I... my grandmother showed me, before. But it's been years, so I can hardly remember.
( He frowns, still struggling to "spit it out," as Bakugo says. But as he draws the plush back to himself for easier holding, he shifts his weight a little and speaks. )
I'm worried. ( Honesty, even if he feels it sounds pathetic— it shouldn't be, right? He thinks he's learned he shouldn't feel pathetic for this. )
Not just that he'll kill me, but that he'll kill you, or Dabi, or the both of you, just to get a reaction. ( He breathes out a sigh. ) When he was here, he did something that made it feel like his mere presence was suffocating... I couldn't even attempt to look into it before he was gone.
He wants me to suffer. It would be one thing I'd be was targeting me alone, but if he comes after either of you purely to get to me—
( What's he supposed to do, at this point? He glances to the side. )
I wonder if dealing with him alone, if just... dying, might stop him. I don't want it to go past me. I've told everyone else to pretend not to know me, you know?
[Probably gonna need to find a bag so he can keep the plush safely inside rather than let it risk getting jostled around while they walk. Or squeezed, considering how Esikko's holding it. Dork.
Bakugo scowls at his answer, figuring it was something like that. Worried for his and Dabi's safety. He knows the man can take care of himself, but that's his fucking worldmate, dammit! Another round of pissed off fire bursts inside. Some people just don't know when to leave well enough alone.]
He's not gonna kill either of us. Our Quirks counter his powers. [Both fire and explosions fuck plants over hard. And Dabi's not a pushover in combat if he needs to, while Bakugo's an expert combatant all the time.]
You think it was some kind of plant spore or more an aura? [Bakugo's been in the presence of a villain so repulsive and evil, his presence was enough to make people want to throw up, freezing them in place in the process. A killing instinct, or in All for One's case, the pure threat level and separation of strength.]
He's doing all this cause you made him forget in self-defense? [Petty as fuck.] You dying won't do shit. You'll come back and be worse off.
But what if he pushes himself too far? He's already saved me from that guy's brother once now. I've been making sure he's taking care of himself, but I don't want to be the reason he pushes himself to his own destruction.
( It's a little more raw, the way he speaks right now, voice wavering with genuine unease. He's sure when those two come together it's going to be terrible. But— but maybe Bakugo is right. If they go after them separately, it should be fine.
It's if they try to use each other to draw the others out that has him feeling sick. )
I'd know if it was a spore. It was most certainly an aura of some kind, a crushing one... I felt something similar with his brother for a split moment, but I didn't have the time to focus and see if it was my imagination.
( But he's leaning towards not, now, with how that felt. )
I... don't want to call Dabi next time, because I'm worried. But being able to call him in the first place was only thanks to your training. I threw him off just long enough, that time, but I... I don't want to call you, either, because...
( Wavering between serious concern and hesitation. He doesn't want to die. But he doesn't want the people he cares about to die, either. And for once, the latter feels even more important? )
They're not going to kill me quickly. It was temporary amnesia to show him I was serious, not to mess with me, in self defense, but now it's like this cycle that won't stop.
You won't be. [There's only one person Dabi would kill himself for, and it's not Esikko or anyone else here.] He makes his own decisions for his own interests. If he burns up, it's by his choice.
[While his words are callous and his tone serious, there's a quiet undercurrent of something else. Reluctance, acceptance, regret, irritation, it's impossible to tell. But he knows the guy enough to say what he did.
Dabi won't die to someone like Chobe. Neither will Bakugo. Trying to lure them out would be stupid; trying them both at the same time is suicidal.]
Fuck his aura. If it's strong, then shove right back at it with your own will! ... Yours sucks though. [Not even gonna cushion that blow. Esikko's so hard on himself, pessimistic, and despondent, Bakugo's surprised anyone's murderous intent doesn't simply floor the prince on sight.] You need to work on that.
[Not something Bakugo can help train him on this time. Willpower is tied to a person's self-worth and ambition. Esikko has drive, yes, but the former one... not so much.]
You have to decide one route or the other. Either call someone stronger than you or get strong enough you don't have to. [There's no middle ground.] You've gotten stronger since I've me you. [Esikko needs to hear that as much as he does his criticism.] So keep improving. If not for yourself, then for people you don't want involved.
[Anything can be motivation. He understands Esikko's feelings, even if his own of the same come from pride. Like hell would he call someone to help him; he's strong enough to handle anything on his own, dammit! But he also doesn't want to endanger or burden anyone he's close to either... Weakness isn't an option.
However, Esikko's last comment earns a curious glance.] Temporary, huh? Can you make it permanent?
[He's thinking of Esikko's corrupted, draconic, god-absorbed state from the painting months ago.]
( Ugh, the whiplash of insult and praise... In the end, it weighs out as positive. He knows his will probably seems poor to Bakugo, because he's opened up to him more than many others. Because he's seen past his angry fronts. So, alright, work on that... somehow? He can at least recognize that he's stronger, too. He would have died back then otherwise.
Feeling a little too anxious with the crowds still around, he moves to take steps away, eyes flicking to make sure Bakugo is following him without him having to reach out and drag him like he normally opts to. Spared, this time. )
I can, yes. I don't enjoy the idea of permanent memory loss, though, personally. ( He frowns a little. He has his own memory struggles, after all. ) But it's possible, with the right conditions.
I only wanted to show him the capability of it, to scare him off. ( But that sure worked in reverse. He thinks back on Chobe talking about killing him repeatedly to see if he stops reviving, and he goes a little paler for it.
But, as they move away from the crowds... )
I'm aware he was trying to mess with me, words and all, but... ( hesitation, he's trying ) He said it's just your job to care about someone like me.
[What, does Esikko think Bakugo's a nice guy who lets someone think he actually praised them?! Like hell! He'd never do something as stupid as that! Anyways... Esikko deserves both his comments. Even with his gruff attitude, Bakugo gives rare acknowledgement when due. Couched in his usual insulting manner. Even seemingly-weak people can have strong wills which don't match their physical bodies. Esikko's will is stronger than his body, but... nothing Bakugo's impressed with.
As the man drifts away, he turns his steps and stalks after him, hands jammed in his pockets and shoulders rounded in his usual "fuck off" vibe. This one, however, encompasses the two of them, so no one's gonna mess with Esikko unless they wanna get nuked.]
Condense those conditions into a portable skill.
[He doesn't know how Esikko will do it or the time it'll take, but if he wants his guidance, that's his next project. Esikko warned Chobe if his ability, gave him a sample, and got fucked for it. AND got two other people dragged into the mess.]
Once you got it, don't pull your fucking punch.
[He means it. Wipe Chobe's memory permanently if the man continues to threaten Esikko. Bakugo takes issue with killing someone, but permanent amnesia against an opponent who won't stop otherwise? Go for it. He's sent people to the hospital with deliberating injuries. Even as a hero. Some assholes won't take "no" for an answer.
So don't answer. Destroy.]
Haa? Urusei! No one talks for me but me, got it? [*Kaboom!* One hand erupts in a massive explosion (thankfully not in his pocket) and Bakugo crushes the smoldering remains with his fist.] If you ever believe what someone else says about me, [without fact checking first] I'll bury you!
