I mean, would it really be bad if they held giant dicks? [He's laughing as he says that.] Right, right, so you want the element of surprise.
[Aha...now that he thinks about it, that makes sense, doesn't it? The fact they would talk hours about the manga, not realizing it was just an excuse to be close to each other...]
I still want to do it. We were giving it to the fae anyway, right? [Maybe they could get something cool out of it.]
Once a week...if you don't mind stick figures and me screwing up the rules, then yeah! [In fact, he has an idea that might make this even better for Junpei...he'll keep it to himself for now. For now, time to light up the pan and put in this pancake mix! Hopefully he got all the ingredients right.]
[ Eikichi is the best. He's genuinely the best, most amazing boyfriend in the world. Junpei lets out a sound of delight when he agrees, pumping a fist in boyish excitement. ]
You're awesome. Thanks, dude! I'll write out all the rules as detailed as I can. And even draw you a diagram of where the each member of the team plays, what parts of the field they cover, the boundaries of where the ball can go before it's considered foul, and so on! I'll try to make it interesting...and hide little love notes in between so you gotta pay attention and not zone out!
[ To Eikichi's credit, he listened to Junpei as he would go on and on about baseball -- even if he didn't quite grasp it. He always listens to Junpei, even when Junpei's not really saying anything of particular value. Junpei has no doubt Eikichi will pay attention to whatever Junpei writes out for him, even if sports aren't his forte. But Junpei will reward him with little written praises and adulations. And sex. Lots and lots of sex.
It's unreal to find your perfect match in some magic land ripped out of time. Junpei watches Eikichi work, so entirely enamored by him.
And then he glances away to request an energy drink from the kitchen -- because Junpei's gotta start the day off in the worst way possible! Once he gets the can, he cracks it open and takes a good hearty shot of sugar and caffeine. ]
Our manga is still totally a thing, yeah. We can just take our time with it. Live some more of our own relationship to pull from because clearly it's about us. I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon so you're stuck spending time with me every day. Oh nooo.
[All Eikichi can think is 'heh heh heh wait until he finds out what I've got on store for him'. Hopefully Tatsuya would say yes.]
Are you saying my eyes would glaze over? [But it's kinda funny, didn't Junpei say he hates homework? And here he was, set to write a very long dissertation about baseball that was hopefully dumbed down enough that even he would understand it. Eikichi liked a challenge anyway, and if this meant he would spend less time time doing actual baseball he is definitely about doing this.] But okay, if you want to play, hide the words of praise, I'll highlight them when I find 'em!
[Oh shit bubbles! He flips the pancake over and...well it's a little burnt. First ones are always bad, right? He can try with the next one, once this one is completely done cooking.]
Oh noooo! What a horrible life to live. [Yeah the happiest in years, how will he cope?] We just gotta figure out why you ended up in your room, and we'll be set!
[ Junpei is saying that, but rather than reiterate it, he simply winks. Maybe Eikichi would take that and spite him by paying EXTRA close attention to Junpei's massive picture filled essay. Whatever will Junpei do in that case?? He takes another swig of his Madbull, looking off in thought. ]
Yeah, winding up back in my room is a mystery. If the castle was putting everyone back where they belong, why wasn't Morgana there? So it's gotta be something else. I'll pack up when we're done here and try again. See if it lets me stay tonight?
[ And within one week, when this happens again, they will be able to solve the mystery. For now, it's a puzzle. ]
Maybe they're still putting things back in order after that whole orb fiasco so it was just a fluke? Hope so. It felt immediately wrong to wake up alone.
[ Funny how it's only been a week and this has become the new normal. Like anything prior to being in a relationship with Eikichi was just some bizarre existence. ]
Sounds like an experiment! I'm sure we'll figure it out in time. If it wasn't for Morgana, we'd test it by gracing your dorm room with my presence!
[He wouldn't want the poor cat to witness the both of them, however. There were some sights best left to the imagination of everyone else. He puts the pancake in a plate and starts another. Slightly smaller.]
Oh! That might be it. Maybe it's a delayed reaction from when you came back here? [He's throwing ideas out like he's trying to do this pancake. Which he turns after a few more seconds and it's...also slightly burnt. Hmph. Okay, pancakes are not his strong suit. Maybe third time's the charm? As he puts this one in the plate, he looks at the pan with such a strong conviction, you'd think it owed him money.]
When I first met Morgana, he said to put a sock on the door if he shouldn't come in. I thought there's no way I'll have to do that. Like if I wanted to touch myself, I'd just do it in the shower!
[ He can't keep his lips from quirking with amusement. How was he to know he would find a partner only a few months later? Now the sock idea might come in handy if Eikichi winds up with a roommate soon. Still, it'd be kinda rude to leave the sock perpetually on the door so there might be times they have to hit up the motel.
But he's drawn back to watching Eikichi hard at work. Seeing the struggles with the pancakes, Junpei's brows raise slightly. ]
You doing okay in there, bud?
