( ...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.)]
( Why did they want to keep him here? Probably humiliation, if Esikko had to guess. The doctor had gone on and on about how it was a "16 hour surgery" and a great success and how he needed to stay bandaged from head to toe, and how his head may be leaking, or some nonsense— things to make him paranoid, checking with fingers at his own scalp, finding nothing. Infuriating. Exhausting. And he doesn't know if it's just the misery of being stuck in a clinic that has him doing so poorly physically, the guilt of his death in general, or something else entirely. Maybe a combination, even?
He stands up, repeating Hiyori's last words in his head as he glances to Bakugo and then the wheelchair, turning carefully to sit down. It seems he doesn't struggle with that motion too much, even if he does seem a little weak in the knees. Mm, but Hiyori is right, he thinks as he settles back into the chair— Bakugo certainly isn't the type to hold back, if that door slam entrance hadn't been enough proof. Esikko manages a successful sit, a successful lack of flashing anyone in the room (so far!), and a grab for the flowers once he's settled in enough that Hiyori can pass them over. )
I doubt there's a need. Anyone who tries to stop Bakugo while he's wearing an expression like that has what's coming to them, if you ask me.
( Like, do you see his hands sparking?? His eyes that could kill?? He'd love to see someone try to even voice a hesitant question their direction, personally. But maybe that's because he's lowkey wanting the satisfaction of watching these assholes suffer.
He's trying to be a better person, but it's hard to shed anger entirely, especially when this place has done so much to people he's grown to care about. He rests his feet on the foot paddles of the chair, holds the flowers in his lap, and glances back at the both of them.
Of course, there might be someone trying to swing by because Esikko took off his heart monitor a little bit ago?? Just watch out for them on the way out. )
[He's not the type to hold back. Anyone who's spent more than a few minutes with Bakugo will know that. If he doesn't like something, he'll say it. If he wants to do something, he'll do it. People who he spends his time around are those he's chosen to be around, even if begrudging and grumbling because they'd be annoying pains in the ass if he didn't attend their stupid crap.
He's never held it against Hiyori for telling him what Esikko did, but he's also never let what Esikko force a separation between them. Picking and choosing his own reactions and feelings. Here, he's companions with murderers, thieves, criminals, villains, people he wouldn't give more than a second glance and an explosion to the face if he were back home. So long as they keep their dark deeds out of his presence, or suck it up when he interferes if they don't, he'll swallow his morals and accept them. Not like people stay dead here.
He doesn't give a shit the noise he's making in the hospital. Hiyori's lucky this is all the noise he's making. Back home, he was dragging his IV and two classmates behind him as he stalked down the halls with all his injuries, yelling his head off in anger at being left behind! Right now, he's a growling, bristling simmer. A threat ready and waiting, but not exploding without a spark. Yet.]
Do whatever you want, Parrot. I'll push him. If anyone gets in our way, we're switching places. [Hiyori has his chance to shine (pun intended) as Bakugo makes a beeline for the exit. If the idol wants people to avoid getting hurt, he'd better put on the show of his life and keep their asses out of his way! Esikko carries himself those few feet and settles his body in the chair without much issue, only reinforcing Bakugo's idea the hospital is unfairly keeping him here for shit reasons. Once his flowers are secured in the man's hands, he gives one last sweep around the room to make sure all Esikko's personal effects (if any) are stuffed in the chair's back pocket, then grips the handles and heads for the door.] Oy Parrot, knock it open.
[Luckily his hands aren't sparking now, controlled enough not to melt the wheelchair or burn Esikko's nape. And he's not peeling out like some devil on wheels. Each step and grits his boots on the linoleum flooring, the quiet grind of rubber/leather twisting under skin sounding as he clenches his palm and fingers on the handles. Hiyori can get the door (maybe accidentally knocking an orderly over on the outswing) and Bakugo wheels Esikko into the hallway, a smooth firm turn swinging him towards the exit.]
[He continues to eye Bakugo a tad warily. Normally he'd trust him not to hurt people willy-nilly, but he seems to be in a really bad mood, and the last thing any of them need is another violent confrontation. Still, Bakugo was ashamed of the fact he set off an explosion in the Roost, a place filled with lowlifes. Which means surely he wouldn't set one off right now in a hospital, right?
