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synflux2025-05-15 08:31 am
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-05-15 08:31 am
DOWNTIME MINGLE #8
DOWNTIME MINGLE #8
ā¶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE
In light of everyone's recent help with both the ocean exploration and the clinical trials, the Outsiders will return one day to a surprisingly well-decorated area within the mess hall at the Kyoto base. It's been adorned with some of the flowers that have wildly bloomed on the outskirts of the city in various areas, as well as those that the researchers had been personally working on fostering in the LILITH greenhouses. Beneath it will be not a pizza party for once, and charcuterie and other donated food items will be there for Outsiders to enjoy. There is even some recognizable cuisine from Egypt for them as well!
While Neo Tokyo has always been noted as being a city of technology (even with their dwindling resources), a new trend of collecting swords has sparked in the city. Maybe they've seen it in certain Outsiders, but the idea of both collecting swords, displaying them, or even holding exhibitions for them have become more common. Some have even taken to hunting for them in the wild.
If any Outsiders are interested, there appears to be several posts online in which they think older blades may be laying in sleep. But, as with most rumors, there's no guarantee it isn't a wild goose chase.
On TV, the new spring line up is out. A new live action series featuring a group of friends who fight kaiju using mecha has made its debut. Their mecha are animal themed and can combine to create a super mecha. The new lead is a hot headed female character with a lion mecha, which spawns a line of action figures in stores across the city. The lion mecha is the most popular and often resold online for inflated prices. Maybe an Outsider can get their hands on one without paying the scalping fee?
Oftentimes when it comes to the Outsiders and the general masses, there's a distinct disconnect. Which is why it all seems to hinge on rumors and hearsay. Who knows where the information stems from, but they heard a certain Outsider has a liking for bread. There will be no shortage of bread sponsorships for the base, though... some may be far more experimental. However, some claim lab-grown bread may actually be tastier? Only one way to put it to the test. The lab-grown bread conveniently also comes in cans.
GOOD JOB:Thanks to the Outsidersā hard work, they are met with positive reception by the general public, which seems to have grown astronomically since the past two missions. This has only grown from their recent success abroad. Per usual, there are a few oddities that have caught on in the city.
FORGERY (K.O.)
AKATSUKI (600)
BANKERBOY (600)
While Neo Tokyo has always been noted as being a city of technology (even with their dwindling resources), a new trend of collecting swords has sparked in the city. Maybe they've seen it in certain Outsiders, but the idea of both collecting swords, displaying them, or even holding exhibitions for them have become more common. Some have even taken to hunting for them in the wild.
If any Outsiders are interested, there appears to be several posts online in which they think older blades may be laying in sleep. But, as with most rumors, there's no guarantee it isn't a wild goose chase.
On TV, the new spring line up is out. A new live action series featuring a group of friends who fight kaiju using mecha has made its debut. Their mecha are animal themed and can combine to create a super mecha. The new lead is a hot headed female character with a lion mecha, which spawns a line of action figures in stores across the city. The lion mecha is the most popular and often resold online for inflated prices. Maybe an Outsider can get their hands on one without paying the scalping fee?
Oftentimes when it comes to the Outsiders and the general masses, there's a distinct disconnect. Which is why it all seems to hinge on rumors and hearsay. Who knows where the information stems from, but they heard a certain Outsider has a liking for bread. There will be no shortage of bread sponsorships for the base, though... some may be far more experimental. However, some claim lab-grown bread may actually be tastier? Only one way to put it to the test. The lab-grown bread conveniently also comes in cans.
ā¶ 002. FROM SUMER WITH LOVE.
Around the same time, a few LILITH employees show signs of a common cold ā nothing noteworthy at first really, if only out-of-season. But then the disease starts spreading at an alarming rate within the headquarters, its symptoms evolving from a mere cold to a severe life-threatening flu. Preliminary analysis reveals the disease to be unlike any known on this planet ā perhaps this is why no medicines work. Symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, nausea, excessive vomiting and diarrhea, chills and high fever.
To make matters worse, news from LILITH locations around the world reveal all known bases to be afflicted by the same mysterious epidemic, only affecting LILITH staff and not Outsiders at this time. This cannot be a coincidence: LILITH is under attack.. but how is something like this possible?
As researchers race to try and understand the disease, LILITH will request everyone to quarantine themselves on base for the safety of the public. Gradually, the disease spreads across the base only for tests to reveal: the Outsiders are left unaffected.
As the month progresses, more and more of LILITHās employees find themselves bedridden with the deadly disease until by the 30th of May, only Outsiders are left standing and healthy; all the LILITH crew has been affected. The civilian population outside the base is safe for now, but for how long? Unless something is done, it is estimated all humans working for LILITH will be dead by late June.
Seok Dang tried to stay on the line, but all that was heard was gut-wretching vomiting, to which SYNTHIA promptly cuts his connection. Sorry about that.
It is up to the Outsiders to find the source of the disease and resolve the crisis before all hope is lost. Is this somehow related to those Outsiders who recently disappeared? Wait, arenāt there a few Outsiders here who have seen this flu before and can recognize itā¦?
To make matters worse, news from LILITH locations around the world reveal all known bases to be afflicted by the same mysterious epidemic, only affecting LILITH staff and not Outsiders at this time. This cannot be a coincidence: LILITH is under attack.. but how is something like this possible?
As researchers race to try and understand the disease, LILITH will request everyone to quarantine themselves on base for the safety of the public. Gradually, the disease spreads across the base only for tests to reveal: the Outsiders are left unaffected.
As the month progresses, more and more of LILITHās employees find themselves bedridden with the deadly disease until by the 30th of May, only Outsiders are left standing and healthy; all the LILITH crew has been affected. The civilian population outside the base is safe for now, but for how long? Unless something is done, it is estimated all humans working for LILITH will be dead by late June.
