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you got a heart that's born with a beat
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HOME/DIRTY PAWS. the gardiner sisters.
well holy moly, me oh my, you're the apple of my eye
( jumping up and down the floor, my head is an animal )
kiss with a fist.
florence + the machine.
your slaps don't stick, your kicks don't hit, so we remain the same. blood sticks sweat drips break the lock if it don't fit-- a kick in the teeth is good for some, a kiss with a fist is better than none!
[ There's a lot of pros and cons that come with the job that Kuroo's found himself with. He typically can set his own hours, so long as he gets the job done in a satisfactory manner - and Daichi has yet to chop off any of his fingers, so he figures that he's doing good so far - and he can wear whatever he wants, no uniform required. He only chooses to dress sharp because he looks good, and it just fits with the rest of the package. Tattoos? Totally fine, everyone has at least one in their family.
(And, also, he gets to straight up murder people? It's a perk, all right. One he didn't realize he was into.)
The cons are that he's out late at night, sometimes, or gone for days. He has to charm people he's not interested in, because he has someone to come home to. Showers are irritating because he has to take fifty of them to get the blood out of his hair and out from under his nails.
Kuroo takes his showers - only goes through three, before he comes out and is satisfied - and he gives a brief glance to the time as he ruffles his hair with a towel. It's about 4 AM, and he's bound to only get a couple hours of sleep, but he figures he wants to get that limited bit of sleep at home. Where his heart and soul and mind are.
Carefully, he relocates Zelda from where she's in his spot, scratching the calico behind the ears before he tosses the towel to a corner. Things are a little disorganized, there are cats and blanket burritos, but he slides in under the covers until he can nuzzle his face up against Kenma's cheek, heated from the scalding heat of the shower. The cats shift to find their places, but he doesn't move, intently waiting for his one kitten to react to his new presence there in their bed, fingers brushing blond hair away from a delicate face. ]
(And, also, he gets to straight up murder people? It's a perk, all right. One he didn't realize he was into.)
The cons are that he's out late at night, sometimes, or gone for days. He has to charm people he's not interested in, because he has someone to come home to. Showers are irritating because he has to take fifty of them to get the blood out of his hair and out from under his nails.
Kuroo takes his showers - only goes through three, before he comes out and is satisfied - and he gives a brief glance to the time as he ruffles his hair with a towel. It's about 4 AM, and he's bound to only get a couple hours of sleep, but he figures he wants to get that limited bit of sleep at home. Where his heart and soul and mind are.
Carefully, he relocates Zelda from where she's in his spot, scratching the calico behind the ears before he tosses the towel to a corner. Things are a little disorganized, there are cats and blanket burritos, but he slides in under the covers until he can nuzzle his face up against Kenma's cheek, heated from the scalding heat of the shower. The cats shift to find their places, but he doesn't move, intently waiting for his one kitten to react to his new presence there in their bed, fingers brushing blond hair away from a delicate face. ]
i see the light. tangled OST.
and it's warm and real and bright, and the world has somehow shifted
all at once, everything looks different, now that i see yo.
i really really like you. carly rae jepsen.
i really really really really really really like you, and i want you, do you want me, do you want me too?
[ kenma doesn't sleep well when kuro's gone.
it's been like that since they were kids. whenever he was fussy as a child, his mother fondly tells stories of how she'd invite tetsurou over to sleep in his crib with him, and kenma would pass out fast asleep like he'd never been fussy at all. kuro's been by kenma's side since literally before he can remember, and they've curled up for any number of cat naps, on kenma's bed, on kuroo's floor, on the couch, in their shared apartment and the bed they've called home. and it is without a doubt that kenma sleeps his best when the warm body next to his is curled around him like a security blanket. their line of work can be a dark thing (is a dark thing) and though kenma's sheltered from much of it as a hacker, he's not stupid. he's washed the blood from kuroo's hands before with his own, small and steady over bigger and shaking. but, for as unorthodox as their lives are, they're just fine, and kenma wouldn't change them for anything, even if he'd be hard pressed to admit it.
still, part of that is that kuroo can be in danger. a long time ago, before they'd gotten married, just after they moved into the same apartment provided by the family, kenma had seen kuroo on the brink of death. that was after one of those jaunts, long and worrisome and kenma had panicked, because he doesn't care about a lot of things in life but he can't lose kuroo he just can't.
so, these two factors combined have made kenma sort of a light sleeper. he doesn't hear kuroo come in, nor does he hear the shower--both are far enough away from their room that he sleeps on, zelda curled up near his head, link at his feet. they're always clingier when kuroo's gone, like a physical manifestation of the anxiety kenma's feeling (or perhaps they're just in tune to it, want to help it), and it's only when he feels the bed dip and something warm and soft pressed to his cheek that his golden eyes flutter open.
for just a second, his big golden eyes widen a little, and his shoulders sag in relief. it's the only obvious emotion on him, and even half asleep, all he can do is scoot forward to plant his face in kuroo's shoulder, burying it there in the space. kenma's not one for "i love you" or "i missed you", but sometimes his actions speak louder than words. ]
it's been like that since they were kids. whenever he was fussy as a child, his mother fondly tells stories of how she'd invite tetsurou over to sleep in his crib with him, and kenma would pass out fast asleep like he'd never been fussy at all. kuro's been by kenma's side since literally before he can remember, and they've curled up for any number of cat naps, on kenma's bed, on kuroo's floor, on the couch, in their shared apartment and the bed they've called home. and it is without a doubt that kenma sleeps his best when the warm body next to his is curled around him like a security blanket. their line of work can be a dark thing (is a dark thing) and though kenma's sheltered from much of it as a hacker, he's not stupid. he's washed the blood from kuroo's hands before with his own, small and steady over bigger and shaking. but, for as unorthodox as their lives are, they're just fine, and kenma wouldn't change them for anything, even if he'd be hard pressed to admit it.
