re: shenanigans and upcoming birthdays

[alchimia]

Knowing you? I'm gonna hafta start carrying around a marker, just in case you and Lelouch's mun do plan on something stupid like that meme or whatever.

As for the upcoming day, please tell me Al's not planning on something huge. I've had enough crazy birthdays for one lifetime.

Comments

[alchimia]

[ He's just unaware of magical powers and bullshit. But don't be surprised if he starts moving as soon as he sees Lelouch so much as raise a hand. Not because of Lelouch's eyes (though he does remember something about contacts and so on), but because he's just that cautious. ]

So what would you do if I smashed your face in right now? Just stand there like you are now?

[kingside]

I'd kill you.

[His tone is matter-of-fact, and he follows up the words with a careless shrug.]

Why? Were you going to?

[alchimia]

[ Considers Lelouch for a moment, eyes remaining narrowed. And then, without warning, he swings his left arm back before bringing it forward, aimed straight for Lelouch's jaw. An almost lightning speed move and cotton covered knuckles slam into Lelouch's face. ]

[kingside]

[-- All right, so he probably should have seen that coming, but either way, his reflexes aren't nearly fast enough for him to react in time. The punch sends him sprawling to the floor with a grunt of pain as a result, the fall hurting only marginally less than the fist had. Really, it's not like he'd even done anything to deserve it this time, but more importantly--

A shaky hand makes a slow track towards his face, veering toward the injury to keep Edward from suspecting anything. Hell, it isn't even really feigned, if he's honest with himself; that punch had fucking hurt.

He winces, touches the spot delicately, and struggles to push himself upright with his free hand.]

Was that really necessary?

[alchimia]

[ Except as soon as Lelouch is down, he's moving again, making sure to set a well placed boot on Lelouch's chest. This time, it's the automail leg and though it doesn't weigh any more than a regular leg, Lelouch can probably hear the quiet creaks and grinding noises that accompany the moving of steel and wires beneath layers of fabric.

Yes, he's making sure Lelouch won't be able to get up just yet. ]

Heh, I was being easy on you. Necessary? You're damn right it was.

[ He adds the slightest bit of pressure. Not to much, preventing any actual harm to come to Lelouch's chest. But enough to serve a decent warning. ]

Cut the bullshit and answer my question.

[kingside]

[No removing the contacts, then, if only because, flat on his back as he is, there's no way in hell he can disguise it anymore. He's more interested in gripping Edward's automail ankle, anyway, wishing he had the strength to throw the boy off with that alone. Perfect.

Despite his position, he laughs, the sound soft and strained. It isn't emotional pressure he's feeling, though, just physical.]

Or what, you'll beat it out of me? Break my ribs, blacken my eye again? [He shakes his head, sending Edward his most infuriating smirk.] There is a word for that interrogation technique, you know, and frankly, I know you don't have it in you. [He tosses his head, grin widening.] And if you do, what's your guarantee that I'll have anything new to say?

[alchimia]

[ The grip hardly seems to bother him, and given his limbs have been gripped by far more dangerous creatures and people, it's no surprise. It's more Lelouch's taunt that bothers him and just to retaliate, he adds a bit more pressure as his voice lowers dangerously. ]

You saying I don't have what it takes to kill you, Lelouch? Seems you know me just as well as I know you.

[ He crouches over his knee to glare at him. ]

How much blood you got on your hands, huh? You ever actually been tortured? Have you ever tortured someone yourself, with your own hands?

[ Giving his ankle a twist, he makes sure to grind Lelouch's shoulder into the ground. ]

'Cause you're not the first one I've had to beat answers out of. At least the others had more fight to 'em.

[kingside]

Then by all means, continue! I invite you to!

[Another burst of laughter, this one decidedly less voluntary and far from restrained, as if Edward has genuinely delighted him.]

Who knows? Maybe we'll both learn something new about each other.

[He'll leave the other questions unanswered, too, a smile still playing about his lips as he waits for Ed to take action. In your own time, Fullmetal.]

[alchimia]

[ For a moment, Ed simply falls silent, staring down at Lelouch as if taking him in in a new light. As if seeing something suddenly different about him. His brows furrow and though he makes no move to release Lelouch (indeed, he even adds more pressure), he pulls back just a little. ]

I mean what I said 'bout pitying you. You really are pathetic.

[ Pulling back (but not without grinding his heel into Lelouch's shoulder one more time), he gives Lelouch a swift kick in the side then takes a step back. ]

You're not even worth it. My hands might never come clean, but 'least I don't get off on hurting people who don't have the presence of mind to protect themselves.

[ A scoff and he shakes his head. ]

Can't believe I ever thought I could respect you. There's nothing about you worth respecting.

[kingside]

[How, oh, how had he known that this would evolve into kicking him while he's down? Literally and figuratively, even, and he can't help but chuckle again even as he curls inward, arms tightening around himself to try and contain his coughs. Ha ha cough ha. It's so funny that it really isn't anymore.]

I never asked to be respected. [Cough.] Not for what I did.

[It would have defeated the purpose, and he coughs again, lifting his head a little to stare at Edward somewhat dazedly.]

Are you going to hit me if I try to get up?

[alchimia]

[ A pause and he regards Lelouch for a few seconds, considering his response. Then, before speaking, he reaches out and offers a hand to help the other teen up. ]

You're perfectly capable of using what you got for good uses. Why don't you? Being a sinner doesn't mean you gotta keep on committing that sin.

[kingside]

[Yeah no, he ignores the hand, attempting to push himself up on one arm again while the other returns to the injured portion of his face. From this close, Edward would be able to react too quickly and stop him before he could make any headway with his Geass. Better to put some distance between them first.

He glances away.]

And what sins am I still committing, exactly?

[alchimia]

[ Geeze, touchy touchy. And here he was trying to help. So he lets his hand linger in the air for a few seconds before he drops it again. ]

Besides being a royal pain in the ass? Pride's a good start.

[kingside]

... Ah. Those sins.

[He's back to smiling to himself as he rises unsteadily, deliberately putting more space between them. Damned midget.]

I'd say I'm guiltier of wrath, but you know how it goes.

[alchimia]

[ Yeah, he's noticing that distancing and just going to take a step closer, keeping a careful eye on Lelouch. ]

Wrath? You couldn't even leave a dent in a pillow if you hit it as hard as you could. Prefer guns, Lelouch? Distance yourself from who you kill so you don't have to realize just what you've done to them. Never liked guns myself.

[kingside]

[He snorts.]

Guns, yes. Knightmare Frames. Hadron cannons. Bombs. [He gestures expansively.] Talking them into dying for my cause, in my name. It's easier than you think.

[alchimia]

Oh, and how great is that cause if you gotta talk people into dying for you? A real cause is one you'd be willing to stand up for, to sacrifice yourself for. Coward.

Why do you do it?

[kingside]

[At least Edward has that much right. Too bad his situation is hopeless.]

We've gone over this before, haven't we?