Kaisou inbox

[droptheious]

OLD INBOX - NEW INBOX IS HERE

Varian

I'm busy creating life-changing inventions, you're welcome. Leave a message.

VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION

FROM: SUBJECT: JUN & HARU Hey Var, do you got a moment? JUN Just so you know, I'm fine, but I might be harder to contact. EVE Hey Varian, are you on this train? JUN Hey honey, where are you? GIL The Cube 4 GIL The Cube 3 JUN Hey Var, is this a good time to run a rather personal ethical dilemma by you? JUN Oh hey, lumber! GIL The Cube 2 GIL The Cube 1 RATIO Some while back... JUN I'm fine, I went to my room. KNI I am sorry. RATIO I will be going back to teaching on Monday. NOCTIS you okay there? JUN Date BLADE Varian. How are you doing? NOCTIS hey, you’re an engineer. JUN birthday NOCTIS hey, it's noctis. from the park? BLADE A little bird told me... ZHONGLI Hello. This is Zhongli BLADE This is Blade. Jusis told me to find you... ROSE You’re Varian, right? AMAL Loser gets adopted FERN Heyyyy V, you busy? DANNY Birthday AMAL Happy nameday to the best scientist I know! JUN Are you busy? There's something I wanted to ask you. AMAL hey varian FERN hey i just realized something great DANNY Hey. I know you're probably busy with everything... ZODIAC Happy Holiday from Zodiac! CLAUDE Hey Varian. You there? ZELOS Heeeey Varian! I'm sure you're busy... FIVE I know you might be busy right now but... FERN heyyy, did you see that guy...

TO: SUBJECT: JUN Two questions. BLADE Hey, hey hey, Blade. JUN Birthday VASH I figure it's probably about time we talk, huh? JUN 愛してるよ ???!!! AMAL Dad? You home? JUN Forgt anyting nuice I said aboout space KNI Happy birthday, Kni! MIKLEO Hey, Mikleo. Jun said it'd be okay to message you... YUUKI So hey, do you think you could... JUN So. Uh. That happened. ELLIOT Hi, Elliot. Can I talk to you about something? AMAL Dad, something happened to Fern. DANNY Hey, Bud. I've got some bad?? news? EVE Hey, Eve. I wanted to make sure AMAL Happy birthday, Dad! AMAL Hey, could I get your opinion on something? VASH Hi there! Texting ahead of time like you asked. FERN Happy birthday, you. FERN Day of Hearts WILL Hey, Will. When are you free? I've got your... ELLIOT ...Hey, Elliot. Can I ask your advice on something? SNOW Hey, you available? ELLIOT Elliot? I'm- I'm really sorry to bother you... AUGUST Hey. Can I ask a follow-up question after my last one? DANNY Hey. There's something important I need to talk to you about. FIVE Hey, I was thinking we should probably talk MOANA Hey. Remember me saying we probably needed to talk... ELLIOT Um. Hey. I wondered if we could talk. AMAL Hey. Are you busy? Can we talk? HUNTER Just so you're aware... AUGUST Can I ask some advice? DANNY Hey, Danny! I think I've figured out something... KEN Hey! The figure you wanted is all finished.

code by cawaii

Comments

[whiteshroud]

Mm. The only way this fortress can work is if we all look out for each other. And I'm sure you'd go to their aid in a heartbeat if they needed it.

[Because that's how they all functioned down here. They were a family, in a sense. A bunch of people who looked out for each other. He doubts Ana and Maxima will change their behavior, besides being more careful to avoid snapping jaws.

And oh... he has to hold back the urge to smirk a little at Varian's sharp look, because he knows what's going on in his partner's mind. The realization that Jun's able to read him just as well as Varian is able to read him. Turnabout is fairplay, his love. Still, he'll do his best to keep his face neutral. This really isn't the time to tease Varian.]

... Yeah, I had a feeling. [The hardest person to forgive is one self, especially for a man with as strong a conscience as Varian. Jun pauses, trying to think of what to do. ]

In my church, it's normal to confess our sins to a priest. And after we do, the priest will usually give you a penance task to do that expresses your regret and desire to do better.

I don't expect you to know any prayers.... but would giving you a task like that help you feel more deserving? I mean, I think you already deserve that grace, but...

[droptheious]

Yeah, it is. We have to work as a team or it'll just fall apart, and of course I would.

