fiddlestick | IC Inbox (Kaisou)

[Considering the timing of this call and Jusis's vagueness...it's not hard for Elliot to put 2 and 2 together that this wasn't lawyer related]

I'm sorry, Jusis, you didn't come in clear. Must be my reception. Hold on-

[He makes a show of stepping into a more secluded spot so the students don't overhear]

Here we go.

Anyway- did you say "we have a situation that affects all of us and I could use your help instead of trying to do everything myself"? Hmm?

[Damn it, Elliot. Well, at least the tone in his friend's voice is enough to make Jusis remember The Concert Practice and the whole Torture Thing. 💧]

Umm....

[Jusis clears his throat.]

It's... sensitive. I'd be more comfortable if we could meet up to talk about it.

Then you can come to my music classroom. Room 207. It's spring break, so you can just sign in at the reception desk.

No other Black Order members, understand?

[Jesus Christ... Jusis doesn't even think to argue, even if he wanted to.]

Perish the thought. I'll be there soon.

[And he hangs up. Jusis arrives at the high school shortly, signs in at reception, and makes his way to the designated room. He knocks on the door before entering and keeps the door open a crack. The blond holds up his phone to silently show that it's off, hoping Elliot understands the message. He doesn't trust Zodiac to not have their phones technically bugged.]

Forgive my paranoia, but I trust Zodiac about as much as I trust the Order.

[Which is to say very little.]

Edited 2023-03-14 18:39 (UTC)

[When Jusis arrives, he'll find it's just Elliot in the room. All of the classroom instruments have been taken out and set up along the desks of the room to be cleaned, with Elliot in the middle of cleaning a xylophone. If Jusis looks carefully, he'll notice that the walls of the room are shimmering with some kind of magic -- he's soundproofed the place]

Jusis, come on in!

And I don't mind, I already turned off my phone after you called. You can set yours on my desk-- there should be some coffee for you too.

[Sure enough, Elliot's already gone ahead and brewed a cup of coffee in a novelty music mug on the counter for Jusis. It's just the stuff you get from the teacher's lounge, but it's the best he could do under short notice.]

[Truly, Elliot is a man after his heart when he notices the soundproof spell. He fully closes the door at that point. The blond nods as he walks over to place his phone next to Elliot's. Though Jusis takes the coffee, he feels... wrong sitting at his friend's desk. Instead, he pulls up a chair close to the redhead.]

Thank you, Elliot.

[He takes a sip of the coffee. It reminds him of what they have at his workplace, so it's good enough to get the job done.]

I assume you've noticed that the announcement was highly out of character today. Or, rather, they've been out of character since announcing that they were sold that peach.

[Varian has also been acting out of character since the explosion. Perhaps the two are related, but that's only a suspicion at this time.]

[Elliot doesn't mind him pulling up a chair next to him. He gives him a nod, before he continues working on the xylophone. He is well versed with knowing how to clean and hold a conversation at the same time]

Yep, I've noticed. Zodiac's never really cared about us, but at least before they would pretend to care. Or help out in their own way when something came up.

[Jusis can't cross his arms while holding a mug, so instead he crosses his ankles like a proper lady.]

We started paying more attention after the post they made at the beginning of the month. Not only did POKEGO get barely a mention, but they were far more hostile towards the Order than they had been before.

[He pinches the bridge of his nose. Just for a moment, he looks tired. Like he's been running himself ragged. The moment passes quickly, though.]

I won't deny that it's unusual that they've been sending so many Guardians, but that barely was worthy of mention before. I theorized that they've been working on a project dealing with those peaches, so I asked the others to keep an eye on Zodiac's building. After the announcement today, I've asked them to stake out the place and I'll be joining in the effort. Depending on what we can find out in the next day or so will determine our next move.

[Elliot listens to Jusis explain himself, making a soft "hmmm" sound as Jusis talks. On one hand, the idea seems logical enough but...]

Right, okay, I get the concern I do but...

