fiddlestick | IC Inbox (Kaisou)

[Ah. Perhaps he's made this sound a lot more serious than it is. That's something he'll have to work on.]

No, I'm still in my preliminary investigation into him. Depending on how well he's covered his tracks, I would expect results by next month. I'm working as quickly and thoroughly as I can, but I'll let you know the moment I find anything conclusive.

[Murder isn't off the table, of course, but he's doing his best to reassure Elliot.]

My apologies, my question wasn't as serious as the Alba situation.

Oh.

[Oops]

Haha, no sorry. It's fine you haven't found anything yet, I know this takes time. Sorry, my mind's been focused on that...could probably use a break.

[He clears his throat]

So then! What's your question?

A break would do us all some good.

[He pauses, uncharacteristically hesitant for a moment. This is stupid, though. Jusis can just ask and then move on if the answer is no.]

I'm not certain if you remember or not, but there was a time during my first month or two here that I sent you a bottle of wine. I recall you invited me over to share it. So, I wanted to ask... was that meant to be a date?

[God help him.]

Oh yeah! I remember that! The day that Varian and Fern blew up their apartment.

[Haha fond memories. Feels like ages ago]

[Wait what is Jusis asking.

...

... ]

[ -!!!!]

HUH!? WAS IT?!

Edited 2023-07-20 16:52 (UTC)

[We're both stupid.]

[He opens up the text conversation so he can get the precise wording.]

"Though, I think I'd probably like it even more if I could share it with some good company," is what you said back then, and we did make it a steak dinner, which is popular for dates.

[God he can already feel his own awkwardness creeping up on him like a bad ex.]

It doesn't have to mean anything if you don't want it to. I'm... merely asking for clarification. However, it seems like this is as much a surprise to you as it is to me.

[Oh boy having his own words read back to him, even he has to admit that sounds hecking gay. ]

[A pause because what to do what to do]

Haha...man, I guess I'm too used to being around Rean. He never would've connected those dots on his own.

[What. It's true]

... Back then, that wasn't meant to be a date. I just wanted to spend time with my friend after a long day and I followed your recommendation for steak. Truth be told, I don't even like steak, but... I didn't want to come off as uncool to you, you know?

[Nevermind he is always uncool. He still wanted to make a good impression]

That's because... even if I didn't intend for that to be a date, I do like you Jusis. I like you a lot.

Romantically, I mean.

I can't argue that point.

[It's very true.

Thankfully, Jusis is in a much, much better mental state for this conversation. He listens without interruption, and actually takes it in rather than reject it outright.]

You didn't need to do that. You've always impressed me by simply being yourself, and it goes without saying that you've earned both my respect and my trust.

[He appreciates a man who is honest and knows what he wants in life. Even if Elliot isn't where he wants to be just yet, he's still making plans to get there.]

Admittedly, I wasn't anywhere near ready when it was brought up in March, but I am now that my... personal issues have been better addressed. Now, however, I'm in a much better place to have a discussion on this with you and Rean.

[He pauses. That sounds so businesslike, even to him.]

Good Lord.... What I mean to say is, I'm interested as well. I've been enamored for a while, to be honest.

Hehe, you're too kind. And you have my respect and trust as well! Next time I'll tell you if I don't like a food, promise.

[Though he's not really that picky of a eater. Still!]

Yeah, I get it. I think you've grown a lot more comfortable since then. [Back in March, the appearance of this Alba guy would've risked Jusis spiraling as well as Ash, though out of associated guilt than anything.

He giggles at Jusis's awkwardness. It's really endearing. And hearing Jusis return his feelings? It makes him feel light in the chest, and there's a grin on his blushing face ]

Hehe, yes!! [he clears his throat] I mean- great! We should have that discussion, I think Rean will be happy too- we've talked about you before. [So. You know. That's a thing]

Let's do it in a few days, okay? A date with the three of us. Once Ash has had a chance to calm down, we can have someone else be with him for an evening.

I appreciate it.

[Elliot is certainly right about that. Before April and therapy, he really wouldn't have been handling the current situation with Alba in anything resembling a healthy manner. Now, he's more focused and better able to nip his guilt by association in the bud, for the most part.

Jusis can't help smiling himself. A noticable one, at that.]

I had wondered if you had discussed it between the two of you. I remember seeing that suggestion in the group chat, but I'm glad to hear you think Rean would be happy.

[He's definitely nervous about a date with two people he loves, but it probably will be fine. They've been fine before!!!]

I'd be more than happy to have a date once things with Ash have calmed somewhat. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help him. I understand he's been taking this hard.

Haha, yeah we did. After that suggestion in group chat, in fact. He's open to the idea, but...yeah, I'll let him speak for himself.

[Rean can always verbalize things better than he can. Elliot's smiling on his own end too. Tonight's been a real rollercoaster of emotions, dang]

Sure thing! I'm sure he'd be happy if you could swing by here once and awhile. He'd probably find it reassuring. I mean...I know I would.

Indeed. And I'd like to thank you both for being patient with me while I worked through my own... baggage.

[It's been a lot and might continue to be a lot, but at least Jusis is starting to take solid steps forward. He might stumble, but he's determined to try not to backslide like he did in March.]

I can understand that. I'll be sure to set aside time to at least visit after work.

Eheh- you really don't have to thank us for that. It's not like we don't have our own baggage too, you know?

[Loads and loads of it. But that was part of why Class VII was so important, no matter the baggage- they supported each other]

Great! You're always welcomed here.

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