Because you're not breathing hard after all that shouting. [Just snarking. Basic communication.] And I'm not winded, sure you're not seeing things? I thought I had the limited vision.
[Then more walking up more stairs. Up a flight, and then another. He thought that Bakugo would be promoted to rank 4 or 5, maybe 6, but... is it more than that? The surprise runs through him, though not enough to stop Scott from giving back his usual retort. It's fully necessary, obviously.]
Where is your new suite anyway? [He's really not winded!! He's fine! But he figures to ask now because they're climbing more stairs than he expected. It's honestly more of a mental exhaustion dragging him down anyway, than physical. ...Course, he hasn't been getting the best sleep lately because of said mental exhaustion.
Shouting doesn't make me tired! [What a crap assumption to make! Even if they're bickering over nothing but bullshit now. He gives Scott a look when he denies being winded. Right...
Another set of stairs, then another. 6 left behind, followed by 7, then 8. He's not even using the railings on these grand shitty staircases. Who the hell puts carpet on stairs?! Asking for a shit-ton of accidents and injuries when people slip and fall. Hellish static shock in the winter.
Damn, he really should force Scott to figure it out through trial. Climbing until they reach 9, then 10. Okay so technically the paired numbers are on the same floor(s), meaning it's not THAT large a climb. But reaching the floors where Jacks and Aces reside, Bakugo pauses by the impressive double doors leading to the fleet of suites.]
I'm an Ace.
[Half bragging with that shit grin of his, half serious because this implies a few things he can't talk about. Bakugo pushes open the door and heads into the halls. During that winter rank swap, he was a Queen.
[He rolls his eyes. He can't help but remember that their very first encounter was the other teen brushing his teeth so hard that he thought his gums were going to bleed, so. Yeah. That retort was expected. He'd honestly be worried otherwise.
But fuck, they're still going up more stairs??
His surprise by all this is overtaking the slow exhaustion that's been building up. There's a brief thought that Bakugo is just doing this to fuck with him, but that doesn't feel like the case? He thinks he can read his friend decently well. So, if they're going up all these flights... was he promoted to a high rank? A king? Queen?? When did that happen?
Figuring all this out, his shock is less prominent by the time they reach those double doors, but his mouth is still parted as he looks at Bakugo with a questioning glance. Explain dude.]
How did you get to an Ace so fast? You were a 3 just a few days ago.
[But he follows him into the halls, taking in just how... fancy everything is. Definitely a sharp contrast to the dingy floor of 3s. Shit man. So this where Bakugo is going to be staying for now on, huh?
There's a stupid little feeling. One that Scott immediately squishes down, just a little disappointed that he can't just easily walk down the hall and knock on his door just to bother him. You're being stupid, Summers.]
[He would've been irked if Scott hadn't figured out some of the surprise before they got to the floor. Bakugo's not one to lie about something, so his ascension to this floor meant this was the rank he was at now. Not a damn fake out. With a push, the door opens and he leads Scott into the large hallways. Impressive as fuck and overly-gaudy in Bakugo's opinion, but that's 90% of the damn resort. Chandeliers overhead, sconces on the walls, paintings, gilded wall decor, crystal mirrors, rich carpet, and so forth. Even an elevator, which Bakugo never uses.]
Gag order.
[Which is unfortunately the most he can say about it. He inferred it himself during his interactions with the scant few people ranking topics came up with. As much as he'd like to tell Scott... the mutant will have to suss it out himself with his own questions and assumptions.
Bakugo understands some of what Scott feels as he looks around the halls; they aren't on the same floor anymore and he'd come to silently look for the guy in the communal bathrooms when he was brushing his teeth or getting ready. Their schedules rarely lined up enough for that, but sometimes...
He stops in front of his own double doors, another impressive set of panels matching the doors along the palatial hall. Suites apparently are different, but doors to them are same same. A quick scan of his watch unlocks the door and he heads inside, opening up to a large foyer.
Unfortunately, given how new he is, Bakugo's suite hasn't adapted to his preferences, so it's still stuck on GOLDEN EVERYTHING RICH SHIT DRIP default, gleaming satin and silks on furniture reflecting the fake sunlight glowing through the windows.]
Eventually the suite's gonna change to my preferences, but I haven't fucked around with it yet.
[Still, several large bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, living rooms and lounges, dining areas, a changing rec room he can adjust as he likes, an impressive kitchen, and doors that randomly lead to other places in the hotel... which Bakugo keeps fucking locked at all times because that's just creepy as hell.]
[There's a small frown that tugs at the corner of Scott's mouth at that answer. He doesn't think Bakugo is the type to hide information, not if he can help it, so it's likely that he's in some strict rules about keeping all that a secret. Still kind of annoys him, even though he's still mostly glad that his friend doesn't have to live in those shitty quarters anymore with the shared bathrooms. Yeah, he will miss him, like a whole fucking lot, but he can still see him. Not like this is goodbye.
Don't be fucking dramatic about it, Summers. You're being stupid.
He shoves his hands inside his pocket, all that prior exhaustion gone, as he fights down stupid emotions. Maybe he can distract himself by looking at the gaudy decorations, everything so over the top, it reeks of opulence. Yeah. They waste no expense treating 'royalty' like royalty. Bakugo's suite is similarly decorated, so much of that same color (golden??) that the mutant can't help but snort. Maybe he's glad that he has to wear sunglasses right now.]
