[Gonna continue making assumptions because it's fun seeing Chobe get huffy over things. He's apparently secretly proud of his time period.
If a blast-powered ascent was enough to put the man into a stupor, Bakugo never would've had a problem fighting him. Suspending the guy in air during a fight had occurred to him. He couldn't draw on any plant material nearby and Bakugo's fast enough to blitz him multiple times in the air without pausing long enough to get struck. But those vines are inside Chobe's body as well. And the guy's got strength and aim. One wrong move and he'd skewer himself or get caught. Not that close range is good for either of them...
Bakugo maintains a silent hope they don't ever have to fight for real. Stick to kicking ass in training.]
Who the hell's scared? I just beat the shit outta that stupid elevator! [He was so damn fast, you see? Really, that's a fair 80% of his reason for skipping it. He's simply faster. Other 20%'s the lewd risk.
Bakugo heads into the glamorous hallway with all its fancy mirrors and paintings, fake and real plants, chandeliers and elegant lighting among vaulted ceilings and gilded wall decor and designs. Enough ostentatious wealth to make you puke.]
[Rude!! He's just still adjusting to present day, that's all. Though he is lowkey starting to regret all the old geezers he messed with and ridiculed. He's starting to see how they feel with all these mortal punks trying to run circles around him.
Bakugo doesn't have to worry about any real fights today, at least. Trouble's in Chobe's blood, but typically, leave him be, and he won't mess with others outside of some (mostly) harmless threats. And for Bakugo, the hero is tolerable (fun) company, and most importantly, hasn't done anything to or said shit about his brother. Can't say the same about others, unfortunately.
But nevermind all that, Chobe's attention is immediately drawn to the excessive, glitzy, over the top decor. He gets a glimpse of himself in a mirror, probably for the first time today, and he snorts. The collar really does look good on him.]
--damn, I forgot how fucking elaborate it is on the other floors. Ain't you just damn lucky living it up like this.
Shut up. [Not taking that lip without his usual deflection. The day he finds out Chobe got molested in the elevator, there won't be any words of concern or even an abrasive check up. Nope! Just one mocking "enjoy it?" and he'll carry on with his rude ass life. Jerk.
Shitty part is, he gets a sparking thrill out of Chobe's threats and lazy aggression. Someone not afraid to spark his explosive keg. He'll never agree with the man's criminal lifestyle and activities, and he'll always stop him if he commits them in his presence. But hell if he's going to play police with the man's life. In the end, neither criminal nor heroic activities in the hotel mean much when it keeps regressing to the status quo. With variety. He doesn't even know you have a sibling, man.
Of course the collar looks good on him! Bakugo picked it out with Chobe right there in front of him. Matching his hair, skin, eyes, and usual choice of hues. They're gonna have to take it off if the upcoming shower ends up happening. Shit didn't seem like it was water-resistant.]
Che. I worked for it, like anyone else can. Luck's got shit to do with it. [Which makes him question the house's aim with this stupid social wheel. If everyone's at the top, who's gonna bother fucking to improve? Completely eliminates one reason people will have sex.
Though with the hundreds of other reasons, maybe it doesn't rightly give a shit. Bakugo stops in front of a large pair of double doors, sweeps his watch past the knob, and pushes one door open with a noiseless glide. An impressive foyer starts out in front of them, spilling into a massive area containing living room, dining room, and kitchen, with closets and a laundry room off to the side.
He toes his boots off at the door and kicks them to a shoe rack/cubby to the side.]
[A mock gasp from Chobe, followed by a cheeky smile as he partially covers his face in a show of faux conservative embarrassment]
You worked for it? Oh my, are you callin' yerself a slut? How scandalous. Didn't think you had it in ya~
[A bite at his lip to stifle a laugh. Chobe couldn't give a shit how many people Bakugo may or may not have slept with--he's probably got far more under his belt from his decades of living, but it doesn't really matter here. It's both surprising and. . .not, to hear the hero embracing the nature of the resort, though. Gotta play the game to break it, after all.
Stepping inside, his ribbing is silenced by just how vast the accommodation is. The highest room he's been invited into so far was a five or six, and this is leagues beyond a bunch of pillows and bed. He follows suit, kicking off his shoes, but he's almost pissed off by how swanky it is.]
[Dammit, he wants to put his fist right through his guy's face! Knowing he can without killing him makes it extremely tempting. Personal punching bag, right? But cleaning that shit off the wall after is... Tch!]
I didn't do it that way, you asshole! [Even if he definitely has done plenty of that scandalous activity. As Chobe knows well enough now. Ten minutes ago.
He's refused to be "forced" into his role here, not embracing or accepting it so much as playing the game on his own terms. And his rank change was likewise also on his own terms, waiting a fair while to research, prepare, and finally spring his gamble. It worked out in his favor, obviously.
Bakugo heads for the kitchen, letting Chobe wander as he wants and look around. His suit is shaped like a diamond in entirety, with an upstairs floor as well. Two large doors rest on either side of the massive area ahead of them, leading off to other rooms with loop towards the back of the diamond, surrounding another room in the center, a pattern repeated upstairs.
Really, Chobe's reaction was mirror to Bakugo's original reaction. The rich opulence made him want to puke.]
Che! Tell me about it! All this shitty gold's disgusting. I can put in a style change at the front desk, but I need to plan everything I want out first.
[When he's done with it, this place is gonna look A LOT tamer...]
[Is that not what room service is for!! But Chobe's appreciative of the restraint, it'd suck to get blood and brains all over his nice collar, after all.
But he is in fact too distracted looking over the rooms to follow up with another jest, mentally comparing it to lodgings he and his brother are used to. He's not necessarily against such a dripped out suite, and the gold doesn't bother him that much. . .Chobe has his own excessively tacky taste, too. But even thinking of all the hotels and penthouses he and his brother have wormed their way into, this resort still eclipses it all. It really does just go to show how far they still have to go, and makes him question just how much power and wealth is at this peacock ringleader's disposal. (And how do they get their hands on those resources. . .?)
