( It's with a firm sniffle and one last wipe of his face that Esikko lifts his chin into those words. His eyes, reddened from tears with horrible dark circles, are rough around the edges right now— but there, in the color of them, and in the slight waver they give when looking at Hiyori, they look with the same hopefulness that his painting child self had. A familiar stare, for however short it lasts.
Because his eyes dart away shamefully just as quickly, embarrassed, afraid, worried that he's going to mess it up just as quickly. They keep flicking back to Bakugo, like he's some pillar of reassurance despite how terrible his mood seems to be. A part of himself is trying not to embarrass himself too much in front of him, especially, though he doesn't consciously think about it.
He just feels like a mess. He looks like a mess, too, he's sure. The blonde of his roots is beginning to show, his pink is a little faded compared to its usual, he's got all the signs of exhaustion and lack of sleep, and his skin looks a little dry. And maybe he just is a mess? It's hard, to feel like people are here to visit him for his sake, when he also feels like he's done nothing to earn it. When he's learned from the world time and time again that he has to earn things to get them, or take them, or fight for them, that nothing comes easy. That the people who offer things like kindness forward too soon are either too kind to their own detriment, or masking some other need or want behind the actions (like Kirma).
In this intense moment of emotion, that bond of theirs might flicker alive, like a barely lit flame stoking again. Hiyori might be able to feel his nervousness, his guilt, his overwhelming fear as he tries his hardest to compose himself. Eventually, Esikko lifts his hands to reach for those flowers, wanting to hold them himself. )
I... ( How does he say this? He falters, eyes darting back to Hiyori, and then down to the flowers, to focus on them instead. No use saying what he thinks he does or doesn't deserve, what he is or isn't worth. He's realizing, slowly, trying to hammer it into his own mind, that it's not for him to decide. So he changes his direction, looking at Bakugo again in between his words to Hiyori. ) Could you ever... think of me as a friend, again?
[Tch, this is like watching one of those stupid chick flicks he's been forced to view every now and then by his mother or the girls in his dorm when they managed to wrangle him into pieces parts. And yet, he's not leaving the room or trying to interrupt it. Hiyori and Esikko used to be friends. Close enough to trade things for help, relying on each other for friendship and comfort. He knows just how painful it can be for something like that to be torn apart. Lingering regrets on both sides, a wondering glance thrown towards the dangling pieces of a broken bridge hanging in the breeze with a chasm yawning wide between.
Not his place or business to determine which of them is the responsible party for the rift. He's heard both sides and isn't taking either. This is for Hiyori and Esikko to get out of their system. An extended offer, an apology, an acceptance. This fucking place is as quick to rip the bonds apart as much as it is to force more to forge.
Is this is strength or idiocy? Knowing just how strong a friendship or caring can make someone. Knowing just how great a weakness the same friendship or caring can be. Which is the right choice? To live life with warm hooks driven into your heart, each one reaching out to person after person despite the pain and pleasure each time those cords move. To live life alone and safe behind walls, heart whole and cold with nothing capable of hurting it, nothing capable of helping it. Golden Peacock is a hellhole to find an answer in.
Apparently Hiyori and Esikko reached their own answer between them. Right or wrong. Smart or dumb. No fucking clue anymore. But he didn't come here to find an answer for himself. Seeing the two in front of him picking one route over the other is a quiet drop in his chest. A gentle cool as much as a soft warmth. Nothing shows on his face, set in his normal scowl, as his mind continues turning everything that's happened over and over. He's made several over the past few days. Regret? Hardly. Acceptance? Yeah. A long time ago, Hiyori made it painfully clear to him: no one is getting out of this place alone...
Sorry, Esikko. He's not much of a pillar today. Unless you wanna count a shadowed pillar covered in grease at a distance a reassurance. It's got nothing to do with the prince or the idol, and everything to do with loathing towards the cage around them. But he's here, if only for his presence to be helpful. At least Hiyori and Esikko can focus on the flowers instead of the bomb fizzling on the wall. Focus on their own friendship.]
[So many feelings. For a prickly boy like Bakugo, this must be hell to witness. Though it's not as though Hiyori is comfortable here, either. Seeing Esikko cry pulls at his heartstrings, especially when he's looked at with those eyes. That gaze reminds him of someone. But who?
... ah. Now he remembers.
And now he realizes. Esikko, who didn't know what "friends" were and wasn't shown proper love growing up, is still that child in some ways.
Something warm sparks inside him. The source isn't himself, but Esikko. It's easier than ever to tell whose emotions are whose, after being unable to feel their connection at all for a week. He'd wanted so badly to be rid of it when it was first introduced, and again later when he learned what Esikko had done here. Even now, it brings him secondhand pain and a whole lot of worry. So why does he feel something almost like relief, as it breathes with new life?
Because it's proof he's not alone, when he feels more lonely than he ever did at home. And it's proof, perhaps, that the bonds between people can be mended, however tattered and broken they are.
Though the mending is a work in progress. Esikko seems to be reaching for the flowers, so Hiyori moves closer and hands them off: the small vase passed over, the orchids healthy and sweet-smelling. Then, he asks if he could still see him as a friend. And Hiyori, still almost-but-not-quite able to smile, looks at him and... hesitates.]
Well...
[His voice wavers. He has had time to think about this. But he needs a moment still.
Esikko did horrible things here. Those things are in the past. That doesn't make them any less horrible, but it's not Hiyori's place to punish him. And that last bad thing Esikko did—taking someone's memories temporarily—he already got punished for. A horrible punishment no one should have to suffer. That cycle of vengeance is the problem here, isn't it?
But Hiyori's already thought about all that. His hesitancy has another source: it's the same reason his stomach squirms, the same thing makes it hard to look at Esikko while he cries. He doesn't feel bad about what he said during the Truth or Dare game; anyone would have reacted the same way. But the squabbles they've gotten in since, well... Esikko didn't always start those. Or hit below the belt as often and as readily as he did. When he thinks about that, his Spades suit, and how atrociously Bakugo behaved recently during his suit flare... well.]
That depends on you too, you know.
[He says after a minute, in a forced-casual tone.]
I'm pretty sure you said I'm annoying. Though you're not the only one. For some reason, I get that surprisingly a lot!
["""""Surprisingly.""""]
And I might have said some cruel things to you before. Plus I have that nasty Spades suit to deal with. So I don't know if you still want to be friends, given all that.
[A pause. Then he adds:]
Though now that I think of it, the first person I ever saw as a friend was someone I just fought with all the time, so I guess it could be worse.
( Hiyori starts with "that depends," and Esikko's face twists a little like he's in pain, like he's prepping for some harsh rejection. He dips his head to cover it, to bury his face into these flowers, instead. Even the smell of them is soothing.
Eventually, as he's listening, he stretches to the side to make room for the vase on his bedside table. Other useless items are just in the way, from the nurses going on about how he should find romance or get laid and that would speed things up so much! Or whatever nonsense... But the flowers look nicer there, and after one final touch to the base of that vase, he withdraws his hand and sits more normally. )
You are annoying.
( It's the first thing he mumbles, a little petulant in response to how Hiyori answered all of that. ) Like... all of that, for example. Would it have killed you to say something like "Yes, if you meet me halfway?" You said you wanted me dead, you know, and with the intensity you delivered it, what else was I supposed to think?
( But despite his arguing, here, and despite the way his voice gains some more life into it, less strained from tears— he's not furious, he's not shaking with anger, he's just understandably tired, and a little desperate. )
If I didn't want to be friends, I'd block you and tell you to leave. I wouldn't warn you about those brothers, or tell you to pretend not to know me, or give you those potions, or sit here listening to you think you're not as annoying as you are. And if you'd truly like to be friends with me, then you'll just have to deal with me pointing it out.
I'd only expect the same in return, you know. ( Again, though he'd been focused on Hiyori during his words, his gaze slides back to Bakugo, noticeably worried about him. So, after a moment's hesitation: ) Bakugo is bluntly honest with me too, after all, and we're still close. Right?
( Obviously, because he's blunt with anyone. But, he mostly wants to hear his voice, to make sure he's not too lost in his own thoughts, over there. )
[He's seen worse chick flicks. This at least has the benefit of him watching two people he's close to make up. While he's very aware of Hiyori's issues with Esikko, he's not heard much from the prince about the idol. Frankly, he doesn't really care what their beef is with each other so long as it doesn't come to blows or threats and force him into the middle. He's not some goddamn mediator or peacemaker. Though apparently bodyguard and officiator counts, since he's here doing both at the same time.
Sucky part is, this place doesn't always give people the luxury of keeping themselves away from someone they don't like. Forced together, pushed to interact, made to grow close in attempts to build bonds, their memories and feelings are stripped out and laid bare in front of each other. As if some sick notion of lacking privacy will inherently foster closer connections. Bullshit. Yet people have to get along despite disagreements and not liking each other. Bakugo's close to two people here he never would've given the time of day back in his own world. Fucked up, isn't it. But...
Anything broken can be mended in some fashion. Maybe it won't work like it did, maybe it won't look the same, maybe it won't act or sound like it had before. But if someone's willing to put in the effort to help bring back together all those pieces, something worthwhile exists there for them. No one's going to waste their resources on something they don't care about.]
Tch. [Esikko asks if they can be friends and Hiyori dumps the question back on him. Bakugo's shoulders sag in exasperation, expression screwing up in annoyance. HE ASKED YOU THE QUESTION, DAMN PARROT!! ANSWER IT!! Doesn't matter what the fuck Esikko says or does, the question is whether Hiyori can! ... Some people think friendship runs on caveats, but Bakugo's seen someone doggedly hold onto a friendship another person furiously decried, hated, and wished would vanish in the blazes of hell. Yet no matter what he did to Midoriya, the other boy refused to give up on their past friendship. He trusted that one day, he could regain the friendship Bakugo furiously tore apart and threw aside. Friendship doesn't always run on caveats.]
Cause you are fucking annoying... [Muttered under his breath. Who the fuck's gonna say Hiyori's not annoying? Unless they're the kind of annoying person. At least the idol admits he said his own shit in the past. He closes his mouth and narrows his eyes, Spade suit topic digging into sore spots even unintentionally. Nothing he needs to weigh them down with.
