Resigned, yet still fighting

[ sideblog from @noirmuses ]

[unvvoundjustice]

Do you like former Villains? One that finally is free from Jail and currently tired af wishing people could stop trying to reach of him? Here’s a Future Clive ready not ready to be pestered!

Reblog and/or like if you wish to interact < 3

[unvvoundjustice]

[ tricksterfinale· ]

“Oh, so you haven’t forgotten how I bullied you into having a private meeting with me, huh?” Hikaru teases as he runs his fingers through Clive’s hair, letting out a tiny hum as he does so. “Because I think that’s pretty sappy of you, huh, Mr. Journalist?”

        " Some blackmail and bullying here and there – with a record like mine not even politicians wanted to get close by with how much Information I hold yet...? " And Clive laughs, meeting the comfort of those hands with pleasure. " Yet you dared — It's not something one would forget that easily, Hikaru. " Especially if that someone was such a smart-ass pretty face that just casually also became something even more than just his partner in bringing out even the most of rotten scoops. What could he complain about? Besides that this guy right here is an absolute cheese when he wants to?

         "  I like it this way. " He'd say after some silence, and a humming laugh.

[unvvoundjustice]

[ shxtteredlegacy· ]

{♟}” I’m glad you think so. I had a hard time choosing between this and salted caramel fudge, both are really good. But if you enjoy it as well then I made the right decision then.” It was quite funny to see someone who is constantly praised for being a scholar talk about sweets like a child.

Sycamore really was a strange man.

{♟}” But it’s nice…With how busy I can be, It’s just nice to sit down and relax sometimes. Not to mention sharing said quiet time and a treat with you.”

         While not a scholar to the topic of sweets, Clive had the small tingle he maybe has a sweet tooth somewhere beneath the many layers yet to be discovered. But any thoughts are shoved back into the abyss as he keeps himself entertained with the professor's anecdote, giving a look that feigns curiosity but there's actually amusement. " Really? Perhaps next time then you should bring the other one. But would mister Raymond approve? Considering he's been warning you, professor. " But? Clive would not snitch, it was funnier to see how the old man caught red handed the professor and throw those obvious parent-like looks of silent disapproval.

         " But that aside... Yes, while I tend to also keep myself alone when serving even something self-indulgent, it's not that bad to share something. So I thank you for the opportunity - ah... " Pausing, the former reporter lets himself get another bite of the sweet, even with the attempt to conceal just how much he was enjoying it for the sake of remaining professional, for there was no need of it. "  Excuse me - ahem - yes... Considering you got your hands full... This is quite nice to share! Perhaps I could attend to those meetings to help but I'd rather not impose - " And there's a sheepish laugh, dismissing his though given it felt stupid to voice. Perhaps an unconscious attempt to go out and for things outside what already Clive pulls himself into.

[unvvoundjustice]

[ tricksterfinale· ]

He sleeps a lot more than he used to; that much is something that Hikaru could remember. It’s one of the few things that he could remember from before, that the cat liked to chide him about his sleeping habits and now? He’d gone rather silent when it was getting later into the nights.

“Mhm.” He wouldn’t say that he needed the warmth, though it felt better when he wasn’t shivering to get that heat that he was missing. He keeps himself close to Clive, still nuzzled against the journalist’s chest—Content to ignore the world around them even more so than usual. “…Not sleeping right now. Already slept the morning away. Sakura-san dragged me out of bed.” The pout could be heard in the latter part of that, though it’s not like Sojiro hadn’t had good reason for waking him up. Worry.

“I don’t get what’s his deal about me eating anyways. It won’t help. And food just tastes like ash to me.”

          " Ooh, then is just an indulgence. Got it. Though... " Clive lets a snort out, gently ruffling pale locks of hair gently while an apologetic grin spreads. " Your tendency to weaponize your cold hands is concerning. " Not at all actually, just a jest for the sake of livening more the mood - he's laughing under his breath given that even. " Now all left is you get to grow a cat tail and swat my face with it just to get me out reading my papers. " Which.... considering Hikaru's nature, maybe it's possible? probably not?