You say Zodiac is acting hostile towards the Order, and they presumably know who all of you are because they let you on the app. And they've been extra on edge about you guys lately.

[...]

So...wouldn't you guys all watching their building make them even more on guard? No offense, but all of you stand out like sore thumbs.

[Jusis scoffs.]

Looks aside, most of them wouldn't know how to stay low and keep quiet to save their lives.

[He sure as fuck can't dress to blend in without help, but he knows a little stealth.]

That said, it would also raise suspicion if we didn't keep a lookout. They expect it, and we expect to be seen no matter what we do. In that sense, we're in a stalemate.

[He sighs and takes another half-hearted sip of cheap coffee.]

However, that does allow Libra users to use us as a smokescreen. We may be locked tight, but that leaves you free, especially if they keep rising to the Order's bait. Depending on what information we can get to their plans, we can use that to our advantage.

[He can and will unleash psychological warfare on these people.]

[....Well, that certainly is a Jusis sounding plan alright]

I see...so you were hoping to use your team as bait while the rest of us investigated.

[...]

Except when were you going to inform us of this plan? That's not why you called me, Jusis Albarea, and you know it.

[... 💧]

... Admittedly, not this soon.

[His friend knows him way too well. Jusis gets up to set the mug back on Elliot's desk before sitting again. He clasps his hands to rest them on his knees. For a moment, the blond is quiet to get his thoughts in order.]

None of this is typical, Elliot. Outside of what Zodiac is doing, I mean. We're outsiders that the community may feel are encroaching on them, no matter how you look at it. It doesn't help that the Order doesn't collaborate, as I'm sure you're already well aware, and that inexperience in bringing others into the fold makes this much more difficult. My footing here is shaky at best, and it's only gotten shakier since the beginning of the month.

[It's... hard to admit, but....]

I called because I didn't want you and Rean to think that I'd suddenly ghosted you. And I... [Deep breath in.] I don't know how to ask for your help in this matter. Especially when so little is known in the first place.

[Elliot holds his hand up, palm forward.]

Jusis, stop. Please.

[He'll set down his cleaning brush, leaning back to look at him directly. His expression is angry, and it is hurt.]

Do you wanna know what happened with the last Black Order team here? The La Llorona incident. I'm sure they gave you a report of it...but I was there. I saw it all.

The Black Order refused to work with us. They were hostile, they refused to give us information. They threatened us, some even went as far as to attack us. Because they felt they knew best.

Because they did that...we didn't have a chance to come up with a better plan. The best we could do was... [He swallows] agree to the plan offered by a god that'd only sacrifice some instead of many.

[He squeezes his eyes shut] ....Rean volunteered before I could stop him. I had to watch him die. And not just him, some of my students too. I had- [His voice cracks and he has to pause] I had no way of knowing they'd be back.

[Elliot takes a moment to pause, blinking back the urge to tear up at the memory and collect himself]

So...yeah, it's true. I haven't forgiven the Order, and I'll probably never trust them. A lot of people probably feel the same.

But I like you, and I trust you. Just like a lot of people like and trust you. We already see you as part of our community. Just as much as I see you as a member of Class VII.

So please, stop...acting like we're different. Don't keep us in the dark until it's convenient for the Order. I've seen what that leads to. Maybe if the Order had worked with us before ...it wouldn't have ended up the way it did.

And if you don't know how to say help? All you have to say is "hey, I need help". It really doesn't have to be more than that.

Edited 2023-03-14 23:22 (UTC)

[Jusis stops the moment Elliot tells him to. The hurt and anger makes him wince very slightly, but he listens.

Very quickly, he wishes he was anywhere but here. Elliot's anger, his hurt, his tears, his residual grief... this will be seared into his memory for lifetimes to come. That Rean and his students had been part of those casualties....

You could've stopped that.

You let those children die.

You let Rean die.

None of this shows on his face. Quite frankly, he can't. His instincts with feeling so much all at once in front of someone he loves, or wants to love, force him to remain neutral in body language and facial expression. Especially when that loved one is angry. Especially when he feels that one wrong step will see that love ripped away from him.

