longdream | CALL ME OUT

[This is the kind of stuff he takes in stride thanks to having a low self esteem anyway. He plainly accepts all these gentle roasts, but he definitely gets out his wallet and not his cell phone. Not looking to be excessive.]

I'm sure you already get enough rave reviews on your sense of humor...

[Suzaku's card is swiped. this anime was made in 2007]

[it probably never had a chance to become the united kingdom before it was conquered by Napoleon, so Suzaku is just looking on in confusion.]

I'm not sure what the United Kingdom is...? Britannia started out on the British Isles and colonized the Americas. When they lost Great Britain to the French in the Battle of Trafalgar, the royals fled and the capital of Britannia moved to North America. The E.U. controls all of Europe and Africa...

[And that means Britannia must control North America, so he doesn't go so far as to explain that further. He's a bit surprised he had to give someone a history lesson, anyway.]

[There's a series of short little hums as she shifts around on her feet, body swaying from side to side as she lifts a finger to her chin.]

Oh? And why exactly do you wanna know about that? Don't tell me you plan on stirring up some trouble.

[does he seriously look like a rebel... Suzaku remains calm.]

Definitely not. Actually, I'm trying to fill in what I suspect to be a gap in my memory, and this seemed like the easiest thing I could ask of a stranger to do so. At least, without causing too much inconvenience. I'd look myself, but everything around here is closed.

Edited 2020-01-03 06:20 (UTC)

[Unfortunately, this little explaination is leaving the man... Bewildered.]

. . . Sir. I remember having to take a naturalization test when I moved to America, and one of the questions was about that country becoming an independent country after winning a war against Britian. And what's this nonsense about France conquering the British Isles and the E.U. having control of Africa?

[He doesn't study current affairs but he's pretty sure Africa is its own cluster of countries.]

[Looks can be deceiving, okay!! Who knows, maybe he's just a really straitlaced rebel or something. But either way, she scoffs at the response.]

Closed, schmosed. Besides, if you're really that interested in answers, you have to seize them yourself!

[She puts a hand at her chest as she extends an arm dramatically:] When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! When life gives you eggs, you make omelettes! And when life gives you closed doors--

[.........she looks at him expectantly.]

[It's like talking to a female version of Lloyd.......]

Sorry to leave you hanging, miss, but I'm not desperate enough to resort to burglary.

[probably the most accurate thing said in this thread so far tbh...

But wow that lack of reaction!!]

Aw come on! Besides, it's not burglary if you aren't stealing anything! Where's your sense of adventure?

[He huffs a bit at this. Why do people think he's stuffy for not wanting to commit crimes!!]

Must've left it in the mech.

But this is what happened. The colonies did revolt for their independence, but it failed... what does this mean?

[this seems beyond what someone with a Geass would make their victim think. This is just, what is this?]

[The spirit seems perplexed by the timeline, looking up toward the sky as he thinks about it] Damn... so that's one path of the future, huh...? [he shrugs] I s'pose that don't matter much right now... or at all, to me.

[Zangetsu grins and gets a little closer -- his clothes are undoubtedly Japanese in style, and appear to be from another era. In some ways, in all that white, he looks like he's dressed for his own funeral]

Well, I can tell ya there's something wonky going on here, if that helps. It's a long story, but the fact that I'm out here at all means there's shenanigans afoot, you know what I mean? Ya seen anyone who lives in this city?

[He looks like a gothic pillar of salt. Make of that what you will.

Also, Suzaku's getting a dead-eyed stare with a sliver of bonus derisiveness. Ulquiorra's demeanor isn't exactly inviting, so being accosted by someone, and someone visibly losing composure at that, well...]

And just what do you think relying on others in this situation will get you? I have no answers for you.

Edited 2020-01-03 18:46 (UTC)

[Because law and order is boring, pandemonium is always the more fun option!! Histrionics over, she pouts at him petulantly before her she shrugs the whole thing off.]

