recolle | Deep Inside My Heart, I'm Here [Closed]

Ah, it really is a limousine. Kei stares at it rather incredulously before twisting his head around to look at his own apartment building. He squints at the building for while it is not the worst-looking of places to live; it doesn't look like the sort of place anyone would be picked up in such riches. All he can really hope is that his neighbors don't ask too many questions later.

"Good afternoon to you, Ashura Charbonneau." He naturally stumbles a little over the full name, since it is not one that he has come across normally, but he still attempts a polite greeting. His gaze drifts to the bodyguards before sliding away, deciding to think of them as little more than background players to what is happening. "I told you before that he is not my friend. But yes, this is Malik Ishtar."

Holding his arms out toward the teenager, he introduces him like he may very well be some servant. Yet with the smug manner in which he speaks, it is hard to see him in such a role. He settles back with a lazy half-smile. "It sounds like you're doing much more for us than I could ever repay with my body." Kei calmly jokes before looking to Malik. "It seems as though you can have some hope, hm?"

He holds out an offering hand, indicating that Malik could enter the limousine first.

There have been very few moments in Malik's life wherein he felt truly awkward. He feels so out of place, between the no-nonsense yet still clean presentation of Kei - a man he didn't even know aside from a few brief text conversations - and Ashura, a flashy and yes, elegant man whom Malik didn't know at all. It wasn't because they were essentially strangers that made him feel so out of place; no, it was more the matter of his age and the fact that he is nowhere near the level of put-together as these other two. He hasn't showered in a couple days, his clothes haven't even been washed, and he definitely looks more slimey and rundown than even your average teenage boy.

So he feels a little awkward, getting into the limousine.

"This level of decorum isn't really necessary... I could have just walked to wherever it is we're going."

Ashura looks at Malik as Kei makes the introduction.

"Oh my goodness! You're so pretty! ...A little grungy, but pretty! I bet you would clean up great! And I can get some makeup, too! Do you like green or read better?"

Though, he blinks at Malik's declaration.

Then starts to laugh.

"Don't be silly! Trust me, you'll like it! It's not so bad. You don't even have to wear seatbelts. There's also champagne in the back."

Wait.

"Oh, you're underage, aren't you? I guess you can't drink champagne. We'll stop and get some grape juice on the way, then!"

His eyebrows lift at the cheerful compliments. He feels his jaw clench so that he does not start laughing. Kei agrees with Ashura, but for completely different reasons. When Malik said he was as low as one could get, he wondered what that meant. He feels no sense of mockery or superiority over the teenager, but rather simply pleased with how things are going.

For one that had such a sharp tongue, Kei believes that Malik may lose it until the face if Ashura's bright, shining intentions. "Please show some mercy. Malik Ishtar won't know what to do if you attempt to make him your dress-up model." He decides to save the teenager some, however. "But if he is feeling greedy enough, perhaps, he could be convinced to have you buy him some clothes."

He holds his hands up and steps a little between them as he decides to shield Malik from such a burst of positivity. It is relatively easy to shield as Kei is well over six-foot. "We shall share drinks another day, and I will take responsibility for it." That is, from what he can tell Malik is a proud person, so having them stop for grape juice may sour this encounter while Kei already wants it to go on forever.

"That is to say that I will treat us all to drinks, rather than never have such the festivities. Since it will be under my watch, even our young companion here could drink a small portion, is that not right?" He says his point plainly before stepping back. "Anyway, it would seem our chariot awaits."

A beat. "Please do not come with a chariot and horses." He cannot put that past Ashura now that he is coming in full contact with him, and feels if he doesn't say something like that he will regret it later.

And he pauses to look to Malik. "Everything is all right. Don't worry. I won't let the shining prince bully you too much." Kei reassures with his lazy half-smile.

Edited (decided to add a bit more whomp whomp) 2018-04-06 19:21 (UTC)

"Do you have to talk like I'm not here?" This is directed at Kei. He doesn't like how he's referred to by his full name. Malik Ishtar. It's so... formal. In this context it makes him feel removed from the conversation; no one refers to him by his full name, except his ex when he got in trouble. So that also kinda shades his view.

"Anyway... This is hardly the worst thing I've dealt with."

Then he turns his attention to Ashura, still even-keel, "I don't wear makeup. Nothing like that. Besides, isn't the point of makeup to alter your appearance? That seems to go against any perception of me being 'pretty.'"

Make no mistake, Malik loves the compliment. He just doesn't know how to process being nice. As for the makeup comment, well, he does have his kohl on, dark and decorative around his eyes, but nothing else. Funnily enough, prior to making himself homeless, he had quite the preening routine. He thinks he's pretty, too. Or did, when he could fawn over himself every morning. He isn't even fully dressed up for this occasion, his gold bangles and bands hidden away - although he is wearing his chunky earrings. What can he say, he's attached to them.

