So that's how it works, is it? You march up to the bird and say, "I'd like a better rank, please!"
[He's just jerking his chain. He knows it doesn't work like that.
Happens to the best of us!
He ignores Bakugo's claim that he won't cook for him—maybe not that often, but he's already cooked for him once. Or baked for him, rather: Hiyori hasn't forgotten the quiche and apple tarts. Thoughtful gifts, from a surprisingly thoughtful boy. Even if he's also rude, yell-y, explode-y, and got way too carried away inside the animatronic dragon thing... which he has no plans to ever talk about. Moving on!]
So that's how it worked in your case, huh? Nami-chan said the her Queen suite was just like that when she got there. As though they peered into her heart and figured out exactly what she wanted.
[Which is more than a bit creepy. He looks around the room a bit more before making himself comfortable on whatever sofa is in the living area, only smiling in response to that last incredulous-sounding question.]
Specifically, a "hero nerd's"! That's sort of what you are, no? Just like Jun-kun's a muscle-training junkie, so he had all these posters of powerlifters and athletes hanging on his wall at home. And, of course, another poster of someone very important to him.
[In his own suite?! What a rude ass guest!! Hiyori can choke on his marshmallows and die! Bastard.
Odds are he'll bake for him again if there's a good enough reason. Likely if the guy spends the night, Bakugo will make a similar dish for dinner or breakfast. Depends on if he feels like it. Kind of like now, wooden spoon rotating around the pot's insides as chocolate liquid and cocoa powders fuse together in sweetened milk. Hiyori gets the entire pot this time; Bakugo's not planning on drinking sugary heat in the middle of summer. He'll be sticking with lemonade.]
Aa. Mine's similar to that. [And gestures to the right, showing a bunch of gold and exotic luxury furniture all over the dining room. An opulent drench of wealth to make any decent guy feel uncomfortable as fuck.] Some people's are changed when they get there, others have to put in at the front desk.
[Bakugo would prefer the latter, so he has time to do what he wants rather than the resort jumping into his head and trying to decide whether he wants to shape his suite to look like his parents' house, U.A. dormitory, a hero agency, or a modern neat Japanese apartment.
Pretty large sectional sofa.]
I don't have anything like that, dammit! [He does in his room at his parents' house...] You want your chocolate hot or cooled?
I was just kidding! Or actually, I was curious, since we both know that's not how it works. I'm not sure how else people move from the bottom to the top of the hierarchy, since those who do it seem pretty tight-lipped.
[Esikko said he couldn't tell back when Hiyori asked. Now that they've had their falling out, he can't try asking him again. Not that he cares too much about his own rank, though it would be nice to have a bigger place. A kitchen for Jun to cook in, a comfortable lounge to invite friends into, a massive closet to hold his extensive wardrobe...
But not the gold furniture. He's seen more than enough of that to last a lifetime, just from walking around the Peacock's halls and lobby, so he eyes all that with a critical eye.]
So that's how it works, huh?
[Idly, he wonders why it differs from person to person. Maybe Queens and Kings don't have to put in the request form and Aces and Jacks do?]
Well, that explains a lot. I can't see you choosing that tacky gold stuff. I might like the finer things, but at this point I'm sick to death of gold.
[And peacocks and sexual imagery and bird references. Unless the reference is to his own birds, who are cute and wonderful. Anyway,]
What sort of drink is cooled cocoa? Unless you mean one of those "chocolate milkshakes." I've never had one, but I've heard they have ice cream! And ice cream is perfect for almost-summer! But if you don't have that on-hand, I'll go with hot chocolate, since your suite is air-conditioned anyway.
It wouldn't be the first thing the damn bird doesn't want people talking about.
[More or less agreeing that his silence isn't his own idea. But considering Hiyori's comment about the bottom to the top, maybe he's getting an idea of how it might work. Given the idol's rank, however, he's basically trapped in the middle. It's no more or less difficult for him to reach the upper ranks going either way.
But if he wants a higher rank, he could probably get some rank-ups through the events or partners? That Bakugo can talk about. Though it should be as obvious at the gold furniture in his suite.]
Aa. [Or maybe the peacock did look into his head and realized no matter what decision it made, Bakugo would get pissed off HE didn't make the decision, and would be back later to demand it change his suite to his "new" preferences. There are three to pick from in his head after all... parents', school's, personal's.]
No shit. I want something like a modern Japanese apartment, with wood and stone. [Similar to his parents' house, but with his own unique touches. Again, making it difficult because he wants it just right. Besides, if he has the option, he should make use of it.]
You can't just whip up a milkshake! [That requires machinery to do, and even going at milk + ice cream with a hand blender isn't going to work very well. He meant cooling the chocolate down, not a full on smoothie. Bakugo ladles some of the finished drink into a mug, then brings it to Hiyori with the marshmallows.] Here.
[Hiyori looks at him for a moment, something like understanding dawning on his face. So the people who rank up through mysterious means are expressly forbidden from talking about it, are they?
He doesn't ask. Curious as he is, he doesn't want to push his luck or get Bakugo in trouble with the "damn bird."]
Guess not!
[That's all he says, before letting the subject drop and heading to the big cushy sofa in the lounge area.]
Marrying the traditional and the modern, huh? Sounds nice!
[He continues to chat about Bakugo's design preferences. Then, regarding the milkshake:]
You can do anything you want, no? You're an Ace now. And most importantly, you're Baku-kun! The great exploding dynamite god! ♪
[Yes, he's making fun of that name again. But no, he does not actually expect Bakugo to whip him up a milkshake. When Bakugo brings him the cocoa, he smiles, reaching out both hands to accept the mug.]
[Good. Hiyori may be a shiny bright guy who sometimes plays the ditz, but he's not stupid. Bakugo watches his expression focus as realization settles in, his own eyes narrowing and a subtle dip of his head offering a response.
That said, just because he isn't allowed to talk about it doesn't mean he can't get around the gag order in other ways. After all, Bakugo talked to four people about the ranking and received clues in little slips without breaking agreements or endangering the other. No one said shit about guests figuring it out on their own.]
Aa. My parents' house was similar. [Considering how large the home was, Bakugo grew up used to being in nice surroundings. He'll eventually get his suite all straightened out.]
Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight! [Get it straight!] I'm not gonna bend the laws of reality, dumbass Parrot!
[Even if Hiyori's pulling his leg on it, the sheer audacity to use his hero name and new rank as rationale deserves getting his head slammed! Too bad all he's getting is his cup of hot chocolate and sweet pillows. Aka marshmallows.]
"My parent's house." Something in Hiyori's eyes softens just a tad when Bakugo says those words. He won't call Bakugo out on missing home, since he probably wouldn't admit it and it's kind of like rubbing salt into a wound. But he understands because he feels that way, too. Even if he misses the ES dorms a tad more than he misses his (massive, expensive) family home.]
Right, right! What you said!
[Explosive, exploding—same difference, clearly! Though he also left out the "murder" part, which... well.
After what just happened, he's not eager to talk about the murder part. Even to tease.