Excuses, excuses. But fine, I understand when my advice is unappreciated. Besides, it's not like I care.

[If he let the derisiveness of others stop him he'd never get anywhere in life, quite literally. If he doesn't want to cooperate, that's fine with him, there are other ways of getting information. But yes, he is freaking out enough that he's not just going to calmly bid him good day.]

But you do presume to already know my situation. I'd sooner ask what you have to gain by hiding it.

[maybe he's already done something that this guy hates him for without having met him - going off appearances he seems more generally asocial than that but still. If he knows the reason he can work with it.]

You are acting the way humans normally would when faced with the unknown -- whether it be an enemy, a situation, or both, as things stand here.

[Asocial, check. Speciesist probably?? Check. Super judgmental as only an undying metaphysical monster could be?? Double check.]

And what have I to gain from answering you?

[ So, things had ended on a fairly high note, better than what McBurn had anticipated himself, even. But, eventually, he had to say his goodbyes, which looked half-assed, but to anyone who knew him...him saying any at all was pretty much a big deal. It meant he gave kind of at least a little care.

Anyway, little time passed and he took it easy when he'd returned back to Zemuria. Even Duvalie didn't harp on him as much as usual when he was being his usual lazy self, seeming more subdued than that. He didn't care either way, but it was probably for the better.

Though he did still do what he needed to do.

So here he was on Bryonia Island, a place that was definitely a nice, area of solitude that provided that perfect cover for an Ouroboros meeting to rattle off plans, and such. Or maybe it was also a nice place for a walk, with its sandy shores and hills that extended into one tall mountain. Which McBurn decided to take advantage on and stroll on out of the meeting after a bit. He's an Enforcer, he'd be told if he was needed or whatever.

However, he did stop at one point, sensing a disturbance in the force, so to speak. Curiosity drew him closer to a point on the Island nearby a large rock along the sandy shore. What would he find—or rather, who would he find? ]

Edited 2020-03-30 02:01 (UTC)

[He'll see a lone figure, a man huddled with his back against the sea wind - not freezing, he hasn't been there long, but still a bit chilly considering he's lacking a shirt. That doesn't mean there isn't anything there, of course. His chest is bandaged and seeping through with blood. Something is definitely not right here.

For one thing, this person is Eric, and he's got tears falling with each heaving breath. He's done everything he thought he could in this situation. Because his reaction time was good after two death games, the stab was shallow, after he escaped he could easily take care of his first aid after the number of times he'd been beaten down. A healing potion would have been even better, but he didn't think of it and couldn't have gone back to his house with the alembic anyway. After all, his house was their house, and she... she.... she's the one who did this to him... He had no idea anything was wrong, and then what she said to him while she did it.... he knows their relationship is over.

Maybe anyone in Skyrim would have saved their god. He isn't thinking straight, though. With his power, he takes himself as close as he can to the first place he can think of - to find McBurn. There's a part of him that just can't forget the image of him saving him. The gall it takes to teleport into a probable hive of scum and villainy doesn't really cross his mind. What he does know is it'll be easier for him to look for his friend once his eyes aren't loaded up with water... but then, the guy kind of stands out, so once he's close enough Eric will look up and there he is. He just gets up and runs toward him, not sure what he's even going to say, other than 'help.']

[ In the moonlight, the red was instantly noticeable and that stopped any sort of greeting McBurn would've bothered with. Some thoughts quickly raced through his mind, but he dispelled them almost immediately because they're suppositions, and nothing useful without him knowing the circumstances. Though he was more or less sure that given Eric's state of clothing it likely couldn't be a monster that caused the damage. ]

What happened?

[ There's a clear frown on his lips, once he's closed the distance between him walking forward, and Eric heading towards him. His eyes flickered over at the bloodied bandages again, and upon closer examination he surmised it probably wasn't too deep of a wound. Still, he's reaching into his pocket because he never quite used the healing potion Caleb had given to him and held it out to Eric.