[ He almost suggests they ask the kitchen to make it if Eikichi's getting frustrated, but thinks better of it. Eikichi Mishina does not give up and to offer the easy way out might be an insult to him! So instead, Junpei lifts his energy drink to cheer him on. ]
You got this, dude. I freakin' believe in my insanely talented boyfriend~
Why does Morgana...you know what, don't answer that.
[He does not need to know why a persona using cat (demon?) knows about this. Then again, demons did ask his group what the internet was for so...]
I'm fine!
[He is not fine. Third pancake that is slightly less burnt, at least. Just a little too late. He's getting the hang of it, he thinks. Now he worries the batter won't taste good, but hopefully having maple syrup on it will fix everything.]
Okay...one more attempt. [If Junpei believes in him, then it's clearly a done deal! Hype man is on the case! So he goes silent, carefully waiting, and when he turns it over...
Perfection!
Just the right amount of color, and it doesn't take too long for the other side as he puts it on top of the pile triumphantly.]
[ Aww. It's cute watching Eikichi maintain such vigilant focus on the pancake. And when he flips it and finds success, Junpei actually cheers with him. Feeling that straight up victory after his struggle. There's nothing outside the capability of Eikichi Mishina! No wonder he goes on to run a successful restaurant and have a band. ]
You did it!! I knew you could. And don't even worry, dude! I'm not all that hungry anyway, so I don't need a massive stack.
[ Could have a little something to do with the energy drink. That was his go-to breakfast many times before school -- hoping it could help him stay awake in class, only for it all to wear off a couple hours later and he'd doze off once more. ]
We should make dinner to-go tonight. Maybe like bento box style? And bring it with us to watch the sunset. I dunno where the best place would be to watch it, but it'd be something to do?
[ Since they can't watch movies here (which is Junpei's idea of a perfect date) he'll get creative. Instead of dinner and a movie, it's dinner and a sunset! Junpei and Eikichi have the gift of gab, so no doubt they can provide their own entertainment while the silent picture plays out in the background. ]
[That won't stop him from trying to at least make due with the situation, placing both of them into a new plate and then try to do his best to try and cut a few strawberries into roses before placing them on top of the pancakes, drizzling them with maple syrup. A few blueberries and raspberries on the side and voila. He slides the plate over to Junpei to think about the proposition.]
We could try to find a really high place atop the castle we could stand on and watch the sunset? I bet there's a perch somewhere.
[That does sound pretty romantic.]
Or we could go to the dock! The beach might be nice at sunset, right?
[ And there they are. The most beautiful pancakes Junpei's ever seen. They put Sanada-san's to shame, honestly. Junpei shakes his head in amusement, flicking a glance at Eikichi. He definitely does not deserve all this extra effort Eikichi goes to for him. Going from cup noodles to crunchy rice and trash can sandwiches to these exquisite works of art is an upgrade that almost seems wasted on a guy who would probably be content eating those burnt pancakes. But regardless, he digs in while it's all warm, flashing a thumbs up of approval.
Eikichi has won over the easiest food critic. Hooray?
He sits back in thought at the suggestions. They're both pretty good. It's hard to pick. The height would have the added bonus of looking over the land but then the thought of them sitting near the water is also nice, the last light glowing on the waves. ]
We might have to flip a coin on that one. Both sound great. We went on a trip to Yakushima this past summer, and the beaches were real nice at sunset. Granted it was just me and the guys watching it and licking our wounds from our failed attempt to pick up girls.
[ He makes a face at that. Real bummer he couldn't find a cutie to join him. Junpei huffs a soft laugh. ]
It'd be way nicer with you, though. And we don't even have to worry about getting back before The Dark Hour hits or anything!
[ Granted it still might be a little dangerous with the Fae out later, but Junpei's confident he and Eikichi could handle most anything. ]
[It's his favourite food critic, so Eikichi wouldn't care as long as Junpei is happy. It is also EIkichi, so he will care to make it as fancy as possible as long s Junpei is happy..]
We could do both, y'know. Sure we can flip a coin for tonight, but do the other tomorrow. It'll still just be us together. [Then he laughs.] I can't really say I've gone out of my way to do pickups at the beach, but I did try with a few Sevens students and one time I thought Lisa liked me. It none of these went well.
[And with Lisa it happened live on radio. Eikichi might talk about that part later. When he got really jealous about his friend and the fact she suddenly had a done deal for an album caused by a rumour. TIME TO NOT THINK ABOUT THAT!]
We really don't have to worry at anything right now apart from appreciating each other. it kinda feels like an extended summer vacation, doesn't it? Like Golden Week never ends.
Whaaa?? Really? With game like pinning someone against the wall and demanding a confession? How could they not take you up on that??
[ He takes a bite of one of his strawberries, winking toward him. ]
But more seriously, I don't see how anyone could meet you and not be drawn right in. I was hooked right at the first hooooou!
