[Rosso is already pretty much in hysterics doubled over laughing as he is, but maybe there's a way to make him laugh so hard he cries? Who knows. Such a shame that Adrian can't eat the eyeball lemon... such a shame that they can't turn around and go back to Elrianode so Rosso can say "try Denif's cooking" and smile like :) while Adrian gags on it.
When he's done fucking dying, Rosso steps back over to Adrian and plucks the fruit from his hand, tossing it aside unceremoniously, where it will soon despawn like the other half.]
Come on. Unless you can think of anything else weird you wanted to see, I think its your turn.
[On the simulation, he means. Show him Perovskia you coward—]
Adrian looks aside for a moment, already knowing what he's going to think of. He's just not exactly sure yet how far his imagination is going to take it.]
Well. Get ready to be disappointed.
[He finds a "tree" nearby, which is actually just the wall of the simulation, to place his hand on. It's easier for him to get this thing working when he's able to remind himself what it is, and because of that it only takes a few moments for their surroundings to begin to change. It ripples oddly for a moment, like what you see when the air distorts over something particularly hot. Then, they've gone from being in one forest to another.
As far as the woods go, this one isn't all that special. It's a forest, dense with trees and undergrowth, with the sunlight filtering through the canopy in a way that suggests it's around sunset. They're in a clearing that looks to be natural, and in the distance- on a mountain that overlooks the surrounding area- is the kingdom proper, with the castle and its red and white spires reaching high up into the sky.
Adrian starts walking without prompting, because their real target is straight ahead. It's a massive oak, one that's been in this forest longer than Adrian's been alive, and high up in its branches is a ramshackle treehouse that's more hastily put together than even the one he lives in here.]
[Ah, the woods. A less purple-blue variant of the woods, but the woods nonetheless. This forest feels a lot safer than the one in Varnimyr proper, maybe because it's bright and green instead of dark and lit only by ominously-glowing plants. That, and the looming kingdom tells him that this place is probably somewhat protected from The Horrors.
Regardless...
The treehouse is wholly unsurprising. Rosso has a "no wonder" moment as he looks up at it, shading his eyes from the sun with his hand.]
[Or at least, he assumes it must have. Either the kingdom ransacked it, or burned it down. He never got a chance to go back to see, because for a while he fled with Misha out of fear of what might happen if he didn't. He doesn't dawdle on that thought as he walks towards the treehouse, and with the functionalities of the Cube still well at work, it means he and Rosso can scale it with ease. They'll be using a rope ladder this time though, instead of the winding stairs Adrian built on his treehouse back in Ryslig.
Actually, it's clear this one is more hand-made. Less sturdy. Built by necessity over a long period of time, with no way to actually use proper materials or tools. And the inside is indicative of that as well, with an old cot pushed to one corner for a bed, some bags and things thrown around with Adrian's meager belongings. One side isn't even walled off, instead completely open to face the setting sun with a ragged curtain pulled over to act as a barrier. That is where Adrian chooses to sit, just barely underneath the curtain so he can still watch the sun as it goes down.
Then, he stiffens when a voice suddenly shouts from below just as they've made it up, the rope bridge rattling.]
Adriaaan! I'm comin' up!!
[He doesn't look, but Rosso is welcome to. A young boy, no older than 10, drags himself bodily up into the treehouse, smudging dirt off his cheek with the heel of one hand. His clothes are ragged and disheveled, and his turqoise hair is a right mess. His face is patchy with bandages in a few places, and he's definitely missing one of his front teeth as he grins up at Adrian...and then falters, his attention immediately on Rosso.
And he is instantly defensive, the sound of wood-on-wood finally prompting Adrian to look over as he realizes that Misha has gone to pick up a thick stick from the corner of the treehouse, brandishing it at Rosso like someone might a sword.]
Who is...who are you!?
Take it easy, kid. He's with me.
He looks like he's from the kingdom! Why is he here?!
[...ah, yeah. Rosso, in his Default Appearance (and, frankly, anywhere within the peninsula proper) does look rather wealthy and ostentatious. The bolero and corset do not help with this, this man clearly comes from Money (government-given) and clearly does not live in the woods (hair too shiny for that). The other thing, too, is that he's really just... like, not great with kids. Like, Laby is this kid's same age based on visuals, and Rosso's definitely dropped all manner of curse words in front of her (to the chagrin of Gaia) and has told her to go away on several occasions. Elrian kids are built different.
This is just... a little guy. A little guy who Rosso's currently in the home of, taking up space and sitting watching the sunset like he belongs here. Uh.
Hm.]
Hey, kiddo. I'm not from the kingdom, and I'm not gonna hurt either of you. Believe it or not, I'm Adri's... friend. Bet you didn't know he could make those.
