[Sheesh! What a pain in the ass. Dictating his life as if Bakugo needs to be aware of each action. He's not going to abandon Esikko to the store while he's vanished in the changing room. That said... Bakugo is going to head to the front of the store for a few minutes as the other guest takes his time swapping out his shirt. Most people would likely take only a minute or two for such an action, but knowing Esikko, it'll take the guy close to five so he can get in all his posing and posturing to make sure the shirt looks good on him.
Bakugo's heading back towards the dressing room by the time Esikko emerges from the doorway, twisting to the side for threading between two racks of clothes. He pulls up short as the other man presents himself with a dry flourish. That would've been far more outlandish if he'd been in his preferred clothing, wouldn't it. Bakugo'll take that as a reprieve from something truly awkward. At least Esikko's smiling.]
I already paid. Here. [And drops a bag on Esikko's hand. Inside are three more shirts, two of rayon and another of polyester, so now he has a set of four, the worn one included. And-]
Shut up and take it. [-tosses a basic scarf around the guy's neck. It's gonna get cold going forward anyways. With that, Bakugo jerks his head to indicate they should get the hell out of here. Done with this story.]
( Buying him things??? Dangerous. Well— it completely catches him off guard, at first. The stunned sort of silence as he takes the bag and blinks as the scarf is thrown around his neck is a rare sight, one matched with the subtle tint of his cheeks in pink. He's quick to cover that up with a smile, though, slinking closer to link his free arm with Bakugo's, wrapping around it like he's a newly caught prize. )
You bought me more? Hehe.
( Touched. He is genuinely touched, but to admit that too genuinely is embarrassing, vulnerable, and it's so much easier to tease about it, to act like it's something he can confidently flaunt, as if he expected it at all. At the very least, he moves to walk with him out of the store, but his stubborn cling to that arm is earning them a few glances. As far as Esikko's concerned, if he can embarrass Bakugo a little, then it just means that his own embarrassment is less evident. So. )
How do you have that sort of money, at your low rank? You must be working so hard. ♪
[Don't link arms with him like they're some kind of chummy friends! Fuck! You're gonna give people the wrong idea! Dammit! Let go! (Not that he's doing much to pull away despite leaning to the side and barking at Esikko.)
The store owners are at least glad to see them leave so don't even bitch about Esikko walking out of the store with his shirt still bearing the tags. Bakugo told them there was one more in the changing room for purchase, so it's already paid for. Guess there's one good thing to be said about being a low rank. You're brushed out quickly.
This is only because he doesn't wanna be indebted to Esikko and the guy looks stupid with a sleeve scarf around his neck! That's all! Don't get the wrong idea! Dumbass! Bakugo shoves his hands into his pockets, letting Esikko keep his arm around his if he wants. Hmph. For now. He's not flushed or anything, but the grumpy scowl is evident enough of embarrassment and putting up with it. He covers it with anger, but Esikko has probably figured that out already.]
I've built up a shit ton of vouchers from the arcade.
[Clothes and food, meaning he can save his funds for other things, like a little cobbled-together kitchen set in his room so he can cook for himself, also cutting down on expenses to restaurants.]
The arcade... I see. I've only just recently learned how to play some of those games, so I hadn't even considered it as an option.
( Gambling or odd jobs had been his focus, but this opens up some ideas, doesn't it? Mm, if he can find any he's particularly good at, or enjoys, anyway. For now, though, he seems content to hang off of Bakugo's arm and swing his little back of shirts with the other, smiling proudly at his embarrassment.
Once they're out of the shop, he loosens his grip a little, but he refuses to slip away, instead just lifting his right arm to look at his watch, eyeing the time. )
Want to escort me to my room, then? Since you've come all this way to help me out, anyway.
[Sometimes it's little prizes or favors, but he always takes the vouchers. And since the scores continue to reset, that creates daily challenges. Just like the fucking gambling tables. Bakugo tells chance to fuck off when he can force a victory from his own strength.
At some point he'd like to get something more regular, but that'll require going up in rank. As much as he hates the thought of rifling through people like cards, there are worse things. At the very least, it's not an immediate demand. The rank three rooms are basically normal hotel rooms, and he can easily live in such accommodations. Not much different in size from his dorm room at U.A.
Bakugo glances around the area, still on the lookout for guards. None seem to be around making a ruckus, so they should be fine.]
Tch, what a pain. [It's not a "no" however. Escorting.]
C'mere for a second. [He shifts them off to the side so he can mess with the sleeve scarf and check the brand on Esikko's neck. Mostly wants to make sure it's not a wound or bloody mess before he covers it with the scarf like a normal person.]
