Human or dancer?

[➹] Such behavior was befitting of them both, and if would have been funny, had it not been so true. He had no use for apologies because he was rarely sorry–and it wasn’t as though Peko was truly injured, except for perhaps his pride. That could be easily tended to, if Hase was careful. (Which he was not.)

He did, however, purse his lips. “Hey,” His protest was rather weak, not containing any force behind it, proving that he was not exactly bothered by the words. “Someone has to keep you out of trouble, and I’m not a puppy.” A hand was brought up to smooth down his shirt and fix any loose strands of hair.

That didn’t stop him from taking the hand in his own, tilting his head backwards to let out a laugh. “A tarantula? What for?” One dark eyebrow was arched, either amused or confusion. “So it can die in this mess?”

A quiet hum showed he was not at all concerned with his own flippant attitude towards the sanctity of life, or whatever anyone wanted to call it. “I doubt you’ll find one here.” He lowered his hand, lacing his fingers with the other’s and squeezing rather harshly. Neither of them had any time or room for gentleness or sensitivity.

His lover could act brazenly when they were together. Love in itself sounded rather lame. They had no need for anything standing in their way. Together, they were simply partners in crime in order to create the world they wished for. Much better way to explain their relationship, the younger one was proud of himself. Kindness had no place around there, when they had been deceived by everyone.

His free hand ran through Hase’s hair. On purpose, he messed up the dark strands fixed by his boyfriend. Such games were always a great way to have some quick fun. “I don’t get in trouble that often.” Seriously, the jerk was almost insulting him. To prove he was a mature individual, he barked at the other. At worst, he was a big dog, not a puppy.

The palm against his own lifted his spirits. If his hand turned red from the squeezing, Peko intended to deal with it proudly. “I just want one.” Power over something. He was fed up with always having to listen to people who only encouraged him to behave like a good kid. “You come here, and tell me my idea sucks. Asshole.”

Instead of running away, the shorter one dragged Hase closer. To ensure he wouldn’t escape. Nor disappear. Such fear was impossible to voice though. “Whatever, let’s do something else then.” To ensure the message was clear, he tiptoed, pressing a harsh kiss against Hase’s lips, bruising them. 

[➹] To be honest, things were easier to understand with a punch to the face–not that he wanted to be punched, he much preferred to be the one doing the punching, thank you very much, and other social skills kind of…escaped him.

It was a dog eat dog world, and messages were less complicated if they weren’t lost in the confusion of elongated sentences and complicated syntax. He never appreciated that shit to begin with, but he also wouldn’t sit here like a log while the other would mock him.

Hase might not have been the sharpest tool, but even he was unable to miss the brief yet conflicted expressions that passed over Peko’s face, like waves receding on the shore and only leaving upturned shells in its wake. “Not really.” He groused, eyes lowered. “There are no Inves games here.”

No dancing. No way to prove that he belonged on the streets.”You probably wouldn’t get it, considering you don’t have a belt or nothin’.” It was no intention of his to be cruel, but he wouldn’t be kind, either. Peko’s feelings were only a secondary issue to him.

Surely enough he quickly strode towards the other, to catch up, determined not to be left behind. Especially not by a shorty. “I can’t believe I’m lettin’ a twelve year old show me around.”

While Peko himself was far from being a shining beacon of light and hope, he did not appreciate how rude the nut was being. No one was allowed to deny him the right to feel the way he did, belt or not. Thus, he was not far from taking out his slingshot instead of acknowledging the words. Such action would have been counterproductive though. 

No use hitting an empty shell. The teenager cooled down quickly anyway. Hase and him were somewhat similar on this side of their personality. Bickering was part of who they would always be. “Shut up, Hase. I don’t need a belt anyway.” He hoped these words were true, and that his constant jealousy had died down since then.

The mention of his height, of rather the fact he was apparently a child, was enough for a well-aimed kick to attempt to hit Hase’s leg. “Hey asshole, I’m eighteen, fuck off.” He hissed. The subject would always be rather sensible. 

Still, behind his apparent annoyance, it was obvious there was no real animosity in his tone. “I won’t lose you somewhere, but I could if you get on my nerves.” It would be hard to ignore the bedazzled boy though.

     Okay, sure, he’s completely had his fair share of weird ass things to happen to him. Like, there was finding out his dad was an iPad; that was certainly near the top of weird things he experienced. But this…

     This had to take the cake. 

