[ does he... what qualifies someone as a "top kinda guy". kaname tilts his head quizzically, question on his tongue before he replaces it with a slow, somewhat uncertain reply. ]
I do enjoy being admired.
[ is that what that means... like top idol, someone everyone looks to and respects... ]
[ yes, that's what it exactly entails. leona wouldn't mind looking up at kaname all the time--- keep his eyes up at a twinkling, awe-inspiring idol.
just like now, actually. it's not like leona has moved at all. he's too busy snuffling around kaname's chest before moving up towards his throat and chin and peppering him with kisses. ]
[ oh-- oh he's never against that, or being praised, even if he has to bat away the kneejerk thoughts of "there's nothing to admire" and doubts of sincerity. leona has shown time and time again that he doesn't have second motives, that he means his words very much, and kaname hums, pleased, as he closes his eyes. chin tilting so leona can have more skin to work with, this is one of his faaaaaaaavorites for a reason. ]
Is that so? Then if I ask if you to list three things, you'd be able to with no problem?
[ that's not difficult at all. he should've gone with like, ten--- because then leona would have to play dirty and try to distract kaname after the third one. not that there's a lack of notable features, but because it's just more fun to... tease and get someone to squirm. make them beg for it.
if its like this, kaname's got other ideas. his eyes sparkle and there's a small, impish smile curling his lips. he'll up the amount because he wants to be spoiled... ]
[ where's his kiss at the end of this one... that's the whole reason he upped the amount. fine, he'll steal it himself. ]
I'll be the judge of that. Are they both regarding my appearance, or are they entirely separated?
[ he's been called cute a bit this month... it's his attitude, so he isn't fighting it so much anymore. it's more who called him cute than the amount, but nevermind that. the domino effect leads us here. ]
[ he's quick to respond. both of his ears wiggle upon getting a smooch, and leona's pleasantly surprised by how quickly kaname does it. way to reinforce that 'cute' opinion of his...! ]
When I look at ya, I see someone polished. [ he would know, being around plenty of uptight and stuffy elderfolk. ] But when ya smile or frown, I get somethin' else entirely.
[ leona's next few blinks are calm and thoughtful.
okay accepted-- the lick surprises him though and he laughs a little, turning his face. stop that. putting the beast in beastman for real... it's one thing for his neck and chin, his lips, but nose is another. it's cute though, and something kaname hopes leona doesn't share with others. ]
I've heard cats blink slowly at those they like and trust. Is it the same for you?
[ leona's still in charge of listing two more things after this, but he wants to know. ]
[ there he goes. there's the sound that's like music to his ears. does kaname know there are different meanings for different licks? this one isn't meant to shake the boy's nerves. it's light and delicate and ticklish. playful. ]
I dunno. I've only known one other cat, and that thing is a jerk just like his owner.
[ trein can shove it.
anyway. another thing he likes... ]
You're honest. Or rather, you're true to yourself. Not sayin' there's anything wrong with the first but it's hard to live if you can't do the second.
[ giving himself some leeway when leona is, and will, lie to protect himself. ]
[ he doesn't know, and he hasn't paid enough attention to notice if there is or not. it's just one that makes him laugh, which means it's successful in its playfulness -- kaname already likes to mimic the way leona nuzzles him, maybe he'll pick it up too sometime.
for now, though... true to himself. he leans his head back against the beanbag, humming softly. maybe. he'll trace circles against leona's back, looking back down after a moment. there's a certain sort of... warmth, but acceptance too. resignation more, as he talks. ]
... It's easier to manage that here. Whether it's from Reimei Academy or the industry at large, an idol like myself has many duties, obligations, and expectations placed on his shoulders.
[ i lied, he wants to say, when i said yodaka was my real name. it's really-- kaname sighs and flops his head back again to look at the ceiling. he doesn't miss them one bit. the weight of them, the limits he pushed until they broke, the fatigue they brought... he doesn't miss it. at the same time, ]
I wish someone expected something of me here. It makes me restless otherwise.
[ he looks up from his slightly uncomfortable position, more than happy to bear the awkward angle he has to contort himself in so that he can continue to give kaname the kind of affection that only a big cat like him can. it's now that he realizes he could probably... it shouldn't just be kaname that gets the chair to become more malleable. pliable. easier to sit in. less lumpy and more comfy.
so leona sort of... slides into it next to the one already sitting there. if it means pulling kaname more or less into his lap, he'll do that. ]
I do expect somethin' of you here.
[ he huffs. ]
I expect that if you ever get in danger, you run. Listen to your gut and don't think 'bout playin' the hero. Just survive.
