dear_mun | [Homeless, looking, doing practice apps]

[He rests a hand on Harpuia's helmet. Just for a little while, but he's not exactly prone to being touchy-feely. See, Harpy? Everyone's fine. For now. As long as you keep him happy.]

I'll be holding you to your word, then. You may rise.

[He'll keep you happy, Master X. But on the inside, all the feels for Zero. All of them.]

Yes, sir.

[And rise he does, a look of determination to not fail his master in his eyes.]

[DAMN YOU, FEELS. There is no room for you in Copy's insecure, jealous world.]

Well then, I'm done with you for now. You may stay if you wish, but you're welcome to leave if you'd rather do that.

[A dismissive little wave of his hand, and Copy X oh-so-casually takes a seat. ...Still watching Harpuia very intently, of course.]

[Let us all join Zero's harem and enjoy all the feels, Master X!]

[Well there is work to be done, and reports to be written--]

..is there anything you require or need assistance on, Master X? [--ever the loyal Guardian.]

[NEVER. NEVER. _M-maybe. NEVERRRR.]

What could I possibly need assistance with, Harpuia? We're not within Neo Arcadia, and there's not a sign of the Resistance in sight. Really, I imagine I'm going to be awfully bored, if anything.

[Or you can join Omega's harem. Which won't sit well with Harpuia. ~~Sorry Master X, but that guy is a no-no.~~]

Then perhaps I should keep my Master satisfied and clear him from his boredom.

[ o o p s ]

Such a generous offer! What do you suggest, Harpuia?

[Really, what an interesting idea! Doesn't this just pique his curiosity. There might be just a glimmer of excitement behind his smile, even.]

[g d i t.]

Anything you like, Master X. I'll gladly keep you entertained until you see fit.

[Harpuia will choose not to notice that glimmer. Instead, he'll be focused fully on what games they could play.]

[Considering he was basically expected to act like a centuries-old experienced veteran from the moment of his activation, the inner child is not exactly something Copy X has exercised very often. He's struck suddenly with an almost dizzying amount of possibility -- ah, but where to begin?]

...What do you want to do, Harpuia?

[And how's that for a novelty? The ruler of Neo Arcadia, after all, does not ask--only orders. But then again... isn't testing Harpuia like this a rather fun game in and of itself?]

[Oh he's reading into the challenge. He knows. He knows. Although that child-like tendency of Copy X....why so cute. Why did Zero ~~and Dr. Weil~~ have to retire you?]

I'm fine with anything, Master X. Do you have a suggestion?

[Please don't let him pick. He doesn't know what game Master X would like to play.]

[Ah, but that's exactly the fun of it! Isn't it amusing to ask the cleverest of the Guardians a question he wasn't prepared for? That evasive answer just makes Copy's smile grow.]

Really, Harpuia. Take advantage of my generosity while you have the chance. It's not often that I let my subordinates decide on my course of action, you know. Wouldn't it be a shame to waste a chance like that?

[But. But. Master X. Your games involve the retirement of many Mavericks and obsessing over Zero. Although. We both get along with those sort of games.]

I wouldn't...want to bored my master with a game I'm more familiar with than he.

No? You're doing a pretty good job of boring me with your indecisiveness.

[Though the mass-retirement and Zero-obsessing do sound fun. Copy X looks away, resting his chin in one hand. Oh, no, the sulking is coming back.]

...I don't know any games, Harpuia. As far as the world is concerned, I'm a 200-year-old soldier and sovreign of a city-state. As if someone like that would have time to spare on childishness.

I..I apologize, Master X.

[Now he's going to give the slightest hints of guilt as he picks through his mind for a game. Master X, why you want to play a game with a guy who governs the sky units and protects your behind from Zero's mad touches. No, no, don't start sulking. All the guilt. All of it.]

I don't play many games myself, Master X. There's hardly any time to do so. However, by your order, I'll choose a game for us.

[A game. A game. A game. There was so many games to choose from--]

The human children play hide and seek often, and those close of nature play a pocky game, there's also those who play on game boards, or even word games to trick each other. Would you like me to list more, Master X?

