The Fool

Staring in curiosity, completely oblivious to the fact that he was embarrassing Libertà. What exactly was he doing for that matter anyway? Shaking his head at the thought, his glance moved downward to their hands as well, feeling his own cheeks flush slightly at the feel of the other’s labor-worn hands.

It was only when the blonde abruptly tugged away that Nova’s attention snapped back to reality. Glancing up to catch his teal gaze, he quickly averted his own. That was embarrassing, what if Libertà had caught sight of his dumbfounded expression, with blush to boot?

He’d almost literally ignored everything the other had said prior, as well as his actions. Shaking his head to fully bring himself back to attention, he scowled slightly.

“Stay with you all night?” He reiterated, as if taking the thought into consideration. While that notion did cross his mind earlier, he felt he couldn’t afford to show off any kindness or concern… Although—

His desire to be near this idiot was getting worse. Why did he feel this way? Why did he want to be close to him? And why did he get so flustered while holding his hand…? It was a simple gesture with no meaning behind it, right? So, why?

Sighing, he reached down to untie his shoes. “I suppose, it’s better someone keeps an eye on you, and I can almost guarantee Dante or Fel won’t do it. Now get changed and get into bed, if you’re sick the best thing you can do is rest and not push yourself to stay up like a moron.” He lectured, before tugging his shoes off. This was going to interesting—

Strange, yet interesting. And at that same thought, Nova was actually a bit… happy. He couldn’t place his finger on why, he just felt rather content inside. Though he couldn’t help his wandering gaze from inching over to stare at the other’s lower regions, biting the inside of his cheek nervously.

Hearing his own words come out from Nova's mouth, he involuntarily tensed up. Scanning the others face, before quickly looking off elsewhere and swallowing nervously. That curtain of his seemed interesting enough to use as a distraction. "..." Unfortunately, no matter how interesting he tried to convince himself they were, he couldn't shake off the strange feelings within'. Did he really just insinuate that the stupid Chickpea COULD stay? In the same room nonetheless? Alone? Possibly in the same bed???? "Y-You're not..." Struggling to find the words he was looking for, he shook his head nervously. " Serious are you!? I can take care of myself, and I...." Not exactly sure how it happened, he realized that his eyes were now back on the blue-haired male, completely fixated upon him. Watching his every movement, he grew more nervous by the moment. At this point the pounding in his chest had grown audible enough for him to hear, and feel. He'd only hoped that it wasn't as loud for Nova as it was for himself. " I'm not a child, Nova," Things must have been bad if he forgot to address the other by one of the many colorful nicknames he'd come up with for him. " You're more childlike than I am! " Was that comment really necessary? Maybe if he made him mad enough, he'd just storm out. At the rather demanding command the other gave him, he narrowed his eyes, his cheeks still stained with the pure red heat of embarrassment. " I'M NOT UNDRESSING IN FRONT OF YOU. " Practically jumping up to his feet, he shook his head furiously. " If you REALLY insist on staying, turn around so I can change! "

#deathsarcana

Staring in confusion at the other’s sudden panicking, he arched a brow, curious as to the sudden outburst. Blinking, he only stared at the other, poking his cheek yet again as proof.

“Yes it is. I can see and feel it, Libertà.” He retorted, before taking his hand away from the other’s cheek. Nodding in understanding at the other’s excuse, he reached forward to gently place a hand on his forehead to check for any sign of fever, frowning slightly with a sigh.

“You’re burning up as well, you really must have made yourself sick.” He murmured softly.

Once Libertà had gently gripped at his hand, he felt his own face grow hot. Glancing down briefly at the contact, he relaxed his hand in the other’s hold, actually rather enjoying the feeling. It was definitely different than his soft touch. Perhaps the labors of the Intelligence division really did make their members work hard.

Letting a small, estranged noise escape his throat at the contact, he reddened more so. His own fifteen-year-old mind beginning to twist on certain things. Perhaps Libertà’s perverseness was… catching.

