[but feel free to keep saying it, ann. because see above: sucker for praise.
kaiba turns back to his coffee, taking a hearty sip. they weren't exactly brewing gourmet and it was a far cry from what he enjoyed back in japan, but there was something nostalgic about the flavor. and something satisfying about a hard day's work, knowing that he was responsible for the roof over their heads and the drinks in their hands.]
I guess if we're gonna be stuck down here, we may as well try to make ourselves at home. At least for now.
[home. what a wretched word. he tries to think about it as little as possible, about the things and the people left behind.]
[ She's still dead set on killing Lucifer and whoever else stands in her way, even if she knows damn well she can't do it on her own. But someday she'll have a group of carefully selected individuals ready, and when that time comes, literal God better come down and help anyone who stands in their way.
That day is not today, however. She reaching out to stir her tea with her straw before she takes a sip.]
Anyways, being down here sucks, but it meant I got to meet you. So, I'm glad for that. But I promise I'm going to bust us out of here no matter what.
[ It's giving her something to work towards, at least, even if there's a good chance it won't end so well. Even if there's an even better chance that she'll be returning home to a non existent world. ]
She is. And no, she's not pissed off at you at all. I haven't had any need to let her do her thing since a few weeks ago, but she seems content enough.
[and it was still pretty weird, accepting that ann had another person inside of herself. another person but the same person, another body but the same body, another face but the same face. who heard the same things and said the same things only different. who looked so cruel, so unkind, so hard to reconcile with this bubbly girl, smiling so bright.
maybe he really was cursed. because the further he ran away from magic, the faster it seemed to catch up with him.]
Not to put a damper on things, but I hope it doesn't come to that again. Hurting you, I mean.
[his fingers ghost over her wrist. extra reassurance, maybe, if only for himself.]
Both of you. Either of you. She might be made for that, but you certainly aren't.
[ It's a shame that she can't show Kaiba the shit show mess that her world has turned into. Fused with the Metaverse and reality with people being brainwashed by a literal phone app that decided it was a God and turned itself into the Ark of the Covenant. It's all super unbelievable, but he'd have certainly been a huge asset to stopping the chaos. Or just staring in disbelief, maybe. ]
I don't care about myself. I care about you, and like two other people here. You guys are the ones I don't want to get hurt. I don't give a shit about what happens to me, though.
[ It's not a lie, either. She doesn't necessarily want to die or anything, but also, it is what it is. She places her free hand over is with a small smile. ]
You worry too much. We're both okay now, and anyways, that's what she's there for. Back up and assistance.
[sharply, suddenly, seemingly without warning, seto slams his cup down and shouts:]
Bullshit!
[well. maybe that got carmen's attention. maybe just a little.
but he can't help it. somehow, hearing I don't care, I don't give a shit sets him off. and he sounds mad. but it isn't at ann, not really. it's her attitude, her lack of compassion and lack of concern for herself -- it rubs him the wrong way, like fire on his skin. and shockingly enough, perhaps for the first time in his life, he's mad: mad for someone else.]
That's bullshit and you know it! Of course you should care! Because you're...
[oops. can't take it back now. he retreats to a softer tone, falls back on that cooler facade, but it's too late.]
[ Holy shit. Ann's quiet, blinking up at him, gaze traveling from his mug back to his face, to his mug and then finally directly back up to his fiery blue gaze. This is different -- she's seen him yell at other people, but he hasn't really yelled at her. Not quite like this, at least.
He sounds mad, but as his tirade goes on, she realizes that it's not entirely directed towards her, and it's not really aimed at her out of rage but out of... caring. If that even makes sense, but it does to her. ]
Kaiba, that's really sweet...
[ It is, too. Her cheeks burn a bright pink, and she glances off to the side for a moment. ]
Seriously though, you're my priority. If it wasn't for you, I'd have gone nuts and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. You're worth caring about too, y'know. More than worth it, in fact.
[kaiba still seems awfully put out. or maybe that's just his default expression. regardless, he looks away too, realizing he's just as guilty.]
I never said it was easy. Honestly, I can't say I care that much about myself either. I have to keep it up for appearances, and there's no question that I'm the richest, smartest, most talented man in this world or any other and it's not even a contest, but...
[his fingers drum on the counter. nervous, tentative, almost frenetic.]
Someone told me a long time ago I wouldn't amount to anything. And I guess it kinda stuck with me, strange as that sounds.
[ Glancing back at him, she reaches over to place a hand over his nervous one again, shaking her head. ]
Whoever told you that was dead wrong. You just said it yourself, you're the richest, smartest, and most talented man in this world and any other without any shadow of a doubt. But you should care about yourself too, right? It doesn't sound strange, I've had people say stuff like that to me, too. Which makes it all the better when you prove them wrong and force everyone who agreed with them to watch as you rub it into their faces.
[ Giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she lets it go, wanting him to have his freedom if he so desires it. ]
Anyways, whoever said that can get bent. You definitely have people who love and care about you, especially here.
[kaiba scoffs at the memory, expression turning a bit twisted.]
He got bent, all right. Tripped and fell out a twenty story window.
[and he can't help but think back to that nightmare, what ann told him: that people get what they deserve.
belatedly he remembers that this was supposed to be celebration, not an opportunity to grumble and grouse, so he gets up and slips behind the counter to rummage for something. a minute or two later, he pulls out a crepe from one of the windows -- strawberry, of course -- and sets it on a plate for ann to enjoy.]
Here. Sorry I'm out of candles, so you'll have to use your imagination.
[somewhat softer, he notes:]
Happy birthday to you too, Carmen. Thanks for looking after Ann.
[ She's got very little sympathy for the man who tried to drag Kaiba down, thanks. What she does want to know, however -- why is Seto down here and not him? In the big scheme of things it's for the best, probably. Oil and water don't mix real well, after all.
She blinks as he suddenly stands up, and her head tips to the side until he reveals the culinary delight that is the strawberry crepe, and she visibly lights up. She's a sucker for sweets, and he knows damn well that this one happens to be her absolute favorite. ]
Wow! Thanks, you didn't have to do that! Have I told you lately how you're the absolute best? Because if I haven't, I'm telling you now~
[ Because yes, the way to this girl's heart is cute things and crepes, both of which Kaiba has nailed. Good job, sir! ]
I'm really lucky to have Carmen, it's true. It's weird, she's been with me my whole life, but I didn't even really know it until a year and a half ago.
[ Carmen thrives on chaos and the thrill of battle and the rebellion she was born from. It also feels like she's somehow getting stronger, even outside of battle situations, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, either. ]
Blue Eyes is both beautiful and powerful, too! I'm glad you've had her. It is a little hard, yeah, but also... it's comforting, right? Even if we can't always see them, they're there. You're never quite alone.
[he doesn't talk about it a whole lot, partially because people wouldn't understand but also because it was a touchy subject. it was a weak spot, a point of vulnerability, much like his brother. blue-eyes was built for battle, same as carmen, but she was so much more than that. she was a dragon, a woman. and now an adorable little whelp under his care.
you're never quite alone, she says. and she says it so easily, despite being ostracized. an outcast who couldn't even care about herself.]
You don't think you're the same? Beautiful and powerful?
[of course not. but he brings it up anyway to underscore his claim, that she was someone worth caring about.]
[ The fact that the human woman, Kisara, is the actual incarnation of the Blue Eyes is amazing. It's unfortunate that she's here, of course, but for Kaiba's sake... maybe it was comforting to an extent. She's only spoken to the woman a small handful of times but she seems like a kind, quiet soul. Unlike the Blue Eyes, which is big and bold and powerful and all attention commanding. The contrast is perfect, really. ]
[nope, too late. he found a metaphor he likes and he's sticking with it. complete with ridiculously over-the-top hand gestures, waving his claws like paws. because only ann takamaki can get him to act like a complete dork. or rather act like an actual human being with an actual sense of humor who actually knows how to enjoy himself.]
Beautiful, powerful, deadly. Just like a panther, lurking in the dark.
[wow seto. so flattering. much compliment, very praise.]
But like, a really, really clumsy one. So more of a big kitty. A kitty who can set things on fire.
[ Wow. What the fuck even is this. She watches all of his movements wearily, and for a split second, that sounds sincere. Huh. Maybe the moniker 'Panther' wasn't a bad choice after all. Certainly better than 'Sexy Cat' like the boys wanted. ]
Wow, you really think so--
[ Nope. The other shoe falls, and she's not even offended. She snorts into her tea, the MOST ladylike here, before she sits up straight, trying not to choke to death on her own delicious drink. ]
Sssssoooo a derpy fire cat, huh? I can't... I can't even argue with that.
...Actually, I didn't think about that. That sounds a whole lot better than using you as a chair or a pillow, now that I think about it.
[ Well, maybe not hacking up hairballs all over the carpet but whatever. It doesn't matter. ]
And not just your stuff. I've now been given permission to sit on whoever I want and knock everyone else's things around too. It's all fair game now and it's all your fault.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-11-13 10:13 pm (UTC)[but feel free to keep saying it, ann. because see above: sucker for praise.
kaiba turns back to his coffee, taking a hearty sip. they weren't exactly brewing gourmet and it was a far cry from what he enjoyed back in japan, but there was something nostalgic about the flavor. and something satisfying about a hard day's work, knowing that he was responsible for the roof over their heads and the drinks in their hands.]
