the fruitless subterfuge;

I mayn't see the way you do, eyes so bright and quick, but I know where flowers abound, and where the grass'll still grow thick. 「Elias "L" Stígandr」 《Original Character, Toshi City》 【Juniper Apartment, Room 1】 『Healthy / Single』

[elagabalium]

(Not) An Intrusion

[casusicarus-deactivated20140623]

Misawa walked around the kitchen, humming a little tune as he got to work in the kitchen. Cooking had been a favourite past time of his for who knows how long, so it wasn’t a rare occurrence to see him with an apron, trying out new recipes.

He heard someone come in.

Peeking out from the kitchen door, he could see a person standing near the doorway. Then Misawa realized he had roommates as well. Oops. "Hello," he said.

[elagabalium]

"...Hello," El said flatly after a decent pause. He slipped off his shoes at the door and took a few tentative steps into the apartment itself before thinking better of his actions. Sure, he wasn't big on meeting new people, but if they were to live together... They were, weren't they?

"Are you to be living here now?" He followed the male voice, pinpointing the source to be in the kitchen, but didn't enter--instead, Elias hovered around the corner, preferring to err on the side of caution.

[elagabalium]

(Not) An Intrusion

There was something different about the apartment since he was last in it.

The very moment Elias crossed the threshold, unfamiliar scents took him by surprise... not to mention a set of feet, pattering around to a rhythm he'd never heard before.

He hadn't been warned of a new tenant...

[elagabalium]

香 // Kyoko

He smells a very enticing perfume waft through the air in a passing gust, footsteps approaching. Elias turns in the direction of the supposed source, intrigued.

"What scent is that?"

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

Meran only gave a light laugh, fingers now ruffling Elias’s hair. His facial expressions would be useless— he had to show that he was teasing one way or another. This just happened to be the easiest. “Of course I’m right— why wouldn’t I be?” 

The taller male stretched out his body with a loud yawn. He slowly stood up, joints giving soft clicks and pops with every move. It was hard to believe that it had been four years since the two of them had met. He kept track of that time wisely— he and his family were able to have a steady income all thanks to his job. Even if protecting El was relatively easy, it didn’t stop the blonde from feeling guilty about it.

But, money was money. 

"To some, it could seem like ages! Y’know, I had a buddy who only stuck around for several months before skippin’ town. Strange guy, kind of an idiot, but interesting. Say, you got many friends ‘round here?" He gave a nonchalant whistle, as if it was a simple question. In actuality, it would make tracking Elias down ten times easier. 

[elagabalium]

And therein lies the rub.

Friends.

Friends?

What a funny little word.

It wasn't as if Elias had never known the joy of someone's company, or had ever felt alone. He'd been surrounded by people for as long as he can remember--both the overbearing kind and the blissfully ignorant. He loved his family, and was grateful for their support throughout his life. But they weren't friends, not really; his cousin came awfully close, but no cigar.

He hadn't considered anyone around him a friend in a long while... Perhaps that would change, with this new setting, new life, new attitude--but considering his past record, there were no promises.

"No," he said flatly. "I've never visited here prior to the move; I know no one living here." As if that was the only thing keeping him from having friends. But life goes on, with or without.

[elagabalium]

Please thread with this cutie~ He needs more attention.

Like for a starter!

[phantomknob]

Is there a single decent Chinese takeaway in Toshi City?

[elagabalium]

Flatly. "No."

But he was a picky eater anyway, so it was anyone's guess how bad the Chinese food here really was.

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

Meran gave another roar of laughter at his face. The older male couldn’t stop himself from reaching over and playfully (as well as gently) pinched his companions cheeks. “You’re so cute when you’re flustered.” 

The blonde settled himself back down, a soft sigh leaving his lips. “I never said I was perfect, either. Ma was so mad when I came home that first day, already with a detention…”

"Ah, right. I shoved you against the wall. Sorry ‘bout that, really. Heat of the moment, I guess." The silence soon set in again, and once Elias trailed off, it only seemed heavier. 

Meran, on the other hand, had an abundance of friends. He always had good interpersonal skills— he just lost his temper at the drop of a hat. They never kept in touch after high school, as most never do, but Meran didn’t seem to mind. He made new friends and a new life. Hell, he even ran into Elias here. 

He figured El was the nearest thing to a close friend he’d ever get. 

"It’s okay, you don’t have to share. Not many care for their high school experience, anyways. Seems a bit petty to have gotten caught up in teenage drama now, doesn’t it?" 

[elagabalium]

His initial reaction would have been to swat M's hand away and protest like a child, but that would have just given him more material to tease him with--thinking better of himself, Elias put on a very firm face, playing the mature adult.