[And it was GOOD that they looked out for each other. It made it feel like a real community. It was...nice.

It's good that Jun managed to stifle the smirk- but he is right, turnabout is fair play. Once he's not feeling so salty about it, he can take a great level of comfort in the fact that Jun knows him so well. Maybe it means between the two of them, they can make one (1) functional person. And that's gotta be worth something.

He falls quiet, contemplative as Jun offers a solution. Prayers are certainly not an avenue he can go down, he doesn't feel that would be right. Just another lie. But the rest? ]

...I did do a lot of work in Corona to... make up for everything. I wouldn't say it fixed me. [Because there's no "fixing" it, just... making it slightly less loud in his head and heart. He understands that much. ] ...But it did help me think I... well, deserved the second chance Rapunzel gave me. So... yeah. I think that would help, actually.

[ Maybe some clean-up work in the fortress. A little hard graft. That feels right. ]

[whiteshroud]

[Jun will listen, once again opting to be quiet, before he gives a stoic nod. Alright, so penance that it is.

He'll give his boyfriend's hand another squeeze before letting go. He then gets up and heads to the fridge. Grabbing a shotglass and a bottle, he'll return to the table.

Just to put down the shot glass.... and the bottle of ranch.]

Drink a shot of this. [He says. There's a pause before he explains] Since your mouth is the source of this, it makes sense you down something you'd find unpleasant.

[droptheious]

[He smiles, briefly, at the hand squeeze, watching Jun get up and head towards the fridge. He thinks he's getting something for their meal, maybe- that's what logic would dictate here.

Unfortunately, nothing logical is happening here.

Varian stares at the shot glass and the ranch as it goes down. Then he looks up at Jun as he explains. He blinks. Once. ]

... What?

[whiteshroud]

Hm.... you're right, you did bite two people. So it should be two shots.

[That is not at all what Varian meant and you know it Jun. But he does see that completely confused look on his face, so he should probably explain.]

You already do a lot for the community by your own volition, so giving you a penance of "community service" wouldn't mean much, or it'd just cause you to overwork yourself. And you already gave your apologies to Ana and Maxima, so there's no point in telling you to do that.

So, it makes sense to have your act of penance be of the more symbolic nature. By performing a task that you find unpleasant and you'd never do by your own accord, you're serving out the punishment you think you deserve.

Then once you've served out that punishment, maybe you'll be more willing to give yourself the grace you definitely deserve.

[He shrugs]

So... drink the ranch.

[droptheious]

...Wait, no, that's-

[Varian was about to argue the insanity of not one but two shots of ranch, but Jun continues to talk. He puts Varian immediately on blast, because he's right, of course he is. All community service would do is make him overwork himself. He knows, deep down, that's why he never really got better in Corona. Because he was trying to add penance to something he would have done anyway- to a task without any actual end. He could never get to a point where he could say he'd done enough to be considered redeemed.

He frowns at the shot glass, at the ranch, and then looks at his partner.]

I don't know when you figured me out so well, but I want the record to show I don't like it.

[ Said sulkily, but he doesn't really mean it. It actually means the world to have someone who understands him on such a deep level. He's never had anything like this before, to have someone who not only understand him to his core, but also knows how to navigate past his bullshit and press-gang him into making an emotionally healthy choice to deal with it. He is so fucking grateful for Jun. He's pretty sure he's done absolutely nothing in his life to deserve this, but here he is anyway.

But that doesn't mean he likes this ranch nonsense any! He heaves out an annoyed sigh, picking up the ranch and pouring a shot of the damn stuff. ]

Okay, FINE. I'll drink the ranch.

[He downs the first shot, grimacing after it goes down, settling the shot glass on the table with a clink. ]

Uggggggggggggh, why is it so blaaaaand?

[whiteshroud]

[Jun, the ever loving and understanding partner, will respond by very maturely sticking his tongue out at Varian's little sulk]

Haha, you have a partner who pays attention. Sucks to be you.

[In other words, yeah, he knows Varian doesn't mean it. This is just how Varian gets when he's been given a point he can't argue with. He's seen it countless times before, and he's sure he'll see it again.

Ganbatte~!

[He'll say just as Varian downs the ranch. He does not bother to hide the amusement at Varian's reaction. Because damn, its a good one. Sometimes penance feels great if you're not the one doing it]

Because it's made for bland people. [He'll lift the bottle, pouring Varian another shot]

Just one more, you got this!