( Esikko does willingly step aside and allow Bakugo to take a closer look at his neck, but he's avoidant with his gaze, sending it just about anywhere else in the shopping center as he does. The words are printed like a tattoo, much like the symbols for their suits, and so the letters themselves don't show any sort of injury to the skin. However, careful inspection will reveal the small marks of a blade over the bold of the T, the letter usually furthest hidden beneath his hair.
He had tried to test how permanent it was with a deep gash to himself that's long since scabbed over. The ink runs deep, turns out. )
I can't seem to tell if it has any use beyond how the staff treat me. You know, like our suit marks do. But I suppose time will tell, won't it?
[Too bad for that averted gaze; Bakugo's paying attention to the brand with a rapt eye. Ignoring the stupid word itself, he focuses on the lines, narrowing his gaze at the apparent incision mark. Tried cutting it off, huh. He clicks his tongue in annoyance before running an index finger tip over the cut. Not wet, doesn't even crumble. So it's pretty dry by now. Probably been a few days. Dammit, he's pretty sure everyone here's tried picking, stabbing, or cutting at the suit mark no matter what other guests said about how fucking permanent they are. But once you find out it can't be removed, why the hell would you think any other mark slapped on your skin would be any different?
... then again, this is the guy who played plucked strings with Resort roots. That's the main reason Bakugo says nothing and proceeds to do the scarf around Esikko's neck in a proper fashion, unlike the sleeve thing that ended up little more than a quick choker.]
Either test it and run, or keep it covered and your head down.
[They didn't have an issue in the store just now, so long as the mark was covered. He isn't suggesting Esikko flaunt it and go running from the guards, but beyond that option, there's no other damn way to test it, is there.]
( It feels almost a little embarrassing, somehow, when Bakugo traces over the cuts. He tenses slightly, expecting some sort of prodding question, or yelling remark, or anything— but it goes unaddressed, and instead he's wrapping the scarf around his neck. That's still foreign, too. Uncomfortable? A little. He doesn't know how to feel about it.
In any case, those words get him to breathe out a quiet scoff of a laugh, his fingers reaching to play with the ends of the scarf once it's tied. )
There are some things that can't be tested, you know? Still, I know.
( Putting on a little smile, Esikko drops his arm again to consider Bakugo with a tilt of his head. )
So, if I'm running, that means I can come duck behind you, right~? ( Half spoken for the tease of it, of course. )
[So long as he's not going to gouge out the letters in front of Bakugo's face or make a scene, he can feel however the hell he wants about it. Bakugo's more concerned with the prince's ability to get around the resort without being unfairly accosted by the guards.
If he was more confident in the guy's strength to defend himself, he wouldn't care as much. Granted, Esikko's made progress in his self-defense training, and Bakugo's seen some samples of his magic, but... combat, thy name is not Esikko.]
This isn't one of them. [It can be tested because Esikko already saw it happen, and then saw it not happen. So fucking test it if you want, Prince Prick. Once his scarf is snugly affixed and tied, Bakugo heads out of their nook and returns to the flow of the shopping center traffic.]
Fucking wuss. [Using him as a damn shield.] If you haven't earned them coming after your ass, fine.
[Bakugo still hates the staff who abuse low levels, so won't hesitate to wreck them if necessary.]
( Esikko's temper flares up at the insult, cutting himself off with a sharp inhale into a heavy puff of an exhale. He's quick to move with him, back to the crowds of the mall, but reaches out to snatch Bakugo's arm in a harsh grip that he hopes is just enough to jerk him back from his already steadied pace. Petty revenge for his annoyance, since he doesn't think he can get away with a kick while they're moving...
It's a quick flash of annoyance and then gone, anyway. )
Just when you're starting to seem charming, you always manage to be as rude as possible, don't you? I'll have you know, I rely more on strategy and forethought to make my already difficult life easier. Is that so wrong?
( Defensive about his own weakness, a weakness that has been worsening even within the resort itself, he's quick to try and brush it off with shallow comments like this. Hooking his arm more properly with Bakugo's, he lifts his chin a little. His escort!! )
[Oof! Bakugo snarls "WHAT?!" over his shoulder, but doesn't actually pull away from his kidnapped arm, pace slowing down so Esikko can catch up. He opts not to dive into the actual traffic, preferring to stay to the sides and avoid the bustle of winter shoppers. Once Esikko catches up, he matches the prince's pace, shoving both hands into his pockets in the process. With the mark covered, hopefully the rest of their trip won't be interrupted.]
Who the hell's charming?! [Don't toss that sappy crap at him! All he did was replace a shirt and tie a fuzzy noose around Esikko's throat. There's nothing charming about that! Hmph.] Che, only idiots fail to plan ahead.
[After all, Esikko asked him permission to use him as a shield, planning ahead for an event that shouldn't happen after this, dammit. Still, Bakugo's validating the prince's tactic.]
