agora | looks into the camera

[ It seems like Miles left to maybe come get him, so he waits patiently in front of the gates and takes a look around again. In this world, he doesn’t see any curses hanging off of people... No monsters just scuttling across the pavement. It almost feels like he’s being lied to? That these specials eyes he was born with are lying to him, but. No, this is real.

No curses. Just people asking if he’s lost and he can’t fucking understand them. They even try English which he can make out, then replies he’s here for someone! And by the time Miles comes down he’s finishing taking pictures with a group of girls cause apparently he’s tall and pretty for no reason.

Perking up, he approaches like normal. ]

Explain what? I told you I’m here for a visit.

[ ??? ]

[welcome to the big wild world of spring 2021 where there are no curses, no monsters, and also no pandemic because aa was created long before that. it's a world where everything is calm and weirdly peaceful and the most angry thing gojou will face is miles himself.

except. like. he isn't mad. he isn't mad but he is sort of mad that he knows gojou will be able to tell he isn't angry. instead, there's a soft pinch of his eyebrows because he's confused and he's not entirely sure what to think.

on the contrary, there's something almost akin to relief upon seeing him. like maybe he wasn't just someone he made up. except no, that's also stupid, miles.]

...most people call first. [it's complaining for the sake of complaining, and he tilts his head to look at him more closely.] You...

[well. no. then he remembers people are people and instead he turns around without another word expecting gojou to follow him up the stairs. he looks back once just to make sure, but then he continues up to his front door. come along.]

[ wow.. no pandemic. Bless. Gojou stays quiet as he watches how Miles' brow furrows slightly and it kind of reminds him of a couple of conversations they've had back at the station, except he thinks? This is one of the few times it's aimed at him. It's kind of nice! So, yeah, he doesn't think Miles is actually angry. Maybe frazzled and caught off-guard.

He follows after with light, quick steps, then settles right beside him while purposely bumping their hands together. His doesn't latch on, not even a hook of fingers, but it's definitely a small test and sample. It's not cold. It's real. ]

Don't like surprises?

[ Snickers. ]

[frazzled and caught off-guard is exactly what this is. it's almost instinct to want to grab that hand, but he has had enough time away from everyone else to regain his self-control. it means his fingers twitch a little, like they start to reach but he stops himself, but it's enough to solidify the fact that wow. this is happening.

huh. this...is happening?

he shakes his head minutely before he opens the door to the apartment, ushering gojou inside even if he shoots him a small glare at the question.]

Surprises make it much more difficult to plan. You're lucky I was here instead of at my office. [remarkably he still doesn't sound mad. he doesn't even look mad? instead he's still giving him that look that says he's trying to decide what to do before he shuts the door and ventures further into the apartment.

unsurprisingly, it's immaculate in its condition. it's larger for an apartment and it's lavish and it almost doesn't look entirely lived in. like maybe miles hasn't actually settled in, or like he doesn't plan on staying. the living room is immediately off from the front door and it's an open space, leather couches facing each other and a large plush chair next to a fireplace that isn't going just yet. there's also a dog bed? and the clickclickclick of little claws rushing to check out the new visitor. maus still exists, and he's immediately nyooming for gojou's legs.]

Should I take this to mean the box is broken?

I think the element of surprise is worth waiting outside, personally.

[ Yeah, Miles can have that knowledge that Gojou would have waited outside of the penthouse until he returned, maybe even wandered around for a bit before coming back. He would have figured the area out and where to chill. Anyway, Gojou is lucky! Lucky that he gets to stare Miles back with a smile and bright, inquisitive eyes.

He wonders what's going on in his head, but he guesses that Miles is trying to form some kind of plan or maybe rearrange his schedule for this impromptu visit. Still worth crashing his place! His mouth opens a bit as he takes in the sights. Yeah. This place is pretentious as hell. ]

Woooow.