[droptheious]

[At Jun's extremely mature sticking out of his tongue, Varian responds in kind with a stink eye. ]

It's so rude that you do that.

[ How dare he pay attention to him and understand him deeply? How very dare he!! But Jun is right, Varian cannot argue the point and he will absolutely see this nonsense again. Many, many, many more times in the future.

Varian watches in misery as another shot is poured. He hates this. This is the worst. He lets out a deep sigh, picking up the shot glass and raising it in a mock toast. ]

To the bland people who make this exist.

[ And down the hatch it goes, Varian letting out a soft, miserable "eugh" once it's done. ]

[whiteshroud]

[He gives a small chuckle at Varian, watching him as he takes the shot. When he's done, he'll reach over to rub Varian's back]

There. Your penance is now complete. You can give yourself grace now.

[He'll slide over a glass of water, so Varian can wash that ranch down]

Feel any better?

[droptheious]

[ You know what, the backrub is really nice and comforting after that ordeal. He'll take the glass of water, chugging it to get the awful taste out of his mouth. When he's done, he ponders the question. Honestly? He does feel a little better. It's such a... silly little thing, but he's done it now. He's suffered his penance and maybe this means he can put this down and not beat himself up over something out of his control now? It'll be a new thing for him, truth be told, but he thinks he might be able to manage it. ]

You know? I... kinda do feel a little better. Like a weight's been lifted a bit.

[whiteshroud]

[He smiles a little, feeling relieved that seems to have worked. It was a silly little thing, but sometimes symbolic gestures it what you need to help you move forward.

He'll lean over to kiss Varian's temple ]

Good, that's the point. And later we can look into ways to protect your neck in the future, so it doesn't happen again. Neck protection is usually a good idea in a dangerous situation anyway.

[His own uniform was certainly designed to make the neck more difficult to reach, since he's pretty sure he wouldn't survive a beheading.]

[droptheious]

[ Symbolic gestures do wonders, who knew? Not Varian, that's for sure.

He smiles at the forehead kiss, reaching out to take Jun's hand, giving it a squeeze. ]

Thank you. Really. No one's managed to get me out of my own head so easily before. I mean, don't get me wrong, that was suffering and I will never forget this cruelty. But it uh... worked, so- there's that.

[He nods, considering. ]

That... that'd be good. Didn't really need a whole new thing to freak out over, but I guess this is where we're at now. But you're right, it'd be a good idea anyway.

[whiteshroud]

[He chuckles softly, giving Varian's hand a squeeze in return]

It was nothing, really. If Catholics are expert in one thing, it's managing a guilty conscience.

[He gives a nod and an affirming sound about it. It's something they'll have to deal with, but it doesn't need to be a big deal. Though... if Varian's bite now is infectious...

He pauses for a moment, before clearing his throat]

So... would you prefer to bite me tonight to get it over with, or wait awhile until you're ready?

[J U N ]

[droptheious]

Hah, I guess that's true. You've got the market in that.

[Varian was taking another sip of his water when Jun just drops that nugget on him. The water goes down the wrong way as he splutters and coughs - it takes him a moment to regain composure, and even then he's blushing because JUN PLEASE. ]

W-wHAt? You want me to turn you into a werewolf?

[whiteshroud]

[Meanwhile Jun has his usual neutral expression, only breaking slightly in concern when Varian starts coughing, but returning to neutral once Varian regains composure.]

I mean, it seems like a better solution than you becoming scared anytime we get physical.

[Because he knows Varian would. He'd get too worried to even try anything that could remotely chance it. ]

I've been a wolf before, so I'm sure I could handle it.

[droptheious]

[Jun is absolutely right, of course. It would be an uncomfortable distance between them that Varian doesn't want to have, but knows he'll freak enough about that he'll create in his own head anyway. He knows himself well enough for that, and so does Jun. He sighs, glancing down at the table. ]

...Yeah. You're right. That... that'd probably happen.

[ There's no "probably" about it, they both know that. He rubs the back of his neck, looking at Jun a little more curiously now. ]

You- you really don't mind? I mean... you'd do that? Because that feels like... a lot to ask of anyone.

