[ It's around noon, he's heading to the lounge to get something. He won't be lingering too long, but he is definitely going to be there long enough to be found... ]
[And lo and behold, Kuro is there, flopped back in one of those chairs. He seems to just be dozing, not an unusual state at all for him, but when Lucio walks further into the room, those red eyes open halfway.]
I know why you did it. You need negative emotions, and I'm a mess. Threatening Mahiru gets you further in that regard than threatening me.
[Because Kuro, deep down, was a self-loathing, jaded bastard who still couldn't quite convince himself he shouldn't have stayed dead hundreds of years ago. Mahiru, on the other hand....]
But Mahiru is different from me. He's a good person. He wants to trust you, and he cares about everyone here. And he means more to me than anyone or anything else here.
I'll let you in on a secret. Don't tell anyone but him...
[ He looks away, quiet for a few seconds. ]
It isn't just about saving the universe, when it comes down to needing the negative emotions. It's part of the immortality.
My sister... She'll remain immortal as long as she's loved. Me? As long as I'm primarily hated. And I can't bring them back if I die, so...
... But if something does happen to me, she can take over with the rest. And... she's far kinder than I'm allowed to be. You guys would be taken care of. [ dragging a hand over his face ] So, I'll leave him alone... Hell, I'll even promise he won't be touched in next week's case, if you promise me three things:
Don't tell anyone what I said... and help look out for Makoto and Sophia. Out of everyone involved in these games, they're the ones who care the most about you all.
Kuro is quiet during Lucio's explanation, absorbing his answer. 'As long as he's primarily hated' hm? Which meant he needed their hate to exist, to keep doing what he's doing. To bring his world, his family back.
It's a terrible, cruel way to be forced to live, but Kuro can understand the hardship of a cursed existence, just a little. And he can understand why he'd go so far.]
....Deal. As long as you leave Mahiru alone, I won't tell anyone about anything said here today, and I'll do my best to make sure they're alright. Sophia was already in my good books to start with, anyway.
[Precisely because she was so caring, really. Few people fretted over cold vampires. But on that topic--]
But try not to go planning on dying either. Some people here would have a big problem with that, no matter how counter-productive you might find it. You owe them more than a suicide note and unfinished business.
... Heh. I don't plan on dying if I can help it. Received love might weaken me... but I, unfortunately, care so much it--
[ There's something just so tired in his expression as he says that. The kind of tired that comes from too much fighting and not enough rest. But he sounds - and looks - to be telling the truth about that, regardless. As honest as the flicker of pain he doesn't manage to stop from sneaking through the cracks. ]
I do have to put some space between me and... I'm sure you can guess who. It's the only way I'll heal from... [ tapping at his obviously-bandaged midsection ] I'll be back. And promise not to vanish without a warning this time.
[ He gives a wry smirk. ]
Anyway... Thanks. If you still want to try kicking my ass for yesterday, you can have a sparring match.
[ Is that a teasing lilt? Maybe Kuro is imagining it. Though Lucio's expression is totally serious the next second. ]
[Kuro was still figuring out this maintaining relationships with people thing, but... surely, it was hundreds of times harder when your life depended on keeping such a distance.]
Be sure to come back. Cats can be pretty needy when it comes to the people they get attached to, you know?
[Kuro could relate to Cass more than a little, in that respect. He really needs to talk to the other man at some point...
He quirks a brow at the offer, and that hint of teasing in his voice. Hmmm--]
A sparring match sounds like a lot of work and exercise to me... though it's still kind of tempting to give you a black eye, I'll admit. Not that I'd be much of a match as powered down as I am.
... Heh. When the most important person to you could be what kills you...
[ There's a hardening of his expression. ]
I'm pretty sure he'd kick my ass if he knew. But... even having him at a distance - it's better than not having him at all.
[ And then his cheeks flush as he looks away. ]
Besides, he'd hunt me down if I didn't come back.
[ But, at the next part, he snorts. For the first time since Kuro's met him, it looks like a genuine attempt at relaxing, if only for a short while. ]
Don't underestimate how much I enjoy a good fight. If you really do want a chance for that, schedule one with me and it'll be done with full powers. You and Mahiru. I'd just inform Makoto of a temporary rule change.