[ Junpei slows with his eating at that next part. The part about it being an extended vacation. That's a nice way to think about it, but the worries are never too far from Junpei's mind. The impending battle back home. The threat of losing themselves here if they stayed too long. The knowledge that returning home means forgetting it all. It could be a dangerous thing to imagine this as an extended vacation because then they'll become complacent. They'll forget the goal. ]
Flipping a coin for tonight and tomorrow we do the other one. [ He picks at his bite, choosing not to address it. Junpei doesn't want to rain on Eikichi's positive energy. ] Or maybe if you can get my ass out of bed, we could even do sunrise for the other one? But that's a tall order. I really like my sleep. Especially in the arms of a very handsome fella.
Well someone did. Do you want me to do it all over again? [Does he mean the confession or pinning him against the wall? A mystery.] It's funny you say that cause I got into more than one fight for a rival school to make fun of it.
[Eikichi is a little trigger-happy too when it comes to school fights, let's be honest. He starts making his own fruit salad - it's simple with just a few fruits and not exactly a generous portion. Eikichi still seemed to want to control his daily eating to keep his figure.]
Works for me...wait where are we going to find a coin? They don't have any money here...maybe I have a fifty yen coin in one of my pockets? [He pats himself down and...victory! He takes out the flowery coin which is fitting and holds it in his hands.] I'd say let's go camping, but that sounds like a horror situation for me. [What if bugs get into his hair?!]
[ Junpei's eyes linger on Eikichi's paltry meal, frowning in minor disapproval. He has no leg to stand on when it comes to health and mindful eating, but...couldn't Eikichi have a little more than that? Shouldn't he have a little more than that? It's not like Eikichi's lazing around these days. He and Junpei are getting plenty of activity!
But then Eikichi uncovers the coin for tossing and that's what gets Junpei's focus. Eikichi over here saving the day with his pocket change. If they didn't find something, Junpei probably would have suggested a button or anything with a similar vibe. A round object they could mark and create a 'heads or tails' scenario. It could have even been a stone, really. ]
Camping definitely doesn't fit your vibe. I've never been either, but I think it wouldn't be so bad if I was with you. And it...honestly might be a good idea to do at some point? Just in case we gotta find a way to survive in the wilderness. If another Hunt happens in this place.
[ Junpei will not allow Eikichi to die again. Not on his watch. ]
How...did you wind up at Kasugayama High anyway? Was it 'cause you got in a lot of fights? Or did you get in a lot of fights because you went there and that's what people did?
It does not at all. I hated going in the forest. [Which just goes to show how much he was determined to find Junpei.] Shit just keeps attacking you.
[Speaking of which...]
Started kinda early. Lots of fights in middle school. Kept punishing bullies by...bein' a bully myself, so despite my...acceptable grades, they put me in there as a delinquent. That's where most people went. Kinda why they called it Kuss High...figured it was easier to just put all the troublemakers together. They weren't exactly wrong either since I ended up being the Boss of the school.
[ It's a mixed emotion. He simultaneously feels bad for making Eikichi search for him and also touched that he did brave the wilds for his sake. Junpei can't imagine what must have gone through Eikichi's mind when he woke up alone this morning. The frantic texts were probably only a hint of the worry he felt -- a worry it was happening all over again. But hopefully, Eikichi would find a way to check with the throne room first before going to all the trouble of braving the forests again, if Junpei were to ever disappear again. ]
It's funny. Nothing about you ever really screamed delinquent to me when we first met. You were loud, cheerful and cool. Maybe if I realized it sooner, I never would've gotten you those flowers out of fear you'd beat me up!
[ He laughs, getting down to his final bite of pancake and swirling it around the excess syrup on the plate before popping it in his mouth. He chews thoughtfully before saying: ]
Maybe you were just on your best behavior around me because you were soooo charmed by how amazing and handsome I am~
[ Junpei turns to polish off the last of his energy drink, giving it a toss toward the trash can and making that basket cleanly. Sweet. ]
Or maybe I was just an idiot? Either way! I got zero complaints. People are gonna think twice about messing with me once they find out who my boyfriend is!
Why did you get me flowers? I hadn't really talked about 'em at all...
[He had loved them, of course. They were still in his room since then. But why flowers? There were so many other things he could have given him, and now that Junpei spoke about it, it made him curious. Was it another of those impulses that the both of them didn't realize that lead to them dating.]
You were hyped up about everything...it was hard not to be. [Junpei really was like a sun, especially for someone like Eikichi. He wasn't dismissing his motivational speeches, instead soaking them in.
He claps briefly when he notices that Junpei 'scored'. Eikichi was never really good at that type of thing (it didn't help that he skipped most sports anyway).]
Well it's not like you can't fight, right? If anything they'll underestimate the both of us.
[ Ah! That's...well. Junpei thinks about the flowers and colors a little bit. ]
I would...get flowers for Chidori all the time to try and cheer her up in the hospital. And I guess in my head, I thought: yanno who else could use some cheering up?? When I found out what they meant and that they were enchanted to keep blooming, it just made sense.