Yeah? And here I thought that you liked everything covered in gold and shitting in a golden toilet.
[This place is huge though. The open area leading to multiple rooms, the large dining area, so much. It's like having his own personal hotel in just a single room. Scott finds himself plopping down on the armrest of a couch, figuring to just sit there for a moment as he takes everything in.]
So, been hiding out in here since the whole thing with the heart.
[Scott's assuming right. Bakugo would've told him, as he's sure anyone else who found out and knew would tell people the liked, but none of them are able to. The few people he spoke to about it made that clear with their lack of answers and dismissing the topic. Not without a hint or two, knowing he'd pick up on it. Bakugo likewise isn't able to reveal much to Scott, but he trusts the guy might clue into things while they talk.
As for not seeing each other so frequently anymore... hey, Bakugo has a lot of rooms he's not using. Scott knows he's welcome to the blonde's room at any time when he was a 3. Mind the usual curt greeting or initial irritation he's known for when people invade his personal space. Nothing's changed about that regardless of Bakugo's rank.
They'll probably talk about it soon enough. He lets Scott look around as he heads for the kitchen. A quick tug on the fridge door (one of three, fridges, by the way) pops it open and he reaches inside for two bottled waters. Yeah, all this shit was ridiculously gaudy, but in time it'll take shape to something he prefers. Who the hell wants to wake up to a bunch of fucking gold covering every square inch of the suite?!]
Ha ha ha. Fucking hilarious. [And tosses the water bottle towards him.] Heads up.
[Should've whapped him in the damn head with it for that comment. Yeah, the royalty suites were often described as mini hotels or miniature resorts within the hotel resort. The King and Queen suites are even more ridiculous than the Ace and Jack. Bakugo would know; he was a Queen for a month.]
Haa?! I don't hide, dammit! I didn't get this thing until two days ago!
[Three fridges?! Well, guess Bakugo can store all of his water and protein drinks or whatever else there now. It'd almost feel like an endless supply of all the stuff he likes. Scott definitely won't feel bad snagging something from his fridge whenever he stops by. Which. He knows that he will. Of course. He's not so dramatic to think that the other teen will never want to see him again.
Really stupid.
He catches the water bottle with one hand, mumbling a small thanks before he starts twisting the cap off so that he can take a good drink out of it. After walking all those stairs and just feeling a little exhausted in general, this really hits the spot. He wipes his mouth with the top of his hand-- before a familiar smirk eases across Scott's face when Bakugo starts shouting at him again.
Yeah. Alright.]
So how does it happen anyway? You just get notified that your rank improved and you're escorted to your new room? [Or hmmm.] Or I guess you knew that your rank changed.
[One fridge in the kitchen, one in the master bedroom, and one in what will eventually be his study or workout room. Probably with mini-fridges in other areas for cold water or something like that. Hasn't bothered to memorize where everything is in two damn days. An endless supply is a good description. There's enough shit in here to embarrass him. Despite growing up with well-off parents, he never was all that keen on drowning himself in materialistic things. Sure, as a kid he was super happy to grab all the All Might toys and collectibles, but growing up changes some things.
And yeah, Scott needn't worry about Bakugo's relationship with him. He mostly gunned for this rank to use its power against the hotel, not because it came with a fancy ass room. He's not gonna abandon one of his closest relationships for a fucking glitter-bomb locale.
Bakugo twists his cap free with a snap and screw, the lifts it to his lips. But at the same time, he's not gonna ignore what the suite can provide for him. Climate control, window view changing, and so forth. Bakugo leans against the kitchen island and sets the bottle on its end.]
I got a notif on the watch saying my rank changed and I had to be out of my room by the end of the day. [Wouldn't want to be rude to new guests who might need his basement room. Though anyone who gets Bakugo's old room is gonna be impressed at how well he cleaned and kept the place.] Here.
[Bakugo scrolls through his watch's messages, finds the notification, then holds his wrist out to Scott so he can see it. The coordinates of his new room are at the bottom of the message, along with some lip service the Peacock likes to give.]
[Use what advantage that you do have. Scott's all for that sort of mindset, especially when it comes to breaking out of this place. Overthrowing the House. Both, hopefully. That's the goal. Even if they were ejected from the heart of the casino, they are still here and able to fight. Maybe in a way, they're getting closer. Something like that doesn't seem all that common. And now his friend has a higher rank, something to definitely use.
He plans to bring it up soon. Maybe even the fact that he saw the heart twice. He gunned back down, bumped into another close friend along the way, half determined to see if he could get another shot at it and also worried that Bakugo might've been down there still. It wasn't like he could reach him through the watches after for whatever bullshit reason.
But right now, he looks at Bakugo's watch, reading the messages that's available. He knows that his friend can't talk about it much, so even this little bit is helpful.]
They really changed their tune after you got promoted. [Is what Scott eventually lands on, eyes turning back up to look at Bakugo. Finally, a small smile seems to twitch at the corner of his mouth.] Really trying to suck your dick about it.
[...] And now I won't be able to rely on your shouting from down the hall to wake up me every morning.
[Overthrowing the House is going to take a lot more on than one person getting a new rank. Bakugo's aware they're not going to get out of this unless all of them work together. Which is a fucking huge ask... He'll do his part for now, opting not to make a rash or reckless action until a solid, winning battle plan is ready and everyone else is on board. They have one shot if/when they make their stand, and they need to make it happen then and there.
