starsand | June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

June had been an active month for everyone in Starsand. The fake tradition at the Shrine of Love, the three ghost stories, and still no way home. Knowing this, Osamu Dazai decided the only thing to do was to organize a meeting for the Fallen Stars and citizens alike...🗈

[Dazai had set up a gathering at the park with a small podium. This would do until they'd gotten an official meeting hall. Atsushi, Fauna, and Akutagawa had probably all been tasked with putting up flyers earlier advertising the meeting. He approached the podium, clearing his throat.]

Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen, Fallen Stars and citizens of all shapes, sizes, and gender persuasions. This is the first meeting held by the Armed Detective Agency to discuss recent events and to set up plans for the future ahead. Let's go ahead and go over what we already know, shall we?

[He shuffled his cards at the podium, flicking one aside. Tellingly, if anyone picked it up...it was blank. Showoff.]

First off. The 'protection charm' so-called tradition. This, as some of you may know, is not an official tradition sanctioned by the Kami of Love. We're not certain who started it, but my guess is that it's for nebulous purposes. If you've tried to 'protect' someone, you had better let them know. And if you've been 'protected', prepare for whatever may come. We'll be doing what we can to decipher the intent behind this and the perpetrator.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'Chuuya Nakahara has a stinky butt' written on it in red crayon with a chibi drawing of Dazai's face winking with his tongue out next to it.]

Now, let's get into the meatier situations. I believe we've had three curious spirits haunting our dear city as of late, and I'd like to go over each. If anyone has any relevant information pertaining to any of them - encounters, confrontations, simply details you've overheard - please do feel free to contribute to the discussion after the overview is finished.

The first of these is Bloody Mary. The Armed Detective Agency - meaning, my team - Atsushi, Fauna, Akutagawa, raise your hands. These three and myself have looked into this incident in particular. We intend to look into all of them, but this one was our first priority. We regret to inform you that she is quite real. Do not attempt this ritual. She will chase down whoever summoned her, and attempt to attack. She left us with the warnings that she 'learned so much' and that she'd be 'stronger next time' before melting into a puddle of blood. I repeat, do NOT summon Bloody Mary. We will not be discussing how to summon her in the interest of less people doing it...but you've been warned.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'YOU CAN REACH BLOODY MARY BY SPELLING OUT ICUP AND PRAYING IN FRONT OF YOUR TOILET' written on it in blue crayon. Off to the side, it has the word 'spooky! do not attempt!' written on it. And a little drawing of a bedsheet ghost seemingly dripping blood.]

The second is the Footsteps Behind You ghost. Much like Bloody Mary, I've looked into this one on my own. It attempted much the same. An assault, a promise that it had learned, and a declaration that it'd be stronger next time. It, too, melted into blood. Do NOT summon the Footsteps Behind You ghost, either. Once more, no discussion as to how to do so will be taking place for your personal safety.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'DON'T TELL THEM THE FOOTSTEPS BEHIND THEM IS ACTUALLY A LARGE HAMSTER WITH SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES. THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH.' written on it in green crayon. The giant hamster is drawn on it looking sad.]

The third and final spirit that has been spoken of is regretfully the one I have the least amount of information on. The girl in the reflection. I made an attempt to summon her as well to no success, but the important thing about her is she made no attempt to attack. Unlike the other two spirits, the potential harm of this one is undetected. Still, you should not make an attempt to reach out until further information is given.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'Potential Reminder: have ADA attempt another summoning. Certain issues may have gotten in my way.' Unlike the other cards, this one was written in pen in fairly elegant handwriting.]

With that, I open the floor to you, meeting participants. If you have any further information, feel free to share with the rest of us and talk amongst yourselves. The purpose of this meeting is to gather information and perhaps get to know your colleagues a bit better.

[And then, suddenly, he brightens.] Of course, after that, if anyone has any way to brighten the mood, we may all need it! So feel free to contribute that, too!

We at the Armed Detective Agency thank you for attending. We'll appreciate your cooperation in the future and know that we are looking into each and every incident with precision and care. Good night, tri-state area~

[And then he just. Drops the rest of the blank cue cards on the podium, folds his arms behind his head, and walks back.

The floor is yours, other participants.]

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[Leo sets down the cup he had been drinking from and turns to Elliot, smile unchanging. Yeah, he’s pretty close to knocking some sense into his friend.]

Everyone here is worried about the same thing that we are, Elliot. I don’t care if the game is stupid and girly. We’re here to be allies, not assholes.

Then you can play.

[He grumbles and flops back to looks up at the sky.

But it's you that I want to play with most.

[Though fine. If Elliot's not going to play, then Leo will put his hand on his elbow and lean forward. Seeming to ignore Elliot now. One of them has to learn everyone's secrets and apparently it will be Leo.]

