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[ interesting. that's the only thing so far that hiyori's contributed that has made leona pause. he rolls it around in his mind for a moment or two--- an enemy of the royal family? one that would love to see him suffer? sure, there are always going to be people upset with the decisions that are made to ensure their kingdom prospers, but as far as he knows... ]
Psh, nah. Ya think I'd have any enemies?
[ if anything, he'd be the one who would send someone to suck-and-fuck resort but that's... not really his way of going about things either. no, he'd rather just pound someone into submission and have them grovel on their knees. beg for forgiveness. forget their insolence. ]
Even on campus, everyone knows who not to mess with. And thanks to my brother, the king... our people love us. That's the only good thing he really does nowadays.
[ and while leona may dislike certain mages, it doesn't mean it's reciprocated in kind. ]
So maybe ya know who made ya take this vacation, but that doesn't mean it's the same for me.
Psh, nah. Ya think I'd have any enemies?
[ if anything, he'd be the one who would send someone to suck-and-fuck resort but that's... not really his way of going about things either. no, he'd rather just pound someone into submission and have them grovel on their knees. beg for forgiveness. forget their insolence. ]
Even on campus, everyone knows who not to mess with. And thanks to my brother, the king... our people love us. That's the only good thing he really does nowadays.
[ and while leona may dislike certain mages, it doesn't mean it's reciprocated in kind. ]
So maybe ya know who made ya take this vacation, but that doesn't mean it's the same for me.
[Hiyori wouldn't even send his worst enemy to the fuck-and-suck resort. A, his worst enemies wouldn't deserve the "luxury resort" part! And B, if it's someone like Eichi-kun, he'd find it much more satisfying to win against him onstage than to decimate his career with a sex scandal. Part of being noble-born means taking the high road.
And if the enemy is Gatekeeper, well, apparently his dick doesn't work, so jot that down...
Leona's claim that he has no enemies doesn't earn much of a reaction. Hiyori doesn't know him or his kingdom; that might be true, or it might not be true! Still, he's surprised that a prince, of all people (even one who seems a bit too lazy to help govern or pass legislation), wouldn't have acquired some enemies...
Until he catches that one part. "My brother, the king."
Immediate recognition dawns on Hiyori's face. If Leona mentioned that part earlier, he missed it (possibly because he was still stressed over the kidnapping, or possibly because he was distracted by Leona's funny ears!). But now that he's caught it, that explains a lot in his view: not about their abduction, but about Leona.]
So that's how it is.
[He nods like he understands.]
Yep, you do make fewer enemies when you're not involved at all in your family's affairs. You get to lounge around all day thinking, "he's the heir, so that stuff has nothing to do with me." But you might still be valuable for one thing, anyway.
[Drumroll, please.]
Ransom, blackmail, or entertainment value!
And if the enemy is Gatekeeper, well, apparently his dick doesn't work, so jot that down...
Leona's claim that he has no enemies doesn't earn much of a reaction. Hiyori doesn't know him or his kingdom; that might be true, or it might not be true! Still, he's surprised that a prince, of all people (even one who seems a bit too lazy to help govern or pass legislation), wouldn't have acquired some enemies...
Until he catches that one part. "My brother, the king."
Immediate recognition dawns on Hiyori's face. If Leona mentioned that part earlier, he missed it (possibly because he was still stressed over the kidnapping, or possibly because he was distracted by Leona's funny ears!). But now that he's caught it, that explains a lot in his view: not about their abduction, but about Leona.]
So that's how it is.
[He nods like he understands.]
Yep, you do make fewer enemies when you're not involved at all in your family's affairs. You get to lounge around all day thinking, "he's the heir, so that stuff has nothing to do with me." But you might still be valuable for one thing, anyway.
[Drumroll, please.]
Ransom, blackmail, or entertainment value!
[Fortunately, Hiyori wasn't expecting him to be trained! Even his own stage partner wasn't properly trained when they first started out in Eve. Which meant there was a steep learning curve, but it also meant he got to do some of the training himself, and that was something he enjoyed. Few things are more rewarding than seeing someone bloom with a little love and care.
Which might be what's happening right now. Elan-kun is coming out of his shell a bit more, isn't he?
Hiyori smirks at his reaction, all too satisfied to see his cheeks color. Elan retaliates, however, with a... shoulder-bump? That catches him off-guard. Why, that isn't part of the choreography at all! But he rolls with it, lightly bumping him back with his own shoulder before stepping out in front of him. He stretches his arm out to their invisible audience, just like he normally does while belting out the last lines. And then, at last, the song is over.
Or the singing parts are, anyway. There's still the outro, so he's not done dancing yet! He'll wink at the audience before turning back to Elan, one hand coming to rest on his back. He'll try to pull him into a dance for those last few moments, only stopping his feet when the music does.]
Which might be what's happening right now. Elan-kun is coming out of his shell a bit more, isn't he?