So he doesn't harp on the nickname and instead takes a sip of his hot cocoa. Hiyori's always interested in trying new things, even if he can be a bit finnicky and fussy. One fan recommended trying ice cream when it's cold out, so he did that once. By the same token, hot chocolate in the summer is something he's willing to try. Since Bakugo's suite is air-conditioned, it's no big deal. And of course, he remembered marshmallows! He lowers his mug after taking a sip—]
Hot!
[... but it doesn't appear he scalded himself or anything. And he's quick to smile again.]
But it tastes nice and chocolatey.
[And then he shifts the mug over to one hand, so he can hold two fingers up with his other.]
There are two things I wanted to discuss. Did you want to hear the nicer thing first, or the less-nice thing?
[He wouldn't be human if he didn't miss home. Even some of the worst people here miss their homes. Not always for nice sappy reasons, but they're all prisoners here. Bakugo has things to go back to, people and places and events he was ripped from the middle of. Perhaps it's masochistic to furbish his room into something resembling his home, but why the hell not? He's comfortable there. And carving out a piece of normalcy in this shitty place is one grab for control he can get. While he thought about the U.A. dorms... really doesn't want to open a door to a guest bedroom and find some of his classmates' dorm rooms sitting there. That's creepy.]
Tch. Choke on a marshmallow.
[So grumpy. He leave Hiyori with his drink and sweets and returns to the kitchen to get something of his own. No hot chocolate for him. Too warm for that crap. Even if his suite is nicely air conditioned.
Despite it being in his hero name, Bakugo doesn't make murder much a topic either.
The refrigerator door shuts with a humming "shlumph" and telltale rattle of drinks inside.] It's hot chocolate. What the hell did you think it was gonna taste like?
[One of those "cute guys state the obvious" things he's pretty sure idols do all the time.]
Don't care. Spit 'em out and I'll ask about the one I want.
[Both the telling-him-to-choke thing and the "What the hell did you think it was gonna taste like?" thing. It's true, part of his job is being cute while stating the obvious, but if Bakugo can't appreciate that, then it's on him!
As for the last bit, his brow furrows.]
Those two subjects have nothing to do with each other, which is why I didn't want to talk about them together, but fine! The nice thing was about an event my friend is planning. It's time for her annual "community meal!" She's looking for people who can cook, so I told her about your quiche and apple tarts!
[(We'll just say this thread takes place after this post went up, so I don't have to start a second one where he tells him about the community meal.)]
But as for the other thing, well...
[His face crumples a bit as he says this next bit.]
I won't name any names, but I learned about something horrible someone here did. I was disgusted by it, and by how he'd lied to me, so I said something rather rude to him. I don't think he'll go after me or send someone else, but that's why I wanted to stock up on more of those self-defense weapons.
[Is it any surprise Bakugo's never been fond of people trying to play cutesy with him? He thinks it ranges anywhere from stupid to debasing. Though he's kind of "used" to it from Hiyori now, so mostly the guy's annoying with little other reaction. Comes, goes, and he's back to normal.]
Community meal? [Bakugo arches a brow, not having heard of something like that before. What the hell kind of "community" do they even have in this place? It's a fucking resort, they're prisoners, nothing about this is a community! Wait- His eyes narrow and brows furrow.] You better not've volunteered me.
[He wouldn't put it past Hiyori to do so! Even if the idol's usually respective of other people's permissions. He's gonna have to make another quiche and tart or the guy, since he's so thrilled with the one-off gift.
(Too bad, he's gonna have to tell him about it anyways, cause this guy doesn't and by that i mean his player hardly ever checks the network.)
Bakugo's irritation morphs into something serious and more focused when Hiyori brings up the negative. Despite what the idol says, the hero only has one question to kick off the discussion.]
Who?
[He doesn't give a shit about someone's dirty secret or their horrible act. But if said person is potentially threatening someone he does give more than a shit about, different story.]
Technically I did not, but I did tell her about you! She held the same event last year. No one else was taking care of beverages, so I set up a lovely tea station with seven different blends and a whole host of garnishes to choose from. I'll probably do the same thing this year. Why not join me? You'll get to eat free, too, of course.
[There, he's made his pitch!
And now onto the less-fun part. The question, straight and to the point, makes his expression grow even more tense. Of course he gets why he asked, but...]
Are you sure you want to know?
[His eyes are serious.]
Don't just say yes. I want you to really think about it. I know you're the rough-and-tough type, but even you have friends here. How would you feel if you learned a terrible truth about one of them? Not just something unpleasant, but something that shattered any chance of you ever seeing them in a good light. It all concerns some incidents you weren't involved with, so strictly speaking, you didn't need to know. Considering all that, would you still want to?
["Technically" ... Bakugo has a feeling he's going to get cajoled (or pestered) into going to this thing. Why someone would bother with it is beyond him. Trying to encourage a bunch of prisoners to feel as if they're part of some damn community sounds wrong. Some people might respect the attempt. Whatever, her call.]
Why the hell would I go to something like that?
[Totally gonna have to do more than make a pitch, Hiyori. This guy won't even go out shopping with his classmates for dorm supplies. Calls it "stupid" and bails. No different here. He can get food easily enough.
Maybe return to it when they're done with the problem topic. Bakugo's expression remains the same even as Hiyori attempts to double-check his question. He's already made his decision and thought of the consequences. Wouldn't have demanded to know the answer if he hadn't weighed the choice.
Is it fitting Bakugo lances right through Hiyori's concerns and instead rationalizes it from another angle?]
If you're worried enough to arm yourself, then spit it out.
[He doesn't want to know for himself, or for the guilty party. He wants to know for Hiyori's safety. Wouldn't have cared enough to ask, but when the idol mentioned he was wary of this person trying to harm him... that changes things. Bakugo's not someone to take revenge for someone else or hunt down a problem to preemptively nip it in the bud without knowing the entire story and having good reason to do so.
And this wouldn't be the first time he's learned someone he knew made a shit decision. He'll be the judge of what light he sees someone else in, thanks.]
For the free food which you know hasn't been spiked, and the chance to chat!
[He says it like it should be obvious. Sorry, but he's an extravert through and through...]
I guess free things aren't as big a draw for you now that you're an Ace, but you should come and sample Jun-kun's cooking. And if you contribute your own cooking, that'll be a chance to prove how versatile you are! "I didn't know he could cook!" everyone will say. "He's a man with hidden talents!" Why, if your food is good enough, you might just make some new fans! ♪
[Yep. He's trying hard to sell this. He hasn't promised Topaz he'd recruit him (nor has he mentioned Bakugo's name to her), but he still thinks it's a good idea!]
His lips thin out and he goes quiet, staring down into his cocoa cup. He knew what Bakugo's response would be: he's the kind of tough guy who thinks he can handle hearing anything, no doubt. And it makes sense not to want to supply him with grenades without knowing who he's worried will attack him.
In truth, the answer is no one. Esikko claimed he wasn't a threat. But can he trust that when the other boy has been lying to him for so long? And can he trust that no one else in his circle will go after him, either, when the people Esikko surrounds himself with all sound pretty unstable too?
But there are other reasons Hiyori doesn't want to tell, and one of them, though he doesn't want to admit it, is this: Esikko and Bakugo are friends, aren't they? Perhaps not officially, but they know each other and get along well enough. That was the impression he got. It's stupid, after everything—he shouldn't care about Esikko at all anymore. But there's a part of him would feel bad about ruining that friendship, if indeed Bakugo did decide to cut ties with Esikko, too.