     After being assigned an apartment and ushered out of that too-white room with the weird guy who looked like he had just finished cutting someone open, Gou Shijima wandered the city, eventually coming to a stop in some kind of… park. It didn’t really seem like any of the parks in Japan, though he didn’t recognize it from America either. 

     Whatever, that was fine, he thought, drooping down onto a bench. At the sound of a small beep, he remembered his backpack, that he had forgotten to check it in that room even though he meant to and — 

     The small amount of anxiety that had built up in his chest diminished when he removed the tablet, tapping the screen to bring it to life. A small toy car, fashioned after a clown car, wriggled its way out of the backpack, too, resting on the outside of it, placed in Gou’s lap. 

     “Dad… Circus…” the photographer sighed, gripping the tablet, relieved to see the familiar face. 

     “Something is troubling you, Gou,” the somewhat digitized voice floated back, low enough that only the human would hear. “What is it?”

     “I don’t think we’re in Tokyo anymore.”

     The toy car beeped its horn in agreement, squeaking loudly, where Gou brought a finger to his mouth to hush it. It seemed to back away a little in apology. 

     Although Gou realized he should keep his identity a secret for now… he didn’t realize what a sight it was to be talking to a toy car (scolding it, even) and a tablet in the middle of a park, in broad daylight, like he was out of his mind. 

           Life had been rather calm lately. Or rather dull. To put it bluntly, Peko was reaching a level of boredom which was far from announcing anything good. He wouldn’t have called himself homesick. The term fit children, and ones who were obviously unable to adapt. One couldn’t accept to use such weak and meaningless word to define who he was. Or so he told himself, hoping he would one day believe what he was thinking.

Anything out of ordinary was welcome at this point. The teenager was past the point of caring about any sort of detail. A building on fire, someone running into a pole... Heck, the boy would have even accepted to return a missing pet to its owner without complaining too much.

The lonesome one on the bench immediately got his attention for this reason. Nobody else was around, and frankly spying was acceptable as long as he was a concerned citizen and nothing more.

Always talented with the delicate art of making up excuses to justify his behavior.

His steps were careful, shoes brushing against the ground without stomping on it. He wasn’t a dancer for nothing after all. Peko frowned, the corner of his upper lip rising up as he noticed how the stranger was talking to himself. Once again, he was surrounded by weirdos. Amazing.

The only word he caught was the name of the city. Perhaps a newcomer, or just someone who was confessing his love for his expensive tablet and planning a future wedding trip. The gadget looked cool though, and Peko wouldn’t have minded playing with it a little.

“Hive City, it’s where you are, in case you were asking.” His gaze observed the small toy on the guy’s lap, and he smirked. Wasn’t he too old for such thing? And no lockseeds were very different. Far from being a game.

Peko was the kind of guy who didn’t back down so easily, and he could have some sort of semblance of tolerance for that fact. Not quite respect, seeing as their rivalry was not of that kind. It was more fierce, scrabbling at the next rung in the ladder while trying to kick the other down.

“When you don’t give me any either.”

That was fair. Not a single lie to be detected there, and the corner of Hase’s lip curled into a smirk, like he was amused at the upfront way in which he was called out. “Just Kaito, huh?” He could manage that, as long as the red jerks didn’t suddenly begin to swarm ere.

Such a thought almost made him shudder, and he didn’t feel threatened in the slightest in the manner of how Peko stepped forward. Perhaps it wasn’t meant to be intimidating though, but instead just a proof of resolve.

The words about his old leader were enough to allow him to relax a little. Hase and Raid Wild suffered from a numeral inferiority here. Not Peko’s problem obviously. His tongue ran against the back of his teeth, twisting a little to keep nonsense from escaping his lips once again. Perhaps some secrets were meant to be kept. The future kind of sucked too, to be honest. 

There was no reason to grab Hase’s hand to guide him around. Even if his fingers would certainly be warm and skilled at sewing and punching everything. Peko wasn’t keen on doing either though, so he simply gestured towards what was surrounding them. His hand traced half of a circle in the air. “It does suck, yeah. But at least we can do whatever we want.”

Surely, they wouldn’t get bored too quickly. “I can’t believe I’m helping a bee around.” His tone was mocking, albeit lighter than before. Proof he was not trying to gain points in an endless bickering. 

He paused and tilted his head at the sound, as well as the cry of pain. That sounded familiar, and Hase gracefully stepped inside of the store, snorting in amusement. Maybe he wasn’t the nicest, but the way the other got fired up so much was rather amusing.