This is Elliot Craig. He would never do that. He's not cruel, you know that!

Elliot's even saying that he likes Jusis. He's trusted, he's part of Class VII. Supposedly, he's even part of Kaisou. But that's the rub, isn't it? He's not just part of them. Jusis is also part of The Black Order. And now he's asking himself a question he never thought he'd ask.

Is it wrong to care about my team?

He takes another deep, steadying breath. These are thoughts and feelings he needs to put aside for now. Jusis isn't... ready to have a conversation about how he feels trapped in limbo between Kaisou and The Black Order. This also isn't the time or place for it. Not now when he feels like a child trapped in a broken household in Berlin again.]

...There is an option that we can take. One that doesn't require me to ask for backup.

[Jusis is almost reluctant to give this away, but what choice do they realistically have if they want to avoid having the worst of the lot on their doorstep?]

I'll have to submit a request to HQ for it, and it's dangerous, but it might be our best shot. [He struggles a little to find the words.] It's... an app that the Order acquired a long time ago. It'll allow a team to sneak into Zodiac without being detected.

[The blond shakes his head.]

I don't know the details, unfortunately. I've never used it before, so I don't know what to expect. It'll take time for it to be approved, though, and there'll be a senior Guardian who will need to assess the legitimacy of the request.

[It throws Elliot off when Jusis gives no visible reaction to Rean's death. He knew how much Jusis cared about the other man, so he thought there'd be something. Rean died, how could he not react to that?

It's only when Jusis starts to answer does he realize what's going on. The anger leaves his eyes, only to have guilt fill up instead. It's not as blatant as Hunter, but he can still see it. Jusis saw someone he cared about angry. It scared him, and now he's quickly attempting to placate as much as he can before it resulted in consequences. Like it would if he was dealing with the Albareas. ]

Crap- [Way to go Elliot, he scolds himself mentally. He got too caught up in his own emotions that he forgot how sensitive Jusis was. ]

Jusis- [He'll turn fully in his chair to take Jusis's hands.] I-It's okay. I'm sorry. I went too hard. I just- [He swallows] This whole situation dredged up a lot of bad memories, but that's not your fault, okay?

[He sighs, feeling awful]

...Let's try to find out some more information first before we resort to calling your bosses, okay? We got a lot of people here with a lot of resources. You don't need to fix everything yourself to make me happy. [That's actually the opposite of what he was asking]

[It's Elliot taking his hands that gets a reaction from Jusis. Well, a more noticeable one, at least. Surprise.

He meets his friend's eyes this time. He sees the guilt, and that hurts. He's not entirely certain why it hurts, but Jusis is pretty adept at ignoring feelings he's unsure as to their cause. After a moment of silence, the blond closes his eyes and gives a small nod before opening them again.]

Very well.

[Jusis hesitates.]

Hm... I... seem to have made this more awkward than it needs to be. [He shakes his head, and then turns his hands so that he can gently grip Elliot's hands back. His expression, though somewhat sad, is softer.] It's not your fault for feeling the way you do, Elliot. You know I'd be just as angry if our roles were reversed.

[Jusis sighs softly, looking guilty himself.]

I'm sorry. It seems I still have a long way to go if I this is how I handle your anger. And I'm—[The blond stops for a moment, his grip on Elliot's hands tightening a fraction, and he looks away from the redhead. He can feel the delayed sadness start to tighten around his neck.] ... I'm... I'm sorry about what happened to Rean and to your students.

...I think we both had a hand in making it awkward. [he'll quietly confess. When Jusis grips his hands back, he'll give a gentle squeeze. ] But yeah, I do know. You'd be pounding on the Order's doors demanding answers, rather than sitting by quietly.

[He says that last bit with a touch of bitterness towards himself. How often does he have to sit by and let bad things happen? So often, he felt so useless in helping.

