[Date night! Date night! Except... well, the cafeteria is hardly a romantic location by Lobelia's standards. Still! He's done his best to dress the place up with candles and has picked the finest wines from the available stock. One can only guess how serious a person like Ramuda is with regard to going on a date, but Lobelia doesn't do things in half measures.
To that end, he's gone to fetch Ramuda himself, knocking on his door and greeting him with a bow when he opens it.]
Bonne journée, mon cher artiste! I'm not too early, am I?
[ it's some type of miracle that lobelia finds ramuda in his room to be honest, he's usually flitting around here, bothering a poor soul over there. but his timing's good, and ramuda opens the door with surprise that rises to joy. ]
Lobelia! You really came, that makes me happy~.
[ ramuda doesn't bow back but he does return the greeting with what else, a hug; enthusiastic as always, before he pulls back. ]
The earlier you get started, the longer you can party!
[The hug? The hug is unexpected. Ramuda's energy hits him like a sudden burst of color, loud and bright enough to startle. Still, Lobelia doesn't resist the embrace— he even laughs, light and breathy, the kind that slips out before he can stop it.]
Mon dieu... Such enthusiasm! I daresay I had forgotten what it feels like to be welcomed so warmly.
[He straightens his coat with a flick of his fingers once Ramuda lets go, that same teasing glint returning to his eyes.]
Then I suppose I have no excuse, have I? If you're prepared, I'll lead the way.
Hehe, cause of how cranky everyone was yesterday? Things like that don't really bother me too much.
[ giyuu getting vored by the floor was a Lot, but ramuda does not share the irritation that so many others seem to have pointed in lobelia's direction. ]
Let's go! [ he'll follow along with a bounce in his step after stopping to grab his hat before the door shuts. it's important to look cute at all times, okay. ]
Oui? True, you did not seem overly perturbed by the sight of Monsieur Giyuu's demise. Are you accustomed to such scenes, or are you simply less easily roused than most?
[In either case, Lobelia guides them toward the cafeteria. A table has been arranged with all the trappings of a proper date— wine, candles, and an assortment of carefully gathered flowers from around the place. He gestures to it with a faint, apologetic sigh.]
If you wish to know the truth, I am not one for traditional dates. You might call my tastes... peculiar. Still, I hope you will not be disappointed.
[ even though Murdertimes haven't been established, ramuda isn't leaving anything to chance. last thursday night, someone turned into a wolf (???) and tried to chow down on another guy, and this thursday afternoon, practically the same thing happened again. who could blame him? this will be his line of logic if anyone asks, even if it's more than that.
that he decides to spend the night with lobelia is...well, it takes two people to play! and he did have fun even if perhaps, he might have bitten off more than he can chew. it's fine, he has an iron stomach! and he's in a good mood, more than his usual, a long lost pink lollipop in his mouth.
so he's happy to stay wherever, that it's the study/jail is a Choice but one ramuda easily rolls with. it is very lobelia, after all. ]
You know, when McGillis walked in here he almost knocked himself out with that hook! [ pointing up, ramuda does in fact Look Up when he walks but also he's 5'1", he's more likely to run into the problem of walking into what would be a tripping hazard for someone else. ]
But I guess it's not really meant for someone that's basically a giraffe, huh?
[Third time's the charm, surely. Lobelia is more fox than wolf, incisors sharp enough to rend, but he's minding his manners like a good boy should. He could swallow Ramuda whole if he wished, but that would be such a waste. Slow indulgences are always sweeter.
He follows Ramuda's gaze to the meat hooks overhead and lets a soft laugh slip out. A giraffe... Lobelia reaches up to tap one of the hooks with a fingertip, setting it swaying gently.]
If you think about their intended purpose, they're quite practical. These hooks are meant to hold bodies, after all.
[He glances back at Ramuda, smile curling, equal parts wicked and indulgent.]
Which means it would be the simplest thing in the world to string you up in here.
[Not that he could — Ramuda is quicker than he looks — and certainly not that Ramuda would take the threat as anything but a joke.]
[ ramuda likes mcgillis, okay. but he's basically a skyscraper to a shortie like him, he'd need an escalator to get up to his eye level.
the hook sways gently and ramuda watches it like a cat would, even if his animal features this week are distinctly canine (small little ears and a tail). akita's though, are a particular sort of dog. ]
You'd have to give me a boost up first ☆. [ holding his arms up like /o/. regardless of whether he's taken it as a joke or not, it doesn't seem to bother him. his smile is as cute as ever. ]
[Lobelia will lift him, but only into his arms. He has no intention of hanging Ramuda out to bleed.]