Good to know Esikko isn't afraid to speak his mind despite all that happened to him. Bakugo hated his "smart idea" of letting himself be perceived as a spineless weakling to protect them. Hiyori could've shortened all his words into a simple comment, but Parrot always has to ramble. He's groused at him a lot for running his mouth so much too. Back to the two of them bickering, bringing up old pains and words said. Telling someone to die... He knows just how horrible it is to wish such a thing on someone. Another reason is memories of how callous he'd been towards Esikko's dying breaths rakes his lungs raw and makes his skin crawl across his muscles.
And there goes Esikko, running his own mouth as bad as Hiyori. Would it have killed him to summarize all his protesting evidence into a similar short answer? These two really are way too damn similar sometimes. No wonder they fight despite being easy friend material. Guess in a way it's refreshing to hear them bicker. Usually means two people are close if they can clash without going their separate ways in a huff forever. Esikko looks at him with clear concern and worry in his eyes. What? He's fine. If he didn't want to show up here, he would've told Hiyori to go at it on his own. More searching, more pestering because the prince has a big heart and he isn't gonna stop looking at him until he gets a response, is he. So annoying, the both of them.]
Tch. You two talk way too much. [Bluntly honest. He leans back more fully to the wall, head resting on the surface rather than ducked towards his chest. Well, he was lost in his thoughts, even if they were all stemming from the conversation and patch up was listening to.] If you two wanna be friends, then decide for yourselves rather than basing it off each other. Friendship with strings and requirements is nothing more than a contract.
[Friends, true friends, know each other well enough to realize what hurts, upsets, helps, and supports each other. Sometimes that requires sacrificing what you want to do for the sake of your friend's benefit. Putting their needs and feelings in front of your own. Accepting things won't always be nice and shiny. Pain happens, life sucks, mistakes made. But if both people approach with the same understanding, they'll make it through. Hiyori and Esikko have to decide for themselves if they're willing to do that for each other. That decision isn't something they can base off "I will if you will" bullshit.
[He came here half-expecting to be met with suspicion and hostility, the way he was during his first visit, so Esikko getting a bit exasperated and Bakugo Tch-ing in his direction shouldn't bother him too much. Still, he puffs up a bit and mutters,]
Or in jail. You forgot the "jail" part.
[Alright, so maybe he feels a bit guilty now, in light of what just happened. But if there's anything he really feels bad about saying, it's probably what he said about Esikko disappearing. "Not that anyone would notice." He knows how cruel it was, as someone who worries every day about him or Jun disappearing next. Knows, too, that Esikko wants to be remembered and is afraid no one will care if he dies. And it was factually wrong, too, of course. Whatever he said or whatever Esikko may have believed, he'd be missed if he was gone. By Bakugo, by whoever Dabi is... by Hiyori, too, or else he wouldn't be here.
It is pretty funny when Esikko asks Bakugo if they're close and Bakugo doesn't confirm, though. One thing sure hasn't changed: that kid is never forthcoming about his feelings, and he won't say mushy stuff about being "close" to people. And yet it's obvious anyway, isn't it? They are close, or he wouldn't be here, either.]
You're not wrong there. Something like a "friendship contract" sounds too stuffy, so I'll pass!
[He looks at Bakugo, lips quirked, opting not to make a fuss about his attitude or about calling him annoying, since he's been through a lot.
But then, so has Esikko. So.
Hiyori looks back at him, now, hunched over the flowers. He crossed his arms, curls his fingers into his sleeve, and tries to muster some up courage.]
But "meeting halfway" sounds fine, I suppose. It's the same for me, too, after all. We've already been through a lot. This connection thing doesn't seem like it'll ever go away. And it's hard to find people who share my tastes, or have basically anything in common with me.
[Tea, flowers, being a rich bitch—]
If I didn't see you as a friend, I wouldn't have sent all those people your way. Like Leo-kun and Loki-kun. I wouldn't have written you that heartfelt goodbye note, which you haven't seen since I haven't disappeared yet. And I wouldn't still worry about you, either. At least not as much as I have been, so...
[Another pause, and then he shrugs, managing a real smile this time.]
( Decide for yourselves, he says, while stubbornly declining to confirm their closeness! ...But he knows. He knows, of course he does, and that's why he called for them, why he'll continue to, if trouble arises. His fingers brush over the petals of a few of the flowers now resting on the counter near the bed, and his cheeks color a little as he considers how to move forward, as Hiyori continues to speak.
Ultimately, he has to let go of some pride, huh... )
...Fine. I'll be honest and open about it this once, since Bakugo has gone through the trouble of bringing you here, and he's stuck waiting.
( Why's he putting this on Bakugo. But look, he's embarrassed!! Enough that he can't fully look at Hiyori while speaking this, but he's being honest. Painfully so. )
I do want to be friends. I never stopped caring about you, or whatever, even if I'm not sure how that began in the first place... And I've talked down the idea of anyone hurting you, you know? Even at my angriest and most hurt.
But I'm afraid of things like this. It feels too vulnerable, or weak, to admit that I'd like your company, or Bakugo's, or Dabi's, or anyone's... The fact that it hurt so much to have you upset with me says enough, doesn't it? It's... they're all... something precious, in their own way.
( He's a little red, which is all the more prominent on his pale, frankly sickly face right now. Ugh. He fidgets with his own hair, after a moment, staring pointedly at a spot on the floor. )
I've been told too many times that I'll only ruin relationships like this, or make your lives worse... so I don't want to lean into something that's only going to fall apart. That's why I keep holding back. If I fall from something like that, how am I supposed to get back up anymore? Wouldn't it be pathetic to get upset over something like that? It seems to me that everyone else can make and lose friends so effortlessly, but it's never felt that way for me.
But, I'm trying a different approach, so... don't laugh at me admitting all of this, got it? I want to be your friend. I want to be someone who can have friends without causing them pain, or trouble, too... So... I guess "that's that", right?
[This time he came here as support. The last time was between him and Esikko, airing out his pains, regrets, apologies, and questions. Trying to fix what he swore was broken. Will it ever be "fixed" completely? Hell no. Fractures and cracks remain, doubts and corruption leaving stains on what they once had. There's no returning to the past. But he has to attend to the present and the future. Even if this one's playing out like some weird movie scene were two people are jousting each other with lances of uncertainty over a prize named friendship. Part of him wants to just "MAKE UP ALREADY!" and slam their heads together.
They're lucky he doesn't give into that part.
Bakugo knows all too well how it feels to regret your words. They linger in his mind and come back to him at night, whispering themselves into his ears no matter how hard he tries shutting them out. His voice, his words, his intentions. There's no escaping his own brain. Hiyori must have felt the same weight dragging at him, if he truly regretted the things he said... Words carry far more power than some people give them credit for. Especially something as horrible as what Hiyori said. What Bakugo is just as guilty of saying to someone in his past too.
Both of them should know by now it takes a fucking miracle to get sappy words out of the blonde's mouth. Made even harder by having it be in front of another person. Don't ask him questions you already know the answer to, dammit! Hmph. Both of them are looking at him and his expression twists into a defensive sneer, head cocking and chin lifting slightly. What? They got a problem with what he said or something? Deal with it.
Again Hiyori runs his mouth on evidence and support instead of just owning up and saying "yes I wanna be friends" to Esikko's face. Why the hell can't people spit out what they mean and be done with it? Putting up all that crap makes it sound like they don't have confidence in their own words. As if they won't believe each other without proof.
Oy! If he wasn't close, would he even be here?! Esikko knows he's not the type to waste his time and effort on something he's not personally invested in! If the man needs his help, he'll come to help him. Just like last time. Hopefully without a bunch of murderous feelings not giving a shit about anyone else in the room.]
Haa? Don't assume shit! I didn't bring him here! [Don't make assumptions about shit!] He came cause he wanted to! And I'm not stuck. I'll leave when I want to.
[Che, where's he get off making him out to be tethered like some fly on wax. Grumble mutter grump. Don't duck behind him cause you're embarrassed, Esikko! Stand up and talk! Or don't stand up because you're in a damn hospital bed. More of that and he'll walk out of the room, slam the door, and leave the two of them to fend with each other while he waits outside with a packet of orange juice or something. Hmph.
But Esikko's honest about his feelings soon enough. Bakugo can't say he's wrong to worry either. He has similar concerns now about getting close to anyone or the ones he's already close to. Friendship, caring about people, love, those are amazing sources of strength, bu they're fucking horrible weaknesses as well. Wanting those connections, fearing what they might risk, while relishing in their warmth and presence. Human bonds are complex and weird, and it pisses him off this goddamn place treats them as no more important than a fucking shiny toy to play with at whim.]
No one decides your life but you. [Doesn't matter who says he'll suck or how many times someone says he'll fall. Esikko decides for himself whether he sucks or falls. He's his own opponent, far stronger and more dangerous than anyone external. Most people's inner selves are. If he stopped putting so much weight on what other people say or think about him, he'd be far freer. At least the two of them finally air out their thoughts and come to an agreement.
Tch, so many words to say "yes". Why are a good chunk of his friends theatrical motormouths?]
[Hiyori hasn't been struggling with the same uncertainty Esikko has regarding their friendship; he's the one who cut ties, after all. Still, it is heartening to hear him say he cares—that he wants to be friends, after everything—and Hiyori's smile grows warm as a result.
Though he does have one thing to interject with.]
That's good of you, but now I'm wondering how many people have been lining up to hurt me!
[How much should he be watching his back, exactly...?]
Unless you just mean Dabi. He sort of threatened me on your behalf, but nothing came of it. He must like you an awful lot.
[After that, he shuts up for a moment and lets Esikko finish saying his piece. Lets Bakugo add his piece, too. Esikko says he's afraid of ruining his relationships and making people's lives worse, but that he's trying to push past that fear. Bakugo, meanwhile, doesn't have any fears he wants to confess or anything touchy-feely to add, but he does offer encouragement in his own way. "No one decides your life but you," he says. This, Hiyori thinks, would resonate more strongly if they weren't caged here at the whim of some supernatural entity. But the point stands, so.]
What he said again!
[On both counts: the deciding-your-life count, and the fact he chose to come here. He gives Bakugo a smile.
And then, he gives Esikko one. There's a flash of recognition on his face, as Esikko echoes his words from before, putting a positive twist on them this time. His smile looks like how he used to smile, back before he knew any of Esikko's dark secrets, back before this place had him so jaded.]