        " Oh, but it's for your body... You're thin —! " and yes, it has helped - considering the others have actively monitored Hikaru's weight here and there and there's been some progress. " So... yeah, while it feels like having to be forced boring hospital food, lets say you get more comfortable warmth as a reward of at least trying a bite. How about it? " Though Clive wasn't the one that nagged the former wildcard the most with it - it was a dislike to it give he himself haves being forced things.... Perhaps a bad influence, in other words.

[unvvoundjustice]

[ tricksterfinale· ]

The godling knows false smiles when he sees them, having compared to the smiles that Clive Dove used around him and the ones that Goro Akechi frequently wore on TV. It’s not hard to make the comparison between the two and find them strikingly similar, though Hikaru wasn’t so sure why he had even bothered to notice that. Perhaps it was just that they were the two that he saw the most often out of the people who claimed to know him before Father had taken him home.

He doesn’t know why there’s something of a dull ache beginning when he thinks about it for too long, though the nickname is something that makes him perk up. He lets him guide them to somewhere quieter, Hikaru still holding onto Clive’s hand as he does.

Once the other sits down and unbuttons his jacket, he’s quick to take the offered spot, letting out a content hum as he wraps him arms around the brunette’s middle and nuzzles close to him.

“You’re so warm.”

        Oh, those words alone had enough power and weight even if the young godling didn’t even remember him anymore, pushing a genuine grin that the former reporter only hides with the back of his hand and eyes peeled from the muzz of blinding white hair – It was sickening, how there was still hope for a heart wounded so many times, isn’t it? But it was better than not having the former wildcard back at all. ‘‘ Yeah, it’s the coat... so now I’m sharing it with you - kind of my job too given you like it and most importantly... need it. Right? ‘‘ though he sought no answer with his words.

         Even with how bittersweet he felt about all of this, the weakness is obvious, if for a relationship that was long torn into nothing still held some meaning even if it was stupid to think about it too much – Free hand slides to hold the thin figure against his lap firm but comfortable, the chill that comes as an aftermath just a small smack into reality that Clive accepts with the gentlest of hums and then a longing look at the sky. ‘‘ Is alright if you want to sleep too, I doubt anyone would mind the view – nor I’d say no to you, y’know. ‘‘ He almost sounds cheeky at that statement, but there’s genuineness in it, a sad smile making it way in. ‘‘ So... Indulge while Sojiro-san or Mona isn’t here to scold us. – I know the face you make when Mona mentions food, it’s adorable. ‘‘ But not healthy.>

[unvvoundjustice]

[ tricksterfinale· ]

There’s a tilt of head from the younger, almost catlike in curiosity—Though the journalist’s shaky breath is enough to make the former thief pull his hand away before the other had decided to take Hikaru’s in his own.  It’s only a few seconds before he mumbles a thank you, intertwining their fingers with relative decorum. (There’s still no signs of recognition in his eyes, still as glassy as ever. Empty ) The idea of going inside isn’t something he’s actually privy to, nose wrinkling slightly in distaste as silver eyes look in the direction of the coffee shop.

He bites his lower lip, tinged with blue as he tries to figure out exactly to voice his thoughts and when he does? His voice is startlingly quiet, “It’s too loud in there.”

