( There's the chaos of the new "game" starting, so this text comes a while after it's started. In the downtime, between dealing with the influx of arrows and annoying little babies, Esikko finds himself back in his room, temporarily safe. But having already been hit by an assortment of arrows, he's not really safe, not from everything.
This huge suite is so isolating. And unlike normally, where he sucks it up and ignores it, writes in his journal a little, maybe draws some flowers or takes care of other plants— this time, he can't get the thoughts out of his mind until he does something.
And so. A message... That's a step, right? Not so irritating, but a small bandage over loneliness? )
["KA-BOOM!!" Yeah, the sound of an explosion is Bakugo's chosen alert noise for the watch when he gets a message, text, or notification. He's a nerd, but won't tell anyone. Fuck off. Glancing down at the watch, he flicks up the keyboard to type.]
[Nope! None of the above! Bakugo drops on his back on the bed, one arm tucked under his head and one leg thrown over the other tented knee like a contented school boy.
Damn right Esikko should be worried. Gross.]
Uh-huh. I got lunch around 1 at the Red Cardinal.
[His normal restaurant unless someone else manages to drag him off.]
[Anyone can comment on someone being too sugary, nice or not. Bakugo makes his way across the hotel, luckily dodging any further issue with the winged creatures thanks to whatever reason they're not bothering him. Maybe they learned their lesson.]
I'm here.
[And waits for an invite before coming into the impressive suite.]
( As soon as he gets the message, Esikko forgets his normal go-to of waiting a respectable amount of time before opening the door. He doesn't want it to seem like he's just waiting at the door, even when he is!
But this time, he swings it open right away, focused instead on giving Bakugo a curious once-over before stepping back. )
Come in...
( Aside from slightly puffy eyes, Esikko looks normal. His injuries have been lessening and healing with his own magic. And his place is clean, even if it still smells floral.
But he's lingering a little oddly near Bakugo even as he steps in, eyes tracing over him still. )
I thought you'd be a little more argumentative, you know, about coming over.
[Bakugo twitches his head back when the door swings open in front of him. One hand rests in his pocket, the other's left dangling at his side in a casual position. He's not even scowling or slightly slouching like his usual delinquent position carries him.]
You didn't sleep well last night?
[Questioning his eyes and their current state. Expected floral scents all over the apartment. Bakugo waits in the foyer for Esikko to shut the door and lead him further inside, even though he's obviously been here before.
Bakugo looks the same as normal, save for that usual RBF is replaced with something a lot more casual. Even his usually sharply angled brows are relaxed.]
( It's not that, and he doesn't understand the connection for that question, right now, too focused on the strange soft appearance of Bakugo's face. After a moment, he reaches out to take him by the wrist, pulling him further into his suite.
Where... the living room, right. There's a nice sized couch there he can drag him to, where he can consider all of this for a moment. It's in view of the kitchen, and there's a nice sized TV, too, but it's currently off. Esikko isn't one for idle noise. Maybe that's what makes the silence of his suite so suffocating, even if there are plants surrounding him. It's too quiet. )
Anyway, because you always are, you know? Were you hit? How many times? Do you feel strange? Here, let's sit.
[Once more, Esikko's life gives him lemons. He's almost learned not to feel entirely sorry for the guy, simply because "bad" seems to be "normal" for the prince. Unfortunately, there's no suggestion to clock himself over the head with a 2x4 or use chloroform to knock himself out, like Bakugo might say on a grouchy day.
He makes a small noise in surprise when he's suddenly grabbed and pulled in.] Oy, I could've walked.
[Hmph. A lack of protest and yelling follow Esikko through the room, red eyes talking a quick wander around the place. Now that it's not covered in blood and the panicked adrenaline rush isn't everywhere, he can take in a few more detail he wasn't paying attention to the first time.
The television likely has a white noise channel, Esikko...]
You're asking a lot of questions. [Bakugo doesn't sit at first, instead lightly tugs his arm free so he can twist around and look at his shoulders, arms, legs, back, wherever it might be suggested he got "hit" but something.
The potions help the physical need, but there's a groggy sort of feeling the morning after, so it's hard to feel satisfied. Have you ever used sleep aids? It's different from a restful sleep, isn't it?
( The last time he got restful sleep... It had to be when he was sleeping next to someone. Even if he ends up plagued by nightmares in a setting like that, he can roll over and find warmth to cuddle into and ease it away. But that feels embarrassing to admit, to realize, to anything, and so he focuses instead on scanning Bakugo. No bleeding... and he doesn't see any heart shaped bruises. Not that that means they're not there at all, but...
