video; Dec. 6

[espionage_gamer]

[The video switches on to show Matt, looking rather comfortable in his new apartment despite a few boxes left unpacked even after a couple days, simply leaning back on his couch. Though on his shoulder, there seems to be a little yellowish orange fluff ball giving the device a look. It doesn't seem happy to have attention taken away from it.]So,

Comments

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

What's the troll equivalent of catnip?

...don't disappear again. It annoys me.

[Melloese-to-human translation: I was starting to worry.]

[voice | private]

[espionage_gamer]

Whatever it is, it probably won't work on Sollux either way. But that's a good question, I should look into that.

[A pause, a slight waver there.]

Yeah, sorry. I'll be sure not to do it again. And you can bet Sol will probably make sure of it now.

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

Try something with a ton of sugar.

It's good to know there's someone I trust to keep you in line around.

[voice | private]

[espionage_gamer]

Think cotton candy would work?

[A pause, thinking over his next words carefully.]

So what? Does that make me the dog caught in the middle of three feral cats?

[Just because they're thought out doesn't mean they're smart.]

Speaking of, I think I'm naming the kitten 'Mihael'.

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

Or a chocolate eclair.

[Mello can't really disapprove of the comparison.

The name suggestion, on the other hand.]

That better be a joke.

[voice | private]

[espionage_gamer]

And if it isn't?

[Just a bit of an amused tone there.]

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

You don't think people could figure out why it's so fucking funny to you?

[Never mind the wince Mello has to repress every time he hears the name.]

[voice | private]

[espionage_gamer]

A variation of the name Michael, based after the Archangel of War. Named for his love of fighting and all the energy he possesses.

[A pause, a bit of wry amusement in his voice.]

Have some faith in me. No one will know, there's no way for them to. It's not like anyone even realize these aren't our real names.

[not here?]

[2ollux]

[ He seethes and he glowers, hisses and makes a show of baring his teeth at the vile kitten, but through it all, he listens. Distanced as he is across the apartment, he listens in.

And feels like he's intruding on something secret, on something inexplicably but undeniably sacred.

Curious. ]

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

Rochefort knows enough that she asked me Near's real name.

[But he relents, reluctantly amused. The implied compliment, as he perceives the description, helps. And it is true that the best way to keep a secret is to never let on that there's a secret in the first place.]

All right, fair enough. I hope he's fierce enough to deserve it.

[voice | private]

[espionage_gamer]

[Flattery gets him everywhere of course.]

Don't have to worry about that. He's already kicked Gemini's ass a couple times.

[Yeah, Matt knows he needs to stop telling people that. But Sollux getting pissed is just so damn funny.]

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

Mm, you'll have to work on him only kicking the asses of people who deserve it.

Re: [voice | private]

[espionage_gamer]

Sol was actually the one who picked the fight. Keeping thoes two from going at each other is going to give me enough bruises and exercise to make up for all the games I play.

[he sounds far too amused about this]

[voice | private]

[want_the_world]

You're more of a troll than he is, sometimes.

[Why, yes, Mello sounds amused too, if only by the mental image of someone with horns declaring a tiny mammal his enemy.]

Re: [voice | private]

[espionage_gamer]

You're not allowed to judge until you've seen one of his tantrums.

[voice | private - background noise]

[2ollux]

[ From the background, there erupts a sound most heinous, each note positively ringing with rage and only the utmost indignation. Truly, it could have done a great bird of prey, or perhaps a small velociraptor, very proud indeed. ]

I DO NOT HAVE TANTRUMTH!