[He sets down his own mug, leaning back and swinging one leg up over the other knee, grabbing his CereVice to page through it—whether for food, a game, or a movie or show. Handy little thing.]
Heh, good! That guy's too shameless! You can't go too soft on him, man, he'll take you for all you've got!
. . . Our school history—I dunno how much it's gotta do with us ending up like this. I mostly picked him 'cuz I didn't have many other options for guys I knew and trusted. You've already got your butler and all that, or I would've asked you, actually. Mostly, while you were gone, some crap went down with CERES and all the machines and apartments—
[He sighs, no longer really paying attention to what he's doing with his device.]
It was pretty freaky. I was already feelin' kinda weird and . . . lonely, I guess, living by myself, but then I got trapped in my apartment for a while and I couldn't even contact anyone, and—I just feel safer with someone else around! And . . . it's kinda nice, too. He'd already stayed the night a few times with me so I knew we'd probably be able to handle each other as roommates. . . . Probably.
[It's pretty different, though. But it's working out so far.]
...if I had been here though, I want you to know that you would have been welcome to stay with me. It doesn't matter that Kevin is there. He would welcome you I am sure. Though he can be a bit difficult to deal with in his own right.
[If he had known about that pastry shop visit, Leon's life would be in danger. But fortunately it was a secret. A secret Kevin's pure mind would never find out.]
But as long as you are getting along...
I guess he must not be as high and mighty as I thought if he's living with you willingly though.
I figured you wouldn't mind, but I dunno if I'm into livin' with supervision like that . . . too much like bein' back with my parents again, y'know? Not that they were very strict.
[And it's a little sore still, thinking about his family. He doesn't know if they're alive. If they are, they must know he's not, if his death really was televised. It stings.
But it still doesn't mean he's craving living with an overprotective adult or anything.]
Anyway, he's still plenty prissy and he complains constantly and all, and I dunno if he really "likes" me, buuuut . . . I dunno, we're friends? He needs someone around to help him loosen up and have a good time sometimes, if you know what I mean! To be honest, that's how I used to think of you too.
Huh, strict isn't the word I would use, but I can understand that. Once in a while, it does become a bit cloying.
[As William was becoming more of a young adult, he was beginning to chafe a little at being treated like a child, even by Kevin. But that was a personal issue.]
...you thought I needed to loosen up?
[There's a beat or two, but any potential annoyance quickly passes.]
I guess you are not wrong in that regard. I do hope you realize I actually do like you though.
Ha ha! Like you could take me! Good thing for me you didn't go home and get all pumped up, huh? I'm still bigger than you!
[He moves on to wrestling him against the couch. Nothing too rough or serious, just manhandling him enough to make his point. And maybe work out some of the unresolved touching-tension of having been worried they'd never see each other again.]
Oh yeah? One day I am going to be taller then you. Trust me on that.
[But he's going to try and fight back, only trying somewhat seriously. Because really, it's nice, this sort of rough housing, for all that William doesn't do it. And because what if he goes home yet again? And forgets this guy yet again?]
Yeah? You still growin'? Maybe you're done forever!
[Leon wonders, briefly, whether you finish growing forever if you die and come back to life in another alien world, but that's not really worth thinking about. Not right now. He laughs it off and silently hopes William doesn't think about it either.]
[And besides, he was hoping his resemblance to Solomon went far enough that he could count on being a little taller. Ignoring the fact that he was just data right now and data didn't age the same way. If at all.]
[Urk. He hadn't realized they were the same height after all . . . it's embarrassing now that it's out there like that. Leon thinks about lying about it, but his expression is probably already giving him away. He avoids eye contact, trying unsuccessfully to play it cool.]
I uh . . . depends . . .
[On his shoes, of course. He doesn't clarify just yet, which just makes it sound weird.]
[William pauses at that reaction, understanding exactly what it means. And really he should take the high road and not react the way he's going to. But unfortunately, it's hard not to.
So the chuckle does come out, though it's not malicious.]
...I always did think your shoes were unnecessarily tall.
[And he laughs a little more, because sorry Leon. He loves you. Really.]
[He tips his head to show off his earrings better, nodding.]
You got it! Looks good on me, right? And the guy should definitely be taller . . . girls are into big dudes. But not too big. There's a limit, y'know? A sweet spot!
[A rare admission that. He'd become used to that sort of thing back home already though. and Leon wouldn't be Leon on if he suddenly gave all that up and became clean cut and respectable. Though it would be fun to see.]
It isn't like there are that many tall girls though. And besides, personal opinion aside, I wouldn't want to totally remove all options from my reach.
[He grins at him and leans closer for a moment, teasing—why? At what? At something. But then he leans back again, flopping comfortably against the couch.]
