WHO: kaito and pals WHAT: post-surgery and mid-month event shenanigans WHERE: around town WHEN: from april 12 to the end of the month WARNINGS: potential discussion of body horror; will update as things Go On
[ Kaito snorts. ] See? We're so alike. That's something I wouldn't hesitate to do in a heartbeat.
[ Sorry, Malkuth. Kaito falls into step beside the Fixer, trying not to focus on his headache—or the figurative cliff up ahead that'll rewind the clock on his memories. ]
Don't worry. There'll be no paperwork if I have a day in it. Now how do you like your coffee, Vergilius? This is an important question for the health of our friendship.
...You must be so easy for Malkuth to lead around, huh?
[ Kaito laughs brightly. ] She has a way with people, y'know. And the grumpier they are, the stronger she gets. I saw it firsthand. When we met, I wasn't very inviting.
I wouldn't say overnight. [ Can you feel the smile in his words? ] She was admittedly kind of annoying for the first few minutes we knew each other.
But I suppose you've got a point. I'm a lot more easygoing nowadays. That doesn't detract from her power, because look at you. She didn't even have to prank you.
I bet she just smiled and you felt your first pang of positive emotions since coming to Neo Tokyo.
Don't claim like you made me more outgoing because you pranked me. You made me worse.
[b inch]
[He's leading the way to the outside, before bee-lining down a street - he thinks this is the same place March asked him to meet up for coffee. Might as well use that and not some place he has no idea about.]
[The last statement makes him feel - weird. Fluttery?]
No. She got on my nerves. She practically threatened to tear my door down if I didn't come outside.
[ Kaito bumps shoulders with the Fixer, smiling bright. ]
She really is. I don't need much convincing around her, but I bet she'd fold me in half without a second thought if it would help me in any way. Exaggeration, but y'know.
[ Snicker, snicker. Even if that example, he sounds so fond. ]
—Do I wait until after we've had our coffee to ask if you have feelings for her, or should I do it now?
[The last question makes him feel like Kaito took a brick and smacked him in the head with it. He'd actually rather prefer that than this. That would make some kind of sense.]
[There's a roiling sort of weird spike of annoyance, like the man's gone and poked him in the side in a weak spot he didn't know was there. What a useless, stupid question. This busybody, Kaito...]
What kind of question is that? [With a little gruff noise.] Do you have feelings for her?
He knew, of course—that's what he's telling himself right now, in the instant Verg's emotional state spikes. Kaito's very good at finding those weak points in people and non-people. Making use of them has been one of the tenets of his success as a mediator and negotiator.
But in this moment, just this once, he wishes he'd been wrong. Wishes he'd missed the mark by any margin. But the Fixer's surely doing his best to play it casual, so he will too. ]
Eheh, y'know, that's a real interesting question... But I'm only gonna answer if you do!
[ Smile, smile. There. Even Verg won't take such obvious bait. They can get their coffee and maybe Kaito can talk about other girls instead. Or have an amnesiac episode. ]
[And now he doesn't even know what to do. Feelings? Of course this menace means it in a romantic aspect. This isn't rocket science. And he's a Fixer who has been through some shit. Romance isn't in his vocabulary.]
[No, what he feels for Malkuth is.......it must be different. Or at least, regardless of what it is, it must be buried now, he thinks.]
[Kaito, another greedy monster. A fellow kindred spirit. He falls into silence, caught in the whirlwind of his own thoughts - ironic for a guide to feel lost. If he is asking because he's interested... Hm. Malkuth and him...he could see it, actually. In a way, he and Kaito harmonize in some fashion. Malkuth could be drawn to that, that same core of shared darkness. And on top of that, the man is younger, more full of life, and has a winning carefree smile.]
[(It reminds him of....it reminds him of....)]
[(He'd been teased by him. It felt lighter. It felt easy. The man who had found love and told him about it.)]
[(He wanted him to be happy. He wanted him to live in a world where he could find peace.)]
[Vergilius falls into conflicted, torn silence.]
...
[The coffee shop is here, but he's standing, a little listless in front of the menu. Go ahead and order, Kaito. He's alright. It's fine.]
[ Nice job fucking it up. Whatever effect he had wanted his words to have gets summarily tossed out the window as he watches what's likely Verg receding into himself to think of an old City memory.