still, part of that is that kuroo can be in danger. a long time ago, before they'd gotten married, just after they moved into the same apartment provided by the family, kenma had seen kuroo on the brink of death. that was after one of those jaunts, long and worrisome and kenma had panicked, because he doesn't care about a lot of things in life but he can't lose kuroo he just can't.
so, these two factors combined have made kenma sort of a light sleeper. he doesn't hear kuroo come in, nor does he hear the shower--both are far enough away from their room that he sleeps on, zelda curled up near his head, link at his feet. they're always clingier when kuroo's gone, like a physical manifestation of the anxiety kenma's feeling (or perhaps they're just in tune to it, want to help it), and it's only when he feels the bed dip and something warm and soft pressed to his cheek that his golden eyes flutter open.
for just a second, his big golden eyes widen a little, and his shoulders sag in relief. it's the only obvious emotion on him, and even half asleep, all he can do is scoot forward to plant his face in kuroo's shoulder, burying it there in the space. kenma's not one for "i love you" or "i missed you", but sometimes his actions speak louder than words. ]
[ Though he doesn't really have very many memories of his first foray into sleeping curled up around Kenma, Kuroo regardless knows that he's been doing it for his entire life. When they were babies, when they were kids, when they were teenagers, all the way to now. It's been a safe place for the both of them, that gentle curve of bodies together, whether he's pressed along the gentle arch of Kenma's spine or if they're tangled up in one another, limbs an arrangement of knots - almost like that Gordian knot, or whatever it's called, the uncuttable one, because they've been inseparable for as long as either of them can remember.
There was one night where it could have been, where it could have all ended, but he promised a long time ago to always come back to Kenma. It was sappy and dumb and he made a few jokes and references to video games just to make it less so, because even he thought it was a little ridiculous, but he meant it nonetheless. So he comes home, bloody and beaten, but home regardless every time.
He's got scars as evidence of that determination to come home to the only person that has mattered more than anything else in the world, the only person he'll love with his entire being. He can't help but smile wide, now, as Kenma looks at him, and even Kuroo feels that relief.
At their feet, he feels Link moving. Zelda rearranges herself up by their heads, and it's like everything is complete. Hooking his arm around Kenma only makes it better, and he brings one of his big hands up to cradle the back of his skull, where his roots have grown in underneath the sweep of his dyed hair. And then, slowly, he seems to completely deflate and melt into the bed, nuzzling into his hair and breathing him in. Relief and exhaustion, adoration and contentment. ] Hey there, kitten.
There was one night where it could have been, where it could have all ended, but he promised a long time ago to always come back to Kenma. It was sappy and dumb and he made a few jokes and references to video games just to make it less so, because even he thought it was a little ridiculous, but he meant it nonetheless. So he comes home, bloody and beaten, but home regardless every time.
He's got scars as evidence of that determination to come home to the only person that has mattered more than anything else in the world, the only person he'll love with his entire being. He can't help but smile wide, now, as Kenma looks at him, and even Kuroo feels that relief.
At their feet, he feels Link moving. Zelda rearranges herself up by their heads, and it's like everything is complete. Hooking his arm around Kenma only makes it better, and he brings one of his big hands up to cradle the back of his skull, where his roots have grown in underneath the sweep of his dyed hair. And then, slowly, he seems to completely deflate and melt into the bed, nuzzling into his hair and breathing him in. Relief and exhaustion, adoration and contentment. ] Hey there, kitten.
iwaizumi tobio au!! i might just write u a starter to go with this when i'm not in cosplay hell
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talentedly
2015-08-30 06:16 pm (UTC)(link)
HALLELUJAH. panic! at the disco.
Then the time for being sad is over
And you miss him like you miss no other
And being blue is better than being over it (over it)
[ Ikki knows, without a doubt, that there are probably people out there who think that he and Kazu hate each others' guts. He isn't particularly inclined to meet any of them, to be honest - because what the fuck do they know? - but he also knows there are people out there that would be surprised if he told them that they weren't friends for a while there. It was kind of impossible for them, at the start, considering the fact that Ikki was a monster and Kazu was, and always will be, the chivalrous type to come to fight monsters.
Not too much has changed, but they've sort of tempered each other. Shitty traits and good ones alike have worn off on them, and now it's a case of them acting as counterbalances. Ikki's become more of a protector than a bully and Kazu's got the streak of a delinquent in him.
Although, it's maybe a little understandable that the less knowledgeable (read as: the fucking stupid) assume they're not best friends, because their way of bonding? Of goofing off? Resolving things? Throwing down with TV-learned wrestling moves, swinging fists, and kicking each other, literally, in the ass. Stupid shit, serious situations, doesn't matter - it's just how they work, and Ikki, for one, wouldn't change anything.
Even if he's what most people would call a cheater, especially when Kazu is fairing well. It's always been this way, and he uses everything to his advantage. In this case, it's a stupid fight, one that Ikki has already forgotten the primary cause of, and he's dazed from a good clock upside the head. His response? Tug Kazu's hat down over his face and use the momentum from it to swing him into a headlock. ] Your armor, used against you! You should know better by now, dumbass.
Not too much has changed, but they've sort of tempered each other. Shitty traits and good ones alike have worn off on them, and now it's a case of them acting as counterbalances. Ikki's become more of a protector than a bully and Kazu's got the streak of a delinquent in him.
Although, it's maybe a little understandable that the less knowledgeable (read as: the fucking stupid) assume they're not best friends, because their way of bonding? Of goofing off? Resolving things? Throwing down with TV-learned wrestling moves, swinging fists, and kicking each other, literally, in the ass. Stupid shit, serious situations, doesn't matter - it's just how they work, and Ikki, for one, wouldn't change anything.