[Elliot kicks Leo’s ankle, but he lifts his head up a little so Leo can see how irritated he looks.

Don’t ignore him, Leo!!!]

You’re not serious.

[If he doesn't want to be ignored, then maybe he should play the game! Leo's smile softens only briefly and he closes his eyes, pretending not to feel the kick. Then he turns around and puts his hand on the ground, purposefully looking down on Elliot. It's a subtle reminder that he's not entirely happy and thinks Elliot is being a child.]

I'm too tired to lie to you. I've been giving away my secrets and working hard to be someone that they'll trust. But you're too scared to even raise your hand once.

Well~ I guess this is why you brought your servant along~ [And Leo pushes himself back into a proper sitting position. He doesn't need to hit Elliot and make a scene to be obviously disapproving.]

[Elliot's mouth forms a small o shape as he gawks at his friend in shock. Everything Leo is doing right now sets off his temper--the way he looks down at him, his patronizing lecturing ~~that he deserves~~, the fact that he called him out.

Leo is being an asshole. And yet...that's part of why he lo--likes being around him so much.

The pep talk does get him to react though, and he jolts up so he can glare down at him.]

I'm not scared and I don't need you to fight my battles!

[If Leo won't make a scene, he will!]

[That's much better. Leo doesn't mind how Elliot glares at him or the scene that he's causing. But his expression becomes more genuine as he meets Elliot's glare with his own smile.]

Prove it. Give the people you cheated their point. [He means voluntarily admitting to the statements where Elliot should have raised his hand.] And come up with a statement that can at least beat mine.

Otherwise, you're just noisy. [And Leo reaches for his cup again. He's not talking to Elliot until they're equals again.]

You're insufferable, you know that? [More insufferable is that Elliot doesn't entirely mind the way Leo looks at him now. That real smile suits him more than the false one on his face earlier.]

Fine. I've been to my world's equivalent of high school, I've done my job correctly [Somewhat], I'm human, considered violence the first solution multiple times, I don't understand what the difference is between name-brand groceries and groceries, I--

[He stops when he realizes the next thing he has to admit is, going silent. He doesn't want everyone here knowing about his...stupid crush, especially not when said crush is getting under his skin right now.

There was one more thing, wasn't there?]

My name is Elliot Nightray, and never have I ever worn stupid glasses that hid my eyes and got in the way of my favorite pastime unlike someone.

[Leo is counting on his fingers until he can no longer keep up, about ready to forgive Elliot, when he doesn’t give Tau a point. And while Leo had accepted that these feelings were one-way, it does sting to have it confirmed.

He falls silent while he gets his emotions under control. In that same moment, trying to distract Elliot and hide his face, Leo takes out his glasses and puts them on.]

That’s oddly specific, Elliot. Are you trying to win against them or pick a fight with me?

[Because Leo is hurt enough over his broken heart that he could throw some punches. He’s really good at dealing with his emotions, you see.]

I'm not sure.

[Elliot folds his arms and glares at Leo, or rather the glasses on his face. He's so tempted to reach out and break those stupid things.]

If I'm going to be honest, maybe both. I'm too tired to lie, Leo.

[He repeats Leo's words in a clipped tone. He heard what Leo said, he saw him raise his hand before. And it hurts. More than he wants to admit.]

Edited 2022-06-09 23:07 (UTC)

[Now wearing his glasses (which are still the ones Elliot bought him, so break at your own risk,) Leo stands. He's also crushed the plastic cup in his hand, which isn't a good sign. But Leo, who is usually grounded by Elliot, has cut that tie. He can't confide in Elliot about this, so his only choice is to break something. This is logical.]

I need to recycle this. I'll be back later- Don't wait for me. [He says this while glaring at Elliot, which is meant to mean "don't follow me."

Then he heads off to find a recycling can to kick-- Recycle the cup in.]

[Elliot doesn't stop the derisive scoff as he watches Leo crush the plastic cup. Now look who's being a child? He hates those glasses and regrets buying them, he hates the way Leo is looking at him, and the way his voice sounds.

He reads him loud and clear, but his own anger and hurt that Leo hadn't said anything, had hid it from him and moved on overwhelms any sense of self-preservation. Standing up, he bolts after Leo, reaching for his shoulder.]

You coward!

[And before he knows it, he's trying to spin him around so he can punch him in his stupid face with those awful glasses.]

[He knew this would happen. Leo heard Elliot coming after him and he knew what was coming next. And here he is, trying his best to keep his temper out of the public eye. Leo knows what he's like and he knows that no one will trust him if they see how angry he can get. He also knows that only Elliot can weather these storms and he's grateful that his friend isn't going to unleash Leo on a recycling bin.