In any case, Bakugo doesn't argue him. He says Hiyori can do whatever he wants and that he'll push Esikko's chair. Which works fine for him, so!]
Right, here goes!
[He holds the door open for them and steps out after.
They draw some staff members' eyes their way, as they did on the way in. But Esikko's supposition is right: given the look on Bakugo's face, no one's very eager to approach them. It seems they'll make it to the exit without any issue.
Ah, but then one person does approach: a nurse, who makes a beeline straight for them, presumably having been alerted when he took off the heart monitor. "Mr. Bloemrose, your release has not been authorized. Until you are medically cleared—"
Hiyori knows this could get ugly. Before Bakugo can throttle her or threaten to, it's his time to shine!]
Forget about him! Let's talk about me!
[Literally, it's his time to shine. He steps out in front of the wheelchair, concentrates as hard as he can, and projects his Aura! All the way on, so it's blindingly bright, just like it was on the day Weiss helped him awaken it.]
See? I have a disease that makes me sparkle! And I didn't have that before coming here, so I must have picked it up at your clinic! Care to explain how that happened?
[The nurse shields her eyes, as do some of the other onlookers. She seems somewhat dumbfounded. But apparently not completely dumb, since she does point out, quite sensibly, that he wasn't sparkling a second ago.]
True! [He nods his sparkly head.] It's an intermittent sparkling disorder! Which makes it even worse, since it turns on very suddenly and startles people! At this rate, I might just blind someone! And some of my Game 52 partners have light sensitivity, so I'd like to get this fixed pronto. Now, what do you recommend for a cure? This is all your clinic's fault, so you fix it!
[It's taking a second for the nurse's eyes to adjust to the light. Still quite dumbfounded, and apparently unsure whether or not she's being played, she mutters something about how his sex partners could wear blindfolds.]
A blindfold, hmm...? [In order to give Bakugo and Esikko enough time, he pretends to consider it!] That does sound fun! ♪ But what should they wear with it? I've never accessorized around a blindfold before. Got any tips or suggestions? You seem like the stylish type yourself, so...
[The nurse, who's dressed no more and no less stylishly than all the other nurses wearing the same thing as her, seems even more confused at this. But by the time her eyes have adjusted and she's started looking for Esikko again, he should be long gone! Hiyori will keep pestering her for a little longer just be sure, before telling her she's been a tremendous help and he's off to go buy blindfolds. He turns off his Aura before exiting into the hall. Now, where have those two gone off to...?]
( Everything besides Hiyori and Bakugo feels like background noise, right now. Esikko watches it all, from the comfort of his little wheelchair, hands wrapped tenderly around a vase of flowers he's not sure he deserves. But it feels like it's muffled, or faded, or somehow in slow motion, and no amount of watching it all unfold seems to help. Even as Bakugo pushes him away from the nonsense and towards the hall, even as Hiyori's words sound out louder than anyone else's from behind them, he feels... separated from it.
It's warm, despite that. The feeling of care, the consideration, the effort. But with that warmth comes shame, too, and he's not sure how to shake that. Even if he knows now that people care, even if he's seen proof of it, it's hard to shake that weighty feeling of dragging people down, of causing them trouble, of being a burden. And right now, having to be rolled out of the clinic and staying at someone else's suite because his own is in a dangerous level, he's definitely feeling that way.
...At the very least, it sounds like Hiyori is almost having fun with his little acting skit back there? So he stays quiet, lifts a hand and touches at the petals to some of the flowers. As a child, it always felt like he could talk to them when he did these delicate little brushes of finger against petal— like they were comforting him. So it's a habit.
[Stop staring at him like that. Irritation prickles under his skin, half from Hiyori's look, half from his own feeling dredged up by his gaze. Of course he wants to blast a path through the hospital walls! Screw anyone who interferes; they can get vaporized for all he cares! But those angry thoughts only make one part of his mind feel good. The rest twist his stomach in revulsion and guilt while his chest clenches in regretful understanding. A hero can't... a her shouldn't... do those things. Fuck it! He's breaking someone out of a prison, held unjustly and tricked for their sick amusement! What's wrong with blasting scum into the damn wall?!
Caught up in his own mental tug of war, he gives Hiyori free reign on their exit escort. Do it the idol's way first. If something rises against him, then Bakugo's method takes center stage. Esikko's through the door and he's behind him, pushing the chair at a steady clip. No urge or intent to blitz through the hospital halls as if death itself chases them. His footsteps are calm and steady, boots gritting on linoleum flooring, eyes narrowed and locked ahead of him. A figure radiating "fuck off" as normal.