In the end, that feeling of guilt isn't enough to stop him. If Esikko didn't want to be the kind of person people warn each other about in hushed whispers, then he shouldn't have done what he did. Still Hiyori's eyes are downcast as he comes out with the truth, voice heavy with exhaustion and sadness.]
Fine. It was Esikko-kun. He committed two murders, and he forced someone to do something bad to the one of the corpses. But please don't make me explain what that was, alright?
[Vetted free food isn't a horrible outing; he's gone to restaurants in the resort if people are with him and vouch the fare's safe. But the "chance" to chat instantly makes him mentally scowl. Great, someone wants him to socialize with a bunch of people he doesn't know who probably want to say dumb crap. Ugh... He's not gonna waste his time.
... but Hiyori's inviting him. Damn social extrovert.
Bakugo's expression wrinkles in irritation. HE SEES WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO HERE, DAMMIT! He's not stupid! Cajoling him with his pride and skill! And don't think he missed that damn backhanded compliment. Doesn't want "fans" in this perverted place. He has enough trouble with the bullshit coming with his new rank.]
If I feel like it! What's the theme?
[That's all he's gonna express for now! If he bothers doing this, he's gonna make the best damn dish anyone's seen! Hiyori has to tell him the rest of the details first.
As for the reveal...
He isn't planning to withhold the grenades no matter who Hiyori brings up. The damn resort's proven dangerous to its own guests multiple times. He wouldn't have bothered teaching the idol martial arts if he thought the place was safe. Hiyori's not the kind of person to throw a grenade (or a brick) at someone for no reason.
Sitting in silence, watching the other boy debate over his thoughts, Bakugo wrestles with impatience prickling under his skin. Wanting him to spit out the damn name clashes with a grumpy understanding of tact. Is Hiyori stalling because he thinks Bakugo's going to be hurt? Is the guilty party someone the blonde knows? Tch, if so, that's his business to deal with. He asked or Hiyori's sake, not his own.
His answer comes. Bakugo's expression doesn't change, hard and focused, brows furrowed and sharp eyes narrowed. For a few seconds, silent reigns. Until he clicks his tongue in annoyance and stands up.]
So that's what he did. [Shoving his hands into his pockets, the blonde heads for his kitchen to refill his glass. No explosion, no yelling. Only a growling, hard voice.] I already figured he did something like that.
[Esikko had mentioned unsavory actions in the past, and killing before, but Bakugo never asked for the details. He didn't want to know. Hearing Esikko's killed someone in the resort isn't a surprise. He isn't gonna ask for details here either. He'd like to know if it was in self-defense or sadistic malice, but... not his damn business.]
You think he'll try to harm you? [The important part right now is Hiyori.]
[Bakugo's forehead wrinkles and Hiyori merely smiles. He doesn't have a lot of competitive drive, probably because he's never had to climb his way to the top of anything. He was born into a high social status and recognized as talented straight from the get-go within the idol industry, so he's never really had to "prove himself." But he does like highly competitive types, finding their drive fascinating. Plus their stubborn pride and their need to be the best makes them easy to manipulate!
Into doing good things, like contributing to a community meal. He'd never manipulate a hot-blooded boy like Bakugo into doing something bad, obviously. And it sounds as though his attempt might be working, since "if I feel like it" isn't the same as "no." Hiyori's eyes flash with triumph!]
I don't think there is one, which means you're free to do as you wish! Last year people made fried rice, dumplings, scallion pancakes, noodle soup and shortcake, if that helps give you some idea.
[............ but now back to the murder discussion. Again.
Hiyori looks up from his mug and waits for a response. He's not sure what to expect: shock, disgust, disbelief... those are all things he felt. But Bakugo's reaction isn't so dramatic. He just frowns, gets up from the couch... and says he already knew. Hiyori sits with that for a moment.
Bakugo already knew. It makes sense, he supposes. Topaz figured it out right away, once he said the informant who told him about both murders was the same person. Jun also figured it out right away, despite not being known for his smarts. Hiyori knew how suspicious it sounded. But he thought his partner, who'd never met Esikko, must have the wrong idea. He didn't believe Topaz at first, either, until she gave him a missing puzzle piece. Maybe he was the only one who didn't know.
It's frustrating. He feels like an idiot, but he still feels hurt and betrayed. By someone he considered a friend. Someone he worried a lot about. Someone whose feelings he was linked to for about two weeks, and someone whose feelings he can still feel, sometimes, because apparently the connection between them wasn't severed, not all the way. How could he allow something like that to happen?
He's still a mess over it. When Bakugo asks that last question, he just shakes his head miserably.]
I don't know. He said he wouldn't, but that doesn't exactly mean much. He also said those murders were done by someone else and that he was just a bystander, but he clearly didn't mean that.
[His voice is full of bitterness. He's back to staring at his cocoa mug.]
And I don't know if anyone else might attack me on his behalf. Kirma-kun's obsessed with him, and I'm sure he has other friends. Even though he's always going on and on about how no one likes him and no one will look out for him. Which is stupid, isn't it? It's not that no one likes him, it's that he does horrible things like that! If it weren't for that, I'm sure lots of people would be happy to braid his hair, give him a hug, and say they're sorry about his tragic life story. But now I can't look at him without remembering the awful things he's done, so forget that ever happening!
[His voice rises higher, getting more passionate(ly annoyed) at the end. Yep, someone's mad!!]
[He knows Hiyori wouldn't try to bait him into anything bad. Annoying, irritating loud, bright, pain in the ass, the idol's all these things, but he's also a good person. And someone Bakugo trusts. They have similarities despite their immense differences, making the connection easier. Not having the perverted pressures ghosting around their interactions keeps Hiyori as a quiet calm amid a proverbial storm. Even brief brushes between them skirting those erotic areas are a lot easier to toss behind him without having it linger around pestering his memories.
He makes a small noise at the information. So anything he wants to make. Guess he could come up with something (awesome) if he's in the mood when the event comes around. IF. Bakugo silently shelves the topic for now, wanting to get the other troublesome one resolved rather than bouncing back and forth. They can return to the communal event as a cool down from what promises to be risen tensions.
Had he know Esikko killed someone in the resort? Not expressly, but he knows Esikko and his previous bodyguard had some kind of death(s) between them. Given hints and what he knows of the prince, Bakugo had a feeling he did something criminal in a similar vein here too. Whether it's related to Kirma or not, he doesn't know, never asked. Similar to how he suspects his villainous worldmates had also killed people here, and opted not to ask. Better not knowing. Can't do shit about it, and people come back whether they want to or not. Does it make it right? Hell no! As long as someone doesn't try killing in front of him and doesn't talk about it with him, he's not going to bother. It's a compromise. Much as Bakugo's a hero, trying to play "police" in this hellhole is a shit decision, even for him.
Hiyori usually tries thinking the best of people and avoid negative thoughts and suspicions about people. It's natural he wouldn't hear some things and instantly start suspecting a person of murderous capabilities.]
