The self is absolute.

He waved a hand and shook the insult off. “Yeah, yeah. I gotcha. I’ll cool off, I guess.”

The situation just wasn’t one that Isamu liked talking about. He wasn’t a bum because he wanted to fucking be. It wasn’t his fault that he was poor. Goddamn, it was actually kind of painful to hear that from someone. But Naoki was always an asshole so why was he even surprised?

“I said I wouldn’t mope, anyway. So whatever.”

Maybe if Naoki flicked Isamu’s forehead, it’d improve both their moods. So, he did. “You better not.” Naoki said with a small grin. That was a small apology in itself, but it probably wouldn’t be good enough for a guy like Isamu. Or anyone else for that matter. Somewhere someone had once told Naoki that his honesty would hurt a lot of people, and when he would play around, people would take him too seriously. It almost made Naoki say out loud, “Life is hard”, because it is for Naoki. Not many people understand him, and he doesn’t expect anyone to. Ever.

Isamu ignored the forehead flick and just decided he was better off lazing around against the wall. He stared at the sky. It was blue and clear and not filled with the katsuguchi moon. Thank God. Sometimes he still had nightmares about that other place. Better here at this shithole than there.

"This school may be a piece of crap but at least the view's nice, right?"

Again he did another eyeroll. People sure were something, especially the ones called friends. Did he even have any? Did Isamu count? Probably, maybe. Sometimes Naoki knew, sometimes he didn’t. This was one of those times, but only because he was mildly irritated because of Isamu. People were agitating. They always were, besides his mom. Though, she wasn’t around much either but Naoki didn’t complain. Still, the thought remained with him for a long time.

“Yeah, I know. Why do I even bother.” Naoki sighed. He didn’t feel like playing anymore. The mood pretty much died, and it probably started to decline as soon as Isamu stepped through the door.

“I don’t feel like playing anymore.” Part of him wanted to add a “sorry” but he was too much an ass right now to do any of that.

Isamu sighed. This was why he shouldn't bother. Naoki was always encouraging him not to stay alone so he gave in a little bit. Well, some help that did. There was a reason Isamu didn't like people around. They were fickle and stupid and hated being told the truth. He was the same. That was how it worked with people.

He put the controller down and stood up. "Go back to sleep or jerk off or whatever it is you do. I'll get my ass out of here."

Isamu wandered his way into the journalism room after using the bathroom. Maybe if he could find some empty classroom the teacher wouldn't find him and he'd get out of the rest of that awful class. Isamu hated math...and most other subjects. He like languages though. But only because they were a gateway to somewhere that wasn't here. He could go find a home in the country somewhere and be a hermit. Life dreams were good.

#asakurakichou

luvbeam

Well, hey hey babies~ it's my Birthday!

Now who’s gonna come give Michel-sama some lovin’, hmmm?

catagonist-deactivated20130225

Isamu quickly turned away from the other student. God he hated loud people like that.

#luvbeam

He wasn’t much of a ‘nerd’ per say but he did enjoy reading from time to time. That’s pretty how he ended up sitting in the library reading a book during is free time, seeing as he had finished all of his work a while ago.

Isamu saw the other from across the room and as much as he hated people. He hated doing work even more. So he took his chances and left his studying aside and went to speak with the other student.

"Hey. Whatcha listening to?"

#catagonist

Isamu was sitting around in the library area. He was failing classes again, but even sitting here now, he couldn't find the motivation to actually study. He was better off just looking like he was doing something. Now all he needed was a distraction that was a good excuse for his poor work ethic.

#[[Open.]]

Isamu just shoved him a bit in response. “I wouldn’t have to if you two would shut up.” A game of place the blame, it seemed. That was fine, Isamu was pretty good at this game in particular. “If you want them back, come take ‘em. But they’re covered in my earwax, I hope you know that.”

Not to mention, Isamu would probably just waltz in and take them again. It’s not like Heat was good at locking the door to their room so Isamu usually just took that as an invitation to walk in and treat it like his own. And occasionally he would steal a beer or two and blame it on Heat, as well. Those were just the perks of being Isamu. He doubted Naoki would really do much about it because of their friendship. Though, he wasn’t expecting to keep this friendship when he switched schools. Oh well, no complaints. It meant free food and free stuff and that was always good…not that he was going to admit he needed the help from other people. Nope, wasn’t gonna happen.

