[the way i paused for a second like WHAT WEEK IS IT?? before remembering where i am
ANYWAY!! WHAT A TONAL WHIPLASH! Matsui doesn't know what happened to Buzen, but he's starting to get a little anxious as time ticks on without their paths crossing - and how could he not? He's seen at least one round of just how intense this particular task can get. He's felt the strangeness of those too-real emotions for a set of people he doesn't know a thing about. He's seen the sort of damage that this mission, more than the others before in this place, can meter out.
So he'd spent some time after his own completion of it to back through the now-emptied paths, searching for a familiar flash of red or green. He'd stopped to ask a few people if they'd seen or heard from Buzen, his travels carrying him across the new domains in a way that starts methodically and gradually becomes hurried. Buzen's always finding a way to get him to keep moving, even when he's not doing anything at all, huh.
Sooner or later, his patience meters out reward, and he turns the right corner. Two things click in rapid succession: one, that he's finally found the person he's been looking for. A person far, far more valuable to him than any princess in this entire world, or any. Second, even from where he stands: something is wrong.]
Buzen—?
[There's a mismatch here, in what his eyes see and what his mind registers and what his body does. Normally the latter is the slowest, but it moves forward without input of thought, easily carrying him across whatever space lies between them.]
[well, the duty of a sword is to protect - right? or are they just tools to make mistakes? buzen still hasn't quite found his answer, even after all this time, but he didn't have much time to question it either before he dove to protect someone else. maybe it wasn't that bright, with all the glitches that prompted them to switch places all the time, but he never claimed to be smart.
he's wandering around the town itself - but clearly disheveled. without logging out, there's been little success in cleaning himself up of all the blood, even though he was able to get healed enough that he wasn't immediately dying on the spot. bandages peek out from where his shirt's been haphazardly rebuttoned, patched up but hardly healthy. still, he manages an easy-going (if slightly strained) smile to any worriers.
like matsui.]
Hey. [a little sheepishly] There you are - I didn't want to leave without you.
[since he still hasn't quite mastered the art of messaging across worlds? or at all? so it felt easier to just try to find matsui himself and tell him, even though he's sure that he'll fuss... well, that's endearing too, if a little strange to buzen. even this injury feels like an expected part of a mission.]
[And yet only ONE OF THESE PEOPLE HERE ARE INJURED!!
Maybe it is a little silly, though. They're weapons made for war, after all - things with sharp edges designed to draw blood more efficiently than any human could on their own. They've both spilled their share. More than their share, in fact. They've entered worse battles, they've suffered from worse injuries, and yet...
Is it in his nature? Or maybe it's just the part of him that refuses so stubbornly to see any of his Gous and especially his Buzen go before he does. He moves forward in quick strides - not running, but certainly a faster clip than he usually goes. His hand hovers over Buzen's arm when he's within reach, not quite touching, as he looks over him and the patched injuries.]
—Don't stay here like this. Not when you need repairs. [The way he's like I JUST LAID ON THE FLOOR FOR 20 MINUTES WHILE MY BUZEN COULD HAVE BEEN OUT HERE DYING??? But more important: getting Buzen out of here, because he's well aware of the fact that cuts and scrapes and bruises vanish back in Crane City. Finally, his fingertips touch Buzen's sleeve.]
[it's a little funny how so much of buzen's attention goes to making sure that matsui doesn't touch blood, but when buzen is finally the one covered in his own, matsui has such a hard time coming to contact with him. when his fingers finally find buzen's sleeve - buzen will take a moment to make sure that his hand isn't bloody and when he confirms that it isn't (mostly), takes matsui's in his.
they'd gotten into such a habit of handholding, and he's not sure if it'll work to soothe matsui as much here - but he hopes he can try?]
Okay. I'm okay, Matsu. You don't need to worry so much.
[though that's probably also buzen's tendency to say things boldly, decisively. there's a slightly breathless quality the longer he speaks, as if doing so through pain, and even now the blood loss has led to him being slightly more pale....
but he's standing, so surely it's not a big deal.]
[Honestly he's still so fucking weird about blood but it really does just loop back around into this: a hesitance to touch, because he feels so strongly about spilling blood and he hates it so dearly when it comes from the ones he cherishes. There's the ridiculous, chaotic desire to just pool it into his hands and put it back into Buzen's body somehow.
But repairs - or logging out in this case - are about as close to that as he can get. He reaches for Buzen's hand with less hesitation than he'd reached for his sleeve, though when his thumb slides across a small and errant streak of blood, it's like his entire body jolts into a tenseness. He takes a breath, and repeats:]
Let's go. [And then, more quietly:] I hate to see you like this.
[In the sort of tone that says you know this. He hates the sound of pain in his voice and he hates the paleness of his skin. Losing blood is such an easy way to see the life drain out of something, but when he sees it in Buzen, it's not satisfying at all.
