deercountry | june catch-all

Entry tags:

june catch-all

Who: viktor and others, open to all with some closed prompts in comments
What: june catch-all, some tdm prompts
When: june
Where: various

content warning; terminal illness, arcane season 1 spoilers

misc lab stuff and various fruits.

[viktor's lab in the willful machine is usually left unlocked when he's working inside. friends or acquaintances have likely been told they're welcome to stop by if they like, either to say hello or to get help with whatever a vaguely sketchy lab could handle. of course someone he doesn't know can just walk in too or knock. maybe there's a sudden downpour and that ajar door is tempting? go for it.

the lab has been slowly filling with all sorts of nonsense on the various tables- lasers! tasers! some weird machine hooked up to a blood gem? it is not unlikely to be walking by and hear some minor booming noise and either a curse in czech or a satisfied 'a-ha!' feel free to investigate.

this month there's something else too, a bowl full of fruit. all the fruits mentioned in the tdm in fact, there to be tested on though it looks more like they're just for guests if people are unaware there's some weird shit going on.]

Just a moment, make yourself at home. [he might say to guest. that would include eating some fruit, right? enjoy. probably not the raw lemon though, that's weird.]

[ooc; if you want to memshare i am game, my only hard limit on memories is no suicide stuff please. self sacrifice is fine! feel free to ask to make sure one is okay. if you'd like a viktor memory let me know any hard limits and what sort of memory you might prefer!]

gaze and time loops.

[having lungs mostly working for the moment is pretty great, in viktor's humble opinion. it means walking around the trench doesn't come with the risk of coughing up blood and attracting beasts and generally having a bad time, along with added perks like not getting so easily winded and going for longer. it also means he finds himself out longer than he usually would, which maybe isn't the best, as it turns out.

for example, making his way home through gaze and hearing the chilling cry of a beast, sighing and trying to make his way around what turns out to be the wrong corner. maybe that's where he sees your character before the snarling of a too close beast starts in earnest.

and then snap! they're both back about an hour, where they passed on the street. the look viktor gives is somewhere between resigned and 'fuck this, actually.'] There is a term for this. 'One of those days,' I think.

[ooc; if you'd like to wildcard or do something else you can pm me here or find me at

dichotomy]

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[viktor grins a little at that.] I know, I wouldn't have expected it at first. He is an odd man. [and there's that fondness again, gross.] I suppose it isn't terribly surprising. He cares about people a great deal and has a flair for the dramatic. Love stories are a good outlet for both.

[ah, that question has viktor schooling his expression because now he's more sure than ever allen is trying to figure himself out. who could it be, he wonders? miss stone or todoroki? they seem the closest to him.

hm. well regardless, he considers how to answer that before saying,] Not particularly. I had other worries, but in terms of our friendship I trust Palamedes to be honest with me, and I trusted our friendship could survive the awkwardness of a rejection.

And yes, I suppose it is. In truth? There came a point where it felt like lying to him to pretend my feelings were purely platonic. I did not like that feeling, so in that way it felt right. [a pause] Not that I think it is lying to have a crush, mind you. Simply... we have always been open with each other, I suppose.

[ "There came a point where it felt like lying to him." Fuck.

Allen's chin lifts up slightly at that, brows lifted and expression a touch like he'd just been struck as that had... not occurred to him. Not so directly, at least. Always open with each other...

--why does he feel guilty? ]

[ He shakes it off mentally quickly, pulling a smile up instead. A little sheepish, scratching at his cheek for a moment as if embarrassed but also warmed. ]

I think that's the more admirable sort of thing, really. [ He says it gently and simply, but it's almost a little too easily. Skating by. ]

Just being able to be open with someone like that.

[ Also good luck trying to deduce which of those two Allen is more affectionate with, Viktor: he held hands with both at the fireworks party pretty openly because that's just how he is. Well, Shouto more than Sansa... but that was mostly sitting together under cover and in the name of fireworks. Although Sansa had serenaded him with a love ballad at one point... in the name of storytelling. ...Because she'd been charmed about the similarities they were showing with the pair in the song after he'd been showing off his juggling. Hm... ]

[the question is will viktor have the strength and willpower not to gossip about all this with palamedes later. can he be that much of a bro to allen. probably, but it will pain him.

regardless viktor nods.] Vulnerability is a frightening thing. If it were not for Jayce's influence over the years I am sure I would not have confessed to Palamedes.

[he moves to open the oven, the smell a delight that fills the kitchen even more when he does. he hopes it isn't too obvious and pointed to say,] And here it is important, is it not? To be vulnerable with those you can trust.

[ You know he honestly figures most of what he tells Viktor would get back to Palamedes, that's just how couples work in his mind. He wouldn't even mind that. He WOULD mind that he thinks there's anything to gossip about!!! Really!!

