sticksandbones | after mizuki's revival, before Sea

[ Josh will not be getting off the furniture, thank you! He's comfortable here. For now, until the hard wood surface starts to hurt, and then he'll move elsewhere for comfort. Bump his legs with the drawer all you want, he's not bothered. The fact that Affogato is clearly intending to put makeup on him doesn't seem to dissuade him, either.

That change in tone gets a little head tilt, though. Ah, there it is. ]

Pretty severe place to start learning, if you ask me. Usually we'd begin with a simple apology for bumping into someone in the convenience store and the like. You sure are jumping into the deep end, here.

[ Hmmm. ]

Exactly who is it you're wanting to make amends to?

I've had to apologize enough in my life, I don't care to do it anymore.

[ Still, he sighs and shuts the dresser, rearranging his making up as he eyes Josh's face with the critical look of someone whose going to yell at you for not moisturizing. It distracts him, helps keep his mind wandering while he's stuck here. Moisturizer first. Thankfully he also has clips, so he begins to clip Josh's hair back messily, getting it out of his face. His fingers are swift and shockingly delicate as he picks at hair strands to get them up.

His lips form a little pout. ]

Everyone, I suppose. Mizuki has already forgiven me for his death, but there is Pure Vanilla and his family to apologize to. Though I know that Saint [ yeah his tone indicates distaste ] of a man will forgive me. Clotted Cream and White Lily, then. And the Grove for naming our dear Bastard.

[ Does he want to? Yes and no. Mostly he wants to for the ones who have shown him kindness before this. He frankly doesn't care about the others. ]

[ The fact that Joshua is letting him do as he pleases says a lot. Really, it's because he can stop anything the second he doesn't like how it's going. It may look like Affogato is in control, Josh relaxed and compliant as he is, but Josh knows better.

Keeping up with compliance, he hums thoughtfully, tapping his fingers against the dresser top. ]

Well, at least you're admitting fault. I have a feeling that will go a long way.

You're welcome to talk about it, by the way. Just don't take it out on my face, please. I only have one while I'm here.

[ what. ]

[ A pause as Josh makes that comment - two faces, huh? is this a commentary about something or does he mean literal. Affogato was already working the moisturizer up, then he simply snorts and slaps it onto Josh's face with less care than he was originally going to go for. ]

Don't criticize my work before I even get started.

[ But then he does rub it in gently, a frown on his face as he thinks, eyes focused on his handiwork as he rubs it in and cleans Josh up to prep him for the rest. ]

Is there anything to talk about? I named a God, I gave it power. And it used that power to hurt.

[ And he didn't even get a little bit of power out of it, either, for doing that God's bidding. Fucking ridiculous. ]

Admitting fault and taking responsibility should be the only step I need to take, but I know how people work. They will demand reparations.

[ Wolfwood already had. He heaves a sigh as he begins trying to color match Josh's skin with his make up. Ugh, such pale skin. ]

[ Wow, rough treatment?? Rude. He's just looking out for his face. ]

Oh, no, no, not that part. We all know that part. You know what I mean.

[ He knows, after all. He knows about the drama between Affogato and Dark Cacao. He's seen it, he's heard it, both out loud and unspoken. He doesn't need to hear it from Affogato's mouth - but it sure would do Affogato well to get it off his chest.

Plus, he loves drama. He's not going to say no to a retelling. ]

What reparations will they even demand? If they're asking for a pound of flesh, that's a little hypocritical. Not a single person here is innocent. Maybe not naming ancient gods and giving them power, no, but everyone has stains.

[ For a moment Affogato will think about pretending to play dumb, before sighing and tilting his head back to the ceiling as if in exasperation. Instead of answering: ]

I have heard sun makes skin darker, with a lovely glow. Have you heard of it?

[ Bitch you would be lost in the Ridge, fucking snow ass. Picking up some shadow - none of his concealer or foundation MATCHES - he begins to blend it a little to lighten it, eyeballing Josh's skin as he does.

Then snorts. ]

If you were to speak with our resident Woodwolf [ Yes he deliberately says it wrong. ] that is exactly what he desires. He was none too kind in ensuring my health, as well.