[ And he brightens even more when he sees Maus!!! He picks up the little pomeranian. Hewwo, babby. ]

Yeah. I used my wish on the box. [ He'd gesture to himself, but pom. ] So I'm here.

[ He chose here! ]

[sometimes this man really just says things that render miles useless because he's openly staring at him now? it's long enough that he really doesn't say anything and maus gets all of gojou's attention, immediately wiggling in his arms to lick at his face.

it maybe shouldn't be surprising that gojou would wait. it also shouldn't be surprising he just decided to come here, but miles is still sitting here going "didn't you have others to find first?" he has enough sense not to say that out loud.]

So you're here. [mild disbelief... and then he seems to pull himself together.] You're here. Please have a seat. I'll...[he makes a vague gesture to what's probably the kitchen and immediately turns on his heel to head that way. tea? yeah. does gojou like tea? doesn't matter, he'll make it work. it's easy to see he's a bit flustered by the sudden appearance still but it's fine.]

Okaaaaaay.

[ Gojou takes a seat and continues to speak to Maus while giving the pom little kisses! He makes sure the dog gets a lot of attention as he talks in a higher pitch with some tongue clicking in between. What cute little paws you have? Look at these little beans! These are the cutest beans! Who's a well-behaved dog? You are. You are. There's just an assortment of disgusting baby talk, then what follows is purposely audible as he makes Maus wiggle dance a bit. ]

Your dad doesn't seem happy to seeeee meeee, Mauuuuus! But you are, right? I'm glad to see you, too!

[ Obnoxious kissy noises as he keeps spoiling Miles' dog in his home, in front of... AA god? ]

Ah, ah! What is it? [ A pause like he's pretending to listen to the pomeranian. ] Did you want me to kidnap you?

[ this really escalated fast. Also, yes, he's a tea fucker. His stupid prestigious family loves tea. ]

[the obnoxious part is that maus replies with little yaps and tailwags that are a very good indicator that gojou's not the only person who babytalks him. so he wiggles and waves his tail and responds to each of gojou's statements, more than content to lounge in his lap and agree to everything.

miles, meanwhile, is busy having a crisis in his kitchen while he listens to all of this. it doesn't take long for the water to boil, and while all of this happens he takes a moment assess what he's supposed to do. once he pulls himself together though he prepares a tray for their tea and carries it out to the living room, lifting an eyebrow as he places it on the table in front of the couch.]

I don't believe I gave you permission to kidnap my dog? [yes, that's not how kidnappings work.] You ought to realize by now that if I didn't want to see you, I wouldn't.

[he's...tentatively happy gojou's here, even if he's trying to figure out what to do about it. but it's true. if he didn't want to see him, he would have left him outside. instead, he pours them a cup of tea before taking his own and settling on the other end of the couch, watching him curiously like he's trying to read his behavior for more answers.]

Oh, he's back. [ Hushes the puppy. ] We will talk more later.

[ As if he can understand whatever Maus yaps (he cannot). He sees that pom is very used to the baby talk which makes him grin ear to ear, imagining Miles spoiling this little fluff ball in secret behind closed doors and away from ogling eyes. His shit-eating grin only dissipates when the tea arrives! Carefully, he places Maus down onto his lap so he can properly take a cup. One deep breath to take in the aroma. ]

Right. I just thought there was a chance you would ignore me because I didn't give you a heads up! Back on the station, I'd always text you.

[ So... Impromptu visit is definitely out of curiosity to see how frantic Miles would get, though Gojou is aware that it's extremely rude. He was never one to be polite in the first place? At the very least, he will pin the question that is probably on Miles' mind after a sip—except in the most unconventional way possible. ]

Are you dating that guy yet?

[there's a whimper like maus knows they were telling secrets. why is this dog smart? he just is. regardless miles really does spoil the dog given he lets a hand stretch out for maus to sniff from his place in gojou's lap. the tea itself is just a little sweet, like he remembers that specific fact about gojou. probably because he does.]