Though that goal of yours might be too big a reach, honestly.
[... no, it turns out he does have more to say on the topic of driving people away and causing them pain. His face takes on a more serious look, the easy smile fading. Unfortunately for Bakugo, the yap-a-thon continues.]
Especially in this place, where our hearts are always being manipulated, and where people disappear without any warning. [...] I wanted to spread nothing but happiness and cheer. I don't want to cause pain, either. That's exactly why I became an idol. Even I can't manage that here, though.
[He shakes his head, a bit. Before he adds:]
But if you try to take care of yourself more, and you try not to hurt others, then that's a start, anyway. I don't think it does any good to say things like "Anything's better than dying from that illness." So if that's your "different approach," I'll look forward to it!
( ...He can't help it. When Bakugo snaps and snarls like that, he smiles himself, a soft laugh escaping even as he lifts a hand to try and cover it. It's more familiar, more sign that Bakugo is still there, beneath the pain and the scars, and it might be the first relief he's felt since waking up again. Seeing Hiyori's more genuine smile right afterwards feels nice, too, even if that's even more embarrassing to admit to himself, and he scrubs at both of his eyes to relieve them of the dry, stinging feeling they have, sighing a little just to allow some of that tension to escape.
Some of it. Of course things feel rough, of course things aren't all better. But— )
Pain isn't completely avoidable. I do understand that, but...
( He hesitates here, his eyes sliding over to Bakugo, and then flicking back to Hiyori for a moment before they lower to his bed again. )
Well, I've found some people I consider precious, here, and I'd like to at least avoid causing them pain when possible. Above all else, I'd like to create a path for everyone to go wherever they'd like, and to retain their memories... I do think it's possible. It's just not easy.
[Bakugo drops his shoulders against the wall again, arms folding over his chest instead of his hands living in his pockets. At least Esikko and Hiyori got a chance to air their grievances, misgivings, ideas, and establish something going ahead. Seems the two of them still wanted to be friends and a bunch of shit got in the way. Reason and fault lies in both, from kept-back secrets to personal morals and the like. He wasn't blowing smoke when he said friendship with stipulations is just a contract. There are people here he's friends with now he would never have looked at back home.
Mentioning Dabi earn Hiyori a sharp look that clearly growls "drop it" written all over his narrowed red eyes. He doesn't want to bring the man up right now. Things are busy enough with Hiyori and Esikko patching their relationship.
Even if they're caged in this shitty world but a fucking entity, their free will (mostly) hasn't been stripped from them. They can still decide to participate in events or not, for the most part; they can decide who they want to hang out with or walk away from, ignoring occasional dumps which they can still leave; they can even refuse to play the peacock's stupid sex game to the point of being sent home for noncompliance! No one decides their lives but them. Only the circumstances. Not even the peacock.
Ugh, more yapping. Bakugo's finger begins drumming slightly on his upper arm, listening to Hiyori's continued description of their status here. He's not making stupid points. Even their best intentions can get screwed up or stopped flat, forcing them to back up and try again. Few people he's met here actively want to cause pain and suffering for the fuck of it. Esikko's hopes and intentions aren't wrong to strive for either, so long as he's aware he'll have to deal with the shitty hotel trying to trip him up.
He feels Esikko's eyes on him with another glance, momentarily staying before leaving and lowering. Admitting he cares about people enough to put them before his own feelings and needs is difficult. Bakugo doesn't put those words to his lips despite both men in the room knowing he'll do so when it counts every time. He narrows his eyes when the prince shifts goals from a personal protection of his friendships to stating ambition for the entire resort. He hasn't lost his own intentions and desires to find a way to get out of this place, and to rip that way open into a mutual path to and from, voluntary.]
Wait on any plans for a while. [Noting Esikko's neck and the new mark he has on his arm. The hotel's eyes are on the prince and he doesn't need the man putting himself in even worse position than he is already.] You've got enough shit to deal with right now.
[With Bakugo standing against the wall behind him, he doesn't notice him glare daggers at the mention of Dabi's name. It's fine, though; he has no intention of talking any more about the guy.
Some degree of hurting one other is inevitable, especially in a place like this. That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to do right by each other, though. Or that Esikko couldn't stand to take better care of himself, which brings them to their next point. Esikko states his desire to create pathways home, to free whoever wants to be freed—something Hiyori's largely given up on ever happening. How wonderful would it be if it did happen after all?
But he knows better now than to rely on one person for everything, so at Bakugo's words, he nods solemnly.]
Baku-kun's right.
[He pauses for a moment, a little hesitant about saying this next bit. But he already admitted he worries about Esikko. What's the harm in admitting when he first started worrying?]
... I felt bad when you got punished the first time. It made me worry about what would happen if you pushed too hard and got punished even worse in the future.
[It would've felt like his fault, in part.]
That's definitely the last thing you need now, so if you do use magic for something like that, at least don't go it alone. Alright? [He meets Esikko's eyes.] And first, rest up!
( To both of them, at once, he relents, though it's clear he has a lot more on his mind. He's trying to have more of a filter, now that he's alive again, and he can recognize that some people care about him enough to not want to hear the negative things that surface too easily. That someone like him deserves the punishment, or that it's better if someone like him takes the brunt of the focus so other, kinder, more useful people don't have to...
It's strange. In some ways, it's his usual negativity that's persisted throughout his lifetimes, poisoned newly each time by the circumstances and treatment around him. In other ways, though, it's far less selfish than he used to be— he never would have cared about anyone else, before. He'd always tried to avoid harm himself, even if it meant those around him got hurt. So in a way, he's taking steps forward, changing his view on things, carefully trying to balance selfishness with being better.
Which means that, maybe he'll hold thoughts like that back a bit longer and actually think about them, first, before upsetting those around him. It's a start, even if it feels lonely right now. )
I'm having trouble sleeping, though. ( If his dark circles aren't evident enough of that. ) Do you suppose it's worth it, to stay here and have one of you fetch the things I need to make a sleep potion? Or should I just sneak out? They're draining all of my funds, making me sit here and telling me to make "booty calls", you know?
[So much for being able to feel eyes like daggers in his back. Hiyori's one of those blissfully unaware types more often than not. Figures. He's up on stage all the time; why the hell would he notice someone staring at him with malicious intent from the peanut gallery? Bakugo slips his hands into his pockets once more as he settles his heel on the baseboard, bracing his other foot slightly in front of him. Asking Esikko not to get himself in trouble or get hurt is pretty damn impossible. Miasma follows the guy like a stubborn ghost. Lessening it is all they can realistically aim at.
Going home remains a long-term pipe dream. He refuses to give up hope they can make it happen, but can't help feel they'll be stuck in research and explore mode for a long time. Recent breakthroughs, like the heart reveal, keep him going.]
Tch. [And now Esikko's back in the damn basement. Bakugo tried keeping him out of the fucking place since it's so tempting for his nosy nature; easier to do when the prince was up in top floors with the other high ranks. But he's not the guy's keeper.
Good thing Esikko kept his mouth shut instead of dumping all that negative crap out of his mouth. Bakugo would've crammed his pillow down his throat for being a fucking bedsore. The guy's always been down on himself, something which pisses the hero off when people bitch and whine about their poor lot in life or personal faults. Especially if they do fuck about it but moan.]
Haa?! The hell do you mean by that? [His expression wrenches into an annoyed snarl, head lifting and shoulders rolling off the wall. Both arms drop, one hand coming up as sparks start crackling around his hand. All this fucking talking and emotional sap's been chewing away at his patience and temper. Esikko dropped a final straw.] They're keeping you here when you don't need to be?
[Ka-BOOOM! Deliberately stalling the prince's departure to encourage him into sex calls while sapping his fucking funds what funds now that he's been revived-?!] If you can leave, then get your ass out of bed!
[It can't be easy to sleep when two people have been out to kill you, and it especially can't be easy when one of them just succeeded via car bomb. Hiyori doesn't know what that's like (he hopes he never knows!), but given what happened, Esikko's dark circles and admission that he hasn't slept make sense.
Bakugo's rudeness and insensitivity are also entirely predictable. However.]
Baku-kun! [Now it's Hiyori's turn to glare.] Don't say "get out of bed" to someone who just had surgery!
[Of course Esikko's not going to be up and about! He just got blown up! Which, well... Hiyori's not sure how they stitched him back together after that, other than "by magic," but obviously he'd need continued treatment and monitoring! ... though expecting decent care from the Golden Peacock staff is probably like expecting a symphony from a troop of baboons.....
He hesitates, clearly conflicted. What's the protocol in this situation? Trick question! There is none! So, he relents a bit.]
But I can't say "Follow the doctor's orders" when the doctors are quacks! So if you're sure they're not doing anything for you, I guess we could sneak you out. But only if you're not going to collapse and end up right back here. Understand?
[Said to Esikko sternly (?). He's trying to be responsible!]
( Esikko feels the need to clarify this— he's not completely better, no, because he's a frail thing with a terrible, weak body no matter what he does, and the Divinity is angry. It hurts even more than it usually does to move, to sit up, to breathe. But what are they doing about it? Nothing. He's been refusing to take the drugs they offer him, since they won't tell him what they do; he doesn't want to end up horny with no way of letting it out. He's not in the mood.
So he shifts, carefully pulling the IV out of his arm and dropping it aside on its stand. His hand stays over where he'd removed it from to stop any bleeding, but the scent of lavender and chrysanthemum still hits the room. Slowly, he swings his legs over the side of the bed, but pauses there. It's not as easy as just standing up, but he's getting there!! )
But I don't think it has to be this bed, anymore. All they did this morning was insist I should wear bandages "for my skin" and try sexting. ( He puffs out a sigh. He probably should have snuck out on his own yesterday, when he realized he had enough strength to sit up for longer periods. But part of him, he supposes, had been waiting and hoping that Dabi might show up to see him...
But he'll have to chase that down himself. )
Give me a moment, and I think I can stand. But I think I'll have to trouble you to carry those flowers again, so they don't get left behind.
[If the talk circulating around their respective parties is gonna hold up, neither of them will be coming after Esikko for that purpose again. Does Bakugo trust either of them to hold to their word? Fuck no! But if something does happen, he'll be getting his paybacks in full. For now, all they can do is keep their lanes respectively separate.]