He does think it is absolutely ill-suiting for a personality like Bakugo, however. The guy may have a flashy power, but he gets the impression the hero would opt for practicality over aesthetic. Before he can ask why he hasn't personalized it, the answer gets served to him. He flaps a hand, shrugging away the offer for water, too.]
Hah, hospitable, ain't ya? If you're that worn out, feel free to hydrate yerself.
I was wondering why the hell there wasn't any shit in here that's your speed, not even a punching bag. Guess that's more trouble than it's worth. . .then again, they dumped a shit ton of dirt in my room, tryin' to be funny.
[Given Bakugo's pride and self-reliance, do you really think he's the type to make or invite a mess, then leave it for someone else to take care of after he leaves?! At least he doesn't take dishes back when in a restaurant. He's not an idiot.
Long since accepting and understanding the house runs on magic, all excess opulence and dripping gild is nothing more than some rich-obsessed entity thinking up dreams and making them reality through magic. Of course it completely outpaces anything found in a real world! Imagination isn't bound to a physical limit. One of Bakugo's chairs could pay a small company's wages for a year and still have shit left over for bonuses. No one's getting their hands on the bird's resources unless they can squish their fingers into its grey matter ... is his belief on their situation.
(Wow, tacky. Sup with those snake skin shoes, man?)
Chobe's right about him. While he has his own style and preferences, wealthy shmuck isn't one of them. He doesn't want anyone looking at his room or his person and thinking he "bought" his way into whatever he's doing. He's gonna earn every benefit he gets as much as he can! So no one can doubt his success!]
I'm not worn out, Weed Face!
[He's getting water because he wants a damn drink. Sheesh. And his mom pounded manners into his head even if he delivers them gruffly. Good thing Chobe's not gonna get a water bottle to the face at least...]
I've got a gym room. [Punching bag included.] It's gross. [Gold punching bag covered in feathers. Gold-covered iron bars for weight. The expected luxury.]
[Wow don't diss his shoes, it's his mafia aesthetic! (They are awful there's a reason his brother opts to wear more practical clothing).
Magic or proper funding, it really doesn't matter to Chobe. He'll do what he always does--bide his time, attack, and then seize control or profit for himself. Just like back home, just like on that cursed island, and then the evolving streets of Hong Kong. This resort isn't special, he just needs to figure out what makes it tick.
But first he absolutely wants to see that gym. Will he try to steal a gold bar? Entirely possible.]
Hoooh, show me the gym.
[He says, already about to investigate a random room. And he snorts, looking over his shoulder.]
And I didn't do anything. [for once.] They just thought I'd ~prefer~ that over a damn bed due to my condition.
[That is...being a plant. So they gave him some dirt for his roots.]
[Disses them without hesitation. (Well everyone knows those posed manga spreads put their characters in some really crazy ass clothing... He'd never wear that! Maybe.
People like Chobe are volatile wildcards when it comes to allying and teaming up. But if they're going to take this shitty peacock down and wrestle its powers into their own control, or something more agreeable, they're going to need all the help they can get. Bakugo's accepted this as the only viable path to succeeding. Good thing a lot of these loose cannons can at least be aimed.
Good luck stealing one. Bakugo may or may no pretend he doesn't notice. Enjoy realizing later it's only gold painted. Not solid.]
You'd prefer? [... why would Chobe-?] Bffft!! Ha ha ha!! Wow! Did they send a watering can down too? [HA! That's fucking hilarious! Chobe sitting wet and grumpy atop a mud pile, water sprinkling down overhead with all encouragement to pop out some pretty petals~ Ah, that's fucking pathetic.] Cute little weed.
[Bakugo heads to one side of the grand central area and pulls open the double doors. It's only a short walk down he hall before he enters another room. Set up inside is a neatly furnished gym, a few weight machines, cardio machines, punching bag (fucking gold-feathered monster), and computerized monitor to track his health + progress + records. There's something very solid about the floor, in the same way you might feel walking over a covering securing something beneath.]
[At least he could go out in public in that without too much judgement! Chobe scowls, flipping off the hero as he cracks up.]
Yeah, yeah, yuck it up. Took forever to get all that shit cleaned.
[They didn't give him a watering can, but an acquaintance did give him a magic storm rock, which predictably, made things far wetter and muddier. Just a complete mess. At least he has a proper bed now.]
And don't call someone with a face like this cute. I crack mirrors, punk.
[Only one person is allowed to call him cute!! But generally he just objects to such pet talk. He's serious about his rep. Public perception can affect, so, so much, no matter how powerful a person is. Taking on a softer persona would make it far more difficult to intimidate enemies, or make certain alliances. Chobe may do what he wants at any moment, but he does still have a bit of business sense.
He follows, still a bit in awe at the space provided. Imagine having more than one room. Couldn't be him. He immediately clocks the sturdiness of the floor, and moves to test it--a stomp, one strong enough to crack normal cement. No such luck here.]
Huh, reinforced? Maybe I spoke too soon, that's not too bad.
[True. Not gonna get scrutinized for shoes and shirt looking as if they came fresh cut from a curtain or rug. Getting flipped off only earns a snort more.]
Learn fine control with your vines and you could clean it up in minutes.
[Or get a vacuum. Even low levels can get some second-hand stuff from stores. The hell's a magic storm rock? Tell him that story another time because it sounds interesting. (And he'll laugh more when two and two's together.)]
Don't tell me what to do, Weed Face.