Unfortunately the message doesn't really offer much in way of hinting or suggestion on how things were done. Bakugo can't even show him the riddle the house sent him to answer. Gag orders suck, but as with the few he spoke to about it before, now he's accepted the proverbial muzzle. Annoying, but a small price to pay for the benefits. Besides, Scott's smart. He can figure it out with his own questions over time.]
No shit. This place's social wheel's a fucking shithole. [He lowers his arm and goes back to his drink, bringing it to his lips for another swallow. For having his issues with the house and the heart, he seems to be doing well enough. Bakugo snorts when Scott has to be a perv about it and flicks some water at him.] I don't want that asshole anywhere near my dick.
[Ironic comment and they both know it.]
Urusei! I'll call you when I get up and blow your ears off!!
Only certain assholes. [He's smirking. Why is he having fun--] I know.
[He was honestly expecting Bakugo to throw something at him, so he catches the apple without any trouble. And he also takes a bite out of it. Thanks man. He did get a little hungry after walking all those steps. Maybe he should be a bitch and ask Bakugo to cook for him sometime at his fancy new suite. Heh.]
Looks like I'll continue to keep watch at the lower ranks for now. [He shrugs. He really doesn't care too much about having a giant ass room, but mostly just wanting one with a personal toilet. That's what matters the most to him.] But I'll be sure to stop by just to piss in your toilet.
[And of course, sleep over. Does he want to admit that much?? Out loud? He kind of feels like doing it today, especially since he is tired still. A part of him just wants to slump against Bakugo and sleep against him-- a stupidly affectionate thought because ugh.]
Hilarious. [Scott, the perverted dad joke teller. Bakugo pushes away from the counter and swings around the island, lifting his hand to gesture the mutant to follow him. Time for a more personal tour rather than a simple talk about it. They can look at all the different rooms. Bring your apple.
Like the rest of the food in the hotel, the fruit's excellent quality. Hopefully Scott's rested enough from all that walking. It'll take a bit to get through his massive suite. Hey, if Scott wants to stay over for dinner, he isn't gonna get turned down. Might even get to cook alongside him.]
They'll be fine. Some people want to stay in the lower ranks for their own reasons. [He knows at least three of them. Well Scott can always come up and use Bakugo's bathroom if the blonde's in? Which... is somewhat of a hit or miss given the guy keeps a schedule through the week. Thanks for reading his mind, Scott.] If that's all you do, you're gonna fucking clean it too.
[Is that a grumpy way of saying he wants Scott to stick around when he visits? Probably. Not like he's gonna admit anything. Anyways, for the time being, this giant ass place is the living room, complete with couches (one's a foldout), entertainment system, windows with a scenic view (fake), fireplace, library, and other amenities.]
[With another bite of his apple, Scott starts following Bakugo. And despite all his earlier comments, he is kind of impressed with the different rooms that the other hero now has for himself. The thought of just stopping by and hanging out also feels easier, now that his friend is giving him a tour of everything.
After all the shit from a few days ago... it means a lot.]
Less attention and stuff with the lower ranks. You will have to deal with your own fanclub now. [Other guests fawning over him. Staff sucking up to him majorly. But Scott supposes that probably isn't all that much different than how hero stuff goes in his world. It's so bizarre, whenever he fully thinks about it, but at least preferable to the stuff that Getou told him. Yeah, that whole system is shit.
But focusing on the friend that's still giving him a tour...]
So, if I stay more and sleep over, I won't have to clean it. Got it. [Sounds like a good deal to him-- and maybe just admitting that he's going to do all that without being too mushy about it.
The living room is definitely nice too, but not surprising. There really hasn't been a dud of a room. He takes another bite of his apple as he looks at the entertainment system, before shifting his focus to the fake scenic view.]
Wow, even got your fake windows. [...Maybe a reminder that they're still trapped though, huh?]
[Bakugo has a few companions here with a higher rank, but his pride generally refused to mooch off them unless it was a special occasion, or they invited him to come see them. He made his rank 3 room work, and whoever's getting it after him (provided the resort staff doesn't fuck it up on purpose) is gonna get a well-kept room with quiet the attention to preserving detail. He'll be keeping the same efficiency in his new suite.]
Those fucking bastards'll learn to leave me alone. [A few small explosions crash and pop around his palm, implying exactly what Scott figures he means. He already spent a month as a Queen and had to blast the damn flockers off several times. Hell, they're the reason Scott and he got trapped in the hall and made a break for the winter woodlands, leading to the cabin...]
You'll be cleaning the room you stay in. [Well, "cleaning" meaning he makes the bed at least and doesn't leave trash all over the floor. Mostly teasing, since he knows Scott takes care of his stuff as well. Probably not to the same high standards as Bakugo's ridiculous preferences, but enough it won't be a problem.]
Aa. You can change the scenery on the. I dunno how yet. [Just got here two days ago and one of those days was spent dealing with... post heart slam shit.] Che, it's all a buncha fucking distraction. Where do you live?
[Maybe he can switch the view to someplace Scott'll recognize? Now he has to go look at how to do that... A remote or something on the wall? Start looking too, Shades.]
[He catches Bakugo's drift quickly enough, although a small part of him wonders if that will truly be enough to really push away the more determined guests. Royalty is royalty and always treated like celebrities, with the added bonus of them being able to get away with more stuff. Annoying, but in this case, he can see it being extremely useful. Bakugo can definitely use it to his advantage when exploring more of this casino or doing whatever else, something he's sure that the hero already has in mind.