[It's a jab, perhaps, but a good one. If Misha wasn't so spooked, he might have laughed. Instead, his gaze narrows further as he chokes up his grip on the stick.]
Yea. That's cuz he don't have any. He's just got me.
[Adrian feels a pang of something in his chest when Misha says that, and for a moment it's like he's back there with the kid for real. He feels frustration welling up in him just like it always did before as he turns his head and barks:]
Leave it, Misha. [Then after a moment, remembering...right. It's not...real, there's no reason to be....] ...he ain't from the kingdom.
[Misha grimaces, looking ready to bark right back at Adrian- unphased- but clearly still seems unsure.]
But you said-
"Don't trust anyone", yeah. But I trust him, and that's good enough, yeah?
[Misha lowers his stick, slowly. Looking from Adrian to Rosso. Before he can get any more agitated, Adrian continues.]
This is Ainen Rosso. He ain't from 'round these parts, and I haven't seen 'im in a while...so we're gonna be nice to 'im while he's here, okay?
[The boy looks to Rosso directly now, still giving him a bit of a stink eye...before he wordlessly drops the stick, but seems to keep it within reach just in case.]
...if you ain't from the kingdom, how come you dress like that?
There are two answers to this. For this current outfit, it's just how all the Masters dressed, which Adrian saw first-hand, though Rosso's fond of the style (because he's gay) and adopted it pretty easily into his wardrobe. The other answer is the one he actually gives with a shrug.]
I like looking nice. I'll freak the fu— heck— out if my hair isn't washed.
[He's trying so hard not to teach simulation-Misha the fuck word. Has Adrian already taught him the fuck word? Fuck—]
Clothes and the sort are important to me. When I was your age, I had no control over any of that 'cause the adults in my life weren't keen on letting me do anything that wasn't up to their standard.
[Adrian answers the simulation easily, as if it's actually there even though he is very much trying not to look at Misha directly. He can't.
Not that it helps much when the boy tromps over and leans against Adrian from behind, standing while Adrian sits, both hands reaching out to grab onto the base of both of his antennae as if he plans to lead him like a horse.]
I don't HAVE to wash my hair.
Yes, you do.
And I can stay up all night!
You ain't done that once in your whole life.
[Back then, it would annoy the shit out of Adrian when Misha grabbed his antennae. It hurt, because they were sensitive, and he'd pull on them if Adrian needed to carry him on his back for some reason. Yet, he allowed it to happen, no matter how much he threatened to kill him for it later.
He...can't even feel it now. It's like Misha isn't there at all, and it's why Adrian is looking staunchly out towards the simulated sun.
Meanwhile, Misha seems unphased by Adrian's grumbling as he pushes Adrian's antennae apart, dropping his chin on top of his head.]
And we're gonna live here like this forever, doin' whatever the hell we want! Nobody in the kingdom can tell us what to do!
If you say that word again I will kick you out of this tree.
[Oh yeah, this kid is basically just Laby but turquoise. Sounds like Misha already has a hint of cussing in his blood, but Rosso's going to try not to make that worse. Assuming it's not... already a problem sometimes.
Adrian trying so hard to raise this kid, to tell him what to do and how not to talk, to try to get him to grow up proper... it's all cute as hell. Despite the Disturbance in the force he can feel from Adrian right now, Rosso leans against him, taking a slow moment to impulsively kiss Adrian's cheek and look at him like the guy put all the stars in the sky. Surely this will not spark disgusted little kid noises—]
If you don't wash your hair, bugs are gonna live in it, and then they're gonna eat your hair and you're gonna be bald. [He says this with such confidence.] You only get to do whatever you want if you take care of your health first.
[It absolutely sparks disgusted little kid noises as Misha recoils and makes a face like he’d just eaten one of the eyeball lemons. He sort of just looks between Adrian and Rosso for a second, because Adrian just said Rosso was a “friend” that he hadn’t seen in a while…..but Rosso just kissed him?
EW.
Adrian, meanwhile, feels himself reflexively relax a little at the gesture, even if he’s trying desperately hard not to let the simulation get to him. Because…this Misha is gone. He’s either in the system, or dead, and Adrian knows he’ll never know which.
He also knows now why people warn about staying in the Cube for too long. He thinks he could easily get lost here, starving to death living as if things never changed.
For a moment he’s still, his eyes closed as he leans back against Rosso, letting him command the scene for a moment so he can take a chance to breathe.]
What? No way you’re lying!
[He huffs, and without preamble he shifts around Adrian to throw himself into his lap, sitting between his crossed legs. Adrian doesn’t react…because again, he can’t feel it, not really. He doesn’t even realize where Misha ended up until he speaks again, prompting him to open his eyes.]
Sides…we ain’t gonna be here for a while anyways. We’re gonna go on an adventure, we won’t have time to do stuff like take baths.
Kid…
[Adrian wheezes, leaning his head back against the tree trunk.
It’s not real. He’s not real.]
…someday. I promise. But we can’t…not right now. You know that.
[Adrian is... very much not taking this well. Rosso gets it. He knows what happened to his idiots — Ebalon fucked right off, Solace and Harnier are in Elysion, and the others just live in the Tower like old times. They're all fine, last Rosso left them, and so he's a lot less saddened by paying visits in the Cube. Still upset, yes, still wistful and missing those dumbasses every day... but they're fine. And they'll be fine without him back home to screw things up.
Adrian doesn't know what happened to Misha, or anyone else he ever loved for that matter, so it's... a lot different. Probably. Rosso thinks it is, anyway, given the forlorn energy he can feel coming off of Adrian in waves. The kid was fucking dying, and Adrian gave him up and was prepared to rot in prison forever. It's easy to speculate. Hard to find an actual answer.
He rests his head on Adrian's shoulder as silent reassurance. Rosso won't force him to shut the simulation off until he's ready, but he hopes Adrian realises that he can stop at any time.
For now...]
You ever been on an adventure, kid? [Here, Rosso cards his hands through Misha's hair, fluffing it up. While his hand passes easily through the strands and they do properly ruffle, Rosso feels absolutely nothing, just like when he'd tried to step on Ventus's foot earlier.] You're gonna bathe in lakes and spend more hours setting up camp and hunting for food than you think. It's not all finding cool sh....stuff in the woods.
And I'm being serious about the bugs. They're called head lice and they'll make you itchy as all h...eck.
[When Rosso touches “Misha’s” hair, he reacts exactly as Adrian imagines he would have. He shakes his head, recoiling initially…but after getting a look from Adrian, he purses his lips and settles begrudgingly. He does sink heavier into Adrian’s lap though, as if to remind Rosso that he was here first.
…but then he mentions lice, and he stiffens visibly.]
You’re makin’ that up!
[But Adrian shakes his head, looping his lower set of arms loosely around Misha’s middle.]
He ain’t. You’re da- …dang lucky you ain’t got fleas yet with the way you run around in the woods.
I don’t got fleas!!!
Oh my bad. Ticks.
[Which they’ve both gotten before and it’s terrible actually-
Misha rolls his eyes and huffs again, looking out past the trees over at the sun setting now along with Adrian.]
So when CAN we go?
[Adrian sighs, and finds himself repeating what he actually told Misha back then.]
Better grow those legs fast, kid. Adrian's pretty much all leg.
[Rosso can't say normal things like... make sure you eat your vegetables, remember to get eight hours of sleep, or whatever other shit doctors say, because these two don't have that. It wouldn't be nice to remind them of all the shit they don't have.
Conspiratorially, Rosso leans in to whisper to Misha, loud enough for Adrian to hear:]
If you need a lift to win, high heels are completely valid. He probably can't walk in them, so you'll have a literal leg up.
[He sits back up. Looks at Adrian. Grins. Look how helpful he is, aren't you glad you brought him to the treehouse?]
Misha glances up at Adrian conspiratorially as Rosso whispers to him, and after a moment of thought he whispers back (again, definitely loud enough for Adrian to hear).]
You're right, he's super clumsy...
[Misha knows that Adrian can hear him, of course, given the way he's sneering at him. So he's mostly prepared when Adrian suddenly reaches out and wraps an arm around Misha's neck, grinding his knuckles into the top of his head in a way that makes Misha squeal and try to pull Adrian's arm off of him.]
And who's gonna buy those for you, huh?
We don't need t'buy shit! We just take what we need!
[Adrian's expression sobers a bit at that, because he knows that he's teaching- ...well. He taught the kid bad habits. It wasn't like he could help it, they'd be starving out here otherwise. That's why Adrian lets him go after a moment, keeping Misha in his lap while he reaches a free arm out to wrap loosely around Rosso's waist.]
Only cause we got to, remember? When we leave here, we won't hafta steal anymore. Ever again.
[Rosso snuggles in closer at that. Any further and he'll be fighting Misha for lap-space.]
Keep that fire in your chest, kid. It's good for you. And when you get outta here, remember to stop and help the little people along the way.
[Rosso never had to steal to survive. His survival was, however unfortunate at the time, guaranteed because his clan needed the perfect Fire Master. He never learnt to need things because it was all just handed to him; becoming a Master meant getting whatever he wanted at the cost of basically being enslaved to stare at the El all day. If he went out on a field mission for any reason at all, he had plenty of money or reason to say "just give me stuff" by title alone.