[There's a tiny hint of amusement in Kuro's tone at that, though like always, he doesn't ever seem to smile.
Even if it's complicated... it's good they both seem to feel the same way about each other.
Though that offer does get a look of surprise out of Kuro. He really must have been underestimating how much he wanted a fight, for Lucio to suggest something like that. And with how he looked right now... almost relaxed...]
Me and Mahiru? At full power? You really do want a good fight, don't you?
[A Servamp was only at it's most powerful with it's Eve, after all. Kuro couldn't fight half as well without him by his side.]
...I guess I'll talk to Mahiru about it, then. If he decides he wants to, then you've got a spar.
[Quite a lot, when they're fighting together for the same goal. Though Kuro would say Mahiru is the one who really drove them both. Nothing that had happened since he met Mahiru would have been possible without his drive to help and save others.]
A reward, huh... That is quite the incentive.
[Though Mahiru would probably agree just knowing it would make Lucio a little happier. That was the kind of guy he was.]
Alright... be sure to have a day cleared in your schedule next week then. I'm pretty sure I know what his answer is going to be already, but it's still up to him.
[Kuro knew that well enough. Just because his own mind didn't have a tendency to wake him from his own didn't mean he didn't have his own troubles. There's an little giggle somewhere in the back of his mind at the thought, and he quickly ignores it.]
But still... Ever thought about sleep aids? Tea? Vitamins? Exercise? Er... Guess you could get help with that one if you wanted.
[He rubs the side of his neck. Did he just-- yes.]
[In response to the question, Kuro looks a bit sheepish.
But...]
Ah... well... I wanted to make sure you were feeling okay. After... what me and Mahiru did. Sometimes it's... well, we actually haven't done it much before, but it might be... emotional? After.
[He is pointedly not admitting the last guy they tried that on tried to shoot himself.]
I know better than anyone how fucked up I am. I'm shitty at reaching out, at asking for help. But, as you are well aware of... Mahiru is special. Even if- hope is...
[ Lucio closes his eyes tightly, brow furrowing. ]
Hope is almost impossible for me to feel, right now. But, if anyone can help me find that, he's among the top three...
Top three, huh... Guessing the bossy lady is one of the others? And Cass...
[...Kuro's expression softens in understanding at Lucio's words, fond and wistful, but mostly understanding. Yeah... he's well aware.]
...He's good at that. Helping people find hope.
[He rubs the side of his neck awkwardly, glancing at Lucio.]
...Mahiru won't give up on you. And he won't let you give up on yourself, if he can help it. He's a bit bossy about it, but sometimes you need that kind of guy.
... I love Shea, but... [ oh ] ... Sophia was the first to teach me the true meaning of hope. While actually finding it is another matter, she did show me that humans... ... maybe aren't so bad, overall.
[ There's a dim, sad smile. ]
Shea has taught me another lesson entirely, though. One similar to one of the ones that Cass taught me.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
W2
Lounging Around
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Hey... I need to talk to you.
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He's covered in bandages but he manages a calm wave of his hand. ]
Morning.
[ He glances away. ]
What about?
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[He's being vague, but he doesn't want anyone to overhear this. He sits up straighter in his seat, tucking his hands in his pockets.]
Don't suppose you can make sure no one else walks in on this? I'd rather not let certain people hear.
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... and then he pulls out a key, locking the door from the inside. He'll leave the key there as he turns back towards Kuro. ]
Okay. Done.
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[He has his manners, even if yesterday he certainly was ready to give Lucio two black eyes.]
...I want to talk to you about yesterday, and what you said about Mahiru.
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The least I can do.
[ ... Yeah he saw this one coming. He holds a blink. ]
I'm all ears.
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[Because Kuro, deep down, was a self-loathing, jaded bastard who still couldn't quite convince himself he shouldn't have stayed dead hundreds of years ago. Mahiru, on the other hand....]
But Mahiru is different from me. He's a good person. He wants to trust you, and he cares about everyone here. And he means more to me than anyone or anything else here.
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[ He holds a blink, brow furrowed. ]
I know that. That's why...
[ He scrubs a hand through his hair. ]
I'll let you in on a secret. Don't tell anyone but him...
