basket and arranges them on the plate like a cute-looking dessert tray for a tea party. It is about the time for afternoon tea, a custom she still takes part in even though she's come to learn it's considered old-fashioned. She sets it out on the table with a smile. ]
Here, to cleanse the palate.
[ Marianne sympathizes because she had to take the medicine herself. Several times, in fact, as they researched and tested the cure on themselves. Unfortunately, there was simply no way ground-up minerals would taste good. If they weren't in a pressed for time, maybe they could have gotten more creative about flavoring the medicine, but for now, everyone must suffer through it...
Marianne finds a plate, hoping she's not intruding too much as she retrieves the pastries from the basket and arranges them on the plate like a cute-looking dessert tray for a tea party. It is about the time for afternoon tea, a custom she still takes part in even though she's come to learn it's considered old-fashioned. She sets it out on the table with a smile. ]
Here, to cleanse the palate.
Even you needed something to make it go down, huh?
[He can't help but smile at that. For a moment, he worried about sounding kind of whiny about a cure that's only going to help him feel better, but hearing Marianne's own distaste for the flavor helps. Maybe another small reminder that it's okay if he talked about his feelings to her, because it's clear that she'd not only listen, but actually... be understanding. Is there a mean bone in her body? Scott's beginning to doubt that.
When she arranges the pastries, Scott snags one with a grateful smile, not wasting much time before biting half of it one go, letting the chocolate filling flood in his mouth in a grateful noise. Okay yeah, much better. No more chalky taste clinging to his tongue.]
This hits the spot, oh yeah. [He quickly finishes the sweet, tongue licking his lips.] You gotta try some, Marianne.
[He can't help but smile at that. For a moment, he worried about sounding kind of whiny about a cure that's only going to help him feel better, but hearing Marianne's own distaste for the flavor helps. Maybe another small reminder that it's okay if he talked about his feelings to her, because it's clear that she'd not only listen, but actually... be understanding. Is there a mean bone in her body? Scott's beginning to doubt that.
When she arranges the pastries, Scott snags one with a grateful smile, not wasting much time before biting half of it one go, letting the chocolate filling flood in his mouth in a grateful noise. Okay yeah, much better. No more chalky taste clinging to his tongue.]
This hits the spot, oh yeah. [He quickly finishes the sweet, tongue licking his lips.] You gotta try some, Marianne.
Maybe I'll try a little...
[ Marianne had brought the treats for Scott to have while he recovered, so she doesn't want to take too much, but she will cut a piece of the pastry and help herself to a sample. Biting into it, she brings a hand to her mouth. ]
It's really good. I'll have to pick up some more for everyone at the clinic.
[ They could probably use a pick-me-up after the long shift. Pouring them both more water, she takes a seat to enjoy the psuedo-teatime, glad to see him smiling again. ]
[ Marianne had brought the treats for Scott to have while he recovered, so she doesn't want to take too much, but she will cut a piece of the pastry and help herself to a sample. Biting into it, she brings a hand to her mouth. ]
It's really good. I'll have to pick up some more for everyone at the clinic.
[ They could probably use a pick-me-up after the long shift. Pouring them both more water, she takes a seat to enjoy the psuedo-teatime, glad to see him smiling again. ]
text; Sometime after the end of the whole corruption!! thing!!
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drugsnotclubs
2024-01-29 03:15 am (UTC)(link)
Hey
You're from a normal world with like phones and computers, right? You mentioned you had a high school and everything.
[shinji he shoots lasers from his eyes--]
You're from a normal world with like phones and computers, right? You mentioned you had a high school and everything.
[shinji he shoots lasers from his eyes--]
yeah well half the people here come from crazy places
anyway Dara told me she got a weird message from no one, and it's bugging me. Something about a 'environmental reset in progress'. its gone now, but she said it looked like some kinda... loading or progress bar or something on it.
you've been here longer than me-- that mean anything to you?
it reminded me of how everyone said how different things were after that maze or whatever before I got here.
and kinda how I used to be here but different.
anyway Dara told me she got a weird message from no one, and it's bugging me. Something about a 'environmental reset in progress'. its gone now, but she said it looked like some kinda... loading or progress bar or something on it.
you've been here longer than me-- that mean anything to you?
it reminded me of how everyone said how different things were after that maze or whatever before I got here.
and kinda how I used to be here but different.
video game makes it sound stupid but I can't say I got a better idea
and yeah i know that part, I kinda hate it.
[HE KNOWS... he used to know Kotone and apparently be at least half likeable?? smfh.]
She said it was at like thirty-something percent and I was more wondering what that mean for the place going forward if anything.
and yeah i know that part, I kinda hate it.
[HE KNOWS... he used to know Kotone and apparently be at least half likeable?? smfh.]
She said it was at like thirty-something percent and I was more wondering what that mean for the place going forward if anything.
Edited 2024-01-29 04:26 (UTC)
We got 'extra' lives and everything, man. It makes a lot of sense.
[It's official, him and Yosuke are actually geniuses.]
Like what will happen if it hits one-hundred percent? Uh, if it's just an 'environmental' reset, maybe just our surroundings will go back to what it originally looked like? Or... maybe this entire world will be reset. Like if we reset a game, it starts from scratch, right?
[Shit, does that mean they'll be reset too?? That would suck so much--]
[It's official, him and Yosuke are actually geniuses.]
Like what will happen if it hits one-hundred percent? Uh, if it's just an 'environmental' reset, maybe just our surroundings will go back to what it originally looked like? Or... maybe this entire world will be reset. Like if we reset a game, it starts from scratch, right?
[Shit, does that mean they'll be reset too?? That would suck so much--]
no cause then someone'd be playing us. but yeah who knows if anything is real etc i guess. makes more sense than the dead coming back to life.
that's what i'm wondering. like is it gonna be a new place or is it just gonna get wiped? Does it count the people who left or is it just like the place itself, and how long'd it take to get this far?
damn it my head hurts thinking about it all.
that's what i'm wondering. like is it gonna be a new place or is it just gonna get wiped? Does it count the people who left or is it just like the place itself, and how long'd it take to get this far?
damn it my head hurts thinking about it all.
guess so, but its not like there's any getting around it.
Yeah? Weird they wouldn't tell us. Like the hell could we do about it, anyway?
Unless us knowing would change how we act. Or they don't know either. Or they ain't even real. They could just be like those weird monsters around kestora that would just sort of... tv-static out.
[he should feel more bothered but honestly this is just adding to his pre-existing existential crisis so like. Its fine.]
Yeah? Weird they wouldn't tell us. Like the hell could we do about it, anyway?
Unless us knowing would change how we act. Or they don't know either. Or they ain't even real. They could just be like those weird monsters around kestora that would just sort of... tv-static out.
[he should feel more bothered but honestly this is just adding to his pre-existing existential crisis so like. Its fine.]
Shit, you noticed those weird monsters too? I thought it was extremely strange, but I haven't really thought about it again until now.
But even though they were all static, they were still dangerous and everything. And like, we still get hurt normally. We just. Don't remain dead.
But even though they were all static, they were still dangerous and everything. And like, we still get hurt normally. We just. Don't remain dead.
[Hey Jinx. How are you doing? Good? He hopes so, because he feels like a truck has ran over his emotions, and then reversed over them for good measure.
So this is a nice distraction, enough where he finds himself following along without thought.]
Huh? Can you really install more games on these things? I am really tired of Solitaire.
So this is a nice distraction, enough where he finds himself following along without thought.]
Huh? Can you really install more games on these things? I am really tired of Solitaire.
[.....yikes.
so things have gotten worse between them, huh? not that scott's been paying all that much attention to his roommate between his own corruption and other shit, but he assumed he was just... doing whatever.]
right i totally forgot.
[NOT TOUCHING THIS.]
so any ideas for the games???
so things have gotten worse between them, huh? not that scott's been paying all that much attention to his roommate between his own corruption and other shit, but he assumed he was just... doing whatever.]
right i totally forgot.
[NOT TOUCHING THIS.]
so any ideas for the games???
[He almost wants to tell Jinx kick his ass for him too, but maybe he shouldn't encourage this too much. The words Quentin yelled at him still sting, but. He's fine.]
i think both feelings totally count man.
like he's being an ass, but you can't help but miss him too. i get it.
i think both feelings totally count man.
like he's being an ass, but you can't help but miss him too. i get it.
[Talking to Jinx like this, he really wants to see Kotone, make sure that she's still here and alive with him, but Scott holds back. There's also that brief thought of how things really don't matter here, but he shoves that thought deep down. Stupid corruption bullshit for making him feel that way and now he can't forget it.
Look, Summers, this conversation matters right now. Jinx's hurt matters.]
try to hold out for him a bit longer. so if he does come back, you can really beat the crap out of him and say that he sucks.
Look, Summers, this conversation matters right now. Jinx's hurt matters.]
try to hold out for him a bit longer. so if he does come back, you can really beat the crap out of him and say that he sucks.
DIRECTED TO: SCOTT SUMMERS
LISTED CRIME: DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.
The Council has selected you for sentencing to atone for the above-listed crime. You are directed to turn yourself in within two (2) hours of receiving this message, or you will be forcibly detained. You are to meet the Council's representative outside of City Hall in order to respond to this summons.
Respectfully,
Jerry
LISTED CRIME: DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY.
The Council has selected you for sentencing to atone for the above-listed crime. You are directed to turn yourself in within two (2) hours of receiving this message, or you will be forcibly detained. You are to meet the Council's representative outside of City Hall in order to respond to this summons.
Respectfully,
Jerry
[Is he being sassed?? By Jerry of all people?? That's it, it's over, Summers. Time to just call it in.]