He falls back into a seat on the sofa, leaving room for Bakugo to do the same. His rooms are decorated with light or calm colors and plenty of greenery. The living room especially has a few hints at his personality here and there, such as the small sketchbook laying out on the table, one fancy tea set on display and another out for clear use, and a couple of various types of charms here or there. Esikko runs both hands over his face for a moment, humming like he's trying to decide where his thoughts are wandering. )
Sorry. ( Unusual, for him to apologize, but it slips out all the same as he drops his hands away with a sigh. ) I suppose it's unfair to be concerned just because you're in a good mood. My suit has been acting up, so maybe it's just that.
( Saying that, as if the suit reactions don't come from real thoughts, or real sources, is unfair, but he doesn't want to admit that right now. )
[He's trained himself to get good sleep by shutting his body off when he tells it to shut off. That's not to say he's immune to his brain keeping him awake if things weigh on him too heavily. Contest tomorrow, a battle to deal with, someone irritated him enough to leave his pride injured and his body restless. Though academic exams aren't a problem?Cause he knows how to study and retain information.
Bakugo takes a seat on the sofa and leas back to the cushioned rear. He does not put his feet up on the coffee table like he normally would. At least he's satisfied himself he isn't injured.]
What're you apologizing for? [Genuinely curious instead of his usual sharp reprimand and snarl.] How long's it been since you pacified it?
[If this isn't gonna start creeping Esikko out after a while, he's a better man than I am. HA HA HA!!]
( No, it's definitely creeping him out. There's a careful balance between the attention he wants and the sort of strange, not-fully-there feeling this gives off, and the wording of "pacified it" has him pausing for just as long as Bakugo questioning why he's apologizing instead of just insulting him is.
His hands are cold, but he still half turns on the couch to face Bakugo better, reaching to slip the back of his hand beneath his bangs and against Bakugo's forehead. He might be icy, but he can at least tell normal warmth from a fever, even still!
But this feels normal, doesn't it? )
I— what kind of a question is that? I'm not telling you something like that.
( It's not normally a problem, and he's not normally shy, but it's hard not to feel suddenly embarrassed when it's being asked in a clinical way like that! Moving his hand from his forehead, he brings both palms to his cheeks, instead, turning his face left and then right, if he'll allow it. )
Are you... ( math lady meme ) ...mad at me? Or something?
( If a guy is always angry, does he go anti-angry when he's mad?? That thought is quickly dropped, though, when the inability to find the telltale heart shaped bruises of the cherub's arrows brings him down a different train of thought. There's no way he tried to downrank already, right? The House didn't give him some sort of a... task? Or a punishment? Or—
It's strange, worrying this much about someone, and he's not used to it— so maybe that's why he hasn't realized his grip on Bakugo's face has turned into something too tight. )
[Bakugo blinks at the other guy, head tilting to the side ever so slightly. Esikko's wary and suspicious reactions feel strange, as if Esikko thinks there's something wrong with him. Should he not be here or something? The prince asked him to come over after all. Maybe he got that mixed up.
Cold hands. Despite the checking touch, no unnatural warmth radiates from the blonde's forehead. He lets Esikko check his temperature without protest. Even if his eyes are questioning.] I'm fine. I'm not running a fever.
[In case Esikko needs to be told on top of checking for himself. Does that help?]
Okay. [He won't push him to reveal it. Digging into someone's private life has never been something Bakugo opts to do. But he does lean back and removes his head from Esikko's hand. Thinks that's enough time to check and confirm his lack of temperature.
Then gets his face smushed between two hands, turning his head this way and that. He frowns at the attention, but again lets him if it'll put the prince's mind at ease. What's with the scrutinizing inspection anyways?]
Why would I be mad at you? You just invited me over. [He already said he could take a break from studying and come over, so it wasn't like Esikko interrupted him or made him change concrete plans.
1) If Bakugo's mad, he gets even worse, or goes into momentary silently-seething-with-rage like a volcano ready to erupt. 2) Unfortunately, his bruise is not located on a visible area right now. If Esikko checked the back of Bakugo's thigh, then he'd have a different story... Alas.]
...It's worrying. When you're not your usual self.