Even if he's what most people would call a cheater, especially when Kazu is fairing well. It's always been this way, and he uses everything to his advantage. In this case, it's a stupid fight, one that Ikki has already forgotten the primary cause of, and he's dazed from a good clock upside the head. His response? Tug Kazu's hat down over his face and use the momentum from it to swing him into a headlock. ] Your armor, used against you! You should know better by now, dumbass.
[ kazu remembers, like with most things involving ikki. they'd been talking about their predictions for the upcoming weekend's wrestling match when things started to get heated, and being as stubborn as they were neither of them had wanted to back down. kazu likes to think that he's the voice of reason between them, that he can pull when the other pushes and keep things from getting too out of hand even as he willingly (and eagerly) participates in whatever shenanigans the team can cook up.
when it was just the two of them, though? it was so easy to fall into the familiarity that was ikki's pace. so he remembers how the argument started and kazu knows it's stupid, especially when they've stopped talking about it-- he just doesn't care about the end result anymore, too involved in the now.
the sudden loss of vision is a minor setback that has him sputtering as fabric gets in his face, though. ]
Moron, don't pull your dirty tricks on me!
[ fair and chivalrous indeed, kazu doubts he'll ever stop being caught off guard whenever ikki cheats-- not that he minds, because it helps in keeping him thinking on his feet with how to counter anything that came his way. this time it's by bringing his arms close to his side, bent at the elbow and knocking them back one after the other to try and hit along ikki's torso while he's so close.
with a loud "Take that!" he can't help laughing; cocky and really more of a scoff, because he's learned from the best. ]
when it was just the two of them, though? it was so easy to fall into the familiarity that was ikki's pace. so he remembers how the argument started and kazu knows it's stupid, especially when they've stopped talking about it-- he just doesn't care about the end result anymore, too involved in the now.
the sudden loss of vision is a minor setback that has him sputtering as fabric gets in his face, though. ]
Moron, don't pull your dirty tricks on me!
[ fair and chivalrous indeed, kazu doubts he'll ever stop being caught off guard whenever ikki cheats-- not that he minds, because it helps in keeping him thinking on his feet with how to counter anything that came his way. this time it's by bringing his arms close to his side, bent at the elbow and knocking them back one after the other to try and hit along ikki's torso while he's so close.
with a loud "Take that!" he can't help laughing; cocky and really more of a scoff, because he's learned from the best. ]
[ It really, really shouldn't be any surprise that they started brawling over wrestling matches. Ikki will, inevitably, remember why - probably via using a wrestling move, honestly - but right now he's more distracted by the fact that he has to defend his title as champion. Something that he's always felt like he needs to do with Kazu, whether his friend was aware of it or not, because they've been chasing each other since they were scrawnier and stupider. Nowadays it's not as necessary, because they've found the push and pull, but they say rivalries amongst friends make them grow, so.
Whatever, he doesn't give a shit. All that matters is that their argument has devolved into the physical, and Kazu is throwing elbows. ]
Not my fault you fall for them every time!
[ And not his fault that he's the type to use everything at his disposal. It's probably how he's survived this long, really, and if his friends all take a page out of his book on this one then he won't complain (much). Right now, it makes a grin break out across his face as he catches that laugh, something that's very, very familiar. But at the same time, he throws his own head back to laugh - until it turns into him letting out a winded oomph as he's caught in the gut with an elbow.
Well, fine. Ikki shifts his hold and his body, twisting so that he can pull Kazu into a takedown, flipping him over then down and going with him so he can flop backwards on top of him. All or nothing, man, all or nothing. At least he doesn't bring his elbow down on him in the process. They're sturdier than most people twice their age, but damn if he wants to break his nose while he's at it. ]
Whatever, he doesn't give a shit. All that matters is that their argument has devolved into the physical, and Kazu is throwing elbows. ]
Not my fault you fall for them every time!
[ And not his fault that he's the type to use everything at his disposal. It's probably how he's survived this long, really, and if his friends all take a page out of his book on this one then he won't complain (much). Right now, it makes a grin break out across his face as he catches that laugh, something that's very, very familiar. But at the same time, he throws his own head back to laugh - until it turns into him letting out a winded oomph as he's caught in the gut with an elbow.
Well, fine. Ikki shifts his hold and his body, twisting so that he can pull Kazu into a takedown, flipping him over then down and going with him so he can flop backwards on top of him. All or nothing, man, all or nothing. At least he doesn't bring his elbow down on him in the process. They're sturdier than most people twice their age, but damn if he wants to break his nose while he's at it. ]
[ in retrospect, he should have seen that coming from a mile away. of course a few jabs with his elbows weren't going to be enough to knock ikki back, or to bug him into letting go for only a second to create enough time for him to put some distance between them and try to get the upper hand.
he goes down easily enough with only a gasp in return, the sound evolving into a groan when he hits the floor. it's still uncomfortable even though he knows ikki isn't being as intense as he could be, and it's amusing to think of it that way, albeit a little frustrating. not that he wants any serious injuries, of course-- the competitive side of him just wishes ot could smack ikki upside the head and tell him not to take it easy. ]
Damn, you're really heavy... Buccha Junior?
[ he grins, the gesture forming slowly as he runs the palm of his hand up his face, messily moving his hat back to its rightful place. it's pointless, kazu realizes, since if they continue he's just going to end up losing his hat somewhere and spend the following three days looking for it, and even though he doesn't really need it anymore it's become an important habit.
kazu isn't going to give up so easily either, and the least he can do is make it difficult for ikki to win-- so he shifts a leg up to hook it around ikki's, trying to use that combined with pushing against his back in an attempt to flip them. ]
he goes down easily enough with only a gasp in return, the sound evolving into a groan when he hits the floor. it's still uncomfortable even though he knows ikki isn't being as intense as he could be, and it's amusing to think of it that way, albeit a little frustrating. not that he wants any serious injuries, of course-- the competitive side of him just wishes ot could smack ikki upside the head and tell him not to take it easy. ]
Damn, you're really heavy... Buccha Junior?
