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]

[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]

[soloremix]

[holy shit]

You know what, I've had a change of heart.

[vipmix]

Hee hee... Now that's just hurtful, Neku.

[sounds believable.]

Though I guess I'll ask him to make you a pair if you insist.

[soloremix]

(When have you ever been hurt for real...)

I'll take a rain check on 'em.

[vipmix]

Too bad, I'm sure he'd be willing to customize them special just for you. [he pulls out his phone and frowns a bit] ... But that'll be for later anyway. I should go.

[soloremix]

[...right, he's got a city to run.]

What, are you about to violate your curfew?

[vipmix]

Shibuya doesn't sleep. [and neither does he is implied, but-- Neku probably deserves one ... legitimate... explanation in this whole thread... ugh.] ...It's not good for the UG if I'm out of it for too long.

[soloremix]

[(utada hikaru voice with reverb) i watch you fast asleep]

Right. Tell Mr. Hanekoma I said hi. [pause] Don't actually put in that sandal order.