[He doesn't fight Dist's grip on his hands, but it does get him to start, the laughter dying off abruptly. It's startling enough for both of them - he doesn't just break like this, the last time was—
Dist's words get him to focus, though it's a bit difficult to combat the rising tide of paranoia and mania that he so desperately wants to fall into. It would be infinitely easier to just give in, but he's never really been able to shut off the logical part of his mind that insists that the moment he starts being careless is the moment he dies.
So he listens and he finds himself nodding even though nothing has really stopped the slight shaking he's doing.]
My... My apologies, I'm not... usually this...
[Well, the thought escapes him before he can finish it and he ducks his head a bit and closes his eyes as he tries to get this under control.]
I'll... be fine.
[Maybe it's the biggest lie he's told during his stay here, but it's an attempt, at least. He doesn't know what to do with people worrying about him, so he's... trying...]
It was a misunderstanding, Iago. I will speak to Rideaux about this. I will not let anything happen to you.
[That's the only thing for certain that's running through his mind. He can't let this stand the way it is. He has to do something...
...
Rideaux can wait, though. His main concern is right in front of him. That reaction to all of this...it goes beyond just the disaster during today's trial, doesn't it.
He's not quite sure what overtakes him in the moment, but he finds himself letting go of Iago's hands and pulling him into an embrace. He's trembling too, but for entirely different reasons.]
Please, Iago... Don't say you'll be fine. Speak to me.
[The sudden embrace gets him to start again, flinching sharply for a moment before he settles a bit. He doesn't really know what to do with it, if he's perfectly honest with himself. He doesn't remember the last time anyone hugged him. It's weird and surreal and maybe at any other time and under any other circumstances, that's all he'd be able to focus on.
But today was such a complete disaster and he doesn't really have the energy required to find any of this weird or awkward. Instead he relaxes into it almost too easily, his own hands settling low on Dist's back, like maybe he can keep him in place if Dist even thinks about moving. He at least has the decency to be careful with his nails.]
I'm sorry.
[The words are soft and a bit hesitant, as though he's not really sure that's what he should be saying. Once they're out there, they give him a direction to go in and he tries again.]
I don't... know how to handle it when things start slipping out of my control. I... try to stay several steps ahead of everyone else but I... I can't do that here, I don't know how to.
[If telling Dist that he'll be fine was the biggest lie he's told here, then this has to balance it out since it's the most truthful he's ever been. It's always been something of a delicate balancing act, managing Garon's affairs with running Nohr and keeping an eye on Xander and Leo, but it never felt insurmountable. It never felt like a losing battle.
The longer he stays here, the more he realizes that he isn't nearly as clever as he thought he was.]
I'm sorry. [He repeats it again, more calm this time. One of his hands moves absently, lightly up Dist's back until it stops near his shoulderblades.] I don't want to worry you.
[It's practically new territory for Dist as well. But he remembers as a child, one of the most comforting gestures he could receive was a warm hug from the Professor. Perhaps that is why it felt appropriate to attempt the same with Iago.
He listens quietly and carefully to Iago's confession. Perhaps it shouldn't be so shocking to hear this, considering they've both had their moments of weakness in the face of this situation, whether it was one of the Lady's incentives or a trial gone awry. But this does go beyond even that. Iago is a tactician- strategizing and gaining an edge over the enemy is what he does, and he does it amazingly well. But here? Here, it's not so simple when information is scarce and the Lady has them all wrapped tightly around her finger. There is no way to really know what the future holds for them, as much as they tell themselves otherwise. Iago has been struggling with this for a while, and today...seems to have been the breaking point.
Thinking this over, Dist gives him a little squeeze.]
I desperately wish I had an answer for you. The way this horrid situation is designed, the only ones who will be several steps ahead of us are our captors. The most we can possibly do is continue to stumble in the dark until we find the light. Something in this city has what we need.
[But...that's neither here nor there for the time being. He focuses again on Iago.]
