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[handsheld]

Comments

[handsheld]

That's better.

[ The energy drops just like that, intentional or not. ]

It's 'bout what you want, what you need to be your real self. It doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

[idologue]

[ For just a short moment, all Lacus can do is breathe. Inhale, exhale. Feel the sand under her legs and the air on her skin. Ground herself.

Then she smiles, warmly. ]

You're good at this.

[handsheld]

Eh? [ He shifts a bit to pick up a handful of sand that he then lets slip through his fingers. ]

I'm a leader you know, even if it took me a while to rank up this skill.

[idologue]

You're not really motivating your group right now, though.

[ Which is why the idea of leadership skill didn't even cross her mind. It felt more like she was being cheered up by a friend... and that is a dangerous line of thought to follow. ]

Why did you come here tonight?

[handsheld]

I've seen that look before, so I knew you were in your head. And cuz I wanted to.

[ It's an easy response even if the situation isn't really one. But that's just how Shigaraki is. ]

[idologue]

[ The last time they talked about touching, Lacus had not really wanted to. She'd been scared, still, even as she was willing to take that gamble.

Right now, she'd like to take his hand and the only reason she refrains from it is the knowledge that her desire for contact is not mirrored. ]

... thank you. I'm glad that you're here. I feel better for it.

[handsheld]

Stop talkin' so seriously. [ It's not a strong pushback all things considered, as in the next moment he reaches over and just pokes her in the forehead. ]

[idologue]

--ah?

[ That was unexpected, but not unwelcome in the slightest. Her smile widens a little. ]

My, I'm afraid being a little sentimental is just part of my real self though!

[handsheld]

Uh-huh. [ Again it's not dismissive, just his version of affirmation. ]

If that's how you feel that's fine. You're probably gonna get bugged about it though, that explosion guy was starin' at me. [ Shuda, his name is Shuda, but Shigaraki can't be bothered with names for some people. ]

[idologue]

[ Explosion guy...? There's a moment of elevator music in Lacus' head before she's run through the powersets enough to land on a person with explosion powers who was present at her breakdown. Yes, Shuda was right next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. That makes sense. ]

... ah. Well, I doubt anybody will be surprised now, if I reveal that I am fond of you.

[ The only benefit of Lobeliagate is that this friendship is objectively less awful, probably. ]

But even if I am confronted on the matter, it would be for the best to continue keeping our in person meetings a secret.

[handsheld]

[ When the MM is less bad than Lobelia...

There's a second or two of staring because "fondness" is kinda... but he lets it pass without comment. ]

I don't wanna deal with anyone annoying either. I think most of them got the message the first week and just bug Overhaul which works for me.

[idologue]

[ Lacus endures the brief moment incredulous staring without any apparent reaction. ]

We talk a reasonable amount - if anyone asks, that is all they need to know, then.

[ She's not about to spill Shigaraki's personal matters to everyone here unless they may somehow become relevant to their continued survival. ]

I'm not receiving any advantage from you anyway.

[ Lacus hopes the others will recognize the truth of that, if it comes down to it. ]

[handsheld]

What'd that even look like? I'm not in the business of protecting.

[ It's an honest question. ]

[idologue]

[ That makes Lacus think for a moment as well. ]

Mhm... You could be feeding me extra information about the movements of potential killers? Or about locations on this island, I suppose. Information could go a long way in closing the gap created by my low level of fighting prowess.

[handsheld]

I basically told you 'bout the arcade before you had access, didn't I?

[idologue]

Ah! That is certainly true. Though at the time, I did not think I would be gaining access. What I took from it was the knowledge that you weren't on the same island, though.

[ Which she did share with the group, so nobody can fault her for anything. Ta-dah!! ]

[handsheld]

[ A slight shrug. ]

It's not that complicated I just go wherever I want.

[idologue]

I have come to understand that quite well.

[ He's kind of like a cat, that way. ]

Speaking of, do you decide which islands you allow us on or is that something the island's mechanism does on its own in response to sacrifice?

[handsheld]

The more we get this place up and running the more functions we can restore. So it's kinda both.

But we're the admins, we're not gonna just let you walk into the core no matter how many buttons you push. [ Maxeta from tomorrow says Hi. ]

[idologue]

That's a shame, truly. Mr. Pink does so love exploring.

[ That's totally the only reason here. ]

[handsheld]

[ A playful grin. ]

Mr. Pink can fight me if he loves it that much.

[idologue]

[ At that (or maybe just at hearing his name said several times?), Mr Pink stirs in the sand, opening up his little earflaps. Lacus frowns and him and immediately puts a hand on his head. ]

No picking fights! Bad boy!

[ Mr. Pink, cheerfully: ] Damn it!

[handsheld]

Picking fights is fun though.

[ But he shrugs because a tiny robot isn't a fight. Most things aren't fights with him anymore. ]

Anyway, I need to scout more before I fall asleep.

[ He yawns. Weekends are long for everyone. ]

[idologue]

[ You need better definitions of fun. ]

I've kept you long enough, yes. Goodnight, Tomura. And pleasant dreams.

[ She won't be having any of those, so she's absolutely not going to bed. ]

[handsheld]

Goodnight? I'm not sleeping until at least Monday.

[ But he stands and stretches. ]