prismatica | text; un: CFHS

[AGAIN: CAN'T JUDGE, BUT IT'S STILL KINDA CRAZY SHIT. That's kind of rad too though??]

You're a fucking marshmallow, Mohammed. [And he says it with sincere fondness. Avdol's been mainly friendly, kind, and downright goddamn jolly, even if he's also kind of fun as a bastard too.]

You wanna come inside for a bit? I don't mind if you touch my hair, you know.

This is just what you signed up for when we first met, Leone. It's a legally binding contract, and no amount of sweets-related flattery will undo it! [Man, hugging someone with all 8 of your arms? The fucking best thing ever; he can hold so much Abbacchio right now, cheek rubbing against his and blue rings flaring so much that they're visible through his linen top. It takes a few seconds for him to pry himself away again, pop pop popping free with a sheepish smile that absolutely rockets up in intensity when he's invited inside.

He's a simple man, really. Especially right now; promises of the ability to dote and fuss in completely harmless ways are almost as good for his symptoms as a good old-fashioned deep dicking, and he's more inclined to accept the chance to mom out, anyway. With a series of gentle pops, Avdol manages to pull his gross tentacles away and wiggle inside, drifting about with the air of a far more confident man than he normally is.]

I should start paying you rent, by this stage. I'm sorry that I come over so much, but...Well! Who am I to deny a sudden urge like this, right? Especially if I get to braid your hair; I wonder if it'll hold the wave when you untie it? [HE'S SO FUCKING PUMPED TO DO ABBACCHIO'S HAIR YOU HAVE NO IDEA.]

If I hated it, I'd find me a lawyer. [And he really doesn't mind, even if Avdol's too fucking nice for his own good.

The tentacles popping free? Okay, also kind of weird, but bizarre's the name of the fucking series so like, you know, he just kind of shrugs it off.]

I mean, you kinda do, in a way. [With the moonlacing and all!] No idea. I've only had it braided once. I've only had it this long for a little over a year.

[But hell yeah, get crazy man. Abbacchio's sitting on his couch, making space for Avdol.]

[!!!! SPOT ON THE COUCH SPOT ON THE COUCH SPOT ON THE COUCH, THAT'S HIS SPOT NOW. He doesn't even take off his boots this time, he's so excited to get going. Just plonk on down, roll his wrists, carefully tuck the fucking tentacles behind him so that they don't pull on anything, and start idly combing his fingers through all that hair.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH this is nice, this is really nice, this is the best!!] Ah, you know...I never considered the moonlacing thing. It's kind of just something that I want to do with you-- though that sounds a lot more intense than I mean it to, I guess. It really does help out though, huh...

I can't believe you got your hair to grow so long so quickly, and it's so soft? How short was it before? [oh god he's going in for a fishtail braid, we don't fuck around. We also don't fuck around with keeping that moonlacing going, since Avdol's chroma greed is ramped the fuck up right now; he's absolutely pressed against Abbacchio's back like they're at a fucking sleepover or some shit.]

[holy shit it's like his enthusiasm is ramped up by like 100 what the fuck

But he turns turn so Avdol can have a good angle at touching his hair. And honestly, he's not even bothered by him being so close.]

Mm. Pretty much a buzz cut actually.

[Wait, right. Avdol doesn't know about That Shit. Ugh, is now even a good time to bring that up?] ...I used to be a cop, so. Had to keep it short.

[Thank that fucking kraken bitch, man. This is her fault. As long as it doesn't get any complaints though, Avdol's going to Keep On Going. His fingers are horrendously deft and skilled, too; clearly years of doing up Bantu knots has done him well.]

Ah, that makes sense. You have that...Hm. That air of, if you wanted to get serious, that you could easily command respect. And it makes a little more sense now, what you said about your type. Not a commander or captain, but still an officer that you wouldn't want to see in a dark alley mid-shady deal! [He hums, pausing for a moment and trying to imagine the uniform, the buzz cut...

And then huffs.] But I like this look better, I think. You look elegant as you are.