But!! He'll offer support in any way he can as they bounce the heck out of here, because Buzen is still standing but Buzen would still be standing right up until he wholeass lost consciousness. MATSUI KNOWS HIM.]
[ . . . well. there's nothing else they can do here. buzen supposes that's fair enough. in the end, he just wanted to make sure that he caught matsui before he left him entirely - if they missed each other, that would've been bad. but maybe what he should do next time is just log out to clear the injuries, and then log back in... then matsui would never know!
even if that feels a little two duplicitous for him....
regardless, they'll go through the process of logging out - interacting with a strange menu that doesn't feel quite in touch with reality - and then finding themselves back at dodo house. buzen slips off the headset and given that he probably entered with matsui, they're still pretty close to each other.
and there he is - entirely repaired. not a single ache or splash of red to be found. he pats himself down just in case before sighing.]
I mean, it's even faster than repairs... [but once he's done mumbling to himself, he'll reach out to catch matsui's hand pretty soon after, so that as soon as he's logged out, he can already feel buzen next to him.
[Buzen the golden retriever deciding not to sneak his injuries away because it's Too Sneaky... Truly sasuga Buzen.
In any case, he's grateful for it in that wordless way he often is - that he has the anchor before he even lands, a hand in his that reminds him of where he is as he logs out and reaches up to pull off his headset a little hastily. He doesn't often rush, but any time he does, it's always for Buzen.
Naturally, he's looking over toward Buzen mere seconds after he's reoriented, giving his hand a tight, reflexive-seeming squeeze. True enough, not a scratch is left. It's faster than repairs, but similar enough that it isn't even strange. And just like when Buzen gets out of repairs, Matsui is still staring at him with that distant, quiet, sad sort of look. They're swords, and he's got no misgivings or misconceptions about it. Just, you know. Of course he hates the reminder that Buzen, too, is just as breakable as he is.]
Everything healed as it should? You don't have any lingering pain? Nothing feels amiss...?
[and he'll be as direct about it as buzen tends to be, shifting to make it more obvious that there's no red left on the fabric of his clothes. no blood to be found, of the fresh or dried variety. his free hand tugs on the hem of his shirt, lifting it as much as the cloth will allow to show the smooth, unmarred skin underneath. if i was anna or yaywon, i would write this tag to be hornier but that's really not the goal here.
but he'll left it slip out of his hand a moment later, shirt falling back against him, and just move to be closer to matsui's side. he bumps against his shoulder in a friendly little knock, expression softening.]
Nothing hurts anymore, and nothing went wrong in the repairs. I just got a little caught up during the mission. I don't want you to worry too much...
[i hate this note so much don't talk about buzen's abs or you will summon yaywon
He seems... satisfied??? to see that there isn't any trace of injury remaining, at least. As satisfied as one can be when it's clear that they're also still just in a bit of a mood in general.]
I will worry regardless.
[BINCH. Buzen barely ever has to deal with how bullheaded he can truly be, but sometimes it really does just leap to the surface. Especially in times like now, where he's being emotional and nonsensical and he knows it, but still feels like digging in his heels.]
...But it's good that the repairs work so cleanly. Someone else was able to tend to you there, as well?
[Buzen hadn't looked great, but it at least looked like someone did something to patch him up as well as possible.]
[did i tell you that yaywon found this thread and i was like 'what the fuck'
anyway buzen just nods at that! his hand comes up to his face to scratch idly at his cheek, as if trying to think of a way to pull matsui out of his funk....]
Yeah! I was able to find a friend at the Mender's Guild who was willing to look at my injuries - I'm really grateful.
[ - well, no immediate ideas are coming so he'll just throw his arm around matsui's shoulders! his fingers lightly tussle the ends of his hair, like he's trying to get his attention on anything besides buzen's mortality]
[HELP NOT YAYWON. BLASTS HER WITH MY SIX FISH BEAM
This is so funny though EVEN WHEN BUZEN IS THE ONE SHREDDED TO BITS HE'S STILL HAVING TO PULL MATSUI OUT OF THE DEPRESSION MINES. At least Matsui understands how ridiculous it is, and he gives Buzen a bit of a sullen look even while he's being spoiled by this cute hair tussling.]
That is not a question for me.
[He's not the one who needs help!! Or, more specifically, this isn't the sort of thing that can be helped. It's just The Way. They're swords, so they get hurt. Matsui loves Buzen, so he'll be unhappy when he's injured, even if he returns to a good-as-new state soon enough.
He'll reach for the hand at his hair, though, so he can give his fingers a gentle squeeze.]
...I would like to go to the room.
[do they even still live together at this point I THINK THEY DO IT'S FINE]
[I ACTUALLY DON'T THINK THEY DO HELP but it doesn't matter to buzen, because he'll just go to wherever matsui is. when matsui squeezes his fingers, buzen will just let theirs tangle together, making it harder for him to pull away or let go.]
Mm... alright, let's go.