(And rather cute.)

“Don’t blame me.” The defensive came rather easily, as if to show he wasn’t offended nor off-put by his boyfriend’s pain. “It’s not my fault you’re clumsy.” Peko seemed to lack grace wherever he was, and Hase could immediately tell that this was his Peko.

A dancer couldn't have been clumsy, it would have been unfit. Peko felt a dull feeling in his chest upon realizing he wasn't truly one any longer. At least, he had stopped belonging with a team. "Whatever, asshole. I don't need a damn puppy to follow me around." Fine, between the two of them, he certainly fit the role better, yet there was a certain thrill found in aggravating his boyfriend.

His feet guided him towards the other, and he extended a hand towards Hase, palm opened. His gaze averted the other though. Needless to say, he didn't want to look as if affection mattered to him. The constant fear of being left behind once more remained. "I want a tarantula. Or any other big spider."

That didn’t get rid of all the irritation as he looked at the other, but he managed to get his cap back, right as the other offered it back to him, despite leaving his own hair to be in disarray. The yellow ninja was not blind to see the expression on his face.

“I guess.” His voice was a little solemn, and he gave a one shouldered shrug as he placed the cap back over his own head, feeling slightly more at ease. The boy in front of him was upset, probably before they had…run into each other. (The other had yet to apologize properly.)

Leaving him here, sad and alone, didn’t seem to be an option, no matter how much he might have dislike the company of the taller one. There was an unsettled feeling in the bottom of his stomach.

The object could have been more important than a more accessory, just as his bolo tie had always been. Whatever though, by handing it back, Peko had done enough to prove he wasn't as much of a jerk as he could have been. Nothing else mattered much.

"Nagi? I'm Peko." He could work out with a short introduction. The teenager glanced at the hand, unsure of how he was meant to interpret the gesture. Was it the end of their little fight? Fine.

With no real destination in mind, except maybe not to leave the sector he was in for fear he wouldn’t be able to find his way back, Shinji had just let his feet wander here and there until he either got tired or he found something to do.  The city was huge, he was likely to find something before needed to sleep, so odds were that -

Hey, what do you want?

After taking a couple of seconds, listening to what the one who needed to see a hairdressed had to see, Peko revised his judgement a little. The man sounded rather embarrassed, if only from the way he was mumbling by now. That was a good indication he wasn't at ease. Peko didn't know anything to assure them it was okay beyond shrugging though. The frown of his face died down gradually anyway.

[➹] Ryouji let out a long drawn sigh as he scoured the streets. Really, things had fallen apart rather quickly ever since his friendly city goers had come into this strange…alternate version of their home? Whatever, he wasn’t too interested in this place, even if it might be fun to see if he could find himself–

Inappropriately, he wondered if he looked just as hot here as he normally did.

Ah, well, probably not. He ran his fingers through neatly combed hair as his mind considered mapping out different choices and possibilities. He had a few fairly good guesses as to where he would find Peko, but he also didn’t want to waste any more time than was necessary.

(Causing destruction, just because he could, was awfully tempting. Even if he wouldn’t do it in such a callous manner, unknowingly the opposite of himself in this city.)

Sure, he had his boyfriend, but that wasn't his priority. Not when he was busy pitying himself. Agile, Peko climbed over a shelf to reach the farther part of the shop. Spiders had always been interesting. Kind of pretty and dangerous. If only he could have poisoned people getting on his nerves. His thoughts kept being heavy and he took a moment to observe an empty water tank, to empty his mind.

The one who shared his identity and lived in his world, how was he? As weak as he had been, forgotten in Zawame in the middle of the fight. Or stronger, still able to wear his Baron uniform instead of rejecting everything he once cared for. There was no point dwelling on the question, and he stuck his tongue out at the person he saw. Not everything had to be so sad all the damn time.

Before he managed to reach his destination, a voice startled him. Enough for Peko's foot to collide with an empty bird cage. He let out a loud and pissed off sound, before using his second foot to kick the metallic object. Obviously, regrets were quick to follow. “The fuck are you calling me for?!” That was his Hase, wasn't it? The only one foolish enough to run after him. “I hit my foot because of you!”

If that was the case, was the brat trying to say that he was simply going to roll over and lose? It sounded far from a threat, but Hase had heard the words too often to be entirely unaffected. You’re stupid and it’s going to be the death of you.

