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[Vil was incredibly pleased to see the message, and was quite prompt in answering the door… not that it was hard considering he’d been working in the living room with the door barely a few steps away.]
I see you’ve thought about my offer- please come in.
[He stepped aside to let Loki in. The pace was large and rustic, and it had certainly seen a lot of use and foot traffic given the sheer number of teenagers living there. Still, it was well kept and tidy, and aesthetically pleasing of course.
The only slight mess was the coffee table which had Vil’s latest sewing project strewn across it.]
Can I get you anything to drink before we start discussing things?
I see you’ve thought about my offer- please come in.
[He stepped aside to let Loki in. The pace was large and rustic, and it had certainly seen a lot of use and foot traffic given the sheer number of teenagers living there. Still, it was well kept and tidy, and aesthetically pleasing of course.
The only slight mess was the coffee table which had Vil’s latest sewing project strewn across it.]
Can I get you anything to drink before we start discussing things?
[Well kept and tidy was a pleasant surprise, but not unexpected. Loki nodded his head as he stepped inside, then waited politely for further direction.]
I would not object to tea. Or wine or mead, if you have either--though I don't expect those. Thank you.
I would not object to tea. Or wine or mead, if you have either--though I don't expect those. Thank you.
[The pendant is a mystery that intrigues and annoys him. He doesn't need an additional side quest during a party - doubts the elusive partner in question wants to do so either.
He entertains it anyway. The easygoing nature of the party coupled with his own soothed tension allowing it.
And when the pendant starts glowing with a brilliant light, no longer the dim flicker he'd been accustomed to for most of the evening, it's Vil that meets his gaze.
This isn't the worst person to be paired with. He puts on a show all the same - bright smile, relaxed posture and a cheerful edge to his voice. There's a song in the background growing with increasing intensity.]
It's been awhile. I would say I hope you're enjoying the evening, but it seems almost impossible not to. This is quite the show, isn't it?
He entertains it anyway. The easygoing nature of the party coupled with his own soothed tension allowing it.
And when the pendant starts glowing with a brilliant light, no longer the dim flicker he'd been accustomed to for most of the evening, it's Vil that meets his gaze.
This isn't the worst person to be paired with. He puts on a show all the same - bright smile, relaxed posture and a cheerful edge to his voice. There's a song in the background growing with increasing intensity.]
It's been awhile. I would say I hope you're enjoying the evening, but it seems almost impossible not to. This is quite the show, isn't it?
[Vil initially hadn't been looking forward to the party at all, after having just lost his boyfriend, he just wasn't in a social mood. Seeing others getting paired up soured him even more- though seeing Akechi was apparently his partner eased him somewhat.
The night was bound to be entertaining if nothing else.]
It certainly is, though less so than last year it would seem. Not that I'm complaining of course.
The night was bound to be entertaining if nothing else.]
It certainly is, though less so than last year it would seem. Not that I'm complaining of course.
A dead host with another to take his place so soon - how gracious of them to invite us, despite everyone's displeasure towards Dreamers. No, I suppose we shouldn't complain.
[The music gets louder and there's a strange compulsion in his chest, a mind focused on only one thing and a group of little creature mumbling about dancing. Ugh.]
To show our gratitude, are you willing to dance with me? It seems to be a requirement.
[The music gets louder and there's a strange compulsion in his chest, a mind focused on only one thing and a group of little creature mumbling about dancing. Ugh.]
To show our gratitude, are you willing to dance with me? It seems to be a requirement.
[While Akechi is right, the dancing is likely a requirement of some sort, such was always the way of these things, Vil wasn't about to let the other off the hook easy. Lets see just how well-rounded of a media darling this little irritable detective actually is.]
It does indeed. I hope you're up for the challenge? I won't settle for second rate dancing.
It does indeed. I hope you're up for the challenge? I won't settle for second rate dancing.
Oh, there's no need to worry. I won't let you down, though I'll admit it's been some time since I've danced with anyone.
