[ once the conversation with berserker had finished, it took less than a day for flat to gather the confidence to go speak to waver.
no, that's not right. he already had the confidence, thanks to the conversation--he just couldn't afford to lose it. that's why he had to act to fast. so the thoughts and feelings he had wouldn't get lost in his ever running mind. he's lucky that he even managed to get berserker to come with in such a short notice, but flat's aware that luck has usually been on his side.
he wonders if that will fail him today?
having waver's address from before, flat somehow manages to orient himself as he thinks about what he'll say. an apology will be enough, right? will it? perhaps if he explains--no, that would just make things worse, wouldn't it?
no. this is his responsibility, and he'll do what is needed to fix it.
he knocks on the door to the apartment, and waits for waver to open the door. when he does, he'll smile brightly, relieved. ]
[ Waver scents him through the door as he approaches to answer it, hesitating a moment with his hand hovering over the doorknob. Knowing who is on the other side.
His breath hitches, heartbeat spiking; he can't help it.
Really, Waver knows he should have reached out sooner. He should have said something. He should have at least tried.
...but what is he supposed to say to the person who looks up to him (some distant, future version of him that doesn't exist), who clearly cares so much about him and respects him (for reasons Waver can't fully understand), and whom he very nearly killed?
He swallows hard, tries not to look as terrified as he suddenly feels, and opens the door. ]
Flat...
[ Wait. ]
Y-you've come to--?
[ Apologize? Waver feels like he's the one who needs to apologize. He stares a moment, mouth half open, too flustered momentarily for words. ]
[ flat laughs at waver’s bewildered expression, soft enough to not aggravate his wounds—the last thing he wants is for waver to feel any worse than he probably does. ]
You probably think that it’s your fault, hm? That’s so like you. [ he chuckles again, leaning against the door frame. there’s a hint of nervousness in his expression, though—like he’s not that sure about what he’s saying. flat feels like he’s treading on thin ice here and one false move will send him falling. ]
But I’m pretty sure that the reason you tried to kill me was because of something I did. That’s why I’m apologizing.
[ Waver tries to cut in, shocked at Flat's protests. He doesn't continue when Flat keeps talking though, hearing him out. Even if the word kill makes his ears shrink against his hair. His tail uncurls, down and stiffly uncomfortable, giving him a look of a cornered, scolded beast.
Waver shakes his head. ]
No. Flat, listen. I don't- I don't really remember exactly what happened, but I know I wasn't myself, and I know you were probably just defending yourself.
[ He can't be 100% sure, honestly. It's a blur, and he'd been out in the mist so long that night, he barely remembers his interaction with Flat at all. He remembers the animal rage though; the pain; the stench of blood; the urge to rip and tear and sink his teeth in.
Waver takes half a step back, suddenly pale and queasy. ]
I'm sorry. I should have reached out to make sure you were okay before this.
[ flat says this with conviction, his tone more serious than usual. in his own opinion, he is fine—alive being fine enough for him. seeing waver like this...it’s not something that he likes. it makes his chest hurt, like someone’s stepping on it repeatedly.
the least he can do for him is tell the truth— prove to waver that this was not his fault. ]
I did defend myself, yeah—pretty bad, too, but I guess that’s why I’ve always failed the self defense classes. [ he shrugs. nothing that can be done about that. ] But the reason you went wild was because of me, I think. The blood I had on me when I saw you...I think it made you go crazy or something. Like a hungry animal. Don’t you see? It’s not your fault!
[ Waver frowns, shaking his head again adamantly. ]
No. I mean, probably, yeah, but--
[ That doesn't make it better, or easier to accept what almost happened. It makes him feel worse, honestly. Like he really is a monster, unable to control the animal desires that take over his mind. He'd thought this was something he had a handle on. He'd thought he wouldn't wake up bloody and terrified of what he'd done in his insanity anymore.
It's the mist. He knows that. He knows it didn't only affect Monsters, either, but somehow it feels even worse having taken steps to make sure this didn't happen and then none of it mattering. He feels violated, and not by Flat. It's an awful thing feeling like he has no control over his own thoughts and actions.
The fact that it's not technically his fault doesn't change the reality of what had happened.
...like a hungry animal.
