exsiliumlogs | lousy goddamn stupid teenagers.

Entry tags:

✞ — dropped characters — ✞

lousy goddamn stupid teenagers.

Date & Time: 2/28, afternoon
Location: The various locations where derps get in trouble
Characters: Lion Ushiromiya (

llywellin), Willard H. Wright (

alethiologial), and that one stupid puppy (

digitalemperor).
Summary: Wherein Lion complains, Mikado figures out his weapon, an 11-second argument takes place, and Will hates his life. Same ol'.
Warnings: Arguments and idiots.

Yesterday morning ended up being highly eventful. Starting over with the usual arguments, then being dragged outside by the obnoxious fiance, then somehow devolving into being chased by things even he couldn't kill and hiding in some random building's basement.

What had been amusing at first was now entirely irritating. The time is spent watching the reactions across the network (good job with the advance warning guys, full marks) and noting what to add to the records later. Actually writing them down? No. The room is too loud, too dark, entirely cramped and humid and he's already thrown his coat to hang on one pipe and his hair slicked back. Listening for anyone breaking in upstairs or when the louder steps outside cease or when Lion finally snaps and goes after him with his own gun.

Mental note: Figure out a reward for the brat. Keeping the complaining to a minimum for over 24 hours is practically a miracle.

Addendum: No puns. You have not fallen that far out of focus, dammit.

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For Lion, it has been entirely too trying. Maybe if Lion was a little less prudish or at least had shorter hair, there wouldn't be as much of an issue. But taking off the jacket is about as far as clothing goes off, with sleeve undone and only the very top button of the shirt popped open. And there isn't much to be done for about the hair except keeping it in a messy bun. Everything else stays the same and finally Lion realises it's too much when serious consideration is given to just undressing.

"This really is too much." Lion snaps the netbook closed and grabs the discarded jacket. "We're leaving. I need a shower and so do you. They aren't hurting anyone so we should be able to avoid them and get back to the apartment." Irritation levels spike higher with each word. No proper breakfast or decent sleep or anything to keep an annoyed mind occupied except thoughts of getting out of this stupid mess.

Lion's too prudish, he's too used to dealing with less-than-stellar conditions, and both parties are hot and bothered. And contrary to what smutty romance novels lead their readers to believe, that choice of words is not a positive thing. That mental note to give credit for Lion's efforts is already wiped away at the irritated tone, gone back to negatives at the words themselves, and a growl barely held back as his eyes flash yellow.

"Sure. We can go outside and invite them for tea in a rose garden. Then you can sign a peace treaty and we all go home happily ever--are you daft?!" And despite still being generally apathetic and out of Emerald, the appearance mixed with that irritated tone might be a bit worrisome. Might. "No, obviously I'm misjudging you. Your plan is just as you say, to get back to the residence regardless of how far away it is from here. A flawless idea, no doubt, considering how easy it was to get here."

If there's only one humorous thing about the equalizer mode, it's how quickly it makes the silent one verbose. Probably the only humorous thing really.

"And you suggest we wait it out here until God only knows when? What on Earth sort of suggestion is that?" Lion snaps, both in tone and a physical snapping of fingers in front of Will's face. And true it is annoying and any other time Will would have the chance to make a remark back but those fingers disappear from view and by the time Will can realise why, it's too late.

Lion didn't bring the bow but Will brought his gun, a gun of which Lion is now in possession. No safety but Lion doesn't know that. And while not entirely comfortable with the idea on a normal day, having some protection is good, right?

Of course, Lion waves it vaguely at the door and Will could try to grab it but the hand positioning would make that a likely bad move. "As I said, we're going. I doubt it will be any real trouble. I hate to take risks usually but I refuse to hide like this the entire occupation."

"Don't take His name in vain!" Though it's obvious the real reason he's mad about it: word plays. Rising up to follow up with the usual argument until there's the flash of black across his vision and a handgun's being pointed at the door.

Let's go over this one more time for those at home. Lion is now armed with a weapon that is fully loaded, has no safety, and being held with no regard to trigger discipline, and being flailed about in the direction of a door and people's heads.

Yeah.

Yeah.