"Greetings, my children. Worry not. I come here to report some concerning news: both Captain Yamakawa and Commander Shiro have fallen gravely ill. Since I am an A.I assistant, my health is optimal. Seok Dang has also fallen ill, though he is still in denial of it. I will do my best to take care of each and every one ofā "
"BULLSHIT!! This is nothing! I've had hangovers worse than this, you hear me? Calm your terabyte-tits, bitch. I'm here. There ain't nothin' that is gonna stop me, in fact, with the higher ups feelin' like shit, that would put me in command, right? W-Wait, hold that thought, I.. feel like I'm gonna throw up."
Seok Dang tried to stay on the line, but all that was heard was gut-wretching vomiting, to which SYNTHIA promptly cuts his connection. Sorry about that.
It is up to the Outsiders to find the source of the disease and resolve the crisis before all hope is lost. Is this somehow related to those Outsiders who recently disappeared? Wait, arenāt there a few Outsiders here who have seen this flu before and can recognize itā¦?
ā¶ 003. LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCKDOWN.
While everyone is quarantined on base, they are encouraged to communicate with each other through the network. During this time, they can do research, share ideas, and try to figure out what is happening as the disease spreads across base and around the world.
While they are in lock down, LILITH encourages the Outsiders to pick up some new hobbies and interests to keep themselves active. They will have access to various workout videos. Some of the videos are hosted by cyborg coaches that expect Outsiders to do things with their bodies that probably aren't physically possible. Other Outsiders might get simple ovens and jars of suspicious "starters" to bake. Of course, there are other hobbies like growing miniature artificial plants, board games, virtual reality games, and more to keep them interested while they're trapped inside!
After about a week, when it becomes obvious the Outsiders are unaffected, they will be allowed to leave their rooms and roam freely to assist. LILITH does not understand why they are not affected but they are depending on the Outsiders for help now more than ever.
Though they are free to wander and seem to be immune for the time being, LILITH warns if they experience any cold-like symptoms, they should report their status and quarantine immediately.
While they are in lock down, LILITH encourages the Outsiders to pick up some new hobbies and interests to keep themselves active. They will have access to various workout videos. Some of the videos are hosted by cyborg coaches that expect Outsiders to do things with their bodies that probably aren't physically possible. Other Outsiders might get simple ovens and jars of suspicious "starters" to bake. Of course, there are other hobbies like growing miniature artificial plants, board games, virtual reality games, and more to keep them interested while they're trapped inside!
After about a week, when it becomes obvious the Outsiders are unaffected, they will be allowed to leave their rooms and roam freely to assist. LILITH does not understand why they are not affected but they are depending on the Outsiders for help now more than ever.
Though they are free to wander and seem to be immune for the time being, LILITH warns if they experience any cold-like symptoms, they should report their status and quarantine immediately.
ā¶ 004. AFTERWORD + SPECIAL NOTE.
Welcome to May's downtime mingle! All tags on this log are worth 2 points.
The June Event is a player plot that is going to differ from regular events in a few ways: Outsiders have to find the location for the next Kaiju fight on their own using hints given in the From Sumer With Love prompt, and correlating them with the past and ongoing disappearance of various Outsiders. They can use LILITHās equipment to look for anomalies across the globe, however there is not enough time to scan or contact every region in the world. Outsiders need to guess where the anomaly likely is before they can get confirmation. There is a PLOTTING post for this event over here.
Furthermore, they will have to reach this destination through their own means as there is no LILITH staff left to fly them there. Vehicles can be requisitioned, but will have to be flown by Outsiders on their own. This also means Outsiders are free to stay behind at the base if they prefer, as nobody will force them to go. Pain-relieving medicines can also be developed if the true nature of the disease is found and the appropriate characters work on it, though nothing short of defeating the anomaly will solve this crisis and save everyone.
Last but not least: this event will have two Kaiju battles, one on each log as well as many different challenges the Outsiders will have to solve on their own if they want to save LILITH and bring home their missing friends! Please use this thread to ask questions and offer your proposals as to what the Outsiders should do (location guessing, transport, etc). Proposals made in this thread will affect the first and second prompts of the first log.
The June Event is a player plot that is going to differ from regular events in a few ways: Outsiders have to find the location for the next Kaiju fight on their own using hints given in the From Sumer With Love prompt, and correlating them with the past and ongoing disappearance of various Outsiders. They can use LILITHās equipment to look for anomalies across the globe, however there is not enough time to scan or contact every region in the world. Outsiders need to guess where the anomaly likely is before they can get confirmation. There is a PLOTTING post for this event over here.
Furthermore, they will have to reach this destination through their own means as there is no LILITH staff left to fly them there. Vehicles can be requisitioned, but will have to be flown by Outsiders on their own. This also means Outsiders are free to stay behind at the base if they prefer, as nobody will force them to go. Pain-relieving medicines can also be developed if the true nature of the disease is found and the appropriate characters work on it, though nothing short of defeating the anomaly will solve this crisis and save everyone.
Last but not least: this event will have two Kaiju battles, one on each log as well as many different challenges the Outsiders will have to solve on their own if they want to save LILITH and bring home their missing friends! Please use this thread to ask questions and offer your proposals as to what the Outsiders should do (location guessing, transport, etc). Proposals made in this thread will affect the first and second prompts of the first log.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships and inspire new trends, including an interest in collecting swords, a new live action series (like Power Rangers), and free bread.
2. FROM SUMER WITH LOVE: A mysterious disease spreads across LILITH's bases. The symptoms are like the common cold/flu but much more severe. There is currently no cure. Outsiders seem to be immune to the disease. After quarantining, they are encouraged to investigate and come up with plans for the battle to come.
3. LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCKDOWN: While on lockdown, Outsiders are encouraged to try some new hobbies. They can also communicate through the network and do research to uncover additional clues and come up with more plans.
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denji's eyes remain locked on his and he refuses to let them go, letting him decide for himself how he'll take bakugou's words. reassuring, promising, defending, preparing, all these and more in a few firm sentences. he knows they're on the other boy's mind; how the hell could denji see people he cares about vanish and not instantly begin worrying about his boyfriend? fears rise and he reaches for them, snarls his fingers around their serpentine grip, and squeezes them in effort to keep the damn things from strangling his boyfriend further. think two steps ahead of your opponent, react but already be prepared for the next. if either he or denji are taken, bakugou's going to slam a seed of resistance and strength inside the half-devil. a brilliant vine of hope growing for them to grasp and hold onto, rather than falling off despair.]
Aa. And you better kick the fucking shit out of any bastard who thinks he can keep me from you. [that's right. give the kidnapping son of a bitch so much hell, they won't be able come back from it! bakugou reaches forward, keeping denji in his arms and legs, and pluck the shrimp skewer from its place by the fire. juicy, a little steamy, but definitely cooked through. maybe a tad overdone, but still good. ad if someone takes denji, then bakugou has ever intention of obliterating them into nothing! he wraps his free arm around his boyfriend, holding him tight and warm as he rests his mouth on the side of his head. feeling his tension, squeezing in gentle massage to comfort and support him.]
We'll get everyone who's disappeared back. You're not alone in this, Denji.
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back to their reality, denji is finding himself struggling to brace himself for their future. nothing is certain, sure, but his boyfriend is really adamant about preparing him, and that's ... concerning. it is starting to feel like it might actually happen. is it so horrible that he didn't want to force a brave face right now? he didn't want to be all optimistic and throw his fist upward and make promises about kicking ass ā yet, it felt super shitty not to acknowledge that his boyfriend is probably feeling equally stressed about all of this. bakugou is trying to be there for him, and he knew he had to return the kind gesture. he had to step up, as well. it's not all about him. and once that finally settled in, denji pulled himself together from the urge to dig a hole, block his ears and act like everything is okay. so he straightens, not yet pulling away from the embrace, slow and stiff, as if trying to remember how to be whole again. his chest rises with the effort, a breath pulled in like a promise. his face doesnāt quite smile, but he sets it firm, brave in a way that trembles just beneath the skin. he meets bakugouās gaze and lets it anchor him, lets it remind him that even if heās scared, even if heās tired, they're still here. together. (for now). ]
I'll do everything I can. Everything. If it means bringing you back, then I will do it. I can promise you that ... [ a less heroic declaration, but more realistic as a promise. is this a simple kidnapping stunt, and everyone will return without any wounds? they can't predict that. will they ever see each other again? they can't predict that either. it all comes down to what he can control: his own actions. and if the chance ever came to choose a path, denji wouldnāt waste a second wondering if itās right or wrongā heād take it, no questions asked, as long as it led to bringing katsuki back home. this conversation lowkey ruined his appetite, but he wouldn't waste his boyfriend's efforts in preparing him a mealā he reached out for the shrimp skewer, waiting for it to cool down a bit as he dropped his head on bakugou's shoulder again. nope, he's staying there. ]
But ... thank you. I know this isn't easy on you either. Even if it doesn't look like it, you can depend on me ...
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he'd been concerned about this since realizing what was happening. learning ereshkigal had vanished was one thing, but with another, then two, then three more outsiders vanishing, any of them could be next. there's no cold line of fear down his nape or some weighty anticipation curling in his gut. but he's already been duped by a shitty vegas worm, and denji was stolen away from him without a single moment's reaction or knowledge by the romania wolf. is it a stretch to acknowledge both of them are at risk here? as far as anyone knows, they're all valid targets. he may not be able to tell the rest of the outsiders to buck up and get ready, but he can reach for the person who means the most to him and prepare denji to brace for possibility. he's not demanding the half-devil put on a brave face. bakugou's encouraging him to look at the reality and chance, and determine this big shitty "if" isn't going to crush him. this is how he handles his own fears and uncertainties: crushing them to pieces! acknowledging their existence, and instantly raging over their gall at daring to step into his life in effort to strangle his success! heroes don't run from trials; they confront them head on and prepare. there's a difference between obliviously pretending nothing's the matter, and resolving yourself to be ready should the horror approach.
as denji shifts between his legs, bakugou leaves his ankles hooked over top his boyfriend's for continued entanglement, not willing to let him go just yet either. maybe it's mean, dragging his boyfriend by the arm to stand up in the face of his fear and move forward, but he can't leave denji wallowing in dread. they both have to be strong, for each other. he can't miss the tremor in his boyfriend's eyes, the way he shivers beneath his resolve. it's okay to be scared. (hell, he was scared as fuck when the league kidnapped him, and he'll go to his grave before he ever brings admission to his lips!) but he can't let fear cripple him.]
Thanks. [blind heroics without some realism is foolishness. no, none of their predictions or theories can be proven. but while pessimists are never disappointed, they're also eroding their own strength along the way. bakugou brings a shrimp to his mouth and blows on it, not about to demand denji eat something right now. he will. half so he can munch angry on the food and buck himself back up like the badass he is. and yet... he rests his head against his boyfriend's eyes lingering on the fire and waves beyond. what he feels, what he says, they promised to be more truthful and open to each other, right?]
I already depend on you a lot, Denji. You've been one of the most reliable friends I have. You're my partner. That's never changed. [not one day since the start almost a year and a half ago.] It's not easy... I fucking hate what's happening. And I don't want it hurt you more than it already is...