[ He brings his plate over to the sink in order to wash up. Eikichi did all this hard work so the least Junpei can do is take care of his plate. ]
I probably should've paused and thought about that a little harder. If I get flowers because I like this girl, then....does that mean I like this guy?? Past Junpei just didn't wanna put in any effort into figuring his shit out. [ He shakes his head. ] Past Eikichi, too! Think of all the make outs we were denied by those clueless fools.
[ Junpei shakes his head and once he's finished washing and rinsing the plate, he dries it to set to the side and allow the kitchen to return it to where it needs to go. ]
Speaking of fighting, though, I'm stronger than I was for sure. When Hades had come to me, I was only able to do three moves before I felt ready to keel over. I'm impressed by your stamina, dude.
[ A pause. ]
In more ways than one.
[ A wink. Then another pause. ]
But I bet if I ever found myself in the weird scenario where I could summon him again, I could probably last a lot longer. Now that I've joined you guys in the 'dynes. I was always a little jealous of Tatsu-kun's Maragidyne...
Ha! I knew it! You really are a big softy at heart. I bet Chidori-san loved them too.
[Wow! Look at Junpei being influenced in a positive way! Gasp! Don't mind Eikichi leaning it to get a kiss on the way, however.]
But we still had good times, right? The more I think about it, the more I think they were happy memories that just inched us closer to where we are now. I don't know how long one of us would have cracked if this had kept up, but I feel like the dam was pretty full.
[At the comment about his stamina, he tries to stifle a laugh, but fails.] Pfft. Bro. You're a champ yourself. [How much had they done during that week? Eikichi hadn't lost count just yet, but it was a lot.] Don't be jealous babe! If joint attacks have taught me something, it's not the attack power that's important, but what the combined might of persona users is. And I'm sure Hades wouldn't mind being in your body again. [Wait that sounds a little...] in your mind that is. I don't mind being in your body.
[ Junpei does not deny Eikichi his kiss. He'll never deny his kisses! And with the clean up all squared away, he comes to stand beside Eikichi and slide a casual arm around his back. There's a snort of laughter at Eikichi's little slip about being in his body. ]
Well, you get that honor daily~! Which raises the question, if we're banging...can we technically summon each others personas? Not that it's anything we'd ever actually do in battle, but! Does it bend the rules of I Am Thou?
[ Food for thought. But Junpei does agree on the teamwork thing. There was a time when he wanted to be the star, but he's come to realize it's all a group effort. Back home as much as here. He's got strength on his own, but it's with Eikichi and Tatsuya by his side (and Chidori within him) that his true strength shines through. His fingers travel a soothing trail along Eikichi's back, lightly caressing up and down his spine. ]
I don't have any real complaints about how it all played out, yanno. I give both of us shit for not realizing sooner, but honestly? I think we did pretty good. A little more than two months to not only realize we were into each other, but to kinda come to terms we were crushing on a dude? None of it ever felt awkward. It just seemed to fall into place so easily. Everything always seems so easy with you. When nothing else in the world makes sense, we do.
Well so far I don't think I've heard yours in my head...[Not that there was a reason for them to summon each other's personas anyway so far. That type of 'awakening' tended to happen during moments of extreme stress.] That is a pretty funny thought!
[The hairs on Eikichi's back brisk up a bit. He's ticklish and enjoys the physical contact so it works double and he nearly misses his own mouth finishing eating from the distraction. He finishes eating as Junpei speaks again, thinking about his words.]
It feels more than two months, now that I think 'bout it. Then again, what my group experienced didn't even last a week, tops. [A very intense week mind you but...] Anyway the dude part didn't even cross my mind, bro. I had Jun and Tatsuya with their displays of brofection! That's not important to me. [Eikichi did not care about how Japan saw it either.] What I like is someone's heart and who they are! And you are! [A dramatic fist-pump for emphasis. ] The best!
[ It's surprising to hear Eikichi's adventure was so short-lived, if only because Junpei's had been on-going for almost eight months. Of course, the bonds between Eikichi's team went deeper than that. They were all childhood friends who had forgotten one another. To only just remember those bonds and then be on the cusp of losing them, that sucks. That sucks a lot. Fuck that Nyarly asshole.
But as Eikichi goes for the dramatics with that fist pump, calling him the best -- Junpei smiles. He loops his other arm around Eikichi's waist to make it a side hug, giving him a light squeeze. ]
Coming to find out I'm the same, I guess?
[ He had always only thought about girls. Getting a girlfriend was like his whole personality at one point. But Junpei found love when he wasn't even looking for it. Twice now. Chidori and Eikichi were both incredibly attractive, but that's not the thing that pulled him toward them initially and it's not the thing that kept him locked in. Like Eikichi, it was the heart that caught him. And the rest just fell into place after that. ]
But I probably would've known what I was feeling a whole lot sooner if you were a girl. You know how many times I told myself I was being 'a good bro' by holding your hand and shit?
[ He buries his face in the crook of Eikichi's neck, to both hide his embarrassment and be affectionate. Two-for-one special! ]
And let's be honest - I'd make a damn good girl! [Eikichi, why.] I'm sure some guys like tall ladies.