[The fingers in his hair feels so damned nice. It had been a good comfort when he had pretty much wept all over Reimi when he had received the news about Bruno disappearing, but here it's relatively happier circumstances. It should be, anyway, but he finds himself dreading this topic.

He argues with himself for a second; of course he has to tell Avdol, he's already told himself he already didn't fucking deserve his companionship before. Selfishly? He would really hate for this to be over, too.]

I really fucked up as a cop, Mohammed. I wasn't any good at upholding anything I thought I believed in.

That's why I need someone stronger than me. Someone who doesn't lose their resolve no matter how bad it gets. Not like me.

[...Ah.

Hm. Well, he hadn't been expecting this! His hands don't skip a beat at all, but WOW DOES THE REST OF HIM. More precarious territory, careful careful, don't be blase or ignore the impact this sort of thing must've had.]

Leone.

[Don't pity him.] I can't imagine what that must be like, to deal with. I know you wouldn't say this lightly. [And part of him doesn't want to know exactly what 'really fucked up' entails. Avdol would much rather hide away from whatever reality that is and keep their friendship nice and neat (like he hasn't fucked up, done horrible things ever in his life).

One tentacle moves via subconscious, cinching around Abbacchio's chest in a loose embrace. Two, then four, then all six carefully winding around like a slightly damp cocoon.] What do you believe in now?

Don't feel bad for me. I fucked myself up. Nobody's fault but mine.

[Thankfully, the hands in his hair don't stop, but he feels the tentacles work to gently hold him. Ah, this guy is way too good, but he takes the comfort despite himself anyway. He hesitates, the puts his hand over one of the extra limbs.]

...That you can't take shortcuts to get to where you need to go. Or you're gonna lose sight of the truth.

...That's a fine thing to believe in. [He pulls one of his knots free and uses the tie to hold the braid in; it'd be a waste to lose all that hard work right away, y'know?

Anyway, now it just means that he can wrap his actual people arms around Abbacchio as well, chin nestled in the crook of his neck. Just guys bein' dudes.] Between you and me, I think that almost sounds honourable. Kind of like...Some sort of moral compass that you can use to navigate through your future. Don't you think?

[It's a risk, going for the 'comedic turnabout' gambit so early in the piece, but Avdol plays it all the same; what else is he going to do right now? Try to shower Abbacchio in useless platitudes he's probably heard a million times over from people far more eloquent? No sir. He's going to practically upright-spoon this beautiful sadboy and try to make him feel better in the moment, since only one person can unfuck the fucking up and it's not Avdol.] Anyway, I'm here as emotional support for a while. So if you want to moonlace or talk about something else, whatever takes your fancy, I'm here for it.

[Slowly, he lets himself lean back a bit more against Avdol, comfortably in his arms. If Abbacchio was more careless like he usually is, he'd probably try to bury his emotions into sex or drinking -- but he's trying to do better than that, for several reasons. He can't put Reimi in a position where he relies completely on her, and he can't very well do that to Avdol either.]

I don't have much of a future, remember?

[Who knows what'll happen if he suddenly disappears from here one day? Probably the afterlife -- but nobody really knows. He sure doesn't. But he's trying to be better here for right now while he still has people he gives a shit about.]

...This is good. Like this. If you don't mind.

Came all this way because you were worried, huh?

You're preaching to the choir. We still have futures here, though. We have a little more time, even if it could end tomorrow.

[It's fucking scary, really. Not just the thought of one of them dying, but both of them leaving here and just...Kind of poofing out of existence, except that Avdol gets one little delay. But now's not the time to let that existential horror crawl into his words as well as his head; he focuses on being productive instead, leaning as much as is comfortable into the hug and really getting cosy up in this shit.

What other use does he have right now, other than being a great hot water bottle?] ...It was a little obvious, wasn't it? I didn't want to start lecturing you though. Not as electronic words, and not here, though...It's really hard to not just firmly tell you about my friend Leone, who may or may not have made a complete mess of his life with his own hands and is still sitting here to tell me about it.

Your hair looks really nice like this, by the way. I'm glad I left a few locks of hair loose, or it'd look too severe on you, but...Fishtail braids are a little softer, so it works out anyway.

