little by little i feel a bit better

[soloremix]

[neku's always had a sneaking suspicion that joshua never exactly had a chance to grow up normally, what with the implications of becoming composer as a teenager and all. and as much as the two would hate to admit it, neku's run in the reapers' game had changed both of them—where joshua had bet everything on neku being completely incapable of opening his world, neku had exceeded expectations. his proxy did not deliver on the intended goal, but that just made things all the more interesting.

hanekoma hadn't been too happy about joshua's proposal to be given the chance to roam shibuya in the rg whenever he wasn't immediately needed as composer. he, too, had developed a bit of a soft spot for neku, though (being an accomplice in the attempt to kill them during the second week not withstanding)... he could see why joshua would want to learn more about him.

apparently, though, this condition had come with one stipulation—one a rather skeptical neku doesn't seem to be too pleased about.]

Let me get this straight—of all the people to ask, you choose me to be your tutor on "being a normal teenager?"

Comments

[soloremix]

[see, neku was going to press joshua further about sho, to ask what he means by that, but it's what the other boy says after that pause that stops his train of thought. that means, in plainer words—]

...You're doing all this because of me.

[...despite the obvious look of confusion on his face, he says it not as a question, but as a statement, as if he's come to a realization he should have had when josh had shown up in the first place.]

[vipmix]

[there's a bit of a pause with josh too, just as wide-eyed... but then joshua just-- laughs]

A bit slow on the uptake, aren't you?

[he doesn't really see the point in denying it, and. also. this will probably just make neku freak out more, which is a win for josh, so:]

I wouldn't have brought you back to life if I didn't like you, Neku.

1/2

[soloremix]

[ for a second, neku is flustered when joshua confirms his suspicions, because since when does joshua agree seemingly that easily? he's also correctly predicted neku's reaction; his voice raises and he frowns deeply, almost coming off on the aggressive side. ]

You could've just said that from the beginning, dammit!

[soloremix]

[ ... then, he calms. ]

(...but I guess that's not your style.)

[ he sighs, but at least that was the extent of his yelling. he quickly defaults back to his usual sarcasm, because if josh can go back to normal after a momentary show of weakness, so can he. ]

I feel so special right now.

[vipmix]

[neku flinched first joshua still won*

*no he does not realize that you don't win at feelings]

You should. It's not every day I decide I like someone. [yes. this is so much better if he says it like he is bestowing friendship. perfect. why is he this way. then he gives an exaggerated sigh] Though I didn't think I'd need to spell it out for you. When have you known me to do anything I don't want to?

[soloremix]

[plot twist: everyone loses at feelings for even having them at all

all neku does in response to this is stare intently at josh for a few moments, hesitate...

then pull the eared hood of josh's sweater over his face.]

[vipmix]

["hey joshua where's your mild clairvoyance" not there for this shit, so there's a sound that's a definite yelp coming from the depths of bunny hood town before josh realizes that's all neku intends to do and he crosses his arm to stare at him with a sulk.

also considering his hair's in his face under the best circumstances being flattened on purpose by the hood just means it looks absolutely ridiculous and all over. please imagine josh with an emo curl because it gives me joy]

What was that, Neku.

[>:c]

[soloremix]

[very matter-of-factly:]

It shut you up and made me feel better. Two birds, one stone.

[like, by all means, he is laughing his ass off in his head, but he's making a show of staying straight-faced to one-up josh.]

[vipmix]

[. . . . . .

>:C!!!]

You can't keep asking questions and then objecting when I answer.

[he takes the hood back off and removes the hair from his face with distinct sulkitude that he will never admit to. ... then he pauses and makes a show of thinking]

Or is it that you're uncomfortable with me saying I like you, Neku?

[emphasizes like so it sounds Wrong]

[soloremix]

[he doesn't flinch this time, but he does feel something of a chill go up his spine. it's true that he's cool with being friends with joshua, ultimately, but why's he gotta say it like that??

he maintains his deadpan attitude as he answers,]

Uh, you're the one who killed me twice? I should at least get to have this much. Me messing up your pretty boy hair is nothing in comparison.

[vipmix]

[neku no never mention the shooting because that gives josh one advantage: being totally ok with death and dying and guns]

I wouldn't have had to kill you the second time if you'd shot me, you know. [nice victim blaming, josh.]

[soloremix]

You're really preoccupied with that, aren't you.

[why...is he like this...]

[vipmix]

You're really preoccupied with me shooting you, so I think it's only fair.

[it's not. quite. the same. and he's very aware of it. but does he care? no.]

[soloremix]

I'm not—you literally keep bringing it up.

[josh?????]

[vipmix]

And yet you make the same face every single time.

[:)?]

[soloremix]

Because we're still talking about guns and killing each other.

[vipmix]

Is that not a "normal teenager" thing?

[he knows it isn't. he's just an asshole.]

[soloremix]

No. It's not. Dude.

(It's more killing yourself than killing each other... hell if I'm gonna actually say that, though.)

[vipmix]

[mock sighs]

Well, there goes my life experience.

[why is he like this]

[soloremix]

[ took the words right out of his mouth ]

Why are you like this? No wonder Mr. H thought you needed help.

[vipmix]

It's a joke, Neku. You do know what those are, don't you?

[tilts his head in thought]

Besides, he's one to talk.

i'll send u the dw points if i have to

[soloremix]

I mean, you didn't have to tell me that one. The guy wears slippers everywhere, for crying out loud.

[he can't side with hanekoma on that one]

IM LAUGHSHDKD no ive got them ... ill do it... #later

[vipmix]

Hee hee... They're CAT original sandals, you know.

[is. is that even true or is he fucking with neku.]

im so proud of u

[soloremix]

Then that's one thing me and CAT have to disagree on.

(Sorry, not sorry, Mr. H.)

:/!!!!

[vipmix]

I'm sure it'll break his heart to hear that, but it sure warms mine~

[dont make fashion choices a Thing to be creepy about, josh]