synflux | closed.

[ considering the (awkward) conclusion of their last conversation, the timing of this activity couldn't be worse. but, considering the intent behind the supposed "mission"— he can't exactly claim they didn't fit the profile of those who "don't get along." while he could readily cast blame, he knows... it's not exactly worth it. despite his usual apathy, it would be foolish to say he didn't see his part in their prior disagreement.

it's not like his stance has changed...

but, it's true that after some reflecting, he did think wriothesley may have been accommodating in his own right. that doesn't mean, however, that he's going to be the first to unzip his pants and break this silence. hence, he stands there, only sighing when wriothesley eventually speaks. ]

Here, I thought you were trying not to speak to me.

[ Can't believe it's been two tags and Wriothesley already wants this day to be over. What do you mean he has to be chained to this guy for another 23 hours?

Also he may have initiated the conversation but he will not be initiating the unzipping. They are both just going to have to hold it in for the foreseeable future. ]

I'm trying to avoid a repeat of this situation in the future.

[ Because if they try to get along now then surely they won't have to be handcuffed together again in the future. That was the plan anyway, but it's really looking to be harder to pull off than he thought. ]

But if you'd prefer continued silence then I'll do my best to oblige.

[ And they can just be 🧍‍♂️🧍‍♂️ in the bathroom together. ]

[ why are they even here...

except, we know why, and yet neither are actually committing to using this bathroom for what it was intended for. yuwon remains silent for a moment, as if taking in his words, or maybe bracing himself mentally. thinking back on what the man said last time... ] It's not a bad contrast to have you shut your mouth sometimes. [ but, despite his words, there's no actual bite to them. ... and strangely, there's no actual challenge behind them for once either.

he releases a sigh, before he eventually says: ] But, you're softer than I thought.

[ which in the context of them both standing in front of the urinals... maybe this isn't the best start to addressing what had transpired between them. ]

[ Is that supposed to be a compliment?

Wriothesley looks over, eyes half-lidded, unsure if he should be taking this guy seriously or if he should just stop listening to what Yuwon has to say altogether. The vibes feel....a little different from before. Like Yuwon might actually be trying to carry his weight this time instead of just leaving everyone around him in the dust.

Whether or not that'll last remains to be seen though. ]

Did you take me for some sort of monster?

[ Just because he looks tough and intimidating doesn't mean that's all he is. ]

What else do you assume about me then?

[ May as well clear the air some. ]

[ it was less of a compliment vs. a general observation. or so yuwon may have clarified, instead, he just seems to mull over his next inquiry. he releases a small sigh, though it's difficult to tell if it was made in finding the question ridiculous, or if he was simply exasperated (even though it's literally been like ten minutes max). ]

I didn't. Unfortunately for you, I knew a lot of monsters. [ actual monsters and ... metaphorical ones. but, instead he seems to shake it off. ] I didn't assume much. But, [ he begins again, before his eyes shift to look over at wrio. ]

I did think you were trying to be amicable at times. [ "think," "trying," "at times" — he's trying to stress here. obviously, not clearly absolving the other man from blame. which did make him deliberate if wriothesley wanted to be friends...

but, it's been some time since he's forged a genuine friendship beyond the concept of using someone for his future objectives. hence, he seems to pause and think of how to continue his train of thought. ] I thought you weren't a bad person.

[ Yuwon really does seem to be trying, which should be a point in his favor. The effort's obvious enough that Wriothesley sighs again, relenting a bit more. ]

So you treat everyone as though they're disposable tools, regardless of whether you think they're a good person or not?

[ What a way to live…Not his way to live, that's for sure, but he and Yuwon are very different people. But hey, he's spent his life around people vastly different from him in both temperament and ability, and he'd always found some way to get along with them even temporarily. Surely this can't be all that different. ]

Do you have any friends? [ What a subject change. ] Not necessarily here, but back home.

[ He needs to do some background research first. ]

[ the term isn't exactly wrong. despite him not explicitly utilizing those words, the simple fact that it was somewhat true doesn't escape him. ] I didn't say that. [ is what he says, but he doesn't deny or confirm the rest. ] I have a goal. [ .. and to achieve it, he did consider who would make the most ideal allies in such instances. who he could bring along with him without having to question their strength or their resolve.

but, naturally, he doesn't necessarily feel the need to fully explain himself. instead at the question... ]

I did. [ "did" may have been a bit too telling in of itself, but it's true that he hasn't met the majority of them yet in his second life. "did" may have also sounded a bit ominous without context, but maybe wriothesley would let him off.

hence, he returns the question: ] What about you?

[ They're really out here having a heart to heart in the bathroom…I did this to us.