He's not going to make excuses. ]
I lost control. Even though I was influenced by other factors, I'm still the one who hurt you. You weren't wrong to defend yourself.
[ flat shoots him a small smile, ignoring the way that his chest aches more as waver only seems to grow more upset by the second. if only he knew what to do or how to fix it, even if it meant turning time back—he’d be willing to do all of that for waver.
but he can’t. those things are just impossible now. it’s such a strange and uncomfortable feeling, being so limited. ]
You lost control—that’s the mist’s fault, not yours. How were you supposed to know that it was supposed to happen or even protect yourself from it? I’m glad it was me and not someone you actually cared about.
[ because waver would no doubt feel worse, in that case. even flat knows that. ]
I did terrible things too, you know? [ he speaks calmly, like one would talk about the weather or something just as benign. ] The reason you attacked me was because you smelled the blood of someone I killed, Waver. That’s why I’m telling you: I deserved it.
[ Waver's eyes widen a fraction at the admission, the way it sounds so strangely cavalier in light of the reality of the words leaving Flat's mouth. He killed someone. Just fact.
...it is all just an unfortunate fact now, though. Flat's not wrong. In a circumstance where it was impossible to be responsible for one's actions, how can it make sense to expect someone to take responsibility? Those suffering lasting damage from this mishap might disagree.
Waver wants to disagree. Even if it makes sense logically, it feels wrong.
But there's nothing he can do about it now. ]
Then you deserved it the same as I did, or didn't. There's no point passing around the blame when as you said the mist was the cause and neither of us could control it.
[ He doesn't even consider an alternative where Flat might not have been affected by the mist. In truth, it's probably foolish. He doesn't actually know Flat. ]
You can't blame yourself.
[ Standing in the doorway where their neighbors could hear too is making Waver even more anxious, and he fears it makes him look like he doesn't want Flat to come in, either. Waver cracks open the door further. ]
I understand if you don't feel safe coming in, but if you'd like to... you can.
[ And that's about when he also realizes there's something else he's noticed, but he's been too focused on Flat to really pay attention to a familiar scent in the background. It suddenly occurs to Waver it seems much closer than it should, even taking in the fact a certain someone frequents this building regularly.
He doesn't comment on it yet, though one of his ears rotate away from Flat, giving him away that he's focusing on something else. ]
[ in a way, waver is both right and wrong in assuming that it was the mist’s influence on flat. throughout that time, he had lost the little morality that he had gotten, leaving him as the innocent monster that his parents and all the other teachers had feared. someone without ideas of “good” or “evil”, who merely lived to their own whimsical desires.
someone that saw humans as nothing more than cogs in a machine.
and while flat still doesn’t feel any regret for most of the things that he did, he has a slight understanding of the gravity of the situation. and, most importantly, he regrets how he hurt waver.
but if waver says that it’s alright, that it wasn’t his fault...he can’t help but feel incredibly relieved.
which is why his expression lights up considerably when waver invites him inside, speaking excitedly. ]
I-I’d love to come in! I had Berserker waiting, but I’ll tell him he can go since we figured it all out!
[ he’ll raise his arms—and there’s a wince in the middle there, ow—as he gives two thumbs up to a far away berserker who walks away as soon as given the sign. then, he’ll turn back as he walks inside the place. ]
[ It's not Berserker's presence that surprises him; Waver had already scented him lingering about. It's the reason for it, and why he hadn't shown himself. He looks out at wherever Flat is giving the thumbs-up, then back at Flat himself quizzically. ]
You had him waiting? [ What kind of relationship do these two have?? ]
Why?
[ ...did Flat think he was going to attack again or something? That's an unwelcome bummer of a thought. ]
[ flat laughs awkwardly, scratching his cheek nervously. ]
I was really nervous all day yesterday and today before coming here and thought I'd screw up this whole apology thing. So I dragged him with me as...[ hmm, what's the term for it? ah, right! ] as emotional support! I just didn't want him behind me because that'd be intimidating, wouldn't it? It's thanks to him that I came here in the first place--it was his idea.
[ Waver steps aside to let Flat all the way into the, well, flat. He's still gaping at him, trying to figure out which part to process first.
At least this is a good way to ease the tension between them amid such a serious discussion. ]
Berserker is not... the first person I'd have considered for emotional support.