“You’re such a bum. Maybe I should just buy you a pair or something.” He rolled his eyes. Even if Naoki bought Isamu a pair, he’d end up taking Naoki’s earphones anyway. They were a rare, special edition that he requested be made for him specifically. Small panda earphones. Yes, panda but the sound quality was amazing. They were good for when Naoki wanted to fall asleep to Matsuda Seiko, his favorite idol.

“You better friggen’ clean them when you give them back, Isamu. If you won’t take care of my shit I’ll find more stupid shit to argue over with Heat, then you’ll never get any sleep.” That much he could certainly do. Naoki and Heat could argue over anything from everything. To a spec of dust being seen in the air to who got dibs on the television Naoki himself brought in. Such a pain in the fucking ass, that Heat.

Isamu rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll take good care of your goddamn babies, Naoki. Chill out.”

Isamu wasn’t destructive and though he’d admit he probably didn’t wash them it wasn’t like he’d just take them to fuck them up. God, sometimes Isamu really hated how little Naoki thought of him. Then again, everyone thought little of him. He wasn’t really much important to most people. He was practically paint on the walls. Well, fancily dressed paint anyway.

“Whatever.” Damn…now he was sulking again.

Naoki rolled his eyes too because of how defensive Isamu had gotten. He was only kidding, not like Naoki would actually intentionally argue with Heat. Wait, that was a full blown lie but no one needed to know that. “It was a joke Isamu. Maybe you should relax.” He didn’t feel like apologizing, even when Isamu was sulking. Slowly the asshole in Naoki was being brought out again. There were just some things that pissed Naoki off about Isamu. Actually, he frustrated him sometimes. But, there were the good times where they actually had fun. It’s just weird now. They’re both different people. Maybe the incompatibility died down. By a lot.

He waved a hand and shook the insult off. "Yeah, yeah. I gotcha. I'll cool off, I guess."

The situation just wasn't one that Isamu liked talking about. He wasn't a bum because he wanted to fucking be. It wasn't his fault that he was poor. Goddamn, it was actually kind of painful to hear that from someone. But Naoki was always an asshole so why was he even surprised?

"I said I wouldn't mope, anyway. So whatever."

“Oh so they’re more special to you than your friend? Gee, Naoki, that really hurts.” He was kidding, of course, and he sure as hell made sure to make it sound that way. But it was worth pointing out just to see how Naoki would react to that. He seemed to hate to like to admit that he actually cared about others. Though, Isamu could understand that. Isamu wasn’t a person who liked people either, so it wasn’t something he brought up much.

He really only made the comment out of annoyance. And a bit of jealously. Naoki was always flaunting his goddamn money around.

“Do I hear a hint of jealousy, Isamu?” Naoki joked. “Your fault for wanting to be alone!” He smiled. Which, was actually true despite the joke.

Isamu was probably still paying the price for what he did back then in some way. If he needed any sort of help, Naoki wouldn’t mind helping him. His friends, were one of the former Demi-Fiend’s many weaknesses. Somehow, that upset him, for many reasons he didn’t want to think about tonight.

Isamu glared. He was just joking. Naoki was really pilling on the tough subjects today. Naoki better be fucking joking. Otherwise he was going to get some serious complaints from this side of the conversation.

“And if it weren’t for your constant nagging, I probably would be alone too.” He really didn’t want to bring up anything too tough to talk about but he couldn’t stop himself now. “To me, it sounds more like you’re the one who needs people, Naoki.”

Then again, this could just be Isamu being a hypocrite again.

Naoki made a face, the teen was pouting. He hated it when people gave him the wrong kind of attention, where they were talking about him and his problems rather than focusing on the good aspects of him. Like, his strength of good looks. But even that made him unhappy, for other reasons he didn’t want to talk about to anyone.

“So, you want me to leave you alone then? By yourself and stay on the white wall where no one will ever notice you.”

His tone got a little more serious, “We’re not talking about me here, Isamu. You’re like a little kid.” Naoki had no place to say anything, but who fucking cared, “I’m used to being alone. Not like I outwardly make it known that I’m just going to be a wallflower forever, like you do.” And with that comment, he was more so talking about his family. Who had only cared about him because he was the only boy. Other than that, he was just some bastard child with ugly blue eyes. The thought of it just made him more and more pissed off.

Isamu sighed. This was going to get them nowhere and fast. Seriously, Naoki was so full of himself sometimes.

Just because you were alone a lot doesn't mean I wasn't either, Jackass.