"Can we just go already? I don't care about drinks or lunch or anything like that... Let's just get this over with."

Unlike how he feels about his physical appearance, Malik's attitude is rather ugly.

"OOH! A DRESS UP MODEL!" Good job, Kei! The thought hadn't even crossed his mind, yet. "Yes, yes, yes! I will absolutely buy him some new clothes!"

He observes Malik, already making mental notes on the kind of fashion that would suit him best. Does he want to go for pretty or handsome? He wants to go with all of the flashy for sure. More than glitter, what about pearls? It would compliment the child's skin tone nicely.

Though, Malik seems to interrupt that line of thought with his perceptions of makeup. And Ashura seems almost wounded for a second. Before he perks back up.

"No, no! That's not at all what it's for! It's supposed to heighten you're appearance! It's to bring out your better features, this isn't ~~Photoshop~~ Imagestore. I'll show you later~"

"Oh, okay! Kei-bhai, you're so nice~" He's all smiles, more than happy to accept Kei's offer. "As long as it's okay, I don't care how much he drinks."

He really doesn't. He's offered to minours before. Usually before he figures out that they're minours. He just knows it's kind of frowned upon, so he tries ~~that's a lie~~ not to break that rule.

"Oh..." Ashura blinks then laughs. "Right! Of course not! No chariot and horses!"

Damn, and he really was going to, too.

He settles in next to Malik, his bodyguards lining both sides of them, with one of them pouring the champagne for each of them. Ashura just smiles as he admires Malik.

"Nonsense, a growing boy needs to eat! Lunch will be my treat so you can get whatever you want!"

Edited (I'm so bad with HTML, sob) 2018-04-10 13:53 (UTC)

"Not at all, Malik Ishtar." A quip back at the question if he must speak as though the teenager is not within earshot. He has an easy smile on his lips as he decides to step through the threshold as it were, and take his seat in the limousine. It is actually on Ashura's other side, so that Malik does not feel so boxed in and interject to slow their bright prince's energy. To the best of his abilities, anyway.

Kei covers his mouth with his hand as he listens to Ashura go off in a burst of excitement and sparkles. Leaning back in his seat, he brushes off his shoulders as he feels like there actually is shimmering glitter spraying the two of them. "I'm telling you that I'm not really all that nice." A calm reply to the praise, that he already see was being dismissed -- if not outright ignored.

"You're going to exhaust him before we even get to the hotel." He presses his lips together as he sounds slightly breathless -- it comes from attempting not to laugh. But he does take the shampagne without complaint. Looking to the bodyguard, he lifts up the glass fluke and tilts it slightly. Solidarity. Their expression does not change much and he drinks, looking out the window.

"You should ask for lobster. The tab is literally on me, so no need to hold back." A calm suggestion to Malik on where they should eat.

"I didn't agree to be your plaything!" Malik's objection is loud, but benign. He knows better than to pull anything when he's surrounded by body guards who could most likely break him in half. The most frustrating thing is not Ashura's sunshine and glitter personality, but the lack of control Malik has in this situation. He's a kid to the both of them, dependent on their kindness (regardless of what Kei thinks, the gesture is a nice one).

If this had been months ago, Malik would have left. Threatened to roll out of the moving vehicle, if he had to, to spit in the face of authority - a label which all adults had in his eyes, whether they liked it or not. But now? He really wants the clothes, as much as he loathes to admit to himself. He wants to look good again, but on his own terms.
"I like my face the way it is without any unnatural colors. Heightening it can be done in ways that don't draw attention to unusual colors on my face."

He slumps down a little in his seat. Kei is possibly right about him being exhausted before they reach their destination. It's already testing his patience to keep his head without getting more and more defensive and hostile. Then again, he's always been bad at self control...

He shifts his gaze over to Kei, cold and unblinking. "I'm a vegetarian. I'll ask for things I like. I don't need any more of your suggestions."

"Hmm? But we could get you into photoshoots! I'm sure Zephy could help you get in! He's a model already! And you would be sooooo adorable! I'm positive. Oh, are you okay with crossdressing?"

Yea, he's not even batting an eye.

"Well, I suppose we could go with a golden, sun-kissed look for you, then. You do have the skin for it!"

A blink.

"Exhaust? Are you tired, chota bhai? Did you not get alot of sleep?"

"Oh, lobster is good~" He gives it a thought. "Vegetarian. Are there any places that allow that here?"

Not quite the wording he meant, but he's not very familiar with vegetarianism, and thus hasn't paid attention to any restaurants that accommodate for it. Especially not on the high end of things.

"Why don't you pick the restaurant, chota bhai? It can be anything and as expensive as you want!"