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Oh, don't thank me yet ... [ a mildly playful, yet an honest warning. he did say he would do everything he could, whether it's moral or not. he doesn't plan to wear the heroic cape of justice if saving his lover is on the line. he'd get his hands dirty if he had to. if it will disgust or upset his boyfriend, he will have to deal with that later, so long as he gets him back home safe ā that's all that matters. a short-lived moment of relief, and then the tensions creep back in, barely offering them both enough time to recover. he closed his eyes, unsure why every word felt like a goodbye. he thought he could take a bite, but denji couldn't force it in. with the way his stomach is twisting and turning, he'd waste a perfectly cooked shrimp. he was quiet for a bit before this heavy confession. ] I know you do. It really sucks that ... sometimes I still don't feel good enough. It's not your fault. I just always feel like I could do more, but I'm not. I felt this way long before I met you ... and I don't know how to make it stop.
[ it's not fair that bakugou walked into his life when denji has taken every stab and punch to the gut, finding nothing but a broken vessel of a pathetic creature whose sole purpose in life is not to be alone anymore. he wished he could offer a better experience, to be someone who could take care of others, and not the other way around. their surroundings burned faintly on the edge of his senses; the crackling fire offered light, not warmth. the lake reflected the stars above, but they were nothing more than distant sparks in the sky to him. everything else faded into a soft hush. what he longed for was simpler: the closeness of bakugouās body. the solid truth of another heartbeat. the rhythm of breathing beside his own. bare skin brushing against bare skin, if only for a second. ]
I just want to be able to protect the people I care about ...
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Tch. It won't stop. [he swallows the shrimp and rests his chin on denji's shoulder again, fingers still messing with the skewer for another shrimp.] Fucking pisses me off I didn't noticed Twintails wasn't with us before we left Egypt. How the hell did we leave without making sure everyone was there? And now other Outsiders are getting yanked into portals like a buncha goddamn ninja snatching. [he rips the shrimp off the skewer and plunges it into his mouth, chewing grumpily.] Being frustrated with yourself and wanting to do more proves you're not willing to settle on a plateau. A lot of heroes wrestle with the same feeling. So don't let it discourage you from improving.
[there are many times he's beaten himself up after the fact, cursing and grumbling in his head over all the things he could've done better, the mistakes he shouldn't have made, and improvements he needed to make. denji's no different from him in that regard, minus the severity and amount. initially he thought denji was pretty pathetic, and he knows well enough even now the other boy is broken in ways he'll never completely understand. but he chose to stick with him for his own reasons. and eventually fell for the very same guy. he's seen denji rush out to save people he barely knew, he's seen him seated beside friends and caring for them, he's seen him working to improve himself for the sake of others as well as himself. bakugou didn't ask for a "better" experience from his boyfriend. he's fine with the man he loves working at his own pace. he wraps his arm more securely around denji's body, legs keeping him embraced within his lap. chest to back, heartbeat to heartbeat.]
So do I.
no subject
just when they started to experience a touch of happiness, this happened. ]
... I wish my thoughts were that cool, Katsuki. I just want to have a boring life with the ones I love. Be strong enough to keep them safe. I think that is the only way for me to ever feel good again ... I guess? Just to have a simple life of three meals a day, a roof over my head, and a warm, perky chest to snuggle against in bed. [ heh, have a mini poke, kacchan. it's a coping mechanism. his tone is quick to return to genuine sentiments, though. ] It's kinda frustrating ... because I feel like I'm too slow at everything.
[ as for ereshkigal disappearing, denji found himself thinking about it a bit more. well, mainly over their last conversation together. ugh, if that's the last thing she remembers him with, the fool who confessed that life might be better without the concept of death, he should be a bit ashamed of it. he should. bakugou didn't know about that little ongoing development in his life back home, and while the half-devil is not actively hiding it from him, he didn't know how to bring it up. maybe one day, when things calm down, he will seek his boyfriend's thoughts on it. ereshkigal, however, is a goddess of death ā she was able to give him an answer. maybe change his perspective a bit. if the disappearance started with her, he wonders if she is connected to the entire cycle of abduction. unfortunately, denji isn't known for being a brilliant detective, and he will have to depend on the other outsiders to do all the heavy thinking.
he leans back into their embrace, sinking a bit lower, fingers curling around bakugou's arms around him. the lake was still, painting a perfect reflection that held the moon; gentle ripples moved across its surface, stirred by a breeze that barely brushed through their skin and hair. the fire cracked and shifted, sending tiny embers into the dark, drifting up like lazy fireflies. here comes the dreaded question. bakugou should've seen it coming- ]
... what if we don't see each other again?
no subject
feels like each time things calm down, something else blows up. the outsiders were sure of their victories and success. then vegas handed them their first crushing defeat and injured them with each other. things repaired and built up again. then korea created the first real schism between their ranks and crushed their spirits with devastation and the loss of an entire city. even when things began to improve after the traumatic shitfest at romania, the imugi returned and destroyed their home base. one step forward, two steps back. it's starting to become a bullshit pattern. but he can't give up. a hero never gives up.]
You're not in a world where that's gonna happen, babe. Not until the kaiju are fucking gone. [a boring life. a simple life. even keeping the people they love safe doesn't seem like a possibility when they're constantly at war and endangering each other during battle. while kaiju begin developing techniques to trick their minds, steal them away, make them fight each other, and more bullshit. this is reality. it's not a rosy dreamland. he wishes he could tell denji otherwise, but he'd be lying. there's a difference between saying "it will all be okay, because i'm here" and telling someone the building isn't on fire as it burns around them.]
You have three out of the four. [all but a simple life. he grunts at the tease and bites denji on the earlobe. a gentle taunting thing. as for being slow...] Aa. I know. Heroes are almost always reactionary. We can't predict when a villain's going to act; so we have to be ready to respond when they do.