[Relax. Bakugo hates the word "cute" applied to him or coming out of his own mouth. Some exceptions, like now, when it's good for a reaction. He's not into pet talk. More taunting and aggressive arousal. Hell, he's not even good for flirting since he'd rather cut to the chase than toss around shit compliments. He and Chobe share thoughts about persona and intimidation. Bakugo has his own image he crafts and keeps. As the other blonde well knows by now.]
Oy. [Could you try not breaking his floor? Thanks. Yeah, he knows how strong it is. Landed a massive explosion right into the center when he got in to test it. Sturdy as fuck, but he's gonna stick with Talon's training rooms for his more intense workouts.]
There's a reason it's armored. [He keys in a command on the control panel and the room begins moving. More like the floor does. Splitting down the center and dragging sideways, twin panels of heavy flooring separate, revealing a narrow double "bowling lane" of a pool, with pumps on the far end to generate a current. Everything's set up to prevent mold and rust despite the water, though Bakugo still makes sure it's all clean when he finishes.]
My power isn't meant to be wasted on trivial shit like that.
[Aka: he is lazy. He has absolutely no qualms about using his powers for other petty bullshit, like teasing others or using vines in some harmless threat displays. And a vacuum?? Please, he's just gotten used to how the watches and TVs work, he'd probably jump like a cat at a vacuum.
Speaking of. Before Chobe can snipe back at being scolded for stomping, he in fact scrambles backwards when the floor starts moving. What in the FUCK. He relaxes slightly when he sees it's just some kind of. . .pool? Hidden waterway. He sneers, and huffs at it in suspicion.]
You have a fucking moat indoors?? Why?? I thought the floor was so thick to prevent attacks, not hide this elaborate shit.
[He's familiar with indoor pools of course, but this kind of presentation is wild even for him.]
[Frightening people and stealing when he has no reason to do either outside of petty joy. Learn to use a vacuum, Weed Face. Bakugo arches a brow when Chobe goes pure roach and skitters away from his splitting floor. About that vacuum idea... definitely gonna start one when the guy's nearby, just to see him hit the roof like a cat noticing a cucumber. What? He can do petty shit for his own amusement too!]
It's not a moat, you dumbass! [Whoever saw a moat running in a straight line with visible ends on either side? Great help that would be. Bakugo raps the control with a knuckle and pumps on one end begin churning water towards the other end. In only a few seconds, the entire water way's become a fast-flowing river, all contained within the twin lanes.]
It's used as an indoor swimming lane. [Mostly competitive swimming, exercising swimming, but it beats having to head down to Talon if he's not in the mood.]
Cleaning dirt is beneath me! What would you do if someone asked ya to use yer power to light a damn candle, eh?
[Lazy AND prideful.
He finally takes a cautious few steps toward the river lane, squatting at the edge. It is remarkable, all things considered. Even if this place mostly runs off of bullshit magic, this kind of technology is hardly impossible. It probably doesn't seem like that big of a deal to Bakugo, especially coming from a school that equally has a bunch of crazy accommodations, but every day Chobe's reminded just how far behind he is. It makes him wonder how many more decades he and his brother have to live to be caught up with society. . .
Not that he'll be voicing those deep thoughts, quickly disregarding the thin frown he makes as his mind races, and pivoting to more acceptable conversation. ]
So ya just use it to swim back and forth for exercise, eh? I get it, but given the circumstances that seems akin to a mutt runnin' circles while tied to a stake.
[Then light it when they said they didn't have a match. Then kill them if they revealed they did have a match and were just playing with him. This is the nature of things. Also totally depends on the circumstances of the request.
No, it's not that big a deal for him, but Bakugo's met enough people here who come from an earlier or less developed timeline to understand where Chobe's coming from. Tempting as it is to accidentally bump him into the water. He stays by the controls so he can turn it off when the man's done exploring the water. It races under Chobe's vision, a eternally looping itself like a treadmill of liquid. Unlike the pool in the Talon and Beak, the water here lacks its chemical chlorine scent. Fresh water, because fuck magic needing chemical cleaners in a high rank room.]
No shit, baka. Could say the same shit about push ups and sit ups. Most exercise is repetitive.
[Whether you're jogging down a path, rowing a boat, squatting in place, or pumping iron. Technically you swim against the flow of water, mirroring the treadmill analogy, but Bakugo's not gonna get into that detail with Chobe.]
[That's not the same at all and he knows it. Though, he'd approve of that reactionary logic. Don't waste his time with useless requests, something they both can agree on.
Another small frown, and Chobe reaches down to let the water wash over a hand. Huh, it really is fresh. Chlorine doesn't bother him, but the plant part of his body does still prefer actual clean, fresh water. With so much artificial life in the casino, it's almost odd to feel something authentic. . .well, near authentic. Like everything else, it's manufactured. A device to appease the prisoners. He huffs.]
That's different. You can do that shit anywhere, inside, outside, free, prisoner. Somethin' like this though, like a fucking wheel to placate ya. . .dunno. It makes me sick.
[He can't quite put a finger on why it sits so wrongly with him. Maybe it reminds him of the shallow 'kind' gestures of the tensen. If he ever makes it to such rank, if it's not a jacuzzi or fancy bath, he'll simply note to get rid of it. But ah, there are those pesky intrusive thoughts again, time to change the subject.
By which I mean he lets a vine slink out of his pants leg to whip over and try to drag Bakugo into the water. Should have gotten to him first, hero. ]
[You set yourself up for that one, Chobe. It's not the same, but Bakugo's gonna razz him on it anyways. Set up for him and everything. Some people can get Bakugo to do useless stuff. Like Chobe's leash and collar...
Good thing here's actual clean fresh water in the resort. Plenty in the Vale, some in the cave-like springs, and others in the high-rank rooms for "royal" reasons. Bakugo's not sitting by his endless pool with a cup in one hand and a book in the other for sips. But it's nice not swimming in a bunch of chemicals, despite having done so all his life (unless he's at an ocean, lake, river, whatever). He wonders if Chobe would really react to water like that... putting down roots.]