"Ah. Zephy." Kei comments to no one as he tips the glass fluke back to drain the contents. Swirling the liquid in his mouth, he can attest that the champagne is of high quality. Even if he had a pauper's understanding of alcohol, he could comprehend that much. And how does that relate to the conversation now? This person doesn't understand the average person's line of thinking. Which means that his boyfriend is either very understanding or equally eccentric.

Kei isn't sure he wants to be in a situation where he meets both of them at the same time, but also thinks that it might be an interesting disaster to be part of. Much like now.

He hands the glass over for the bodyguard's to hold. His shoulders give a small shrug as he indicates with expression alone that he feels they should have something to do beyond attempt to not be pulled into Ashura's shimmering brilliance. "Ashura, that's enough." Kei decides that he should put his foot metaphorically down -- for what very little good it will do. "Malik Ishtar is going to end up melting if you keep bombarding him with such direct rays of light."

And he cranes his neck around to look at Malik. His head gives a small tilt to indicate that he should take advantage of the situation, but -- Kei takes in the teenager's appearance and gives a small nod. "Before that expensive lunch, Malik Ishtar, would you like to have showered and changed clothes?"

A beat. "I'm certain that while you're getting yourself used to your new lodgings that Ashura here would have dozens of outfits waiting for you." He makes a small gesture of his hand to their gracious host. "I'm starting to wonder how long my body is going to be in servitude and accepting that I might become a fixture like these guards."

Edited 2018-04-12 01:17 (UTC)

The bombardment from both sides is raising Malik's heart rate. He's not used to this, and any discomfort is something he typically acts upon; lashing out, pushing back. Hiding back in his figurative cage to keep people away. Even with the bodyguards, even knowing these are privileged adults, Malik's impulses tend to override any rational thinking. He had snapped at Ashura just seconds ago, but that wasn't enough to relieve the tension building up. So it goes, when you're maladjusted. Who knew.

"I'm not going to play along with this little charade you have going on here. I'm not going to model or play dress up or pick your stupid fancy restaurant for you."

He's never been to a fancy restaurant in his life, anyway.

"I'm not here so you can get off on how I look! And you--"

The first part was obviously aimed at Ashura, but now he's taking aim at Kei.

"--Stop using my full name like that, stop talking over me and making my decisions for me. I don't care what we do today, I don't even want to be here, none of this was even my idea, I just want a place to sleep at night!"

Ashura was giving Malik too much freedom and attention, Kei giving him too much structure and direction. Things he wanted and needed to varying degrees, but everything at once is just too much. He's starting to crack.

Oops. Looks like he overdid it, just like Kei said. And he finally seems to realise it. Malik calls it a charade. And, for a little bit, Ashura's tone becomes more reasonable.

"It's not a charade. I am interested in helping. I suppose I did get carried away." As he almost always does. But he's also not sorry. He gives Malik a wink and a smile. "I'll let you come to me, then. Whenever you want. Whether it be clothes or food or fun."

He'll try to be a little less pushy. Though there's certainly no guarantee on it. He is still himself, after all. His smile turns to Kei, and the playfulness returns to his voice.

"Though, that certainly doesn't mean that you're getting off so easily~ You still have to participate!" The deal is still on. Not that Kei probably had any doubts of that. "I'm still treating you both to lunch. I can have suits delivered for both of you! Unless Kei-bhai is interested in being pretty~ I'll give chota bhai the chance to shower, and Kei-bhai can choose an appropriate restaurant!"

There, easy peasy, right? That should take the burden off of Malik's shoulders a bit.

They should be arriving to the hotel soon, anyway.

"Somehow I got pulled into being scolded, too." Kei sounds, as usual, unaffected by what is going on. He does breathe out a little sigh as he notes the strain in Malik's voice.

Ah. His eyes slide away from him to Ashura. Already, the bright bursting light is dimming in accordance to the young man. I see. I was certain that you would continue to beat at your own drum regardless, but it seems like you were taught to acknowledge the feelings of others. Is that from Zephy's assistance? Or do you realize your own position above others? He blinks, realizing that he has been staring and deciding to add in defusing the situation.

"In order to make up for the rudeness that I have paid to Malik, I'm willing to look pretty. Indeed, I might as well start paying you back sooner rather than later." He crosses his arms as he leans back in the limousine. "The appropriate restaurant, huh? I'm certain I can think of somewhere that we can go." His head turns as he starts to chuckle to himself. But he supposes that he should probably attempt to choose something worthwhile rather than something that will continue to amuse him.

It doesn't matter. Wherever we three go, I'm certain I will be entertained. The entertainment doesn't come with guilt. It is the madness of three different personalities trapped together and he thinks that it is fine to be both participant and spectator. "Still. I apologize, Malik. Even if this was not your idea, this is for your sake that we're doing anything. Regardless of how you feel toward us, there is already affection felt toward you. Is that not right, Ashura?"