Hiyori smirks at his reaction, all too satisfied to see his cheeks color. Elan retaliates, however, with a... shoulder-bump? That catches him off-guard. Why, that isn't part of the choreography at all! But he rolls with it, lightly bumping him back with his own shoulder before stepping out in front of him. He stretches his arm out to their invisible audience, just like he normally does while belting out the last lines. And then, at last, the song is over.
Or the singing parts are, anyway. There's still the outro, so he's not done dancing yet! He'll wink at the audience before turning back to Elan, one hand coming to rest on his back. He'll try to pull him into a dance for those last few moments, only stopping his feet when the music does.]
[ Well - Elan dances right along as the last notes of the song echo and then fade away. It's nice to let loose for a little while. To find someone he's connected with all over again and share something with them. Even if it's something he doesn't really want to admit out loud. But he does laugh as it starts to end and he sets his microphone down. ]
Well. That was something.
[ He leans over and drapes an arm around Hiyori, leaning into him with a low exhale. ]
Satisfied with my singing voice, senpai?
Well. That was something.
[ He leans over and drapes an arm around Hiyori, leaning into him with a low exhale. ]
Satisfied with my singing voice, senpai?
[ eichi-kun is very fortunate that he's not here. his pale ass would probably show more bruises than he'd like. glass bones and paper skin, you know?
also sucks to be so unlucky, mr. gatekeeper.
anyway. he doesn't like how hiyori suddenly feels enlightened and privileged to leona's life, as if he actually knows what it's like to be someone who could never be in the position that he worked so hard for up until the point where the rug was pulled out from under him. leona frowns, his next huff escaping through flared nostrils. the last thing he wants is to be frustrated by a set of circumstances he can't do anything about while he's here.
the point of escaping is so that he can... go back...
... sniff. ]
'm still very involved. Got a bunch of plans regarding the city to make sure our next hot season doesn't wipe out the fields. Irrigation's a big deal and not just to me, but to everyone who depends on a solid infrastructure.
[ those games of chess he played, the time spent in tutoring... ]
But that's got nothin' to do with ya. And if this ends up bein' some sick joke, I'll make sure whoever did it will suffer. You won't find a trace of 'em left.
[ he's serious. as serious as turning someone into sand and making sure they feel every particle of their being dissolve into something that'd be fitting for a nice hourglass. ]
also sucks to be so unlucky, mr. gatekeeper.
anyway. he doesn't like how hiyori suddenly feels enlightened and privileged to leona's life, as if he actually knows what it's like to be someone who could never be in the position that he worked so hard for up until the point where the rug was pulled out from under him. leona frowns, his next huff escaping through flared nostrils. the last thing he wants is to be frustrated by a set of circumstances he can't do anything about while he's here.
the point of escaping is so that he can... go back...
... sniff. ]
'm still very involved. Got a bunch of plans regarding the city to make sure our next hot season doesn't wipe out the fields. Irrigation's a big deal and not just to me, but to everyone who depends on a solid infrastructure.
[ those games of chess he played, the time spent in tutoring... ]
But that's got nothin' to do with ya. And if this ends up bein' some sick joke, I'll make sure whoever did it will suffer. You won't find a trace of 'em left.
[ he's serious. as serious as turning someone into sand and making sure they feel every particle of their being dissolve into something that'd be fitting for a nice hourglass. ]
[Thank goodness Hiyori can't read metatext. That way he doesn't have to picture Gatekeeper's non-functional penis or Eichi-kun's bruised butt.
He can hear spoken dialogue, though, and Leona's words do grab his attention. They get him to drop the unserious attitude, gaze turning thoughtful. Apparently he underestimated the lion prince—or overestimated his laziness. Leona is involved in running his kingdom, far more than Hiyori is involved in running the Tomoe Foundation, and that merits some respect.
As do his words at the end, which earn an approving smile.]
Now that sounds promising.
[What was that he said earlier? Something about preferring not to see carnage?
But he's not naive. Crimes shouldn't go unpunished (especially not crimes against him), and dirty deeds need to get done sometimes. That's just how the world works, as he goes on to explain.]
It'd be wonderful if I could sing a song that would purify this place. All the nastiness and filth would be purged, and then we could relax and enjoy our quiches without worrying the eggs were poisoned. But that sort of outcome doesn't seem possible, so I'll just have to rely on people like you ♪
[He reaches for the teapot, deciding he does want some more tea, after all. Right now he'll "rely on" Leona not to interfere. But if he does interfere, oh well.]
I'll stay out of the underworld and do the above-ground work. That's what suits someone like me. And once the whole plot's been unraveled, you can sink your teeth into whoever's responsible. That sounds like a good use of both our strengths.
He can hear spoken dialogue, though, and Leona's words do grab his attention. They get him to drop the unserious attitude, gaze turning thoughtful. Apparently he underestimated the lion prince—or overestimated his laziness. Leona is involved in running his kingdom, far more than Hiyori is involved in running the Tomoe Foundation, and that merits some respect.