( Bakugo is the worst at softly reassuring someone, sure, but honestly? This sort of explosive threat almost works better. Something too soft would feel fake and awkward, whether from Bakugo or someone far more gentle, so... Esikko can only laugh, a short breathy thing that has him ducking his head a little. He can't help but feel relieved. It's stupid, this is stupid. All of it is, but... )
Okay, okay. ...Thank you. It's not like I... I mean, I don't know why I care, but...
( There's a sting at his eyes, one he hopes goes unnoticed as his free hand reaches up to wipe quickly at them. No falling tears, just some teary eyes— his stupid suit is having a field day with this. He just exhales a little upon failing to finish that sentence.
But he's moving on just as quickly with his words afterwards. )
Condensing it into something portable... is an interesting concept.
( He's not going to be able to sleep well alone in his suite with Chobe's threats on his mind, so maybe having a goal like this will help. He scrubs a few more times at his eyes before dropping that hand back to grab onto the silly little plushie, chin lifting, eyes forward rather than on Bakugo. )
I have plenty of notes, all written in a journal, but after staring at them for years, it's hard to see them from new angles. Maybe... we could include it in our training?
( He's absolutely not one to pull punches, so if he can just figure out how to make his magic work in cases like this... It could make a difference. )
[He doesn't do "soft" on anything! Soft reassurance gives people reason to doubt, cause it doesn't sound like you're committed, or at least serious about it. Fucking wishy-washy tenderness. The hell did Esikko expect him to say after some asshole tries talking for him?! Chobe knows a little about, but hell if he knows enough to speak for Bakugo himself! Next time he sees him, he's cramming a nuke down his throat and blowing his damn head off. Just for that!
Esikko's head-dipped amusement earns a small glare. Better not be laughing at him...]
Figure it out and squash it if it's stupid.
[Why he cares. If he's worried someone will only help him out of duty, it says more of Esikko's personal self-worth feelings than the person saving him. Thinking he's too small, too weak, unimportant, plain, worthless. Why would someone save a piece of trash like him... Close enough to his internal train of thought? Yeah, demolish that train.
Bakugo clicks his tongue and shoves his hands back into his pockets where they usually sit when he's walking. Che, is Esikko crying cause he yelled at him or because he's relieved? ... Not asking.]
You've lived this long and haven't thought of it?
[Stories of magic and wizards, dragons and knights, haven't vanished from Bakugo's superhero society. Old legends and fiction fantasies remain. Dungeons and Dragons is a game as much as roleplay and the like. He knows a little about some wizened old man standing in front of magical runes, chanting spells and throwing ingredients for a stupid 24-hour ritual. He's a wizard, dammit! Magic up a way to speed that shit up! Magic should be efficient!]
Che. Come by my suite tonight and I'll review it with you. You'll be banging your damn head in the table trying to read it twenty times over otherwise. [Right, cause it's not like Bakugo actually wants to help or anything.
Oy! He damn well pulled his punch if he only wiped a bit of memory as a threat when he could've wiped the entire thing!]
...Memories between lifetimes don't work like that. Most of them deteriorate, or crumble away, like paper in water. The ones that do come forward take time, and can feel smudged around the edges, or unclear, or never fully form.
( That doesn't even account for how the timelines stacking up make it difficult for him to remember what event he experienced in which life, when they're significant enough to leave marks through time and space. He spares a glance to the side, at Bakugo, relaxing a little more the further they get from the carnival. At least it doesn't feel like Chobe is going to come back out of nowhere, like this. )
That's why I created my journal, as a way of using a spell to carry records through time and space. Unfortunately, the magic has to be secure enough to prevent time from ruining it, so unlocking past entries can be just as difficult. I've gotten a number of them by now, but there's plenty I haven't been able to get to.
( But it's there, instead of forgotten. He just has to get to it. And in the meantime, he makes more notes, new notes, tracks it all. )
There are a lot of requirements for my spells, but a unique angle can help me find some shortcuts, right? I think you're good at that sort of thing. ( A little defensively, like he doesn't want to be viewed as stupid for asking for the help. ) ...I'll come by, so thank you. I could pick up dinner on the way, if you'd like. For your trouble.
And you don't get to keep any notes or records you make either.
[Since Esikko's entire life starts over. Bakugo's left wondering for a scant second if Esikko died in the peacock, would his simply revert back to his own world, since his curse exists outside the resort itself? ... Probably not, as his death would be treated as a "peacock" death rather than his own curse ending his body.
The place seems to be artificially extending his ticking clock, from what Bakugo understands. Meaning Esikko would return at whatever state/time he was taken from, with whatever extra experience and memory he's gained at the resort. Assumption, but this is his hypothesis. Which he's not gonna bring up. Who wants to talk about death?
Esikko's glance earns him a view of the blonde's scowling pensive expression, wheels turning in his head as he walks. He notes the eyes on him and quickly snaps out of his thoughts, lifting his head a bit and focusing ahead.]
Haa? So you do get to keep your notes. [Did Esikko tell him this before? Vague memory says he might've.] Then take better notes, dumbass! You need to bring your new self up to speed faster than you got there the life before. If time's fucking it up, then focus on that spell first!
[Make his priority the locking spell so he won't continue redoing shit he can't read or access. Not that it'll help here; right now he needs to focus on the memory spell Bakugo told him to do.]
There's requirements for everything, but most can be combined, shortened, or skipped. Everything can be streamlined the more you work at it. [Learn to do one thing so well you can do it without thinking, then add the next one. Even magic can be treated like training. Maybe Esikko wasn't off for suggesting they include it in their training... Except that Bakugo's not able to train with him that way. Probably end up a study session.]
( He notices that expression, how he must be lost in thought, but Esikko doesn't pester him about it. Pestering him about himself has never really gone well, and he's kind of trying to hold onto this vague sort of softness in the air right now, even if it's hardly there at all. The idea that Bakugo came to see him right after telling him what happened, even if he was no longer in danger... That's a little soft, isn't it?
He's keeping this all to himself.
And it's fine, anyway, because at the same time, those words are causing him to bristle defensively, a little. )
I do take good notes! The fact that notes or records transfer over at all is through various loopholes that I discovered myself, you know! Objects aren't supposed to exist in multiple spaces and times. I'll show you, okay?
When I bring your spicy gyoza.
( That last sentences backs down again, just as much as he'd puffed up. He's grateful, after all, and appreciative. He's also... kind of a nerd when it comes to things like this, so the idea of being able to sit down and brainstorm any of this with someone who isn't going to fall asleep about him talking about it or spew nonsense without understanding is getting him hyped up. )
I'll stop by my suite and grab it. ( A pause, as he tries not to sound too eager or too dismissive of other things Bakugo may have going on. ) What... time should I meet you? Do you have other plans before then?
I mean, I think that guy will leave me alone at least for the night, so it's not like I have to have you escort me, or anything, if you have other plans first.
[Esikko gave him things to think about! Shut up! Stop starting at his face like that! People move, lights flicker, a breeze brushes past, his ears take in nearby footsteps. Alert despite his appearance of scowling stalk. If Esikko finds softness in the air, he'd best keep good hold of it; Bakugo hasn't relinquished his grip on Chobe showing his stupid butt again. Heroes don't stop the mission just because the immediate danger is out of sight.]