[easily. with the arm around matsui's shoulders, he'll just go to start walking in that direction then, encouraging him to lean a little bit more on buzen to see if the closeness will help]
How about if I carry you and run there? So you can see for yourself all my strength's back and I'm good as new.
[this is such a stupid test but also it's the most straightforward one, so of course it's what buzen suggests]
[HELP this just becomes a wistful statement from matsui pining over the better days before dodo became his mortal enemy.
He seems fine enough with this arrangement, though; he doesn't have any particularly strong desire to let go of Buzen's hand, even if he's in a bit of a mood. The suggestion, likewise, has him glancing over. Something so ridiculously and perfectly Buzen... He can't help but feel fond, the warmth of it striking through his moody malaise at least a little.]
You don't need to show me. I know that it is.
[But he still stops walking anyway, shifting to face Buzen like he expects to be scooped up regardless.]
[matsui please acknowledge that it's a stupid suggestion.... even though buzen just think it's as close to logical as he'll ever get! so when matsui stops walking, so does he. a smile pulls at his lips, sincere and eager, apparently pleased that his stupid idea sounds good to matsui too]
Is this what they call a mixed signal, Matsu...
[when his words don't match his actions - but well, actions really do speak louder, right? so buzen will follow exactly that lead, scooping matsui up in his arms so easily and holding him close]
You can listen to my heartbeat too - my uh, blood's probably working hard?
[No........ It's not a stupid suggestion because it means he gets to be spoiled and carried by Buzen... He's WINNING!!
Also this is so funny HELP. Buzen really does try so hard IT'S THE EARNESTNESS FOR HIM!! He closes his eyes and rests his head against Buzen's chest, right over his heart, and there's maybe even the faintest and briefest flicker of smiles because truly, it is so ridiculous.
But hearing it does set his own heart at ease, just a little.]
...Yes. I can hear it - your blood is working hard, as usual.
[These are such fucking weird words but they are so soft coming from him.]
[hi gous.... they're at the mall because i said so, actually probably because Itsuki asked them both and buzen is here so that means matsui is too now,]
So, have you guys thought about what you're gonna wear for the auction?
[The way this is written just makes it seem like Matsui magically manifests anywhere that Buzen is... But yeah of course he is??? Why would he not be holding Buzen's hand even in front of Itsuki's salad????
He's just sort of glancing around but in the distracted way of someone who isn't really paying attention to their surroundings.]
Are you meant to plan out what to wear so far in advance...?
[buzen wouldn't care if itsuki wanted to hold his hand
anyway buzen carries cluelessly on... they're at the mall but he's looking around at everything with a sort of vague sense of curiosity that is fighting hard against his overwhelming disinterest. not enough fast things...]
Hottest? [a glance over at his fellow gou, swinging their hands] Mm, Matsu you gotta get warmer then... You always run cold...
[he really misunderstood this one]
Well, I've been kinda cold lately too, though. It's still winter outside!
[if itsuki was holding both of their hands they would all just be standing in a stupid circle holding hands. perfect for them.
This is so funny though HELP. Making the executive decision that this is also not a particular piece of slang that he's overly familiar with, so he's just like WHAT.]
I don't wish to win anything, though... And I dislike being too hot.
[He likes being the perfect warm cozy temperature! Except for when he's busy soaking up the vibes of a cold dank warehouse.]
[itsuki like that's so weird i don't remember buzen and matsui being this stupid even in my AU memories, wait actually -- they were just idiots in different ways...? anyway, putting AU aside,]
Not hot like the temperature! I meant 'hot' as in attractive. [wow this will clear up absolutely nothing? he glances down at buzen and matsui's interlinked hands, and it's like a lightbulb goes up over his head,]
What about if you could win Buzen, Ma-kun? He's worth competing for, right?
[i still want to thread with you though so i'm saying now this is an action thread at some point after they're doing being idiots in front of poor sweet meryl.
HE'S HOLDING HIS BINGO CARD OUT.]
While you're here, how far have you gotten on your card, Buzen? Is there anything that I can help you with...?
[His own is hilariously pretty full. The only ones still missing are the lending an item, jasmine and picking stormbloom flowers squares.]
If it's a matter of speed, then of course you could do it. [No one speedruns like Buzen... But he'll glance back down at his own card and then to Buzen's empty one and back again, and:]
Alright... Would you like to visit the jasmine flowers or go pick the stormblooms first?
[Dramatic shoujo love confessions versus being headbutted off a golem by goats... He could easily lend Buzen an important item too because there is nothing in this or any world that he wouldn't give to Buzen, but it wouldn't help Buzen mark off any squares, so!!]
Ah! Hmm... Both sound fun but - maybe if we're already here, how about the jasmines? I know I don't really seem the type, but I like looking at flowers too...