[ And got smacked but still. Then, as he thinks of Cacao, his voice grows softer. ]

And there is truly nothing to tell. Neither of us will be happy around the other. Not truly. He will see me as a problem to fix, and I will see him as a conquest to win.

[ Simply ignore the small effigy of Dark Cacao that he has sitting on a chair, that has a bobby pin driven right through it's skull. ]

[ There's a soft snort at that. ]

And sweat? No thank you.

[ Besides, that involves going outside for long amounts of time. He's perfectly fine with how he is right now, thank you.

There's a soft, considerate hum at that confirmation, and he taps his fingertips against the dresser. ]

You never know. You might end up with a guardian angel watching out for you.

[ All the drama is fun, of course, but in this place and in this very specific scenario especially, absolutely nothing will result from a revenge kill. What does Wolfwood think is going to happen, exactly? Affogato is already willing to make amends. It would be like putting someone through the Game that won't benefit from the refining. A waste of energy and resources. Anything done now is purely to make Wolfwood feel better about himself.

Sigh. Amateurs.

But! That little effigy is exactly why he's trying to provoke talking. There's clearly some strong feelings built up that need to be bled out. His lips curl up at the corners, and he - very, very slightly, he knows Affogato is trying to do his makeup and he isn't going to dislodge a curl - tips his head to the side. ]

Ooh, I sense some resentment there.

[ But he won't provoke more. Not yet, anyway. Maybe when Affogato is finished being in his personal bubble. He really was very serious about Affogato not taking things out on his face. ]

[ Okay Affogato has to agree with sweating, that gets a hum of agreement out of him. Sweating is so gross, why do humans do it. Disgusting. Sadly the idea of having a guardian angel now simply makes him bark a laugh, moving his hand aside so he doesn't smear make up on Josh's face. ]

I would turn it away! Where was it when I was younger and needed it? No, I got by on my own and I shall always do so. I need nothing watching over me.

[ He goes back carefully to his make up, making sure Josh's colors are light and soft. To highlight his features, to frame his eyes. He's got gorgeous lashes so there's no need to touch them but maybe curl them up a little? White for the water line? Hm.

The words make him blink and he darts his eyes towards his chair automatically, before scowling and looking away. ]

He-

[ A pause and a deep frown, his hand stilling. He's not looking at Josh so much, glaring instead at the eye shadow on him like it might speak for him. Bristling like a cat. But hey, he's not taking it out on Josh's face. ]

He is an idiot. Every time I think it is the end, and I can move on, he APPROACHES again! Every time I think I can move on and forget him, he's THERE AGAIN. What does he want me to do?! I hate him. I wanted him dead, every time he pushed aside my Advise, the very thing he hired me for! I poisoned his mind so he would listen to me for fucks sake! And he only did on the things that never mattered! Yet every time I tried to reach my hands out to him, he would spit in them! Rest, My Liege! For you, for your men! Offer them kindness instead of whipping them! They are crumbling themselves for you to run this Oven-forsaken Kingdom and you don't care!

[ He slams his make up down on top of the dresser and whirls away to march over to the doll. He picks it up, rips the pin out of it, then throws it full force out the window.

Regrets it instantly, his doll! ]

( imagine going foraging for herbs and wildflowers and then getting smacked in the head with a doll. there's a distant but loud WAH- and if they look they'll see her rubbing her head, looking around confused. )

Sounds like your world has a serious lack of guardian angels.

[ Though, even if Angels did exist there, he has no doubt they wouldn't give a shit. He's invested, though. This is fun to watch.

But oh, he won't need to instigate after all! Joshua doesn't even bother to hide the brief flash of delight in his eyes as Affogato starts tearing into what's been clearly eating him alive from the inside, taking in every little detail given in anger. Poisoned his mind, hm? That's an interesting little tidbit.

And he watches, as that poor little Dark Cacao doll gets yeeted out the window. The immediate regret is obvious. Josh could have tried to catch it with telekinesis. He could have, but he didn't.

The distant WAH is everything he'd been hoping for. Perfect comedic timing. ]

Hmm. So long as I don't look horrible, pause the makeup. This is way more interesting. Drink?

[ Because he's conjuring himself a fruity-looking drink in a hurricane glass. Complete with a tiny umbrella! He'll gesture slightly with it toward Affogato. ]

[ The distant WAH does make him peek out the window, then hmph and shut the curtains. She's living in the Cookie house, right now, she is part of the problem. He hopes it hurt.