Objection. You would have figured out a way to make sure I spoke to you regardless of what I said. [not that it was very hard to get miles to agree when it came to gojou, but nobody needs to know that. he is pointedly ignoring gojou probably knows that. as such, he's taking a sip of his tea before he just. looks completely unhinged for a few seconds.]

Excuse me? [so that's a no.] I already told you it wasn't like that.

[ why are you gay miles ]

Sure, maybe I could have blasted your door down, but I would get arrested.

[ Which implies if he wouldn't get arrested, he would do it...? Which is concerning in itself, but Gojou has some semblance of normalcy and knows how to knock or use the bell. He lets Miles brew on that as he takes another sip of this tea. The sweetness brings a soft curl to his lips because he does indeed have a sweet tooth. While he isn't picky, he has to give it to someone that wears a cravat to brew some good tea.

His eyebrows arch into his bangs, memorizing Miles' expression because GOD that is HILARIOUS. Look at that guy go? Miles, in his opinion, looks like he's going to throw his cup at him and he invites it. ]

Then you're still single?

[an excellent question. also don't blast down his door? he looks immediately annoyed at the notion, but it's lost on the part where he's still reeling from the question and yeah, debating throwing his cup. why is gojou still talking?

it takes a hot second for miles to calm down, recomposing himself to give him a pointed look.]

If I weren't, I wouldn't be here, would I? ["here" being in a penthouse in germany specifically, but he does not clarify.] Thank you for the reminder.

Ohhh, so you're the type to go out a lot for dates, huh.

[ WHY DID MILES GIVE HIM ANY IMPLICATIONS. Any at all! He has latched onto small comments and is assembling them on his mini Miles conspiracy board with some pictures (he made up how Phoenix looks like) of his best friend/not-lover. If the other man is only going to give him crumbs, then he will piece them into a cookie.

Gojou finishes his cup before placing it down back where it once was. Crossing his legs and leaning back into his seat with puppy on his lap still, he makes a proposition that sounds familiar, but more forthcoming: ]

All right! So I'm going to hit on you.

[he would argue, but that just sounds pathetic to say "NO I DON'T" so instead he seethes over his teacup, glaring at gojou for a long few moments. he truly should not have told him anything because he can only assume the picture he has is wrong.

rather, they drink their tea and miles is watching him warily before gojou speaks and. spouts even more bullshit than usual.]

You're...announcing it. [it's a proposition that's familiar, but the announcement is so weird? why are you announcing it??? (miles refuses to perceive the fact that it's probably because he would rebuff it immediately if it wasn't clear.)] And what, precisely, does that entail?

[ Imagine saying you don't like going out on dates... Yeah. Miles made a good call because that was definitely a trap. There was no way to win with that. He rests his elbow on the armrest, propping his head on his knuckles, as he gets too comfortable in a space that isn't his. Then again, Gojou kind of walks into any place and splays like he owns it.

Miles' place is his place now. He even has Maus on his lap? ]

I'll tell you if you accept this courtship.

[ Suddenly it's a negotiation because... Yes. He remembers what Miles was like back then and he knows very well that he needs to be straightforward. There are too many factors to playing with words, then there's Miles' habit of retracting. He's also 100% sure that this comparison would be offensive to him, but cutting to the chase is an efficient and effective method to use on both Mineo and Miles. ]

[he has half a mind to take his dog and kick gojou out of his apartment. but on the other hand, it intrigues him, slightly, to see that gojou's here and already integrating himself into miles' life with little regard for what miles actually has to say about it. likely because miles doesn't have a decent argument while he's still trying to convince himself this isn't some wild fever dream. the lack of comparison to mineo is also appreciated.

being straightforward is...nice, but it still feels very much like a trap. there's the part where miles had begun to retract long before gojou showed up, maybe even before they left the base, but now it's out there and he's pondering.]

