I suppose that's true, [he allows.] But to someone who's a victim in all this, things must have seemed rather hopeless.
[People who've been hurt want someone to assign blame to, whether that's "villains" or the authorities.
But onto more cheerful matters, like teasing Bakugo. He smiles and chimes back:]
That's what it sounds like to me! Your world is further along, and you have more experience being a hero. Which means one could call you "his senpai at being a hero"! ♪ Why's that worth denying? Having someone rely on you for guidance is something worth taking pride in! I know I feel a burst of pride whenever someone I've guided moves up in the world.
That's why heroes stepped up. To give people hope and save them.
[Perhaps even more than saving, providing hope is a hero's job. So people no longer have to live in fear, so they can look forward to the next day, so they know everything is going to be all right. It's a pipe dream, but a dream nonetheless. But people can't sit back and do nothing, as they came to find out...]
I'm not teaching him how to be a hero, dammit! We're sparring!
[Granted, Scott does look to Bakugo for some guidance on the area, and Bakugo's talked with him and given a curt but sincere pep talk about how Scott intends to lead his team back home. He simply can't call himself a "senpai" in good conscience when he knows it won't come back with Scott when he goes home.]
Well, [he pauses, then smiles meaningfully at Bakugo.] Thank goodness for heroes, then. I know I can rest easier knowing you'll come rushing to my aid if I'm ever in danger.
[He's teasing on purpose, of course. But on some level he means it. If he was truly in danger, Bakugo would step in, even pulling aside the curtain and barging into the shower if he has to.
... no. On second thought, let's not remember that right now. Moving on!]
So you're mutually helping each other, hmm?
[He thinks that's the distinction. Rather than "giving self-defense lessons," which implies a teacher/student or senpai/kouhai relationship, sparring implies both parties are equals. Kind of like idols having a joint practice.
Though Hiyori's been in a "senpai helping his kouhai" role plenty of times during practices.]
That sounds nice. I don't really get all that manly stuff, but I know that's one of the ways tough boys express friendship! ♪
[Yep. He just had to throw some sap in there. And another tease.]
[Shot with a glower and a scowl. If Hiyori got himself into it cause he was being stupid, don't expect Bakugo to come blasting over to help him, dammit! (He will, eventually. And rip into him for it.)
There are very few people in the hotel he would drop everything for; he can count them on one hand. But Bakugo's not going to let someone die or get hurt on his watch if it's serious. Even if it's not serious, though he's still the kind to watch someone faceplant and laugh at them cause they tripped over their own feet.]
Just cause I don't wanna see him looking pathetic!
[Surely can't admit he actually cares about the other hero and is doing this to make sure Scott's strong and able to handle the crap he's gonna find in the hotel. That would be nice of him. Hiyori's right about the differing levels of equality. Bakugo's more a fellow student of Scott's while he's more a teacher of Hiyori's.]
Fortunately, I'm not the type who walks into sticky situations on purpose! But you never know what kind of dangers you'll find here, so...
[The first thing he said isn't strictly true. But it's at least a little more true now than it used to be. He's grown warier after experiencing the Punishment Room and chose not to seek out the Heart, for example. But he does still have a bad habit of mouthing off to other people.
His lips curve into a knowing smile at Bakugo's words about Scott. Of course he sees right through them. And while he could just let it go, Hiyori can't resist pointing out the obvious.]
You two belong to different worlds, so it's not as though you'd have to see him acting pathetic back home, no? There's nothing wrong with wanting to help a friend!
[Although.
Assuming they do ever get to go home, will Scott remember the sparring and things stuff he learned? Will that knowledge stay with him somewhere deep down? Hiyori doesn't ask, since it's sad and they already have so much else to worry about. Stuff like actually getting home in the first place, for example. Instead, he'll chirp back a cheerful response to that last question.]
I have indeed! So if you ever desire an idol lesson, you know who to come to~♪
[Since SOMEONE doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut! ... Sometimes. Hiyori doesn't have a lot of dramatic bullshit following him around. Over-friendly and too trusting in Bakugo's opinion. He's not wrong about the hotel's danger spiking. Bastard bird.