[ he grins, the gesture forming slowly as he runs the palm of his hand up his face, messily moving his hat back to its rightful place. it's pointless, kazu realizes, since if they continue he's just going to end up losing his hat somewhere and spend the following three days looking for it, and even though he doesn't really need it anymore it's become an important habit.
kazu isn't going to give up so easily either, and the least he can do is make it difficult for ikki to win-- so he shifts a leg up to hook it around ikki's, trying to use that combined with pushing against his back in an attempt to flip them. ]
[ There are about fifty moves he could use right now, minimum, that would debilitate Kazu. Ikki's learned them by experience, not through the TV, and a part of him wants to use them. His adoptive sisters were twice as vicious as he is on a regular day, but another part of him remembers seeing Kazu bloody and beaten more than once.
So far, he doesn't have any reason to be the cause of that, although he's got a few good moves in mind that won't be quite so ruthless if they wind up in another position. Knowing Kazu? Knowing himself? They're bound to happen. ]
How dare you - I'm a feather compared to the lardass, you bastard.
[ Stretching out like he's some sated cat instead of a heavy teenager, Ikki returns the grin easily as he watches Kazu pointlessly fix his hat. At least this isn't one of their actual brawls, because if it were there would be no room for fixing his hat, let alone laughing and taunting one another. It'd just be fists and split lips and black eyes, and it would not be the first time.
There's no signs of it devolving that far, although there's always a chance of it considering past wrestling bouts. Especially because they're both so stupidly competitive, and he personally gets aggressive about it. If there's anyone to put up a fight, though, it's his #2 - which, case in point, results in him getting flipped with a startled shout, even if he catches himself on his hands before he lands on his face. ] Fucker - !
So far, he doesn't have any reason to be the cause of that, although he's got a few good moves in mind that won't be quite so ruthless if they wind up in another position. Knowing Kazu? Knowing himself? They're bound to happen. ]
How dare you - I'm a feather compared to the lardass, you bastard.
[ Stretching out like he's some sated cat instead of a heavy teenager, Ikki returns the grin easily as he watches Kazu pointlessly fix his hat. At least this isn't one of their actual brawls, because if it were there would be no room for fixing his hat, let alone laughing and taunting one another. It'd just be fists and split lips and black eyes, and it would not be the first time.
There's no signs of it devolving that far, although there's always a chance of it considering past wrestling bouts. Especially because they're both so stupidly competitive, and he personally gets aggressive about it. If there's anyone to put up a fight, though, it's his #2 - which, case in point, results in him getting flipped with a startled shout, even if he catches himself on his hands before he lands on his face. ] Fucker - !
-- That actually worked?
[ if kazu sounds genuinely surprised, it's because he is. he's gotten better about not doubting himself, worked ridiculously hard to get where he is now both physically and mentally, but it's still tough to not fall into some of his old ways of thinking when it comes to dealing with ikki. no matter how hard kazu's worked or how much he's grown, ikki still shines too brightly.
he's quick with his follow-up, at least, because speed's the one thing he can always count on. kazu turns so he's facing ikki's legs, arms wrapping around his calves to get him into a pretty sweet boston crab hold. ]
Ready to give up yet? [ kazu's getting tired and he doesn't know nearly half as many moves as ikki does, at least not through firsthand practice-- but even as he asks that, instead of sounding cocky as if something like this would actually stop ikki, he sounds excited for whatever his friend's going to counter with. a cheap victory wouldn't mean anything, after all. ]
[ if kazu sounds genuinely surprised, it's because he is. he's gotten better about not doubting himself, worked ridiculously hard to get where he is now both physically and mentally, but it's still tough to not fall into some of his old ways of thinking when it comes to dealing with ikki. no matter how hard kazu's worked or how much he's grown, ikki still shines too brightly.
he's quick with his follow-up, at least, because speed's the one thing he can always count on. kazu turns so he's facing ikki's legs, arms wrapping around his calves to get him into a pretty sweet boston crab hold. ]
Ready to give up yet? [ kazu's getting tired and he doesn't know nearly half as many moves as ikki does, at least not through firsthand practice-- but even as he asks that, instead of sounding cocky as if something like this would actually stop ikki, he sounds excited for whatever his friend's going to counter with. a cheap victory wouldn't mean anything, after all. ]
Rika-nee would kill me for letting that happen. [ If the move weren't being used on him, Ikki would probably be cheering Kazu on. As it is, he's both proud and irritated with it, because that's always his state of being when Kazu gets the upper hand in these situations. At first, it's a pretty effective thing, too, because Kazu's weight on his lower back forces him to drop down from where he'd landed propped up with his hands.
He takes a moment to catch his bearings, stretching his arms out and just letting the hold happen as he runs through the various scenarios that he could use to get out. It's not the most difficult hold, especially when Kazu's not nearly as strong as Rika or Mikan, but it's still a sturdy submission. ]
As if! [ Not now when he's fairly secure, not when Kazu couldn't get the drop on him or even hold him like this, not ever. Because that's how they work - the wind feeds the flame, and the flame ignites the air. He'll never admit it, especially not to his face, but he's pretty sure they both know it anyways. Even if it's stupid competitions and not life-or-death situations.
