CMO

[feels_manager]

 /o/

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[righello_infernalei]

[ Apollon likely has a lot of history - as most gods do. If these ones are anything like the ones from his world, they'll also be extremely set in their ways. ]

We may have a tough battle on our hands, trying to out-stubborn a god. But I feel we're up to the task considering who we've had to deal with already.

[ It seems like Apollon wants help but is holding himself back from getting it. Nico knows what that's like. ]

[feels_manager]

[... oh. The words leave Akira absolutely breathless. He lets that soak in fully for a couple moments, and then shifts to hug Apollon again— tightly, this time. There's no words— Akira... actually can't find them right now. He can't even begin to express how grateful he feels. How much adoration and compassion he feels. How much this means to him. He'd been so ready to tone down everything about his approach. To be even allowed this much... He just clings outright for a good, solid while, before finally pulling back and smiling at Apollon. The relief and gratitude in his expression is palpable.]

[light_weight]

[ He doesn't force a smile this time, and the twist of fear and uncertainty and self-directed doubt are heavily lingering all around him. There's a shaky breath as he leans into the hug, letting himself hold on just as tightly.

When he sees the relieved look and the appreciation and that smile, his expression does soften. There are a lot of warm feelings that surface within all the unpleasant ones. A lot of fondness and maybe something that gives away just how much he really does like Akira. ]

... I'll try to fight it less.

[ Referring to how he was when Akira helped him sleep. ]

[feels_manager]

[The contact is nice, and Akira doesn't hesitate to lean back in return. The smiles he makes are still new and fresh and make his heart flutter every time he sees one, and he can't help but smile in return.] Do you ever get a summons because a person just wants to chat with you? [It's said somewhat jokingly, but he can't say he likes the idea of Astaroth being summoned only when something's wanted of him. Maybe it's a little silly given their respective species, but something protective flares up in him. A low whistle.] You were a real MVP, huh? [A pause.] Do you miss it?

[feels_manager]

[... oh. Those feelings... definitely have a fluttery feeling arising in Akira, though some part of him tries to tamp down on it, an internal scolding on how he told himself he was going to go slowly, this time. His gaze softens with understanding.] You're already giving me so much. [His hands slide down the god's arms and stop at his hands, giving them a small squeeze.] It's okay if you end up fighting. It's what you're used to, right? Don't worry; I'm patient. [He lets go of one hand to close the spellbook and tuck it under his arm. With the other hand, there's a light tug of Apollon's arm. Should he allow it, Akira will lead him to his room once again.]

[feels_manager]

[A nod.]

Especially considering that the only one that can really decide if he'll let us help him is him.

[They can force themselves on him all they want, but unless Apollon is ready to accept help, none of it will get through.

He raises his hand for a fistbump.]

I'm stubborn as a mule, but gotta say, it's a relief having another mule to back me up. Especially you.

[hatingloving]

[ Ah, he likes that - Akira leaning into him as well. An amused smirk and there's a short laugh at that question. ] Humans don't tend to contact demons just for a chat. They won't risk their souls for that. [ Honestly, Astaroth doesn't have hard feelings for not being summoned for something so nice and simple. He leans over to place a kiss on Akira's cheek. Mock offense: ] Excuse you. I might have only been a minor goddess to the Egyptians but I'm still an MVP in hell, you know. [ Then a thoughtful sigh and then a sense of longing. ] Yeah, I miss it. The people believed Astarte to be a goddess of war. Also of love and fertility. But just being allowed to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

[light_weight]

[ Oh... he releases an unsteady breath and nods. ]

I know you are. That's something I like most about you...

[ He pauses once they're out of the library, his hand gently squeezing Akira's to let him know he's stopping. Then he leans to rest his forehead against the side of the human's head as he explains. ]

Nico Nico wants to be there...