Wonder what would happen if this place gave a high rank that mark. It might break the staff's brains.
[Being told to wait hand and foot on someone they're also being prompted to assault.]
( Amused by his loud reaction, Esikko seems pleased into calm, tugging his arm a little more so that their bodies brush as they walk. For funsies, you know, and not because being validated in any way is something he cares about or anything, baka... )
I do wonder about that, though. Maybe I'll just have to rank up reaaaally high and test it out, hmm?
( Good news is, as soon as this rank swap up event is over he'll be an Ace thanks to a certain crispy boytoast. Right now, though, it feels like such a distant idea, especially with how his ex stupid dog keeps ranking him down. )
[The definitive "annoyed!" response from Bakugo dealing with embarrassment. "Charming" is such a sappy description. It's girly and soft, too damn romantic. He rocks a bit when Esikko pulls him, bumping his shoulder against the other man's with a growl. Does Esikko know his arm's a damn refrigerator in arm form?]
If you still have that brand when you rank up.
[Bakugo's been trying to do some research on the ranks, having hit on a suspicion that won't leave him alone, but apart from casual observation, there's no getting around the "get fucked" reality of it.]
( He sure does know. ♥ That's why it's so cozy to cling onto a toasty arm like Bakugo's, see? Though Esikko would absolutely argue over the idea that he's "girly" in any way, speech or otherwise, the nearby crowds are spared from the bickering that could ensue. Instead, he considers those words, looking curiously over at Bakugo as they begin to leave the mall and head into the halls of the resort proper. )
Is there some reason you think I wouldn't still have this? I doubt a rank up would change so much. Would it forgive transgression?
( If there's any inkling of this, he'd love to hear it, but... )
[He's glad he's wearing a damn jacket. Those freezing fingers on his bare skin in this temperature would have him yelling at Esikko other wise. The day Esikko says he's not girly, Bakugo's going to laugh at him while "Dude Looks Like a Lady" plays in the background. He could totally pass for a princess without any effort! Not that the blonde's encouraging that kind of crap. He already got into an argument with Hiyori about the idol's princess costume idea needing a pair of tits to make it complete. Damn Parrot.]
The highest ranks are fucking royalty here. They want people to look clean and proper, so everyone else will be jealous and try to rank up. Why would they rank you up and not suck up to you at the same time?
[Transgressions likely forgiven and put to rest so Esikko might be even more indebted to the Peacock. While giving the entity a hold over the prince's head, threatening to return the mark should he step out of line again.]
I suppose it's not the most idiotic idea I've heard.
( That's a compliment, believe it or not, spoken in a mumble as they walk. He is seriously considering it, the idea of having his slate "wiped clean" in such a way. But it would make no sense, then, that he'd gotten away with murder as a lowly three, especially of a higher rank. It clashes, too, with the way those roots had tied together, with the way suits shone with great importance but ranks less so. So is it personal, whether someone finds the rank system motivating or not? Does the House care? If it did, would the spread be so consistently even?
These are all thoughts he can't exactly share with the hero, here, so he just goes quiet for a moment before humming in a sort of quiet agreement at that last part. )
Well, it certainly is. You're right about that.
( The elevators are next, an easy thing to take down to the lowest level possible before he had to face the stairs, and so he stops them in front of them to hit the button. )
It's fucking logical! What other way can you see it?
[He's not gonna take a backhanded compliment with a smile either. There's no way for Bakugo to know if he's right or not, considering the hotel works on its own whims. He knows a few high ranks that have scars, wounds, problems, shit something obsessed with "perfect" temptations would probably have reason to get rid of. Would they really pardon Esikko for his transgressions against them simply because he ranked up? Maybe, since it would convince the guy even further to play their game and stay in line...
Does the resort really give a shit whether the guests kill, fight, plot against each other? Hell no! Otherwise it wouldn't have made a fucking RANK system encouraging abuse amid a ratrace for better options! While focusing on making everyone fuck each other. They're nothing more than toys, even trash, to the being running this glamorized shitshow.]
When everyone in this place reaches the high rank, there won't be anyone left to step on.
[Muttered to himself. He has no intention of remaining a low rank, since he can help more people as a high rank, and sex is happening whether he "wants" it to or not. Might as well make use of what he can get.
Oh, elevators.]
What floor are you going to?
[Because Bakugo's heading for the stairs. He's not once taken an elevator the entire time he's been here and today's not the day he's going to change that decision.]
( That first comment is true, too. There must be some system in place keeping everyone from ranking up. Maybe that's why some people that try to rank up don't manage? He has no idea, but it's certainly something he's curious about, something he's looking into along with the rest of it.
Esikko's thoughts are put on pause when Bakugo seems to take a couple extra steps away from the elevators to ask him that question. He pauses, allowing his arm to slip away just so he can place his hand on his hip instead. )
The lobby, since it's the lowest they'll go. Then I take the stairs down to the rank two levels.
