[ Megumi is a tired husk 99% of the time, but on the rare occasion he does muster up a year's worth of energy for some spunk or violence. Wriothesley has been asking for light-hearted anime violence for the last 10 minutes, and that's how we got here. As the other man chews his apple, Megumi pierces the next piece with a fork. He will be gentler this time. ]
It's LILITH technology. [ The actual name of the item is highly embarrassing, so he's going to omit this. ] When two people wear it, they can track each other's whereabouts. It makes sense to do this since we might get attacked at any time.
But that sounds...well, truthfully the idea of having someone able to pinpoint his location at all times sounds awful, even if Megumi has a point that it would be useful as a reference in the event of an attack gone wrong. Still, his deep-seated need for privacy makes the ring less interesting in his eyes and he quietly munches away on the rest of his apple before replying. ]
Sounds handy. Did you give it to one of your friends then?
[ For Megumi's sake, he won't immediately assume the other ring belongs to Yuji. Also: ]
Are you planning on feeding me yourself while you're here? I can still move my hands, you know.
[ Try having a best friend with a death wish who's died two times already. Wriothesley might understand his separation anxiety then ...
He gave the other ring to Yuji, which is probably as Wriostheley had expected. ]
The other ring is with Yuji. [ And there's a deep pause before he realised that there's no actual need to feed the older man. Maybe he just made the assumption then and went on autopilot? ]
... Tell me that earlier. [ With an annoyed expression, he puts down the fork now. ]
But he does remember Yuji offhandedly mentioning that he'd died, so he can understand the want to keep a friend safe and ensure that a repeat doesn't happen again. Too many people have died already here. There's no need for more.
...Though somehow he doubts a simple tracker will be enough. Still, no point making the atmosphere worse. ]
He must be really important to you. [ For once there isn't any hint of teasing in his voice, the words a simple but serious observation. ] I hope for both your sakes that the two of you remain safe while you're here.
[ And for the sakes of everyone else that's grown fond of these two boys. Buuuuut we can't be serious for too long, and it's only seconds afterwards that Wriothesley pipes up again. ]
Though if both of you wear those rings, people really will start getting the impression that you're a couple.
Yeah ... [ It's unclear what he's responding to, whether it's that that boy is important to him or if he also wishes for their safety. Either way, the sentiment is accepted and appreciated. Though, he does think that Wriothesley should worry about himself first, since he seems worse for wear between them both. He doesn't know if the older man is still in pain, but being chatty and prying into Megumi's love life might be his way to distract himself. ]
That ... Surely they would know that it's LILITH technology. [ Uhh, no. Even Megumi knows how it looks. He's trying not to think about it. ]
[ Wriothesley is not going to say anything, because surely Megumi knows that's not what it looks like. But it helps that he's distracted enough by what follows next that he doesn't have time to rib Megumi more about his (not actually) married status.
His eyes open wide, blinking once. ]
Seeing someone?
[ Damn, already?? The kids really do move fast these days. He would love to ask who but that seems like something better asked of Yuji directly than something he should weasel out of Megumi. ]
Well, congratulations to him. [ He tips his head to one side, curious. ] And you're alright with it?
[ Just checking. If they really are just friends and nothing more, then he'll drop the subject and they can move on to something else. Like Megumi's own love life. ]
[ Megumi respects his friend's privacy enough not to gossip about him, so Wriothesley would probably need to ask Yuji about any further details. He apparently does not respect his friend's privacy enough not to track him at all times, but that's an entirely different thing. ]
I'm ... [ Is he alright with it? There was a point he felt irritated by it, and saddened that they would not be spending as much time together as before. It's always been him, Yuji and Kugisaki. One of them finding a partner changes the dynamic of things a little. Still, he's judged Raidou to be a good person. A better person than Megumi. That's probably what Yuji deserves. ]
He's happy. That's all I want for him. [ He hasn't worked out what he actually wants yet, but when has that ever mattered? ]
[ All I want for him, as supportive as it sounds on the outside, isn't the same as a guarantee of happiness. There's a fine line that some people don't bother to distinguish between, but having spent almost a lifetime surrounded people constantly at war with their own emotions and desires, he's gotten good at reading through the lines.
There's a brief lull of silence as he mulls over how to approach this - and whether or not he even should try and tackle this - and in the end he settles for the straightforward approach. ]
But you're not happy.
[ It's a statement, not a question, said softly, with plenty of room for Megumi to slide in a rebuttal if he wants. ]
What would make you happy?