[ Backup in a fight? For sure. As a guard or someone to watch his back? Yeah, definitely. But emotional support? Hm. ]
...sounds like you two have gotten pretty close.
[ He's also a bit surprised that this was Berserker's idea, encouraging Flat to come talk to him about what had happened. He's embarrassed that he didn't get the courage to go talk to Flat himself. But at least they're trying to patch things up now, right? He does feel a bit better.
Waver closes the door behind him, gesturing lamely toward the sofa if Flat wants to take a seat. ]
[ flat comments that as he walks into the place, taking off his coat and hanging it on a nearby chair. and while his outfit underneath does a good effort in hiding the bandages covering his wounds, they still manage to peek above the shirt collar on his neck. ]
I guess it’s kind of because he reminds me a bit of Jack. Maybe not as gentlemanly and he definitely can’t shapeshift into anything, but that’s fine. Jack is Jack, and Berserker is his own person—whoever he is.
[ he speaks in fond, nostalgic tone, clearly missing the presence of his servant. but he wouldn’t say that berserker is any less important—it’s just two different things. ]
Perhaps you have a sort of affinity for Berserker class Servants.
[ Is that how it works? (Not really.) Maybe it's a joke.
Waver doesn't sit immediately, hovering awkwardly. He's about to ask Flat if he wants something to drink, but the question Flat poses instead distracts him.
The way he asks it makes Waver's cheeks grow hot. ]
He can shapeshift. Into a dragon.
[ Waver corrects him instead of answering the question forthright. But with a sigh, he adds: ]
Haha, a whole dragon?! [ flat grins at the mention of it, clapping his hands together. ] Jack could turn into a demon with their Noble Phantasm—but they could also turn into animals and policemen and even people that already exist. So I kept them as a wristwatch. [ because that’s the logical thing to do. ] It would’ve been cool to have them as dragon, but that’s probably out of the question now.
[ especially with them missing half their saint graph. flat shrugs—it’s just how things are now.
and while a hint of loneliness flashes in flat’s eyes as he talks about his own servant, that disappears as soon as waver mentions having lived with berserker. ]
Oh? Tell me more! What was that like?
[ he sits down, looking up at waver, waiting for more details. to hear stories from his to-be professor, flat would like nothing more than that. ]
[ Waver blinks. A... wristwatch? Practical, he supposes. Probably not much fun for Jack (or maybe it is; what does he know?).
It seems they really have veered entirely away from the subject of what happened. Waver supposes that's for the best, since he has no idea what else to say, though he still can't help but feel uncomfortable. He keeps glancing at the bandages, worried, and remains standing near the couch for now. ]
Oh... you know. Brooding.
[ It's not exactly that he was always brooding, just that he gives off that sort of air. Waver shrugs, waving a hand toward the adjoined kitchen. ]
I can put on some tea.
[ A moment of hesitation. He's not keen on embarrassing questions, but there's still that nagging feeling that he owes Flat. And that Flat is considering Berserker to Bond with, so maybe the questions are a good thing. ]
[ flat grins, leaning against the couch. the mental image of waver and berserker living together is something that’s kind of comical to him, and he wonders if he could get details. did they share beds? fight over bathroom rights?
it’s these questions and more that pique flat’s curiosity, wishing to get answered, so it’s obvious that he nods when offered tea and the promise of a longer story. ]
I’d love to hear more! [ he stands up, following waver to the kitchen. ]
[ Waver busies himself in the kitchen, putting on the kettle, getting out a couple of mugs. He doesn't have nicer teacups or saucers, but it's fine. Doubtful that Flat expects anything fancy. Waver had mostly invited him in because he felt awkward standing in the doorway, and worse sending Flat away. ]
Are you hungry?
[ He can put out some snacks too. Rider usually buys random stuff to try. Waver is really not used to having people over, but the least he can offer is tea and some crackers or something.
Back to Berserker, though: ]
Technically, he'd probably say he didn't live there, but he spent a lot of time around. Mostly staying with Diarmuid. They're, ah, involved. It was a bit awkward...
[ More awkward than he's willing to share, and it's no fault of Diarmuid's. Waver quickly moves on. ]
In any case, it's not like we were in such close quarters all the time together or anything. I had my own room. Diarmuid and Berserker were in the other one. Same building as this, actually. First floor.