He begins to move back towards Josh and pauses to the comment to halt the make up, before blinking to the drink question and watching Josh conjure one. It doesn't take much to convince him, as almost immediately he responds with a ]

Yes. As alcoholic as you can make it that won't kill me. [ A beat. ] Or will, I frankly don't care.

[ He moves over to the chair and sinks into it, looking partially miserable and partially vindictive still. He wants to jab the pin back into the doll, but instead he places it into the arm of the chair for later. He can make another one, after all. ]

I wish he had taken my offer, there on that stupid roof. Show me a touch of loyalty, the same I show you, and we can turn away from this. Not so bluntly, of course, I am not that crass. All he had to do was agree. Show me an ounce of the attention he now decided he can show me here! Why was I not worthy of it before!? I hope he suffocates in all that sweetness and love from that stupid House.

[ Ah, there it is again. Luckily got Affogato, Joshua isn't in the mindset of killing right now, so the drink that is conjured - matching his own, but with a distinctly more pink hue than the orange of his - is just alcoholic enough that it's able to be tasted a slight bit under the heavier fruity taste. Enough for a buzz, surely, unless Affogato is just that much of a lightweight.

Once created, the drink is floated over to the other man. Go on, take it. ]

Well, it sounds to me - and you can trust my experience, I've seen it play out one too many times [ on TV, in Dogenzaka ] - that he's not worth your time.

[ He takes a sip of his drink from the tiny straw in the glass, plucking the umbrella from it and gesturing with it. ]

If he's not willing to make the effort, he's not worth the effort.

[ Oh he will take it and take a long drag on that straw. Oh, it's good. It's nice and fruity and sweet. Joshua clearly knows his tastes. He hums in approval and taps his nails against the glass, taking another sip. Nice.

He takes his lips off of it, however, to sigh to not worth his time. ]

I know. I shouldn't care about what he likes or dislikes, or what he wants or desires. He has given me nothing but grief, I all but ran the Kingdom for him while he was obsessed with his stupid wall, but I received nothing in return for my troubles. I learned his favorite dish, for Ovens-sake, for when he wasn't eating and he needed to!

[ He scoffs a little, takes another sip of his drink, focuses on the fruity taste and the burn underneath it. It's nothing like the Ridges spirits. But "but" lingers heavily in the silence after his words. But I do. ]

- I am truly an idiot.

[ Hmm. "Idiot" only encompasses part of it. A symptom of the affliction, not the affliction itself. Not that he'll say it out loud in so many words. Instead, he taps the blunted end of the cocktail umbrella against his lower lip thoughtfully. ]

You know, the mind works in strange ways. It sounds like Cookies seem to work at least functionally the same as humans, so I'll let you in on a fun little fact.

[ Joshua takes a sip of his drink, letting the conversation pause for effect. ]

Humans tend to do stupid things when they're in love, sometimes even going so far as to overlook certain undesirable aspects about their person of interest in order to gain that person's attention and affection. No matter what you were looking for from him initially, you fell for him somewhere along the way, and it sounds like you were blinded into trying far longer than any reasonable person should have.

From what I've gathered, Dark Cacao has quite a few issues of his own to work through. But that's not your responsibility to fix. It's his. You're better off focusing on yourself.

[ "In love" drives a mocking noise out of Affogato, a teeny "iN lOvE" with a curl of his lip, before he takes a derisive sip of his drink. ]

I most certainly did not fall for him! He was a means to an end! Power, control, that is all. As his Advisor, I had control over the Kingdom, but I needed to keep him alive as my puppet! Which meant keeping him happy and healthy!

[ He harumphs softly and sinks back into his chair again, kicking his feet up onto his foot stool. He refuses to listen to his own mind going haha! and sucks on his drink instead like a bitter ex. Just ignore everything he said before then, Joshua, do him that huge favor. He's very obviously in love for some damned reason. ]

Of course it's not my responsibility! Besides, Cacao is doing just fine, is he not? It looks like he worked through his issues already.

