[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 )
[Haa?! His name is fucking awesome! Everything he wants people to see him for is in there! An intimidating hero who always wins with absolute crushing victory! ... What the hell's so chaotic about a rabbit? Order he can scoff at but understand. Question is, did Esikko name one and the other followed out of pairing, or did he pick both names together? Not asking! At least the guy's good with his nameplates and hutch. Bakugo checks the rabbits' water, no clue about their litter box, and rolls his eyes before giving them both appropriate pets while they pester him for food.
When he hears Esikko trundling down the stairs, he pushes himself to a stand and returns to the foyer.]
You can link it to your watch video. [Bakugo doesn't have security cameras. Mostly because doesn't need the hotel having another way to record and watch him, and because anyone breaking into his suite isn't leaving alive! Good thing Esikko put in for something healthy; Bakugo would've shoved a salad down his throat at his place. Probably had plenty of junk at the festival anyways. He deposits the containers in the sink and quickly washes them out before leaving them on the drying rack.]
Don't ask stupid questions.
[As he walks past Esikko towards the door, wanting to get back to his room. His stomach's growling and he gets even pissier if he's hungry. Esikko should know he's gonna be in his bed tonight. Dumbass.]
( Esikko is a little puzzled at that, honestly. Is it stupid because it's obvious they're sleeping together, or stupid because it's obvious they wouldn't...? But before he can even think of a way to reply, Bakugo is brushing past him, and he's left stepping after with a quiet little noise of annoyance, trying to catch up. Hold on!!
It's fine, he'll figure the bed thing out later tonight. For now, they exit the room together, and Esikko gives an extra tug at the door to ensure it's locked before they leave.
From there, it's likely not long until Bakugo's suite, being the same rank and all. This hotel's layout can be confusing as hell sometimes, but Esikko doesn't worry about that and allows Bakugo to lead the way. Instead, he rechecks through his packed bag (it's one night) and assures the plushie is tucked away there, too, before opening his journal and flipping through a few pages, searching for something. )
Did you ever have to take notes, when you learned how to use your quirk?
[Have fun trying to read Bakugo's mind as he expects the prince to. Put all those little pieces together, from his explosive abrasive attitude to the small actions he takes for someone else. Like walking someone to their resort room after demanding they spend the night with him cause some asshole was a pain. He's a tricky field to navigate, full of landmines and safe spaces you better not bring up, cause that's a landmine.
Bakugo glances behind him when Esikko pulls the door shut, its metal bolting sounding loud in the empty hallway. He only pauses for a few steps to wait on the prince's catch up. Then returns to his walk. Not too long, though it feels that way. Between the floors intermingling jacks and aces, who the hell knows if their rooms will be in the same place each night? Fuck, the resort drops people into new locations whenever it wants!]
Haa? [What's this all of a sudden? He shoves his hands into his pocket.] Of course I took notes! What kind of idiot doesn't?
[Like his damn life revolves around him. Which it does, he knows. Still ticks him off after all Esikko's done to distance and separate himself from the beast, life conspires against him.]
Clean your fucking ears out! Everyone puts in work to learn shit. Some people pick up skills faster and better than others. That doesn't give you the right to shit on their efforts!
[Bakugo's one of those naturally talented types, succeeding quickly at anything he puts his hands to. But he threw himself into each of those things 100% with all his effort. Someone trying to lessen his skill by saying he was "a natural" as if it somehow invalidated his accomplishment is asking to get their head put through the wall.]
No, not "everyone" puts in work, and that's precisely why I'm bringing up that stupid dog. He's the type to accidentally "guess" at some method, or meaning, and completely get it right— and if that's not irritating enough, he takes absolutely no interest in it at all! No work, no care, just pure luck!
( Maybe that's where all of Esikko's luck has gone. Swallowed up by the luckiest dog alive. He sighs. )
Anyway, it makes me angry to think about so I need to stop bringing it up.
Instead, I'd like to focus on my own actual improvements, but... I'm not sure how? Do you have any ideas?
[He doesn't believe anyone's that intelligent or lucky. And Bakugo comes from a world where intelligence and luck can be altered via Quirks. Esikko sounds more jealous than anything else. A lucky guesser without motivation or interest isn't impossible, but highly unlikely.]
Che! You go three whole days without bringing him up and I'll buy all your meals for a week.
[Calling bullshit on Esikko's ability to do so. Even if he hates the guy, he doesn't hate Kirma enough to not talk to people about hating him.]
Haa? How the hell do you NOT know how to focus on something?!
I am not— argh, I am so sick of everyone refusing to believe me about him!