God, you suck.
Ugh, I'll be there. Just keep your socks on, which, you're welcome.
[True to his word, Scott will be at the front of City Hall in an hour or so.]
God, you suck.
Ugh, I'll be there. Just keep your socks on, which, you're welcome.
[True to his word, Scott will be at the front of City Hall in an hour or so.]
[Dick.
He looks less than happy when Jerry approaches, hands shoved in his pockets and being the perfect picture of a grumbling teen. Ugh, he wasn't that mad to begin with, but the combination of his new crime and just talking to Jerry really changed his tune. Guess that just happens when people deal with him!!
Still. Scott gets that trying to resist won't get him anywhere.]
Yeah, sure, whatever. Let's just get this over with. [At least he's being sentenced for a crime that he actually agrees with.] Get my stupid rehabilitation over with.
He looks less than happy when Jerry approaches, hands shoved in his pockets and being the perfect picture of a grumbling teen. Ugh, he wasn't that mad to begin with, but the combination of his new crime and just talking to Jerry really changed his tune. Guess that just happens when people deal with him!!
Still. Scott gets that trying to resist won't get him anywhere.]
Yeah, sure, whatever. Let's just get this over with. [At least he's being sentenced for a crime that he actually agrees with.] Get my stupid rehabilitation over with.
[Good. Jerry doesn't really want to drag this any further either.
He walks back to the City Hall and gestures at the door with his hand, beckoning Scott to enter.
Once inside they enter to a long hallway that is somehow very unremarkable. There are paintings and other decorations placed against the walls but nothing seems to have any details that are worth of remembering. At the end of the hallway there is a single door, Jerry opens it and lead Scott inside the meeting room.
Scott won't remember much after Jerry herds him into the meeting room and closes the door. He may remember feeling judged, and voices from people He can't remember the faces of. He doesn't remember much, but he does remember the most important part:]
Your impulsivity has caused damage to the world around you, and could have hurt others. Rebuilding is not enough to atone for this. You must reflect upon these actions and imperfections by speaking to those around you, facing your darker urges with honesty.
[ooc: As the month goes on, moments of rudeness, impatience, anger, and other forms of negativity will begin to make his glasses less effective against his powers. All until the given task is completed.]
He walks back to the City Hall and gestures at the door with his hand, beckoning Scott to enter.
Once inside they enter to a long hallway that is somehow very unremarkable. There are paintings and other decorations placed against the walls but nothing seems to have any details that are worth of remembering. At the end of the hallway there is a single door, Jerry opens it and lead Scott inside the meeting room.
Scott won't remember much after Jerry herds him into the meeting room and closes the door. He may remember feeling judged, and voices from people He can't remember the faces of. He doesn't remember much, but he does remember the most important part:]
Your impulsivity has caused damage to the world around you, and could have hurt others. Rebuilding is not enough to atone for this. You must reflect upon these actions and imperfections by speaking to those around you, facing your darker urges with honesty.
[ooc: As the month goes on, moments of rudeness, impatience, anger, and other forms of negativity will begin to make his glasses less effective against his powers. All until the given task is completed.]
Edited (i do html) 2024-02-08 18:27 (UTC)
Triple Decker Summers's Special it is then.
[Does the sandwich shop have such a menu item? No, but he's gotta hype it up somehow! Besides, a totally suiting name when you plaster every ingredient they have to offer, with double meat and cheese! She'd definitely like that, right?]
Not allergic to anything, right?
[Does the sandwich shop have such a menu item? No, but he's gotta hype it up somehow! Besides, a totally suiting name when you plaster every ingredient they have to offer, with double meat and cheese! She'd definitely like that, right?]
Not allergic to anything, right?
Sure. You just have to let me in when I arrive. Can't go inside houses unless invited or it's abandoned. I'll send a text when I get there.
[How long does it take to make a sandwich? Well, Scott gets at least a half hour before Dara messages her arrival, and when he comes to get her, he'll discover that her tail is gone. She's also on the shorter side with her snake-made-legs. Not that he can see them with pants on, and Dara has enough cold tolerance to be standing outside with only a shirt, no coat.
Dara lifted a hand in greeting:]
Hey.
[How long does it take to make a sandwich? Well, Scott gets at least a half hour before Dara messages her arrival, and when he comes to get her, he'll discover that her tail is gone. She's also on the shorter side with her snake-made-legs. Not that he can see them with pants on, and Dara has enough cold tolerance to be standing outside with only a shirt, no coat.
Dara lifted a hand in greeting:]
Hey.
So, like a vampire, got it.
[...She also did bite him and drained his blood a couple of months ago. Huh, maybe snake ladies and vampires are more alike than he initially thought. Kind of cool. She probably has a snake form too, like how vampires have a bat form. He wonders if he can ask her later about that.
Luckily, it really doesn't take too long for Scott to grab a sandwich, and he's carrying a small bag when he walks up to greet Dara. He... actually looks a little happy, for whatever reason, probably because he kind of likes her-- or at least feels indebted to her. She not only stopped him during the corruption, but also sealed his powers for a day, allowing him to have a really good time with Kotone. He remembers shit like this.
So, honestly, he'd happily buy Dara sandwiches for a whole month to spend another day without his glasses always on.]
Hey-- wait, what the hell happened to your tail? [A LITTLE BLUNT... especially as goes from staring at her legs to her face.]
[...She also did bite him and drained his blood a couple of months ago. Huh, maybe snake ladies and vampires are more alike than he initially thought. Kind of cool. She probably has a snake form too, like how vampires have a bat form. He wonders if he can ask her later about that.
Luckily, it really doesn't take too long for Scott to grab a sandwich, and he's carrying a small bag when he walks up to greet Dara. He... actually looks a little happy, for whatever reason, probably because he kind of likes her-- or at least feels indebted to her. She not only stopped him during the corruption, but also sealed his powers for a day, allowing him to have a really good time with Kotone. He remembers shit like this.
So, honestly, he'd happily buy Dara sandwiches for a whole month to spend another day without his glasses always on.]
Hey-- wait, what the hell happened to your tail? [A LITTLE BLUNT... especially as goes from staring at her legs to her face.]
[At least Dara wouldn't be the type to say no if he did make the proposal. Food offerings are truly the best even if she doesn't need to eat.]
Huh? Oh... [She immediately leans over and pulls up the hem to reveal her "leg": a conglomerate of several snakes twisted together and morphed to emulate the shape of the body part.] Yeah, it's not as easy to move around, but it does well to disguise myself as human.
[She pats the fabric back into place then holds her hand out for what she can only guess is her wrapped sandwich. Dara had every intention to dip after acquiring it, but she can't help but ask with the straightest face:] So how was your date?
Huh? Oh... [She immediately leans over and pulls up the hem to reveal her "leg": a conglomerate of several snakes twisted together and morphed to emulate the shape of the body part.] Yeah, it's not as easy to move around, but it does well to disguise myself as human.
[She pats the fabric back into place then holds her hand out for what she can only guess is her wrapped sandwich. Dara had every intention to dip after acquiring it, but she can't help but ask with the straightest face:] So how was your date?
[Scott's mouth parts when he sees the conglomerate of snakes that make up the shape of her 'human' leg. Oh my god... that's so fucking cool. The way the snakes slither up together and combine like that, it's totally neat. He doesn't bother to hide the totally impressed awe from his expression.]
That's so cool.
[Dara, you're really racking up the cool points here!! Not only helping him out, but being able to use her... snakes to walk around like a person. Scott's still grinning like a stupid teen, but he at least has enough sense to hand her the bag that contains the promised sandwich.
Once she peeks inside, she'll see a huge sandwich with meat and cheese and all sorts of other condiments packed between two long pieces of bread.]
It was fucking awesome, Dara. I had so much fun with her-- and being able to see Kotone in full color the whole day. I'm not gonna forget any of it. [There would be sparkles around his head--] Thank you, you're amazing.
[It's not too often Scott gets this appreciative, but when the moment calls for it...]
That's so cool.
[Dara, you're really racking up the cool points here!! Not only helping him out, but being able to use her... snakes to walk around like a person. Scott's still grinning like a stupid teen, but he at least has enough sense to hand her the bag that contains the promised sandwich.
Once she peeks inside, she'll see a huge sandwich with meat and cheese and all sorts of other condiments packed between two long pieces of bread.]
It was fucking awesome, Dara. I had so much fun with her-- and being able to see Kotone in full color the whole day. I'm not gonna forget any of it. [There would be sparkles around his head--] Thank you, you're amazing.
[It's not too often Scott gets this appreciative, but when the moment calls for it...]
[Scott's fascination isn't unlike the Misogiya kids', which in a way...is kind of nice. She misses those two brats. The nostalgia is what makes a small smile creep up on her face. The sandwich looks plenty tasty too, but it's his enthusiasm that makes the difference.
Good for him, really. It sounds like he had quite the experience and a great time. The idea that colors would be different never occurred to her.
It's all very nice until the "you're amazing" comment, causing a muffled sort of strangled sound in the back of her throat. Dara scowls down at his feet. How dare Scott find her allergy to compliments...!]
...If you think praise will get me to hand off another seal, pay off your original debt first...
[Or he can ask her nicely and she'll cave.]
Good for him, really. It sounds like he had quite the experience and a great time. The idea that colors would be different never occurred to her.
It's all very nice until the "you're amazing" comment, causing a muffled sort of strangled sound in the back of her throat. Dara scowls down at his feet. How dare Scott find her allergy to compliments...!]
...If you think praise will get me to hand off another seal, pay off your original debt first...