Seeing the tears (or red eyes by evidence of previous crying) more clearly made the suppositions and flurry of internal questions return, much to his agitation. Despite the fact he's quite frankly pissed someone or something did something to Eric, he kept his anger in check, and then gestured to the building a little ways off to the side.

It was hard to see at this time of night, but it wasn't too far away. ]

...And follow me to the resort while we talk.

[ McBurn would wait for Eric to take the healing potion, before beginning to lead him to the building. ]

Edited 2020-03-30 03:28 (UTC)

[He's such a sight for (literally) sore eyes. Especially that he even kept a potion, which was just what Eric wanted. McBurn was the right choice after all. Eric manages to smile through the tears. It's completely crooked and false, but it's his skill.]

A-Alright- [Eric sniffles, taking it from him to gulp down while the taller man watches him with those sharp, expectant eyes. The magic begins working, heating up inside his wound and pulling the tissues back together. He can feel at least a little relief... maybe walk without fainting... although the smell of blood that's still permeating him would have made him do just that, were he not already deeply versed in digging around inside of corpses. And Mira wanted to do that to him - he's definitely still queasy about all of this, but he'll follow, dragging his feet and letting the bottle clatter onto the sand.]

I just... h-had to fight... Mira... she doesn't love me. [He kind of sobs this out since this is what he feels the most pathetic about, what's on the forefront of his mind, and what hurts the most. But he continues lest McBurn thinks he was out here committing seppuku or something.]

S-She tried to kill me... wants to see w-what my heart looks like... fuck....

[It's pretty fucked up!! Although the place the blood seeping at was not that close to the heart. That had to be left in tact so she could examine it properly after all. But he's putting his hand over it, as he wonders why this one thing could be so much more important than, well, him. Though maybe it wouldn't have surprised him, if he didn't know at least one other person who sees some worth in him.]

[ Normally, McBurn would be more liable to walk way ahead or take his time walking behind the person he was accompanying, but here, even if he's leading Eric, his footsteps were careful, and at an even, normal pace.

He even kept looking back to the other in between their conversation. If anything, his words burned more than before once 'Mira' was named as the attacker. The woman that Eric had spoken previously before and lit up whenever he did. He'd always seemed so happy to think or speak of her.

Granted, Eric did mention a bit of the type of person she was. But, the fact that someone he clearly trusted and loved did that to him, it was infuriating to the point of nauseating. Honestly, maybe another part of why it was nauseating was because even he thought that was fucked up. ]

Didn't think she was the type of person to be a backstabbing bitch. [ ... ] I'll deal with her later.

[ For now, he was going to watch over Eric, which wouldn't be hard because he had a lot of free time on his hands.

To think, though, Eric could've died and he wouldn't have known until it was too late. Like with Loewe.

Or never at all. He felt the emotions twist in his heart more than a little.

...When they do reach the resort, he'll open the door for them. It had a few rooms but the first one they came upon had a bed, a table and some chairs. ]

Sit down anywhere you want—going to see if there's any extra clothing around here. Take off the bandages too, since we may as well get those replaced.

Edited 2020-03-30 05:13 (UTC)

I-It was ... more of a front stab, ahaha... hah.

[His voice is high and weak, straining against the weight of his feelings. Though the thought of her being 'dealt with' makes him completely numb. He understands why he'd say that, to the point where he won't argue. Although she's still someone he loved, so to think of her harmed or anything makes him feel worse than ever. It shouldn't have had to come to this. He never imagined he'd have to be thinking about what to do with her after committing crimes. He doesn't want to think about it, as if it had never happened. But he can't hide from the truth. Eric trudges in and picks a chair. They were in bed when she made her move, so he doesn't think he'll be able to sleep for a while.]

I-I think she's probably a serial killer I heard about in the world I'm from. People are looking for her... so...