Haa?! He didn't have any goddamn surgery! [Snapping right back a Hiyori, glare blazing beneath his spiky bangs.] He's been in this shitty place for over a week! They can heal people back to normal in a fucking day!
[Don't tell him "no" because that's exactly how they put him back together! (He assumes.) It's not like they had any pieces of Esikko left to sew and bolt into place. He was nothing but ash after death. Bakugo saw to that personally. This is a magically revived person from naught! He shouldn't be in here "recovering" from anything but physical stress and mental shock! All they're doing by keeping him in the hospital is leeching whatever entertainment they can get out of him.]
We're not "sneaking" anyone out. I'll take him out the fucking front doors. [Though his tone's dropped back to growling and snarls, unable to completely counter Hiyori's comment. If Esikko is still to weak to manage outside the Broken Wing, then he'll begrudgingly let him stay.
When the prince says he should rest, Bakugo drops his upper back to the wall once more, glaring holes into the opposing wall. Fine. He wants to point out Esikko already hauled himself out of bed without messing with any IVs or other shit when he'd staggered over to him during his previous visit. Then again, by the time the man made it to the foot of his bed, Bakugo was already there putting him back in it.]
Why the hell do you have an IV anyways? [Morphine? Blood transfusion? Saline drip? He can't imagine what these assholes have Esikko on when they had to magically reconstruct his entire fucking body. Makes him question what "state" they opted to bring Esikko back in. Fresh off a new life grown older to his prime, or picked back up when he's a month or two away from his usual breakdown and death? Tch, whatever. If he doesn't need to be in the damn hospital, he doesn't need to be in it!]
They're not doing shit. [Bakugo cracks his knuckles and pushes off the wall. Fine. They're doing this now.] You can stay in my suite for a few days. [He wouldn't be surprised if the man was being kept weak and disabled in the hospital on purpose. A few sparks and bursts explode around one cupped hand.] I'll get a wheelchair. You won't be walking the entire way.
[Even if Esikko isn't "injured" at the moment, he's undoubtedly weak. And Bakugo's not gonna carry him out because he'll need his hands for anyone who tries interfering. Give him a minute to leave the room, hunt down a chair, and return with the wheeled seat soon enough.]
[He glares back, though it's with a hint of confusion now.]
I thought they did a "life-saving operation"! That's what they say happens! Though I guess the more accurate term would be a "revival operation." Unless the "operation" part is just a lie...
[At this point, he's struggling to remember what Esikko said over text about the revival process, since it's been ages. (And yes, the irony of the fact that Esikko is the one who told him what happens when guests die, because he was on the other side of the murdering equation, isn't lost on Hiyori.)
Esikko gives them a fuller picture. It sounds like he hasn't recovered fully, but also that the treatment here isn't doing him much good. He says he'd rather recuperate somewhere else, and Bakugo offers his suite. So, that settles that, he guesses. Perhaps Esikko will sleep better in a friend's room than he has been in the clinic.]
Yep, got it!
[He reaches down to pick up the vase. One of those rare occasions where he doesn't complain about having to carry something. In fact, when Bakugo goes to fetch a wheelchair, he offers to be even more helpful.]
Are you sure you don't want to sneak him out? I could distract everyone in the main room. First I'd turn my Aura all the way up, and then I'd shout, "I have a disease that makes me sparkle! How do I cure this?" ... don't you think that would get their attention?
...They say I had a surgery. 16 hours, in my case, supposedly. But I was dead, I was burned to ash... I don't know why it is that they lie and say I never died.
( But it seems to be a consistent thing, yeah. His eyes glance to Bakugo as he asks the IV question, first. )
It was for blood. More blood than the average person can help me recover, but I could also simply drink it, you know? Since it's being used as an energy source, not as actual blood. If you grabbed my things, I'll just use some of that.
( And yeah, adrenaline had shot him out of the bed that first day when he saw Bakugo looking so upset, when he heard him apologizing. He couldn't help it— his heart ached at the sight of it, his arms wanted to reach out, and his legs pushed a little harder than they should have to get those couple of steps. It's a good thing Bakugo had immediately pushed him back into bed, that day, or he might have collapsed.
Now, though, he really thinks he could muster up enough strength to walk, but since he's already set on getting him a wheelchair, and since he's currently distracted with the promise of staying at Bakugo's suite, his eyes turn bashfully to the side and he decides not to fight it. It's fine, maybe it's better to not push himself too much right now, so that he can push himself more later...
Of course, Hiyori's newest comments snap him out of his comments with an actual laugh, short as it is. )
I don't think it would, and then you'd get upset at being ignored, you know? ( Though the image is funny. He's kind of assuming Bakugo isn't even giving this idea a second thought and is moving to get the wheelchair anyway, so he's just waiting... But it's nice, to laugh a little.
...If Bakugo does leave the room for a short moment, though, Esikko leans forward a little to speak to Hiyori out of his earshot. )
Has he been okay? Have you been checking on him, now and again? Surely he's not the sort to neglect his own needs even while upset, right? He's got the sort of ego where you can't ask him directly, you know, so I've just been... ( worried. ) ...wondering.
[What kind of fucked up bullshit has Hiyori been snorting to believe that bunch of shit?! Even if he doesn't know all the grisly details (yet), he at least knows Esikko got blown up and burnt up! There's no operating saving that much damage.]
Che! They can call it whatever word they want. [Operation, spell, recycling, fucking birth. Esikko's comment about being "told" he had surgery gets the same aggressive attention. He knows they're bullshitting him, doesn't he.] Prince Prick was magicked back here. His body's recovering from the shock.
[And he's pretty damn sure some of the recovery is factitious, reinforced in Esikko's mind by the staff to keep him here. Bakugo has no doubt Esikko isn't recovered enough to be on his own for a few days, but leaving him in the hospital for another minute has gone out the damn window.
As for the IV, the blonde makes a noncommittal noise but accepts his excuse. Great. He didn't think Esikko was a vampire, but guess that's adding to a list of traits. Bakugo thinks he might've heard him say such somewhere a long time ago, but it's fuzzy and he doesn't give a shit right now. He'll get Esikko to his suite and message Dabi the prince's whereabouts. Hiyori can text other people he feels comfortable letting know if he wants, or Bakugo'll handle any messaging Esikko can't do.
While he's gone, the prince and the idol can have whatever conversation they want to have without his presence. Luckily he's not there to address Hiyori's ridiculous-if-not-amusing distraction plan. Only rolls his eyes and scoffs as the door shuts behind him. Idiot. He's so eager to help with his own brand of assistance. It's admirable, if not annoying.
It'll be a minute or two before he returns with the chair.]
["Burned to ash,""nothing left to operate on." Ergh. Hiyori says nothing in response to that stuff but does grow a bit paler. Of course he already knew what happened, but he doesn't like picturing it. Picturing it, or remembering that smell.
... what must it be like to have actually felt all that? Or to see it and be powerless to stop anything, the way that Bakugo was?
He's so preoccupied with those questions that he almost misses the blood-drinking remark. Almost. That earns a nose wrinkle. But does he want to comment? Nope! No point talking about blood-drinking, and no use arguing about surgery! Whatever the resort calls it, Esikko was brought back to life, and now he'll be leaving the clinic.
The offer to go out there and distract everyone might've doubled as an attempt to lighten the mood. It seems to have worked for a second, when Esikko laughs, but once Bakugo's out of earshot things turn serious again.]
Of course I've checked on him, but...
[He hesitates, his expression darkening. He can't pretend Bakugo's doing well. The fact he accepted a hug from him, something he'd normally reject, says a lot.]
He's still eating and such, so he's alright physically. But he's been beating himself up a lot. I've told him he shouldn't, but I'm not sure any of it got through to him. He's a hero, so he thinks it's his job to save everyone. And then there's what happened with his suit—I'm sure that affected him more than either of us can know.
[He sighs. It all sounds like a perfect storm of misery. No one should have to bear the weight of the world like that, least of all someone Bakugo's age.
Just sighing over the state of things won't accomplish anything, though. And Esikko doesn't deserve to hear all this and feel like it's his fault. That'll tank the mood further, and it won't help Bakugo, either. So!]
Seeing you well again should help, though. And if he aides in your recovery, that might help him feel useful and fuel that manly ego you mentioned. So, perhaps you can ask him to do stuff! I know that helps distract Jun-kun whenever he feels restless.
( Dabi is usually the one who brings him extra blood to drink or use, whether for energy or magic, so he's likely heard more of it than anyone else. Because Esikko is always worried about seeming too weird, about seeming wrong in some way, because Dabi was the only one who ever understood that. But lately, he's been finding that Bakugo seems to accept it, even if he doesn't always understand it, and that's been nice in its own way...
He watches the grumpier blonde leave before questioning Hiyori, and now that answers are being fired back, he turns his attention back on the idol. A hand quietly lifts to his own cheek, like he's trying to smooth out his own eyebags, suddenly aware of them as he loses himself in thought. )
You do it with Jun, huh...
( Thoughtful, contemplative, like he's considering the validity based off of that. It makes sense, honestly, even if it feels like a horrible way to over simplify things. He gets the intention, and he thinks that maybe it's an angle to focus on rather than his own guilt. The fact that he can improve, that instead of it "bothering" Bakugo, maybe it can help him, too, in some small way? )
I suppose I just don't want to become too much for him.
( His voice is uncharacteristically gentle, there, as his hand finally drops away, and he rips the stupid hospital bracelet from his wrist, chucking it aside. They probably have him in some sexy hospital gown, too— like, unnecessarily short or something— because he definitely doesn't have the clothes he burnt to death in, anymore. But he moves the blankets aside so that he's ready to stand and get into a wheelchair once Bakugo returns with it. )
But I'll try that, or something close enough. Thanks.
( Once Bakugo re-enters the room, Esikko immediately glances over to assess the situation. You know, make sure he hasn't blown anyone up yet or anything... )
[Hiyori's involved himself this much so far; he can handle a few more grisly details in the process. Eventually he'll learn it all, when Bakugo's better prepared mentally and emotionally to recount everything for him. No point in dwelling on the subject now when Hiyori's trying to keep things light and positive between them.
Surgery, blood, death, screw it all. He finds the wheelchair tucked away in an alcove with other supporting equipment. Folded-up gurneys, rolling IVs stands he's personally familiar with, collapsible crutches, other shit he doesn't need. Just this one.