[Oh, Harpy. You make it far too easy for him, you know that? Master X wants to play these games because it's just so fun to see formal, serious Harpuia tugged into these situations. Because he's a spoiled little prince who doesn't hesitate to use his power as a plaything. Because the only concept of companionship he even has is, like most of his beliefs, skewed, dangerously naive, and unhealthy.

He toys with the hem of his uniform top for a moment, a thoughtful little smile on his face as he mulls over his choices. Board games? Dull. Ditto for word games. Hide and seek sounds promising... oh, but how can that needy, possessive side of his ignore a chance to once again be reassured that his Guardian is really and truly his?]

We're close, aren't we? That second game you said... I'd like to play that one.

[...no wonder Omega is all over you, Master X. Now come into your Guardian's arms and let him protect you from the evil that is the perverted Omega and Zero. Mama!X can even adopt all of us.]

[Master X. Why. Why choose that game. But. Oh. Can't say no to Master X, since he's the boss and prince, and so adordor when he pouts. Plus he would like to avoid another smack in the face if he could.]

..if that is what you wish, Master X, then I'll go retrieve some pocky for us.

[Embarrassed? Naturally. But Harpuia isn't letting it show ~~yet~~]

[You brought it upon yourself, Harpy. (Though I suppose inheriting Mama's cuteness genes may have given Copy a nice advantage.) He gives a satisfied nod, smile instantly brightening.]

Very well, but be quick. I'm already quite excited about this game of ours.

[With a nod, Harpuia will immediately dart off to find a box of pocky. He's having second thoughts about this game though, since it's the adordor and special MASTER X. No one should be able to get that close to Master X, and--]

[Upon finding a box, Harpuia will return, bowering his head in ~~embarrassment~~ honor.]

I've found them, sir. Shall we begin?

[Prompt as always, Harpuia. Copy X claps his hands together in delight, then motions for Harpy to hand over the box.]

Excellent work, Harpuia. Now, how do we play?

[Naturally, Harpuia complies, holding out the box for his master.]

We put the end of the pocky stick in our mouths, and share it together. Whoever pulls away first will lose.

Ah, that's all? Sounds easy.

[Copy X pulls a single stick free. You know, one almost has to wonder if he's really that naive, or if he's doing this on purpose: there's something very deliberate about the way he parts his lips, taking the tip of the stick into his mouth oh-so-delicately. He looks up at his Guardian expectantly, smiling around the pocky stick in his mouth. Well, Harpuia?]

Y..Yes, sir.

[Harpuia masks his embarrassment, not wanting to come off as shy or anything of the sort. He swallows while watching Copy X, trying to exactly figure out if it's naivety or if his master was testing him. He can't give himself a definite answer, and quickly respond in his mind that he must do this. It was just a game. A small game.]

[There's no hesitation from Harpuia as he leans forward, parting his lips and taking in the other end of the deliciously sweet treat. Not bad. Not bad yet. After a second or two, he takes the initiative and bites forward, enjoying the sweet taste of the treat.]

[Well, there's no point in playing unless he keeps up with Harpuia, right? Interesting enough, though, is just how bold Harpuia is. Copy X would have expected him to be more hesitant. Ah, what a general!

Well, if he's not shy about it, then of course there's no need for Copy to be timid. He leans forward, almost offhandedly claiming another inch.]

[Harpuia keeps back how tense he actually felt, figured his Master X would pull away by now. However, as that was far from it, there was honestly no going back now, unless Copy X did. Whether it was his pride or the feelings towards serving Copy X, he couldn't decide which.]

[Taking another inch, Harpuia silently bites and swallows the piece in his mouth, the hint of chocolate at the buds on his tongue. He has to refrain from licking the chocolate-covered stick from the delicious taste.]

[For Copy X, the real treat here isn't the snack, it's what happens at the end -- he's positively dying to see just what his Guardian intends to do. He wants to win, of course, but it's no fun at all if Harpy just lets him win. He advances again, closing his eyes and letting out an impatient hum.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject