Kinda? But also not exactly. We can talk more when I get there, okay?
[Fortunately, Squall doesn't have to puzzle over that baffling non-answer for too long; Zell's at his room within half an hour, knocking on the door.] Yo, Squall, you in there?
[Squall is quick to go to the door when Zell arrives, having brought home some homemade cookies for them to share if Zell wanted something to munch on.]
[Zell smiles at Squall, but it's kind of anxious and fleeting in a way that says something heavy is on Zell's mind. He slips into Squall's room.] Yeah...uh, mostly, I guess. It's not like anything major happened or anything...
[He pauses.] Well, y'know, major for us. Seifer...had a nightmare about Ultimecia last night. He freaked out really bad. Ended up punching a mirror. I healed him up, he's fine and everything, but...
I was thinking about some of the stuff he said.
[He fidgets.] If I ask you a question...promise you won't laugh, okay?
[Zell's face is worried and he doesn't even really give Squall a hug when he walks in, not that it was mandatory but that cues him in pretty fast that somethings up before Zell even says so. He follows him to his room and sits on his own bed, patting a spot next to him for Zell to join him.]
That's...worrying still. He's probably going to have nightmares often for awhile....
[There is a frown as he gets comfortable and rubs his own chin, a sure sign he is worried himself.]
I won't laugh at whatever it is so ask away and thank you for caring about Seifer. You two could have woken me up if you needed. Maybe next time if tehre is one?
[To be fair, Squall, Zell is still adjusting to the you that is totally okay with hugs! It's still wild to him that they can just. HUG now. The last time he tried that back home, you bopped him in the head with the hilt of your gunblade.
But yeah, he is pretty preoccupied this morning, too.
He sits down next to Squall, and it is a sign that he's already adjusted some to this new Squall in how he immediately leans into his shoulder. Maybe it's a little worrying to see him need/want the comfort here, but there's something positive in Zell's going for it without hesitation, trusting Squall will be okay with it.] Yeah. I didn't realize until he freaked out and rushed into my room, but...yeah, makes total sense he'd have nightmares after what he went through. I guess he dreamed Ultimecia messed with him again...made him hurt me. He had to come - see I was still okay.
[He grimaces.] And yeah, I know we could've called you, but...Seifer doesn't wanna be coddled. Like, really doesn't wanna be coddled. When I suggested he sleep with me 'cause it might help... [He looks at a nondescript part of the floor, very pointedly Not At Squall.] Well, you should've heard him. I mean, he did sleep with me, that wasn't the problem, but when I made it sound like he might need it, might need us...he couldn't have reacted worse if he was allergic. No way would he have put up with having you called over in the middle of the night 'cause he had a bad dream. If you were there already, maybe, but not calling you out just to make him feel better.
[His hands are in his lap, one gripping the other, fidgeting slightly. The grip tightens.] Anyway, listen, I just wanted to ask...how do I make Seifer respect me? Y'know...like he respects you.
[The nervousness of Zell is almost adorable, or it would be if it wasn't for such a good reason that he was clearly worried over. He wraps an arm around his shoulder, doesn't pull him in however. He's just trying to give him some form of contact and support without ]
That's...man that's rough. I'm sorry you had that happen Zell. I mean I'm glad you were able to calm him down enough to rest again but I'm sorry he snapped at you.
[He pulls his legs onto the couch and closer to his chest, trying to figure out what could actually help Zell. It's been so long that he's not even sure he's good interacting with Seifer all the time.]
Seifer....is kinda like an abused and abandoned puppy. At least...that's how I picture it. He might bite your hand cause you got too close but it's not cause he hates you, it's his own fear. All I can really say is just keep showing you mean well, show that you can be trusted and let him come to you. As for the respect? I'm not sure I have it myself. We were rivals as long as I could remember so I just...assume it was that need to one up me or something in him that maybe turned to some form of respect, even if I don't see it.
[He looks over at Zell and ruffles his hair a little.] If anything I think he respects you more. He goes to you for comfort, not me. He's almost always with you and when it's just me and him? Well to be honest it gets awkward and I think that's mostly my own fault. He's different with you, he does respect you Zell. If anything I think he respects you more than me. Yeah he can be rude with the nicknames but it's hard to kick habits sometimes. [He sighs and leans back more into the couch.] It's hard to do and you're right to be upset in it bothering you but I don't think he really means any of it. He loves you.
[Zell listens carefully to everything Squall says...but one part of it makes him shake his head immediately. A lot of it is up to interpretation, or maybe stuff Zell can't see, but there's one part he knows is dead wrong.] Seifer doesn't go to anybody for comfort. We just give it to him anyway. And I'm just with him more, partly 'cause you live somewhere else and you know a lot of other people here while he and I don't, but I think part of it is also... [Zell scratches the back of his head, but he's careful not to dislodge Squall's arm around him. He likes it where it is.] I think he and I are just more alike than you are with either of us? We're both hotheads who're pretty physical. So I'm probably easier for him to understand than you, anyway. That's probably all the awkwardness is.
But...I know he respects you. You can't be rivals with somebody you don't see as an equal, y'know? And he's seen you as one for years, you know that. But he doesn't look at me that way. It's not just the nicknames. When I suggested him doing something that worked for me to help him...it was like I'd insulted him. Acted like the idea of doing that, of needing that, was pathetic. He's better than I am 'cause he doesn't need to stoop to the kinda stuff I do...that's how he's always been. I'm not as strong as he is - I mean, not like physically, but more than that - and he knows it. And even when he likes me - he still knows it. He can't stop knowing it. He probably wouldn't have acted like that if he hadn't been freaking out, 'cause he's not trying to be a dick about it, but he was freaking out and he made it obvious.
You can like someone - even love them - without respecting them, I think. Lots of people like Headmaster Cid, but not too many people respect him, y'know? But I don't wanna have Seifer look at me like that all the time. Even if he tries to pretend he's not. So I wanna figure out how to prove to him that if he gets compared to me, or if he does something I do...it's not some kinda automatic insult to him. I think if he did something you did, he'd feel like it made him stronger...but with me, he thinks it'll make him weaker. I wanna prove him wrong.
Squall is a little groggy when his phone goes off and Lucky who is laying besides him starts to lick his face from the vibrations of the message. He bleary looks at it before sitting up in bed.
Well Squall goes and gets Lucky's leash but he ends up putting the small puppy in his jacket, zipping it up so he can peak out and have a nice cushioned seat against his chest. It's both of their preferred ways to travels he's found out. Is it excessive? You bet.
He does grab a bag of wrapped items before heading down stairs with his slippers on, a pair of short shorts despite the cold winter air and a white shirt with his usual jacket on and Lucky there.
He heads to Cloud,clearly looking like he just got out of bed. His hair was messy and in a messy bun as he yawned. "Hey, wanna come in? Lucky doesn't like the cold." Squall heads over to his boyfriend and once close enough he leans in for a kiss, Lucky from his spot against his chest watching and figuring out that this new person must like his dad.
When Squall comes outside, Cloud arches a brow at his...pajamas? Underwear? He hasn't really seen that kind of shorts before, so at a glance his mind parses it as boxers.
Not that he's gonna complain about the view.
"Thought you said you had a guest--" Wait. Lucky? It's only then that Cloud notices the little dog, and after blinking at it for a moment, he sighs. "You meant the puppy." In which case, he does want to go inside, so he comes closer too to meet Squall halfway and returns the kiss readily.
He nods. "Been doing more deliveries cause of the snow. Setting up Tifa's bar. Trying to fix Zack's truck." He scowls a bit at that. Stupid fucking radio. "You?"
As Squall turns to lead them inside, just before they get to the door, Cloud surreptitiously reaches down with one gloved hand to give that ass a little squeeze, totally straight faced as if he's doing nothing out of the ordinary.
While Squall should be cold given his manner of dress and the snow around he really isn't. Cold is his element and he can warm himself if need be. Genesis has been helping him on that too. He is happy to get both Cloud and Lucky out of the cold though now he feels dumb for bringing Cloud's presents outside. He probably should have left them inside.