As do his words at the end, which earn an approving smile.]
Now that sounds promising.
[What was that he said earlier? Something about preferring not to see carnage?
But he's not naive. Crimes shouldn't go unpunished (especially not crimes against him), and dirty deeds need to get done sometimes. That's just how the world works, as he goes on to explain.]
It'd be wonderful if I could sing a song that would purify this place. All the nastiness and filth would be purged, and then we could relax and enjoy our quiches without worrying the eggs were poisoned. But that sort of outcome doesn't seem possible, so I'll just have to rely on people like you ♪
[He reaches for the teapot, deciding he does want some more tea, after all. Right now he'll "rely on" Leona not to interfere. But if he does interfere, oh well.]
I'll stay out of the underworld and do the above-ground work. That's what suits someone like me. And once the whole plot's been unraveled, you can sink your teeth into whoever's responsible. That sounds like a good use of both our strengths.
[His smile loses some of its teasing edge, eyes crinkling at the corners. Seeing Elan laugh is still satisfying. And it might be even more so after learning his sad life story. That's what Hiyori's role is, at the end of the day: to sing and spread cheer, even to those who have lots to be sad about.
Especially to those who have lots to be sad about.
He sets down his own microphone, opening his mouth to voice his agreement (yes, yes it was something!) before the closeness catches him off-guard. His eyebrows raise, but his smile doesn't falter, nor does he shrug off Elan's arm.]
Someone sure loved getting friendly with me ♪
[He can't resist that tease in before he moves on to praise Elan's performance.]
Yep, pretty much! Your voice sounded quite a bit like mine, I thought. But with your own unique flair, which suited things just fine. There can only be one of me, after all, and there can only be one of you!
[And then, a bit more softly:]
... that's something I understand, even if your employers don't.
Especially to those who have lots to be sad about.
He sets down his own microphone, opening his mouth to voice his agreement (yes, yes it was something!) before the closeness catches him off-guard. His eyebrows raise, but his smile doesn't falter, nor does he shrug off Elan's arm.]
Someone sure loved getting friendly with me ♪
[He can't resist that tease in before he moves on to praise Elan's performance.]
Yep, pretty much! Your voice sounded quite a bit like mine, I thought. But with your own unique flair, which suited things just fine. There can only be one of me, after all, and there can only be one of you!
[And then, a bit more softly:]
... that's something I understand, even if your employers don't.
[ Look, Elan is allowed to be a little sappy sometimes. As a treat. ]
...well, I'm glad you understand it. But if you didn't, I wouldn't be hanging around, would I?
[ He snorts and then tries to brush it all off. ]
And of course we're friendly. Don't know how else i could act with someone I've been close to in the past like we have.
[ That is a shot across the bow and pitched in a lower voice. Yeah, yeah, don't go spreading it everywhere. ]
You don't have to act so surprised about it.
...well, I'm glad you understand it. But if you didn't, I wouldn't be hanging around, would I?
[ He snorts and then tries to brush it all off. ]
And of course we're friendly. Don't know how else i could act with someone I've been close to in the past like we have.
[ That is a shot across the bow and pitched in a lower voice. Yeah, yeah, don't go spreading it everywhere. ]
You don't have to act so surprised about it.
[ it rarely pays off to explain what he does, what he can do, and what he will accomplish once he's out of the school--- but he doesn't really want to leave it. not just yet. his own motivations are selfish and meant to assist with some kind of self-reflection, but leona would rather break the mirror and go curl up in bed instead. escape the future by trying to ignore what awaits him in a year or two.
the hell is singing going to do other than annoy him? there's no obvious magical energy on hiyori's person. nothing inherently of that sort, something that leona can generally sniff out a mile away. then again, the way this place suppresses some of his more deadlier magics, he wouldn't be surprised if he was getting fooled...
...
better not risk it. at least, not until he knows more. ]
Nothin' about this place is ever gonna get completely clean.
[ the beastman huffs. he really should go look for a change of clothes or something--- not that he doesn't mind walking around like this but. you know. modesty or something. for people who actually care. or find someone who appreciates his body??? one of those two things. ]
But ya do whatever ya think is gonna work. Not gonna wait 'round for ya in the meantime.
[ standing up, he again exposes his... full self. no point in covering up anything that shows before he heads towards the double doors at the end of the room. ]
Enjoy your breakfast. Just be careful 'bout what might be in it.
the hell is singing going to do other than annoy him? there's no obvious magical energy on hiyori's person. nothing inherently of that sort, something that leona can generally sniff out a mile away. then again, the way this place suppresses some of his more deadlier magics, he wouldn't be surprised if he was getting fooled...
...
better not risk it. at least, not until he knows more. ]
Nothin' about this place is ever gonna get completely clean.
[ the beastman huffs. he really should go look for a change of clothes or something--- not that he doesn't mind walking around like this but. you know. modesty or something. for people who actually care. or find someone who appreciates his body??? one of those two things. ]
But ya do whatever ya think is gonna work. Not gonna wait 'round for ya in the meantime.
