idolpro | BARiTONES

BARiTONES - SUNDAY

[ The bar is unit-colored with light unit paraphernalia, although it's all just for show. Fortunately, comfort isn't part of the unit aesthetic this time—all seats are cushioned, whether the booth seats or the bar stools, comfy and lush. Idols can sit anywhere they like, it seems.

There's alcohol available, but everything else is locked behind the wall-cabinet. . . the recipe book is also available to peruse at one's leisure.

Ah—the door opens, and a fuzzy sort of shade steps in. It looks like idols will be serving the Damned, today. . . ? ]

RECIPE BOOK

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Mm-mmm. And with such experts here, I won't really have to share anything, no?

Not at all. You can take ownership of the empathy bond. No work needed on your end!

Oh? I'll agree if I get to share it with you.

Deal.

[ he's making a face because he did not expect him to say yes, his bluff failed ]

Fine, whatever. It's not a big deal in any case. We'll do it as soon as an ingredient requires it.

Milk tea could be the third and bubble tea could be the first. Both require an empathy bond focusing on thoughts of comfort, confidence, and longing.

Willing to try?

We're doing the first. And I'm not backing out.

Those three types of feelings should be easy enough for us, no?

That remains to be seen.

[He holds out his hand to him. That is how this works, right? He has no idea.]

[ he has no idea either, but he'll take his hand and we handwave whatever it is that is required so it works!! He's of course wary, distrustful and on edge but clearly feeling too stubborn to back down ]

[He should be because there is an edge of 'playfulness' maybe isn't the right word. Perhaps a little spite/smugness about trying to prove himself 'correct'.

While still holding his hand he kneels down and reaches out and runs the back of his fingers across his cheek. It is a wholey platonic gesture filled with awe, adoration, and a little bit of worry.

But he's watching his face closely for his reaction and focusing in on that bond to understand his feelings.]

[ This was a bad idea because he already feels too vulnerable and naked with this bond on, and feeling Emet's own emotions makes it worse. The gesture is basically a shock immediately, and he's in equal parts wary and longing, like he wants more of that affection but doesn't feel like he can take it now, when it's going to be so obvious.

But beneath that there's a level of trust, and maybe that's why he's just taking a deep breath and trying to calm himself down and just run with this ]

What are you so worried about?

[That's all the encouragement he needs to pull him into a hug. He's always been a guardian of sorts, a grumbling and prickly one in his youth but he did always come when called. But it does spark joy to see he is right. A warmth in the endless din of disappointment he carries with him.]

Your great capacity for both love and hate. How it can cause your own ruin and the ruin of those around you. I would be lying if I said I didn't have some trepidation considering the circumstances around your demise.

But I believe in you. And I equally believe in myself to assist where you need it.

[ The hug is surprising but now of all times he can't lie and deny that it feels good, and it makes him feel in equal parts tired and comforted. There's a small hint of guilt when he mentions the circumstances of his demise but that, too, is not something he's ready to confront ]

That should work well enough for confidence. But I wonder how much of it might be misplaced?

[He gives him a squeeze before he pulls back attempting to not overwhelm him. His own emotions echo the guilt for a moment. He isn't immune to the consequences of his own actions. But they are both in agreement that suppressing that is just for the best.]

A terror you might be, but I've got my hands full with others more concerning than you. And I do believe I can thwart you if it gets too out of hand. I hope that doesn't injure your pride too much.

[ does it injure his pride? Maybe a little, but it does also make him smile, and it's something better to focus on than guilt ]

Oh? That still remains to be seen. I have never fought you seriously.

You've only the destruction of one world under your belt, my dear. Perhaps when you've at least had two or three you can challenge me.

[How to cope: dark humor.]

[ a great way to cope, and it's helping him feeling more at ease. good job on that whole comfort thing ]

I'll make sure to challenge you after that, then.

Or perhaps I will simply give my title to you. I am much too old and much too tired to enjoy fighting anymore. Much to Caeli's regret I'm sure.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

BARiTONES - SUNDAY

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