[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.]
[This isn't the first time Hiyori's been the owner of Bakugo's hand-made explosives. Did he think it would be any different the next time around? Be careful while handling explosive weaponry and you'll stay safe. And he isn't expecting the idol to carry them around at all times. Take one if he's going by himself somewhere away from people. If he's going out to lunch with a friend at a restaurant, probably leave the blast stick in his room.]
Let me know if you need more. [He can get the flasks easily enough and it doesn't take too long to fill up a set. So long as Hiyori doesn't abuse the privilege. Can't sit here and milk his hands like a damn snake's venom.
Haa?! He's the best ally this guy could get! Smart, strong, capable, composed, victorious! Age doesn't mean shit when his experience and results speak for him! Che. Hiyori's standing on a landgoldmine and should appreciate it.
His expression flattens at the question, eyes squinted and brows furrowed. Exasperated + annoyed.]
Did your brain stop working, Parrot?
[They've been over his Quirk before! It hasn't changed!]
[Hey, Hiyori appreciates him! So much so that he isn't making a huge fuss about the sweat thing anymore!
But he can't resist commenting on it entirely. He is still himself, after all.]
I know that's how your Quirk works! It just feels funny to accept vials of sweat from someone, that's all. I know they're powerful weapons, and I am properly grateful, but let's keep this transaction to ourselves, shall we? Otherwise we'll both sound shady.
[Fat chance. Next time those involuntary Mating Season profiles come around?? You can bet your butt that Hiyori's will say something about how he stores teenage boy sweat in flasks.]
[That's more like it! And he better not make a fuss. He's the one who asked for more explosives. Bakugo's kind of glad Hiyori did because now he has a good store to hit up for those little capsules to make more grenades.]
Haa? I'm not gonna tell people I'm giving you grenades!
[Cause that's what they are. He's also not going to treat this as a Hiyori-only transaction. If someone else asks for some-- and Bakugo feels like giving it to them --he's going to. Buuut considering the amount of positive relation needed for him to give a shit enough to do so, probably only two or three other people in the entire resort could successfully get some off him.
And if he sees that in the profile, he's gonna yell at him...]
The resort doesn't like bladed weapons and guns, but some of the security guards have tasers and batons.
It's hard to be too sure on that front, when you call yourself a "walking grenade." But good! These vials will be our secret, then.
[Hiyori's mostly been keeping quiet about the fact that someone's been supplying him with grenades. Mostly. He told Jun of course, since he tells Jun everything. And he warned Rin Tohsaka, when they got paired for Lust is Birds. And then he also told—
... ugh. Of course. He told Esikko at one point. Great. He slumps a little on the couch and reaches for his cocoa mug to distract himself from that thought.
Please don't blame him for his hypothetical future Mating Season profile, obviously he would not write that stuff himself... but anyway. After taking another sip of cocoa, he raises his eyebrows over the mug, his expression growing serious and his eyes tinging with concern when he hears that last thing.]
Doesn't mean I'm peddling myself out like some walking dispenser.
[Sure, his giving vials to Hiyori's gonna be a "secret", though it's less a secret and more Bakugo hardly discusses what he does with other people, uh, with other people. Even if he brings up topics, it's usually "i heard from someone" or "there's a guy" or other vague shit. He only brings names when the two know each other or he knows it'll be fine to name drop.
Doesn't bother him if Hiyori tells people he got grenades from Bakugo. What, does he think someone's gonna show up and demand something from the blonde? Che! He can handle himself. Who the hell's gonna be dumb enough to approach the arsenal and demand weapons from the fucking arsenal? He'll blow them up without giving them shit.
Bakugo scoffs at the very idea.]
Of course they didn't! I slaughtered them before they could fucking blink!
[He only skirmishes with the guards when they try something illegal on him. Like get in his space to bully him, attempt to steal something from him, or come after him when the shop refused his legal tender and he took his purchases anyways after leaving the money on the counter. Unfair bullshit like that.]
I should hope not, since that would put far too many grenades in circulation! And that would just be absolute chaos.
[He can think of numerous people he's met here who should not be trusted with grenades. Or Baku sweat.
They couldn't be more different in that regard. Hiyori is always bringing up the people he knows to others he's met here: bragging about his wonderful partner, excitedly telling people that ~Loki the god of mischief~ from Norse mythology is here, complaining about Rin Tohsaka and others who've offended him. He's mentioned Bakugo to a lot of people, too: Scott, for example, and Till.
He used to bring up Esikko a lot. The prince always seemed sad and lonely, expressing at one point that he thought no one would care if he disappeared. He made some effort to connect him with friends and allies: confiding to Loki that he worried about him or setting him with Leo. That all feels like it was for naught now.
If anything, he should probably be warning people about him the way he did with Bakugo. But for now, he won't, at least not unless someone asks. He doesn't want to draw attention to himself, and he doesn't have the energy. After everything that's been happening lately—more disappeared friends, Rinne's statue ending up back on his doorstep—he's too exhausted to make a big thing out of this.
