( IS IT THAT OBVIOUS?? He's going to crawl into a hole. He takes a long time to get back to this, typing and erasing along the way. )
I don't think that I did.
And it's strange, because it's never stopped me before this place, and I never cared, and could never see it, but hearing you talk about your fun... I mean, I don't want to cover the sun with clouds. That sort of thing. You know?
( struggling with his words... )
If I vanished suddenly, or turned into a statue, would you care? I don't mean saying "that's so sad" and taking a moment before moving on and never thinking of me again, either, I mean, would it trouble you in any sort of lasting way?
[While Esikko is typing and retyping, Hiyori will continue to flip through job ads. He spent too much money on cute seasonal stuff last month and now he's low on chips! But unfortunately the Help Wanted ads, which range from "BDSM dungeon janitor" to "orgy fluffer" to "part-time erotic pastry chef" simply aren't sounding appealing. Then he sees the new message.
Gah. What happened to Esikko over the holidays? Did his not-a-roommate dump him? Did Kirma-kun come back from the dead and eat all his Christmas cake?? This doesn't sound good!]
I already said I'd care!
[... or did he? He gave him Friendship Tea, but that was sort of in lieu of telling him he cared. Hm.]
But I'll say it again.
If Esikko-kun disappeared, I'd be upset, since he's my friend who I drink tea with! I'd miss hearing you talk about flowers and magic, just as I'm sure you'd miss hearing my voice. And we haven't sang karaoke yet!
It wouldn't be for just a minute, either. I'd feel troubled every day, since seeing those sunflowers would make me remember you.
And I'm sure other people would also be sad. Like Leo-kun. Or Baku-kun! He'd probably rather die than admit it, but that's just because he's an awkward kid. I'm sure he cares in his own way.
( Both of those outcomes might have been preferable, is how he feels right now, but. This is nice to hear (read) all the same. Is it a false comfort, to be eased a little by something like this? He hasn't figured that out yet. )
I'm afraid I've troubled both of them with it already, but my health is worsening. I don't know how much longer I have.
You must've tried a lot of things at this point, but there *are* plenty of people with healing magic around. Are you sure one of them couldn't make a difference?
Also, given what you said before, are you sure they'd even let you stay dead?
[Though he's heard from Bakugo that people who undergo the revival surgery come back with new problems.]
( Another thing that's bothering him, without any of the acknowledgement of his other comments. He'll get there, eventually, he'll explain it's not that simple, maybe... But right now.
He doesn't know Kirma is, in fact, alive now! Because he normally always comes to see him, to tell him. And he hasn't this time. )
He was there for an unusually long time. I don't check often, or anything, just when I'm passing by and think of it, you know... Or if I'm getting supplies. This latest time, no one seemed to know where he was?
( he literally cannot fathom being forgotten or ignored by him )
[Did they lie to him? Did the procedure not work and they didn't want to admit it? Or did he somehow vanish from the climic while no one was looking?]
Have you checked that registry to see if his name is still listed? That was how I figured out Rinne-senpai had become a statue. Last time he disappeared, people said that if his name was still listed there, it meant he was still in the resort somewhere. So when it fell off, I knew he wouldn't turn up again in a month like last time.
[Hiyori didn't know there was a registry until someone told him when Rinne disappeared the first time. Ever since then, he's been checking it regularly: when he hasn't heard from Leo recently, or when Jun's lingered a little longer at the gym than usual. It beats sending "Are you still alive?" texts and suffocating them with his worries. Though now he has an even more reliable method of tracking Jun's whereabouts...
In any case, it doesn't take long for him to navigate there. He scrolls down, looking for Kirma's name and username. And then...!]
[He's not the least bit convinced by those "It doesn't matter"s. And after this whole conversation began with Esikko telling him he felt gloomy and asking if he'd be sad if he died, there's no way he can just say "No worries! Good luck with everything!" and close the convo. He's got to do something.]
Alright! I'm giving you 2 options!
1) I can try to contact Kirma-kun myself if you want. We haven't spoken in a while, but we used to be on friendly terms. He even bought me cookies once! So if I reached out to him again and said something like "How are you doing? It's been a while since I've seen you around, so I thought I'd check up on you!" he might not suspect any funny business.
2) We can both forget about Kirma-kun and go get some ice cream!
Or I can do 1 first, and then we can do 2. Whichever seems best!
There's a flavor I think would suit you. It's pink, with sugary flowers. I've had it a few times, but now I want to share it with you.
I do hope *that* answers your question.
So I'll meet you at the ice cream stand next to "Birdbucks!" Assuming you can make it there without too much trouble. You said your health has declined, but are you bedridden?