[Or he can ask her nicely and she'll cave.]
[...Oh my god, did he fluster the snake lady? This day is just getting better by the second. He tries very hard not to smile at the realization, but it still spreads across his face, fully enjoying everything that's happening right now. He almost wants to tease her, but he might die, so he holds back... on that at least.]
I wouldn't dream of it.
[He says that so cockily, but with a genuine earnestness, he nods at the sandwich that's in her hands.]
Come on, try the sandwich. I've been building this up the whole time and I know you've been itching to try it now. [She's probably not that desperate, but he has to keep on hyping it up in some way. Besides, it's... a little fun teasing Dara, even though she can probably kill him in two seconds. At least he's not poking at her being flustered.]
I wouldn't dream of it.
[He says that so cockily, but with a genuine earnestness, he nods at the sandwich that's in her hands.]
Come on, try the sandwich. I've been building this up the whole time and I know you've been itching to try it now. [She's probably not that desperate, but he has to keep on hyping it up in some way. Besides, it's... a little fun teasing Dara, even though she can probably kill him in two seconds. At least he's not poking at her being flustered.]
[YUP, it feels just like being with the kids again. At least Scott's grin isn't as obnoxious. He's also not trying to shove her into costumes, demanding attention, doing weird poses, or making commentary about fetishes......Damn, she misses those twerps.
When Dara dares to look back up him again, there's a brow raised with slight suspicion. Well, it's not like he can hurt her much.]
If you put anything weird in it, I'm going to curse you.
[Pulling back the wrapper, Dara takes a bite of the sandwich. It's a lot of flavors all at once, and the god closes her eyes a moment to think about the ingredients. She's not sure how to feel about so many different condiments, but it's a good sign that she takes another bite and gives a thumbs up. Dara's polite enough to swallow before talking--]
You wouldn't happen to have seen a place here selling cola, have you? [SORRY, SCOTT, she craves it.]
When Dara dares to look back up him again, there's a brow raised with slight suspicion. Well, it's not like he can hurt her much.]
If you put anything weird in it, I'm going to curse you.
[Pulling back the wrapper, Dara takes a bite of the sandwich. It's a lot of flavors all at once, and the god closes her eyes a moment to think about the ingredients. She's not sure how to feel about so many different condiments, but it's a good sign that she takes another bite and gives a thumbs up. Dara's polite enough to swallow before talking--]
You wouldn't happen to have seen a place here selling cola, have you? [SORRY, SCOTT, she craves it.]
Nothing like that, unless you hate mayo.
[But he watches with some anticipation as Dara bites into the sandwich, Scott swinging slightly on his feet as he waits for her reaction. Closing her eyes... okay, guess she's taking it all in and there-- she's taking another bite with that gesture of approval. His grin widens, he's honestly pretty happy that she's enjoying it. Next time, he'll try and grab her something more, but Scott's glad she finds this tasty enough. Look, she... she really did him a solid.
Plus, be totally lame if he talked all this up and she didn't like it. Be an insult to him, as the Sandwich King.]
Coca-Cola? Unfortunately not, but man, you have the right idea. That would go super well with this, huh? [He raises one hand to his hip.] Honestly, I'm surprised you've had that before. Already more American than some people here.
[But he watches with some anticipation as Dara bites into the sandwich, Scott swinging slightly on his feet as he waits for her reaction. Closing her eyes... okay, guess she's taking it all in and there-- she's taking another bite with that gesture of approval. His grin widens, he's honestly pretty happy that she's enjoying it. Next time, he'll try and grab her something more, but Scott's glad she finds this tasty enough. Look, she... she really did him a solid.
Plus, be totally lame if he talked all this up and she didn't like it. Be an insult to him, as the Sandwich King.]
Coca-Cola? Unfortunately not, but man, you have the right idea. That would go super well with this, huh? [He raises one hand to his hip.] Honestly, I'm surprised you've had that before. Already more American than some people here.
I think the fact I've left the dojo already speaks plenty. I've been losing grip and my shit more and more lately. I'm scared of who I'm becoming, and I'm definitely not pleasant to be around with.
To walk down this path is my own decision. We will not be meeting again.
So, I wish you all to live a happy life, from the bottom of my heart.
- Manjiro "Invincible Mikey" Sano.
To walk down this path is my own decision. We will not be meeting again.
So, I wish you all to live a happy life, from the bottom of my heart.
- Manjiro "Invincible Mikey" Sano.
[He doesn't care if this was text to start with, because he's responding immediately with a voice that's both angry and a little hurt.]
What-- what the hell are you talking about Mikey? What's going on?
[...Is this that curse Takemitchy mentioned long time ago? He thought that was solved, that it was all over with because Mikey seemed okay after the corruption. Maybe he should've checked on him more but he just... he just assumed that Mikey would always be fine.]
What-- what the hell are you talking about Mikey? What's going on?
[...Is this that curse Takemitchy mentioned long time ago? He thought that was solved, that it was all over with because Mikey seemed okay after the corruption. Maybe he should've checked on him more but he just... he just assumed that Mikey would always be fine.]
That's just how things should be. Take care of each other, you and Kototan!
(and if scott says anything else, it will just be read, but not responded to.)
(and if scott says anything else, it will just be read, but not responded to.)
[What a username but also--]
what. hold on.
why???
[He's frowning so much because Mikey left and now Akira is leaving too?? What the hell is going on with his friends lately? This sucks. He feels frustrated. He should stop him--]
don't tell me you're fucking running off too.
what. hold on.
why???
[He's frowning so much because Mikey left and now Akira is leaving too?? What the hell is going on with his friends lately? This sucks. He feels frustrated. He should stop him--]
don't tell me you're fucking running off too.
[He doesn't know how to answer the second question, so he starts typing and stops typing a few times, the little (...) emblem popping up and staying, then disappearing, then popping up and disappearing immediately, several times for a few minutes.]
i don't even know how to explain
i don't even know how to explain
keep your phone on you, okay. i'm going to be checking in every so often and you will answer.
[just. double checking and making sure he doesn't run away. he doesn't want that. he doesn't want his friends to leave him--
take deep breaths, summers. you're fine. akira is still talking to you. figure out why he's acting this way.]
okay. start from the beginning, that usually helps. what happened to you? kotone mentioned that you almost died.
did you want me to come over? i can bring over some of kotone's leftover cookies.
[just. double checking and making sure he doesn't run away. he doesn't want that. he doesn't want his friends to leave him--
take deep breaths, summers. you're fine. akira is still talking to you. figure out why he's acting this way.]
okay. start from the beginning, that usually helps. what happened to you? kotone mentioned that you almost died.
did you want me to come over? i can bring over some of kotone's leftover cookies.
[Akira takes a minute to smile at Scott's assertion, closing his eyes. He's such a good dude, God. He nods at the phone a beat before he realizes oh, right, he has to actually reply.]
i will.
stabbed by a clown. had a tube in my chest? they took that out yesterday.
i will.
stabbed by a clown. had a tube in my chest? they took that out yesterday.
[he's getting so tired hearing about this fucking clown--
How many more of his friends is Gogol going to hurt? First Dara, now Akira. He can probably blame him for why Minato and the others landed in the hospital as well. A rare, burning anger builds in his chest, an unfamiliar resentment taking root that he doesn't know what to do with.]
no it's fine.
i. i think i get though. [Why Akira is taking a small break.] it must've been scary man.
How many more of his friends is Gogol going to hurt? First Dara, now Akira. He can probably blame him for why Minato and the others landed in the hospital as well. A rare, burning anger builds in his chest, an unfamiliar resentment taking root that he doesn't know what to do with.]
no it's fine.
i. i think i get though. [Why Akira is taking a small break.] it must've been scary man.
Edited 2024-05-16 20:20 (UTC)
all the crazy persona shit i've done and a plain old knifecane through the ribs is what almost takes me out
absolutely ridiculous, haha
[Passing out in Goro's arms on the sidewalk in a pool of his own blood and waking up briefly choking on air only to wake up again in the hospital with a tube in his chest... Yeah. Scary is a good word.]
absolutely ridiculous, haha
[Passing out in Goro's arms on the sidewalk in a pool of his own blood and waking up briefly choking on air only to wake up again in the hospital with a tube in his chest... Yeah. Scary is a good word.]
the dude cut up dara and she's a snake goddess. just putting that out there.
[He really wants to see how Akira is really doing, but he knows he has to respect his boundaries right now. Ugh, it's still aggravating though.]
besides, even if you summon a persona and stuff, you're still like me and everyone else.
[He really wants to see how Akira is really doing, but he knows he has to respect his boundaries right now. Ugh, it's still aggravating though.]
besides, even if you summon a persona and stuff, you're still like me and everyone else.
yeah she's fine.
[Any other time, he might've mentioned how he saw Dara clinging to Shinjiro and everything, but now isn't the time.]
why? because there's a demon inside your head? big fucking deal. [He may or may not be a little sour still with the the whole thing with Kotone.]
[Any other time, he might've mentioned how he saw Dara clinging to Shinjiro and everything, but now isn't the time.]
why? because there's a demon inside your head? big fucking deal. [He may or may not be a little sour still with the the whole thing with Kotone.]
Edited 2024-05-19 22:17 (UTC)
[...........processing.
Akira you fucking asshole.]
oh my god you're a wildcard too.
[ONCE AGAIN THESE WILDCARDS..... although isn't Akira acting like this because he almost died in the first place? It's a far different reaction than Minato or Kotone. He actually seems shaken and shit. It's why he's taking a small road trip.]
i guess when you can summon a bunch of demons and stuff, you felt invincible for a while?