[At those bougie little events, but they're few and far between.
He holds out a hand anyway - ever the kind, gentle prince.]
Shall we?
[At those bougie little events, but they're few and far between.
He holds out a hand anyway - ever the kind, gentle prince.]
Shall we?
[It's not a very elegant holiday gift. What Vil will find left in the kitchen for his discovery is a piece of paper cut and decorated to look like a classic ticket voucher. It reads:
To be Exchanged for One Private Spa Day Courtesy of Cater Diamond
If the Bathhouse won't let recipient in on day of their choosing, Cater Diamond will facilitate an at-home spa day including but not limited to the following responsibilities:
1. Distracting all housemates with proposed outdoor activities to minimize undo stressors.
2. Purchasing local bath products of recipient's choosing because Cater Diamond does not trust his own judgment to meet recipient's quality standards.
3. Hand-squeezing orange juice for fresh mimosas!!! ;)]
To be Exchanged for One Private Spa Day Courtesy of Cater Diamond
If the Bathhouse won't let recipient in on day of their choosing, Cater Diamond will facilitate an at-home spa day including but not limited to the following responsibilities:
1. Distracting all housemates with proposed outdoor activities to minimize undo stressors.
2. Purchasing local bath products of recipient's choosing because Cater Diamond does not trust his own judgment to meet recipient's quality standards.
3. Hand-squeezing orange juice for fresh mimosas!!! ;)]
[Vil takes the offered hand, standing with all the grace and elegance one would expect from someone so focused on beauty and the spotlight.]
Then perhaps I should lead the dance? Unless you insist of course.
[He wasn't keen on a possible second-rate dance, but if Akechi was certain he wouldn't be a disappointment... or more likely he had control issues he didn't want to think too hard about, either way Vil would accept his choice and critique his skill after if needed.
Regardless, Akechi damn well better be honored.]
Then perhaps I should lead the dance? Unless you insist of course.
[He wasn't keen on a possible second-rate dance, but if Akechi was certain he wouldn't be a disappointment... or more likely he had control issues he didn't want to think too hard about, either way Vil would accept his choice and critique his skill after if needed.
Regardless, Akechi damn well better be honored.]
[Vil stands and rounds Akechi in a sweeping motion, he fluidly leads him to the dance floor with grace that made the motion look like part of a dance itself.
The dance he starts is faster in pace, and somewhat involved. Akechi claimed some skill in dancing, and so there was no reason to bore himself if he wasn’t dealing with a novice. That said it wasn’t so involved that they wouldn’t be able to talk. Presumably. Vil would adjust if it was.]
I’m a jack of all trades but master of none. Most skills I only need to learn on a superficial level- enough to convince an audience and look good doing it.
[And Akechi is getting a twirl before Vil continues.]
That said, I suppose you could count magic to a degree. I didn’t bother to pursue my natural talents in magic until I attended Night Raven College. While I apparently have a naturally large reserve of magic to draw from, I still can’t utilize it very well.
What about you? Surely there are subjects you find yourself lacking in, or simply found them not worth pursuing.
The dance he starts is faster in pace, and somewhat involved. Akechi claimed some skill in dancing, and so there was no reason to bore himself if he wasn’t dealing with a novice. That said it wasn’t so involved that they wouldn’t be able to talk. Presumably. Vil would adjust if it was.]
I’m a jack of all trades but master of none. Most skills I only need to learn on a superficial level- enough to convince an audience and look good doing it.
[And Akechi is getting a twirl before Vil continues.]
That said, I suppose you could count magic to a degree. I didn’t bother to pursue my natural talents in magic until I attended Night Raven College. While I apparently have a naturally large reserve of magic to draw from, I still can’t utilize it very well.
What about you? Surely there are subjects you find yourself lacking in, or simply found them not worth pursuing.
Edited 2025-01-07 09:46 (UTC)
[Akechi has learned enough to not embarrass himself or any potential partner during one of the many high end gatherings he attends with Shido, on his behalf, as a celebrity. While lacking years of training, he keeps up with Vil well enough. Follows his lead. Plays the part of a perfect partner to the best of his ability.]