( His head tilts slightly. )
Are you troubled by cramped spaces or something? I'm afraid I can't handle that many flights of stairs regularly, or my heart or lungs tend to give me trouble.
( He has taken multiple flights of stairs before. Just, in order to be ready for the moments he has to do that, he has learned he has to take it easy other times. )
[Putting the top levels as a prize everyone wants to strive for, the question becomes, what the fuck happens when everyone gets the prize? Is there enough to go around? Will they simply stop fucking once they've succeeded? Or will the Peacock start threatening to take away their comforts if they don't comply. To say nothing of bad blood causing people to backstab and cast down others. Bakugo has questions, but like most people, only speculations for answers.
He stops at the door of the stairs, looking over his shoulder at Esikko for the answer. Lobby floor, then down to the rest. That's easy enough. With a metal "ka-chuck" the door's handle depresses under his palm and Bakugo pushes it open.]
Had enough people warn me to stay away from them.
[And that was during his first two weeks here. No less than three people said it on his first damn day.]
I'll meet you in the lobby.
[Of course he's not going to strain Esikko's physical limits by demanding he come with. But he's not going to trap himself in the elevator for whatever potential bullshit goes on in there either.]
( Elevator warnings. Right. He recalls, on the first day he was here, he had become stuck in a number of elevator rides, trying to get from his stupid "wedding" suite to everything else in the hotel. But it had been just like any of the other things here— fuck and free yourself. So the idea of a warning like that being enough to keep Bakugo from wanting to enter with him has him a vague kind of disappointed, for some reason. He almost wants to call out that he's a poor escort for that reason, but the scarf around his neck and the bag of shirts makes it hard to say that he's done anything but go out of the way for him.
So he refrains, keeps it to himself. )
Right.
( Bakugo vanishes behind the door, and Esikko waits for the elevator to step onto it. He didn't really need an escort, or anything like it. He could defend himself in many situations, with the vials of his own magic he kept on him, and with the new knowledge of just enough martial arts that Bakugo has been helping him with. The idea was, instead, company...
But it's not like he can just demand company from anyone. At least, that doesn't feel like a thing that he should be able to do— it's silly, it's embarrassing, it's something he struggles with with even the closest person to him here, so it's natural to find it too shameful to even bring up to someone he can only imagine thinks of him as something closer to a stranger.
When the quiet elevator ride is over, Esikko steps out and glances towards the door that leads to the stairwell of the basement levels. )
[If it was only the sex part, he might have considered it before now. But the warnings he got weren't only the perverted kind. It sounded like some people had really encountered something bad in the elevators, beyond teasing ghosts or weird portraits. Either way, Bakugo has no intention of putting himself in such a situation. He'd rather carry Esikko down the whole stairway than get into the elevator. Unfortunately that option isn't put on the proverbial table and the young hero's not a nice enough person to abruptly transform into "charming" for the prince.
Don't take it personally, Esikko. There's no one at the door to the stairs when Esikko gets out of the elevator.
Because Bakugo's leaning against the wall, arms crossed and radiating his usual "fuck off" vibes, right beside the elevator itself. If the doors open and Esikko's in trouble, he'll be there to rip him out of it. Plus he easily dropped right down through the stairwell rather than taking the steps, so of course he beat the elevator to the lobby floor.
He glances aside when Esikko steps out of the elevator, arms falling to his profile as he pushes off the wall and walks over.] Took it long enough. That thing's too damn slow.
( It's a product of his upbringing, of what he was and wasn't shown in the form of emotion, that he struggles with basic ideas. That he gets so moody, so unfairly sensitive, and most of all so confused with it all. At the very least, Esikko has grown enough in this place to realize that maybe he's the one who needs to learn a few things, no matter how miserable he feels— so it's not as if he's holding any ill will towards Bakugo for not reading his mind. That would have been different before.
As it is right now, seeing him waiting for him outside of the elevator is enough to earn a pleased sort of relaxation. He reaches to grab one of his arms, again— so touchy— and breathes out a laugh as they move, the lonely moment of the elevator already forgotten. )
It's much faster than me on the stairway, though I certainly wouldn't complain if someone could make it faster. Or should I just ride you down the stairs, next time?
[Bakugo's never been fond of clingy people, whether it's Midoriya tailing him as a kid wanting to know all the things or it's Kirishima dropping an arm on his shoulder to chatter into his ear. Invading his personal space is a great way to piss him off, even though some people earned less violent reactions. He may be a lone wolf, preferring to stick to his own, but he's not a loner who spends all his days atop a mountain with no human interaction. Of course people are drawn to spend time with each other! But letting that saturate you to the point of being miserable without company is pathetic. Learn to be strong on your own rather than relying on others to be your only strength.