"Been busy with this little guy and work really. It's been...kinda quiet a bit. Not sure I like it." He just shrugs it off as the two of them head inside. That is, he has to stop when Cloud grabs a handful of his ass and all but gives Squall a heart attack. Sure they've had sex many times before but this is really one of the first times Cloud's been grabby with him, it's really nice and he wasn't expecting it at all. His cheeks heat up a little and for a moment he stops walking and almost drops his key to the door.
"...guess you like my new shorts." His voice is almost at a whisper when he says it and he moves a bit closer to Cloud because of it. Maybe this talk isn't going to be bad?
When they are in his apartment He crouches down and unzips his jacket, letting Lucky out who quickly runs around the room doing a few happy zoomies before tip tapping on the wooden floors over to Cloud and sniff at his boot. Lucky moves away for a moment but then walks right back over to him and stands on his hind legs leaning against Cloud's leg. Yup he wants to be picked up for sure. His tongue is even hanging out a little.
What do you think about us taking on a new person at the bakery? He doesn't have any skills in this area, so I'd have to rely on you a little to help teach and keep an eye on him, but I'd like to do it, if you don't mind.
Ha, I'm sensing some trepidation. Anyway, he's no foodie, but I'm just trying to watch over him and get him interacting with people more since I said I'd help him. His name's Mithrun.
He's that guy who kinda reminds me of...well me. BEfore any of you knew me anyway. I don't think you'd like me when I was a teenager. I'm okay to help him if he wants my help. Not sure we got off on the right foot.
So there's good news in that I can guarantee that he has WAY less of a problem with you than you think you do. I won't say anything carelessly without at least his acknowledgment, but basically he has some emotional problems. That's probably why there was an issue.
But yeah, I'd appreciate it. And it might open up some time for us as well. Once we get him trained in baking, we can probably open up a little more free time for ourselves.
I noticed the emotional problems pretty quick. Reminds me of...well me. I can try and help out but I'm not sure if I'll help or make things worse...
Oh, were you too busy as of late? I mean if you wanted more alone time to go see Genesis and the others you just had to ask, I wouldn't have minded watching the bakery. I'm good on free time.
[Squall bby you are missing the point of freetime with Angeal.]
Squall, you're missing the point. This is for free time for all of us. That means making it so that you don't need to come in as often too.
Anyway, just focus on teaching him the basics of baking and making sure he doesn't hurt himself. He's the kind of person who doesn't pay attention if he's actually literally starving, up until he collapses, so I'm a little worried about how he might hurt himself in a kitchen.
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timeasmymeasure
@fistfight
Date: 2022-12-02 02:52 pm (UTC)Re: @fistfight
Date: 2022-12-05 08:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-12-06 12:30 pm (UTC)[Fortunately, Squall doesn't have to puzzle over that baffling non-answer for too long; Zell's at his room within half an hour, knocking on the door.] Yo, Squall, you in there?
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Date: 2022-12-08 07:31 pm (UTC)[Squall is quick to go to the door when Zell arrives, having brought home some homemade cookies for them to share if Zell wanted something to munch on.]
Hey, you okay?
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Date: 2022-12-09 02:34 am (UTC)[He pauses.] Well, y'know, major for us. Seifer...had a nightmare about Ultimecia last night. He freaked out really bad. Ended up punching a mirror. I healed him up, he's fine and everything, but...
I was thinking about some of the stuff he said.
[He fidgets.] If I ask you a question...promise you won't laugh, okay?
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Date: 2022-12-09 07:56 pm (UTC)That's...worrying still. He's probably going to have nightmares often for awhile....
[There is a frown as he gets comfortable and rubs his own chin, a sure sign he is worried himself.]
I won't laugh at whatever it is so ask away and thank you for caring about Seifer. You two could have woken me up if you needed. Maybe next time if tehre is one?
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Date: 2022-12-10 12:47 pm (UTC)But yeah, he is pretty preoccupied this morning, too.
He sits down next to Squall, and it is a sign that he's already adjusted some to this new Squall in how he immediately leans into his shoulder. Maybe it's a little worrying to see him need/want the comfort here, but there's something positive in Zell's going for it without hesitation, trusting Squall will be okay with it.] Yeah. I didn't realize until he freaked out and rushed into my room, but...yeah, makes total sense he'd have nightmares after what he went through. I guess he dreamed Ultimecia messed with him again...made him hurt me. He had to come - see I was still okay.
[He grimaces.] And yeah, I know we could've called you, but...Seifer doesn't wanna be coddled. Like, really doesn't wanna be coddled. When I suggested he sleep with me 'cause it might help... [He looks at a nondescript part of the floor, very pointedly Not At Squall.] Well, you should've heard him. I mean, he did sleep with me, that wasn't the problem, but when I made it sound like he might need it, might need us...he couldn't have reacted worse if he was allergic. No way would he have put up with having you called over in the middle of the night 'cause he had a bad dream. If you were there already, maybe, but not calling you out just to make him feel better.
[His hands are in his lap, one gripping the other, fidgeting slightly. The grip tightens.] Anyway, listen, I just wanted to ask...how do I make Seifer respect me? Y'know...like he respects you.
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Date: 2022-12-15 03:03 pm (UTC)That's...man that's rough. I'm sorry you had that happen Zell. I mean I'm glad you were able to calm him down enough to rest again but I'm sorry he snapped at you.
[He pulls his legs onto the couch and closer to his chest, trying to figure out what could actually help Zell. It's been so long that he's not even sure he's good interacting with Seifer all the time.]
Seifer....is kinda like an abused and abandoned puppy. At least...that's how I picture it. He might bite your hand cause you got too close but it's not cause he hates you, it's his own fear. All I can really say is just keep showing you mean well, show that you can be trusted and let him come to you. As for the respect? I'm not sure I have it myself. We were rivals as long as I could remember so I just...assume it was that need to one up me or something in him that maybe turned to some form of respect, even if I don't see it.
[He looks over at Zell and ruffles his hair a little.] If anything I think he respects you more. He goes to you for comfort, not me. He's almost always with you and when it's just me and him? Well to be honest it gets awkward and I think that's mostly my own fault. He's different with you, he does respect you Zell. If anything I think he respects you more than me. Yeah he can be rude with the nicknames but it's hard to kick habits sometimes. [He sighs and leans back more into the couch.] It's hard to do and you're right to be upset in it bothering you but I don't think he really means any of it. He loves you.
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Date: 2022-12-15 03:31 pm (UTC)But...I know he respects you. You can't be rivals with somebody you don't see as an equal, y'know? And he's seen you as one for years, you know that. But he doesn't look at me that way. It's not just the nicknames. When I suggested him doing something that worked for me to help him...it was like I'd insulted him. Acted like the idea of doing that, of needing that, was pathetic. He's better than I am 'cause he doesn't need to stoop to the kinda stuff I do...that's how he's always been. I'm not as strong as he is - I mean, not like physically, but more than that - and he knows it. And even when he likes me - he still knows it. He can't stop knowing it. He probably wouldn't have acted like that if he hadn't been freaking out, 'cause he's not trying to be a dick about it, but he was freaking out and he made it obvious.
You can like someone - even love them - without respecting them, I think. Lots of people like Headmaster Cid, but not too many people respect him, y'know? But I don't wanna have Seifer look at me like that all the time. Even if he tries to pretend he's not. So I wanna figure out how to prove to him that if he gets compared to me, or if he does something I do...it's not some kinda automatic insult to him. I think if he did something you did, he'd feel like it made him stronger...but with me, he thinks it'll make him weaker. I wanna prove him wrong.
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Date: 2022-12-17 08:28 am (UTC)Hey. You up?
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Date: 2022-12-19 03:13 am (UTC)Hey, was sleeping. Everything okay?I'm up now.
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Date: 2022-12-19 04:23 am (UTC)[Apparently, someone has been talking to Seifer...]
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Date: 2022-12-19 04:47 am (UTC)I don't really have a choice do I? I'll be up. I'm with a guest though.