Uh-huh. [He doesn't believe him. Why?] You must be throwing up every fucking second then.
[No, he understands what the man means. Bakugo's never once forgot all of this is nothing more than a golden cage. Barred, trapped, imprisoning, with endless toys and entertainments trying to make them forget who they were, where they came from, what they want to do beyond the peacock's whims. Like escape.
A hamster in a wheel's not a wrong analogy. And yet, Bakugo picked the wheel because why the fuck not get exercise and make himself stronger, so when he gets off the wheel, he's got KILLER LEGS to kick the ever-living shit out of the peacock's fucking bars!]
Na-?! [Yeah, so remember that little part about leash and collar? Chobe's got a second of satisfaction before *SNAP* said tether goes taut and he's following Bakugo right into the water neck first.
Ready for that the entire time, you dirt-talking bastard.]
[He rolls his eyes at the jab--though truthfully, he probably could, in a way. Or at the very least, use the dirt's tao. There's living tao and the tao of things like rocks and earth, real circle of life shit. Unfortunately, Chobe couldn't care less about that type of training, so he will remain dirt illiterate for now.
And likewise, he could connect with other living beings using his vines and roots but not in a cool, nymph-like way. More like... a gruesome, gore someone through their torso and mix with their tao as they die way. So no, no roots reaching for freshness here. For as much as he plays up being part plant, his body operates mostly as a human's, unless the environment calls for it. And he'd agree with Bakugo's desire to strengthen his body while he bides his time. . .Chobe's learning a lot while here, and and cycling through all sorts of tao. It hasn't been a waste of time.
But speaking of learning things! You'd think he'd learn not to try to pull sneak attacks on Bakugo by now. He's got a stupid grin on his face as he watches the hero get dragged in, only for it to be cut off as he gags, yanked by that damn leash and toppling right on in, too.
Chobe can swim, sure, but he's not immune to panicking. He's scrambling in the water, limbs flailing, along with a flurry of vines that whip out to try and pull him out the water too. If Bakugo's not keeping him in the water, he'll at least manage to scramble back on to the ledge, looking like a wet cat in a spider web made of vines.]
[If they get into a real scrap, he might make Chobe eat dirt in a very literal sense. On purpose, purely as a call back to this conversation right now? Maybe. It'd be fucking hilarious if he did, huh. Bakugo might listen to a talk about tao if Chobe offered, half purely out of the man being open with him (and he's a power/ability nerd). Nah, this guy wouldn't drone on about that kinda training crap.
Good to know his annoying not-friend bastard is more human than plant. Start growing seeds during sex and Bakugo's gonna look at him like a genuine weirdo! Grow seeds during a training spar and his curiosity would pique. Mostly he's seen vines, leaves, and bark, but knows Chobe can pop out flowers if he's in the mood (welcome to more teasing should the explosive blonde see him do it). Gonna taunt him like a middle school bully having all his fun.
Bastard, what kind of idiot did you take him for, thinking you could pull a fast one on him?! His reaction speed's insane (and he knows Chobe well enough by now to expect some shittery). Snarling anger hits the water; smug pride swirls among bubbles and rushing current. HAH! Got him! Fuck, he wishes he could've heard Chobe's stupid gag when he got reverse-fished into the pool. Makes it even better with the man asking for the damn leash at the start of this! Baaaka.
Bakugo slams his arm atop the lane pools side, trying to haul himself out before its current shoves him into the far wall. Bastard, this isn't a fucking lazy river! It's for swimming! Fingers plant and he hauls himself out with a snarl, soaking wet and dripping everywhere. Red eyes blaze over his shoulder, as if he could plow Chobe into the wall with looks alone. Buuut... that pathetic scrambling sight behind him? Fucking wet cat spidering outta there.]
Bleeeh! [Maturity.] Baka! I knew you'd try to pull some kinda shit like that! How's that water taste, Collar Boy?
[He should have known, and honesty he probaby did know, but when you're rotten to your core, one can't help but get up to a bit of mischief. Though honestly, if he had time to think, he'd be annoyed at himself for being so predictable. Gotta work on that, former bandit king.
He scrambles back on to dry land, vines flailing around as if trying to find something to grasp, but as he shakes the excess water from himself while on all fours. . .yeah, that dignity's at the bottom of that artificial river. His leash clanks against the floor as he lays flat, letting his vines calm down and retract back into exposed skin. He mutters against the surface, exasperated. Definitely no tao talks today.]
Baaaka. [Not shutting up on purpose. There's someone else in the resort Bakugo's learned to trust nothing of what he says. Chobe likewise is someone he always has a wary eye on whenever he's with him. Backstabbing? Not in the fatally dangerous way (most of the time) but in other ways, damn right! Sneak strikes, sucker punches, jump. Don't be too down on yourself, Chobe. Half of it's Bakugo's pure reaction speed. The guy can dodge bullets.
Bakugo clicks his tongue in annoyance as he strips his shirt off and wrings it out over the pool. Bastard. Sloggy pants and all go stomping to his room's control panel, keying in two controls. Water slows from gushing stream to bubbling brook to still lapping as its jets ease off. While Chobe's over there shaking himself off like a garden dog monster boy. His leash doesn't help the image at all.]
[That doesn't make sense Chobe!! He slaps a hand against his head, once last knock to get any waters out his ears, and he'll finally push himself off the floor. No amount of shaking is gonna dry him though, so he's just gonna be a soggy plant bastard now.]
If you expected it ya shouldn't have let it happen, punk. Next time I'll drown ya.
[Big words coming from the drowned plant, but he means it. One last vine works to wring out his own shirt, and he slings it over a shoulder, huffing. Or pouting, depending on one's perspective.]