Here comes annoyance one...
-!? Forget about him! Let's talk about me!
... what the fuck?! If this wasn't tight-gripped anger around his chest, Bakugo would've snorted a laugh as Hiyori throws himself into a pure fucking performance! A goddamn flashbulb in the hallway, bright enough he averts his eyes for a moment with a grunt. Even staring into his own explosions all his life hasn't given him pure immunity to such a shine. And this coming from a guy who's own classmate's Quirk is shooting sparkling lasers out of his navel!]
A disease that makes me sparkle... [Bakugo mutters under his breath. Esikko will no doubt hear it, a bare mix of bittersweet amusement and incredulous ire. It's so stupid, it actually works. Hiyori's instantly hamming up the stage, treating this as light, camera, action for his performance alone. Center light, spotlight hog, scene stealer. Not only suggesting a disease, but implying he got it from the hospital itself. Not bad for a middle finger, Parrot.
Intermittent sparkling disorder. Oy, don't go naming it shit like that if you're trying to lay the blame on catching it here! Bakugo presses his teeth together and wheels Esikko to the side, completely bypassing nurses and orderlies as they focus on Hiyori's sparkly fest. Listening to him accuse them, then demanding they take responsibility is fucking ridiculous, but he's nailing them where it matters, bringing in the "precious" Game 52 and the resort's intentions. Bakugo's called Hiyori "stupid" and "idiot" a lot, but he's never thought the guy was actually unintelligent. Showing off that shrewdness even in his silly escapade.
Oh fuck, NOW he's going off track into clothing. Typical Parrot. Yeah, yeah. Esikko's already out the damn doors, bypassing the receptionist who takes one look at Bakugo's face and wisely gets back to her work. Hospital flooring diverges into carpet and solid wood of the resort's floor, the wheel's faint plastic grind muffled into a breathy hum. Away from the Broken Wing, away from the medical staff, and finally coming to a stop in a hallway nearby. He could have taken Esikko to his room without stop, but Bakugo doesn't trust the hotel not to wise up and sic someone on Hiyori...
He lingers here, waiting for the idol to come running by before barking at him to get back here.]
[He is a performer, one with plenty of experience capturing people's attention. Here, where mages and monsters and immortals mix together, he doesn't stand out much. But he does have his own "powers," even if he has no magical affinities or superhero gifts to his name. His Aura, his booming voice, his personality that some might call "annoying"—all of those are his powers! And it feels good to use them for a worthy cause, such as avoiding a confrontation with the staff and helping sneak Esikko out of the hospital.
It's good to do something. Bakugo's not the only one who's felt useless recently.
He doesn't hear footsteps hot on his heel. It could be that the nurses' eyes are still recovering, that they're scared of Bakugo, or that no one simply cares all that much whether Esikko stays in bed. He's not eager to stick around and find out, though. When Bakugo barks at him to get back, he stops and says:]
We shouldn't dilly dally. Let's head up to your suite! I can turn my sun powers on again, but there's no telling if the same trick will work a second time.
[Though while he's stopped, he does spare a glance at Esikko, who looks... thoughtful? A bit sad, maybe. That's hardly anything new, with or without him having been murdered recently. Hiyori gives him a gentle smile; that, too, is one of his powers.]
Are you doing okay? I didn't hurt your eyes too, did I?
I felt like a voyeur seeing that before... (don't be sorry it was fine!!)
( It's a little cute, honestly, hearing Bakugo react to Hiyori like that. Exasperated, clearly fond, it makes sense that the two of them are friendly. Esikko feels like he doesn't fit in quite so well, another layer to this strange feeling of isolation that's been plaguing him since he woke up. Really, it's just an expanded emphasis on everything he's always dealt with...
Hiyori's face pops into his view, and he blinks out of whatever silly thoughts had been occupying him, seemingly a little startled before he wipes that away with a smile. It's soft, a little tired, and he reaffirms his grip on the flower vase as he replies. )
I don't think you could hurt anyone's eyes, you know. ( Sparkling as he might be, he's just good looking. But jokes aside: ) I'm fine. Getting out of there will be a relief as soon as I can think straight.