[ standing up, he again exposes his... full self. no point in covering up anything that shows before he heads towards the double doors at the end of the room. ]
Enjoy your breakfast. Just be careful 'bout what might be in it.
[It's good that Elan knows there's someone who sees him as a person and not a pawn. Hopefully there are multiple someones, with more to come in the future. But Hiyori opts to remind Elan anyway, figuring it couldn't hurt. It's hard to claim he truly knows this person when he never even knew his real name, but...
He's been in this position a few times, hasn't he?
A pretty, untrained singing voice. A thirst for new experience, and a hunger for life after spending so long trapped in abyss. A person who's just starting to come out of their shell. He can see the echoes of other people he's known, his closest relationships, when he looks at "Elan Ceres." And when he thinks about how beautifully those people bloomed, it fills him with confidence for Elan's future, too.
Of course, he also sees Elan for what he is in the moment. Which is a cute boy who's coming onto him!]
Well, believe it or not, people don't cling onto me too much these days. Unless it's just Nagisa-kun wanting his hand held. That might account for the surprise.
[He slips a hand around Elan's waist, leaning down to speak close to his ear. This is a soundproofed room, so there's no need to murmur. And yet that's exactly what he does, lowering his voice to match Elan's, plenty of heat behind each syllable.]
But if you wanted to get even closer, we can go have fun in your room.
He's been in this position a few times, hasn't he?
A pretty, untrained singing voice. A thirst for new experience, and a hunger for life after spending so long trapped in abyss. A person who's just starting to come out of their shell. He can see the echoes of other people he's known, his closest relationships, when he looks at "Elan Ceres." And when he thinks about how beautifully those people bloomed, it fills him with confidence for Elan's future, too.
Of course, he also sees Elan for what he is in the moment. Which is a cute boy who's coming onto him!]
Well, believe it or not, people don't cling onto me too much these days. Unless it's just Nagisa-kun wanting his hand held. That might account for the surprise.
[He slips a hand around Elan's waist, leaning down to speak close to his ear. This is a soundproofed room, so there's no need to murmur. And yet that's exactly what he does, lowering his voice to match Elan's, plenty of heat behind each syllable.]
But if you wanted to get even closer, we can go have fun in your room.
[He's done eating, but he wouldn't mind some more tea, which Leona thankfully doesn't stop him from pouring. He sips from the cup without responding to that first bit, nor does he insist that Leona should wait around for him. If the lion prince has other stuff to do, then fine!
Though, truthfully, he probably could've used someone to show him around the new environment. But it's alright. It's not like the place is unreasonably huge, after all, with a million different floors, and it's not like he already has a tendency to get horribly lost every time he wanders somewhere on his own! It's fine! No worries!
... no, scratch that.
He is definitely worried.]
Eh?
[His eyes flare with alarm at Leona's parting words.]
You think it was poisoned?
Though, truthfully, he probably could've used someone to show him around the new environment. But it's alright. It's not like the place is unreasonably huge, after all, with a million different floors, and it's not like he already has a tendency to get horribly lost every time he wanders somewhere on his own! It's fine! No worries!
... no, scratch that.
He is definitely worried.]
Eh?
[His eyes flare with alarm at Leona's parting words.]
You think it was poisoned?
[ leona stops. he turns, one hand on his hip as he raises an eyebrow. he's only going to offer hiyori one side look as he rolls that eye and shakes his head. ]
Ya didn't think for a second that they might just outright kill us? But also, I doubt it would be. At least, not with the kinds of poison you might be thinkin' of.
[ might as well add an air of mystery to everything, right? leona's holding all the cards (figuratively). and though he might not know all, he knows enough. that's all he needs. ]
Again, if it was? I probably can figure out how to cure ya if my magic ain't enough. They got tons of well stocked stores and a pretty huge ass conservatory garden kinda thing. You might like it.
[ like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit (or bread in front of a certain ra*bit), leona tilts his head. ]
Come on. You'll be safer with me, even if ya don't like it.
Ya didn't think for a second that they might just outright kill us? But also, I doubt it would be. At least, not with the kinds of poison you might be thinkin' of.
[ might as well add an air of mystery to everything, right? leona's holding all the cards (figuratively). and though he might not know all, he knows enough. that's all he needs. ]
Again, if it was? I probably can figure out how to cure ya if my magic ain't enough. They got tons of well stocked stores and a pretty huge ass conservatory garden kinda thing. You might like it.
[ like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit (or bread in front of a certain ra*bit), leona tilts his head. ]
Come on. You'll be safer with me, even if ya don't like it.
[ There's a lot going on between the lines. There's unspoken words and things not yet revealed, but Elan is perfectly fine with that. Even if he shares some of himself with Hiyori there's bits and pieces he holds back. Parts he wants to keep to himself. Of course, he also wants to have other parts of himself revealed - or at least shared. He leans in with a low laugh, the murmur making the skin on the nape of his neck prickle with gooseflesh.
