Floor 1, Room 3

[jokey]

AKIRA

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[impacter]

[his HAIR

it's fine, Asmo isn't here to judge his appearance. So he simply laughs. An airy and pointless sound.]

You all keep me lively. I can't complain.

[There's still some obvious detachment from the statement.]

Especially when I get to enjoy things like your coffee, Akira-chan.

[jokey]

You're such a bad liar.

[But he likes Solomon anyway, so whatever. He'll let it go. Solomon isn't aware of this, but Akira keeps coffee-making supplies in his room, so he'll hop up and get a pot of it boiling.]

You can have as much of it as you like. Just promise you'll seek me out when you're feeling low and need a little pick me up.

[impacter]

Who said I'm lying? I'd rather be helping those of you that need the help instead of dwelling on things I can't change.

[Oh my god you coffee nerd........... it's fine, grandpa exploded a sourdough starter in his room the other week so he literally can't complain about your hobbies.]

Really, Akira, it's as though you find me elusive.

[jokey]

Aren't you?

[The coffee takes no time at all to brew with the aid of magic, so Akira's back and settling on the couch beside Solomon with two piping hot cups. No milk, unfortunately, but they both know how to add sugar if sugar is wanted.]

Maybe you don't mean to be, but you're the cool and aloof type. Very mysterious. That makes you sexy, but it also attracts people like me who can't stand minding their own business.

[impacter]

I wouldn't know if that's true. The only one that's ever called me something like that wasn't a person at all, and I'm pretty sure he only does it because he desires the attention I've promised him.

[He gently waves his hand over his own coffee cup, the gold-colored sugar the same type that he'd dropped into Akira's window just the other week.]

I'm surprised you're not finding better qualities in yourself, rather than me. A sharp wit, confidence, a personality that isn't afraid to have fun, a desire to listen and be close to another... I imagine you'll have the suitors flinging themselves to your feet when you're ready for them.

[jokey]

[Please, flatter him more. As much as Akira appreciates knowing that Solomon sees him in such a favorable light, he isn't the subject of conversation here. He's not going to let you steer them off topic, sir.

Akira holds out his cup to Solomon. Sugar, please. Everyone's tastes just a bit different.]

That's high praise. I'll settle down when I'm ready to, but what about you? Hasn't the lonely life of a bachelor gotten to you?

[impacter]

[A chuckle escapes him, though it's more resigned than humored. Still, he'll drop some of that gold-colored sugar into Akira's cup.

You are being very brave letting him touch anything you're about to put into your stomach, buddy.]

I believe we've already talked about my love life enough. [Denied.] But some things will elude you no matter how long you live.

There are things that are more important to me at the end of the day. I would rather focus on those.

[jokey]

Thank you, dearie.

[Solomon won't let Akira nose into his love life — or lack thereof — but at least he'll give him a little sugar. He should have no problem with Akira returning the favor, then, leaning over to loudly and theatrically smooch his cheek. One might argue the loud pop! was far from necessary, but Akira disagrees.]

I'll let you off the hook this time, but only because I feel bad for you. Being single for centuries? I'd rather die.

1/2

[impacter]

[...

What...




His hand lifts to rest against the lingering warmth on his cheek, gaze unsteady on Akira in obvious surprise.]

/2

[impacter]

[With a shake of his head, Solomon wipes his palm against the skin of his cheek, then against the fabric of his coat, as though cleaning up from a well-intentioned action of a child.]

I'm sure you won't have to worry about that. But your pity is noted.

[jokey]

[Did it work? Solomon looks surprised, at least... but then he quickly steadies himself and straight up wipes that kiss off like it was nothing more than a splatter of mud on his cheek. This guy! This asshole!!]

Mmm, no, maybe I don't feel bad for you. In fact, I'm seeing red flags all over the place.

[Judgmentally sips coffee.............]

[impacter]

You wouldn't be the first.

[That judgement isn't phasing him.]

Perhaps there's a reason why the only company I keep is either that which needs to be bound to me, or that which is obligated to take up space with me.

[jokey]

Because you're bad at relationships?

[It's all self-inflicted, clearly.]

Or because it hurts outliving the people you care about?

[impacter]

[He nearly chokes on his coffee.]

A-ahah... Ouch.

It becomes a challenge, when a lifespan of someone that's supposed to be like you feels like a drop in the ocean.

I'm only human. And there's only so much I'll ever be able to remember. I resigned to that millenia ago.

[jokey]

But your heart remembers, doesn't it?

[The heart remembers those scars long after the mind forgets the pains that caused them.]

If you're only human, act like it. Get upset. Get mad. Maybe there's nothing you can do about your long life, but you don't have to give up what makes you human.

[impacter]

I wonder if it does.

[His hands tighten briefly around his coffee cup, before bringing it back to his lips.]

I wouldn't say I have that luxury as much as you would hope. But... you're not wrong. It's not something I want to forget.

[jokey]

I'm sure it does.

[That's what makes you human.]

Maybe you'd be better off as a cold, unfeeling monster. As something that could understand human sentiment but didn't feel it yourself. Still... if it were me? I wouldn't change a thing about you.

[Actually, scratch that. One thing:]

But I'd like if you were more honest, obviously.

[impacter]

Mn. I feel if I ever became that, truly, then...

...

[An exhale. He's said too much.]

--Never mind. No use dwelling on something like that. We can leave that for the storybooks.

I'm sad you think I'm being dishonest, though. That's not something I prefer to do.

[jokey]

You...

[Spit it out, coward!!]

It's not that I think you're a liar. That's not it. It's more like...

[Sips coffee... Mmm, Solomon sugar...]

It's more like you skirt around the things you don't want to talk about. That sound about right?

[impacter]

Mm? What can I say. Sometimes it's just more fun to play dumb when things are truly better left unsaid.

Like how I felt receiving that kiss of yours.

[Sometimes the reactions are the best part, after all.]

[jokey]

Hey. You can't bait me that easily.

[Akira knows how this goes. If he asked Solomon to elaborate, he wouldn't give a straightforward or remotely satisfying answer. Akira is super curious, but he knows better than to take such obvious bait, right?

...Right?]

You obviously didn't like it. You wiped it off right away.

[impacter]

You don't think I would have just told you to knock it off, if that were the case?

[Ah Akira, how wonderfully dramatic you are.]

I just don't like my face feeling wet, that's all. Were you really that upset about it?

[jokey]

You wouldn't. You would've shocked me instead.

[So he did like it? This is a lot to process, so Akira simply won't. Nnnope, not thinking about it. That way lies danger.]

I would've been offended if you made a grossed out face, but you didn't. Besides, I didn't give you a real kiss anyway. If I did and you rejected it, then I would've gotten mad.

[impacter]

Ha, see? You really are learning.

I get enough nonconsensual kisses as it is, so I appreciate your self-control.

[Just gonna bring that coffee to his lips without explaining that further.]

[jokey]

What?

[HUH???]

Who's forcing their kisses on you all the time? Do they need a talking to?