I see. [Bakugo sips at his drink as Hiyori's voice changes and twists higher with his frustrations. How the hell should the guy feel? Someone he trusted and liked suddenly reveals he's killed people and doesn't care? How would anyone feel knowing their friend was a murderer? Guess it depends on your sense of morality.]
Why the hell would someone attack you? You haven't done shit to Prince Prick. The guards in the resort don't care if you commit a crime, so reporting him's pointless.
[Then again, a killer's a killer, so why the hell wouldn't Hiyori be scared? Murderers don't exactly need a reason to kill.]
[Bakugo lets him rant, lets him get some of those pent-up frustrations off his chest. Does he feel better having done so?
Not really. That was only scratching the surface of why he's so upset. And anyway, there's still the matter of whether he'll be attacked or not. Bakugo's points make sense, but he frowns and shakes his head and says, somewhat aggravatedly:]
I don't know. I don't know what goes through his head. There wouldn't be much of a motive, but he might be worried I'd tell people he knows and take his few friends away.
[Within reason, it turns out, since that is indeed what Hiyori is doing right now. Telling someone Esikko knows, that is.]
And, well...
[He pauses for a moment, his gaze shifting to the side as he admits:]
I did tell him he should be dead or locked away somewhere. But you would've said the same thing, I'm sure. He defended everything, including what he had Kirma-kun do to the corpse. Which is absurd, since that was the most disgusting, inhuman, senselessly cruel thing I've ever heard of anyone doing in my entire life—
[He shakes his head some more, as though trying to shake away the thoughts, the memory, the graphic images. Eww, eww, eww!]
[He's letting him rant, but his patience is wearing down quickly. What other people do isn't a damn problem of his unless they directly affect him! This entire place is fucked up, they're prisoners of a goddamn sex deity, almost all of them are from completely different worlds dimensions universes, and Hiyori has a problem with someone lying to him and doing something shitty?!
...
Yeah, Bakugo knows this means a lot to the idol, and Hiyori's a big heart who can't just cut ties like an unfeeling sociopath. Sounds more like the guy's paranoid he's gonna be attacked for a stupid reason after finding out someone he knew murdered someone else. Not a completely unfounded fear?]
Tch! Baka. If he kills you, you'll come back in a few hours and still be able to tell people. [Now with even more proof of it!] There's no damn advantage in killing here.
[Not even the satisfaction of it because Hiyori's revived almost immediately. Murder's pointless in this place. At best you get to watch someone lose their rank and possessions. Congratulations. Now you've completely eliminated any reason for the newly-revived person to "behave" like the resort wants. They have nothing left to lose, they're pissed as all hell, and they can kill as easily. Now the killer's the one who has something to lose, and they're hunted. It's a shitty position to put yourself in.]
Oy! Shut up! I don't need the hear the shitty details, dammit! [Bakugo promptly shoves a marshmallow into Hiyori's mouth to clam his trap! Doesn't care if he chokes on it or spits the stupid thing out.] Stop admiring what he did, idiot. And don't presume you think for me.
[What Bakugo would've said is his own business and choice, not something Hiyori should be thinking he can predict or decide on. Of course he'd have an opinion and words on someone telling him they killed. But he'll choose those himself when it comes up.]
[Consumed by fear, anger, disgust, and despair, Hiyori forgot certain things. Like the fact that Bakugo isn't the type to lend a shoulder to cry on, or a sympathetic ear. Sure, they're friends (at least according to Hiyori), but the other boy's patience for wallowing is low. His patience in general is low.
And so it really shouldn't come as a surprise that his attempt to vent about Esikko ends with his mouth getting stuffed. He gags on the marshmallow for a second, letting out a muffled, indignant noise of protest.]
Mmpgh—!
[Then after swallowing, shoots the other boy dirty look.]
I don't like that you shove food in my mouth every time I go to your suite!
[And then he lifts his mug so he can wash the marshmallow down with some cocoa. When he lowers it, his face and voice are still heated.]
And don't you dare say I admire it. My point is that he doesn't make logical decisions. Some things he's done are just senselessly cruel, while others were driven by his feelings. Feelings like jealousy, hatred, loneliness, and a need for attention. Given all that, is it really safe to assume he won't attack me?
[Less his need to vent and more what he's venting about. Bakugo has his opinions and he doesn't need Hiyori attempting to color them by describing in detail the horrific things the other man or his accomplices have done. Keep that shit to yourself. If Esikko told the idol about it, or even started to, he could have plugged his ears or shut his eyes, in some way prevented the words from leaking into his brain. Like a teenager who only has to hear a few words to know their parent is beginning to describe how they were conceived. You know when to shut your ears up!
And his sympathetic ear is what's let Hiyori come this far in his diatribe. Bakugo doesn't want to give their mutual acquaintance and his actions more of their time together.]
Then don't say shit I'll stuff your mouth for.
[He doesn't expect Hiyori to calm down and cool off immediately, but he isn't gonna sit here and let the guy talk himself into hysterics. The idol's already been hurt and traumatized enough. What kind of companion would he be to let him flare up all over again?]
Never said he won't. Only that it's pointless to kill you. [Hiyori's got a logical point; dealing with a mentally unstable person means you put yourself first and don't think you can predict or assume anything about them. Bakugo stands up and heads for the door to the side. A few seconds later, he returns and hands Hiyori a box.
Inside the cushioned interior lie several several smallmetal flasks, filled with the blonde's explosive sweat.] Each one's strong enough to blow up a truck. Don't be nearby when you throw one.
[How's he supposed to know what will earn him a marshmallow to the mouth and what won't? But fine, no more hinting at all the terrible, horrible, no-good-very-bad things Esikko and his dogboy do to corpses.]
I know it's pointless, but...
[He trails off with a sigh. His only point was that someone who does all those horrible no-good things might choose to kill anyway, whether or not it makes sense.
... would Esikko really do that? To him of all people?
He isn't given long to stew over that thought. Bakugo leaves the room only to return seconds later, handing a box to him. He moves his cocoa mug to whatever coffee table is nearby and takes it, peering down at what he finds. Flasks, presumably with some kind of liquid inside. "Strong enough to blow up a truck," says the boy who put them in his hands.
Hiyori is silent for a moment. He's surprised by how quick and easy that was. He's also momentarily disquieted because the flasks remind him of the vials Esikko once gave him—vials which exploded into smoke or flame when he threw them. The irony of that isn't lost on him.]
... question! Are these safe to carry outside their box, like in a purse or travel bag?
[Mostly when Bakugo tells him not to say shit, and he says it anyways. Pretty good assumption the explosive boy will do something to enforce his demand. Like stuff a marshmallow in his mouth. Be glad he doesn't do what he used to do when people wouldn't shut up: blast them. (Okay sometimes he does that, with the right CR.)
Despite his dismissive words, Bakugo isn't tossing Hiyori's concerns out the window. He prepared these soon after the other guy told him his worries over the text. They were ready before the idol arrived, no explanation needed. The peacock's proven dangerous enough on its own; having other guests on a similar threat level is a shitty compound.