“R-Right, you should, so just,” Waves his hand, glancing away to hide his own blush and to dismiss any odd thoughts in his head, “Do what you must to feel better by any means necessary. You don’t need people worrying about you on top of everything.”

In reality he had expected Nova to drop it and, not push any further. However, when he felt the others finger against his cheek once again, his 'condition' only grew worse. His teal eyes darted over to the other, before quickly looking away in embarrassment. "Oi, usually.... Someone would see how embarrassed they were making someone.... and knock it off." He quickly retorted. He didn't need this subject to be pushed any further seeing as he was already feeling completely ashamed for having such conflicting emotions within'. In one instance he wanted to slap the stupid Chickpea away and, order him out of his room...Though in the contradictory instance, he really didn't want the other to leave. In fact, he wanted to get closer to him. Too close even. Those thoughts were exactly what was driving the teen to feel panicked. " ... " Grasping at minor straws to excuse for the way his facial tone continued to get even worse, he backed away. " Ah, yeah. Sick. "

Staring at the other sheepishly as he held onto his hand, he gulped. What should he do know? It didn't seem as though Nova was exactly struggling to get Libertà to let go. He should let go right? It was only right! It was weird to be holding onto Nova's hand, no matter how soft it felt. Without realizing his own actions, his eyes focused on their hands curiously. " . . . " Jumping out of his thoughts and releasing Nova's hand immediately when he heard the others voice, he nodded eagerly. " Mhmm... Though...Are you gonna stay here all night and watch me, Chickpea?" He stared at the other completely serious. That was his attempt at kicking the other out, but he realized that the tone and, everything may have come off a lot differently than he intended.

#chickpea #deathsarcana

If only Nova had mind reading abilities instead of the power his card did provide him, this would most likely prove to be a much more interesting situation on both sides. Why was it he couldn’t stand the blonde haired ball of energy so much? Libertà wasn’t a bad person by any means of the word, he wasn’t even entirely stupid, yet Nova felt the need to pick at his bad qualities over and over. Perhaps Mama was right, perhaps his fear of showing kindness to others really did get in the way of him making and keeping friends. Though it was times like this, that Nova’s real colors showed. And perhaps that was all that mattered.

However, had he known just it was that was going through the tanner boy’s mind as he attempted to give him solid advice, and or cheer him up in any way Nova could manage, he’d probably wallop the idiot for not paying attention, however… As for what he would do about the thoughts if he had known, he remained clueless.

Though Libertà wasn’t the only one who found his eyes wandering occasionally. Every so often he’d steal a glance at the other’s form from the corner of his eyes. And as if Nova wasn’t already feeling strange that day, it only made matters worse, the given situation. The dimly lit room, the fact that Nova was so very close to him, all they needed was some candle light and soft music and…

Sighing slightly at the other’s words, he shook his head. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to show he hadn’t been listening for most of the conversation, though at least he was attempting to cover it up some what. Glancing over to the other, he blinked in surprise, reaching up to poke one of his cheeks.

“You’re red as tomato sauce, are you getting sick? I know how nerve-wracking this whole situation is, but you shouldn’t let it get to you like that.” If only Nova knew which situation that sentence fit better for, the situation with Dante, or the situation at hand.

Offering a small, gentle smile for the first time ever to Libertà, he gently placed a hand on the other’s thigh which probably given the current situation wasn’t the best thing to do… “Maybe you should spend the rest of the day trying to feel better, instead of worrying yourself. It’ll probably do you some good.”

The comment to his facial tone caused Libertà to panic within'. The contact only caused him more distress, especially when he realized that Nova really did have a soft touch, he could tell that with just a simple poke. Why did he turn to face him?! How could he forget that he was so red?! He got caught up in trying to convince the other that he'd been listening regardless of his outburst, that he forgot that his face was beat red from the rather perverse thinking he'd just been doing moments ago. Tensing up, he quickly shook his head.

"N-No it's not!" He insisted, ready to make up some excuse as to why he was red, when the other did it for him. Silently sighing in relief, he nodded his head. He'd just go with his excuse. " I-I guess it's just because.... I...feel tired, that's all! "

Staring in shock at the others friendly expression, he actually smiled once again himself, despite the situation.