[ waver's right-- flat doesn't expect anything fancy. living a decade in the clock tower has basically made him all but entirely forget about what it was like to live as a child of the aristocratic escardos family. he's a simple student, and he prefers the simplicity of this place over anything fancy. ]
Sure, why not? Let me help to get you something too.
[ not that he'll wait for waver to give a yes or no-- he'll open a cabinet, looking for something for the both of them. ]
Yeah, Berserker told me they're lovers. It was probably super weird, huh? Is it like a love triangle sort of thing? Or is it like...'here's my boyfriend and here's my boyfriend's boyfriend' kind of thing instead?
[ is he teasing waver? perhaps, perhaps not.
no, from the way that his smile curls, he is most definitely teasing waver. ]
Ah, right, bonds. [ he says this dismissively, like it was something that he had completely forgotten about-- he had, actually. ] Not really. I'm just curious 'cause he's my friend, you know? And so are you. Isn't that good enough?
[ Hello?? It's rude to root around other people's cabinets???
It's not like Waver has anything secret in the pantry, but it's definitely awkward having Flat decide to just help himself and phrasing it like he's getting something for Waver in his own home. ]
It's okay. I'll get it. Don't worry about--
Wait, what?
[ Waver was just going to go nudge Flat out of the way and/or 'help' him find something for them to split, but in his shock, he ends up slamming the cabinet with a loud bang right in Flat's face, as if shutting the door to that line of questioning as hard as he can. ]
No! There's no love triangle! Stop spouting ridiculous nonsense about people's love lives!
[ flat's initial reaction is definitely one of surprise, as the door is slammed right in front of his face. but seeing waver's reaction, watching him get so flustered and defensive over a teasing comment...well, he can't help but laugh.
it hurts a bit, laughing so loudly, but who cares? he's enjoying himself, even if it is at waver's expense. no no, seeing him like this was the true treat of this. ]
I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just so much fun to watch you get all embarrassed and stuff-- I can see why Miss Reines really likes it. [ he giggles again, clearly trying to hold back. ] But I guess it's only natural that you'd be as cute now if you're still cute when you're older.
[ oh good thing Flat's enjoying this then because he gets treated to watching Waver look like he's short-circuiting. ]
I-it's not fun!
[ not for Waver anyway... it's probably a lot of fun for Flat! it's still weird for Waver that Flat knows people in his future and he can't even imagine those relationships, so that coupled with Flat teasing him about something else he's insecure about -- his odd relationship with Berserker -- just makes for a very confusing and awkward combination. ]
Stop laughing!
[ ...cute? how is he even supposed to react to that? (by blushing furiously, that's how; he's too pale to hide it)
Waver crowds Flat away from the cabinet, still holding it firmly shut, as if that's somehow going to help. The kettle starts whistling, making his ears perk up automatically at the noise. ]
You really must be feeling better if you have the energy to make fun of me. Go sit down.
[ waver’s reaction seems to have the opposite effect on flat, as he continues holding back laughter. ]
I’m not making fun of you. It’s praise!
[ and he doesn’t seem to be lying about it either. even if waver finds it embarrassing, flat truly does think of this as praising the person he cares about.
so that’s why he retreats when asked—well, ordered to—although still stifling his laughter. it’s only when he’s sitting down that he calms down, taking a seat back in the couch. he’ll wait for waver, but he can’t help but look around the place, turning around as much as he can without wincing (which is not much, actually). he’s definitely curious, especially now that he has the chance to see how a younger waver velvet lives. ]
[ he's still... blushing... please don't look at him.
At least Flat has the decency to retreat and let Waver breathe a moment. Now he's thinking about Berserker and his dick how to explain-- except it's none of Flat's business and he doesn't need to explain anything! he's an adult!!
and he's... very embarrassed. especially recalling, fuzzy as the memories are, some of the other stuff he's pretty sure he got up to during the whole mist incident. goddd.
--oh, right. kettle. it's still screeching.
Waver quickly goes to take it off the stove and pour the tea, grabs some biscuits out of the cupboard and practically throws them onto the coffee table. At least he's more gentle with the hot mugs.