Bakugo rolls his eyes when Esikko latches onto him like a damn koala again. Ugh, this guy... He doesn't shake him off as he makes tracks across the lobby. Luckily it doesn't seem like the guards are coming after them. Cover the mark canceled their animosity. What other bullshit can the hotel brand their bodies with? He doesn't want to know.]
Haa?! I'll drop you over the railing next time! [And catch him, obviously.] Mattaku... [What a pain.] You can't fly with your magic?
( Ironically, it's Esikko's stubborn determination to find his own strength that always makes things end so poorly for him. Finding it never fixed anything. Strength never helped— even if he still thinks he can make it, still thinks he can change things to work the way he wants.
Bickering is something he falls into easily, and so he clicks his tongue in his irritation as they move down the stairs, using his shallow cling to Bakugo's arm as a source of warmth. )
My magic isn't some instant use nonsense like you quirk users manage to have. It takes time and set up and exchange. Do you have any idea the strain that flight would put on a human body? That's not a realistic spell at all.
( As if Bakugo could have any idea what makes sense or not with Esikko's magic... Still, it's a sore point. He can use magic "quickly" in some cases, cases like back with the paintings and the fire, but it puts a huge strain on his body, on his life. )
[Bakugo would challenge that notion immediately. How the hell can someone trying to get stronger always fail?! Ignoring stupid or evil choices that screw everyone else over or sacrifice things that shouldn't be. They'll have to talk about such a thing later, since he'll be incredulous, angry, but ironically doggedly supportive.
Letting Esikko sidle close to him is way more irritating in the cooler weather than the heat of the summer. He tolerates it for now, glad he's wearing a sweater at the moment. Despite focusing on Esikko for the most part, Bakugo keeps an eye out for any trouble approaching them.]
How the hell do people in your world fight then if it takes you so long to cast a spell?
[Unless the magical people sit behind lines of physical fighters, prepare shit, then fire once everything's set up. Not the worst way, but it seriously inhibits a magic-user's personal ability if someone gets in close range... Someone should've seen that major flaw and worked on fast-tracking spells by now!]
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no subject
Date: 11/25/24 20:25 (UTC)[Sheesh! What a pain in the ass. Dictating his life as if Bakugo needs to be aware of each action. He's not going to abandon Esikko to the store while he's vanished in the changing room. That said... Bakugo is going to head to the front of the store for a few minutes as the other guest takes his time swapping out his shirt. Most people would likely take only a minute or two for such an action, but knowing Esikko, it'll take the guy close to five so he can get in all his posing and posturing to make sure the shirt looks good on him.
Bakugo's heading back towards the dressing room by the time Esikko emerges from the doorway, twisting to the side for threading between two racks of clothes. He pulls up short as the other man presents himself with a dry flourish. That would've been far more outlandish if he'd been in his preferred clothing, wouldn't it. Bakugo'll take that as a reprieve from something truly awkward. At least Esikko's smiling.]
I already paid. Here. [And drops a bag on Esikko's hand. Inside are three more shirts, two of rayon and another of polyester, so now he has a set of four, the worn one included. And-]
Shut up and take it. [-tosses a basic scarf around the guy's neck. It's gonna get cold going forward anyways. With that, Bakugo jerks his head to indicate they should get the hell out of here. Done with this story.]
no subject
Date: 11/26/24 08:07 (UTC)You bought me more? Hehe.
( Touched. He is genuinely touched, but to admit that too genuinely is embarrassing, vulnerable, and it's so much easier to tease about it, to act like it's something he can confidently flaunt, as if he expected it at all. At the very least, he moves to walk with him out of the store, but his stubborn cling to that arm is earning them a few glances. As far as Esikko's concerned, if he can embarrass Bakugo a little, then it just means that his own embarrassment is less evident. So. )
How do you have that sort of money, at your low rank? You must be working so hard. ♪
no subject
Date: 11/26/24 10:28 (UTC)[Don't link arms with him like they're some kind of chummy friends! Fuck! You're gonna give people the wrong idea! Dammit! Let go! (Not that he's doing much to pull away despite leaning to the side and barking at Esikko.)
The store owners are at least glad to see them leave so don't even bitch about Esikko walking out of the store with his shirt still bearing the tags. Bakugo told them there was one more in the changing room for purchase, so it's already paid for. Guess there's one good thing to be said about being a low rank. You're brushed out quickly.
This is only because he doesn't wanna be indebted to Esikko and the guy looks stupid with a sleeve scarf around his neck! That's all! Don't get the wrong idea! Dumbass! Bakugo shoves his hands into his pockets, letting Esikko keep his arm around his if he wants. Hmph. For now. He's not flushed or anything, but the grumpy scowl is evident enough of embarrassment and putting up with it. He covers it with anger, but Esikko has probably figured that out already.]
