pancakeboy | ic inbox [ota]

...All right, but there's a lot to talk about. Your Ren entrusted me with certain things and hoped that I'd pass them on when you returned. At some point, we'll need to discuss it.

[But that's more evasiveness, isn't it? Damn it.]

And I know the other Ren took what I assume was shared out of trust and used it as a weapon. That isn't fair to you. It never was, and I don't intend to say otherwise.

If he pushes away everyone who even tries to treat him well, he'll only hurt himself. It's absurd.

[Because he knows it's not just him. It can't be.]

I'm starting to suffer from metaphor overload.

[His eyes have gone momentarily wide and fraught, at that mention of Ren. That's not a conversation he's anxious to have, for all that he needs to hear every word Ren spoke before he left, to engrave it on his skin.

It's just that it's infuriating to have to hear over and over how that piece of shit is more important than Crow. And, clearly, more important than Magpie—for all he knows that's stupid to think.]

Do you think if I ask Igor, he'll make you twelve for a few months? You need the break.

...I don't think we need two Ravens running around. I also wouldn't want to inconvenience Ren like that. Or you, for that matter.

[But congratulations, Magpie. That prospect alone is enough to make Crow stare and briefly envision this.

Goodness.]

[Ha. The tiniest smirk touches the corner of his mouth.]

I could handle you. You could stay next door—thanks for the, uh, sign, by the way. [On his door.]

I imagine you and Raven would have quite a lot to discuss. He'd be quite beside himself. So to speak.

[Coffee siiip.]

I'd rather not put Ren in an awkward position where he's the one lonely at night.

[Hmm... Yes, another sip seems good.]

In fact, overall I would say the pros of me remaining this age far outweigh whatever amusement you and Raven would get from me reverting to a younger age.

[He wrinkles his nose at the mention of Ren. His delicate virgin ears, okay.]

You see? Consumed with responsibility. No sense of fun. Old before your time, even.

[It is really good coffee, though, and he hopes Crow appreciates it. But he's pretty sure that, just like him, the bulk of Crow's thought is still on that guy. Why can't Magpie just shoot him?]

On the contrary. We had quite a bit of fun on Christmas Eve.

[Gasp. Is that a smirk? Heaven forbid.]

Though I will say, the product I received from "Santa Mara" made for a... unique experience.

[Fucking hell.]

Crow, I will get down on my knees and blow you if you stop talking right now. Now, please.

[c o f f e e. Save him.]

Edited 2024-01-01 09:53 (UTC)

...I'm flattered, but I believe such activities are best saved for my boyfriend.

[Yes, he's aware that this is not a serious comment. It's still quite the segue.]

[He drains the last of his coffee to the dregs before he sets down his cup.]

Yes. As is talking about them.

Let's go back to your other attempts to give me an ulcer. What are you going to do about all this?

Consider it payback for gay chicken.

[Look at that innocent smile. You can't be too mad, Magpie. Riiight?]

And to be honest, I'm not sure what there is to do about this.

[We-ell, he's not that mad. Let's say he heard the wings of the gay chicken flapping at his door.]

You know that's not acceptable. For all the reasons I stated, not to mention the ones you did.

I opted to end the conversation for now. It's obvious he isn't in a coherent state of mind and trying to reason with or argue with him further would get me nowhere fast.

[But that's really it. He shrugs and takes another sip. What else is there to do just now?]

[Maybe if they delay long enough, the problem will solve itself, he thinks. But that's too far even for him; he looks away. Then he smiles at the cognition and orders another two coffees, much larger, before eventually looking back at Crow.

Fuck, Crow can probably see what he's thinking. He frowns, reticent and defensive.]

I could talk to him. [With a gun, preferably.]

...If you want to, I won't stop you.

[It's probably necessary, anyway. They have many loose ends. It needs to be addressed.]

I appreciate it, but I also know that this can't be easy for you.

I don't plan to be pleasant to him. I have no intention of humouring him for a single second. But perhaps that's what he needs.

[And Magpie will be delighted to kick every worthless centimetre of him right out of this dimension. Count on it.]

It's absurd that he feels able to impose on you in this way.

To be honest, I think his absurd attempts to push me away were "for my own benefit."

[Which is the frustrating part, really. That he'd simply assume Crow couldn't handle whatever baggage he carries.]

So you may be right. Perhaps I was too cordial to begin with.

You know, you could save me the trouble. Get in touch with him again. Give him the kicking he deserves. I'm sure he'd even thank you.

[And there's the new coffee, for which he is devoutly thankful.]

Of course, forgiving as you are, you'll devolve it to me. The awful Akechi.

You're not awful. An awful person wouldn't put up with my bullshit and treat me to coffee.

[Time to take another swig.]

I don't want you to feel like you have to fight my battles. I just need to step back for my own good.

Crow... [He spreads his hands, with a bit of a glare. If he needs to step back, and he knows that, then step back.]

I cut the conversation short. I believe that speaks for itself.

[It's stepping back. Giving himself a chance to cool his head and giving the other Ren that same luxury.]

That's not stepping back. You're still on his leash.

[Is that coffee cool enough to sip yet? Clearly not. He sips it anyway.]

And what would you consider to be stepping back?

[Do tell. Enlighten him.]

[There is a brutal pause as he sets his coffee cup down again.]

Leave him to rot.

[Because he doesn't deserve Crow. And Crow doesn't deserve this. And it burns like acid that Magpie will never make him see it.]

[...Yeah, that's about what he expected.

Crow sighs, nudging his now empty mug aside in favor of the new one.]

I'd sooner stand my ground, but I'm simply not in the right mindset to do so. I doubt he's in the proper mindset to take it, either.

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