He waits for Bakugo to explain what happened with the staff, blinks once when Bakugo says he slaughtered them all (metaphorically, he assumes!) ... and then smiles.]
Yep, that sounds like you! ♪
[All concern has vanished from his face. He should've known Bakugo can look after himself no matter how many dangerous people there are around. Though is even he safe from turning into a statue? No one can escape that, it seems.
But then again, he's mentally safe. He doesn't believe anything bad truly happens when someone becomes a statue. And he's always seemed confident in that conviction. It's that train of thought which prompts Hiyori to comment,]
You're a strong person, after all. One of the very strongest I've ever met.
[People can carry around heavy metal doorknobs, knives from restaurants and stores, and a host of other weapons, to say nothing of people running around with superhuman powers. Hiyori thinks a few grenades is gonna cause chaos throughout the resort? Che, don't be ridiculous. As it is, Bakugo's only give four people his sweat, and two of them only got a small amount for study, not for weapon use.
Considering Bakugo's met Scott and Till, there's no real issue if Hiyori's blabbing to them about him. They likely know whatever the idol's gonna tell them, if it's generic enough.]
Hmph. Don't suck up.
[There've been a number of smoked birds around Bakugo for different reasons, all ending in the same way. As long as the hotel leaves him alone, the hero generally leaves the hotel alone. Otherwise, BOOM!!
If he ever turns into a statue, it means he went back home. He used to think he wouldn't care about such a fate, but now, there are people here he cares about a lot. Enough he doesn't want to return home unless he knows everyone else has had the choice given to them to either remain or stay, and the pathway continues to be open to each of them.
And idyllic demand, but one he holds to.]
Of course I am! I'm gonna be the greatest hero my world, and this one's, ever seen!
... unless maybe the doorknob is hollow and hiding an explosive device.]
Do I look like someone who kisses up to people?
[He asks the question earnestly. Sure, as an idol he gives fanservice, but he's more the type who gets kissed up to and surely they both know it.]
I said it sounds like you because it does sound like you. Only you could go on about "slaughter" and still sound heroic. You've got a rough mouth on you, but you're strong, you protect yourself and others, and you don't go around hurting people for the fun of it. Or to prove some stupid point, unlike some people around here...
[The last bit gets muttered under his breath. Bakugo gets no point for guessing who he's thinking of after their earlier conversation. But his lips tug upward again at that declaration of heroism. This place has left him rather jaded, and he has little hope left for his own future. But it hasn't dirtied Bakugo's shining ambitions at all, it seems, and that, too, is a kind of strength.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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?
no subject
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.]
1/2
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.]
2/2
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.]
no subject
Date: 7/1/25 19:44 (UTC)Let me know if you need more. [He can get the flasks easily enough and it doesn't take too long to fill up a set. So long as Hiyori doesn't abuse the privilege. Can't sit here and milk his hands like a damn snake's venom.
Haa?! He's the best ally this guy could get! Smart, strong, capable, composed, victorious! Age doesn't mean shit when his experience and results speak for him! Che. Hiyori's standing on a
landgoldmine and should appreciate it.His expression flattens at the question, eyes squinted and brows furrowed. Exasperated + annoyed.]
Did your brain stop working, Parrot?
[They've been over his Quirk before! It hasn't changed!]
no subject
Date: 7/3/25 16:49 (UTC)But he can't resist commenting on it entirely. He is still himself, after all.]
I know that's how your Quirk works! It just feels funny to accept vials of sweat from someone, that's all. I know they're powerful weapons, and I am properly grateful, but let's keep this transaction to ourselves, shall we? Otherwise we'll both sound shady.
[Fat chance. Next time those involuntary Mating Season profiles come around?? You can bet your butt that Hiyori's will say something about how he stores teenage boy sweat in flasks.]
no subject
Date: 7/4/25 02:22 (UTC)Haa? I'm not gonna tell people I'm giving you grenades!
[Cause that's what they are. He's also not going to treat this as a Hiyori-only transaction. If someone else asks for some-- and Bakugo feels like giving it to them --he's going to. Buuut considering the amount of positive relation needed for him to give a shit enough to do so, probably only two or three other people in the entire resort could successfully get some off him.
And if he sees that in the profile, he's gonna yell at him...]
The resort doesn't like bladed weapons and guns, but some of the security guards have tasers and batons.
[Just a little tip.]
no subject
Date: 7/4/25 18:34 (UTC)[Hiyori's mostly been keeping quiet about the fact that someone's been supplying him with grenades. Mostly. He told Jun of course, since he tells Jun everything. And he warned Rin Tohsaka, when they got paired for Lust is Birds. And then he also told—
... ugh. Of course. He told Esikko at one point. Great. He slumps a little on the couch and reaches for his cocoa mug to distract himself from that thought.