Even incredible geniuses like ourselves hit walls that feel impassible. I certainly don't see you any less for what you have told me. You are amazing, Iago, even if the Lady has done everything in her power to make you question yourself like this. This wall may seem daunting, but I assure you that it is not indestructible. After all, you helped me face mine, didn't you? Your time will come, and I will be there with you every step of the way.
[He lets out a small exhale after that.]
I am worried about you, but...that is why I am reaching out to you, as you did for me. [The next part is murmured, but no less sincere.] You have become so important to me.
[Something in there gets the shaking to start back up - it's not as aggressive as before, but it's still clearly something he's not really able to control any. He's not really sure what part of this is hitting him so strangely... or maybe that's just it, it's all of it. After all, Iago hasn't had anyone he's close to in years. He's gotten by solely on his own intelligence, hard work, and natural skill for over twenty years without ever coming to rely on someone else. Having someone offer him support now, when he's at his lowest with damn near nothing to offer in return, means more than he can really express.
For a moment he doesn't respond verbally; instead his grip tightens and he settles more easily into Dist's embrace, trying to get that mild shaking to stop. He does manage words eventually though, if only because he needs to find a way to express himself better.]
I felt like this back home. Shortly before I arrived here, I was betrayed by two thousand soldiers. How could I have missed that? How could I, Nohr's greatest tactician, be outwitted by Garon's children? I was slipping up, almost nonstop. Everything was falling apart right in front of me and it felt like I couldn't focus, it was so... so frustrating.
Things were better here; I felt like I could focus and plan again. [Probably because there wasn't an evil dragon god messing with his head, buuuuut that's not important.] Even if I couldn't fit everything perfectly into place I thought I was doing well at remaining useful to the group so they wouldn't turn on me and keeping my head down enough not to draw anyone's ire. If I could keep myself safe, everything else would fall into place.
[A deep, shuddering breath.]
I never meant to get attached. I always thought that such things would hold me back. That they'd get in the way.
[He's very aware that he's rambling, but he can't quite seem to make himself stop. It's only when he reaches this point that he's suddenly aware that he is going somewhere with this, and that gets him to settle a bit.]
I meant what I said. For as horrid as this whole experience is... I'm so pleased I've had the opportunity to meet you and get to know you. I've been alone almost my entire life and I never thought I needed anyone, but... You've become so important to me as well, Dist.
[That is what he was dealing with before arriving in Krakow? Dist couldn't have imagined it was that bad from the way Iago spoke of his situation back home in the past. Dist is entirely familiar with the terrible sting of betrayal, but having your entire army betray you is another matter entirely. How does one keep calm in that moment? It puts Iago's consideration of leaving Nohr behind, and possibly joining Dist in Auldrant, in an entirely new context.
He gently glides a hand up Iago's back to sooth his trembling.]
You are the person that I wish I had in my life years and years ago. [Maybe then, he wouldn't have desperately pushed everyone else away in favor of chasing an impossible dream.] You have given me far more patience than I deserve, but I will never stop being grateful for it.
Please do not give up here. You made a mistake and things have not gone as you hoped that they would, but I refuse to let that be the end of you. I am going to speak to Rideaux after this and attempt to smooth things over. And if I cannot, then I will do what I can to protect you anyway. We cannot lose each other. We need each other to defeat the Lady.
[He withdraws- not entirely, but enough to make eye contact with Iago. His cheeks at wet with tears, but he's at least managed to hold it together through all of this.]
Our futures beyond this game may not be certain, but at least we'll have each other. Right?
[There's so much he should say to that - that he's happy he can be that person Dist needs now, that he's never given Dist anything more than he deserves, that he really is happy that he's able to confide in Dist like this. But there is something much more pressing to address first.]
I did make a mistake, and I do regret it, but not for the reasons you're likely assuming. I was... so furious with Rideaux for what he said. [About his mask. About what's under his mask.] I refused to consider that there could be another possibility. I wanted him dead, so I pushed to have him killed.