In the meantime, while Flat waits, he'll be able to get a good long look at Waver's living room and adjoined kitchen. The apartment is small, but in a cozy way, not a cramped one. It's tidy, though clearly lived-in, most of the furniture having come with the place. There isn't much yet in the way of personal decoration, but the bookshelf is already stuffed full.
Waver slides Flat's mug toward him and sits down on the opposite side of the couch with a huff. ]
[ flat finds the place wonderful, so homely and so like waver to stuff a place with books before thinking of any other sort of decoration.
idly, before waver returns with the mugs, he wonders if iskandar lives here too. he must, right? he has no doubt that waver wouldn’t let him go once he had a chance to see him again—even he understands this.
once waver returns and sets the mugs down, flat takes his. the warmth on his hands is comforting—so is waver’s presence. ]
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no, that's not right. he already had the confidence, thanks to the conversation--he just couldn't afford to lose it. that's why he had to act to fast. so the thoughts and feelings he had wouldn't get lost in his ever running mind. he's lucky that he even managed to get berserker to come with in such a short notice, but flat's aware that luck has usually been on his side.
he wonders if that will fail him today?
having waver's address from before, flat somehow manages to orient himself as he thinks about what he'll say. an apology will be enough, right? will it? perhaps if he explains--no, that would just make things worse, wouldn't it?
no. this is his responsibility, and he'll do what is needed to fix it.
he knocks on the door to the apartment, and waits for waver to open the door. when he does, he'll smile brightly, relieved. ]
Pr--Waver! I've come to apologize!
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His breath hitches, heartbeat spiking; he can't help it.
Really, Waver knows he should have reached out sooner. He should have said something. He should have at least tried.
...but what is he supposed to say to the person who looks up to him (some distant, future version of him that doesn't exist), who clearly cares so much about him and respects him (for reasons Waver can't fully understand), and whom he very nearly killed?
He swallows hard, tries not to look as terrified as he suddenly feels, and opens the door. ]
Flat...
[ Wait. ]
Y-you've come to--?
[ Apologize? Waver feels like he's the one who needs to apologize. He stares a moment, mouth half open, too flustered momentarily for words. ]
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[ flat laughs at waver’s bewildered expression, soft enough to not aggravate his wounds—the last thing he wants is for waver to feel any worse than he probably does. ]
You probably think that it’s your fault, hm? That’s so like you. [ he chuckles again, leaning against the door frame. there’s a hint of nervousness in his expression, though—like he’s not that sure about what he’s saying. flat feels like he’s treading on thin ice here and one false move will send him falling. ]
But I’m pretty sure that the reason you tried to kill me was because of something I did. That’s why I’m apologizing.
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[ Waver tries to cut in, shocked at Flat's protests. He doesn't continue when Flat keeps talking though, hearing him out. Even if the word kill makes his ears shrink against his hair. His tail uncurls, down and stiffly uncomfortable, giving him a look of a cornered, scolded beast.
Waver shakes his head. ]
No. Flat, listen. I don't- I don't really remember exactly what happened, but I know I wasn't myself, and I know you were probably just defending yourself.
[ He can't be 100% sure, honestly. It's a blur, and he'd been out in the mist so long that night, he barely remembers his interaction with Flat at all. He remembers the animal rage though; the pain; the stench of blood; the urge to rip and tear and sink his teeth in.
Waver takes half a step back, suddenly pale and queasy. ]
I'm sorry. I should have reached out to make sure you were okay before this.
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[ flat says this with conviction, his tone more serious than usual. in his own opinion, he is fine—alive being fine enough for him. seeing waver like this...it’s not something that he likes. it makes his chest hurt, like someone’s stepping on it repeatedly.
the least he can do for him is tell the truth— prove to waver that this was not his fault. ]
I did defend myself, yeah—pretty bad, too, but I guess that’s why I’ve always failed the self defense classes. [ he shrugs. nothing that can be done about that. ] But the reason you went wild was because of me, I think. The blood I had on me when I saw you...I think it made you go crazy or something. Like a hungry animal. Don’t you see? It’s not your fault!
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[ Waver frowns, shaking his head again adamantly. ]
No. I mean, probably, yeah, but--
[ That doesn't make it better, or easier to accept what almost happened. It makes him feel worse, honestly. Like he really is a monster, unable to control the animal desires that take over his mind. He'd thought this was something he had a handle on. He'd thought he wouldn't wake up bloody and terrified of what he'd done in his insanity anymore.