Well. This didn't go as planned. Malik was ready to fight, bare his teeth and threaten and scream and absolutely let go of any semblance of control. It's what he always did. It made him feel good, but in a sick way. To have both acknowledge his tantrum and act accordingly - not pushing back or otherwise feeding into his smoldering anger - Malik can't really fight back. It's disarming. They are nice in such a way it doesn't feel contrived or fake. Even that he could have fought back against. He internally chalks it up to being too tired. Then again, maybe that's a little too self aware, for someone who classically is not. Fact of the matter is, he found his petty rage subsiding, though he still is a bit sour.

"Yeah, I've heard that one before." 'For your sake' was always shorthand for something else. Something a lot more self-centered, ironically enough. Typically when he was being moved to another home, that's what it was. To 'help,' even if Malik knew better. He didn't fit in anywhere, someone didn't like him, he was difficult and aggressive and people couldn't put up with him. Either that or they got something out of the arrangement. Yes. 'for your sake' hardly ever felt like it was a benefit to Malik himself, or really for his sake at all. So he's kinda bitter.

"I'm sure there's something you get out of this for your so-called helping. No one is really that nice." He'd shrug, if he wasn't slumping further down in his seat.

"It's always been like that, you don't have to lie about it."

Yay! He gets to dress up Kei! The excitement shows on his face as he's already planning outfits, and he shoots a quick text to someone. A personal fashion designer to bring their best selections. He guess a range of Kei's approximate size.

"No, I mean it as I said. After all, what can I possibly gain that I don't already have?" Whether or not Kei's intentions are pure, eh. But honestly, Kei extended a request for help, so he figures Kei is just as well-intentioned, at the very least. "I think everyone deserves to be spoiled, at least a little bit!"

That's honestly the only reason he spoils people as much as he does - because they deserve that share of happiness in their lives. He's positive of it.

"But Kei-bhai's right - you are cared for. He said you needed help, and I do already adore you very much!" Three seconds of interaction that he enjoys will result in this pretty quickly. "It's okay to sit back and enjoy being cared for, you know~"

"I'm not being nice at all." His own dismissive statement is voiced. He holds his hand out toward Ashura indicating that the young man cannot have anything but pure intentions. It is why he thinks that it will be good for him to tether himself to Malik. Someone that is constantly bathed in light and glory will either pull the young man out from shadows, or be swallowed up by them.

He turns his head to press his lips together. Wait, am I being cruel? His eyebrows come together as he is not sure if he is or is not. What he thinks is most important out of his endeavor is returning Malik's faith in humanity. A faith that the young man has not had the chance to acquire. Yes, too many clumsy hands have let the teenager down. He believes that he has fallen, but he's only stumbled. The real fall comes from acquiring real and honest faith in the goodness of others.

"Yes. I have no reason to lie. It is my intention that you gain a sense of trust in the people around you." Kei tosses his head as he dismisses his own less than honorable thoughts. The importance is to do good; whatever comes after that is out of his hands. "The best way for you to do so is thankfully with the assistance of our prince here. Honestly, it was very good-timing that I should happen to run into him the same day that I spoke to you, Malik."

A beat. "No one has any intention of pulling the rug out from under you. Neither one of us sees any profit in building your hopes up that way." Indeed, he has no desire to bring Malik's hopes up to dash them. There would be no point in it. He merely wishes to bring them up in general, and the rest will be up to Malik if he decides to destroy the good-will that he's begun to foster in his heart for everyone or not.

"So, enjoy yourself to your heart's content. It is what we both want."

Edited 2018-04-12 03:59 (UTC)

What is he supposed to say to that? 'No, stop caring about me' -- Actually, it's tempting, but Kei and Ashura aren't the first ones trying to nudge Malik in a better direction. More and more people are giving Malik's reasons to stop digging himself deeper and deeper into the I-Hate-Humanity hole that he has created for himself.

"Give me one reason to believe either of you and I'll consider it."

He's at the bottom. Climbing out is going to take some time - but every little bit helps. Words can only do so much, but their little adventure still await ahead of them, just more proof to back up their claims.

It'll definitely be hard to argue about his dark and unfair life once he gets fed and dressed and pampered.

"Hmm." Ashura contemplates a way to prove it. He's never been asked to prove such a thing before.

"Oh! I know! How about a hug?" That's usually how people express their affections for another, right?

"We could both hug you at the same time! Until you feel better~ And I'll even throw in an extra present!"

There. Problem solved. Right? This is obviously the perfect solution to gain Malik's trust. Ashura's all smiles about it.

