#story thread

"I'm going to ask Bakugou out." Mina flipped through her magazine, laying belly down on her bed, feet in the air. Kiri gave her no reply, sputtering noiselessly at her outburst. When she raised a brow at him, he spun around onto his knees, hands slammed down on the bed.

"You can't do that! You KNOW I've had a thing for him since USJ!" Kiri sounded offended as he glared at his close friend. "That totally breaks the girl code, don't you think?" Mina just laughed and closed her magazine.

"Maybe, but you obviously aren't growing a pair any time soon. So I'm just gunna ask because I like him too. I've been holding off to give you a chance, but no longer, my dear." Kiri floundered, glaring at the sheets, his mind working hard.

"Let's just both ask him out? Whoever he chooses gets to date him, the other is happy for them. And if he picks neither, then that's fine too. Deal?" Kiri held out a hand, watching Mina's face.

She could tell he was desperate, and if this was the push he needed, she'd help. And if she got to date her crush in the end, it was still worth it. So she shook Kiri's hand.

--

"Bakugou! Please go out with me!" Baku was cornered by two of his idiot squad, startled as they bowed and spoke in tandem. He didn't miss the slight glare shared between the friends. He ignored it. "What!? Why the fuck would I date either of you idiots!?"

Neither flinched at his harsh words, they were used to it. "Because! You don't have to date either of us!" "But we both like you and are sick of waiting. So please, give us an answer?" Kiri started, and Mina finished.

Baku was taken back, looking at the two morons who sent him near puppy dog eyed looks. "I'm not going to choose between you two!" They both sighed, almost disappointed. "I should've have to choose, who says I can't date you both?!"

The blonde stormed away before either could completely process what he'd said. "We can try a date Friday night, both of you, and I." He threw over his shoulder.

"If that's fine with you two. If not, I'm not picking between you." Baku added the last bit almost as an afterthought before storming out. It took a second for Kiri and Mina to snap out of their surprise, but when they did, their happy screams could be heard through the dorms.

--

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 9:40 PM

@Bunny (SS/07) Your name is Paciano Salvador, also known as Problem Sleuth. You walk through the streets, hands in your coat pockets with the brimof your hat low over your eyes. Slick invited you over, gave you the coords, and now you're on your way to the jazz club he's told you about. You get there and well, it was a real sight. Quite classy, really. You hum to yourself before walking in, only to be stopped by the guy on the lookout for flatfoots like you. You give him a look and you say you're looking for Spades Slick. You don't need trouble this early into the night, come on.

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 9:47 PM

The bouncer chuckles. Big Dersite fellow. Same or similar build to the one and only Hearts Boxcars. He cracks his knuckles, the freshly buffed shell of his fingers catching almost as much light as the clunky jewelry adorning them. They're the thick kind of rings designed to inspire respect and, if necessary, inflict serious pain. He leans in close to Sleuth and says, "Yeah? Well Spades Slick ain't lookin' for you hot shot. So how's about you tuck your coat tails between your legs and--" A man has never gone so quickly from 1 to 100 in terms of fear. He suddenly stands upright as you lay your hand on the slewfoot's shoulder from behind. You give his shoulder a shake, locking your eye on the bouncer. "This is that mop headed friend of mine I told you about," you say, sneering. He mutters his apologies, says he was just having a little fun, see, no harm, no foul, won't happen again. "Damn straight it won't happen again," you growl, steering Sleuth into the club. The Blue Midnight is one of your pride and joys. The front entrance is dark and understated but behind the curtain is an explosion of lights and life. You're grinning proudly as you start walking with purpose towards a back room. "Find the place alright?" you ask.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 9:52 PM

As the Dersite talked, you only stared at him, knowing full well that Slick would be here. Otherwise you'd probably just beat the guy up. That wouldn't have gone well though. The police strolling in at a club just to beat up a guy. The hand on his shoulder catches your attention and Slick appears. 'Mop headed friend.' Harsh. Your hair isn't that bad, jeez. In other news, you're happy he's here to stop something from going bad or totally neutral. You actually feel a smile come up when the bouncer backs off and you get led through the curtains where you whistle a bit. You smile a bit, giving him a bit of that smile of yours, "It's a real good place you got. I presume it's one of your crowned jewel establishments?"(edited)

