agora | looks into the camera

[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. ]

[it may take a miracle for miles to actually outright laugh, but this is more progress than most people so yeah, it's absolutely worth preening over.

it's a little surprising since miles usually gives off the air of never wanting to be touched, ever, but simultaneously it's because he doesn't mind it and nobody ever does it. it has yet to occur to him that he causes like 40% of his own problems and he continues to easily let his head follow gojou's touch, eyebrows furrowing a little when a kiss is dropped there. still not a bad thing, just something to get used to.

medb can still do whatever she wants for forever and there's a faint look that can almost be considered fond as he thinks of her. he doesn't let his thoughts linger for long though and this time he does laugh a little more if only because the announcement's unnecessary and it's still partially disbelief.]

Instead, you're here. I...really did think I would never see you again. [it's an equally faint bit of...excitement isn't quite the right word. but it's something that's quietly pleased that this happened even if it's once again gojou just barging into his space.] I suppose this is erring on the side of a good surprise.

[ "Gives off the air of never wanting to be touched." Me, reading meta where Greed would usually bat hands away from touching his shoulder, but Gojou in particular he tolerated for whatever reason. Then again, he caught him when he was exhausted as fuck with the tender eyes.

Something about how Miles keeps following his hand is like a cat, but that will also be kept quiet so he doesn't get tea tossed straight in his face. Gojou decides to get comfortable now that he's done hitting on Miles like a chad. Carefully, he picks Maus up again so he can sit there instead since... He can't sit on Miles' lap, probably. He's most likely heavy. Sorry, buddy, this is his spot now, but you can have his lap again.

His tone of voice switches to his playful higher pitch, the one he uses when he jokes around and takes things lightly. ]

... Oh, right. [ UHhh. ] How long has it been, anyway? I kind of lost track.

[ Gojou Satoru: is yesterday monday? i leave this to you, ty, because Gojou is that kind of asshole that would keep someone in mind but then doesn't contact them till he's done with work... Which can be weeks, months, or even a year. ]

[he is in fact too heavy for miles' lap, but he doesn't push him away and maus rolls on his back over gojou's lap for prime cuddling. it's a smart decision not to say anything about what miles is doing right now, especially if he wants miles to continue. so they're sitting close together now and miles tilts his head back to try and calculate the time passed.]

Months. Several, in fact. [it's probably late spring or early summer in germany and it was like octoberish when he entered the game. time's a myth, but it's been a very long time.] Nearly six, in addition to two we were at that base.

[ Wow... Calling him fat. Gojou is mostly muscle and height, I guess. At first, he's expecting it to be maybe a couple of weeks? Working as a sorcerer is rather fast-paced and intensive, so he seldom gets vacations, but no. He has been out of contact with almost everyone for six months—which is apparently not as bad as Miles Edgeworth just LEAVING.

Gojou's smile is still there, though he's steeling himself for some reprimand. Weird enough, he is more concerned about Miles' scolding than his own boss? Maybe because he cares. He rubs Maus' belly for comfort. ]

... Maaaaaybeeee I should have asked how things have been before I decided to just say whatever I wanted.

[please remember that he's at least four or five inches taller than miles. but yeah. it's been a while. it's why he hadn't really expected anything from gojou or anyone else for that matter. life went on, things were busy, and sometimes you just ignore how much time has passed since you've spoken to people you actually like.

he doesn't have it in him to scold him, watching for a moment as maus wriggles around happily for belly rubs.]

Why? I don't think the answer would have changed things at all.

[ yes, i remember gojou is unnecessarily tall. for no reason. He aggressively pats Miles' on the back which he has never done before, but things are different! They are familiar and comfortable now and Miles cannot curse the fuck out of him. ]

I'm not heartless? If you were having a bad time, I wouldn't have sprung all of this on you!

[he's sitting here trying to remember if gojou has always been so tactile so the back pat goes without issue. he's naturally a little tensed up and stiff, like he isn't quite relaxed and still in work mode, but he doesn't seem uncomfortable. instead he thinks about telling gojou that he's used to having a bad time and chooses not to say that either.]

You caught me at a time between cases, at least. I was only in the middle of some other work. Nothing that's time-pressing.

[ Gojou was definitely not before, please... Power and status allowed him to be crass with anyone at home, but it was different on the station. Miles may have some decency from him as a treat. Gremlin energy will come up naturally later.

Also, don’t notice that he’s sneaking to link their arms, except it’s so obvious when he’s hugging and huddling. Gojou, unfortunately, hasn’t dropped invading people’s personal space. ]

Nothing urgent or something to keep you up all night, right? While I’m here, I’m planning to force you to rest, so plan your work blocks accordingly!

[ Purposely forceful. ]

[it's fine, this is how it works. gojou's at least given him enough of a warning in the form of a courtship that miles is aware that an invasion of personal space is likely. it's very obvious, but it means he's shifting enough to let him huddle in closer and to be in a more comfortable position even if he's busy watching him and trying to analyze each move.]

I don't know if that's a possibility? [it's an interesting idea, but miles also purposefully keeps himself busy.] I don't necessarily have "blocks" to work in. Sometimes things come up, or I find a lead in something else. You can't expect me to drop everything just because it's late in the evening, can you?

[these are all excuses.]

[ What is there to analyze, Miles? Gojou is just a tall man, clinging onto your arm because he wants to, with Maus on his lap getting some belly rubs. He stays quiet as he stares at him, locking eye contact, so he can cement what he's about to say next. There are many ways to approach this and he's quick to pick which he finds fun. Or efficient. Most likely fun. ]

Miiiiiles! [ It starts as a long drawn whine, then it switches gears and picks up: ] It sounds like to me you don't know how to manage your time.

[ It's in a sing-song voice, seemingly teasing if he didn't have intentions of pressing certain buttons. Either he admits to being bad at time management or he yields, though Gojou is curious if he will someone weasel his way into a third option. ]

[nothing. there is nothing to analyze because this should be straightforward but miles obsesses about everything. he'll stare back, keeping the eye contact even if he blinks in surprise at the statement.]

I beg your pardon? I know how to manage my time perfectly well. I can turn twenty-four hours in a day into thirty-six, minimum.

[it's a third option and it's stupider than you think. not sleeping and working through the next day does not actually allot extra time. the question that follows is more out of curiosity than actual annoyance, however.]

I suppose you would know how to manage my time better?

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