Courtship. [he repeats the word like it'll help.] ...well, I...[...first of all, he doesn't have a reason to say yes outside of the part where gojou's been here for all of five minutes and miles very much remembers why he likes this man and also why he's insufferable. secondly, he also doesn't have a reason to say no. there was nothing happening with wright, his slow-going process is still going, and...traditionally speaking, courtship entails more than just a sexual relationship which...either would have made sense.

so yeah. all of this is going around and around in circles in miles' brain while he stares like he's trying to make words work.]

The conditions? [he's a lawyer, he will put up a bit of a fight to at least know what he's signing up for.]

Edited 2021-04-07 08:47 (UTC)

[ Gojou can see the wheels turning in Miles' head in the silence. Also, don't take Maus away!! He hasn't seen this dog in a while! He hums because OF COURSE. ]

Always gotta make it a little more complicated. [ MILES. ] Conditions...

[ Huh. It's kind of funny how suddenly this is becoming bigger despite being a trial period... Or is this a second trial period. He's thinking, though he wonders if it would matter. While he's much aware that they share a mutual like and fondness, he doesn't know if it will become more. It's something he's curious about—it's something he has wondered during his stay at the station. He felt like he was a person there despite all that happened, but can he connect to anyone?

Conditions. He closes his eyes for a moment. ]

Well, I'm from another world. [ That seems most important. ] You also have to tolerate me, which you already do. Otherwise, I don't have hard limits?

[ No details of what it entails. No hints whatsoever. However, the lack of words said is telling enough. Gojou doesn't need much in return aside from time. Fortunately, he isn't genuinely needy. Just needy for kicks. ]

Got any you want to add?

[essentially it's sort of like hosting an alien. it's sort of like opening himself up for a stranger that has to learn the rules and regulations of a whole other society but he knows gojou's a quick learner and there's also the part where he's right. miles already tolerates him.

there's also the part where if he's completely honest...he's very curious about this. he has been curious, on and off, when he thinks about his time on the base. he had always wondered about how things would have panned out if timing had been different. gojou being here is really just that opportunity regained.]

Not really, considering you'll also have to tolerate me. [which is kind of a joke, but also a vague warning because miles knows he's not easy to deal with for this exact reason. he's stubborn and vague and will drag things out while arguing but for whatever reason gojou seems to like that.]

I suppose then...I accept. ["don't make me regret this" goes unsaid.]

[ Gojou perks up and his arrogant pose breaks as he beams? Though there’s also a bit of confusion in his eyes, they’re scanning Miles like usual.

Also, that is correct. Gojou can assimilate well, especially since this world is only different in some mechanics. Who’s to say Gojou didn’t use the portal a couple of weeks ago just to tour around without Miles, then head back home? ]

Oh?! Really? I didn’t think you’d accept so easily! You must really like me—even the conditions are light. Nothing like you don’t want to do certain things in public or you don’t ever want to use pet names... No specified levels of affection. Or that I need to prepare you waffles after sex. This means I can just spoil you the whole time?

[ The caveat for spoiling is that it’s when he wants to. Gojou for some reason picked up the last bit on the list during his station stay, more for himself, but he also had a waffle for the other person since he’s used to two. Anyway, he’s not saying they have to do those things, but it comes up as a surprise that they’re left on the table.

Carefully, he sets Maus on the couch so he can beeline to Miles. While not menacing in nature, anything about Gojou Satoru is a bad omen. He doesn’t loom over for long. He doesn’t swerve to circle to the back where Miles can’t see.

Instead he settles on the ground before him, then rests his arms crossed on Miles’ lap so there’s a cushion for his head. Yes, he is trying to look smaller and endearing, though really this is like a snow leopard trying to pass off as a house cat. Look, he’s passive and submissive. ]

Hello, Mister Edgeworth.

[ He’s just being fucking obnoxious. Nyaaaa. ]

[it's more difficult to read miles these days, but what gojou can at least pick up is the fact that he's certain about saying yes and he's not feeling coerced into it. it's a definite decision even if it comes with a lot of intricacies of its own. also truly hate that. gojou really could have shown up and miles would be none the wiser.

he narrows his eyes a little as he starts rattling off that list though. there are a few things that fly through his thoughts immediately (namely the idea of pet names (???) and also the idea that gojou's very certain they're actually going to have sex eventually (which, fair, given the way they've danced around that circle.) but no. it's the mention of being spoiled that makes him finally speak up.]