[as denji leans into him, he finishes up his skewer, and with a quick aim and shot, spears the gripping end into the sand near the fire for later use. frees up his arm to pull his boyfriend into his embrace again. did he see the question coming? yeah, along with plenty of others the half-devil could've asked. what if we die? what if we're changed? what if we forget? so many other wretched thoughts eternally haunting the other boy's head. thoughts bakugou isn't immune to, but opts not to give power to.]
Then we'll both be back home. [the only possibility where bakugou will reluctantly accept they're no longer together. all other possibilities are demolished in his mind. he refuses to accept them as anything more than temporary interrupts, and he'll crush any of them for daring to get between him and denji.]
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he did consider the option of 'what if we changed?' - what if they couldn't remember each other? what if the kaiju could hurt their consciences? feelings? what if the outcome is far more agonizing than a sudden goodbye? he didn't know what was worse, and what would be the lesser evil. when bakugou answered, denji breathed out a heavy exhale. that would be a shitty way for their story to end, especially when it feels he had a lot to say to that boy. he stays quiet for way too long. a part of him wants to reassure himself that this is just another kaiju, another fight to win, and they will all reunite again, but damn, has anyone seen denji's life? he's not born for a happy ending. ]
... I really hate this ...
[ what else can he say? what else can they do ... but prepare themselves. it's just another situation where he felt fucking helpless. they sat close, both staring into the fire like it held answers neither of them could find in the world. whatever had been said between them hung in the air, still raw. the kind of talk that emptied denji and left him hollow in the worst way. the silence that followed stretched long, not heavy anymore but full of quiet understanding. he then shifted slightly, just enough that he could reach for bakugou's hand and gently brought it up to his lips. for someone who feared this might be their last conversation, the half-devil found himself unable to speak the way he wanted. the emotions swelled inside him, but refused to shape themselves into anything clear. everything he meant to say stayed tangled in his chest, trapped behind the weight of their intensity. so he let the silence swallow himā heavy, bitter, and full of things unsaid. it was just too much. too painful. he didnāt know if he had the strength to let it out. ]
no subject
what he can do is provide him with support, someone to look up to and come back to as many times as he needs to rest and recover. bakugou settles his chin on denji's shoulder again, resting his cheek close to the other boy's as he takes in his warmth. broad shoulders. beating heart. rise and fall of silent breaths. a very real and alive young man he wants to stay next to so many times.]
Come on. Let's get up. [it's not doing denji any good to sit here and stew in his own conflict. bakugou might have matured, but he's not fond of sitting here listening to someone complain about shit or be down on themselves. there's something to do, something they could do to address whatever the hell's bothering the other person. suck it up, get it together, stop complaining, find something to make yourself worry less. if he felt weak, they can do something to get stronger. if he felt slow, they can work on helping him get faster. bakugou isn't gonna let his fears about the unknown paralyze him from moving forward. he likes to punch his shitty fears in the face and trample them to the ground until they know he's the one who owns them. not the other way around.
a hand captures his own and brings it to denji's lips. he curls his fingers around his boyfriend's, shifting his hand to gently move it in slow rotations, encouraging each kiss to touch a different part of his hand. first knuckle, fourth, back, middle finger, mapping out the contours of denji's mouth. unlike the boy in his lap, bakugou isn't afraid this would be the last they speak to each other. there's far too many examples in the past of them getting taken and still coming back. living life with "what if" hanging over your head's a shit way to live.] ... I always like your mouth.
no subject
he traced his lips over his lover's hand, a ghost of a kiss that lingers longer than it should with each spot. his mouth curves against the skin as he follows bakugou's lead, playful, reverent. and then, just barely, he lets his teeth drag over the ridge of an old scar; the press of them more of a tease than a threat, sharp points brushing warmth. that confession was the sweetest thing, a perfect way to end their little retreat here. he loves that boy so much, and he hopes his boyfriend knows it. ] You're gonna' make me blush ... [ too late on that. he finally pulls himself up, straightening his back a bit and turning around to face the other. the weight of their conversations is still present behind denji's smile, but it remains genuine. he leans in to kiss bakugouā soft and brief. ]
Thank you ... for bringing me here.
[ he rises first, slow and steady. once upright, he reaches out without a word, offering his hand to his lover. they still have a bit to clean up before heading back to the car, though denji already knows heāll take care of it himself. itās the least he can do, a silent gratitude for everything bakugouās given tonight. once the hero is on his feet, brushing off the dust away, denji steps back toward the fire, crouching beside the flickering glow to start cooling the skewers, careful not to disturb the embers too much. next, heāll gather the trail of discarded clothes before their swim, one small task at a time, silently asking bakugou to head to the car instead. he got this. ]
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I won't let you have a boring life. [bakugou turns and faces denji as a breeze ripples past them, brushing through their hair and wavering sandy and ashen blonde strands about their heads and eyes.] I want to be the reason you live an amazing life. [it came as a lighthearted joke, but bakugou's determined, despite his softer tone. he really does want to give his boyfriend a happy life, one full of fun and experiences, so much so that when his time comes, denji can look back on his years of existence, and smile, knowing he had a wonderful time. because of that desire, he can't let something as stupid as death make him fail. he won't. bakugou will come back every time, alive and moving, sometimes better than others, but never still. he can't safe denji from his sorrow, fear, anxiety, and more, but he can take his hand each time and pull him up. no matter how sullen, stubborn, or bratty his boyfriend wants to be. and yes, he'll pick his ass up and carry him to the car if he has to... grumbling the entire way, and maybe biting him on the ear or cheek.
teeth ghost across a scar, scraping gentle and present until lightning sizzles up his nerves and his fingers twitch instinctively. teasing, as almost all touches of denji's teeth to his skin are. whether he's biting his neck or shoulder, taking a finger in his mouth, going down on him, nipping at his tongue, or biting his butt, it always feels good. he knows he's biased, admiring the way his tongue and lips wander his hand in so many different places and touches. an amazing guy, who decided for himself he liked him. bakugou never thought much about loving someone else. but look at him now. guess his life still doesn't bother doing whatever he tells it to. good on it. yeah. he knows denji loves him. he doesn't doubt it for a moment. he hopes denji's able to one day trust him in other aspects of his life as much as he trusts bakugou loves him back.]