[ The question is open-ended, broad in scope. He'd accept pretty much any answer given so long as it's truthful. ]
[ Is he happy? Megumi tries not to analyze himself too much - not when it came to his own emotions, anyway. If being happy means feeling settled, relaxed, and pleased with the way his life is going, he doesn't know if he's ever felt happy. He does, however, feel pleasant when he gets to spend time with his friends or relax with an interesting book. It doesn't feel like that's what the older man is asking.
Why is he asking all this, anyway? It should be Megumi helping the injured man feel better, not the other way around. ]
I didn't say that -- [ But his protest is a little weak, so maybe Wriothesley is right about what he's read between the lines. It should be part of life, but he's never once considered that his best friend might have someone they treasure more than him, someone they enjoy spending time with more than him. It doesn't make him feel good, when he should just be happy for the other boy instead. It's so selfish. ]
I don't think about that sort of thing ... because it's not important. [ His happiness. Himself, as a person. None of it has ever been a priority for him. ]
[ It's a serious talk they're having, but in a way that's helpful in its own way, the heavy focus on Megumi enough to distract from the lingering pain that still eats at him. Spend enough time with people whose lives are worse than your own and you get used to working through their problems. Besides, he handled his own problems long ago. ]
I'd argue that your own happiness should be one of the most important things.
[ The words come out firm but not demanding, a counterargument that still leaves room for negotiation. ]
Sure, it's great for you to take into consideration the wants of those around you, but you shouldn't neglect your own feelings in the process.
[ Neglect them or stifle them, burying them deep down until they end up forgotten, emotions that end up becoming dulled with underusage. It shouldn't be something any young person should have to learn to do, but the unfortunate truth of the world is that it's becoming all too common.
Wriothesley folds his hands together in front of him, gaze still fixed on Megumi. ]
Think about it this way. Do you think Yuji would be happy if he knew you were unhappy? I don't mean about his relationship but in general.
I already know he wouldn't. [ The other boy is the sort to always be looking out for other people, and that applied to everyone around them and not just Megumi. While Wriosthesley was practically inviting him to think about himself and what he actually wants to do about this time away from home, what would actually give him fulfilment, Megumi is trained to have so little consideration for himself that all he can think about is how asking for what he wants is going to ruin his friend's happiness.
Because he's definitely starting to realise that what he is ... is jealous. He wants to be the one his friend depends on. They've been together longer. They've risked their lives for each other. It stings that he cannot be that person, but it doesn't feel like he can do anything about it.
It's so unreal and so frustrating and annoying that he came here to shove apples at a sick man and now he has to think about some off putting feelings he might have. Megumi's face heats up, and he somehow manages to look pressed and embarrassed, turning away as he flushes pink. ] But he's the sort of person who puts others first. So ... I'm not going to make things awkward for him by saying anything.
[ Time to vent some of those frustrations by shoving more rabbit apples into said sick man's mouth to stop him from talking.
Though miraculously Wriothesley isn't saying all too much now, his mouth blessedly closed as he watches Megumi sit beside him. Truthfully, talks of romance and friendship are out of the scope of his jurisdiction. Hard to make friends in a place where one misstep could get you killed, and even harder to engage in any sort of meaningful romance without a solid foundation of trust to build it upon.
There's little he can say to help untangle the current situation, and even less advice he can offer. ]
Aren't you the same sort of person by putting his needs over your own?
[ It's not a question that needs an answer so much as it is a simple observation. ]
Would a distraction help? Something to keep your mind off things.
[ As far as solutions go, it's a terrible longterm solution, but brooding about things isn't going to help either. ]
[ Wriosthesley isn't wrong, but his observation is being duly ignored. Megumi can recognise his own hypocrisy, but that doesn't mean he has to change the way he thinks and acts. Unfortunately, his lack of consideration for himself is so ingrained into him that it would take a miracle to make him change. ]
What kind of distraction are you talking about? [ Not having to dwell on his petty feelings is quite welcome, actually. ]
[ Imagine if he actually thought through his plans instead of just suggesting things. But in his defense, he's not actually sure what kinds of activities Megumi enjoys. Some active where there's not much room to think would be best, but if Megumi is anywhere near the level of Yuji and able to fling kaiju no problem, then Wriothesley probably wouldn't be able to keep up.
Hmmmm.... ]
Is there anything you've ever wanted to try?