Please don't blame him for his hypothetical future Mating Season profile, obviously he would not write that stuff himself... but anyway. After taking another sip of cocoa, he raises his eyebrows over the mug, his expression growing serious and his eyes tinging with concern when he hears that last thing.]
They didn't use those on you, did they?
no subject
Date: 7/4/25 21:48 (UTC)[Sure, his giving vials to Hiyori's gonna be a "secret", though it's less a secret and more Bakugo hardly discusses what he does with other people, uh, with other people. Even if he brings up topics, it's usually "i heard from someone" or "there's a guy" or other vague shit. He only brings names when the two know each other or he knows it'll be fine to name drop.
Doesn't bother him if Hiyori tells people he got grenades from Bakugo. What, does he think someone's gonna show up and demand something from the blonde? Che! He can handle himself. Who the hell's gonna be dumb enough to approach the arsenal and demand weapons from the fucking arsenal? He'll blow them up without giving them shit.
Bakugo scoffs at the very idea.]
Of course they didn't! I slaughtered them before they could fucking blink!
[He only skirmishes with the guards when they try something illegal on him. Like get in his space to bully him, attempt to steal something from him, or come after him when the shop refused his legal tender and he took his purchases anyways after leaving the money on the counter. Unfair bullshit like that.]
no subject
Date: 7/5/25 18:36 (UTC)[He can think of numerous people he's met here who should not be trusted with grenades. Or Baku sweat.
They couldn't be more different in that regard. Hiyori is always bringing up the people he knows to others he's met here: bragging about his wonderful partner, excitedly telling people that ~Loki the god of mischief~ from Norse mythology is here, complaining about Rin Tohsaka and others who've offended him. He's mentioned Bakugo to a lot of people, too: Scott, for example, and Till.
He used to bring up Esikko a lot. The prince always seemed sad and lonely, expressing at one point that he thought no one would care if he disappeared. He made some effort to connect him with friends and allies: confiding to Loki that he worried about him or setting him with Leo. That all feels like it was for naught now.
If anything, he should probably be warning people about him the way he did with Bakugo. But for now, he won't, at least not unless someone asks. He doesn't want to draw attention to himself, and he doesn't have the energy. After everything that's been happening lately—more disappeared friends, Rinne's statue ending up back on his doorstep—he's too exhausted to make a big thing out of this.
He waits for Bakugo to explain what happened with the staff, blinks once when Bakugo says he slaughtered them all (metaphorically, he assumes!) ... and then smiles.]
Yep, that sounds like you! ♪
[All concern has vanished from his face. He should've known Bakugo can look after himself no matter how many dangerous people there are around. Though is even he safe from turning into a statue? No one can escape that, it seems.
But then again, he's mentally safe. He doesn't believe anything bad truly happens when someone becomes a statue. And he's always seemed confident in that conviction. It's that train of thought which prompts Hiyori to comment,]
You're a strong person, after all. One of the very strongest I've ever met.
no subject
Date: 7/6/25 01:42 (UTC)[People can carry around heavy metal doorknobs, knives from restaurants and stores, and a host of other weapons, to say nothing of people running around with superhuman powers. Hiyori thinks a few grenades is gonna cause chaos throughout the resort? Che, don't be ridiculous. As it is, Bakugo's only give four people his sweat, and two of them only got a small amount for study, not for weapon use.
Considering Bakugo's met Scott and Till, there's no real issue if Hiyori's blabbing to them about him. They likely know whatever the idol's gonna tell them, if it's generic enough.]
Hmph. Don't suck up.
[There've been a number of smoked birds around Bakugo for different reasons, all ending in the same way. As long as the hotel leaves him alone, the hero generally leaves the hotel alone. Otherwise, BOOM!!
If he ever turns into a statue, it means he went back home. He used to think he wouldn't care about such a fate, but now, there are people here he cares about a lot. Enough he doesn't want to return home unless he knows everyone else has had the choice given to them to either remain or stay, and the pathway continues to be open to each of them.
And idyllic demand, but one he holds to.]
Of course I am! I'm gonna be the greatest hero my world, and this one's, ever seen!
no subject
Date: 7/6/25 14:05 (UTC)... unless maybe the doorknob is hollow and hiding an explosive device.]
Do I look like someone who kisses up to people?
[He asks the question earnestly. Sure, as an idol he gives fanservice, but he's more the type who gets kissed up to and surely they both know it.]
I said it sounds like you because it does sound like you. Only you could go on about "slaughter" and still sound heroic. You've got a rough mouth on you, but you're strong, you protect yourself and others, and you don't go around hurting people for the fun of it. Or to prove some stupid point, unlike some people around here...
[The last bit gets muttered under his breath. Bakugo gets no point for guessing who he's thinking of after their earlier conversation. But his lips tug upward again at that declaration of heroism. This place has left him rather jaded, and he has little hope left for his own future. But it hasn't dirtied Bakugo's shining ambitions at all, it seems, and that, too, is a kind of strength.]
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