It's probably why he worked this hard to get to this position.]
Yeah yeah, mom. [The mutant rolls his eyes though, but despite how untidy he leaves his own room at times, he tends to be a little more conscientious when staying over at other people's rooms.]
Jeez, really? Don't even know how to change the channel? [He teases. Still, he starts looking for the remote-- unless he can just go to the 'window' and touch it? Make a menu appear? Scott can't help but try that first, going over to the fake window/screen to tap on it.]
[Even if it doesn't permanently keep them away, it'll be a solid chunk of time before the losers manage to wrench themselves out of the wall/ceiling or come back to consciousness from getting blasted across the hall. And if royalty is treated as royalty, then telling them to piss off should be followed, dammit! Cause if they're not gonna follow THAT, why the hell should they follow anything?! Anyways, he'll deal with the stupid cling-on's if he has to.
Scott's right on the money with Bakugo's intention of using his new rank. He gunned for this more to help others than himself; the latter's simply a bonus he factored in.
Only he wasn't willing to whore out like a lech to speed towards this goal.]
Shut up. [Them's the rules, man! Bakugo'll rage even at his own classmates for leaving their spaces an untidy mess! Usually when they invite him over. He isn't some anal hall monitor looking into doorways. But if they're hosting... clean the fuck up.]
You wanna die?! [Scott's pushing his buttons and he knows it! Bastard! There's a remote slotted in a stealthy alcove between the entertainment center and the wall, as well as a touchpad on the wall which can be manually triggered or linked to the watch. Tapping on the window does nothing but make tiny quiver ripples around the point Scott's finger touches down.]
No. All Might lived in America for several years. He went a few times.
[Hopefully Bakugo doesn't catch the way Scott's mouth twitches upward when he's threatened by the usual 'you wanna die' comment. Yep, some things really stay the same. Nonetheless, he at least notices the touchpad by the wall soon enough, letting the ripples of the image fade back into 'normal' before he looks through the menu.
It's really not that hard to find New York as one of the settings that he can switch the scenery to, and soon the visuals change to reflect the great city-- starting off with a penthouse like view. Staring out at the buildings from 'above,' it's a nice illusion.]
All Might. He's one of the great heroes, right? [He asks, while turning his head to Bakugo.]
[Scott's safe. Bakugo's attention lies elsewhere in the room, searching for the stupid controller or however he's supposed to work the window scenery. Probably has something to do with his watch, but how the hell is he supposed to link the damn watch if he can't find anything to link it to?! Until he notices the windows fade away into their normal default mode. Gold, of course.]
Oy. [How'd he do that? Bakugo approaches Scott's side and looks down a the touchpad on the wall. So that's what it did. The damn thing was covered when he first got in here. He thought it was a vent or something! Saying nothing, Scott's given full rein for the scenery. And there it goes.]
Looks like Tokyo.
[Most metropolis look like metropolis.]
He's the greatest hero who ever lived! [And fanboy speaks up in Bakugo's gruff voice.]
[So New York looks like Tokyo... guess that's not too surprising? A big city is a big city, though he still imagines that it has its own distinctive look that sets it apart from his home. It'll probably be easy to see, once he switches the scenery once more, but Scott wants to look at this visage of New York for just a bit longer. He honestly doesn't look out at the city like this often. He lives in Westchester, not really in the middle of the bustling city.
A small smile spreads across his face. Maybe just a little melancholy, still fresh from the shit that happened in the tunnels.]
Wow, even you're admitting that? [He teases lightly, though it's clear he's interested in hearing Bakugo talk more about All Might. There's definitely a note of excitement in his voice, a sort of admiration that he doesn't hear too often from his friend.]
[Close-packed buildings, skyscrapers, streets between, parks occasionally forced into being, with an impressive-to-jagged skyline depending on who you ask. Of course there are unique elements to each skyline, though Bakugo hasn't been to Tokyo for a while. He moves to stand by the couch for a better view of the cityscape. Doubts Scott's running around in high-rise buildings for scenery like this anymore than Bakugo is.
One problem with the scenery windows is the temptation to make yourself fucking homesick...
Their experience in the basement didn't do anything to help with that feeling, echoes of his classmates and parents still lingering in his mind. Expected, only two days from the ordeal.]
Why the hell wouldn't I?! I'm gonna surpass him and become even greater! [He is not gonna be able to do that, no matter how hard he tries. No one can be All Might.]
No matter what kind of enemy he faced, All Might would win and save everyone. Because of him, villains were too fucking scared to try much. He's the world's Symbol of Peace.
[Ah, there it is. 'Going to surpass him and become even greater.' Maybe something that sounds almost childish from a distance, but he knows that Bakugo is actually serious about it. He'll put all his effort and training to become the best hero in his world. It's admirable?? Scott finds himself supporting him anyway. He wants Bakugo to reach those heights and even more.]
Even known internationally... that is pretty impressive. [Being a symbol of peace... is that what he and the X-Men need to achieve to in order to rebuild human-mutant relations? Maybe. Will even that be enough? But shaking those thoughts, at least to the best of his ability, Scott smiles at Bakugo-- before switching the scenery to resemble Tokyo.
He already misses his home too much.] So that means that you have to be known as the galaxy's symbol of peace.