It's really not fair when Hiyori's good at this.
So Elan tilts his head to reply, his breath catching just a little. ]
Well, if it won't keep you too long, I'd love to play host for a little while.
[ His eyes lid a little as he glances at him, a grin quirking at his lips. ]
Especially after everything we've been up to today.
It's really not fair when Hiyori's good at this.
So Elan tilts his head to reply, his breath catching just a little. ]
Well, if it won't keep you too long, I'd love to play host for a little while.
[ His eyes lid a little as he glances at him, a grin quirking at his lips. ]
Especially after everything we've been up to today.
[Still with plenty of alarm,]
Now you're just being vague on purpose!
[What does he mean about kinds of poison? Is he saying the food might poison them slowly over time in small doses? Or is he saying it might be drugged with something non-poisonous but still nefarious, like sleeping drugs? He just doesn't know what to think, because someone's being deliberately mysterious!
But that "someone" is also offering to cure him. With magic, with medicine, or with... herbs from a huge conservatory garden? There's one of those around here? How big is this place?
There's little sense in asking when he could just find out. Not that he wants to go flower-picking—he'd rather storm up to the management desk and demand some answers. But it doesn't sound like that's an option, so if that's the case, well, perhaps he ought to get the lay of the land.
So, despite all his prior insults, after a moment he decides to accept the offer.]
Well, if you want to serve as my guard dog, that's fine, I suppose.
[He pushes back his chair and gets up to join Leona at the door, managing a small smile.]
You can take me to that conservatory thing. And on the way there, you can explain just what you meant about the food. For example, has it been tampered with or not? I'd like a fuller explanation there.
Now you're just being vague on purpose!
[What does he mean about kinds of poison? Is he saying the food might poison them slowly over time in small doses? Or is he saying it might be drugged with something non-poisonous but still nefarious, like sleeping drugs? He just doesn't know what to think, because someone's being deliberately mysterious!
But that "someone" is also offering to cure him. With magic, with medicine, or with... herbs from a huge conservatory garden? There's one of those around here? How big is this place?
There's little sense in asking when he could just find out. Not that he wants to go flower-picking—he'd rather storm up to the management desk and demand some answers. But it doesn't sound like that's an option, so if that's the case, well, perhaps he ought to get the lay of the land.
So, despite all his prior insults, after a moment he decides to accept the offer.]
Well, if you want to serve as my guard dog, that's fine, I suppose.
[He pushes back his chair and gets up to join Leona at the door, managing a small smile.]
You can take me to that conservatory thing. And on the way there, you can explain just what you meant about the food. For example, has it been tampered with or not? I'd like a fuller explanation there.
Just singing with me got you excited, huh? So cute~♪
[No comment on whether or not he's ever felt the same after one of his performances.
It's tempting to do something now, with Elan so close and the mood this heated. But he can be good! He lets go of Elan's waist, leaving their dishes on the table. Everything's already been paid for on his phone, so they're good to go.
Though as they head for the door, he'll be giving Elan some instructions.]
I don't know if we'll run into anyone in the hall, but just in case we do, try to play it like we've been engaged in a fascinating discussion. We started talking and we couldn't stop, so now you're taking me back to your room so we can talk some more! That's our cover story, alright? And just to sell that story, you can talk my ear off about your travels all the way there ♪
[No comment on whether or not he's ever felt the same after one of his performances.
It's tempting to do something now, with Elan so close and the mood this heated. But he can be good! He lets go of Elan's waist, leaving their dishes on the table. Everything's already been paid for on his phone, so they're good to go.
Though as they head for the door, he'll be giving Elan some instructions.]
I don't know if we'll run into anyone in the hall, but just in case we do, try to play it like we've been engaged in a fascinating discussion. We started talking and we couldn't stop, so now you're taking me back to your room so we can talk some more! That's our cover story, alright? And just to sell that story, you can talk my ear off about your travels all the way there ♪
Right, right, I won't spoil your good-boy image!
[ Elan replies a bit carelessly - but he is good at his word. As they step out into the hall he starts talking about hiking and seeing mountains and a whole bunch of other out-doorsy activities as they walk. In fact, he keeps it up all the way back to his room! He starts to slow down as they approach the door. ]
...and you were worried.
[ Elan replies a bit carelessly - but he is good at his word. As they step out into the hall he starts talking about hiking and seeing mountains and a whole bunch of other out-doorsy activities as they walk. In fact, he keeps it up all the way back to his room! He starts to slow down as they approach the door. ]
...and you were worried.
