[he just laughs at that - and there's some amusement coming from his end even as he shakes his head and moves to pull out his ponytail so he can wring his hair out]
No - no, I just... can't keep insisting to you that Takeru wants me dead if it'll just make you more worried.
Normally I would though... [a beat] But I'm not his pet so you don't need to feel like you have to answer to him if something happens to me?
[mineo shrugs and normally he'd agree but there's a general sentiment of 'yeah but we're different'
though he'll actually pause because his eyepatch is also probably wet and it's irritating. he actually will go to remove it and put it in his pants pocket then like it's no biggie, because it isn't, because a bitch has two functioning eyes. please look at how cute he is. anyway he keeps talking]
Oh, we're friends. You can call us coworkers to his face though, he probably doesn't like hearing that we're friends.
[takeru is literally the only one who takes offense at it, mineo's chillin]
[blinking - and then a little embarrassed again, though not as much]
Oh, don't tell him I said that. About his smile. He'll make fun of me later. Don't mention anything I say at all, actually, I'll probably get in trouble. But if you wanna get along with him, I can give the few hacks I know...
[she smiles and puts a finger to her lips in a "shh!" motion. she won't tell!]
I may have bullied him into eating desserts with me yesterday after the meeting. [she will drag him kicking and screaming into indulging more, damn it.] It seemed like there were a few others who were going to try and make sure he's taken care of this week, too, but I'll check in with him later just in case.
[oh..... mineo - he isn't surprised, not really, because there's a sense that of course people would follow through after the meeting. but he is so very clearly and absurdly relieved. he breathes out a sigh, but it almost feels heavier than that - like one of his great anxieties, something that was sitting uncomfortably in his stomach, has budged a little]
.... yeah!
[a little delayed, but he still smiles about it]
... thanks. Yeah, he's a snob. He likes seasonal limited time specials and donuts the most, if you really wanna pile on the benefits for him.
I've done what I can too - I'm his partner, I have to - but... I think it's obviously better, for him to get some help forced onto him besides me. So I really do appreciate it.
[she files that away! there's a general feeling of determination - she has absolutely no intention of letting takeru (or anyone) fall too far behind, if she has anything to say about it.]
...and I'm glad to help. I'd like to see as many of us get through this as possible - even if that means annoying him into accepting my help from time to time, ahaha.
[ah.... with the feeling of determination - it's mirrored a little, in him, but it's mostly met with a feeling of admiration for her kindness. he perks up easily at that, laughing a little]
You probably annoy him less than you think. He's a really extreme case of tsundere.
[ . . . . though. he does think of something else and he - pauses. just a little.]
... and... on the topic of... partners and food....
[ . . . ]
Does Ming Yi-san have a favorite? If.... I were gonna try and talk to him this week.
He is! [she seems amused. she loves knowing what "tsundere" means.] It's pretty cute, actually.
[partners and food, though... she taps her chin at that, looking thoughtful, though there's also a feeling of - relief? whew. it sounds like things might work out okay between them.
she just hopes ming yi doesn't mess it up,,,]
He's not terribly picky - he does like to eat! But I do see him eat hong shao rou quite often. [a beat] You could probably get it from the vending machine, but I know how to cook it, if you'd like me to show you? It's just been a very, very long time since I've had to cook for myself.
Yeah! It's crazy! Tsunderes have this weird appeal - I didn't really get it before I got here. But it really makes you feel like you've earned something good when they're sweet...
[all of mineo's friends are tsunderes??? how often does he go through this -
but he does get a little embarrassed at sqx's feeling of relief, before he lets just a little bit of hope bubble up for him. yeah. he's hoping that it'll work out.]
Oh - would you show me? I definitely wanna learn. I'm figuring out how to cook a little better now, so I figure it's a great opportunity.
Oh! That's right... tomorrow is Wednesday, that's a good idea.
[wednesdays, man. so weird.]
I'm okay, I'm okay! [there's - a bit of panic, really? panic at being Perceived. but there's also a generally positive "oh..." sort of vibe that's really just touched that he even noticed.] I'm just - tired. This place makes me tired.
[ . . . . ah. there's - some awkwardness on his end. because it's just. he rubs the back of his neck and looks away for a moment, before looking back.]
... you don't have to lie. It's okay. Um - and I don't mean to call you out for lying either...
[there is - a guilt about it? that he doesn't even want to point it out but.]
... but when I can feel what you are, it's... What kind of friend would I be, if I let you get away with that? We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to but... if there's something weighing on you, I'm here to listen, you know?
You don't have to tell me you're okay when you're not. You've seen me at some low points too, after all.
there's a moment of panic when he actually calls her on it - but it softens into something a little fond and a little touched.]
Thanks, Mineo.
[she feels a little awkward, though.]
It's not that I don't want to tell, but I guess it's... [a beat. how to explain it...] ...I'm not really used to people asking? Ahaha, that probably sounds strange to say. It's not anything because of you guys, it's -
You've seen the profiles, right? I was pretty mad when I saw "making fair-weather friends" on there for me, but it's true. There aren't many people in the heavens who will actually stick by you when things get tough.