That, or he's thinking about all the ways he wants to simply slide into the abyss and ignore the question. One of the two, maybe something else.
And Kaito hasn't felt his memories go foggy since they left base. This is really the worst timeline, huh.
Time might pass slowly for the Fixer. Or maybe it's over in an instant. Who knows? Regardless, the silence between them ends when a warmth slings over his back and shoulders—it's Kaito's arm, pulling the man into an embrace.
...And dragging him off to the side, because a considerable line has formed behind them. ]
I'm sorry, [ he murmurs, letting go as soon as they're out of the way. He's only holding one cup of coffee, and it's held out towards the Fixer. ]
There was never going to be a good way for me to ask that, but there were certainly better ways. You can just... Not say anything. You don't owe me an answer.
But on my end?
Malkuth's the most important person I have here in Neo Tokyo. I want her to be happy.
[ Kaito looks down at the ripples caused by the quivering of his hand. But only for a moment. Golds flit up to meet crimson, resolute with an echo of despondency. ]
...So, if you like her romantically, you should go after her. Forget about first or third or tenth lives. This godforsaken world is a new chance for all of us—and yes, that includes you.
I still don't know anything about your past or what you've lost, Vergilius. Maybe I never will. But I know your eyes. I know that gaze. I know that tiredness.
[The warmth of the man's embrace is what brings him back, if only slightly - a surprising gesture, even if part of him reacts not unlike a feral dog would, a little shocked by it, bristling, unsure if its wanted. But before he can relax, Kaito lets go, and starts speaking. His dull eyes pull themselves up, fix on the man's face.]
[Malkuth's the most important person I have here in Neo Tokyo. I want her to be happy.]
[Of course. Of course. And he almost finds himself nodding, because he agrees in his own way. She should be happy.]
[He shouldn't be happy.]
[Those golden eyes - he wants to reach out and shake him. The anger is different now - like a boiling in his belly. He's not mad at Kaito. He's mad for him.]
[No, he's not taking that coffee.]
Who are you to.....throw this to me, huh?
[He lets out a rattling sigh. He's the selfish type, he knows. He always has been. But at the same time, he's the same person who would gladly cut himself off if it meant his sacrifice meant something. He'd use himself as soil for the land to feed the people he loves. What a paradox.]
What about you? Speaking as if...you don't have a chance, either? What's wrong with you? As if....as if I'm better than you....
[ Frustration. Anger. Exasperation. Exhaustion. So many emotions burn in the Fixer's aura. By now, he's pretty sure he knows exactly how the older man is feeling—and his words confirm it.
Truthfully, he'd expected this. He already has an answer for this. Is that something to be proud of, or is that pathetic? ]
I'm not better or worse than you, Vergilius, [ Kaito murmurs gently. ] But I know your type. I look in your eyes, and I see a reflection that isn't so unfamiliar.
A greedy monster. A selfish, selfless man. Someone who takes, and takes, and takes again—and then bends over to become the bridge for his friends to use to cross a river.
[ Kaito tosses the coffee and cup to the side of the road. Sorry. It allows him to step closer and stare Verg in the eyes. (He would grasp his shoulder or cup his cheek, but he doesn't quite have the nerve.) ]
[ Kaito slows to a halt. His gaze begins to fog—but at the same time all the color drains from his features. One hand slaps over his mouth while the other grabs onto Verg's shoulder. ]
I'm. I'm... [ Oh. Ooooh, those words are being carried with the tone of a man who knows he's about to die. Or at least be forgotten. ]
Vergilius. Vergilius. Boss— [ His throat tightens. Pulse quickens. Words smash together. ] I'm going to forget this conversation. Please... Please. You have to remind me what I was saying when—
[ Golds widen, then dilate. Pain lances through Kaito's skull as he leans his head against the Fixer's opposite shoulder. ]
[ Slowly but surely, Kaito pries himself away from Verg, hazy gaze looking around as if he's not sure how he got outside. He sees the tossed coffee. Sees that he hasn't changed out of his base clothes.
A hint of trepidation flickers in gold pools. Through trembling fingers, Kaito whispers. ]
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[As dry as ever.....]
[But despite the man's neediness, he doesn't seem to mind, in fact, this seems expected - he's almost vaguely amused.]
I've done worse. Now, if you ask me to do paperwork on top of everything you said, I'm out. That's my line.