[Come to think of it, he really doesn't know what Akira does back home with his Personas. He knows Kotone and Minato by extension, but...]
Akira you fucking asshole.]
oh my god you're a wildcard too.
[ONCE AGAIN THESE WILDCARDS..... although isn't Akira acting like this because he almost died in the first place? It's a far different reaction than Minato or Kotone. He actually seems shaken and shit. It's why he's taking a small road trip.]
i guess when you can summon a bunch of demons and stuff, you felt invincible for a while?
[Come to think of it, he really doesn't know what Akira does back home with his Personas. He knows Kotone and Minato by extension, but...]
Edited 2024-05-20 15:36 (UTC)
[STILL AKIRA'S FAULT.
But guess the yelling has to come another time. Because dealing with almost dying.]
...yeah, it sucks being reminded that we're just a bunch of assholes vulnerable to a bunch of crap. like i shoot lasers out of my eyes, but a knife would still bring me down too.
But guess the yelling has to come another time. Because dealing with almost dying.]
...yeah, it sucks being reminded that we're just a bunch of assholes vulnerable to a bunch of crap. like i shoot lasers out of my eyes, but a knife would still bring me down too.
tablet stays in a bag i take everywhere, no worries.
[He takes a bit longer to answer the second bit, because he owes Scott the truth, and he has to sort of think about it to be sure he's giving the truth.]
yeah. alone is what i need right now, so i can sort myself out properly. i appreciate you, scott. i'll check in with you.
[He takes a bit longer to answer the second bit, because he owes Scott the truth, and he has to sort of think about it to be sure he's giving the truth.]
yeah. alone is what i need right now, so i can sort myself out properly. i appreciate you, scott. i'll check in with you.
future forwarded to whenever the fuck because nobody is the boss of me
invinciblemikey
2024-05-16 12:02 am (UTC)(link)
are you still here?
that's more than fair.
i'll be quick.
i went home, it's been 10 years, i see my fuck up, i'm very sorry, i won't push you to see me, but i can explain everything and i'll do my best to make it up to you, summers.
if you want to talk, i'm at the dojo.
i'll be quick.
i went home, it's been 10 years, i see my fuck up, i'm very sorry, i won't push you to see me, but i can explain everything and i'll do my best to make it up to you, summers.
if you want to talk, i'm at the dojo.
Edited 2024-05-16 23:24 (UTC)
[this is completely unfair. just a few days after getting knocked out, mikey reaches out to him like this? like he's supposed to be mature and shit and be like 'sure, yeah, let's meet up.' of course he doesn't have to, but... it's the right thing to do and that fucking sucks.
plus he'll always care about the other teen. or not teen. if it's been ten years for him. what the hell??]
you're an asshole, you know that?
[it's not like he wants to cry alright. shut up.]
plus he'll always care about the other teen. or not teen. if it's been ten years for him. what the hell??]
you're an asshole, you know that?
[it's not like he wants to cry alright. shut up.]
Hey it's Peter Parker
I got sandwiches and a sweet spot for us to have lunch :)
Hope you are well after that whole crazy thing
Well guess that's what I am doing
Checking if you're well
But anyway doesn't matter Imma find out in a bit if you come anyway
Can you meet me at the entertainment district and I'll swing us there
I got sandwiches and a sweet spot for us to have lunch :)
Hope you are well after that whole crazy thing
Well guess that's what I am doing
Checking if you're well
But anyway doesn't matter Imma find out in a bit if you come anyway
Can you meet me at the entertainment district and I'll swing us there
Edited 2024-05-19 14:38 (UTC)
[He's a little surprised to hear from Peter, but honestly, wow, that suggestion sounds so good right now. Between the encounter with Mikey and the Sentinels he faced in the tower... just chilling with a friend and eating a sandwich is the best thing he's heard all day. Peter has some really top notch ideas.]
Hey Peter.
I. Um. Guess I'm fine.
But I'm totally down to meeting you. Besides, I'm not passing down a good sandwich. I'll meet you there.
[Scott is going to the entertainment district! Even if he a weird mix of emotions that he doesn't really know how to discuss, maybe he won't have to. Maybe he can just lend an ear to his friend.]
Hey Peter.
I. Um. Guess I'm fine.
But I'm totally down to meeting you. Besides, I'm not passing down a good sandwich. I'll meet you there.
[Scott is going to the entertainment district! Even if he a weird mix of emotions that he doesn't really know how to discuss, maybe he won't have to. Maybe he can just lend an ear to his friend.]
(as soon as he sees scott, he's got a smile on his face, waving from here he stands. he's got a little bag - lemonade and sandwiches, nothing particularly fancy.
so, as soon as scott approaches, he gestures up with his head.)
Hey! Ready to go up? It's a hell of a view.
so, as soon as scott approaches, he gestures up with his head.)
Hey! Ready to go up? It's a hell of a view.
You mean if I'm ready to travel in one of the coolest ways possible? Yeah, duh.
[Even if his number one idea of flying is doing it through some supersonic plane or something, this still is a great adrenaline rush. Just him, Peter, and a web that keeps them from crashing into the ground and perishing. Well, Scott perishing, but he totally trusts him.
Which is why he steps closer to Peter, all ready to go.]
[Even if his number one idea of flying is doing it through some supersonic plane or something, this still is a great adrenaline rush. Just him, Peter, and a web that keeps them from crashing into the ground and perishing. Well, Scott perishing, but he totally trusts him.
Which is why he steps closer to Peter, all ready to go.]
(well, yeah, to think peter has never fell on his ass, or face, would be a little too nice. he also had his learning period!
it's always a little awkward, but alas, he takes the other by the waist to stick to him, aims, shoots. he knows scott enjoys the adrenaline, so, to make it cooler, he's going to spin them around the building until he finds a little spot to stop for another web. it takes them less than a minute to reach the top, where he lands as carefully as he can with the boy on him.)
There we have it! Tallest building in this place.
it's always a little awkward, but alas, he takes the other by the waist to stick to him, aims, shoots. he knows scott enjoys the adrenaline, so, to make it cooler, he's going to spin them around the building until he finds a little spot to stop for another web. it takes them less than a minute to reach the top, where he lands as carefully as he can with the boy on him.)
There we have it! Tallest building in this place.
[For Peter's efforts, he'll hear a noise from Scott that may be a mixture of a scream and laugh. It cracks through the air as they sail around the building, the feeling of falling but still being fully secured pushing out another similar sound right after. This really is great-- he's almost jealous of Peter's ability, but he's glad to just experience this with him.
As they land onto the rooftop, Scott lets out an energetic 'whoop' as he stares over the edge of the building, just taking in the sights before smiling brightly at Peter.]
That was as cool as ever man. [Thanks Peter, for letting him have fun again, after the tower. After dealing with Mikey and knowing that Sentinels exist in this world. It's a nice reminder to just have fun and... okay, maybe not feel normal, but feel like everything is okay for just a second.]
Thanks.
[Maybe a little more sincerely.]
As they land onto the rooftop, Scott lets out an energetic 'whoop' as he stares over the edge of the building, just taking in the sights before smiling brightly at Peter.]
That was as cool as ever man. [Thanks Peter, for letting him have fun again, after the tower. After dealing with Mikey and knowing that Sentinels exist in this world. It's a nice reminder to just have fun and... okay, maybe not feel normal, but feel like everything is okay for just a second.]
Thanks.
[Maybe a little more sincerely.]
(it will never not be funny that scott makes those sounds as soon as they start cutting through air, but he can't really blame him? the amount of nearly-death counts on peter side while swinging is high, and he too has yelled through it.
... besides, it's really fun to 'woohoo' through it. his hair is now a mess of curls, but it's okay! he's in a great mood, dorkier, goofier than ever, and he sits by the edge with the bag that he brought them.)
Don't mention it! It's really fun, right? It's one of the best parts... That and the sticking, being upside-down is actually the best part, if we don't count the tech. Here, I got Philly cheesestakes and lemonade. I made them, don't know how you like them, but I did what I like, so maybe-- I'll just give you the thing.
(there!! handed!! a glass and the sandwich.)
... besides, it's really fun to 'woohoo' through it. his hair is now a mess of curls, but it's okay! he's in a great mood, dorkier, goofier than ever, and he sits by the edge with the bag that he brought them.)
Don't mention it! It's really fun, right? It's one of the best parts... That and the sticking, being upside-down is actually the best part, if we don't count the tech. Here, I got Philly cheesestakes and lemonade. I made them, don't know how you like them, but I did what I like, so maybe-- I'll just give you the thing.
(there!! handed!! a glass and the sandwich.)
[His own hair is a complete mess as well, but Scott doesn't care one bit as he plops down next to Peter on the edge. Really good thing he's not afraid of heights, huh? But guess he can expect his friend to save his sorry ass if he slipped and fell... although, if something like that happened in the first place, he might just ask Peter to let him perish because he'd already be dead from embarrassment.]
Yeah, your power's really cool. [He easily compliments, cheeks still flushed with delight as he takes the offered sandwich and drink. This is really gonna hit the spot, he can tell already. A sip of lemonade after taking a good chunk out of his sandwich, yeah, it really feels like everything's okay and nothing can go wrong.]
It's good, Peter. [He playfully ribs his friend in the side, feet swinging over the edge.] Don't worry so hard.
Yeah, your power's really cool. [He easily compliments, cheeks still flushed with delight as he takes the offered sandwich and drink. This is really gonna hit the spot, he can tell already. A sip of lemonade after taking a good chunk out of his sandwich, yeah, it really feels like everything's okay and nothing can go wrong.]