Helping the little people was something he did on the way, if he could. It made sense for him then because he had the money and authority to say something. Misha and Adrian are a lot different from that...
...and then he doesn't know why he's thinking about this so hard, it's a fucking simulation good god—]
Stay humble, though. You don't wanna end up like me. I brag too damn much for my own good.
[Adrian smirks, resting the side of his head against Rosso's once all three of them have settled again. Help the little people...]
I'm not gonna be greedy and stupid like the royals. [Okay maybe Adrian hasn't been censoring himself QUITE enough but he's trying okay-] I want kids like me to not have to worry about anything.
[He raises a brow when Misha says that- because he wouldn't...have commanded the simulation to say it, so it's a bit more sophisticated than he thought. Maybe it can draw directly from his memories, or something.]
Yeah. We want that too, don't worry.
[Misha is still in Adrian's lap as they talk, now, and since it's still a simulation...it means it's reacting to Adrian's mood as well. Which means it's maybe not too surprising when Misha starts to doze off a bit. And in the silence that follows, Adrian allows it. Basks in the simplicity of just being here with two of his favorite people in the world.
He's brushing his fingers through Misha's hair himself now when the boy is no longer "listening", leaving Adrian free to talk to Rosso now.]
He was livin' with his "Nana" before I found him. I don't know exactly what happened to her...I guess she got sick, but there was nobody else for him. He'd have still be on the streets if we didn't run into each other.
[Maybe, he would have still survived. Maybe he would have been better off. In the end, Adrian doesn't know.]
He's a good kid. ...and you're a good person for helping him.
[Rosso has no idea how to describe it, but it's just... endearing, somehow, that Adrian's so fond of the kid. Kind enough to stick his neck out for someone in need. It's an important thing to him, to be able to do that — reminds him a lot of what Lebio wanted to do before his untimely demise at Rosso's hands.
If Rosso starts nuzzling against Adrian, shut up, no he doesn't. He's just charmed and gay, big fucking deal.]
You gave him something where he would've had nothing. You're the reason he's so energetic, you know. He clearly loves you a lot.
[Rosso doesn't say "you love him too" because he knows how Adrian will act about it, but there's a hint of it in that last statement. Haha you're soft for this kid you fucking nerd loser—]
[Adrian scoffs, as if he wants to argue...but he doesn't. He just sits there and tries not to let this dumb simulation get to him. He wants...to stay here, but he knows he can't. This isn't his life anymore, and it isn't Misha's either.
After a long moment though, he does lean a bit more into Rosso's subtle nuzzling.]
I just hope that wherever he ended up, he's alright.
[He didn't deserve to die sick, afraid, and alone. He probably doesn't trust a single person in the kingdom either, so if he did survive...he's going to be difficult. He'll be a problem for his caretakers, and honestly they fucking deserve it in his opinion for leaving Misha as another one of the forgotten. Maybe he will be an example for them to do better.
Maybe he'll find a family. Maybe he'll go on that adventure he wanted.]
I grew up alone. I wasn't gonna have the same thing happen to him.
Kids like that are stubborn, you know. He's gonna be fine. And if you don't believe me, I'll give you some very fucking specific examples of that group of kids that's always been fine.
[Not that Rosso knows them too well other than saying "let me die" and one in particular going "no", but still. The tales and rumours don't write themselves.
He places another fluttery kiss to Adrian's cheek. This one lingers longer than the first one, and Rosso thinks, however briefly, that he might trail it to Adrian's lips before slightly backing off. Slightly. His breath still tickles Adrian's cheek as he speaks next.]
I think I like this soft, mushy side to you. It's cute as hell.
Adrian chuffs, a huff through his nose and mouth, and kisses Rosso back for as long as he can manage before he's pulled away. It's considerably different, without his usual monster parts in the way.]
And if you tell anybody about it, I'll kill you.
[Or deny everything until his dying breath.
But most people know. If they've met Adrian and have had more than a single conversation with him...they know. He's a brute on the outside, aggressive and crass as a defense mechanism, but by night he volunteers at the orphanage and has date nights with his boyfriend. His coolness factor....is subjective.
He sighs as they sit there, his hand still resting on Misha's head. The sun will never set beyond the trees, no matter how much time they spend here.]
Prolly should...be careful how long we stay. But...it's kinda nice, havin' you home.
[It'd be even nicer in Rosso's world though, he thinks. Just find the kid and hop to another world, he'd fucking do it.]
[And what, get the kid adopted by the El Search Party? They take misfits under their wing like hobbyists collect Warhammer minis.
...
It might be nice, though, because at least Misha would be cared for. It's not Rosso's place to say.]
You can cut the simulation whenever you want, aegiya. I'll leave it up to you.