[Whether he was truly guilty or not didn't matter. He laid his arguments out, he was certain that everyone else would fall for them and the majority vote would go to Rideaux regardless. He'd stopped paying attention to anything else.]
I'm only sorry because I didn't get away with it, and only because Rideaux is far stronger than I am. [Without his magic, at least.] I want you to know the truth.
[Even though that truth is ugly and bitter and certainly detrimental. After a moment he exhales slowly and his gaze darts.]
I'm not sorry and I have no intention of attempting to apologize to Rideaux for my behavior. [He's pretty sure Rideaux wouldn't buy it anyway.] But I don't intend to die here, and I don't intend to allow myself to be so blinded by rage in the future. I... truly am sorry to have put you in a position like this.
[Dist shouldn't have to try to fight his battles for him, even when that battle is simply asking Rideaux not to do anything stupid.]
But I do agree - we need each other to make it through this. I don't intend to die here. I'll continue to do what I can to make it through. I'll be right by your side when we finish this.
[If Iago is concerned about how Dist might take the truth, he shouldn't be. Dist is quiet for a moment as Iago explains, but he's quick to close his eyes and shake his head.]
Honestly...I figured as much. It is why I did not refute your arguments against him. While I was convinced of the presence of Sanguis, the hints that we received did not seem to add up and I couldn't quite place it until Ulquiorra later explained.
[He felt so fucking stupid. How had he not considered Gelu being at play?!]
I have said to you before that I am not hard-pressed to find the true culprit like many are, but I have been playing along to keep a better relationship with them. And you needn't apologize for what happened with Rideaux. I do not fault you for what you did... I was infuriated as well.
[Because that's his emotional support genius tactician Rideaux was shit-talking?!]
Regardless, I intend to make sure he does not harm you.
[That gets him to settle easily. Dist tends to understand him better than anyone else, and if anyone's going to understand "this guy insulted me so I wanted him to die to the point where I stopped being rational" it's going to be Dist. So it's good that Dist was already aware of it, even if that is the sort of thing he should be more embarrassed about admitting to. Oh well. Everyone here knows he's petty and now everyone knows he has a temper to match! Great.]
I wasn't capable of saying it at the moment, but I do appreciate how quickly you jumped to my defense.
[Dist was able to shut Rideaux down from derailing the trial with pointless talk about Iago's mask so that really does mean a lot to him. He's been surprisingly lucky in that only one person has brought it up in any sort of negative way before this trial, but it really was just a matter of time until someone set him off about it.]
I also appreciate that you're willing to attempt to get Rideaux to see reason. He isn't nearly as intelligent as he likes to think he is, but even he wouldn't be stupid enough to kill me right now. Everyone would assume he'd be behind it, after all.
[At least, he sure hopes Rideaux isn't that stupid. Of course, that does open up the possibility of someone trying to frame Rideaux for it...]
Thank you, Dist. I'm... feeling a bit better now. You have my apologies for... [vague handwave] That. All of that. I'm afraid I've been entirely too close to the breaking point for too long now and today finally pushed me over the edge.
[Anyone who wants to mess with Iago has to get through Dist first!!
Let's hope this is never in a physical sense because Iago's boned in that case. Sorry Iago...]
Oh, I believe the same. But I still dislike the idea of him attempting to injure you in retaliation. I would like to avoid an altercation at all, really.
[Because again, noodles...
That last bit gets a small sigh out of him, and he leans back into Iago. He's starting to crash from the adrenaline all of this has given him, but he needs to hang on for just a bit longer. He has a few stops to make tonight.]
You are welcome, though you really have no need to apologize. This situation has put us under overwhelming pressure. I am just glad that I was able to be here for you when you needed it.
[d-don't say things like that with a straight face, you're going to embarrass him...
But thankfully Dist isn't dwelling on that and Iago's perfectly fine with holding him close for a little while longer. He's never been one for physical affection like this, but it's easy with Dist. Things seem to always be easier with Dist.]