Red eyes narrow, daring his stupid smile to split and give Bakugo reason to shove much worse than a stupid marshmallow down the idols throat. If Hiyori already knows it, he doesn't need to say it! ... Operative word being "need" when it comes to Hiyori's damn beak.]
Urusei! You're the one who wanted strong allies! I'm training a strong ally!
[Anything to avoid say those simple nice words about helping a friend. Scott gives Bakugo a good challenge and a different sort of training than the blonde shares with Hiyori. Mutant powers are another awesome boon.
As for the idol's internal questions... nope! Bakugo's accepted this reality a long time ago. Only a lame idiot would cling to it as excuse not to do shit in this place. Even if Scott won't remember it back home, he remembers and uses it here. And HERE is where they are now.]
Haa? I don't wanna learn idol lessons!
[Granted, he has more respect for Hiyori's vocation than he did when they first met. Doesn't mean he wants to add it to his repertoire. ]
It wouldn't be a problem if some people weren't so trigger-happy...
[But it's nothing he hasn't heard before and wasn't already aware of.
Hiyori blinks at Bakugo's next attempt to call his dynamic with Scott anything but a friendship. Bakugo isn't offering Scott to him as an ally, is he? It'd be a bit much to ask him to protect someone he's hardly spoken to. Unless...]
To fight the House, you mean? True, if he can help with that, that would be useful.
[He's privately stopped holding out much hope that the House can be taken down, period. Certainly not while he's still around to see it happen. But as usual, he keeps his most depressing thoughts to himself.
Bakugo's response to his offer is entirely expected, but of course he blathers on about it, anyway. They're just kidding around; that's what friends do!]
No? That's too bad. You've got the athleticism, the drive, and even the showmanship down pat. You'd just need to work on other things, like singing and dancing. And of course, smiling!
[Then he adds, casually:]
Ah, that nasty smirk you make whenever you tell a joke at my expense doesn't count, by the way.
Che. [At least he's willing to admit it. Bakugo's not sure how many people here have negative relationships with Hiyori, but they can't be many. He's too friendly and open to make more than someone finding him annoying rather than hateful.] You've got your own triggers, Parrot.
[The kind which pops off a flurry of sparkles, lights, ego, and happiness. He makes a small noise before shoving his hands into his pockets as he moves into the next hallway. No, he would never think so shallowly about Scott. Of course he isn't doing this purely to train an ally. But he's not gonna admit such to Hiyori! He'll tease him without end if he does!]
He can and will. He's got people back home waiting for him as well.
[Bakugo has never once given up on hope of fighting his way out. His goal has reshaped itself and molded compromises and understanding within it, changing his ultimate design, but the core remains the same. No one should be held captive anywhere without deserving to be locked up.]
Hah? I can do both! [Singing, yes. When he wants. Dancing, yes. He kills it on DDR. Does that count as dancing? Maybe. Probably isn't gonna be pulling off moves Hiyori has trained on and performed, but Bakugo can hold his own.] Who the hell are you calling nasty? I'll dump you in the trash can!
[Bakugo would be surprised. He's had a lot of altercations, verbal and otherwise. There was that time with Fuuta in the treehouse, Rin trying to set his hair on fire, Tomura calling him "disgusting" at the Halloween party, and now this business with Esikko. And the less said about his interactions with that girl who wanted to sleep with Jun, the better...]
We all have things that set us off. I've never reacted to someone's words with violence, though. I wasn't raised so poorly as to think that's acceptable.
[It's true, although when his Spades suit becomes active, he does get violent urges. One of the things about his suit which unnerves him most.]
He could just try to get back home the "normal" way, without fighting the House. But I'm glad he hasn't lost his sense of justice.
[Or that Bakugo himself hasn't, for that matter.]
There you go proving my point! Dumping someone in a trashcan, or threatening to, qualifies you as "nasty!"
[He shoots back the words, half-stern and half-smug.
And then the first thing Bakugo said sinks in, and his eyebrows raise.]
... wait. You can sing, too?
[He might've seen him dance a little back at the Halloween party, but...]