[And isn't that what he tells himself, or what he tries to tell others who feel the same; he squandered too much, and he's trying to make the best of what he has left, even if it's outside of his comfort zone. He's even made an agreement with Reimi that when or if they ever disappear from this place, they'll find each other in the afterlife. Because at least there's something waiting. Some people don't even have the comfort of that.

So here he is, snuggling it up with his tentacle buddy who has really excellent body heat. Definitely a guy that'd be great to nap on, let's be honest with ourselves.]

I mean, you did just kind of ask out of the blue to come over. Not that I got a problem with that. I don't... really get comfortable around many people. But you're okay.

[He didn't phrase that right. But he isn't sure how else to say it. Maybe it's leftover skittish fear from fucking up and never really being totally honest with Bruno anyway. Ugh, whatever.]

I'll take your word for it. You know, I haven't really had many people touch it like that. Just you and Reimi. It's nice.

[OH WOW JUST PUNCH HIM RIGHT IN THE FUCKING HEART BONER, THE HEART-ON AS THE KIDS SAY, WHAT THE FUCK

ouch, give him a second]

Now you know what I'm likely to do if you go saying things like that in front of me, at least. I'm going to set a standard and be consistent about it, and if you don't like it, then you're just going to have to deal with it...But I'm glad that you don't mind it for now, all the same. It is nice to not be a pain in the neck. [And also nice to be actually able to show affection to someone without having to worry about how they'll take it, to be honest. All these simple little things are things that he's missed for so, so long, and if a little greediness is actually proving helpful, then who's he to complain?

...But kneeling on a couch is kind of awkward, and also couch-fucking when you're as Dense as Avdol is, so after a little more tight squeezing, he lets go. Sure, it's only to sit like a real human being instead, and he's absolutely still pressed right up against Abbacchio's back, but it's not cuddling, is it?

haha joke it's cuddling because he's got one tentacle back around Abbacchio's waist, rest in piss] You're game though, aren't you? Saying things like this in front of me...Now I'm going to take a mile when given an inch. Now I'm going to actually feel special, if I'm on the same friendship tier as Miss Sugimoto!

You don't bother me. That's a pretty high compliment.

[Look, he loves Mista and Narancia; they're his family and that's not going to change, but they're still fucking brats, and he's warming up to Giorno. So yeah, he means it.

Hell yeah proper cuddling. A few months ago he'd probably be more uptight about it, but he's pretty okay with it now. Slowly, he relaxes, trying to be less tense.]

It's not-- [fuck you he refuses to be embarrassed?!] It's different. You're both different.

I know. Well, I figured, anyway! But if I actually went on about how happy I am to hear that, then it might come off a little too strong in the friendship overture stakes. So I'm sparing you the embarrassment of my full happiness, Leone!

[Though, it's not like he can hide it now that it's at least partially out there. Look, it's like...Winning over a skittish animal. There's genuine happiness there, and satisfaction, and a good serving of gratitude mixed in for good measure. And that's on top of all of the warm gooey feelings of moonlacing; it's a pretty potent mixture of brain chemical, to be honest.

Anywhere else, anyone else, he might be starting to nod off from all that good feelings shit. But he's here to actually try and be an emotional support wheat pillow, so Avdol valiantly stays awake by idly playing with the end of Abbacchio's braid, tentacle drumming a gentle rhythm on his stomach in turn.]

...Oh? How so? What checkboxes need to be ticked before I'm on par?

You're so damned ridiculous. [But he says it fondly, smirking to himself. He likes that Avdol is so honest and boisterous.

Idly, he traces a finger over the tentacle, then stiffens up a little at the question.]

It's not like I can compare the two of you and how I feel. Reimi-- she's like family. It's just different with you.

Only in private. Don't tell anyone that I'm not the paramount professional businessman, alright? Save the comedian reputation for Polnareff. [He's mid-laugh when--

ah fuck, maybe it was too much to try and joke around about a friendship that obviously means so much to Abbacchio? There's no real way that Avdol could actually hope to measure up, and he knows that (knows that Reimi really is someone special, so it's alright to be behind her), but...