[He sounds a bit helpless here, but he doesn't really know what else to say. For now he just does as he's told and starts unwrapping the bandages with a harsh sigh.]

I must have the worst luck in the universe... I lost my parents, my brother... been in three fucking death games... no one has ever loved me that didn't die or have some hidden nasty side, or both.

[speaking of which, that demonic vibe is eventually going to awaken his instincts even in this universe, so fun. For now it's pretty negligible in his sea of grief and desperation for any kind of consolation.]

[ That was a terrible attempt to lighten up the mood, Eric.

McBurn will return with some clothing and set it on the table. There are shirts, socks, pants, you name it. They were various colors of red, black, and sea-green. But generally simple.

Either way, he's hardly thinking about how much effort he's putting into this. He's attentive and moving quickly despite imagining how quickly he'll take care of this problem serial killer once he's gotten the chance. ]

Think that's about time that changed.

[ Time to check out Eric's chest, mostly to see if the wound had completely healed and he wasn't wrong in judging the severity of the wound. But either way, he did have those bandages he said he'd bring just in case there still needed to be something to wrap in the first place. ]

Won't be too much trouble to have you stay in Zemuria for a long while, either. Nothing will be able to touch you since I'm by your side—can even think of it as a long vacation. Sounds like you need one of those too.

[ And here's where being an Enforcer came in handy. If even someone approached him on the off-chance they wanted him to do something, he'd turn them down unless it was something rather dire. Which was very, very unlikely to happen. ]

[The potion did a lot to close them up, but there's still some sliver of the wounds there, as he will find out, because of how many. Fortunately since Eric's breathing is normal, the knife probably hit rib more than anything else. She wasn't dissuaded too easily though, there's a few different punctures. No wonder the guy is so broken. He glances up at the stack of clothes, definitely noting this is a lot of options, but not in any big rush to rifle through them. Eric makes, then breaks eye contact hearing that first thing he says. What... does he mean by that? Probably just talking about his bad luck, he's sure he shouldn't read into that too deeply. Why would he want to give him love... even though Eric got something of a crush on him without meaning to... by the way, this is not how he would have wanted to have McBurn checking out his chest. The bandages would mostly be just to ensure nothing opens them back up, but Eric will hold a hand out for them, assuming he's not trying to do it himself - McBurn doesn't look like the medic type, unless he's got hidden talents.

Well, all this offer of shelter and protection is making him start to tear up again, so he might need a moment before he actually is able to do it regardless. Eric rubs at his eyes with his other hand, looking at the floor for another moment. Seriously, he's so grateful for how nice he is. It's saving him again, just like he thought. Though, part of him also feels guilty. He hadn't actually intended to ask for all this stuff. Had he? He's a god in Nirn, he can get it all for himself and banish Mira to some distant planet if he wants, and McBurn knows that, but... he also thinks that easy way is hollow, and so maybe he knows too. What he's really trying to escape is the crushing loneliness writhing in the empty void where his love was cut off from. He's still not sure that makes this okay.]

T-Thank you. Um. I shouldn't if you don't really want to do all that, but...

[Well, now is the time to say that, but Eric trusts him so he'll go ahead and confess what's on his mind.]

I don't want to be alone anymore. And to be by your side, well I. [His throat is dry. He gulps as he scrubs back another tear, then runs his hand into his hair after that.]

You know, I think if this happened after the Depths, I would've just let it. I wanted my world to revolve around her... it was my reason to live, it was why I put myself through everything there. B-But for some reason, I wanted to live anyway, and I wanted to see you... I thought about that right away.

[Gosh, hard to admit all that. It seems so pathetic to him. He's clinging to this even as he tries to backpedal, because, well, he's nervous in general.]

But... you really don't mind?