I've built up a shit ton of vouchers from the arcade.
[Clothes and food, meaning he can save his funds for other things, like a little cobbled-together kitchen set in his room so he can cook for himself, also cutting down on expenses to restaurants.]
no subject
Date: 11/27/24 03:32 (UTC)( Gambling or odd jobs had been his focus, but this opens up some ideas, doesn't it? Mm, if he can find any he's particularly good at, or enjoys, anyway. For now, though, he seems content to hang off of Bakugo's arm and swing his little back of shirts with the other, smiling proudly at his embarrassment.
Once they're out of the shop, he loosens his grip a little, but he refuses to slip away, instead just lifting his right arm to look at his watch, eyeing the time. )
Want to escort me to my room, then? Since you've come all this way to help me out, anyway.
no subject
Date: 11/27/24 05:05 (UTC)[Sometimes it's little prizes or favors, but he always takes the vouchers. And since the scores continue to reset, that creates daily challenges. Just like the fucking gambling tables. Bakugo tells chance to fuck off when he can force a victory from his own strength.
At some point he'd like to get something more regular, but that'll require going up in rank. As much as he hates the thought of rifling through people like cards, there are worse things. At the very least, it's not an immediate demand. The rank three rooms are basically normal hotel rooms, and he can easily live in such accommodations. Not much different in size from his dorm room at U.A.
Bakugo glances around the area, still on the lookout for guards. None seem to be around making a ruckus, so they should be fine.]
Tch, what a pain. [It's not a "no" however. Escorting.]
C'mere for a second. [He shifts them off to the side so he can mess with the sleeve scarf and check the brand on Esikko's neck. Mostly wants to make sure it's not a wound or bloody mess before he covers it with the scarf like a normal person.]
no subject
Date: 11/27/24 05:43 (UTC)( Esikko does willingly step aside and allow Bakugo to take a closer look at his neck, but he's avoidant with his gaze, sending it just about anywhere else in the shopping center as he does. The words are printed like a tattoo, much like the symbols for their suits, and so the letters themselves don't show any sort of injury to the skin. However, careful inspection will reveal the small marks of a blade over the bold of the T, the letter usually furthest hidden beneath his hair.
He had tried to test how permanent it was with a deep gash to himself that's long since scabbed over. The ink runs deep, turns out. )
I can't seem to tell if it has any use beyond how the staff treat me. You know, like our suit marks do. But I suppose time will tell, won't it?
no subject
Date: 12/2/24 03:38 (UTC)... then again, this is the guy who played plucked strings with Resort roots. That's the main reason Bakugo says nothing and proceeds to do the scarf around Esikko's neck in a proper fashion, unlike the sleeve thing that ended up little more than a quick choker.]
Either test it and run, or keep it covered and your head down.
[They didn't have an issue in the store just now, so long as the mark was covered. He isn't suggesting Esikko flaunt it and go running from the guards, but beyond that option, there's no other damn way to test it, is there.]
no subject
Date: 12/2/24 03:55 (UTC)In any case, those words get him to breathe out a quiet scoff of a laugh, his fingers reaching to play with the ends of the scarf once it's tied. )
There are some things that can't be tested, you know? Still, I know.
( Putting on a little smile, Esikko drops his arm again to consider Bakugo with a tilt of his head. )
So, if I'm running, that means I can come duck behind you, right~? ( Half spoken for the tease of it, of course. )
no subject
Date: 12/3/24 04:25 (UTC)If he was more confident in the guy's strength to defend himself, he wouldn't care as much. Granted, Esikko's made progress in his self-defense training, and Bakugo's seen some samples of his magic, but... combat, thy name is not Esikko.]
This isn't one of them. [It can be tested because Esikko already saw it happen, and then saw it not happen. So fucking test it if you want, Prince Prick. Once his scarf is snugly affixed and tied, Bakugo heads out of their nook and returns to the flow of the shopping center traffic.]
Fucking wuss. [Using him as a damn shield.] If you haven't earned them coming after your ass, fine.
[Bakugo still hates the staff who abuse low levels, so won't hesitate to wreck them if necessary.]
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Date: 12/3/24 04:53 (UTC)( Esikko's temper flares up at the insult, cutting himself off with a sharp inhale into a heavy puff of an exhale. He's quick to move with him, back to the crowds of the mall, but reaches out to snatch Bakugo's arm in a harsh grip that he hopes is just enough to jerk him back from his already steadied pace. Petty revenge for his annoyance, since he doesn't think he can get away with a kick while they're moving...