( His words come as a mumble, as Esikko adjusts his grip and eventually lets go. It's reluctant, the way he pulls his hands back, and even as he lowers them, his fingertips still graze against Bakugo's clothes, his leg, like a tiny hook or press might keep him closer. )
You're usually angry, aren't you? So I thought... ( He trails off, and then shakes his head, fingers curling without realizing against Bakugo's leg. )
Nevermind. I... suppose if you're being nice, I can say that your company is reassuring. So, I just mean... don't hold anything in all the time, or whatever.
( why is he tsunning so aggressively? don't worry about it. )
[He heard that mumble; Esikko's right in front of his face after all. Bakugo's trying to wrack his brain and running "scans" over his body to attempt identification of any possible thing that could be "wrong" right now. Nothing hurts, nothing feels strange, no pressure in his head, no memories missing from his mind (albeit they're all heavily sugar coated), no problems outside of being stuck in the Peacock.
Bakugo leans back a little once the prince releases him, trusting the guy to have made all the inspections he wants. No attempt to move though. His expression's concerned as he watches Esikko, not sure if he should stay or leave if his presence is causing him discomfort.]
Why would I be angry with you? You're one of the nicer people here. [It's true, even if it's said weird for who Bakugo usually is. Don't worry, Esikko. He'll be back to normal on the morrow and be a massive fucking rage over all of this. He reaches out and rests his hand on the prince's, giving his knuckles a small squeeze for assurance.]
I don't hold anything in. It's a waste of time. [Ha ha ha. Well, there's certainly a lot of doesn't hold in. Bakugo rarely keeps his opinions to himself.]
Studying. [This time, it's Bakugo who puts a hand to Esikko's forehead.] I thought I told you when you called.
( Esikko is so genuinely stunned by being called not only nice, but "one of the nicer people here" that his thoughts absolutely stop in their tracks. That's startling enough. But the warm hand over his own, the gentle squeeze, the touch of that hand to his forehead right after?
He freezes for a few seconds before pulling back in a fluster, like he's just touched something too hot, hand pulling back to his chest and his head turning away, eyes darting to find something else to focus on. It's different when he's the one that initiates close contact, it's far less surprising! But Bakugo?? )
I— well, I mean, maybe you did. I was just distracted. ( By not getting his sass? He stammers onwards, a puff of air releasing the breath he'd held onto by accident. ) But I'm... not... nice, you know? How exactly are people treating you to be thinking something like that? I'm...
( He trails off, though a number of words come to mind in the voices of plenty of others, confirmed by his own actions. A bitch? Probably. An asshole? Definitely. He ignores the words that continue to follow, a frown twitching at the corners of his mouth. )
...Anyway, there are plenty of reasons, but it's better if you're not. I just don't want you to... you know, if you say something when you're like this and take it back later, I'm going to be upset, okay?
( Without explaining that, he pushes himself to stand, already marching towards the kitchen. )
Nice. [Bakugo may not know all the not-nice things Esikko has done in this place, but he's aware the man isn't a saint. And normally he keeps that in mind while dealing with him. But right now, he's only focusing on the prince's usual genteel attitude and mannerisms, as well as the positive experiences he's had with the guy. Once he makes sure Esikko isn't running a fever or dealing with short-term memory loss.
Once the guy pulls back, Bakugo lets his hand drop and leans back on the couch, one elbow propped on the cushion beside him and his jaw pressed to his curled fist. Studying him, still trying to decide if he should leave for Esikko's comfort. If the other man's ill, it's likely he's already been exposed...]
Most of the time we've interacted, you've been nice. [Esikko hasn't yelled at him, committed crimes in front of him, made himself an obnoxious pest, or worse. Sure he's annoyed Bakugo before, but generally their experiences together have been positive. Not some slimy, sneaky, suspicious type wanting to take advantage.
Really, the person Esikko's not-nicest to the most is himself.]
Like this? [When he's like what? Bakugo frowns at the other part.] Oy, I don't take back what I say. [Regret is not a thing he likes entertaining in his life very often. And while he won't take back what he says here, damn right he's gonna be mortified to remember it and have it brought up in the future!]
Uh... are you cooking?
[Because he remembers well enough to know that's not a good idea.]
( Esikko can certainly be nice. He's learning to do more of it here, but— but it goes against everything he's ever been raised to be like, so it's a bit uncomfortable. Isn't it weak? Doesn't it open him up to more pain? Those sort of silly little ideas float around, but right now, he can't seem to focus on them. At least there's that.