[ Silence, but at least he's no longer sucking on his drink anymore, which is going to need a refill soon because he's downing it like - well, like he drowned his woes. He stirs instead, frowning down at it. ]

Focus on myself. Ha. You needn't worry there, I am taking good care to look at my "own issues" [ Finger wiggles for that, he does love air quotes, such a useful thing that fingers offer. ] and work through them.

[ Aha, there it is. Good old denial. It's so painfully obvious, what Affogato is trying to do, but Joshua is content to let him keep that fallacy going. They both know that's what it is. ]

Mmhm. Of course, of course. Just power.

[ And that's the only comment he'll make. If it was just for power, Affogato wouldn't be acting like a kicked puppy.

He's watching the level of drink left in that glass, pondering the rate at which Affogato is downing it, but at least he seems to be slowing down. Not like a refill would be an arduous task, but he's here for conversation, not to get Affogato drunk off his ass. ]

You know, I'd offer you a job in a heartbeat if we were back in my world. Even if you did just admit to vying for power.

[ He tips his head, straw hanging off of his lower lip as he smiles. Affogato couldn't take his power even if he tried. It would be funny to watch, though. ]

Is that why you sided with that thing? Looking for power? Or just someone that offered loyalty?

[ A pouty kicked puppy at that.

The offer of a job makes him cock an eyebrow, and he doesn't look like he's going to outright tell Josh to fuck off either. Curious, really. ]

Oh? Are you in need of an Advisor? A Witch? A traitor? A snake?

[ Thankfully for both of them, Affogato seems more interested now in spinning his drink. He knows better than to simply drown himself, he knows very well how badly this body handles alcohol. It's what made him kiss Cacao after all.

He hums softly to that question, the alcohol helping less than it simply being Joshua and he knows whatever he says stays between them. ]

Yes and no.

[ He gestures to his dresser in an obvious 'open it' manner. ]

Underneath the make up, you'll find a journal. It was apparently written by me when we all first lived here. I went investigating before the little prom, and found myself in a basement of a house I assume was mine, where it rested.

[ It's badly burnt, but there are a few pages available. Speaking of the God and guiding Nene. ]

I joined to... belong. After Cacao banished me, forbade me from coming near the other's from our world, I was alone. Power, yes, but safety. A home....

[ Hm. ]

A right-hand man, so to speak. My last one was a snake, though. Quite literally.

[ No he will not expand on that. Because something even more interesting is afoot! He's being given clear permission to snoop, so finally, he slides and hops off the dresser, setting the hurricane glass where he had previously been seated. Under the makeup... Ah, yes, there certainly is a burnt book here, isn't there? He pulls it out, very carefully, knowing that it's likely very delicate. ]

A relic of your past, hm? I have yet to find anything about my supposed existence here.

[ As he speaks, he flips through, taking care to handle the pages gently. He can at least read and listen at the same time, so continuing conversation isn't a problem. What Affogato says, though... hm. ]

You sound like you'd fit right in with my Reapers.

[ Okay that makes him laugh a little. Ah. Sounds like he would truly fit in! Something they have in common.

The journal is brittle, and crumbled here or there already, but the pages that have lasted Affogato has taken care to preserve. They are definitely written in a version of his own flowing, swooping script. Saying how Nene was undeserving of the God's love, but since she was chosen, he would guide her. How it's the local living God, so of course it would be wise to worship it, join with it.

A few other pages, of Alexi's success in getting others to convert. The God demands sacrifice but all God's do. ]

Reapers, hm? I am not Licorice Cookie, I am no Necromancer.

[ Yet, he is a Witch, so it would not be too far outside his realm of expertise. Distasteful, however, playing with Corpses. As Josh continues to read the journal, a small lantern on the dresser with what looks like black ink in it will suddenly open a large red eye, pondering Josh. Affogato's little Seaborne, gifted by Mizuki. It wiggles around inside the lantern and begins climbing out. INTRUDER. TOUCHING AFFOGATO'S THINGS.

Get laser pewpew'd at. ]

[ Very interesting... Joshua has, honestly, not seen all that much about these past life things. But it's funny, how the handwriting is so, so similar. Even that doesn't change much over... well. However many years it's been. But to see that Affogato is following the same path as his past self... Would he have, had he not found this journal?