But Allen leans over, taking a whiff of the scent that comes from the oven now. The perfume of baked goods. ♥ It's his favorite. ]

Ahhh it smells good... [ He also, while Viktor is doing that... might lean over and steal a quick swipe of the cooling jam. Is it still piping hot? Yes, that's why he uses his left hand. Although he has to blow on it quite a bit before it's safe enough for his tongue. And he blinks slightly at that point he makes, giving Viktor a curious look around the finger still in his mouth. ]

"Here"? More important than elsewhere? [ talking around it? talking around it ]

Edited 2022-06-15 01:58 (UTC)

Be careful. [viktor chides, placing the tray down and waving allen away from the jam with a look. he is not a motherhen he swears.

the jam gets scooped into the little dips in each, a hum as viktor answers,] Well yes. Corruption is largely mental, and having partners of any sort offer many ways to combat that. A partner can notice changes in your demeanor that indicate a corruption spike, they can offer support that keeps your mental wellbeing strong.

A great deal of the trials here end up requiring someone to help as well, and it useful to always have someone to turn to. Obviously many of these roles can be filled by good friends or even roommates. A romantic bond I do not believe is inherently more important than platonic ones, but I imagine denying such feelings if they do exist would be a strain in some ways.

[with most of the vdolky filled he finally picks one up carefully, still piping hot but offered to allen. they did it, they baked a thing and it's pretty ok!]

I am! [ The motherhen doth protest too much.

Allen blinks slightly as Viktor begins speaking though. Listening quietly, though he will hover a touch to see if he can help with the filling. It's just putting jams in the middle, right? That's something he can do. But he listens to Viktor as he does so, his expression growing more quietly thoughtful as he continues speaking. ]

I hadn't thought about it like that... [ He's right though, of course. As slightly uncomfortable as some of that makes Allen personally, someone used to being very friendly with a great many people and being close to them but not letting them be close to him. And... as much as that makes him think of someone else who he worries after whose demeanor can be harder to read. It's sobering.

But he takes the vdolky, if with a more subdued manner than usual, and making sure to do so with his left hand while he blows on it for a moment before he takes a bite. ]

! Hot, hot... [ You know that awkward little dance people make when they eat something too hot? Yep, that's him. At least until the taste registers. ]

--oh! [ He blinks, looking to Viktor as he swallows then. ] It's good!

Edited 2022-06-16 06:36 (UTC)

Eh, it is perhaps an overly rational way of looking at things, I admit. That does not stop it from being true, however. Those who isolate themselves here are at the greatest risk.

[and it's too easy to do just that, far too easy. his expression goes a touch fond as he regards allen, mostly because yes, meeting allen is what helped break him from that habit early on in his stay.

he can't help but snort when allen does the little too hot food dance, a look that says 'you're being careful, huh?' he picks up one himself mostly to regard it, a pleased look at how they turned out and the verdict.]

Hm, maybe I will make some for our next dinner. Do you think Todoroki would like them?

[ He catches that look, blinking for a moment at why it's directed his way for a moment, before he smiles gently in response. It even makes him forget his slightly burnt tongue for a moment. _Ow. ]

Todoroki is his family name, you know. [ mentioning it only 'cause... Allen didn't realize the mistake until he met the other Todoroki...

His expression turns thoughtful though, blowing on the pastry before taking another bite that isn't so hot this time. ]

But hmm. I don't think he likes sweet things very much. [ He never had them when they had been living together, and seemed a bit disturbed at the idea of putting sugar in tea even. Or at least Allen's concept of sugar in tea. ]

I think he likes simple flavors more. Cold soba is his favorite kind of food.

[a blink then a sigh.] I should have known, Chizuru and some others have the same naming order. So Shouto then? Bah, you all have too many names. It is easier with just one.

[he waves a hand but hurray, he's finally learned. this will make ever meeting other todoroki a bit less confusing.

he leans back against the counter again, accent curling around:] Soba? Those are noodles, yes? [huh. he'll keep that in mind for family dinners, if he can learn it. or get what's needed to make it.] I will make some of these anyway, at least you will like them. I may manage to make Palamedes eat one with enough persistence.

[ --that's right, Viktor is only... Viktor, isn't he? Somehow that never really occurred to Allen. He gives a sheepish sort of laugh at that though. ]

Mm, 'Shouto.' It's alright, it took me too long to realize that too... [ He really hopes you don't have to meet the other Todoroki though, Viktor... instinct tells him that probably wouldn't go well. ]

And they are! [ He perks up, we're talking about food here. Also because Viktor said he'd make more of these and Shouto not liking sweets means there's more for him. And maybe to try and nudge Pal into eating. ] I'd say they taste... kind of nutty? They're rather good, and can be served a couple different ways. It seems less complex than other noodles dishes? [ Did they eat soba a bunch while Allen was there? You bet. As much as the reminder of Kanda also made him sweat a little. ]

[why he seems like a very normal fellow. aka yes it would be a disaster in the making.]