"I'm disregarding that comment." Because I'm an adult, but that wouldn't have been a very adult thing to add on. "But... I suppose you're right," he admitted cautiously. "We're different now."

Some things were still the same--Meran treated him well, and Elias wasn't afraid to ask for his help. But they had changed, too; their attitudes were the greatest developments, though maybe their bodies had changed significantly as well. Before he had the impression the other was smaller than him, but... that doesn't seem to be the case, anymore.

"Sometimes it feels like so long ago... when in reality, it hasn't been that long at all."

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

The man gave a firm nod of his head. “Call me whatever you’d like— as long as you’re comfortable, I guess.” He gave a click of his tongue, head lolling to the side. 

"I s’pose we’re done with the silly code names. They were kinda cute— brought me back to our childhood. God, we were such brats!" 

It was strange to recall such memories. Elias was no longer a child— still held the round features, the quiet voice, and the soft fingers, but he had obviously grown. Still held that annoying (yet endearing) sense of pride, but the eighteen year old lost the rebellious streak and settled for an attitude far more put together. 

A loud, strong laugh trickled from his throat. “You practically begged for me to get you outta that hellhole.” 

[elagabalium]

El didn't recall much of Meran from before. He remembered the feelings he'd been left with at the end of the day, and something warm and tangible; otherwise it had just been a venture he couldn't be bothered to think of...

High school, though. It was impossible to not feel embarrassed for his past self.

"...Speak for yourself!" Though, yeah, 15 years old was not a good time for him. He could still be a bit of a brat, however, but it's not like he'd accept that. Or admit it any time soon.

"Y-You're the one who almost assaulted me," El complained in retaliation. But maybe he did deserve it, and maybe Meran was right, and maybe El used to be miserable and for even just a day, he was able to get away.

Or maybe he just exaggerated how bad things were in high school, which wouldn't be unheard of for lonely teenagers.

"It wasn't... a bad school." He was treated well and graduated without problems. He just--couldn't make any friends... but he never expressed the interest, anyway.

"I was just..."

Elias trailed off, unsure how to finish.

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

"Name fits you." His shoulders shrugged lightly as he spoke. Not like it would add anything to the conversation. "I’m gonna keep callin’ you El, though." His grin was clear in his voice. 

Meran leaned back into the couch, arms resting along the back. “I suppose that’s because we’re pals, hah. Nicknames tend to stick!” 

A teasing laugh escaped his lips. “‘El’ will only be used in private, though. Can’t let too many people call you that! Might make me a bit jealous.” 

[elagabalium]

Pals? Nicknames? Private? Jealous?

Just what was that all about?

For another quiet moment he let the air between them settle before disturbing it again with an affirming hum. Elias wasn't a particularly difficult name, yet it had been shortened anyway? However he wasn't in any position to object; his cousin had been calling him as such since they were young.

Nevertheless, he wove his fingers together and rested his hands in the middle of his lap.

"I like 'Meran.'"

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

Meran moved to cross his arms once more, a light laugh bubbling out of his lips. This guy sure was something else. He frequently ran his hands over others, invaded their personal space, and even stuck his hands on objects that weren’t his. And yet, here he was, getting flustered by a simple touch of the hair. 

"Then, tell me your name. Maybe things will even out then, eh?" He gave a quick click of his tongue as he moved towards the couch. Roughly plopping himself down, the male loudly patted the seat next to him. 

“C’mon, relax. You haven’t faced embarrassment yet.” Meran paused once again. “I would have told you sooner or later. It just hadn’t seemed important.”

[elagabalium]

Of course he followed without a thought. Of course. It was habits like this that he sometimes wished weren't so natural.

Sitting himself on the couch too, far more gently than the other had--El gave a resigned exhale.

"...Elias." He couldn't help but frown a little. Maybe, back then, he had only introduced himself as El because it was more discreet... It was odd to have kept up the game for so long.

[azuredyedroses]

❀——; in front of the flower shop (Aine & L)

[azuredyedroses]

{ ღ } After washing his face and drying himself with a washcloth, Aine made his way back over to the other male. He paused, seeing that the male had his full attention to the bellflowers. Caressing each of the petals in place of seeing them, and mumbling small facts to himself, completely devoted to them.

Somehow, at the sight of his new acquaintance admiring the flowers, the blue-haired florist couldn’t help but smile quietly. The two of them didn’t even have to speak for Aine to know how much this young man appreciated and loved the flowers.

He moved toward a couple of the stands and grabbed two pots of two different kinds of flowers: peonies and amaryllis. It was a spontaneous choice that the bluenet had made to grab them, but suddenly Aine found his choice to be quite an ironic one.