[Did he expect anything different? If anyone dares tell him his ambition is childish, he'll pound it into their heads until they realize just how amazing his goals are! Being the best has always been his pride and joy, a pinnacle he strives for in everything he does! What kind of hero is satisfied with the mundane plateau? Forward, father, stronger, higher, faster, better! Everything is his to surpass! Until his victory is complete undisputed!]
Aa. He was what every hero aspired to be. [Well, "most" is more accurate, but Bakugo grew up saying "every" and it's hard to change his childhood habit despite knowing reality.
The Symbol of Peace had gone through a lot during Bakugo's first high school year, the two wars that came with it, All Might's retirement... What a Symbol of Peace was, what it stood for, when it was there and when it was gone... A little boy thought All Might could do everything, heroes were always right, everything was amazing in the world.
Reality's a bitch. Bakugo watches the Tokyo scenery with a quieter expression, thoughts running all over the place. He absent mindedly rubs at his shoulder, the one with the scar. Then blinks back to the present.]
[He manages to catch the small shift in Bakugo's mood, the way all that bustling energy smooths into something quieter, more contemplative. Nothing he hasn't seen before, but generally more rare and something he doesn't want to interrupt immediately, so he keeps a few moments to himself as he looks at the Tokyo skyline. It's a nice city, one that he hopes to see sometime in his own future.
There's definitely mutants there. People that need help. He wonders if the only time he'll get to really travel in the future is for something X-Men related.
But hearing him, Scott tilts his head back to him, small smile tugging at his corner. Something encouraging, quiet and yet amused, all wrapped together as he nods.]
Become known as the Galaxy's Symbol of Peace. That's when you know you really surpassed him.
[Sometime in their future... He wants to go to America at some point. Who knows if he'll remember Scott when he arrives. He doubts it, sucks as it is, because of his own experience. But is it wrong to want something impossible? No harm comes from it, save for disappointment when it doesn't come. There are people, things, and memories he doesn't want to forget from this place, people he's come to care about. Just one more way this place fucks its captives over.
Pushing those thoughts and feelings aside, he locks them back up once more. Shit he'll deal with by himself. Alone. Later. Scott doesn't need to be burdened with stuff not his onus.
Instead, Bakugo's expression flattens and he levels a wry look at the mutant across from him.]
[Scott's wholly unaffected by Bakugo's flat expression, his grin increasing in response and looking more genuine than the smirks that he often flashes at him. It's a little nice talking about dreams and goals, even if it means he won't ever see Bakugo achieving them back home. He has the time he has here with him, however long that will be. It almost felt like all of it was going to end soon when they found the heart.
But no, they're still here, still dealing with the casino and its shit. Scott can't help but feel just a slightly happy about it, as bad as that feeling may be. They can't be here, they have duties back home, friends to fight for still, but he can't deny that it won't be bittersweet in some way when it happens.]
They don't exist that you know of, things can change. Besides, I thought you were aiming big. [Come on, the whole galaxy!
There's a flicker of something unreadable behind Scott's eyes, the teen clearly pausing, like he's trying to muster up something that's been building in him the past few hours.] I thought we were getting somewhere when we encountered the heart.
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no subject
Date: 5/21/25 01:32 (UTC)[Then more walking up more stairs. Up a flight, and then another. He thought that Bakugo would be promoted to rank 4 or 5, maybe 6, but... is it more than that? The surprise runs through him, though not enough to stop Scott from giving back his usual retort. It's fully necessary, obviously.]
Where is your new suite anyway? [He's really not winded!! He's fine! But he figures to ask now because they're climbing more stairs than he expected. It's honestly more of a mental exhaustion dragging him down anyway, than physical. ...Course, he hasn't been getting the best sleep lately because of said mental exhaustion.
He's just not physically hurt.]
no subject
Date: 5/21/25 03:19 (UTC)Another set of stairs, then another. 6 left behind, followed by 7, then 8. He's not even using the railings on these grand shitty staircases. Who the hell puts carpet on stairs?! Asking for a shit-ton of accidents and injuries when people slip and fall. Hellish static shock in the winter.
Damn, he really should force Scott to figure it out through trial. Climbing until they reach 9, then 10. Okay so technically the paired numbers are on the same floor(s), meaning it's not THAT large a climb. But reaching the floors where Jacks and Aces reside, Bakugo pauses by the impressive double doors leading to the fleet of suites.]
I'm an Ace.
[Half bragging with that shit grin of his, half serious because this implies a few things he can't talk about. Bakugo pushes open the door and heads into the halls. During that winter rank swap, he was a Queen.
A fact Hiyori never shied teasing him about.]
no subject
Date: 5/22/25 00:20 (UTC)But fuck, they're still going up more stairs??
His surprise by all this is overtaking the slow exhaustion that's been building up. There's a brief thought that Bakugo is just doing this to fuck with him, but that doesn't feel like the case? He thinks he can read his friend decently well. So, if they're going up all these flights... was he promoted to a high rank? A king? Queen?? When did that happen?
Figuring all this out, his shock is less prominent by the time they reach those double doors, but his mouth is still parted as he looks at Bakugo with a questioning glance. Explain dude.]
How did you get to an Ace so fast? You were a 3 just a few days ago.
[But he follows him into the halls, taking in just how... fancy everything is. Definitely a sharp contrast to the dingy floor of 3s. Shit man. So this where Bakugo is going to be staying for now on, huh?