You're already blushing. [he draws his legs back to give denji room to twist around between his thighs, straightening them out afterwards to get some kinks free from being bent for a while. a kiss given, a kiss returned, leaning in and pressing their lips together amid the setting sun.] We'll do it again soon.
[bakugou pushes himself up beside his boyfriend, catching his hand and using it to pull himself to his feet in the sand. if denji really thinks the blonde would be okay with letting someone else clean up after him, he's got another thing coming. denji helped bring things from the car, set shit up, and make he fire. of course he's not gonna let him tear down alone! the silent question only get a small grunt in response and bakugou does go to the car, though only to unlock it and pop the trunk in preparation for bringing everything back to it. before returning to help denji clean up and pack the rest.]
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[ and no, he doesn't mean his life is so miserable back home that bakugou managed to win that honor without any effort. fuck no. even if denji does, somehow, find a happy ending back in that doomed version of japan and he found someone he would fall in love with, he couldn't imagine they would pull out of him this level of adorations. to himā this level of attachment is a one-time experience, completely reserved for katsuki. he doesn't expect that boy to return that same intensity. he knows better. they were shaped by different worlds, raised under different kinds of hurt, and that changes how people love. bakugouās heart isn't broken in the same places as his, and thatās fine. the half-devil doesnāt need to be matched. he just needs to feel, to love. bakugou will always be his savior. that, to denji, is its own kind of forever. and maybe thatās enough. maybe thatās everything.
he mutters a soft, playful 'shut up' under his breath, the words barely audible as he lifts a hand to rub at his cheek, trying to chase away the heat blooming there. how embarrassing. months together, and still, a simple compliment from bakugou was enough to unravel him completely like an idiot. the words that follow hit harder. it was the way they were said, the quiet certainty behind them. 'weāll do it again soon.' a promise, and this one sank into his chest like it belonged there. he didnāt know why this one felt different. maybe it was the way bakugou looked at him when he said it, maybe it was the warmth of the moment, the stillness of the night, or the shared silence between heartbeats. whatever it was, it made the future feel closer. real. yes, no matter what happened next, they would find their way back here, under these same stars, with food warming their hands and laughter filling the space between them. he would hold bakugou to that promiseā not out of doubt, but because he wanted to believe in it, fully. because it meant everything. and very soon, he would be waiting here again, heart open, hoping to find bakugou by his side.
denji moved slowly, almost as if he didn't want this day to end. he gathered the remains of their hangout, folding their clothes with lazy hands, shaking off bits of dust and stray crumbs. the empty wrappers found their place in a small plastic bag, cleaning up their spot. he then pushed open the trunk of the car, its interior taking in all their items; all tucked away as a final preparation to drive off. he then turns, catching sight of bakugou loading the last of their things with that familiar scowl of determination. a quiet, amused smirk tugs at denjiās lips. of course ... he shouldāve known bakugou wouldnāt just stand around while someone else did the work. even now, after everything, the guy still couldnāt accept being taken care of without a fight. would it really kill him to let denji spoil him every now and then?
by the time he's done, he'd find denji in the passenger seat, window rolled down and head sticking out. ] Can I pick the music on the ride back?
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there's a reason he saves his compliments for denji. one being katsuki's not a flattering type, and two being he doesn't want to cheapen the reaction he gets when he gives one. seeing his boyfriend pink and rub at his cheek is stupidly endearing. of course he promises they'll do this again soon. everything he said this evening is complete truth, down to his belief they'll be together again even if some stupid rift grabs one of them. preparing himself and his boyfriend for that possibility. he isn't going to leave denji alone and scared, full of dread and despair. bakugou's going to find his way back to the man he loves no matter what stands in his way. he promised him. as the waves crash on the shore and he approaches his car, he has to believe he was able to support denji with what he said, whether a small mound or a massive mountain. they'll come to the same lake, the same spot, eat the same food, deliberately recreating this moment to prove to themselves they were right all along.
bakugou returns to the area to gather up what denji had already packed, letting him continue the consolidation while he carts some of the packed items back to his car. into the trunk they go, playing a bit of tetris to make sure everything fits without being crushed or messed up. he's proud of denji for cleaning up so well, and for trusting him. back and forth, bringing in one item after the other. he finishes helping the other boy and grips the top of the trunk before pulling it down with a thud! and brief bounce of the car. denji's desire to help and spare him the work as a form of repayment for caring about him is endearing, but he can't let his boyfriend do it all. it'd drive him nuts. thing is, denji spoils him plenty already. by putting up with his taxing personality and never giving up on loving him. and a lot of other ways as well, though he'd be pulling teeth to admit them.
he approaches the car when he sees denji's head sticking out the window, unable to keep a small smirk twitching his mouth's corner. cute.] Aa. But if you pick death metal, I'm muting it. [purely taunting. since when does denji ever pick death metal? bakugou passes the window, one hand settling on his boyfriend's head and ruffling his hair as he passes. it's already kind of fluffed from the ocean spray anyways. then heads around the front of the car to the driver's side.