Perhaps this place will assist in that. It gives you an ample amount of time to train outside of the confines of your reality. I suppose that's one benefit to being trapped here.
[His eyes move to the ceiling at a question returned - what can't he do? Very little, when it comes down to it. He learned to be a detective on the fly. Became a near overnight celebrity. Ah, well-]
I suppose fishing would count. I lack the finesse required, though I have done well on yachts with proper [Cheating. High end.] equipment. Cooking as well - it's not worthwhile venture to me given the amount of instant food available. I've tried on occasion. It's never comes out well and it eats into time I need for other things.
Perhaps this place will assist in that. It gives you an ample amount of time to train outside of the confines of your reality. I suppose that's one benefit to being trapped here.
[His eyes move to the ceiling at a question returned - what can't he do? Very little, when it comes down to it. He learned to be a detective on the fly. Became a near overnight celebrity. Ah, well-]
I suppose fishing would count. I lack the finesse required, though I have done well on yachts with proper [Cheating. High end.] equipment. Cooking as well - it's not worthwhile venture to me given the amount of instant food available. I've tried on occasion. It's never comes out well and it eats into time I need for other things.
At this point it's less a matter of learning, and more of an undeveloped muscle. It's lead to its own advantage in that it's very difficult for me to exhaust my magical stamina. My spells may not be the as potent as those trained to draw deep from my power, nor are they as controlled as those forced to work around smaller reserves, but I will remain standing when all others have fallen to exhaustion.
[And he WAS going to comment about the fishing, he had his own learning experiences from it, however then Akechi makes the fatal mistake of mentioning his less-than-stellar diet, and Vil honestly can't just let that go.]
Instant food is terrible for you. You'll find yourself short on energy and you skill and hair will reflect your poor diet. Don't think media won't start hounding you about it. The least you could do is learn a bit of simple meal prep.
[And he WAS going to comment about the fishing, he had his own learning experiences from it, however then Akechi makes the fatal mistake of mentioning his less-than-stellar diet, and Vil honestly can't just let that go.]
Instant food is terrible for you. You'll find yourself short on energy and you skill and hair will reflect your poor diet. Don't think media won't start hounding you about it. The least you could do is learn a bit of simple meal prep.
No need to worry. I've been eating it daily since I was young. If I were to have any ill effects, they would have shown themselves many years ago. The convenience stores and vending machines in my reality offer healthy, suitable options. It's not all instant noodles.
[It's mostly instant noodles. 12 years of delicious konbini meals? All is well.]
In reference to your earlier comment - is there a way to develop that magical muscle so to speak? I assume it takes more than training against another individual.
[It's mostly instant noodles. 12 years of delicious konbini meals? All is well.]
In reference to your earlier comment - is there a way to develop that magical muscle so to speak? I assume it takes more than training against another individual.
That just makes it worse! If you've been eating it your whole life you wouldn't even recognize the ill effects! It's only going to get worse as you get older. [Ugh he can't believe he's offering this, but he can't allow this travesty to continue.] Really, if you're going to resort to instant garbage, just come over for dinner with us. I'll make you something better.
[Hopefully the allure of free no-effort food is enough of a motivator, it always seemed to work with the perpetually hungry state of NRC students. Akechi was a pretty average build, and was decently active, Vil wouldn't have a hard time putting together a meal that he would get the most out of.
And hopefully after a while he would notice a difference and maintain the habit of his own volition. Because clearly the world needs Akechi with more energy so he can make bad decisions with gusto.]
Yes and no. Imagine never using your legs until you're 16 years old. Can you learn to walk and run? Certainly, but unless you make it your prime focus it's unlikely that you'll become a expert ballet or tap dancer. It's not impossible, but unlikely.
[Hopefully the allure of free no-effort food is enough of a motivator, it always seemed to work with the perpetually hungry state of NRC students. Akechi was a pretty average build, and was decently active, Vil wouldn't have a hard time putting together a meal that he would get the most out of.