There's a stupid little feeling. One that Scott immediately squishes down, just a little disappointed that he can't just easily walk down the hall and knock on his door just to bother him. You're being stupid, Summers.]
no subject
Date: 5/23/25 00:41 (UTC)Gag order.
[Which is unfortunately the most he can say about it. He inferred it himself during his interactions with the scant few people ranking topics came up with. As much as he'd like to tell Scott... the mutant will have to suss it out himself with his own questions and assumptions.
Bakugo understands some of what Scott feels as he looks around the halls; they aren't on the same floor anymore and he'd come to silently look for the guy in the communal bathrooms when he was brushing his teeth or getting ready. Their schedules rarely lined up enough for that, but sometimes...
He stops in front of his own double doors, another impressive set of panels matching the doors along the palatial hall. Suites apparently are different, but doors to them are same same. A quick scan of his watch unlocks the door and he heads inside, opening up to a large foyer.
Unfortunately, given how new he is, Bakugo's suite hasn't adapted to his preferences, so it's still stuck on GOLDEN EVERYTHING RICH SHIT DRIP default, gleaming satin and silks on furniture reflecting the fake sunlight glowing through the windows.]
Eventually the suite's gonna change to my preferences, but I haven't fucked around with it yet.
[Still, several large bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, living rooms and lounges, dining areas, a changing rec room he can adjust as he likes, an impressive kitchen, and doors that randomly lead to other places in the hotel... which Bakugo keeps fucking locked at all times because that's just creepy as hell.]
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Date: 5/28/25 19:35 (UTC)Don't be fucking dramatic about it, Summers. You're being stupid.
He shoves his hands inside his pocket, all that prior exhaustion gone, as he fights down stupid emotions. Maybe he can distract himself by looking at the gaudy decorations, everything so over the top, it reeks of opulence. Yeah. They waste no expense treating 'royalty' like royalty. Bakugo's suite is similarly decorated, so much of that same color (golden??) that the mutant can't help but snort. Maybe he's glad that he has to wear sunglasses right now.]
Yeah? And here I thought that you liked everything covered in gold and shitting in a golden toilet.
[This place is huge though. The open area leading to multiple rooms, the large dining area, so much. It's like having his own personal hotel in just a single room. Scott finds himself plopping down on the armrest of a couch, figuring to just sit there for a moment as he takes everything in.]
So, been hiding out in here since the whole thing with the heart.
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Date: 5/30/25 00:44 (UTC)As for not seeing each other so frequently anymore... hey, Bakugo has a lot of rooms he's not using. Scott knows he's welcome to the blonde's room at any time when he was a 3. Mind the usual curt greeting or initial irritation he's known for when people invade his personal space. Nothing's changed about that regardless of Bakugo's rank.
They'll probably talk about it soon enough. He lets Scott look around as he heads for the kitchen. A quick tug on the fridge door (one of three, fridges, by the way) pops it open and he reaches inside for two bottled waters. Yeah, all this shit was ridiculously gaudy, but in time it'll take shape to something he prefers. Who the hell wants to wake up to a bunch of fucking gold covering every square inch of the suite?!]
Ha ha ha. Fucking hilarious. [And tosses the water bottle towards him.] Heads up.
[Should've whapped him in the damn head with it for that comment. Yeah, the royalty suites were often described as mini hotels or miniature resorts within the hotel resort. The King and Queen suites are even more ridiculous than the Ace and Jack. Bakugo would know; he was a Queen for a month.]
Haa?! I don't hide, dammit! I didn't get this thing until two days ago!
[Rude!]
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Date: 6/1/25 15:14 (UTC)Really stupid.
He catches the water bottle with one hand, mumbling a small thanks before he starts twisting the cap off so that he can take a good drink out of it. After walking all those stairs and just feeling a little exhausted in general, this really hits the spot. He wipes his mouth with the top of his hand-- before a familiar smirk eases across Scott's face when Bakugo starts shouting at him again.
Yeah. Alright.]
So how does it happen anyway? You just get notified that your rank improved and you're escorted to your new room? [Or hmmm.] Or I guess you knew that your rank changed.
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Date: 6/1/25 23:25 (UTC)And yeah, Scott needn't worry about Bakugo's relationship with him. He mostly gunned for this rank to use its power against the hotel, not because it came with a fancy ass room. He's not gonna abandon one of his closest relationships for a fucking glitter-bomb locale.
Bakugo twists his cap free with a snap and screw, the lifts it to his lips. But at the same time, he's not gonna ignore what the suite can provide for him. Climate control, window view changing, and so forth. Bakugo leans against the kitchen island and sets the bottle on its end.]
I got a notif on the watch saying my rank changed and I had to be out of my room by the end of the day. [Wouldn't want to be rude to new guests who might need his basement room. Though anyone who gets Bakugo's old room is gonna be impressed at how well he cleaned and kept the place.] Here.
[Bakugo scrolls through his watch's messages, finds the notification, then holds his wrist out to Scott so he can see it. The coordinates of his new room are at the bottom of the message, along with some lip service the Peacock likes to give.]
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Date: 6/3/25 00:47 (UTC)He plans to bring it up soon. Maybe even the fact that he saw the heart twice. He gunned back down, bumped into another close friend along the way, half determined to see if he could get another shot at it and also worried that Bakugo might've been down there still. It wasn't like he could reach him through the watches after for whatever bullshit reason.
But right now, he looks at Bakugo's watch, reading the messages that's available. He knows that his friend can't talk about it much, so even this little bit is helpful.]