It's the mist. He knows that. He knows it didn't only affect Monsters, either, but somehow it feels even worse having taken steps to make sure this didn't happen and then none of it mattering. He feels violated, and not by Flat. It's an awful thing feeling like he has no control over his own thoughts and actions.
The fact that it's not technically his fault doesn't change the reality of what had happened.
...like a hungry animal.
He's not going to make excuses. ]
I lost control. Even though I was influenced by other factors, I'm still the one who hurt you. You weren't wrong to defend yourself.
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[ flat shoots him a small smile, ignoring the way that his chest aches more as waver only seems to grow more upset by the second. if only he knew what to do or how to fix it, even if it meant turning time back—he’d be willing to do all of that for waver.
but he can’t. those things are just impossible now. it’s such a strange and uncomfortable feeling, being so limited. ]
You lost control—that’s the mist’s fault, not yours. How were you supposed to know that it was supposed to happen or even protect yourself from it? I’m glad it was me and not someone you actually cared about.
[ because waver would no doubt feel worse, in that case. even flat knows that. ]
I did terrible things too, you know? [ he speaks calmly, like one would talk about the weather or something just as benign. ] The reason you attacked me was because you smelled the blood of someone I killed, Waver. That’s why I’m telling you: I deserved it.
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...it is all just an unfortunate fact now, though. Flat's not wrong. In a circumstance where it was impossible to be responsible for one's actions, how can it make sense to expect someone to take responsibility? Those suffering lasting damage from this mishap might disagree.
Waver wants to disagree. Even if it makes sense logically, it feels wrong.
But there's nothing he can do about it now. ]
Then you deserved it the same as I did, or didn't. There's no point passing around the blame when as you said the mist was the cause and neither of us could control it.
[ He doesn't even consider an alternative where Flat might not have been affected by the mist. In truth, it's probably foolish. He doesn't actually know Flat. ]
You can't blame yourself.
[ Standing in the doorway where their neighbors could hear too is making Waver even more anxious, and he fears it makes him look like he doesn't want Flat to come in, either. Waver cracks open the door further. ]
I understand if you don't feel safe coming in, but if you'd like to... you can.
[ And that's about when he also realizes there's something else he's noticed, but he's been too focused on Flat to really pay attention to a familiar scent in the background. It suddenly occurs to Waver it seems much closer than it should, even taking in the fact a certain someone frequents this building regularly.
He doesn't comment on it yet, though one of his ears rotate away from Flat, giving him away that he's focusing on something else. ]
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someone that saw humans as nothing more than cogs in a machine.
and while flat still doesn’t feel any regret for most of the things that he did, he has a slight understanding of the gravity of the situation. and, most importantly, he regrets how he hurt waver.
but if waver says that it’s alright, that it wasn’t his fault...he can’t help but feel incredibly relieved.
which is why his expression lights up considerably when waver invites him inside, speaking excitedly. ]
I-I’d love to come in! I had Berserker waiting, but I’ll tell him he can go since we figured it all out!
[ he’ll raise his arms—and there’s a wince in the middle there, ow—as he gives two thumbs up to a far away berserker who walks away as soon as given the sign. then, he’ll turn back as he walks inside the place. ]
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[ It's not Berserker's presence that surprises him; Waver had already scented him lingering about. It's the reason for it, and why he hadn't shown himself. He looks out at wherever Flat is giving the thumbs-up, then back at Flat himself quizzically. ]
You had him waiting? [ What kind of relationship do these two have?? ]
Why?
[ ...did Flat think he was going to attack again or something? That's an unwelcome bummer of a thought. ]
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[ flat laughs awkwardly, scratching his cheek nervously. ]
I was really nervous all day yesterday and today before coming here and thought I'd screw up this whole apology thing. So I dragged him with me as...[ hmm, what's the term for it? ah, right! ] as emotional support! I just didn't want him behind me because that'd be intimidating, wouldn't it? It's thanks to him that I came here in the first place--it was his idea.
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At least this is a good way to ease the tension between them amid such a serious discussion. ]
Berserker is not... the first person I'd have considered for emotional support.
