agora | looks into the camera

[ready for a magic trick, gojou? miles actually blushes a little at that, flustered by the implications and also a little annoyed that he's flustered by them at all. medb isn't even here and she continues to ruin his life. turnabout flirting is bad, actually!

but his only response is a look that says he's not opposed even if he's still very ??? about it, so he changes the subject.]

You and Wright meeting sounds like a recipe for disaster, actually. [but there's a low hum of what could be agreement.] It wasn't exactly me that time, but...after everything, I suppose the point stands. I've come to realize my life can't exactly go back to the way it was before because of the people in it. I'm still deciding if that's for better or for worse.

[ Gojou blinks slowly because what is happening. Maybe Medb is actually a genius? Maybe he'll text her later to tell her even though he isn't sure if feeding her ego is a good idea. Something to think about later.

Instead of saying anything, he lightly taps Miles' shoulder with his free hand. Turn this way, sir. Let him have a better look. ]

[no!!!! he feels the tap on his shoulder and he turns just slightly to glance at him, though he's definitely trying his best to pretend he doesn't know what that's all about.

unfortunately nothing about his face changes so gojou can absolutely have a better look.]

What?

[ Well, it was nice while it lasted. Since there's nothing more to look at aside from, again, noticing that Miles has stronger features than him, he steals a quick kiss. There's always something exciting about seeing another side of someone... Even if he's sure Miles probably flusters around others, the world should witness! ]

Just thought you were cute. [ So that's his gift. ] I look forward to meeting Wright.

[ That is disaster waiting. Gojou will definitely ask Phoenix about Miles. The stories. He wants to hear stories. ]

[THAT JUST FLUSTERS HIM MORE? STOP. the kiss is a surprise and there's something akin to a squeak (almost) before he shakes his head and tries to recompose himself. it doesn't go as well as one would hope, so he squints at him instead.]

You could have just said so. [that would not have been much better.] I'm afraid Wright is in another country and also doesn't know where my apartment is. You'll have to live in anticipation forever.

[ How fortunate that this residential outlet area is peaceful, likewise the number of people sparse. No one gets to watch Miles fuss. Gojou's attention is back on their path, though he tilts his head because WHY IS HE WORDING IT LIKE THAT?

He would have accepted a "yeah, later," but now he has to figure a backup plan if Miles is so adamant about keeping them apart. A hand raises to stroke his chin and he hums. ]

Does your world accept yen? I can probably bring some cash and have it converted, then pay a couple of private investigators.

[no one gets to watch miles fuss except for gojou but at least he's focused on something else now.]

Japan's another country, not another planet. You do realize we're both from Earth. [but he rolls his eyes anyhow.] What would you even need a PI for? That won't help.

Hey, your world could have been a different kind of earth? Maybe one that shot into some dystopia where rations become currency. Or maybe some alien civilization comes to subjugate the planet and the currency is changed to galaxy bucks.

[ Gojou’s wild imagination when it comes to world hopping. He swings their hands some more and quickly concludes: ]

Don’t worry about it.

[ Ominous, though what Gojou wanted to know is if he could use money here which shouldn’t leave anyone a semblance of confidence and comfort. It seems like they’ve finally rounded back to the building and the gate. ]

That was nice! I might be able to get used to this.

[ He thinks. Don’t mind if he takes back his sunglasses and puts them on. ]

If you wanted an alien world, you're a few dimensions off. [he can't even make that sound as serious, letting their hands swing even if he's now letting his own imagination toy with the idea. being close to the building, maus is trying to tug on his leash again to dart forward.

gojou can have his sunglasses back, and it means he can also sees miles' eyes again which are still sort of wide with wonder and surprise. it's fine. shut up.]

Think you could manage the walk yourself next time? There are more shops further down, but Maus usually sticks to one path most days.

[ That hand slips away when Gojou hops forward to scoop Maus up, holding the Pom up close so their heads are on the same level. He presses his cheek against Maus, grin wide full of contentment. Look at them... Fluffy white and fluffy I don’t know what color Maus is.

