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[Of course Elliot isn't mad at Jusis. He's well aware that his friend's power within the Order was limited. That if it was up to him, none of these kids would be here. If anything, Jusis was probably being harder on himself than he ought to be]

Five minutes, seriously? Jeez, they really don't like making it easy on you guys.

[Poor Jusis just got handed a massive can of worms to deal with, with no warnings. He feels really bad for his friend right now]

I know, and I don't think you should like it. I know how I feel every time I get a new student from another world that turns out to be a child soldier or something just as bad.

They're just...all so young.

[Jusis is definitely being harder on himself than he should, but he's doing his best to try and keep it from being extreme.]

I'm certain at this point that Kaisou is simply a step up from Florida in the pecking order. 'Easy' isn't going to be a word used to describe our assignments here.

[The blond sighs softly.]

They are. That's what makes it worse. [He rubs his face tiredly.] I don't know if you'll have Morgan in your class, but... he reminds me of Millium.

[There's an unspoken request, mostly because Jusis's dignity isn't going to let him ask it openly. He's hoping that Elliot can help look after the kid at school, if possible.]

[It's an unspoken request, but Elliot picks it up loud and clear. Of all the memories he's regained, it was the ones about Millium that haunted him the most. A pain that never subsides, that informs so many of his choices, so much of his dread.]

I'll keep an eye on him. Just like I do all the students.

[I promise, are the unspoken words here. Another kid to look after, it seems.]

And hey, just because you work for the Order doesn't mean you're the same as those who made calls like this. If anything it just sounds like they keep shoving you between rocks and hard places.

[That's another relief, another weight taken off his shoulders. Jusis really doesn't deserve Elliot, but goddamn is he grateful for him.]

Thank you.

[He just hopes his friend can hear how much that means to him. The blond then manages a soft chuckle.]

Heh, if I didn't know any better, I'd say it's because they enjoy it. No, they've never really liked that I tend to not follow their directives to the letter. I'm not one of their zealots, but I'm not annoying enough or dangerous enough to be sent where they can't see me. In fact, they know quite well that it's relatively easy for them to buy my silence.

Edited 2023-02-27 06:50 (UTC)

[He's not sure he needs to be thanked for that, but he won't argue with Jusis over it. ]

That...wouldn't surprise me if that was the case, with a group like that. [He sighs] Just be careful okay? With these groups, whose to say what knives they keep up their sleeves.

[Jusis decides it's for the best in this moment to use the tried and trued method of faking it until he makes it. He may harbor some doubts, but for his friend's sake he's going to pretend he doesn't.]

Hmph, I'll be fine. I have daggers of my own, and I've never been one to roll over and accept my lot.

[While this would be more effective on the other people in Jusis's life, Elliot both knows Jusis well and is a proud practitioner of "fake it till you make it". It's how he gets through every day at school. ]

Riiiiight.

[He's not going to directly call him on it, but he's making it real clear he doesn't buy it either.]

Well, if you ever need a break to get away from it all, my door is always open. Okay? Same goes if you ever need any help from outside the Order.

Edited 2023-02-27 20:55 (UTC)

[Don't even, mister, he'll use the top voice on you.]

I'll certainly keep it in mind.

[And try not to take advantage of Elliot's kindness. Jusis doesn't want to overburden him.]

[EXCUSE YOU]

Good.

Oh, and let's have another Class VII dinner soon, okay? And you can pick the meal this time.

[Only fair since Ash picked last time]

Only if you allow me to host as well. It'll be a little cramped, but it'll be good for Morgan and Fugo to get used to having you over occasionally.

[The table situation is definitely going to be... Something with five people sitting at it.]

[-Ah, right. The kids. Elliot supposes he should've expected this.]

Ah- sure! T-That's fine. But are you sure it won't be too weird for them to deal with a teacher outside of school?

I doubt it. However, if it doesn't go well for either party, we can keep it to visiting you instead. Quite honestly, they might be more surprised that we're friends to begin with.