( That's the hope, anyway, as his gaze darts to the side to focus on some plants decorating the halls. There's so much more on his mind, but is talking about it going to do any more than bring the mood down? Probably not... )
[Distraction, glamour, showman, silver tongue, Hiyori can do all that shit, yet Bakugo waits for him to reappear rather than blindly trust the man's getting out of the hospital safely. Of course he knows the idol can get out. He did nothing "illegal" for the resort to piss at him for. But a part of him eagerly waits for guards or some interference to show up and give him adequate cause to send their feathery assholes crashing smoked and seared into the nearest wall. Revenge. Validation. Fury. Venting.
None of those get to happen as Hiyori comes skidding around the corner without guards in tow or frantic medics looking to "help" their poor unfortunate escaped convic- patient back into his hospital bed. Figures they wouldn't put much effort into this crap once they reached a certain distance. Bastards.]
Don't tell me what to do! I know! [He's already moving, turning Esikko's wheelchair and heading for the elevator closest. They won't need an encore of Hiyori's powers. If anyone else shows up to interfere, they'll deal with him. And all the powers of a warhead ready to blow.] Here.
[He hands Esikko's wheelchair to Hiyori for pushing, so the two can talk a little together while he walks beside as escort. Besides, they're going to the elevators and Bakugo doesn't ride in those things.]
Hmph, you're feeling better if you're flirting. [Esikko can call it being witty or joking if he wants. He shoves his hands into his pockets and leans forward, shoulders hunched in his usual delinquent pace. Anyone with half a brain would know the prince has a lot mulling in his mind right now. Encouraging him to spill it is stupid.] Yeah, yeah. If you're in that fucking place next time, don't wait so long to bust out. You're smarter than that.
[And back to bitching and growling. He crushes the elevator button with his elbow.]
[He doesn't take it as flirting. But he smiles cheerfully, happy to accept a compliment about his looks any day. And then, still smiling, he says more softly:]
You're welcome. That's what friends are for, right?
[It's not the "Yes, I'd like to be friends" that he didn't give Esikko in the hospital room. But it's a good enough substitute, right?
Bakugo gives up control of the wheelchair and Hiyori switches places with him, pushing it up to the elevator. While they're waiting for that to arrive, Bakugo gives his mini-lecture, to which Hiyori doesn't have much to add. He does, however, sure hope there isn't a "next time." But he doesn't say that, for fear of turning things too serious.]
I think Baku-kun's saying he'd rather nurse you himself.
[... alright, so maybe he does have one (stupid) thing to add. He smiles innocently, and then when the elevator dings, wheels Esikko through the open doors. He knows Bakugo well enough to know he won't be joining them, so he just says:]
( To Bakugo, first of all. He guesses he could have sooner, but there was a number of reasons he'd convinced himself to wait. His new suite being in the basement, requiring him to have to stay with others if he wanted to feel safer, making him a burden once more, made him want to procrastinate. Some small part of himself felt like it was due punishment to sit there alone for so long, too... But most of all, more than anything else: )
I suppose I was still just... waiting, in case someone else might show up.
( But he didn't, and Esikko still feels sad about it, feels worried that he's caused him so much trouble he doesn't want to even look at him for fear of seeing him like he had in that garage. But he runs his fingers in taps against the flower vase he's holding and tries not to think about it.
—and that is right when Hiyori makes that comment about Bakugo wanting to nurse him himself, and Esikko nearly chokes, a hand lifting to cover his mouth in response to the half-laugh half-cough sound he just made. Help. The elevator door is sure to cut off whatever snap of a response Bakugo may have to that one. )
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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
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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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He stands up, repeating Hiyori's last words in his head as he glances to Bakugo and then the wheelchair, turning carefully to sit down. It seems he doesn't struggle with that motion too much, even if he does seem a little weak in the knees. Mm, but Hiyori is right, he thinks as he settles back into the chair— Bakugo certainly isn't the type to hold back, if that door slam entrance hadn't been enough proof. Esikko manages a successful sit, a successful lack of flashing anyone in the room (so far!), and a grab for the flowers once he's settled in enough that Hiyori can pass them over. )
I doubt there's a need. Anyone who tries to stop Bakugo while he's wearing an expression like that has what's coming to them, if you ask me.