[just an almost bashful little admission. jock with a soft side. who would've thought he'd stay still for something like that?
and since they've finished off their business with anyone else involved, buzen is already holding his hand out]
[WHY is Buzen so PERFECT!!! is what he's thinking to himself as he ponders over the extreme cuteness of this admission. His heart is so full of fondness and they aren't even near the jasmines yet, he's really not going to fucking notice a damn thing.
But he'll reach out easily to take Buzen's hand, nodding without pause.]
Let's. [AWAY TO THE JASMINE!!!] We can go see the rest of the flowers too, if you'd like. The wisteria is especially lovely right now.
[He's already thinking about ways to bring MORE FLOWERS into Buzen's life...]
[AWAY THEY GO!!! buzen will walk along, he probably ran past them on the way to find matsui. truly he is so handsome and so stupid. at the idea of looking at more trees, he just laughs]
Do you want to? We could take a whole flower tour if you want, Matsu.
[why is this switching around to what matsui wants
imagine if buzen clears out all the tree squares and they're just with matsui this is so stupid he's so dumb]
[Now that he isn't busy running literally everywhere in the hopes of randomly finding Matsui, he can take some time to stop and smell the metaphoric roses and literal everything else! He really is so handsome and so stupid. Matsui is never any less in love with him and it's absolutely hilarious.]
Aren't you the one who said you enjoy looking at flowers? [WHY IS THIS SWITCHING AROUND!!!!!] If you would like to, then I would, too. I'll look at as many flowers with you as you wish to see.
[They're really speedrunning this bingo but in the stupidest way.]
[He did already put it away but he will tolerate any of Buzen's shenanigans (mostly) (sometimes with carrot retaliation) so it's fine.]
It would be impossible to feel bored if I'm spending that time with you.
[HIS BUZEN!! NOTHING IS DIFFERENT!!!!! But there Buzen goes, scampering away to climb trees and make him jasmine fubuki. He laughs, one of his soft and quietly fond ones which is reserved for Gous Only and especially Buzens.]
[HE JUST WENT WITH THE IMPULSE. but the jasmine do look nice, raining down on matsui like this. the way buzen has accepted that matsui is already pretty, and this type of atmosphere is pretty....]
How are you feeling, Matsu?
[it's a little hard for buzen to identify any particularly dokidoki feeling when he always gets a little fond looking at matsui....]
[How is he feeling?? Honestly, he truly can't tell that there's anything funky going on. His heart is always full when he looks at Buzen...
But the fullness of his heart is telling him to climb the tree too so he can reach for him again because for some reason, the scenery is just so much better when he's holding Buzen's hand.]
I'm feeling very charmed by the sights. [The lovely flowers and most importantly the lovely Buzen.] I'd say that I should have come taken a look at the jasmine sooner, but you're what makes it so enjoyable.
[The boldness is perhaps a tiny bit unusual but honestly, not by much. Fucking help.]
there is a clear joke set-up here but i really feel like they're gonna fumble the catch
regardless, when matsui moves to start joining buzen in the tree, it's automatic for buzen to reach his hand out to help him up! why do they keep going to high places.]
Eh? You think so?
[he laughs, happy with the sentiment, but honestly?]
Well, I always think things are more fun if I get to experience them next to you, Matsu.
[THIS IS THE SAME AS ANY OTHER BOYFRIENDY THING HE SAYS I'M TRYING TO THINK OF HOW TO AMPLIFY IT AND FAILING]
[THEY'RE BOTH IN A TREE NOW!!! They'll definitely fumble it but it's fine. At least they've made it 2 whole seconds without crashing from their new high place... Matsui will settle right next to him, still holding his hand and leaning against his side as strongly as physics and the tree will allow.
Truly this feels no different from usual. NOTHING ABOUT THIS FEELS OUTSIDE OF THE NORM. FUCKING HELP.]
We've been able to experience many unique things together lately, haven't we? [He does still miss the others, and there's that little missing piece in everything, but also. HIS BUZEN TIME. THE BUZEN THAT HE GETS TO HOG!!!!]
[well, if matsui is going to rest against his side then it's natural for buzen to just match him easily! he'll slip his hand out of matsui's just to wrap his arm around his shoulders instead, even as his legs swing below him from the branch.... this is where they're resting now.]
Hah! Me too. I hope we get to have a long time together, doing whatever we want. Life's more fun with you.
[but he'll just let his head tilt to rest against matsui's lightly - a soft little head knock. fond!]
Is there anything in particular you want more of, Matsu?
[Two dudes chillin in a wisteria tree no feet apart cuz they're mawwied...
He is, unfortunately, incredibly comfortable like this. Trees are mother nature's cradle! And Buzen is just the perfect cushion for any occasion, so he's all around thrilled. They headbonk and he hums lightly, considering the question.]
...You? [GIRL HELP. At least he's honest. He already has so much of Buzen in his life, even more than he did when they were summoned at the Citadel, and YET!!!! He's greedy!! The heart wants what the heart wants!!!!]
I would be satisfied with anything of yours that I could have.