You can. But I know you won't. [because for as often as gojou's studied him, miles has studied gojou as well. he's always been aware that gojou satoru is someone who really just does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. he had made that clear when they spoke about his original alignment. gojou will do things if he thinks they're right or if he wants to, but he isn't likely to do things he don't care for. in a way, it's also a challenge because...miles has no idea what spoiling even looks like. even prior to his father's death he had been a fairly independent person.

there's also a part of him that actually kind of wants to see what that entails. he's leaving things in gojou's hands because...he's curious.

maus settles on the couch with a confused huff before settling at miles's side, and while miles is about to protest gojou moving suddenly he's across his lap. smaller and endearing doesn't exactly work, but after a moment...he lets a hand come up to rest on his head. no one needs to tell miles there's a half-smile on his face, let him think he's still passing off as neutral.]

Hello to you, too. [incorrigible, as always.] ...there is one condition. If I say no to anything, it stops immediately.

[still very light conditions, but he would like to at least exert some sense of control here.]

[ Stop thinking about sex that is a throwaway list item, though can very much become reality. They don't need to circle each other with metaphorical knives anymore. Gojou's eyebrows knit when he hears that yes, he can spoil, but he won't? It's legitimately confusing when he already established that he would. Now he's second-guessing himself as the ends of his lips tug into a soft frown, finely pressed and pensive. It doesn't loop in Gojou's mind nearly as much as anything would in Miles' so simply... Gojou thinks it's a challenge?

But is it really a challenge when he sought out to do it, anyway? He remembers Miles' history from the time they talked. It could have been imagined, but it was dripping with a type of loneliness he's familiar with and it's engraved in the man towering him now. His gestures and behaviors are remnants of that. Some spoiling will do him good. Just a sprinkle of nice things because Gojou thinks he deserves it.

He keeps that to himself as he gets a pet, somewhat content now. Quietly, he leans into that hand before taking it into his own—again, it's warm. His thumb runs along Miles' palm once before he pecks the base of his wrist. ]

Awww, that's so much power!

[ HE KNOWS IT IS. He's imagining that he whines a bit and Miles is like shut the fuck up. What can he do then?! ]

Usually, people talk about these things when they're already a couple, y'know. Unless that's what you're going for?

[ He laughs because this is kind of silly! But he's enjoying himself regardless. However, he does wonder if Miles realizes this? Did they just skip?? Courting and flirting? Is his pursuit already done or is Miles being particular about that, too? Gojou merely peers up at him from his spot, still resting his arms and head on his lap while holding his hand hostage. ]

[he sees the way gojou's eyebrows knit and it's almost instinct for his thumb to move and brush over the spot to get them to unfurrow. stop, he's trying.

it's not like he's wrong, not that miles knows what gojou thinks. miles has excelled at isolating himself and prefers being alone most of the time because it's easier, but when faced with the opportunity to change that it becomes a challenge of his own. being spoiled is maybe a sign of weakness, but it's debatable how much he cares about being weaker to a person.

he continues the hairpets for a few moments since that seems to placate him, though he blinks in surprise when there's a kiss to his wrist and a touch to his hand. both of them are a normal, warm temperature and he's less likely to shy away this time even if he raises both eyebrows.

that really is a lot of power, but the thing he isn't saying is that he's giving it to gojou to test things out. it's a dangerous decision (for him) but it's one he's going to make regardless. miles doesn't realize shit even while he thinks that through.]

