the_pierrot
in
xpuri
[Log] Hamstering Voices
Characters: Atobe & Irie
Location: Kitchen
Time: December 7th
Rating: PG
Summary: There's a hamster in the Kitchen...
"What? Noooooo..." Irie slumped against the kitchen table, head plunking against the wood. "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me. Seriously? Why...?" His pitiful moans weren't loud enough to seem like something was highly amiss, but still loud enough to keep from being completely unnoticed. His hand was stuck in a bowl of porridge. He could actually feel the porridge slush through his hand, and it was not pleasant in the least. "You can't do that, you know," he scolded his obnoxious mutant power, but it didn't seem like it listened. Because he remained stuck.
Confined as he was to the mansion by a seemingly endless torrent of snow, Keigo had spent the morning pottering around between homework, the works of Dickens, and pondering a late breakfast. By the time he reached a suitable place upon which to put his bookmark most of the other occupants of the mansion were once again causing chaos whilst bundled up in scarves, hats, and mittens. The echoes of their wild and excitement drenched thoughts wasn’t quite as resentment inducing as it had been a couple of days ago.
If anything he relished the peace and relatively undisturbed quiet in which to practice and polish off his latest assignments. When he came striding into what he’d believed would be an empty kitchen only to find the hamster with his hand jammed into a bowl of slushy looking porridge Keigo couldn’t resist approaching him just to get a closer look at the mess unfolding over the table, “I know you like to eat, but shouldn’t you at least use a spoon?”
"Atobe-kun! My, how embarrassing... I--" Irie cut himself short, blinking at Atobe's appearance. Well, this was certainly something new... Far from the flair in which Atobe usually dressed, and Irie's eyes were pulled towards the jewelry that glittered up on the young heir's ear. "... I'm stuck," he finished lamely.
As if he could sense the path of Irie’s startled gaze Keigo tucked a few loose strands of his silver-gray hair behind one elfin ear, revealing that he’d also had the lobe of his other ear pierced. The redness around the stud suggested it had been done very recently. The fingers of his other hand reached out to poke at the side of the bowl, and then close gently around Irie’s wrist, “I suppose you could just eat your way around it. How long have you been like this?”
"A couple of minutes. I wouldn't complain, but I have porridge in my hand right now and it's not nice. All squishy warm... I just need to focus so I can unphase, but... I don't feel like porridge anymore." Cue a very hopeful look - he really did look like a hamster - at Atobe.
Whatever it was which had developed this soft spot inside of him for a select few within the school - Keigo wasn’t sure whether to thank or curse it. Nonetheless he huffed a little sigh, dragged up the nearest chair beside Irie, and relinquished his wrist for the time being.
“And what is it you need to be able to focus, hm?”
"Distraction from the fact that gruel is swimming around in my bloodstream? Entertain me." He grinned. "Why the style change, for example? You're totally rocking it, you know. And it's good to see that you're not totally super skinny anymore, no offense."
“I got ‘made over.’” From the sound of things Keigo considered in more like assault with a deadly weapon than an actual makeover. However, it felt good to give in to all the things he’d coveted, but never been allowed to possess within the stuffy confines of his household.
Don’t tell him about the other piercing. It’s bad enough that Shu knows.
Irie wasn't looking straight at Atobe, so when he heard the other youth's voice, he assumed that he was simply talking out loud, probably to himself. Still, he got curious. "What other piercing?"
Keigo repressed the urge to slap his hand against his forehead, and raised those shoddy mental barriers he was still working on perfecting. Seldom did they stop many of his thoughts from escaping, but hopefully over time they’d shore themselves up.
Hesitantly he straightened up his posture, and peeled back the hem of his shirt, nudging the matching waistcoat aside to reveal a black metal barbell tucked into his navel.
“Don’t go spreading it around. Alright?”