[whiteshroud]

[He'll squeeze the hand that he's still holding onto, giving Varian a nod and a smile]

I'm certain. Maybe we've only been going out a few months, but... I love you, Varian, and I want to spend my life with you.

And if that means becoming a wolf, so be it. I'll live with it.

[droptheious]

[Varian returns the hand squeeze. Not for the first time (not even for the first time today), he feels so deeply grateful for Jun. For seeing him and all his messes so damn clearly and accepting him and wanting him regardless. ]

I love you too, so much. [He brings that hand to his lips, pressing a few kisses to the knuckle, then turning it so he can kiss the inside of Jun's wrist. ] And I wanna spend the rest of my life with you, too. You can't get rid of me now, if you tried, I'd just come back, obnoxiously. Probably show up at your room holding up a boombox like in that movie.

[ Sure, he doesn't know what The Godfather is but he's seen Say Anything. ]

But okay. If you're certain... it would make life a lot easier. [ A smile tugs his face. ] I will get you with the stick trick this time around. That's a threat.

[whiteshroud]

[Jun meanwhile hasn't seen Say Anything (2), so for once Varian has the advantage on him for pop culture. ]

Ha, I don't think I've seen the movie you're talking about... but I understand the sentiment. Don't worry, I got no intention of getting rid of you.

[The stick remark gets him to laugh a little. Man, he remembers that now- what a long time ago]

Oh yeah, I guess I did do that. [He gives a dramatic sigh] Fine. I suppose karma was going to come for me eventually.

So what do you say? Tonight or would you rather wait?

[droptheious]

[Varian looks extremely pleased by this development. ]

Are you telling me I know a pop culture thing that you don't? Has it finally happened? [ Only took two years but here they are! ] And good, glad that you have accepted this fate.

[ Speaking of, he nods, tapping the side of his head with his free hand. ]

You did do that. I haven't forgotten. Karma will come and get you for that one. It's deserved.

[ Varian's stubbornness means he remembers slights forever. Still, he smiles a little. ]

I... I guess tonight's as good as any? I'll only get nervous about it if I wait.

[whiteshroud]

[He snorts]

It seems it has, after long last! You know I reference I don't, congratulations. [He's not that bothered by it. He's pretty used to having gaps in his knowledge thanks to his past] You'll have to show it to me later.

[Typical Varian would remember such a slight. Fine, he'll go along with it, even if he's sure Varian is going to wait for the most annoying time. ]

Alright. [He nods, leaning forward to kiss Varian briefly on the lips] How about after dinner we teleport to Hyrule then? That spot we spent the full moon last month.

Probably best if we do this without any interruption.

[droptheious]

This is a really beautiful moment for me. [He fakes wiping a tear from his eye, this is a magical time, this never happens and will likely never happen again. ] And sure! It's a romcom, so it probably works as acceptable date fodder.

[ Varian will find the worst possible time to do this, and he will take great pleasure in it. He will meticulously plan his revenge .

He returns the kiss, moving to tuck some hair behind Jun's ear. ]

That sounds good. We can be spared from the Fortress for the night now, and at least we do know we'll be left alone there.

[whiteshroud]

Yeah, yeah- savor it. [He gives a shrug] Ohhh a romcom, I haven't seen one of those in awhile. We'll make it a proper movie night.

[Varian. Varian please.]

Sure will. If I gotta become a wolf, no reason we can't enjoy ourselves through the process.

[He'll say with a wink as he pops another meatball into his mouth]

[droptheious]

Sure! We can have a movie date night, we can get some popcorn, it'd be nice.

[He cannot be stopped!!!

Varian flushes at that goddamn wink - why does it get him every time? Shouldn't he be getting immunity from exposure to it by now? Seems not! He stabs a meatball with a fork to eat it, before giving his partner a lopsided grin ]

Well, if we wanna have some fun while we do it, I say "why knot?"

[HE KNOWS WHAT HE SAID. ]

[whiteshroud]

That sounds lovely.

[Unlike the rest of this conversation. Jun had manages to swallow his meatball before Varian said that, but he was washing it down with a drink- and he's caught enough off guard that he chokes a little on it (9). He coughs a couple times to clear his air pathway before speaking.]

Christ, Var-

[He was not expecting that okay, and his own cheeks are slightly pink now. But also, considering who they are, Jun's not about to be bested]

That said... does this mean you're my Alpha? If we go by ABO standards.