Unfortunately in this competition he's not nearly flexible enough to wrap his legs around the stupid beanpole from this position, so he just stretches to hook his feet under his arms and pull while pushing himself up with his arms. If he can knock him off balance, that's the key to escape. ]
He takes a moment to catch his bearings, stretching his arms out and just letting the hold happen as he runs through the various scenarios that he could use to get out. It's not the most difficult hold, especially when Kazu's not nearly as strong as Rika or Mikan, but it's still a sturdy submission. ]
As if! [ Not now when he's fairly secure, not when Kazu couldn't get the drop on him or even hold him like this, not ever. Because that's how they work - the wind feeds the flame, and the flame ignites the air. He'll never admit it, especially not to his face, but he's pretty sure they both know it anyways. Even if it's stupid competitions and not life-or-death situations.
Unfortunately in this competition he's not nearly flexible enough to wrap his legs around the stupid beanpole from this position, so he just stretches to hook his feet under his arms and pull while pushing himself up with his arms. If he can knock him off balance, that's the key to escape. ]
[ he can see what ikki's doing and he knows it's going to be effective- they both do, he's sure- so kazu willingly loosens his hold so that he can roll off of him easier. messing around like this with ikki was akin to war in that there needed to be a strategy and carefully planned out moves, he couldn't always go on the offensive and lose sight of the big picture.
and really? some of that was more ikki's territory. kazu has always admired the fact that he can always charge headfirst into things and seem like he's just being reckless for the sake of it; it was hard to predict what would come out of that and it was one of the many things that made him a worthy rival and leader.
kazu was more of a cautious fighter and it still applies to their silly scuffles. once he's off ikki, the first thing he does is roll away to get some distance between them. stand up, pay no attention to his hat falling off his head (as expected), take a deep breath and instantly get into a defensive stance while watching ikki to try and figure out his plan of retaliation-- things with ikki could fall between a serious response that would knock him on his ass, all the way to him jumping like a bird and trying to fart on his face, so kazu needs to stay on his toes. ]
C'mon, all or nothing! Winner take all. [ just because ikki is fairly unpredictable doesn't mean that he can't try and sway him into a certain course of action, right? he's sure it says a lot about their friendship when the optimal option for him is for ikki to get serious as opposed to his more ridiculous and oftentimes gross responses, but whatever. he wouldn't change it for anything in the world. ]
and really? some of that was more ikki's territory. kazu has always admired the fact that he can always charge headfirst into things and seem like he's just being reckless for the sake of it; it was hard to predict what would come out of that and it was one of the many things that made him a worthy rival and leader.
kazu was more of a cautious fighter and it still applies to their silly scuffles. once he's off ikki, the first thing he does is roll away to get some distance between them. stand up, pay no attention to his hat falling off his head (as expected), take a deep breath and instantly get into a defensive stance while watching ikki to try and figure out his plan of retaliation-- things with ikki could fall between a serious response that would knock him on his ass, all the way to him jumping like a bird and trying to fart on his face, so kazu needs to stay on his toes. ]
C'mon, all or nothing! Winner take all. [ just because ikki is fairly unpredictable doesn't mean that he can't try and sway him into a certain course of action, right? he's sure it says a lot about their friendship when the optimal option for him is for ikki to get serious as opposed to his more ridiculous and oftentimes gross responses, but whatever. he wouldn't change it for anything in the world. ]
[ While there is some disappointment when Kazu disengages, Ikki is a little grateful for it at the same time. He's no contortionist, even if he's limber and has been bent into all kinds of shapes by the Noyamano sisters. It's a better outcome for both of them, really, and it's a moment to regroup as they roll away from each other. Kazu goes one way, he goes the other, dropping to his belly again and practically doing a tumble to get up to his feet across from him.
All of his weight on the balls of his feet, he bounces a little where he stands, shoulders squared but body hunched and arms loose, eyes locked on his target. They're not wearing their AT right now, but he knows better than to look away from Kazu, knows that he's faster than people ever expect him to be. And he's the smartest out of all of them - most days, really, but especially when it comes to Ikki.
Fortunately, this works in his favor this time around. Whatever mischievous spark that might have indicated a divebomb farting attack or wet willy headlocks or fuckall knows what other disgusting attacks changes to something else, and a slow grin spreads across his face. His stance widens a little, going tighter like a coiled spring about to snap, fingers twitching like it's a high noon showdown. ]
Yeah? What's the "all?" [ This, this is what he lives for. The challenge, the fight that makes him feel as alive as soaring through the air does. Being at the top of the world isn't worth it if there's no one there to push you to keep it, and here they are in their stupid scraps. But it's the best, and he wouldn't change it for anything, either. ]
All of his weight on the balls of his feet, he bounces a little where he stands, shoulders squared but body hunched and arms loose, eyes locked on his target. They're not wearing their AT right now, but he knows better than to look away from Kazu, knows that he's faster than people ever expect him to be. And he's the smartest out of all of them - most days, really, but especially when it comes to Ikki.
Fortunately, this works in his favor this time around. Whatever mischievous spark that might have indicated a divebomb farting attack or wet willy headlocks or fuckall knows what other disgusting attacks changes to something else, and a slow grin spreads across his face. His stance widens a little, going tighter like a coiled spring about to snap, fingers twitching like it's a high noon showdown. ]
Yeah? What's the "all?" [ This, this is what he lives for. The challenge, the fight that makes him feel as alive as soaring through the air does. Being at the top of the world isn't worth it if there's no one there to push you to keep it, and here they are in their stupid scraps. But it's the best, and he wouldn't change it for anything, either. ]
[ success, kazu thinks, and his chest swells with pride. it's the little things. he's a simple guy, and the fact that he knows ikki well enough by now to keep his attention is a feat worthy of being celebrated, in his book. even if said celebration is short lived at the moment.
he watches ikki move and he can't help but pick up on all the minute details, using that to fix the things he'd missed in his own form. the two of them being together was always a learning experience; though he doesn't mimic ikki's moves in their entirety, as the two of them had styles of going about it that were completely different, he does draw influence from his stance and posture and puts his own spin on it.
kazu grins back at him, one foot in front of the other and making sure to keep his knees loose- ready for any sudden movements. he purses his lips, wetting them to help fight back the tightness in his throat that had formed thanks to the thrill of competition. ]
Winner gets to sharpie the loser's face?
