[But when he sees what Rinne does... Niki decides to do the same. He dips his finger into the inkwell and reaches across Rinne to dab it on Prez's cheek.]
Boop.
[...and then he repeats the gesture again, but rather than lean across Rinne again, he stops at Rinne and dabs his cheek, too.]
[ she's so glad to be across the way now... it gives her a better angle for taking fun pictures, so don't mind her living vicariously through them with her syntrofos. she'll make a collage later!!! ]
You three would have some stiff competition even among our peers, you know. But I'll think of how to make it more fun than just a simple contest and circle back.
[ so in the end, she's still working somehow today... this is a her problem. ]
But if Niki's the only unmarked one, does that mean he's the most likely to win? I think you should even the score.
[ Rinne's a bad influence, but Niki's a minx. Well no, he's a fox. This is why he gets no sympathy as Rinne points and laughs at him, giddily nudging Takasugi with his elbow all the while. ]
Kyahahaha! Looks like you got your just desserts, Niki!
[ It's okay that he's out of the running... for now. Look at how cute Niki is. The alcohol is definitely helping with that. ]
[ which she will, once she's fetched the bottle to refill takasugi's cup -- and top off the other two while she's at it, settling back down to place more desserts on her plate.
...
and some vegetables too, she guesses. ]
Also, don't even think of putting your fingerprints on me. I still have a job to get back to after all.
Not to worry. If anything, going overboard just means we can't eat until we clean our hands. Make sure to wipe them clean before you eat anything, you two, or you might end up with an unpleasant surprise tomorrow.
( not to be the other voice of reason even as the alcohol works its way into his system, but the soft pink across takasugi's cheeks says enough: he's enjoying himself.
"karteria's best idol", though. given the way their faces are marked, it seems like he, the one with the least experience, could end up right at the top. and considering how karteria's last hero was treated, maybe that's for the best. if they eventually find themselves front and center in the eyes of those with power, then all the better that takasugi be the one to endure the full brunt of it. that way the other two can flourish properly under malkuth's wing, and he can...
takasugi rubs that thought and his clawed fingertips against a cloth napkin before stabbing a piece of meat himself. then he fills his cheeks with warm omelette and chews thoroughly. tentatively, even. what rings hollow between his ribs hasn't given him much of an appetite lately, but. everything looks so good. )
Oh, you don't have to worry about me, Prez. I can eat things that other people can't, so I'll probably be okay.
[He says that so proudly, but isn't that kind of alarming?!
Noticing the way Takasugi hums, though...]
Is it good? If you like it, you should eat even more. [Without asking or waiting for permission, Niki picks out a couple of other foods and casually places them on Takasugi's plate.] You should eat until you can't eat anymore. It's a celebration, after all~.
[Takasugi doesn't seem hungry to him, exactly... But Niki still gets the feeling that he should eat. So, he tugs on Rinne's sleeve.]
Right, Rinne-kun?
[Niki doesn't say it directly, but the implication is there: help him fill Prez's plate?]
Yeah. We're having a party, so we should just do what feels good. And nothing's better than Niki's cooking!
[ He uses his clean hand to pick up pink, juicy slices of salmon with his chopsticks and put them on Takasugi's plate. They look fresh and tasty. In fact, why not take a page from Niki? He picks up the next mouthwatering piece from the box and holds it near Takasugi's mouth. His hand is slow, but deliberately so. ]
( really? feeding him by hand right in front of their manager? as if he'd say no.
after a quick swallow of wine to clear his throat, takasugi opens wide, all teeth and eyes twinkling in amusement. )
Ahhhh.
( he tries to be gentle as teeth tear straight through pink flesh to chew, takasugi taking the whole morsel in his mouth. there's no likely scenario where this can embarrass him, probably. if anything, he’d be content with any of them doing this as long as the drink continues to flow, a hand still cupped firmly around his glass. )
[Rinne doesn't even get to the salmon. Determined, he parries. Shwing!]
Oh, oh! The samurai wants a showdown, huh? [Their chopsticks clash again.] It ain't all sunshine and roses here, Prez. If your cute ass wants to eat, you gotta work for it!
Surely you don't think I'd be so heartless as to shove you all out the moment I finish pointing out what you need to work on? It's not like I have anything else going on, and this is way more interesting than just sitting around by my lonesome as the snow picks up. I can only stand the fragile fall of it by myself for so long.
( finally, he plops a piece of salmon from his plate into his own mouth.
the frown from literally just a moment ago is already washed from his face, replaced with a healthy smirk as he taps his chopsticks together in rinne's direction next to him. his bangs fall a little haphazardly after all that movement, with strands of pink and red sticking to a cheek that's looking a bit fuller since they initially burst through the door. )
But that ended up being pretty fun. Next time you want to spar, let's do it with training blades so I can see that swordplay you were working on, yeah? I'm still curious as to what your form looks like.