But despite his hearts-related flare up causing him to focus instead on making Bakugo more comfortable, he is, in fact, in the kitchen, opening up cabinets and looking around. This is definitely a bad idea. )
Isn't that what you said I should learn? ( Isn't it what he likes, too? "Home cooking" instead of whatever drug-laced nonsense is floating around various establishments here. Esikko is pulling out all sorts of things, like having them all on the counter together might tell him what he can make. )
I bought some groceries, or whatever, because of that. So... Surely I can make something from this. ( help him before this place goes up in flames )
[Some people see it as a weakness. Bakugo included. Yet he's seen how others transform niceness into strength, able to reach others and earn results he never would have with his own abrasive and rough actions. Is it weak to be nice and merciful to people who probably don't deserve it? Good question. Some would argue no. After all, it's easy to be nice to someone who's nice to you. Not something Bakugo's going to get into a discussion with Esikko here.
He pushes himself up from the couch and moves around the side, footsteps carrying him into the kitchen after the prince. Right, Esikko cooking is a bad idea. That's not being mean, that's stating a fact.]
And have you? [Learned. Constructive learning. Not burning everything and calling it a success while ordering takeout. Esikko's not wrong; Bakugo likes cooking for himself since he doesn't trust a lot of the restaurants and shops in the Peacock. He surveys the collection of ingredients the prince has splayed on the counter. A lot of these don't go together.
Verdict: Esikko has no idea what he's making.]
Here. [With that, Bakugo begins separating the items. Arms moving in fast succession, he has a grouping to one side in a few seconds and the rest pushed to the other side.] You can put these back. We'll make a meal with the rest.
( Chocolates? But he trails off and quickly abandons that train of thought even if it's questioned, focusing firmly instead on the way Bakugo organizes things. Huh. He can't even tell what they're going to be making from this. Like, obviously, there are ingredients here and he can tell the main one, but—
He presses his lips together in a frown, quietly reaching to grab one of the rejected ingredients. )
So you're going to help me?
( Quietly, as he tucks some sort of unnecessary and niche spice back into the spice rack that's mostly empty, then reaches to grab the next reject. He's cleaning up slowly. )
Even eating feels like a chore most of the time... But I suppose it can't hurt to try it with proper help. You can't laugh at my attempts, though. That's a rule.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text ; un: wildflower
Date: 2/17/25 04:43 (UTC)This huge suite is so isolating. And unlike normally, where he sucks it up and ignores it, writes in his journal a little, maybe draws some flowers or takes care of other plants— this time, he can't get the thoughts out of his mind until he does something.
And so. A message... That's a step, right? Not so irritating, but a small bandage over loneliness? )
How are you holding up?
no subject
Date: 2/17/25 19:20 (UTC)Good.
no subject
Date: 2/17/25 22:44 (UTC)It actually makes him a little more worried, at first. )
Really? Have you eaten and everything?
I mean, I don't doubt that you're handling yourself or anything. I just
( he sends that too early, and there's a pause )
Are you busy?
( urgh )
no subject
Date: 2/17/25 22:56 (UTC)Damn right Esikko should be worried. Gross.]
Uh-huh. I got lunch around 1 at the Red Cardinal.
[His normal restaurant unless someone else manages to drag him off.]
Studying, but I can take a break.
no subject
Date: 2/18/25 05:13 (UTC)I'm starting to worry about you, answering like that...
It's too quiet in my suite, too.
Maybe you should come over? For both of those reasons.
no subject
Date: 2/18/25 06:47 (UTC)Huh? Why? I'm fine.
Okay. Want me to bring anything?
[Asides from his study materials. Wait...]
You're not bleeding all over again, are you?
no subject
Date: 2/19/25 06:26 (UTC)( He sends that, then types up his next message and waits for a few seconds before slapping send. )
I just want to see you, I think.
no subject
Date: 2/19/25 21:18 (UTC)[Bakugo arches a brow again at the message. Sappy. But he shrugs and puts his books to the side for the time being. He'll get back to them later.]
You think?
[He's heading out.]
no subject
Date: 2/20/25 00:00 (UTC)It's too much if I say it without adding that, isn't it? Just come over.
( He's in his suite, as said, and will answer the door whenever Bakugo shows up. )
no subject
Date: 2/20/25 01:39 (UTC)I'm here.