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[ Sorry, Malkuth. Kaito falls into step beside the Fixer, trying not to focus on his headache—or the figurative cliff up ahead that'll rewind the clock on his memories. ]
Don't worry. There'll be no paperwork if I have a day in it. Now how do you like your coffee, Vergilius? This is an important question for the health of our friendship.
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[POT CALLING KETTLE BLACK, TEASINGLY, VAGUELY AFFECTIONATELY(???)]
This friendship stuff again... [le SIGH] How about...you guess. I don't think it should be hard.
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You enjoy your coffee black, like any other world-weary soldier.
[ A beat. ]
That's what I would have guessed even if I didn't already hear the answer from Malkuth, for the record.
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[He squints.]
Are you sure you have memory loss?
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It's only short-term memory loss. Anything from the barbeque forward is subject to going out the window, and not all of it is gonna be permanent.
Are you already regretting your kindness?
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[>:/]
........I'm just getting an accumulation of good karma, that's all. Anyways. Any other information about me you'd like to spill?
[>:\]
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[ Kaito laughs brightly. ] She has a way with people, y'know. And the grumpier they are, the stronger she gets. I saw it firsthand. When we met, I wasn't very inviting.
Now look at us.
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[NOT ADDRESSING THE MALKUTH (AND KAITO) ALLEGATIONS]
You weren't very inviting? I find that hard to believe.
You know, outside of how obnoxious you are.
1/2
2/2
[ The words are more or less stage whispered. And the answer is yes. ]
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You did. But I was talking more about here, when you got grabbed with the rest of us. Not your life.
[A beat.]
Unless Malkuth made you change overnight from said delinquent to now...her power....
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But I suppose you've got a point. I'm a lot more easygoing nowadays. That doesn't detract from her power, because look at you. She didn't even have to prank you.
I bet she just smiled and you felt your first pang of positive emotions since coming to Neo Tokyo.
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[b inch]
[He's leading the way to the outside, before bee-lining down a street - he thinks this is the same place March asked him to meet up for coffee. Might as well use that and not some place he has no idea about.]
[The last statement makes him feel - weird. Fluttery?]
No. She got on my nerves. She practically threatened to tear my door down if I didn't come outside.
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[ There's that sneaky smirk. Kaito follows along—slowly, but never too far away. ]
Heheheh. She never had to threaten me that far, but we both know why. That's cute. I bet she would have gone through with the threat, too.
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[A little ragged sigh at that.]
I wouldn't put it past her. Vicious, that one.
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[ Kaito bumps shoulders with the Fixer, smiling bright. ]
She really is. I don't need much convincing around her, but I bet she'd fold me in half without a second thought if it would help me in any way. Exaggeration, but y'know.
[ Snicker, snicker. Even if that example, he sounds so fond. ]
—Do I wait until after we've had our coffee to ask if you have feelings for her, or should I do it now?
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[She would.]
[She....]
[The last question makes him feel like Kaito took a brick and smacked him in the head with it. He'd actually rather prefer that than this. That would make some kind of sense.]
[There's a roiling sort of weird spike of annoyance, like the man's gone and poked him in the side in a weak spot he didn't know was there. What a useless, stupid question. This busybody, Kaito...]
What kind of question is that? [With a little gruff noise.] Do you have feelings for her?
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He knew, of course—that's what he's telling himself right now, in the instant Verg's emotional state spikes. Kaito's very good at finding those weak points in people and non-people. Making use of them has been one of the tenets of his success as a mediator and negotiator.
But in this moment, just this once, he wishes he'd been wrong. Wishes he'd missed the mark by any margin. But the Fixer's surely doing his best to play it casual, so he will too. ]
Eheh, y'know, that's a real interesting question... But I'm only gonna answer if you do!
[ Smile, smile. There. Even Verg won't take such obvious bait. They can get their coffee and maybe Kaito can talk about other girls instead. Or have an amnesiac episode. ]
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[Where did this come from?]
[And now he doesn't even know what to do. Feelings? Of course this menace means it in a romantic aspect. This isn't rocket science. And he's a Fixer who has been through some shit. Romance isn't in his vocabulary.]
[No, what he feels for Malkuth is.......it must be different. Or at least, regardless of what it is, it must be buried now, he thinks.]