Why the hell the hospital's been keeping Esikko here all this time's beyond him. A few days after his revival should've been fine. Probably wanting to further humiliate and break him down before releasing him into the resort again. If they had any intention of releasing him. Fuck it, they're not keeping him shackled to a damn bed another minute longer.
He'll get him out of here; he'll get him out even if he has to blow up the entire venue!
*Bang!* Rubber impacts the door's base and swings it inward, revealing his back and legs first as he retreats into the room. Wheels and metal follow, a full wheelchair newly opened and fitted into working mode. Bakugo pivots it around, stopping by the prince's bedside. Space enough for him to slide out of bed and take two steps to the chair rather than make him feel like some invalid who has to get poured from one surface to the next.]
Get in. We're leaving. Oy, Parrot. Let him hold the flowers once he's settled. You're gonna push him if any of these shitty extras interferes.
[The way he says "interferes" and the sparks going off around one hand are a clear indicator Bakugo's temper is one spark away from detonating badly.]
[He nods and chimes back cheerfully, as though giving Jun orders is something to be proud of. In reality, he mainly bosses Jun around for selfish reasons, but there is some truth to what he said. Back when Jun transitioned to having Kohaku as a roommate, who was more self-reliant than Hiyori, Jun started to get all restless. He's just never been one to enjoy being idle. So what did Hiyori do to ease those feelings? Give him some tasks to do, of course!
Jun may complain about his bossiness and his selfishness, but he's never left him. And he highly doubts Bakugo will get pushed away, either, the way Esikko worries he will. Hiyori replies:]
Don't you think that if you were too much, he would've said so by now? He's not the type to hold back, after all.
[There's that. But then there's also the fact that Hiyori already told Bakugo Esikko has killed two people here, and then did some other disgusting thing he didn't even want to specify. If that revelation wasn't enough to drive a wedge between them, what would be?
He doesn't say that; he doesn't want to reignite that whole conflict right now. But he's thinking it. Things will be fine between them. As he said over text, Bakugo is a true friend. Perhaps the truest one Esikko has ever had, given his dearth of experience back in his home world.
It seems his words get through, in any case. He smiles when Esikko thanks him and says he'll try it, just in time for Bakugo to return with the wheelchair. The doors swing open with a bang, and Hiyori looks behind himself and frowns; honestly, should Bakugo really be making so much noise in a hospital? But it's not worth starting a fight over, since they'll be leaving soon.]
I can push him if need be, but I still think my idea might be worthwhile. The one where I distract the staff, and you bust him out! I'm nervous about you dealing with them, since you seem about ready to start a fire.
[He almost says explode them all, but after what just happened... Anyway, he's still holding the flowers, but can pass the vase back to Esikko once he's in the wheelchair. (He'll also look away out of politeness if that "sexy" hospital gown seems like it's riding up too much.)]
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( It's with a firm sniffle and one last wipe of his face that Esikko lifts his chin into those words. His eyes, reddened from tears with horrible dark circles, are rough around the edges right now— but there, in the color of them, and in the slight waver they give when looking at Hiyori, they look with the same hopefulness that his painting child self had. A familiar stare, for however short it lasts.
Because his eyes dart away shamefully just as quickly, embarrassed, afraid, worried that he's going to mess it up just as quickly. They keep flicking back to Bakugo, like he's some pillar of reassurance despite how terrible his mood seems to be. A part of himself is trying not to embarrass himself too much in front of him, especially, though he doesn't consciously think about it.
He just feels like a mess. He looks like a mess, too, he's sure. The blonde of his roots is beginning to show, his pink is a little faded compared to its usual, he's got all the signs of exhaustion and lack of sleep, and his skin looks a little dry. And maybe he just is a mess? It's hard, to feel like people are here to visit him for his sake, when he also feels like he's done nothing to earn it. When he's learned from the world time and time again that he has to earn things to get them, or take them, or fight for them, that nothing comes easy. That the people who offer things like kindness forward too soon are either too kind to their own detriment, or masking some other need or want behind the actions (like Kirma).
In this intense moment of emotion, that bond of theirs might flicker alive, like a barely lit flame stoking again. Hiyori might be able to feel his nervousness, his guilt, his overwhelming fear as he tries his hardest to compose himself. Eventually, Esikko lifts his hands to reach for those flowers, wanting to hold them himself. )
I... ( How does he say this? He falters, eyes darting back to Hiyori, and then down to the flowers, to focus on them instead. No use saying what he thinks he does or doesn't deserve, what he is or isn't worth. He's realizing, slowly, trying to hammer it into his own mind, that it's not for him to decide. So he changes his direction, looking at Bakugo again in between his words to Hiyori. ) Could you ever... think of me as a friend, again?
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Not his place or business to determine which of them is the responsible party for the rift. He's heard both sides and isn't taking either. This is for Hiyori and Esikko to get out of their system. An extended offer, an apology, an acceptance. This fucking place is as quick to rip the bonds apart as much as it is to force more to forge.
Is this is strength or idiocy? Knowing just how strong a friendship or caring can make someone. Knowing just how great a weakness the same friendship or caring can be. Which is the right choice? To live life with warm hooks driven into your heart, each one reaching out to person after person despite the pain and pleasure each time those cords move. To live life alone and safe behind walls, heart whole and cold with nothing capable of hurting it, nothing capable of helping it. Golden Peacock is a hellhole to find an answer in.
Apparently Hiyori and Esikko reached their own answer between them. Right or wrong. Smart or dumb. No fucking clue anymore. But he didn't come here to find an answer for himself. Seeing the two in front of him picking one route over the other is a quiet drop in his chest. A gentle cool as much as a soft warmth. Nothing shows on his face, set in his normal scowl, as his mind continues turning everything that's happened over and over. He's made several over the past few days. Regret? Hardly. Acceptance? Yeah. A long time ago, Hiyori made it painfully clear to him: no one is getting out of this place alone...
Sorry, Esikko. He's not much of a pillar today. Unless you wanna count a shadowed pillar covered in grease at a distance a reassurance. It's got nothing to do with the prince or the idol, and everything to do with loathing towards the cage around them. But he's here, if only for his presence to be helpful. At least Hiyori and Esikko can focus on the flowers instead of the bomb fizzling on the wall. Focus on their own friendship.]
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... ah. Now he remembers.
And now he realizes. Esikko, who didn't know what "friends" were and wasn't shown proper love growing up, is still that child in some ways.
Something warm sparks inside him. The source isn't himself, but Esikko. It's easier than ever to tell whose emotions are whose, after being unable to feel their connection at all for a week. He'd wanted so badly to be rid of it when it was first introduced, and again later when he learned what Esikko had done here. Even now, it brings him secondhand pain and a whole lot of worry. So why does he feel something almost like relief, as it breathes with new life?
Because it's proof he's not alone, when he feels more lonely than he ever did at home. And it's proof, perhaps, that the bonds between people can be mended, however tattered and broken they are.
Though the mending is a work in progress. Esikko seems to be reaching for the flowers, so Hiyori moves closer and hands them off: the small vase passed over, the orchids healthy and sweet-smelling. Then, he asks if he could still see him as a friend. And Hiyori, still almost-but-not-quite able to smile, looks at him and... hesitates.]
Well...
[His voice wavers. He has had time to think about this. But he needs a moment still.
Esikko did horrible things here. Those things are in the past. That doesn't make them any less horrible, but it's not Hiyori's place to punish him. And that last bad thing Esikko did—taking someone's memories temporarily—he already got punished for. A horrible punishment no one should have to suffer. That cycle of vengeance is the problem here, isn't it?
But Hiyori's already thought about all that. His hesitancy has another source: it's the same reason his stomach squirms, the same thing makes it hard to look at Esikko while he cries. He doesn't feel bad about what he said during the Truth or Dare game; anyone would have reacted the same way. But the squabbles they've gotten in since, well... Esikko didn't always start those. Or hit below the belt as often and as readily as he did. When he thinks about that, his Spades suit, and how atrociously Bakugo behaved recently during his suit flare... well.]
That depends on you too, you know.
[He says after a minute, in a forced-casual tone.]
I'm pretty sure you said I'm annoying. Though you're not the only one. For some reason, I get that surprisingly a lot!
["""""Surprisingly.""""]
And I might have said some cruel things to you before. Plus I have that nasty Spades suit to deal with. So I don't know if you still want to be friends, given all that.
[A pause. Then he adds:]
Though now that I think of it, the first person I ever saw as a friend was someone I just fought with all the time, so I guess it could be worse.
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Eventually, as he's listening, he stretches to the side to make room for the vase on his bedside table. Other useless items are just in the way, from the nurses going on about how he should find romance or get laid and that would speed things up so much! Or whatever nonsense... But the flowers look nicer there, and after one final touch to the base of that vase, he withdraws his hand and sits more normally. )
You are annoying.
( It's the first thing he mumbles, a little petulant in response to how Hiyori answered all of that. ) Like... all of that, for example. Would it have killed you to say something like "Yes, if you meet me halfway?" You said you wanted me dead, you know, and with the intensity you delivered it, what else was I supposed to think?
( But despite his arguing, here, and despite the way his voice gains some more life into it, less strained from tears— he's not furious, he's not shaking with anger, he's just understandably tired, and a little desperate. )
If I didn't want to be friends, I'd block you and tell you to leave. I wouldn't warn you about those brothers, or tell you to pretend not to know me, or give you those potions, or sit here listening to you think you're not as annoying as you are. And if you'd truly like to be friends with me, then you'll just have to deal with me pointing it out.
I'd only expect the same in return, you know. ( Again, though he'd been focused on Hiyori during his words, his gaze slides back to Bakugo, noticeably worried about him. So, after a moment's hesitation: ) Bakugo is bluntly honest with me too, after all, and we're still close. Right?
( Obviously, because he's blunt with anyone. But, he mostly wants to hear his voice, to make sure he's not too lost in his own thoughts, over there. )
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Sucky part is, this place doesn't always give people the luxury of keeping themselves away from someone they don't like. Forced together, pushed to interact, made to grow close in attempts to build bonds, their memories and feelings are stripped out and laid bare in front of each other. As if some sick notion of lacking privacy will inherently foster closer connections. Bullshit. Yet people have to get along despite disagreements and not liking each other. Bakugo's close to two people here he never would've given the time of day back in his own world. Fucked up, isn't it. But...