[ McBurn had long accepted he had feelings for Eric by now. It wasn't necessarily the first time he's fallen in love, which probably helped make it a little easier to figure it out himself by the time of the conclusion of the City. That pull, the intense, undeniable warmth was like the flames that naturally came alive in his being.

He had even thought about telling him how he felt, but decided not to, thinking it too much trouble to bother with. So to see someone abuse that did well to keep him furious. The only thing holding him back from hunting this woman down was his desire to be by the brunet's side for awhile before he did that. ]

Shouldn't let your world revolve around one person. Can be a big pain, as you've noticed.

[ He's still standing in front of the brunet, intense emotions burning in his eyes as he looked him over again. He's always resisted the urge to touch him whenever he's gotten it back in the City. But he could be naturally impulsive, and with his feelings being irresistibly strong in the face of everything, as he's handing Eric the bandages, his fingers move to touch along Eric's, until they're moving down his arms, and up to rest on his shoulders. Despite the somewhat chilly air even inside of a room, his touch was comfortably really warm, though he did manage to draw away his hands at some point. ]

If I minded, I would've just sent you elsewhere. There's no point in keeping around someone I don't care about or want.

...Never seeing you again would be more than be unbearable, so guess I'm glad I'm what saved you—don't care that it makes me sound sentimental. Been thinking about all this time about when I'd just drop in for that visit, to bring you here. About where we'd go, and the look on your face when you're having fun for once.

Guess that we're just going to have more time for that.

[He definitely noticed. Because this isn't the first time it felt like his world is ending... maybe he really should have learned his lesson after the depths, so he could have protected his heart, literally. Honestly, this fierce caring in McBurn's eyes is such a foreign emotion to have directed at him that it's difficult to register, in the way a human can't discern the shape of the sun by looking directly at it. But he can hold on to the warmth coming from his hand... almost like a hot-water bottle against his bare skin. Eric's usual body temperature swings closer to the cool end of tepidity, like the ice cream shops and freezing lakes take too long to fade out of his human warmth.

Therefore, this space heater quality of McBurn's is quick to permeate him. It does feel comfortable. Almost safe - although there's a strange inkling he has that there's something wrong about this feeling, but for now Eric is just sure he's finding it hard to trust anyone with his damaged heart. He'd rather put up with that than have him go away.

The reassurance is nice. More than he expected. Unbearable? He'd have settled for noticing at all. It doesn't matter how he sounds, because they're on the same page. Yeah, now that he mentions it, this probably is why he could only think about coming here. Eric chokes out a laugh amid his sobs that have at least quieted down a little, if not stopping.]

Y-Yeah, I was looking forward to it too. I wouldn't have missed it for the world or anything.

[He won't say McBurn is the new last-thing-he-has-left, because that would be revolving again which is bad, and he has other death game friends too. No way of telling if the Fie in Stickburn's universe is the one he knows, but that's another possibility. But for now, it's fine if he can at least be... an anchor or something, right? Just someone taking him on a long vacation from his troubles, like he said. He'll nod at that notion of more time, and once McBurn finally takes his hand away, he'll awkwardly finish up the bandaging.

But... he doesn't know where to go from here. He definitely can't get up the vacation mood on command. He'll just move mechanically toward the shirts and pick up the first one he sees that isn't red, which happens to be the sea-green one (not that Eric is thinking about this, but it brings out the blue in his eyes) - he puts it on next, carefully so it doesn't disturb his bandages. Not too difficult of a feat, if these are McBurn's clothes. They're a bit baggy on the shorter man.]

... [It's no good. All he can think about is either McBurn or Mira. He's starving for more comfort, enough to suck up his embarrassment. His hands hook under his armpits on either side.]

Could... you put your hand on me again?

[McBurn isn't sentimental and Eric is too repressed so he can't bring himself to ask for a full on hug, but he's also not saying where. Just asking him to repeat an action is fine, though, he thinks.]

It was so warm...

CALL ME OUT

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Post-R6 AU PSL ~ Fallen Ashes

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