“Yeah.” He agreed gruffly, scuffing his shoe against the ground roughly. “Seems you guys can back it up better.” Clearly he was not pleased by this, but the words were spoken low enough that it could be argued he hadn’t meant to say it aloud at all.

His head snapped up rather quickly, and a finger was pointed at the other, perhaps moving a little too close to his face. “Shouldn’t you address me with more respect or somethin’? I’m your elder.”

It appeared that he wasn’t wiser than the other, but at least he didn’t name himself after chocolate. Even if the name fit the other, and was a little cute.

(Honestly, that was beyond the point.)

His thumb got a little higher, against his lower lip. He could felt his teeth underneath the tender skin. All of them were still here, unlike comrades and old friends which would never be welcome ever again. Respect was not a word the younger one had ever cared about. Kaito had been respected, for his courage (foolishness) and pride (so stubborn and hurt, to the point of shattering everything), Hase had no value in comparison.

The back of his hand pushed the finger too close for his liking. Not quite a slap, albeit close to a warning anyway. “Zack is my elder too, and you don't hear me spouting honorific nonsense at him. Nor I do it with Kouta.” As for his attitude, Peko had no intention to apologize. Such a waste of his time. “And don't talk to me about respect when you don't give me any either.”

His body stepped forward, closing the distance he tried to conserve until that point. Hase was too tall, and yellow. Shining like a bee on a dance floor. None of that was appreciated, and he found himself observing his face for much time that it was necessary. “Kaito-san, yes. I don't know about anybody else.”

            Eventually, he found himself on a quieter street, away from some of the more dangerous happenings in the sector. At least, as quiet as it could get, anyway. Figuring now would have been a great time to finally answer his phone, Mitsuzane took it out. As he pressed the power button to turn on his phone, Mitsuzane spotted a figure all too familiar.  

His feet hit the pavement without making too much sound, just as his gaze drifted from one corner to another. Better be prepared for the worst. Nothing good ever happened in the first place. Hase was going to be pissed, especially since he had opted to come here without any real reason, except enjoying himself. Some kind of messed up adventures.

From:Kaito

From: Peko

From: Kaito

From: Peko

(1/2) Six! I’m hiding mostly. And trying not to be seen by anyone.

(2/2) Be careful! 

From: Kaito 

From: Peko

Why were the small ones the ones that had the tempers? Nagi’s jaw dropped a little bit upon seeing the other place his cap on his own head, as though it was his all along, and the boy in yellow was just conveniently holding onto it for him. Totally unfair.

“I’m away from home too.” He mumbled, his mood suddenly plummeting. His family certainly was not here, and the loneliness seemed to haunt him, especially at night when there were only strange noises coming from his district and no steady breathing coming from someone only a few feet away.

Nagi didn’t try to reach for his cap back. “I guess I should have thought about the people behind him.” His voice was dejected, heavy with having to admit his mistake. “But you shouldn’t have run into me either!” Clearly he was unwilling to accept all the responsibility.

The shorter one scratched his neck, gaze fascinated by the ground. The zoo suddenly appeared silent, in spite of the animals all around. Great, that moron had managed to ruin his day. Being unfair was acceptable somehow, if he could protect his heart.

"Yeah, yeah, my bad." His words were so tainted with annoyance that it was impossible to hear an ounce of sincerity in them. After a moment, Peko took off the cap. The boy ignored how messy his hair probably was, opting to hand it back instead.

                He remembered, vaguely, how the particular person before him was one that wasn’t willing to let him back into the dance team when he was spotted from a far. And that’s how it was supposed to be, the teen figured. Them dancing in the distance. Yet, after coming to Hive, he no longer had to worry about that. That’s what he though. But now not only Kouta, not only his brother, but slowly, others were coming too. Others that knew what he had done. Others that would disrupt the thing balance of his life here. 

                But he figured that would be fine. After all, actually attempting to enjoy life here, that was practically the same thing as running away from the problems he formed at Zawame.

Micchi had caused more grief he could repair, if he even wished to fix anything at all. None of his business though. Peko refused to be part of such mascarade. Games were meant for children, and they couldn't be ones any longer, not when they were shattered and threw the pieces at each other to show their pain.

Foolishly though, he refused to let go. Blood rushed inside his legs as he lurched forward. There was no aim, no concept nor clear idea in his mind. Peko only found himself walking next to Micchi without understanding how or why. Asking questions was not the same as getting answers though.