[Calling him out on his bullshit. More water pours from his shirt, crushed in a twisted wring between his hands. Material and fabric threatens to rip (so it seems), then relaxes as he lets go of one side, no worse for wear. Damn thing's going in the dryer soon.]
Che! As if you could hold onto me long enough.
[*ba-krak-Ka-booM!* Bakugo leers over his smoking hand, fingers clawed in a reminder of his own explosions. Not this first time he's broken out of someone attempting to throttle him. If he really wanted to keep Chobe's potential threat down, he'd never have let him in the suite.]
I'll go get a change of clothes. Stay here.
[He's not gonna have Chobe walk his sloggy butt all over his suite.]
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no subject
Date: 7/16/25 01:54 (UTC)If a blast-powered ascent was enough to put the man into a stupor, Bakugo never would've had a problem fighting him. Suspending the guy in air during a fight had occurred to him. He couldn't draw on any plant material nearby and Bakugo's fast enough to blitz him multiple times in the air without pausing long enough to get struck. But those vines are inside Chobe's body as well. And the guy's got strength and aim. One wrong move and he'd skewer himself or get caught. Not that close range is good for either of them...
Bakugo maintains a silent hope they don't ever have to fight for real. Stick to kicking ass in training.]
Who the hell's scared? I just beat the shit outta that stupid elevator! [He was so damn fast, you see? Really, that's a fair 80% of his reason for skipping it. He's simply faster. Other 20%'s the lewd risk.
Bakugo heads into the glamorous hallway with all its fancy mirrors and paintings, fake and real plants, chandeliers and elegant lighting among vaulted ceilings and gilded wall decor and designs. Enough ostentatious wealth to make you puke.]
no subject
Date: 7/16/25 02:45 (UTC)[Rude!! He's just still adjusting to present day, that's all. Though he is lowkey starting to regret all the old geezers he messed with and ridiculed. He's starting to see how they feel with all these mortal punks trying to run circles around him.
Bakugo doesn't have to worry about any real fights today, at least. Trouble's in Chobe's blood, but typically, leave him be, and he won't mess with others outside of some (mostly) harmless threats. And for Bakugo, the hero is tolerable (fun) company, and most importantly, hasn't done anything to or said shit about his brother. Can't say the same about others, unfortunately.
But nevermind all that, Chobe's attention is immediately drawn to the excessive, glitzy, over the top decor. He gets a glimpse of himself in a mirror, probably for the first time today, and he snorts. The collar really does look good on him.]
--damn, I forgot how fucking elaborate it is on the other floors. Ain't you just damn lucky living it up like this.
no subject
Date: 7/16/25 03:13 (UTC)Shitty part is, he gets a sparking thrill out of Chobe's threats and lazy aggression. Someone not afraid to spark his explosive keg. He'll never agree with the man's criminal lifestyle and activities, and he'll always stop him if he commits them in his presence. But hell if he's going to play police with the man's life. In the end, neither criminal nor heroic activities in the hotel mean much when it keeps regressing to the status quo. With variety.
He doesn't even know you have a sibling, man.Of course the collar looks good on him! Bakugo picked it out with Chobe right there in front of him. Matching his hair, skin, eyes, and usual choice of hues. They're gonna have to take it off if the upcoming shower ends up happening. Shit didn't seem like it was water-resistant.]
Che. I worked for it, like anyone else can. Luck's got shit to do with it. [Which makes him question the house's aim with this stupid social wheel. If everyone's at the top, who's gonna bother fucking to improve? Completely eliminates one reason people will have sex.
Though with the hundreds of other reasons, maybe it doesn't rightly give a shit. Bakugo stops in front of a large pair of double doors, sweeps his watch past the knob, and pushes one door open with a noiseless glide. An impressive foyer starts out in front of them, spilling into a massive area containing living room, dining room, and kitchen, with closets and a laundry room off to the side.
He toes his boots off at the door and kicks them to a shoe rack/cubby to the side.]
no subject
Date: 7/19/25 17:51 (UTC)You worked for it? Oh my, are you callin' yerself a slut? How scandalous. Didn't think you had it in ya~
[A bite at his lip to stifle a laugh. Chobe couldn't give a shit how many people Bakugo may or may not have slept with--he's probably got far more under his belt from his decades of living, but it doesn't really matter here. It's both surprising and. . .not, to hear the hero embracing the nature of the resort, though. Gotta play the game to break it, after all.
Stepping inside, his ribbing is silenced by just how vast the accommodation is. The highest room he's been invited into so far was a five or six, and this is leagues beyond a bunch of pillows and bed. He follows suit, kicking off his shoes, but he's almost pissed off by how swanky it is.]
Khh! Now this is just overkill!
no subject
Date: 7/19/25 18:50 (UTC)I didn't do it that way, you asshole! [Even if he definitely has done plenty of that scandalous activity. As Chobe knows well enough now. Ten minutes ago.
He's refused to be "forced" into his role here, not embracing or accepting it so much as playing the game on his own terms. And his rank change was likewise also on his own terms, waiting a fair while to research, prepare, and finally spring his gamble. It worked out in his favor, obviously.
Bakugo heads for the kitchen, letting Chobe wander as he wants and look around. His suit is shaped like a diamond in entirety, with an upstairs floor as well. Two large doors rest on either side of the massive area ahead of them, leading off to other rooms with loop towards the back of the diamond, surrounding another room in the center, a pattern repeated upstairs.
Really, Chobe's reaction was mirror to Bakugo's original reaction. The rich opulence made him want to puke.]
Che! Tell me about it! All this shitty gold's disgusting. I can put in a style change at the front desk, but I need to plan everything I want out first.
[When he's done with it, this place is gonna look A LOT tamer...]
You want a water or something else?