( Like, do you see his hands sparking?? His eyes that could kill?? He'd love to see someone try to even voice a hesitant question their direction, personally. But maybe that's because he's lowkey wanting the satisfaction of watching these assholes suffer.
He's trying to be a better person, but it's hard to shed anger entirely, especially when this place has done so much to people he's grown to care about. He rests his feet on the foot paddles of the chair, holds the flowers in his lap, and glances back at the both of them.
Of course, there might be someone trying to swing by because Esikko took off his heart monitor a little bit ago?? Just watch out for them on the way out. )
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He's never held it against Hiyori for telling him what Esikko did, but he's also never let what Esikko force a separation between them. Picking and choosing his own reactions and feelings. Here, he's companions with murderers, thieves, criminals, villains, people he wouldn't give more than a second glance and an explosion to the face if he were back home. So long as they keep their dark deeds out of his presence, or suck it up when he interferes if they don't, he'll swallow his morals and accept them. Not like people stay dead here.
He doesn't give a shit the noise he's making in the hospital. Hiyori's lucky this is all the noise he's making. Back home, he was dragging his IV and two classmates behind him as he stalked down the halls with all his injuries, yelling his head off in anger at being left behind! Right now, he's a growling, bristling simmer. A threat ready and waiting, but not exploding without a spark. Yet.]
Do whatever you want, Parrot. I'll push him. If anyone gets in our way, we're switching places. [Hiyori has his chance to shine (pun intended) as Bakugo makes a beeline for the exit. If the idol wants people to avoid getting hurt, he'd better put on the show of his life and keep their asses out of his way! Esikko carries himself those few feet and settles his body in the chair without much issue, only reinforcing Bakugo's idea the hospital is unfairly keeping him here for shit reasons. Once his flowers are secured in the man's hands, he gives one last sweep around the room to make sure all Esikko's personal effects (if any) are stuffed in the chair's back pocket, then grips the handles and heads for the door.] Oy Parrot, knock it open.
[Luckily his hands aren't sparking now, controlled enough not to melt the wheelchair or burn Esikko's nape. And he's not peeling out like some devil on wheels. Each step and grits his boots on the linoleum flooring, the quiet grind of rubber/leather twisting under skin sounding as he clenches his palm and fingers on the handles. Hiyori can get the door (maybe accidentally knocking an orderly over on the outswing) and Bakugo wheels Esikko into the hallway, a smooth firm turn swinging him towards the exit.]
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[He continues to eye Bakugo a tad warily. Normally he'd trust him not to hurt people willy-nilly, but he seems to be in a really bad mood, and the last thing any of them need is another violent confrontation. Still, Bakugo was ashamed of the fact he set off an explosion in the Roost, a place filled with lowlifes. Which means surely he wouldn't set one off right now in a hospital, right?
In any case, Bakugo doesn't argue him. He says Hiyori can do whatever he wants and that he'll push Esikko's chair. Which works fine for him, so!]
Right, here goes!
[He holds the door open for them and steps out after.
They draw some staff members' eyes their way, as they did on the way in. But Esikko's supposition is right: given the look on Bakugo's face, no one's very eager to approach them. It seems they'll make it to the exit without any issue.
Ah, but then one person does approach: a nurse, who makes a beeline straight for them, presumably having been alerted when he took off the heart monitor. "Mr. Bloemrose, your release has not been authorized. Until you are medically cleared—"
Hiyori knows this could get ugly. Before Bakugo can throttle her or threaten to, it's his time to shine!]
Forget about him! Let's talk about me!
[Literally, it's his time to shine. He steps out in front of the wheelchair, concentrates as hard as he can, and projects his Aura! All the way on, so it's blindingly bright, just like it was on the day Weiss helped him awaken it.]
See? I have a disease that makes me sparkle! And I didn't have that before coming here, so I must have picked it up at your clinic! Care to explain how that happened?
[The nurse shields her eyes, as do some of the other onlookers. She seems somewhat dumbfounded. But apparently not completely dumb, since she does point out, quite sensibly, that he wasn't sparkling a second ago.]
True! [He nods his sparkly head.] It's an intermittent sparkling disorder! Which makes it even worse, since it turns on very suddenly and startles people! At this rate, I might just blind someone! And some of my Game 52 partners have light sensitivity, so I'd like to get this fixed pronto. Now, what do you recommend for a cure? This is all your clinic's fault, so you fix it!