"Ow, that looks painful!" Irie scrunched his face up for a moment, squinting at the barbell. "But it's gonna look good once it's healed, I bet. I won't tell, promise." His voice trailed off, fascinated by the icy skin exposed to him as he was. "... Huh."
“What is it now?” As he let the material unfurl once more to cover up his stomach, and the half-secret that was his new navel piercing Keigo’s expression implied that he was expecting the hamster to come out with another observation regarding his new look.
"It's just... You look really good." Irie waved his hand dismissively. "Don't mind me." … Hold on. He waved his hand? He blinked and glanced down at himself. The bowl of porridge stood on the table, whole and undisturbed. And his hand was free from the porcelain; it wasn't even dripping milk or anything. He flexed his fingers carefully, trying to make sure no porridge was left in a cell somewhere. Hopefully not... "I'm free," was the only comment Irie could think of as he blinked owlishly at Atobe. "Wow."
Having not witnessed many demonstrations of Irie’s peculiar abilities, Keigo reached out without so much as a second thought to hold Irie’s hand between both of his own for inspection. Upon discerning that it no longer contained anything oat-esque he tossed the other student a smug little grin which suited him far more than the broken expressions he’d worn of late, “So, where’s my reward then?”
The curly haired boy giggled. "Well, that depends on what kind of reward you'd like..." His eyes glittered mischievously beneath his glasses, which he pushed up as far up on his nose as he could. His other hand was still caught between Atobe's, and they were quite cold. He wasn't about to complain, however.
Considering the temperature outside, Keigo was about as warm as he was liable to get. That was without assistance from someone else of course. The twinkle of playfulness which sparked in the hamster’s gaze caused a quirking of Keigo’s brow, “Surprise me.”
Well, why not? If Atobe would have his head later, he'd just have to live with that. He placed his other hand on top of Atobe's, and tugged a little bit closer. Then bent down and gave Atobe's hand a feathery peck on the bridge of it. "Good enough? Or would you like something else?"
Although he had to bite down a characteristically biting retort, Keigo found himself smiling despite everything else. It took a few seconds before he realized the rich laughter coloring the air was his own. It was a little late to conceal it under the guise of a cough, so he just barreled onwards, “You’re a weird little hamster, aren’t you?”
Irie joined him, cheeks slightly flushed as he pulled back. "The weirdest~" And to accent this, he made a small hamster like sound, not unlike the sounds the critters made in Hamtaro...
This time a snort of laughter escaped Keigo with such uncontrollable immediacy that he had the good sense to blush. It was only then that he noticed his lukewarm hand (suffused by some of Irie’s natural warmth), was still trapped between the other’s fingers. The only polite way to withdraw it was to fuss with something else. With that in mind he grabbed the nearby spoon and tapped it lightly against Irie’s nose, “Stop acting so cute.”
"Did you snort? You did snort right now, didn't you? The great Atobe Keigo~!" Irie laughed, not even noticing that Atobe withdrew his hands, not until the spoon connected with the tip of his nose at least. "Cold," he complained, nose wrinkled. "And how do you suppose I do that? I can only be me. You should try and shut me up. With food or something. Yeah. Food's good."
“God, you’re just as demanding as a proper pet, aren’t you?” With a faint hint of pink dusting his cheeks which implied that even the great Atobe Keigo was susceptible to being teased he rose from the table to hit up the fridge for something appropriate to keep that smart mouth busy. A few minutes later Irie was presented with a warm homemade breakfast muffin slathered with butter, cream cheese and herbs from the pots Keigo tended in one of the greenhouses when he thought no one was looking. A little scoop of coleslaw (also homemade) and a couple of cookies upon a separate plate finished off a meal which was far more appealing than gloopy old porridge.
Making small, squeaky noises of delight, Irie settled down to enjoy the breakfast. After a while, with lips shiny with butter and some cream cheese clinging to his chin, he leaned back and nibbled thoughtfully on a cookie while he looked at Atobe. "You look better, you know."
