Fuda #33 . reaching out [video]

[idealism]

I don't suppose anyone here is good at chopping wood? And heaving lifting.

[If anyone thinks that's a loaded question: it definitely is. For a couple of days now he's been working on a campsite, and it's a lot more work - and a lot less fun - than he expected. It's great at keeping his mind off of less pleasant thoughts, however. Working out usually is.]

[Later in the day, he makes a post that he hasn't looked forward to. His little Luceti family has shrunk so much lately. Tsuzuki knows that it's for the best - that going home is good for them - but he still can't help missing them.]

Link's gone home. He's left letters for some people.

I just felt like some people ought to know.

Comments

[Action]

[cynicism]

[More shrugging. WHY ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT THIS.]

[Action]

[idealism]

[He frowns, uneasy with the fidgeting.]

Hisoka, you're acting really weird. Is she blackmailing you or something?

[Action]

[cynicism]

No I'm not! You're imagining things.

[Action]

[idealism]

....Hisoka, you know you can tell me anything, right? Even if something's bothering you.

[Action]

[cynicism]

Nothing is bothering me! Stop worrying.

[Action]

[idealism]

[Hisoka, you're such a sucky liar.]

....Alright. When you're done being defensive, let's talk.

[Action]

[cynicism]

[He huffs and crosses his arms, falling silent.]

[Action]

[idealism]

[When he's acting so childishly it's almost impossible not to tease him. It's irresistible. Tsuzuki clenches his hands instead, his mouth curving. Just one comment, then he'll let it drop.]

Could it be that you're protective of your new friend?

[Action]

[cynicism]

Shut up.

[Action]

[idealism]

Hmmm.

[The teasing tone is mostly for Hisoka's benefit. He's not feeling very playful right now.]

Is she pretty?

[Action]

[cynicism]

How should I know? She's just a girl.

[Action]

[idealism]

[That blush speaks enough for them both.]

[Despite himself, he realizes that deep down he's angry about this. Tsuzuki doesn't know how to deal with that. His anger has never been directed at Hisoka before. Luckily, there's plenty of other emotions on top of it. Like the sense of defeat he's feeling. This explains so much.]

Hisoka, you're supposed to be a detective.

[Action]

[cynicism]

And being a detective means I need to keep objective. "Pretty" is subjective.

[Action]

[idealism]

You didn't exactly come up with a good description, though. Just some girl?

[Action]

[cynicism]

She's sixteen or so, pink hair. -- What do you want to know about her, Tsuzuki?

[Action]

[idealism]

Thanks. If I come up with any questions, I'll make sure to ask her.

[Action]

[cynicism]

[SUSPICIOUS STARING. HISOKA IS GIVING IT.]

[Action]

[idealism]

[There's only so much he could take.]

What, are you scared she'll tell me you're engaged?

[Action]

[cynicism]

[And now this face instead. He wasn't expecting that.]

[Action]

[idealism]

You're the only one I know who reacts to my jokes like that.

[Action]

[cynicism]

That-- was a joke?

[Action]

[idealism]

... If you were to get engaged, wouldn't you tell me first?

[Action]

[cynicism]

Nobody is getting engaged!

[Action]

[idealism]

I would hope not.

[Action]

[cynicism]

Shut up.