[Time or attention or physical affection or just lazy little chats... He's not picky, he's just grossly enamored.]
[head empty... no thoughts... just a thing buzen would say on any regular day anyway. he doesn't even seem to notice an effect on matsui either, god help his soul.
but he'll just hum thoughtfully before tilting his head to try to peer a little bit more at matsui's expression, like that'll be helpful at all in decoding what he means.]
That's not a 'particular' answer at all, Matsu... I don't know what else to give you... If it's for you, I'd turn the whole world over, you know?
[HE'S BEEN ARROWED RIGHT THROUGH THE HEART WITH BUZEN'S SMOOTH WORDS AND IT IS LITERALLY NO DIFFERENT FROM ANY DAY ENDING IN Y!!!!
The only difference is that he's currently feeling so infatuated and affectionate that he doesn't spiral off into a weird depression moment which could have very easily happened at the mention of the scope of what Buzen's willing to give him. Instead of veering down his usual DRAMATIC PIPE ORGAN PATH, he just lets himself be possessed by his fond whims and reaches up with his freed hand to lightly touch Buzen's cheek. The other settles against his own chest briefly.]
I don't have a 'particular' answer to give. When I have your attention or time, when I can watch you smile and stand by your side, I'm satisfied. You don't have to give me anything else. There is nothing in this world, the next or any other that could fill this heart as wholly as you do, Buzen.
[He doesn't need the world turned over!! He just needs Buzen's hand in his, and maybe a nice quiet plot of dirt to die in sometime later down the road. His two true loves...]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action;
ANYWAY!! WHAT A TONAL WHIPLASH! Matsui doesn't know what happened to Buzen, but he's starting to get a little anxious as time ticks on without their paths crossing - and how could he not? He's seen at least one round of just how intense this particular task can get. He's felt the strangeness of those too-real emotions for a set of people he doesn't know a thing about. He's seen the sort of damage that this mission, more than the others before in this place, can meter out.
So he'd spent some time after his own completion of it to back through the now-emptied paths, searching for a familiar flash of red or green. He'd stopped to ask a few people if they'd seen or heard from Buzen, his travels carrying him across the new domains in a way that starts methodically and gradually becomes hurried. Buzen's always finding a way to get him to keep moving, even when he's not doing anything at all, huh.
Sooner or later, his patience meters out reward, and he turns the right corner. Two things click in rapid succession: one, that he's finally found the person he's been looking for. A person far, far more valuable to him than any princess in this entire world, or any. Second, even from where he stands: something is wrong.]
Buzen—?
[There's a mismatch here, in what his eyes see and what his mind registers and what his body does. Normally the latter is the slowest, but it moves forward without input of thought, easily carrying him across whatever space lies between them.]
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he's wandering around the town itself - but clearly disheveled. without logging out, there's been little success in cleaning himself up of all the blood, even though he was able to get healed enough that he wasn't immediately dying on the spot. bandages peek out from where his shirt's been haphazardly rebuttoned, patched up but hardly healthy. still, he manages an easy-going (if slightly strained) smile to any worriers.
like matsui.]
Hey. [a little sheepishly] There you are - I didn't want to leave without you.
[since he still hasn't quite mastered the art of messaging across worlds? or at all? so it felt easier to just try to find matsui himself and tell him, even though he's sure that he'll fuss... well, that's endearing too, if a little strange to buzen. even this injury feels like an expected part of a mission.]
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Maybe it is a little silly, though. They're weapons made for war, after all - things with sharp edges designed to draw blood more efficiently than any human could on their own. They've both spilled their share. More than their share, in fact. They've entered worse battles, they've suffered from worse injuries, and yet...
Is it in his nature? Or maybe it's just the part of him that refuses so stubbornly to see any of his Gous and especially his Buzen go before he does. He moves forward in quick strides - not running, but certainly a faster clip than he usually goes. His hand hovers over Buzen's arm when he's within reach, not quite touching, as he looks over him and the patched injuries.]
—Don't stay here like this. Not when you need repairs. [The way he's like I JUST LAID ON THE FLOOR FOR 20 MINUTES WHILE MY BUZEN COULD HAVE BEEN OUT HERE DYING??? But more important: getting Buzen out of here, because he's well aware of the fact that cuts and scrapes and bruises vanish back in Crane City. Finally, his fingertips touch Buzen's sleeve.]
Let's go.
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they'd gotten into such a habit of handholding, and he's not sure if it'll work to soothe matsui as much here - but he hopes he can try?]
Okay. I'm okay, Matsu. You don't need to worry so much.
[though that's probably also buzen's tendency to say things boldly, decisively. there's a slightly breathless quality the longer he speaks, as if doing so through pain, and even now the blood loss has led to him being slightly more pale....
but he's standing, so surely it's not a big deal.]
