prismatica | text; un: CFHS

[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.

Mm, I can't say I blame them. I'm somewhat of an ill omen to them-- but that's depressing, so I'll spare you that and simply say that the feeling's mutual. To hell with your parents if they don't appreciate what they have in you!

[Welcome to the Thoth artstyle tarot, bud. They're shuffled and everything, but the Magician is still on top. That just seems to be how it works out in this deck, really. Avdol leans over just a touch, chin right up in the crook of Abbacchio's neck, just to see what card he got-- yep, Magician, of course.

Then he ties off one braid and starts on the next section of hair, humming with amusement.] You didn't take me seriously...I guess I can't begrudge you that. But I'm very serious about this. You wouldn't have to ask anything, if you don't want to. I could just do a three-card draw, see what might be a challenge in your near future. But that's only if you wanted it, of course. It really doesn't work quite so well if you aren't willing to suspend a touch of scepticism and embrace the idea of viewing things through such a lens.

[He wants to refute, tell him that there isn't anything to appreciate, but. Well. If Avdol is trying to avoid the depressing topic he'll try to do the same even though he's Depression Embodiment. So he doesn't press the topic and ANYWAY he's a little DISTRACTED with how much closer Avdol somehow is.]

Mm. Sorry. It's not much of an excuse, but I wasn't doing great then either. [worse than usual, even.]

But I think it'd be kind of. [god don't say nice] I'd like to see you do it.

[BRO IT IS JUST MOONLACING BRO, IT'S FINE BRO, BEING CLOSE IS COOL.] Please, Leone. It's fine. I haven't ever tried to actually be a fortune teller around you, just your friend; they're somewhat different personas. And you're doing much better now, aren't you? That's all that really matters, to me.

If you want a reading, though...I'd be honoured to do it. Turn around for a moment, so that we're facing each other? [And he scoots back to provide enough room, hands outstretched for the deck; once he gets it, it's Shufflin' Time.

And then, deck spread!] Pick three, and place them on the couch between us just the way you pulled them out. I'll do a reading from there!

[it kind of sucks they aren't spooning anymore but that's fine. they can spoon again ANOTHER DAY.]

I guess I'm better. [He has his highs and lows, honestly. But right now he feels okay. He just kind of hopes tomorrow and the next day can live up to that too, which is tough. That's Depression Baby.

Anyway. He's turning around and absently thumbing over one of the microbraids, looking at the cards.]

All right?

[Gonna just. Pick three cards then. NO PRESSURE, he's just grabbing one from each end and then the final card from the middle.]

[That answer serves as a great reminder to Mr. Jovial here that hey, things aren't always that fucking easy. Something eases up in his smile, and he reaches over to squeeze Abbacchio's shoulder reassuringly.] Even if you aren't, I'll still be here for you. Like a bad smell. How's that sound?

[And he's not going to allow for any debate, either; the cards get flipped over with a professional flair, bracelets jingling and sleeves flaring out. Moon, Strength, Temperance...

He taps the Moon first, eyebrows raising.] People here keep drawing this one, and I think the implications might be obvious. After all, it asks that you draw inspiration from lunar phases; the beginning of a new relationship or job, something coming to its natural end, the like; but I think it's fair to assume that the influence the moons have here would count as that, too. Still, you're welcome to apply Earth's lunar cycle to things as you see fit. That will be your opportunity to grasp; constant change.

The challenge is Strength. ...Hah. Facing adversity, how apt. Facing your fears, your demons, and coming out a stronger person for it, someone who draws people in with charisma and inner power. This is make or break for a lot of people, and it will absolutely continue being a challenge, but...Your resolution, Temperance, sees you finding your balance. Typically it would be spiritual and tangible, but it can apply to any two opposing polarities, and finding your niche between.

[Both hands then; one on Abbacchio's cheek, the other in the crook of his neck, and Avdol's eyes shining with affection. There's no sign of doubt that the reading's true, that Abbacchio's going to find that resolution.] I don't know how you feel about that reading, but I have a feeling that it's accurate. And not just because I did it!

You're fucking ridiculous. [But he says it kind of fondly, a faint smile forming. If nothing else, he should happy with that.

His eyes are drawn down and he watches Avdol turn the cards over. It doesn't really mean anything to him right now, not until he starts explaining the interpretation of each card. He isn't... honestly sure how he feels about it at first. He glances up, finding Avdol's hands on him, the way he's looking at him. He really wants more of that, and just feels a spike of guilt.]

I've never been any good at moving on.

You haven't seen him do it, but Moody Blues -- my Stand's entire power is just to replay the past. What the hell do you think that says about me?

[Oh, huh.

Hm.

Fucked that one up, huh. Avdol's expression absolutely fucking plummets, but he doesn't let go. Doesn't look away. This is a crucial junction, after all.]

I don't think that's entirely accurate, not to the man I know. Maybe it was, and maybe it is and I just haven't seen it. But I see someone making the best out of a rough situation, and that's a man who can move forward, even if it's piece by piece.

[Ah, fuck. He feels like maybe he shouldn't have said anything, but at the same time it's not like he should really keep it a secret either.]

That's not me at all.

[Abbacchio leans in, because he's absolutely going to steal a kiss, sorry not sorry. It's quick, but it's also sincere. lipstick's purple today yo]

I told you, Mohammed. You're way too fucking nice.

I'm not saying this to be nice.

[But he's getting too worked up over something that isn't his issue. Avdol inhales deeply, fingers instinctively touching at the purple lip print, before sighing and scrunching his face up. It's definitely not that he disapproves of kissing, so much as...

Too many feelings, even for his big ol' body. Don't know how to express them.] Leone, I'm not going to blow hot air up your rear. If I'm wrong about you, then that's fine. But that just means that I'm going to stay by your side to see what I've apparently missed out on seeing, to be wrong about you. Because you haven't proven me wrong yet. Will you accept that?

[emotions are fucked like that man.

He should probably just should stop being a fucking coward and actually explain his Tragic Backstory, but he doesn't because he's a big fucking coward as previously stated.]

Yeah. All right.

text; un: CFHS

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