[He would be surprised. Then again, Bakugo's only had a scant few interactions with two of those people, knew of another only by name, and Esikko... he'll handle his relationship with the guy on his own. Regardless of what Hiyori revealed, Bakugo will make his own decisions on his own preferences, screw what other people think or say. No one decides life actions for him but him.]
Che. Wuss.
[Violence is perfectly acceptable response to someone insulting you! Or threatening you. Physical violence, he doesn't doubt Hiyori's statement. But his rapier wit, sarcasm, and sleights? Fighting words.
The guy calls one of his bandmates his slave! Or something like that. Worse than a damn punch to the face!]
Only one or two people have ever made a full deck, right?
[Which more or less invalidates the "normal" way. Stubbornly refusing the Peacock and being sent home out of frustration is a third route, but hell if he knows anyone who willingly chose it.]
We're gonna have to fight this fucking thing one way or another.
[Bakugo summarily flicks Hiyori off.]
You wanna keep touring or get smeared across the wall?
[Who's gonna stand here and get insulted to his face repeatedly?! Never mind he usual snarls and growls but never follows through when it's Hiyori.]
[Some of it's principle, but it's also a class difference. He had a stuffy upbringing and never got into the typical playground brawls with other kids. Who would he even throw hands with? His older brother, who was raised to be a prim and proper heir? His sickly childhood frenemy, whose weak constitution meant he might collapse from a stiff gust of wind? Nobles fight with their words, and Hiyori grew up to be plenty good at doing that. Passive aggressive barbs meant to target someone's weakness, insults hidden within compliments, and snappy rejoinders: all are tools in his arsenal!]
See, you just insulted me with your words, but I'm not about to hit you for it. Or worse, throw one of these flasks at you! And that alone makes me more even-tempered and reasonable than that Tohsaka girl. And lots of other people too!
[Though "wuss" is pretty mild in the grand scheme of insults.]
I don't know how many people have. The ones who supposedly filled their deck and made their wish were J and Jin Mingming. There's nothing to say there can't be others, though. If someone wished to go back home, then we wouldn't see them around.
[But he doesn't know anyone personally who has filled their deck, and that's worrisome. How long can it really take to collect fifty cards? If it weren't for Jun, he's sure he could have accomplished that a long time ago.
He frowns when Bakugo threatens him (and after that talk they just had about the benefits of not resorting to violence!), but he also recognizes it as an empty threat. And he's still distracted by the "I can sing and dance" thing, so:]
I was going to suggest moving on with the tour, since we've sort of been lingering here a while. But now I want to hear you sing! I don't suppose you'll oblige even if I ask though, right?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 7/22/25 02:07 (UTC)[People who've been hurt want someone to assign blame to, whether that's "villains" or the authorities.
But onto more cheerful matters, like teasing Bakugo. He smiles and chimes back:]
That's what it sounds like to me! Your world is further along, and you have more experience being a hero. Which means one could call you "his senpai at being a hero"! ♪ Why's that worth denying? Having someone rely on you for guidance is something worth taking pride in! I know I feel a burst of pride whenever someone I've guided moves up in the world.
no subject
Date: 7/23/25 00:47 (UTC)[Perhaps even more than saving, providing hope is a hero's job. So people no longer have to live in fear, so they can look forward to the next day, so they know everything is going to be all right. It's a pipe dream, but a dream nonetheless. But people can't sit back and do nothing, as they came to find out...]
I'm not teaching him how to be a hero, dammit! We're sparring!
[Granted, Scott does look to Bakugo for some guidance on the area, and Bakugo's talked with him and given a curt but sincere pep talk about how Scott intends to lead his team back home. He simply can't call himself a "senpai" in good conscience when he knows it won't come back with Scott when he goes home.]
no subject
Date: 7/24/25 15:11 (UTC)[He's teasing on purpose, of course. But on some level he means it. If he was truly in danger, Bakugo would step in, even pulling aside the curtain and barging into the shower if he has to.
... no. On second thought, let's not remember that right now. Moving on!]
So you're mutually helping each other, hmm?