[He snerks at the idea. Girl! Eikichi would certainly have had a different life. Not being at Kuss High, for one. Was there an all-girls school in Sumaru City? Probably not, or else his boys would never have stopped talking about it.]
I just thought you were the touchy-feeling kinda guy.
[He'll bring him closer too, running a hand in Junpei's hair.]
Besides, what kind of 'good bro' decides that someone like me needs hand holding?
[Like he'd probably stupidly punch a hydra if it owed him money.]
[ Well. Considering Junpei's always fantasized about being with a girl who could definitely kick his ass, Eikichi's not wrong there. Junpei would thrive if he could get dominated by a femme!Eikichi. Although he definitely does enjoy the strength and raw power Eikichi can bring to the bedroom as a male, so!! He's pretty happy with things as they are.
At Eikichi's question, though, Junpei looks up at him. That someone like me bit has Junpei shaking his head slightly as he glances off toward the entrance of the kitchen. ]
Just 'cause you're a certain way doesn't mean you're less deserving of affection, man. Like you can kick so much ass, but being strong isn't all you are. You went through your fair share of shit back home, and even if there's nothing I could do to change that, I could at least let you know someone's here. Someone cares. Maybe pull you back to reality by touching you -- like an anchor. I was trying to be your anchor, dude. Like a total bro and not a guy with a crush.
[ Junpei smiles and gives Eikichi back his space. Well, this was pretty successful, wasn't it? Junpei was able to eat his full meal here without having this clawing need to leave. It feels a little weird to loiter around the kitchen now, though, so maybe he could up the stakes and attempt to go to the market? Or maybe they should get back to Eikichi's room, move Junpei's stuff back in and have their mid-morning makeout? ]
What's the play for today, Eiki-chin? You wanna go mess around back in your room and then go our separate ways until we reconvene for sunset dinner? Orrr you wanna do something else?
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[Aha...now that he thinks about it, that makes sense, doesn't it? The fact they would talk hours about the manga, not realizing it was just an excuse to be close to each other...]
I still want to do it. We were giving it to the fae anyway, right? [Maybe they could get something cool out of it.]
Once a week...if you don't mind stick figures and me screwing up the rules, then yeah! [In fact, he has an idea that might make this even better for Junpei...he'll keep it to himself for now. For now, time to light up the pan and put in this pancake mix! Hopefully he got all the ingredients right.]
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You're awesome. Thanks, dude! I'll write out all the rules as detailed as I can. And even draw you a diagram of where the each member of the team plays, what parts of the field they cover, the boundaries of where the ball can go before it's considered foul, and so on! I'll try to make it interesting...and hide little love notes in between so you gotta pay attention and not zone out!
[ To Eikichi's credit, he listened to Junpei as he would go on and on about baseball -- even if he didn't quite grasp it. He always listens to Junpei, even when Junpei's not really saying anything of particular value. Junpei has no doubt Eikichi will pay attention to whatever Junpei writes out for him, even if sports aren't his forte. But Junpei will reward him with little written praises and adulations. And sex. Lots and lots of sex.
It's unreal to find your perfect match in some magic land ripped out of time. Junpei watches Eikichi work, so entirely enamored by him.
And then he glances away to request an energy drink from the kitchen -- because Junpei's gotta start the day off in the worst way possible! Once he gets the can, he cracks it open and takes a good hearty shot of sugar and caffeine. ]
Our manga is still totally a thing, yeah. We can just take our time with it. Live some more of our own relationship to pull from because clearly it's about us. I don't plan on going anywhere any time soon so you're stuck spending time with me every day. Oh nooo.
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Are you saying my eyes would glaze over? [But it's kinda funny, didn't Junpei say he hates homework? And here he was, set to write a very long dissertation about baseball that was hopefully dumbed down enough that even he would understand it. Eikichi liked a challenge anyway, and if this meant he would spend less time time doing actual baseball he is definitely about doing this.] But okay, if you want to play, hide the words of praise, I'll highlight them when I find 'em!
[Oh shit bubbles! He flips the pancake over and...well it's a little burnt. First ones are always bad, right? He can try with the next one, once this one is completely done cooking.]
Oh noooo! What a horrible life to live. [Yeah the happiest in years, how will he cope?] We just gotta figure out why you ended up in your room, and we'll be set!
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Yeah, winding up back in my room is a mystery. If the castle was putting everyone back where they belong, why wasn't Morgana there? So it's gotta be something else. I'll pack up when we're done here and try again. See if it lets me stay tonight?
[ And within one week, when this happens again, they will be able to solve the mystery. For now, it's a puzzle. ]
Maybe they're still putting things back in order after that whole orb fiasco so it was just a fluke? Hope so. It felt immediately wrong to wake up alone.
[ Funny how it's only been a week and this has become the new normal. Like anything prior to being in a relationship with Eikichi was just some bizarre existence. ]
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[He wouldn't want the poor cat to witness the both of them, however. There were some sights best left to the imagination of everyone else. He puts the pancake in a plate and starts another. Slightly smaller.]
Oh! That might be it. Maybe it's a delayed reaction from when you came back here? [He's throwing ideas out like he's trying to do this pancake. Which he turns after a few more seconds and it's...also slightly burnt. Hmph. Okay, pancakes are not his strong suit. Maybe third time's the charm? As he puts this one in the plate, he looks at the pan with such a strong conviction, you'd think it owed him money.]
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[ He can't keep his lips from quirking with amusement. How was he to know he would find a partner only a few months later? Now the sock idea might come in handy if Eikichi winds up with a roommate soon. Still, it'd be kinda rude to leave the sock perpetually on the door so there might be times they have to hit up the motel.
But he's drawn back to watching Eikichi hard at work. Seeing the struggles with the pancakes, Junpei's brows raise slightly. ]
You doing okay in there, bud?
[ He almost suggests they ask the kitchen to make it if Eikichi's getting frustrated, but thinks better of it. Eikichi Mishina does not give up and to offer the easy way out might be an insult to him! So instead, Junpei lifts his energy drink to cheer him on. ]
You got this, dude. I freakin' believe in my insanely talented boyfriend~
1/2
[He does not need to know why a persona using cat (demon?) knows about this. Then again, demons did ask his group what the internet was for so...]
I'm fine!
[He is not fine. Third pancake that is slightly less burnt, at least. Just a little too late. He's getting the hang of it, he thinks. Now he worries the batter won't taste good, but hopefully having maple syrup on it will fix everything.]
Okay...one more attempt. [If Junpei believes in him, then it's clearly a done deal! Hype man is on the case! So he goes silent, carefully waiting, and when he turns it over...
Perfection!
Just the right amount of color, and it doesn't take too long for the other side as he puts it on top of the pile triumphantly.]
YEAH!
[Now just a few more to go to make a stack!]
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Damn it!
[He looks over to Junpei.]
I hope it's okay if I just add more fruits instead. The one before that should be pretty good too!
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You did it!! I knew you could. And don't even worry, dude! I'm not all that hungry anyway, so I don't need a massive stack.
[ Could have a little something to do with the energy drink. That was his go-to breakfast many times before school -- hoping it could help him stay awake in class, only for it all to wear off a couple hours later and he'd doze off once more. ]
We should make dinner to-go tonight. Maybe like bento box style? And bring it with us to watch the sunset. I dunno where the best place would be to watch it, but it'd be something to do?
[ Since they can't watch movies here (which is Junpei's idea of a perfect date) he'll get creative. Instead of dinner and a movie, it's dinner and a sunset! Junpei and Eikichi have the gift of gab, so no doubt they can provide their own entertainment while the silent picture plays out in the background. ]
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[That won't stop him from trying to at least make due with the situation, placing both of them into a new plate and then try to do his best to try and cut a few strawberries into roses before placing them on top of the pancakes, drizzling them with maple syrup. A few blueberries and raspberries on the side and voila. He slides the plate over to Junpei to think about the proposition.]
We could try to find a really high place atop the castle we could stand on and watch the sunset? I bet there's a perch somewhere.
[That does sound pretty romantic.]
Or we could go to the dock! The beach might be nice at sunset, right?
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Eikichi has won over the easiest food critic. Hooray?
He sits back in thought at the suggestions. They're both pretty good. It's hard to pick. The height would have the added bonus of looking over the land but then the thought of them sitting near the water is also nice, the last light glowing on the waves. ]
We might have to flip a coin on that one. Both sound great. We went on a trip to Yakushima this past summer, and the beaches were real nice at sunset. Granted it was just me and the guys watching it and licking our wounds from our failed attempt to pick up girls.
[ He makes a face at that. Real bummer he couldn't find a cutie to join him. Junpei huffs a soft laugh. ]
It'd be way nicer with you, though. And we don't even have to worry about getting back before The Dark Hour hits or anything!
[ Granted it still might be a little dangerous with the Fae out later, but Junpei's confident he and Eikichi could handle most anything. ]
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We could do both, y'know. Sure we can flip a coin for tonight, but do the other tomorrow. It'll still just be us together. [Then he laughs.] I can't really say I've gone out of my way to do pickups at the beach, but I did try with a few Sevens students and one time I thought Lisa liked me. It none of these went well.
[And with Lisa it happened live on radio. Eikichi might talk about that part later. When he got really jealous about his friend and the fact she suddenly had a done deal for an album caused by a rumour. TIME TO NOT THINK ABOUT THAT!]
We really don't have to worry at anything right now apart from appreciating each other. it kinda feels like an extended summer vacation, doesn't it? Like Golden Week never ends.
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Whaaa?? Really? With game like pinning someone against the wall and demanding a confession? How could they not take you up on that??
[ He takes a bite of one of his strawberries, winking toward him. ]
But more seriously, I don't see how anyone could meet you and not be drawn right in. I was hooked right at the first hooooou!