It's good, Peter. [He playfully ribs his friend in the side, feet swinging over the edge.] Don't worry so hard.
I'm not worried!
(he's so quick to say it, but hey, it's whatever - scott seems happy, and god knows what could have happened in that tower. for him, it wasn't so bad, but gwen was-- well, he never wants to see her like that again, and it made him worry about everyone else. hence why he's here with sandwiches and a view.
also, 😊)
Can you cook?
(he's so quick to say it, but hey, it's whatever - scott seems happy, and god knows what could have happened in that tower. for him, it wasn't so bad, but gwen was-- well, he never wants to see her like that again, and it made him worry about everyone else. hence why he's here with sandwiches and a view.
also, 😊)
Can you cook?
Mm, yeah. Sort of? Nothing fancy, but some basic stuff.
[Definitely a step up from just making sandwiches-- no offense to Peter or anything. He was like that for a longass time and hey, he still really likes sandwiches. He hasn't given up his crown on that. There's just something comforting about them and they're easy.]
You know, I want to make breakfast in bed for the girlfriend sometimes.
[Definitely a step up from just making sandwiches-- no offense to Peter or anything. He was like that for a longass time and hey, he still really likes sandwiches. He hasn't given up his crown on that. There's just something comforting about them and they're easy.]
You know, I want to make breakfast in bed for the girlfriend sometimes.
The girlfriend? Who's the girlfriend?
(NO ONE TELLS HIM ANYTHING EVER... HE'S SO OUT OF THE ALDRIP GOSSIP... SCIENCE ONLY)
(NO ONE TELLS HIM ANYTHING EVER... HE'S SO OUT OF THE ALDRIP GOSSIP... SCIENCE ONLY)
Oh? Have I never mentioned her before?
[It's pretty rare when he has to tell this to someone! But it's cool. Peter will now get to witness Scott's Dopey Ass Face when he thinks about one Kotone Shiomi. Yep, the look of a boy that's in Deep, someone that really loves his girlfriend even though they're just teenagers, even though he's only been with her for a relatively short time. He just... really loves her.
He hums slightly after a bite, legs swinging a little more as he thinks about the things they've shared together-- faced together.]
Kotone Shiomi. Have you met her? You'd like her, she's really nice.
[And mischievous. And a bunch of other things, but Scott will just start with this.]
[It's pretty rare when he has to tell this to someone! But it's cool. Peter will now get to witness Scott's Dopey Ass Face when he thinks about one Kotone Shiomi. Yep, the look of a boy that's in Deep, someone that really loves his girlfriend even though they're just teenagers, even though he's only been with her for a relatively short time. He just... really loves her.
He hums slightly after a bite, legs swinging a little more as he thinks about the things they've shared together-- faced together.]
Kotone Shiomi. Have you met her? You'd like her, she's really nice.
[And mischievous. And a bunch of other things, but Scott will just start with this.]
(oh, that face is the one he's wearing too, mirrored straight at him, is that how he looks? that's fine, because man, it's so good to see scott smile like that! he's such a good person, peter can't think a single bad thing about his friend, so he's nudging shoulders.
... oh. kotone!!)
Uh, yeah! I met her! You two are together for how long?
... oh. kotone!!)
Uh, yeah! I met her! You two are together for how long?
[Peter's sporting a look very similar to his own... okay, Scott has to know now. There's no way he's going to let him off easy, especially after he tells him about Kotone. And how does Scott recognize that expression so well? Well, he sees it half the time when he wakes up in the mirror and his girlfriend is nearby.
They're so stupid.
He still nudges Peter back, shoulders bumping as he nods. Not surprising that Peter's at least met Kotone, since she tends to meet like everyone here. Geez, she's such a social butterfly sometimes.]
About seven months now. Really long time, huh?
[He's totally keep tracking! And that's like seven years in teenager time, right? Doubly so because they're in this weird place where people can disappear at any moment. Oh right, not thinking about that, because he's just barreling straight ahead with that same grin.]
Okay dude, dude, now you have to tell me about your girl.
[COME ON PARKER...
Or boy, Scott isn't judging.]
They're so stupid.
He still nudges Peter back, shoulders bumping as he nods. Not surprising that Peter's at least met Kotone, since she tends to meet like everyone here. Geez, she's such a social butterfly sometimes.]
About seven months now. Really long time, huh?
[He's totally keep tracking! And that's like seven years in teenager time, right? Doubly so because they're in this weird place where people can disappear at any moment. Oh right, not thinking about that, because he's just barreling straight ahead with that same grin.]
Okay dude, dude, now you have to tell me about your girl.
[COME ON PARKER...
Or boy, Scott isn't judging.]
(it's like looking into a mirror. peter's not only sporting that stupid ass face for himself, but also, out of happiness for his friend. listen, seven months is definitely 7 years in teenager time. that's huge!)
Dude, for sure! And she's nice, and cute, though she-- man, gotta tell you, I think she thinks I'm totally lame.
(probably because she met him in spider-gear, freaked the fuck out, she was Not Impressed, but he says it with a laugh. he can't take it personally after all the quill slander.)
I mean, you know her, right? ... Gwen and I decided stuff this morning. So, I guess... She's my girl! From this morning on, at least.
Dude, for sure! And she's nice, and cute, though she-- man, gotta tell you, I think she thinks I'm totally lame.
(probably because she met him in spider-gear, freaked the fuck out, she was Not Impressed, but he says it with a laugh. he can't take it personally after all the quill slander.)
I mean, you know her, right? ... Gwen and I decided stuff this morning. So, I guess... She's my girl! From this morning on, at least.
What did you do??
[He asks with a raised eyebrow, genuinely curious to hear what may have happened between the two. He doesn't think Kotone considers Peter to be lame, mostly because he has a hard time picturing his girlfriend describing anyone like that, but also because Peter's a good dude. Just a little bit of a dorkbut look who she's dating.
But okay, Gwen. That... is the most obvious thing in the world. Wow. No one is surprised by this turn of events, not even Scott. Er, especially not him. The only thing that is a little surprising about this is the fact that Peter has a girlfriend back home?? But focusing on the good bit now...
He slaps Peter on the back, a small laugh breaking free.]
You mean the girl that you're always hanging out with? [He's so amused. The two Spider people together... yep.] But that's awesome man. Gwen's really cute and nice. But gotta be honest, everyone saw this coming.
[He asks with a raised eyebrow, genuinely curious to hear what may have happened between the two. He doesn't think Kotone considers Peter to be lame, mostly because he has a hard time picturing his girlfriend describing anyone like that, but also because Peter's a good dude. Just a little bit of a dork
But okay, Gwen. That... is the most obvious thing in the world. Wow. No one is surprised by this turn of events, not even Scott. Er, especially not him. The only thing that is a little surprising about this is the fact that Peter has a girlfriend back home?? But focusing on the good bit now...
He slaps Peter on the back, a small laugh breaking free.]
You mean the girl that you're always hanging out with? [He's so amused. The two Spider people together... yep.] But that's awesome man. Gwen's really cute and nice. But gotta be honest, everyone saw this coming.
I mean, nothing, I swear - I just think she isn't used to superheroes and secret identities and stuff, so she just kinda raises a brow at Spiderman stuff and everything, which is fine! That's why I think she might super think I'm lame, dude.
(because like, she was just. 'you're cleaning that right' over his webs, it's an overall feeling!! but also, he likes her, it doesn't quite matter - and to be fair, even in a nerd school, he was also lame there, he's kind of used to it, it's not personal.
AND LISTEN, HE HAD A GIRLFRIEND.... PAST.... FOR TWO DAYS.... please, scott...........)
I mean, yeah, she's-- wait, really? Is it because she's like me, because if that's it, that's really lazy shipping, man.
(some of us are gen z.)
(because like, she was just. 'you're cleaning that right' over his webs, it's an overall feeling!! but also, he likes her, it doesn't quite matter - and to be fair, even in a nerd school, he was also lame there, he's kind of used to it, it's not personal.
AND LISTEN, HE HAD A GIRLFRIEND.... PAST.... FOR TWO DAYS.... please, scott...........)
I mean, yeah, she's-- wait, really? Is it because she's like me, because if that's it, that's really lazy shipping, man.
(some of us are gen z.)
She's from Japan. [Scott laughs lightly at the explanation. Yeah, it's nothing as he thought. Okay, sure, he can imagine Kotone just looking at Peter with a 'that's no big deal' expression and just moving on like she isn't talking to someone in a spider costume. She... really is just like that. Sometimes exasperating, but he loves her for it too.
Maybe that's partially why she accepted his whole mutant thing so fast.]
I don't think they really have superhero stuff there like us. But honestly dude? She really isn't surprised by much, so don't take it personally man.
[...But Gwen's like Peter, huh? WELL THEN. Not that Scott hasn't figured it out himself, but. That's basically confirmation. He pokes Peter in the side, ignoring the whole shipping thing because what??? He has no idea what that means.]
Dude, you know you just outed Gwen as Spider-Woman, right?
Maybe that's partially why she accepted his whole mutant thing so fast.]
I don't think they really have superhero stuff there like us. But honestly dude? She really isn't surprised by much, so don't take it personally man.
[...But Gwen's like Peter, huh? WELL THEN. Not that Scott hasn't figured it out himself, but. That's basically confirmation. He pokes Peter in the side, ignoring the whole shipping thing because what??? He has no idea what that means.]
Dude, you know you just outed Gwen as Spider-Woman, right?
No, I don't at all, I think she's great. You probably look great together, maybe we should do something sometime.