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 9:55 PM

"Totally legitimate, too," you say, shooting him a smile of your own. As you walk, cigarette girl falls in stride and you pluck a pack from the box and pass it to Sleuth. "Here, on the house. Let's sit." You're in the back, now. A dim lounge behind the stage with a large, round table that can be curtained off. Looks like the sort of place a gangster might discuss private business. Go figure. "So. Whiskey, huh?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:00 PM

You take the cigarette goddamn you need it and you light it with that lighter of intricate design you have, slipping it back into your pocket before you're brought to the back room. Dark, easy on the eyes. Secluded. Nice. You shrug, giving him a smirk of sorts, no malice behind it, just a playful smirk, "I usually have it when I'm invited to drink. Usually with the white queen."

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:05 PM

"Oh ho, the night's barely begun and Sleuth is kissing queenie's ass," you tease, grabbing his arm and giving him a shake. "You know she fucked Snowman, right? They really went at it, I heard. Shit she's gotta be disgraced. And that's not a word I use often, Sleuth, but fuck, man. You're really gonna keep jumping at every chance to brown nose her even after all that?" You shake your head with a chuckle. "I thought I'd at least get tipsy before you pissed me off."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:07 PM

"No, she invites me, not the other way around," at the words of what happened between her and Snowman however, you pause. Cigarette on your lips before you take a long drag -- breathe, Paciano, don't let him get to you -- and you chuckle a little. "I at least thought this would be a night between us, not them."

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:11 PM

"I'm not the one who brought em up," you say. But you'll move on because you certainly didn't want to talk about either of the queens tonight. You're in a good mood, come hell or high water. The cigarette girl returns with two bottles of the Good Shit™ and two glasses. She sets them down and gives Sleuth a wink before sauntering off. You gotta remind yourself they're paid to do that. Dust off, ya filthy skirt. "How's that wound of yours doin'?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:14 PM

You nod, lean back a little and the wink doesn't go unnoticed. You don't clap back though. Take a long drag, breathe it out slowly that the smoke curls through the room as it rose. The question makes you look up as you take your hat off, and you hum. "Not as bad as you left me. A twinge of pain every now and then."

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:18 PM

"If it was as bad as I left you, you'd be dead," you murmur, pouring two glasses. The whiskey's on ice, which you could easily put into the glasses, but you want yours neat and you aren't about to ask Sleuth about his preference. You slide the glass over to him and hold yours up in salute. "Cheers you're still with us."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:23 PM

You chuckle, catching your glass as you pull the cancer stick from your lips, raising it in time with his, smiling a little before you sip on the amber colored liquid. The drink runs a line down your throat as you savor it -- the sweetness, the spice, it's over all taste -- Christ do you miss this.

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:27 PM

You finish your drink in one quick go. And a part of you appreciates watching Sleuth savor his whiskey. The other part of you wishes he'd hurry the fuck up so you could pour him another one. "You said you play the piano," you mention. "You any good?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:29 PM

You finish yours in two long sips and you pass him the glass for more. A little bit of you licking your lips to get that flavor because it has been too goddamn long. You look up at the statement. "I used to play everyday when I can. It's been a while though."

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:30 PM

"Yeah?" you say, quickly pouring another two full glasses, "I didn't ask how often. I asked are you any good. Don't be modest and don't be cocky, just tell me straight."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:31 PM

"Good enough," you say outright, taking the glass and taking a swift drink, "What, you wanna duet?"

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:32 PM

You bark a laugh at him. "Jumpin' the gun, Sleuth? I don't like your answer. 'Good enough.' I'm gonna hear you play before I let you in on my jam." You're smirking at him as you take a sip, keeping his gaze. That's an honest to god dare right there. A challenge: Impress me.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:36 PM

You raise a brow as you drink your whiskey -- always such the daring kind, huh. You shake your head as you lower your empty glass, putting your cigarette between your lips again and you card a hand through your hair. "Alright. Where's she at then -- let's do this."