From the meaning of the hanakotoba that his distant cousin had taught him, the two flowers meant bravery and shyness. It was an interesting combination that he had chosen out.

Moving back to where his guest sat, Aine placed the two flower pots on the table with a firm sound, letting the other male know that he had returned.

[elagabalium]

Elias could perfectly see himself frequenting this place, even without the intention of buying flowers. He wasn't sure if it'd be seen as a nuisance, but until otherwise stated... It was practically an open garden. At least the other had the joy of working here, and at least El was able to acquaint such a kind person.

That's what he had picked up so far.

At the clatter, El whipped his head around and let his hand drop away from the bellflowers; he blinked in question, and tilted his head just slightly up as if to face the other. (He'd learned over the years that though it didn't really matter to him, the sighted seemed to like it better when he pretended he could see. It started out as a nuisance, but eventually became habit.)

"Can you tell me your name?" he asked, while his hands inched across the table, to better locate the new objects. They had certainly sounded like pots. Heavier ones.

Absently, without much thought, his fingers crawled up the sides and found the plants within... They were both relatively large flowers; he grazed the side of palm underneath the heads, cupping them gently. Only one of them felt familiar, however.

"Peony," El whispered, matter-of-factly as ever. Then he remembered the scene, straightening his back with a soft 'oh.' "...Mine is Elias, by the way..."

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

Laughs and playfully ruffles L’s hair. 

"Don’t be a brat. You know it now, so you can stop complainin’. Still gotta tell me yours, though." 

Pause.

"Unless you want me to make one up for you…"

[elagabalium]

He was used to touching people. Sure, he knew it wasn't much of a social norm, but he always thought that given the right circumstances, it wouldn't matter so much.

Being touched, however, was a bit more infrequent.

"W-What are you--I'm not a brat," he's not whining, nope, no whining here.

"I would've told you my name sooner if you had been a proper host and introduced yourself first. But at that rate, if I hadn't clued you in, we'd still be in square one... Don't call me a brat when I'm the one who saved this arrangement from impending disaster."

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

Laughs and gives a shake of his head. 

"Why would anyone ask for my name when they could just come for me directly? You did, didn’t you?" 

This is why he should go outside. He’d gain experience.

[elagabalium]

Quiet grumble.

"...It could happen. You can't be with me all the time." Plus, how shameful would it be if he had to admit that yes, I do live with him, no, I don't know his name?

Pathetic.

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

"Earth. You’ve been callin’ M for a long time now!" Pauses before shrugging again. "Meran."

Demanding rich boys…

[elagabalium]

"Sure, in private, but what if someone asked me for your name? And to think I live with you--you're just setting me up for embarrassment!"

This is why he doesn't go outside. He is being sabotaged from the inside.

[elagabalium]

くるくる // Imaizumi

[usagicycle]

Damn.

Right as he was hitting his third lap around the city, the chain to his bike had fallen off somehow. Without a cycling machine in his room anymore, seeing as how he lived in an apartment now, he’d been putting in more hours actually on his bike … but he’d never imagined this would happen at a time like this.

It’s not until he’s nearing the entrance to Chicory Apartment that he passes a figure. It wasn’t all too surprising, considering the hour, but he raises a brow and replies, “uh … Yeah.”

Though anyone should’ve been able to tell that much just by looking at it, right?

[elagabalium]

Yes, anyone should've been able to tell at a glance--but, well, you know.

He's a bit hindered in that department.

"Ah." El nods, twining his fingers together subconsciously.

"Is it salvageable, at least?" It wasn't like he could do much for the stranger--normally he wouldn't have held any interest at all, but he hated seeing opportunities wasted. Perhaps he could learn something firsthand.

And, if not... He'd offer his pathetic condolences. Rest in pieces, dear bicycle.

[elagabalium]

If found please return to M // Lelouch

[martyrofhatred]

Looks like his work here was done, though the stranger didn’t seem satisfied with the outcome. Lelouch couldn’t do anything about that.

"Well, if you don’t need anything else, I’ll be going."

Well, that was a idle little distraction, wasn’t it?

[elagabalium]

[Phoenix Wright voice] Hold it!

"--Wait. I do need something." He was going to remember this voice, and get a name to associate it with, at least. Elias didn't like making the same mistakes twice.

"Your name, if you will."

[elagabalium]

Alphabet Soup // L & M

[merariys-deactivated20140730]

Blinks, followed by a shrug. 

"I guess I can tell ya if you want… Never really felt that important."

[elagabalium]

Frrrrowns.

"Not that important? What planet are you from?" Frowning intensifies. "I can't just refer to you by a single letter all the time." Crosses arms, too.

Huff huff.