(like a double date, that would be fun, wouldn't it? he does want to slowly introduce gwen to more people, tear down her walls just a little bit - make things better.
but, hey, time to be a little rascal...)
Wait, I meant she's a nerd. She's Spider-Woman??
(like a double date, that would be fun, wouldn't it? he does want to slowly introduce gwen to more people, tear down her walls just a little bit - make things better.
but, hey, time to be a little rascal...)
Wait, I meant she's a nerd. She's Spider-Woman??
Talking about a double date? I think we can arrange that. Go to the arcade and then enjoy something at the diner? It's classic.
[Besides, it'll be fun to have more Americans for once. LOOK, HE REALLY LIKES HIS FRIENDS FROM JAPAN BUT...]
No, too late man. You can't take it back. [Scott's smiling behind his mostly eaten sandwich now, having way too much fun teasing Peter about this. Maybe if he didn't meet Spider-Woman and haven't seen Gwen hanging around with Peter around so much, he would let it go. But. There's like no chance she isn't the other spider person here.]
You suck at this.
[Besides, it'll be fun to have more Americans for once. LOOK, HE REALLY LIKES HIS FRIENDS FROM JAPAN BUT...]
No, too late man. You can't take it back. [Scott's smiling behind his mostly eaten sandwich now, having way too much fun teasing Peter about this. Maybe if he didn't meet Spider-Woman and haven't seen Gwen hanging around with Peter around so much, he would let it go. But. There's like no chance she isn't the other spider person here.]
You suck at this.
Right?! I also fished this old DVD and TV, so we can watch movies in our place, except there's not a lot of space, but if you guys are okay with it, we can totally do a vacation day, right? I'm sure you guys deserve it.
(IT'S OKAY, SCOTT... IT'S A TASTE OF HOME...)
Yep, but hey, come on, we decided to drop the secret identity here, it makes no sense with this situation, right? You guys would figure it out, there's only like, 40 of us, and then the moment we both show up, the Spider-people show? You guys are like, smart, that'd be-- well, that wouldn't be effective at all, right?
(IT'S OKAY, SCOTT... IT'S A TASTE OF HOME...)
Yep, but hey, come on, we decided to drop the secret identity here, it makes no sense with this situation, right? You guys would figure it out, there's only like, 40 of us, and then the moment we both show up, the Spider-people show? You guys are like, smart, that'd be-- well, that wouldn't be effective at all, right?
[What's a DVD-- okay, something to watch movies with. Obviously. So, like a VHS. He's getting it!]
Yeah, that sounds good. Home movies can be pretty fun, even if we miss out on the big screen and the loud sound system. It's got its own atmosphere that can't be copied. And what are you talking about? Our resident superheroes should have a vacation day too.
[But as Peter explains how secret identities don't really matter here in the first place, Scott just pats him on the shoulder, like he's understanding his friend's brand of copium.] It's fine, dude. Gwen probably won't kick your ass.
[Again.]
Yeah, that sounds good. Home movies can be pretty fun, even if we miss out on the big screen and the loud sound system. It's got its own atmosphere that can't be copied. And what are you talking about? Our resident superheroes should have a vacation day too.
[But as Peter explains how secret identities don't really matter here in the first place, Scott just pats him on the shoulder, like he's understanding his friend's brand of copium.] It's fine, dude. Gwen probably won't kick your ass.
[Again.]
We haven't stopped much, though, to be honest? We both spend most of the day in STEM, and we do our rounds to keep those gangs out, but it's-- there's no police station to pick them up, so honestly, the rounds go around every two hours, because that's how long the web has before it dissolves, so we take turns and stuff.
(oh, this is why they deserve a vacation, he sees it now... he'd love a vacation, but he couldn't do much at home. maybe he can do something here.)
Probably, yeah-- hehe. No, but, it's crazy, because she has the same story as me, except a bunch of stuff in her universe is different than mine? Like, she knows my aunt and uncle, but in her universe, my best friend sucks - and he doesn't suck in mine at all. These multiverse things are gonna drive me insane. Like, how many freaking radioactive spiders are out there? Mr. Stark has a coffee brand in her world, but he isn't... An Avenger, or anything? My brain can't take all this, man.
(oh, this is why they deserve a vacation, he sees it now... he'd love a vacation, but he couldn't do much at home. maybe he can do something here.)
Probably, yeah-- hehe. No, but, it's crazy, because she has the same story as me, except a bunch of stuff in her universe is different than mine? Like, she knows my aunt and uncle, but in her universe, my best friend sucks - and he doesn't suck in mine at all. These multiverse things are gonna drive me insane. Like, how many freaking radioactive spiders are out there? Mr. Stark has a coffee brand in her world, but he isn't... An Avenger, or anything? My brain can't take all this, man.
[See that, Peter? You're getting a look now.
At least he's caught on why he needs a vacation; he should have a day or two to be a normal teenager and everything. It's important. Well, it was important to the mutants back at Xavier's and to him as well. Just needed to feel less like a group of freaks or in Peter and Gwen's case, don't worry about swinging around and being superheroes.
And geez, parallel universe stuff again. Scott's been getting more and more complicated feelings about it, ever since Quentin left and Kurt arrived, and it's just... he wonders if Peter ever felt like he wasn't good enough or something. Is there a Peter in Gwen's universe, for instance? But guess not Spider-Man, since Gwen mentioned that the spider was sort of a one time bite.]
Just... don't think about it too hard. [Scott finishes the rest of his sandwich, tossing the leftover paper behind him as he stares at the lemonade he's holding between his legs.] Keep being yourself and crap.
[What do you mean he's trying to convince himself.]
At least he's caught on why he needs a vacation; he should have a day or two to be a normal teenager and everything. It's important. Well, it was important to the mutants back at Xavier's and to him as well. Just needed to feel less like a group of freaks or in Peter and Gwen's case, don't worry about swinging around and being superheroes.
And geez, parallel universe stuff again. Scott's been getting more and more complicated feelings about it, ever since Quentin left and Kurt arrived, and it's just... he wonders if Peter ever felt like he wasn't good enough or something. Is there a Peter in Gwen's universe, for instance? But guess not Spider-Man, since Gwen mentioned that the spider was sort of a one time bite.]
Just... don't think about it too hard. [Scott finishes the rest of his sandwich, tossing the leftover paper behind him as he stares at the lemonade he's holding between his legs.] Keep being yourself and crap.
[What do you mean he's trying to convince himself.]
... You okay there, dude?
(this definitely didn't match the way he put everything. to him, these multiverses and their differences are interesting to learn about. the two murdocks, the differences in new york, the fact things are switched up - even the fucked up things are interesting to hear, like death and thanos in quill's universe. that alone would be incredible, but with the repercussions to science and physics? that drives his nerd spirit crazy!
but he can tell that scott doesn't find it as intriguing as he does.)
(this definitely didn't match the way he put everything. to him, these multiverses and their differences are interesting to learn about. the two murdocks, the differences in new york, the fact things are switched up - even the fucked up things are interesting to hear, like death and thanos in quill's universe. that alone would be incredible, but with the repercussions to science and physics? that drives his nerd spirit crazy!
but he can tell that scott doesn't find it as intriguing as he does.)
[Shit he was projecting wasn't he?? Because Peter really doesn't look bothered.]
...Yeah? Yeah. [Scott repeats again, as if trying to convince himself. He's not sure if he should tell Peter how he fully feels about everything, but as the sandwich settles comfortably in his stomach, as he looks down at the lemonade still hanging between his legs, something in him opens just a little more. Peter... he's a really good friend already. Maybe it's okay to talk about this a little.
Americans stick together or something like that--]
Okay, I guess I've just been feeling... nervous? I don't know. [It's dumb in a way, because Kurt has been really cool and even Quentin didn't seem to mind him. But he can't help but think they'd rather have their version of Scott around-- maybe Scott isn't fully immune to feeling that way either. Isn't that shitty of him? He sighs.]
There's a multiverse thing going on in my world too. I already know that a couple of different versions of me exist elsewhere.
...Yeah? Yeah. [Scott repeats again, as if trying to convince himself. He's not sure if he should tell Peter how he fully feels about everything, but as the sandwich settles comfortably in his stomach, as he looks down at the lemonade still hanging between his legs, something in him opens just a little more. Peter... he's a really good friend already. Maybe it's okay to talk about this a little.
Americans stick together or something like that--]
Okay, I guess I've just been feeling... nervous? I don't know. [It's dumb in a way, because Kurt has been really cool and even Quentin didn't seem to mind him. But he can't help but think they'd rather have their version of Scott around-- maybe Scott isn't fully immune to feeling that way either. Isn't that shitty of him? He sighs.]
There's a multiverse thing going on in my world too. I already know that a couple of different versions of me exist elsewhere.
(of course, to each their own thoughts about the multiverse. he supposes he could see it how scott sees it - there are so many bad things in gwen's world for him to be totally fine with it wholly. but to him, in his position, these multiverses mean something completely different. rather of a proof of what can go wrong, they are a proof something can go right.
one chance in fourteen million.)
I mean, man, it's a whole thing, scientifically and otherwise, right? But I get it, because you don't know where the similarities start and stop, so you gotta wonder what is happening around and what does that mean to you, is that what you've been thinking?
one chance in fourteen million.)
I mean, man, it's a whole thing, scientifically and otherwise, right? But I get it, because you don't know where the similarities start and stop, so you gotta wonder what is happening around and what does that mean to you, is that what you've been thinking?
[...Maybe Peter hopes for things to be different in another universe, considering that things have gone horribly in his. He mentioned aliens and Thanos killing a whole bunch of people-- including him. So, maybe he wants to be optimistic about Gwen's world and stuff in comparison. For a moment, Scott feels kind of bad for whining about this in the first place, but guess it's too late to take it back now.