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But repairs - or logging out in this case - are about as close to that as he can get. He reaches for Buzen's hand with less hesitation than he'd reached for his sleeve, though when his thumb slides across a small and errant streak of blood, it's like his entire body jolts into a tenseness. He takes a breath, and repeats:]
Let's go. [And then, more quietly:] I hate to see you like this.
[In the sort of tone that says you know this. He hates the sound of pain in his voice and he hates the paleness of his skin. Losing blood is such an easy way to see the life drain out of something, but when he sees it in Buzen, it's not satisfying at all.
But!! He'll offer support in any way he can as they bounce the heck out of here, because Buzen is still standing but Buzen would still be standing right up until he wholeass lost consciousness. MATSUI KNOWS HIM.]
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even if that feels a little two duplicitous for him....
regardless, they'll go through the process of logging out - interacting with a strange menu that doesn't feel quite in touch with reality - and then finding themselves back at dodo house. buzen slips off the headset and given that he probably entered with matsui, they're still pretty close to each other.
and there he is - entirely repaired. not a single ache or splash of red to be found. he pats himself down just in case before sighing.]
I mean, it's even faster than repairs... [but once he's done mumbling to himself, he'll reach out to catch matsui's hand pretty soon after, so that as soon as he's logged out, he can already feel buzen next to him.
is that better?]
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In any case, he's grateful for it in that wordless way he often is - that he has the anchor before he even lands, a hand in his that reminds him of where he is as he logs out and reaches up to pull off his headset a little hastily. He doesn't often rush, but any time he does, it's always for Buzen.
Naturally, he's looking over toward Buzen mere seconds after he's reoriented, giving his hand a tight, reflexive-seeming squeeze. True enough, not a scratch is left. It's faster than repairs, but similar enough that it isn't even strange. And just like when Buzen gets out of repairs, Matsui is still staring at him with that distant, quiet, sad sort of look. They're swords, and he's got no misgivings or misconceptions about it. Just, you know. Of course he hates the reminder that Buzen, too, is just as breakable as he is.]
Everything healed as it should? You don't have any lingering pain? Nothing feels amiss...?
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[and he'll be as direct about it as buzen tends to be, shifting to make it more obvious that there's no red left on the fabric of his clothes. no blood to be found, of the fresh or dried variety. his free hand tugs on the hem of his shirt, lifting it as much as the cloth will allow to show the smooth, unmarred skin underneath. if i was anna or yaywon, i would write this tag to be hornier but that's really not the goal here.
but he'll left it slip out of his hand a moment later, shirt falling back against him, and just move to be closer to matsui's side. he bumps against his shoulder in a friendly little knock, expression softening.]
Nothing hurts anymore, and nothing went wrong in the repairs. I just got a little caught up during the mission. I don't want you to worry too much...
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He seems... satisfied??? to see that there isn't any trace of injury remaining, at least. As satisfied as one can be when it's clear that they're also still just in a bit of a mood in general.]
I will worry regardless.
[BINCH. Buzen barely ever has to deal with how bullheaded he can truly be, but sometimes it really does just leap to the surface. Especially in times like now, where he's being emotional and nonsensical and he knows it, but still feels like digging in his heels.]
...But it's good that the repairs work so cleanly. Someone else was able to tend to you there, as well?
[Buzen hadn't looked great, but it at least looked like someone did something to patch him up as well as possible.]
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anyway buzen just nods at that! his hand comes up to his face to scratch idly at his cheek, as if trying to think of a way to pull matsui out of his funk....]
Yeah! I was able to find a friend at the Mender's Guild who was willing to look at my injuries - I'm really grateful.
[ - well, no immediate ideas are coming so he'll just throw his arm around matsui's shoulders! his fingers lightly tussle the ends of his hair, like he's trying to get his attention on anything besides buzen's mortality]
... c'mon, Matsu. What can I do? To help?
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This is so funny though EVEN WHEN BUZEN IS THE ONE SHREDDED TO BITS HE'S STILL HAVING TO PULL MATSUI OUT OF THE DEPRESSION MINES. At least Matsui understands how ridiculous it is, and he gives Buzen a bit of a sullen look even while he's being spoiled by this cute hair tussling.]
That is not a question for me.
[He's not the one who needs help!! Or, more specifically, this isn't the sort of thing that can be helped. It's just The Way. They're swords, so they get hurt. Matsui loves Buzen, so he'll be unhappy when he's injured, even if he returns to a good-as-new state soon enough.
He'll reach for the hand at his hair, though, so he can give his fingers a gentle squeeze.]
...I would like to go to the room.
[do they even still live together at this point I THINK THEY DO IT'S FINE]
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Mm... alright, let's go.
[easily. with the arm around matsui's shoulders, he'll just go to start walking in that direction then, encouraging him to lean a little bit more on buzen to see if the closeness will help]
How about if I carry you and run there? So you can see for yourself all my strength's back and I'm good as new.
