01/14. beginnings.

[icingkills]

[ voice ]

Yesterday, I'd been in this City for a month; and no one thought to congratulate me.

[A beat, and then amusement creeps back into his voice.]

I'm kidding. I can only expect so much, now can't I? A job, a place to stay, information on the City itself, friends. I've done well for myself. Even if the new neighbor is unruly

Comments

[slighted_stains]

Do you want to be congratulated?

[icingkills]

No, I think being here is reward enough.

[slighted_stains]

...congratulations.

[icingkills]

You're so generous, Subaru...kun?

1/2

[slighted_stains]

[slighted_stains]

...san, in keeping with formal tradition.

Kun, I believe, by age.

Sama, within certain circles, by rank.

It shouldn't matter. Honorifics aren't needed here.

[icingkills]

I prefer the name alone, in any case. It's friendlier.

[And yes, he's aware of the connotations of that in Japan--wouldn't be able to pose as a diplomat if he weren't--but that, too, is part of the game. Getting all up in your social space.]

Subaru, then.

[slighted_stains]

Yes...?

[icingkills]

[A beat.]

Be careful, Subaru.

[slighted_stains]

[...well. Well. Well.]

Oh. Is it going to rain?

I hadn't planned to feed them today.

[icingkills]

Feed them...?

I meant the way you speak. You give away too much--it's hard not to imagine your expression.

I expect it's cute.

[It is somehow easier to flirt with Subaru than he thought it might be. He's never tried acting like that with another man before. Subaru makes it easy, though.]

[slighted_stains]

The birds.

Is... there a point to this?

[icingkills]

Perhaps I'll feed them with you, someday.

Ah. You don't believe in small talk, Subaru?

[slighted_stains]

Forgive me. It's the word 'cute.'

You should feed them. They enjoy attention.

[icingkills]

My apologies. I won't use it again.

Perhaps it's your attention they enjoy?

[slighted_stains]

Animals and people like kindness. It's a simple exercise.