not noticing the small whitish blue pinpoint of light blinking into existence behind denji's head outside the car like a glittering star hanging in empty air. twinkling once, twice, and said star abruptly yawns open into a mass of dark grey. a sinewy hand snaps outward, composed of the same smokey-colored miasma, and clamps long-nailed fingers right around denji's neck, as if in pure mockery of everything they'd spoken about only minutes ago.
come with me]
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As if! I got a better playlist for the night. [ why would he waste his privilege of being the DJ during their trip on gibberish screaming? while it is fun, based on the vibe of the day, tonightās mood is a little different. it begs for something calmer, heavy on the lyrics and softer melodies, not too sickly romantic but just right. his cheeks warmed up at the light pat on his head, ready to lean back and enjoy their drive home and to regroup with the other outsiders ā and then it happened.
did he see it coming? did he hear anything? felt anything off in the air? no, and that's the scary part. how effortless it was to slip in and devastate everything they talked about in a mere wink. he didn't realize something was transpiring, not until the touch of a foreign 'hand' curled around the nape of his neck. he froze, unsure what to make of this aside from sheer shock. he tried to glance back at whatever it might be, and it allowed him a peek into what appeared to be an endless void. what the hell is this? is this what the other outsiders are talking about? the rift? the thing thatās been grabbing the other outsiders? ācome with meā - the panic hits him hard. there is no time to think or ask any dumb questions; the next few seconds are crucial, and the only thing that made sense to him right now is: keep bakugou out of it. if that thing is coming for him, that's fine, he'd deal with it once he makes sure his boyfriend is out of reach.
he then grabbed for the cord and yanked it as fast as he could, engine revving and blood gushing everywhere. he didn't know what would happen next, he didn't know if he had time to pry himself off. one thing was for sureā he didn't want katsuki to get caught as well. he tried to yell at him to stay back, to run off, yet the words got swallowed in the noise. everything was happening all at once. too fast to react, too slow to stop.
katsuki. get away. get the hell away! ]
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All right. [mostly teasing, since as far as bakugou knows, denji's not fond of loud rock music and head bangers. for all his intensity as chainsaw man and his excitable nature at times, he's usually a calm guy. with plenty of moods and vibes, making him an unpredictable source bakugou's glad to have in his life. as he moves around the car, he runs through a few songs in his head he knows denji likes. probably gonna show up on the station when he chimes into it. gonna be five minutes of fucking searching.
it's not the sound of denji's voice setting him off, but rather a lack of it. the hair at his nape's hairline stands up on end, every muscle tenses, an instinctive dread over something unknown and terrible happening in a single instance. a cruel irony this happens soon after their conversation? noise, a solid sound, thudding skin to wrong, and he's already turning, eyes swinging to the side as if they're capable of dragging his head after them. in time to catch a moment's view of shimmering edges torn open in space itself, rent apart to reveal darkness and swirls. skin crawls, nerves scream, he only knows whatever this is came for denji.
and he is not okay with that!
his boyfriend, his partner, his link! so many heroes have the same story. something happened... my body moved without thinking. blood spews into the air, splattering the top of his car, the window rims, the seats inside. illuminated instantly by orange and yellow as the air splits in two with a harsh "ka-booM!" launched clean over the roof, a second one crashing above him and forcing his body down in a harsh angle straight towards whirling chainsaws and a shadowy arm protruding from the rift. get away. don't come. back off. run. he knows those thoughts are in denji's head, knows they're in those glowing yellow eyes behind his boyfriend's helmet. but... this must've been how midoriya felt. knowing he was being told to leave. knowing there was no possible way he could do that.]
PISS OFF!! [*KA-BWHOOM!!* fire, light, noise, smoke, force, everything explodes outward in a deafening roar outward, blasting into the rift and the arm itself. if he can get the damn limb off his boyfriend's neck, they can retreat before another one lashes out!]
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that's when denji has lost it all. ] Run!!! Get out of here! Right now! [ he didn't give a shit about himself in this situation, but he knew if the mysterious void targeted his boyfriend next, bakugou won't ā he won't be able to break free from it on his own. the half-devil pushed himself off the ground, but it was too fast. the creature pivoted, tendrils whipping like vipers, and in one breathless second, it had bakugou.
no. no, no, no, no!!
denjiās panic tore from his throat, ragged and raw. the creatureās grip cinched tighter, opting to make a fun game out of their miseries by taunting them both with a new victim, playing the same old tricks, adamant to remind them of how helpless they are here. how hopeless this is. and yetā he could've sworn when bakugou's eyes caught his, there was no fear. no despair. but a silent urgency, a wordless "donāt let it win."
denjiās legs moved before his thoughts could catch up. he stumbled to his feet, ignoring the throb in his ribs, the sting of broken skin; mind racing, hysteria choking every breath in and out. he couldnāt lose him. not him. not again. he can't let this happen again! his blood-slick chainsaws revved to life, and with a snarl of metal, he flung the chains outā not to tear, not to rip ... but to catch. the steel links surged forward, cutting through the air before coiling tight around bakugouās torso, purposely avoiding his arms so he could still blast that fucker away if he had to. the creature barely offered them a reaction, but denji held firm, bare feet skidding across the ground, muscles shaking from the force. his legs braced, knees buckling, but he locked them in place. blood dripped down his forearms where the blades bit into his own skin, but he didnāt feel it. all he saw was bakugouās body in front of him, still fighting, still not gone. he sees him. the forced of the rift tugged harder. almost effortlessly. denji gritted his teeth, chest heaving. the chains groaned under the strain, creaking, stretching, but they held.
his hands wrapped tighter around them, still careful the metal wouldn't cut through his lover's body too deeply. ]
I won't let go!!!