The word 'goal' has Wriothesley glancing over again, his expression shuttered back down to an indecipherable mask. It's not that he can't understand striving to reach a far off dream, even if for the majority of his life he'd only ever fought for the right to survive another day, but it still doesn't seem right to step all over others in pursuit of that dream. ]

You know they say that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, right?

[ What's the point of saying that….? He doesn't elaborate. And maybe surprisingly, the rebound question back at him has him laughing, a short dry chuckle. ]

Would you be surprised if I said I don't have very many people I call a friend?

[ Hard to make friends with someone who keeps his past tightly under wraps and who never lets anyone in too close. Not even out of any particular hatred for others but simply out of habit, a longstanding and long-learned lesson that the only person he can really rely on is himself. ]

What was it about these 'friends' of yours that made you willing to acknowledge them?

Are you saying you're a fly? [ while he did tend to be contrary at times, it's not exactly his intention for once. or rather, he just doesn't feel like they're the words to say at a time like this. they seemed so far removed from the point that it wasn't worth defending himself.

but, wriothesley's next words surprise him somehow. for someone who spoke so easily of concepts like teamwork and making the appropriate attempts to foster it ... it seemed ridiculous. but, maybe this made them more similar than he initially suspected. not in the sense that he feels a kinship or connection to him — no. he could simply see the parallel they had ... and respect the fact it existed.

he doesn't doubt that it probably also stems from an inherent desire to keep people away. hence, he thinks back to his words from weeks ago. ] You don't see how that's contradictory? [ but, it's not like yuwon can not call him out on it. listen, he can relate to something, but also criticize it. ]

Time. [ it's ironic considering he means it in more ways than one. but, really... ] It's more like they wouldn't leave me alone. [ ... and before he knew it. but, as soon as he says it, his brows furrow as if he had put to words something he didn't exactly mean to say. ]

[ He's the fly now, huh? Well, it's not like Yuwon is wrong. At his core, at the root of who he is, he's a kid from the streets who never would have amounted to much had things turned out differently. And especially here, stripped of every title that once made him someone, he's back to being a no one, just another face in the crowd.

But he doesn't say as much, even if the faint smile lingers on his face. He hadn't brought them here with the intention of talking about himself. ]

Those must be some incredibly strong-willed people then, to tolerate your presence for so long.

[ Or maybe they simply have low standards? (Just kidding.) Either way, what Yuwon describes is the opposite of his own approach. Maybe that explains the friction between them, ever present in varying amounts. ]

I'm surprised you put up with them. Or was the effort of chasing them away more trouble than it was worth?

[ ( wriothesley voice ) wow.

but, yuwon isn't actually offended. instead, he seems to take the remark in stride, if just because he doesn't necessarily think he was easy to deal with, especially in his prior life. before he may have been more distrusting than he was now. he was entirely obsessed with climbing the tower completely on his own without relying on a single person. while, it's similar now... it's different.

if he had to say, his previous character... was pretty bad, so he only gives a small ironic huff. ] There's no denying they're strong. But, I could say the same for you. [ does he mean to say wrio is strong-willed in his own way, or that he tolerated him for long enough? ]

How would you propose getting rid of someone who was immortal? For the record, they were much stronger than me. [ initially, at least. no, even after that he would only win 5/12 times and only under certain circumstances. ]

[ i really made such a mistake showing you that wow scene

Cute of Yuwon to call him strong (or annoyingly persistent though) and Wriothesley can't help but smile a little, a brief flash here and gone in a heartbeat. Strong of will maybe - isn't his Vision meant to be proof of that? - but physically he knows he'll always be on the lower end. Still, he'll try his best no matter what. ]

Should I take that as a compliment?

[ But again, they're not here to talk about him. The question has him going silent again, expression smoothing out as he mulls it over. They really are never going to pee at this rate. ]

Depends. How smart would you say you are?

[ no takebacks...

at the question, yuwon just seems to shrug slightly. as if not willing to fully commit to his words when called out like that. it's as if to state that he was simply leaving it up to his interpretation. though, he does add a: ] If you're that easy.

[ there is no light without shadows and all that. hence, there is no true compliment without the underbelly of an insult somewhere. at least not between them. but, at that, yuwon does ... unzip his pants. this is so rude, but he doesn't seem to care at this rate. it's not like yuwon was known for his social grace and manners... ]

And is that supposed to be an insult... [ that said, despite the methodical approach he's taken to the tower in his second life, he was never one to state that he was really analytical. maybe. but this could have just been a warped or one-sided perception of himself. ] How would you answer that question?

[ Look, they're in the bathroom for a reason and that reason is exactly this. There's no social fallacy here, only a guy willing to do what needs to be done.

But wow, they're really going to be doing this question back and forth for awhile, huh? Why can't either of them just be straightforward in what they're saying….. Yuwon unzips his pants and Wriothesley lifts up his hands in a submissive gesture. ]

Hey, I just think you know yourself better than I do. [ What does he know about the man? That Yuwon is deeply annoying. ] Wouldn't want to take away the credit you rightfully deserve.