[It's taking a second for the nurse's eyes to adjust to the light. Still quite dumbfounded, and apparently unsure whether or not she's being played, she mutters something about how his sex partners could wear blindfolds.]
A blindfold, hmm...? [In order to give Bakugo and Esikko enough time, he pretends to consider it!] That does sound fun! ♪ But what should they wear with it? I've never accessorized around a blindfold before. Got any tips or suggestions? You seem like the stylish type yourself, so...
[The nurse, who's dressed no more and no less stylishly than all the other nurses wearing the same thing as her, seems even more confused at this. But by the time her eyes have adjusted and she's started looking for Esikko again, he should be long gone! Hiyori will keep pestering her for a little longer just be sure, before telling her she's been a tremendous help and he's off to go buy blindfolds. He turns off his Aura before exiting into the hall. Now, where have those two gone off to...?]
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It's warm, despite that. The feeling of care, the consideration, the effort. But with that warmth comes shame, too, and he's not sure how to shake that. Even if he knows now that people care, even if he's seen proof of it, it's hard to shake that weighty feeling of dragging people down, of causing them trouble, of being a burden. And right now, having to be rolled out of the clinic and staying at someone else's suite because his own is in a dangerous level, he's definitely feeling that way.
...At the very least, it sounds like Hiyori is almost having fun with his little acting skit back there? So he stays quiet, lifts a hand and touches at the petals to some of the flowers. As a child, it always felt like he could talk to them when he did these delicate little brushes of finger against petal— like they were comforting him. So it's a habit.
He's uncharacteristically quiet, otherwise. )
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Caught up in his own mental tug of war, he gives Hiyori free reign on their exit escort. Do it the idol's way first. If something rises against him, then Bakugo's method takes center stage. Esikko's through the door and he's behind him, pushing the chair at a steady clip. No urge or intent to blitz through the hospital halls as if death itself chases them. His footsteps are calm and steady, boots gritting on linoleum flooring, eyes narrowed and locked ahead of him. A figure radiating "fuck off" as normal.
Here comes annoyance one...
-!? Forget about him! Let's talk about me!
... what the fuck?! If this wasn't tight-gripped anger around his chest, Bakugo would've snorted a laugh as Hiyori throws himself into a pure fucking performance! A goddamn flashbulb in the hallway, bright enough he averts his eyes for a moment with a grunt. Even staring into his own explosions all his life hasn't given him pure immunity to such a shine. And this coming from a guy who's own classmate's Quirk is shooting sparkling lasers out of his navel!]
A disease that makes me sparkle... [Bakugo mutters under his breath. Esikko will no doubt hear it, a bare mix of bittersweet amusement and incredulous ire. It's so stupid, it actually works. Hiyori's instantly hamming up the stage, treating this as light, camera, action for his performance alone. Center light, spotlight hog, scene stealer. Not only suggesting a disease, but implying he got it from the hospital itself. Not bad for a middle finger, Parrot.
Intermittent sparkling disorder. Oy, don't go naming it shit like that if you're trying to lay the blame on catching it here! Bakugo presses his teeth together and wheels Esikko to the side, completely bypassing nurses and orderlies as they focus on Hiyori's sparkly fest. Listening to him accuse them, then demanding they take responsibility is fucking ridiculous, but he's nailing them where it matters, bringing in the "precious" Game 52 and the resort's intentions. Bakugo's called Hiyori "stupid" and "idiot" a lot, but he's never thought the guy was actually unintelligent. Showing off that shrewdness even in his silly escapade.
Oh fuck, NOW he's going off track into clothing. Typical Parrot. Yeah, yeah. Esikko's already out the damn doors, bypassing the receptionist who takes one look at Bakugo's face and wisely gets back to her work. Hospital flooring diverges into carpet and solid wood of the resort's floor, the wheel's faint plastic grind muffled into a breathy hum. Away from the Broken Wing, away from the medical staff, and finally coming to a stop in a hallway nearby. He could have taken Esikko to his room without stop, but Bakugo doesn't trust the hotel not to wise up and sic someone on Hiyori...
He lingers here, waiting for the idol to come running by before barking at him to get back here.]
now with the correct tag (sorry)
It's good to do something. Bakugo's not the only one who's felt useless recently.