He swallows a little]

Even if I get angry sometimes, I won't stop loving you Jusis. Okay? [The word spills out without Elliot really thinking, the high emotions of the moment making him less careful with his word choice. And then he pauses as the second apology] ... That wasn't your fault either, but thank you. I'm glad they all came back, but easily one of the worst weeks of my life, I won't lie.

[He can't deny that. Even being a Guardian, Jusis likes to pound on HQ's doors about basic human decency.

The blond looks back up at Elliot in wide-eyed surprise, now. There's definitely a slight shade of pink to his cheeks, but... but he needed to hear that. Even if it's only meant platonically, he still needed to hear it. Jusis stares at him for a long moment before closing his eyes, nodding to himself, and takes his hands out of Elliot's. The reason why becomes clear very soon as he simply... moves half out of his seat to gently hug the redhead.]

I may not always handle anger well, but that does not change my feelings for you. You're not the one to blame for that inability of mine. You're dear to me, and you always will be.

[It's brief, as he doesn't want Elliot to feel trapped in it, but Jusis hopes it's enough as he attempts to pull away.]

Honestly, we're both quite the mess today, aren't we?

[He wasn't expecting to get hugged. Were it anyone else, he'd definitely trying to get out of it or be really uncomfortable. But Jusis? He does relax into it, letting himself lean against the other for a moment and involuntarily letting out a soft purr sound.]

Jusis...

[He can't help but feel warm as Jusis says he's dear to him. As soon as the hug started, it's over, and Elliot has to pull himself back on chair. He clears his throat]

Aha- Y-yeah, sure seems that way. Can't say I really planned this far ahead...

[...The purring is new. He didn't realize Elliot could do that while human, but it makes sense. In as much anything in Kaisou makes sense.

Jusis retakes his seat.]

It's not as if either of us planned for any of this, truly. [...] If you wish, I can keep you company while you clean the instruments. I'm not entirely certain how to clean them myself, but I'm willing to learn.

[And, well, maybe sticking around will also help reinforce what he said.]

[Elliot freezes, the expression on his face looking like Jusis just proposed something absolutely shocking and obscene. Someone else clean his precious instruments? Hugs are one thing, but this-

....

....

He takes a deep breath, before reaching over and pulling the bin full of recorders close to Jusis]

I...suppose you can start with those and see how it goes.

[Those things are made to be handled by small children SURELY it'll be fine. Right?]

[... 💧]

Fair enough. I'm more of a visual and tactile learner. So, if there's a particular way I should clean these....

[He's certain there is. This is Elliot Craig he's talking to.]

[Jesus christ Ryuu you're cruel. TWO CAN PLAY AT THIS GAME.

Elliot will nod. He's not even thinking about what this might look like because he's in music mode]

It's pretty straightforward. [He grabs a recorder off the pile to demostrate] First you want to twist and pull off the mouthpiece. Then on the opposite end of where the player puts his mouth, you want to blow into to clear the pathway.

[Which he'll do right now, he'll just blow into that recorder end that happens to be flesh colored and we're all in hell]

After that, you want to take one of the cleaning wipes and wipe both parts. [He'll show that now, grabbing one of the wipes into his hand and wrapping his fingers around the instrument's body as his fingers rub up and down]

Any questions?

[You've played yourself, Yuff, because Jusis sure as fuck isn't thinking about it, either.

The blond watches intently as he makes mental notes of what needs to be done. At the end of the demonstration, he simply nods.]

None so far since it's so straightforward, but I'll be certain to ask if any come up.

[Jusis takes one of the recorders in hand, and he starts off methodical and slow as he cleans it. He's taking his time to make sure it's to Elliot's demanding satisfaction before showing it for inspection. Fortunately for everyone involved, the blond is a very quick learner and it won't be long before he finds his rhythm.]

Alright.

[Elliot stands by, watching Jusis as he works. For the first recorder, he's so focused on making the instrument is being cleaned properly that it doesn't occur to him. It's only one the second does it...start to sink in what it actually looks like as Jusis is running his hand over long body of the-

He clears his throat]

Ah- Aha, you're...really good with your hands.

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