[ -- oh, that's fine, sure. kaname rests against leona once the other gets comfy, shifting a bit to make sure he's comfortable too. he could fall asleep like this... he should be careful. he won't be, but he should. ]
You sound like my brother. [ sheesh. ] That's an obvious expectation, Leona. So is "do what you'd like" and "have fun". The ones I'm talking about are more...
[ ... mm. ]
Challenging.
[ also. he can't promise he'll run. what's the point in surviving if it means someone he cares about gets hurt or worse in the process? ]
[ he snorts. wrapping his arms around kaname, leona closes his eyes--- he also has to be careful to not fall asleep here. that's a pretty rough position to be in, comfortable and snuggling with his favorite person. ]
Livin' isn't challengin' around here? Well, I guess when you've got me around...
[ not to flex or anything, but leona hasn't been struggling. probably because he doesn't stick his neck out when it's unnecessary. ]
... wouldn't say having fun is exactly at the top of my priority list either. Lookin' for fun is like lookin' for a smack in the face.
[ which........ listen he's not saying he'd like that or anything but ]
[ big strong fearsome beastman... yeah no kaname doesn't seek danger out as much as he does just trouble, which are two very different things! being warm and comfortable is trouble, for example, which is why he's happy to cuddle up. ]
And what is your top priority, then? Finding the best places to nap?
[ not surviving. there's an obvious difference, at least to him--- to be alive and content, which means making sure the things and people that make him want to be those things are also fine. ]
Don't make me have to watch ya like some kind of starvin' animal.
I am a good judge of character, but simply put your title means nothing to me nor would it ever.
[ they aren't in a place that cares. he has no sway here (he has no sway at home) but honestly... ]
Respect is earned, Leona. Even if I were in your lands, I wouldn't treat you any different than I do now -- introduced as a prince or not. [ he'd catch claws for it too. ] I cannot be your equal if I'm placing myself below you.
[ ... it's something he's gotten in trouble for in the past, though at least in the industry he's more careful. his stage persona had appearances to keep up after all. ]
Ha. You're automatically better than like, half of the people that walk 'round the savanna.
[ because the other half see and hear leona and understand what's going on. a sulking, arrogant, and belligerent princeling who just wanted the respect and love that someone more kingly deserves. ]
But you know I'd eventually have to put you in your place. Eventually. Survival of the fittest and all that.
[ kaname stares hard at him for another moment (he can't be annoyed anymore) and cuddles into leona again, face warming after the fact. mm. that was fine. definitely just as hard as calling people friends. ]
As long as you know that, [ all of that, ] then good.
[ they'll get on just fine!!! ]
... If you really do need to keep up some level of appearance, then I'll go along with it. I know better than anyone what being at the top means.
[ ruggie'll make fun of him in an instant after all... ]
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I do enjoy being admired.
[ is that what that means... like top idol, someone everyone looks to and respects... ]
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just like now, actually. it's not like leona has moved at all. he's too busy snuffling around kaname's chest before moving up towards his throat and chin and peppering him with kisses. ]
Mm. Kinda hard not to admire ya.
[ he's being as sincere as possible. ]
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Is that so? Then if I ask if you to list three things, you'd be able to with no problem?
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[ that's not difficult at all. he should've gone with like, ten--- because then leona would have to play dirty and try to distract kaname after the third one. not that there's a lack of notable features, but because it's just more fun to... tease and get someone to squirm. make them beg for it.
what is 'it'? a mystery... ]
... yeah.
[ the first one, after a peck on the lips? ]
You have a voice that makes me feel cozy.
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if its like this, kaname's got other ideas. his eyes sparkle and there's a small, impish smile curling his lips. he'll up the amount because he wants to be spoiled... ]
Five things. What else?
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You're cute and you're handsome. [ a beat, then: ] That counts as two, by the way.
[ can't lump them both in together. ]
'cause you got a certain kind of charm. 'm sure you know that though.
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I'll be the judge of that. Are they both regarding my appearance, or are they entirely separated?
[ he's been called cute a bit this month... it's his attitude, so he isn't fighting it so much anymore. it's more who called him cute than the amount, but nevermind that. the domino effect leads us here. ]
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[ he's quick to respond. both of his ears wiggle upon getting a smooch, and leona's pleasantly surprised by how quickly kaname does it. way to reinforce that 'cute' opinion of his...! ]
When I look at ya, I see someone polished. [ he would know, being around plenty of uptight and stuffy elderfolk. ] But when ya smile or frown, I get somethin' else entirely.
[ leona's next few blinks are calm and thoughtful.
then he licks kaname's nose for good measure. ]
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okay accepted-- the lick surprises him though and he laughs a little, turning his face. stop that. putting the beast in beastman for real... it's one thing for his neck and chin, his lips, but nose is another. it's cute though, and something kaname hopes leona doesn't share with others. ]
I've heard cats blink slowly at those they like and trust. Is it the same for you?