No secret. But it isn't a frequent habit of mine, either. Not anymore.
[...Ramuda has seen enough to discern Lobelia's true colors. No matter how he dresses it up, the rot beneath still peeks through. What he tells him next, then, is no secret at all.]
But I have ended lives before, mon cher. A great many. In my efforts to strengthen my craft, I have hung souls from these rafters and soaked in the exquis cries they let out. That, to me, is sweet music.
[ oooh, yay! he wiggles, not to get away, but to get closer. ]
So if you stopped, or if you're holding back [ he remembers from earlier in the week ] is it cause you think you're the strongest you'll ever be? Or do ya sing a different kinda song now?
[ yeah he heard what lobelia said, he's not ignoring it or brushing past it naively. lobelia knows better than that with ramuda now too. but the why and the substance of it, the sound of it, is far more interesting to him.
he's not an audiomancer, but he is someone who lives and breath by his own music and that of others. ]
[This snow is dreary and altogether much too cold for Lobelia's liking. He's sat in a corner of the study surrounded by books and tomes as if those might insulate him from the chill.
He's nose deep in his reading when Ramuda arrives, but he doesn't hesitate to snap the book closed and rise to greet him.]
Ah! Mon cher artiste. Don't tell me you braved the cold and snow just to visit me.
Well there's no way I'd come all this way just for some big, heavy books, so whaddya think?
[ ramuda is dressed up like this except with pants rolled all the way down, he doesn't want to get frostbite thank you, plus with a beanie. very cozy and layered in a way that's casual but cohesive, because he absolutely knows his fashion.
he bounds over like usual, stopping just short of the taller man. here is where he'd usually expression affection of some sort (it varies, depending on the vibe of the day as is typical of ramuda), but he doesn't today. his grin and the way he looks up at him is the same as usual, though. ]
[What a charming ensemble. Lobelia can barely see the boy beneath those baggy layers, but his mind is more on ensuring Ramuda is well-insulated from the cold. Lobelia is frequently in flowing layers, but seeing Ramuda all bundled up makes him wish he'd brought a blanket.
He nearly reaches for Ramuda... but stops short. The snow isn't the only odd thing to come out of this week. There's the curious matter of the pain caused by skin-to-skin contact. If Ramuda wanted to avoid needless pain, Lobelia would understand. Most people would.]
It's a shame I can't greet you properly, but what can be done? This place has unusual methods of keeping people apart. Très triste.
ramuda absolutely learned what the effects of this week were, probably within minutes of waking up and trying to throw himself over kaios shoulder or some other configuration of affection. it was a Time, for sure. ]
...No. It is most certainly not fine. Risking the electric jolts, Lobelia takes Ramuda by the shoulders and ushers him in before closing the study door.]
[ that's fine you can hold him just like before except this time instead of him being terrified out of his mind he's infuriated. he knows the last time he was this angry and that makes him even angrier.
also do you remember his natural voice? of course you do, well it's back. ]
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO HARP ON THE FACT THAT IT WAS A NOTE? THEY WOULD'VE JUST WENT WITH AN EYE OR WHATEVER ELSE THEIR DUMBASSES COULD SCRAPE TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!
[Ah! It's more of a welcome surprise this time around. Lobelia grins, easy as anything, and lets Ramuda's anger slam into him in waves. This is what he thrives in: the chaos, the fury, raw emotion given a voice.]
Mon dieu... Had I known it was you, do you think I would have been as forthcoming?
[But that's one mystery definitively solved, and guess what? More than feeling nothing about it, Lobelia feels dread washing over him. He knows what comes next. He knows about the crushing silence that follows.]
If you choose to hold it against me, then I will accept your judgment. But Ramuda... you, of all people, understand the cost of a life taken. And the cost of being caught. When you offer death your throat, you do it with grace— not panic.
[ ramuda doesn't answer that, the look on his face says it for him.
of course he should have expected him to be forthcoming no matter who it was and he did but for a second he didn't and that makes him angry beyond words. ]
Grace? Panic? [ he could laugh. he does laugh, the anger still there and raw even if the volume has dropped down far below. ]
I shouldn't know either of those, so shut up. What do you think you know about me?
[Lobelia is in some vague state between wakefulness and sleep when something moves out of the corner of his eye. His hand raises on instinct, fingers poised to snap— but recognition kicks in just in time.
Ah. How could he mistake that little pink bunny for a beast? Lobelia slowly sits himself upright and motions for the plushie to come closer.]
...Bonjour, mon amour.
[Lobelia doesn't sound good. He doesn't look good either, but he still manages a smile with practiced ease.]
