TNDG 4 - ENDGAME

[the_macdonald]

[So you're at the Halloween dance, and maybe you're fighting robots or each other, or maybe you were just hanging out and eating pizza? Either way, there's a new door in the building... or maybe one you simply didn't notice before? It opens, and inside there is a well-lit TV stage, upon which there are several freestanding doors with names of all the surviving participants. A monitor in the corner displays the face of Ronald McDonald.]

All right, kids! Game's over! Thanks to all your tomfoolery, our sponsors pulled out, and we can't even afford prizes. Get on out of here, you little shits!

((Here's your endgame post! The doors will drop off each person where they were kidnapped (or will drop someone else where the person whose name is listed was kidnapped). Say goodbye, yell at the hosts, go back and bob for apples?))

Comments

[wantsnudes]

It depends on the scope of the painting. Some are completed within hours, some choose to pose initially and have models take over while the clothes are painted. Others will patiently sit in for an artist for days on end, until the work is complete.

[Yusuke would admittedly enjoy the latter option, but he's not sure Kaiba would have the patience for that sort of thing... He's surely a busy person.]

Actually, the painting that inspired me to become an artist to begin with is a portrait. For years, I have searched for the perfect subject for my own work... Now, I think you will serve as my inspiration.

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

[s-stares, expression finally settling somewhere between incredulous and flattered]

...Has anyone ever told you you can be kind of intense?

[should kaiba even talk]

[wantsnudes]

Well... "Eccentric" is the word most people use.

[Which he isn't too happy about, but he's also not interested in changing his habits to suit others, so there it is.]

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

And what's the word you would use?

[wantsnudes]

I'm simply dedicated to my work.

Even still... My attitude tends to deter others, more often than not. Someone like you is a rare exception.

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

"Eccentric" is probably one of the kindest ways I've ever been described. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it; I think your drive is admirable. It's just...

[he shrugs, cheeks going warm again]

I've never been called an inspiration by someone who wasn't asking me for money before. It's...different.

[wantsnudes]

As you know, I'm not interested in money, or anything of the sort. You needn't worry about that.

And I will-- try to curb my intensity. It has been a long day, for you more than most.

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

If I was worried about you like that I wouldn't enter into this relationship.

[Hesitates--was that too harsh?]

...You're right that today has been trying. But you don't have to change for me.

[wantsnudes]

[He appreciates the honesty, even if it sounds harsh.]

It isn't about changing. I simply want to be considerate of you... because I care about you.

[With that admission, he cups Kaiba's cheek in his hand -- this time to simply look at him as a person, not an object of art to be admired.]

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

[His breath catches and his face burns, though whether it's at the sentiment or at the action, he's not entirely sure. Still, he stares back at Yusuke as if physical examination could reveal what makes the sort of man who just openly cares about people. It...it doesn't make sense and he doesn't get it, and he leans in to attempt a kiss because why is he wasting their limited time worrying about these things]

[wantsnudes]

[Yusuke's expression is bright, even curious, as Kaiba meets his gaze, and he can feel his heart quicken again. Then Kaiba leans in, and Yusuke closes his eyes to accept the kiss. His hand moves from his cheek to his neck as he gently returns the kiss, his touches feather-light.]

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

[He can't say he expected it feeling like this--gentle, and fluttery, and a number of words he'd always associated more with frivolous teenaged classmates than himself--and yet here he is, shakily lifting a hand to card through Yusuke's hair as if he'll shatter or disappear at the slightest misstep.

[Eventually Kaiba pulls back for breath, a part of him horrified at how soft and hesitant his expression must be]

...Was that okay?

[wantsnudes]

[Yusuke honestly had no idea what to expect, because as it turns out, kisses are almost entirely touches and feelings, and have nothing to do with any visual appeal they might hold for an onlooker. He leans in to Kaiba's touch as he cards through his hair, and by the time they pull apart, it's with a quiet, contented sigh.

To the question, he has to stop to think; he was momentarily silenced by how, for once, Kaiba has allowed himself to look vulnerable.]

Yes. That was... beautiful.

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

[That gets a laugh; it's a little heady with relief but also genuinely happy, achievement unlocked: don't get dumped before the first kiss]

You expected anything less? Just because we don't know what we're doing doesn't mean we don't look good doing it.

[wantsnudes]

[Yusuke grins, taking Kaiba's uninjured hand back in his, squeezing affectionately. Kaiba's actually kind of cute when he laughs like that... and "cute" and "Kaiba" were two concepts he never expected to string together.]

True. I suppose that's the most important part, isn't it?

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

I'd say that probably the, ah, sensory input part is slightly more important. But the aesthetics don't hurt.

[squeezes back, lacing their fingers even while attempting to ignore the connection to any jittery flutter in his chest, which is surely just too much sugar over the past few days]

[wantsnudes]

Yes... You're right.

[He's still blushing, yet somehow he feels elated, allowing himself to lean against Kaiba a bit.]

If I could stay here with you all evening, I would.

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

It would probably get cold, sitting out here all night.

[Not that he seems in any particular hurry to move. The shoulders of his trenchcoat are surprisingly soft, like they're filled with stuffing and not shoulder, but at least it should be comfy enough?]

[wantsnudes]

The cold isn't what concerns me...

[He was thinking more about their having to go their separate ways. But it seems unfair to bring it up, now, so he simply settles against Kaiba. Congrats on your conveniently squishy shoulder!!]

Have you visited much of Tokyo? When we meet again, I could take you to some of my favourite places.

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

[yeah he is conveniently actively ignoring that part because he doesn't want to think about it until he absolutely has to. He gives Yusuke's hand a squeeze though]

It's been a while since I've visited Tokyo, and even then I was only there for business meetings, so I never got the chance to see much. ...I probably wouldn't have appreciated it then, anyway. Having you as a guide, though, I imagine I'll get to see the best of the city.

[wantsnudes]

I wouldn't be able to do anything lavish with you like you're used to, but I could show you the main sights. As for my own favourite places... There's a very nice coffee shop in Yongen, and some of my favourite galleries are in Roppongi and Ikebukuro. There's also the planetarium, and the used bookshops... Along with the various historical landmarks, and beautiful parks...

[Would the head of a giant corporation even be interested in any of those places? He has no idea, come to think of it.]

What kind of places would you like to visit?

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

I wouldn't mind checking out some game shops or arcades. As I understand it, Tokyo still has the best selection in the world, and I'm curious how we stack up back home. Other than that, what you've mentioned sounds fine. I get enough overpriced fancy things as it is. I'm curious to see what you'd come up with.

[wantsnudes]

Then Akihabara would be the best place for you, though I cannot say I've spent much time there myself. But if I introduced you to my friend Futaba, she would likely be able to recommend the best places to visit there.

[...They'd talk about games and hacking and other nerd stuff and Yusuke would never see him again ever, probably.]

[blueeyeswaifudragon]

[he could tail along and criticize the art direction in all the games and anime goods?]

You've a gamer friend as well, do you? How did you come to know people with such diverse interests?

[wantsnudes]

[If he did that, he'd just get into an argument with Futaba, who would point out gamer culture isn't supposed to be fine art. The two of them are nothing if not good at arguing.]

All of my friends are Phantom Thieves. Having a cause to fight for, or a person to rebel against, has a way of uniting very different people.