[He thinks that's the distinction. Rather than "giving self-defense lessons," which implies a teacher/student or senpai/kouhai relationship, sparring implies both parties are equals. Kind of like idols having a joint practice.
Though Hiyori's been in a "senpai helping his kouhai" role plenty of times during practices.]
That sounds nice. I don't really get all that manly stuff, but I know that's one of the ways tough boys express friendship! ♪
[Yep. He just had to throw some sap in there. And another tease.]
no subject
Date: 7/24/25 19:13 (UTC)[Shot with a glower and a scowl. If Hiyori got himself into it cause he was being stupid, don't expect Bakugo to come blasting over to help him, dammit! (He will, eventually. And rip into him for it.)
There are very few people in the hotel he would drop everything for; he can count them on one hand. But Bakugo's not going to let someone die or get hurt on his watch if it's serious. Even if it's not serious, though he's still the kind to watch someone faceplant and laugh at them cause they tripped over their own feet.]
Just cause I don't wanna see him looking pathetic!
[Surely can't admit he actually cares about the other hero and is doing this to make sure Scott's strong and able to handle the crap he's gonna find in the hotel. That would be nice of him. Hiyori's right about the differing levels of equality. Bakugo's more a fellow student of Scott's while he's more a teacher of Hiyori's.]
Urusei! You've taught people before, right?
no subject
Date: 7/25/25 16:38 (UTC)[The first thing he said isn't strictly true. But it's at least a little more true now than it used to be. He's grown warier after experiencing the Punishment Room and chose not to seek out the Heart, for example. But he does still have a bad habit of mouthing off to other people.
His lips curve into a knowing smile at Bakugo's words about Scott. Of course he sees right through them. And while he could just let it go, Hiyori can't resist pointing out the obvious.]
You two belong to different worlds, so it's not as though you'd have to see him acting pathetic back home, no? There's nothing wrong with wanting to help a friend!
[Although.
Assuming they do ever get to go home, will Scott remember the sparring and things stuff he learned? Will that knowledge stay with him somewhere deep down? Hiyori doesn't ask, since it's sad and they already have so much else to worry about. Stuff like actually getting home in the first place, for example. Instead, he'll chirp back a cheerful response to that last question.]
I have indeed! So if you ever desire an idol lesson, you know who to come to~♪
no subject
Date: 8/6/25 01:29 (UTC)[Since SOMEONE doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut! ... Sometimes. Hiyori doesn't have a lot of dramatic bullshit following him around. Over-friendly and too trusting in Bakugo's opinion. He's not wrong about the hotel's danger spiking. Bastard bird.
Red eyes narrow, daring his stupid smile to split and give Bakugo reason to shove much worse than a stupid marshmallow down the idols throat. If Hiyori already knows it, he doesn't need to say it! ... Operative word being "need" when it comes to Hiyori's damn beak.]
Urusei! You're the one who wanted strong allies! I'm training a strong ally!
[Anything to avoid say those simple nice words about helping a friend. Scott gives Bakugo a good challenge and a different sort of training than the blonde shares with Hiyori. Mutant powers are another awesome boon.
As for the idol's internal questions... nope! Bakugo's accepted this reality a long time ago. Only a lame idiot would cling to it as excuse not to do shit in this place. Even if Scott won't remember it back home, he remembers and uses it here. And HERE is where they are now.]
Haa? I don't wanna learn idol lessons!
[Granted, he has more respect for Hiyori's vocation than he did when they first met. Doesn't mean he wants to add it to his repertoire. ]
no subject
Date: 8/7/25 02:19 (UTC)It wouldn't be a problem if some people weren't so trigger-happy...
[But it's nothing he hasn't heard before and wasn't already aware of.
Hiyori blinks at Bakugo's next attempt to call his dynamic with Scott anything but a friendship. Bakugo isn't offering Scott to him as an ally, is he? It'd be a bit much to ask him to protect someone he's hardly spoken to. Unless...]
To fight the House, you mean? True, if he can help with that, that would be useful.
[He's privately stopped holding out much hope that the House can be taken down, period. Certainly not while he's still around to see it happen. But as usual, he keeps his most depressing thoughts to himself.