[ Maybe it's a bad idea to ask the guy who isn't sure what he wants for himself but hey, it's worth a shot as a starting point. ]
[ Megumiβ¦.this is so sad. But it's okay, because Daddy Wrio is here for you. I really regret phrasing things like that, Megumi's nice older friend Wriothesley is here for him. That still sounds as bad. ]
Hmmβ¦
[ Give him a(nother) few seconds to think. ]
Do you like cooking? [ Is he good at cooking? ] It's always nice to be able to cook, both for yourself and friends. There's also baking too.
[ Though that's more outside his wheelhouse. ]
Otherwise if you like keeping active, you could try learning a new sport. Or you could pick up something more creative, like dancing or painting. The world is your oyster.
I'm not dancing. [ He can't even imagine himself doing something like that. It would be so embarrassing. The other suggestions are considered though. He does like sport and picking up useful skills. He's not terribly creative but painting sounds so relaxing. ]
Are you suggesting we do something together? But you can barely get out of bed right now.
[ But why does he have to dunk on Wriothesley immediately? ]
[ Why does he have to drunk on Wriothesley immediately like that.... There's a pained look tha crosses his face - at the dunking, not from actual pain - but he will be magnanimous and let it slide. ]
Why not? Activities are more enjoyable when done in the company of others.
[ ............. ]
Unless you're saying I make terrible company. [ Which, fair. ]
[ Megumi really asked what Wriothesley is good at. The list is so small. ]
Sorry, but I'm only really good at boxing.
[ And even that had always been more of a necessity than any real hobby or activity born from real interest. If he had to pick now...well, it's hard to say what he would gravitate towards. ]
[ Val you have set us up for something so cursed ]
[ There's a nod at boxing. Maki and Gojo have taught him a fair bit of mixed martial arts, so while he doesn't specialize in boxing in any way, he does know a bit about it. Growing his skills in the sport would definitely be helpful in a fight. It sounds fun, too. He would be willing to learn what he can from the older man.
That other thing, though ... There's a small twinkle in Megumi's cold, listless gaze that's not normally there. ] You know how to do something like that?
[ In my defense, what normal teenage boy wants to learn accounting.
Wriothesley is quickly learning that Megumi is not normal though. Wouldn't any other boy his age want to learn how to fight better, or get his heart racing from physical activity? But no, here they are talking about mathematics of all things.
He's actually so dumbfounded he can only stare at Megumi for a good few minutes. Is that actual life he sees on Megumi's face?? ]
Well, sure. I wouldn't offer if I didn't. [ But.... ] Are you sure you really want to learn something like that? Accounting's a pretty dry activity.
I'm already trained in martial arts, but I'm not going to say no to more training.
[ It's not like he said no to that. The accounting was just such a novelty that it captured his interest immediately. He doesn't know anyone who likes math and numbers the way he does. Gojo would gag at the thought of learning something like this, probably. ]
If you were an accountant before, you should take better pride in your line of work, you know. [ Megumi does not see how that is dry. Then again, his favourite activity is reading non-fiction books. ]
Wriothesley does not bother to correct Megumi on this slightly misguided assumption - 90% of his daily work basically boiled down to accounting, so he may as well have been more of an accountant than a prison warden - and instead just sighs, accepting his defeat. ]
Very well. If you want to learn accounting, then I can teach you once I'm feeling better.
[ And then Megumi can offer to do everyone's taxes in Neo-Tokyo in the future. ]
[ He's a kind man. Wriosthesley's here on the sick bed, having had the worst time of his life, and he somehow ended up promising some time to teach Megumi something. Megumi doesn't know how they arrived at this point, but he can't help but feel slightly touched about it. ]
Alright. [ He waits for Wriothesley to turn away, but when the man does, the corner of his lips curve slightly, his head dipped like he's a bit shy about feeling happy. Megumi is smiling. A rare sight. ]
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no subject
It's LILITH technology. [ The actual name of the item is highly embarrassing, so he's going to omit this. ] When two people wear it, they can track each other's whereabouts. It makes sense to do this since we might get attacked at any time.
[ Okay, here comes the aeroplane....... ]
no subject
But that sounds...well, truthfully the idea of having someone able to pinpoint his location at all times sounds awful, even if Megumi has a point that it would be useful as a reference in the event of an attack gone wrong. Still, his deep-seated need for privacy makes the ring less interesting in his eyes and he quietly munches away on the rest of his apple before replying. ]
Sounds handy. Did you give it to one of your friends then?