I will look into it. Noodles are easy enough. [a dish he knows, because you can find them cheap and add whatever you have to make something decent. he considers for a moment before asking,] Are you rooming with Shouto now?

[shouto did take him in from what he understands, and doesn't know if it's permanent or not. he kind of hopes it is, it would be good to know they looking out for each other in the day to day. then again maybe shouto's the one all these questions are about and things are more complicated.

ah teenagers. he resists the urge to shake his head as he finally takes a bite of his own vdolky.]

[ Viktor. Even Allen knows better than to mess lightly with him and that's saying something.

But Allen pauses, and looks... briefly intrigued by that. Hesitant, but there's a curious, hopeful kind of spark there. ]

...Do you think you could show me how? If do you. [ Blame it on paleblood baking month. ... even if that's... not actually baking at all... ]

And, um-- no, I'm not. [ His gaze flickers aside as Allen waves a hand slightly, somewhat dismissively before he rubs at the back of his head. There's something a little uneasy about the way he looks away though, almost -- guilty? But more complicated and conflicted than that. ]

I only stayed with him for a couple weeks, before I got used to getting around and found a place to stay here... I didn't want to impose. [ If Viktor brought over dinner he would have seen it. Small and quaint, it wasn't really the type of place meant for two people. Well, outside of a couple. And staying permanently hadn't been the invitation. ]

Edited 2022-06-17 04:04 (UTC)

[that is saying a lot. can't wait for viktor to one day find out shouto has a brother here and asks about it.

the question has viktor's lips quirk, thumbing some jam from the corner of his mouth to say,] Of course. I'll bring the ingredients by when I find them and we'll see what we can manage.

[and then he watches allen react to that, and more so the odd look to him- uneasy, or unnerved or... something. it's a look allen's had a few times this conversation, or a general energy that viktor isn't entirely sure what to make of.

he knows allen struggles with speaking of himself, his troubles, and that is largely why viktor's kept from asking any questions here despite it being a little obvious there's something underlining all this. this this uncertainty from allen he can't help but decide to be a little more direct in a way.]

Allen... if there is anything that is troubling you I hope you are aware you can discuss it with me. I can be a useful sounding board, on occasion. [he offers gently.] And it would not leave this room, obviously. Since you are fond of relentless sentimental speeches here and there you are aware you are important to me, yes? So it is no trouble.

[ And that is the reason why this is one thing that no one will ever pry from Allen's lips... well, one of several. God how'd he get involved keeping so many Todoroki secrets.

Allen brightens when Viktor mentions practicing together, smiling wide, even if his expression begins to still a little when he becomes speaking more softly and seriously. In a slightly awe-touched way, actually. Although it breaks when he gives a sheepish sort of laugh at being called "relentlessly sentimental" again and ducks his head, scratching for a moment at his temple. ]

Ah... it's harder to keep things from you when you say things like that, you know. [ Hahaha... drat.

He pauses though, gaze kept on the floor as he lets his hands fold in his lap, neatly clasped. Expression heavy, which is part of the reason he looks down. ]

I don't know. Somehow I feel like it was the wrong decision even if it was also the right one, moving here.

[ Exciting that the process was, as well as having what is basically his first real space all to himself he can do whatever he wants with, the act of leaving... has just left him feeling wrong. Empty, guilty. Like he did a disservice to Shouto and left him on his own. ]

[viktor can't help a snort at that.] I know, whenever you pull it on me I find it incredibly effective in getting me to speak. [tone a touch fond there, and dry. if it works it works. friendship is a hell of a drug, it turns out.

but he takes another bite of his food as he listens, head tilting in thought. when he swallows he places the rest of the vdolky down for the moment, giving allen some more privacy by keeping his gaze thoughtfully on it.]

The wrong decision for yourself or for him? Or perhaps both of you? [a pause.] Regardless, you could always invite him to stay here from time to time, if he would not wish to move himself. That would not be so difficult, would it? I stay over here often enough when working.

[of course he suspects there's more to this with the pair but still.]