That does sound like a nice flavor... My birthday passed recently, you know, and the House made it so no one would leave me alone when I went out in public. So I didn't get to enjoy any little treats like that.
Anyway, I can move around just fine. I'll be there.
( Just because he can move around doesn't mean he should, but unlike at home, he doesn't have anyone here to follow him around and nag him into resting. )
Then I guess we're going out for birthday ice cream! 🥳 It's more common to eat cake on your birthday, but I don't see anything wrong with switching things up a little. They say variety is the spice of life! Anyway, see you soon! 👋😊
[What a pity. If he'd known, he could've brought noisemakers and party hats. But if Esikko is tired of people approaching him in public then maybe it's best not to cause a scene for once. In any case, he'll be waiting at the ice cream stand without a pointy hat on his head.]
I wasn't sure when it would be on this calendar, either, but apparently. The 11th. I'll see you.
( Esikko doesn't take too long to show up. He's got a more floral scent to him than usual, thanks to the bandaging covering a large open wound on his back, but it's all bandaged, and clean, and he's dressed over the top of it, so it's not any sort of visual issue. So, he's presentable! Thankfully.
His steps are a little slower, is the only thing, as he approaches, but he tries to detract from that with the way he reaches out to poke at the pointy hat with a dubious sort of stare. )
[Esikko said he'd be bandaged, but Hiyori does hope he isn't too mangled. He's determined not to recoil in horror at the sight of him regardless, as that would surely add to his loneliness and misery. He'd probably take it as proof that no one wants to be around him, that his very existence is a curse. Given how their whole text conversation started, he might just decide he's better off dead! And they can't have that, so when Esikko appears, he'll give him his best and brightest smile!
Which is exactly what he does, turning away from the ice cream stand and beaming from ear to ear. It turns out he wasn't in any danger of recoiling, since Esikko doesn't look the least bit mangled (or, indeed, the least bit bandaged. They must be under the clothes).]
Why, if it isn't the birthday boy...♪
[As for the hat...
....... well, that last tag said "without," but it's funnier if he is wearing one, so on second thought, sure. He's got a striped cone on top of his head! While waiting to get ice cream! After noticing where Esikko is staring, he says:]
You mean the thing on my head? This is what you call a party hat! People wear those at events such as birthdays. If you require proof, look no further than our watches!
[He brings up his wrist, toggles his watch... and then sends Esikko a single emoji.
🥳]
See? That's someone who's partying, so they're wearing a party hat and blowing a noisemaker! I do have some leftover noisemakers, but I figured you might not want a commotion. You're welcome to wear a hat if you'd like, though. Or we can skip right to ice cream!
( We are going to pretend I didn't mess up horribly, yes, and roll with it... Because Esikko is so charmed by this horrible little hat and the emoji that follows that he almost forgets how much pain he's in. He stares at his Watch as Hiyori explains it, and then with a little reluctance, speaks. )
If you brought an extra hat, and that's what's normal, I suppose I don't mind... ( tsuns gently... ) But you're right, I'd rather avoid the noise.
I've only had things like soup lately, though, so I've been wanting something sweet.
( He's grateful his overly floral smell isn't an unpleasant one, at least, so he doubts he's poor company from the hidden bandages alone. But he moves to walk near Hiyori as they head for ice cream, eyes tracing briefly back up to the hat on his head before moving forward. )
If I remember correctly, there are all sorts of flavors here.
[He smiles and raises an arm, jostling the small bag he's carrying.]
Yep, there's one for you too!
[But putting that on can wait until they're seated, maybe. First: ice cream!]
Then this is perfect timing! They do have lots to choose from. Including chocolatey flavors, and the one I mentioned.
[He steps up to the ice cream stand; there's no else in line at the moment, perhaps because ice cream isn't super popular in January. Esikko might notice an odd smell wafting from behind the counter. Hiyori doesn't care for that at all, especially since Topaz told him it was drugs, so it's best to make their selection quickly!!
The choices include some special seasonal flavors, some normal options, and some questionable ones (what does "Love Potion #69" taste like? He'll never know). There's at least one triple-chocolate monstrosity in there, but Hiyori points out another flavor.]
See? That's the one! The pink flowers are such a nice touch, aren't they? ♪
( You know, he was expecting to like the ice cream, yes. But he wasn't expecting to be blown away by it. But that? That little scoop of lovely colors and little flower shapes, so expertly formed even at such a size?
That has his eyes focusing with an intense sort of brightness, like a cat that's trying not to appear too impressed by a treat. )
Okay, you are right. I do want that flower one. It's cute...
( His eyes still scan over the variety of other flavors, making a mental note to come back here on the daily as soon as he's feeling better. If he ever does. )
Do you have these sorts of flavors and variety where you're from?