It probably says something for Lion flipping the Ushiromiya switch when there's no follow-up. Either to the initial neurotic switch or to the second part demanding leaving. Even looking at him is different from the previous moment. Dead expression and cold glare and with the glowing eyes it's flipped entirely to that mode Lion hates and fears so much, but there's none of the follow-up of the heartless words and being stabbed and left on the floor for five minutes.

In reality, it's only because he's waiting for an opportunity to dislocate Lion's arm. So the voice is a bit distracted, shifting his weight to lean forward a bit more, "Tell me. How far away are we? Do you have a mental map set up? I'd like to hear it."

Probably, there might be some hope that by looking like that, Lion would simply back down on this. But already there are a few issues niggling in those irritated thoughts. Will thinks they can't do this? How terrible. It isn't even about wanting proper conditions to hole up in anymore. If Lion has any of those odd switches like Will does, this might be proof, because Lion just gives a dead stare back.

"Oh? That doesn't sound like the fighting spirit. I'm hardly so reckless as to dash off without a plan." Lion raises an eyebrow. "If you're concerned for my safety, you can go out first." Waving at the door with the gun again. "Or you can allow me to do this on my own."

Not waiting for an answer, Lion begins to rise, though there isn't any opening to take back the gun. "I'm going. I refuse to be afraid and allow them to interrupt my life. If you choose to stay, I'll bring you some coffee later." Jacket tied round a slender waist with only one hand. "I would like it if you came with me, though. I understand your concerns. I hope you understand mine."

"I can go out first with a gun to my back. Sounds brilliant."

Feel the sarcasm, Lion. Feel it.

At least he's patient, following the movements with his eyes. Gesturing at the door would've been an opening, except Lion was too far away. Rising and heading for the door also doesn't work. Right-handed, he's on the right side, space wouldn't have been enclosed in time.

The coffee offer is appreciated, internalized, but the rest is never given the chance to say. Tying a jacket in that fashion is difficult, and Lion's attempting it on a hand that isn't dominant. Not a perfect opening, but it's the only one that can be worked with. And not even giving a moment's warning before being right up against the rich kid. Left arm around the throat, left hand holding other's right shoulder, right hand at the wrist.

Lion can't see it, thankfully, but the insufferable bastard part of his grin is audible, "I'll consider it. Why not drop my weapon first?"

"W-Will!" Lion frowns and if it were at all possible, there would be an elbow embedded in his gut. As it stands, at least for a moment there is only the feeling that Lion might want to strangle him with his own scarf belt. Hardly unusual to be picked on like this but the situation leaves little patience for games.

"I'm really not in the mood. I'll give it back if you come with me but alone, I at least need to have some appearance to give them pause." A rational, logical argument in the face of that stupid grin that can't be seen. And really, it's luck that frees Lion, as squirming after the fact shows.

Leaning forward to try to break away, yanking an arm up and it's only then that Lion realises something feels off about the positioning. Difficult to say what, exactly, but it seems to be freeing at least.

"Honestly, I don't understand why you're overreacting." Stated while unknowingly pointing the gun directly under Will's chin. The tone at least shows Lion is unaware. Whether or not that makes it reassuring is debatable.

Except for the fact it would only give them pause long enough to remember that carrying a weapon means using force is justified. Not to mention their definition of force is a bit... 'excessive'. And he would've said something to that effect until Lion decides to make an escape attempt, instinctively moving to restrain again but freezing.

Two problems. The first is that the only way to disarm Lion from this position is to break the arm holding his gun. Even furious, there's enough sanity left to piece together that resorting to that would rather be avoided. The second part that angels are not that durable. Lion might miss the fact he hasn't moved since the squirming attempt. The part Lion won't miss is the dull hiss of an inhale, and not breathing again.

The silence after that last statement remains for a few more seconds before he speaks again. Entirely calm and dismissive in the fashion he normally uses in conversations. "I'm overreacting because you're holding me at gunpoint, it has no safety, and I'm not indestructible."

Translated as put the damn gun down, Lion.

"Now you're being dramatic. I'm not-" Lion pauses. Will hasn't actually done anything for a few seconds, which is a little odd. And glancing up reveals why. Eyes widen as Lion lurches back, both out of his hold and pointing the gun away. It isn't surprising to be shaken after that but possibly not the best time to make a second grab attempt, either, when Lion's nerves are suddenly shot.