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Date: 7/19/25 20:39 (UTC)But he is in fact too distracted looking over the rooms to follow up with another jest, mentally comparing it to lodgings he and his brother are used to. He's not necessarily against such a dripped out suite, and the gold doesn't bother him that much. . .Chobe has his own excessively tacky taste, too. But even thinking of all the hotels and penthouses he and his brother have wormed their way into, this resort still eclipses it all. It really does just go to show how far they still have to go, and makes him question just how much power and wealth is at this peacock ringleader's disposal. (And how do they get their hands on those resources. . .?)
He does think it is absolutely ill-suiting for a personality like Bakugo, however. The guy may have a flashy power, but he gets the impression the hero would opt for practicality over aesthetic. Before he can ask why he hasn't personalized it, the answer gets served to him. He flaps a hand, shrugging away the offer for water, too.]
Hah, hospitable, ain't ya? If you're that worn out, feel free to hydrate yerself.
I was wondering why the hell there wasn't any shit in here that's your speed, not even a punching bag. Guess that's more trouble than it's worth. . .then again, they dumped a shit ton of dirt in my room, tryin' to be funny.
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Date: 7/19/25 21:00 (UTC)Long since accepting and understanding the house runs on magic, all excess opulence and dripping gild is nothing more than some rich-obsessed entity thinking up dreams and making them reality through magic. Of course it completely outpaces anything found in a real world! Imagination isn't bound to a physical limit. One of Bakugo's chairs could pay a small company's wages for a year and still have shit left over for bonuses. No one's getting their hands on the bird's resources unless they can squish their fingers into its grey matter ... is his belief on their situation.
(Wow, tacky. Sup with those snake skin shoes, man?)
Chobe's right about him. While he has his own style and preferences, wealthy shmuck isn't one of them. He doesn't want anyone looking at his room or his person and thinking he "bought" his way into whatever he's doing. He's gonna earn every benefit he gets as much as he can! So no one can doubt his success!]
I'm not worn out, Weed Face!
[He's getting water because he wants a damn drink. Sheesh. And his mom pounded manners into his head even if he delivers them gruffly. Good thing Chobe's not gonna get a water bottle to the face at least...]
I've got a gym room. [Punching bag included.] It's gross. [Gold punching bag covered in feathers. Gold-covered iron bars for weight. The expected luxury.]
Dirt?! The hell'd you do?
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Date: 7/20/25 02:18 (UTC)Magic or proper funding, it really doesn't matter to Chobe. He'll do what he always does--bide his time, attack, and then seize control or profit for himself. Just like back home, just like on that cursed island, and then the evolving streets of Hong Kong. This resort isn't special, he just needs to figure out what makes it tick.
But first he absolutely wants to see that gym. Will he try to steal a gold bar? Entirely possible.]
Hoooh, show me the gym.
[He says, already about to investigate a random room. And he snorts, looking over his shoulder.]
And I didn't do anything. [for once.] They just thought I'd ~prefer~ that over a damn bed due to my condition.
[That is...being a plant. So they gave him some dirt for his roots.]
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Date: 7/20/25 13:04 (UTC)People like Chobe are volatile wildcards when it comes to allying and teaming up. But if they're going to take this shitty peacock down and wrestle its powers into their own control, or something more agreeable, they're going to need all the help they can get. Bakugo's accepted this as the only viable path to succeeding. Good thing a lot of these loose cannons can at least be aimed.
Good luck stealing one. Bakugo may or may no pretend he doesn't notice. Enjoy realizing later it's only gold painted. Not solid.]
You'd prefer? [... why would Chobe-?] Bffft!! Ha ha ha!! Wow! Did they send a watering can down too? [HA! That's fucking hilarious! Chobe sitting wet and grumpy atop a mud pile, water sprinkling down overhead with all encouragement to pop out some pretty petals~ Ah, that's fucking pathetic.] Cute little weed.
[Bakugo heads to one side of the grand central area and pulls open the double doors. It's only a short walk down he hall before he enters another room. Set up inside is a neatly furnished gym, a few weight machines, cardio machines, punching bag (fucking gold-feathered monster), and computerized monitor to track his health + progress + records. There's something very solid about the floor, in the same way you might feel walking over a covering securing something beneath.]
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Date: 7/21/25 02:52 (UTC)Yeah, yeah, yuck it up. Took forever to get all that shit cleaned.
[They didn't give him a watering can, but an acquaintance did give him a magic storm rock, which predictably, made things far wetter and muddier. Just a complete mess. At least he has a proper bed now.]
And don't call someone with a face like this cute. I crack mirrors, punk.
[Only one person is allowed to call him cute!! But generally he just objects to such pet talk. He's serious about his rep. Public perception can affect, so, so much, no matter how powerful a person is. Taking on a softer persona would make it far more difficult to intimidate enemies, or make certain alliances. Chobe may do what he wants at any moment, but he does still have a bit of business sense.
He follows, still a bit in awe at the space provided. Imagine having more than one room. Couldn't be him. He immediately clocks the sturdiness of the floor, and moves to test it--a stomp, one strong enough to crack normal cement. No such luck here.]
Huh, reinforced? Maybe I spoke too soon, that's not too bad.
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Date: 7/21/25 04:07 (UTC)Learn fine control with your vines and you could clean it up in minutes.
[Or get a vacuum. Even low levels can get some second-hand stuff from stores. The hell's a magic storm rock? Tell him that story another time because it sounds interesting. (And he'll laugh more when two and two's together.)]
Don't tell me what to do, Weed Face.
[Relax. Bakugo hates the word "cute" applied to him or coming out of his own mouth. Some exceptions, like now, when it's good for a reaction. He's not into pet talk. More taunting and aggressive arousal. Hell, he's not even good for flirting since he'd rather cut to the chase than toss around shit compliments. He and Chobe share thoughts about persona and intimidation. Bakugo has his own image he crafts and keeps. As the other blonde well knows by now.]