They really changed their tune after you got promoted. [Is what Scott eventually lands on, eyes turning back up to look at Bakugo. Finally, a small smile seems to twitch at the corner of his mouth.] Really trying to suck your dick about it.
[...] And now I won't be able to rely on your shouting from down the hall to wake up me every morning.
[He's asking to be hit--]
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Date: 6/3/25 14:43 (UTC)Unfortunately the message doesn't really offer much in way of hinting or suggestion on how things were done. Bakugo can't even show him the riddle the house sent him to answer. Gag orders suck, but as with the few he spoke to about it before, now he's accepted the proverbial muzzle. Annoying, but a small price to pay for the benefits. Besides, Scott's smart. He can figure it out with his own questions over time.]
No shit. This place's social wheel's a fucking shithole. [He lowers his arm and goes back to his drink, bringing it to his lips for another swallow. For having his issues with the house and the heart, he seems to be doing well enough. Bakugo snorts when Scott has to be a perv about it and flicks some water at him.] I don't want that asshole anywhere near my dick.
[Ironic comment and they both know it.]
Urusei! I'll call you when I get up and blow your ears off!!
[He's totally gonna wing an apple at him!]
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Date: 6/4/25 00:32 (UTC)[He was honestly expecting Bakugo to throw something at him, so he catches the apple without any trouble. And he also takes a bite out of it. Thanks man. He did get a little hungry after walking all those steps. Maybe he should be a bitch and ask Bakugo to cook for him sometime at his fancy new suite. Heh.]
Looks like I'll continue to keep watch at the lower ranks for now. [He shrugs. He really doesn't care too much about having a giant ass room, but mostly just wanting one with a personal toilet. That's what matters the most to him.] But I'll be sure to stop by just to piss in your toilet.
[And of course, sleep over. Does he want to admit that much?? Out loud? He kind of feels like doing it today, especially since he is tired still. A part of him just wants to slump against Bakugo and sleep against him-- a stupidly affectionate thought because ugh.]
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Date: 6/4/25 23:45 (UTC)Like the rest of the food in the hotel, the fruit's excellent quality. Hopefully Scott's rested enough from all that walking. It'll take a bit to get through his massive suite. Hey, if Scott wants to stay over for dinner, he isn't gonna get turned down. Might even get to cook alongside him.]
They'll be fine. Some people want to stay in the lower ranks for their own reasons. [He knows at least three of them. Well Scott can always come up and use Bakugo's bathroom if the blonde's in? Which... is somewhat of a hit or miss given the guy keeps a schedule through the week. Thanks for reading his mind, Scott.] If that's all you do, you're gonna fucking clean it too.
[Is that a grumpy way of saying he wants Scott to stick around when he visits? Probably. Not like he's gonna admit anything. Anyways, for the time being, this giant ass place is the living room, complete with couches (one's a foldout), entertainment system, windows with a scenic view (fake), fireplace, library, and other amenities.]
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Date: 6/5/25 18:45 (UTC)After all the shit from a few days ago... it means a lot.]
Less attention and stuff with the lower ranks. You will have to deal with your own fanclub now. [Other guests fawning over him. Staff sucking up to him majorly. But Scott supposes that probably isn't all that much different than how hero stuff goes in his world. It's so bizarre, whenever he fully thinks about it, but at least preferable to the stuff that Getou told him. Yeah, that whole system is shit.
But focusing on the friend that's still giving him a tour...]
So, if I stay more and sleep over, I won't have to clean it. Got it. [Sounds like a good deal to him-- and maybe just admitting that he's going to do all that without being too mushy about it.
The living room is definitely nice too, but not surprising. There really hasn't been a dud of a room. He takes another bite of his apple as he looks at the entertainment system, before shifting his focus to the fake scenic view.]
Wow, even got your fake windows. [...Maybe a reminder that they're still trapped though, huh?]
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Date: 6/5/25 23:04 (UTC)Those fucking bastards'll learn to leave me alone. [A few small explosions crash and pop around his palm, implying exactly what Scott figures he means. He already spent a month as a Queen and had to blast the damn flockers off several times. Hell, they're the reason Scott and he got trapped in the hall and made a break for the winter woodlands, leading to the cabin...]
You'll be cleaning the room you stay in. [Well, "cleaning" meaning he makes the bed at least and doesn't leave trash all over the floor. Mostly teasing, since he knows Scott takes care of his stuff as well. Probably not to the same high standards as Bakugo's ridiculous preferences, but enough it won't be a problem.]
Aa. You can change the scenery on the. I dunno how yet. [Just got here two days ago and one of those days was spent dealing with... post heart slam shit.] Che, it's all a buncha fucking distraction. Where do you live?
[Maybe he can switch the view to someplace Scott'll recognize? Now he has to go look at how to do that... A remote or something on the wall? Start looking too, Shades.]
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Date: 6/7/25 15:12 (UTC)It's probably why he worked this hard to get to this position.]
Yeah yeah, mom. [The mutant rolls his eyes though, but despite how untidy he leaves his own room at times, he tends to be a little more conscientious when staying over at other people's rooms.]
Jeez, really? Don't even know how to change the channel? [He teases. Still, he starts looking for the remote-- unless he can just go to the 'window' and touch it? Make a menu appear? Scott can't help but try that first, going over to the fake window/screen to tap on it.]
And I live in New York. Ever been?