Anything broken can be mended in some fashion. Maybe it won't work like it did, maybe it won't look the same, maybe it won't act or sound like it had before. But if someone's willing to put in the effort to help bring back together all those pieces, something worthwhile exists there for them. No one's going to waste their resources on something they don't care about.]
Tch. [Esikko asks if they can be friends and Hiyori dumps the question back on him. Bakugo's shoulders sag in exasperation, expression screwing up in annoyance. HE ASKED YOU THE QUESTION, DAMN PARROT!! ANSWER IT!! Doesn't matter what the fuck Esikko says or does, the question is whether Hiyori can! ... Some people think friendship runs on caveats, but Bakugo's seen someone doggedly hold onto a friendship another person furiously decried, hated, and wished would vanish in the blazes of hell. Yet no matter what he did to Midoriya, the other boy refused to give up on their past friendship. He trusted that one day, he could regain the friendship Bakugo furiously tore apart and threw aside. Friendship doesn't always run on caveats.]
Cause you are fucking annoying... [Muttered under his breath. Who the fuck's gonna say Hiyori's not annoying? Unless they're the kind of annoying person. At least the idol admits he said his own shit in the past. He closes his mouth and narrows his eyes, Spade suit topic digging into sore spots even unintentionally. Nothing he needs to weigh them down with.
Good to know Esikko isn't afraid to speak his mind despite all that happened to him. Bakugo hated his "smart idea" of letting himself be perceived as a spineless weakling to protect them. Hiyori could've shortened all his words into a simple comment, but Parrot always has to ramble. He's groused at him a lot for running his mouth so much too. Back to the two of them bickering, bringing up old pains and words said. Telling someone to die... He knows just how horrible it is to wish such a thing on someone. Another reason is memories of how callous he'd been towards Esikko's dying breaths rakes his lungs raw and makes his skin crawl across his muscles.
And there goes Esikko, running his own mouth as bad as Hiyori. Would it have killed him to summarize all his protesting evidence into a similar short answer? These two really are way too damn similar sometimes. No wonder they fight despite being easy friend material. Guess in a way it's refreshing to hear them bicker. Usually means two people are close if they can clash without going their separate ways in a huff forever. Esikko looks at him with clear concern and worry in his eyes. What? He's fine. If he didn't want to show up here, he would've told Hiyori to go at it on his own. More searching, more pestering because the prince has a big heart and he isn't gonna stop looking at him until he gets a response, is he. So annoying, the both of them.]
Tch. You two talk way too much. [Bluntly honest. He leans back more fully to the wall, head resting on the surface rather than ducked towards his chest. Well, he was lost in his thoughts, even if they were all stemming from the conversation and patch up was listening to.] If you two wanna be friends, then decide for yourselves rather than basing it off each other. Friendship with strings and requirements is nothing more than a contract.
[Friends, true friends, know each other well enough to realize what hurts, upsets, helps, and supports each other. Sometimes that requires sacrificing what you want to do for the sake of your friend's benefit. Putting their needs and feelings in front of your own. Accepting things won't always be nice and shiny. Pain happens, life sucks, mistakes made. But if both people approach with the same understanding, they'll make it through. Hiyori and Esikko have to decide for themselves if they're willing to do that for each other. That decision isn't something they can base off "I will if you will" bullshit.
It's individual and solo.]
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Or in jail. You forgot the "jail" part.
[Alright, so maybe he feels a bit guilty now, in light of what just happened. But if there's anything he really feels bad about saying, it's probably what he said about Esikko disappearing. "Not that anyone would notice." He knows how cruel it was, as someone who worries every day about him or Jun disappearing next. Knows, too, that Esikko wants to be remembered and is afraid no one will care if he dies. And it was factually wrong, too, of course. Whatever he said or whatever Esikko may have believed, he'd be missed if he was gone. By Bakugo, by whoever Dabi is... by Hiyori, too, or else he wouldn't be here.
It is pretty funny when Esikko asks Bakugo if they're close and Bakugo doesn't confirm, though. One thing sure hasn't changed: that kid is never forthcoming about his feelings, and he won't say mushy stuff about being "close" to people. And yet it's obvious anyway, isn't it? They are close, or he wouldn't be here, either.]
You're not wrong there. Something like a "friendship contract" sounds too stuffy, so I'll pass!
[He looks at Bakugo, lips quirked, opting not to make a fuss about his attitude or about calling him annoying, since he's been through a lot.
But then, so has Esikko. So.
Hiyori looks back at him, now, hunched over the flowers. He crossed his arms, curls his fingers into his sleeve, and tries to muster some up courage.]
But "meeting halfway" sounds fine, I suppose. It's the same for me, too, after all. We've already been through a lot. This connection thing doesn't seem like it'll ever go away. And it's hard to find people who share my tastes, or have basically anything in common with me.
[Tea, flowers, being a rich bitch—]
If I didn't see you as a friend, I wouldn't have sent all those people your way. Like Leo-kun and Loki-kun. I wouldn't have written you that heartfelt goodbye note, which you haven't seen since I haven't disappeared yet. And I wouldn't still worry about you, either. At least not as much as I have been, so...
[Another pause, and then he shrugs, managing a real smile this time.]
There's your answer.
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Ultimately, he has to let go of some pride, huh... )
...Fine. I'll be honest and open about it this once, since Bakugo has gone through the trouble of bringing you here, and he's stuck waiting.
( Why's he putting this on Bakugo. But look, he's embarrassed!! Enough that he can't fully look at Hiyori while speaking this, but he's being honest. Painfully so. )
I do want to be friends. I never stopped caring about you, or whatever, even if I'm not sure how that began in the first place... And I've talked down the idea of anyone hurting you, you know? Even at my angriest and most hurt.
But I'm afraid of things like this. It feels too vulnerable, or weak, to admit that I'd like your company, or Bakugo's, or Dabi's, or anyone's... The fact that it hurt so much to have you upset with me says enough, doesn't it? It's... they're all... something precious, in their own way.
( He's a little red, which is all the more prominent on his pale, frankly sickly face right now. Ugh. He fidgets with his own hair, after a moment, staring pointedly at a spot on the floor. )
I've been told too many times that I'll only ruin relationships like this, or make your lives worse... so I don't want to lean into something that's only going to fall apart. That's why I keep holding back. If I fall from something like that, how am I supposed to get back up anymore? Wouldn't it be pathetic to get upset over something like that? It seems to me that everyone else can make and lose friends so effortlessly, but it's never felt that way for me.
But, I'm trying a different approach, so... don't laugh at me admitting all of this, got it? I want to be your friend. I want to be someone who can have friends without causing them pain, or trouble, too... So... I guess "that's that", right?
( To quote Hiyori from before... )
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They're lucky he doesn't give into that part.
Bakugo knows all too well how it feels to regret your words. They linger in his mind and come back to him at night, whispering themselves into his ears no matter how hard he tries shutting them out. His voice, his words, his intentions. There's no escaping his own brain. Hiyori must have felt the same weight dragging at him, if he truly regretted the things he said... Words carry far more power than some people give them credit for. Especially something as horrible as what Hiyori said. What Bakugo is just as guilty of saying to someone in his past too.
Both of them should know by now it takes a fucking miracle to get sappy words out of the blonde's mouth. Made even harder by having it be in front of another person. Don't ask him questions you already know the answer to, dammit! Hmph. Both of them are looking at him and his expression twists into a defensive sneer, head cocking and chin lifting slightly. What? They got a problem with what he said or something? Deal with it.
Again Hiyori runs his mouth on evidence and support instead of just owning up and saying "yes I wanna be friends" to Esikko's face. Why the hell can't people spit out what they mean and be done with it? Putting up all that crap makes it sound like they don't have confidence in their own words. As if they won't believe each other without proof.
Oy! If he wasn't close, would he even be here?! Esikko knows he's not the type to waste his time and effort on something he's not personally invested in! If the man needs his help, he'll come to help him. Just like last time. Hopefully without a bunch of murderous feelings not giving a shit about anyone else in the room.]
Haa? Don't assume shit! I didn't bring him here! [Don't make assumptions about shit!] He came cause he wanted to! And I'm not stuck. I'll leave when I want to.
[Che, where's he get off making him out to be tethered like some fly on wax. Grumble mutter grump. Don't duck behind him cause you're embarrassed, Esikko! Stand up and talk! Or don't stand up because you're in a damn hospital bed. More of that and he'll walk out of the room, slam the door, and leave the two of them to fend with each other while he waits outside with a packet of orange juice or something. Hmph.
But Esikko's honest about his feelings soon enough. Bakugo can't say he's wrong to worry either. He has similar concerns now about getting close to anyone or the ones he's already close to. Friendship, caring about people, love, those are amazing sources of strength, bu they're fucking horrible weaknesses as well. Wanting those connections, fearing what they might risk, while relishing in their warmth and presence. Human bonds are complex and weird, and it pisses him off this goddamn place treats them as no more important than a fucking shiny toy to play with at whim.]
No one decides your life but you. [Doesn't matter who says he'll suck or how many times someone says he'll fall. Esikko decides for himself whether he sucks or falls. He's his own opponent, far stronger and more dangerous than anyone external. Most people's inner selves are. If he stopped putting so much weight on what other people say or think about him, he'd be far freer. At least the two of them finally air out their thoughts and come to an agreement.
Tch, so many words to say "yes". Why are a good chunk of his friends theatrical motormouths?]
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Though he does have one thing to interject with.]
That's good of you, but now I'm wondering how many people have been lining up to hurt me!
[How much should he be watching his back, exactly...?]
Unless you just mean Dabi. He sort of threatened me on your behalf, but nothing came of it. He must like you an awful lot.
[After that, he shuts up for a moment and lets Esikko finish saying his piece. Lets Bakugo add his piece, too. Esikko says he's afraid of ruining his relationships and making people's lives worse, but that he's trying to push past that fear. Bakugo, meanwhile, doesn't have any fears he wants to confess or anything touchy-feely to add, but he does offer encouragement in his own way. "No one decides your life but you," he says. This, Hiyori thinks, would resonate more strongly if they weren't caged here at the whim of some supernatural entity. But the point stands, so.]
What he said again!
[On both counts: the deciding-your-life count, and the fact he chose to come here. He gives Bakugo a smile.