[ ...yeah, he really doesn't, does he? ramuda is familiar with illness in a way no one else knows, and he pauses briefly, a very comically looking action as a plush before resuming his hop over.
he hates this as much as he hates this when it's happened to him and that makes his heart tremble. it's some type of blessing and a curse that lobelia can't hear it, the same way where he can't see his expression. a practiced smile to a practiced smile. ]
Bae ♥. [ same as the weekend, but many degrees softer. where do you want him? he bounds close and offers lobelia the choice first. ]
[Lobelia flattens against the couch, a mixture of fatigue and illness taking its toll on him. He'll carefully, oh so carefully, fold his hands around plushie Ramuda and hug him to his chest. This feels best.]
It's good to see you again... though the circumstances are far from ideal.
[ it's also a blessing and a curse the way ramuda has come to lean on this word, but there is so much he wants to say, yet he has the inability to say it. he wiggles against lobelia's chest, wondering if he can burrow in here.
when he can speak again, he chooses the next most important word: ]
[The word hits Lobelia square in the heart, of course... but he'll do little plushie Ramuda one better and lift him up to kiss him on his little plush head.]
Do you remember the promise I made you...? I suppose you'll haunt me if I don't live long enough to fulfill it.
[But that's beginning to look like a real possibility. For better or worse, Lobelia isn't afraid of dying. He never has been.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
week 1, monday
To that end, he's gone to fetch Ramuda himself, knocking on his door and greeting him with a bow when he opens it.]
Bonne journée, mon cher artiste! I'm not too early, am I?
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Lobelia! You really came, that makes me happy~.
[ ramuda doesn't bow back but he does return the greeting with what else, a hug; enthusiastic as always, before he pulls back. ]
The earlier you get started, the longer you can party!
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Mon dieu... Such enthusiasm! I daresay I had forgotten what it feels like to be welcomed so warmly.
[He straightens his coat with a flick of his fingers once Ramuda lets go, that same teasing glint returning to his eyes.]
Then I suppose I have no excuse, have I? If you're prepared, I'll lead the way.
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[ giyuu getting vored by the floor was a Lot, but ramuda does not share the irritation that so many others seem to have pointed in lobelia's direction. ]
Let's go! [ he'll follow along with a bounce in his step after stopping to grab his hat before the door shuts. it's important to look cute at all times, okay. ]
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[In either case, Lobelia guides them toward the cafeteria. A table has been arranged with all the trappings of a proper date— wine, candles, and an assortment of carefully gathered flowers from around the place. He gestures to it with a faint, apologetic sigh.]
If you wish to know the truth, I am not one for traditional dates. You might call my tastes... peculiar. Still, I hope you will not be disappointed.
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week 1, thursday right before curfew
that he decides to spend the night with lobelia is...well, it takes two people to play! and he did have fun even if perhaps, he might have bitten off more than he can chew. it's fine, he has an iron stomach! and he's in a good mood, more than his usual, a long lost pink lollipop in his mouth.
so he's happy to stay wherever, that it's the study/jail is a Choice but one ramuda easily rolls with. it is very lobelia, after all. ]
You know, when McGillis walked in here he almost knocked himself out with that hook! [ pointing up, ramuda does in fact Look Up when he walks but also he's 5'1", he's more likely to run into the problem of walking into what would be a tripping hazard for someone else. ]
But I guess it's not really meant for someone that's basically a giraffe, huh?
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He follows Ramuda's gaze to the meat hooks overhead and lets a soft laugh slip out. A giraffe... Lobelia reaches up to tap one of the hooks with a fingertip, setting it swaying gently.]
If you think about their intended purpose, they're quite practical. These hooks are meant to hold bodies, after all.
[He glances back at Ramuda, smile curling, equal parts wicked and indulgent.]
Which means it would be the simplest thing in the world to string you up in here.
[Not that he could — Ramuda is quicker than he looks — and certainly not that Ramuda would take the threat as anything but a joke.]
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the hook sways gently and ramuda watches it like a cat would, even if his animal features this week are distinctly canine (small little ears and a tail). akita's though, are a particular sort of dog. ]
You'd have to give me a boost up first ☆. [ holding his arms up like /o/. regardless of whether he's taken it as a joke or not, it doesn't seem to bother him. his smile is as cute as ever. ]
Who'd ya put up here? Or is that a secret?
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No secret. But it isn't a frequent habit of mine, either. Not anymore.
[...Ramuda has seen enough to discern Lobelia's true colors. No matter how he dresses it up, the rot beneath still peeks through. What he tells him next, then, is no secret at all.]