Bakugo's response to his offer is entirely expected, but of course he blathers on about it, anyway. They're just kidding around; that's what friends do!]
No? That's too bad. You've got the athleticism, the drive, and even the showmanship down pat. You'd just need to work on other things, like singing and dancing. And of course, smiling!
[Then he adds, casually:]
Ah, that nasty smirk you make whenever you tell a joke at my expense doesn't count, by the way.
no subject
Date: 8/9/25 02:11 (UTC)[The kind which pops off a flurry of sparkles, lights, ego, and happiness. He makes a small noise before shoving his hands into his pockets as he moves into the next hallway. No, he would never think so shallowly about Scott. Of course he isn't doing this purely to train an ally. But he's not gonna admit such to Hiyori! He'll tease him without end if he does!]
He can and will. He's got people back home waiting for him as well.
[Bakugo has never once given up on hope of fighting his way out. His goal has reshaped itself and molded compromises and understanding within it, changing his ultimate design, but the core remains the same. No one should be held captive anywhere without deserving to be locked up.]
Hah? I can do both! [Singing, yes. When he wants. Dancing, yes. He kills it on DDR. Does that count as dancing? Maybe. Probably isn't gonna be pulling off moves Hiyori has trained on and performed, but Bakugo can hold his own.] Who the hell are you calling nasty? I'll dump you in the trash can!
no subject
Date: 8/9/25 21:16 (UTC)We all have things that set us off. I've never reacted to someone's words with violence, though. I wasn't raised so poorly as to think that's acceptable.
[It's true, although when his Spades suit becomes active, he does get violent urges. One of the things about his suit which unnerves him most.]
He could just try to get back home the "normal" way, without fighting the House. But I'm glad he hasn't lost his sense of justice.
[Or that Bakugo himself hasn't, for that matter.]
There you go proving my point! Dumping someone in a trashcan, or threatening to, qualifies you as "nasty!"
[He shoots back the words, half-stern and half-smug.
And then the first thing Bakugo said sinks in, and his eyebrows raise.]
... wait. You can sing, too?
[He might've seen him dance a little back at the Halloween party, but...]
no subject
Date: 8/10/25 03:53 (UTC)Che. Wuss.
[Violence is perfectly acceptable response to someone insulting you! Or threatening you. Physical violence, he doesn't doubt Hiyori's statement. But his rapier wit, sarcasm, and sleights? Fighting words.
The guy calls one of his bandmates his slave! Or something like that. Worse than a damn punch to the face!]
Only one or two people have ever made a full deck, right?
[Which more or less invalidates the "normal" way. Stubbornly refusing the Peacock and being sent home out of frustration is a third route, but hell if he knows anyone who willingly chose it.]
We're gonna have to fight this fucking thing one way or another.
[Bakugo summarily flicks Hiyori off.]
You wanna keep touring or get smeared across the wall?
[Who's gonna stand here and get insulted to his face repeatedly?! Never mind he usual snarls and growls but never follows through when it's Hiyori.]
Of course I can sing! Who the hell can't?
no subject
Date: 8/10/25 21:18 (UTC)See, you just insulted me with your words, but I'm not about to hit you for it. Or worse, throw one of these flasks at you! And that alone makes me more even-tempered and reasonable than that Tohsaka girl. And lots of other people too!
[Though "wuss" is pretty mild in the grand scheme of insults.]
I don't know how many people have. The ones who supposedly filled their deck and made their wish were J and Jin Mingming. There's nothing to say there can't be others, though. If someone wished to go back home, then we wouldn't see them around.
[But he doesn't know anyone personally who has filled their deck, and that's worrisome. How long can it really take to collect fifty cards? If it weren't for Jun, he's sure he could have accomplished that a long time ago.
He frowns when Bakugo threatens him (and after that talk they just had about the benefits of not resorting to violence!), but he also recognizes it as an empty threat. And he's still distracted by the "I can sing and dance" thing, so:]
I was going to suggest moving on with the tour, since we've sort of been lingering here a while. But now I want to hear you sing! I don't suppose you'll oblige even if I ask though, right?