[Normally Rosso would say "we can sit here all day and make out" (he would not say this) (he'd just do it) but that's kind of hard with a kid on Adrian's lap. Don't swap spit in front of the child, y'all.]
If I do meet Misha for real, by the way, I'm gonna tell him that you're a big soft-hearted idiot. Better be prepared to kill me in one shot.
[He's just glad that he was able to Do this. When he saw Misha in the maze...he nearly lost his mind. He wasn't sure how he was going to react, seeing him in the simulation. In reality, they're probably sitting in the center of a massive empty room...but for the time being, it feels like they're somewhere else entirely.
Adrian doesn't want to say that he doesn't think it's possible for Rosso to ever meet him. It's easier to think about hypotheticals. What if, right?]
Don't worry, I'd kill you instantly. I'd make it count.
[His antennae curl, similar to the way his tail might if he had it visibly right now.]
Misha would remember you as "that guy I met for five minutes before Adrian killed him".
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[Rosso is already pretty much in hysterics doubled over laughing as he is, but maybe there's a way to make him laugh so hard he cries? Who knows. Such a shame that Adrian can't eat the eyeball lemon... such a shame that they can't turn around and go back to Elrianode so Rosso can say "try Denif's cooking" and smile like :) while Adrian gags on it.
When he's done fucking dying, Rosso steps back over to Adrian and plucks the fruit from his hand, tossing it aside unceremoniously, where it will soon despawn like the other half.]
Come on. Unless you can think of anything else weird you wanted to see, I think its your turn.
[On the simulation, he means. Show him Perovskia you coward—]
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Adrian looks aside for a moment, already knowing what he's going to think of. He's just not exactly sure yet how far his imagination is going to take it.]
Well. Get ready to be disappointed.
[He finds a "tree" nearby, which is actually just the wall of the simulation, to place his hand on. It's easier for him to get this thing working when he's able to remind himself what it is, and because of that it only takes a few moments for their surroundings to begin to change. It ripples oddly for a moment, like what you see when the air distorts over something particularly hot. Then, they've gone from being in one forest to another.
As far as the woods go, this one isn't all that special. It's a forest, dense with trees and undergrowth, with the sunlight filtering through the canopy in a way that suggests it's around sunset. They're in a clearing that looks to be natural, and in the distance- on a mountain that overlooks the surrounding area- is the kingdom proper, with the castle and its red and white spires reaching high up into the sky.
Adrian starts walking without prompting, because their real target is straight ahead. It's a massive oak, one that's been in this forest longer than Adrian's been alive, and high up in its branches is a ramshackle treehouse that's more hastily put together than even the one he lives in here.]
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Regardless...
The treehouse is wholly unsurprising. Rosso has a "no wonder" moment as he looks up at it, shading his eyes from the sun with his hand.]
This your old place?
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[Or at least, he assumes it must have. Either the kingdom ransacked it, or burned it down. He never got a chance to go back to see, because for a while he fled with Misha out of fear of what might happen if he didn't. He doesn't dawdle on that thought as he walks towards the treehouse, and with the functionalities of the Cube still well at work, it means he and Rosso can scale it with ease. They'll be using a rope ladder this time though, instead of the winding stairs Adrian built on his treehouse back in Ryslig.
Actually, it's clear this one is more hand-made. Less sturdy. Built by necessity over a long period of time, with no way to actually use proper materials or tools. And the inside is indicative of that as well, with an old cot pushed to one corner for a bed, some bags and things thrown around with Adrian's meager belongings. One side isn't even walled off, instead completely open to face the setting sun with a ragged curtain pulled over to act as a barrier. That is where Adrian chooses to sit, just barely underneath the curtain so he can still watch the sun as it goes down.
Then, he stiffens when a voice suddenly shouts from below just as they've made it up, the rope bridge rattling.]
Adriaaan! I'm comin' up!!
[He doesn't look, but Rosso is welcome to. A young boy, no older than 10, drags himself bodily up into the treehouse, smudging dirt off his cheek with the heel of one hand. His clothes are ragged and disheveled, and his turqoise hair is a right mess. His face is patchy with bandages in a few places, and he's definitely missing one of his front teeth as he grins up at Adrian...and then falters, his attention immediately on Rosso.
And he is instantly defensive, the sound of wood-on-wood finally prompting Adrian to look over as he realizes that Misha has gone to pick up a thick stick from the corner of the treehouse, brandishing it at Rosso like someone might a sword.]
Who is...who are you!?
Take it easy, kid. He's with me.
He looks like he's from the kingdom! Why is he here?!
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This is just... a little guy. A little guy who Rosso's currently in the home of, taking up space and sitting watching the sunset like he belongs here. Uh.