That's cold! Anyway . . . you into taller girls or something? Man, there was a girl in my class who was like, definitely over 190 cm. She was a beast! Picturin' you with her is pretty hilarious!
[He's joking of course and leans back with one arm resting across the back of the sofa.]
Not especially. And hah, very funny. I don't need a beast. I just think there are other qualities to be concerned with in choosing a partner.
[And well he's recently come to accept that anyone he's potentially interested in is going to be a bit... taller than him. Or looking him in the eye. Which is another discussion.]
You still don't have your eye on anyone though, huh? Ah, I guess when you just got back it might be a little too soon for a guy like you . . . right now you're too much, like, "I just missed my hot friend Leon"!
[He just leaves that there casually for William to respond to. It's a joke, that's all. He'll probably take it as one, and that's cool.
But if he notices the slightly flirtatious bent here . . . well, Leon hasn't planned that far out yet. Who plans things? This is just kind of what he's doing right now, apparently.]
You know I have very high standards, so I am not going to jump on just anyone.
[Well the former part of that wasn't entirely true. Though he pauses for a just a bit at the vaguely flirty comment, wondering if he should take it as a joke. Probably was, but it was hard to tell. He'd just throw something right back instead and see what happened.]
And besides, I am sure you missed me far more. I am quite the catch.
Sounds like you just like playin' hard to get when you put it like that . . . you one of those guys who makes the girl do all the work?
[Teasingly, though, still. Had that been flirting back? Leon's not sure, and he's not exactly comfortable deciding it is yet, though . . . at least he already knows William knows about his own "experimentations" and doesn't hate him for that part of himself. That really does make him feel better . . .
(He's straight though, right? William, Leon thinks. As for himself, he's not touching that question right now.)]
Oh please. I am a gentleman and would never put a lady through so much. Though I hear these days, such courtships are supposed to be on more even 'footing' if you know what I mean?
[He's saying it jokingly, maybe with the hint of something else there, because what is the harm? It's likely not going anywhere and he's suddenly in a mood, due to a lot of things.
(And well, for some reason, he really wants to disabuse Leon of that notion, but just out right saying it is crass. And makes it sound like he expects something from it.]
[He's not quite sure what William's getting at, but he's ready to pursue it, even if it's just joking around. He's in a mood himself. And it's hard not to poke at his own moods when they're working out, being fun rather than nerve-wracking.]
So you know all about modern "courtships," huh? Like what else? If you've got any questions, I'm your man! I'll teach you all I know, ha ha!
Heh, you got me there . . . I wouldn't really say I'm the most "refined" guy in bed.
[Which isn't quite what they were talking about, but he can't resist taking it there if the subject is refinement. Hell, he wasn't doing a good job resisting taking it there anyway. He grins over at William and leans a little closer.]
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Heh, good! That guy's too shameless! You can't go too soft on him, man, he'll take you for all you've got!
. . . Our school history—I dunno how much it's gotta do with us ending up like this. I mostly picked him 'cuz I didn't have many other options for guys I knew and trusted. You've already got your butler and all that, or I would've asked you, actually. Mostly, while you were gone, some crap went down with CERES and all the machines and apartments—
[He sighs, no longer really paying attention to what he's doing with his device.]
It was pretty freaky. I was already feelin' kinda weird and . . . lonely, I guess, living by myself, but then I got trapped in my apartment for a while and I couldn't even contact anyone, and—I just feel safer with someone else around! And . . . it's kinda nice, too. He'd already stayed the night a few times with me so I knew we'd probably be able to handle each other as roommates. . . . Probably.
[It's pretty different, though. But it's working out so far.]
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[If he had known about that pastry shop visit, Leon's life would be in danger. But fortunately it was a secret. A secret Kevin's pure mind would never find out.]
But as long as you are getting along...
I guess he must not be as high and mighty as I thought if he's living with you willingly though.
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[And it's a little sore still, thinking about his family. He doesn't know if they're alive. If they are, they must know he's not, if his death really was televised. It stings.
But it still doesn't mean he's craving living with an overprotective adult or anything.]
Anyway, he's still plenty prissy and he complains constantly and all, and I dunno if he really "likes" me, buuuut . . . I dunno, we're friends? He needs someone around to help him loosen up and have a good time sometimes, if you know what I mean! To be honest, that's how I used to think of you too.
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[As William was becoming more of a young adult, he was beginning to chafe a little at being treated like a child, even by Kevin. But that was a personal issue.]
...you thought I needed to loosen up?
[There's a beat or two, but any potential annoyance quickly passes.]
I guess you are not wrong in that regard. I do hope you realize I actually do like you though.