Thank you, then. You've been excellent at supporting me throughout all these difficult and trying times. I'm not sure where I'd be without you.
[Dead, probably?? But that's hardly the point and not something he's going to stop and think about right now.]
I intend to keep to myself for a little while so most of the others will have little reason to be irritated with me. [He figures the motive will be a good distraction, at least.] I'm certainly not going to stop working to learn more about this place, however. I wouldn't dream of giving up now, after everything else we've gone through.
[In other words, he's going to be kind of a mess for a little while, but he'll get himself sorted out eventually. He has to remain useful to the group so they don't turn on him and Iago always does better when he has something to focus on anyway.]
[Let's not think about where either of them would be without each other. Sweet Yulia.]
I am glad to hear it. If you would like, we can spend some time looking at possible new locations together. [This probably goes without saying, but...] And you are welcome to use my room for as long as you need to. I...rather liked spending last night with you.
[Even if the floor is a little rough. It was worth it.]
I'll see about getting some help to bring my mattress in here, then. I... really would appreciate that, Dist. Even though I don't believe Rideaux will do anything to harm me, I'd prefer not to remain next door to him.
[There's safety in numbers, and perhaps more importantly, he'd rather stay close to Dist.]
I would like to explore the new locations that open up with you, however. With any luck, we'll finally find something that will give you more to work with.
Consider this an extreme precaution. [...and also an excuse.] Just let me know if you would like my assistance. A mattress should be something the two of us can handle, you know.
[Hahaha...]
Oh, likewise. I could certainly use something like that to throw myself at right about now...
[He is so stressed. Not that he's the only one, obviously. But hey, autoshop is coming!!!]
Anything more we can learn will benefit us, but I can't exactly complain about the break last week. As ridiculous as it was, it was also quite entertaining.
[Watching everyone else be uncomfortable is so great, 10/10 would fluster everyone again.]
Oh, I meant that in a metaphorical sense. But it wasn't bad. I didn't contract anything from it, which is the most I can hope for.
[He can only stomach the like...three things he knows how to make for so long, so he kind of caved at some point and started eating the offerings of others.]
[he's refrained from teasing dist endlessly, but that doesn't mean he won't punch dist's ego a little!! gently.]
Of course. And... thank you again, Dist.
[It hasn't been easy, and things likely won't get any easier from here on out given everything he decided to be at the trial today, but for now... Well, for now he can handle this.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
THIS IS FINE
Dist's words get him to focus, though it's a bit difficult to combat the rising tide of paranoia and mania that he so desperately wants to fall into. It would be infinitely easier to just give in, but he's never really been able to shut off the logical part of his mind that insists that the moment he starts being careless is the moment he dies.
So he listens and he finds himself nodding even though nothing has really stopped the slight shaking he's doing.]
My... My apologies, I'm not... usually this...
[Well, the thought escapes him before he can finish it and he ducks his head a bit and closes his eyes as he tries to get this under control.]
I'll... be fine.
[Maybe it's the biggest lie he's told during his stay here, but it's an attempt, at least. He doesn't know what to do with people worrying about him, so he's... trying...]
I don't have enough serious icons for this
[That's the only thing for certain that's running through his mind. He can't let this stand the way it is. He has to do something...
...
Rideaux can wait, though. His main concern is right in front of him. That reaction to all of this...it goes beyond just the disaster during today's trial, doesn't it.
He's not quite sure what overtakes him in the moment, but he finds himself letting go of Iago's hands and pulling him into an embrace. He's trembling too, but for entirely different reasons.]
Please, Iago... Don't say you'll be fine. Speak to me.
Dist does not deserve this
But today was such a complete disaster and he doesn't really have the energy required to find any of this weird or awkward. Instead he relaxes into it almost too easily, his own hands settling low on Dist's back, like maybe he can keep him in place if Dist even thinks about moving. He at least has the decency to be careful with his nails.]
I'm sorry.