[ of course he's being vague. what's the fun of warning hiyori before something happens to him? he'll find out himself. hopefully leona isn't around if it does; though he'd be happy to scoop up an easy card. he's not above taking advantage of situations like that when it's not his fault that people end up being a little more touchy-feely after having the wrong food or drink. thankfully things are labeled... usually. not always. it's what has allowed leona to survive here.
laziness in golden peacock is punished in the worst ways, as he stated. he's just not willing to give all of his info out. everyone who is new has to learn the same way he did. it's only fair~ ]
Guard dog? [ snorts! ] If ya end up bein' dead weight, I'll just leave ya for the wolves.
[ the imaginary ones because as far as he knows... no puppies here. otherwise he might've tried to assert his dominance on them by now. ]
Some of it's been spiked with stuff. Dunno what else to tell ya. Can't smell it, can't taste it. Will say this though, in most of the cafeterias and cafes and bakeries, they label it appropriately. So they're 'nice' in that way.
[ opening them once hiyori gets close enough, he notes how the hall is empty. pristine. probably one of the nicer ones that he's seen? plenty of gold trim and lace on tables. something he'd believe was only reserved for true newlyweds... or the higher ranked players of the game.
his tail flicks as he finishes scouting the area outside of their room. ]
In a way, I'd think the people who have graciously allowed us to stay aren't bein' complete assholes. But I ain't naive.
laziness in golden peacock is punished in the worst ways, as he stated. he's just not willing to give all of his info out. everyone who is new has to learn the same way he did. it's only fair~ ]
Guard dog? [ snorts! ] If ya end up bein' dead weight, I'll just leave ya for the wolves.
[ the imaginary ones because as far as he knows... no puppies here. otherwise he might've tried to assert his dominance on them by now. ]
Some of it's been spiked with stuff. Dunno what else to tell ya. Can't smell it, can't taste it. Will say this though, in most of the cafeterias and cafes and bakeries, they label it appropriately. So they're 'nice' in that way.
[ opening them once hiyori gets close enough, he notes how the hall is empty. pristine. probably one of the nicer ones that he's seen? plenty of gold trim and lace on tables. something he'd believe was only reserved for true newlyweds... or the higher ranked players of the game.
his tail flicks as he finishes scouting the area outside of their room. ]
In a way, I'd think the people who have graciously allowed us to stay aren't bein' complete assholes. But I ain't naive.
I didn't ask for such a heartless tour guide!
[He complains, but he'll take the jab, trusting it isn't literal. Then again, if there are lion men, who's to say there aren't some wolves roaming around? But whatever. One crisis at a time. And his current point of focus is the poisoned food!
Or "spiked" food. There is a difference but Leona's explanation only sews more concern, along with more disdain for how this place handles things. And then that last bit is just confusing.]
Why would anyone consume something they know is spiked? And what are the effects, exactly? That last one's most important.
[He focuses on what he's feeling, but he really doesn't detect anything. No dizziness or lightheadedness, no hot or cold, no itchy feeling, nothing. Physically speaking, he feels fine. Well-rested, although he knows that itself is strange; he went to bed all worried about what was going on with Nagisa, so it wasn't a peaceful sleep.
However Leona answers (or doesn't), he's stepping out into the hall with him. It's almost as dazzling out there as it is in the room; gold everywhere, and only the finest-looking draperies. The person or organization in charge must be loaded. But some pretty sights won't be enough to placate him, nor enough to leave him starstruck. He's nobility; he's seen plenty of pretty things in his time!]
Well, I'm sure that's what they want you to think.
[Is all he says to that. Leona's talk about spiked food has only caused his impression of the place to plummet further. Still, if there was some truth to what he said, and he really is being given the opportunity to play around in some fancy resort for a bit, with no nefarious end goal...
He'd still decline, of course. His fans and his "family" are waiting for him.]
[He complains, but he'll take the jab, trusting it isn't literal. Then again, if there are lion men, who's to say there aren't some wolves roaming around? But whatever. One crisis at a time. And his current point of focus is the poisoned food!
Or "spiked" food. There is a difference but Leona's explanation only sews more concern, along with more disdain for how this place handles things. And then that last bit is just confusing.]
Why would anyone consume something they know is spiked? And what are the effects, exactly? That last one's most important.
[He focuses on what he's feeling, but he really doesn't detect anything. No dizziness or lightheadedness, no hot or cold, no itchy feeling, nothing. Physically speaking, he feels fine. Well-rested, although he knows that itself is strange; he went to bed all worried about what was going on with Nagisa, so it wasn't a peaceful sleep.
However Leona answers (or doesn't), he's stepping out into the hall with him. It's almost as dazzling out there as it is in the room; gold everywhere, and only the finest-looking draperies. The person or organization in charge must be loaded. But some pretty sights won't be enough to placate him, nor enough to leave him starstruck. He's nobility; he's seen plenty of pretty things in his time!]
Well, I'm sure that's what they want you to think.
[Is all he says to that. Leona's talk about spiked food has only caused his impression of the place to plummet further. Still, if there was some truth to what he said, and he really is being given the opportunity to play around in some fancy resort for a bit, with no nefarious end goal...
He'd still decline, of course. His fans and his "family" are waiting for him.]