( and then he can knock rinne flat on his feet for emphasis, or whatever seems most entertaining at the time. he won't be strict about it. )
Even if he tried to kick us out, we'd just come back, anyway~. We're buzzy bees, after all.
[Niki's not trying to interrupt their conversation, but the others need to try his mochi, too. So he quietly picks up another one and sticks it in front of Prez's face. If he takes it, then he'll put one on Malkuth's plate, like a normal person.]
[ wow... food aggressive. deserved though, and malkuth gives niki a small smile of thanks. ]
Speaking of homes, you two haven't had the chance to drop by my place yet, have you? It's just been Takasugi and someone else so far... I'm still accepting housewarming gifts, for the record.
[He was hoping Takasugi wouldn't bring up his swordplay... It'll be embarrassing if he ended up fumbling. Malkuth's offer thankfully lets him shake off the nervousness.]
Oh? You'd really let us in? I didn't wanna drop by in case you were gettin' cozy with the fishies.
Well, if Bambi wants Rinne-kun's company, who am I to say no?
[ she's ignoring the allegations. her pinned back ears aren't, clearly irritated, but she is verbally. ]
But really, never hesitate to visit! I've been pretty lonely without you three, [ sorry for her upfront honesty, ] and having Yesod around only helps so much. I missed you a lot.
[Niki is very serious about food, so he would never dream of pulling the mochi away from Takasugi. He's kind of surprised about how willing he is to accept it! But he's glad he does. It's kind of a food experiment, so it's extra important to Niki that they eat it!
As for what Malkuth and Rinne are talking about... Niki is here to save the day!
By which I mean he's gently pinching Rinne's arm to divert his embarrassment.]
Why do you have to say it like that? It's none of your business what she does in her home. [Like Niki hasn't been :eyes: about her boy troubles, too? But at least he's polite about it.] Also, we're going, not just you.
Why doesn't Prez come, too? We can have our next dinner there, if it's okay with you and your friend, Miss Manager.
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no subject
Date: 2026-01-03 03:47 pm (UTC)Boop.
[...and then he repeats the gesture again, but rather than lean across Rinne again, he stops at Rinne and dabs his cheek, too.]
Boop!
[You'd think he would learn!]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-03 04:39 pm (UTC)he's not about to be left out of it either, so.
a black finger into the inkwell, just to smear it across the smudge niki made on rinne's cheek. the great shape of an X. )
Hahah. You're supposed to do this to the one who loses, so looks like you're out of the running for Karteria's Best Idol.
( so he was listening... )
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Date: 2026-01-03 04:53 pm (UTC)You three would have some stiff competition even among our peers, you know. But I'll think of how to make it more fun than just a simple contest and circle back.
[ so in the end, she's still working somehow today... this is a her problem. ]
But if Niki's the only unmarked one, does that mean he's the most likely to win? I think you should even the score.
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Date: 2026-01-03 05:09 pm (UTC)( just smearing his whole hand on niki's cheek as his ears perk up. what happened to eating? )
Malkuth, pour me a refill while you're at it, would you?
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Date: 2026-01-03 05:36 pm (UTC)Kyahahaha! Looks like you got your just desserts, Niki!
[ It's okay that he's out of the running... for now. Look at how cute Niki is. The alcohol is definitely helping with that. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 12:22 am (UTC)[HIS FACE... He can feel the ink drying!!
Despite what he says, though, his expression softens immediately.]
But I do love desserts... ♪
[That's not what that means!! And perhaps even worse than that, he stuffs a piece of meat into his mouth instead of something sweet. What a disaster.]
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Date: 2026-01-04 12:38 am (UTC)[ which she will, once she's fetched the bottle to refill takasugi's cup -- and top off the other two while she's at it, settling back down to place more desserts on her plate.
...
and some vegetables too, she guesses. ]
Also, don't even think of putting your fingerprints on me. I still have a job to get back to after all.
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Date: 2026-01-04 01:10 am (UTC)( not to be the other voice of reason even as the alcohol works its way into his system, but the soft pink across takasugi's cheeks says enough: he's enjoying himself.
"karteria's best idol", though. given the way their faces are marked, it seems like he, the one with the least experience, could end up right at the top. and considering how karteria's last hero was treated, maybe that's for the best. if they eventually find themselves front and center in the eyes of those with power, then all the better that takasugi be the one to endure the full brunt of it. that way the other two can flourish properly under malkuth's wing, and he can...
takasugi rubs that thought and his clawed fingertips against a cloth napkin before stabbing a piece of meat himself. then he fills his cheeks with warm omelette and chews thoroughly. tentatively, even. what rings hollow between his ribs hasn't given him much of an appetite lately, but. everything looks so good. )
Mmh.
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Date: 2026-01-04 02:07 am (UTC)[He says that so proudly, but isn't that kind of alarming?!
Noticing the way Takasugi hums, though...]
Is it good? If you like it, you should eat even more. [Without asking or waiting for permission, Niki picks out a couple of other foods and casually places them on Takasugi's plate.] You should eat until you can't eat anymore. It's a celebration, after all~.