He doesn't hear footsteps hot on his heel. It could be that the nurses' eyes are still recovering, that they're scared of Bakugo, or that no one simply cares all that much whether Esikko stays in bed. He's not eager to stick around and find out, though. When Bakugo barks at him to get back, he stops and says:]
We shouldn't dilly dally. Let's head up to your suite! I can turn my sun powers on again, but there's no telling if the same trick will work a second time.
[Though while he's stopped, he does spare a glance at Esikko, who looks... thoughtful? A bit sad, maybe. That's hardly anything new, with or without him having been murdered recently. Hiyori gives him a gentle smile; that, too, is one of his powers.]
Are you doing okay? I didn't hurt your eyes too, did I?
I felt like a voyeur seeing that before... (don't be sorry it was fine!!)
Hiyori's face pops into his view, and he blinks out of whatever silly thoughts had been occupying him, seemingly a little startled before he wipes that away with a smile. It's soft, a little tired, and he reaffirms his grip on the flower vase as he replies. )
I don't think you could hurt anyone's eyes, you know. ( Sparkling as he might be, he's just good looking. But jokes aside: ) I'm fine. Getting out of there will be a relief as soon as I can think straight.
( That's the hope, anyway, as his gaze darts to the side to focus on some plants decorating the halls. There's so much more on his mind, but is talking about it going to do any more than bring the mood down? Probably not... )
...Thank you both.
You peeping...
None of those get to happen as Hiyori comes skidding around the corner without guards in tow or frantic medics looking to "help" their poor unfortunate escaped convic- patient back into his hospital bed. Figures they wouldn't put much effort into this crap once they reached a certain distance. Bastards.]
Don't tell me what to do! I know! [He's already moving, turning Esikko's wheelchair and heading for the elevator closest. They won't need an encore of Hiyori's powers. If anyone else shows up to interfere, they'll deal with him. And all the powers of a warhead ready to blow.] Here.
[He hands Esikko's wheelchair to Hiyori for pushing, so the two can talk a little together while he walks beside as escort. Besides, they're going to the elevators and Bakugo doesn't ride in those things.]
Hmph, you're feeling better if you're flirting. [Esikko can call it being witty or joking if he wants. He shoves his hands into his pockets and leans forward, shoulders hunched in his usual delinquent pace. Anyone with half a brain would know the prince has a lot mulling in his mind right now. Encouraging him to spill it is stupid.] Yeah, yeah. If you're in that fucking place next time, don't wait so long to bust out. You're smarter than that.
[And back to bitching and growling. He crushes the elevator button with his elbow.]
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[He doesn't take it as flirting. But he smiles cheerfully, happy to accept a compliment about his looks any day. And then, still smiling, he says more softly:]
You're welcome. That's what friends are for, right?
[It's not the "Yes, I'd like to be friends" that he didn't give Esikko in the hospital room. But it's a good enough substitute, right?
Bakugo gives up control of the wheelchair and Hiyori switches places with him, pushing it up to the elevator. While they're waiting for that to arrive, Bakugo gives his mini-lecture, to which Hiyori doesn't have much to add. He does, however, sure hope there isn't a "next time." But he doesn't say that, for fear of turning things too serious.]
I think Baku-kun's saying he'd rather nurse you himself.
[... alright, so maybe he does have one (stupid) thing to add. He smiles innocently, and then when the elevator dings, wheels Esikko through the open doors. He knows Bakugo well enough to know he won't be joining them, so he just says:]
See you at your suite!
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( To Bakugo, first of all. He guesses he could have sooner, but there was a number of reasons he'd convinced himself to wait. His new suite being in the basement, requiring him to have to stay with others if he wanted to feel safer, making him a burden once more, made him want to procrastinate. Some small part of himself felt like it was due punishment to sit there alone for so long, too... But most of all, more than anything else: )
I suppose I was still just... waiting, in case someone else might show up.
( But he didn't, and Esikko still feels sad about it, feels worried that he's caused him so much trouble he doesn't want to even look at him for fear of seeing him like he had in that garage. But he runs his fingers in taps against the flower vase he's holding and tries not to think about it.
—and that is right when Hiyori makes that comment about Bakugo wanting to nurse him himself, and Esikko nearly chokes, a hand lifting to cover his mouth in response to the half-laugh half-cough sound he just made. Help. The elevator door is sure to cut off whatever snap of a response Bakugo may have to that one. )
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