What trouble can they get into? (a lot actually only one of them is properly trained) ]

What can go wrong? Maus should be able to lead me back and if we get lost because I wanted to see more I’m sure you’ll be able to find us.

[ Gojou has no worries over being in a place he doesn’t know with just a dog. He’s sure it’ll be fine since he isn’t directionally challenged. ]

[gojou's busy holding and cuddling maus who is tan and white and miles finds himself grinning anyway. and maus meanwhile is busy licking gojou's face. horrid.]

I suppose I would. Though I would prefer you didn't stray too far if you can help it.

[he could say it's because he doesn't want to go after gojou's ass when he inevitably ends up on the other end of town, but he's starting to warm up to the idea of having him around.

and now that they're back near his house...]

...shall we head up again? Or are you still suffering from your wanderlust?

Didn't you have enough of me earlier, Maus?

[ How often is this cute little thing going to lick him? His face must be mostly slobber now, but he doesn't mind it. He gives Maus' little muzzle some kisses before putting him down. Hands slide into his pockets as he looks over to the house, then back to Miles. ]

Suffering is a little extreme, but I am content unless there's more you want to show me.

[ The ball is in the prosecutor's court after Gojou has made his demands. ]

He's a touch spoiled, I think. [maus wags his tail but when gojou puts him down he trots back over to miles and looks up at him waiting to be picked up. miles, the sucker that he is, scoops down and picks him up.]

...you'll be here for a while. So there will be time to show you more later. [he's just accepting this. give him a moment to think.] Are you hungry at all?

That’s because his owner spoils their favorites too much.

[ Maus really is spoiled? Imagine getting picked up and held by one person, then being able to go to another person and they’ll do the same thing... Gojou eyes the dog and wonders if Maus is actually a mastermind in disguise. A cute master manipulator.

Gojou’s eyes twinkle with curiosity. Back at the base, it was always him bringing little snacks just to open up conversations, sometimes merely to observe how Avatars reacted, but now things are different. Not that he has an inkling of what Miles’ had in mind. ]

I am now! [ A step back to be by the other man’s side, he nudges him with an elbow. ] Are you planning to make something? Or are you a delivery type of guy.

[...]

In some cases the spoiling is necessary. [IS IT? what does that even mean, miles? it means that maus is licking miles' chin instead and wagging his little tail while being the best manipulator possible.

but, miles tilts his head at that.]

Do you think I know how to cook? [this isn't a dismissal or even a confirmation, he's genuinely curious. but he does nod and begin to head back into the penthouse. come along, gojou. there's...maybe food in the house. hm. maybe? they're going to find out together.]

All right, I'll get you a "#1 Dad" mug.

[ Gojou might not know what it really means, but that doesn't stop him from responding? Especially when Maus' tail is whipping like a motorboat propeller. He follows after him and the other man just hits him with this question? Who. The fuck does this??? Who asks these kind of questions? ]

Let's see. You live by yourself, you try to come off as capable and independent, then it's only reasonable to learn how to cook. Those are the reasons I think you would! [ He hums and taps his chin. ] Theeeen for the reason I think you wouldn't... You're rich and you're busy. Maybe you forget to eat and you have a drawer filled with instant ramen.

[ Time to raid kitchen? ]

[he raises an eyebrow and chooses there are some things he does not actually need to comment on. once they're back in the apartment, miles puts maus down and the dog trots off to get some water while miles ambles toward the kitchen, almost languid in his footsteps like he's still waiting to make sure gojou's going to follow him.]

Reasonable arguments for both. [he still doesn't confirm, but upon opening the cupboards it's obvious there's...a lot of tea, instant ramen, and snacks. like cheez-its? things he can eat with one hand? bitch you live like this?]

I can, for the record, but I don't often have time to. [give him a moment to root around to see if there's anything suitable.] Yet another reason I don't always like people showing up without warning.

[and yet gojou's still in his house. wow.]

[ Stop!! He is following! He isn’t going to get distracted and disappear right now. Big curious eyes peer into the cupboards—cheez-its are a sin, but Gojou doesn’t see the food situation here as any different from his own place that is rampant with snacks more than actual food.