I guess if we're gonna be stuck down here, we may as well try to make ourselves at home. At least for now.
[home. what a wretched word. he tries to think about it as little as possible, about the things and the people left behind.]
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 12:01 am (UTC)[ She's still dead set on killing Lucifer and whoever else stands in her way, even if she knows damn well she can't do it on her own. But someday she'll have a group of carefully selected individuals ready, and when that time comes, literal God better come down and help anyone who stands in their way.
That day is not today, however. She reaching out to stir her tea with her straw before she takes a sip.]
Anyways, being down here sucks, but it meant I got to meet you. So, I'm glad for that. But I promise I'm going to bust us out of here no matter what.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 12:10 am (UTC)[but he also knows ann won't be dissuaded from her suicide mission, so he drops it. at least for now.]
How's Carmen? Back to full strength, I presume? And probably pretty pissed at me too.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 12:15 am (UTC)[ She takes another sip before she straightens. ]
I like a challenge.
[ It's giving her something to work towards, at least, even if there's a good chance it won't end so well. Even if there's an even better chance that she'll be returning home to a non existent world. ]
She is. And no, she's not pissed off at you at all. I haven't had any need to let her do her thing since a few weeks ago, but she seems content enough.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 01:39 am (UTC)[and it was still pretty weird, accepting that ann had another person inside of herself. another person but the same person, another body but the same body, another face but the same face. who heard the same things and said the same things only different. who looked so cruel, so unkind, so hard to reconcile with this bubbly girl, smiling so bright.
maybe he really was cursed. because the further he ran away from magic, the faster it seemed to catch up with him.]
Not to put a damper on things, but I hope it doesn't come to that again. Hurting you, I mean.
[his fingers ghost over her wrist. extra reassurance, maybe, if only for himself.]
Both of you. Either of you. She might be made for that, but you certainly aren't.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 01:55 am (UTC)I don't care about myself. I care about you, and like two other people here. You guys are the ones I don't want to get hurt. I don't give a shit about what happens to me, though.
[ It's not a lie, either. She doesn't necessarily want to die or anything, but also, it is what it is. She places her free hand over is with a small smile. ]
You worry too much. We're both okay now, and anyways, that's what she's there for. Back up and assistance.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 02:57 am (UTC)Bullshit!
[well. maybe that got carmen's attention. maybe just a little.
but he can't help it. somehow, hearing I don't care, I don't give a shit sets him off. and he sounds mad. but it isn't at ann, not really. it's her attitude, her lack of compassion and lack of concern for herself -- it rubs him the wrong way, like fire on his skin. and shockingly enough, perhaps for the first time in his life, he's mad: mad for someone else.]
That's bullshit and you know it! Of course you should care! Because you're...
[oops. can't take it back now. he retreats to a softer tone, falls back on that cooler facade, but it's too late.]
...because you're someone worth caring about.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 03:14 am (UTC)He sounds mad, but as his tirade goes on, she realizes that it's not entirely directed towards her, and it's not really aimed at her out of rage but out of... caring. If that even makes sense, but it does to her. ]
Kaiba, that's really sweet...
[ It is, too. Her cheeks burn a bright pink, and she glances off to the side for a moment. ]
Seriously though, you're my priority. If it wasn't for you, I'd have gone nuts and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. You're worth caring about too, y'know. More than worth it, in fact.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 03:30 am (UTC)[and just to clarify, just so she can't wriggle out of it, just so neither of them can:]
Not about me. About yourself.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 03:35 am (UTC)[ If she lies and says okay, that'll make everything better. And she'll at least make an attempt. ]
Thank you for caring, by the way. It does mean a lot.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 03:52 am (UTC)I never said it was easy. Honestly, I can't say I care that much about myself either. I have to keep it up for appearances, and there's no question that I'm the richest, smartest, most talented man in this world or any other and it's not even a contest, but...
[his fingers drum on the counter. nervous, tentative, almost frenetic.]
Someone told me a long time ago I wouldn't amount to anything. And I guess it kinda stuck with me, strange as that sounds.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 08:19 am (UTC)Whoever told you that was dead wrong. You just said it yourself, you're the richest, smartest, and most talented man in this world and any other without any shadow of a doubt. But you should care about yourself too, right? It doesn't sound strange, I've had people say stuff like that to me, too. Which makes it all the better when you prove them wrong and force everyone who agreed with them to watch as you rub it into their faces.
[ Giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she lets it go, wanting him to have his freedom if he so desires it. ]
Anyways, whoever said that can get bent. You definitely have people who love and care about you, especially here.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 05:57 pm (UTC)He got bent, all right. Tripped and fell out a twenty story window.
[and he can't help but think back to that nightmare, what ann told him: that people get what they deserve.
belatedly he remembers that this was supposed to be celebration, not an opportunity to grumble and grouse, so he gets up and slips behind the counter to rummage for something. a minute or two later, he pulls out a crepe from one of the windows -- strawberry, of course -- and sets it on a plate for ann to enjoy.]
Here. Sorry I'm out of candles, so you'll have to use your imagination.
[somewhat softer, he notes:]
Happy birthday to you too, Carmen. Thanks for looking after Ann.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 06:20 pm (UTC)[ She's got very little sympathy for the man who tried to drag Kaiba down, thanks. What she does want to know, however -- why is Seto down here and not him? In the big scheme of things it's for the best, probably. Oil and water don't mix real well, after all.
She blinks as he suddenly stands up, and her head tips to the side until he reveals the culinary delight that is the strawberry crepe, and she visibly lights up. She's a sucker for sweets, and he knows damn well that this one happens to be her absolute favorite. ]
Wow! Thanks, you didn't have to do that! Have I told you lately how you're the absolute best? Because if I haven't, I'm telling you now~
[ Because yes, the way to this girl's heart is cute things and crepes, both of which Kaiba has nailed. Good job, sir! ]
I'm really lucky to have Carmen, it's true. It's weird, she's been with me my whole life, but I didn't even really know it until a year and a half ago.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 06:58 pm (UTC)[a really, really violent one. but an angel all the same. and he can't help but smile at the thought of it.]
Blue-Eyes has always been with me too. Funny how that works, kinda hard to wrap your head around... but I guess it's just what we deserve.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 07:13 pm (UTC)Blue Eyes is both beautiful and powerful, too! I'm glad you've had her. It is a little hard, yeah, but also... it's comforting, right? Even if we can't always see them, they're there. You're never quite alone.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 07:26 pm (UTC)[he doesn't talk about it a whole lot, partially because people wouldn't understand but also because it was a touchy subject. it was a weak spot, a point of vulnerability, much like his brother. blue-eyes was built for battle, same as carmen, but she was so much more than that. she was a dragon, a woman. and now an adorable little whelp under his care.
you're never quite alone, she says. and she says it so easily, despite being ostracized. an outcast who couldn't even care about herself.]
You don't think you're the same? Beautiful and powerful?
[of course not. but he brings it up anyway to underscore his claim, that she was someone worth caring about.]
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 07:45 pm (UTC)[ The fact that the human woman, Kisara, is the actual incarnation of the Blue Eyes is amazing. It's unfortunate that she's here, of course, but for Kaiba's sake... maybe it was comforting to an extent. She's only spoken to the woman a small handful of times but she seems like a kind, quiet soul. Unlike the Blue Eyes, which is big and bold and powerful and all attention commanding. The contrast is perfect, really. ]
Me? Hell no. I'm just me, and I'm okay with that.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 07:52 pm (UTC)Beautiful, powerful, deadly. Just like a panther, lurking in the dark.
[wow seto. so flattering. much compliment, very praise.]
But like, a really, really clumsy one. So more of a big kitty. A kitty who can set things on fire.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 08:08 pm (UTC)Wow, you really think so--
[ Nope. The other shoe falls, and she's not even offended. She snorts into her tea, the MOST ladylike here, before she sits up straight, trying not to choke to death on her own delicious drink. ]
Sssssoooo a derpy fire cat, huh? I can't... I can't even argue with that.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 08:20 pm (UTC)[he offers what's left of his coffee in a mock toast.]
But I think I'm okay with that. If you're okay with a handsome, regal, majestic dragon leading the way, that is.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 08:31 pm (UTC)[ She lifts her glass and lightly clinks it against his, and unfortunately for Seto, she's looking real amused again. ]
Cats are good for being lazy. And laying around on things. And since you're a big, handsome, regal, majestic dragon, you wouldn't mind, right~?
[ Go on, Seto. Answer that, why don't you... ]
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 08:41 pm (UTC)[look. he answered. although maybe he shouldn't have. he really hates this "having friends" thing.]
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 08:44 pm (UTC)[ Well, maybe not hacking up hairballs all over the carpet but whatever. It doesn't matter. ]
And not just your stuff. I've now been given permission to sit on whoever I want and knock everyone else's things around too. It's all fair game now and it's all your fault.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-14 08:48 pm (UTC)[or both. maybe neither. but he's feeling just playful enough to tease.]
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