It's a quick flash of annoyance and then gone, anyway. )
Just when you're starting to seem charming, you always manage to be as rude as possible, don't you? I'll have you know, I rely more on strategy and forethought to make my already difficult life easier. Is that so wrong?
( Defensive about his own weakness, a weakness that has been worsening even within the resort itself, he's quick to try and brush it off with shallow comments like this. Hooking his arm more properly with Bakugo's, he lifts his chin a little. His escort!! )
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Date: 12/3/24 05:18 (UTC)Who the hell's charming?! [Don't toss that sappy crap at him! All he did was replace a shirt and tie a fuzzy noose around Esikko's throat. There's nothing charming about that! Hmph.] Che, only idiots fail to plan ahead.
[After all, Esikko asked him permission to use him as a shield, planning ahead for an event that shouldn't happen after this, dammit. Still, Bakugo's validating the prince's tactic.]
Wonder what would happen if this place gave a high rank that mark. It might break the staff's brains.
[Being told to wait hand and foot on someone they're also being prompted to assault.]
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Date: 12/3/24 05:41 (UTC)( Amused by his loud reaction, Esikko seems pleased into calm, tugging his arm a little more so that their bodies brush as they walk. For funsies, you know, and not because being validated in any way is something he cares about or anything, baka... )
I do wonder about that, though. Maybe I'll just have to rank up reaaaally high and test it out, hmm?
( Good news is, as soon as this rank swap up event is over he'll be an Ace thanks to a certain crispy boytoast. Right now, though, it feels like such a distant idea, especially with how his
exstupid dog keeps ranking him down. )no subject
Date: 12/3/24 06:38 (UTC)[The definitive "annoyed!" response from Bakugo dealing with embarrassment. "Charming" is such a sappy description. It's girly and soft, too damn romantic. He rocks a bit when Esikko pulls him, bumping his shoulder against the other man's with a growl. Does Esikko know his arm's a damn refrigerator in arm form?]
If you still have that brand when you rank up.
[Bakugo's been trying to do some research on the ranks, having hit on a suspicion that won't leave him alone, but apart from casual observation, there's no getting around the "get fucked" reality of it.]
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Date: 12/3/24 06:43 (UTC)Is there some reason you think I wouldn't still have this? I doubt a rank up would change so much. Would it forgive transgression?
( If there's any inkling of this, he'd love to hear it, but... )
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Date: 12/3/24 07:10 (UTC)The highest ranks are fucking royalty here. They want people to look clean and proper, so everyone else will be jealous and try to rank up. Why would they rank you up and not suck up to you at the same time?
[Transgressions likely forgiven and put to rest so Esikko might be even more indebted to the Peacock. While giving the entity a hold over the prince's head, threatening to return the mark should he step out of line again.]
This place is a manipulative bitch.
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Date: 12/3/24 07:24 (UTC)( That's a compliment, believe it or not, spoken in a mumble as they walk. He is seriously considering it, the idea of having his slate "wiped clean" in such a way. But it would make no sense, then, that he'd gotten away with murder as a lowly three, especially of a higher rank. It clashes, too, with the way those roots had tied together, with the way suits shone with great importance but ranks less so. So is it personal, whether someone finds the rank system motivating or not? Does the House care? If it did, would the spread be so consistently even?
These are all thoughts he can't exactly share with the hero, here, so he just goes quiet for a moment before humming in a sort of quiet agreement at that last part. )
Well, it certainly is. You're right about that.
( The elevators are next, an easy thing to take down to the lowest level possible before he had to face the stairs, and so he stops them in front of them to hit the button. )
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Date: 12/3/24 22:58 (UTC)[He's not gonna take a backhanded compliment with a smile either. There's no way for Bakugo to know if he's right or not, considering the hotel works on its own whims. He knows a few high ranks that have scars, wounds, problems, shit something obsessed with "perfect" temptations would probably have reason to get rid of. Would they really pardon Esikko for his transgressions against them simply because he ranked up? Maybe, since it would convince the guy even further to play their game and stay in line...
Does the resort really give a shit whether the guests kill, fight, plot against each other? Hell no! Otherwise it wouldn't have made a fucking RANK system encouraging abuse amid a ratrace for better options! While focusing on making everyone fuck each other. They're nothing more than toys, even trash, to the being running this glamorized shitshow.]
When everyone in this place reaches the high rank, there won't be anyone left to step on.
[Muttered to himself. He has no intention of remaining a low rank, since he can help more people as a high rank, and sex is happening whether he "wants" it to or not. Might as well make use of what he can get.
Oh, elevators.]
What floor are you going to?
[Because Bakugo's heading for the stairs. He's not once taken an elevator the entire time he's been here and today's not the day he's going to change that decision.]