Hm.]
Hey, kiddo. I'm not from the kingdom, and I'm not gonna hurt either of you. Believe it or not, I'm Adri's... friend. Bet you didn't know he could make those.
[Always with the jabs, Rosso, jeez.]
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Yea. That's cuz he don't have any. He's just got me.
[Adrian feels a pang of something in his chest when Misha says that, and for a moment it's like he's back there with the kid for real. He feels frustration welling up in him just like it always did before as he turns his head and barks:]
Leave it, Misha. [Then after a moment, remembering...right. It's not...real, there's no reason to be....] ...he ain't from the kingdom.
[Misha grimaces, looking ready to bark right back at Adrian- unphased- but clearly still seems unsure.]
But you said-
"Don't trust anyone", yeah. But I trust him, and that's good enough, yeah?
[Misha lowers his stick, slowly. Looking from Adrian to Rosso. Before he can get any more agitated, Adrian continues.]
This is Ainen Rosso. He ain't from 'round these parts, and I haven't seen 'im in a while...so we're gonna be nice to 'im while he's here, okay?
[The boy looks to Rosso directly now, still giving him a bit of a stink eye...before he wordlessly drops the stick, but seems to keep it within reach just in case.]
...if you ain't from the kingdom, how come you dress like that?
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There are two answers to this. For this current outfit, it's just how all the Masters dressed, which Adrian saw first-hand, though Rosso's fond of the style
(because he's gay)and adopted it pretty easily into his wardrobe. The other answer is the one he actually gives with a shrug.]I like looking nice. I'll freak the fu— heck— out if my hair isn't washed.
[He's trying so hard not to teach simulation-Misha the fuck word. Has Adrian already taught him the fuck word? Fuck—]
Clothes and the sort are important to me. When I was your age, I had no control over any of that 'cause the adults in my life weren't keen on letting me do anything that wasn't up to their standard.
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No I don't, stop lying.
[Adrian answers the simulation easily, as if it's actually there even though he is very much trying not to look at Misha directly. He can't.
Not that it helps much when the boy tromps over and leans against Adrian from behind, standing while Adrian sits, both hands reaching out to grab onto the base of both of his antennae as if he plans to lead him like a horse.]
I don't HAVE to wash my hair.
Yes, you do.
And I can stay up all night!
You ain't done that once in your whole life.
[Back then, it would annoy the shit out of Adrian when Misha grabbed his antennae. It hurt, because they were sensitive, and he'd pull on them if Adrian needed to carry him on his back for some reason. Yet, he allowed it to happen, no matter how much he threatened to kill him for it later.
He...can't even feel it now. It's like Misha isn't there at all, and it's why Adrian is looking staunchly out towards the simulated sun.
Meanwhile, Misha seems unphased by Adrian's grumbling as he pushes Adrian's antennae apart, dropping his chin on top of his head.]
And we're gonna live here like this forever, doin' whatever the hell we want! Nobody in the kingdom can tell us what to do!
If you say that word again I will kick you out of this tree.
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Adrian trying so hard to raise this kid, to tell him what to do and how not to talk, to try to get him to grow up proper... it's all cute as hell. Despite the Disturbance in the force he can feel from Adrian right now, Rosso leans against him, taking a slow moment to impulsively kiss Adrian's cheek and look at him like the guy put all the stars in the sky. Surely this will not spark disgusted little kid noises—]
If you don't wash your hair, bugs are gonna live in it, and then they're gonna eat your hair and you're gonna be bald. [He says this with such confidence.] You only get to do whatever you want if you take care of your health first.
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EW.
Adrian, meanwhile, feels himself reflexively relax a little at the gesture, even if he’s trying desperately hard not to let the simulation get to him. Because…this Misha is gone. He’s either in the system, or dead, and Adrian knows he’ll never know which.
He also knows now why people warn about staying in the Cube for too long. He thinks he could easily get lost here, starving to death living as if things never changed.
For a moment he’s still, his eyes closed as he leans back against Rosso, letting him command the scene for a moment so he can take a chance to breathe.]
What? No way you’re lying!
[He huffs, and without preamble he shifts around Adrian to throw himself into his lap, sitting between his crossed legs. Adrian doesn’t react…because again, he can’t feel it, not really. He doesn’t even realize where Misha ended up until he speaks again, prompting him to open his eyes.]
Sides…we ain’t gonna be here for a while anyways. We’re gonna go on an adventure, we won’t have time to do stuff like take baths.
Kid…
[Adrian wheezes, leaning his head back against the tree trunk.
It’s not real. He’s not real.]
…someday. I promise. But we can’t…not right now. You know that.