Isamu wanted to say more, a lot more. He had extremely good reasoning as to why he should've just been left to do his own thing. It's not like Naoki had been much help back then anyway. Isamu may have used him, but that alone is proof that he could get things done on his own. It just required the right kind of "people skills".

He wanted to say all that. But he didn't. Because he knew Naoki would think he sounded like a criminal or something. He meant no ill will towards others. He honestly just wanted his life to be clear of any annoyances.

"Call me a kid all you want, Naoki. That doesn't change things." Isamu debated if he should just leave now and forget about this whole gaming thing. He knew there was a reason they weren't getting along too well shortly before the move.

Isamu just shoved him a bit in response. “I wouldn’t have to if you two would shut up.” A game of place the blame, it seemed. That was fine, Isamu was pretty good at this game in particular. “If you want them back, come take ‘em. But they’re covered in my earwax, I hope you know that.”

Not to mention, Isamu would probably just waltz in and take them again. It’s not like Heat was good at locking the door to their room so Isamu usually just took that as an invitation to walk in and treat it like his own. And occasionally he would steal a beer or two and blame it on Heat, as well. Those were just the perks of being Isamu. He doubted Naoki would really do much about it because of their friendship. Though, he wasn’t expecting to keep this friendship when he switched schools. Oh well, no complaints. It meant free food and free stuff and that was always good…not that he was going to admit he needed the help from other people. Nope, wasn’t gonna happen.

“You’re such a bum. Maybe I should just buy you a pair or something.” He rolled his eyes. Even if Naoki bought Isamu a pair, he’d end up taking Naoki’s earphones anyway. They were a rare, special edition that he requested be made for him specifically. Small panda earphones. Yes, panda but the sound quality was amazing. They were good for when Naoki wanted to fall asleep to Matsuda Seiko, his favorite idol.

“You better friggen’ clean them when you give them back, Isamu. If you won’t take care of my shit I’ll find more stupid shit to argue over with Heat, then you’ll never get any sleep.” That much he could certainly do. Naoki and Heat could argue over anything from everything. To a spec of dust being seen in the air to who got dibs on the television Naoki himself brought in. Such a pain in the fucking ass, that Heat.

Isamu rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll take good care of your goddamn babies, Naoki. Chill out."

Isamu wasn't destructive and though he'd admit he probably didn't wash them it wasn't like he'd just take them to fuck them up. God, sometimes Isamu really hated how little Naoki thought of him. Then again, everyone thought little of him. He wasn't really much important to most people. He was practically paint on the walls. Well, fancily dressed paint anyway.

"Whatever." Damn...now he was sulking again.

“Oh so they’re more special to you than your friend? Gee, Naoki, that really hurts.” He was kidding, of course, and he sure as hell made sure to make it sound that way. But it was worth pointing out just to see how Naoki would react to that. He seemed to hate to like to admit that he actually cared about others. Though, Isamu could understand that. Isamu wasn’t a person who liked people either, so it wasn’t something he brought up much.

He really only made the comment out of annoyance. And a bit of jealously. Naoki was always flaunting his goddamn money around.

“Do I hear a hint of jealousy, Isamu?” Naoki joked. “Your fault for wanting to be alone!” He smiled. Which, was actually true despite the joke.

Isamu was probably still paying the price for what he did back then in some way. If he needed any sort of help, Naoki wouldn’t mind helping him. His friends, were one of the former Demi-Fiend’s many weaknesses. Somehow, that upset him, for many reasons he didn’t want to think about tonight.

Isamu glared. He was just joking. Naoki was really pilling on the tough subjects today. Naoki better be fucking joking. Otherwise he was going to get some serious complaints from this side of the conversation.

"And if it weren't for your constant nagging, I probably would be alone too." He really didn't want to bring up anything too tough to talk about but he couldn't stop himself now. "To me, it sounds more like you're the one who needs people, Naoki."

Then again, this could just be Isamu being a hypocrite again.

Isamu rolled his eyes at Naoki’s statement. “You honestly think I would wreak your stuff? I haven’t ever done that!” Granted, it was because Isamu was always too weak to really do damage to anything but he left that part out. He wasn’t going to be throwing things today. Even if getting the crappier gun was a bit insulting. Did Isamu really look like the kind of guy that liked white?

He rolled his eyes at his friend, shrugging the comment off.