( This is like, a majority of the annoyance, the hatred, the continued mentioning. He's so annoyed— can't one person believe that this stupid dog has stupid luck and then rubs it in?! He stomps a little in his steps, taking a deeper breath before sighing it out. )
And that is not what I meant! Look, I'll stop talking about him. Three days minimum. But I don't eat enough where food even matters, so in exchange, I want you to believe me.
...But even if you won't, whatever. Forget it. I'm talking about focusing on achievements, as in, seeing where I've improved in some sort of trackable manner? All I can see is where I've fallen short. It's important to see both sides, isn't it?
Because you make it sound like an exaggeration, dammit!
[Especially since Esikko always says it while he's bitching about the guy! Anyone with half a brain would hear the bias and instantly suspect any claim he makes about someone he obviously hates! How he hell does Esikko not hear it in his own voice? Sheesh.]
That's not how believing someone works, Prince Prick. [Baka, trading "belief" for an action.] I'm not doubting he's lucky. Just "how" lucky you say he is.
[Doesn't have anything to do with belief cause he isn't disbelieving Esikko. Anyways, Bakugo shoves the topic aside before they both get pissed.]
Haa? I've already kept track of your physical improvements!
( For once, Esikko doesn't argue, doesn't try to bring back up a dropped topic. He's on edge, especially after Chobe appearing out of nowhere, and so should he really be annoying someone who's said he'd come to help him if it came to it? The longer he thinks on it, the more he wonders if he's worthy of being anyone's friend at all, with the way he acts, and—
Ah, wait. He blinks once, twice, and then readjusts the bag over his shoulder, tilting his head to look at Bakugo. )
...You've been keeping track of my physical improvements?
( He's sure he just means that he noticed, right? That he observed it, once or twice, and made a mental note. But that still has him thinking about it, a little hopeful, a little curious, a little pleased. So there were some, so it wasn't his imagination. )
[Bakugo stops in front of two double doors, then sweeps his watch across the front. A lock clicks and he twists the knob before shoving the door open. His suite's completely changed now. Gone is most of the gold and gaudy decoration (a few accents stubbornly remain), replaced by a modern Japanese apartment suite.
Stone and light tile accents offset wooden furniture ranging from dark walnut to warm elm. A few area rugs and runners cushion the furniture. Light enough to be comfortable without feeling brilliant or sterile. Occasional green sprinkles a few plants around for something to live and avoid feeling like he's locked away as much. An even balance of homey, professional, stylish, and efficient.]
Haa?! Why the fuck would I train you, but fuck up on your progress, asshole?! I knew you wouldn't take notes!
[He stalks off towards a large entertainment center/bookshelf, eyes scanning before he reaches out and snags a notebook from a few others. Then tosses it to the table nearby.]
Put your shit down and look!
[Inside are notes taken each time they trained together. Ranging anywhere from Esikko's weight to how many pounds and kilograms he lifted. His striking speed carries from Day 1 to their last session, as well as target accuracy on his hits. Notes in neat handwriting, but Bakugo's own shorthand, fill margins and undercut tables. A very-impressively recorded training regimen.]
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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...
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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?]
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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. )
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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.]
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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...
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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.]
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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... )
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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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Date: 8/13/25 21:17 (UTC)When he hears Esikko trundling down the stairs, he pushes himself to a stand and returns to the foyer.]
You can link it to your watch video. [Bakugo doesn't have security cameras. Mostly because doesn't need the hotel having another way to record and watch him, and because anyone breaking into his suite isn't leaving alive! Good thing Esikko put in for something healthy; Bakugo would've shoved a salad down his throat at his place. Probably had plenty of junk at the festival anyways. He deposits the containers in the sink and quickly washes them out before leaving them on the drying rack.]
Don't ask stupid questions.
[As he walks past Esikko towards the door, wanting to get back to his room. His stomach's growling and he gets even pissier if he's hungry. Esikko should know he's gonna be in his bed tonight. Dumbass.]
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Date: 8/13/25 21:56 (UTC)It's fine, he'll figure the bed thing out later tonight. For now, they exit the room together, and Esikko gives an extra tug at the door to ensure it's locked before they leave.
From there, it's likely not long until Bakugo's suite, being the same rank and all. This hotel's layout can be confusing as hell sometimes, but Esikko doesn't worry about that and allows Bakugo to lead the way. Instead, he rechecks through his packed bag (it's one night) and assures the plushie is tucked away there, too, before opening his journal and flipping through a few pages, searching for something. )
Did you ever have to take notes, when you learned how to use your quirk?
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Date: 8/14/25 14:40 (UTC)Bakugo glances behind him when Esikko pulls the door shut, its metal bolting sounding loud in the empty hallway. He only pauses for a few steps to wait on the prince's catch up. Then returns to his walk. Not too long, though it feels that way. Between the floors intermingling jacks and aces, who the hell knows if their rooms will be in the same place each night? Fuck, the resort drops people into new locations whenever it wants!]
