( imeeji ) IC Inbox

[puzzlekeeper]

[ He hasn't set up a voicemail.

Figure it out. ]

Comments

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[It doesn't even come across at it (by Intensity's obvious lack of flustering). Only dueling now.

Stepping out of his shoes before getting up on the bed.]

Don't think you're going to win this time.

[puzzlekeeper]

[ Settling across from him and pulling out his deck, which somehow is not narration innuendo either.

Making a "bring it on" gesture. ]

Then prove it.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[And like the Little Engine That Could, Intensity goes 110% into the duel. To do anything else would be an insult to his rival.

Also, he desperately needs bragging rights.]

[puzzlekeeper]

[ And here's the miracle of miracles, that moment Intensity always craves, that one he can savor more than anything else.

Intensity wins. ]

Wow . . . that was incredible.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Wait.







What?

He still has his hand on his final monster card and is just waiting for King to flip that final trap card.

And yet. It never comes.]

[puzzlekeeper]

[ He leans forward, concerned.

The villain laugh should have started by now. ]

Intensity. You won.

1/2

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[He studies King's face closely. Ready to raise holy hell if he even thinks for a moment that King has thrown the match. Is testing him.]

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[But no, that is actual genuine concern from his rival.

And Intensity immediately shoves all the cards out of the way with a wide sweep of his hand so he can pull King into his lap.]

[puzzlekeeper]

[ ?????

Is this a "claiming his prize" thing? ]

Intensity!

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Yes!

Wait, ---- no!

And he's pressing the back of his flesh hand against King's forehead while the other one is secure around his middle.]

What is it?

[puzzlekeeper]

[ Craning his neck to peer up at him.

--Oh. Intensity is actually concerned. ]

Something has to be wrong for you to defeat me?

I won't accept insults to my rival so lightly.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Can he hear as well as see Intensity's eyes rolling? (Flattering statement or not.)]

If it was just me winning, that would be a different story.

But you're also preparing to try and sleep by yourself.

[puzzlekeeper]

[ He huffs a bit and then deflates. ]

I'm fine.

Just worried about some things.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

More than the usual?

[puzzlekeeper]

. . . Yes, I suppose so.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

. . .

Had a bad kissing game?

[puzzlekeeper]

What? No.

Did you?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

Didn't play.

Something lingering from the House then? Or D.Va?

[puzzlekeeper]

Both, but more than that.

Why doesn't it ever bother you . . .

[ Trails off, opens his mouth, then hesitates.

And blurts out the rest: ]

--Your relationship to me always creates problems for you. It did with Glory. Now Man Eater. And D.Va is upset, too.

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[Just gives him a long stare that seems to say "are you just worrying about this now?"

Intensity's "relationship" with King has been causing him problems for literal years.]

Of course it bothers me.

But if you ask me whether I want a life with or without you, I'll make the same choice every time.

It's a conscious choice. Not one that I stumbled into without knowing the consequences. And one that I refuse to regret.

[puzzlekeeper]

[ Worst fears confirmed

Which means pure unadulterated anxiety just falls out of his mouth ]

How can it be worth all of your relationships? How can you not resent me for that?

And why does it keep happening even when I try to avoid it?

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

It's worth it because that's what I decided it was worth.

[puzzlekeeper]

. . .

[ His shoulders slump as he tries to push away ]

Are you satisfied?

[ Since he can't say "happy," obviously ]

[bluescreenwhitedragon]

[He tries to grip King tighter in an almost panicked motion.]

Why are you doing this?

[puzzlekeeper]

[ He doesn't move any further or fight it, but he does meet Intensity's gaze. ]

You didn't answer the question.