And then, he gives Esikko one. There's a flash of recognition on his face, as Esikko echoes his words from before, putting a positive twist on them this time. His smile looks like how he used to smile, back before he knew any of Esikko's dark secrets, back before this place had him so jaded.]
Right! "That's that!" ♪
[That's it. Feud over!]
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[... no, it turns out he does have more to say on the topic of driving people away and causing them pain. His face takes on a more serious look, the easy smile fading. Unfortunately for Bakugo, the yap-a-thon continues.]
Especially in this place, where our hearts are always being manipulated, and where people disappear without any warning. [...] I wanted to spread nothing but happiness and cheer. I don't want to cause pain, either. That's exactly why I became an idol. Even I can't manage that here, though.
[He shakes his head, a bit. Before he adds:]
But if you try to take care of yourself more, and you try not to hurt others, then that's a start, anyway. I don't think it does any good to say things like "Anything's better than dying from that illness." So if that's your "different approach," I'll look forward to it!
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Some of it. Of course things feel rough, of course things aren't all better. But— )
Pain isn't completely avoidable. I do understand that, but...
( He hesitates here, his eyes sliding over to Bakugo, and then flicking back to Hiyori for a moment before they lower to his bed again. )
Well, I've found some people I consider precious, here, and I'd like to at least avoid causing them pain when possible. Above all else, I'd like to create a path for everyone to go wherever they'd like, and to retain their memories... I do think it's possible. It's just not easy.
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Mentioning Dabi earn Hiyori a sharp look that clearly growls "drop it" written all over his narrowed red eyes. He doesn't want to bring the man up right now. Things are busy enough with Hiyori and Esikko patching their relationship.
Even if they're caged in this shitty world but a fucking entity, their free will (mostly) hasn't been stripped from them. They can still decide to participate in events or not, for the most part; they can decide who they want to hang out with or walk away from, ignoring occasional dumps which they can still leave; they can even refuse to play the peacock's stupid sex game to the point of being sent home for noncompliance! No one decides their lives but them. Only the circumstances. Not even the peacock.
Ugh, more yapping. Bakugo's finger begins drumming slightly on his upper arm, listening to Hiyori's continued description of their status here. He's not making stupid points. Even their best intentions can get screwed up or stopped flat, forcing them to back up and try again. Few people he's met here actively want to cause pain and suffering for the fuck of it. Esikko's hopes and intentions aren't wrong to strive for either, so long as he's aware he'll have to deal with the shitty hotel trying to trip him up.
He feels Esikko's eyes on him with another glance, momentarily staying before leaving and lowering. Admitting he cares about people enough to put them before his own feelings and needs is difficult. Bakugo doesn't put those words to his lips despite both men in the room knowing he'll do so when it counts every time. He narrows his eyes when the prince shifts goals from a personal protection of his friendships to stating ambition for the entire resort. He hasn't lost his own intentions and desires to find a way to get out of this place, and to rip that way open into a mutual path to and from, voluntary.]
Wait on any plans for a while. [Noting Esikko's neck and the new mark he has on his arm. The hotel's eyes are on the prince and he doesn't need the man putting himself in even worse position than he is already.] You've got enough shit to deal with right now.
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Some degree of hurting one other is inevitable, especially in a place like this. That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to do right by each other, though. Or that Esikko couldn't stand to take better care of himself, which brings them to their next point. Esikko states his desire to create pathways home, to free whoever wants to be freed—something Hiyori's largely given up on ever happening. How wonderful would it be if it did happen after all?
But he knows better now than to rely on one person for everything, so at Bakugo's words, he nods solemnly.]
Baku-kun's right.
[He pauses for a moment, a little hesitant about saying this next bit. But he already admitted he worries about Esikko. What's the harm in admitting when he first started worrying?]
... I felt bad when you got punished the first time. It made me worry about what would happen if you pushed too hard and got punished even worse in the future.
[It would've felt like his fault, in part.]
That's definitely the last thing you need now, so if you do use magic for something like that, at least don't go it alone. Alright? [He meets Esikko's eyes.] And first, rest up!
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( To both of them, at once, he relents, though it's clear he has a lot more on his mind. He's trying to have more of a filter, now that he's alive again, and he can recognize that some people care about him enough to not want to hear the negative things that surface too easily. That someone like him deserves the punishment, or that it's better if someone like him takes the brunt of the focus so other, kinder, more useful people don't have to...
It's strange. In some ways, it's his usual negativity that's persisted throughout his lifetimes, poisoned newly each time by the circumstances and treatment around him. In other ways, though, it's far less selfish than he used to be— he never would have cared about anyone else, before. He'd always tried to avoid harm himself, even if it meant those around him got hurt. So in a way, he's taking steps forward, changing his view on things, carefully trying to balance selfishness with being better.
Which means that, maybe he'll hold thoughts like that back a bit longer and actually think about them, first, before upsetting those around him. It's a start, even if it feels lonely right now. )
I'm having trouble sleeping, though. ( If his dark circles aren't evident enough of that. ) Do you suppose it's worth it, to stay here and have one of you fetch the things I need to make a sleep potion? Or should I just sneak out? They're draining all of my funds, making me sit here and telling me to make "booty calls", you know?
( Doctor advice!!! )
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Going home remains a long-term pipe dream. He refuses to give up hope they can make it happen, but can't help feel they'll be stuck in research and explore mode for a long time. Recent breakthroughs, like the heart reveal, keep him going.]
Tch. [And now Esikko's back in the damn basement. Bakugo tried keeping him out of the fucking place since it's so tempting for his nosy nature; easier to do when the prince was up in top floors with the other high ranks. But he's not the guy's keeper.
Good thing Esikko kept his mouth shut instead of dumping all that negative crap out of his mouth. Bakugo would've crammed his pillow down his throat for being a fucking bedsore. The guy's always been down on himself, something which pisses the hero off when people bitch and whine about their poor lot in life or personal faults. Especially if they do fuck about it but moan.]
Haa?! The hell do you mean by that? [His expression wrenches into an annoyed snarl, head lifting and shoulders rolling off the wall. Both arms drop, one hand coming up as sparks start crackling around his hand. All this fucking talking and emotional sap's been chewing away at his patience and temper. Esikko dropped a final straw.] They're keeping you here when you don't need to be?
[Ka-BOOOM! Deliberately stalling the prince's departure to encourage him into sex calls while sapping his fucking funds
what funds now that he's been revived-?!] If you can leave, then get your ass out of bed!no subject
Bakugo's rudeness and insensitivity are also entirely predictable. However.]
Baku-kun! [Now it's Hiyori's turn to glare.] Don't say "get out of bed" to someone who just had surgery!
[Of course Esikko's not going to be up and about! He just got blown up! Which, well... Hiyori's not sure how they stitched him back together after that, other than "by magic," but obviously he'd need continued treatment and monitoring! ... though expecting decent care from the Golden Peacock staff is probably like expecting a symphony from a troop of baboons.....
He hesitates, clearly conflicted. What's the protocol in this situation? Trick question! There is none! So, he relents a bit.]
But I can't say "Follow the doctor's orders" when the doctors are quacks! So if you're sure they're not doing anything for you, I guess we could sneak you out. But only if you're not going to collapse and end up right back here. Understand?
[Said to Esikko sternly (?). He's trying to be responsible!]
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( Esikko feels the need to clarify this— he's not completely better, no, because he's a frail thing with a terrible, weak body no matter what he does, and the Divinity is angry. It hurts even more than it usually does to move, to sit up, to breathe. But what are they doing about it? Nothing. He's been refusing to take the drugs they offer him, since they won't tell him what they do; he doesn't want to end up horny with no way of letting it out. He's not in the mood.
So he shifts, carefully pulling the IV out of his arm and dropping it aside on its stand. His hand stays over where he'd removed it from to stop any bleeding, but the scent of lavender and chrysanthemum still hits the room. Slowly, he swings his legs over the side of the bed, but pauses there. It's not as easy as just standing up, but he's getting there!! )
But I don't think it has to be this bed, anymore. All they did this morning was insist I should wear bandages "for my skin" and try sexting. ( He puffs out a sigh. He probably should have snuck out on his own yesterday, when he realized he had enough strength to sit up for longer periods. But part of him, he supposes, had been waiting and hoping that Dabi might show up to see him...
But he'll have to chase that down himself. )
Give me a moment, and I think I can stand. But I think I'll have to trouble you to carry those flowers again, so they don't get left behind.
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Haa?! He didn't have any goddamn surgery! [Snapping right back a Hiyori, glare blazing beneath his spiky bangs.] He's been in this shitty place for over a week! They can heal people back to normal in a fucking day!
[Don't tell him "no" because that's exactly how they put him back together! (He assumes.) It's not like they had any pieces of Esikko left to sew and bolt into place. He was nothing but ash after death. Bakugo saw to that personally. This is a magically revived person from naught! He shouldn't be in here "recovering" from anything but physical stress and mental shock! All they're doing by keeping him in the hospital is leeching whatever entertainment they can get out of him.]
We're not "sneaking" anyone out. I'll take him out the fucking front doors. [Though his tone's dropped back to growling and snarls, unable to completely counter Hiyori's comment. If Esikko is still to weak to manage outside the Broken Wing, then he'll begrudgingly let him stay.
When the prince says he should rest, Bakugo drops his upper back to the wall once more, glaring holes into the opposing wall. Fine. He wants to point out Esikko already hauled himself out of bed without messing with any IVs or other shit when he'd staggered over to him during his previous visit. Then again, by the time the man made it to the foot of his bed, Bakugo was already there putting him back in it.]
Why the hell do you have an IV anyways? [Morphine? Blood transfusion? Saline drip? He can't imagine what these assholes have Esikko on when they had to magically reconstruct his entire fucking body. Makes him question what "state" they opted to bring Esikko back in. Fresh off a new life grown older to his prime, or picked back up when he's a month or two away from his usual breakdown and death? Tch, whatever. If he doesn't need to be in the damn hospital, he doesn't need to be in it!]
They're not doing shit. [Bakugo cracks his knuckles and pushes off the wall. Fine. They're doing this now.] You can stay in my suite for a few days. [He wouldn't be surprised if the man was being kept weak and disabled in the hospital on purpose. A few sparks and bursts explode around one cupped hand.] I'll get a wheelchair. You won't be walking the entire way.