"A--AH... " There it went again, glancing down to the others hand, he felt his mind going crazy. Quickly reaching down and grabbing the others hand, gently squeezing it, he nodded. " You're...right again! Aha..hahaha... I should try to make myself feel good and---.... " Closes his eyes. Why was Nova's word choice so bad?

#deathsarcana #iluuuu

“Huh? Get tired of it?” Those words seemed almost foreign to him. Get… tired of being a flirt? Had this kid lost his marbles, or what? “What’s there to get tired of? It’s just a natural gift, if signorinas flock to you when all you do is act friendly, what’s there to get tired of?” Being a flirt from a younger age, it was almost logical to Debito. How could anyone ever think that flirting was… bad?

As the other got comfortable and starting speaking of Felicità, however, it caught Debito’s attention.

“Bambina?” He mused, crossing his legs and leaning back against the chair. “What about ‘er?”

Once the other had begun to rant about him stopping his flirtatious ways for the sake of Felicità, he couldn’t help but crack a grin. He was honestly, a hundred percent serious about this! Cackling to himself momentarily, he glanced up to the eager blonde across the table before smirking, and shaking his head.

“Sorry, kiddo. But I don’t think I could ever give it up. Flirting’s an art. Besides, while having Bambina would be a bonus, I’m never satisfied with just one woman… Even if Bambina is special.” Folding his arms across his chest, he grinned wider.

“Are you going to tell me to stop chasing her skirt now? Is that what this is about…? ~”

#hiiiii #hermitsarcana #no princess 4 uu

" You call it a gift, I call it messing with others emotions. Especially if you're not completely serious, and devoted--Yet you pretend to be. " Sighing, he knew he was barking up the wrong tree here, Debito had always been this way--And maybe it'd be stranger if he wasn't this way. It'd be taking a big piece of Debito's personality away. Shrugging the thoughts away, he gave a dismissive wave of his hand.

"Forget I said anything. You're hopeless. " Half-joking of a tone, he sighed.

" The Princess is an exception though, " He suddenly grew serious. " You have all these other females you can flirt and mess around with. I'm asking you not to do the same with the Princess. She's gone through enough, and doesn't need to be hurt love-wise. It'd devastate her."

Growling when the other did cackle, he glared harshly at him. "This isn't a joke, Debito!"

Shaking his head in disbelief at the others answer, he was sure that this guy wasn't for the Princess anyways. Arching an eyebrow, he shook his head. " Then dedicate your time one-hundred percent to your other women. Leave her out of it. "

Nods almost immediately, his face going red at the thought of Felicità's skirt. "A-Ah... YES, stop chasing her...Skirt. "

Had it been any other day, when Nova had his wits about him, he might have just pulled out his sword on the other without hesitation. However, he was feeling a bit… strange? The nagging urge to sit there and find out what the Fool’s problem was, was rivaling his overbearing desire to cut him to pieces. This had never happened before, in turn, leaving Nova a very, very confused boy.

Crossing his arms and watching as the other managed to save himself from falling back, he arched a brow. Finally, he was talking.

Staring in surprise at his response, he could only sigh softly before giving the other a surprisingly, understanding glance. Shaking his head, he moved forward, taking the seat beside him, clasping his hands together in his lap.

“Perhaps you’re nervousness is what’s causing that. You want to control your power better, but you’re scared, aren’t you?” Glancing to him from the corner of his eye briefly, he continued, “You also can’t take everything Dante says to heart, either… While he cares for you, he also fears you becoming too strong, and fears you might become too engulfed in your power. Maybe that’s why he’s being so hard on you.”

Glancing up to the ceiling, he sighed. “Either way, it’s not good for you to beat yourself up like this. It’ll only make you feel worse.” His eyes snapped open at his own words, panicking slightly before glancing off to the side. “I mean it isn’t that I’m worried for you or anything, it’s just not healthy. That’s all.”