[ And that's who he'll be looking for once he's said that. ]

[righello_infernalei]

[ Nico is standing outside the library, arms crossed over his chest with his eyes closed as he waits for the pair to come back. When they exit, he looks up at them both and gives them a soft smile. He's partially remembering the night he stood outside the library to give Mira and Era some space before her "death". Hopefully, this one doesn't end so sadly. After a moment he moves to Apollon's other side, taking his hand. ] For support, for both of you. [ And protection too. ]

[righello_infernalei]

Yeah, I'll keep trying to talk to him. But we could also just... be with him. I can introduce him to my music playlist.

[ One has to want the help in the first place, they can only do so much for Apollon.

Ah, that has Nico laughing. Though he... is a little confused about the fistbump. He raises his fist but... now what? ]

Not sure I like the idea of being a "mule". I'd accept a horse, pegasus or hellhound.

[feels_manager]

[Akira obediently stops when asked, his heart doing a little thing again at Apollon leaning against him. He gently leans back, then looks to Nico and smiles— relieved, happy, and grateful. And damn if that soft smile doesn't make his heart do a thing, too... Once Nico has taken up his spot and they're settled, he nods, and resumes the walk back to his room. There's a playful lilt to his voice:] So, you two been having fun together?

[light_weight]

[ He might be giving Akira the hint of a knowing look. He gets it, believe him. But also... oh. Now he's holding two hands. There's the hint of a blush over that, and something very much like doubting he deserves that. Not that it stops him from walking.

That question gets a soft blink... and then something almost like a pout. A lot of conflict rests within. ]

Nico's stubborn and impossible to hide from. He always found me.

[feels_manager]

[Oh. . .

Don't mind Akira for a moment— he's completely mesmerized by everything that's Astaroth right now. The small laugh, the expression... it's a side of him he'd never seen before. Hadn't so much as gotten a glimpse of, really...

The smile on his face widens when his cheek is kissed, and he raises a playful eyebrow in response.]

I don't know, actually. [Poking him in the chest.] So get ready for a boatload of questions.

Goddess of fertility, eh? [he's just... waggling his eyebrows, the heathen. And then there's a softening of his gaze.] And of love...

[righello_infernalei]

[ When Apollon blushes, he looks at the blond first then gives a knowing smirk to Akira after. He's amused and there's clear intent that he enjoys seeing the god blush like this. Nico goes along for the walk easily enough, already figuring that they're heading for someone's room. A soft laugh at the pout and words, bumping his shoulder against Apollon's. ] I'm sure it was terrible, having me share my music with you.

[hatingloving]

[ Well... He had a lot of baggage on his shoulders, a ton of weight hanging over him what with Lucifer dying and potentially the end of the world. Which, is still there, but Akira has helped him deal with it when before he was pushing it all down. A quiet, pleased hum. ] A boatload sure is a lot, perhaps you ought to start asking now. [ Catching that hand poking his chest and tugging Akira to him, wrapping both arms around his waist. Astaroth looks amused at the eyebrow motion. ] What is that look for, exactly? Hm? What naughty thoughts are going through your head? [ Leaning in to give Akira a proper kiss. ] Humans are fond of saying that all's fair in love and war for a reason.

[feels_manager]

[The knowing look from Apollon has him just smiling innocently in response. He briefly holds a blink when Nico gives that knowing smile, then gives a nod of approval.] Yup, Nico and I are pretty much matched for stubbornness. [He sounds rather proud of that, too.] What songs did you guys listen to? And what was your favorite, Apollon?

[feels_manager]

[Oh, he's so affectionate and Akira sinks right into that hug with a soft laugh.]

Okay. Question one: What makes you the MVP here?

[And as for the naughty thoughts... He gives an innocent look.] I'm just saying, I'd be surprised if a god of fertility isn't real thirsty.

[He'll return the kiss and think on that love thing.]

[light_weight]

[ You're both ridiculous, wow.

He sighs, only to blink at Nico's words. ]

Oh, I didn't mean it like...

