[ Reality sets in and the words Cain has formed with that foul mouth of his finally connect to their meaning in his short-circuited brain, and the color in his face that the darkness has done such a good job of hiding deepens substantially and all at once. No one has ever spoken to him like that in his life, and he isn't unaware of the fact that no one may ever again.
It's as frustrating as it is ego-boosting, heart rate quickening in this private moment, up high over a too-blue pool. ]
Oi, you– [ OMAE... ]
[ He leans over suddenly, leg jostling that heater when he delivers a hard smack to Cain's shoulder, one without intent to do lasting damage but that nevertheless has the heft behind it he deserves. ]
You are so annoying; I knew that kiss wasn't some big strategy... [ The words slip out with less self-censorship than he might've preferred, an indelicate way to broach that topic, but being flustered ironically gives him an extra dose of courage. They both acted on impulse. Pretending it was anything else is a pointless venture, and maybe if they let it sit between them it won't be as awkward. A hard argument to make when his face is this red. ]
I say all that, and that's your response? Not even "yeah, me too, Noctis"? I did the heavy lifting and you say the first thing that comes into your head... like I need a reminder that I won and that you owe me...
[Considering their record, that smack might as well be a gentle pat on the shoulder — Cain feigns annoyance with a hiss as he rubs the spot, but it's all for show.]
Ow. Already trying to beat me up again? It was a bitch to have to travel with my ribs messed up, never mind the questions I got about my face...
[At some point, he just started telling people a wild cat attacked him, even though as far as he's aware (and he'd know by now), there aren't any comparable animals on this planet.]
[But clearly Cain's not worked up for another fight by the way he reclines on the ground, one hand back, cigarette burning between his lips where he lets it perch. Inhales, exhales a plume of smoke, ashes it with his fingers.]
You wanna be around me, this's all part of the package, sweetheart.
[One hand gestures to... well, the entirety of himself.]
... but, look. I'm just not that good at saying it. All right? You and Jonas — it's easier for you. Or you make it seem easy. I guess I'm not that trusting of people. I don't like being open. You two are the only ones I give a shit about right now that's not out of some obligation to whatever role I'm playing on this mission.
So listen up, because I'm not gonna say it again: I want to fix this too. As long as you don't pretend to be something you're not around me, then we'll be okay.
Stop, [ comes the immediate corrective reply to Cain's showy soothing of his latest possible bruise. There's no one out here but them, and he knows damn well his friend isn't trying to elicit sympathy from him over a perfectly manly strike or two.
The mood sobers when Cain begins to speak, however, and he does his damndest to focus and listen despite his habit of casually dropping lines that rattle him so effectively and completely. They're from different worlds, both literally and figuratively. That's been the chief takeaway explaining their instinctive incompatibility, but just because it's difficult doesn't mean it isn't worth trying to see behind the veil. Not when Cain cares about them, and finds it in himself to say it out loud. ]
... then I'll try. [ It's the best he can do, and it's obvious by the offer's imperfection that he means it. ] Playing a part's necessary for me. Less here, and even less with you guys. If I slip up, it's not 'cause I want to.
So same for you. I told you before you don't have to trust me; I get it. Just don't lie to me. It's better if you just tell me to fuck off if I start getting on your nerves. So... whatever. Whole package it is, then.
... I practiced something to say to you, you know. With Reze.
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2/2
It's as frustrating as it is ego-boosting, heart rate quickening in this private moment, up high over a too-blue pool. ]
Oi, you– [ OMAE... ]
[ He leans over suddenly, leg jostling that heater when he delivers a hard smack to Cain's shoulder, one without intent to do lasting damage but that nevertheless has the heft behind it he deserves. ]
You are so annoying; I knew that kiss wasn't some big strategy... [ The words slip out with less self-censorship than he might've preferred, an indelicate way to broach that topic, but being flustered ironically gives him an extra dose of courage. They both acted on impulse. Pretending it was anything else is a pointless venture, and maybe if they let it sit between them it won't be as awkward. A hard argument to make when his face is this red. ]
I say all that, and that's your response? Not even "yeah, me too, Noctis"? I did the heavy lifting and you say the first thing that comes into your head... like I need a reminder that I won and that you owe me...
1/2
Ow. Already trying to beat me up again? It was a bitch to have to travel with my ribs messed up, never mind the questions I got about my face...
[At some point, he just started telling people a wild cat attacked him, even though as far as he's aware (and he'd know by now), there aren't any comparable animals on this planet.]
2/2
You wanna be around me, this's all part of the package, sweetheart.
[One hand gestures to... well, the entirety of himself.]
... but, look. I'm just not that good at saying it. All right? You and Jonas — it's easier for you. Or you make it seem easy. I guess I'm not that trusting of people. I don't like being open. You two are the only ones I give a shit about right now that's not out of some obligation to whatever role I'm playing on this mission.
So listen up, because I'm not gonna say it again: I want to fix this too. As long as you don't pretend to be something you're not around me, then we'll be okay.
no subject
The mood sobers when Cain begins to speak, however, and he does his damndest to focus and listen despite his habit of casually dropping lines that rattle him so effectively and completely. They're from different worlds, both literally and figuratively. That's been the chief takeaway explaining their instinctive incompatibility, but just because it's difficult doesn't mean it isn't worth trying to see behind the veil. Not when Cain cares about them, and finds it in himself to say it out loud. ]
... then I'll try. [ It's the best he can do, and it's obvious by the offer's imperfection that he means it. ] Playing a part's necessary for me. Less here, and even less with you guys. If I slip up, it's not 'cause I want to.
So same for you. I told you before you don't have to trust me; I get it. Just don't lie to me. It's better if you just tell me to fuck off if I start getting on your nerves. So... whatever. Whole package it is, then.
... I practiced something to say to you, you know. With Reze.