#OMFG THIS IS SUCH A LONG POST #This'll make up for the lack of responses as of late #deathsarcana #I'm so sorry for the story #CRY

Without any movements, he sat on his bed in silence. He was waiting for the tirade of mockery from the other. It was a perfect opportunity after all, and the two boys seemed to not be able to set aside their internal dislike for one another. Regardless of the fact that they've gone through many adventures together, it seemed that there was some deep-rooted tension between the two that they just couldn't sort out. Almost anticipating the animosity, his shock was doubled when the male didn't even laugh, but instead attempted to offer some advice to Libertà's problems.

Blinking down at his hands in confusion, and peeking at the blue haired male who was now seated at his side, Libertà felt his face get hot. He didn't understand why exactly, but what he did know that Nova was sitting on his bed, and for some reason this caused a strange reaction. Perhaps it was his curious teenage side, whatever the case he hated randomly becoming red, unable to keep his 'curiosity' under wraps. Keeping his gaze averted so that his face couldn't be exposed, he attempted to nervously clear his throat.

" . . . " Peeking at the other once again at what he thought to be an 'opportune' moment, he felt his face grow even redder. If only he had turned his lights on, or even pushed aside one of the curtains in his bedroom, the situation probably wouldn't be as bad as it was. The light in the room was incredibly dim, despite the time of day; making it almost seem like Nova was in the perverse-minded blondes room at an odd hour of the night.

Though in truth, Libertà was only noticing things that he hadn't before. Like... Nova did have incredibly soft looking, pale white skin. His eyes quickly darted to Nova's hands which he of course had resting in his lap.

How would it be to hold the younger males hand anyways? Taking in a deep breath at the thought, though his own complexion wasn't too much different in comparison, he was sure it'd look much different against Nova's. He had many opportunities to feel the others hand, but he never once attempted to do so before. That being...Because he couldn't stand Nova....Right?!?!

Half-listening he swallowed nervously. Why was he doubting himself now, was it those teenage hormones? They were the root of a lot of his problems. Once again he turned so that the other wouldn't be able to see his face. Maybe even if they did hold hands there wouldn't be a fair comparison---I mean it wasn't a lot of skin and....

Shaking his head immediately at the thoughts racing through his mind, he quickly snapped.

" NO NO NO, STOP---... " Freezing up, he arched an eyebrow. What did he do? Now Nova was going to think that he was referring to the advice the other was giving him.

" Ah... I mean..." Scratches the back of his head, would it be rude to say that he was responding to the thoughts he was having--That would imply he wasn't paying attention which would have probably made the situation worse. Here the Chickpea was trying to be nice, and he wasn't paying attention?

".... D...Dante isn't that bad? " He quickly added, not even sure what direction he was going to go with this now. " So I'm just...going to have to get stronger...I mean, he's not trying to be mean by his words, and I know he's worried, I just..." His face continued to grow more, and more red by the minute.

" Want to get stronger, so that I don't have to concern him anymore. " It wasn't as though what he was saying was a complete lie. Sighing softly he nodded. " Don't worry, I won't think any less of you for trying to help me out when I'm feeling down. " Grins, looking over to--Completely forgetting the fact that he was blushing.

"Promise!"

Walking into the establishment rather nonchalantly, he grinned at a few of the ladies he passed by, blowing them a solitary kiss before following after Libertà and putting his hands back into his pockets. The smell of the different Italian cuisines were making his stomach churn in starvation as well… When was the last time he ate, anyway? He’d been so preoccupied with… other things, that he’d lost track of time.

Dazing off before being called back to attention by the happy-go-lucky blonde, he arched a brow, grinning and following after him to grab said seats before some rude old signora or otherwise attempted to steal them.

Taking his seat, he folded his arms behind his head, glancing around aimlessly before his gaze landed back on Libertà.

“You wanted to ask me somethin’, didn’t you?” He questioned, picking up a menu and glancing over it half-heartedly, not really caring what to get, so long as it wasn’t lasagna, he was overly sick of the taste and even more, the sight of that food.