But I have ended lives before, mon cher. A great many. In my efforts to strengthen my craft, I have hung souls from these rafters and soaked in the exquis cries they let out. That, to me, is sweet music.
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So if you stopped, or if you're holding back [ he remembers from earlier in the week ] is it cause you think you're the strongest you'll ever be? Or do ya sing a different kinda song now?
[ yeah he heard what lobelia said, he's not ignoring it or brushing past it naively. lobelia knows better than that with ramuda now too. but the why and the substance of it, the sound of it, is far more interesting to him.
he's not an audiomancer, but he is someone who lives and breath by his own music and that of others. ]
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week 2, monday evening
He's nose deep in his reading when Ramuda arrives, but he doesn't hesitate to snap the book closed and rise to greet him.]
Ah! Mon cher artiste. Don't tell me you braved the cold and snow just to visit me.
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[ ramuda is dressed up like this except with pants rolled all the way down, he doesn't want to get frostbite thank you, plus with a beanie. very cozy and layered in a way that's casual but cohesive, because he absolutely knows his fashion.
he bounds over like usual, stopping just short of the taller man. here is where he'd usually expression affection of some sort (it varies, depending on the vibe of the day as is typical of ramuda), but he doesn't today. his grin and the way he looks up at him is the same as usual, though. ]
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He nearly reaches for Ramuda... but stops short. The snow isn't the only odd thing to come out of this week. There's the curious matter of the pain caused by skin-to-skin contact. If Ramuda wanted to avoid needless pain, Lobelia would understand. Most people would.]
It's a shame I can't greet you properly, but what can be done? This place has unusual methods of keeping people apart. Très triste.
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ramuda absolutely learned what the effects of this week were, probably within minutes of waking up and trying to throw himself over kaios shoulder or some other configuration of affection. it was a Time, for sure. ]
Didn't I tell ya not to underestimate me?
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[Where is the fun in that? By Lobelia's logic, if it isn't enjoyable and it offers no benefit, there's little reason to do it at all.]
Mm... should I be concerned for your well-being? Grow too eager to hurt yourself, and you may find you grow addicted.
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throws this tag at you like a brick I'M SORRY HOW DID IT GET SO LONG
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week 2 after trial
it's not fine. ]
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...No. It is most certainly not fine. Risking the electric jolts, Lobelia takes Ramuda by the shoulders and ushers him in before closing the study door.]
...Mon petit. What's wrong?
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also do you remember his natural voice? of course you do, well it's back. ]
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO HARP ON THE FACT THAT IT WAS A NOTE? THEY WOULD'VE JUST WENT WITH AN EYE OR WHATEVER ELSE THEIR DUMBASSES COULD SCRAPE TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!
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Mon dieu... Had I known it was you, do you think I would have been as forthcoming?
[But that's one mystery definitively solved, and guess what? More than feeling nothing about it, Lobelia feels dread washing over him. He knows what comes next. He knows about the crushing silence that follows.]
If you choose to hold it against me, then I will accept your judgment. But Ramuda... you, of all people, understand the cost of a life taken. And the cost of being caught. When you offer death your throat, you do it with grace— not panic.
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of course he should have expected him to be forthcoming no matter who it was and he did but for a second he didn't and that makes him angry beyond words. ]
Grace? Panic? [ he could laugh. he does laugh, the anger still there and raw even if the volume has dropped down far below. ]
I shouldn't know either of those, so shut up. What do you think you know about me?
[ ...way too much. ]
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Week 5, monday
Ah. How could he mistake that little pink bunny for a beast? Lobelia slowly sits himself upright and motions for the plushie to come closer.]
...Bonjour, mon amour.
[Lobelia doesn't sound good. He doesn't look good either, but he still manages a smile with practiced ease.]
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he hates this as much as he hates this when it's happened to him and that makes his heart tremble. it's some type of blessing and a curse that lobelia can't hear it, the same way where he can't see his expression. a practiced smile to a practiced smile. ]
Bae ♥. [ same as the weekend, but many degrees softer. where do you want him? he bounds close and offers lobelia the choice first. ]
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It's good to see you again... though the circumstances are far from ideal.
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[ it's also a blessing and a curse the way ramuda has come to lean on this word, but there is so much he wants to say, yet he has the inability to say it. he wiggles against lobelia's chest, wondering if he can burrow in here.
when he can speak again, he chooses the next most important word: ]
Chuu.
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Do you remember the promise I made you...? I suppose you'll haunt me if I don't live long enough to fulfill it.
[But that's beginning to look like a real possibility. For better or worse, Lobelia isn't afraid of dying. He never has been.]
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cw; suicidal implications