However, he and Miles are very different people. ]

I know you are busy, but I was kind of expecting more from a guy who’s probably a wine snob.

[ Reaching out, he takes a can of pringles or whatever pringles alternative exists. ]

Something like truffle and white cheddar chips. I’m sure we can probably make with all of the junk food. Making stuff gourmet is very trendy now!

[ Little snickers escape from him as he makes duck lips with some pringles chips. ]

[in a deadpan tone:] The wine's in another cabinet.

[...which is true, actually, and if gojou looks around he'll find another cabinet filled with several bottles of very expensive and very vintage wine. he can also have his pringles though.]

Is it really so surprising that my taste isn't exactly up to par at all times? [he's a little bemused by the idea and he has half a mind to crunch the duck lips before reaching into the can to take a few chips for himself.] I've always thought the gourmet trend was just a cover-up anyway.

[...but he'll start looking around again.] Enomoto had the right idea about adding an egg to ramen.

[ Gojou will not check the wine and Miles can notice that. Can't crush these duck lips now that he's feasting on them so he can talk. ]

You're kind of prickly about things. I thought food would be one of them, but food can be considered more of a necessity than a luxury for your type. So I'd say half-surprised.

[ Not too surprising! Yet also surprising. Sometimes you are stuck between emotions and that's okay. Gojou also searches the cabinets, more so he searches after Miles has scour them one at a time. For the most part, he's checking the ramen brands and flavors. ]

Adding an egg in is great! I do that all the time and sometimes I add some fresh vegetables if I want to feel like I'm being healthy. [ It is not being healthy. It is a fallacy. A bold-faced lie. ] Have you ever tried instant ramen using milk?

It's really more of the former than the latter, yes. [thoughtfully. it's true though. food isn't something he tends to indulge in, and food is food. the ramen seems to be a mix of chicken and beef, nothing fancy, though there are some that're spicier than others. miles himself seems to be grabbing a pot since he's decided ramen's about as good as it's going to get.]

A handful of vegetables hardly changes a meal's composition, Gojou. [but he blinks slowly at that.] ...milk in place of water, you mean? Why on earth would you do that?

[ Gojou is good with instant ramen. A lot of brands hit the spot? So he will pick out the one he thinks looks most tasty, then places it on the counter next to the stove. ]

You should give a try! It's pretty good. [ It's worthy of doubt, but he's awfully confident (when isn't he). ] We can slap some cheese on, too, unless you're lactose intolerant. Even if you are, cheese is worth taking some medicine for.

[ Cheese is a topping, the best topping, and Gojou will push this bad life decision forever. He decides for the both of them that they're committing, here's some milk stolen straight from the fridge. Someone's quick to make bad decisions. ]

[give him a moment to distract himself with filling the pot with water.]

Is it even considered ramen anymore if you're drowning it in copious amounts of dairy? [he does nothing to stop this because, and he hates this, he's kind of weak to saying an outright "no" to gojou's ideas so he's glaring at the milk carton instead.] I feel as though I should be having you make our dinner instead if you're so sure.

[ Why doesn't Miles tell him "no." Spare yourself. ]

If mankind didn't climb to new heights, we wouldn't have dishes like curry udon, California rolls, and hamburger steak! Plus, cheese ramen is a thing.

[ Whatever Gojou has just said does not even answer Miles' question. It's basically pasta with a ramen soup base, but semantics. He grows quiet because Miles has a point. Why is he hinting and making suggestions for? With some adjustments, he's behind and sliding his arms around Miles' waist, then sets his chin on his shoulder. ]

I'm the guuuuuuuuuuesssst.

[ Flips on useless switch. ]

[i wish i knew and miles also wishes he knew but it's fine.]

...did you really try to compare California rolls to cheese ramen? [gojou? but after a moment there's a sound that almost sounds like an offended huff, moreso from gojou suddenly playing useless and less about the fact he's holding onto him.

actually, unfortunately, this means that miles is leaning back against him a little even if he looks like he would love to tell him to stop being a pain in the ass.]

Unexpected guest, mind you. You'll simply have to live with whatever I can provide on short notice.

[how the hell did he agree to make dinner for them? this man is horrible.]

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