[ kazu doesn't like to make things too personal when it comes to their bets, and he knows it still has to be something with just enough incentive. restricting ikki or offering to do something for him was silly-- he would never dream of taking anything away from him and the latter wasn't enticing enough, because they both knew that whatever he could offer, he'd do it regardless. something stupid, childish, and with the potential to be embarrassing, on the other hand... ]
he watches ikki move and he can't help but pick up on all the minute details, using that to fix the things he'd missed in his own form. the two of them being together was always a learning experience; though he doesn't mimic ikki's moves in their entirety, as the two of them had styles of going about it that were completely different, he does draw influence from his stance and posture and puts his own spin on it.
kazu grins back at him, one foot in front of the other and making sure to keep his knees loose- ready for any sudden movements. he purses his lips, wetting them to help fight back the tightness in his throat that had formed thanks to the thrill of competition. ]
Winner gets to sharpie the loser's face?
[ kazu doesn't like to make things too personal when it comes to their bets, and he knows it still has to be something with just enough incentive. restricting ikki or offering to do something for him was silly-- he would never dream of taking anything away from him and the latter wasn't enticing enough, because they both knew that whatever he could offer, he'd do it regardless. something stupid, childish, and with the potential to be embarrassing, on the other hand... ]
[ Outside observers might notice the way that Kazu and Ikki respond to one another - both physically and verbally, on every level - but it wouldn't really be enough, in the end. Ikki walks right into the setup, going on point like he's got a sign above his head that screams challenge accepted, but he moves in response to Kazu's adjustments too. It's a definite push and pull, back and forth, their relationship.
It's not a big adjustment, but he shifts and bends his knees a little, like he's preparing to spring at him. Maybe it takes some real power to take down the infamous Babyface in a street fight, but Kazu's been there since day one and knows him better than anybody. Either he takes him seriously or he risks getting taken by surprise, even when the attacks are juvenile and backed up by gross bodily functions. ]
Loser can't wash it off for twenty-four hours, no matter what the winner draws.
[ Kings at the top of the world, and the most exciting thing about Ikki's day is the prospect of drawing dicks all over his best friend's face.
But it's a good incentive, and it keeps his attention. Anything else, and it's true - Ikki would be disinterested in a reward, because even if they don't talk about it they both know that he'd get it without the dare backing it up anyways, or Ikki'd wind up getting actually violent to make sure he didn't lose. Slapping each other around is one thing, but putting full power behind punches and kicks is another thing entirely, and wasn't the point of this argument-turned-competition. Even if a lot of their little competitions end with them a little bruised and bloody, it's normal. ]
It's not a big adjustment, but he shifts and bends his knees a little, like he's preparing to spring at him. Maybe it takes some real power to take down the infamous Babyface in a street fight, but Kazu's been there since day one and knows him better than anybody. Either he takes him seriously or he risks getting taken by surprise, even when the attacks are juvenile and backed up by gross bodily functions. ]
Loser can't wash it off for twenty-four hours, no matter what the winner draws.
[ Kings at the top of the world, and the most exciting thing about Ikki's day is the prospect of drawing dicks all over his best friend's face.
But it's a good incentive, and it keeps his attention. Anything else, and it's true - Ikki would be disinterested in a reward, because even if they don't talk about it they both know that he'd get it without the dare backing it up anyways, or Ikki'd wind up getting actually violent to make sure he didn't lose. Slapping each other around is one thing, but putting full power behind punches and kicks is another thing entirely, and wasn't the point of this argument-turned-competition. Even if a lot of their little competitions end with them a little bruised and bloody, it's normal. ]
[ being reunited with iwaizumi was a good thing.
of course it was a good thing. oikawa cried, like the crybaby he was as a kid, big, ugly tears when he hugged his best friend for the first time in years, but that kind of emotional reaction--did he even deserve to have it? it was oikawa's fault that they didn't speak, when he tore his acl ("you'll never play again, tooru") and he just-- he did things he wasn't proud of, now, lost himself to his pain meds and alcohol and let go of the future he'd worked for his whole life, because he'd taken a step wrong to set a toss.
for a long time, it felt permanent. what the doctors said felt right. he dropped off the face of the earth for five years, five years of drinking and forgetting, an angry, vicious storm of a person who'd once been a light, the kind of thing that was so bright it hurt to look at. but one day, he blacked out, and he woke up in a hospital bed with dark circles under his eyes so big they looked stamped there, a head full of cotton and a mouth that tasted like vomit, with iwaizumi hajime sitting at his bedside.
that was a few months ago, now. he's been recovering in more ways than one--kicked the pain pills with sheer determination, took his first baby steps, his first jog, his first sprint ( they said it might be a miracle, that he must love playing so much to go back to it, that he could be hurt so easily again and he had to be careful, so careful, and oikawa was so tired of that word. ) but some nights are still rough, and part of that is maybe because after he'd been out of iwaizumi's life for so long, he wouldn't let him out of his sight again. part of it is that he ended up moving in with him, but the rift between them caused by five years of silence and a fight that oikawa caused is huge, a gap that can't just be fixed with a playful word and a glare.