[The words are soft and a bit hesitant, as though he's not really sure that's what he should be saying. Once they're out there, they give him a direction to go in and he tries again.]
I don't... know how to handle it when things start slipping out of my control. I... try to stay several steps ahead of everyone else but I... I can't do that here, I don't know how to.
[If telling Dist that he'll be fine was the biggest lie he's told here, then this has to balance it out since it's the most truthful he's ever been. It's always been something of a delicate balancing act, managing Garon's affairs with running Nohr and keeping an eye on Xander and Leo, but it never felt insurmountable. It never felt like a losing battle.
The longer he stays here, the more he realizes that he isn't nearly as clever as he thought he was.]
I'm sorry. [He repeats it again, more calm this time. One of his hands moves absently, lightly up Dist's back until it stops near his shoulderblades.] I don't want to worry you.
he's here to MVP right back!!!
He listens quietly and carefully to Iago's confession. Perhaps it shouldn't be so shocking to hear this, considering they've both had their moments of weakness in the face of this situation, whether it was one of the Lady's incentives or a trial gone awry. But this does go beyond even that. Iago is a tactician- strategizing and gaining an edge over the enemy is what he does, and he does it amazingly well. But here? Here, it's not so simple when information is scarce and the Lady has them all wrapped tightly around her finger. There is no way to really know what the future holds for them, as much as they tell themselves otherwise. Iago has been struggling with this for a while, and today...seems to have been the breaking point.
Thinking this over, Dist gives him a little squeeze.]
I desperately wish I had an answer for you. The way this horrid situation is designed, the only ones who will be several steps ahead of us are our captors. The most we can possibly do is continue to stumble in the dark until we find the light. Something in this city has what we need.
[But...that's neither here nor there for the time being. He focuses again on Iago.]
Even incredible geniuses like ourselves hit walls that feel impassible. I certainly don't see you any less for what you have told me. You are amazing, Iago, even if the Lady has done everything in her power to make you question yourself like this. This wall may seem daunting, but I assure you that it is not indestructible. After all, you helped me face mine, didn't you? Your time will come, and I will be there with you every step of the way.
[He lets out a small exhale after that.]
I am worried about you, but...that is why I am reaching out to you, as you did for me. [The next part is murmured, but no less sincere.] You have become so important to me.
someone please give him all the MVP trophies
For a moment he doesn't respond verbally; instead his grip tightens and he settles more easily into Dist's embrace, trying to get that mild shaking to stop. He does manage words eventually though, if only because he needs to find a way to express himself better.]
I felt like this back home. Shortly before I arrived here, I was betrayed by two thousand soldiers. How could I have missed that? How could I, Nohr's greatest tactician, be outwitted by Garon's children? I was slipping up, almost nonstop. Everything was falling apart right in front of me and it felt like I couldn't focus, it was so... so frustrating.
Things were better here; I felt like I could focus and plan again. [Probably because there wasn't an evil dragon god messing with his head, buuuuut that's not important.] Even if I couldn't fit everything perfectly into place I thought I was doing well at remaining useful to the group so they wouldn't turn on me and keeping my head down enough not to draw anyone's ire. If I could keep myself safe, everything else would fall into place.
[A deep, shuddering breath.]
I never meant to get attached. I always thought that such things would hold me back. That they'd get in the way.
[He's very aware that he's rambling, but he can't quite seem to make himself stop. It's only when he reaches this point that he's suddenly aware that he is going somewhere with this, and that gets him to settle a bit.]
I meant what I said. For as horrid as this whole experience is... I'm so pleased I've had the opportunity to meet you and get to know you. I've been alone almost my entire life and I never thought I needed anyone, but... You've become so important to me as well, Dist.
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[That is what he was dealing with before arriving in Krakow? Dist couldn't have imagined it was that bad from the way Iago spoke of his situation back home in the past. Dist is entirely familiar with the terrible sting of betrayal, but having your entire army betray you is another matter entirely. How does one keep calm in that moment? It puts Iago's consideration of leaving Nohr behind, and possibly joining Dist in Auldrant, in an entirely new context.