[ He looks away, quiet for a few seconds. ]
It isn't just about saving the universe, when it comes down to needing the negative emotions. It's part of the immortality.
My sister... She'll remain immortal as long as she's loved. Me? As long as I'm primarily hated. And I can't bring them back if I die, so...
... But if something does happen to me, she can take over with the rest. And... she's far kinder than I'm allowed to be. You guys would be taken care of. [ dragging a hand over his face ] So, I'll leave him alone... Hell, I'll even promise he won't be touched in next week's case, if you promise me three things:
Don't tell anyone what I said... and help look out for Makoto and Sophia. Out of everyone involved in these games, they're the ones who care the most about you all.
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Kuro is quiet during Lucio's explanation, absorbing his answer. 'As long as he's primarily hated' hm? Which meant he needed their hate to exist, to keep doing what he's doing. To bring his world, his family back.
It's a terrible, cruel way to be forced to live, but Kuro can understand the hardship of a cursed existence, just a little. And he can understand why he'd go so far.]
....Deal. As long as you leave Mahiru alone, I won't tell anyone about anything said here today, and I'll do my best to make sure they're alright. Sophia was already in my good books to start with, anyway.
[Precisely because she was so caring, really. Few people fretted over cold vampires. But on that topic--]
But try not to go planning on dying either. Some people here would have a big problem with that, no matter how counter-productive you might find it. You owe them more than a suicide note and unfinished business.
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[ There's something just so tired in his expression as he says that. The kind of tired that comes from too much fighting and not enough rest. But he sounds - and looks - to be telling the truth about that, regardless. As honest as the flicker of pain he doesn't manage to stop from sneaking through the cracks. ]
I do have to put some space between me and... I'm sure you can guess who. It's the only way I'll heal from... [ tapping at his obviously-bandaged midsection ] I'll be back. And promise not to vanish without a warning this time.
[ He gives a wry smirk. ]
Anyway... Thanks. If you still want to try kicking my ass for yesterday, you can have a sparring match.
[ Is that a teasing lilt? Maybe Kuro is imagining it. Though Lucio's expression is totally serious the next second. ]
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[Kuro was still figuring out this maintaining relationships with people thing, but... surely, it was hundreds of times harder when your life depended on keeping such a distance.]
Be sure to come back. Cats can be pretty needy when it comes to the people they get attached to, you know?
[Kuro could relate to Cass more than a little, in that respect. He really needs to talk to the other man at some point...
He quirks a brow at the offer, and that hint of teasing in his voice. Hmmm--]
A sparring match sounds like a lot of work and exercise to me... though it's still kind of tempting to give you a black eye, I'll admit. Not that I'd be much of a match as powered down as I am.
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[ There's a hardening of his expression. ]
I'm pretty sure he'd kick my ass if he knew. But... even having him at a distance - it's better than not having him at all.
[ And then his cheeks flush as he looks away. ]
Besides, he'd hunt me down if I didn't come back.
[ But, at the next part, he snorts. For the first time since Kuro's met him, it looks like a genuine attempt at relaxing, if only for a short while. ]
Don't underestimate how much I enjoy a good fight. If you really do want a chance for that, schedule one with me and it'll be done with full powers. You and Mahiru. I'd just inform Makoto of a temporary rule change.
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[There's a tiny hint of amusement in Kuro's tone at that, though like always, he doesn't ever seem to smile.
Even if it's complicated... it's good they both seem to feel the same way about each other.
Though that offer does get a look of surprise out of Kuro. He really must have been underestimating how much he wanted a fight, for Lucio to suggest something like that. And with how he looked right now... almost relaxed...]
Me and Mahiru? At full power? You really do want a good fight, don't you?
[A Servamp was only at it's most powerful with it's Eve, after all. Kuro couldn't fight half as well without him by his side.]
...I guess I'll talk to Mahiru about it, then. If he decides he wants to, then you've got a spar.
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Then he flashing the hint of a grin. ]
I'm curious to see what you two can manage.
[ He moves to sit on the bar. ]
And if he does agree, I'll definitely make it worth your while. I always reward anyone who can stand their ground against me.
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[Quite a lot, when they're fighting together for the same goal. Though Kuro would say Mahiru is the one who really drove them both. Nothing that had happened since he met Mahiru would have been possible without his drive to help and save others.]