[ Junpei slows with his eating at that next part. The part about it being an extended vacation. That's a nice way to think about it, but the worries are never too far from Junpei's mind. The impending battle back home. The threat of losing themselves here if they stayed too long. The knowledge that returning home means forgetting it all. It could be a dangerous thing to imagine this as an extended vacation because then they'll become complacent. They'll forget the goal. ]
Flipping a coin for tonight and tomorrow we do the other one. [ He picks at his bite, choosing not to address it. Junpei doesn't want to rain on Eikichi's positive energy. ] Or maybe if you can get my ass out of bed, we could even do sunrise for the other one? But that's a tall order. I really like my sleep. Especially in the arms of a very handsome fella.
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Well someone did. Do you want me to do it all over again? [Does he mean the confession or pinning him against the wall? A mystery.] It's funny you say that cause I got into more than one fight for a rival school to make fun of it.
[Eikichi is a little trigger-happy too when it comes to school fights, let's be honest. He starts making his own fruit salad - it's simple with just a few fruits and not exactly a generous portion. Eikichi still seemed to want to control his daily eating to keep his figure.]
Works for me...wait where are we going to find a coin? They don't have any money here...maybe I have a fifty yen coin in one of my pockets? [He pats himself down and...victory! He takes out the flowery coin which is fitting and holds it in his hands.] I'd say let's go camping, but that sounds like a horror situation for me. [What if bugs get into his hair?!]
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But then Eikichi uncovers the coin for tossing and that's what gets Junpei's focus. Eikichi over here saving the day with his pocket change. If they didn't find something, Junpei probably would have suggested a button or anything with a similar vibe. A round object they could mark and create a 'heads or tails' scenario. It could have even been a stone, really. ]
Camping definitely doesn't fit your vibe. I've never been either, but I think it wouldn't be so bad if I was with you. And it...honestly might be a good idea to do at some point? Just in case we gotta find a way to survive in the wilderness. If another Hunt happens in this place.
[ Junpei will not allow Eikichi to die again. Not on his watch. ]
How...did you wind up at Kasugayama High anyway? Was it 'cause you got in a lot of fights? Or did you get in a lot of fights because you went there and that's what people did?
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It does not at all. I hated going in the forest. [Which just goes to show how much he was determined to find Junpei.] Shit just keeps attacking you.
[Speaking of which...]
Started kinda early. Lots of fights in middle school. Kept punishing bullies by...bein' a bully myself, so despite my...acceptable grades, they put me in there as a delinquent. That's where most people went. Kinda why they called it Kuss High...figured it was easier to just put all the troublemakers together. They weren't exactly wrong either since I ended up being the Boss of the school.
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It's funny. Nothing about you ever really screamed delinquent to me when we first met. You were loud, cheerful and cool. Maybe if I realized it sooner, I never would've gotten you those flowers out of fear you'd beat me up!
[ He laughs, getting down to his final bite of pancake and swirling it around the excess syrup on the plate before popping it in his mouth. He chews thoughtfully before saying: ]
Maybe you were just on your best behavior around me because you were soooo charmed by how amazing and handsome I am~
[ Junpei turns to polish off the last of his energy drink, giving it a toss toward the trash can and making that basket cleanly. Sweet. ]
Or maybe I was just an idiot? Either way! I got zero complaints. People are gonna think twice about messing with me once they find out who my boyfriend is!
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[He had loved them, of course. They were still in his room since then. But why flowers? There were so many other things he could have given him, and now that Junpei spoke about it, it made him curious. Was it another of those impulses that the both of them didn't realize that lead to them dating.]
You were hyped up about everything...it was hard not to be. [Junpei really was like a sun, especially for someone like Eikichi. He wasn't dismissing his motivational speeches, instead soaking them in.
He claps briefly when he notices that Junpei 'scored'. Eikichi was never really good at that type of thing (it didn't help that he skipped most sports anyway).]
Well it's not like you can't fight, right? If anything they'll underestimate the both of us.
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I would...get flowers for Chidori all the time to try and cheer her up in the hospital. And I guess in my head, I thought: yanno who else could use some cheering up?? When I found out what they meant and that they were enchanted to keep blooming, it just made sense.
[ He brings his plate over to the sink in order to wash up. Eikichi did all this hard work so the least Junpei can do is take care of his plate. ]
I probably should've paused and thought about that a little harder. If I get flowers because I like this girl, then....does that mean I like this guy?? Past Junpei just didn't wanna put in any effort into figuring his shit out. [ He shakes his head. ] Past Eikichi, too! Think of all the make outs we were denied by those clueless fools.
[ Junpei shakes his head and once he's finished washing and rinsing the plate, he dries it to set to the side and allow the kitchen to return it to where it needs to go. ]
Speaking of fighting, though, I'm stronger than I was for sure. When Hades had come to me, I was only able to do three moves before I felt ready to keel over. I'm impressed by your stamina, dude.