He gently glides a hand up Iago's back to sooth his trembling.]
You are the person that I wish I had in my life years and years ago. [Maybe then, he wouldn't have desperately pushed everyone else away in favor of chasing an impossible dream.] You have given me far more patience than I deserve, but I will never stop being grateful for it.
Please do not give up here. You made a mistake and things have not gone as you hoped that they would, but I refuse to let that be the end of you. I am going to speak to Rideaux after this and attempt to smooth things over. And if I cannot, then I will do what I can to protect you anyway. We cannot lose each other. We need each other to defeat the Lady.
[He withdraws- not entirely, but enough to make eye contact with Iago. His cheeks at wet with tears, but he's at least managed to hold it together through all of this.]
Our futures beyond this game may not be certain, but at least we'll have each other. Right?
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I did make a mistake, and I do regret it, but not for the reasons you're likely assuming. I was... so furious with Rideaux for what he said. [About his mask. About what's under his mask.] I refused to consider that there could be another possibility. I wanted him dead, so I pushed to have him killed.
[Whether he was truly guilty or not didn't matter. He laid his arguments out, he was certain that everyone else would fall for them and the majority vote would go to Rideaux regardless. He'd stopped paying attention to anything else.]
I'm only sorry because I didn't get away with it, and only because Rideaux is far stronger than I am. [Without his magic, at least.] I want you to know the truth.
[Even though that truth is ugly and bitter and certainly detrimental. After a moment he exhales slowly and his gaze darts.]
I'm not sorry and I have no intention of attempting to apologize to Rideaux for my behavior. [He's pretty sure Rideaux wouldn't buy it anyway.] But I don't intend to die here, and I don't intend to allow myself to be so blinded by rage in the future. I... truly am sorry to have put you in a position like this.
[Dist shouldn't have to try to fight his battles for him, even when that battle is simply asking Rideaux not to do anything stupid.]
But I do agree - we need each other to make it through this. I don't intend to die here. I'll continue to do what I can to make it through. I'll be right by your side when we finish this.
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Honestly...I figured as much. It is why I did not refute your arguments against him. While I was convinced of the presence of Sanguis, the hints that we received did not seem to add up and I couldn't quite place it until Ulquiorra later explained.
[He felt so fucking stupid. How had he not considered Gelu being at play?!]
I have said to you before that I am not hard-pressed to find the true culprit like many are, but I have been playing along to keep a better relationship with them. And you needn't apologize for what happened with Rideaux. I do not fault you for what you did... I was infuriated as well.
[Because that's his emotional support genius tactician Rideaux was shit-talking?!]
Regardless, I intend to make sure he does not harm you.
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I wasn't capable of saying it at the moment, but I do appreciate how quickly you jumped to my defense.
[Dist was able to shut Rideaux down from derailing the trial with pointless talk about Iago's mask so that really does mean a lot to him. He's been surprisingly lucky in that only one person has brought it up in any sort of negative way before this trial, but it really was just a matter of time until someone set him off about it.]
I also appreciate that you're willing to attempt to get Rideaux to see reason. He isn't nearly as intelligent as he likes to think he is, but even he wouldn't be stupid enough to kill me right now. Everyone would assume he'd be behind it, after all.
[At least, he sure hopes Rideaux isn't that stupid. Of course, that does open up the possibility of someone trying to frame Rideaux for it...]
Thank you, Dist. I'm... feeling a bit better now. You have my apologies for... [vague handwave] That. All of that. I'm afraid I've been entirely too close to the breaking point for too long now and today finally pushed me over the edge.
[It's kind of embarrassing, really...]
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[Anyone who wants to mess with Iago has to get through Dist first!!
Let's hope this is never in a physical sense because Iago's boned in that case. Sorry Iago...]
Oh, I believe the same. But I still dislike the idea of him attempting to injure you in retaliation. I would like to avoid an altercation at all, really.
[Because again, noodles...
That last bit gets a small sigh out of him, and he leans back into Iago. He's starting to crash from the adrenaline all of this has given him, but he needs to hang on for just a bit longer. He has a few stops to make tonight.]
You are welcome, though you really have no need to apologize. This situation has put us under overwhelming pressure. I am just glad that I was able to be here for you when you needed it.
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But thankfully Dist isn't dwelling on that and Iago's perfectly fine with holding him close for a little while longer. He's never been one for physical affection like this, but it's easy with Dist. Things seem to always be easier with Dist.]
Thank you, then. You've been excellent at supporting me throughout all these difficult and trying times. I'm not sure where I'd be without you.
[Dead, probably?? But that's hardly the point and not something he's going to stop and think about right now.]
I intend to keep to myself for a little while so most of the others will have little reason to be irritated with me. [He figures the motive will be a good distraction, at least.] I'm certainly not going to stop working to learn more about this place, however. I wouldn't dream of giving up now, after everything else we've gone through.
[In other words, he's going to be kind of a mess for a little while, but he'll get himself sorted out eventually. He has to remain useful to the group so they don't turn on him and Iago always does better when he has something to focus on anyway.]
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I am glad to hear it. If you would like, we can spend some time looking at possible new locations together. [This probably goes without saying, but...] And you are welcome to use my room for as long as you need to. I...rather liked spending last night with you.
[Even if the floor is a little rough. It was worth it.]
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[There's safety in numbers, and perhaps more importantly, he'd rather stay close to Dist.]
I would like to explore the new locations that open up with you, however. With any luck, we'll finally find something that will give you more to work with.
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[Hahaha...]
Oh, likewise. I could certainly use something like that to throw myself at right about now...
[He is so stressed. Not that he's the only one, obviously. But hey, autoshop is coming!!!]
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I really do want to see more of your work, especially when you aren't limited by whatever the Lady has done to this place.
[...okay, it doesn't actually seem to be the Lady's fault, but he's going to blame her anyway, so!!]
But even if you don't find anything like that, I'm sure we'll find something to do with ourselves.
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Of course. We will make sure to spend the time wisely. We always do, don't we?
[...listen, the party last week was totally a wise use of time.]
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Absolutely.
[iago no]
Anything more we can learn will benefit us, but I can't exactly complain about the break last week. As ridiculous as it was, it was also quite entertaining.
[Watching everyone else be uncomfortable is so great, 10/10 would fluster everyone again.]
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[Dist, pausing on the Fomicry project just to work on more machines doesn't really count.
Back to the party, though...he nods, remembering a particularly satisfying moment.]
I wonder if Dazai will cook up anything else for us this week.
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Was it particularly good? I didn't try any of it.
[He makes a point of never eating anything he hasn't seen prepared, so unsurprisingly he never eats at any of their gatherings.]
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[He can only stomach the like...three things he knows how to make for so long, so he kind of caved at some point and started eating the offerings of others.]
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[oh my god.]
Perhaps I'll make something for you some time. I wouldn't say I'm any good, but at least it's something different.
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I just eat to get by, really...
[Do you want to know how much omurice he has eaten in his lifetime?
An immeasurable amount.]
I would be incredibly appreciative if you cooked for me, though. It sounds...lovely, actually.
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[it's the equivalent of setting the bar on the floor, but that's fine.......]
I'll be sure to prepare something for you soon, then. Consider it thanks for allowing me to stay with you until things have calmed down.
[...we both know he isn't moving out of your room for the rest of the game, right...]
no subject
Goodness, you're denting my ego here...
[Doesn't he get that enough from the others, Iago? Doesn't he?]
That said, I look forward to what you have in store for me. Thank you.
[You're stuck here now, Iago. Get used to it!!]
no subject
Of course. And... thank you again, Dist.
[It hasn't been easy, and things likely won't get any easier from here on out given everything he decided to be at the trial today, but for now... Well, for now he can handle this.]