“Whatever, I’m only saying. I bought these with my own money, so they’re more special to me.” “Like a lot of other things. ‘Course by that I mean my other games.” His expression softened. Thinking about all the times he stayed up for midnight releases and waking up early for other game related things. It was a good think Naoki was nocturnal. Sleep wasn’t really his thing, but lately the lack of it was starting to get to his body. A part of him did forget he was a full human now. In some ways, he missed having all that power, but at the same time he didn’t. It’s not to say he’s weak now. The teen made sure that he was still in shape, and he still looked good too. The thought made him grin. Sad that Isamu was still a stick.

"Oh so they're more special to you than your friend? Gee, Naoki, that really hurts." He was kidding, of course, and he sure as hell made sure to make it sound that way. But it was worth pointing out just to see how Naoki would react to that. He seemed to hate to like to admit that he actually cared about others. Though, Isamu could understand that. Isamu wasn't a person who liked people either, so it wasn't something he brought up much.

He really only made the comment out of annoyance. And a bit of jealously. Naoki was always flaunting his goddamn money around.

Isamu sneered. “Weren’t you the one that kept telling me to go back to class?” Though, Isamu shouldn’t complain, he really would prefer just staying up here on the roof. The sky was all clear, no storms ready to brew, thank goodness. And it was much nicer just being here.

Sure, he’d rather be here alone but at least it Naoki was asleep it’d be close to the same effect.

“And you’re probably just tired. I hear you and your room mate arguing all night about that bed. Maybe if you guys stopped arguing so loudly and just slept you wouldn’t be so tired right now.” And I’d finally get some goddamn peace and quiet.

“You know, I have to sleep with earplugs in thanks to you two.”

Naoki waved his hand around.

“I know, I know. But, I’m tired now so you can forget I even said that. That is, until your grades start going to shit or something.”

He found himself laying on the pale floor, and it was cold. Really cold actually, but Naoki was used to sleeping in places like these. Except that his surroundings were nicer, peaceful, and that he didn’t have to have one eye open. Coming back into society again took some time. Only because he had to allow himself to grow out of that animal instinct (which never truly did go away, but no one needed to know about it).

“My roommate is stubborn, and he’s stupid. If it weren’t for him, I’d be sleeping soundly and all that shit. Take it up with him, but your ears might bleed.” He groaned. “Weren’t those my earplugs anyway, Isamu? You’re always taking something from me, I swear to God.”

And with that last comment, Naoki simply stuck his tongue out at his friend.

Isamu just shoved him a bit in response. "I wouldn't have to if you two would shut up." A game of place the blame, it seemed. That was fine, Isamu was pretty good at this game in particular. "If you want them back, come take 'em. But they're covered in my earwax, I hope you know that."

Not to mention, Isamu would probably just waltz in and take them again. It's not like Heat was good at locking the door to their room so Isamu usually just took that as an invitation to walk in and treat it like his own. And occasionally he would steal a beer or two and blame it on Heat, as well. Those were just the perks of being Isamu. He doubted Naoki would really do much about it because of their friendship. Though, he wasn't expecting to keep this friendship when he switched schools. Oh well, no complaints. It meant free food and free stuff and that was always good...not that he was going to admit he needed the help from other people. Nope, wasn't gonna happen.

Isamu put up his signature smile at that point. It was good to know that Naoki’s wasn’t being a complete dick about all this for once. It was something that Isamu had really thought long and hard about. Hell, he made a whole Reason based on this shit. There had to be some sort of thought behind it all. Isamu may be hypocritical, but he’s not stupid.

“I guess if even someone as hardheaded as you can try to be upbeat, then I can probably return to my former glory.” And by former glory he means his ability to stay smiling even when everyone pisses him off. Which they do, of course but he used to not speak up about it. Besides, the less they notice him, the less he has to deal with all that.

“The world itself may not have changed, but we’ve got a crapload of change packed away in our experiences.” I think, anyway…

Naoki poked Isamu’s forehead for the fun of it. “That’s a good way of saying it. Even people like us could help change the world, if we wanted to. But, I’m on vacation right now. Though if someone were to ruin that, I might have to step in and fix that. Hopefully no one is stupid enough to think their way of living is so important enough…that we all have to live in it.”

He groaned. People were so selfish, so stupid sometimes but it was whatever. Naoki shook his head and slid back against the wall. Suddenly, he felt drowsy.