[ leona's still in charge of listing two more things after this, but he wants to know. ]
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I dunno. I've only known one other cat, and that thing is a jerk just like his owner.
[ trein can shove it.
anyway. another thing he likes... ]
You're honest. Or rather, you're true to yourself. Not sayin' there's anything wrong with the first but it's hard to live if you can't do the second.
[ giving himself some leeway when leona is, and will, lie to protect himself. ]
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for now, though... true to himself. he leans his head back against the beanbag, humming softly. maybe. he'll trace circles against leona's back, looking back down after a moment. there's a certain sort of... warmth, but acceptance too. resignation more, as he talks. ]
... It's easier to manage that here. Whether it's from Reimei Academy or the industry at large, an idol like myself has many duties, obligations, and expectations placed on his shoulders.
[ i lied, he wants to say, when i said yodaka was my real name. it's really-- kaname sighs and flops his head back again to look at the ceiling. he doesn't miss them one bit. the weight of them, the limits he pushed until they broke, the fatigue they brought... he doesn't miss it. at the same time, ]
I wish someone expected something of me here. It makes me restless otherwise.
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so leona sort of... slides into it next to the one already sitting there. if it means pulling kaname more or less into his lap, he'll do that. ]
I do expect somethin' of you here.
[ he huffs. ]
I expect that if you ever get in danger, you run. Listen to your gut and don't think 'bout playin' the hero. Just survive.
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You sound like my brother. [ sheesh. ] That's an obvious expectation, Leona. So is "do what you'd like" and "have fun". The ones I'm talking about are more...
[ ... mm. ]
Challenging.
[ also. he can't promise he'll run. what's the point in surviving if it means someone he cares about gets hurt or worse in the process? ]
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Livin' isn't challengin' around here? Well, I guess when you've got me around...
[ not to flex or anything, but leona hasn't been struggling. probably because he doesn't stick his neck out when it's unnecessary. ]
... wouldn't say having fun is exactly at the top of my priority list either. Lookin' for fun is like lookin' for a smack in the face.
[ which........ listen he's not saying he'd like that or anything but ]
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And what is your top priority, then? Finding the best places to nap?
[ my man. ]
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[ not surviving. there's an obvious difference, at least to him--- to be alive and content, which means making sure the things and people that make him want to be those things are also fine. ]
Don't make me have to watch ya like some kind of starvin' animal.
[ regardless, he's always hungry for something. ]
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[ besides the fact that kaname won't let him, there's plenty to gnaw on... remain content, king of beasts. he isn't getting hurt anytime soon. ]
Fifth item, Leona.
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[ that's one of the most important things. though he'd say a number of people wouldn't give him that automatic pass, that's not the norm. ]
So I guess you're a good judge of character. Or somethin'.
[ if that even counts. he'll make it count if he has to. ]
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[ they aren't in a place that cares. he has no sway here (he has no sway at home) but honestly... ]
Respect is earned, Leona. Even if I were in your lands, I wouldn't treat you any different than I do now -- introduced as a prince or not. [ he'd catch claws for it too. ] I cannot be your equal if I'm placing myself below you.
[ ... it's something he's gotten in trouble for in the past, though at least in the industry he's more careful. his stage persona had appearances to keep up after all. ]
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[ because the other half see and hear leona and understand what's going on. a sulking, arrogant, and belligerent princeling who just wanted the respect and love that someone more kingly deserves. ]
But you know I'd eventually have to put you in your place. Eventually. Survival of the fittest and all that.
[ sticks his tongue out. ]
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We're equals. There's no "putting me in my place". If I listen to what you ask, it's because I agree to it -- not because you're someone important.
[ ... he'll let go now, but he's still annoyed. eventually, huh? try never. ]
Understood? It's because I like you, Leona.
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any sound he makes is a little muffled and he doesn't try to speak. he waits until kaname lets go before he chuckles.
what a feisty boy. ]
... yeah. And I like you too.
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As long as you know that, [ all of that, ] then good.
[ they'll get on just fine!!! ]
... If you really do need to keep up some level of appearance, then I'll go along with it. I know better than anyone what being at the top means.
[ ruggie'll make fun of him in an instant after all... ]
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[ equals are fine. he just doesn't want anyone thinking that he's subservient to someone... out in the open, at the very least.
he's got a little pride... ]
Don't have to worry if I never leave my room.
[ wiggles his ears. ]
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Why wouldn't you leave your room?
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crawls back... hello sorry i had food poisoning
🥺 why does food betray us
I WISH I KNEW I SPENT MOST OF LAST WEEK WITH NO ENERGY...
yells at the food that made you sick... i fight it
thank you............
♥️