His arms remained crossed as he attempted to catch Malik's eye, and lightly shook his head. The shake of his head meant to indicate that Kei had no desire to "hug it out", and slightly exasperated with Ashura's answer to the problem. Uncrossing his arms, he made a gesture toward their gracious host.

"As you can see, Ashura is too open to be capable of any sort of guile or misdirection." He scratched his chin yet sounded almost surprisingly smug.

"He is a person that truly believes in the goodness of people and honestly wishes to reward it. Those that are in need of support and care, he wishes to lavish with as many riches and affection, as possible." His eyes closed to finish the reason for why Malik should believe in Ashura.

"As for me," Kei tilted his head as he mused over the reasons why the teenager should believe in him. "Because I was able to see you and your less than subtle weaknesses that you carry." He opened his eyes to look to the young man in question with a half-smile.

"Yet I am not using any of what I see to bring you harm. If I had that intention, I would have no reason to bring him along to meet you." His chin bobbed to gesture toward Ashura. "Yet I came to be aware that his involvement would allow for a much better conclusion than what I had initially come up with. Those are the reasons to believe in us, and so you can now consider it."

“Don’t touch me!”

Those words are out of his mouth just as quickly as he pushes himself away from Ashura and practically into the door of the limo. Still jumpy as a stray cat. He catches that look from Kei, quiet as the other man rationally answers. Malik did say he’d consider, and he does; deep down he wants to be taken care of, but he’s so used to not letting himself have anything, constantly fighting and pushing back against anyone who has tried to help him, believing that their motives were disingenuous. Sometimes they were. Sometimes they weren’t, but Malik has a very black and white view of the world, much to his detriment. His stubbornness certainly doesn’t help matters either.

“We’ll see about this so-called conclusion. You might have answered the question, but I can’t say I’m satisfied just yet until I see for myself.”

It’s hard for him to trust others. This is the best he can do. Try, try to let himself maybe have something nice, try to let others help, try not to be so defensively aggressive all the time. He’s trying, but it’s still hard.

Ashura blinks at Malik as he jolts away.

"Oh, no, are you okay?"

Please don't hurt yourself, Malik. Ashura just wants to show you he cares.

"Did someone hurt you?" He means physical injuries, figuring that must be the reason Malik doesn't want to be touched. After all, who doesn't want affection? It's the best thing in the universe, as far as he's concerned.

Before much longer, they limo will pull to a stop in front of a decadent hotel, made with the rich in mind. A place where Malik will probably come to see alot of ambassadors. Though they might give him a second glance, most will probably assume he's someone's rebellious teenager and, as long as he stays out of their way, won't say much to him. After all, they've got more important things to do with their time.

"Yay, we're here!" And Ashura is more than happy to lead the way in as they go to the front desk to get a room for Malik.

A blink, and then he looks back at Malik in an afterthought.

"Chota bhai, did you not bring any luggage?" Should he send someone back to the apartment to retrieve it?

Kei decides that he will stay quiet as he allowed Malik to answer Ashura's questions. He turns to look out the window instead, watching the buildings pass by with mild interest. A pause as he looks to the bodyguards that continue to be little more than fixtures and hardly people. There is a half-smile that he offers them with little response; he supposes with the prince's antics that it would take a lot to cause them to respond.

When they do finally depart from the limo, he reaches to rest his hand on Malik's shoulder before they follow after their prince. "It's all right. I'm sorry that this is a lot to handle, but you are doing well. Eventually, this will become a memory you can laugh at, Malik, when you are stronger and feel safer. We'll do what we can to help you, too." His tone is surprisingly soft and reassuring as he lets his hand go so that he can walk to see where Ashura had wandered off to so suddenly.

And once more, he holds out his hand for Malik to speak for himself. Like he is the young man's own bodyguard.

Did someone hurt you?

Malik can feel his heart rate climbing. Maybe not in this life, but he has that one particular memory, vivid and horrid enough that it might as well happened yesterday. Yet, he isn't about to make himself vulnerable. More vulnerable. He doesn't answer Ashura either way, turning away and spending the rest of the short ride in silence.

At least the second question is more normal, something he can field without an adverse reaction. "Yeah, I have it stashed somewhere. I'll get it later." He wasn't sure if he could trust these people, he wasn't about to haul around his golden relics with him until he was sure. Having had no consistent shelter for the past few weeks made him very good at finding hiding places for what few things he had.

He flinches when Kei touches him, feeling some indescribable, ugly feeling simmering in his gut. But there's nowhere for this feeling to go, and he lets it stay there. "You might laugh. I'm still skeptical that this is even real."

Good things don't happen to bad people. He's held to this thought for a long time, not letting himself have anything worthwhile because he didn't deserve it. He doesn't deserve this either. That doesn't stop him from moving forward, however, after Ashura.