[And waits for an invite before coming into the impressive suite.]
no subject
Date: 2/21/25 05:20 (UTC)But this time, he swings it open right away, focused instead on giving Bakugo a curious once-over before stepping back. )
Come in...
( Aside from slightly puffy eyes, Esikko looks normal. His injuries have been lessening and healing with his own magic. And his place is clean, even if it still smells floral.
But he's lingering a little oddly near Bakugo even as he steps in, eyes tracing over him still. )
I thought you'd be a little more argumentative, you know, about coming over.
no subject
Date: 2/21/25 06:49 (UTC)You didn't sleep well last night?
[Questioning his eyes and their current state. Expected floral scents all over the apartment. Bakugo waits in the foyer for Esikko to shut the door and lead him further inside, even though he's obviously been here before.
Bakugo looks the same as normal, save for that usual RBF is replaced with something a lot more casual. Even his usually sharply angled brows are relaxed.]
Why?
no subject
Date: 2/21/25 07:59 (UTC)( It's not that, and he doesn't understand the connection for that question, right now, too focused on the strange soft appearance of Bakugo's face. After a moment, he reaches out to take him by the wrist, pulling him further into his suite.
Where... the living room, right. There's a nice sized couch there he can drag him to, where he can consider all of this for a moment. It's in view of the kitchen, and there's a nice sized TV, too, but it's currently off. Esikko isn't one for idle noise. Maybe that's what makes the silence of his suite so suffocating, even if there are plants surrounding him. It's too quiet. )
Anyway, because you always are, you know? Were you hit? How many times? Do you feel strange? Here, let's sit.
no subject
Date: 2/21/25 21:20 (UTC)[Once more, Esikko's life gives him lemons. He's almost learned not to feel entirely sorry for the guy, simply because "bad" seems to be "normal" for the prince. Unfortunately, there's no suggestion to clock himself over the head with a 2x4 or use chloroform to knock himself out, like Bakugo might say on a grouchy day.
He makes a small noise in surprise when he's suddenly grabbed and pulled in.] Oy, I could've walked.
[Hmph. A lack of protest and yelling follow Esikko through the room, red eyes talking a quick wander around the place. Now that it's not covered in blood and the panicked adrenaline rush isn't everywhere, he can take in a few more detail he wasn't paying attention to the first time.
The television likely has a white noise channel, Esikko...]
You're asking a lot of questions. [Bakugo doesn't sit at first, instead lightly tugs his arm free so he can twist around and look at his shoulders, arms, legs, back, wherever it might be suggested he got "hit" but something.
He's not bleeding anywhere.]
I feel fine?
no subject
Date: 2/22/25 05:51 (UTC)( The last time he got restful sleep... It had to be when he was sleeping next to someone. Even if he ends up plagued by nightmares in a setting like that, he can roll over and find warmth to cuddle into and ease it away. But that feels embarrassing to admit, to realize, to anything, and so he focuses instead on scanning Bakugo. No bleeding... and he doesn't see any heart shaped bruises. Not that that means they're not there at all, but...
He falls back into a seat on the sofa, leaving room for Bakugo to do the same. His rooms are decorated with light or calm colors and plenty of greenery. The living room especially has a few hints at his personality here and there, such as the small sketchbook laying out on the table, one fancy tea set on display and another out for clear use, and a couple of various types of charms here or there. Esikko runs both hands over his face for a moment, humming like he's trying to decide where his thoughts are wandering. )
Sorry. ( Unusual, for him to apologize, but it slips out all the same as he drops his hands away with a sigh. ) I suppose it's unfair to be concerned just because you're in a good mood. My suit has been acting up, so maybe it's just that.
( Saying that, as if the suit reactions don't come from real thoughts, or real sources, is unfair, but he doesn't want to admit that right now. )
no subject
Date: 2/22/25 15:32 (UTC)[He's trained himself to get good sleep by shutting his body off when he tells it to shut off. That's not to say he's immune to his brain keeping him awake if things weigh on him too heavily. Contest tomorrow, a battle to deal with, someone irritated him enough to leave his pride injured and his body restless. Though academic exams aren't a problem?Cause he knows how to study and retain information.
Bakugo takes a seat on the sofa and leas back to the cushioned rear. He does not put his feet up on the coffee table like he normally would. At least he's satisfied himself he isn't injured.]
What're you apologizing for? [Genuinely curious instead of his usual sharp reprimand and snarl.] How long's it been since you pacified it?