[ ..... what a fool. ]
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Then get your ass up and move it! [if denji thinks for a second he's going to run and abandon him to the whims of this blasted unknown, he should start chopping his brain out of his helmet head right no- SHIT!! Moving! Light ruptures, deafening roar sounds, and he's rocketing backwards-] Guh! [almost bisects himself from how hard he reaches the end of his sudden tether. red eyes blaze down his body to his waist, finding a similar shadowy arm snared about his hips and lower abdomen, all fingers and weird ass thumb. hey! this wasn't a fucking trade! this was complete denial!]
Hands off, you fucking piece of trash! [he clamps both hands around darkness, shuddering as chill and ill race through his body at a single touch. no hesitation or reaction, only a massive eruption of explosions like machine gun fire, blasting into the limb snaring him in midair.] DIE!! [was this shitty thing listening in on them? were their concerns and fears enough to draw its attention? is some fucking thing in the air wanting to play a hellish trick on their preparations?! WHO THE FUCK CARES!! HE'S NOT LETTING THIS TAKE HIM!!] Let go, asshole!
[too many flashbacks of a hot hand around the nape of his neck, a smirking set of half-charred lips beside his ear, a mocking voice as darkness begins creeping around either side of his head. all the while watching a screaming, tearful face running towards him above a pair of busted arms. his name loud amid spit and blood. does he have to endure this humiliation again? how the fuck is this happening?! ... and yet above everything else, his instincts roar at him to make sure whatever's behind him isn't able to reach denji. a roar of metal and engine heralds lashing chain and clinking ribbon before the half-devil's chainsaw treads fly past his shoulder and loop around his torso. jerked taut once more, tug of war between his boyfriend and this unknown trash. he instantly grabs the chain and wraps his arm twist within it, screw the consequences of metal teeth biting into his skin. he'll heal up from a few scratches easily! his other arm is still letting loose an arsenal of blasts behind, above, beside, anywhere he can to try and shake the damn thing off!
but even as he fights, he feels a far greater strength snarled around his legs, creeping upward towards his waist. is this ichor planning to let him be torn in half?! ... a damn better choice than getting swallowed by whatever this is! fuck you! he'll lose his legs if it means avoiding death!] Dammit!
[this isn't any sneaky stealth spiriting him away, not like denji getting stolen from beside him in the middle of the night. instead, his boyfriend's here and present, fighting to keep him from this shitty thief. other outsiders had been blinked out, yanked away, leaving their friends and significant others unable to do shit. denji's doing a lot more than shit! fucking proud of him even in the midst of all this!] Get a message out to the others! And don't you dare stop fighting!
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denji clenched his teeth so hard that blood filled his mouth. he pulled harder. harder. the chains rattled, his breath came in ragged bursts, hot with panic, cold with terror. sweat and tears mixed on his face, not that they could be seen behind such a helmet over his head, but of course denji was frustrated enough to break into tears. his fingers were numb, bones grinding, skin peeling against the grip of the chains. yet he didn't let go. ] Katsu- ... !!! [ but even if he didn't let go, even when his strength didn't fail him, their fate was sealed. then it happened.
a sharp, ringing crack split the chaos, and the chain snapped. it recoiled with a violent whip, clattering across the ground like a broken promise. the sound it made echoed louder than the rift closing in, a sickening finality to it. his eyes widened, frozen in the moment as time seemed to pause ā watching bakugou slip away, further away, and then he's gone .......
the recoil sent the half-devil stumbling back, his hands still clenched around the useless remains, bleeding and shaking. the ends of the chains sparked as they hit the ground, metal scraping against stone, then falling still. the silence that followed was heavy; suffocating. there was no weight pulling back anymore, no resistance, just empty air. denji stood there, frozen, staring at the broken chains in his hands like they were foreign objects, his monstrous mouth opened slightly, breath caught somewhere between inhale and scream. he couldnāt move. couldnāt think. his knees slowly gave out, and he sank to the ground, chains dragging beside him with a dull clink.
his eyes never left that spot. where bakugou was taken from him, where he couldn't save him. still staring as if he's foolishly hoping he would, somehow, return to him. he was still reaching, even if his hands werenāt, and that's when a part of him broke when he realized something. he really did try his best, like he fought with everything he has, reacted fast enough .... and he still failed?! his everything wasn't enough? he's that fucking weak that he couldn't protect the boy he loves the most? and that's when the silent sobs tore through his lungs, going through each and every second, trying to figure out where did he go wrong!! why couldn't he save him? why?! he gripped at the earth, nails digging in, his chainsaws melting away in despair. denji's face pressed into the dirt, and he couldnāt hold it in anymore.
his cries were muffled, choked against the ground; they came in hard, unraveling everything heād held together. all the anger, the fear, the guilt surged through him like fire. it felt endless. it felt deserved. he didn't know how to make it stop, and maybe ... he shouldn't. maybe he's allowed to be fucking pissed for once. ]
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a single breaking call of his name-!! right before links suddenly chip and clink, a tremulous jerk sinking him one final inch in ominous preparation of what's about to happen. so much flashes before his eyes, his mind whirls, and all explosions cease. left off purely so he can focus all his remaining seconds on his boyfriend. head up, red eyes burning, a grin appearing on his face even as his arm remains reached out toward the man struggling to hold him. straining for denji's eyes, his heart, his mind, trying to grip onto his attention once more before everything snaps into loss-]
Fight, babe. Don't you dare give up. [how much of it manages to reach denji, he doesn't know. halfway through, a snapping of metal and rush of air herald a chainsaw's chain cracking backwards in ominous slitter of detached truth. but bakugo refuses to look anywhere else, keeping denji in his sight as long as physically possible as the rift's darkness and light swarm up over his torso, shoulders, neck, chin, mouth, nose, eyes-
gone.]