Edited 2018-04-23 04:29 (UTC)

"Oh. Alright then!"

Ashura waves off the need for a baggage carrier, then. A few of the bodyguards lead the way to the room, while others bring up the rear. They go to the elevator, where a few of the guards again take the first elevator with Ashura, not letting either of the other two on. Then the rest of them board with Kei and Malik on the next one, to go meet on the same floor as Ashura.

Ashura is waiting excitedly on the tenth floor for them. When their elevator opens, he's all smiles again.

"Yay! You made it! Come on, it's this way! I bet you're going to just love it!"

The guards again format themselves on the way to the room, and Ashura opens the door to 1029. Inside is a luxurious suite with ample room practically fit for a King. There's a fully stocked mini-bar (most rooms come with these, alas. Ashura didn't think to request one without.), a dining area for when room service is ordered, a luxurious living room decorated in cream and burgundy with television, fireplace, and a phone, as well as the most extravagant, cushy seating money can buy and a coffee table. The bedroom is actually separated from the rest of it, and consists of a California King bed, decorated with the same cream and burgundy as the living room. A side table next to the bed with a lamp, and a fullsized walk-in closet, as well as a dresser and vanity mirror provided.

The bathroom can be considered equally large and has potpourri accents with cream towels and burgundy carpeting. The tub is massive, with a shower beside it, and two sinks are available.

Enjoy your stay, Malik. Ashura holds out the card key to him.

Edited 2018-04-25 17:14 (UTC)

He offered a warm smile at the idea that he might laugh at Malik later for this adventure.

"Ah."

Kei had stepped back and out of the way when the guards entered the elevator with Ashura. The indifferent air that they had toward him turned momentarily heavier when he attempted to join the prince. Stepping back, he held his hands up in surrender to stand by Malik instead -- a means of silently saying that he was fine with waiting for another elevator.

"Our little prince certainly lives in a fantastical kind of way, don't you think so, Malik?" The question itself is rhetorical. And even though Ashura was not too much shorter than Kei, he still called him a "little prince." The man's world was almost as small as he could see Malik's was; their perspectives too small and confined. He smiled to himself as he believed more that this would be for the best for two of them. Whether it would end up being "good," however, remained to be seen.

"We did make it." Kei felt his smile even out to a calmer, smug smirk. "There was a moment there that I thought we'd end up lost." His joke said and done as he followed after into the room. This place is better than my apartment. It was the immediate thought that he had as soon as he entered, but then a two-room apartment would be considered better than where he presently lived.

"I really don't know my body is going to be able to afford this place. I hope that you shall show some mercy to me, Ashura. I do consider myself first a simple restaurant owner." A lament that he made aloud, but looked to Malik to see how he was liking his new living arrangement. "Well, what do you think?"

The feeling of being out of place amplifies as Malik follows the troupe silently with what could only be described as grim resignation. Being shuffled to new places isn’t new to him at all. He can’t bring himself to be excited, because relocation was never exciting: ‘Here’s your new home, Malik’ only to be moved again months later because it “wasn’t a good fit for him.”

Ashura’s sunshiney demeanor doesn’t affect him, nor does Kei’s even, rationonal questions (rhetorical as they may be). It feels like he’s poisoning the room with his presence, darkness and filth spreading from his feet to invisibly creep along the floor, seeping into the decor. He does like the red, though. This is still so beyond him he’s hesitant to take the key card, like maybe Ashura is going to pull it away.

“Is this really for me?” he asks with disbelief, answering Kei’s question as well as directing his words at Ashura. “It’s... okay. Big.”

Ashura gives a half-shrug at Kei's comment of body payment.

"Well, I was going to give it to you for free. You insisted on a payment. Besides, dancing and dressing up is fun! I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

There might be a little glee in Ashura's voice. He's pretty excited to get to have fun with Kei. He winks at him.

"I promise not to make it too difficult on you."

Ashura waits eagerly to see Malik's reaction, still holding out the key card to him. He supposes the disbelief is normal. He remembers not everyone has access to all the things he does, for a moment, after all. So, Ashura just smiles brightly and sincerely.

"It's all yours! No strings attached. Room service and cleaning services are all provided for already."

"Mm, doubt."

On both accounts, the idea that he will have fun and that Ashura will not make things difficult for him. The former is more of an unfortunate defect with his personality. As for the latter, due to the fact that Kei doesn't mind or complain about much of anything, he can see that leading to problems.

Putting a pin in that future issue, Kei focuses his attention onto Malik. His smile slides from the smug smirk to something that could almost be considered sympathetic. Indeed, this must be a little overwhelming for the teenager. Ashura's boisterous, bright energy and his own cold, almost freezing calm makes for a polarizing situation on its own.