“Oh?” Purposeful in his avoidance of Irie’s roaming gaze, Keigo stole a little morsel from the only remaining cookie. When he glanced up to see what a mess Irie had made of himself, it came as strange second nature to reach out and swipe away the smear decorating his chin. It was only when he sucked upon the pad of his cream cheese smudged thumb that he caught himself and frowned.
"Yes." Irie started to smile, but the smile faded out when Atobe reached out, again touching, but this time touching his chin instead of his hand. It felt different. (He didn't mind.) He opened his mouth to thank him, when the expression that passed over Atobe's face caught his eye. "What's wrong?"
“....nothing.”
This makeover has turned me into a brute...
The very edges of Keigo’s self-conscious expression softened, and he gave a little shrug. Not a characteristic gesture in itself, but one which perhaps suggested he’d loosened up if only a little since the others rallied together to give him a fresh perspective. As if apologising without saying a single word he leant over the table, one palm braced upon its shining surface, as the fingers of his other hand tousled Irie’s already unruly hair, “Just thinking how spoiled you are, for a pet.”
"But who's the one who's been doing all of the spoiling, hm? I didn't exactly threaten you to wait on me, A~to~be~kun~" He wagged his finger in front of Atobe's face, smiling impishly. "Surely you're not complaining."
Call me Keigo for God’s sake.
Keigo snatched at the offending digit, closing his own around it and threatening to bite off the tip for a moment before he once again chastised himself for being so damn playful. He was a stern master, not one of these gullible idiots who baby-talked and petted their playthings.
“You are becoming more insufferable by the minute. I shall send you to the shelter if this continues.”
"You're going to chain me to a wall? Or something? Keigo-kun?" Irie smiled, but then he frowned as he thought of something. "... You didn't move your lips just now. Did you?"
At this Keigo gave him a somewhat wry smile. Maybe it was wrong of him to transmit his thoughts so readily, but most of the time they just slipped right on out without conscious aim. It was something he’d have to work on. For now whoever received those broadcasts would just have to deal with the brutal honesty of their contents.
Yeah, apparently I’m psychic as well now...
"Oh." Irie's tongue darted out quickly as he licked his lips clean. He wondered how that felt, suddenly having another power bursting through, and one that could take quite the toll on the mind as well, especially if you were a bit unstable to begin with. "Are... Are you really okay then? I mean... Headaches or nightmares or... I don't know what kind of side effects there could be, sorry..."
“It was kind of....daunting at first, and my control...well frankly it’s pretty hit and miss right now.” Out of everything that’s happened to him over the last couple of months - somehow unearthing latent psychic abilities on top of his icy beginnings feels like the *easiest* thing to deal with. In some ways it’s not only easier, but more comforting to communicate with those he’s come to like and maybe even trust just a little, from within the safe harbour of his thoughts.
....he’s sweet to worry for me like that.
Irie's cheeks blushed pink and he looked down for a moment, gathering himself, before smiling warmly at Atobe. Not saying anything to indicate that he had heard that particular thought, but body language spoke more than words in this case. "You know, if you need to unwind... Playing with your pets can be a good way to do that. I mean... Just call. Or text me. Or something. I'll have time for you, I promise."
That sudden shyness coupled with the kind offer caused Keigo to blink back at him in mute surprise for a few scant seconds. He still wasn’t used to people wanting a share of his company, but more and more he’d begun to discover that having a few friends around him wasn’t the ordeal he’d built it up to be. Far from it. A subtle incline of his head accompanied by the faintest of smiles acted as an acceptance.
I’ll hold you to that, hamster.
"Good." The pink remained, but Irie's smile grew a fraction. "So... In light of everything... How're you going to spend the holidays?"
“Under my duvet.” Even if the reply was mostly meant in jest, there was no way Keigo could step outdoors without consigning himself to the nurse’s office in a heartbeat. Thankfully, or perhaps not at times - Fuji had taken to visiting upon a regular basis, Tezuka haunted the library like an attentive spectre attuned to his studies, and even Jackal had to come in out of the cold some time.