Esikko has killed. Once you kill, the second one's a lot easier. So forth and so on. He's never taken it lightly when someone tells him they've got blood on their hands. Esikko was no different when he told Bakugo about a past kill. Whether it's the same one as Hiyori learned of, he doesn't know and isn't keen on finding out. But it's certainly put a weight on Bakugo's relationship with the guy. Like anyone who's killed before.
That said, he'll decide for himself how he interacts with those people.
Bakugo picks up his own drink and sips at it while Hiyori muses over the vial-like flasks in his hand. He had thought to commission something shaped more like a grenade, but given the idol's activities, something nondescript and easier to carry/palm would be better. Of course he tells him how strong they are! Hiyori came over here to get some!]
As long as you don't shake them hard. If it'd make a soda can explode, it'll make these blow up.
[He grimaces at the mental image that springs to mind: his bag getting dropped or flung aside by someone and all of its contents exploding, alongside everything and everyone else in the vicinity. Urgh.
But it's not a problem with Bakugo or his product, just the reality of carrying explosives around. He nods somewhat grimly and says:]
Right, got it.
[Not that he grew up drinking cola (that's a commoner beverage!), but he understands the reference point.
He sets the box on the coffee table for now, next to his cocoa mug. He looks at Bakugo again, now one of the few remaining people he trusts in the resort alongside Loki and Topaz. Is Bakugo the ideal ally? Not really, given his young age and his hotheadedness. But Hiyori appreciates him nonetheless—more than he can say with words, really.]
Thanks.
[Said with a tiny, tired smile. He sags into the couch further, letting himself breathe a bit.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 6/19/25 04:04 (UTC)[He's just jerking his chain. He knows it doesn't work like that.
Happens to the best of us!He ignores Bakugo's claim that he won't cook for him—maybe not that often, but he's already cooked for him once. Or baked for him, rather: Hiyori hasn't forgotten the quiche and apple tarts. Thoughtful gifts, from a surprisingly thoughtful boy. Even if he's also rude, yell-y, explode-y, and got way too carried away inside the animatronic dragon thing... which he has no plans to ever talk about. Moving on!]
So that's how it worked in your case, huh? Nami-chan said the her Queen suite was just like that when she got there. As though they peered into her heart and figured out exactly what she wanted.
[Which is more than a bit creepy. He looks around the room a bit more before making himself comfortable on whatever sofa is in the living area, only smiling in response to that last incredulous-sounding question.]
Specifically, a "hero nerd's"! That's sort of what you are, no? Just like Jun-kun's a muscle-training junkie, so he had all these posters of powerlifters and athletes hanging on his wall at home. And, of course, another poster of someone very important to him.
no subject
Date: 6/19/25 23:26 (UTC)[In his own suite?! What a rude ass guest!! Hiyori can choke on his marshmallows and die! Bastard.
Odds are he'll bake for him again if there's a good enough reason. Likely if the guy spends the night, Bakugo will make a similar dish for dinner or breakfast. Depends on if he feels like it. Kind of like now, wooden spoon rotating around the pot's insides as chocolate liquid and cocoa powders fuse together in sweetened milk. Hiyori gets the entire pot this time; Bakugo's not planning on drinking sugary heat in the middle of summer. He'll be sticking with lemonade.]
Aa. Mine's similar to that. [And gestures to the right, showing a bunch of gold and exotic luxury furniture all over the dining room. An opulent drench of wealth to make any decent guy feel uncomfortable as fuck.] Some people's are changed when they get there, others have to put in at the front desk.
[Bakugo would prefer the latter, so he has time to do what he wants rather than the resort jumping into his head and trying to decide whether he wants to shape his suite to look like his parents' house, U.A. dormitory, a hero agency, or a modern neat Japanese apartment.
Pretty large sectional sofa.]
I don't have anything like that, dammit! [He does in his room at his parents' house...] You want your chocolate hot or cooled?
no subject
Date: 6/21/25 17:37 (UTC)[Esikko said he couldn't tell back when Hiyori asked. Now that they've had their falling out, he can't try asking him again. Not that he cares too much about his own rank, though it would be nice to have a bigger place. A kitchen for Jun to cook in, a comfortable lounge to invite friends into, a massive closet to hold his extensive wardrobe...
But not the gold furniture. He's seen more than enough of that to last a lifetime, just from walking around the Peacock's halls and lobby, so he eyes all that with a critical eye.]
So that's how it works, huh?
[Idly, he wonders why it differs from person to person. Maybe Queens and Kings don't have to put in the request form and Aces and Jacks do?]
Well, that explains a lot. I can't see you choosing that tacky gold stuff. I might like the finer things, but at this point I'm sick to death of gold.
[And peacocks and sexual imagery and bird references. Unless the reference is to his own birds, who are cute and wonderful. Anyway,]
What sort of drink is cooled cocoa? Unless you mean one of those "chocolate milkshakes." I've never had one, but I've heard they have ice cream! And ice cream is perfect for almost-summer! But if you don't have that on-hand, I'll go with hot chocolate, since your suite is air-conditioned anyway.
no subject
Date: 6/22/25 01:10 (UTC)[More or less agreeing that his silence isn't his own idea. But considering Hiyori's comment about the bottom to the top, maybe he's getting an idea of how it might work. Given the idol's rank, however, he's basically trapped in the middle. It's no more or less difficult for him to reach the upper ranks going either way.
But if he wants a higher rank, he could probably get some rank-ups through the events or partners? That Bakugo can talk about. Though it should be as obvious at the gold furniture in his suite.]
Aa. [Or maybe the peacock did look into his head and realized no matter what decision it made, Bakugo would get pissed off HE didn't make the decision, and would be back later to demand it change his suite to his "new" preferences. There are three to pick from in his head after all... parents', school's, personal's.]
No shit. I want something like a modern Japanese apartment, with wood and stone. [Similar to his parents' house, but with his own unique touches. Again, making it difficult because he wants it just right. Besides, if he has the option, he should make use of it.]
You can't just whip up a milkshake! [That requires machinery to do, and even going at milk + ice cream with a hand blender isn't going to work very well. He meant cooling the chocolate down, not a full on smoothie. Bakugo ladles some of the finished drink into a mug, then brings it to Hiyori with the marshmallows.] Here.
no subject
Date: 6/23/25 13:00 (UTC)He doesn't ask. Curious as he is, he doesn't want to push his luck or get Bakugo in trouble with the "damn bird."]
Guess not!
[That's all he says, before letting the subject drop and heading to the big cushy sofa in the lounge area.]
Marrying the traditional and the modern, huh? Sounds nice!
[He continues to chat about Bakugo's design preferences. Then, regarding the milkshake:]
You can do anything you want, no? You're an Ace now. And most importantly, you're Baku-kun! The great exploding dynamite god! ♪
[Yes, he's making fun of that name again. But no, he does not actually expect Bakugo to whip him up a milkshake. When Bakugo brings him the cocoa, he smiles, reaching out both hands to accept the mug.]
Thanks. ♪
[At least he's properly appreciative.]
no subject
Date: 6/24/25 00:20 (UTC)That said, just because he isn't allowed to talk about it doesn't mean he can't get around the gag order in other ways. After all, Bakugo talked to four people about the ranking and received clues in little slips without breaking agreements or endangering the other. No one said shit about guests figuring it out on their own.]