[ For Megumi's sake, he won't immediately assume the other ring belongs to Yuji. Also: ]
Are you planning on feeding me yourself while you're here? I can still move my hands, you know.
no subject
He gave the other ring to Yuji, which is probably as Wriostheley had expected. ]
The other ring is with Yuji. [ And there's a deep pause before he realised that there's no actual need to feed the older man. Maybe he just made the assumption then and went on autopilot? ]
... Tell me that earlier. [ With an annoyed expression, he puts down the fork now. ]
no subject
But he does remember Yuji offhandedly mentioning that he'd died, so he can understand the want to keep a friend safe and ensure that a repeat doesn't happen again. Too many people have died already here. There's no need for more.
...Though somehow he doubts a simple tracker will be enough. Still, no point making the atmosphere worse. ]
He must be really important to you. [ For once there isn't any hint of teasing in his voice, the words a simple but serious observation. ] I hope for both your sakes that the two of you remain safe while you're here.
[ And for the sakes of everyone else that's grown fond of these two boys. Buuuuut we can't be serious for too long, and it's only seconds afterwards that Wriothesley pipes up again. ]
Though if both of you wear those rings, people really will start getting the impression that you're a couple.
no subject
That ... Surely they would know that it's LILITH technology. [ Uhh, no. Even Megumi knows how it looks. He's trying not to think about it. ]
Anyway, he's ... going out with someone else ...
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His eyes open wide, blinking once. ]
Seeing someone?
[ Damn, already?? The kids really do move fast these days. He would love to ask who but that seems like something better asked of Yuji directly than something he should weasel out of Megumi. ]
Well, congratulations to him. [ He tips his head to one side, curious. ] And you're alright with it?
[ Just checking. If they really are just friends and nothing more, then he'll drop the subject and they can move on to something else. Like Megumi's own love life. ]
no subject
I'm ... [ Is he alright with it? There was a point he felt irritated by it, and saddened that they would not be spending as much time together as before. It's always been him, Yuji and Kugisaki. One of them finding a partner changes the dynamic of things a little. Still, he's judged Raidou to be a good person. A better person than Megumi. That's probably what Yuji deserves. ]
He's happy. That's all I want for him. [ He hasn't worked out what he actually wants yet, but when has that ever mattered? ]
no subject
There's a brief lull of silence as he mulls over how to approach this - and whether or not he even should try and tackle this - and in the end he settles for the straightforward approach. ]
But you're not happy.
[ It's a statement, not a question, said softly, with plenty of room for Megumi to slide in a rebuttal if he wants. ]
What would make you happy?
[ The question is open-ended, broad in scope. He'd accept pretty much any answer given so long as it's truthful. ]
no subject
Why is he asking all this, anyway? It should be Megumi helping the injured man feel better, not the other way around. ]
I didn't say that -- [ But his protest is a little weak, so maybe Wriothesley is right about what he's read between the lines. It should be part of life, but he's never once considered that his best friend might have someone they treasure more than him, someone they enjoy spending time with more than him. It doesn't make him feel good, when he should just be happy for the other boy instead. It's so selfish. ]
I don't think about that sort of thing ... because it's not important. [ His happiness. Himself, as a person. None of it has ever been a priority for him. ]
no subject
I'd argue that your own happiness should be one of the most important things.
[ The words come out firm but not demanding, a counterargument that still leaves room for negotiation. ]
Sure, it's great for you to take into consideration the wants of those around you, but you shouldn't neglect your own feelings in the process.
[ Neglect them or stifle them, burying them deep down until they end up forgotten, emotions that end up becoming dulled with underusage. It shouldn't be something any young person should have to learn to do, but the unfortunate truth of the world is that it's becoming all too common.
Wriothesley folds his hands together in front of him, gaze still fixed on Megumi. ]
Think about it this way. Do you think Yuji would be happy if he knew you were unhappy? I don't mean about his relationship but in general.
no subject
Because he's definitely starting to realise that what he is ... is jealous. He wants to be the one his friend depends on. They've been together longer. They've risked their lives for each other. It stings that he cannot be that person, but it doesn't feel like he can do anything about it.