[Given Jusis's personality in general, he's not easy to befriend in any meaningful way.]

That being said, if you're uncomfortable with it, I don't mind if you want to host each time instead.

[There's a pause. Meanwhile on Elliot's end, he's having his anxiety spike as he tries to figure out the best way to push against this idea. It's not like he didn't want to get to know Morgan and Fugo better, it's just this was Class VII and... ]

Well...I mean, if you really want them there, that's fine but...

[...]

I was...planning to invite Rean this time?

[ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT YOUR KIDS TO WITNESS THIS JUSIS?]

[There's a long pause.

And then Jusis sighs.]

I'll see you at your place, then.

[Yet, that doesn't answer the new question. Jusis knows deflection when he sees it. He's just trying to not fall into a very familiar and old habit that he thought he kicked. As much as he cares about Elliot, he can't just... completely sacrifice who he is in order to 'keep' whatever affection he has from the other man. Jusis almost speaks up to completely take back his earlier suggestion in appeasement, but he manages to stop himself. That won't help either of them, and it'll only make Elliot feel worse. So, the blond takes a deep breath, and rephrases it.]

That being said... if meeting Morgan and Fugo outside of school is going too fast for you right now, just let me know. We can wait until you're ready for that, I hope you know.

["I'm not heartless," he almost says, but shuts his mouth before he can vocalize even a single syllable of it.]

[He gives out a little sigh, not at all surprised by Jusis's reaction]

Alright. Just- don't tell Ash, okay? I feel like if he knows Rean's gonna be there ahead of time, he might try driving to Mexico in that RV of his.

[Ash isn't a bad kid. But Ash is real bad at facing his feelings. We all know this.

But Elliot knows that was a diversion, and it's clear Jusis recognized it too. Elliot was never the best the best at direct confrontation when it came to family issues. But he's grown and mature enough to recognize that Jusis is probably right in that this is better dealt with now rather than later]

N-No, I know- and it's not like I'm against meeting Morgan and Fugo outside of school. They're important to you, so I wanna get to know them. Really!

[He is being sincere about that. If these kids were important to Jusis, then they're important to Elliot. Just like how he immediately got attached to the New Class VII, because they were important to Rean]

It's just ... I don't have the easiest time opening up to other people, you know? It's a bad habit, but with most people, I always feel like I gotta work hard to come off as strong, you know? And with Class VII, it's easier for me to relax....so I look forward to spending time with you guys.

I'm just not sure I'm ready to let those two see that side of me. I mean, you all know each other from the Order, but they're still basically strangers to me.

[Jusis barks out a laugh at that.]

I won't tell him. I wouldn't want to miss the look on his face for when Rean is suddenly there.

[Not that he's going to fare much better, to be fair, but he has some warning and can prepare... somewhat. That's going to be a lot of feelings Jusis is going to have to face all at once.

The blond is quiet as he listens to Elliot's explanation. He can certainly understand the reluctance to open up to people who are strangers. Or be so vulnerable in front of them. Jusis also can't deny that Fugo and Morgan are, or will be, important to him.

Jusis glances at the door, feeling a sudden and foreign spike of anxiety. That's been getting a little more common lately. He's had to very abruptly change his habits since Fugo started living with him, and there's a constant, niggling worry in his mind of whether he's being good enough as a stable guardian for him. If any of his father's habits have been internalized and are being used subconsciously on the kid. So Jusis worries that he might be using Elliot as a way to put distance between him and Fugo where there shouldn't be.

He bottles that up, though. Puts those feelings and thoughts in a box, storing it away until he can figure it out for himself later. Now is definitely not the time.]

To be entirely fair to you, I didn't know any of our current members until this assignment. I've only known them through their profiles before. So, I do understand the feeling in part, and I also understand that it's still different. We still have that thread connecting us while you don't.

[So, a compromise is in order.]

I'm just fine waiting until you're more comfortable with the idea, Elliot. If you're willing, we can instead have me host a lunch some time while they're out.

[Those kids aren't going to have a normal childhood by any stretch, but Jusis does what he can to help push them into taking what they can get.]

