[Mitsuki takes a long moment to just. Stare at the message. He feels like he knows Sougo pretty well by now, and that he has a pretty good handle on his tells. Enough to know that, yeah.
He’s full of shit.]
You’re a pretty bad liar, you know?
But I guess I could always ask Tsunashi-san for confirmation, if I was feeling reeeeeaaally curious!
[Naturally, his entire apartment is perfectly clean and presentable, just like his room back home. But Mitsuki won't be able to see it until he opens the door, and once he does...
A bright, genuinely elated smile spreads over his cheeks in an instant. It's really Mitsuki, just the same as Sougo remembers him.]
Mitsuki-san! [Honestly, it hasn't been that long - a year apart isn't enough to make him want to break down in tears, but it suddenly feels like a missing part of his heart has been set into place. A warm sun lamp... Mitsuki's brightness is a little like that.] I'm so glad to see you again. Please, come in!
[He's not surprised the apartment is clean and tidy - it is Sougo, after all, but more importantly than that is Sougo himself. Mitsuki gives him a quick once over, looking for any sign that... Something's changed.
Nothing seems amiss, which is a relief as he steps inside and looks around the apartment.]
This place is very like you.
[Needs more TRIGGER merch, tho.]
And I'm glad to see it looks like you're doing well! I was worried, with everything I've heard about this place so far...
Is it? I haven't decorated much I'd like since I'm planning on moving eventually, but I couldn't help myself.
[If TRIGGER had merch here, you know he'd own all of it. He's ready. It wouldn't be Sougo's place without it!]
Really, there's no need to worry. To be honest, I've been much more worried about you. I've had some time to adjust, but I want to make sure that you and Riku-kun are able to settle in properly.
[Still a bit more exuberant than usual, he gestures to the sofa.]
Make yourself at home! Would you like something to drink?
I’ve been fine! We spent a lot of time on that station, but it’s not like I just showed up here today! They already told us a lot...
[About Synchrony, gems, magic, all that stuff, which is why Mitsuki worries...
Still, he knows Sougo has no choice but to take care of himself. For as repressed and anxious as he might be, Mitsuki doesn’t think he’d put himself in danger...
And there’s the fact he’s a touchy drunk, and he’s sure you can sync when drunk, too.]
I’m fine, I’m fine, I don’t need anything. [He claps his hands together.] But you need to tell me what you’ve been up to!
I'm glad that you've been told the basics, but please, have a seat.
[It feels a little strange not making tea for a guest, but on the other hand... it's Mitsuki. And being that he's far from a normal guest, Sougo is happy to usher him to sit down on the couch. Look, he'll even sit first!]
For the most part, it's nothing too exciting. But I've been taking music very seriously, so I've been doing a lot of composing and writing.
[Ah. There it is. And in a perfectly timed moment of humiliating transparency, Sougo can't quite suppress the timid look that gives him away. He may be surprisingly good at shoving down some emotions, but this is the kind of thing that shows on his face instantly.
Time to try to collect himself as much as possible.]
I'd love nothing more than to show you.
[There's that awkward formality.]
But you're right. As I promised, I'll clearly and honestly explain everything, but... Would you rather talk about that or music first?
[The questions sure to follow will undoubtedly be more painful, but for the time being, Sougo can manage. Sharing information is much less daunting than personal questions. But on that note, where should he even begin?]
Have you heard anyone here talk about coming from a world similar to this one? There seem to be many people in different situations, but in our case, it was a city called Lunatia... and rather than being bonded to a gem, we were influenced by one of three moons that induced monthly transformations. I'd go as far as saying that the effects were far more unpleasant, at least as far as I can tell...
[Though he'd really rather not elaborate on that.]
Of course, manna and synchrony were just as important as they are here. They had different names, but outside of that, the means of fostering it and how vital it was to survival are the same.
[Well, he was going to answer, but after that last part...]
Mitsuki-san! W-Why is that the first conclusion you're jumping to?!
[It's not like the shade of scarlet he instantly turns says anything about the situation! Time to rapidly swerve away from this topic.]