As funny as he finds it, he decides to take some pity on the young man. "Well, if it starts to feel too big, I'm certain Ashura won't mind you calling to chat him up about it." He chuckles as he thinks that Malik would end up having Ashura suddenly showing up in the room with some gaggle of people or items to help the young man out. So, he offers his own assistance, too. "And I also don't mind being called upon from time to time, if you are feeling out of place."

A slight pause follows before he adds. "But that sounds like too much of a goodbye. We still have lunch to get to, or did you forget?"

Malik's non-reaction is the most Ashura is getting. He finally snatches the keycard, not sure what to do with it, because--

"I'm taking a shower first. You're the one who's keen to say goodbye."

The wheels are still turning on this situation. He's still taking it in; really, if Kei wanted to leave, Malik wouldn't have minded so much. There's plenty to hold his attention for the time being. Being a teenage boy, however, makes it hard to turn down the promise of food.

"Besides, I thought you were still deciding."

Anyway. Back to Ashura for a moment: "I don't have any clean clothes... Will they wash mine?"

"Yes, the maid service will clean your clothes for you. You just have to place a call for it. It's dry cleaning only, though."

Freshly pressed undies, Malik.

Speaking of undies.

"Oh, if you need replacement underwear, I can order you some really quick, while you're in the shower. What size do you wear? They'll come with the suit."

He asks it like it's not at all awkward. And yes, he still plans to order that suit for you, Malik. He heads over to the phone to get ready to make those calls.

He looks at Kei.

"What about you? Do you have a colour preference or anything?" You said you were going to dress flashy, after all.

"Not at all." Kei shook his head at the idea that he was planning on taking his leave. "And I thankfully had enough time to come up with a decision."

He would not mind finding a place that served something spicy for him to eat -- and he wasn't egotistical enough to go to his own restaurant looking for it. However, his gaze slid from Ashura to Malik slowly; Kei came to his decision based on the fact that the two should enjoy the meal, too.

But just as he was going to explain, his words felt interrupted by Ashura's question. He blinked a few times as he looked to Malik with an expression that could only be sympathetic. Kei knew just how Ashura was from their first conversation. If the teenager hadn't come to understand their prince by now, Kei would be honestly surprised. Ashura has no malice or hostility toward anyone. He feels no shame and so feels no desire to humiliate anyone. A prince that does not need to make others feel small because he is already rich in everything.

"Dark blues or purples are fine with me." Kei had already given up. "Try not to have it have too much lace on it, and I will be appreciative."

He doesn't know what the difference is for dry cleaning and regular washing, or how that really affects him, so he just lets that go. Really he's kinda tuning Ashura out until he hears 'suit' and then he's back to reality.

"What do you mean, a suit? I didn't agree to that."

He's not going to have any clean clothes otherwise, so he's not really in a position to bargain and he knows it, and he can't help but pout a little. He ignores the question on sizing completely, partially because he didn't quite catch it, and partially because he doesn't really know offhand what his waist size is-- A lot of his clothes are old, and he's lost and gained and lost weight quite a bit in the last 6 months to the point where he stopped keeping track. Considering how skinny he is, there's good reason to guess he's somewhere on the small to medium scale.

"Whatever, I don't really care anymore as long as I have something to wear and I get some food. I'm going to shower."

He's DONE with adults doing their weird adult thing and he stalks off towards the bathroom. He'll make sure to leave his clothes in a filthy pile for someone to retrieve.

"You didn't? I thought you had. Hmm... Oh, well." He gives the thought a shrug. He eyes Malik closely for a moment to decide on sizes.

He seems unfazed by Malik's basic tantrum and just smiles.

"Enjoy your bath!" he follows after Marik leaves the room. He turns his attention to Kei, who he's sure he can get a little more assistance from at this point.

"That's okay! We can go with silk~ Do you know your measurements, by chance?"

He can guess, but if Kei has a preferable fitting, he'll take that over guessing work.

Edited 2018-04-29 21:46 (UTC)

"Extra large?" Kei supplied with a small shrug of his shoulders. He had a few suits for Sunday Mass, but he never went through the trouble of getting one properly fitted. "I doubt you'll have the chance to call in a tailor to take my measurements and have them sew up a suit before Malik returns. But I appreciate the thought."

Indeed, he was certain if he did not bring up time constraints that Ashura would attempt to do just that so that Kei had the best suit imaginable. He offered a sympathetic smile to him before turning to give a small bow. "Also, thank you for allowing this selfishness in looking over Malik Ishtar." It seemed only right and proper to show his gratitude.

"I believe this will be a good experience for the two of you. I don't think that he quite views you as a friend yet, Ashura." A beat. "But I doubt that he views me as a friend, either. The two of us are still people viewed in suspicion and even a day filled with good things happening to him may not have him trust in us... will you be all right?"