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Date: 6/9/25 18:36 (UTC)Scott's right on the money with Bakugo's intention of using his new rank. He gunned for this more to help others than himself; the latter's simply a bonus he factored in.
Only he wasn't willing to whore out like a lech to speed towards this goal.]
Shut up. [Them's the rules, man! Bakugo'll rage even at his own classmates for leaving their spaces an untidy mess! Usually when they invite him over. He isn't some anal hall monitor looking into doorways. But if they're hosting... clean the fuck up.]
You wanna die?! [Scott's pushing his buttons and he knows it! Bastard! There's a remote slotted in a stealthy alcove between the entertainment center and the wall, as well as a touchpad on the wall which can be manually triggered or linked to the watch. Tapping on the window does nothing but make tiny quiver ripples around the point Scott's finger touches down.]
No. All Might lived in America for several years. He went a few times.
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Date: 6/10/25 00:13 (UTC)It's really not that hard to find New York as one of the settings that he can switch the scenery to, and soon the visuals change to reflect the great city-- starting off with a penthouse like view. Staring out at the buildings from 'above,' it's a nice illusion.]
All Might. He's one of the great heroes, right? [He asks, while turning his head to Bakugo.]
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Date: 6/10/25 01:46 (UTC)Oy. [How'd he do that? Bakugo approaches Scott's side and looks down a the touchpad on the wall. So that's what it did. The damn thing was covered when he first got in here. He thought it was a vent or something! Saying nothing, Scott's given full rein for the scenery. And there it goes.]
Looks like Tokyo.
[Most metropolis look like metropolis.]
He's the greatest hero who ever lived! [And fanboy speaks up in Bakugo's gruff voice.]
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Date: 6/10/25 14:01 (UTC)A small smile spreads across his face. Maybe just a little melancholy, still fresh from the shit that happened in the tunnels.]
Wow, even you're admitting that? [He teases lightly, though it's clear he's interested in hearing Bakugo talk more about All Might. There's definitely a note of excitement in his voice, a sort of admiration that he doesn't hear too often from his friend.]
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Date: 6/11/25 02:22 (UTC)One problem with the scenery windows is the temptation to make yourself fucking homesick...
Their experience in the basement didn't do anything to help with that feeling, echoes of his classmates and parents still lingering in his mind. Expected, only two days from the ordeal.]
Why the hell wouldn't I?! I'm gonna surpass him and become even greater! [He is not gonna be able to do that, no matter how hard he tries. No one can be All Might.]
No matter what kind of enemy he faced, All Might would win and save everyone. Because of him, villains were too fucking scared to try much. He's the world's Symbol of Peace.
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Date: 6/11/25 19:43 (UTC)Even known internationally... that is pretty impressive. [Being a symbol of peace... is that what he and the X-Men need to achieve to in order to rebuild human-mutant relations? Maybe. Will even that be enough? But shaking those thoughts, at least to the best of his ability, Scott smiles at Bakugo-- before switching the scenery to resemble Tokyo.
He already misses his home too much.] So that means that you have to be known as the galaxy's symbol of peace.
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Date: 6/12/25 14:04 (UTC)[Did he expect anything different? If anyone dares tell him his ambition is childish, he'll pound it into their heads until they realize just how amazing his goals are! Being the best has always been his pride and joy, a pinnacle he strives for in everything he does! What kind of hero is satisfied with the mundane plateau? Forward, father, stronger, higher, faster, better! Everything is his to surpass! Until his victory is complete undisputed!]
Aa. He was what every hero aspired to be. [Well, "most" is more accurate, but Bakugo grew up saying "every" and it's hard to change his childhood habit despite knowing reality.
The Symbol of Peace had gone through a lot during Bakugo's first high school year, the two wars that came with it, All Might's retirement... What a Symbol of Peace was, what it stood for, when it was there and when it was gone... A little boy thought All Might could do everything, heroes were always right, everything was amazing in the world.
Reality's a bitch. Bakugo watches the Tokyo scenery with a quieter expression, thoughts running all over the place. He absent mindedly rubs at his shoulder, the one with the scar. Then blinks back to the present.]
Galaxy?
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Date: 6/13/25 00:28 (UTC)There's definitely mutants there. People that need help. He wonders if the only time he'll get to really travel in the future is for something X-Men related.
But hearing him, Scott tilts his head back to him, small smile tugging at his corner. Something encouraging, quiet and yet amused, all wrapped together as he nods.]
Become known as the Galaxy's Symbol of Peace. That's when you know you really surpassed him.
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Date: 6/13/25 04:48 (UTC)Pushing those thoughts and feelings aside, he locks them back up once more. Shit he'll deal with by himself. Alone. Later. Scott doesn't need to be burdened with stuff not his onus.
Instead, Bakugo's expression flattens and he levels a wry look at the mutant across from him.]
Aliens don't exist in my world, Shades.
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Date: 6/14/25 16:46 (UTC)But no, they're still here, still dealing with the casino and its shit. Scott can't help but feel just a slightly happy about it, as bad as that feeling may be. They can't be here, they have duties back home, friends to fight for still, but he can't deny that it won't be bittersweet in some way when it happens.]
They don't exist that you know of, things can change. Besides, I thought you were aiming big. [Come on, the whole galaxy!
There's a flicker of something unreadable behind Scott's eyes, the teen clearly pausing, like he's trying to muster up something that's been building in him the past few hours.] I thought we were getting somewhere when we encountered the heart.
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