But he's still mad and hurting. He knows that he feels like crying and that makes this so much worse. And he knows that once he finishes his book and presents his feelings to Elliot that their relationship will be ruined forever.

When Elliot spins him around, Leo's glasses fall off and his instinct is to grab that memory. Being one handed, this means he can't block Elliot's punch.

Leo staggers. Collects his glasses. And then tries to headbutt Elliot.]

I said to LEAVE ME ALONE! [he didn't. But read between the lines, dammit!]

[Elliot's vision blinks in and out as he staggers back, stunned by the headbutt. When he brings a gloved hand to his forehead, he doesn't find any blood, but he can feel how sore it is and it's sure to be inflamed later. But he knows how bad Leo's temper gets. He's never feared it though, and even found it relieving to know that someone could match his personality and short fuse. But he doesn't understand why Leo is angry, when shouldn't he be the one who's angry? Leo kept something from him. Again. He lied to him, again.

He wants Leo to be happy, but at the end of the day Elliot knows he's another selfish person, and the fact that he could move on so easily leaves him feeling like he's losing him all over again. He doesn't move to attack him this time and stands still, smiling at the ground.]

Is that what you wanted...?

[Maybe he had misread everything. Ah...of course. Leo had been through so much, had lost his hand after Elliot was gone, and had lost so much because Elliot couldn't face the truth. But Elliot kept pushing him, kept testing him, and now that Leo's a noble and has a life Elliot's only become a burden and a ghost to him.

You can't put together a broken heart. When Elliot looks up, he smiles at him, but it's as empty as the one he saw on Leo earlier.]

Very well, Leo.

[He doesn't attack him, his temper drowned out, and turns away to go gather his sword and whatever else he brought. He can find somewhere else to sleep tonight.]

[Leo has to catch his breath. He knew he'd hit Elliot, but he had expected some sort of retaliation. They're supposed to fight and stay together. Logic tries to bite him, scold him, and tell him to get back to the meeting. 'Glen' tells him to put a lid on this and get back to his job. These thoughts are buried in anger and hurt, and 'Leo' can't rise above it anymore.

But seeing his friend's empty smile kills his anger in an instant. In a flash, Leo remembers that the place he wants to be is by Elliot's side. He wants to be someone who can keep that look off of Elliot's face. If he can do that as a 'friend' then shouldn't that be enough?

He doesn't say anything to announce his intent. Leo follows when Elliot turns away and grabs his arm. Without asking permission, he tugs Elliot to a stop and rests his head on his friend's back. The sparks of his temper still have Leo breathing heavily and he can feel himself about to cry. It takes him a few seconds to speak.]

... I'm sorry, Elliot.

[Elliot feels he might cry too, but he uses all of his willpower to stop himself. He doesn't want to cry, not in front of these strangers, and certainly not in front of Leo. He just wants to get out of there. Compared to many of the others here, he's a mediocre, ordinary human. Which he's fine with, but of all the moments to find this out--

But then there's a familiar weight against his back that stops him and has him draw in a breath, his feelings becoming more and more muddy. He wants to say that it's okay and apologize too, anything so Leo doesn't sound so broken. But he doesn't understand. Why is he apologizing? Is it for snapping at him? Why is he so angry in the first place.]

...Don't be. I'm happy for you [Liar]. And I don't want your pity nor sympathy.

[Leo leans in for Elliot's support. His warmth, his scent, his stupid strong shoulders-- He's selfish to think of Elliot this way, but he does. His temper slowly fizzles out and he draws in a deep breath. All of these awful, wonderful feelings belong in a box and he shoves them into the corners of his heart.

Then flinches, caught off guard by Elliot's words.]

... Why are you happy that I want to crush a recycling bin? [Being close to Elliot like this is comfortable, but Leo reluctantly breaks away. He steps around Elliot to stand in front of him, as equals, and look him in the face. His eyes are red from tears he refuses to cry and Leo looks very tired. He's also sincere and unguarded, as tempting as it is to look away. They're equals and if Leo wants to know what's going on in Elliot's head, he needs to show the same(ish) openness.]

Why would I pity you? What did you do? I thought that was a good punch.

[Some of Leo's silky hair brushes against the back of his neck thanks to the breeze, and he catches the scent of his shampoo. They probably use the same one, but on Leo it smells different. Better. Elliot wishes Leo wouldn't do this, because it makes him second-guess everything he's tried to convince himself he's come to terms with, but when he opens his mouth he can't tell him to move or shrug him away. He wants him to stay, and Leo doesn't do this very often, which is just enough to make his own pain more tolerable and reconsider the conclusions his mind jumped to.]

...What? [His mind blanks out, but he's disappointed that Leo moves away, leaving Elliot feeling cold. He knew it would happen, but he hoped it would last longer. He searches Leo's eyes, his own wistful but confused. He wants to be wrong, but he won't know unless he asks.]