People aren't supposed to relive their lives a billion times either.
[His head cants slightly, a wry side eye slinging Esikko's way. Bastard already screwed with time and space enough to fuck up big. Now he's screwing around with it even more by sending his own notes into side pockets and other bullshit. Look, it's smart of him do try and recover his multiple lives' knowledge, but...]
Did you ever think time displaced items make a catalyst in your other lives?
[One life attempting to "correct" itself because something which isn't supposed to be there exists? Knowledge Esikko's not supposed to have causing some kind of fuck up in his new life. Bones heal when you break them, but keep breaking them in the same area and the healing gets worse each time.
Bakugo's not making any promises about falling asleep or tossing the whole thing over his shoulder if Esikko start rambling like a damn nerd at him. He doesn't need Midoriya in pink running his mouth a million miles an hour.]
What the hell are you talking about? We're going back to your place now and you can pack your shit up there.
[If Esikko thinks he's gonna abandon him for he night, he's got a crappy view of how heroes operate! There are no police stations or other heroes to take over Bakugo's charge.]
They're protected to make up for that. It's precisely why certain pages become difficult to "unlock"— if they would present information that could create instability in the reset, regardless of whether or not I realize they could, they're blocked from forming those sections.
( Pink Midoriya is coming out... Just kidding, he's not nearly as awkward, but the confidence and excitement is there just behind his words. And it's interesting, maybe, that this is one of the few areas that Esikko has strong enough feelings on to put his foot down about, that his willpower pushes him through regardless of his body's physical ability or his knowledge in each timeline.
He's about to go on about how he formed that elaborate spell and the specifics on how it works, but Bakugo's next words catch him off guard enough to prevent that. Thankfully.
Because... he's touched? It's the exact sort of comfort he looks for without knowing what to ask for, and in Bakugo's gruff little package, it comes across genuine, not forced, not some fake nice bullshit. So there's a brief little flash of that surprise, of something like relief, and then he's pointing his eyes forward again like he's almost unsure of how to respond to that news. )
I'll... save the rest of it for after we're there, then. ( After they settle, after some food, maybe. He doesn't have much of an appetite after all of that, but he rarely does. He'll still try to eat. But then he can make sure he sews up this little plushie nicely, and go over magic... It sounds nice.
Maybe it's okay to rely on him a little, to not overly stress about Chobe knowing they're acquainted. Maybe Bakugo will be safe, after all. It's what he'd like to believe, between all the anxious noise in his head. Strange, how he's gotten here, when he used to find the idea of caring about anyone so laughable... )
What the hell kind of shitty spell is that?! You're supposed to be building on your past lives' knowledge, not locking it away! There's no point of sending it to yourself then!
[Even if his own notes turn out to be the catalyst screwing up his new lives, NOT giving himself his notes means every life adds little to nothing towards breaking the damn cycle! A pointless eternal repetition he's accidentally "deliberately" blacklisted himself from undoing!
How much of this is Esikko's own doing and how much is him fucking up shit he was never supposed to mess with in the first place? Like a man attempting to fix a structure falling down, never doing more than propping up a continually-sagging mass he himself knocked the foundation out of.
Sympathy is not Bakugo's middle name.]
You need to find a better magician...
[Droned under his breath. He wonders if Esikko thinks everything he's going through now is worth forever chances at a life Bakugo's not even sure the man will recognize even if he accidentally achieves it. Thoughts he'll keep to himself. Right now, he wants to get back to Esikko's apartment and gather his sleepover stuff.
And no, they're not taking the damn elevator. HE'S not at least.]
You better not. It's one night.
[Grumbling. He'll pack his bag for him if he takes too long!]
S...stop judging my spell when you don't have the first clue about magic! Things aren't as simple as you're making them out to be!
( Huffy, but he's prepared to yell about this, and the comment under Bakugo's breath about a better magician? Gets the sharpest glare Esikko has ever managed, although one a little puffy more than anything genuinely upset. Accented, of course, by the little stomp of one foot against the ground when they finally come up to the stairway door, rather than the elevator, like he's some sort of angry rabbit. )
Just wait and see about making one yourself, then you'll understand! ( Hmph!! He hesitates only a moment before rushing to catch up to Bakugo on the stairs, clutching the plushie with one hand still as the other reaches out to catch a sleeve of Bakugo's, just ever so slightly...
Seems he's worried about being left behind even if he'd acted like he'd been fine separating moments earlier. )
Anyway, things can speed along faster if you check on the rabbits for me. I pull out more hay for them at night, and make them small salads. ( the only thing in his fridge, right now, is greens for the rabbits. ) Then I can order the spicy gyoza as room delivery from red cardinal...
I don't have to know anything about it to call that spell shit!
[It's very execution is fundamentally flawed since it does opposite of what it's supposed to do! Namely make information available in his next life. Which it does fucking not. (Partially.) Anyone can tell a failure is a failure! Don't defend shitty magic. Hmph!
Esikko's rapier glare hits, bends, and snaps against Bakugo's temple. He should've been consulting better magicians since the very beginning. Yeah, the prince mentioned magic was almost gone in his world, but he should've tried harder to learn more before pulling this crap! That's two important life-altering spells he's botched!
Bakugo's not afraid to call him out on his foolish hubris. Look what it's done already. Taking the steps one angry step at a time, a delinquent stalk up the stairs.]
Haa? Don't bullshit me! You know I can't do magic! If I could, I'd blow your damn efforts outta the water in no time! [And there goes his ego. Hell, he yelled the same thing to his classmate about said classmate's Quirk! Truth is, he would've gone about this probably similar to Esikko at first, then veered off in a different direction. Certainly wouldn't have cast a spell he knew jack all about!
If Esikko wants to grab him, go for it. Just don't pull him down the stairs.]
You better not be doing an entire damn night ritual when we get there. [How much does he have to do for a simply one night sleepover?]
( He's torn between the urge to curse Bakugo by turning him into a very angry toad, and clinging to him happily because he got invited for a sleepover... Truly, this mood whiplash is insane. Thankfully, it's only the puffy irritation that's clear on Esikko's face, but some of the rest of it appears in the way he hooks his fingers at the crook of Bakugo's arm, using it to keep him from moving up too quickly. Please, have mercy, he gets tired going up stairs...
Anyway, his free hand holds out his little Bakugo plushie to lightly bonk it against the back of his head. )
You're shit. I'm someone who shouldn't even be able to use magic with my health, so when I explain the basics to you, you'd better appreciate my effort. None of this carries through from life to life, but I learn it from scratch, without prompting, every time. It's not like reading instructions simply gives you the power and ability to do it. It's an art.
( Even cursed to defend his own spell!! He'll show him that it helps, he'll explain it!! Without it, he never would have gotten as close as he has. Hmph. Meanwhile, at least he's not wilting down and sulking about being criticized with this topic. No, he's defensive, he's proud of his work in this. )
And some of us have beauty routines, you know? I'm skipping it, though, so don't get all huffy just because I take a moment. I want to use your bath later, too. You must have one, right?