Aa. My parents' house was similar. [Considering how large the home was, Bakugo grew up used to being in nice surroundings. He'll eventually get his suite all straightened out.]
Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight! [Get it straight!] I'm not gonna bend the laws of reality, dumbass Parrot!
[Even if Hiyori's pulling his leg on it, the sheer audacity to use his hero name and new rank as rationale deserves getting his head slammed! Too bad all he's getting is his cup of hot chocolate and sweet pillows. Aka marshmallows.]
no subject
Date: 6/24/25 13:18 (UTC)"My parent's house." Something in Hiyori's eyes softens just a tad when Bakugo says those words. He won't call Bakugo out on missing home, since he probably wouldn't admit it and it's kind of like rubbing salt into a wound. But he understands because he feels that way, too. Even if he misses the ES dorms a tad more than he misses his (massive, expensive) family home.]
Right, right! What you said!
[Explosive, exploding—same difference, clearly! Though he also left out the "murder" part, which... well.
After what just happened, he's not eager to talk about the murder part. Even to tease.
So he doesn't harp on the nickname and instead takes a sip of his hot cocoa. Hiyori's always interested in trying new things, even if he can be a bit finnicky and fussy. One fan recommended trying ice cream when it's cold out, so he did that once. By the same token, hot chocolate in the summer is something he's willing to try. Since Bakugo's suite is air-conditioned, it's no big deal. And of course, he remembered marshmallows! He lowers his mug after taking a sip—]
Hot!
[... but it doesn't appear he scalded himself or anything. And he's quick to smile again.]
But it tastes nice and chocolatey.
[And then he shifts the mug over to one hand, so he can hold two fingers up with his other.]
There are two things I wanted to discuss. Did you want to hear the nicer thing first, or the less-nice thing?
no subject
Date: 6/24/25 20:54 (UTC)Tch. Choke on a marshmallow.
[So grumpy. He leave Hiyori with his drink and sweets and returns to the kitchen to get something of his own. No hot chocolate for him. Too warm for that crap. Even if his suite is nicely air conditioned.
Despite it being in his hero name, Bakugo doesn't make murder much a topic either.
The refrigerator door shuts with a humming "shlumph" and telltale rattle of drinks inside.] It's hot chocolate. What the hell did you think it was gonna taste like?
[One of those "cute guys state the obvious" things he's pretty sure idols do all the time.]
Don't care. Spit 'em out and I'll ask about the one I want.
no subject
Date: 6/25/25 03:53 (UTC)[Both the telling-him-to-choke thing and the "What the hell did you think it was gonna taste like?" thing. It's true, part of his job is being cute while stating the obvious, but if Bakugo can't appreciate that, then it's on him!
As for the last bit, his brow furrows.]
Those two subjects have nothing to do with each other, which is why I didn't want to talk about them together, but fine! The nice thing was about an event my friend is planning. It's time for her annual "community meal!" She's looking for people who can cook, so I told her about your quiche and apple tarts!
[(We'll just say this thread takes place after this post went up, so I don't have to start a second one where he tells him about the community meal.)]
But as for the other thing, well...
[His face crumples a bit as he says this next bit.]
I won't name any names, but I learned about something horrible someone here did. I was disgusted by it, and by how he'd lied to me, so I said something rather rude to him. I don't think he'll go after me or send someone else, but that's why I wanted to stock up on more of those self-defense weapons.
no subject
Date: 6/26/25 00:28 (UTC)Community meal? [Bakugo arches a brow, not having heard of something like that before. What the hell kind of "community" do they even have in this place? It's a fucking resort, they're prisoners, nothing about this is a community! Wait- His eyes narrow and brows furrow.] You better not've volunteered me.
[He wouldn't put it past Hiyori to do so! Even if the idol's usually respective of other people's permissions. He's gonna have to make another quiche and tart or the guy, since he's so thrilled with the one-off gift.
(Too bad, he's gonna have to tell him about it anyways, cause this guy doesn't
and by that i mean his playerhardly ever checks the network.)Bakugo's irritation morphs into something serious and more focused when Hiyori brings up the negative. Despite what the idol says, the hero only has one question to kick off the discussion.]
Who?
[He doesn't give a shit about someone's dirty secret or their horrible act. But if said person is potentially threatening someone he does give more than a shit about, different story.]
no subject
Date: 6/26/25 04:38 (UTC)[There, he's made his pitch!
And now onto the less-fun part. The question, straight and to the point, makes his expression grow even more tense. Of course he gets why he asked, but...]
Are you sure you want to know?
[His eyes are serious.]
Don't just say yes. I want you to really think about it. I know you're the rough-and-tough type, but even you have friends here. How would you feel if you learned a terrible truth about one of them? Not just something unpleasant, but something that shattered any chance of you ever seeing them in a good light. It all concerns some incidents you weren't involved with, so strictly speaking, you didn't need to know. Considering all that, would you still want to?
no subject
Date: 6/26/25 23:37 (UTC)Why the hell would I go to something like that?
[Totally gonna have to do more than make a pitch, Hiyori. This guy won't even go out shopping with his classmates for dorm supplies. Calls it "stupid" and bails. No different here. He can get food easily enough.
Maybe return to it when they're done with the problem topic. Bakugo's expression remains the same even as Hiyori attempts to double-check his question. He's already made his decision and thought of the consequences. Wouldn't have demanded to know the answer if he hadn't weighed the choice.
Is it fitting Bakugo lances right through Hiyori's concerns and instead rationalizes it from another angle?]
If you're worried enough to arm yourself, then spit it out.
[He doesn't want to know for himself, or for the guilty party. He wants to know for Hiyori's safety. Wouldn't have cared enough to ask, but when the idol mentioned he was wary of this person trying to harm him... that changes things. Bakugo's not someone to take revenge for someone else or hunt down a problem to preemptively nip it in the bud without knowing the entire story and having good reason to do so.
And this wouldn't be the first time he's learned someone he knew made a shit decision. He'll be the judge of what light he sees someone else in, thanks.]
1/2
Date: 6/27/25 11:21 (UTC)[He says it like it should be obvious. Sorry, but he's an extravert through and through...]
I guess free things aren't as big a draw for you now that you're an Ace, but you should come and sample Jun-kun's cooking. And if you contribute your own cooking, that'll be a chance to prove how versatile you are! "I didn't know he could cook!" everyone will say. "He's a man with hidden talents!" Why, if your food is good enough, you might just make some new fans! ♪
[Yep. He's trying hard to sell this. He hasn't promised Topaz he'd recruit him (nor has he mentioned Bakugo's name to her), but he still thinks it's a good idea!]
2/2
Date: 6/27/25 11:25 (UTC)His lips thin out and he goes quiet, staring down into his cocoa cup. He knew what Bakugo's response would be: he's the kind of tough guy who thinks he can handle hearing anything, no doubt. And it makes sense not to want to supply him with grenades without knowing who he's worried will attack him.
In truth, the answer is no one. Esikko claimed he wasn't a threat. But can he trust that when the other boy has been lying to him for so long? And can he trust that no one else in his circle will go after him, either, when the people Esikko surrounds himself with all sound pretty unstable too?