And hopefully after a while he would notice a difference and maintain the habit of his own volition. Because clearly the world needs Akechi with more energy so he can make bad decisions with gusto.]
Yes and no. Imagine never using your legs until you're 16 years old. Can you learn to walk and run? Certainly, but unless you make it your prime focus it's unlikely that you'll become a expert ballet or tap dancer. It's not impossible, but unlikely.
[The tempo gets faster, then slower - Akechi follows Vil's rhythm over what's happening with the music. Tries to ensure he doesn't trip over their feet with the uptick and sudden downward beat.]
I appreciate your offer. I don't mind having a meal together sometime - your company isn't unwanted. However I should clarify - in this reality, Maruki-san has taken on kitchen duty. We have an arrangement, and it's something he enjoys doing. I eat well here.
[He can't deny that. Three meals always waiting, even if Akechi doesn't indulge in all of them. He moves on to the other topic.]
To your second example, I suppose that exemplifies your first point. If you're able to outlast those around you, there's little you can't accomplish. There's no sense in being the most powerful if you burn out immediately. I have to say - I'm impressed. Few people understand the value in tenacity.
I appreciate your offer. I don't mind having a meal together sometime - your company isn't unwanted. However I should clarify - in this reality, Maruki-san has taken on kitchen duty. We have an arrangement, and it's something he enjoys doing. I eat well here.
[He can't deny that. Three meals always waiting, even if Akechi doesn't indulge in all of them. He moves on to the other topic.]
To your second example, I suppose that exemplifies your first point. If you're able to outlast those around you, there's little you can't accomplish. There's no sense in being the most powerful if you burn out immediately. I have to say - I'm impressed. Few people understand the value in tenacity.
That's still no excuse for not being able to cook for yourself. You're clearly intelligent so this isn't a matter of ability, it's a matter of laziness.
[Just gotta call him out there. He's not just going to let that sort of behavior go, especially not from one that he expects more from. Akechi can do better, so there's no reason for him not to.
And on that note, it all nicely ties in with the value of hard work and an unwavering desire for progress- at least he thinks so. There was a reason he was chosen to represent the Fairest Queen's dorm, modeled after her spirit of tenacity.]
I would say my tenacity is my ultimate skill, both in magic and without. One doesn't make it to where I am by stagnating. Everyday I strive to be a little more beautiful than I was the day before- which is more difficult than it sounds after a point.
[Just gotta call him out there. He's not just going to let that sort of behavior go, especially not from one that he expects more from. Akechi can do better, so there's no reason for him not to.
And on that note, it all nicely ties in with the value of hard work and an unwavering desire for progress- at least he thinks so. There was a reason he was chosen to represent the Fairest Queen's dorm, modeled after her spirit of tenacity.]
I would say my tenacity is my ultimate skill, both in magic and without. One doesn't make it to where I am by stagnating. Everyday I strive to be a little more beautiful than I was the day before- which is more difficult than it sounds after a point.
[There's a bitter, almost defeated, sort of look that crosses his face at the first comment. Vil is right. He doesn't have an excuse in this reality. It's a lack of desire - pure and simple. If it's not a marketable meal he can post on his blog, he doesn't particularly care what he eats every night or the sodium based hell his body is going through from all those instant meals.
Ugh.]
Then I hope for your continued success on the matter. I'm sure you'll persevere for as long as your career allows with that kind of attitude.
Ugh.]
Then I hope for your continued success on the matter. I'm sure you'll persevere for as long as your career allows with that kind of attitude.
Oh? That's quite a far cry from what you said before. What was it, now? How you were always willing to listen to someone "at the end of their career?" Really, it was an adorable little quip, and I'm glad you've you've grown past such a shallow understanding of my field.
[A child actor he may be, but he didn't put so much effort into every aspect of his career just to end it there. His father was still a very prominent actor himself, and that was the standard Vil was chasing.