"Doesn't sound too bad. But it sounds a bit lonely... Are you going to be lonely, you think? I could come and keep you company when and if you'd like." Irie thoughtfully tugged at the collar of his shirt and his lips were pursed, tongue clicking against his teeth.
As long as you don’t mind getting stroked.
From the looks of things Keigo was also unaware of a good many of his thoughts as they snuck away from him, (and of the misunderstandings they had the potential to incite). With a mild tilt of his head, he picked at the last remaining crumbs dusting Irie’s plate.
“You know where my room is.”
"Y-yes." Irie was slightly frantic; he ought to make his retreat before he blurted out far too much and embarrassed himself beyond belief, not to mention he'd end up making Ato-- Keigo feel extremely uncomfortable. Keigo didn't need his little school boy crush to be shoved right into his face, now did he? Irie really doubted he was interested in him, at least not like that. He did want to be Keigo's friend first and foremost, so there were certain boundaries he shouldn't overstep to keep it that way. "Yes, I do. And I know where my room is too... And there I have a computer who wants me to use it to write an essay." But knowing his luck when it came to phasing, maybe he should simply use pen and paper and nothing more... "Ah, or something. Heh... Anyway, so good to see that you're better. I was worried, you know? Okay, enough babbling. And I'm only making myself babble more like this, aren't I? I should just go. Yeah. Homework." Someone shut him up.
By the time Irie had stopped rambling on Keigo was regarding him with a quirked brow, and a faint mixture which consisted of confusion and amusement. This sudden flare of vigilance towards his studies had translated as mild panic across the waves of thoughts he was now capable of sensing as they traversed the room like invisible tendrils. Before Irie exploded (or perhaps imploded he wasn’t sure which would occur first, or why), it probably was better if he attended to that homework of his.
“Yeah, you go do that hamster.”
Location: Kitchen
Time: December 7th
Rating: PG
Summary: There's a hamster in the Kitchen...
"What? Noooooo..." Irie slumped against the kitchen table, head plunking against the wood. "Oh, you've gotta be kidding me. Seriously? Why...?" His pitiful moans weren't loud enough to seem like something was highly amiss, but still loud enough to keep from being completely unnoticed. His hand was stuck in a bowl of porridge. He could actually feel the porridge slush through his hand, and it was not pleasant in the least. "You can't do that, you know," he scolded his obnoxious mutant power, but it didn't seem like it listened. Because he remained stuck.
Confined as he was to the mansion by a seemingly endless torrent of snow, Keigo had spent the morning pottering around between homework, the works of Dickens, and pondering a late breakfast. By the time he reached a suitable place upon which to put his bookmark most of the other occupants of the mansion were once again causing chaos whilst bundled up in scarves, hats, and mittens. The echoes of their wild and excitement drenched thoughts wasn’t quite as resentment inducing as it had been a couple of days ago.
If anything he relished the peace and relatively undisturbed quiet in which to practice and polish off his latest assignments. When he came striding into what he’d believed would be an empty kitchen only to find the hamster with his hand jammed into a bowl of slushy looking porridge Keigo couldn’t resist approaching him just to get a closer look at the mess unfolding over the table, “I know you like to eat, but shouldn’t you at least use a spoon?”
"Atobe-kun! My, how embarrassing... I--" Irie cut himself short, blinking at Atobe's appearance. Well, this was certainly something new... Far from the flair in which Atobe usually dressed, and Irie's eyes were pulled towards the jewelry that glittered up on the young heir's ear. "... I'm stuck," he finished lamely.