There's that grief though, knowing his friend is dead back home. Why can't things be better for his friends?? It really fucking sucks.]
Yeah, something like that. Especially if... like there's something you learn about the future in another world that you really don't like. [His frown increases despite himself. He... he doesn't want to kill Charles Xavier.]
There's that grief though, knowing his friend is dead back home. Why can't things be better for his friends?? It really fucking sucks.]
Yeah, something like that. Especially if... like there's something you learn about the future in another world that you really don't like. [His frown increases despite himself. He... he doesn't want to kill Charles Xavier.]
(unfortunately for all involved, peter was raised to believe in the best of things, in the best of people, regardless of their circumstances, that they can be better if they want to - all they need is help. optimistic by nature, no beating will put him down for too long.
so, if there's something about another world that he doesn't like...)
I mean, man. No story is finished telling, right? There's always hope for things to be better. Maybe you don't like it, and that's totally fine, right, but you don't know what will happen in the future of that future, so like, maybe it will all turn out okay, right?
-- That future of that future part didn't help my case, but you know what I mean. The super future--
You get it.
so, if there's something about another world that he doesn't like...)
I mean, man. No story is finished telling, right? There's always hope for things to be better. Maybe you don't like it, and that's totally fine, right, but you don't know what will happen in the future of that future, so like, maybe it will all turn out okay, right?
-- That future of that future part didn't help my case, but you know what I mean. The super future--
You get it.
[Yeah, he gets what Peter is trying to say. Maybe not the most eloquent way to put it, but Scott doesn't need that in the first place. He never has. And so the mutant stays quiet for a moment, turning his words around in his mind, trying to pull that same optimism and hope from them that his friend truly seems to believe in. ...This is really coming from a guy that's dead back home, where the universe seems to be half destroyed, but he still really believes, huh?
If he can, maybe Scott can. ...He should.
Even if he kills Professor Xavier, maybe... it will somehow still be okay. It feels grim, but guess the Scott in Quentin's timeline is trying his best. Finally, he breathes out, focusing on Peter with genuine curiosity.]
...Do you have hope for your future, Peter?
If he can, maybe Scott can. ...He should.
Even if he kills Professor Xavier, maybe... it will somehow still be okay. It feels grim, but guess the Scott in Quentin's timeline is trying his best. Finally, he breathes out, focusing on Peter with genuine curiosity.]
...Do you have hope for your future, Peter?
I gotta have. It's not even for me, I'm fine-- well, not fine, fine, but you get it, fine. The wizard said there's a chance in four million that we win, and I just think-- I gotta believe that chance is ours, you know? If I don't, I'm giving up on half the universe, and the people I believe in, right, and that's... Not right. I do get a little bummed, because I mean. I'm... Pretty dead, right, there's no coming back from that, but while I'm here, I can make you sandwiches, and spend time with Mr. Murdock plural, and help androids, and call Mr. Valentine a vampire and make Gwen smile a little. That's gotta be worth something, it just gotta be.
(perhaps a little more long-winded than he wanted to go with, but nevertheless, it's how he feels. he can't predict tomorrow, but he can hope. he can wake up each morning and try to help, make a difference, even if this is-- a videogame? a simulation? the people in here are real to him.
he can't turn his back to it.)
(perhaps a little more long-winded than he wanted to go with, but nevertheless, it's how he feels. he can't predict tomorrow, but he can hope. he can wake up each morning and try to help, make a difference, even if this is-- a videogame? a simulation? the people in here are real to him.
he can't turn his back to it.)
Edited 2024-07-09 00:50 (UTC)
[A chance in four million......
Those are really, really bad odds but guess they're not impossible odds either? If Peter still has hope for the future, even if he's not a part of it, then Scott isn't going to point out how slim that possibility is. Besides, Peter is the math nerd between them, he already knows and still chooses to believe and... he's a strong guy, isn't he? It's not because he's just Spider-Man either.
He bumps his shoulder against Peter's, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. Look, he really is in full agreement with him.]
It is worth something. Being here. Making friends with others.
[He fully believes it, he has to. All the friends he has here, his girlfriend... all that is truly worth something, even if it won't necessarily last forever. It still matters.] What we do here still matters.
Those are really, really bad odds but guess they're not impossible odds either? If Peter still has hope for the future, even if he's not a part of it, then Scott isn't going to point out how slim that possibility is. Besides, Peter is the math nerd between them, he already knows and still chooses to believe and... he's a strong guy, isn't he? It's not because he's just Spider-Man either.
He bumps his shoulder against Peter's, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. Look, he really is in full agreement with him.]
It is worth something. Being here. Making friends with others.
[He fully believes it, he has to. All the friends he has here, his girlfriend... all that is truly worth something, even if it won't necessarily last forever. It still matters.] What we do here still matters.
(it seems like he helped unsour scott's mood, which is a win in his book. it's easy to get lost in the doom and gloom, but that's the thing - peter always stands up. he's starting to realize that's a normal theme for the spider-people. it no longer confuses him, instead, it feels like a simple fact of life. there will be good scott summers, there will be back scott summers - it's the experiences that led him anywhere. the same way there's a peter parker who wanted the attention and love gwen has to offer that he turned himself into a lizard to try and feel a little more special like her.
he couldn't ever imagine himself.)
I think, so, too. If this is the only home I will ever get now, then I'll make it my home. It matters to me.
Cheers?
he couldn't ever imagine himself.)
I think, so, too. If this is the only home I will ever get now, then I'll make it my home. It matters to me.
Cheers?
[Don't be sad about Peter, at least not right in front of him. If he's being this strong about his fate and everything, then Scott will be so too. Not to mention, he's pretty familiar being around people that are dead back home... not that it makes it that much easier.
He holds up his lemonade, however, holding it up to Peter with a small smile. He'll get through his feelings and at the very least, support his friend. Make sure that he has a good time at this new 'home.' It matters to him too.]
Kind of prefer a lot of things in this new home anyway. Hot girlfriend and all.
[Peter understands.]
He holds up his lemonade, however, holding it up to Peter with a small smile. He'll get through his feelings and at the very least, support his friend. Make sure that he has a good time at this new 'home.' It matters to him too.]
Kind of prefer a lot of things in this new home anyway. Hot girlfriend and all.
[Peter understands.]
(clink, and he drinks it. he much prefers the lemonade, he won't lie, instead of alcohol. tastes weird, does very little! so, he even sways his legs a little as they dangle from the roof, a laugh leaving him when he hears the comment.)
I mean, can't complain either, not by far. Gwen's, uh, pretty amazing. We already decided to stop trying to keep our identities to ourselves, so I can actually tell you she's also a Spider. I thought I was alone all this time, but I'm not. It's pretty sweet.
I mean, can't complain either, not by far. Gwen's, uh, pretty amazing. We already decided to stop trying to keep our identities to ourselves, so I can actually tell you she's also a Spider. I thought I was alone all this time, but I'm not. It's pretty sweet.
[There really is something so normal about this. Drinking lemonade while sitting with a friend, even though the edge of a rooftop was not his number one pick in the past. Hey, doesn't mean he dislikes it though, far from it. Up here, it really feels like they escaped from some of the bullshit that happens around the city.
And heh, already ditched the secret identity thing, huh? Scott's tempted to tell Peter that he was pretty bad at it to begin with, but dude brought him lemonade and a sandwich, he owes him that much.]
Gwen's great man, you're definitely lucky. [...Of course, Scott considers himself the luckiest to be with Kotone, but he's a sap.] ...Kotone isn't a mutant like me, but she's made me feel less alone in this world.
[So, he sort of understands what Peter is saying??]
And heh, already ditched the secret identity thing, huh? Scott's tempted to tell Peter that he was pretty bad at it to begin with, but dude brought him lemonade and a sandwich, he owes him that much.]
Gwen's great man, you're definitely lucky. [...Of course, Scott considers himself the luckiest to be with Kotone, but he's a sap.] ...Kotone isn't a mutant like me, but she's made me feel less alone in this world.
[So, he sort of understands what Peter is saying??]
(both are saps, that's why a double date would kill the girls, and embarrass the boys. there's no doubt, though - both of them are lucky. they are two incredible women, and they are lame - no offense, scott.)
That's actually it, isn't it? I feel that here, too. The Avengers... They exist, and I'm sure they're not the only ones, but they're not super reachable, you know? It's not like I meet with Thor twice a week to assemble legos and stuff. So, it's just... Me. Here, it seems there are more people like us than not, so it makes me feel a little more, uh, you know. Normal.
That's actually it, isn't it? I feel that here, too. The Avengers... They exist, and I'm sure they're not the only ones, but they're not super reachable, you know? It's not like I meet with Thor twice a week to assemble legos and stuff. So, it's just... Me. Here, it seems there are more people like us than not, so it makes me feel a little more, uh, you know. Normal.
[No lies have been detected though--]
People with powers? Yeah, definitely. [It's what definitely helped him adjust to this world, knowing there are other freaks like him. Maybe not mutants, but at that time, he didn't care. He still doesn't really care, even though he'll always be a little excited when another mutant shows up.]
I mean, I was starting to attend a school full of mutants and everything, but being here has made it feel like it'll be super easy going back to that. Like I'm fully used to assholes that can shoot webs or people that can fly. Honestly, I'm like an expert now.
People with powers? Yeah, definitely. [It's what definitely helped him adjust to this world, knowing there are other freaks like him. Maybe not mutants, but at that time, he didn't care. He still doesn't really care, even though he'll always be a little excited when another mutant shows up.]
I mean, I was starting to attend a school full of mutants and everything, but being here has made it feel like it'll be super easy going back to that. Like I'm fully used to assholes that can shoot webs or people that can fly. Honestly, I'm like an expert now.
Hah! See, that's the thing! All the Avengers are adults, too, so a school full of people like us? Can't imagine even if I tried really hard.
(but to be an expert in anything is quite a feat, he does find it cool that scott is so self-assured in this field. peter would still find anything incredible and insane - no matter how long he is here for.)
Hey, maybe you should open a school. Can everyone here control their powers?
(but to be an expert in anything is quite a feat, he does find it cool that scott is so self-assured in this field. peter would still find anything incredible and insane - no matter how long he is here for.)
Hey, maybe you should open a school. Can everyone here control their powers?
Dude, I'm not setting up a school. I don't like going to school, why would I make others go?
[That would be such a blow to his reputation as well!! No longer the totally cool rebel that ditches class to take his friends out to the mall. He'd be some nerd instead and Scott simply can't let that happen. He finishes the rest of his lemonade before bonking his shoulders against Peter's, although there's suddenly some tension to the mutant as he brings up control and everything.
...Yeah.]
...Mostly, I'm pretty sure. [He tries to sound unaffected and cool. Scott mostly succeeds??] I think there's only a couple of us that can't.
[That would be such a blow to his reputation as well!! No longer the totally cool rebel that ditches class to take his friends out to the mall. He'd be some nerd instead and Scott simply can't let that happen. He finishes the rest of his lemonade before bonking his shoulders against Peter's, although there's suddenly some tension to the mutant as he brings up control and everything.
...Yeah.]
...Mostly, I'm pretty sure. [He tries to sound unaffected and cool. Scott mostly succeeds??] I think there's only a couple of us that can't.
(oh my god, are you seriously!!! school is important!!! the things he could accomplish if he knew physics, has he considered??? but he understands that it's not for everyone. he's thinking of MIT, so maybe he should do the school thing, except...)
I mean, I can't completely control everything, if I'm super honest.
I mean, I can't completely control everything, if I'm super honest.
[Sometimes he forgets that he hangs out with someone that runs a literal STEM club here.
But that admittance draws Scott's curiosity, his mouth parting slightly as he looks at his friend. When he said that only a couple of people can't control their powers, he literally meant that. Only him and Shinjiro have problems from what he knows.]
Really? It really feels like you have control over your powers man. Like your strength and the fact you can zip around the city with your webs.
[Which. Still is really cool and everything. He's a big fan.]
But that admittance draws Scott's curiosity, his mouth parting slightly as he looks at his friend. When he said that only a couple of people can't control their powers, he literally meant that. Only him and Shinjiro have problems from what he knows.]
Really? It really feels like you have control over your powers man. Like your strength and the fact you can zip around the city with your webs.
[Which. Still is really cool and everything. He's a big fan.]
I mean, for the most part. We... Gwen and I, I mean. Spider-people. We have this, like, sixth sense type of thing going on. We can sense danger before it approaches, it's like a tingling sensation we get that tells us that something is not right and stuff. We can react to the thing even before we process it, but I can't always do that. Gotta concentrate real hard sometimes - and I can't always coordinate the sense with the reflexes, it's a whole thing, also the sensory stimulus sometimes can drive me crazy, but it really doesn't help that it feels like it's working overtime here, that sixth sense thing. We always feel like there's something off, and we can't pinpoint it.
(oh, he started, and he kept going.)
(oh, he started, and he kept going.)
[Seriously? Peter and Gwen has a power like that?? Something that informs them of danger before it happens? They really got a full packaged deal when bitten by that radioactive spider. He almost wants to say that this doesn't feel like a lack of control, maybe just inexperience or intuition, but he can tell that Peter is pretty bothered by this.
And so, he gets it.
Also, having that tingling feeling always going off in this place can't be fun. He understands that to some extent or just in a different way (not like his powers ever stop). Guess it also confirms that Aldrip is really fucked up, but he's always known that.]
...You can't just simply turn it off, right? It's a constant presence and so you can't fully relax.
And so, he gets it.
Also, having that tingling feeling always going off in this place can't be fun. He understands that to some extent or just in a different way (not like his powers ever stop). Guess it also confirms that Aldrip is really fucked up, but he's always known that.]
...You can't just simply turn it off, right? It's a constant presence and so you can't fully relax.
Nope, it's like... When your phone is flashing the notification light but when you look at it, there's no notification, you know what I mean, right?-- wait, no, you don't. Think, uh, microwave, same idea, concept and all, it's beeping, but there's nothing in there for you to take out.
(sorry, he forgets the year difference, even with the tablets being a thing.
that said, scott hits it exactly on how he feels in aldrip. it's a perfect description of anxiety and an underlying concern that he can't do anything about.)
(sorry, he forgets the year difference, even with the tablets being a thing.
that said, scott hits it exactly on how he feels in aldrip. it's a perfect description of anxiety and an underlying concern that he can't do anything about.)
[Luckily, Scott catches on rather quickly with what Peter is trying to say. Guess he can thank the fact that he's been around pretty advanced tech now. Well, mostly the tablets.]
But seriously man, I get it. [Maybe not the anxiety part, but.] You know that my powers never turn off either, right? Like right now, they're hitting my glasses.
But seriously man, I get it. [Maybe not the anxiety part, but.] You know that my powers never turn off either, right? Like right now, they're hitting my glasses.
Not gonna lie to you, dude, that sounds super uncomfortable, do you get like, headaches?
(he just has to ask. sometimes, power does not equate the physical capabilities to handle it, right? he just has to wonder.)
(he just has to ask. sometimes, power does not equate the physical capabilities to handle it, right? he just has to wonder.)
Not really headaches, but... there's like this constant presence in my head?
[It's not super uncomfortable or anything. Maybe he's just used to it though? At least it's not like the time when his optic blasts started developing, where his eyes were stinging and he had a full on headache.]
Like it's trying to remind me that my powers are always there. [To be careful. That he's not fully normal anymore. One slip up and he can seriously injure or kill others.]
[It's not super uncomfortable or anything. Maybe he's just used to it though? At least it's not like the time when his optic blasts started developing, where his eyes were stinging and he had a full on headache.]
Like it's trying to remind me that my powers are always there. [To be careful. That he's not fully normal anymore. One slip up and he can seriously injure or kill others.]
... Does it... Bother you?
(because he would easily say it could. imagine if your eyes threw lasers just for being open! does he see well? many things he wants to ask for science, but he will refrain for the time being.)
(because he would easily say it could. imagine if your eyes threw lasers just for being open! does he see well? many things he wants to ask for science, but he will refrain for the time being.)
Sometimes? I mean, I'm kind of used to it by now. I had to adjust.
[He leans back on his hands, staring up at the sky with that forever red tint. Yeah, just something he's gotten used to. Sometimes it really bothers him, but those days are becoming more infrequent. They still happen, but usually he tries to remember some of the positives. Like being able to fight and protect his friends.] I don't want them to go away, despite the cons.
[...] I'm a mutant.
[And he doesn't want to take that back.]
[He leans back on his hands, staring up at the sky with that forever red tint. Yeah, just something he's gotten used to. Sometimes it really bothers him, but those days are becoming more infrequent. They still happen, but usually he tries to remember some of the positives. Like being able to fight and protect his friends.] I don't want them to go away, despite the cons.
[...] I'm a mutant.
[And he doesn't want to take that back.]
That's gotta be the spirit, man. What are we even going to do, right, vacuum clean our cells or something? Can't do, right? When you can do things we do, well, we can't just sit back. That's what I think, at least.
(but he understands the desire to not have to deal with it at all. not so much as it is, because the fact that he is who he is still awes him, inspires and makes him want to keep going, be better -- but he already knows how hard it is to have to leave so much behind to achieve that.)
(but he understands the desire to not have to deal with it at all. not so much as it is, because the fact that he is who he is still awes him, inspires and makes him want to keep going, be better -- but he already knows how hard it is to have to leave so much behind to achieve that.)
[Scott snorts when Peter mentions vacuum cleaning their cells. He's sure that there's some group of humans back home that want to do something like that. Honestly knowing that, he wants to keep his mutation even more.]
...Yeah. [Do they have these powers for a reason? Maybe, maybe not, but.] We can do things others can't. Might as well use them for good.
[At least try to. His powers are mostly destructive and uncontrollable, but he can still do something with them. He's apparently going to be a X-Man in the future, so guess he figures something out. At least, other versions of him have.
But Scott tilts his head over at Peter.] Hey, thanks for this.
...Yeah. [Do they have these powers for a reason? Maybe, maybe not, but.] We can do things others can't. Might as well use them for good.
[At least try to. His powers are mostly destructive and uncontrollable, but he can still do something with them. He's apparently going to be a X-Man in the future, so guess he figures something out. At least, other versions of him have.
But Scott tilts his head over at Peter.] Hey, thanks for this.
Yep. Exactly. Even if it's something small like getting a cat out of a tree, dude. Gotta help.
(he's gotten his fair share of cats out of tall trees, but see, to him it's easy to just stick to the truck and climb up, much easier than to just call the fire department for it.)
Hey, don't mention it, dude. I'm glad for it.
... And I should get going, STEM isn't gonna STEM by itself, right?
(he's gotten his fair share of cats out of tall trees, but see, to him it's easy to just stick to the truck and climb up, much easier than to just call the fire department for it.)
Hey, don't mention it, dude. I'm glad for it.
... And I should get going, STEM isn't gonna STEM by itself, right?
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