Haa? [What's this all of a sudden? He shoves his hands into his pocket.] Of course I took notes! What kind of idiot doesn't?
[Even geniuses have things written down.]
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Date: 8/14/25 21:29 (UTC)( But he's relieved if he aligns with Bakugo on this, scanning his pages with a small frown. )
I've heard some people, the naturally talented type, can essentially put in no work but manage things. It always frustrated me.
( But he was just curious, and so he closes his journal again, looking forward. )
I would sneak out of bed at night to study books, take notes, and so on.
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Date: 8/15/25 17:59 (UTC)[Like his damn life revolves around him. Which it does, he knows. Still ticks him off after all Esikko's done to distance and separate himself from the beast, life conspires against him.]
Clean your fucking ears out! Everyone puts in work to learn shit. Some people pick up skills faster and better than others. That doesn't give you the right to shit on their efforts!
[Bakugo's one of those naturally talented types, succeeding quickly at anything he puts his hands to. But he threw himself into each of those things 100% with all his effort. Someone trying to lessen his skill by saying he was "a natural" as if it somehow invalidated his accomplishment is asking to get their head put through the wall.]
Hmph. At least you're determined.
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Date: 8/15/25 21:47 (UTC)( Maybe that's where all of Esikko's luck has gone. Swallowed up by the luckiest dog alive. He sighs. )
Anyway, it makes me angry to think about so I need to stop bringing it up.
Instead, I'd like to focus on my own actual improvements, but... I'm not sure how? Do you have any ideas?
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Date: 8/16/25 01:31 (UTC)[He doesn't believe anyone's that intelligent or lucky. And Bakugo comes from a world where intelligence and luck can be altered via Quirks. Esikko sounds more jealous than anything else. A lucky guesser without motivation or interest isn't impossible, but highly unlikely.]
Che! You go three whole days without bringing him up and I'll buy all your meals for a week.
[Calling bullshit on Esikko's ability to do so. Even if he hates the guy, he doesn't hate Kirma enough to not talk to people about hating him.]
Haa? How the hell do you NOT know how to focus on something?!
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Date: 8/16/25 21:10 (UTC)( This is like, a majority of the annoyance, the hatred, the continued mentioning. He's so annoyed— can't one person believe that this stupid dog has stupid luck and then rubs it in?! He stomps a little in his steps, taking a deeper breath before sighing it out. )
And that is not what I meant! Look, I'll stop talking about him. Three days minimum. But I don't eat enough where food even matters, so in exchange, I want you to believe me.
...But even if you won't, whatever. Forget it. I'm talking about focusing on achievements, as in, seeing where I've improved in some sort of trackable manner? All I can see is where I've fallen short. It's important to see both sides, isn't it?
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Date: 8/17/25 02:26 (UTC)[Especially since Esikko always says it while he's bitching about the guy! Anyone with half a brain would hear the bias and instantly suspect any claim he makes about someone he obviously hates! How he hell does Esikko not hear it in his own voice? Sheesh.]
That's not how believing someone works, Prince Prick. [Baka, trading "belief" for an action.] I'm not doubting he's lucky. Just "how" lucky you say he is.
[Doesn't have anything to do with belief cause he isn't disbelieving Esikko. Anyways, Bakugo shoves the topic aside before they both get pissed.]
Haa? I've already kept track of your physical improvements!
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Date: 8/17/25 02:40 (UTC)Ah, wait. He blinks once, twice, and then readjusts the bag over his shoulder, tilting his head to look at Bakugo. )
...You've been keeping track of my physical improvements?
( He's sure he just means that he noticed, right? That he observed it, once or twice, and made a mental note. But that still has him thinking about it, a little hopeful, a little curious, a little pleased. So there were some, so it wasn't his imagination. )
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Date: 8/17/25 04:45 (UTC)Stone and light tile accents offset wooden furniture ranging from dark walnut to warm elm. A few area rugs and runners cushion the furniture. Light enough to be comfortable without feeling brilliant or sterile. Occasional green sprinkles a few plants around for something to live and avoid feeling like he's locked away as much. An even balance of homey, professional, stylish, and efficient.]
Haa?! Why the fuck would I train you, but fuck up on your progress, asshole?! I knew you wouldn't take notes!
[He stalks off towards a large entertainment center/bookshelf, eyes scanning before he reaches out and snags a notebook from a few others. Then tosses it to the table nearby.]
Put your shit down and look!
[Inside are notes taken each time they trained together. Ranging anywhere from Esikko's weight to how many pounds and kilograms he lifted. His striking speed carries from Day 1 to their last session, as well as target accuracy on his hits. Notes in neat handwriting, but Bakugo's own shorthand, fill margins and undercut tables. A very-impressively recorded training regimen.]
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