[this is such a stupid test but also it's the most straightforward one, so of course it's what buzen suggests]
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He seems fine enough with this arrangement, though; he doesn't have any particularly strong desire to let go of Buzen's hand, even if he's in a bit of a mood. The suggestion, likewise, has him glancing over. Something so ridiculously and perfectly Buzen... He can't help but feel fond, the warmth of it striking through his moody malaise at least a little.]
You don't need to show me. I know that it is.
[But he still stops walking anyway, shifting to face Buzen like he expects to be scooped up regardless.]
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Is this what they call a mixed signal, Matsu...
[when his words don't match his actions - but well, actions really do speak louder, right? so buzen will follow exactly that lead, scooping matsui up in his arms so easily and holding him close]
You can listen to my heartbeat too - my uh, blood's probably working hard?
[maybe/????? hE'S CLEARLY TRYING SO HARD]
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Also this is so funny HELP. Buzen really does try so hard IT'S THE EARNESTNESS FOR HIM!! He closes his eyes and rests his head against Buzen's chest, right over his heart, and there's maybe even the faintest and briefest flicker of smiles because truly, it is so ridiculous.
But hearing it does set his own heart at ease, just a little.]
...Yes. I can hear it - your blood is working hard, as usual.
[These are such fucking weird words but they are so soft coming from him.]
action;
So, have you guys thought about what you're gonna wear for the auction?
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anyway - ]
Nope.
[you think? buzen? thinks???? about anything???????]
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He's just sort of glancing around but in the distracted way of someone who isn't really paying attention to their surroundings.]
Are you meant to plan out what to wear so far in advance...?
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Honestly, it depends? But the more special the occasion, the better it is to decide.
[he pauses, feeling perhaps the deja vu of having had this conversation before? For another special event? Anyway]
Plus, the auction's all about appearances! You can only win if you're the hottest one there.
[no......]
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anyway buzen carries cluelessly on... they're at the mall but he's looking around at everything with a sort of vague sense of curiosity that is fighting hard against his overwhelming disinterest. not enough fast things...]
Hottest? [a glance over at his fellow gou, swinging their hands] Mm, Matsu you gotta get warmer then... You always run cold...
[he really misunderstood this one]
Well, I've been kinda cold lately too, though. It's still winter outside!
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This is so funny though HELP. Making the executive decision that this is also not a particular piece of slang that he's overly familiar with, so he's just like WHAT.]
I don't wish to win anything, though... And I dislike being too hot.
[He likes being the perfect warm cozy temperature! Except for when he's busy soaking up the vibes of a cold dank warehouse.]
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Not hot like the temperature! I meant 'hot' as in attractive. [wow this will clear up absolutely nothing? he glances down at buzen and matsui's interlinked hands, and it's like a lightbulb goes up over his head,]
What about if you could win Buzen, Ma-kun? He's worth competing for, right?
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I'm being talked about when I'm standing right here?
[help]
Ah, it's not a big deal. It doesn't matter to me if I'm won or not, so long as everyone has fun.
[not a hint of ego to be found... the stupidity radiates]
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I'm not certain that I understand the concept of this... event. [Is that what it is. He truly has probably paid like 2% attention to the whole thing.]
What would happen if I were to lose?
[STILL TALKING ABOUT BUZEN LIKE HE'S NOT THERE.]
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You wouldn't be able to be with Buzen.
For a day.
text;
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ALWAYS
WHATS UP
WHERE DO I MEET YOU
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I would like for you to keep an eye on me so that I don't get stolen.
[For reasons.]
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OK
[i hate this he really is logging on at the speed of light what the fuck am i joining your thread]
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HE'S HOLDING HIS BINGO CARD OUT.]
While you're here, how far have you gotten on your card, Buzen? Is there anything that I can help you with...?
[His own is hilariously pretty full. The only ones still missing are the lending an item, jasmine and picking stormbloom flowers squares.]
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[he holds out his own card. it's empty because dana hasn't fucking existed on this plane]
I haven't been keeping track... Do you think I could - what do they call it? Speedrun it, Matsu? [stop. no. don't.]
Let's do some of yours first!!
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If it's a matter of speed, then of course you could do it. [No one speedruns like Buzen... But he'll glance back down at his own card and then to Buzen's empty one and back again, and:]
Alright... Would you like to visit the jasmine flowers or go pick the stormblooms first?
[Dramatic shoujo love confessions versus being headbutted off a golem by goats... He could easily lend Buzen an important item too because there is nothing in this or any world that he wouldn't give to Buzen, but it wouldn't help Buzen mark off any squares, so!!]
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[just an almost bashful little admission. jock with a soft side. who would've thought he'd stay still for something like that?
and since they've finished off their business with anyone else involved, buzen is already holding his hand out]
Shall we go?
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But he'll reach out easily to take Buzen's hand, nodding without pause.]
Let's. [AWAY TO THE JASMINE!!!] We can go see the rest of the flowers too, if you'd like. The wisteria is especially lovely right now.
[He's already thinking about ways to bring MORE FLOWERS into Buzen's life...]