[Turn him into a toad and he'll shove his tongue right into Esikko's eye faster than he can say "croak" for the fuck of it! Angriest frog he'll ever see in any life he'll ever live! And then he'll have to deal with what comes after said toad return to man. A smoking prince stuffed in a trashcan with nothing but his feet sticking out, and welts on his head for good measure. Hell yes he'll beat his ass for such a stunt! You think Bakugo hasn't exploded his friends and classmates back home for less?! HE NUKED THE DORM OVER A HERO CARD GAME!!
Anyways. Bakugo simply notches his elbow slightly so Esikko's got room to put his hand without getting it stuck between his side and limb. Right, his fuchsia majesty has shit stamina. And the hero's not gonna take the elevator.]
Che! You don't get pity points. [If his deeds and magic are impressive, then he'll be impressed. Period.] You're not gonna get any better at art if you fucking start over every month with amnesia!
[Unless Esikko thinks muscle memory will begin kicking in, a type of repetitious motion branding his own magic into his flesh and soul to the point he begins showing propensity without even knowing it. How many lifetimes would it take for such an effect?]
Of course I have one! You think they'd miss that?! [His bathroom doesn't look like he raided Losh, but he's not someone who gets by with a single bottle of shampoo/conditioner/body wash/fucking toothpaste. Time for Esikko to learn the benefits of keeping a stocked night bag in his suite at all times.]
Screw this. [He doesn't wait for a question or response and scoops his arm around Esikko's back, hand clasping firmly to his hips in a harsh grip. One quick tug hauls him close to his torso-] Arms around my neck. [-good? Better be, because *KABOOM!* his downward-pointing hand ignites in a massive explosion, blasting both of them over the stairwell and into open space beyond.
Up! One floor after another, single-handedly rocketing them in control, blazing assent to the Ace/Jack floors. And *boom* pops them across the railing onto the floor once more.]
( This petty arguing is a lot nicer, actually, than the insecurity and guilt that had been plaguing him just minutes earlier. Subtle clues show that— the more relaxed way he walks, the way he's pausing less between words and sentences, the relaxed tone he's taking, even when annoyed. He's happier, even if he's showing it with angry little defensive comments.
Comments that come promptly to an end by the time Bakugo yanks him closer, his stunned expression replacing any other thought that had been on his mind just prior. He's been on the receiving end of this before, and so he reacts quickly enough— his arms quickly grip around Bakugo's shoulders like on reflex, without even noticing that he's asked the same, that silly little plushie still clutched tightly in one of his hands.
Of course, that doesn't help the shock of the actual movement. He ducks his face lower to tuck it into Bakugo's neck, like that might protect him from falling off along the way. He doesn't want to see, it's scary!! )
Wah—?!
( Not a scream, but a startled noise all the same, for the start of it. And by the time they land for the final stop, he's still hesitant to let go, even as he stomps a foot on the floor, trying to get some of his anxiety out. )
Could you give a little more warning before doing that?! You're always so impatient! ( As if he's one to talk. At least by now, he allows his arms to slip free, clutching the plushie to his chest instead like it's a life preserver. Okay, he only needed a second, he can keep walking, geez, some people have weak hearts, you know!! )
[Maturity in full force. Sounds like Esikko's recovering from his previous wreck. Bastard didn't need to get harassed but somehow continues attracting people who think he's fun to harass. The eternal butt monkey prince. Whatever. Bakugo thinks back to Esikko's two alternate forms from the paintings, an almost unseen monstrosity and some overpowered god floating around with an ego complex. Wonder if either of those will end up showing at the peacock some day again.
Thoughts he won't bother voicing since Esikko both hated and feared his alternate selves. And because he's busy blasting the hell out of their trip delay. As soon as their feet hit the ground, he releases the prince and lets him have space for putting his legs under him again. Good thing he's reactive enough to grab, otherwise he would've been a floppy ragdoll over Bakugo's arm the entire short but fast flight.
If anyone's in the stairwell with the blonde, an explosive skip is always on the board at the end of his patience.]
I gave you a warning, dammit! [Grabbed him, told him to hold on, blasted off! That was at least three seconds to do exactly what he said without asking any damn questions! More than fair warning. Thanks for not screaming in his ear this time, Esikko.]
You wanna pass out on the steps instead? [Esikko did better this time, but he's not taking a six-story-at-least trudge up the stairs without keeling over. Bakugo wrenches open the doorn and heads back into the peacock proper.]
( With a huff, he follows after him all the same. This time, when their steps near his own door, he takes a few hurried steps ahead just to shove his Bakugo plushie at Bakugo himself. )
Hold this, and you can give the rabbits their salads if you'd like to speed things up. I'll grab a bag.
( With a gentle tap of his Watch against the room, he opens the door. But interestingly, there seems to be part of his routine where he peeks inside and checks something about the space before entering it completely. He's walked in on unwanted visitors before, despite how that's supposed to be impossible.
The rabbits are downstairs in their own room, but Esikko heads up the stairs to his own bedroom once they're inside, his steps hurried. At least he's not trying to waste time. It won't take long for him to pack a little bit. Night clothes, next day clothes, his journal, a few magic necessities... )
Hmph! [Esikko's answer. He's welcome for skipping his huffing trip to the top. Bakugo bristles instantly, eyes narrowing on the prince's shoulders suddenly bustling in front of him.] Oy! Don't shove in front of my like that!
[What the hell's his rush? A messy suite needing cleaning before he lets his guest in? Bakugo grunts as a fluffy miniature of himself shoves into his hands, red eyes mismatching in size with a glaring dip. Tch, he's not sure how he feels about Esikko having a plushie of him. It's a damn nice stroke of his pride, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't like it. Butt... it's a fucking plushie. Couldn't get some kickass action figure or model?]
Where's your salad shit?
[Because he can't just grab a handful of greens and shove them into a hutch! Rabbits need more than stereotypical carrots and lettuce! Hell, they're not really supposed to have much in the way of carrots. Bakugo narrows his eyes, watching Esikko's head twitch back and forth in an interior peek before going in. Right, he said earlier the resort would let Kirma into his room for no reason...]
Tell the front desk to install security cameras. You can link the system to your watch.
[Then he can check the interior of his suite without having to open the door. Bakugo opens the fridge. Unless Esikko has the rabbits food all ready, he's doing a quick search on the watch for proper dietary needs, then works on gathering different ingredients.]
( Sure enough, posted on the fridge is a helpful little schedule for the rabbits. They have hay full time, in the rabbit room, but it looks like Esikko has a rather detailed list of what vegetables they need for their best health, the amount per serving, etc. They're plants, after all, so he knows those well. He can't cook, but he can apparently make a nice little bunny salad, and the greens in his fridge look to be great quality.
But from upstairs, Esikko calls out. )
There are "security cameras?"
( It sounds foreign coming from his mouth, the idea of it, the words. But he's doing something upstairs that sounds kind of loud, with a few thumps as he moves things around. He's packing his nightly routine bag efficiently, okay!