Not literally, of course.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't even realise." With a soft cough, Lion looks back at Will and holds out the gun with some disdain. "Yes, well. Just take it back. I shouldn't be handling it anyway. However," and here Lion straightens up, still jittery but stubborn as ever, "I'm going."

He'd be commenting on the 'being dramatic' but Lion's expression falling from pissed to shocked upon turning around is a better reaction of the point sinking in than any words he could fire. At least Lion is already a step above most of the other Ushiromiyas - in that realizing there's a loaded gun nearby means not gunning down all of your friends and family.

But similar to Lion, once that minor scuffle is over with the only thing remaining is the light irritation that comes with being stuck in a small room for over twenty-four hours with someone who makes you want to shoot them in the kneecaps. -- For the first time in months, the latter part of that thought is suffocated and left for dead, and the gun is taken back without a second glance, "Don't worry about it. I deserved it."

The being held at gunpoint, not actually being shot. Though a long moment is spent afterward with his arms crossed and staring down at Lion. At least before sighing, "You're aware doing this is making you a target, could get you hurt and possibly killed again, and I can't save you. Just checking to make sure your memory's not deficient."

All said while retrieving his coat, and slipping it back on in a way that could almost be described as defeated. This is a bad idea, one could even say it's a worst idea, but that never stopped him from participating in Worst Ideas for Lion's sake before. No reason to stop now.

Yes, it is a horrible idea and Lion brightens upon seeing that Will is going along with it. "They haven't killed anyone yet and a handful have shown a rather fierce resistance. I don't think they would see a reason to kill me of all people." Not denying the possibility but also pretty much dismissing it without much thought. Hurt, maybe. But....

"We'll definitely be all right." Lion glances back at him with a quiet smile. "Let me go first. When we get back, you can lecture me all you like and I won't protest." Because if he deserved having a gun waved at him - which really he didn't - then Lion at least can endure his version of lectures.

Untying the jacket and slipping it back on, Lion turns the doorknob and peeks out. It might look a bit humourous. Then opening the door wider and stepping into a dingy hallway that only maintenance workers probably see, reaching for Will's hand the moment that hand is free.

"Practically fresh air compared to in there," Lion mutters with a soft sigh.

The look on his face in response to that 'Let's Positive Thinking' attitude is more than enough of an answer. It's a horrible idea, Lion's an idiot for going along with it, and he's only following because he has to. Can't exactly leave one's fiance to get kicked into the pavement alone.

True love, that.

A further answer comes when Lion attempts to be sneaky, peeking out of the door into the hallway. His response is walking right past without a second glance at the hand offered or its owner. Entirely in the posture of someone not even bothering to hide their presence. So much for Lion taking point.

"I won't lecture you. It's not like you'll listen," while walking up to one of the blinds without a break in stride. Watching through the opening and it seems completely normal, except despite being said plainly, the translation means that he's still pissed about it. Not to mention it's the only thing he says at all.

Could have translated that just from the ignored hand. Lion sighs and doesn't reach out for him again but can't let it go, either. Except making any sort of concession might as well say 'you're right we should have stayed there' and Lion isn't about to lie.

"I do listen. I just don't always agree." Like right now. "...I do take full responsibility if anything happens. So please don't be too mad at me."

The smart thing would be to make this as quick as possible. Lion focuses on the part of trying to ease Will's mood, if only a little.

Mikado was out getting groceries and, while he was at it, trying to figure out his phone. At first it'd been normal, except for the lack of "contacts" but but today he'd noticed new names filled in. He'd been inside all the day before, playing on the internet and settling in, not really emerging from his room like the hikikomori he was at heart. He certainly hadn't added any contacts to his phone. So he'd been curious. But he also had to eat and Teijirou's strange diet was alright, but sometimes a teenager just wanted junkfood snacks. So out to get food and figure his "weapon" out.

He probably should have been more careful going out, but he hadn't really expected to be targeted.

That or staring at his phone and figuring out why Lion and Will were on his contacts list when he hadn't put them there instead of watching his surroundings might not have been the best idea.

He was just clicking on Will's contact info when the Masked began to approach. The phone displayed "calling" (but how...? Will didn't have a phone, right? So who... Or what was he calling!?) before it was knocked from his hands and he looked up at a man holding his wrist, face fully obscured by his mask.

"...Eh?"