[ A pause. ]
In more ways than one.
[ A wink. Then another pause. ]
But I bet if I ever found myself in the weird scenario where I could summon him again, I could probably last a lot longer. Now that I've joined you guys in the 'dynes. I was always a little jealous of Tatsu-kun's Maragidyne...
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[Wow! Look at Junpei being influenced in a positive way! Gasp! Don't mind Eikichi leaning it to get a kiss on the way, however.]
But we still had good times, right? The more I think about it, the more I think they were happy memories that just inched us closer to where we are now. I don't know how long one of us would have cracked if this had kept up, but I feel like the dam was pretty full.
[At the comment about his stamina, he tries to stifle a laugh, but fails.] Pfft. Bro. You're a champ yourself. [How much had they done during that week? Eikichi hadn't lost count just yet, but it was a lot.] Don't be jealous babe! If joint attacks have taught me something, it's not the attack power that's important, but what the combined might of persona users is. And I'm sure Hades wouldn't mind being in your body again. [Wait that sounds a little...] in your mind that is. I don't mind being in your body.
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Well, you get that honor daily~! Which raises the question, if we're banging...can we technically summon each others personas? Not that it's anything we'd ever actually do in battle, but! Does it bend the rules of I Am Thou?
[ Food for thought. But Junpei does agree on the teamwork thing. There was a time when he wanted to be the star, but he's come to realize it's all a group effort. Back home as much as here. He's got strength on his own, but it's with Eikichi and Tatsuya by his side (and Chidori within him) that his true strength shines through. His fingers travel a soothing trail along Eikichi's back, lightly caressing up and down his spine. ]
I don't have any real complaints about how it all played out, yanno. I give both of us shit for not realizing sooner, but honestly? I think we did pretty good. A little more than two months to not only realize we were into each other, but to kinda come to terms we were crushing on a dude? None of it ever felt awkward. It just seemed to fall into place so easily. Everything always seems so easy with you. When nothing else in the world makes sense, we do.
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[The hairs on Eikichi's back brisk up a bit. He's ticklish and enjoys the physical contact so it works double and he nearly misses his own mouth finishing eating from the distraction. He finishes eating as Junpei speaks again, thinking about his words.]
It feels more than two months, now that I think 'bout it. Then again, what my group experienced didn't even last a week, tops. [A very intense week mind you but...] Anyway the dude part didn't even cross my mind, bro. I had Jun and Tatsuya with their displays of brofection! That's not important to me. [Eikichi did not care about how Japan saw it either.] What I like is someone's heart and who they are! And you are! [A dramatic fist-pump for emphasis. ] The best!
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But as Eikichi goes for the dramatics with that fist pump, calling him the best -- Junpei smiles. He loops his other arm around Eikichi's waist to make it a side hug, giving him a light squeeze. ]
Coming to find out I'm the same, I guess?
[ He had always only thought about girls. Getting a girlfriend was like his whole personality at one point. But Junpei found love when he wasn't even looking for it. Twice now. Chidori and Eikichi were both incredibly attractive, but that's not the thing that pulled him toward them initially and it's not the thing that kept him locked in. Like Eikichi, it was the heart that caught him. And the rest just fell into place after that. ]
But I probably would've known what I was feeling a whole lot sooner if you were a girl. You know how many times I told myself I was being 'a good bro' by holding your hand and shit?
[ He buries his face in the crook of Eikichi's neck, to both hide his embarrassment and be affectionate. Two-for-one special! ]
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[He snerks at the idea. Girl! Eikichi would certainly have had a different life. Not being at Kuss High, for one. Was there an all-girls school in Sumaru City? Probably not, or else his boys would never have stopped talking about it.]
I just thought you were the touchy-feeling kinda guy.
[He'll bring him closer too, running a hand in Junpei's hair.]
Besides, what kind of 'good bro' decides that someone like me needs hand holding?
[Like he'd probably stupidly punch a hydra if it owed him money.]
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At Eikichi's question, though, Junpei looks up at him. That someone like me bit has Junpei shaking his head slightly as he glances off toward the entrance of the kitchen. ]
Just 'cause you're a certain way doesn't mean you're less deserving of affection, man. Like you can kick so much ass, but being strong isn't all you are. You went through your fair share of shit back home, and even if there's nothing I could do to change that, I could at least let you know someone's here. Someone cares. Maybe pull you back to reality by touching you -- like an anchor. I was trying to be your anchor, dude. Like a total bro and not a guy with a crush.
[ Junpei smiles and gives Eikichi back his space. Well, this was pretty successful, wasn't it? Junpei was able to eat his full meal here without having this clawing need to leave. It feels a little weird to loiter around the kitchen now, though, so maybe he could up the stakes and attempt to go to the market? Or maybe they should get back to Eikichi's room, move Junpei's stuff back in and have their mid-morning makeout? ]
What's the play for today, Eiki-chin? You wanna go mess around back in your room and then go our separate ways until we reconvene for sunset dinner? Orrr you wanna do something else?
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