It was funny how Akechi put so little effort in when it came to his fame and thought for a second that such an ignorant comment would bother him, and for that Vil needed to tease him.]
[A child actor he may be, but he didn't put so much effort into every aspect of his career just to end it there. His father was still a very prominent actor himself, and that was the standard Vil was chasing.
It was funny how Akechi put so little effort in when it came to his fame and thought for a second that such an ignorant comment would bother him, and for that Vil needed to tease him.]
[And oh is he getting quite the chuckle out of that. He knows Akechi is absolutely full of shit, but he also knows patronizing him by transparently pretending to believe him will bother him FAR more than calling him out on it... so really there's only one course of action here.]
Oh of course, we do all have such days. No offense taken.
[You can even hear the smirk in his voice.]
Though on that subject [You know, the one you hate?] how are you actually doing? Not that I expect an honest answer out of you, but my offer from before still stands.
Oh of course, we do all have such days. No offense taken.
[You can even hear the smirk in his voice.]
Though on that subject [You know, the one you hate?] how are you actually doing? Not that I expect an honest answer out of you, but my offer from before still stands.
As fine as one can be in the situation we're all in.
[His mental health HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER VIL. THANKS.]
Though let me turn that question around to you - are you doing okay? A lot has happened in the last few weeks and tonight even. The photos, the strange rooms - it could be enough to drive a person mad.
[His mental health HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER VIL. THANKS.]
Though let me turn that question around to you - are you doing okay? A lot has happened in the last few weeks and tonight even. The photos, the strange rooms - it could be enough to drive a person mad.
[This was absolutely not a conversation that Cater wanted to have. He'd been toying around with the idea of bringing things up to Vil sooner, as he noticed some oddly tense behaviors...but had brushed it off. Figured it would get better. After getting treated to some outright vitriol, however, Cater knew he needed to say something.
He waits a couple of days, until he's sure that everyone else, even Idia--especially Idia is out of the house, before he braces himself and approaches Vil.]
Hey, I need to talk to you about something.
[It was clear by his tone that this was something serious--Cater isn't smiling, his arms crossed uncomfortably in front of his chest.]
He waits a couple of days, until he's sure that everyone else, even Idia--especially Idia is out of the house, before he braces himself and approaches Vil.]
Hey, I need to talk to you about something.
[It was clear by his tone that this was something serious--Cater isn't smiling, his arms crossed uncomfortably in front of his chest.]
[Vil had been busying himself with work in recent days. With Lyney’s birthday in the horizon, he wanted to keep his mind as busy as he could- and while he was expecting interruption (welcomed it really), Cater’s demeanor immediately put him on alert.
Vil set his sewing project aside, and gave Cater his full attention.]
Of course. Is everything alright?
Vil set his sewing project aside, and gave Cater his full attention.]
Of course. Is everything alright?
[Cater takes a deep breath as he tries to figure out just what he wants to say and how to say it. Did he start at the beginning? No, no, better get straight to the most concerning incident. After a second or two of pacing, he pulls up a chair.]
There was an incident with Idia a couple nights ago. I ran into him in the hallway while I was on my way to sleep and he bit my head off just for saying hello.
[He takes another breath remembering the way Idia looked at him and pinches the bridge of his nose.]
I don’t know if you or Rook or Webby are having this issue with him—I’m pretty sure it’s just me. I’ve been trying real hard to be patient with him about his attitude but this was, like, a whole ‘nother level of vitriol I’m still not sure how to process.
There was an incident with Idia a couple nights ago. I ran into him in the hallway while I was on my way to sleep and he bit my head off just for saying hello.
[He takes another breath remembering the way Idia looked at him and pinches the bridge of his nose.]
I don’t know if you or Rook or Webby are having this issue with him—I’m pretty sure it’s just me. I’ve been trying real hard to be patient with him about his attitude but this was, like, a whole ‘nother level of vitriol I’m still not sure how to process.
Edited 2025-02-03 13:09 (UTC)
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