It's a horrible day. Spent the night without sleep in a stuffy boiler room with an ungrateful brat who proceeds to thank you for all your efforts by holding you at gunpoint. End up getting chased by those masked things - again - after you warned - numerous times - said person who threatened you about it. Then it ends with buying enough time for that person to hide only to get a summon ping a second later.

He doesn't even bother checking who it is, because the only thought is that it's Lion, Lion's in danger, was there another unit of those masked things, rescue, execute, and it's a shame Mikado doesn't have his phone, because it means he misses the text going from 'calling' to 'connected'.

What he does earn is being grabbed by the back and thrown to the ground with a strength enough to wrench him free. A flash of black and the sound of metal on metal, and for the first time he's on the outside looking in on that full presence. Blue overcoat, black sword, and looking vaguely fried but it has no impact on that aura. Still intimidating, but all the awe-inspiring and without the fear. Black smog and the wind backlash of a sonic boom, but the strike is still only enough to knock the attacker back a couple meters.

Glancing over one shoulder, all bright gold eyes but not in the bad way, looking down on Mikado but no longer hatefully, and--

"Wait. This wasn't Lion's call?"

Oh, God damn it.

"Ah!" Mikado is thrown back, hitting the pavement hard, wincing and trying to blink away spots as he sits up. His wrist hurts where the Masked had him and he was yanked away. His butt and elbow hurt now too. Will is not a very gentle summon--wait. Will?

He knows that aura and it's a little terrifying, but at least the malice isn't with it. Still brings back nightmarish feelings, memories of blood and screaming and his heart being torn to shreds with that vacillation between psychosis and apathy--but no. It's not there, that's not happening. Mikado tries not to freeze in terror, though tears are springing to his eyes from a combination of pain and reaction just to that aura.

But there are more important things than nightmare fuel. It clicks with him instantly what just happened. He's summoned enough before to know what he's done to Will, but he didn't mean to, he didn't know! Doesn't this require a contract?! He'd feel that, wouldn't he? But he doesn't feel it, there's no contract, but Will is definitely summoned. So that's how the phone works. It's an instant realization, an 'oh' moment, no confusion or needing to put things together, it's obvious, to Mikado at least. Mikado can't see it but the phone has gone from 'connected' to counting the seconds. Except instead of starting at 00:00:00 and counting up, the number is 00:00:11 and ticking down.

"Lion-san is in trouble?" Because if Will was expecting Lion's summon, that's what it means, right? And as they speak and stare at each other the Masked nearby are approaching them again. Mikado's kind of fixated on Will though. And wow, he did not know Will's sword was so awesome cool looking. Already the tears have disappeared from his eyes as the other part of him that's too curious and too attentive comes to the forefront, forgetting fear and nightmares to lean forward.

"Did my call seem to come from Lion-san? Or...? Is the sword part of it too?" These are the relevant questions to ask! But he's already wanting to know how this summon works and he doesn't realize the limits yet, nor that even Will can't face off the Masked on even footing.

It's an odd type of summon. Normally there's a connection - and there is, faintly - but the source isn't Mikado. Maybe it's possible to find it, but not now. Not with Mikado behind him and more of those damned... things. It's hard to see them as anything close to human. Not when they're able to take those kind of hits.

But that doesn't change the terms of the contract - even if it's the wrong person and everything in his head is screaming to just void it - so his focus is mostly on the Masked. Sword still drawn and pointed at the closest ones in what would possibly be a threat, except Mikado should know he wasn't a fan of them.

The sad part is, it doesn't change the pissed mood he was in. And Mikado earns a hand swinging back to grab him by the collar, dragging him up and closer but further away from the ones nearby. There might be vast amounts of displeasure for the situation - and for Mikado himself, but not nearly a fourth as bad as previous - but that doesn't change that it was an accepted summons. That means protecting him. Even if it was an accidental contract. Even if it's impossible to damage these things. Even if it's Mikado asking dumb questions now of all times-

"I didn't check. That call was-" completely irrelevant right now. Not turning around, but using his collar as a means to drag him within visual range, glaring down at him through his peripherals. "You're lucky this counts as a good reason for a summon or I'd leave you here! How the hell did you do that?!"