“I think your whole weak body thing passed onto me. Now I feel tired as Hell, and I dunno why. Maybe it was that shitty soda I had earlier. Fuckin’ hate cherry. Anyway, I don’t care about class right now, so let’s just skip the whole day.”

A nap sounded good right now.

Isamu sneered. "Weren't you the one that kept telling me to go back to class?" Though, Isamu shouldn't complain, he really would prefer just staying up here on the roof. The sky was all clear, no storms ready to brew, thank goodness. And it was much nicer just being here.

Sure, he'd rather be here alone but at least it Naoki was asleep it'd be close to the same effect.

"And you're probably just tired. I hear you and your room mate arguing all night about that bed. Maybe if you guys stopped arguing so loudly and just slept you wouldn't be so tired right now." And I'd finally get some goddamn peace and quiet.

"You know, I have to sleep with earplugs in thanks to you two."

Luckily enough, Isamu had been able to take some cash out of the couch and areas like that in his dorm room. His room mate had more money than he did anyway, so it was pretty nice to just be able to use the spare change down at the arcade. But he hasn’t been there as frequently as he used due to it being so much farther away than it used to be. And well, he can’t afford the transit to go there as much these days. But he’s not as out of practice as one would think so he might have a chance this time.

“We’ll just have to see, won’t we?” Isamu’s not out of the game. He was pretty damn set on this one today. Isamu can get pretty competitive if it’s something he actually shows interest in. Not to mention, this is Naoki he’s dealing with.

He was just glad Naoki didn’t make a qualm about his height when talking the sensor’s height. It allowed him to calibrate his guy without chucking at Naoki’s head. Not that that would do anything but still…

“Don’t get mad and break the TV or anything, Isamu. It may be a small TV but it’s still pretty great. HD and all that fancy shit.” Naoki actually wasn’t one for TV. He found most of the broadcasts boring and far from useful. Actually his TV here and the one at home were more used for gaming, which he was quite fond of.

“It takes time to get the calibration right. This game is a bit weird. Though, I’m sure you’ll adapt, eventually.” Picking up his black light gun, a special one he ordered online, Naoki kissed it. “You can have the ugly white one.” That one was his least favorite.

Isamu rolled his eyes at Naoki's statement. "You honestly think I would wreak your stuff? I haven't even done that!" Granted, it was because Isamu was always too weak to really do damage to anything but he left that part out. He wasn't going to be throwing things today. Even if getting the crappier gun was a bit insulting. Did Isamu really look like the kind of guy that liked white?

herrdoktorvictor-deactivated201

Ahahaha I have returned! Did you all miss me, boys and girls? I am terribly sorry for my absence- but you see, I can explain why I have been gone for so long! It went like this: I was working in the lab late one night when my eyes beheld an eerie sight! For my monster from his slab began to rise and suddenly to my surprise- He did the mash!

herrdoktorvictor-deactivated201

Isamu blinked and looked down the hall. Was he really trying to make that sort of a reference? Sure, it was close to halloween but this was really ridiculous. Honestly, did someone as crazy as this really need to ask for more attention? Especially when Isamu generally didn’t get any. Some people hog all the good things in the world.

“Er…and what sort of monster was this?” I swear to God if there are more demons around here, I’m switching schools again.

>Victor had no idea he was actually making a reference. He really did begin to dance furiously when his subject rose from the table to do a jig! Wait, was it even a monster? Did it really matter? “Shh…he’s very sensitive about what he is! All that matters is he really knows how to pass the time!”

#herrdoktorvictor #[[I love your Victor though so its okay.]]

Isamu blinks for a moment.

What the hell is that supposed to mean, you crackpot?

"And that means you can't tell me about him?" Though somewhere in his head, Isamu is wondering if he should just bolt and run in the other direction. Because it if is a demon well...he and demons didn't get along well. Not at all. But unfortunately for Isamu, it takes way more effort to run off than he's willing to put into the action. So for now, he'll just wait it out and see how this all plays out.

"Okay fine. Tell me his name or something!" Demons all had weird ass names like choo-choo train or something stupid like that, right? Well, this was the only chance he had at learning anything at this point.

herrdoktorvictor-deactivated201

Ahahaha I have returned! Did you all miss me, boys and girls? I am terribly sorry for my absence- but you see, I can explain why I have been gone for so long! It went like this: I was working in the lab late one night when my eyes beheld an eerie sight! For my monster from his slab began to rise and suddenly to my surprise- He did the mash!