so, instead of clambering into iwaizumi's bed to be annoying, instead of asking him for snacks or calling him up to go ufo hunting on the roof or to play volleyball outside, oikawa's in his bed in his room in the apartment, alone. curled up on his side, blankets pulled up to his chin.
it's better to be sad about it than to have it gone, probably, he laments to himself. how pathetic you really are, tooru. ]
of course it was a good thing. oikawa cried, like the crybaby he was as a kid, big, ugly tears when he hugged his best friend for the first time in years, but that kind of emotional reaction--did he even deserve to have it? it was oikawa's fault that they didn't speak, when he tore his acl ("you'll never play again, tooru") and he just-- he did things he wasn't proud of, now, lost himself to his pain meds and alcohol and let go of the future he'd worked for his whole life, because he'd taken a step wrong to set a toss.
for a long time, it felt permanent. what the doctors said felt right. he dropped off the face of the earth for five years, five years of drinking and forgetting, an angry, vicious storm of a person who'd once been a light, the kind of thing that was so bright it hurt to look at. but one day, he blacked out, and he woke up in a hospital bed with dark circles under his eyes so big they looked stamped there, a head full of cotton and a mouth that tasted like vomit, with iwaizumi hajime sitting at his bedside.
that was a few months ago, now. he's been recovering in more ways than one--kicked the pain pills with sheer determination, took his first baby steps, his first jog, his first sprint ( they said it might be a miracle, that he must love playing so much to go back to it, that he could be hurt so easily again and he had to be careful, so careful, and oikawa was so tired of that word. ) but some nights are still rough, and part of that is maybe because after he'd been out of iwaizumi's life for so long, he wouldn't let him out of his sight again. part of it is that he ended up moving in with him, but the rift between them caused by five years of silence and a fight that oikawa caused is huge, a gap that can't just be fixed with a playful word and a glare.
so, instead of clambering into iwaizumi's bed to be annoying, instead of asking him for snacks or calling him up to go ufo hunting on the roof or to play volleyball outside, oikawa's in his bed in his room in the apartment, alone. curled up on his side, blankets pulled up to his chin.
it's better to be sad about it than to have it gone, probably, he laments to himself. how pathetic you really are, tooru. ]
[ kazu has to take a deep breath- in preparation for his upcoming fate of having something stupid drawn on his face for that long. there was no way he could win. this was ikki! it was true that he'd come into his own after a while, but that didn't take away from the fact that it was still ikki, so cunning and strong and favored by lady luck.
but he can't just give up. kazu might have, before. it was easy to swallow defeat when he didn't really try because it didn't leave any room for disappointment or true challenge. this wasn't the case now, and he was sure that if he didn't try not only would he be disappointed in himself, but ikki would be too, even if he might not outright say so. ]
Deal.
[ he says, grinning, and impulsively launches forward to try and tackle ikki. it's definitely quick even on foot, but kazu knows that a straightforward attack leaves a lot of room to be blocked and countered- but he's hanging on to the hope that by going directly into the offensive is so unlike him, ikki will be thrown off, even just a little. ]
but he can't just give up. kazu might have, before. it was easy to swallow defeat when he didn't really try because it didn't leave any room for disappointment or true challenge. this wasn't the case now, and he was sure that if he didn't try not only would he be disappointed in himself, but ikki would be too, even if he might not outright say so. ]
Deal.
[ he says, grinning, and impulsively launches forward to try and tackle ikki. it's definitely quick even on foot, but kazu knows that a straightforward attack leaves a lot of room to be blocked and countered- but he's hanging on to the hope that by going directly into the offensive is so unlike him, ikki will be thrown off, even just a little. ]
[ Grin sharp and bright and pleased, Ikki bounces a little in place. Not enough to disrupt his stance more than that, but just enough to give way to that excitement. There's nothing better than a challenge, but there's also nothing better than seeing his friends rise to that challenge. Though he's come to their rescue when they've needed the help, he's come to a stage in his life where he'll give them the boost, but he just wants to see them take what they want for themselves.
Even if it's something stupid like this. Kazu of the old days and the new Kazu are very different, and if he didn't have him launching his beanpole of a body at him he'd puff up a little (and deny it). There's no disappointment, here, not when he's still putting up a fight like this.
It does, admittedly, catch him off guard. But Ikki braces to take the hit, bringing his arms up as he tries to keep his balance. Being bulkier kind of helps in this situation, but damn if Kazu doesn't know how to throw his weight around, so he's fucked if he thinks he's safe just because he hasn't fallen on his ass in the first five seconds. So he brings an arm around, other hand going to grab onto his best friend's shirt, and he tries to get him into a guillotine choke. ]
C'mere, damnit - !
Even if it's something stupid like this. Kazu of the old days and the new Kazu are very different, and if he didn't have him launching his beanpole of a body at him he'd puff up a little (and deny it). There's no disappointment, here, not when he's still putting up a fight like this.
It does, admittedly, catch him off guard. But Ikki braces to take the hit, bringing his arms up as he tries to keep his balance. Being bulkier kind of helps in this situation, but damn if Kazu doesn't know how to throw his weight around, so he's fucked if he thinks he's safe just because he hasn't fallen on his ass in the first five seconds. So he brings an arm around, other hand going to grab onto his best friend's shirt, and he tries to get him into a guillotine choke. ]
C'mere, damnit - !
[ the hold's a success, but kazu isn't panicking. at least not yet. he's focused and quick to grab ikki's wrist when it comes down around his neck, keeping it from getting too tight by pushing against it with a bit of pressure. he could try and maneuver himself into a position where he could knock ikki on his ass, but...
part of him wants to keep the whimsical aspect to it, and even though he's fighting back despite the odds being stacked against him (stupid bulky, all too strong best friend), he wants to at least return the favor from earlier- so with the hand that isn't holding ikki's wrist, he reaches up over his shoulder as if he were aiming to break out of the hold... only to make a fist into his shirt and pull, trying to get it up to where he can tug it over ikki's head. ]
That's payback for my hat, jerk!