Anyway, cute little bunnies Chaos and Order will start happily chasing each other in circles when Bakugo delivers the salads. They're used to being spoiled. )
[Labeled. Good. Bakugo locates the containers he's referencing, then heads for the hutch room with them. Good to know Esikko leaves them with ample hay as they want. AS expected of the man, he's pretty meticulous in his scheduling and notes. The hero's able to follow along easily. Strange someone so interested in plants would have pets consuming them. Can he see Esikko with a cat or a dog? ... Not really. Rabbits suit him better.]
You're an Ace, asshole! You can get almost anything yo want installed or made! [It's a fucking magic resort! People can put goddamn pools in their rooms or have a shitty menagerie or training simulator!
Bakugo ignores his thumps and thuds as he doles out each salad to each rabbit. Weird creatures. You'd think they'd be like cats, but they're not. Too soft and skittish for him.
... he is totally judging Esikko for his rabbit names.]
( Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight does NOT have the right to judge any names, thank you very much. Chaos and Order are perfectly suitable bunny names, and their elaborate name plates over the little setup he has for them to be able to eat and use the restroom is themed appropriately!! They're apparently friendly enough, too, since despite being jumpy at sudden movements, they seem to have no problem headbutting at Bakugo's hands for more leaves or attention as he sets their salads down. They're incredibly soft. There are little toy stacking blocks and cups around, too...
But it sounds like Esikko is coming back down the stairs about now. )
I didn't know it was an option. It's like the Watch video? ( He's taking mental notes... While ordering their food to be delivered to Bakugo's suite, of course. Via UberTweets or something?? He doesn't know, but it's been handy for hiding in his room. Spicy gyoza for Bakugo, and... as much as he wants to just order a dessert, he also puts in an appetizer order for himself so he can have real food. He eats better with company, or at least tries to.
He peeks around the corner, a bag now slung over one shoulder and a brown bound journal held to his chest. )
...So, are you going to have me sleeping in a guest room, or do I at least get to be warm, tonight?
( It's not cuddles if it's for warmth...... shut the fuck up )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 7/23/25 22:45 (UTC)( He frowns, still struggling to "spit it out," as Bakugo says. But as he draws the plush back to himself for easier holding, he shifts his weight a little and speaks. )
I'm worried. ( Honesty, even if he feels it sounds pathetic— it shouldn't be, right? He thinks he's learned he shouldn't feel pathetic for this. )
Not just that he'll kill me, but that he'll kill you, or Dabi, or the both of you, just to get a reaction. ( He breathes out a sigh. ) When he was here, he did something that made it feel like his mere presence was suffocating... I couldn't even attempt to look into it before he was gone.
He wants me to suffer. It would be one thing I'd be was targeting me alone, but if he comes after either of you purely to get to me—
( What's he supposed to do, at this point? He glances to the side. )
I wonder if dealing with him alone, if just... dying, might stop him. I don't want it to go past me. I've told everyone else to pretend not to know me, you know?
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Date: 7/24/25 00:24 (UTC)[Probably gonna need to find a bag so he can keep the plush safely inside rather than let it risk getting jostled around while they walk. Or squeezed, considering how Esikko's holding it. Dork.
Bakugo scowls at his answer, figuring it was something like that. Worried for his and Dabi's safety. He knows the man can take care of himself, but that's his fucking worldmate, dammit! Another round of pissed off fire bursts inside. Some people just don't know when to leave well enough alone.]
He's not gonna kill either of us. Our Quirks counter his powers. [Both fire and explosions fuck plants over hard. And Dabi's not a pushover in combat if he needs to, while Bakugo's an expert combatant all the time.]
You think it was some kind of plant spore or more an aura? [Bakugo's been in the presence of a villain so repulsive and evil, his presence was enough to make people want to throw up, freezing them in place in the process. A killing instinct, or in All for One's case, the pure threat level and separation of strength.]
He's doing all this cause you made him forget in self-defense? [Petty as fuck.] You dying won't do shit. You'll come back and be worse off.
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Date: 7/24/25 03:21 (UTC)( It's a little more raw, the way he speaks right now, voice wavering with genuine unease. He's sure when those two come together it's going to be terrible. But— but maybe Bakugo is right. If they go after them separately, it should be fine.
It's if they try to use each other to draw the others out that has him feeling sick. )
I'd know if it was a spore. It was most certainly an aura of some kind, a crushing one... I felt something similar with his brother for a split moment, but I didn't have the time to focus and see if it was my imagination.
( But he's leaning towards not, now, with how that felt. )
I... don't want to call Dabi next time, because I'm worried. But being able to call him in the first place was only thanks to your training. I threw him off just long enough, that time, but I... I don't want to call you, either, because...
( Wavering between serious concern and hesitation. He doesn't want to die. But he doesn't want the people he cares about to die, either. And for once, the latter feels even more important? )
They're not going to kill me quickly. It was temporary amnesia to show him I was serious, not to mess with me, in self defense, but now it's like this cycle that won't stop.
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Date: 7/24/25 19:38 (UTC)[While his words are callous and his tone serious, there's a quiet undercurrent of something else. Reluctance, acceptance, regret, irritation, it's impossible to tell. But he knows the guy enough to say what he did.
Dabi won't die to someone like Chobe. Neither will Bakugo. Trying to lure them out would be stupid; trying them both at the same time is suicidal.]
Fuck his aura. If it's strong, then shove right back at it with your own will! ... Yours sucks though. [Not even gonna cushion that blow. Esikko's so hard on himself, pessimistic, and despondent, Bakugo's surprised anyone's murderous intent doesn't simply floor the prince on sight.] You need to work on that.
[Not something Bakugo can help train him on this time. Willpower is tied to a person's self-worth and ambition. Esikko has drive, yes, but the former one... not so much.]
You have to decide one route or the other. Either call someone stronger than you or get strong enough you don't have to. [There's no middle ground.] You've gotten stronger since I've me you. [Esikko needs to hear that as much as he does his criticism.] So keep improving. If not for yourself, then for people you don't want involved.
[Anything can be motivation. He understands Esikko's feelings, even if his own of the same come from pride. Like hell would he call someone to help him; he's strong enough to handle anything on his own, dammit! But he also doesn't want to endanger or burden anyone he's close to either... Weakness isn't an option.
However, Esikko's last comment earns a curious glance.] Temporary, huh? Can you make it permanent?
[He's thinking of Esikko's corrupted, draconic, god-absorbed state from the painting months ago.]
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Date: 7/24/25 20:43 (UTC)Feeling a little too anxious with the crowds still around, he moves to take steps away, eyes flicking to make sure Bakugo is following him without him having to reach out and drag him like he normally opts to. Spared, this time. )
I can, yes. I don't enjoy the idea of permanent memory loss, though, personally. ( He frowns a little. He has his own memory struggles, after all. ) But it's possible, with the right conditions.
I only wanted to show him the capability of it, to scare him off. ( But that sure worked in reverse. He thinks back on Chobe talking about killing him repeatedly to see if he stops reviving, and he goes a little paler for it.
But, as they move away from the crowds... )
I'm aware he was trying to mess with me, words and all, but... ( hesitation, he's trying ) He said it's just your job to care about someone like me.
