un: tigerpoet, video

[tigerpoet]

[It's Atsushi! Without his glasses, and with his hair pushed back, and looking 95% more grumpy than anyone has seen the 'usual' Atsushi, but it's definitely him.]

My other half told me that I need to make more friends. [Speech patterns are definitely Inner's, but it may come as a shock to anyone who hasn't met him yet.] I don't care, but if it'll satisfy him I'll ask.

People willing to be sparring partners preferred. No one too noisy or annoying. If the other Atsushis don't like you then I hate you already, so don't bother replying.

[This is how you friendship, right?]

Comments

[killercoat]

[ Inner does manage a hit. Akutagawa's footing is off as he stumbles back stable because of his bleeding knees. Still, he's able to get Inner right where he wants him. Akutagawa focuses his tendrils on wrapping around his limbs at an attempt to immobilize the other man.]

[tigerpoet]

[Atsushi is stronger than any normal human, but not stronger than Rashomon, and the concentrated effort on holding him still succeeds. Unable to slice at the strands holding onto his sword arm, Atsushi tries biting them instead, though he has no idea if they can feel pain or not.]

Tch...

[killercoat]

[ No, it doesn't feel pain. So the biting is futile, but it is amusing to see the other man struggle. Akutagawa pulls at his restraints so they hold him more firmly. His knees are still searing from where the blade cuts them, but he ignores the pain. His body tense, ready for Inner to retaliate, if he can.]

Have I proven myself,then?

[tigerpoet]

...You pass.

[Tch. Atsushi hates losing, but it's more bearable if it's to someone he likes. Akutagawa doesn't qualify as that, at least not yet.]

I yield.

[killercoat]

[ Hearing that Inner yields, Akutagawa retracts his tendrils back into his coat. He starts to tend to his knees.]

It's been a long time since I fought against someone who doesn't hold back.

[tigerpoet]

[Inner holds out a hand - moonlacing is the quickest and most efficient way of healing, but this isn't like with him and Atsushi where they have sex after sparring.]

It'd be an insult to not give it my all.

[killercoat]

I'm glad you think so.

[ Akutagawa seems apprehensive at first, but after some debating, he does take Inner's hand. The warmth of moonlacing does soothe the burn.]

...You feel like him. I know, you're his split personality, but when I look at you, I only see a stranger.

[tigerpoet]

I've seen you through his eyes. He's fond of you.

[Outer might have some terrible taste.]

[killercoat]

[ He has to agree. Atsushi does have bad taste to be fond of him.]

It's a mistake, I'm sure. Though, I'm fond of him too.

[ Akutagawa feels it's okay to express this to Atsushi's other half. There's nothing to hide since Inner has seen every interaction he's had with Outer anyway.]

He's a good person, too generous, but extremely intelligent.

[tigerpoet]

He's soft. That's why he has me to take care of him.

[Inner will be first in line to shank somebody for Outer's sake.]

[killercoat]

[He's valid. Akutagawa won't shame anyone for shanking, anyway.]

And how do you do that? Do you come out whenever he's in distress?

[ Akutagawa is genuinely curious.]

[tigerpoet]

Yes. To protect him from anyone who would do him harm.

[It doesn't hurt that he likes fighting.]

[killercoat]

I see. That's comforting.

[ Akutagawa did worry about Outer since he was so nice. Even if the author was capable enough to defend himself, it's nice to know there's someone constantly there to watch his back.]

And what about you? Don't you want to come out more often than you do?

[Akutagawa still can't get over just meeting Inner now after all this time.]

[tigerpoet]

I don't have patience for dealing with fools. He can handle the socializing.

[...but Outer's been on him recently to at least try to take more time for himself, so he'll add, reluctantly:] I do like spars. And chocolate.

[killercoat]

Not everyone is a fool.

[ Akutagawa understands that way of thinking. There's never a short supply of idiots, and socializing can be a pain, but sometimes it was necessary to force yourself.]

I acknowledge that you have a fierce fighting spirit. Chocolate is good. I prefer it on the bitter side, myself. Are there other things that you like?

[ Since Inner is holding his hand, it's a good reason as any to strike up small talk.]

[tigerpoet]

...Not everyone.

[He likes his other half, and the Atsushis, and Ranpo.]

I like it sweeter. It's different when I'm in control instead of just tasting it through him.

[killercoat]

Oh? It tastes different?

[ Inner is a separate personality, so he probably has different tastes.]

Well, there's nothing wrong with having your own preferences. That's why he probably wants you to seek friends who have similar interests to your own.

[tigerpoet]

He worries too much about me.

[Because Outer cares about Inner, as much as Inner cares about Outer. It's just hard for him to accept being fussed over.]

[killercoat]

[Akutagawa could understand not wanting to be fussed over, but despite his stubbornness, it did feel nice.]

Would you prefer if he didn't worry at all?

[tigerpoet]

Yes. Because he's always making himself upset by worrying over people.

[Tiger's number one goal is always, always Outer's happiness.]

[killercoat]

That's just who he is. So give him one less person to worry about.

[ Akutagawa feels like his knees are just about healed, he let's go of Inner's hand as he stands on his feet.]

Thanks.

[tigerpoet]

If I must.

[He'd prefer if Outer didn't worry about anyone though...!]

Hmmph. It's nothing.