[ Even if, again, he just thinks Yuwon is an annoying pain in the ass. ]

But gods aren't infallible. Some of them leave behind loopholes, others are easily swayed. If you use your head enough, I'm sure you could find some way to rid yourself of them. You're hardly weak either.

[ Is that a compliment…. ]

[ it's not wrong, but he doesn't think wriothesley asks in order to ascertain his actual intellect. rather, wouldn't that be difficult to measure? hence, he doesn't find it worth answering. instead he leaves it to a simple: ] It's whatever you think.

[ neither confirming nor denying. it remains an elusive conversation point as with many of their exchanges.

neither one of the men truly revealing their hand. both likely with some intrinsic sense of natural distrust. ... or perhaps, both were just accustomed to putting up boundaries. despite having no plans of letting down his own, maybe he had some kindling of a desire to cross wriothesley's boundary; though, whether this was for some other purpose, or for the sheer challenge of it ... is unknown.

but, like most things regarding human relationships, yuwon was far too apathetic to put it into tangible action. instead, he .... uses the bathroom as wriothesley speaks. drowning out the sound of his voice. ]

I only heard the last part. [ but, the slight smile on his lips maybe suggests that's not all he heard. that said: ] But if I had to say, it sounds like you're speaking from experience.

[ There Yuwon goes...and there Wriothesley goes, sighing as he follows suit and unzips his own pants. At least neither of them are going to die from holding it in now. ]

The only part that matters to you, huh?

[ Just kidding, Yuwon might seem arrogant but he's never given off the impression of being incredibly self-centered. Just...unaware of the people around him more often than not.

But before he continues, give him a moment to also do his business. Nothing says bonding than two guys going to the restroom next to each other. And then, once that's done— ]

You could say I'm used to hanging around people much stronger than I am. [ At least he's honest about it? ] Maybe that's why I've learned the art of how to get along with others. The less of a threat you pose to others, the more likely you are to survive.

[ after doing his business, he zips up. seeming to wait momentarily while waiting for wriothesley to do the same. he just seems to stare at the urinal in front of him. i guess it's automated so the pee is gone now. good riddance, this is my last pee tag, i promise. i also can't believe i was trying to ask around and make sure they flush... ]

Are you saying other things matter? [ it's a joke back.

he supposes there were a number of other more important factors than just strength. when he hears wriothesley's next words, he takes in his words, and for once... he doesn't seem quite so dismissive. ] I didn't shy away from making enemies. [ as if... this wasn't already clear from his behavior. ]

But, I don't think your way of living is wrong, either. [ rather, did he have the right to pass judgment on such a thing? maybe the him from his prior timeline before he met son ohgong, hercules, and everyone else... he might have. but not now. he suppose it did give perspective to wriothesley, and maybe without him saying it— through some of the struggles he may have had. ]

[ I guess it's Wrio's turn to watch his pee get flushed down the urinal…I really made us sit here and talk about pee. Another thing to check off the list, I guess, but this is also my last tag about pee. ]

Is that supposed to make me feel better?

[ He's never done anything with the express desire to earn praise from others and he's certainly not about to start now, but he finds he doesn't mind Yuwon's approval (if it can even be called that) so much. Maybe because of the sentiment behind it - an acknowledgment of his actions rather than a dismissal.

Are they friends now? No. Are they enemies? Definitely not either. To be honest, Wriothesley still isn't sure where he stands with Yuwon, if he's just another tool in a box to be taken out as needed, or if he's been (to put it in HSY's terms) an NPC that's been upgraded to an actual player character. (He's not actually thinking this but I am.) ]

So what's your plan here then? Live life the same way you did before?

[ is this truly the end for pee...

when he hears that inquiry, there's a part of him that finds some odd semblance of humor in it. though, maybe this whole talk was laughable in a sense. he's never exchanged such raw words with someone like this before. perhaps, the closest was when he met up again with son ohgong's alter ego. he doesn't actually know why he even thinks of him at a time like this. especially, when the man in front of him bore no similarities to him. ... outside of their disagreements.

maybe just like how he couldn't get rid of son ohgong, or the other people he's inevitably become closer to through the centuries... he felt similarly about the people here. not necessarily in proximity, but just in the fact that he couldn't walk away as easily as he'd like.

hence, at his words, his expression becomes a bit more clouded before he gives a shrug. ] I don't know. It's not like I can see the future. [ the irony of these words... but, at least he can say that with conviction here. ]

[ though with that— ] What about you?

[ with that, he's already giving their connected arm a tug as he wants to get out of here. ]

[ Can't believe this is the end of their pee-bonding....RIP.