But there are other reasons Hiyori doesn't want to tell, and one of them, though he doesn't want to admit it, is this: Esikko and Bakugo are friends, aren't they? Perhaps not officially, but they know each other and get along well enough. That was the impression he got. It's stupid, after everything—he shouldn't care about Esikko at all anymore. But there's a part of him would feel bad about ruining that friendship, if indeed Bakugo did decide to cut ties with Esikko, too.
In the end, that feeling of guilt isn't enough to stop him. If Esikko didn't want to be the kind of person people warn each other about in hushed whispers, then he shouldn't have done what he did. Still Hiyori's eyes are downcast as he comes out with the truth, voice heavy with exhaustion and sadness.]
Fine. It was Esikko-kun. He committed two murders, and he forced someone to do something bad to the one of the corpses. But please don't make me explain what that was, alright?
no subject
Date: 6/28/25 03:28 (UTC)[Vetted free food isn't a horrible outing; he's gone to restaurants in the resort if people are with him and vouch the fare's safe. But the "chance" to chat instantly makes him mentally scowl. Great, someone wants him to socialize with a bunch of people he doesn't know who probably want to say dumb crap. Ugh... He's not gonna waste his time.
... but Hiyori's inviting him. Damn social extrovert.
Bakugo's expression wrinkles in irritation. HE SEES WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO DO HERE, DAMMIT! He's not stupid! Cajoling him with his pride and skill! And don't think he missed that damn backhanded compliment. Doesn't want "fans" in this perverted place. He has enough trouble with the bullshit coming with his new rank.]
If I feel like it! What's the theme?
[That's all he's gonna express for now! If he bothers doing this, he's gonna make the best damn dish anyone's seen! Hiyori has to tell him the rest of the details first.
As for the reveal...
He isn't planning to withhold the grenades no matter who Hiyori brings up. The damn resort's proven dangerous to its own guests multiple times. He wouldn't have bothered teaching the idol martial arts if he thought the place was safe. Hiyori's not the kind of person to throw a grenade (or a brick) at someone for no reason.
Sitting in silence, watching the other boy debate over his thoughts, Bakugo wrestles with impatience prickling under his skin. Wanting him to spit out the damn name clashes with a grumpy understanding of tact. Is Hiyori stalling because he thinks Bakugo's going to be hurt? Is the guilty party someone the blonde knows? Tch, if so, that's his business to deal with. He asked or Hiyori's sake, not his own.
His answer comes. Bakugo's expression doesn't change, hard and focused, brows furrowed and sharp eyes narrowed. For a few seconds, silent reigns. Until he clicks his tongue in annoyance and stands up.]
So that's what he did. [Shoving his hands into his pockets, the blonde heads for his kitchen to refill his glass. No explosion, no yelling. Only a growling, hard voice.] I already figured he did something like that.
[Esikko had mentioned unsavory actions in the past, and killing before, but Bakugo never asked for the details. He didn't want to know. Hearing Esikko's killed someone in the resort isn't a surprise. He isn't gonna ask for details here either. He'd like to know if it was in self-defense or sadistic malice, but... not his damn business.]
You think he'll try to harm you? [The important part right now is Hiyori.]
no subject
Date: 6/28/25 18:47 (UTC)Into doing good things, like contributing to a community meal. He'd never manipulate a hot-blooded boy like Bakugo into doing something bad, obviously. And it sounds as though his attempt might be working, since "if I feel like it" isn't the same as "no." Hiyori's eyes flash with triumph!]
I don't think there is one, which means you're free to do as you wish! Last year people made fried rice, dumplings, scallion pancakes, noodle soup and shortcake, if that helps give you some idea.
[............ but now back to the murder discussion. Again.
Hiyori looks up from his mug and waits for a response. He's not sure what to expect: shock, disgust, disbelief... those are all things he felt. But Bakugo's reaction isn't so dramatic. He just frowns, gets up from the couch... and says he already knew. Hiyori sits with that for a moment.
Bakugo already knew. It makes sense, he supposes. Topaz figured it out right away, once he said the informant who told him about both murders was the same person. Jun also figured it out right away, despite not being known for his smarts. Hiyori knew how suspicious it sounded. But he thought his partner, who'd never met Esikko, must have the wrong idea. He didn't believe Topaz at first, either, until she gave him a missing puzzle piece. Maybe he was the only one who didn't know.
It's frustrating. He feels like an idiot, but he still feels hurt and betrayed. By someone he considered a friend. Someone he worried a lot about. Someone whose feelings he was linked to for about two weeks, and someone whose feelings he can still feel, sometimes, because apparently the connection between them wasn't severed, not all the way. How could he allow something like that to happen?
He's still a mess over it. When Bakugo asks that last question, he just shakes his head miserably.]
I don't know. He said he wouldn't, but that doesn't exactly mean much. He also said those murders were done by someone else and that he was just a bystander, but he clearly didn't mean that.
[His voice is full of bitterness. He's back to staring at his cocoa mug.]
And I don't know if anyone else might attack me on his behalf. Kirma-kun's obsessed with him, and I'm sure he has other friends. Even though he's always going on and on about how no one likes him and no one will look out for him. Which is stupid, isn't it? It's not that no one likes him, it's that he does horrible things like that! If it weren't for that, I'm sure lots of people would be happy to braid his hair, give him a hug, and say they're sorry about his tragic life story. But now I can't look at him without remembering the awful things he's done, so forget that ever happening!
[His voice rises higher, getting more passionate(ly annoyed) at the end. Yep, someone's mad!!]
no subject
Date: 6/28/25 19:19 (UTC)He makes a small noise at the information. So anything he wants to make. Guess he could come up with something (awesome) if he's in the mood when the event comes around. IF. Bakugo silently shelves the topic for now, wanting to get the other troublesome one resolved rather than bouncing back and forth. They can return to the communal event as a cool down from what promises to be risen tensions.
Had he know Esikko killed someone in the resort? Not expressly, but he knows Esikko and his previous bodyguard had some kind of death(s) between them. Given hints and what he knows of the prince, Bakugo had a feeling he did something criminal in a similar vein here too. Whether it's related to Kirma or not, he doesn't know, never asked. Similar to how he suspects his villainous worldmates had also killed people here, and opted not to ask. Better not knowing. Can't do shit about it, and people come back whether they want to or not. Does it make it right? Hell no! As long as someone doesn't try killing in front of him and doesn't talk about it with him, he's not going to bother. It's a compromise. Much as Bakugo's a hero, trying to play "police" in this hellhole is a shit decision, even for him.
Hiyori usually tries thinking the best of people and avoid negative thoughts and suspicions about people. It's natural he wouldn't hear some things and instantly start suspecting a person of murderous capabilities.]
I see. [Bakugo sips at his drink as Hiyori's voice changes and twists higher with his frustrations. How the hell should the guy feel? Someone he trusted and liked suddenly reveals he's killed people and doesn't care? How would anyone feel knowing their friend was a murderer? Guess it depends on your sense of morality.]
Why the hell would someone attack you? You haven't done shit to Prince Prick. The guards in the resort don't care if you commit a crime, so reporting him's pointless.