[ Stop teasing him, gosh!!! But then he's going to lift Nico's hand to his lips, kissing it. ]

There was nothing terrible about it. Nothing I didn't appreciate.

[ Akira gets a kiss to the cheek. ]

You are. I have to admit I'm impressed. An impressive amount of stubbornness.

[ He looks at Nico. He manages a tiny grin. ]

Maybe Nico Nico can share the music with Kira Kira next?

[ But there's a bit of a pout getting sent to Akira next. ]

Asking me to pick a favorite song? A little unfair...

[righello_infernalei]

[ Nope, gonna keep bulli. A light laugh as he squeezes Apollon's hand. ] Glad to hear that. I'd feel bad if you didn't like my visits. [ Not that he sounds or feels like that would have upset him that badly. ] You ended up with double the stubbornness, Apollon. [ Ah, as for that. ] I have already shared it with him. We could talk over the phones and it wasn't great but, I would play music for us both. [ To fill the silence when their houses were empty. ] Apollon is the god of music too, he probably has a bunch of favorites from throughout history.

[magician_sideways]

If I am protecting the world from... myself, and I continue to exist for that purpose along with the others, then it's another day that I still care to protect.

...Rook did nothing I am not capable of, Akira. He just enjoyed it more. So yes. I find it reassuring.

[As for the next part, Tiernan waves it away with a light huff and a vaguely amused sound.]

I promise I am entirely capable of feeling pleasure and have done so as recently as yesterday. More seriously, my emotions are less severe, more controllable, but you if anyone know they certainly exist. I'm detached, not absent.

[Tiernan settles next to Akira, listening. He gives a quiet sigh and rests his chin on curled knuckles.]

No one told you about the other timeline, did they? The one that was undone as part of the last game. The Foundation killed Nicholas in it. And I destroyed them for it. That is how much I care, and why it is so dangerous. I would do the same for my children, for Lucifer, and for you.

[feels_manager]

[Ah... Apollon's reactions to being teased are always so cute. A soft chuckle escapes Akira. He watches as Nico's hand is kissed— but somehow doesn't expect the kiss to his cheek? His eyes widen a little and his cheeks flush, and then there's a slight puff as he squeezes his hand.] Glad you appreciate it since it's one of my defining features. [He nods to confirm what Nico says about sharing music.] So all of them, then? [And then a small laugh at the last part.] Fair enough, I guess that would make it pretty hard to pick.

[feels_manager]

Anyone's capable of being a monster. Maybe Rook more so than others. That's what suffering does to people.

[Ah.. the wave rubs Akira just the wrong way, and he narrows his eyes at Tiernan.]

I didn't say all pleasure— and I mean...

[A growl of frustration comes out of him. He stares at Tiernan, then looks away.]

You'd destroy an entire organization for me, but you'll hardly give what I say a thought.

[A laugh escapes him suddenly.]

Nevermind... if you're so sure you're fine, then... [His hands curl into fists.] I have other people to get to, who are willing to accept the help.

[Something painful burns inside of him as he stares hard at the door.]

[magician_sideways]

That's true, but some people are not just capable but inclined.

[There's a pause as Akira goes off, something heavy to it. Tiernan, for once, hesitates. And all at once, something shifts. The emotions Akira is picking up flare with a vicious intensity that's always seemed beyond Tiernan. Pain, exhaustion, anger (not directed at Akira), fear, grief... It's A Lot.

It's maybe not Tiernan sitting on the bed anymore.]

'Kira, don't... It's not- It's complicated. I made Tiernan to be fine when I can't be.

[feels_manager]

[Akira is incredibly stiff as he stares to the door, and his breath audibly catches when he's punched with emotions.

He turns his head and outright stares at the man, tears running down his cheeks.]

... El?

[magician_sideways]

Yeah. Hi.

[He sounds tired, too, tired and miserable. El reaches over and gently wipes at the tears.]

I don't know how long I can handle this but here I am. If you want to know how I'm really doing, this is it. I'm kind of a mess.