[Hiyori is a receptive audience to all of Elan's tales. Not just because it's his "cover," but because he really is happy to hear more about Elan's adventures. (And perhaps it's also a little cute to see him talking so animatedly.) They don't encounter anyone from his unit in the hall, though, so in the end, there was nothing to worry about.
Which Elan points out once they get to his room. Hiyori hovers at his side in the hall, waiting for him to open the door.]
Who was worried? I knew Elan-kun would protect my "good boy" image.
[There's no one watching and no one listening. But just in case, he lowers his voice so only his date for the night can hear.]
At least until we got to your room, anyway. I don't plan to keep it up past that point.
Which Elan points out once they get to his room. Hiyori hovers at his side in the hall, waiting for him to open the door.]
Who was worried? I knew Elan-kun would protect my "good boy" image.
[There's no one watching and no one listening. But just in case, he lowers his voice so only his date for the night can hear.]
At least until we got to your room, anyway. I don't plan to keep it up past that point.
Oh, I guess I'm flattered to have so much faith put in me.
[ His key comes out and he slides the door open, backing as he responds to Hiyori with a smirk and an equally low tone. ]
Oh? Are you going to pounce all over me?
[ The room is very traditional Japanese, which probably isn't surprising - futon, closet, everything else. Elan's bag is stacked neatly Ina corner and otherwise... well, it's a room. There's a window with a view - or would be a view if it was light out. ]
[ His key comes out and he slides the door open, backing as he responds to Hiyori with a smirk and an equally low tone. ]
Oh? Are you going to pounce all over me?
[ The room is very traditional Japanese, which probably isn't surprising - futon, closet, everything else. Elan's bag is stacked neatly Ina corner and otherwise... well, it's a room. There's a window with a view - or would be a view if it was light out. ]
[The room is nothing special. Eden of course has a bigger one, but the difference in quality isn't too stark.
Hiyori's company for the night is plenty special, though. He steps in after him, no longer bothering to keep his voice down once the door shuts.]
You'd like that, wouldn't you? But nope ♪
[He reaches for the other boy again, intent on drawing him back into his orbit. With a sly smile to match Hiyori's own, "Elan Ceres" is plenty cute. He's not a nameless fling Hiyori will forget about later, but an interesting person he's gotten a bit attached to. He feels the urge to care for him.
In more ways than one.]
It's all sweet whispers and "holding you close" from here on out ♪
[Referencing the lyrics they just sang. It's the last bit of banter before he claims Elan's lips, kissing him firmly. If it tastes like iced tea and pork belly, it can't be helped!]
Hiyori's company for the night is plenty special, though. He steps in after him, no longer bothering to keep his voice down once the door shuts.]
You'd like that, wouldn't you? But nope ♪
[He reaches for the other boy again, intent on drawing him back into his orbit. With a sly smile to match Hiyori's own, "Elan Ceres" is plenty cute. He's not a nameless fling Hiyori will forget about later, but an interesting person he's gotten a bit attached to. He feels the urge to care for him.
In more ways than one.]
It's all sweet whispers and "holding you close" from here on out ♪
[Referencing the lyrics they just sang. It's the last bit of banter before he claims Elan's lips, kissing him firmly. If it tastes like iced tea and pork belly, it can't be helped!]
Ya didn't, but that's what you're gonna get.
[ the elevator is obvious given the buttons next to it, not to mention the sign above that displays what floor it's stopped on. the most curious thing is that it looks like both are stopped on their floor--- perhaps there are others also in the upper echelon of suites? but he's not going to seek them out. he's not here to make any more 'friends' than he needs to. ]
To help themselves play the game. [ a beat, then: ] So how do ya think it'll make you feel?
[ horrible enabling food and drinks, that's what.
anyway. he spots a rack of clothes nearby and walks over, perusing until he finds something he likes. pulling out a black silk dress shirt, he hums. it's the right kind of fabric, something comfortable and soft. would definitely rip if he isn't careful. and honestly, there's enough here to probably take back to his room... pondering whether it'd be considered stealing for him to take what looks like free clothing. ]
Gotta ask... ya got magic in your world at all?
[ despite hiyori's reaction earlier, it doesn't mean there's any. it could be limited. very rare. ]
[ the elevator is obvious given the buttons next to it, not to mention the sign above that displays what floor it's stopped on. the most curious thing is that it looks like both are stopped on their floor--- perhaps there are others also in the upper echelon of suites? but he's not going to seek them out. he's not here to make any more 'friends' than he needs to. ]
To help themselves play the game. [ a beat, then: ] So how do ya think it'll make you feel?
[ horrible enabling food and drinks, that's what.
anyway. he spots a rack of clothes nearby and walks over, perusing until he finds something he likes. pulling out a black silk dress shirt, he hums. it's the right kind of fabric, something comfortable and soft. would definitely rip if he isn't careful. and honestly, there's enough here to probably take back to his room... pondering whether it'd be considered stealing for him to take what looks like free clothing. ]
Gotta ask... ya got magic in your world at all?