[If this isn't gonna start creeping Esikko out after a while, he's a better man than I am. HA HA HA!!]
no subject
Date: 2/27/25 03:00 (UTC)( No, it's definitely creeping him out. There's a careful balance between the attention he wants and the sort of strange, not-fully-there feeling this gives off, and the wording of "pacified it" has him pausing for just as long as Bakugo questioning why he's apologizing instead of just insulting him is.
His hands are cold, but he still half turns on the couch to face Bakugo better, reaching to slip the back of his hand beneath his bangs and against Bakugo's forehead. He might be icy, but he can at least tell normal warmth from a fever, even still!
But this feels normal, doesn't it? )
I— what kind of a question is that? I'm not telling you something like that.
( It's not normally a problem, and he's not normally shy, but it's hard not to feel suddenly embarrassed when it's being asked in a clinical way like that! Moving his hand from his forehead, he brings both palms to his cheeks, instead, turning his face left and then right, if he'll allow it. )
Are you... ( math lady meme ) ...mad at me? Or something?
( If a guy is always angry, does he go anti-angry when he's mad?? That thought is quickly dropped, though, when the inability to find the telltale heart shaped bruises of the cherub's arrows brings him down a different train of thought. There's no way he tried to downrank already, right? The House didn't give him some sort of a... task? Or a punishment? Or—
It's strange, worrying this much about someone, and he's not used to it— so maybe that's why he hasn't realized his grip on Bakugo's face has turned into something too tight. )
no subject
Date: 2/27/25 17:57 (UTC)Cold hands. Despite the checking touch, no unnatural warmth radiates from the blonde's forehead. He lets Esikko check his temperature without protest. Even if his eyes are questioning.] I'm fine. I'm not running a fever.
[In case Esikko needs to be told on top of checking for himself. Does that help?]
Okay. [He won't push him to reveal it. Digging into someone's private life has never been something Bakugo opts to do. But he does lean back and removes his head from Esikko's hand. Thinks that's enough time to check and confirm his lack of temperature.
Then gets his face smushed between two hands, turning his head this way and that. He frowns at the attention, but again lets him if it'll put the prince's mind at ease. What's with the scrutinizing inspection anyways?]
Why would I be mad at you? You just invited me over. [He already said he could take a break from studying and come over, so it wasn't like Esikko interrupted him or made him change concrete plans.
1) If Bakugo's mad, he gets even worse, or goes into momentary silently-seething-with-rage like a volcano ready to erupt. 2) Unfortunately, his bruise is not located on a visible area right now. If Esikko checked the back of Bakugo's thigh, then he'd have a different story... Alas.]
You're squeezing me.
no subject
Date: 2/28/25 07:14 (UTC)( His words come as a mumble, as Esikko adjusts his grip and eventually lets go. It's reluctant, the way he pulls his hands back, and even as he lowers them, his fingertips still graze against Bakugo's clothes, his leg, like a tiny hook or press might keep him closer. )
You're usually angry, aren't you? So I thought... ( He trails off, and then shakes his head, fingers curling without realizing against Bakugo's leg. )
Nevermind. I... suppose if you're being nice, I can say that your company is reassuring. So, I just mean... don't hold anything in all the time, or whatever.
( why is he tsunning so aggressively? don't worry about it. )
What were you doing before you came here, anyway?
no subject
Date: 2/28/25 15:36 (UTC)[He heard that mumble; Esikko's right in front of his face after all. Bakugo's trying to wrack his brain and running "scans" over his body to attempt identification of any possible thing that could be "wrong" right now. Nothing hurts, nothing feels strange, no pressure in his head, no memories missing from his mind (albeit they're all heavily sugar coated), no problems outside of being stuck in the Peacock.
Bakugo leans back a little once the prince releases him, trusting the guy to have made all the inspections he wants. No attempt to move though. His expression's concerned as he watches Esikko, not sure if he should stay or leave if his presence is causing him discomfort.]
Why would I be angry with you? You're one of the nicer people here. [It's true, even if it's said weird for who Bakugo usually is. Don't worry, Esikko. He'll be back to normal on the morrow and be a massive fucking rage over all of this. He reaches out and rests his hand on the prince's, giving his knuckles a small squeeze for assurance.]
I don't hold anything in. It's a waste of time. [Ha ha ha. Well, there's certainly a lot of doesn't hold in. Bakugo rarely keeps his opinions to himself.]