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Date: 8/6/25 01:56 (UTC)As the man drifts away, he turns his steps and stalks after him, hands jammed in his pockets and shoulders rounded in his usual "fuck off" vibe. This one, however, encompasses the two of them, so no one's gonna mess with Esikko unless they wanna get nuked.]
Condense those conditions into a portable skill.
[He doesn't know how Esikko will do it or the time it'll take, but if he wants his guidance, that's his next project. Esikko warned Chobe if his ability, gave him a sample, and got fucked for it. AND got two other people dragged into the mess.]
Once you got it, don't pull your fucking punch.
[He means it. Wipe Chobe's memory permanently if the man continues to threaten Esikko. Bakugo takes issue with killing someone, but permanent amnesia against an opponent who won't stop otherwise? Go for it. He's sent people to the hospital with deliberating injuries. Even as a hero. Some assholes won't take "no" for an answer.
So don't answer. Destroy.]
Haa? Urusei! No one talks for me but me, got it? [*Kaboom!* One hand erupts in a massive explosion (thankfully not in his pocket) and Bakugo crushes the smoldering remains with his fist.] If you ever believe what someone else says about me,
[without fact checking first]I'll bury you![Great way to assuage someone, Bakugo...]
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Date: 8/6/25 06:04 (UTC)Okay, okay. ...Thank you. It's not like I... I mean, I don't know why I care, but...
( There's a sting at his eyes, one he hopes goes unnoticed as his free hand reaches up to wipe quickly at them. No falling tears, just some teary eyes— his stupid suit is having a field day with this. He just exhales a little upon failing to finish that sentence.
But he's moving on just as quickly with his words afterwards. )
Condensing it into something portable... is an interesting concept.
( He's not going to be able to sleep well alone in his suite with Chobe's threats on his mind, so maybe having a goal like this will help. He scrubs a few more times at his eyes before dropping that hand back to grab onto the silly little plushie, chin lifting, eyes forward rather than on Bakugo. )
I have plenty of notes, all written in a journal, but after staring at them for years, it's hard to see them from new angles. Maybe... we could include it in our training?
( He's absolutely not one to pull punches, so if he can just figure out how to make his magic work in cases like this... It could make a difference. )
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Date: 8/7/25 21:22 (UTC)Esikko's head-dipped amusement earns a small glare. Better not be laughing at him...]
Figure it out and squash it if it's stupid.
[Why he cares. If he's worried someone will only help him out of duty, it says more of Esikko's personal self-worth feelings than the person saving him. Thinking he's too small, too weak, unimportant, plain, worthless. Why would someone save a piece of trash like him... Close enough to his internal train of thought? Yeah, demolish that train.
Bakugo clicks his tongue and shoves his hands back into his pockets where they usually sit when he's walking. Che, is Esikko crying cause he yelled at him or because he's relieved? ... Not asking.]
You've lived this long and haven't thought of it?
[Stories of magic and wizards, dragons and knights, haven't vanished from Bakugo's superhero society. Old legends and fiction fantasies remain. Dungeons and Dragons is a game as much as roleplay and the like. He knows a little about some wizened old man standing in front of magical runes, chanting spells and throwing ingredients for a stupid 24-hour ritual. He's a wizard, dammit! Magic up a way to speed that shit up! Magic should be efficient!]
Che. Come by my suite tonight and I'll review it with you. You'll be banging your damn head in the table trying to read it twenty times over otherwise. [Right, cause it's not like Bakugo actually wants to help or anything.
Oy! He damn well pulled his punch if he only wiped a bit of memory as a threat when he could've wiped the entire thing!]
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Date: 8/8/25 05:06 (UTC)( That doesn't even account for how the timelines stacking up make it difficult for him to remember what event he experienced in which life, when they're significant enough to leave marks through time and space. He spares a glance to the side, at Bakugo, relaxing a little more the further they get from the carnival. At least it doesn't feel like Chobe is going to come back out of nowhere, like this. )
That's why I created my journal, as a way of using a spell to carry records through time and space. Unfortunately, the magic has to be secure enough to prevent time from ruining it, so unlocking past entries can be just as difficult. I've gotten a number of them by now, but there's plenty I haven't been able to get to.
( But it's there, instead of forgotten. He just has to get to it. And in the meantime, he makes more notes, new notes, tracks it all. )
There are a lot of requirements for my spells, but a unique angle can help me find some shortcuts, right? I think you're good at that sort of thing. ( A little defensively, like he doesn't want to be viewed as stupid for asking for the help. ) ...I'll come by, so thank you. I could pick up dinner on the way, if you'd like. For your trouble.
no subject
Date: 8/9/25 03:18 (UTC)[Since Esikko's entire life starts over. Bakugo's left wondering for a scant second if Esikko died in the peacock, would his simply revert back to his own world, since his curse exists outside the resort itself? ... Probably not, as his death would be treated as a "peacock" death rather than his own curse ending his body.
The place seems to be artificially extending his ticking clock, from what Bakugo understands. Meaning Esikko would return at whatever state/time he was taken from, with whatever extra experience and memory he's gained at the resort. Assumption, but this is his hypothesis. Which he's not gonna bring up. Who wants to talk about death?
Esikko's glance earns him a view of the blonde's scowling pensive expression, wheels turning in his head as he walks. He notes the eyes on him and quickly snaps out of his thoughts, lifting his head a bit and focusing ahead.]
Haa? So you do get to keep your notes. [Did Esikko tell him this before? Vague memory says he might've.] Then take better notes, dumbass! You need to bring your new self up to speed faster than you got there the life before. If time's fucking it up, then focus on that spell first!
[Make his priority the locking spell so he won't continue redoing shit he can't read or access. Not that it'll help here; right now he needs to focus on the memory spell Bakugo told him to do.]
There's requirements for everything, but most can be combined, shortened, or skipped. Everything can be streamlined the more you work at it. [Learn to do one thing so well you can do it without thinking, then add the next one. Even magic can be treated like training. Maybe Esikko wasn't off for suggesting they include it in their training... Except that Bakugo's not able to train with him that way. Probably end up a study session.]
Gyoza. Spicy.
no subject
Date: 8/9/25 04:14 (UTC)He's keeping this all to himself.
And it's fine, anyway, because at the same time, those words are causing him to bristle defensively, a little. )
I do take good notes! The fact that notes or records transfer over at all is through various loopholes that I discovered myself, you know! Objects aren't supposed to exist in multiple spaces and times. I'll show you, okay?
When I bring your spicy gyoza.
( That last sentences backs down again, just as much as he'd puffed up. He's grateful, after all, and appreciative. He's also... kind of a nerd when it comes to things like this, so the idea of being able to sit down and brainstorm any of this with someone who isn't going to fall asleep about him talking about it or spew nonsense without understanding is getting him hyped up. )
I'll stop by my suite and grab it. ( A pause, as he tries not to sound too eager or too dismissive of other things Bakugo may have going on. ) What... time should I meet you? Do you have other plans before then?
I mean, I think that guy will leave me alone at least for the night, so it's not like I have to have you escort me, or anything, if you have other plans first.
no subject
Date: 8/10/25 03:32 (UTC)People aren't supposed to relive their lives a billion times either.