[Even if Esikko isn't "injured" at the moment, he's undoubtedly weak. And Bakugo's not gonna carry him out because he'll need his hands for anyone who tries interfering. Give him a minute to leave the room, hunt down a chair, and return with the wheeled seat soon enough.]
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I thought they did a "life-saving operation"! That's what they say happens! Though I guess the more accurate term would be a "revival operation." Unless the "operation" part is just a lie...
[At this point, he's struggling to remember what Esikko said over text about the revival process, since it's been ages. (And yes, the irony of the fact that Esikko is the one who told him what happens when guests die, because he was on the other side of the murdering equation, isn't lost on Hiyori.)
Esikko gives them a fuller picture. It sounds like he hasn't recovered fully, but also that the treatment here isn't doing him much good. He says he'd rather recuperate somewhere else, and Bakugo offers his suite. So, that settles that, he guesses. Perhaps Esikko will sleep better in a friend's room than he has been in the clinic.]
Yep, got it!
[He reaches down to pick up the vase. One of those rare occasions where he doesn't complain about having to carry something. In fact, when Bakugo goes to fetch a wheelchair, he offers to be even more helpful.]
Are you sure you don't want to sneak him out? I could distract everyone in the main room. First I'd turn my Aura all the way up, and then I'd shout, "I have a disease that makes me sparkle! How do I cure this?" ... don't you think that would get their attention?
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( But it seems to be a consistent thing, yeah. His eyes glance to Bakugo as he asks the IV question, first. )
It was for blood. More blood than the average person can help me recover, but I could also simply drink it, you know? Since it's being used as an energy source, not as actual blood. If you grabbed my things, I'll just use some of that.
( And yeah, adrenaline had shot him out of the bed that first day when he saw Bakugo looking so upset, when he heard him apologizing. He couldn't help it— his heart ached at the sight of it, his arms wanted to reach out, and his legs pushed a little harder than they should have to get those couple of steps. It's a good thing Bakugo had immediately pushed him back into bed, that day, or he might have collapsed.
Now, though, he really thinks he could muster up enough strength to walk, but since he's already set on getting him a wheelchair, and since he's currently distracted with the promise of staying at Bakugo's suite, his eyes turn bashfully to the side and he decides not to fight it. It's fine, maybe it's better to not push himself too much right now, so that he can push himself more later...
Of course, Hiyori's newest comments snap him out of his comments with an actual laugh, short as it is. )
I don't think it would, and then you'd get upset at being ignored, you know? ( Though the image is funny. He's kind of assuming Bakugo isn't even giving this idea a second thought and is moving to get the wheelchair anyway, so he's just waiting... But it's nice, to laugh a little.
...If Bakugo does leave the room for a short moment, though, Esikko leans forward a little to speak to Hiyori out of his earshot. )
Has he been okay? Have you been checking on him, now and again? Surely he's not the sort to neglect his own needs even while upset, right? He's got the sort of ego where you can't ask him directly, you know, so I've just been... ( worried. ) ...wondering.
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[What kind of fucked up bullshit has Hiyori been snorting to believe that bunch of shit?! Even if he doesn't know all the grisly details (yet), he at least knows Esikko got blown up and burnt up! There's no operating saving that much damage.]
Che! They can call it whatever word they want. [Operation, spell, recycling, fucking birth. Esikko's comment about being "told" he had surgery gets the same aggressive attention. He knows they're bullshitting him, doesn't he.] Prince Prick was magicked back here. His body's recovering from the shock.
[And he's pretty damn sure some of the recovery is factitious, reinforced in Esikko's mind by the staff to keep him here. Bakugo has no doubt Esikko isn't recovered enough to be on his own for a few days, but leaving him in the hospital for another minute has gone out the damn window.
As for the IV, the blonde makes a noncommittal noise but accepts his excuse. Great. He didn't think Esikko was a vampire, but guess that's adding to a list of traits. Bakugo thinks he might've heard him say such somewhere a long time ago, but it's fuzzy and he doesn't give a shit right now. He'll get Esikko to his suite and message Dabi the prince's whereabouts. Hiyori can text other people he feels comfortable letting know if he wants, or Bakugo'll handle any messaging Esikko can't do.
While he's gone, the prince and the idol can have whatever conversation they want to have without his presence. Luckily he's not there to address Hiyori's ridiculous-if-not-amusing distraction plan. Only rolls his eyes and scoffs as the door shuts behind him. Idiot. He's so eager to help with his own brand of assistance. It's admirable, if not annoying.
It'll be a minute or two before he returns with the chair.]
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... what must it be like to have actually felt all that? Or to see it and be powerless to stop anything, the way that Bakugo was?
He's so preoccupied with those questions that he almost misses the blood-drinking remark. Almost. That earns a nose wrinkle. But does he want to comment? Nope! No point talking about blood-drinking, and no use arguing about surgery! Whatever the resort calls it, Esikko was brought back to life, and now he'll be leaving the clinic.
The offer to go out there and distract everyone might've doubled as an attempt to lighten the mood. It seems to have worked for a second, when Esikko laughs, but once Bakugo's out of earshot things turn serious again.]
Of course I've checked on him, but...
[He hesitates, his expression darkening. He can't pretend Bakugo's doing well. The fact he accepted a hug from him, something he'd normally reject, says a lot.]
He's still eating and such, so he's alright physically. But he's been beating himself up a lot. I've told him he shouldn't, but I'm not sure any of it got through to him. He's a hero, so he thinks it's his job to save everyone. And then there's what happened with his suit—I'm sure that affected him more than either of us can know.
[He sighs. It all sounds like a perfect storm of misery. No one should have to bear the weight of the world like that, least of all someone Bakugo's age.
Just sighing over the state of things won't accomplish anything, though. And Esikko doesn't deserve to hear all this and feel like it's his fault. That'll tank the mood further, and it won't help Bakugo, either. So!]
Seeing you well again should help, though. And if he aides in your recovery, that might help him feel useful and fuel that manly ego you mentioned. So, perhaps you can ask him to do stuff! I know that helps distract Jun-kun whenever he feels restless.
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He watches the grumpier blonde leave before questioning Hiyori, and now that answers are being fired back, he turns his attention back on the idol. A hand quietly lifts to his own cheek, like he's trying to smooth out his own eyebags, suddenly aware of them as he loses himself in thought. )
You do it with Jun, huh...
( Thoughtful, contemplative, like he's considering the validity based off of that. It makes sense, honestly, even if it feels like a horrible way to over simplify things. He gets the intention, and he thinks that maybe it's an angle to focus on rather than his own guilt. The fact that he can improve, that instead of it "bothering" Bakugo, maybe it can help him, too, in some small way? )
I suppose I just don't want to become too much for him.
( His voice is uncharacteristically gentle, there, as his hand finally drops away, and he rips the stupid hospital bracelet from his wrist, chucking it aside. They probably have him in some sexy hospital gown, too— like, unnecessarily short or something— because he definitely doesn't have the clothes he burnt to death in, anymore. But he moves the blankets aside so that he's ready to stand and get into a wheelchair once Bakugo returns with it. )
But I'll try that, or something close enough. Thanks.
( Once Bakugo re-enters the room, Esikko immediately glances over to assess the situation. You know, make sure he hasn't blown anyone up
yetor anything... )no subject
Surgery, blood, death, screw it all. He finds the wheelchair tucked away in an alcove with other supporting equipment. Folded-up gurneys, rolling IVs stands he's personally familiar with, collapsible crutches, other shit he doesn't need. Just this one.
Why the hell the hospital's been keeping Esikko here all this time's beyond him. A few days after his revival should've been fine. Probably wanting to further humiliate and break him down before releasing him into the resort again. If they had any intention of releasing him. Fuck it, they're not keeping him shackled to a damn bed another minute longer.
He'll get him out of here; he'll get him out even if he has to blow up the entire venue!
*Bang!* Rubber impacts the door's base and swings it inward, revealing his back and legs first as he retreats into the room. Wheels and metal follow, a full wheelchair newly opened and fitted into working mode. Bakugo pivots it around, stopping by the prince's bedside. Space enough for him to slide out of bed and take two steps to the chair rather than make him feel like some invalid who has to get poured from one surface to the next.]
Get in. We're leaving. Oy, Parrot. Let him hold the flowers once he's settled. You're gonna push him if any of these shitty extras interferes.
[The way he says "interferes" and the sparks going off around one hand are a clear indicator Bakugo's temper is one spark away from detonating badly.]
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[He nods and chimes back cheerfully, as though giving Jun orders is something to be proud of. In reality, he mainly bosses Jun around for selfish reasons, but there is some truth to what he said. Back when Jun transitioned to having Kohaku as a roommate, who was more self-reliant than Hiyori, Jun started to get all restless. He's just never been one to enjoy being idle. So what did Hiyori do to ease those feelings? Give him some tasks to do, of course!
Jun may complain about his bossiness and his selfishness, but he's never left him. And he highly doubts Bakugo will get pushed away, either, the way Esikko worries he will. Hiyori replies:]
Don't you think that if you were too much, he would've said so by now? He's not the type to hold back, after all.
[There's that. But then there's also the fact that Hiyori already told Bakugo Esikko has killed two people here, and then did some other disgusting thing he didn't even want to specify. If that revelation wasn't enough to drive a wedge between them, what would be?
He doesn't say that; he doesn't want to reignite that whole conflict right now. But he's thinking it. Things will be fine between them. As he said over text, Bakugo is a true friend. Perhaps the truest one Esikko has ever had, given his dearth of experience back in his home world.
It seems his words get through, in any case. He smiles when Esikko thanks him and says he'll try it, just in time for Bakugo to return with the wheelchair. The doors swing open with a bang, and Hiyori looks behind himself and frowns; honestly, should Bakugo really be making so much noise in a hospital? But it's not worth starting a fight over, since they'll be leaving soon.]
I can push him if need be, but I still think my idea might be worthwhile. The one where I distract the staff, and you bust him out! I'm nervous about you dealing with them, since you seem about ready to start a fire.
[He almost says explode them all, but after what just happened... Anyway, he's still holding the flowers, but can pass the vase back to Esikko once he's in the wheelchair. (He'll also look away out of politeness if that "sexy" hospital gown seems like it's riding up too much.)]
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now with the correct tag (sorry)
I felt like a voyeur seeing that before... (don't be sorry it was fine!!)
You peeping...
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