It's so unreal and so frustrating and annoying that he came here to shove apples at a sick man and now he has to think about some off putting feelings he might have. Megumi's face heats up, and he somehow manages to look pressed and embarrassed, turning away as he flushes pink. ] But he's the sort of person who puts others first. So ... I'm not going to make things awkward for him by saying anything.
no subject
Though miraculously Wriothesley isn't saying all too much now, his mouth blessedly closed as he watches Megumi sit beside him. Truthfully, talks of romance and friendship are out of the scope of his jurisdiction. Hard to make friends in a place where one misstep could get you killed, and even harder to engage in any sort of meaningful romance without a solid foundation of trust to build it upon.
There's little he can say to help untangle the current situation, and even less advice he can offer. ]
Aren't you the same sort of person by putting his needs over your own?
[ It's not a question that needs an answer so much as it is a simple observation. ]
Would a distraction help? Something to keep your mind off things.
[ As far as solutions go, it's a terrible longterm solution, but brooding about things isn't going to help either. ]
no subject
What kind of distraction are you talking about? [ Not having to dwell on his petty feelings is quite welcome, actually. ]
no subject
Hmmmm.... ]
Is there anything you've ever wanted to try?
[ Maybe it's a bad idea to ask the guy who isn't sure what he wants for himself but hey, it's worth a shot as a starting point. ]
no subject
[ He's always going from one deadly mission to the next, so he doesn't have the luxury to. ] It would be nice to learn something new.
[ But what.... ]
no subject
Hmmβ¦
[ Give him a(nother) few seconds to think. ]
Do you like cooking? [ Is he good at cooking? ] It's always nice to be able to cook, both for yourself and friends. There's also baking too.
[ Though that's more outside his wheelhouse. ]
Otherwise if you like keeping active, you could try learning a new sport. Or you could pick up something more creative, like dancing or painting. The world is your oyster.
no subject
I'm not dancing. [ He can't even imagine himself doing something like that. It would be so embarrassing. The other suggestions are considered though. He does like sport and picking up useful skills. He's not terribly creative but painting sounds so relaxing. ]
Are you suggesting we do something together? But you can barely get out of bed right now.
[ But why does he have to dunk on Wriothesley immediately? ]
no subject
Why not? Activities are more enjoyable when done in the company of others.
[ ............. ]
Unless you're saying I make terrible company. [ Which, fair. ]
no subject
I didn't say that. [ He doesn't think Wriosthesley is terrible company. ]
Teach me something you're good at then. Unless it involves dancing.
no subject
Sorry, but I'm only really good at boxing.
[ And even that had always been more of a necessity than any real hobby or activity born from real interest. If he had to pick now...well, it's hard to say what he would gravitate towards. ]
Unless you'd like to learn accounting?
[ Literally no one wants to learn that. ]
no subject
[ There's a nod at boxing. Maki and Gojo have taught him a fair bit of mixed martial arts, so while he doesn't specialize in boxing in any way, he does know a bit about it. Growing his skills in the sport would definitely be helpful in a fight. It sounds fun, too. He would be willing to learn what he can from the older man.
That other thing, though ... There's a small twinkle in Megumi's cold, listless gaze that's not normally there. ] You know how to do something like that?
no subject
Wriothesley is quickly learning that Megumi is not normal though. Wouldn't any other boy his age want to learn how to fight better, or get his heart racing from physical activity? But no, here they are talking about mathematics of all things.
He's actually so dumbfounded he can only stare at Megumi for a good few minutes. Is that actual life he sees on Megumi's face?? ]
Well, sure. I wouldn't offer if I didn't. [ But.... ] Are you sure you really want to learn something like that? Accounting's a pretty dry activity.
no subject
[ It's not like he said no to that. The accounting was just such a novelty that it captured his interest immediately. He doesn't know anyone who likes math and numbers the way he does. Gojo would gag at the thought of learning something like this, probably. ]
If you were an accountant before, you should take better pride in your line of work, you know. [ Megumi does not see how that is dry. Then again, his favourite activity is reading non-fiction books. ]
no subject
Wriothesley does not bother to correct Megumi on this slightly misguided assumption - 90% of his daily work basically boiled down to accounting, so he may as well have been more of an accountant than a prison warden - and instead just sighs, accepting his defeat. ]
Very well. If you want to learn accounting, then I can teach you once I'm feeling better.
[ And then Megumi can offer to do everyone's taxes in Neo-Tokyo in the future. ]
no subject
Alright. [ He waits for Wriothesley to turn away, but when the man does, the corner of his lips curve slightly, his head dipped like he's a bit shy about feeling happy. Megumi is smiling. A rare sight. ]
Did you need anything else?