U-Um, rather than hurt, my pain tolerance was higher... and I sought out affection more than I usually would. That's why I've become a little more comfortable with it over time.
[It's the truth, but he's hiding the more scandalous details.]
People under the red moon became aggressive and territorial over others, or even violent under certain circumstances. And the final group under the blue moon were indulgent, mischievous, and able to draw in everyone around them effortlessly. Your whole personality could be swayed, so I'm grateful that you weren't subjected to it.
Well, he didn't it, but Sougo's reaction is confirmation enough.]
It seems reasonable! You were somewhere you needed to be affectionate, so wouldn't the first choice be with someone you know?! Plus you wouldn't be so embarrassed if it was just something like holding hands!
[...Well, okay, maybe he would be, but Mitsuki has more faith in Sougo than that.
He frowns at the description of the moof effects, though, before huffing.]
It seems like people's personalities are swayed by these gems, so I don't know if I won't be subjected to something like that for long.
[Give him just a moment to put his head in his hands and try to come to a split second decision. He said he'd be honest, and it's not like he can't feel the heat blooming over his cheeks, so it's probably best to just... quietly reveal a little bit.]
Mitsuki-san. Please, please don't make any serious conclusions based on this, but... manna was vital to survive, and Tsunashi-san was kind enough to worry about me, and with the influence of the moons in addition to that-- [DEEP BREATHS] ...We did more than hold hands.
[But he's not saying ANY more than that. It doesn't mean they went all the way! Maybe they just hugged! And made out. With their clothes off. Many times. That's it.
Leave him here to perish. But it's high time to be an adult and stop fretting... he's panicked over it enough. And this is Mitsuki, after all.]
That aside... I can't say that I understand much about the gems yet, but from at least the first month, the, um... side effects weren't as intense as they were on Lunatia. I'm hoping it stays that way.
[Don't make any serious conclusions, he says, looking like he's about to keel over and die on the spot because of whatever him and Ryuu got up to.
"More than hold hands". Yeah. Mitsuki's not an idiot, and the look on his face is probably enough to tell Sougo that he's definitely still believing they fucked. Which. Well.
It's not the most shocking thing in the world, really? Like, he doesn't go around assuming people are into men, generally, buuuuuuuuut...]
Right. Well, I won't ask for any more details...
[Even if he is, admittedly, morbidly curious about what Ryuu is like in bed. He knows the man is more than the image Yaotome Productions gave him, but still. He's seen Ryuu in sports club! Is it more the intense, competitive Ryuu or the soft, gentle Ryuu? He wants to know, but he doesn't want Sougo to have a heart attack.]
So... When everyone transformed, did you, too? I didn't, but we were on a ship and a lot of people did and it seemed kind of dangerous!
[The degree to which Sougo can wildly oscillate between making the firm decision to calm down and mentally making an escape route to jump headfirst out the nearest window (just in case) is honestly impressive, considering that his expression doesn't outwardly look as panicked as Mitsuki can probably tell he is.
But like. If banging one of the hottest men in Japanhis long-time fanboy crushthe man of his dreams and the abs that come with it the talented, kindhearted, wonderful Tsunashi Ryuunosuke is what tears down Sougo's perfectly crafted (????) reputation in Mitsuki's mind, then it wasn't like... not worth it.
Okay, breathe. He can at least do that much.]
I... did, yes. It wasn't terribly dangerous, but I stayed indoors just in case.
No, it didn't hurt. It was a bit difficult to move around since I had large wings like a bird or an angel, but it didn't come with any uncomfortable side effects like I'd been anticipating.
Would you like to see a picture? It's only the wings in a mirror, but...
I don't know if it was an angel, exactly, but some sort of beautiful creature with large wings.
[Taking out his phone, he scrolls through his photos before turning around a mirror selfie. His face and most of his body are cropped out, but in addition to the beautiful white wings, it isn't hard to notice that the visible skin of his arm and shoulder have a bit of a pearlescent sheen.]
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He’s full of shit.]
You’re a pretty bad liar, you know?
But I guess I could always ask Tsunashi-san for confirmation, if I was feeling reeeeeaaally curious!
But alright! Is there anywhere we should meet up?