Discomfort's the last thing he wants, here. Especially right now, but ever between them. When he speaks again, his tone is cautious, apologetic, and completely at odds with how having a finger run over his tentacle makes him feel.] Ah...I understand, don't worry. Family, even found, and friends are different beasts altogether; trying to compare that would be impossible. Apples and oranges, as it were.

...What do you like to read about, by the way? I don't think I've asked you this yet, but I've been meaning to.

Hey, your secret is safe with me.

[Ah, fuck he isn't explaining this well at all. Shit shit, but then, he doesn't think he ever could anyway.]

It's fine, it's just-- there are things I can share with her nobody else would get. ...But there are other things I couldn't tell her either.

[And that's just gonna have to be enough to say.]

Mm, mystery novels. Sometimes horror. I like Watership Down a lot.

It's alright! Even with people who mean everything to you, there are things they'll never know about you. That's just part of being human. It's...Is it like the fact that you know I was afraid of dying, but Polnareff never will? That sort of thing, I think...

[He's quiet for a moment, hopefully letting that hit its observational mark, before suddenly pulling the tie from Abbacchio's hair. Time to undo the braid and get to tying it up in completely different ways, clearly.

And if another tentacle should start running over Abbacchio's spine in an attempt at comfort, then that's just how it be.] Mm...Alright. I'll have to screen my choices more carefully since I'm not quite as experienced with horror novels, but I'll see what I can do. You're not allowed to judge me for what I bring you, either; I'm just a humble man, trying to buy his friends' affection with books that make him think of them.

...Though, if it was just books that made me think of you, I'd have to go for high fashion too, hmmmm? [STOP LAUGHING THAT WAS SHIT.]

I give him shit, but I get where Polnareff is coming from. But yeah, I understand.

[No complaints here if Avdol wants to keep playing with his hair, honestly. It feels so damned nice, and he's gentle about it. The tentacle on his back makes him jerk, but only because he wasn't expecting it.]

God you're a fucking dork. [But there's a smile in his voice so score.] Well, what about you? What do you like?

[God, there's no way he can hold back the amused snort that gets. No matter what time period you're from, giving Polnareff shit is the apparent pastime of the cultured man.]

To be honest, I'm just more fond of collecting antique books. I do prefer non-fiction ones for that purpose, but as for reading...I like simple adventure. Things like Lord of the Rings, though maybe with a little less pointy-ear stuff...But a little magic is alright. Makes it feel more realistic for people like us, don't you think? [Is

is he going for microbraids

he is, christ] Besides, magic is on-brand for me. Can't be a proper mystical fortune teller if I don't exude that sort of aura and really disappoint my parents.

[oh god those are microbraids but he's not going to stop him. please play with his hair]

I promise you can't disappoint your family any harder than me. I'm the fucking King of Disappointment. 'Sides, you're not that mysterious.

[He does consider for a minute. He has no idea what he could get someone like Avdol, but...] Hey, what do you need to tell a fortune?

[Good luck undoing those motherfuckers later! GOOD LUCK. Sadly, Avdol does not have his hair beads on him. Another day, maybe.]

Then we can be mutual disappointments, and wallow in how our parents never return our calls together. If it's with you, I can't say I mind so much. What I do mind is hearing that I'm not mysterious! How rude. Here I am trying to act my part, and you crush me with this revelation.

[Hang on, hang on-- just gotta draw the deck out and reach around to place them tenderly on Abbacchio's lap.] This is all I need. I'd like to expand into a deck with minor arcana, but...I'm far too attached to this deck. It's how I named all my friends' Stands, as well as my own.

[it's going to be such a fucking pain but right now it's great]

Honestly, fuck your folks if they're disappointed. [because he thinks you're pretty great!] But hey, at least we're in mutual company.

[oh. yep, there are the cards. Abbacchio picks one up curiously.]

I didn't take you that seriously before. But I guess I don't know what I would ask either if I wanted my fortune read.

text; un: CFHS

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