[ It is entirely not fair to have the tables turned, you know. But that answer gets a surprised sort of look from Allen, before he laughs weakly at it. ]

I don't know... [ A rare honest answer. His kneejerk would be to say because of Shouto, being concerned at how his death had impacted him and that even if he didn't complain, he shouldn't leave him alone. But... ] Both of us, I think. It can be hard to tell with him sometimes, with how much he keeps to himself and doesn't express things very strongly most of the time, but... he was starting to seem happier. He smiled more, and yet could become sad so easily too. And I can't help but feel it was a bad idea to leave him there alone after everything that happened. [ His... death. And while Allen doesn't know Shouto had cremated his body with his brother and Viktor does, what Allen knows and Viktor doesn't is that technically... technically... Shouto had been the one to inadvertently kill him faster with his misfired ice than the wounds from Dabi's beast form. ]

So I had thought about doing that, actually... [ Saying he could come stay with Allen sometimes too, but his tone is still uncertain as that doesn't feel fully right either. He'd spent almost a year working on that house and there was something special about it; something peaceful and content. The short time Allen had spent there with him was honestly the happiest he'd been in as long as he could remember, even with the shadow of his death and recovery hanging over it. Something about it being quiet and removed from everything else, the rest of Trench, that made it easier to let go of his problems. ]

But I don't know. That doesn't feel quite fair either.

[viktor nods along, a soft frown as he remembers shouto at the beach. peaceful but rigid, struggling, quiet. doing his best to move relentlessly forward, even if that was only the effort to wait for allen's return.

he can see it. he still doesn't know exactly what happened, a matter he'll ask allen one day but certainly not today. after a quiet moment to consider it all he says,] You do not feel right asking him to leave his home?

His home will still be there, just as Sanctuary will still be here for you. I think you should consider instead the very basics- if you are both happier being close rather than far then that is a fact you can work with. It means you should remain close, and then it becomes a matter of finding a solution that works towards that goal.

[he offers a one shouldered shrug.] It is okay to be selfish in these matters too, you realize. Well, I doubt you do, you are selfless to a fault.

[ That... that one incredibly simple way you just put it has Allen's head snapping up almost comically dumbfounded. Eyes wide, mouth lightly parted as even his jaw has gone slack. If you are both happier being close rather than far...

The very basics, the simple things are what Allen understands best. What are undeniable, simply because they are so simple and usually just rooted in plain fact. And that, despite everything else that's rather confusing and he's unsure about... that much is so very crystal clear he wouldn't even need to think about it. And he stares a little, because it's kind of ridiculous how obvious that seems when you put it like that. ]

Ah... [ He blinks for a moment, a touch owlishly. The gentle tease about being selfless to a fault barely even registers. ]

Viktor, you're... very wise sometimes, you know?

[that has viktor blinking, a touch surprised before he snorts. who would have thought he could give good advice on these matters. probably another way allen is simply someone easy to get along with for him, who can look plain rationality in the face and find it helpful instead of cold.]

Not typically in these matters, but sometimes. [amused.] Regardless, why not speak with Shouto plainly about it all? He seems to prefer being upfront, from what I have seen.

[ Allen, for all his idealism, is a realistic who just chooses to hold onto his ideals and hopes despite how terrible reality may be because it would be far worse to just despair. It's why he gets along well with Viktor too, and perhaps why he got past Allen's own fronts so quickly... he's practical and pragmatic, but in a way that's still warm and caring.

Something Allen finds inspiring, really. ]

Haha, he does... [ The observation gets a weak chuckle from Allen, who scratches at his cheek for a moment. Artfully skittish. ]

I'll... think on it. About when would be a good time to bring it up. [ and if. ...even if... Viktor feels undeniably right...

god, why does the idea make him feel shy? ]

[viktor is pretty content to hear that, even if 'good time' could mean a lot. he picks up his half eaten vdolky, gesturing vaguely with it.]

Hm, a peaceful moment? Or during a meal? [he shrugs one shoulder.]

Regardless I hope you both can work something out. You are good for each other, yes? Some sort of eh... roommate situation would be good.

Something like that. [ AKA he doesn't know but will hopefully recognize it when he sees it... Like while recovering after being stuck inside the realm of a nightmare demon he feels personally responsible for Shouto suffering. Ah, if only he knew...

But that comment gets a slight blink from Allen, pausing midway in reaching to snag a second vdolky. Viktor isn't one to say unsubstantiated things, after all. ]

You think so?

I truly do. [even without his uh. suspicions this is more than roommates, if it was just roommates it seems it would be good for them, to have someone to turn to.

a pause and he offers something a little more personal.] I have usually lived alone and thought I preferred it. It has been an adjustment to live with another but it is... rewarding. So perhaps my own experience is coloring my opinion.

[ Ha... that admission gets a soft smile from Allen, his expression casting over in nostalgia. ]

No, I think you're right. [ He considers that for a moment, before he finishes reaching for the (now pleasantly) hot pastry though he doesn't move to take a bit yet and merely holds it thoughtfully. ]

Even though there were a lot of problems, when I think about living with everyone at the Order I can't help but smile. It meant that even when things felt really dark, you could always try to look forward to just going home and seeing them again.

It was always more rewarding than being alone.

june catch-all

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