[Kaito, another greedy monster. A fellow kindred spirit. He falls into silence, caught in the whirlwind of his own thoughts - ironic for a guide to feel lost. If he is asking because he's interested... Hm. Malkuth and him...he could see it, actually. In a way, he and Kaito harmonize in some fashion. Malkuth could be drawn to that, that same core of shared darkness. And on top of that, the man is younger, more full of life, and has a winning carefree smile.]
[(It reminds him of....it reminds him of....)]
[(He'd been teased by him. It felt lighter. It felt easy. The man who had found love and told him about it.)]
[(He wanted him to be happy. He wanted him to live in a world where he could find peace.)]
[Vergilius falls into conflicted, torn silence.]
...
[The coffee shop is here, but he's standing, a little listless in front of the menu. Go ahead and order, Kaito. He's alright. It's fine.]
no subject
That, or he's thinking about all the ways he wants to simply slide into the abyss and ignore the question. One of the two, maybe something else.
And Kaito hasn't felt his memories go foggy since they left base. This is really the worst timeline, huh.
Time might pass slowly for the Fixer. Or maybe it's over in an instant. Who knows? Regardless, the silence between them ends when a warmth slings over his back and shoulders—it's Kaito's arm, pulling the man into an embrace.
...And dragging him off to the side, because a considerable line has formed behind them. ]
I'm sorry, [ he murmurs, letting go as soon as they're out of the way. He's only holding one cup of coffee, and it's held out towards the Fixer. ]
There was never going to be a good way for me to ask that, but there were certainly better ways. You can just... Not say anything. You don't owe me an answer.
But on my end?
Malkuth's the most important person I have here in Neo Tokyo. I want her to be happy.
[ Kaito looks down at the ripples caused by the quivering of his hand. But only for a moment. Golds flit up to meet crimson, resolute with an echo of despondency. ]
...So, if you like her romantically, you should go after her. Forget about first or third or tenth lives. This godforsaken world is a new chance for all of us—and yes, that includes you.
I still don't know anything about your past or what you've lost, Vergilius. Maybe I never will. But I know your eyes. I know that gaze. I know that tiredness.
Give yourself a chance here.
[ Nice speech, Pot. Two and a half stars. ]
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[Malkuth's the most important person I have here in Neo Tokyo. I want her to be happy.]
[Of course. Of course. And he almost finds himself nodding, because he agrees in his own way. She should be happy.]
[He shouldn't be happy.]
[Those golden eyes - he wants to reach out and shake him. The anger is different now - like a boiling in his belly. He's not mad at Kaito. He's mad for him.]
[No, he's not taking that coffee.]
Who are you to.....throw this to me, huh?
[He lets out a rattling sigh. He's the selfish type, he knows. He always has been. But at the same time, he's the same person who would gladly cut himself off if it meant his sacrifice meant something. He'd use himself as soil for the land to feed the people he loves. What a paradox.]
What about you? Speaking as if...you don't have a chance, either? What's wrong with you? As if....as if I'm better than you....
1/2
Truthfully, he'd expected this. He already has an answer for this. Is that something to be proud of, or is that pathetic? ]
I'm not better or worse than you, Vergilius, [ Kaito murmurs gently. ] But I know your type. I look in your eyes, and I see a reflection that isn't so unfamiliar.
A greedy monster. A selfish, selfless man. Someone who takes, and takes, and takes again—and then bends over to become the bridge for his friends to use to cross a river.
[ Kaito tosses the coffee and cup to the side of the road. Sorry. It allows him to step closer and stare Verg in the eyes. (He would grasp his shoulder or cup his cheek, but he doesn't quite have the nerve.) ]
I see you. You and I, we have... We have...
2/3 actually
I'm. I'm... [ Oh. Ooooh, those words are being carried with the tone of a man who knows he's about to die. Or at least be forgotten. ]
Vergilius. Vergilius. Boss— [ His throat tightens. Pulse quickens. Words smash together. ] I'm going to forget this conversation. Please... Please. You have to remind me what I was saying when—
[ Golds widen, then dilate. Pain lances through Kaito's skull as he leans his head against the Fixer's opposite shoulder. ]
Ugh...
3/3
A hint of trepidation flickers in gold pools. Through trembling fingers, Kaito whispers. ]
...When did I leave the cafeteria...?
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me losing it
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