[ . . . there's just a little bit of a huff of a laugh at that - an amusement note in his emotions, but an otherwise understanding one. and maybe just a bit... concerned?]
.... I don't know if I could really make it through the heavens but - I get that. How hard it can be to find people who'll be honest with you, and stay at your side.
But... we're not friends like that, right? [he gives her a smile, aiming for reassuring] ... so even if it's a little awkward, or if you're rusty, we can talk about whatever you want. If anything, I'm sorry for taking this long to ask.
[she smiles back at him - there's gratitude, for sure; despite all the murder, she really has met some wonderful people here, hasn't she? (although a lot of the people who are kind to her keep turning out to be murderers. funny how that works.)
that conflicted, complicated feeling bubbles up again, as she thinks about what she wants to say and how she wants to say it.]
It's... in the heavens, Ming-xiong was... the first person other than my brother who ever did anything for me without asking for anything in return. [...] And he was the first person other than my brother who stayed with me even when things were difficult.
So I'm - ahaha, this is sort of pathetic. I'm happy other people are seeing how great he can be, but it's a little... it feels strange, to not be the person who's closest to him anymore.
[ . . . . he listens thoughtfully, and carefully as he walks along with her. there's warm feelings of that - of appreciation for their relationship.
but there's also the sense of understanding then, when she implies the jealousy. even if there's a spark of defensiveness on her behalf - ]
That's not pathetic, Shi-san. [ . . . ] And maybe it's hard to feel that, even if you hear it but... it's really not. If someone means that much to you, then of course you want to stay with them that intensely. You want to be the only person they look at, even if you know that's not really possible.
[his emotions then are - so understanding. if only because he's been there before. it's familiar to him.]
[she sighs, and the sigh is accompanied with - well. guilt. it's definitely guilt. wow, she really wishes she could turn off whatever's broadcasting her feelings like this.]
It'd be selfish for me to want that... for a lot of reasons. [...] And it does feel ugly. I ... I don't like how it makes me feel.
It's mine to deal with and mine to get over, though. It'll happen, eventually.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
shiftingwinds) wrote2021-02-10 07:01 pm
no subject
No - no, I just... can't keep insisting to you that Takeru wants me dead if it'll just make you more worried.
Normally I would though... [a beat] But I'm not his pet so you don't need to feel like you have to answer to him if something happens to me?
no subject
[especially with, uh, weekly murders? wowee.]
I - didn't think you were his pet?! But you're... [will he be offended if she calls them friends...] ...his... coworker, aren't you?
no subject
though he'll actually pause because his eyepatch is also probably wet and it's irritating. he actually will go to remove it and put it in his pants pocket then like it's no biggie, because it isn't, because a bitch has two functioning eyes. please look at how cute he is. anyway he keeps talking]
Oh, we're friends. You can call us coworkers to his face though, he probably doesn't like hearing that we're friends.
[takeru is literally the only one who takes offense at it, mineo's chillin]
Maybe he's the only one who thinks I'm his pet...
no subject
anyway moving on.]
Does he... actually treat you like a pet or something? That's difficult to imagine.
no subject
there is. another complicated feeling at that even as mineo's expression actually doesn't seem to change.]
.... I think he's just really nice to you, Shi-san, but that makes sense, 'cause everyone should be nice to you.
[he has no idea how to say politely takeru is a little bitch to him]
no subject
Um.
[...she's not sure she'd say he's especially nice to her...? she is pretty sure he thinks she's a moron, actually. but she doesn't actually say that.]
Well, it's kind of you to say so. [...] But it's more - he's very serious?
[she's trying to imagine takeru throwing a stick for mineo and being like "fetch" or something and honestly she just can't see it.]
no subject
Depends.
He has a lot of fun when he's making fun of people. [a beat] Too much fun.
[he's calling his friend an S]
So if you haven't seen that directly...
[he thinks that's good for her]
no subject
which probably did not make it very fun for him.]
I don't think that I have...? [...] That's kind of a shame - it would be nice to see him smile a little more.
[1/2]
He does have a nice smile. Like, besides the whole twisted grin thing.
I think his appetite's back, so chances go up if you give him some sweets! That's the instant Seaweed Mood Improver Technique.
no subject
Oh, don't tell him I said that. About his smile. He'll make fun of me later. Don't mention anything I say at all, actually, I'll probably get in trouble. But if you wanna get along with him, I can give the few hacks I know...
no subject
[she smiles and puts a finger to her lips in a "shh!" motion. she won't tell!]
I may have bullied him into eating desserts with me yesterday after the meeting. [she will drag him kicking and screaming into indulging more, damn it.] It seemed like there were a few others who were going to try and make sure he's taken care of this week, too, but I'll check in with him later just in case.
I'm glad desserts turned out to be a good choice!
no subject
.... yeah!
[a little delayed, but he still smiles about it]
... thanks. Yeah, he's a snob. He likes seasonal limited time specials and donuts the most, if you really wanna pile on the benefits for him.