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Please spare me. I'm begging you.
2/2
Please excuse my earlier outburst.
If you'd like to stay here tonight, I'll begin getting things ready.
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...
...
Well, he can have mercy on him. For now. But he's onto you, Sougo!!]
Okay!! I'll make my way over, and I can cook dinner for all of us tonight so don't worry about that!
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Alright. I'll clean everything up and make it presentable.
[As if it isn't already. But he needs to take extra care to keep certain things hidden...]
I'm looking forward to seeing you again, Mitsuki-san.
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[And he's not... Entirely wrong. It does take him a while to navigate the city, but he manages to find Sougo's place.
He knocks on the door, deciding to be polite and not just barge in.]
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[Naturally, his entire apartment is perfectly clean and presentable, just like his room back home. But Mitsuki won't be able to see it until he opens the door, and once he does...
A bright, genuinely elated smile spreads over his cheeks in an instant. It's really Mitsuki, just the same as Sougo remembers him.]
Mitsuki-san! [Honestly, it hasn't been that long - a year apart isn't enough to make him want to break down in tears, but it suddenly feels like a missing part of his heart has been set into place. A warm sun lamp... Mitsuki's brightness is a little like that.] I'm so glad to see you again. Please, come in!
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Nothing seems amiss, which is a relief as he steps inside and looks around the apartment.]
This place is very like you.
[Needs more TRIGGER merch, tho.]
And I'm glad to see it looks like you're doing well! I was worried, with everything I've heard about this place so far...
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[If TRIGGER had merch here, you know he'd own all of it. He's ready. It wouldn't be Sougo's place without it!]
Really, there's no need to worry. To be honest, I've been much more worried about you. I've had some time to adjust, but I want to make sure that you and Riku-kun are able to settle in properly.
[Still a bit more exuberant than usual, he gestures to the sofa.]
Make yourself at home! Would you like something to drink?
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[Is that... Really a compliment...]
I’ve been fine! We spent a lot of time on that station, but it’s not like I just showed up here today! They already told us a lot...
[About Synchrony, gems, magic, all that stuff, which is why Mitsuki worries...
Still, he knows Sougo has no choice but to take care of himself. For as repressed and anxious as he might be, Mitsuki doesn’t think he’d put himself in danger...
And there’s the fact he’s a touchy drunk, and he’s sure you can sync when drunk, too.]
I’m fine, I’m fine, I don’t need anything. [He claps his hands together.] But you need to tell me what you’ve been up to!
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[It feels a little strange not making tea for a guest, but on the other hand... it's Mitsuki. And being that he's far from a normal guest, Sougo is happy to usher him to sit down on the couch. Look, he'll even sit first!]
For the most part, it's nothing too exciting. But I've been taking music very seriously, so I've been doing a lot of composing and writing.
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He perks up, grinning.]
Yeah? Do you have anything I can listen to?!
[However.]
You need to tell me about you and Tsunashi-san, though.
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Time to try to collect himself as much as possible.]
I'd love nothing more than to show you.
[There's that awkward formality.]
But you're right. As I promised, I'll clearly and honestly explain everything, but... Would you rather talk about that or music first?
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Mitsuki raises an eyebrow, immediately curious. Painfully curious, though it’s probably more painful for Sougo.]
Well, I would’ve said music, but now you’ve got me wondering! What happened with you two?
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Have you heard anyone here talk about coming from a world similar to this one? There seem to be many people in different situations, but in our case, it was a city called Lunatia... and rather than being bonded to a gem, we were influenced by one of three moons that induced monthly transformations. I'd go as far as saying that the effects were far more unpleasant, at least as far as I can tell...
[Though he'd really rather not elaborate on that.]
Of course, manna and synchrony were just as important as they are here. They had different names, but outside of that, the means of fostering it and how vital it was to survival are the same.
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No, I haven't met anyone else who said that... Just you - and I guess Tsunashi-san, too? But...
[Time for all the questions you know are coming, Sougo!]
How were they more unpleasant? Did it hurt? Did you manage to get through okay?! I mean, you're still here, but...
[A pause. Wait. Wait, wait, wait.]