[His smile takes on a faint smugness as he glances from the ice cream back to Esikko. Here he'd been worried that cheering him up was an impossible task, but it turned out to be simple! Thank goodness for sweets lovers!]
Then we'll both be getting Berry Blossom! ♪
[He issues this order to the staff member behind the counter. Who might look a little red-eyed?? Don't worry about it. Then he turns back to Esikko.]
Yep, pretty much. I don't think I've seen that exact one before, but there are plenty of places to get ice cream back at home.
[Then something occurs to him, and his voice takes on a new excitement.]
Speaking of "back home," if you want to know what that's like I can show you, since I got my phone back! That means you can see pictures of my world. My world, and the people in it...♪
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I don't think that I did.
And it's strange, because it's never stopped me before this place, and I never cared, and could never see it, but hearing you talk about your fun... I mean, I don't want to cover the sun with clouds. That sort of thing. You know?
( struggling with his words... )
If I vanished suddenly, or turned into a statue, would you care? I don't mean saying "that's so sad" and taking a moment before moving on and never thinking of me again, either, I mean, would it trouble you in any sort of lasting way?
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Gah. What happened to Esikko over the holidays? Did his not-a-roommate dump him? Did Kirma-kun come back from the dead and eat all his Christmas cake?? This doesn't sound good!]
I already said I'd care!
[... or did he? He gave him Friendship Tea, but that was sort of in lieu of telling him he cared. Hm.]
But I'll say it again.
If Esikko-kun disappeared, I'd be upset, since he's my friend who I drink tea with! I'd miss hearing you talk about flowers and magic, just as I'm sure you'd miss hearing my voice. And we haven't sang karaoke yet!
It wouldn't be for just a minute, either. I'd feel troubled every day, since seeing those sunflowers would make me remember you.
And I'm sure other people would also be sad. Like Leo-kun. Or Baku-kun! He'd probably rather die than admit it, but that's just because he's an awkward kid. I'm sure he cares in his own way.
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I'm afraid I've troubled both of them with it already, but my health is worsening. I don't know how much longer I have.
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You must've tried a lot of things at this point, but there *are* plenty of people with healing magic around. Are you sure one of them couldn't make a difference?
Also, given what you said before, are you sure they'd even let you stay dead?
[Though he's heard from Bakugo that people who undergo the revival surgery come back with new problems.]
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( Another thing that's bothering him, without any of the acknowledgement of his other comments. He'll get there, eventually, he'll explain it's not that simple, maybe... But right now.
He doesn't know Kirma is, in fact, alive now! Because he normally always comes to see him, to tell him. And he hasn't this time. )
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[Welp.]
Is he in the clinic? Or did he just disappear?
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( he literally cannot fathom being forgotten or ignored by him )
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[Did they lie to him? Did the procedure not work and they didn't want to admit it? Or did he somehow vanish from the climic while no one was looking?]
Have you checked that registry to see if his name is still listed? That was how I figured out Rinne-senpai had become a statue. Last time he disappeared, people said that if his name was still listed there, it meant he was still in the resort somewhere. So when it fell off, I knew he wouldn't turn up again in a month like last time.
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1/2
[Since that is probably faster than explaining how to find it to Mr. Couldn't Locate the Emoji Button.]
2/2
In any case, it doesn't take long for him to navigate there. He scrolls down, looking for Kirma's name and username. And then...!]
Still listed!
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So that means... he must be somewhere? You're absolutely certain? He's somewhere and he's ignored me? He didn't come let me know?
He's never once listened when I told him to stay away, you know?
( his mood is not improving, as it turns out. he might be spiraling! live over text!! )
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[But hmmm, this reaction... Despite everything, Esikko still cares about Kirma, huh? The one who saved him on that fateful day in the snow...]
If anyone knows what happened to him, it'd probably be that boyfriend of his, right?
I know you said he's a knife-wielding lunatic, though. So if you'd rather not ask him, I don't blame you.
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It doesn't matter. ( he's said that twice now, but is it true? )
It's fine. I was a fool for thinking he'd be the same after finding that man, right?
I troubled you unnecessarily, so I'm sorry.
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Alright! I'm giving you 2 options!
1) I can try to contact Kirma-kun myself if you want. We haven't spoken in a while, but we used to be on friendly terms. He even bought me cookies once! So if I reached out to him again and said something like "How are you doing? It's been a while since I've seen you around, so I thought I'd check up on you!" he might not suspect any funny business.
2) We can both forget about Kirma-kun and go get some ice cream!
Or I can do 1 first, and then we can do 2. Whichever seems best!