Oy. [Could you try not breaking his floor? Thanks. Yeah, he knows how strong it is. Landed a massive explosion right into the center when he got in to test it. Sturdy as fuck, but he's gonna stick with Talon's training rooms for his more intense workouts.]
There's a reason it's armored. [He keys in a command on the control panel and the room begins moving. More like the floor does. Splitting down the center and dragging sideways, twin panels of heavy flooring separate, revealing a narrow double "bowling lane" of a pool, with pumps on the far end to generate a current. Everything's set up to prevent mold and rust despite the water, though Bakugo still makes sure it's all clean when he finishes.]
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Date: 7/22/25 13:42 (UTC)[Aka: he is lazy. He has absolutely no qualms about using his powers for other petty bullshit, like teasing others or using vines in some harmless threat displays. And a vacuum?? Please, he's just gotten used to how the watches and TVs work, he'd probably jump like a cat at a vacuum.
Speaking of. Before Chobe can snipe back at being scolded for stomping, he in fact scrambles backwards when the floor starts moving. What in the FUCK. He relaxes slightly when he sees it's just some kind of. . .pool? Hidden waterway. He sneers, and huffs at it in suspicion.]
You have a fucking moat indoors?? Why?? I thought the floor was so thick to prevent attacks, not hide this elaborate shit.
[He's familiar with indoor pools of course, but this kind of presentation is wild even for him.]
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Date: 7/23/25 00:25 (UTC)[Frightening people and stealing when he has no reason to do either outside of petty joy. Learn to use a vacuum, Weed Face. Bakugo arches a brow when Chobe goes pure roach and skitters away from his splitting floor. About that vacuum idea... definitely gonna start one when the guy's nearby, just to see him hit the roof like a cat noticing a cucumber. What? He can do petty shit for his own amusement too!]
It's not a moat, you dumbass! [Whoever saw a moat running in a straight line with visible ends on either side? Great help that would be. Bakugo raps the control with a knuckle and pumps on one end begin churning water towards the other end. In only a few seconds, the entire water way's become a fast-flowing river, all contained within the twin lanes.]
It's used as an indoor swimming lane. [Mostly competitive swimming, exercising swimming, but it beats having to head down to Talon if he's not in the mood.]
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Date: 7/24/25 01:58 (UTC)[Lazy AND prideful.
He finally takes a cautious few steps toward the river lane, squatting at the edge. It is remarkable, all things considered. Even if this place mostly runs off of bullshit magic, this kind of technology is hardly impossible. It probably doesn't seem like that big of a deal to Bakugo, especially coming from a school that equally has a bunch of crazy accommodations, but every day Chobe's reminded just how far behind he is. It makes him wonder how many more decades he and his brother have to live to be caught up with society. . .
Not that he'll be voicing those deep thoughts, quickly disregarding the thin frown he makes as his mind races, and pivoting to more acceptable conversation. ]
So ya just use it to swim back and forth for exercise, eh? I get it, but given the circumstances that seems akin to a mutt runnin' circles while tied to a stake.
no subject
Date: 7/24/25 03:06 (UTC)[Then light it when they said they didn't have a match. Then kill them if they revealed they did have a match and were just playing with him. This is the nature of things. Also totally depends on the circumstances of the request.
No, it's not that big a deal for him, but Bakugo's met enough people here who come from an earlier or less developed timeline to understand where Chobe's coming from. Tempting as it is to accidentally bump him into the water. He stays by the controls so he can turn it off when the man's done exploring the water. It races under Chobe's vision, a eternally looping itself like a treadmill of liquid. Unlike the pool in the Talon and Beak, the water here lacks its chemical chlorine scent. Fresh water, because fuck magic needing chemical cleaners in a high rank room.]
No shit, baka. Could say the same shit about push ups and sit ups. Most exercise is repetitive.
[Whether you're jogging down a path, rowing a boat, squatting in place, or pumping iron. Technically you swim against the flow of water, mirroring the treadmill analogy, but Bakugo's not gonna get into that detail with Chobe.]
no subject
Date: 7/24/25 04:01 (UTC)Yeah? Well imagine I told the dirt to fuck off.
[That's not the same at all and he knows it. Though, he'd approve of that reactionary logic. Don't waste his time with useless requests, something they both can agree on.
Another small frown, and Chobe reaches down to let the water wash over a hand. Huh, it really is fresh. Chlorine doesn't bother him, but the plant part of his body does still prefer actual clean, fresh water. With so much artificial life in the casino, it's almost odd to feel something authentic. . .well, near authentic. Like everything else, it's manufactured. A device to appease the prisoners. He huffs.]
That's different. You can do that shit anywhere, inside, outside, free, prisoner. Somethin' like this though, like a fucking wheel to placate ya. . .dunno. It makes me sick.
[He can't quite put a finger on why it sits so wrongly with him. Maybe it reminds him of the shallow 'kind' gestures of the tensen. If he ever makes it to such rank, if it's not a jacuzzi or fancy bath, he'll simply note to get rid of it. But ah, there are those pesky intrusive thoughts again, time to change the subject.
By which I mean he lets a vine slink out of his pants leg to whip over and try to drag Bakugo into the water. Should have gotten to him first, hero. ]
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Date: 7/24/25 19:24 (UTC)[You set yourself up for that one, Chobe. It's not the same, but Bakugo's gonna razz him on it anyways. Set up for him and everything. Some people can get Bakugo to do useless stuff. Like Chobe's leash and collar...
Good thing here's actual clean fresh water in the resort. Plenty in the Vale, some in the cave-like springs, and others in the high-rank rooms for "royal" reasons. Bakugo's not sitting by his endless pool with a cup in one hand and a book in the other for sips. But it's nice not swimming in a bunch of chemicals, despite having done so all his life (unless he's at an ocean, lake, river, whatever). He wonders if Chobe would really react to water like that... putting down roots.]
