[ he is not sure how to feel about being called little bird, but he tilts his head at the question. makes it canon that he was not at the dorm when rabbit came to visit. ]
I don't know if I can help with that, but I can try. What were you thinking?
Maybe something for their hair or a scarf because it's starting to get colder. [ They offer their arm though if they want to loop arms. It's strange but also touch week. ]
[ joke's on you, nico overthinks everything. but...he considers this, as i contemplate killing ray. ]
Yeah? [ he never would have guessed but also maybe he could have. maybe phoenix is also just a person who likes being taken care of but tends to lean too far into responsibility and doesn't think about it often until people just do it.
or, and more likely, nico is projecting. ]
If you get them something for their hair, that's something they can wear all the time instead of just in the winter when it's cold, right? [ but he shakes his head. ] I always figured if they wanted to show me their secret identity or whatever, they would. I get why it's there.
Yeah, and I'm more than happy to spoil them. [ Is it projecting or is there's a reason they are on the same team. ]
I think they'll like that. [ To the hair supply store. ] We have rules against showing our identities to just anyone, but we might be able to after a while. You might have to ask them yourself to see if they are able.
At least they have someone like you around to do so. [ interesting. also, don't point these things out. he will follow rabbit to the hair supply store though. ]
...I get that you don't get what you don't ask for, but that's kind of awkward don't you think? To just approach someone and say "we've been working together for a few weeks, can I see your face?"
They are quite fortunate in that regard and I do hope they realize that. [ Because Rabbit is clearly a prize. They go to the hair accessories. ]
I think the only one who would find it awkward is you. [ Wait ] Maybe White Tiger as well. The pretty birdie might be waiting for an excuse to throw the mask off to anyone. [ They smile fondly at that. ] They might even be happy that you are asking for their trust.
[ raising his eyebrows. he sees....that is fine, he supposes. as long as they're happy and everything. following along...he's not sure what to look for, but he does seem to linger on red or gold accessories. ]
Yeah, I don't think it's a secret I'm not exactly a people person. [ haha. ] I don't really get why there needs to be an excuse, but...if you think it'd make them happy I guess I can try. I try to see them at least once a week by ourselves, but...sometimes the mood's not great.
[ They have to curl a fist over their mouth. Oh no. ]
As much as I would enjoy to see how far that eyebrow could go, I should let you know we're only friends. [ They are grinning before they follow his gaze to red and gold. Ignoring the ribbons to pick up one of those hair picks with tiny red and gold birds hanging off of it. ] Maybe this could be fun as well?
[ They do nod along as Nico speaks. ] They are the type who would have thrown their mask off long ago if they could. Like you all have your rules, we have our own we have to abide to.
[ lucky for rabbit, he raises his eyebrows higher! ]
Hey, I never made assumptions. What you two have is very much not my business. [ please. let it be less his business. but it's sort of funny as well and instead his eyes follow rabbit's hands as they pick up the pick. ] ...that looks nice. The colors are a good touch, and it's kind of flashy? It'll stand out.
[ which fits into what rabbit is saying about phoenix, he supposes. ] It's really a rule you can't show us who you are right away? What other kind of rules should we be aware of here?
That look says enough, Little Bird. Alas, I am without anyone like that. It's quite the shame. I suppose I'll just have to be happy some of you can find that happiness. [ It is a little funny. ] A little flashy is good. It needs to stand out in all of that hair.
[ They pause for a moment. ] Just as you all have your rules, we have ours. A secret identity is important to keep, especially if it can lead to us being in danger. It's similar to those picture stories I keep hearing about. A hero can't show who they are until after knowing a person long enough or something to that effect. [ They give a wave of their hand. ] You already know what you should be aware of from your phones. Anything else, we'll have to find out together by finding those stray papers and anything peculiar.
You're not missing out on much. [ the way he has the balls to say this with a straight face when he displays extreme homo behavior on main all the time. ] If flashy's the way to go, then that's what you should give them. I'm sure they'll appreciate the thought at all.
[ because he knows he would. he should stop trying to kin a bird. anyway. ]
...I guess that's a fair enough point. I've never had to wear a costume while being a hero. [ he does not say he's never had to hide who he is because that is patently false. ] Our profiles show exactly who we are though, so it feels more dangerous sometimes. But I don't think that's stopping any of us from looking for answers either.
[ though. speaking of. ]
Has anyone spoken to you about the papers that were found last week?
I don't know. I wouldn't mind having someone talk about me the way he talks about you. [ Your boy is very happy and it's adorable. ] You're right there. I should get a ribbon or two anyways because they will use them.
[ assigned birdkin ]
The profiles are only viewable to us and not the citizens. [ There is that at least. They think about it for a moment. ] Ox has mentioned it in passing, but I didn't get the full details.
anyway rabbit gets the special privilege of throwing nico off and he flushes a little, eyes fixated on a bundle of ribbons. ]
He's biased. [ /// ] You guys have unlimited funds too, don't you? It's not bad to spend it on other people.