I've done what I can too - I'm his partner, I have to - but... I think it's obviously better, for him to get some help forced onto him besides me. So I really do appreciate it.
no subject
[she files that away! there's a general feeling of determination - she has absolutely no intention of letting takeru (or anyone) fall too far behind, if she has anything to say about it.]
...and I'm glad to help. I'd like to see as many of us get through this as possible - even if that means annoying him into accepting my help from time to time, ahaha.
no subject
You probably annoy him less than you think. He's a really extreme case of tsundere.
[ . . . . though. he does think of something else and he - pauses. just a little.]
... and... on the topic of... partners and food....
[ . . . ]
Does Ming Yi-san have a favorite? If.... I were gonna try and talk to him this week.
no subject
[partners and food, though... she taps her chin at that, looking thoughtful, though there's also a feeling of - relief? whew. it sounds like things might work out okay between them.
she just hopes ming yi doesn't mess it up,,,]
He's not terribly picky - he does like to eat! But I do see him eat hong shao rou quite often. [a beat] You could probably get it from the vending machine, but I know how to cook it, if you'd like me to show you? It's just been a very, very long time since I've had to cook for myself.
no subject
[all of mineo's friends are tsunderes??? how often does he go through this -
but he does get a little embarrassed at sqx's feeling of relief, before he lets just a little bit of hope bubble up for him. yeah. he's hoping that it'll work out.]
Oh - would you show me? I definitely wanna learn. I'm figuring out how to cook a little better now, so I figure it's a great opportunity.
no subject
Ahaha, you're certainly right about that.
[there's sort of a fond feeling there? it's wrapped up in something a little complicated, but - she tries to shove that down, and smiles.]
Of course, I'd be glad to. Did you want to go do that now, or would you rather spend some time here at the beach first?
no subject
[straightforwardly. though.... there is the note of curiosity - about the complicated feeling.]
... um, I don't really want to pry - just because this week is weird but... are you okay, Shi-san...?
no subject
[wednesdays, man. so weird.]
I'm okay, I'm okay! [there's - a bit of panic, really? panic at being Perceived. but there's also a generally positive "oh..." sort of vibe that's really just touched that he even noticed.] I'm just - tired. This place makes me tired.
But we're getting through it, it'll be fine!
no subject
... you don't have to lie. It's okay. Um - and I don't mean to call you out for lying either...
[there is - a guilt about it? that he doesn't even want to point it out but.]
... but when I can feel what you are, it's... What kind of friend would I be, if I let you get away with that? We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to but... if there's something weighing on you, I'm here to listen, you know?
You don't have to tell me you're okay when you're not. You've seen me at some low points too, after all.
no subject
there's a moment of panic when he actually calls her on it - but it softens into something a little fond and a little touched.]
Thanks, Mineo.
[she feels a little awkward, though.]
It's not that I don't want to tell, but I guess it's... [a beat. how to explain it...] ...I'm not really used to people asking? Ahaha, that probably sounds strange to say. It's not anything because of you guys, it's -
You've seen the profiles, right? I was pretty mad when I saw "making fair-weather friends" on there for me, but it's true. There aren't many people in the heavens who will actually stick by you when things get tough.
no subject
.... I don't know if I could really make it through the heavens but - I get that. How hard it can be to find people who'll be honest with you, and stay at your side.
But... we're not friends like that, right? [he gives her a smile, aiming for reassuring] ... so even if it's a little awkward, or if you're rusty, we can talk about whatever you want. If anything, I'm sorry for taking this long to ask.
no subject
[she smiles back at him - there's gratitude, for sure; despite all the murder, she really has met some wonderful people here, hasn't she? (although a lot of the people who are kind to her keep turning out to be murderers. funny how that works.)
that conflicted, complicated feeling bubbles up again, as she thinks about what she wants to say and how she wants to say it.]
It's... in the heavens, Ming-xiong was... the first person other than my brother who ever did anything for me without asking for anything in return. [...] And he was the first person other than my brother who stayed with me even when things were difficult.
So I'm - ahaha, this is sort of pathetic. I'm happy other people are seeing how great he can be, but it's a little... it feels strange, to not be the person who's closest to him anymore.
no subject
but there's also the sense of understanding then, when she implies the jealousy. even if there's a spark of defensiveness on her behalf - ]
That's not pathetic, Shi-san. [ . . . ] And maybe it's hard to feel that, even if you hear it but... it's really not. If someone means that much to you, then of course you want to stay with them that intensely. You want to be the only person they look at, even if you know that's not really possible.
[his emotions then are - so understanding. if only because he's been there before. it's familiar to him.]
... it feels kinda ugly at the time though, huh.
no subject
[she sighs, and the sigh is accompanied with - well. guilt. it's definitely guilt. wow, she really wishes she could turn off whatever's broadcasting her feelings like this.]
It'd be selfish for me to want that... for a lot of reasons. [...] And it does feel ugly. I ... I don't like how it makes me feel.
It's mine to deal with and mine to get over, though. It'll happen, eventually.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)