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Adrian doesn't know what happened to Misha, or anyone else he ever loved for that matter, so it's... a lot different. Probably. Rosso thinks it is, anyway, given the forlorn energy he can feel coming off of Adrian in waves. The kid was fucking dying, and Adrian gave him up and was prepared to rot in prison forever. It's easy to speculate. Hard to find an actual answer.
He rests his head on Adrian's shoulder as silent reassurance. Rosso won't force him to shut the simulation off until he's ready, but he hopes Adrian realises that he can stop at any time.
For now...]
You ever been on an adventure, kid? [Here, Rosso cards his hands through Misha's hair, fluffing it up. While his hand passes easily through the strands and they do properly ruffle, Rosso feels absolutely nothing, just like when he'd tried to step on Ventus's foot earlier.] You're gonna bathe in lakes and spend more hours setting up camp and hunting for food than you think. It's not all finding cool sh....stuff in the woods.
And I'm being serious about the bugs. They're called head lice and they'll make you itchy as all h...eck.
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…but then he mentions lice, and he stiffens visibly.]
You’re makin’ that up!
[But Adrian shakes his head, looping his lower set of arms loosely around Misha’s middle.]
He ain’t. You’re da- …dang lucky you ain’t got fleas yet with the way you run around in the woods.
I don’t got fleas!!!
Oh my bad. Ticks.
[Which they’ve both gotten before and it’s terrible actually-
Misha rolls his eyes and huffs again, looking out past the trees over at the sun setting now along with Adrian.]
So when CAN we go?
[Adrian sighs, and finds himself repeating what he actually told Misha back then.]
When you’re taller than me.
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Better grow those legs fast, kid. Adrian's pretty much all leg.
[Rosso can't say normal things like... make sure you eat your vegetables, remember to get eight hours of sleep, or whatever other shit doctors say, because these two don't have that. It wouldn't be nice to remind them of all the shit they don't have.
Conspiratorially, Rosso leans in to whisper to Misha, loud enough for Adrian to hear:]
If you need a lift to win, high heels are completely valid. He probably can't walk in them, so you'll have a literal leg up.
[He sits back up. Looks at Adrian. Grins. Look how helpful he is, aren't you glad you brought him to the treehouse?]
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Misha glances up at Adrian conspiratorially as Rosso whispers to him, and after a moment of thought he whispers back (again, definitely loud enough for Adrian to hear).]
You're right, he's super clumsy...
[Misha knows that Adrian can hear him, of course, given the way he's sneering at him. So he's mostly prepared when Adrian suddenly reaches out and wraps an arm around Misha's neck, grinding his knuckles into the top of his head in a way that makes Misha squeal and try to pull Adrian's arm off of him.]
And who's gonna buy those for you, huh?
We don't need t'buy shit! We just take what we need!
[Adrian's expression sobers a bit at that, because he knows that he's teaching- ...well. He taught the kid bad habits. It wasn't like he could help it, they'd be starving out here otherwise. That's why Adrian lets him go after a moment, keeping Misha in his lap while he reaches a free arm out to wrap loosely around Rosso's waist.]
Only cause we got to, remember? When we leave here, we won't hafta steal anymore. Ever again.
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Keep that fire in your chest, kid. It's good for you. And when you get outta here, remember to stop and help the little people along the way.
[Rosso never had to steal to survive. His survival was, however unfortunate at the time, guaranteed because his clan needed the perfect Fire Master. He never learnt to need things because it was all just handed to him; becoming a Master meant getting whatever he wanted at the cost of basically being enslaved to stare at the El all day. If he went out on a field mission for any reason at all, he had plenty of money or reason to say "just give me stuff" by title alone.
Helping the little people was something he did on the way, if he could. It made sense for him then because he had the money and authority to say something. Misha and Adrian are a lot different from that...
...and then he doesn't know why he's thinking about this so hard, it's a fucking simulation good god—]
Stay humble, though. You don't wanna end up like me. I brag too damn much for my own good.
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[Adrian smirks, resting the side of his head against Rosso's once all three of them have settled again. Help the little people...]
I'm not gonna be greedy and stupid like the royals. [Okay maybe Adrian hasn't been censoring himself QUITE enough but he's trying okay-] I want kids like me to not have to worry about anything.
[He raises a brow when Misha says that- because he wouldn't...have commanded the simulation to say it, so it's a bit more sophisticated than he thought. Maybe it can draw directly from his memories, or something.]
Yeah. We want that too, don't worry.
[Misha is still in Adrian's lap as they talk, now, and since it's still a simulation...it means it's reacting to Adrian's mood as well. Which means it's maybe not too surprising when Misha starts to doze off a bit. And in the silence that follows, Adrian allows it. Basks in the simplicity of just being here with two of his favorite people in the world.