[His head cants slightly, a wry side eye slinging Esikko's way. Bastard already screwed with time and space enough to fuck up big. Now he's screwing around with it even more by sending his own notes into side pockets and other bullshit. Look, it's smart of him do try and recover his multiple lives' knowledge, but...]
Did you ever think time displaced items make a catalyst in your other lives?
[One life attempting to "correct" itself because something which isn't supposed to be there exists? Knowledge Esikko's not supposed to have causing some kind of fuck up in his new life. Bones heal when you break them, but keep breaking them in the same area and the healing gets worse each time.
Bakugo's not making any promises about falling asleep or tossing the whole thing over his shoulder if Esikko start rambling like a damn nerd at him. He doesn't need Midoriya in pink running his mouth a million miles an hour.]
What the hell are you talking about? We're going back to your place now and you can pack your shit up there.
[If Esikko thinks he's gonna abandon him for he night, he's got a crappy view of how heroes operate! There are no police stations or other heroes to take over Bakugo's charge.]
no subject
Date: 8/10/25 05:09 (UTC)( Pink Midoriya is coming out... Just kidding, he's not nearly as awkward, but the confidence and excitement is there just behind his words. And it's interesting, maybe, that this is one of the few areas that Esikko has strong enough feelings on to put his foot down about, that his willpower pushes him through regardless of his body's physical ability or his knowledge in each timeline.
He's about to go on about how he formed that elaborate spell and the specifics on how it works, but Bakugo's next words catch him off guard enough to prevent that. Thankfully.
Because... he's touched? It's the exact sort of comfort he looks for without knowing what to ask for, and in Bakugo's gruff little package, it comes across genuine, not forced, not some fake nice bullshit. So there's a brief little flash of that surprise, of something like relief, and then he's pointing his eyes forward again like he's almost unsure of how to respond to that news. )
I'll... save the rest of it for after we're there, then. ( After they settle, after some food, maybe. He doesn't have much of an appetite after all of that, but he rarely does. He'll still try to eat. But then he can make sure he sews up this little plushie nicely, and go over magic... It sounds nice.
Maybe it's okay to rely on him a little, to not overly stress about Chobe knowing they're acquainted. Maybe Bakugo will be safe, after all. It's what he'd like to believe, between all the anxious noise in his head. Strange, how he's gotten here, when he used to find the idea of caring about anyone so laughable... )
I shouldn't take long grabbing it.
no subject
Date: 8/10/25 21:58 (UTC)[Even if his own notes turn out to be the catalyst screwing up his new lives, NOT giving himself his notes means every life adds little to nothing towards breaking the damn cycle! A pointless eternal repetition he's accidentally "deliberately" blacklisted himself from undoing!
How much of this is Esikko's own doing and how much is him fucking up shit he was never supposed to mess with in the first place? Like a man attempting to fix a structure falling down, never doing more than propping up a continually-sagging mass he himself knocked the foundation out of.
Sympathy is not Bakugo's middle name.]
You need to find a better magician...
[Droned under his breath. He wonders if Esikko thinks everything he's going through now is worth forever chances at a life Bakugo's not even sure the man will recognize even if he accidentally achieves it. Thoughts he'll keep to himself. Right now, he wants to get back to Esikko's apartment and gather his sleepover stuff.
And no, they're not taking the damn elevator. HE'S not at least.]
You better not. It's one night.
[Grumbling. He'll pack his bag for him if he takes too long!]
no subject
Date: 8/11/25 03:04 (UTC)( Huffy, but he's prepared to yell about this, and the comment under Bakugo's breath about a better magician? Gets the sharpest glare Esikko has ever managed, although one a little puffy more than anything genuinely upset. Accented, of course, by the little stomp of one foot against the ground when they finally come up to the stairway door, rather than the elevator, like he's some sort of angry rabbit. )
Just wait and see about making one yourself, then you'll understand! ( Hmph!! He hesitates only a moment before rushing to catch up to Bakugo on the stairs, clutching the plushie with one hand still as the other reaches out to catch a sleeve of Bakugo's, just ever so slightly...
Seems he's worried about being left behind even if he'd acted like he'd been fine separating moments earlier. )
Anyway, things can speed along faster if you check on the rabbits for me. I pull out more hay for them at night, and make them small salads. ( the only thing in his fridge, right now, is greens for the rabbits. ) Then I can order the spicy gyoza as room delivery from red cardinal...
no subject
Date: 8/11/25 05:03 (UTC)[It's very execution is fundamentally flawed since it does opposite of what it's supposed to do! Namely make information available in his next life. Which it does fucking not. (Partially.) Anyone can tell a failure is a failure! Don't defend shitty magic. Hmph!
Esikko's rapier glare hits, bends, and snaps against Bakugo's temple. He should've been consulting better magicians since the very beginning. Yeah, the prince mentioned magic was almost gone in his world, but he should've tried harder to learn more before pulling this crap! That's two important life-altering spells he's botched!
Bakugo's not afraid to call him out on his foolish hubris. Look what it's done already. Taking the steps one angry step at a time, a delinquent stalk up the stairs.]
Haa? Don't bullshit me! You know I can't do magic! If I could, I'd blow your damn efforts outta the water in no time! [And there goes his ego. Hell, he yelled the same thing to his classmate about said classmate's Quirk! Truth is, he would've gone about this probably similar to Esikko at first, then veered off in a different direction. Certainly wouldn't have cast a spell he knew jack all about!
If Esikko wants to grab him, go for it. Just don't pull him down the stairs.]
You better not be doing an entire damn night ritual when we get there. [How much does he have to do for a simply one night sleepover?]
no subject
Date: 8/11/25 05:23 (UTC)Anyway, his free hand holds out his little Bakugo plushie to lightly bonk it against the back of his head. )
You're shit. I'm someone who shouldn't even be able to use magic with my health, so when I explain the basics to you, you'd better appreciate my effort. None of this carries through from life to life, but I learn it from scratch, without prompting, every time. It's not like reading instructions simply gives you the power and ability to do it. It's an art.
( Even cursed to defend his own spell!! He'll show him that it helps, he'll explain it!! Without it, he never would have gotten as close as he has. Hmph. Meanwhile, at least he's not wilting down and sulking about being criticized with this topic. No, he's defensive, he's proud of his work in this. )
And some of us have beauty routines, you know? I'm skipping it, though, so don't get all huffy just because I take a moment. I want to use your bath later, too. You must have one, right?
( Please don't be a shower only suite. )
no subject
Date: 8/11/25 20:53 (UTC)Anyways. Bakugo simply notches his elbow slightly so Esikko's got room to put his hand without getting it stuck between his side and limb. Right, his fuchsia majesty has shit stamina. And the hero's not gonna take the elevator.]
Che! You don't get pity points. [If his deeds and magic are impressive, then he'll be impressed. Period.] You're not gonna get any better at art if you fucking start over every month with amnesia!
[Unless Esikko thinks muscle memory will begin kicking in, a type of repetitious motion branding his own magic into his flesh and soul to the point he begins showing propensity without even knowing it. How many lifetimes would it take for such an effect?]