Wait, did you and Tsunashi-san...?!
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Mitsuki-san! W-Why is that the first conclusion you're jumping to?!
[It's not like the shade of scarlet he instantly turns says anything about the situation! Time to rapidly swerve away from this topic.]
U-Um, rather than hurt, my pain tolerance was higher... and I sought out affection more than I usually would. That's why I've become a little more comfortable with it over time.
[It's the truth, but he's hiding the more scandalous details.]
People under the red moon became aggressive and territorial over others, or even violent under certain circumstances. And the final group under the blue moon were indulgent, mischievous, and able to draw in everyone around them effortlessly. Your whole personality could be swayed, so I'm grateful that you weren't subjected to it.
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Well, he didn't it, but Sougo's reaction is confirmation enough.]
It seems reasonable! You were somewhere you needed to be affectionate, so wouldn't the first choice be with someone you know?! Plus you wouldn't be so embarrassed if it was just something like holding hands!
[...Well, okay, maybe he would be, but Mitsuki has more faith in Sougo than that.
He frowns at the description of the moof effects, though, before huffing.]
It seems like people's personalities are swayed by these gems, so I don't know if I won't be subjected to something like that for long.
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[Give him just a moment to put his head in his hands and try to come to a split second decision. He said he'd be honest, and it's not like he can't feel the heat blooming over his cheeks, so it's probably best to just... quietly reveal a little bit.]
Mitsuki-san. Please, please don't make any serious conclusions based on this, but... manna was vital to survive, and Tsunashi-san was kind enough to worry about me, and with the influence of the moons in addition to that-- [DEEP BREATHS] ...We did more than hold hands.
[But he's not saying ANY more than that. It doesn't mean they went all the way! Maybe they just hugged! And made out. With their clothes off. Many times. That's it.
Leave him here to perish. But it's high time to be an adult and stop fretting... he's panicked over it enough. And this is Mitsuki, after all.]
That aside... I can't say that I understand much about the gems yet, but from at least the first month, the, um... side effects weren't as intense as they were on Lunatia. I'm hoping it stays that way.
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"More than hold hands". Yeah. Mitsuki's not an idiot, and the look on his face is probably enough to tell Sougo that he's definitely still believing they fucked. Which. Well.
It's not the most shocking thing in the world, really? Like, he doesn't go around assuming people are into men, generally, buuuuuuuuut...]
Right. Well, I won't ask for any more details...
[Even if he is, admittedly, morbidly curious about what Ryuu is like in bed. He knows the man is more than the image Yaotome Productions gave him, but still. He's seen Ryuu in sports club! Is it more the intense, competitive Ryuu or the soft, gentle Ryuu? He wants to know, but he doesn't want Sougo to have a heart attack.]
So... When everyone transformed, did you, too? I didn't, but we were on a ship and a lot of people did and it seemed kind of dangerous!
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But like. If banging
one of the hottest men in Japanhis long-time fanboy crushthe man of his dreams and the abs that come with itthe talented, kindhearted, wonderful Tsunashi Ryuunosuke is what tears down Sougo's perfectly crafted (????) reputation in Mitsuki's mind, then it wasn't like... not worth it.Okay, breathe. He can at least do that much.]
I... did, yes. It wasn't terribly dangerous, but I stayed indoors just in case.
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At least Sougo seems to be handling this better than talks of intimacy, which really just makes him look guiltier.]
What was it like?! Did it hurt? What did you look like?
[Sorry he just has so many questions about this, Sougo.]
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No, it didn't hurt. It was a bit difficult to move around since I had large wings like a bird or an angel, but it didn't come with any uncomfortable side effects like I'd been anticipating.
Would you like to see a picture? It's only the wings in a mirror, but...
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You were an angel?
[...Huh. He wasn't expecting that kind of transformation here, but it seems fitting for Sougo.]
Yes! Let me see!
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[Taking out his phone, he scrolls through his photos before turning around a mirror selfie. His face and most of his body are cropped out, but in addition to the beautiful white wings, it isn't hard to notice that the visible skin of his arm and shoulder have a bit of a pearlescent sheen.]
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