Studying. [This time, it's Bakugo who puts a hand to Esikko's forehead.] I thought I told you when you called.
no subject
Date: 3/11/25 05:06 (UTC)( Esikko is so genuinely stunned by being called not only nice, but "one of the nicer people here" that his thoughts absolutely stop in their tracks. That's startling enough. But the warm hand over his own, the gentle squeeze, the touch of that hand to his forehead right after?
He freezes for a few seconds before pulling back in a fluster, like he's just touched something too hot, hand pulling back to his chest and his head turning away, eyes darting to find something else to focus on. It's different when he's the one that initiates close contact, it's far less surprising! But Bakugo?? )
I— well, I mean, maybe you did. I was just distracted. ( By not getting his sass? He stammers onwards, a puff of air releasing the breath he'd held onto by accident. ) But I'm... not... nice, you know? How exactly are people treating you to be thinking something like that? I'm...
( He trails off, though a number of words come to mind in the voices of plenty of others, confirmed by his own actions. A bitch? Probably. An asshole? Definitely. He ignores the words that continue to follow, a frown twitching at the corners of his mouth. )
...Anyway, there are plenty of reasons, but it's better if you're not. I just don't want you to... you know, if you say something when you're like this and take it back later, I'm going to be upset, okay?
( Without explaining that, he pushes himself to stand, already marching towards the kitchen. )
Are you hungry?
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Date: 3/11/25 15:39 (UTC)Once the guy pulls back, Bakugo lets his hand drop and leans back on the couch, one elbow propped on the cushion beside him and his jaw pressed to his curled fist. Studying him, still trying to decide if he should leave for Esikko's comfort. If the other man's ill, it's likely he's already been exposed...]
Most of the time we've interacted, you've been nice. [Esikko hasn't yelled at him, committed crimes in front of him, made himself an obnoxious pest, or worse. Sure he's annoyed Bakugo before, but generally their experiences together have been positive. Not some slimy, sneaky, suspicious type wanting to take advantage.
Really, the person Esikko's not-nicest to the most is himself.]
Like this? [When he's like what? Bakugo frowns at the other part.] Oy, I don't take back what I say. [Regret is not a thing he likes entertaining in his life very often. And while he won't take back what he says here, damn right he's gonna be mortified to remember it and have it brought up in the future!]
Uh... are you cooking?
[Because he remembers well enough to know that's not a good idea.]
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Date: 3/11/25 17:21 (UTC)But despite his hearts-related flare up causing him to focus instead on making Bakugo more comfortable, he is, in fact, in the kitchen, opening up cabinets and looking around. This is definitely a bad idea. )
Isn't that what you said I should learn? ( Isn't it what he likes, too? "Home cooking" instead of whatever drug-laced nonsense is floating around various establishments here. Esikko is pulling out all sorts of things, like having them all on the counter together might tell him what he can make. )
I bought some groceries, or whatever, because of that. So... Surely I can make something from this. ( help him before this place goes up in flames )
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Date: 3/11/25 23:13 (UTC)He pushes himself up from the couch and moves around the side, footsteps carrying him into the kitchen after the prince. Right, Esikko cooking is a bad idea. That's not being mean, that's stating a fact.]
And have you? [Learned. Constructive learning. Not burning everything and calling it a success while ordering takeout. Esikko's not wrong; Bakugo likes cooking for himself since he doesn't trust a lot of the restaurants and shops in the Peacock. He surveys the collection of ingredients the prince has splayed on the counter. A lot of these don't go together.
Verdict: Esikko has no idea what he's making.]
Here. [With that, Bakugo begins separating the items. Arms moving in fast succession, he has a grouping to one side in a few seconds and the rest pushed to the other side.] You can put these back. We'll make a meal with the rest.
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Date: 3/12/25 05:26 (UTC)( Chocolates? But he trails off and quickly abandons that train of thought even if it's questioned, focusing firmly instead on the way Bakugo organizes things. Huh. He can't even tell what they're going to be making from this. Like, obviously, there are ingredients here and he can tell the main one, but—
He presses his lips together in a frown, quietly reaching to grab one of the rejected ingredients. )
So you're going to help me?
( Quietly, as he tucks some sort of unnecessary and niche spice back into the spice rack that's mostly empty, then reaches to grab the next reject. He's cleaning up slowly. )
Even eating feels like a chore most of the time... But I suppose it can't hurt to try it with proper help. You can't laugh at my attempts, though. That's a rule.
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