He's brushing his fingers through Misha's hair himself now when the boy is no longer "listening", leaving Adrian free to talk to Rosso now.]
He was livin' with his "Nana" before I found him. I don't know exactly what happened to her...I guess she got sick, but there was nobody else for him. He'd have still be on the streets if we didn't run into each other.
[Maybe, he would have still survived. Maybe he would have been better off. In the end, Adrian doesn't know.]
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[Rosso has no idea how to describe it, but it's just... endearing, somehow, that Adrian's so fond of the kid. Kind enough to stick his neck out for someone in need. It's an important thing to him, to be able to do that — reminds him a lot of what Lebio wanted to do before his untimely demise at Rosso's hands.
If Rosso starts nuzzling against Adrian, shut up, no he doesn't. He's just charmed and gay, big fucking deal.]
You gave him something where he would've had nothing. You're the reason he's so energetic, you know. He clearly loves you a lot.
[Rosso doesn't say "you love him too" because he knows how Adrian will act about it, but there's a hint of it in that last statement. Haha you're soft for this kid you fucking nerd loser—]
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After a long moment though, he does lean a bit more into Rosso's subtle nuzzling.]
I just hope that wherever he ended up, he's alright.
[He didn't deserve to die sick, afraid, and alone. He probably doesn't trust a single person in the kingdom either, so if he did survive...he's going to be difficult. He'll be a problem for his caretakers, and honestly they fucking deserve it in his opinion for leaving Misha as another one of the forgotten. Maybe he will be an example for them to do better.
Maybe he'll find a family. Maybe he'll go on that adventure he wanted.]
I grew up alone. I wasn't gonna have the same thing happen to him.
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[Not that Rosso knows them too well other than saying "let me die" and one in particular going "no", but still. The tales and rumours don't write themselves.
He places another fluttery kiss to Adrian's cheek. This one lingers longer than the first one, and Rosso thinks, however briefly, that he might trail it to Adrian's lips before slightly backing off. Slightly. His breath still tickles Adrian's cheek as he speaks next.]
I think I like this soft, mushy side to you. It's cute as hell.
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Adrian chuffs, a huff through his nose and mouth, and kisses Rosso back for as long as he can manage before he's pulled away. It's considerably different, without his usual monster parts in the way.]
And if you tell anybody about it, I'll kill you.
[Or deny everything until his dying breath.
But most people know. If they've met Adrian and have had more than a single conversation with him...they know. He's a brute on the outside, aggressive and crass as a defense mechanism, but by night he volunteers at the orphanage and has date nights with his boyfriend. His coolness factor....is subjective.
He sighs as they sit there, his hand still resting on Misha's head. The sun will never set beyond the trees, no matter how much time they spend here.]
Prolly should...be careful how long we stay. But...it's kinda nice, havin' you home.
[It'd be even nicer in Rosso's world though, he thinks. Just find the kid and hop to another world, he'd fucking do it.]
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...
It might be nice, though, because at least Misha would be cared for. It's not Rosso's place to say.]
You can cut the simulation whenever you want, aegiya. I'll leave it up to you.
[Normally Rosso would say "we can sit here all day and make out" (he would not say this) (he'd just do it) but that's kind of hard with a kid on Adrian's lap. Don't swap spit in front of the child, y'all.]
If I do meet Misha for real, by the way, I'm gonna tell him that you're a big soft-hearted idiot. Better be prepared to kill me in one shot.
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[He's just glad that he was able to Do this. When he saw Misha in the maze...he nearly lost his mind. He wasn't sure how he was going to react, seeing him in the simulation. In reality, they're probably sitting in the center of a massive empty room...but for the time being, it feels like they're somewhere else entirely.
Adrian doesn't want to say that he doesn't think it's possible for Rosso to ever meet him. It's easier to think about hypotheticals. What if, right?]
Don't worry, I'd kill you instantly. I'd make it count.
[His antennae curl, similar to the way his tail might if he had it visibly right now.]
Misha would remember you as "that guy I met for five minutes before Adrian killed him".
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[Whoops, Rosso's stealing another kiss, this one more chaste and quick than the others have been.]
I was hoping he'd remember me more as "the guy that unveiled Adrian's soft side", or maybe "the guy that kicked Adrian's ass", honestly.
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[It's a good thing simulation-Misha is asleep, he would be begging for them to stop if he had to witness the cootie infestation currently going on.]
Oh so you're gonna kick my ass now? I see how it is.
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[kiss kiss kiss— fucking gross, honestly, you two need to get a Different room. One not in a simulation room with a simulation-Misha.]
You think I'm gonna stand there while you try and oneshot me? Absolutely not. I'm gonna make it a pain in your ass.
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