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:39 PM

"Nah, nah, nah," you say, shaking your head. And you lean close, looking like you might lay a hand on his chest. No such chance-- you pluck his pillbox from his pocket and snatch a cigarette. "Listen," you say, pointing with the cigarette to the front of house, "Hear that fella playin? He's got a set. Hired him myself. And I wrote this set for him." You point to the whiskey and then light your pill. You take a puff before telling Sleuth, "We got four more tunes to go. Then the headliner goes up." You smile at Sleuth. The grin is, in a word, wicked. "Wanna guess who that is?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:43 PM

When Slick leaned in real close, you move your mouth to bring the cigarette away from his face. There goes your pillbox. But he points and you gkance that way, then back at him before he speaks again. You were listening of course. You take a long drag before breathing it out through your nose with a bit of a huff. That grin was wickedly toothy. "Who is it?"

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:46 PM

You place the cigarette on your lips and hold it there so you can have one hand on your drink while the other prods his chest. "Y. O. U, sweetheart." You lean back in your seat, still grinning like a bobcat. "If you don't put my bar to sleep, or get boo'd off the stage, maaaybe you'll have some company up there." You nod to his whiskey. "Drink up."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 10:49 PM

You hum, watching him and you stop breathing at the prod to your chest. 'Sweetheart,' huh? Is that how we're doing this? Fine. You shrug, barely fazed. You drink as he says and you keep your hair messily tossled back with your own smile starting to spread, "Challenge accepted."

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 10:56 PM

It's a wise man who knows how to play the long game with you. You're trying to get under his skin, to get him to crack. You want to intimidate him. But he remains relaxed. Finally, you back off, enjoying your drink while your enjoy the view. You don't doubt he's good. You'll chalk that up to vanity. If he's supposed to be your equal, he better be good.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 11:20 PM

You savor your drink again, since you were only waiting for the pianist on stage to finish. If your tolerance were any lower you'd probably be slurring right now. Thank goodness it wasn't then. One bottle of whiskey is done when you tap your cigarette end into the ash tray, then you bring it up to your lips for another drag.

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 11:25 PM

The time until the end of the set is filled with drinking and idle chatter. Civil chatter at that. You're done toying with him for now. He's here and you've been giving him a hard time. He's still here. So if he can tolerate all that abuse, you can tolerate him in return. You only smoke the one cigarette and you've long since returned his pillbox. Just the one is fine, so long as you stay one drink ahead.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 11:31 PM

When the set is finished at last, you turn your head to Slick -- you were on your second cigarette -- and you quirk a brow in his direction as if to ask if that was it.

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 11:40 PM

You're smiling at him, dipping your head and waving the way out of the booth. The crowd up front is clapping and a stagehand mentions a brief intermission before the headliner. He's a detective and he seems to have good enough taste so whatever he plays, you expect it'll suit the mood. You lead the way up the backside of the stage and adjust Sleuth's tie for him. Make it a liiitle more loose. There we go. "It's jazzy," you say, "So whatever cute little song you wanna play, jazz it up. And a fair warning-- you play any of that Prospitian shit, I'm gonna be the least of your worries." It goes without saying the primarily Dersite crowd would eat him alive. You pat his chest with a peppy grin. "Ready?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Yesterday at 11:45 PM

You're inebriated enough to let the tie loosening go, but you're still in your right mind. You roll your eyes at the statement about Prospitian tunes. You weren't for those, if you were honest. You honor the classics. You raise a brow at the grin but you smile back as you roll your sleeves up seeing as your trench coat was with your hat on the table, carding another hand through strawberry blonde locks, "Let's go then."

Bunny (SS/07)Yesterday at 11:57 PM

The stage is set. A grand piano, years old but still in nearly-perfect condition, waits for someone to take a seat. You step out first, chuckling as you receive polite applause. But you're not here to play (yet). You take the mic and tell a story. The lights dim as you recount the night you met A Detective. Some snoop come to sniff around on your side of town. He sniffed himself right into your knife, you say. He sniffed his way into your knife three times. It's a purposefully vague tale that only the two of you know to be as factual as it is. You check to make sure he's seated at the keys before you introduce him as The Detective and an intrigued but reserved audience gives him a round of applause. You make your way backstage, patting his shoulder as you walk by. Good luck, flatfoot.

September 26, 2018

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 12:03 AM

The story has you rolling your eyes surreptitiously as you were seated on the piano's bench. He pats your shoulder and you turn your head a little, before nodding. A bit of a stretch, pulling your sleeves a bit away from your elbows. You stare at the keys for less than a minute before you start. Scarred skin on your arms moving to play on ivory and the tune was jazzy, true, jazzy with an energy the fully suited the mood for the club. He can't remember when he last played, but with the idea of him being rusty was certainly out of the window. It was expertise in the field of music -- eyes trained to stare at the black and white keys as fingers and wrist moves along with the arm in a fluid manner to play the tune. It was simply astounding.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 12:12 AM

Oh, it really does your heart good to hear good music. Thank fuck. Music, you decide, is a great way to get to know a person. That's how to jived with Clover. That's how you're getting to know Sleuth. It was nice exchanging stabs and drinks and cigarettes but this, now this is beautiful. Alright, you say to yourself, alright, maybe you'll really bring the house down with this guy. So you send out the small band, just a little more sound to juice up the noise. It's jazz, baby, jazz, they all find a way to fit right in. And you watch Sleuth intently to see how well he does in a group.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 12:16 AM

The group makes you look up and you shoot a glance where you know Slick was before you continue playing -- molding your music to better suit and fit the rest of the jazz ensemble. Your focus was on the music and your ears listened to every note of every instrument as you smirk a little, playing with little effort as you keep going. This was enjoyable. Even for him.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 12:20 AM

You let some time pass and watch as the audience loses their goddamn minds. Dancing like it's going out of style. But you've seen toms and janes hanging from the rafters. So you know you can push it. You've got another drink in you by the time you decide to step in. Sleuth's flushed with how well he's been keeping up. You light a cigarette, take a single puff, and seat yourself beside him. Plucking the pill from your mouth and placing it on Sleuth's lips, there you go, you earned it, and then hovering your fingers over the keys a few octaves higher. Give it a few measures. Make eye contact with the band. Smile at Sleuth. "Gimme all you got," you tell him, "I wanna bring the house down." You start to play.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 12:24 AM

The sudden cigarette snaps you out of your reverie but as if running on autopilot, you're still playing. You bite on the cigarette to adjust it so it doesn't fall, and you take a drag. The smile he sends you makes your smirk turn into a grin and you nod at the statement. "I gotcha," you say, following and meshing your music with his.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 12:31 AM

You go hard. You push yourself in order to push Sleuth. Your band is used to it. They're seasoned veterans in, "Oh shit, there goes Slick, get ready to be sore tomorrow, boys." And Sleuth gives you hell. The damn floors are on fire and by the end of the third song, you're laughing in a way you haven't laughed in years. Full of a giddy thrill and music bursting out of you from your fingers to your toes. It's a long night. But it goes by so quickly.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 12:34 AM

You're... enjoying this. You didn't struggle to keep up -- you were on par with him. And he didn't have to keep up with you, you were on equal footing here at least and it was.. exhilarating. His laugh makes you look for a second before you find yourself grinning with the cigarette still between your teeth and you take a long drag as the song reaches the end, breathing it out when you both slam on that last note. You would be looking for that soon and you hope you get to have it again.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 12:47 AM

They're going wild for it. You nudge Sleuth in the ribs and tell him he was being too modest about his skill. You'll get him back for that, you tell him. You were hoping to embarrass him in front of all these nice people. It goes without saying you enjoyed this way more, though.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 12:49 AM

You chuckle at the nudge and you lightly swat his shoulder in return. You make your way back to the backroom though, and the smile still had your pill between your lips as you tap it over the ash tray, back turned on where Slick would be if he entered. You were definitely going to look for this experience again.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 12:58 AM

You stand but stop. You watch Sleuth disappear into the back room and slowly take your seat back at the piano. You crack your knuckles and your neck and shoulders. With a whistle, a stagehand appears with a mic, setting it up over your piano. It'll be a good song to wind things down, you think, and then let the band carry the night owls away. You start to play, a smirk on your lips, and for that once in a blue moon, you sing. The song is slower when you play it and you play it alone. "Red lips. Kiss my blues away. Red lips. Kiss the night to day. Any old time you come cuddling near, ain't it strange the way that the blues disappear?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 1:09 AM

You're supposing that's it for the night. You're thinking that you'd overstay yourself after that. But when the words are sung on the microphone as you're rolling your sleeves down, you stop and freeze. What's your favorite love song? You look up from your trench coat, the cigarette still burning dimly where you are and with wide eyes, you turn around to see Slick playing and singing. ... For me? You find yourself staring, watching him and you feel a pang of admiration, because he remembered and is executing this wonderfully, and a pang of hatred, because he played that without you.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 1:13 AM

You walk your fingers across the keys to finish the song when it's good and ready to be done. The audience claps. You tell the boys to take over and disappear back stage. You see Sleuth looking half ready to leave. "Where you goin, flatfoot?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 1:16 AM

He's back in the same room with you and you're looking at him -- those green eyes of yours meeting his red ones and you close your mouth, moving to put the coat back on the table and the cigarette on the ash tray. You turn to face him, one hand carding through your hair, and the corner of your lips curling. "Nowhere, it seems."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 1:33 AM

You beam at him, throwing an arm around his shoulders and steering him back to the table. The ice kept the other bottle of whiskey cool. You pour some glasses and start asking him about where he learned to play. Self taught? Who are his musical influences? "I've gotta get you in here more often," you say, "Hell, I'd pay you. Better than half the posers who ghost their way through here." Just like that, you slip him your number on a napkin. "You ever get down on your luck and need an actual job, gimme a call, sweetheart." There it is. That thinly veiled insult, hidden in the guise of a generous offer.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 1:37 AM

You're smiling when he drags you back to the table for more drinks. You tell him what you remember -- self-taught for the most part and you state a few names. The compliment of having you play here instead of those guys has you shaking your head. The napkin with his number goes to your pocket after you look to him, listening. Hah, there's no way you'd actually go to him. But you keep the card anyway. 'Sweetheart,' there it is again and you give him a smile to keep him from knowing that it was indeed an insult. You take a long drink before pouring yourself a glass and you sigh after another drink. "I appreciate the offer, Spades. But you're on thin fucking ice for not telling me you were winding down with that song." It was a playful tease, but the undertones were riddled with subtle pitch.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 1:54 AM

"Oh, yeah? Am I?" you ask. And you wait until he's taking a drink before you tilt his glass a little too steep, sloshing whiskey over his face and down the front of his shirt. Grinning like an absolute madman. "Whoops."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 1:55 AM

The slosh was unexpected, but you don't have an outburst. Instead you lower your glass on the table and you take your tie off because fuck that shit, it's wet now. You give him a glare, before you're smiling too. "God, I hate you so fucking much."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 2:00 AM

Your pulse quickens in the best kind of way. You're scooting close to him and showing off those pearly whites. The ones that never seem to intimidate him no matter how serious you are about ripping his throat out with them. "Wouldn't you know it, Sleuth?" You snatch the collar of his shirt, somewhat damp from the whiskey, and tug. "I hate you, too. Moment I saw your clueless fuckin' mug pokin' around places it don't belong."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 2:03 AM

You bare your teeth back -- they weren't as sharp, but a small point nonetheless. Your hands reach up to grip his wrists and you make sure it's as tight as can be. "Well, guess what, Spades? I'n staying here and I'm going to keep poking my mug in places it don't belong," you say through a clenched jaw, "And I'm gonna do it to keep spiting you."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 2:08 AM

God, there's a brief moment where you're just... impressed. No one stands up to you like this. You'd kill them if they did. And he knows that. You almost got him before. But he keeps coming back. He refuses to show you fear. That just makes you want to see it even more. Plus, he's got a solid taste in music. That never hurt. Still about as close and personal as two people can get, you mutter, "Fuck you, Sleuth, I'm gonna have eyes on you at all times. If you even think about stepping into Crew territory, I'm gonna hear about it. Every man, woman, child, and dog is gonna be watching you. But they won't touch you, Sleuth. Cause the only one allowed to kill you is me."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 2:13 AM

"All eyes on me, Slick? That's a little too much attention, don'tcha think?" You still keep your grip on his wrists, "But if it's you that's gonna keep trying to end this flatfoot's life, then I'd tolerate all that attention because the same goes for me. You're all mine for the taking." Before you know it, you move suddenly and abruptly, smashing your lips against his as you keep your fingers wrapped around his wrists. You could feel the adrenaline pump through your veins with every moment that passed.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 2:20 AM

You're about to quip about how it's not enough attention, throw in a dash of something vaguely threatening, but he fuckin goes for it. The words die on your lips, which immediately get busy fighting with Sleuth's. He's got his fingers digging into your wrists so you close yours around his throat. By the time you two are forced to break for a breath, there's blood on your lips and your chin and not all of it is yours. Just like the night you met, you say (still out of breath), "This is fun."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 2:23 AM

Your lips are red and it's dripping down your chin. Well, fuck, you'd need to figure out which is yours when he speaks up. You grin, chuckling a little at the breathless comment. "It sure is." You hate him so much and the feeling of his teeth grazing your lips was something you never thought you'd find amazing, but you did. And now you wonder if he wants more of it too.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 2:31 AM

You push him off of you but only to thrust him against the back of the booth. Your gaze is tearing into him. The music you played together is still blaring in your ears. This, you think, is a good thing. A good and interesting dynamic. And you want more. Your claws drag down his arms before you sit back in your seat and flick the cap off of the whiskey. Fuck the glasses. You drink from the bottle and purposefully let it wash over your lips. The alcohol will help take care of those bites. Handing Sleuth the bottle so that he can do the same, you admire your handiwork and think of all the damage you'll do to him one day. But not today.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 2:34 AM

You bite down on nothing when he throws you off before you grit your teeth at the claws on your arms. Well, goddamn, that wasn't what you expected, but when you feel the stinging pain of those claws on your arms, you know you'll be drawing red in a little while. Heh, amazing how much tension there can be between two people. You take the bottle before taking a swig and you sit up, wiping your chin with the back of your hand that held the whiskey as you grin at him.(edited)

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 9:21 AM

You stare at him a while, smirking, feeling the burn of alcohol in the bites on your lips, and thinking of how good it would be to get in a fist fight with this fucker. Smug little dipshit. You keep your eye on him as you dip into your pocket and place a deck of cards on the table. "How about a game?" you suggest, letting them slide out from the box and shuffling them with one hand. Yes, you're showing off. "With stakes."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 9:23 AM

You take another swig before sitting up properly and you lean a little towards him. Sounds interesting, you tell yourself. A quirked brow and the stinging pain that's so sweet on your lips, you card a hand through your hair. "A game. What kind of stakes?" You ask, passing him the bottle if he wanted it.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 9:26 AM

Why yes, you do. You take a drink and leave the bottle between the two of you. "What do you want?" Your smirk tells him to make it interesting.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 9:27 AM

"What's the game first, if I'm deciding," you say, watching that smirk on his lips, "Gotta know the details."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 9:35 AM

"Afraid to lose?" you ask. And you focus your attention on the cards, shuffling fast and with flourish. You have a game in mind. You're not being even a little subtle when you suggest it, "High-Low-Jack," you say. A game otherwise known as Pitch.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 9:42 AM

You scoff, chuckling at the chosen game. Pitch, huh? You look up at him, trying to get eye contact again, "I'm not afraid to lose. But the stakes... how far are you willing to go with that?"

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 9:59 AM

You roll your eye into the fucking green sun and back. "Don't fuckin' worry about it, what do you want and if it's too much, I'll say something." You start laying out the cards. Would have been nice of you to let Sleuth check the deck and make sure it was properly shuffled. Yeah. That would have been real nice of you, huh. "Don't be a fuckin' pussy, Sleuth. Make it fun."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 10:15 AM

You don't want to overstep by asking to check the deck. You're humming before you nod and you take the bottle between the two of you, taking a swig and you wipe your chin with the back of your hand, extending the bottle out to him as you spoke. "If I win, you and your crew help us get rid of the Felt -- do things the law says under that purpose,  no questions asked, unless it's against my wishes, like say if the white king wants something atrocious done, but not a lot of us at the precinct like it, then you're out of the question on that one." Can never be too specific. Hopefully this doesnt bite you back in the ass. "But if you win... You got me under your thumb to do something as long as it doesn't harm or drag the rest of the folks at the precinct into this deal of ours -- the latest arrival and queen included."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 10:20 AM

You laugh in his face. "You want my entire Crew to do what they've been doing but with more rules... But I only get you? Well ain't we all high and mighty." You snatch his collar again but only to hold him in place as you sidle up against him. "If you win, how bout I let you in on a plan I got brewin' with the boys to put Snowman away for a while? We'll do it all legal like, scout's honor. If I win, I put Snowman away how I wanna do it and you help fill in the blanks. Our little secret." As clear code for "I'm going to do something illegal and you're going to cover it up" as it'll get. "I don't think I gotta explain to you how integral that'll be for taking care of the rest of the Felt. It's a win-win for everyone, don't you think?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 10:24 AM

Something legal for him, and illegal for you. Hm. You consider it -- you're already fried with your programming as we speak. You loom back to him, and you extend the bottle again. "Deal."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 10:32 AM

You take the bottle, take a swig, and lean in for another kiss. Gotta seal that deal, bro. "It's a bet," you say, grinning against his lips. You place the bottle aside so you can neck on him for a minute. You only call it quits when that same cigarette girl starts making her way over. She offers the two of you another bottle, eyeing Sleuth like a piece of meat (well he is but he's obviously your piece right now). You tell her to dust off, you're gonna play a game and then the two of your are gonna get some air. You say this while holding the back of Sleuth's neck and digging your claws in, watching her intently as she slinks back to the front of house. "...Think she likes you," you mutter.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 10:42 AM

You met him half way, having noticed the way he moved. You're fighting for dominance in that kiss. It's funny how much you get in one night whether it be from a kismesis(?) or some lady working for the guy you're currently hate-making out with. You see the girl eye you, and for just the heck of it, you give her one of those charming winks -- something to distract you with while you felt his claws dig into your neck. When she leaves, you chuckle at Slick's statement, "I'm not interested in a matesprit as of late. Quite fine on my own, thank you."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 10:46 AM

"..." You stare at him, deadpan. "...Matesprit?" you ask, holding back a laugh, "Sleuth, do you see the kinda joint this is? She ain't lookin' for a matesprit, either. She's tryna hit it and quit it." You really can't hold back with this much booze in your system. You laugh at him, reaching for the bottle and peeling yourself away from him to get a look at the cards. Alright, game time. Serious game time for serious men who seriously want to take down the Felt. Yes.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 10:48 AM

That has you a bit red. When you're finally free to move you rub the back of your neck to feel the area where he dug his nails in. Not too deep, at least. You can cover it up in the morning. But you sit up and you're waiting on him to deal the cards. Serious men -- hah.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 10:54 AM

You deal. The two of you decide how many rounds you'll go and how many points will cap each round. You share the bottle until it's gone and you relax into conversation about life. Interests, hobbies, goals. You jab at him but you have a lot in common, come to find. Already, you're thinking about when you'll have time to bring him back here.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:08 AM

It was looking well for you as it started. But you could feel the dread build up in you. You weren't afraid to lose. However, the stake of having to keep it clean for the Crew? You speak up just before you put your hand down -- which you feel is the losing bid -- and you look up at him. "You know, the inspector told me something about Snowman."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:09 AM

"Something I don't know?" you ask, cocking a brow. This has been an interesting game. He's pretty good. But you got wise to his play style a few bids ago.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:11 AM

"You know the night she disappeared with the White Queen, yeah?" You start, looking back down on your hand, "I was there."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:13 AM

Your brow twitches. "...And?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:17 AM

"Pembrooke told me that since we have her whip, that she used on me--" You raise your free arm, carding it through your hair, and suddenly all the scars become visible, "--that we could try to take her out with a case. It wasn't in her arrangement to clear that crime of assaulting an officer."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:21 AM

You stare at his arm and grab it without thinking, inspecting the scars. Pitch black hatred builds up. Towards both of them. Snowman for doing this to him. Sleuth for, once again, being in a situation he has no right being in. You sneer at him and release his arm. "...And?" you ask, "If you already got a plan to put her away, then why agree to the bet?"

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:23 AM

"That's the thing -- I don't think it'll work." And you lower your hand, revealing that you are, in fact, at a loss for this game. When he grabbed your arm earlier, you let him, and you still taste copper on your tongue -- you don't want this to end, whatever this is -- kismessitude, you know it to be. And you give him a small shrug, a small smile -- green eyes flickering up to him. "Just thought you'd find it interesting."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:29 AM

Well. It's definitely something to work with. You'll get a kick out of telling Droog about this later. You grin at his losing hand. Carefully, you start packing up the cards. "That is interesting," you say. Very interesting. You didn't realize the law was already trying to take down Snowman themselves. Sleuth asked you to help them take down the Felt. Little did you know just how common and specific your goals really were. Not that you're surprised, given everything that happened between the queens. But it's certainly... interesting. "So," you say casually, giving the cards a quick shuffle before putting them back in their box, "not lookin' for a matesprit huh?" Toss him a grin, tapping the box of cards back into your pocket. "How about a kismesis?" Yeah, that's right. You wanna make this official.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:33 AM

As he's cleaning it up, you're leaning back, keeping yourself sitting up with an arm behind you and the other just lazily draped over your gut. The casual throwback to your statement earlier as he cleans up the cards and you raise a brow. Then the question goes to your ears and you're sitting there, staring at him as he grins. Your lazy smile only widens before you crack a similar grin at him. "Thought you'd never fucking ask, you prick," you snarl through your grin -- you'd never let anyone send adrenaline pump through you like that. It was just him.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:36 AM

"Go figure, I gotta do all your dirty work for you," you say. And then you're sliding out of the booth, pulling him along with you. "C'mon. Let's blow this joint. Grab your shit and meet me in the alley."(edited)

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:37 AM

You let him pull you, and you suddenly remember all the fucking claw marks on your arms because moving was a bitch and you were hurt. Whatever. You nod and slide on your trench coat, slipping your hat over your head as you make your way to the alley.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:39 AM

You're a few steps ahead of him. Enough to light up another cigarette and take a single hit before he shows up. You tug him in and thrust him up against a wall, blowing smoke in his face. "Does it hurt?" you ask, nodding to his arms.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:40 AM

The smoke in your face was ignored when he thrust you up a wall -- huh. Deja vu, except he wasn't driving a knife into your gut. You nod but you keep your eyes on him, "Yeah."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:44 AM

You kiss him hard, latching your claws onto his arms. You've never done this before but you figure it's a good investment in this newfound relationship. After all, he's yours to hurt now. Anyone else who tries it will have to answer to you. Shadow magic builds in the palms of your hands and purple flames move over Sleuth's arms. They're hot but they don't burn. Slowly, the pain ebbs away and the once painful-looking scars fade until they're barely noticeable.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:45 AM

Kissing him back in that hateful way was a bit hard when he's got you pinned down by the arms. You close your eyes when you see the fire. He's healing you. For shadow magic to be that convenient, you wish you had it. Imagination was harder to wield in such a way, that you can only manifest a sword, but you're too busy kissing him to think of that now.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:48 AM

And to be fair, very few people can do what you to to this extent. He's fit as a fiddle when you're done with him. Quietly, breathlessly, you ask, "Better?" and you don't let him answer before you say, "Good. Now stop getting your ass handed to you."

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 11:50 AM

You're about to answer when he warns you and you chuckle, giving him a little nod as you move your none painful arms to hold his waist, pressing your lips against his again roughly.

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 11:57 AM

You're content to stay that way for a while. Kissing in the alley, fighting for dominance. The night is winding down and you'll have to go your separate ways soon. You don't want it to end but you shouldn't move too quickly, either. Damn, you got it bad for this one. "Hey," you say, "you need to know I'm pitch with Snowman, too. 'Cept she ain't frail like you so go ahead and rough her up when she's in the clink." Being poly, but also Spades fucking Slick, you don't usually care about laying things out like this. Being 'honest' or whatever. But you don't want someone to manipulate this situation and take Sleuth away from you. If he's going to hear it, he's gonna hear it from you. You tell him if he's got a problem with that, he can choke on it. No take backs. All sales are final. But you wait, watching him carefully to see if it's alright.

Avery (PS/Sollux)Today at 12:03 PM

Fucking hell, you think -- you don't remember when the last time was when you had a good pitch relationship. It was amazing at least -- he's pitch and so are you, nothing else. Hearing that, you raise a brow before you chuckle, breathing a huff through your nose and you roll your eyes a little, "You think I'm backing down from such an exhilarating pitch relationship just because you're pitch with the bitch who fucked me up? Think again." You give him another kiss, your hands moving on his waist before you finally let go, pulling away as you thumb away the red on your lips, both looking vibrant against your paling complexion in the darkness. You press it to his lips before you withdraw fully. "I'll be seeing you, Spades."

Bunny (SS/07)Today at 12:07 PM