[Takasugi doesn't seem hungry to him, exactly... But Niki still gets the feeling that he should eat. So, he tugs on Rinne's sleeve.]
Right, Rinne-kun?
[Niki doesn't say it directly, but the implication is there: help him fill Prez's plate?]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 04:21 am (UTC)[ He uses his clean hand to pick up pink, juicy slices of salmon with his chopsticks and put them on Takasugi's plate. They look fresh and tasty. In fact, why not take a page from Niki? He picks up the next mouthwatering piece from the box and holds it near Takasugi's mouth. His hand is slow, but deliberately so. ]
Say ahhh.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 04:46 am (UTC)after a quick swallow of wine to clear his throat, takasugi opens wide, all teeth and eyes twinkling in amusement. )
Ahhhh.
( he tries to be gentle as teeth tear straight through pink flesh to chew, takasugi taking the whole morsel in his mouth. there's no likely scenario where this can embarrass him, probably. if anything, he’d be content with any of them doing this as long as the drink continues to flow, a hand still cupped firmly around his glass. )
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 06:57 am (UTC)[Sorry.
But before the fish even touches Takasugi's lips, Rinne brings the chopsticks back and drops the thick, tasty slice of salmon into his own mouth.]
Mmmm. Oh, that's good.
[He gets another piece from Takasugi's plate.]
( 1 / 2 )
Date: 2026-01-04 07:02 am (UTC)...............
..................
oh.
alright. well. )
( 2 / 2 )
Date: 2026-01-04 07:09 am (UTC)( hello? the frown is immediate.
there's a clacking noise as takasugi smacks his own pair of chopsticks against rinne's to try and snatch that piece back.
just because he's the favorite doesn't mean takasugi will stand for being bullied in his own home. )
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 07:57 am (UTC)Oh, oh! The samurai wants a showdown, huh? [Their chopsticks clash again.] It ain't all sunshine and roses here, Prez. If your cute ass wants to eat, you gotta work for it!
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 09:46 am (UTC)I'm glad you like my food enough to steal it, I think, but can you please not play with it?! There's more than enough for everyone, you know?!
[Gosh!! Niki doesn't care for fighting, but he does have a solution to this, and it's...
To stick a piece of mochi into Rinne's mouth!]
Why are you causing trouble on evaluation day? It's like you want to get in trouble or something.
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Date: 2026-01-04 10:51 am (UTC)[And busy chewing his food. At least he's backed off... for now. The mochi is chewy and sweet. It's nice.
Finally, he swallows.]
Ugh... Once Prez does our evals, he's got every right to kick us out. We gotta keep the party going, y'know?
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 12:29 pm (UTC)( finally, he plops a piece of salmon from his plate into his own mouth.
the frown from literally just a moment ago is already washed from his face, replaced with a healthy smirk as he taps his chopsticks together in rinne's direction next to him. his bangs fall a little haphazardly after all that movement, with strands of pink and red sticking to a cheek that's looking a bit fuller since they initially burst through the door. )
But that ended up being pretty fun. Next time you want to spar, let's do it with training blades so I can see that swordplay you were working on, yeah? I'm still curious as to what your form looks like.
( and then he can knock rinne flat on his feet for emphasis, or whatever seems most entertaining at the time. he won't be strict about it. )
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 08:02 pm (UTC)[Niki's not trying to interrupt their conversation, but the others need to try his mochi, too. So he quietly picks up another one and sticks it in front of Prez's face. If he takes it, then he'll put one on Malkuth's plate, like a normal person.]
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Date: 2026-01-04 08:10 pm (UTC)this time... this time, he gets to eat it like niki's feeding it to him, right?
he's not going to snatch it away from him, RIGHT? shiina-kun. )
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 08:25 pm (UTC)Speaking of homes, you two haven't had the chance to drop by my place yet, have you? It's just been Takasugi and someone else so far... I'm still accepting housewarming gifts, for the record.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 11:25 pm (UTC)Oh? You'd really let us in? I didn't wanna drop by in case you were gettin' cozy with the fishies.
Well, if Bambi wants Rinne-kun's company, who am I to say no?
[What about gifts, Rinne...]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 11:37 pm (UTC)[ she's ignoring the allegations. her pinned back ears aren't, clearly irritated, but she is verbally. ]
But really, never hesitate to visit! I've been pretty lonely without you three, [ sorry for her upfront honesty, ] and having Yesod around only helps so much. I missed you a lot.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-04 11:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-01-05 12:13 am (UTC)As for what Malkuth and Rinne are talking about... Niki is here to save the day!
By which I mean he's gently pinching Rinne's arm to divert his embarrassment.]
Why do you have to say it like that? It's none of your business what she does in her home. [Like Niki hasn't been :eyes: about her boy troubles, too? But at least he's polite about it.] Also, we're going, not just you.
Why doesn't Prez come, too? We can have our next dinner there, if it's okay with you and your friend, Miss Manager.
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