Uh-huh. [He doesn't believe him. Why?] You must be throwing up every fucking second then.
[No, he understands what the man means. Bakugo's never once forgot all of this is nothing more than a golden cage. Barred, trapped, imprisoning, with endless toys and entertainments trying to make them forget who they were, where they came from, what they want to do beyond the peacock's whims. Like escape.
A hamster in a wheel's not a wrong analogy. And yet, Bakugo picked the wheel because why the fuck not get exercise and make himself stronger, so when he gets off the wheel, he's got KILLER LEGS to kick the ever-living shit out of the peacock's fucking bars!]
Na-?! [Yeah, so remember that little part about leash and collar? Chobe's got a second of satisfaction before *SNAP* said tether goes taut and he's following Bakugo right into the water neck first.
Ready for that the entire time, you dirt-talking bastard.]
no subject
Date: 7/26/25 19:40 (UTC)And likewise, he could connect with other living beings using his vines and roots but not in a cool, nymph-like way. More like... a gruesome, gore someone through their torso and mix with their tao as they die way. So no, no roots reaching for freshness here. For as much as he plays up being part plant, his body operates mostly as a human's, unless the environment calls for it. And he'd agree with Bakugo's desire to strengthen his body while he bides his time. . .Chobe's learning a lot while here, and and cycling through all sorts of tao. It hasn't been a waste of time.
But speaking of learning things! You'd think he'd learn not to try to pull sneak attacks on Bakugo by now. He's got a stupid grin on his face as he watches the hero get dragged in, only for it to be cut off as he gags, yanked by that damn leash and toppling right on in, too.
Chobe can swim, sure, but he's not immune to panicking. He's scrambling in the water, limbs flailing, along with a flurry of vines that whip out to try and pull him out the water too. If Bakugo's not keeping him in the water, he'll at least manage to scramble back on to the ledge, looking like a wet cat in a spider web made of vines.]
FUCK!!
no subject
Date: 8/6/25 00:56 (UTC)Good to know his annoying not-friend bastard is more human than plant. Start growing seeds during sex and Bakugo's gonna look at him like a genuine weirdo! Grow seeds during a training spar and his curiosity would pique. Mostly he's seen vines, leaves, and bark, but knows Chobe can pop out flowers if he's in the mood (welcome to more teasing should the explosive blonde see him do it). Gonna taunt him like a middle school bully having all his fun.
Bastard, what kind of idiot did you take him for, thinking you could pull a fast one on him?! His reaction speed's insane (and he knows Chobe well enough by now to expect some shittery). Snarling anger hits the water; smug pride swirls among bubbles and rushing current. HAH! Got him! Fuck, he wishes he could've heard Chobe's stupid gag when he got reverse-fished into the pool. Makes it even better with the man asking for the damn leash at the start of this! Baaaka.
Bakugo slams his arm atop the lane pools side, trying to haul himself out before its current shoves him into the far wall. Bastard, this isn't a fucking lazy river! It's for swimming! Fingers plant and he hauls himself out with a snarl, soaking wet and dripping everywhere. Red eyes blaze over his shoulder, as if he could plow Chobe into the wall with looks alone. Buuut... that pathetic scrambling sight behind him? Fucking wet cat spidering outta there.]
Bleeeh! [Maturity.] Baka! I knew you'd try to pull some kinda shit like that! How's that water taste, Collar Boy?
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Date: 8/9/25 02:26 (UTC)[He should have known, and honesty he probaby did know, but when you're rotten to your core, one can't help but get up to a bit of mischief. Though honestly, if he had time to think, he'd be annoyed at himself for being so predictable. Gotta work on that, former bandit king.
He scrambles back on to dry land, vines flailing around as if trying to find something to grasp, but as he shakes the excess water from himself while on all fours. . .yeah, that dignity's at the bottom of that artificial river. His leash clanks against the floor as he lays flat, letting his vines calm down and retract back into exposed skin. He mutters against the surface, exasperated. Definitely no tao talks today.]
Ya got fuckin' lucky.
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Date: 8/9/25 04:45 (UTC)Bakugo clicks his tongue in annoyance as he strips his shirt off and wrings it out over the pool. Bastard. Sloggy pants and all go stomping to his room's control panel, keying in two controls. Water slows from gushing stream to bubbling brook to still lapping as its jets ease off. While Chobe's over there shaking himself off like a garden dog monster boy. His leash doesn't help the image at all.]
That was all reflex, you sulking shit!
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Date: 8/10/25 17:55 (UTC)[That doesn't make sense Chobe!! He slaps a hand against his head, once last knock to get any waters out his ears, and he'll finally push himself off the floor. No amount of shaking is gonna dry him though, so he's just gonna be a soggy plant bastard now.]
If you expected it ya shouldn't have let it happen, punk. Next time I'll drown ya.
[Big words coming from the drowned plant, but he means it. One last vine works to wring out his own shirt, and he slings it over a shoulder, huffing. Or pouting, depending on one's perspective.]
no subject
Date: 8/10/25 21:18 (UTC)[Calling him out on his bullshit. More water pours from his shirt, crushed in a twisted wring between his hands. Material and fabric threatens to rip (so it seems), then relaxes as he lets go of one side, no worse for wear. Damn thing's going in the dryer soon.]
Che! As if you could hold onto me long enough.
[*ba-krak-Ka-booM!* Bakugo leers over his smoking hand, fingers clawed in a reminder of his own explosions. Not this first time he's broken out of someone attempting to throttle him. If he really wanted to keep Chobe's potential threat down, he'd never have let him in the suite.]
I'll go get a change of clothes. Stay here.
[He's not gonna have Chobe walk his sloggy butt all over his suite.]