[Yeah that's a very Jusis response about Ash. So it is agreed the boy will not be warned. Rest in pieces Ash Cabott.

Elliot doesn't really comment on the part about how well Jusis knows the other Order members, because Jusis saw what he was getting at. it's not a surprised that Jusis didn't know his colleagues well...but a thread was still a thread. It was a lifeline that he lacked with them.

But he does breathe out when Jusis offers a compromise]

Lunch at your place while they're out sounds great to me. Thank you, Jusis. I'm sorry for being difficult.

[ It had taken a lot for him to fess about his own feelings. With most people, he probably would've just kept it bottled up and shove it down.

Now, it's time for a compromise on Elliot's end]

And I really do mean it that I wanna get to know Fugo and Morgan better. So ...how about we go out sometime with them? Go somewhere they'd like.

Edited 2023-03-01 02:32 (UTC)

[Ash Cabbott does not deserve rest. He deserves feelings.]

Please, you're hardly being difficult about it. It's perfectly reasonable and understandable. The least I could do was meet you halfway.

[The last thing Jusis wants to do is set Elliot up for failure. All of the people involved are too important to him to do any less.

That's an idea, though. Something he'll definitely have to talk with the kids about to see where they'd like to go.]

That sounds like an excellent idea to me. I'll ask them and see where they'd be interested in going, and get back to you once I know.

Aha... that's reassuring to hear. I still feel a little bad saying it, but I'm really relieved too. You're important to me, you know?

[He says that so casually and easily. But yeah openly communicating feelings work, who knew?]

Great! I have a few places in mind if they need ideas.

[Ah... crap. Elliot says that so easily and he can tell it's completely sincere. Jusis can feel a blush creeping onto his cheeks. His eyes dart to the floor, and he's extremely grateful that his friend isn't here to see him right now.]

I don't even need to see you to know that you're saying that with a straight face. [The blond sighs softly, and then says quietly:] You're... very important to me, too.

[Then he clears his throat and pretends he didn't just fucking say that in such a vulnerable, sincere way. Examine his feelings around this? Surely you jest.]

If you could text me your ideas as a way to jumpstart the conversation, I'd appreciate it.

[He'll give a fond laugh at Jusis accusing him of saying it with a straight face.]

Well of course I am! [He's not afraid of feelings! Though...when Jusis says it back, he does a warmness in the chest. Like he's more happy to hear it coming from Jusis specifically] Hehe...I'm really glad.

[He needs a moment to bask before he clears his throat. Anyway-]

Ah- of course! There's the zoo, the amusement park, the mall-- oh and if Ash suggests the Gold Saucer, say no. That's a casino.

[Jusis is going to ignore the fluttery feelings he's having right now because they need to stop!!!! He's trying to have a normal conversation with Elliot, here!!!!!!!!!]

That's good to know. I'll keep that in mind, as I'm certain he's going to suggest it first.

[Those other ideas sound really good, though. There's a sound of Jusis writing it down on a piece of paper.]

Thank you, Elliot. Is there a day and time that's preferable or would you rather wait until we settle on a place first?

[Sorry Jusis you caught the gay and it's terminal]

Good. You always have to stay two steps ahead with Ash.

[He's too bright for his own good in some ways.]

Hmm, well spring break is in a couple weeks, so how about then? That should give Morgan enough time to settle in.

[heck]

Very true. I can't tell yet if it's going to get worse as he gets older or better.

[He prays to god the answer is better.]

That sounds like a perfect opportunity. Speaking of Morgan, I should make sure his room is actually ready for him. I've kept it clean, but it won't hurt to make sure.

[Considering its original purpose had been to be a guest room.]

Aha, I believe that's up to us to influence. Welcome to the never-ending existential crisis of raising kids.

[Enjoy second guessing every interaction you have from here on out!!!]

Oh right, that's a good idea. I'll let you go then- take care Jusis, okay?

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noblerise - 2023-03-02 16:08 (UTC) - Expand