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Date: 12/4/24 01:11 (UTC)Esikko's thoughts are put on pause when Bakugo seems to take a couple extra steps away from the elevators to ask him that question. He pauses, allowing his arm to slip away just so he can place his hand on his hip instead. )
The lobby, since it's the lowest they'll go. Then I take the stairs down to the rank two levels.
( His head tilts slightly. )
Are you troubled by cramped spaces or something? I'm afraid I can't handle that many flights of stairs regularly, or my heart or lungs tend to give me trouble.
( He has taken multiple flights of stairs before. Just, in order to be ready for the moments he has to do that, he has learned he has to take it easy other times. )
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Date: 12/4/24 01:25 (UTC)He stops at the door of the stairs, looking over his shoulder at Esikko for the answer. Lobby floor, then down to the rest. That's easy enough. With a metal "ka-chuck" the door's handle depresses under his palm and Bakugo pushes it open.]
Had enough people warn me to stay away from them.
[And that was during his first two weeks here. No less than three people said it on his first damn day.]
I'll meet you in the lobby.
[Of course he's not going to strain Esikko's physical limits by demanding he come with. But he's not going to trap himself in the elevator for whatever potential bullshit goes on in there either.]
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Date: 12/4/24 01:37 (UTC)So he refrains, keeps it to himself. )
Right.
( Bakugo vanishes behind the door, and Esikko waits for the elevator to step onto it. He didn't really need an escort, or anything like it. He could defend himself in many situations, with the vials of his own magic he kept on him, and with the new knowledge of just enough martial arts that Bakugo has been helping him with. The idea was, instead, company...
But it's not like he can just demand company from anyone. At least, that doesn't feel like a thing that he should be able to do— it's silly, it's embarrassing, it's something he struggles with with even the closest person to him here, so it's natural to find it too shameful to even bring up to someone he can only imagine thinks of him as something closer to a stranger.
When the quiet elevator ride is over, Esikko steps out and glances towards the door that leads to the stairwell of the basement levels. )
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Date: 12/4/24 01:48 (UTC)Don't take it personally, Esikko. There's no one at the door to the stairs when Esikko gets out of the elevator.
Because Bakugo's leaning against the wall, arms crossed and radiating his usual "fuck off" vibes, right beside the elevator itself. If the doors open and Esikko's in trouble, he'll be there to rip him out of it. Plus he easily dropped right down through the stairwell rather than taking the steps, so of course he beat the elevator to the lobby floor.
He glances aside when Esikko steps out of the elevator, arms falling to his profile as he pushes off the wall and walks over.] Took it long enough. That thing's too damn slow.
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Date: 12/4/24 02:06 (UTC)As it is right now, seeing him waiting for him outside of the elevator is enough to earn a pleased sort of relaxation. He reaches to grab one of his arms, again— so touchy— and breathes out a laugh as they move, the lonely moment of the elevator already forgotten. )
It's much faster than me on the stairway, though I certainly wouldn't complain if someone could make it faster. Or should I just ride you down the stairs, next time?
( Heheh. )
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Date: 12/4/24 08:40 (UTC)Bakugo rolls his eyes when Esikko latches onto him like a damn koala again. Ugh, this guy... He doesn't shake him off as he makes tracks across the lobby. Luckily it doesn't seem like the guards are coming after them. Cover the mark canceled their animosity. What other bullshit can the hotel brand their bodies with? He doesn't want to know.]
Haa?! I'll drop you over the railing next time! [And catch him, obviously.] Mattaku... [What a pain.] You can't fly with your magic?
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Date: 12/4/24 09:33 (UTC)Bickering is something he falls into easily, and so he clicks his tongue in his irritation as they move down the stairs, using his shallow cling to Bakugo's arm as a source of warmth. )
My magic isn't some instant use nonsense like you quirk users manage to have. It takes time and set up and exchange. Do you have any idea the strain that flight would put on a human body? That's not a realistic spell at all.
( As if Bakugo could have any idea what makes sense or not with Esikko's magic... Still, it's a sore point. He can use magic "quickly" in some cases, cases like back with the paintings and the fire, but it puts a huge strain on his body, on his life. )
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Date: 12/4/24 20:28 (UTC)Letting Esikko sidle close to him is way more irritating in the cooler weather than the heat of the summer. He tolerates it for now, glad he's wearing a sweater at the moment. Despite focusing on Esikko for the most part, Bakugo keeps an eye out for any trouble approaching them.]
How the hell do people in your world fight then if it takes you so long to cast a spell?
[Unless the magical people sit behind lines of physical fighters, prepare shit, then fire once everything's set up. Not the worst way, but it seriously inhibits a magic-user's personal ability if someone gets in close range... Someone should've seen that major flaw and worked on fast-tracking spells by now!]
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From:lets assume this part of the thread takes, uh... a while, haha!
From:LMAOOO it sure would! thanks bakugo :')
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