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Date: 2022-12-19 04:59 am (UTC)Soon enough, the growl of the motorcycle engine is audible outside the apartment building, before Cloud cuts the ignition and texts again:
Out front now.
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Date: 2022-12-19 06:43 am (UTC)He does grab a bag of wrapped items before heading down stairs with his slippers on, a pair of short shorts despite the cold winter air and a white shirt with his usual jacket on and Lucky there.
He heads to Cloud,clearly looking like he just got out of bed. His hair was messy and in a messy bun as he yawned. "Hey, wanna come in? Lucky doesn't like the cold." Squall heads over to his boyfriend and once close enough he leans in for a kiss, Lucky from his spot against his chest watching and figuring out that this new person must like his dad.
"I've missed you, been busy?"
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Date: 2022-12-19 07:12 am (UTC)Not that he's gonna complain about the view.
"Thought you said you had a guest--" Wait. Lucky? It's only then that Cloud notices the little dog, and after blinking at it for a moment, he sighs. "You meant the puppy." In which case, he does want to go inside, so he comes closer too to meet Squall halfway and returns the kiss readily.
He nods. "Been doing more deliveries cause of the snow. Setting up Tifa's bar. Trying to fix Zack's truck." He scowls a bit at that. Stupid fucking radio. "You?"
As Squall turns to lead them inside, just before they get to the door, Cloud surreptitiously reaches down with one gloved hand to give that ass a little squeeze, totally straight faced as if he's doing nothing out of the ordinary.
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Date: 2022-12-19 02:53 pm (UTC)"Been busy with this little guy and work really. It's been...kinda quiet a bit. Not sure I like it." He just shrugs it off as the two of them head inside. That is, he has to stop when Cloud grabs a handful of his ass and all but gives Squall a heart attack. Sure they've had sex many times before but this is really one of the first times Cloud's been grabby with him, it's really nice and he wasn't expecting it at all. His cheeks heat up a little and for a moment he stops walking and almost drops his key to the door.
"...guess you like my new shorts." His voice is almost at a whisper when he says it and he moves a bit closer to Cloud because of it. Maybe this talk isn't going to be bad?
When they are in his apartment He crouches down and unzips his jacket, letting Lucky out who quickly runs around the room doing a few happy zoomies before tip tapping on the wooden floors over to Cloud and sniff at his boot. Lucky moves away for a moment but then walks right back over to him and stands on his hind legs leaning against Cloud's leg. Yup he wants to be picked up for sure. His tongue is even hanging out a little.
"He's from our- er..my world. Been missing him."
text, the day after the Never Have I Ever
Date: 2023-06-09 06:02 am (UTC)What do you think about us taking on a new person at the bakery? He doesn't have any skills in this area, so I'd have to rely on you a little to help teach and keep an eye on him, but I'd like to do it, if you don't mind.
Re: text, the day after the Never Have I Ever
Date: 2023-06-09 05:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-06-09 08:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-06-10 01:03 am (UTC)He's that guy who kinda reminds me of...well me. BEfore any of you knew me anyway. I don't think you'd like me when I was a teenager. I'm okay to help him if he wants my help. Not sure we got off on the right foot.
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Date: 2023-06-10 03:24 am (UTC)But yeah, I'd appreciate it. And it might open up some time for us as well. Once we get him trained in baking, we can probably open up a little more free time for ourselves.
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Date: 2023-06-10 01:51 pm (UTC)Oh, were you too busy as of late? I mean if you wanted more alone time to go see Genesis and the others you just had to ask, I wouldn't have minded watching the bakery. I'm good on free time.
[Squall bby you are missing the point of freetime with Angeal.]
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Date: 2023-06-12 09:50 am (UTC)Anyway, just focus on teaching him the basics of baking and making sure he doesn't hurt himself. He's the kind of person who doesn't pay attention if he's actually literally starving, up until he collapses, so I'm a little worried about how he might hurt himself in a kitchen.
Can I rely on you for that for a short while?
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Date: 2023-06-13 03:07 am (UTC)what if I don't want free time? I like working at the bakery.......do you not want me there anymore?
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