And suddenly Mikado is getting bodily hauled around like a puppy dragged by the collar. He squeaks, not so much a yelp of protest, but more sheer surprise as the movements drag him up and around and don't let him gain balance. He ends up with both hands on Will's wrist to keep himself a little steadier and also so he doesn't end up choked on his own shirt.

"Ah!" He clings to Will's arm as the Masked stay back for a moment to simply assess the situation. Probably figuring out how to take Will down as efficiently as possible. Or maybe just enjoying the weird show. Either way, Mikado is slightly more concerned with the choke hold, Will's sword and the murder in Will's eyes than the people trying to capture them right now.

"I didn't think it would summon you." He should explain probably. "My phone, you're in it as a contact. I didn't know why so I was just trying to call you to see. I guess that's what it does." Maybe talking about this in front of the enemy isn't the greatest idea.

"I really didn't mean to summon you." It's not an apology in so many words. Actually it's kind of feisty. It's not his fault, jeez! You don't expect a phone call to end in the physical manifestation of the person appearing! Even if he's sorry, it's not like he meant it to cause trouble, and Will is being rude and scary. And maybe it's a testament to trusting Will or being away from the influence of madness or Mikado just being Mikado about friendship that he's getting huffy about being yelled at instead of cowed or apologetic. "You don't have to yell at me."

It's far from the greatest idea, might even be the worst, but it doesn't matter too much. Not when Will has him in a choke hold, glaring down the vast height difference like Mikado's two seconds from getting chucked at the Masked. Because he kind of is. Of all the worst times to make a summon... Though he can't deny a small part is his own fault for not checking who it was, no right to be mad - except he is, because he never made a contract with Mikado. He sooner gave one to that dumbass Masaomi than this optimistic moron.

It's not even that so much as the fact being here means Lion's alone. And that irritating, blonde, abusive rich kid weighs infinitely more than Mikado on the mental importance scale. Logically, he shouldn't be angry. It wasn't his fault (even if he sounds like a snippy little shit asking to get backhanded) and there's more important things to worry about than Mikado's (ever-present and all-encompassing) stupidity.

But still. The Masked get completely forgotten in favor of letting go of Mikado, but still glaring down at him.

"You took a weapon and you had no idea what it was... I could hit you for that. Not even taking into the fact you chose now, of all times, to figure it out. That kind of timing sets of loser flags!" Casually not bringing up the Lion part, since that would get Mikado smacked, but that bit of concession makes this seem more like scolding a puppy for being stupid.

Oh, wait. Because it is.

"The contacts didn't show up until today!" Mikado sets his feet under him, letting go of Will to instead clutch the strap of his bag and glare at his friend. Never mind the ridiculous situation, Will is being such a jerk. That is not called for!

"Isn't this kind of timing more cliche for a sudden turn around? Anyway, story elements aside, you didn't have to answer, right?" Gosh Will, you are the rudest summon.

Meanwhile the Masked are just kind of waiting to see how this plays out. But also moving to surround the arguing pair because, well, they have a job to do. Chipping Mikado and Will is part of it. And the phone, ignored and forgotten on the ground, ticks down the time to 00:00:05 as each second passes.

Mikado's glare of a reaction just gets it returned twiceover, "See, there's another one! Relying on a turn-around cliche is a loser flag! Have you never heard of kick the dog moments?"

If nothing else the whole scene can teach Mikado something about summoning. He'd gotten so used to his piece back in Emerald. She came with no consequences, was overjoyed to work for him, but the most important one was obeying his orders. Even if he never said any, just calling her alone was an order. With summoning something that wasn't a piece, that restriction on free will isn't there. There's no binding saying a free summon has to obey your every word, or be mindlessly overjoyed to do so.

And sometimes you'll get cases, like this one, where the summon is a huge bastard and makes you wonder why you called it in the first place, "I didn't. I already said, I thought this was Lion's!"

There might've been a word to follow, judging by the irritated expression, but it drops once the Masked start moving. Immediately swinging a hand down to call a red wall. Freeze palm straight, then wave to the right, but the movement is shaking and the wall only seems to push back the closest one about a meter. Damn things need to be less durable.

"If you have nothing better to do than say stupid things, why not run while doing it?" It's really the only admittance Mikado's getting that loser flags are Actually A Thing He Should Be Paying Attention To here.

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lousy goddamn stupid teenagers.

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