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Don't bother contacting him if you wouldn't normally. I don't want to know anymore.
Ice cream is fine and all, but it's not out of pity, is it?
Also, I should warn you my declining health means I'm a little bandaged up right now.
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There's a flavor I think would suit you. It's pink, with sugary flowers. I've had it a few times, but now I want to share it with you.
I do hope *that* answers your question.
So I'll meet you at the ice cream stand next to "Birdbucks!" Assuming you can make it there without too much trouble. You said your health has declined, but are you bedridden?
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Anyway, I can move around just fine. I'll be there.
( Just because he can move around doesn't mean he should, but unlike at home, he doesn't have anyone here to follow him around and nag him into resting. )
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[Oops.]
Then I guess we're going out for birthday ice cream! 🥳 It's more common to eat cake on your birthday, but I don't see anything wrong with switching things up a little. They say variety is the spice of life! Anyway, see you soon! 👋😊
[What a pity. If he'd known, he could've brought noisemakers and party hats. But if Esikko is tired of people approaching him in public then maybe it's best not to cause a scene for once. In any case, he'll be waiting at the ice cream stand without a pointy hat on his head.]
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( Esikko doesn't take too long to show up. He's got a more floral scent to him than usual, thanks to the bandaging covering a large open wound on his back, but it's all bandaged, and clean, and he's dressed over the top of it, so it's not any sort of visual issue. So, he's presentable! Thankfully.
His steps are a little slower, is the only thing, as he approaches, but he tries to detract from that with the way he reaches out to poke at the pointy hat with a dubious sort of stare. )
What is this...?
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Which is exactly what he does, turning away from the ice cream stand and beaming from ear to ear. It turns out he wasn't in any danger of recoiling, since Esikko doesn't look the least bit mangled (or, indeed, the least bit bandaged. They must be under the clothes).]
Why, if it isn't the birthday boy...♪
[As for the hat...
....... well, that last tag said "without," but it's funnier if he is wearing one, so on second thought, sure. He's got a striped cone on top of his head! While waiting to get ice cream! After noticing where Esikko is staring, he says:]
You mean the thing on my head? This is what you call a party hat! People wear those at events such as birthdays. If you require proof, look no further than our watches!
[He brings up his wrist, toggles his watch... and then sends Esikko a single emoji.
🥳]
See? That's someone who's partying, so they're wearing a party hat and blowing a noisemaker! I do have some leftover noisemakers, but I figured you might not want a commotion. You're welcome to wear a hat if you'd like, though. Or we can skip right to ice cream!
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If you brought an extra hat, and that's what's normal, I suppose I don't mind... ( tsuns gently... ) But you're right, I'd rather avoid the noise.
I've only had things like soup lately, though, so I've been wanting something sweet.
( He's grateful his overly floral smell isn't an unpleasant one, at least, so he doubts he's poor company from the hidden bandages alone. But he moves to walk near Hiyori as they head for ice cream, eyes tracing briefly back up to the hat on his head before moving forward. )
If I remember correctly, there are all sorts of flavors here.
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Yep, there's one for you too!
[But putting that on can wait until they're seated, maybe. First: ice cream!]
Then this is perfect timing! They do have lots to choose from. Including chocolatey flavors, and the one I mentioned.
[He steps up to the ice cream stand; there's no else in line at the moment, perhaps because ice cream isn't super popular in January. Esikko might notice an odd smell wafting from behind the counter. Hiyori doesn't care for that at all, especially since Topaz told him it was drugs, so it's best to make their selection quickly!!
The choices include some special seasonal flavors, some normal options, and some questionable ones (what does "Love Potion #69" taste like? He'll never know). There's at least one triple-chocolate monstrosity in there, but Hiyori points out another flavor.]
See? That's the one! The pink flowers are such a nice touch, aren't they? ♪
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That has his eyes focusing with an intense sort of brightness, like a cat that's trying not to appear too impressed by a treat. )
Okay, you are right. I do want that flower one. It's cute...
( His eyes still scan over the variety of other flavors, making a mental note to come back here on the daily as soon as he's feeling better. If he ever does. )
Do you have these sorts of flavors and variety where you're from?
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Then we'll both be getting Berry Blossom! ♪
[He issues this order to the staff member behind the counter. Who might look a little red-eyed?? Don't worry about it. Then he turns back to Esikko.]
Yep, pretty much. I don't think I've seen that exact one before, but there are plenty of places to get ice cream back at home.
[Then something occurs to him, and his voice takes on a new excitement.]
Speaking of "back home," if you want to know what that's like I can show you, since I got my phone back! That means you can see pictures of my world. My world, and the people in it...♪
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