Of course I have one! You think they'd miss that?! [His bathroom doesn't look like he raided Losh, but he's not someone who gets by with a single bottle of shampoo/conditioner/body wash/fucking toothpaste. Time for Esikko to learn the benefits of keeping a stocked night bag in his suite at all times.]
Screw this. [He doesn't wait for a question or response and scoops his arm around Esikko's back, hand clasping firmly to his hips in a harsh grip. One quick tug hauls him close to his torso-] Arms around my neck. [-good? Better be, because *KABOOM!* his downward-pointing hand ignites in a massive explosion, blasting both of them over the stairwell and into open space beyond.
Up! One floor after another, single-handedly rocketing them in control, blazing assent to the Ace/Jack floors. And *boom* pops them across the railing onto the floor once more.]
no subject
Date: 8/11/25 22:27 (UTC)( This petty arguing is a lot nicer, actually, than the insecurity and guilt that had been plaguing him just minutes earlier. Subtle clues show that— the more relaxed way he walks, the way he's pausing less between words and sentences, the relaxed tone he's taking, even when annoyed. He's happier, even if he's showing it with angry little defensive comments.
Comments that come promptly to an end by the time Bakugo yanks him closer, his stunned expression replacing any other thought that had been on his mind just prior. He's been on the receiving end of this before, and so he reacts quickly enough— his arms quickly grip around Bakugo's shoulders like on reflex, without even noticing that he's asked the same, that silly little plushie still clutched tightly in one of his hands.
Of course, that doesn't help the shock of the actual movement. He ducks his face lower to tuck it into Bakugo's neck, like that might protect him from falling off along the way. He doesn't want to see, it's scary!! )
Wah—?!
( Not a scream, but a startled noise all the same, for the start of it. And by the time they land for the final stop, he's still hesitant to let go, even as he stomps a foot on the floor, trying to get some of his anxiety out. )
Could you give a little more warning before doing that?! You're always so impatient! ( As if he's one to talk. At least by now, he allows his arms to slip free, clutching the plushie to his chest instead like it's a life preserver. Okay, he only needed a second, he can keep walking, geez, some people have weak hearts, you know!! )
Honestly...
no subject
Date: 8/12/25 18:03 (UTC)[Maturity in full force. Sounds like Esikko's recovering from his previous wreck. Bastard didn't need to get harassed but somehow continues attracting people who think he's fun to harass. The eternal butt monkey prince. Whatever. Bakugo thinks back to Esikko's two alternate forms from the paintings, an almost unseen monstrosity and some overpowered god floating around with an ego complex. Wonder if either of those will end up showing at the peacock some day again.
Thoughts he won't bother voicing since Esikko both hated and feared his alternate selves. And because he's busy blasting the hell out of their trip delay. As soon as their feet hit the ground, he releases the prince and lets him have space for putting his legs under him again. Good thing he's reactive enough to grab, otherwise he would've been a floppy ragdoll over Bakugo's arm the entire short but fast flight.
If anyone's in the stairwell with the blonde, an explosive skip is always on the board at the end of his patience.]
I gave you a warning, dammit! [Grabbed him, told him to hold on, blasted off! That was at least three seconds to do exactly what he said without asking any damn questions! More than fair warning. Thanks for not screaming in his ear this time, Esikko.]
You wanna pass out on the steps instead? [Esikko did better this time, but he's not taking a six-story-at-least trudge up the stairs without keeling over. Bakugo wrenches open the doorn and heads back into the peacock proper.]
no subject
Date: 8/12/25 20:42 (UTC)( With a huff, he follows after him all the same. This time, when their steps near his own door, he takes a few hurried steps ahead just to shove his Bakugo plushie at Bakugo himself. )
Hold this, and you can give the rabbits their salads if you'd like to speed things up. I'll grab a bag.
( With a gentle tap of his Watch against the room, he opens the door. But interestingly, there seems to be part of his routine where he peeks inside and checks something about the space before entering it completely. He's walked in on unwanted visitors before, despite how that's supposed to be impossible.
The rabbits are downstairs in their own room, but Esikko heads up the stairs to his own bedroom once they're inside, his steps hurried. At least he's not trying to waste time. It won't take long for him to pack a little bit. Night clothes, next day clothes, his journal, a few magic necessities... )
no subject
Date: 8/13/25 00:56 (UTC)[What the hell's his rush? A messy suite needing cleaning before he lets his guest in? Bakugo grunts as a fluffy miniature of himself shoves into his hands, red eyes mismatching in size with a glaring dip. Tch, he's not sure how he feels about Esikko having a plushie of him. It's a damn nice stroke of his pride, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't like it. Butt... it's a fucking plushie. Couldn't get some kickass action figure or model?]
Where's your salad shit?
[Because he can't just grab a handful of greens and shove them into a hutch! Rabbits need more than stereotypical carrots and lettuce! Hell, they're not really supposed to have much in the way of carrots. Bakugo narrows his eyes, watching Esikko's head twitch back and forth in an interior peek before going in. Right, he said earlier the resort would let Kirma into his room for no reason...]
Tell the front desk to install security cameras. You can link the system to your watch.
[Then he can check the interior of his suite without having to open the door. Bakugo opens the fridge. Unless Esikko has the rabbits food all ready, he's doing a quick search on the watch for proper dietary needs, then works on gathering different ingredients.]
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Date: 8/13/25 01:21 (UTC)( Sure enough, posted on the fridge is a helpful little schedule for the rabbits. They have hay full time, in the rabbit room, but it looks like Esikko has a rather detailed list of what vegetables they need for their best health, the amount per serving, etc. They're plants, after all, so he knows those well. He can't cook, but he can apparently make a nice little bunny salad, and the greens in his fridge look to be great quality.
But from upstairs, Esikko calls out. )
There are "security cameras?"
( It sounds foreign coming from his mouth, the idea of it, the words. But he's doing something upstairs that sounds kind of loud, with a few thumps as he moves things around. He's packing his nightly routine bag efficiently, okay!
Anyway, cute little bunnies Chaos and Order will start happily chasing each other in circles when Bakugo delivers the salads. They're used to being spoiled. )
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Date: 8/13/25 18:10 (UTC)You're an Ace, asshole! You can get almost anything yo want installed or made! [It's a fucking magic resort! People can put goddamn pools in their rooms or have a shitty menagerie or training simulator!
Bakugo ignores his thumps and thuds as he doles out each salad to each rabbit. Weird creatures. You'd think they'd be like cats, but they're not. Too soft and skittish for him.
... he is totally judging Esikko for his rabbit names.]
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Date: 8/13/25 18:23 (UTC)But it sounds like Esikko is coming back down the stairs about now. )
I didn't know it was an option. It's like the Watch video? ( He's taking mental notes... While ordering their food to be delivered to Bakugo's suite, of course. Via UberTweets or something?? He doesn't know, but it's been handy for hiding in his room. Spicy gyoza for Bakugo, and... as much as he wants to just order a dessert, he also puts in an appetizer order for himself so he can have real food. He eats better with company, or at least tries to.
He peeks around the corner, a bag now slung over one shoulder and a brown bound journal held to his chest. )
...So, are you going to have me sleeping in a guest room, or do I at least get to be warm, tonight?
( It's not cuddles if it's for warmth...... shut the fuck up )
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