[ Backup in a fight? For sure. As a guard or someone to watch his back? Yeah, definitely. But emotional support? Hm. ]
...sounds like you two have gotten pretty close.
[ He's also a bit surprised that this was Berserker's idea, encouraging Flat to come talk to him about what had happened. He's embarrassed that he didn't get the courage to go talk to Flat himself. But at least they're trying to patch things up now, right? He does feel a bit better.
Waver closes the door behind him, gesturing lamely toward the sofa if Flat wants to take a seat. ]
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[ flat comments that as he walks into the place, taking off his coat and hanging it on a nearby chair. and while his outfit underneath does a good effort in hiding the bandages covering his wounds, they still manage to peek above the shirt collar on his neck. ]
I guess it’s kind of because he reminds me a bit of Jack. Maybe not as gentlemanly and he definitely can’t shapeshift into anything, but that’s fine. Jack is Jack, and Berserker is his own person—whoever he is.
[ he speaks in fond, nostalgic tone, clearly missing the presence of his servant. but he wouldn’t say that berserker is any less important—it’s just two different things. ]
But you’re closer to him, aren’t you? Hm?
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[ Is that how it works? (Not really.) Maybe it's a joke.
Waver doesn't sit immediately, hovering awkwardly. He's about to ask Flat if he wants something to drink, but the question Flat poses instead distracts him.
The way he asks it makes Waver's cheeks grow hot. ]
He can shapeshift. Into a dragon.
[ Waver corrects him instead of answering the question forthright. But with a sigh, he adds: ]
We were flatmates. Sort of.
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[ especially with them missing half their saint graph. flat shrugs—it’s just how things are now.
and while a hint of loneliness flashes in flat’s eyes as he talks about his own servant, that disappears as soon as waver mentions having lived with berserker. ]
Oh? Tell me more! What was that like?
[ he sits down, looking up at waver, waiting for more details. to hear stories from his to-be professor, flat would like nothing more than that. ]
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It seems they really have veered entirely away from the subject of what happened. Waver supposes that's for the best, since he has no idea what else to say, though he still can't help but feel uncomfortable. He keeps glancing at the bandages, worried, and remains standing near the couch for now. ]
Oh... you know. Brooding.
[ It's not exactly that he was always brooding, just that he gives off that sort of air. Waver shrugs, waving a hand toward the adjoined kitchen. ]
I can put on some tea.
[ A moment of hesitation. He's not keen on embarrassing questions, but there's still that nagging feeling that he owes Flat. And that Flat is considering Berserker to Bond with, so maybe the questions are a good thing. ]
...and tell you more, if you want.
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[ flat grins, leaning against the couch. the mental image of waver and berserker living together is something that’s kind of comical to him, and he wonders if he could get details. did they share beds? fight over bathroom rights?
it’s these questions and more that pique flat’s curiosity, wishing to get answered, so it’s obvious that he nods when offered tea and the promise of a longer story. ]
I’d love to hear more! [ he stands up, following waver to the kitchen. ]
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[ Waver busies himself in the kitchen, putting on the kettle, getting out a couple of mugs. He doesn't have nicer teacups or saucers, but it's fine. Doubtful that Flat expects anything fancy. Waver had mostly invited him in because he felt awkward standing in the doorway, and worse sending Flat away. ]
Are you hungry?
[ He can put out some snacks too. Rider usually buys random stuff to try. Waver is really not used to having people over, but the least he can offer is tea and some crackers or something.
Back to Berserker, though: ]
Technically, he'd probably say he didn't live there, but he spent a lot of time around. Mostly staying with Diarmuid. They're, ah, involved. It was a bit awkward...
[ More awkward than he's willing to share, and it's no fault of Diarmuid's. Waver quickly moves on. ]
In any case, it's not like we were in such close quarters all the time together or anything. I had my own room. Diarmuid and Berserker were in the other one. Same building as this, actually. First floor.
Why are you so curious about it?
...still thinking about that Bond?
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Sure, why not? Let me help to get you something too.
[ not that he'll wait for waver to give a yes or no-- he'll open a cabinet, looking for something for the both of them. ]
Yeah, Berserker told me they're lovers. It was probably super weird, huh? Is it like a love triangle sort of thing? Or is it like...'here's my boyfriend and here's my boyfriend's boyfriend' kind of thing instead?