[Then again, a killer's a killer, so why the hell wouldn't Hiyori be scared? Murderers don't exactly need a reason to kill.]
no subject
Date: 6/28/25 20:43 (UTC)Not really. That was only scratching the surface of why he's so upset. And anyway, there's still the matter of whether he'll be attacked or not. Bakugo's points make sense, but he frowns and shakes his head and says, somewhat aggravatedly:]
I don't know. I don't know what goes through his head. There wouldn't be much of a motive, but he might be worried I'd tell people he knows and take his few friends away.
[Within reason, it turns out, since that is indeed what Hiyori is doing right now. Telling someone Esikko knows, that is.]
And, well...
[He pauses for a moment, his gaze shifting to the side as he admits:]
I did tell him he should be dead or locked away somewhere. But you would've said the same thing, I'm sure. He defended everything, including what he had Kirma-kun do to the corpse. Which is absurd, since that was the most disgusting, inhuman, senselessly cruel thing I've ever heard of anyone doing in my entire life—
[He shakes his head some more, as though trying to shake away the thoughts, the memory, the graphic images. Eww, eww, eww!]
no subject
Date: 6/29/25 03:12 (UTC)...
Yeah, Bakugo knows this means a lot to the idol, and Hiyori's a big heart who can't just cut ties like an unfeeling sociopath. Sounds more like the guy's paranoid he's gonna be attacked for a stupid reason after finding out someone he knew murdered someone else. Not a completely unfounded fear?]
Tch! Baka. If he kills you, you'll come back in a few hours and still be able to tell people. [Now with even more proof of it!] There's no damn advantage in killing here.
[Not even the satisfaction of it because Hiyori's revived almost immediately. Murder's pointless in this place. At best you get to watch someone lose their rank and possessions. Congratulations. Now you've completely eliminated any reason for the newly-revived person to "behave" like the resort wants. They have nothing left to lose, they're pissed as all hell, and they can kill as easily. Now the killer's the one who has something to lose, and they're hunted. It's a shitty position to put yourself in.]
Oy! Shut up! I don't need the hear the shitty details, dammit! [Bakugo promptly shoves a marshmallow into Hiyori's mouth to clam his trap! Doesn't care if he chokes on it or spits the stupid thing out.] Stop admiring what he did, idiot. And don't presume you think for me.
[What Bakugo would've said is his own business and choice, not something Hiyori should be thinking he can predict or decide on. Of course he'd have an opinion and words on someone telling him they killed. But he'll choose those himself when it comes up.]
no subject
Date: 6/29/25 18:33 (UTC)And so it really shouldn't come as a surprise that his attempt to vent about Esikko ends with his mouth getting stuffed. He gags on the marshmallow for a second, letting out a muffled, indignant noise of protest.]
Mmpgh—!
[Then after swallowing, shoots the other boy dirty look.]
I don't like that you shove food in my mouth every time I go to your suite!
[And then he lifts his mug so he can wash the marshmallow down with some cocoa. When he lowers it, his face and voice are still heated.]
And don't you dare say I admire it. My point is that he doesn't make logical decisions. Some things he's done are just senselessly cruel, while others were driven by his feelings. Feelings like jealousy, hatred, loneliness, and a need for attention. Given all that, is it really safe to assume he won't attack me?
no subject
Date: 6/30/25 00:49 (UTC)And his sympathetic ear is what's let Hiyori come this far in his diatribe. Bakugo doesn't want to give their mutual acquaintance and his actions more of their time together.]
Then don't say shit I'll stuff your mouth for.
[He doesn't expect Hiyori to calm down and cool off immediately, but he isn't gonna sit here and let the guy talk himself into hysterics. The idol's already been hurt and traumatized enough. What kind of companion would he be to let him flare up all over again?]
Never said he won't. Only that it's pointless to kill you. [Hiyori's got a logical point; dealing with a mentally unstable person means you put yourself first and don't think you can predict or assume anything about them. Bakugo stands up and heads for the door to the side. A few seconds later, he returns and hands Hiyori a box.
Inside the cushioned interior lie several several small metal flasks, filled with the blonde's explosive sweat.] Each one's strong enough to blow up a truck. Don't be nearby when you throw one.
no subject
Date: 7/1/25 02:45 (UTC)Or you could simply not stuff it!
[How's he supposed to know what will earn him a marshmallow to the mouth and what won't? But fine, no more hinting at all the terrible, horrible, no-good-very-bad things Esikko and his dogboy do to corpses.]
I know it's pointless, but...
[He trails off with a sigh. His only point was that someone who does all those horrible no-good things might choose to kill anyway, whether or not it makes sense.
... would Esikko really do that? To him of all people?
He isn't given long to stew over that thought. Bakugo leaves the room only to return seconds later, handing a box to him. He moves his cocoa mug to whatever coffee table is nearby and takes it, peering down at what he finds. Flasks, presumably with some kind of liquid inside. "Strong enough to blow up a truck," says the boy who put them in his hands.
Hiyori is silent for a moment. He's surprised by how quick and easy that was. He's also momentarily disquieted because the flasks remind him of the vials Esikko once gave him—vials which exploded into smoke or flame when he threw them. The irony of that isn't lost on him.]
... question! Are these safe to carry outside their box, like in a purse or travel bag?
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Date: 7/1/25 03:10 (UTC)Despite his dismissive words, Bakugo isn't tossing Hiyori's concerns out the window. He prepared these soon after the other guy told him his worries over the text. They were ready before the idol arrived, no explanation needed. The peacock's proven dangerous enough on its own; having other guests on a similar threat level is a shitty compound.
Esikko has killed. Once you kill, the second one's a lot easier. So forth and so on. He's never taken it lightly when someone tells him they've got blood on their hands. Esikko was no different when he told Bakugo about a past kill. Whether it's the same one as Hiyori learned of, he doesn't know and isn't keen on finding out. But it's certainly put a weight on Bakugo's relationship with the guy. Like anyone who's killed before.
That said, he'll decide for himself how he interacts with those people.
Bakugo picks up his own drink and sips at it while Hiyori muses over the vial-like flasks in his hand. He had thought to commission something shaped more like a grenade, but given the idol's activities, something nondescript and easier to carry/palm would be better. Of course he tells him how strong they are! Hiyori came over here to get some!]
As long as you don't shake them hard. If it'd make a soda can explode, it'll make these blow up.
[Ironic point of reference. But close enough.]
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Date: 7/1/25 14:01 (UTC)But it's not a problem with Bakugo or his product, just the reality of carrying explosives around. He nods somewhat grimly and says:]
Right, got it.
[Not that he grew up drinking cola (that's a commoner beverage!), but he understands the reference point.
He sets the box on the coffee table for now, next to his cocoa mug. He looks at Bakugo again, now one of the few remaining people he trusts in the resort alongside Loki and Topaz. Is Bakugo the ideal ally? Not really, given his young age and his hotheadedness. But Hiyori appreciates him nonetheless—more than he can say with words, really.]
Thanks.
[Said with a tiny, tired smile. He sags into the couch further, letting himself breathe a bit.]
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Date: 7/1/25 14:02 (UTC)... come to think of it, are those filled with your sweat?
[Yes, it took him a second to make that connection. And yes, he just had to comment on it.]
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