I'm not talking about the punch. I didn't know you met someone.

[He wants to brush some of Leo's hair away from his eyes but he stops himself, swallowing.]

I'm glad. You found someone you like.

[And Leo's expression falls into one of disgust.

That... is what they're fighting about? The fact that Leo raised his hand and Elliot is jealous of... What? Not having someone to like? Though a more likely scenario does cross Leo's mind: They're best friends and they're sixteen. They're probably supposed to talk about cute girls... Disgusting. Never happening. There's no way that Elliot was stupid enough to expect Leo to be girl crazy. He's book crazy. But he can understand how secret keeping of any kind might anger Elliot.

It's also a twisted type of amusing. Leo can see the irony in how Elliot is worked up about not being told, when the act of telling him will damage their happiness forever. The cherry on top of this is how Elliot looks at him and how Leo can't stop staring into his eyes. He's caught somewhere between wanting to throw a recycling bin and throw Elliot for making him feel like this.

That game was so stupid for causing such a stupid fight.]

Do you know how miserable it is to like someone?

They're dense as lead and... [Leo's voice trails off, considering his options. There's no going back on having a crush now. Confessing in this moment would be pretty embarrassing too. What? They'll go back to the circle awkwardly and everyone will pity Leo for getting rejected twice in one night? No. He'll die of heartbreak on his own, thanks.

But Elliot is his equal. Maybe he has advice. Or maybe he'll catch on and put Leo out of his misery. Leo isn't sure what he wants when he opens his mouth again:]

... I can't do anything about it anyway. They didn't raise their hand.

...What's with that stupid expression?

[Elliot blurts out before thinking. Of course he's jealous. He would have been jealous regardless of his fate, but if he could have been around when Leo eventually got married, supported him as his best friend...it would have been tolerable. He would have had a place in Leo's life. But instead Leo's looking at him as if he's to blame, and Elliot scoffs at his friends whining.]

Can't imagine the suffering you must be going through. [Sarcasm drips from his voice, part of him hoping Leo can read between the lines...but he's an idiot, a stupid, overprotective idiot, and he probably thought he was helping Elliot by hiding the truth because that's exactly the sort of stupid thing he'd--]

Their-- their hand?

[Elliot repeats the words flatly, but some of his anger wanes. He's still jealous, but if they're here then Leo hadn't really lied to him. He had moved on, but it was different. Manageable. Elliot still has a place in his life.]

You're not just insufferable. You're an idiot.

[He sighs, placing both hands on Leo's slighter shoulders and scowling at him.]

I don't know a lot about romance, but I won't allow my best friend to sabotage this. Who was the person you like? I'll help you...talk to them, or whatever it is people do.

[How did this happen? Leo, who takes pride in being well spoken when he wants to be, has no words. He can feel himself being torn clean in two by his own emotions. Elliot cares and wants for him to be happy, which makes Leo's chest feel tight and hopeful all at once. But Leo is also miserable to know Elliot's support is probably empty.

It could be a twisted kind of fun, Leo thinks to himself. Elliot giving him advice, Leo learning his preferences. He could plan outings that make Elliot like him more. Spoil him (gross) and get the ending that he-- Leo,-- wants... But ultimately, Leo sees that as selfish. Disgusting, even. He doesn't want to become someone else in order to earn Elliot's affection nor would he ever want to manipulate Elliot's feelings. They're equals. They don't use underhanded tricks like that on each other.

This isn't fair. He wanted to stay this way longer... But it's probably time to let Elliot go.]

I'll... tell you more later. They're here, remember? [Leo breaths in.] I need your help with something more important anyway.

[Elliot lets his hands drop and stretches them over his head as he yawns, blissfully oblivious to Leo's internal conflict. The meeting has him exhausted, but he definitely prefers the stupid disgusted expression over the way Leo looked like he was about to cry before.]

Mmn, I don't feel like it. I'm going to head back and sleep. [He pats Leo on the shoulder, his tone more teasing.] Why don't you ask your crush?

[There is no hesitation: Leo grabs Elliot by the front of his collar and drags him down.]

If I don't get to leave early than neither do you, Elliot.

[Then releases him just as quickly. This may be the last time they get to be together. Leo plans to throw the outline of his book at Elliot tonight.]

You're going to read the first draft tonight.

[Well. Elliot's awake now. He blinks at him from eye-level, stunned, and stands back up.]

Read what? Your book? Why can't it wait until morning?

[Why is Leo acting so weird?]

You'll understand once you read it.

[Because Leo can't keep staying in the same apartment as Elliot now. It's awful and unfair to Elliot.

He turns around with the intention of rejoining the group.]

Let's go. Ms Hanyuu will worry.

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June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

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