[ is he teasing waver? perhaps, perhaps not.
no, from the way that his smile curls, he is most definitely teasing waver. ]
Ah, right, bonds. [ he says this dismissively, like it was something that he had completely forgotten about-- he had, actually. ] Not really. I'm just curious 'cause he's my friend, you know? And so are you. Isn't that good enough?
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[ Hello?? It's rude to root around other people's cabinets???
It's not like Waver has anything secret in the pantry, but it's definitely awkward having Flat decide to just help himself and phrasing it like he's getting something for Waver in his own home. ]
It's okay. I'll get it. Don't worry about--
Wait, what?
[ Waver was just going to go nudge Flat out of the way and/or 'help' him find something for them to split, but in his shock, he ends up slamming the cabinet with a loud bang right in Flat's face, as if shutting the door to that line of questioning as hard as he can. ]
No! There's no love triangle! Stop spouting ridiculous nonsense about people's love lives!
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[ flat's initial reaction is definitely one of surprise, as the door is slammed right in front of his face. but seeing waver's reaction, watching him get so flustered and defensive over a teasing comment...well, he can't help but laugh.
it hurts a bit, laughing so loudly, but who cares? he's enjoying himself, even if it is at waver's expense. no no, seeing him like this was the true treat of this. ]
I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just so much fun to watch you get all embarrassed and stuff-- I can see why Miss Reines really likes it. [ he giggles again, clearly trying to hold back. ] But I guess it's only natural that you'd be as cute now if you're still cute when you're older.
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I-it's not fun!
[ not for Waver anyway... it's probably a lot of fun for Flat! it's still weird for Waver that Flat knows people in his future and he can't even imagine those relationships, so that coupled with Flat teasing him about something else he's insecure about -- his odd relationship with Berserker -- just makes for a very confusing and awkward combination. ]
Stop laughing!
[ ...cute? how is he even supposed to react to that? (by blushing furiously, that's how; he's too pale to hide it)
Waver crowds Flat away from the cabinet, still holding it firmly shut, as if that's somehow going to help. The kettle starts whistling, making his ears perk up automatically at the noise. ]
You really must be feeling better if you have the energy to make fun of me. Go sit down.
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I’m not making fun of you. It’s praise!
[ and he doesn’t seem to be lying about it either. even if waver finds it embarrassing, flat truly does think of this as praising the person he cares about.
so that’s why he retreats when asked—well, ordered to—although still stifling his laughter. it’s only when he’s sitting down that he calms down, taking a seat back in the couch. he’ll wait for waver, but he can’t help but look around the place, turning around as much as he can without wincing (which is not much, actually). he’s definitely curious, especially now that he has the chance to see how a younger waver velvet lives. ]
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[ he's still... blushing... please don't look at him.
At least Flat has the decency to retreat and let Waver breathe a moment. Now he's thinking about Berserker and
his dickhow to explain-- except it's none of Flat's business and he doesn't need to explain anything! he's an adult!!and he's... very embarrassed. especially recalling, fuzzy as the memories are, some of the other stuff he's pretty sure he got up to during the whole mist incident. goddd.
--oh, right. kettle. it's still screeching.
Waver quickly goes to take it off the stove and pour the tea, grabs some biscuits out of the cupboard and practically throws them onto the coffee table. At least he's more gentle with the hot mugs.
In the meantime, while Flat waits, he'll be able to get a good long look at Waver's living room and adjoined kitchen. The apartment is small, but in a cozy way, not a cramped one. It's tidy, though clearly lived-in, most of the furniture having come with the place. There isn't much yet in the way of personal decoration, but the bookshelf is already stuffed full.
Waver slides Flat's mug toward him and sits down on the opposite side of the couch with a huff. ]
You know, you should go to the Coven.
[ change of subject. please. ]
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idly, before waver returns with the mugs, he wonders if iskandar lives here too. he must, right? he has no doubt that waver wouldn’t let him go once he had a chance to see him again—even he understands this.
once waver returns and sets the mugs down, flat takes his. the warmth on his hands is comforting—so is waver’s presence. ]
Hm? For what?
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1/2
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a million years later..........................
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