[ the grin on his face is probably rather obvious from his tone. that move left him pretty open when he could've used the energy to actually try and counter it, but kazu doesn't mind. this was definitely the more satisfying route for him. ]
part of him wants to keep the whimsical aspect to it, and even though he's fighting back despite the odds being stacked against him (stupid bulky, all too strong best friend), he wants to at least return the favor from earlier- so with the hand that isn't holding ikki's wrist, he reaches up over his shoulder as if he were aiming to break out of the hold... only to make a fist into his shirt and pull, trying to get it up to where he can tug it over ikki's head. ]
That's payback for my hat, jerk!
[ the grin on his face is probably rather obvious from his tone. that move left him pretty open when he could've used the energy to actually try and counter it, but kazu doesn't mind. this was definitely the more satisfying route for him. ]
[ And payback achieved. ]
What the fuck! [ There isn't much offense in his voice, though, and Ikki just winds up laughing even if it's muffled into the cotton of his shirt. He wiggles around, releasing Kazu's own shirt so that he can reach up to try and pull it from where it's stuck without sacrificing the hold any. Somehow it's both surprising and not that he opted to get revenge instead of actually do something that could win him the fight, but whatever, it's still pretty fun.
Making a few spitting noises, like he's got fiber in his mouth, he finally just gives up getting the shirt over his head all the way It can stay there, he doesn't need to be able to see right now, even if he's not sure what's around them now that they've moved so much. ] You were just asking for that, y'know, I don't know why you're offended I used it.
[ It's fine, though. He keeps the chokehold, even if Kazu's keeping it from becoming a tight one, and lifts with both fists in his shirt now, knees going out so he can drop them both. He takes the brunt of it being on the bottom, but he hardly notices, because he's more focused on rolling over the second he's on the ground so he can sit on his poor best friend. This is mostly so he can just pull the shirt over his head, so that he can untangle it, but also because it keeps him pinned for a minute. ]
What the fuck! [ There isn't much offense in his voice, though, and Ikki just winds up laughing even if it's muffled into the cotton of his shirt. He wiggles around, releasing Kazu's own shirt so that he can reach up to try and pull it from where it's stuck without sacrificing the hold any. Somehow it's both surprising and not that he opted to get revenge instead of actually do something that could win him the fight, but whatever, it's still pretty fun.
Making a few spitting noises, like he's got fiber in his mouth, he finally just gives up getting the shirt over his head all the way It can stay there, he doesn't need to be able to see right now, even if he's not sure what's around them now that they've moved so much. ] You were just asking for that, y'know, I don't know why you're offended I used it.
[ It's fine, though. He keeps the chokehold, even if Kazu's keeping it from becoming a tight one, and lifts with both fists in his shirt now, knees going out so he can drop them both. He takes the brunt of it being on the bottom, but he hardly notices, because he's more focused on rolling over the second he's on the ground so he can sit on his poor best friend. This is mostly so he can just pull the shirt over his head, so that he can untangle it, but also because it keeps him pinned for a minute. ]
[ kazu goes down with an ooph, the wind getting knocked out of him from the surprise of it. he doesn't even have time to get up and move away, ikki being too quick to flip them over and--
oh, fuck this guy.
he always knew his best friend was a menace. kazu probably knows more than most, given their rocky childhood and the fact that ikki wasn't the nicest to him all those years ago. but this was just plain unfair- it's only natural that blue eyes are going to focus on his chest, getting up as far as his clavicles before he can't actually look up at ikki's face and redirects his sight down.
... which is worse, if anything. from a purely objective standpoint ikki's body is impressive; kazu still clearly remembers when he first noticed how wide ikki's back had become, how the lines along his abdomen had gotten sharper, how whenever he punched ikki's arm in jest or grabbed him while wrestling he'd gotten way too warm and firm.
it's a sharp contrast from his own physique, all lithe and lean muscle, and that's definitely the only reason he's staring long enough for his mouth to feel dry and heat to rise up to his face. he looks around the room to try and locate where his hat had fallen off because he could really use something to hide behind right now, but he can't even bring himself up to wiggle or push ikki away- as if any sudden movement would cause kazu to get burned for a change. ]
... jesus, you're still really heavy. I can't even breathe right now. [ the words are mumbled after he licks his lips and coughs to clear the knot in his throat, focusing on anything except that (oddly comfortable) weight on top of him. ]
oh, fuck this guy.
he always knew his best friend was a menace. kazu probably knows more than most, given their rocky childhood and the fact that ikki wasn't the nicest to him all those years ago. but this was just plain unfair- it's only natural that blue eyes are going to focus on his chest, getting up as far as his clavicles before he can't actually look up at ikki's face and redirects his sight down.
... which is worse, if anything. from a purely objective standpoint ikki's body is impressive; kazu still clearly remembers when he first noticed how wide ikki's back had become, how the lines along his abdomen had gotten sharper, how whenever he punched ikki's arm in jest or grabbed him while wrestling he'd gotten way too warm and firm.
it's a sharp contrast from his own physique, all lithe and lean muscle, and that's definitely the only reason he's staring long enough for his mouth to feel dry and heat to rise up to his face. he looks around the room to try and locate where his hat had fallen off because he could really use something to hide behind right now, but he can't even bring himself up to wiggle or push ikki away- as if any sudden movement would cause kazu to get burned for a change. ]
... jesus, you're still really heavy. I can't even breathe right now. [ the words are mumbled after he licks his lips and coughs to clear the knot in his throat, focusing on anything except that (oddly comfortable) weight on top of him. ]
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