         Those eyes always had an effect on Clive, between a primal urge to flee to just freeze in place — the memory of those same eyes splitting in half torn clothes and skin in a rain of crimson into the endless silence of the light... But the smile remains, grimace perfectly tucked away and focused on the positive feelings he's still got for whose doesn't even remember him. A bittersweet scenario honestly, worth of a book if he ever had the wish to touch back his desire to write. " Alright, then not inside. " Pleased, Clive had closed his distance to Hikaru and pulled him into a hug, " Then let’s sit somewhere, that way you also get to warm enough on me, 'Karu. "

          Promptly he's already guiding both of them to the closest fence just across the small alleyway, propping himself to sit open legged and keeping the pale figure close to him - but an idea pops, and hands slide between them to undo the buttons of his jacket so Hikaru could fit better. A sappy scene honestly! " Look, like this you can cuddle better while watching people! like a cat. "

[unvvoundjustice]

[ @tricksterfinale​ ] || -- Hikaru's just going to put his hand to the back of Clive's neck, waiting for a reaction — Seems like the amnesiac is wanting attention. Come on, throw him a bone. 

         Goosebumps form instantly – the hairs of his nape stick upward and whatever attention the former reporter had on the papers at hand long gone replaced with exasperated surprise, meeting eyes with the former wildcard for seconds before closing them and releasing a shaky breath. ‘‘ Y-You scared me...! And your hands... they feel like ice – uh.... here. ‘‘ It was uncomfortable, turmoil of feelings swirling behind his head but a gentleman never had to stop being one just for that.

       Even if it meant discarding so many feelings the other might not even perceive much... At least? it meant having those eyes back on him, even the littlest part of him screamed not to, like a poison that worked slow. Whatever of it it’s shoved back into nothing and warm hands hold the ones from the younger. The mask today was the most polite one with some affection mixed in it. ‘’ Perhaps we should go inside! ...And get you better sweaters, that one doesn’t warm anyone. ‘’

[unvvoundjustice]

[ shxtteredlegacy· ]

{♟}” Oh Clive I didn’t see you there! Care to join me? “ He held out another spoon to the young man.

{♟}” Last time I went out to get some ice cream I decided to buy a few pints to keep at home from the shop. It’s salted pecan chocolate flavored!”

          ‘‘ Of course! Can’t say no to such an invitation. ‘‘ Ah, there he goes – while not as much of a sweet tooth as the professor, when offered with such a welcoming air it was almost impossible to deny it – it helps to cool off many thoughts too. So the young man readily accepts the spoon to take his own bite from the icecream.

          ‘‘ Hmm! ‘‘ Such indulgences were corny, and nothing the former reporter would do unless offered into his table – hearing the professor and having the first spoonful at the same time was really a nice change of pace! But still there’s this glint that wonders if the other would get a brain freeze given it’s not their first ration... ‘‘ Never tried this one myself, it’s good! ‘‘ And he wasn’t lying; the combination wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet, which he is glad for, and still had this pinch that left a need to try out more – but ah... That’d be too ungentlemanly, to just dig in too fast.

[unvvoundjustice]

         He definitely should stop the professor from getting too many sweets – as Raymond had warned before, but there’s this side of him that gets curious when will he get a brain freeze. Is it considered masochism? A sweet-eating kind of one? who knows!

[unvvoundjustice]

        Weirdly enough, today should be an at least happy day – enough to mourn what he can barely remember... But all he feels is bitterness. More than the regular dose he’s felt lately.

        Yeah, perhaps he should just dive into more unfinished works instead of thinking too much, plus? Drinking was out the list, the taste itself far too disgusting to think about it right now.

[unvvoundjustice]

[ Anon ] said: your own creations almost killed you plenty of times surely

        A flick of a switch and the gears run more louder. Can’t hear you when this pretty machine is working soundly!

[unvvoundjustice]

[ @tricksterfinale​ ] said: don't die.

         ‘‘ Oh come on, like my own creation would be able to kill m- ‘‘ Loud THUMP noise in the bg and a horrid shrieking whirring of metal. ‘‘ Oh sH– ‘‘ This is fine! Just a malfunction! Nothing to worry about!

[unvvoundjustice]

         ‘‘ Hey check out my 50k words long code worth thousand many commands on X Y axis VR local movement for a machine that might not even make it out in public! ‘‘ It’s ART, check it out.