Funny that Yuwon should talk about seeing the future when all of his decisions on the matter rest solely in his own hands. But maybe that's just his own take as someone used to being let down by others time and again, and who's learned to rely solely on himself. Wriothesley snorts a little, zipping up his pants once he's finished. ]

Isn't it better that you can't see the future? Personally I think it's just a burden, to have some sort of inevitability dropped on you without warning.

[ Hadn't Fontaine's prophecy been, in some ways, a glimpse of the potential future? And what had that brought with it other than panic and a sense of dread? ]

I'll choose to muddle my way through, thanks. [ Just like he's always done. ] It's not so bad here though. I didn't mind my life before and I don't mind my life here. At the end of the day, I'm not that hard to please.

[ When you grow up with nothing, you learn to live life content with very little. ]

[ the sentiment the other man projects isn't entirely wrong. though, not exactly in the way he may have intended for it. it's not false to state that knowing the future and having traveled back ... was a huge burden. honestly, it's why he made a conscious effort not to think on it more than he had to. there was a lot at stake and many lives hinged on his efforts.

being chosen was a hefty weight to bear, and he never truly forgets that fact. in a way, while unintentional, wriothesley's words seem to reaffirm that for him. it's kind of nice to think that someone else shares this sentiment, even in some nebulous, nearly unrelated sort of way. ]

I agree. It is a burden. [ he says as if they're talking about something entirely factitious. but, as if to move on from this topic — he shifts gears, his tone reverting back to his usual one, his expression also becoming more even as he speaks. ]

I thought you missed throwing people in prison?

[ Now that they're on their way out of the bathroom, it's much easier to hold a conversation and be heard. He's not sure he's made any headway with the guy but he's gotten more acknowledgments in the past ten minutes than he has in the past two months, so he'll take it as a win.

Even if the real test is to see whether Yuwon remembers any of this in the future.

For now, he's content to slide the conversation to something a little less serious. Which apparently is going to be him. ]

What, just because I wear handcuffs? [ It would be a fair enough assumption if so. ] But no, I don't actually enjoy 'throwing people in prison' as you put it. In fact, I much rather prefer it when people obey the laws and I don't have to greet twenty new faces at the front door of the Fortress. Prison isn't exactly a fun place to be.

[ Speaking from experience. ]

But thankfully, I won't have to do any of that here.

[ now that they've left those more serious topics behind in the bathroom, hopefully to be metaphorically flushed away like their pee (look, i squeezed another one in here), he seems a bit more at ease. though, he'd hate to admit it, it's true that he sees the merit in upkeeping some of the connections he'd made in this place. while some of it may still have chalked up to numbers and usability, there may have been something else there. the starting of the kindling of trust.

at least enough trust to believe the man may have had his back when push came to shove. but instead of acknowledging this for the second time in their exchange, he'd rather stick to their present topic. ]

"Thankfully." Somehow, I thought you also liked doing tedious things. [ is this a joke? but, it's true that wriothesley did seem to put effort into things a decent amount. he still remembers the act he put on for the kids, or in his missions. including this one, he guesses. ]

I've never been in prison to know, [ if just because he hadn't been caught or killed yet. ] but I'll take your word for it.

[ can't believe you squeezed in one last pee comment.....but soon it'll be out of the urinal stands and into the showers.... ]

Does anyone truly enjoy tedium? [ Actually, wait, don't answer that. ] I simply believe in doing the work I'm given when it's given so I won't be overworked later.

[ His freedom...his teatime.... But also if pitching in where necessary and doing a few less scintillating things will help the system run more smoothly and make life easier for everyone, then he's all about it.

But those are just his own personal philosophies. ]

And good. Keep it that way. The food there is terrible. [ But hey, speaking of food— ] What do you say we go grab something to eat though?

[ So I can wrap this up/handwave the rest and we can start our shower thread.... ]

[ he'd argue that some find tedium a comfort. seeing the same sights, eating the same foods, going about the same exact routine. naturally, that doesn't seem to apply to either of them, or anyone in this place for that matter. but, he'd argue it's been a bit slower paced here than back in the tower.

but, the comment about being overworked... ] So you're saying you like the downtime.

[ it's more of a comment, but it's better than most of his conversations go, arguably. for once, he also doesn't have much more to add for that. he supposed he could save his taunting for when they're not literally glued together for the day. it's not like he's also looking to make this time more insufferable.

at his mention of food, he gives a nod. ] Sure. I'll even let you pick. [ it's more dismissive than it is thoughtful for the record. but, honestly, he's good as long as he's not stuffing himself full with medicinal herbs or poison.

but, this them grabbing food then i guess... but yes, 🚿🚿🚿🚿 ]

Edited 2024-04-08 06:22 (UTC)

closed.

looks up....

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject