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Freaky.

So like, kinky? or...?

Well, considering the whole corpse-thing I got going on, I imagine there must be some level of kink involved, yes.

Wait that's real???

[Excuse him while he resets internally. Usually when Joshua sees weird ass shit it's a hallucination. He gets those often enough that seeing this guy hadn't even phased him. Until now.]

What the fuck....bro...?

[ ohh, it's been a while since he's had the opportunity to freak someone out. ]

Hah. Sorry to ruin your day like that, mate.

Unfortunately-- [ lifts a hand to show it off, raggy old bandages barely covering metal-skeletal fingers ] --all too fucking real.

I. I mean.

[Just. Give him a second. He reaches out and touches the wall. Pats himself down a little. This all feels Real. He doesn't have the brain fog he sometimes gets. Which means this guy isn't full of shit, somehow. Metaphorical shit, at least.]

Wow, okay. I just thought I was having a Bad day. Fucking hell. How the fuck d'you get a job at a place like this like that?

Not a very thorough hiring process, let's say.

[ he would know. he owns his restaurant. he definitely wouldn't hire a guy like him. ]

I can put the mask back on, if you're gonna be sick. [ mike's tone is light, so it's pretty clear he's not offended by the reaction. he just hates cleaning up the mess after. ]

I suppose. Wh. I mean, do whatever's comfortable bro. Feels shitty to say but I just assumed I was seeing things again and stopped paying attention to th'way you looked.

Wild imagination, huh. [ seeing things. he can relate, but he won't exactly say as much out loud. don't want to get their attention. ]

I'm not offended, mate. Might've been, at the start. But it's been way too long like this to throw a fit every time someone freaks out at the sight of me.

Wealthy.

Adventurous.

Oh yes, that's a must.

Strong.

[That... that wasn't the one he was gonna go with. Welp.]

[ Un?? Fortunately for someone(s), it's playtime. Please disregard the fact that there appears to be some kind of paperwork in Airi's hands that she is presently in the process of beginning to -- yep, she's beginning to fold it. ]

How?

[Non-nonchalantly calling him out on this?? Well, he sure doesn't share many details about himself often.]

Haha, looking to critique my answer or something?

Simply curious. I'd like to learn more about you.

[ Just bold-faced saying it while she looks him in the eye as she continues tofold the paperwork. ]

Besides, you volunteered the information.

Oho ain't holding back, huh?

[He looks like he's thinking for a moment.]

Hmm well, it depends. Someone could have a strong sense of humour.

They could. You value that that much in a person?

It ain't everything but might not be bad to have.

[And without missing a beat--]

Don't fold that next one.

[ She abruptly ceases all movement the instant the word "fold" is dropped. ]

Why?

[ But continues with the same one she's already working on without skipping a beat. Origami animals don't make themselves. ]

Earnest.

Really? That does kinda fit with what I know of you.

Is it strange?

I figure most people would want something similar.

Edited 2025-06-02 02:32 (UTC)

It's not strange. You deserve that.

Just feels like if. If I'm doing anything relationship-wise, I want whoever I'm with to be giving their best effort back. Or at least to be willing to be honest with me when I need it.

I don't think earnestness and honesty are necessarily the same, either.

I think that's the least you can ask for, that your partner is putting as much effort in as you are. And.. yeah, honesty would be nice, too.

[ a flustered shift. ] .. What else do you like in a partner?

( oh. oh, no. bob's being cute. bucky doesn't even bother hiding the coy smile. )

Well. Someone who's thoughtful. Considers me and who I am and understands where I'm coming from. Knows that, while I'm not blameless, I'm doing my best and is willing to meet me in the middle when I'm struggling.

Helps if they're cute, too. ( a hand reaches out to tuck some of bob's hair behind his ear. ) Yeah.

[ oh, yeah, he can do that. he absolutely knows bucky's doing his best, and bob's pretty good at compromising. if anything, bob maybe compromises a little too easily. he's bad at knowing his own boundaries. but then, they're both figuring those things out, right?

then bucky says that last bit, and bob can feel his ears go hot as the older man tucks his hair back. ]

I think I've got some of that on lock, anyway. [ he tilts his head into bucky's fingers, smile a little bashful. ] I mean.. just saying..

Negotiable.

Honest.

Guess that leaves me out, huh?

What. You that much of a liar after all?

Kinda comes with the job, don't you think?

... It shouldn't but I know better than that. Guess I'll keep a lookout for your tells next time you tell me something.

Loyal.

The most important one.

And harder to find than it ought to be.

Very few and far between. My ex-husband got that part right, at least.

The loyalty part? Well, that makes one of us.

Hmm... Eccentric.

Eccentric?

[ She wasn't quite expecting to hear that one. ]

Mmhm, I guess I like... people who have some weird quirks.

[ And sometimes difficult personalities. ]

And your definition of "weird" is...?

Inquisitive.

Underrated character trait, I've always thought.

Indeed. Many ask questions for which they are ambivalent to the answers. True curiosity is refreshing.

And too often punished.

[Not that he's biased.]

Never understood that, personally. What's wrong with asking questions?

I am unfortunately inclined to agree again. Even among academics, we often are limited to the right questions.

Finding such a partnership is rewarding.

Large Spoilers

Imprisoned.

[He doesn't want someone imprisoned. He wants to free someone who is imprisoned. Those who know, know.]

Intelligent.

Hey, you're hot and I'm valedictorian.

That smart enough for you?

Hey kid, why don't you apply for an internship first and then we'll see how well you do on the interview.

Is that code for go down on me under the desk? I could be cool with that.

No that's code for I'm putting your application in the shredder as soon as it crosses my desk.

Edited 2025-06-02 04:59 (UTC)

Too strong, got it. Let's start over.

Humor me, what's your new line?

Will you make an exception for stupidity if it means you can train someone to be just the way you like?

The first one was better. Next time don't lead with your age so I don't have to think about it as you try to compliment me.

Edited 2025-06-02 05:07 (UTC)

Can we forget about that part?

Look, I may not have every body part but I know how to use what I do have.

The confidence is charming, but I'll have to turn you down for today.

[ She's not going to forget about that part, but she'll see if he's persistent. ]

And I respect your wishes.

But it doesn't mean I won't stick around and hope to change your mind eventually.

Woman, you got it going on.

Do you butter up all your professors with that mouth?

I do more than that, honey.

Nobody's complained yet.

[ She made a face, then shook her head. ]

Don't call me that. It's Director.

Okay.

Director.

Good boy.

It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, no.

[He’d just rather be the smartest in the room, thank you very much.]

It's a guarantee that I'll never be bored.
More specifically, I like a good conversationalist.

[ People who didn't challenge her at all were for picking apart to do her bidding. ]

Who doesn’t? Stimulation is key.

[They’re much too alike for their own good aren’t they?]

Without that, there's not much else for longevity, and a fizzle out is only suitable for a few occasions.

What did you say as your word?

[ Far too alike, other than the fracture in ideals about super powered individuals. ]

I didn't say one. [A shrug of his shoulders.] But if I must...

[He sighs as he considers.]

Complementary.

Wind.

Reliable.

Honest.

A rarity in politics.

It is only the status quo as long as we don't seek to change it.

That's a noble gesture. How do you plan to go about it?

Everything starts with oneself.

To you alone or towards all?

Towards themselves first and foremost.

A high ask for many. And are you?

In my best efforts.

Understanding.

[ … ]

I can feel you judging me, you know.

I am not judging you.

[ Well, maybe a little. He’s judging himself way more though. ]

Would you have picked differently, then?

I would have, yes.

[ After a moment, he concedes: ]

But I can’t say my answer would fit these exact parameters correctly.

[ A name isn’t really “a kind of person”, but a specific person so he better come up with a real answer. ]

…Trustworthy.

( ... ah, well. that does make sense for diluc. trust has always been something exceedingly important to him. )

Not only does it fit, it suits you.

[ He hesitates for a moment before responding to that, choosing his words carefully. ]

That wasn’t my original answer. But it is still true.

( hmm. he gives a wave of his hand, trying to dispel any of the tension. )

It's still good to have a few ideas, isn't it?

[ Diluc gives him a sidelong look. He can’t tell if Kaeya is being deliberately obtuse or if he really has no idea. He wants to believe it’s the former, but he suspects it’s probably the latter… still. After all, he doesn’t believe Diluc trusts him. ]

…I suppose.

[ He crosses his arms and a slight frown tugs his lips downwards for a brief moment before he catches himself. He can’t say he’s been the most understanding person himself. ]

So then I assume you have others.

( he's not really all that surprised diluc seems to be in a sour mood, given the topic at hand. he lets out a breath, close to a sigh, and shakes his head. )

Of course. Independent, stubborn, steadfast.

( what a sore subject to be on, really. he pulls a small face, brief before it's replaced with an easy smile. )

It'd be pretty ridiculous to limit yourself to just the one descriptor.

Selfless, reliable, intelligent, gentle.

[ Diluc catches the discomfort but says nothing about it. ]

One or a dozen, it makes no difference to me.

( ... )

Well, I suppose it's just good practice to be aware of what you like in a partner, regardless.

If one is actively seeking a partner.

[ … ]

Are you?

( that gets a small and forced laugh. )

Not in the slightest. Maybe it’s better I leave that sort of thing to everyone else.

Why? Are you?

[ Now, the fact that Kaeya forces that laugh is so obvious to Diluc and he narrows his eyes a bit at the question being turned on him. ]

Are you genuinely going to make me say it?

[ A small sigh. ]

No. I would prefer to simply be alone if you won’t have me.

( this time he sighs, mirroring the way diluc crossed his arms before. it’s only fair they both answer the question. )

Isn’t it more complicated than that? Judging from your list, I’m only one or two of those things, Diluc.

Not to me.

[ Diluc insists with a little more passion in his voice than he had meant to inject. He takes a quick breath to rein in his feelings. Then continues calmly. ]

Kaeya. There is only one word on the list: your name. It would be unfair to any potential partner to settle for a relationship with them while wishing it was with you instead. It’s not more complicated than that.

Edited 2025-06-02 22:58 (UTC)

Unfazed.

If you don't have that, you won't survive me or my life.

Pretty sure that's most of us.

Does that make my pool of potential partners wide open?

As wide open as coworkers are. I think I'm one of those cautionary tales that you shouldn't date where you work. [Her track record with Bruce and all.]

You do live in a perpetual state of 'this might as well happen.'

Can you imagine how high my blood pressure would be if I didn't?

I'm sending you any medical bills, including that ulcer I had last week.

What, working for the super secret government spy agency doesn't offer solid health benefits?

If it wouldn't give me ulcers, I'd hire you on at SI.

It doesn't, no. As long as we keep on trucking, the quality of life doesn't exactly matter.

I'm touched.

That explains so much about your whole deal. That's not healthy, you know that's not healthy, terrible for long term retention.

Nothing phases me about you.

Too bad you still have to deal with mine.

Please, I don't have to deal with anything.

You don't exactly make an impact on my radar.

[ He's lying. He's a liar. ]

So you do still enjoy having me around, and you're keeping me quiet?

Naughty man.

[ Liar, liar, pants on fire. ]

I think you think I'm going to crack if you say something kinky.

I'm not that easy.

Oh no, I'm hoping this conversation will last.

I'm need a favor, and then you can have your way with me after.

That on your Tinder profile?

[ Look, if everyone is going to give her shit about dating and dating apps, she might as well return the favor. ]

Wow, here I was expecting 'classified', sir.

Of course sir.

Very much a prerequisite, yes.

Adventurous!

Intentional.

Of course. If someone doesn't put in effort, what's the point?

I really don't know if I like how much you're been agreeing with me lately.
But yes.

Yeah, yeah. That's a good one. People nowadays, they do too much shit without puttin' a brain-cell behind it.

I could not agree more. People don't appreciate the choices they have or own the choices they make.

It's a goddamn epidemic, Blondie. But it sounds like at least you got your head screwed on right.

That is not something I generally think is true about me, and I do not think it's good news for the world when that's the case.

Memorable.

[mmmmmMMMMM this isn't awkward or anything-] Well, yeah, most people would want to be around someone unforgettable, I think.

[noooope, totally casual vibes here] So what you're saying is I'm typical.

Of all the words that could be used about you, typical is near the very bottom of the list. I just mean--if you're interested in someone, then you're going to remember them anyway, right?

Sometimes I don't even remember who I am. So no, not necessarily.

But you remember moves and techniques like crazy.

Yes. That has a cost. I don't get to choose how I pay it.

What kind of memorable? Embarassing or caught you off guard?

The easy to remember kind of memorable, but out of those two, caught me off guard.

So someone with a unique face?

Doesn't everyone have a unique face?

Standup.

Didn't realize you were into comedians. [Someone sure thinks he's funny, anyway.]

Hilarious, Barton.

I'll be here all week. [A promise AND a threat!]

[Judging from the pained look on Bucky's face, that was very much a threat]

Shouldn't you be doing something more useful, like training?

I can multitask. You want me to joke while I shoot? I can quip while I fwip.

....It's a real curse being able to actually remember stuff these days. Like the past couple minutes.

Fine, fine, you want a standup kind of person in your life. Being funny's a different matter altogether.

Yes, and I'm still waiting on that second one.

Well, Steve's sure a standup kind of guy. The rest of us...probably don't count by any metric.

Maybe there's a couple that have their moments. You lost yours when the dad jokes came out.

I get that you know him better than anyone, but...are you really going to suggest to me that Steve doesn't dad joke?

Those aren't dad jokes. They're just good jokes.

[Delusional, thy name is Barnes]

Ohhhh. Oh no. You already got it bad, don't you.

Maybe I got some actual taste, Barton!

[The answer is: yes. He's got it bad]

So so bad. When's the wedding?

[ugh, you're lucky you're a great asset out in the field]

...I guess watch your mailbox for the invite.

I’m disqualified then? Harsh, alright.

Maybe if you worked on it.

As in, a ton of work.

You know I’m capable of anything if I put my mind to it.

[Challenge accepted??]

Which should make anyone with common sense pretty uneasy.

[Seriously, Zemo, your drive to get things done no matter the cost is really something]

Why can't you just choose to be standup to be standup? Instead of for me.

There's nothing wrong with a little extra motivation.

There is if it's for the wrong reasons!

You don't fall under that category, James.

I'm not worth it.

I don't believe that.

Understanding.

Oh, yeah, that's a biggie. I mean, I've been with folks who aren't very understanding about how I've acted before, did not work out.

I doubt I'm ever going to find anyone who truly understands me.

That's why I only date other people in the same job.

[ Okay, that's a lie, but for the most part another spy is her type. ]

Haven't you ever heard don't shit where you eat?

[Yes, he was going to focus on that instead of talking about himself. It was his usual schtick given Dex's utter reluctance to let anyone know anything about him, though he was sure Val probably knew more about his background than anyone else in the tower.]

I can agree with that.

Found anyone like that yourself?

Yes. He's not overly available, though.

Physically or emotionally?

Both. A girl's got to get her fun somewhere.

Yeah, those ones do tend to be a lot of fun when you start poking at them with a stick.

He's...unique I'll give him that. I still need to have my fun regardless. I'm not the kind of girl you make just wait around.

I need the people in my life to remain interesting. When they don't, I just wander off to the next person who can hold my attention

I'm the same way. He's never dull. Gotham is never dull. You should stop by.

Tactile.

Fond of physical touch then?

Very much so. If I had to choose between touch in general and sex, it'd be a tight race, but I'd prefer just to touch and be touched.

A gentle hand is soothing. I can see the appeal.

There's something settling about just curling up and watching the tide change.

That actually sounds really lovely.

[ She's never done that with someone before. She's never even seen the ocean. ]

It can be. When one spends all day surrounded by pain, it does a heart and soul good to remember that it's okay to breathe. It's okay to keep something for yourself, aye?

A lesson I must learn, I think. I live to serve.

Never a good thing. Living to work, living to serve. One must learn to live to live. So much in the world to enjoy and the limits on oneself confines us so tightly.

Unfortunately, that it outside my control.

Is that a fact?

I must serve the crown.

Must you? Or could you not?

It is my duty. I was given to the Queen to serve her when I was just a girl.

Have you nowhere else to go? Are you tethered to this Queen?

[But he didn't ask lightly. He knew well that certain royals had a tether they could pull tightly around their subjects. And her position was exactly the one he was trying to avoid.]

I serve my people best through my service of the Queen.

[ The access, the information she gathers. She suffers nightly and waits for her opportunity to have her vengeance. ]

And is that all your life is about? Serving others?

I've dedicated my life to serving the betterment of my people, the Grisha.

Your whole life. All you are is a thing to serve, not a person in her own right?

All Grisha serve. Whether as soldiers or spies or other roles to help our people.

I've never know anything else.

That sounds incredibly confining.

Grisha do not have many other options.

Edited 2025-06-07 17:10 (UTC)

Worthwhile.

That seems as if it should go without saying.

Doesn't it?

And yet?

And yet still I find them lacking.

What would make someone worthy? What do they lack?

Ability. Power. Worthiness in general.

That is understandable - someone you would spend the rest of your days with ought to be.

I'm not so certain about 'the rest of my days'.

[He had an overflow of days left in comparison to most people.]

Oh, I apologize. Are they ... limited?

Quite the opposite.

Headstrong.

Edited 2025-06-02 05:26 (UTC)

Brave.

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michael afton | five nights at freddy's

I keep my promises~

why hello there stranger

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