[shxtteredlegacy]

Clive sleep-deprived: When I built this I went ogooa booga caveman brain, metal strong. METAL NOT STRONG. Metal? More like Mcdonalds play place trampoline-

[unvvoundjustice]

          Suddenly there’s this feeling and need to build something dumb. Good thing he can and has the tools for it!

[unvvoundjustice]

[ tricksterfinale· ]

Well, he’s still just waking up, but color him curious as the raven begins to rouse from his sleep—Moving to press a kiss to Clive’s cheek once he’s sat up,  “Well, you didn’t need to get me anything, but it is good to see you.”

         Ah, there’s a little butterfly fluttering on his chest. This man really brings everything to his self even with so little gestures like these, huh? ‘‘ Well, I know myself I am considered your little gift, like spending time just cuddling while I help you with a puzzle or other stuff but... I wanted to indulge you. ‘‘ Oh and there’s still that bastard playfulness in his tone, but his laugh however? it’s genuine.

        Producing from his coat a definitely high quality black cat figurine, with golden details and little bat wings sporting an tiny pouty face. ‘‘ Ta-dah! I saw this just some days ago while strolling and it really reminded me of you, especially for the wings! Cute, eh? ‘‘ Oh, he was so proud from such a little silly thing, but who can’t blame a gentleman who’s head over heels for his boyfriend? ‘‘ Along this? obviously if you’re with energy – if not then we can just spend the day any way you want – I steal you to have some food anywhere you want, my treat. ‘‘

[unvvoundjustice]

[ shxtteredlegacy· ]

Sycamore did flinch a bit when Clive wrapped the soft blanket around him. It was a much better reaction compared to the times when he sometimes freaks out even more when someone touches him, trying to get away from them. Slowly he took his trembling hands and grabbed the blanket to pull it closer to him, curling in on himself. Trying to focus on it’s comfort.

But even with that reaction Sycamore still kept his eyes locked on the ground. He could barely register the words Clive was saying, but the one he could understand is Raymond. Raymond was always his rock in times like this and he wishes nothing more than him to be here. No matter how bad his episodes can get Raymond always seem to find a way to calm him down and bring him back to reality.

Just his luck for him to break down while he was out. Who knows how much longer he would be out and about.

At least Clive was here to deal with him. He just had to focus on what he was saying, even if it’s hard to comprehend in his hazed mind and he can’t register it. It was better to listen to comforting gibberish than the inner screaming of his own mind. But one thing he could tell is that the ex reporter was speaking in a much softer and calmer tone than he normally spoke in. Clive might not be good at this but he was trying. He was trying hard.

And that something the Professor can appreciate.

         It was relieving the reactions, even if worrying enough as they were, meant the professor was there – not out of it just yet but there’s something, a little progress that Clive can hang onto to try grounding a barely responsible professor. ‘‘ Alright... ‘‘ Fidgeting already for a man who was bad at solo talks without an audience, bluffing for once not being something helpful and his cards at hand not covering what to do with this situation – then... an idea. ‘‘ Uhm, maybe you might not remember later but I’m alright with it. Story time – when living with Madame Constance Dove, who adopted me long ago we used to do card castles... I sucked at it big time. ‘‘ And there’s a genuine small laugh that bubbles through that memory. ‘‘ Stupid little me trying to copy how precise that woman was, Grace like that can only be achieved with practice which I obviously lacked at that time, even nowadays I’ve tried and failed... It’s not my forte nor I believe I’d achieve building that without aid! ‘‘ >

         ‘‘ ... It’s a shame all of that was lost though, but the cards she had were gold plated, just the edges. No numbers nor drawings. For a big house she had many treasures I often wandered into try to find... And get lost. ‘‘ Only to be found later by the woman or his caretakers – Clive even wondered if that naive curiosity still remains now that he’s an adult; tired and everything. >

         Yeah, hopefully the professor doesn’t remember this later because it’s a super embarrassing thing.