#nerd pacheco

I blame stara (@thehallstara) because we both accidentally brainrotted ourself into this.

Quick bg: nerd pacheco (they/them) is an academic who got Shelled and rolled into Hades for a season before being swapped to the Pies. Famous Owens (they/them) is a face stealing mask wearing demon who's been a tiger for a long long time and despite their evasive masks, once made the mistake of confiding in a giant peanut shell. Now they joyride across town because Nerd got superpeanutted and famous has so many problems.

It's not exactly a secret, what Nerd is doing. What they, Haruta and a constellation of players were doing across the league. Debt dissuaded few people.

Famous doesn't talk about debt or that Tuesday at all- Tigers rarely did now, after 3 debts, a fistful of decades, and an immunity that most tried not to hold a grudge over later.

Maybe Nerd should have asked earlier, before they ask for a favor over a glass of wine. A small one really. Just access to one of the more reliable necronomicons hidden in one of Hades' locked doors. Nerd had prepared for it, for an easy yes, for a no, for a list of things Nerd could give for the demon's help. 

"That's all, darling? Nerd, darling, you know I'm capable of so much more," Famous says, flashing them a grin. They let go of their drink, leaning in. "Anything at all really," they drawl out, leaning in. Nerd swallows- Famous' gaze was magnetic, even from behind their mask, and there was the ever familiar honey drawl that Nerd had liked, but the grin is predator sharp and there are alarm bells ringing in the back of their head. Famous' fingers dance along Nerd's arm- a familiar habit when Famous was feeling playful, like a tiger before a kill. 

And yet Nerd is tempted. Whatever Famous is thinking, it's not a no. And Nerd thinks, though maybe they wouldn't mention this part to Haruta, that their hot not-partner was terribly appealing when they slipped and showed the edge under that razor grin. And there was an edge, no doubt, even if they wielded it without discrimination, one Nerd wishes they knew how to posses. Even with Dr. Grackle's help, the two of them were railroaded and turned around at every step. If Famous was known for anything, it was for getting what they wanted. And Nerd thinks they know Famous maybe a little better on average, but maybe not well enough to know what Famous would ask for. 

"I, ah, I didn't realize you were so interested in necromancy- ah, no?" Nerd winces at the look Famous shoots him. 

"No, I don't care about your nerd shit," 

"It is not-"

 "Your stupid, ridiculous nerd shit that will probably get people killed again, darling, but I would never be one to judge a little murder." 

Nerd opens their mouth- debt was wholly possible to avoid and perhaps within reach, and there were studies and papers- and the words die in their mouth, because the look Famous sends them is the most honest they've ever been. Famous pats their hand. "Yes I'm sure you're very smart, the same way I'm sure the Garages and Nagomi thought themselves very clever. I don't really give a fuck, darling. But it'd be just lovely if you succeed and I want you to do so in Philly."

"Ah, so you've heard about Flattery and Nanci's plan then." Nerd says. Famous laughs, tinkling like shattering glass. "Hiroto will work herself into a fit if you ask her about it. I'm fairly certain that's why the Georgias won't talk to her about it even if all of Wild High has heard of it."

"So is that it then? You'll help as long as we do it in Philly?" Nerd asks. "In Philly, keep that information between you and Haruta, don't even tell them I'm helping you, Wilcox will scream my ear off if she hears," Famous corrects Nerd, rolling their eyes. Going through the motions, Nerd can't help but feel. Nerd covers the hand resting over their furred arm, moving it between their hands. Their hands were always chilly but they slowly start to warm between Nerd's hands. Famous seems to sigh, deflating and losing the sudden tension. 

There's none of the spark in Famous' eyes right now, no playfulness. "I'll help however you need, just make sure you beat those two to it. I never bet on losing horses, darling, so I'd like you to swear that you and Haruta will do your best to ensure Wild High doesn't see debt again."