...courting isn't exactly something...that is to say...that's probably not what I'm going for yet considering the variety of factors involved. [being exclusive was not really a thing he had considered yet. he's considered other things though including but not limited to the part where he has rebuffed past flirtations more often than not, so he actually isn't sure what all it entails on gojou's end of things. not to mention he's not even sure how long gojou wants to stick around? this is still a whole other world? either way, he just knows he's going to allow it. he shakes his head and gives him a somewhat amused look.] Never mind. I believe I'm waiting to be hit on?

[yeah. now it's a challenge but it's an open acceptance that he'll let it happen and it's curiosity to see what gojou will do.]

Oh, right! I was going to hit on you.

[ Like it's just such a casual thing. He rubs his cheek against Miles' hand one more time before he picks himself up. A knee anchors onto the couch as he leans forward. A hand slides onto the cushions to add further support, but makes sure to avoid spooking and touching Maus. All of this to pull off a pose to corner the other man and close what distance between them.

His other hand taps Miles' chin up to look at him, then idly those fingers trace his strong jawline. Of course, he's getting a closer look and counts the little wrinkles on his face. Still looking tired? He wonders how much sleep the guy gets nowadays. ]

You know, Medb used this line on me, so I'm going to try something similar. [ It's going to be like Medb is hitting on Miles. ] I actually don't care about being popular with anyone.

[ His eyes crinkle into crescents, mirroring his smile. ]

Except you.

[ He hopes Miles' face twists because Medb is so fucking funny. Gojou would bust up cackling but he has to put on some kind of suave front as he hovers over him. His hands are calloused, but his touch feather-light when he brushes Miles' bangs away. Bangs really are Gojou's first impression of Miles rather than the monster traits. It's just... They stick out? They kind of shape his face like a mane?

And this is his first time getting to play with them. ]

[it's weird how casual it is, but then again miles supposes that's how normal people handle these things. he's not under any illusion gojou is normal either, but at least he doesn't seem to think this is too out of the ordinary. instead, maus is a dog that does nothing to move so gojou will have to balance around him. likewise, miles doesn't move and finds himself more or less kabedon'd to his sofa.

it's...a little unnerving to have this fingers on his face but he doesn't bother pulling away either. he does, in fact, once again still look like he hasn't slept in a century but it's fine. it's also occurred to me this is one of the few times gojou's actually seen his natural eye color so hope he enjoys the soft gray instead of the purple. without really meaning to, he leans into the hand and...

...well, and then gojou says that and he really does look like he's trying not to laugh because wow, yeah, that is absolutely a medb line. it's kind of cheesy and it's mostly funny but even if the expression reads highly amused he's still watching closely.

it takes a few moments for him to properly register the touch. people don't really do anything with his bangs and it isn't unpleasant. it means he's leaning into the touch again even without meaning to even when he replies.]

Did that line actually work on you? [terrible though it is, it kind of works on miles if only because it's so absurd it's swung back around to actually getting the message to stick.]

[ Miles didn’t crack up, but Gojou can see amusement in his features. That’s something, too, and worth preening over? It’s validating to know there’s another person that finds it a little ridiculous!

The way Miles follows after his touch is cute, though surprising to him, but he doesn’t leave him wanting. He continues to caress his cheek, then gently rubs the corner of an eye like he’s brushing away the weariness or any signs of crow’s feet. Didn’t they promise to nap together? Gojou puffs out his cheeks when he realizes he got played since they mostly played chess the whole time during his last visit. Puffs deflate after in defeat sounded through a sigh.

While he’s used to the vibrant and deep colors that were on the station and around him at home, he’s appreciative of soft swatches, too. The grey is inviting in its own way and draws him to kiss Miles on an eyebrow. ]

If it did, I’d be with her right now.

[ He snorts, then snickers... He’s told Medb before that her lines sound like something guys would use to pickup innocent girls. She wasn’t happy about that, but he stands by that statement? No, it doesn’t matter if she’s popular with girls.

Anyway, it isn’t about Medb even if Gojou stole her play. Pulling back, he once again emphasizes: ]

Instead, I’m here!

[ Not part of the pickup line. ]

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