He rolled his eyes up as he realized he may not be being clear enough. "Will you be all right with waiting for him to decide that you are his friend?"

Extra large is not a proper measurement, Kei. Ashura's face falls into something that resembles confused pity at the fact that he uses these weird letters for size determination. Especially when letters are not a universal measurement. One country's extra large could be a small to another. Numbers are important. He'll just have to guess.

He dials in to a few places, ordering the suit and underwear for Malik, and a specific ensemble for Kei. He's actually pretty good at eyeing these things, even if he prefers more proper measurements. He's had to determine what costumes others would be able to wear for performances before without a tailor able to give them last minute additions. Just don't blame him for what you get Kei.

After the call, he listens to Kei.

"It's nothing selfish, I'm happy to assist!" He's all smiles. Though he seems a bit confused when Kei says that the experience will be good for both of them. Ashura's already enjoying himself.

But he doesn't falter when Kei tells him that Malik doesn't view him as a friend, or may need time to do so.

"Of course! I know not everyone likes me at first, but I'm sure he'll warm up! And I can tell he's good." No you can't, Ashura. You just assume everyone who doesn't attack you right away is good. "I can be patient, and I'll make sure he knows I care. I told him I would let him come to me, after all!"

Referring to the conversation they had in the car, when Ashura first overly-perturbed Malik.

He held his hands out in surrender at the pitying look that he was given. Kei wasn't the kind of person that cared much about clothes, if he was honest. His restaurant and clinic took precedent over all things; the only time he really cared was ensuring that his suit was clean and ironed for Sunday. Beyond that, well, if one look closer at him they'd note that his clothes didn't quite look fitted. He hid it all right with being rather tall.

"As you say." He offered another smile. Ashura really did seem like a "good" person. His gaze darkened as he scanned the room, but he blinked and chased his slowly blackening thoughts away.

Sliding his hands behind his back, he offered a small nod at that response that promised patience. "I can tell he is, too." Kei decided not to use the word "broken," because he did not think that Malik was. The young man merely had experienced a life free of anyone caring about him. But he did not like exposing the weaknesses of someone to others. That was why he chose his words carefully so that the friendship that he hoped would foster between Malik and Ashura would, indeed, take root.

"And you did tell him that, yes." He thought of bringing up that Malik probably would believing the princeling would kick him out of the hotel room; it would take awhile for the young man to feel comfortable in this space, but he believed it would happen.

Stepping forward, he walked toward Ashura before pivoting to avoid the bodyguards that seem to straighten their posture. He instead began to walk in a small circle, as he sorted out his own thoughts without betraying either Malik or Ashura. He lifted his chin up before he stopped walking. Why am I pacing in a circle?

"Anyway, he seems used to people disappointing him, but I have faith in your ability to reassure him." He smiled at nothing in particular, and felt pleased with himself. It was something that left him with a little feeling of dread, but he wasn't sure why. "Don't mention my concerns, if you could. I don't want to be thought of as more of a meddler than what I already am."

And it would be best if Malik was under the assumption that the two of him believed him to be much stronger and more secure than Kei knew him to be.

"You really think I can?" Ashura seems to be in awe at this statement. He'd love to be the one to restore Malik's faith in humanity. And it would make Malik like him even more right? He definitely wants that.

"Sure! I can keep a secret~" And he surprisingly can, too. He's airheaded, but sincere. And exposing someone after being asked to keep a secret, well... he doesn't want to do that to someone else. It seems like a pretty terrible thing to do. After all, Kei is trusting him with this information.

"Oh, you said earlier that you had chosen what restaurant we should all go to, didn't you? Will you tell me? I'm super curious~" He looks as eager as a little kid on Christmas, honestly. What about this day hasn't been perfect.

"I think you have that capability." He offered a slight correction to the question he was asked. "The light that you have radiating from you is one filled with warmth and lacks any ulterior motives." Walking toward the vanity mirror, he looked his own reflection over. His expression remained unfazed and tone of voice calm yet conversational.

"Thank you." Offhandedly, he thanked Ashura for keeping his concerns secret. It was only then that his mouth formed into a smirk. Yet catching sight of it in the mirror, he ended up scowling instead.

"And I decided on Italian cuisine." The blandness of it will end up making a less than enjoyable meal for Kei, but he decided to set aside his desires for something spicy. "Our Malik Ishtar could do with something that is filling, but familiar enough to know what to order." Like pastas. Or if all else fails, lasagna. He's a little too thin to offer him food that would upset his stomach. But he breathed out a small laugh at the thought.

"Sound fair?"

Deep Inside My Heart, I'm Here [Closed]

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