#hermits-arcana #hermitsarcana #ok #ilu2

"Don't you ever get tired of being an incurable flirt, Debito?" Sighing slightly, he really didn't approve of the others flirtatious behavior, especially if he.... Shaking his head immediately, he just sighed. He'd address that subject in a few moments matter-of-fact.

" ...?! " Jumping out of his thought, he glanced over his shoulders, before turning completely to face him. Nodding his head, he leaned lazily on the table, cupping his face in his hands as he stared at Debito idly.

" It's about the Princess," He began, glancing down momentarily, and immediately bringing his attention back up. " If you're going to continue to pursue her, I need to know that your feelings for her are genuine! " Expression completely void of any other emotion, he was actually quite serious about the subject. Even if they were all part of the Famiglia, he still felt that he had an obligation to the Princess. If she was going to be pursued, he had to make sure that it'd be by someone who was devoted to her.

" Are you willing to give up being a flirt for her? "

He couldn’t believe that the other had even caught a glimpse of his expression. He’d never hear the end of it now. Luckily he’d turned away to avoid any prolonged staring. It was only once the other has tossed a pillow at his head that he froze in place. Glancing down at the pillow that fell to the floor after it made contact with his head, he scowled slightly.

Jumping at the other’s sudden outburst, he blinked in surprise, glancing back to him before arching a brow, reddening ever more slightly, before turning away and glaring at him from the corner of his eyes.

“I’m not here for your entertainment!” He growled, grabbing up the pillow before tossing it harshly back at him, before stepping forward, crossing his arms and staring down at the other.

“I’ll ask you once more, what’s bothering you? Did something happen with Dante today?” Whether he wanted to allow it or not, his genuine concern was showing.

#deathsarcana #deaths-arcana #ok good #but dont lie #u looooov me #8D

Half expecting the other to pull his weapon out and attempt to attack him, he quickly glanced to his own sword which he recalled having left near the entrance of the room in between all his moping.

"--!Oomph!! " At the greeting of his own pillow hitting his face, the force caused him to nearly topple backwards. Luckily catching his balance in time, he sat back up straight, letting the pillow fall down onto his lap.

"... "

"It's not Dante's fault. I just--" Sigh loudly, scratching the back of his head. " Need to train more. I thought after the Arcana Duello that I'd be able to control my ability more, but...Dante says I've gone backwards instead." Smiles halfheartedly, averting his gaze. Why the hell would he tell Nova this?! He'd only tease him for his lack of progress, and probably gloat about his own strength.

Watching the other fix his tousled hair only brought a wide grin to the other’s face. Following along behind the buoyant blonde, he stuffed his hands in his pockets, cackling at the other’s words.

“Maybe we should all just gang up on him then, eh?” He smirked, even with his strength, Pace couldn’t take them all could he?

It was only when he’d pulled ahead of the other that he’d blinked in surprise, glancing left and right for any sign of Libertà, before looking forward. Arching a brow, he then glanced back just as his name was called,

“Eh?” He scratched at the back of his head. “Something important, huh? Alright, kid. You can ask me once we get inside, it’s gettin’ near Lunch hour and I don’t wanna be left without a table.” Following him inside, his amber eyes wandered around, his mind puzzled at what exactly Libertà could have wanted to ask him.

#hermitsarcana #ilu2 #but stop with that damn face or else

Taking a moment to think about that, Libertà was pretty sure he could take Pace on if everyone else was assisting. Smirking, he gave Debito a thumbs-up-- a sign of approval for his plan, perhaps?

Staring down at the ground as the others answered, he quickly nodded. Taking in a deep breath once they were inside, he felt his stomach churn, that's what you get for fishing, training, and getting chewed out by Dante all day. The aromas of the freshly made food were not helping the situation either. Grinning sheepishly when he realized he was just standing by idly, he looked around for some seats they could take.

" . . .!!! " Glances back to Debito, grinning.

"There are seats over there! Come on before they're taken. " Hours like these always caused these small simple restaurants to be jam-packed..and....Jam-packed it was. It was almost a competition to get a seat, too. Quickly rushing to claim the table, which luckily for him happened to be near a window, he grinned. Instead of browsing the menu like he should have been doing, his eyes instead focused on outside said window. Watching each passerby hurry to their next destination usually brought a dorky smile on his face.

