Suki sat on the wall outside the Rook, legs crossed in front of her. She was dressed relatively normally; black long sleeved turtleneck, jeans, high boots, a jacket that looked like it might have been stolen by Woods. A duffel bag sat at her feet, zipped shut but clearly filled with all sorts of unmentionables. She was a little early, so she'd pulled her phone from her pocket and was staring forlornly at Duckling's contact.
It wouldn't take long for Tooth to get there. He wouldn't miss this for anything in the world, not when he knew what Medusa was capable of doing with just a second. Besides, a better reason to use his combat boots again.
"Hey." He doesn't want to chat or engage in any friendly interaction with Suki. Right how, he sees her as a work-buddy, an accomplice. Nothing against her, just had a lot in his mind. "Ready to go?"
Hihihi!!! I dunno who will get this, but just checking in on the duo.... How are you guys?! (Or one of you if only one will respond...)
- @ask-kittysgt
Answering for the both of us. Esteban is doing obnoxiously (affectionate) good lately, blah blah personal things you'd have to ask them about.
Me? I guess I'm okay. Recently I've had a streak of good days. If you asked me about this another day, I'd say it's a "the calm before the storm" streak, but Esteban brought the DTJ back, so I guess I'm not allowed to say those things anymore.
Happy pride month to everyone!! Even if the closet feels okay, if you ain't sure, if you already came out, pride month is EVERY month. I know 's hard, but you will always have people who love you.
I found mine, and I know you can, too.
But love has to come from YOU first. Be kinder to yourself, love and let live.
Esteban heard his footstep, his tainted path. They knew it was him, even if there was something... strange to the way he moved; lighter, cautious, like approaching a dangerous animal for a check-up.
They didn't turn to look at him, a pit of emotions forming in their stomach.
"Esteban." Tooth called out, unhurriedly shutting the door behind him. There's clear hesitation, and a growing sense of shame Esteban doesn't think he has seen him have.
"I'm glad you're okay." Is all they responded, sitting on the couch looking the opposite direction. They're mindlessly playing with their phone, scrolling to get his mind off things. He's hurt, and though he loves Lauren like his friend, what he did truly harmed him.
"Can we talk?" In the same way he had done to enter their home, he took a step closer. "Or just let me explain what happened." His heartbeat began to rise.
Esteban shrugged, trying his best to not let the impulse to run up and hug him get the better of him. What was the point of caring for everyone, if not everyone cared for him?
He took the hint, simply staying a few feet away. "I left, and I'm..." That word always got stuck on the tip of his tongue, he hated saying it. But not to Esteban. "I'm sorry I left. And I'm sorry for making you worry, and for not being there when he came back. I shouldn't have, because you were vulnerable and... I ran like an asshole. It doesn't mean I don't care, I just didn't have the balls to face it." After that, a long silence between them made the room feel tense, tight. They were thinking on how to put their thoughts into words without breaking down.
"Did you know about it?" They finally mumbled, bringing his knees to his chest.
"No. I would've never let him get away with it if I knew. Hell, even know I plan to kill him."
Esteban nodded. With a pat on the spot next to his, he signaled Tooth to sit with him, which he obviously agreed.
"I want you to prove that you care. I don't like how one-sided this is." As he said this, Duckling rested his head against Tooth's arm. "I don't want you to keep these... types of secrets with me. Not this kind, at least." His speech grew softer when a hand came to gently scratch his head, causing him to close his eyes briefly.