As if he could sense the path of Irie’s startled gaze Keigo tucked a few loose strands of his silver-gray hair behind one elfin ear, revealing that he’d also had the lobe of his other ear pierced. The redness around the stud suggested it had been done very recently. The fingers of his other hand reached out to poke at the side of the bowl, and then close gently around Irie’s wrist, “I suppose you could just eat your way around it. How long have you been like this?”
"A couple of minutes. I wouldn't complain, but I have porridge in my hand right now and it's not nice. All squishy warm... I just need to focus so I can unphase, but... I don't feel like porridge anymore." Cue a very hopeful look - he really did look like a hamster - at Atobe.
Whatever it was which had developed this soft spot inside of him for a select few within the school - Keigo wasn’t sure whether to thank or curse it. Nonetheless he huffed a little sigh, dragged up the nearest chair beside Irie, and relinquished his wrist for the time being.
“And what is it you need to be able to focus, hm?”
"Distraction from the fact that gruel is swimming around in my bloodstream? Entertain me." He grinned. "Why the style change, for example? You're totally rocking it, you know. And it's good to see that you're not totally super skinny anymore, no offense."
“I got ‘made over.’” From the sound of things Keigo considered in more like assault with a deadly weapon than an actual makeover. However, it felt good to give in to all the things he’d coveted, but never been allowed to possess within the stuffy confines of his household.
Don’t tell him about the other piercing. It’s bad enough that Shu knows.
Irie wasn't looking straight at Atobe, so when he heard the other youth's voice, he assumed that he was simply talking out loud, probably to himself. Still, he got curious. "What other piercing?"
Keigo repressed the urge to slap his hand against his forehead, and raised those shoddy mental barriers he was still working on perfecting. Seldom did they stop many of his thoughts from escaping, but hopefully over time they’d shore themselves up.
Hesitantly he straightened up his posture, and peeled back the hem of his shirt, nudging the matching waistcoat aside to reveal a black metal barbell tucked into his navel.
“Don’t go spreading it around. Alright?”
"Ow, that looks painful!" Irie scrunched his face up for a moment, squinting at the barbell. "But it's gonna look good once it's healed, I bet. I won't tell, promise." His voice trailed off, fascinated by the icy skin exposed to him as he was. "... Huh."
“What is it now?” As he let the material unfurl once more to cover up his stomach, and the half-secret that was his new navel piercing Keigo’s expression implied that he was expecting the hamster to come out with another observation regarding his new look.
"It's just... You look really good." Irie waved his hand dismissively. "Don't mind me." … Hold on. He waved his hand? He blinked and glanced down at himself. The bowl of porridge stood on the table, whole and undisturbed. And his hand was free from the porcelain; it wasn't even dripping milk or anything. He flexed his fingers carefully, trying to make sure no porridge was left in a cell somewhere. Hopefully not... "I'm free," was the only comment Irie could think of as he blinked owlishly at Atobe. "Wow."
Having not witnessed many demonstrations of Irie’s peculiar abilities, Keigo reached out without so much as a second thought to hold Irie’s hand between both of his own for inspection. Upon discerning that it no longer contained anything oat-esque he tossed the other student a smug little grin which suited him far more than the broken expressions he’d worn of late, “So, where’s my reward then?”
The curly haired boy giggled. "Well, that depends on what kind of reward you'd like..." His eyes glittered mischievously beneath his glasses, which he pushed up as far up on his nose as he could. His other hand was still caught between Atobe's, and they were quite cold. He wasn't about to complain, however.
Considering the temperature outside, Keigo was about as warm as he was liable to get. That was without assistance from someone else of course. The twinkle of playfulness which sparked in the hamster’s gaze caused a quirking of Keigo’s brow, “Surprise me.”
Well, why not? If Atobe would have his head later, he'd just have to live with that. He placed his other hand on top of Atobe's, and tugged a little bit closer. Then bent down and gave Atobe's hand a feathery peck on the bridge of it. "Good enough? Or would you like something else?"
Although he had to bite down a characteristically biting retort, Keigo found himself smiling despite everything else. It took a few seconds before he realized the rich laughter coloring the air was his own. It was a little late to conceal it under the guise of a cough, so he just barreled onwards, “You’re a weird little hamster, aren’t you?”
Irie joined him, cheeks slightly flushed as he pulled back. "The weirdest~" And to accent this, he made a small hamster like sound, not unlike the sounds the critters made in Hamtaro...
This time a snort of laughter escaped Keigo with such uncontrollable immediacy that he had the good sense to blush. It was only then that he noticed his lukewarm hand (suffused by some of Irie’s natural warmth), was still trapped between the other’s fingers. The only polite way to withdraw it was to fuss with something else. With that in mind he grabbed the nearby spoon and tapped it lightly against Irie’s nose, “Stop acting so cute.”
"Did you snort? You did snort right now, didn't you? The great Atobe Keigo~!" Irie laughed, not even noticing that Atobe withdrew his hands, not until the spoon connected with the tip of his nose at least. "Cold," he complained, nose wrinkled. "And how do you suppose I do that? I can only be me. You should try and shut me up. With food or something. Yeah. Food's good."
“God, you’re just as demanding as a proper pet, aren’t you?” With a faint hint of pink dusting his cheeks which implied that even the great Atobe Keigo was susceptible to being teased he rose from the table to hit up the fridge for something appropriate to keep that smart mouth busy. A few minutes later Irie was presented with a warm homemade breakfast muffin slathered with butter, cream cheese and herbs from the pots Keigo tended in one of the greenhouses when he thought no one was looking. A little scoop of coleslaw (also homemade) and a couple of cookies upon a separate plate finished off a meal which was far more appealing than gloopy old porridge.
Making small, squeaky noises of delight, Irie settled down to enjoy the breakfast. After a while, with lips shiny with butter and some cream cheese clinging to his chin, he leaned back and nibbled thoughtfully on a cookie while he looked at Atobe. "You look better, you know."
“Oh?” Purposeful in his avoidance of Irie’s roaming gaze, Keigo stole a little morsel from the only remaining cookie. When he glanced up to see what a mess Irie had made of himself, it came as strange second nature to reach out and swipe away the smear decorating his chin. It was only when he sucked upon the pad of his cream cheese smudged thumb that he caught himself and frowned.
"Yes." Irie started to smile, but the smile faded out when Atobe reached out, again touching, but this time touching his chin instead of his hand. It felt different. (He didn't mind.) He opened his mouth to thank him, when the expression that passed over Atobe's face caught his eye. "What's wrong?"
“....nothing.”
This makeover has turned me into a brute...
The very edges of Keigo’s self-conscious expression softened, and he gave a little shrug. Not a characteristic gesture in itself, but one which perhaps suggested he’d loosened up if only a little since the others rallied together to give him a fresh perspective. As if apologising without saying a single word he leant over the table, one palm braced upon its shining surface, as the fingers of his other hand tousled Irie’s already unruly hair, “Just thinking how spoiled you are, for a pet.”
"But who's the one who's been doing all of the spoiling, hm? I didn't exactly threaten you to wait on me, A~to~be~kun~" He wagged his finger in front of Atobe's face, smiling impishly. "Surely you're not complaining."
Call me Keigo for God’s sake.
Keigo snatched at the offending digit, closing his own around it and threatening to bite off the tip for a moment before he once again chastised himself for being so damn playful. He was a stern master, not one of these gullible idiots who baby-talked and petted their playthings.
“You are becoming more insufferable by the minute. I shall send you to the shelter if this continues.”
"You're going to chain me to a wall? Or something? Keigo-kun?" Irie smiled, but then he frowned as he thought of something. "... You didn't move your lips just now. Did you?"
At this Keigo gave him a somewhat wry smile. Maybe it was wrong of him to transmit his thoughts so readily, but most of the time they just slipped right on out without conscious aim. It was something he’d have to work on. For now whoever received those broadcasts would just have to deal with the brutal honesty of their contents.