His thoughts are interrupted by the sudden appearance of the eye in the lantern. Joshua doesn't react much, outside of a brief pause and a head tilt toward the tint creature marching toward him with some kind of intent. What are those noises? ]

Ah? A pet of yours?

[ He's finished looking through the journal anyway, so it gets closed - again, gently - and placed back where it had been. He lifts his hand, sticking out his index finger and holding it just out of reach of the thing that is making laser noises at him. ]

You wouldn't need to be anything like that, though. All of my Reapers were perfectly normal humans. And you wouldn't be playing with corpses, exactly.

[ A side glance, and a small, knowing smile. He heard that. ]

Ah, my little-

[ A beat. What does he call it? His baby? His friend? His sweet little Mizuki blob? The little black blob reaches up and out with tiny tendrils and grabs Joshua's finger. It then tries to guide the finger to it's body. It's going to try and eat the intruder. But it's quite like a kitten in terms of strength. Angry baby laser noise. ]

Seaborne. It's a gift from Mizuki, so he'll always be with me, and able to see if I need him.

[ And HA, he knew Joshua could read his mind, but it doesn't seem to bother him so much, a little return smirk to the knowing look. ]

Exactly? So I would be playing with them in a round-about style. However, color me intrigued. [ And softer, almost lost under the aggressive laser noises. ] And thank you.

[ Oh. Oh that's cute. What's it going to do, gnaw him to death? He allows his finger to be guided down without an ounce of resistance, curious to see what the little thing will do. ]

I see. Very convenient.

[ Good to know it's some sort of tiny little spy. Not that he plans on doing anything, or has anything he intends to hide.

As the tiny baby laser noises continue, he turns to more fully face Affogato again, leaving his hand where it is to get chewed on. ]

Less corpses and more ghosts, really. Though, it's very hands-off work for the most part, at least when you're starting out. I wonder... Would you be more suited to stalling, or harassing?

[ It's mostly to himself, as he tilts his head to ponder, but Affogato is more than welcome to offer his thoughts. ]

[ It has no mouth but it must eat. So it just sort of drags the finger into it's blobby little body. It tries to absorb it's large meal. It just sort of oozes around the finger. It's like sticking your finger into nickelodeons gak. Blorp.

And bless Joshua for not mentioning the thank you or even acknowledging it, honestly. Setting his glass aside - it's empty now and that will do him - he crosses his ankles together on his foot cushion and hm's. ]

Both~ I am a master of poisons. Those that destroy the body, mostly, but I am able to weave a soft one for mental manipulation. Make them open to suggestion.

[ His own version of imprinting, if you will. ]

[ Aw look at it try. Goopy little thing. Ganbatte, Seaborn-san. And look, he understands how difficult apologizing can be for some people. He's not about to call it out when there's no benefit~ ]

Oh? No wonder you were able to manipulate your king.

[ Interesting. He likes to think that he's above such mental influence... But, this is something caused by a drug. That's a bit different. He'll have to keep an eye out. ]

Not entirely useful when you're just starting out, though, I'm afraid. Perhaps in the position that's currently vacant... But, I don't just automatically hire right into such a high rank. [ Unless your name is Neku or Beat, who have more than proven themselves. ] As much as I like you, and as much as I can suspect you'll do well, it's always good to test drive first, hm?

[ Don't worry, Worstie, Affogato would never poison you. He's pretty sure Joshua would be immune anyways, he's got that Ancient feeling to him. He does look just a little uncomfortable to the idea of manipulating Cacao. To be fair, he did have a reason.

And he's... quite interested, actually. But there's also a leery sort of tension there, as he recalls Pomegranate and Dark Enchantress Cookies offer. There's something to be said about taking offers from Higher Powers. So he laughs, a soft little husky sound, and rests his chin in his hand. ]

Well, consider me intrigued~ If we ever get out of this green nightmare, sign me up.

[ The Seaborne, realizing it cannot eat Joshua like it wants, eventually lets go. Plus it seems they're having an affable conversation, and the man is no longer ruffling around in Affogato's stuff. Charlatan. It sinks back into it's little lantern jar, falling silent. It knows better now than to try and swim in air to go to Affogato. ]

Do you often simply pick up strays for your little jobs?

after mizuki's revival, before Sea

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