Continuing his efforts to avoid eye-contact, he sighed at the other’s fidgeting, and lack of talking. Something was up, and it was irking Nova. Why? He didn’t understand. Though deep down, he considered Libertà to be a friend, he didn’t want those feelings to surface outside.

At the small quip of ‘Sorry’, the boy’s blue gaze glared downward, just in time to meet the blonde’s eyes. Not something he wanted to do. Feeling his cheeks redden with frustration, he glanced off to the side.

“Do I look like an idiot to you?” He scoffed, crossing his arms and actually turning his back on the other. “Fine, if you don’t want to tell me, forget I asked. I was just trying to be— …” Not finishing that, he began making his way for the door, the color growing on his cheeks as he grew more frustrated, and perhaps even for other reasons as well.

#deathsarcana #dont leave me tsundere kun #pls

Managing to catch the strange tint on the others face, he froze momentarily. His curiosity causing him to completely focus on Nova now. Arches an eyebrow, all the while not taking his gaze off of him. It seemed Libertà wasn't the only one acting strangely. Tilting his head, his fidgeting with the blankets ceased completely, as his undivided attention was now on the other boy.

"..Ah!! "

Frowning slightly when the other turned his back to him, he inwardly panicked for reasons unknown to even himself. Strangely enough, even if he was just a chickpea, he was company, and maybe that's what Libertà needed. Nova did come this way, using some obvious lame excuse about how the Princess would be concerned after all, so that showed at least he had some sort of genuine feelings towards Libertà being down.

In a panic, and without thinking he quickly reached over grabbing one of his pillows, and tossing it at the others head.

"OI. IF YOU'RE GOING TO CHEER ME UP, DO IT RIGHT!" That....Wasn't how he wanted that to go. Just kicks himself inwardly.

izakyon-deactivated20140611

#Libertà #Arcana Famiglia

vxrsxtilee

#Arcana Famiglia #Libertà #GIF

The silver-haired male felt no need to open, let alone read the letter once he found out who it was from. Curiosity killed the cat, after all. And he had no interest in anything Jolly had to say to him. Especially since he had a feeling it was just the other attempting to beckon him into his laboratory, and that just wasn’t happening.

“Yeah, lunch. What else? It’s too early for dinner.” He mused, shaking his head.

Grinning knowingly, he once more ruffled Libertà’s hair, nodding and pointing over his shoulder. “Yeah, yeah. Sure. I got it covered, just hurry before Pace finds us and expects me to treat him too. He still owes me for paying off his last tab.” Smirking, he led the other down the corridor and out to your generic Italiana restaurant.

#hermitsarcana #Awful because of that face you made O_O #Oh no I made it too #AAAAA

Excited at the thought of lunch, it was the simple things that seemingly cheered Libertà up. Nodding his head, and actually laughing at his hair being ruffled, he brought his hands up immediately afterward to fix his already mussed hair.

" Good luck! He owes me, and Nova money too." Just runs ahead of the other anxiously, glancing back and blinking. Ceases his walking, curiously staring at the golden-eyed male, before averting his gaze.

"Debito?" Pauses, thinking about how exactly he wants to word this. " There's something I want to ask you, and it's important so no jokes!" Frowning, and running after the male to keep up, he grinned at the restaurant sign, before hurriedly pushing the door open.

He was mentally kicking himself for allowing his caring to show. Sighing and running a hand through his dark blue tresses, he bit back his desire to make some sort of sarcastic comment, or rude remark. Taking in a deep breath, he crossed his arms, glancing down at the other, possibly one of the only times he’d be taller than him.

“Why is it you’re in such a bad mood?” He bluntly asked, his sapphire orbs not even daring to make eye-contact, but instead eyeing a pattern on the bed-spread. “The princess might grow concerned with how you’re acting.” Nice excuse, Nova. At least, to him it was, if he used Felicità as an excuse, it made it seem like he wasn’t worried, right?