[ despite hiyori's reaction earlier, it doesn't mean there's any. it could be limited. very rare. ]
Edited 2024-03-12 01:15 (UTC)
[So he's the cowardly lion, the wizard, and the heartless tin man all rolled into one, huh?
Hiyori's eyes glance at the elevator—how many floors are there, and what awaits him on the other ones? But he might as well see what's around before boarding it. He does get temporarily distracted by his own reflection, though, lips pursing at the glimpse he gets of his appearance. He needs something else to wear ASAP!
But not as much as he needs an explanation about the spiked food. That's the priority here. Yet Leona continues to avoid spelling things out, leaving him to draw his own conclusions. How does the spiked food "help them play the game," when the "game" is just going to bed with different strangers? There's only one conclusion he can draw from that.
It's not the correct one.]
I don't see where mind-altering drugs would help. That just seems like it'd make it harder to seduce someone. I know if someone approached me while on drugs, I'd say, "Sorry for your lot in life. But I'll be cheering for you, so don't give up!" or something like that.
[He pauses, still thinking out loud.]
Unless they're memory-altering drugs? To cope with the empty feelings the next morning? Or you mean sleeping drugs, but that seems too dark, even for this place...
[It'd be extra disturbing if people were roofieing themselves and others just to get this whole thing over with. But his dark train of thought promptly derails when he spots the clothes rack Leona is examining, eyes lighting up with interest.]
What's this? More free gifts?
[A change of clothes is just what he needs, and these actually don't look cheap, so without waiting for an answer, he starts combing through an adjacent rack. Some people were born to hunt food, others were born to hunt clothes, and Hiyori Tomoe is very much the latter, so his response to Leona's question is a bit distracted.]
Nope! Nothing like what you did. There are people who pull rabbits out of hats and such, but those are just optical illusions. And I'd much prefer the world stay that way. Things have gotten weird enough lately without magic. Our performances have all the magic anyone needs ♪
Hiyori's eyes glance at the elevator—how many floors are there, and what awaits him on the other ones? But he might as well see what's around before boarding it. He does get temporarily distracted by his own reflection, though, lips pursing at the glimpse he gets of his appearance. He needs something else to wear ASAP!
But not as much as he needs an explanation about the spiked food. That's the priority here. Yet Leona continues to avoid spelling things out, leaving him to draw his own conclusions. How does the spiked food "help them play the game," when the "game" is just going to bed with different strangers? There's only one conclusion he can draw from that.
It's not the correct one.]
I don't see where mind-altering drugs would help. That just seems like it'd make it harder to seduce someone. I know if someone approached me while on drugs, I'd say, "Sorry for your lot in life. But I'll be cheering for you, so don't give up!" or something like that.
[He pauses, still thinking out loud.]
Unless they're memory-altering drugs? To cope with the empty feelings the next morning? Or you mean sleeping drugs, but that seems too dark, even for this place...
[It'd be extra disturbing if people were roofieing themselves and others just to get this whole thing over with. But his dark train of thought promptly derails when he spots the clothes rack Leona is examining, eyes lighting up with interest.]
What's this? More free gifts?
[A change of clothes is just what he needs, and these actually don't look cheap, so without waiting for an answer, he starts combing through an adjacent rack. Some people were born to hunt food, others were born to hunt clothes, and Hiyori Tomoe is very much the latter, so his response to Leona's question is a bit distracted.]
Nope! Nothing like what you did. There are people who pull rabbits out of hats and such, but those are just optical illusions. And I'd much prefer the world stay that way. Things have gotten weird enough lately without magic. Our performances have all the magic anyone needs ♪
[ Well, maybe he would like it - but he wasn't going to say that out loud and admit it, was he? He steps into the reaching hand and then slides against Hiyori as they come together. He exhales - a soft sigh, almost a little huff of disapproval - but he doesn't object when they come together. He kisses him in return and he's not at all displeased to find it a soft, slow kiss.
Even if it does taste like ice tea and pork belly.
Elan makes a low noise and his arms wrap a bit tighter, his fingers carding into Hiyori's hair as he sways against him. He can feel a thrill of heat and pleasure and.... well. The anticipation has certainly helped. He doesn't quite know where he wants this to go, but he knows he wants it. And that's enough.
He takes a step for two back towards the futon, drawing Hiyori with him, the only sound the wetter little noises that come from their kiss. ]
Even if it does taste like ice tea and pork belly.
Elan makes a low noise and his arms wrap a bit tighter, his fingers carding into Hiyori's hair as he sways against him. He can feel a thrill of heat and pleasure and.... well. The anticipation has certainly helped. He doesn't quite know where he wants this to go, but he knows he wants it. And that's enough.
He takes a step for two back towards the futon, drawing Hiyori with him, the only sound the wetter little noises that come from their kiss. ]
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