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[He flops over against William's side to reach up and fluff obnoxiously at his hair. It feels so good to have him back. So good . . . ]
If you didn't like me you wouldn't let me do thiiiiis!
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[Oh no, the dreaded hair fluffing technique! He's trying to dodge away (not really.)]
You should be so glad! Otherwise you wouldn't have a hand!
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[He moves on to wrestling him against the couch. Nothing too rough or serious, just manhandling him enough to make his point. And maybe work out some of the unresolved touching-tension of having been worried they'd never see each other again.]
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[But he's going to try and fight back, only trying somewhat seriously. Because really, it's nice, this sort of rough housing, for all that William doesn't do it. And because what if he goes home yet again? And forgets this guy yet again?]
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[Leon wonders, briefly, whether you finish growing forever if you die and come back to life in another alien world, but that's not really worth thinking about. Not right now. He laughs it off and silently hopes William doesn't think about it either.]
How tall're you anyway?
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[And besides, he was hoping his resemblance to Solomon went far enough that he could count on being a little taller. Ignoring the fact that he was just data right now and data didn't age the same way. If at all.]
Five foot seven. Why? How tall are you?
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I uh . . . depends . . .
[On his shoes, of course. He doesn't clarify just yet, which just makes it sound weird.]
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So the chuckle does come out, though it's not malicious.]
...I always did think your shoes were unnecessarily tall.
[And he laughs a little more, because sorry Leon. He loves you. Really.]
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. . . But it ain't like I didn't pick 'em on purpose . . . they make me taller than most girls, so . . .
[SIGH. His "secret" is out. He glares at William, not very seriously, and flops against his side with a huff.]
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[He smiles and then reaches out to pat Leon's shoulder. There there.]
Does that actually help? Being tall then girls?
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You got it! Looks good on me, right? And the guy should definitely be taller . . . girls are into big dudes. But not too big. There's a limit, y'know? A sweet spot!
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[A rare admission that. He'd become used to that sort of thing back home already though. and Leon wouldn't be Leon on if he suddenly gave all that up and became clean cut and respectable. Though it would be fun to see.]
It isn't like there are that many tall girls though. And besides, personal opinion aside, I wouldn't want to totally remove all options from my reach.
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[He grins at him and leans closer for a moment, teasing—why? At what? At something. But then he leans back again, flopping comfortably against the couch.]
That's cold! Anyway . . . you into taller girls or something? Man, there was a girl in my class who was like, definitely over 190 cm. She was a beast! Picturin' you with her is pretty hilarious!
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[He's joking of course and leans back with one arm resting across the back of the sofa.]
Not especially. And hah, very funny. I don't need a beast. I just think there are other qualities to be concerned with in choosing a partner.
[And well he's recently come to accept that anyone he's potentially interested in is going to be a bit... taller than him. Or looking him in the eye. Which is another discussion.]
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[He just leaves that there casually for William to respond to. It's a joke, that's all. He'll probably take it as one, and that's cool.
But if he notices the slightly flirtatious bent here . . . well, Leon hasn't planned that far out yet. Who plans things? This is just kind of what he's doing right now, apparently.]
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[Well the former part of that wasn't entirely true. Though he pauses for a just a bit at the vaguely flirty comment, wondering if he should take it as a joke. Probably was, but it was hard to tell. He'd just throw something right back instead and see what happened.]
And besides, I am sure you missed me far more. I am quite the catch.
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[Teasingly, though, still. Had that been flirting back? Leon's not sure, and he's not exactly comfortable deciding it is yet, though . . . at least he already knows William knows about his own "experimentations" and doesn't hate him for that part of himself. That really does make him feel better . . .
(He's straight though, right? William, Leon thinks. As for himself, he's not touching that question right now.)]
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[He's saying it jokingly, maybe with the hint of something else there, because what is the harm? It's likely not going anywhere and he's suddenly in a mood, due to a lot of things.
(And well, for some reason, he really wants to disabuse Leon of that notion, but just out right saying it is crass. And makes it sound like he expects something from it.]
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[He's not quite sure what William's getting at, but he's ready to pursue it, even if it's just joking around. He's in a mood himself. And it's hard not to poke at his own moods when they're working out, being fun rather than nerve-wracking.]
So you know all about modern "courtships," huh? Like what else? If you've got any questions, I'm your man! I'll teach you all I know, ha ha!
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Hah, teach me? If anything, I would be the one teaching you. I think I could show you a thing or two about refinement.
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[Which isn't quite what they were talking about, but he can't resist taking it there if the subject is refinement. Hell, he wasn't doing a good job resisting taking it there anyway. He grins over at William and leans a little closer.]
That's totally not what it's all about!
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