Yeah, apparently I’m psychic as well now...
"Oh." Irie's tongue darted out quickly as he licked his lips clean. He wondered how that felt, suddenly having another power bursting through, and one that could take quite the toll on the mind as well, especially if you were a bit unstable to begin with. "Are... Are you really okay then? I mean... Headaches or nightmares or... I don't know what kind of side effects there could be, sorry..."
“It was kind of....daunting at first, and my control...well frankly it’s pretty hit and miss right now.” Out of everything that’s happened to him over the last couple of months - somehow unearthing latent psychic abilities on top of his icy beginnings feels like the *easiest* thing to deal with. In some ways it’s not only easier, but more comforting to communicate with those he’s come to like and maybe even trust just a little, from within the safe harbour of his thoughts.
....he’s sweet to worry for me like that.
Irie's cheeks blushed pink and he looked down for a moment, gathering himself, before smiling warmly at Atobe. Not saying anything to indicate that he had heard that particular thought, but body language spoke more than words in this case. "You know, if you need to unwind... Playing with your pets can be a good way to do that. I mean... Just call. Or text me. Or something. I'll have time for you, I promise."
That sudden shyness coupled with the kind offer caused Keigo to blink back at him in mute surprise for a few scant seconds. He still wasn’t used to people wanting a share of his company, but more and more he’d begun to discover that having a few friends around him wasn’t the ordeal he’d built it up to be. Far from it. A subtle incline of his head accompanied by the faintest of smiles acted as an acceptance.
I’ll hold you to that, hamster.
"Good." The pink remained, but Irie's smile grew a fraction. "So... In light of everything... How're you going to spend the holidays?"
“Under my duvet.” Even if the reply was mostly meant in jest, there was no way Keigo could step outdoors without consigning himself to the nurse’s office in a heartbeat. Thankfully, or perhaps not at times - Fuji had taken to visiting upon a regular basis, Tezuka haunted the library like an attentive spectre attuned to his studies, and even Jackal had to come in out of the cold some time.
"Doesn't sound too bad. But it sounds a bit lonely... Are you going to be lonely, you think? I could come and keep you company when and if you'd like." Irie thoughtfully tugged at the collar of his shirt and his lips were pursed, tongue clicking against his teeth.
As long as you don’t mind getting stroked.
From the looks of things Keigo was also unaware of a good many of his thoughts as they snuck away from him, (and of the misunderstandings they had the potential to incite). With a mild tilt of his head, he picked at the last remaining crumbs dusting Irie’s plate.
“You know where my room is.”
"Y-yes." Irie was slightly frantic; he ought to make his retreat before he blurted out far too much and embarrassed himself beyond belief, not to mention he'd end up making Ato-- Keigo feel extremely uncomfortable. Keigo didn't need his little school boy crush to be shoved right into his face, now did he? Irie really doubted he was interested in him, at least not like that. He did want to be Keigo's friend first and foremost, so there were certain boundaries he shouldn't overstep to keep it that way. "Yes, I do. And I know where my room is too... And there I have a computer who wants me to use it to write an essay." But knowing his luck when it came to phasing, maybe he should simply use pen and paper and nothing more... "Ah, or something. Heh... Anyway, so good to see that you're better. I was worried, you know? Okay, enough babbling. And I'm only making myself babble more like this, aren't I? I should just go. Yeah. Homework." Someone shut him up.
By the time Irie had stopped rambling on Keigo was regarding him with a quirked brow, and a faint mixture which consisted of confusion and amusement. This sudden flare of vigilance towards his studies had translated as mild panic across the waves of thoughts he was now capable of sensing as they traversed the room like invisible tendrils. Before Irie exploded (or perhaps imploded he wasn’t sure which would occur first, or why), it probably was better if he attended to that homework of his.
“Yeah, you go do that hamster.”