A reward, huh... That is quite the incentive.
[Though Mahiru would probably agree just knowing it would make Lucio a little happier. That was the kind of guy he was.]
Alright... be sure to have a day cleared in your schedule next week then. I'm pretty sure I know what his answer is going to be already, but it's still up to him.
[He quirks a brow for a moment.]
Are you here for a drink?
[At... noon...]
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Then he nods at the next part. To the mention of clearing a day, he hums. ]
It'll be Wednesday at the earliest.
[ And wow... ]
Not really. I come here to read. Human alcohol doesn't do anything for me.
[ . . . ]
What about you?
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Wednesday, then. I'll talk to Mahiru.
[He drapes himself over the back of his seat, somehow managing to still imitate the 'cats are liquid' stereotype while not in the form of a cat.]
If you're asking if alcohol works on me, that'd be yes. I need and process food just like any human would. If you're asking why I'm here--
[He pats the chair.]
They're comfy. Good spot for naps.
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Naps... [ humming quietly ] I can't remember the last time I took one of those.
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[Not taking naps is like... crazy talk, to Kuro.]
Good for the body, good for the soul.
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Sleep, in general... [ rubbing at the back of his neck ] It isn't easy.
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Waking up every few hours, feeling afraid or angry or homesick, gets tiring...
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....Restless sleep, huh...
[That sure sucks... Kuro had his share of nightmares and disturbances, but those usually kept him under.]
It always that bad?
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Ever since my sister's-... death.
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[He reaches up to rub at the side of his neck. He gets that. Perhaps a bit too well.]
...Sorry.
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It's nothing that can be helped, right now. The unconscious mind can be the cruelest place to spend too much time... for most people.
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[Kuro knew that well enough. Just because his own mind didn't have a tendency to wake him from his own didn't mean he didn't have his own troubles. There's an little giggle somewhere in the back of his mind at the thought, and he quickly ignores it.]
But still... Ever thought about sleep aids? Tea? Vitamins? Exercise? Er... Guess you could get help with that one if you wanted.
[He rubs the side of his neck. Did he just-- yes.]
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Y-yeah...
[ IS HE TURNING RED... ]
I... could, but...
Wednesday
He'll seek out the first place he thinks to look, which is his room. Knock knock.]
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Morning...
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[He quirks a brow at that greeting.]
...Did you take a nap?
[There's something about his tone that seems oddly pleased.]
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Yeah, I fell asleep during the meeting.
[ There's a slight tilt of his head as he asks the next thing in a fairly calm, casual tone. ]
Did you need something?
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But...]
Ah... well... I wanted to make sure you were feeling okay. After... what me and Mahiru did. Sometimes it's... well, we actually haven't done it much before, but it might be... emotional? After.
[He is pointedly not admitting the last guy they tried that on tried to shoot himself.]
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I knew the risk. That's why I... plan to sit with Sophia, later, and then Cass will watch over me while I sleep.
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...So you really did want that. We assumed as much, which is why we did it, but...
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I know better than anyone how fucked up I am. I'm shitty at reaching out, at asking for help. But, as you are well aware of... Mahiru is special. Even if- hope is...
[ Lucio closes his eyes tightly, brow furrowing. ]
Hope is almost impossible for me to feel, right now. But, if anyone can help me find that, he's among the top three...
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[...Kuro's expression softens in understanding at Lucio's words, fond and wistful, but mostly understanding. Yeah... he's well aware.]
...He's good at that. Helping people find hope.
[He rubs the side of his neck awkwardly, glancing at Lucio.]
...Mahiru won't give up on you. And he won't let you give up on yourself, if he can help it. He's a bit bossy about it, but sometimes you need that kind of guy.
[Awkwardly, he continues, voice quiet.]
...I know I did.
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... I love Shea, but... [ oh ] ... Sophia was the first to teach me the true meaning of hope. While actually finding it is another matter, she did show me that humans... ... maybe aren't so bad, overall.
[ There's a dim, sad smile. ]
Shea has taught me another lesson entirely, though. One similar to one of the ones that Cass taught me.
[ There's a softening of his expression. ]
Yeah... I might have needed that, too.