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Do you want to? We could take a whole flower tour if you want, Matsu.
[why is this switching around to what matsui wants
imagine if buzen clears out all the tree squares and they're just with matsui this is so stupid he's so dumb]
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Aren't you the one who said you enjoy looking at flowers? [WHY IS THIS SWITCHING AROUND!!!!!] If you would like to, then I would, too. I'll look at as many flowers with you as you wish to see.
[They're really speedrunning this bingo but in the stupidest way.]
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[matsui probably put the bingo card away but buzen still bumps shoulders with him as if he's trying to peer at it. silly.]
I don't really want you to get bored... Maybe we can liven them up if we go again....
[buzen climbs a tree to shake the petals down at matsui because he feels like being a playful gremlin]
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It would be impossible to feel bored if I'm spending that time with you.
[HIS BUZEN!! NOTHING IS DIFFERENT!!!!! But there Buzen goes, scampering away to climb trees and make him jasmine fubuki. He laughs, one of his soft and quietly fond ones which is reserved for Gous Only and especially Buzens.]
Is this livening things up?
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[HE JUST WENT WITH THE IMPULSE. but the jasmine do look nice, raining down on matsui like this. the way buzen has accepted that matsui is already pretty, and this type of atmosphere is pretty....]
How are you feeling, Matsu?
[it's a little hard for buzen to identify any particularly dokidoki feeling when he always gets a little fond looking at matsui....]
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[How is he feeling?? Honestly, he truly can't tell that there's anything funky going on. His heart is always full when he looks at Buzen...
But the fullness of his heart is telling him to climb the tree too so he can reach for him again because for some reason, the scenery is just so much better when he's holding Buzen's hand.]
I'm feeling very charmed by the sights. [The lovely flowers and most importantly the lovely Buzen.] I'd say that I should have come taken a look at the jasmine sooner, but you're what makes it so enjoyable.
[The boldness is perhaps a tiny bit unusual but honestly, not by much. Fucking help.]
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there is a clear joke set-up here but i really feel like they're gonna fumble the catch
regardless, when matsui moves to start joining buzen in the tree, it's automatic for buzen to reach his hand out to help him up! why do they keep going to high places.]
Eh? You think so?
[he laughs, happy with the sentiment, but honestly?]
Well, I always think things are more fun if I get to experience them next to you, Matsu.
[THIS IS THE SAME AS ANY OTHER BOYFRIENDY THING HE SAYS I'M TRYING TO THINK OF HOW TO AMPLIFY IT AND FAILING]
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Truly this feels no different from usual. NOTHING ABOUT THIS FEELS OUTSIDE OF THE NORM. FUCKING HELP.]
We've been able to experience many unique things together lately, haven't we? [He does still miss the others, and there's that little missing piece in everything, but also. HIS BUZEN TIME. THE BUZEN THAT HE GETS TO HOG!!!!]
I would like it if we could experience even more.
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Hah! Me too. I hope we get to have a long time together, doing whatever we want. Life's more fun with you.
[but he'll just let his head tilt to rest against matsui's lightly - a soft little head knock. fond!]
Is there anything in particular you want more of, Matsu?
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He is, unfortunately, incredibly comfortable like this. Trees are mother nature's cradle! And Buzen is just the perfect cushion for any occasion, so he's all around thrilled. They headbonk and he hums lightly, considering the question.]
...You? [GIRL HELP. At least he's honest. He already has so much of Buzen in his life, even more than he did when they were summoned at the Citadel, and YET!!!! He's greedy!! The heart wants what the heart wants!!!!]
I would be satisfied with anything of yours that I could have.
[Time or attention or physical affection or just lazy little chats... He's not picky, he's just grossly enamored.]
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[head empty... no thoughts... just a thing buzen would say on any regular day anyway. he doesn't even seem to notice an effect on matsui either, god help his soul.
but he'll just hum thoughtfully before tilting his head to try to peer a little bit more at matsui's expression, like that'll be helpful at all in decoding what he means.]
That's not a 'particular' answer at all, Matsu... I don't know what else to give you... If it's for you, I'd turn the whole world over, you know?
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The only difference is that he's currently feeling so infatuated and affectionate that he doesn't spiral off into a weird depression moment which could have very easily happened at the mention of the scope of what Buzen's willing to give him. Instead of veering down his usual DRAMATIC PIPE ORGAN PATH, he just lets himself be possessed by his fond whims and reaches up with his freed hand to lightly touch Buzen's cheek. The other settles against his own chest briefly.]
I don't have a 'particular' answer to give. When I have your attention or time, when I can watch you smile and stand by your side, I'm satisfied. You don't have to give me anything else. There is nothing in this world, the next or any other that could fill this heart as wholly as you do, Buzen.
[He doesn't need the world turned over!! He just needs Buzen's hand in his, and maybe a nice quiet plot of dirt to die in sometime later down the road. His two true loves...]