intoningly | ❀ IC INBOX

[it's fine, he just sweeps it all behind him and begins to start undoing some of his layers. he wears too many, honestly, and it'll just weigh him down right now. also, it doesn't matter than Zero is a woman - he's never minded an audience.]

If I had my powers in full, I could have done that easily. As it is, it has to be just a dream, and I must restrict myself to land based pursuits.

[also don't even joke about him getting sick, if he falls ill he's blaming you.]

It's been kind of annoying, you know?

[ Zero arches a brow but she doesn't have the modesty or shame to look away or care. ]

You're that backed up, huh? Poor you, alone with your hand– probably the biggest tragedy I've seen since I got here.

[ There's a splash from the water and she'll take that as the mermaids being just as amused as she is. ]

But you'd really rather fuck fish than catch a cold? Different strokes I guess..

It's a total turn off! What use are cries of pleasure if in the middle of it your nose is running and it's interrupted by coughs? Are you feverish out of anticipation or because you're actually running a fever?

[he tosses off the top layers he's managed to peel himself out of, leaving him in the last one of the undershirt. the one saving grace is that his boots are sitting dry on the shore, so he doesn't have to deal with that.]

And they're not actually fish, so it's fine.

Hey, never said I was judging you. As long as both parties are willing I don't have any reason to pick shit with you over your preferences.

[ She offers the pile of discarded layers a withering glance. ]

But you've really thought this all through.. should I blame your frustrations for why you never ended up finding a cure for the rest of us sad, sniffing fucks? Figures, men are shit at multi-tasking no matter what universe you're in.

No, that's because Astoria swooped in before I could make progress that wasn't trying out various herbal mixtures to see if they had beneficial side effects.

[he means it, but he's also a loser, so add that to the list. anyway, he's adding his pants to the pile and is now just effectively in his underwear.]

This was more of a secondary thing.

Oh, so you don't actually think with your dick. Sorry for assuming.

[ The irony of saying this while he's in the process of stripping down to his skivvies is not lost on her. Zero walks closer to the water and leans over a little, trying to see beneath the surface.]

I hear these things like music. So maybe it's not your body parts they don't care for– maybe it's just your approach.

They were...pretty clear on their reasons.

[even if he sang the sweetest ballad, they would likely just avoid him. but hey, it had been worth a shot at the beginning.]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, though.

Nothing gained is right.

[ She looks over her shoulder, frowning at his nearly naked form. ]

But you should find some clothes or figure out some way to dry your ass off. Wouldn't want to be the only person who's still sick when the rest of us are healthy, able-bodied and ready for your on land adventures.

[ I mean, that's some basic concern, right? ]

Would offer to help but as you can see I don't have anything to offer you– and whatever power I'm packing right now isn't good for much except throwing you back into the water.

[his first thought is that maybe that wouldn't be so bad, swimming was nice. the second and third thoughts aren't suitable for the public to know. instead, he laughs a little.]

Don't worry, I'll head back before long. If you're awaiting my shoreside affairs, well, it'd be quite rude to keep you waiting, wouldn't it?

[there's an edge to his smile that's more than likely a little familiar.]

Especially if you have an interest.

[ Tell the public his thoughts don't be a coward Mira. She sort of makes a face at that comment before realizing she'd walked right into that.

She stares at him for a moment, oddly thoughtful. ]

If I get bored enough– sure.

[ Her answer is delivered with a very blase casualness. ]

But for the record? I just got done being sick– so if you're coughing up snot in a few hours I'll give it a pass.

Sounds fair.

[and that's an answer he's very pleased with. he pulls his hair over his shoulder to wring out some of the water, as if this was the most normal thing in the world. god, it'll take eternity to dry, but good thing he has nowhere to be in a hurry. just him, Zero, and the unbangable fish.]

Of course, if I get sick, it'll be time to see if those mixtures I made do anything.

Edited 2018-09-22 06:15 (UTC)

You're some kind of optimist. It kind of pisses me off honestly.

[ Despite the nature of her words they come out more flat than actually annoyed or aggressive. The act of watching him wring his hair out does seem to force an inkling of sympathy out of her, because she unhooks her cape and offers it to him. ]

Here– for your hair. Just remember that you owe me for keeping your ass from getting the flu.

[...she's a nicer person than she wants to let on, he thinks, but he takes it with a nod of gratitude.]

Don't worry. I don't forget my debts that easily. Cash it in any time.

[the cape will definitely help dry off his hair. honestly any sane person would cut it off at this point, but he's neither sane nor smart.]

Oh don't worry, I will. Other people here might be okay with doing shit for free, but that's not my style.

[ ... ]

I can't tell if they're all just collectively idiots or not.

[ ~~or actually nice~~ ]

They could just like doing things for people.

[which is. not the way to live your life in his view but hey! why not take advantage.]

No one likes doing things for people just for the hell of it.

[ Let it be known that she punctuates that statement with a look that just screams "Duh!!" ]

Everyone has an endgame, and people who pretend like they don't are the worst kind.

But do you care about their endgame, when they're doing things for you? You're getting something out of it, and if they neglect to ask for something in exchange, then you're getting the better deal of it.

[see: him mooching for free food. they get the self satisfaction of doing good, he gets to eat, and no one loses.]

No one forgets to cash in on favors, no matter how nice or insecure they are. Everyone collects their dues, everyone.

[ See: this cape towel situation ]

That's why you don't take more than you need if you have to ask for a favor at all. If you're smart– like I said, you won't ask at all.

Or you just distract them until they forget.

[disappear from their view. confuse them with something new. beguile and lie and trick until you come out on top. and then continue floating through life where the breeze takes you.]

How can they collect if they've forgotten what they did in the first place?

Yeah, subterfuge isn't really my thing.

[ She waves a dismissive hand. ]

You're making this too complicated– all I'm saying is that I don't like owing people shit and I don't like doing things for free.

[ She starts walking, pausing briefly to look at him over her shoulder and nod in the direction of their Circle assigned housing. ]

– so, I think I'll collect on what you owe me. Since you're already dressed for the occasion.

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