[ that. that helps. he hadn't fully considered it, but he does like knowing that citizens can't know shit. he seems surprised though. ] Nobody from your team's showed you? I thought Temenos might have. I can show you if you'd like.
[ ....this is only because he is becoming aware phoenix and rabbit are friends. ]
[ Don't show Rabbit any weakness they will keep it in mind. They smile before turning their attention to what is displayed to give him some measure of privacy. ] While they may be true, there has to be a reason to be biased in the first place.
[ They do nod at that. ] We do. I like spending on my friends, especially if I get to remind them it's a privilege.
[ They have to bring a hand over their mouth at the mention of Temenos ] We're... in a fight of sorts. He keeps saying he sees too much of me so I'm making myself scarce until he... asks nicely to see me. [ They are both too much alike help ] Go ahead and show me. I can bother the other heroes as well to see what they have seen.
[ what a rude bunny. but also thank you for the bit of privacy, he appreciates this. he's busy working on getting himself less embarrassed and more focused. ]
...I'd guess the reason has something to do with the last year. [ but that's all he says. ] That's something you and I can agree on. I don't have money like this back home, but I do like spending it more on other people than anything. It's easier.
[ than what? he does not say. but he pauses, giving rabbit a questioning look. that...sounds weird. like can't relate, he cannot imagine really fighting with phoenix and saying he sees too much of them. actually phoenix knows too much about nico, so he has to keep tabs on them in case he has to beat them up (no.) ]
It's probably better that you're all sharing anyway. [ but he pulls out a sheet of paper! it says:
The stakes so far have been too boring. It’s no fun when all they do at the end of the day is go home, so for the next round, we’ll spice it up a bit. If they want a chance for anyone to return at all, they’ll have to take that chance from someone else.
One death each week is enough to keep the door open. Kill, or lose everything any of them have cared about. Let’s see how heroic they can be in those conditions.
and then he also hands over his phone with a picture of a note that says:
These heroes are unable to return to the worlds they call home while they have yet to win their competition. If a team loses, all those within the team, present and future, those worlds they hail from will come under the light of the moon. Those worlds will be forever changed with the loss of the heroes hailing from them. There is nothing better than a hero under distress.
By winning they will be putting their companions here at risk. By losing, their homes will be rewritten to be completely different, erasing their place within it. A dire situation indeed. A benefit no matter the outcome. ]
There aren't uncomfortable questions. [ he tries to infuse his tone with a sort of bored and calm air like he can prove he's not bothered. which he also really isn't, they've been together for a year. he just thinks people don't need details without asking (and seems to forget they aren't always around people who just know.) so shrug!
he will take them at their word at least. bunny problems are bunny problems. instead. the papers are a bigger problem. ]
Concerning is a word for it. Does any of it sound familiar at all?
The writing reminds me of the paper we found before. I believe that Snake may have that copy? [ It's being passed around some where among the other heroes. ] Also sounds like someone wants to have fun watching us kill while being heroic. [ They frown as they say that. Nothing like knowing it's a game to someone ]
[ so what he's hearing is that he should maybe ask snake. he can do that. ]
This is the first I've heard of you guys having a paper from before. Do you think they'd really share if I asked? [ now he is curious. ] This isn't exactly heroic if you ask me.
They would share and would probably like to compare notes. [ They do nod at that ] Not much about this whole thing is heroic, besides the roles we are playing.
[ he seems a little relieved to hear that. wow. maybe he really just needed to get over himself and stop stressing about how to talk to the leaders. ]
I can do that. I've...never been entirely sure how all of you feel about the competition aspect of this thing. Especially when it comes to sharing information. [ a hand comes up to fiddle with a few hairclips. ] Do you think playing the right roles is necessary for us to survive this?
A yellow ribbon catches their attention and they pick it up. ]
We have all agreed that any information gained should be shared. We have been fighting alongside each other for several months after all. It's hard not to get attached or form bonds from such an experience. [ They are picking it up. ]
I do think playing the right roles is necessary for now, as much as I don't enjoy playing along and do hope we can figure a way out of this sooner rather than later.
Yeah...it's the same for all of us, you know? It's impossible not to form some connections with some people here since we're all in the same situation and want to get home. [ watching rabbit's hands...but he's listening. ]
I don't want people to be forced into roles they can't continue with. Or anything that might hurt them. But I'm starting to see where are a lot of parts to this that I'm not even aware of yet.
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I don't know if I can help with that, but I can try. What were you thinking?
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but touch week means he does without thinking, and then he thinks about it, and then it's too awkward to pull away so now he's stuck. cool. ]
Are those things they like? I've never really considered it.
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They like being spoiled. Both of these things could be useful.
[ Did you want the cheat sheet to your leader ]
Have you seen what they look like yet?
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Yeah? [ he never would have guessed but also maybe he could have. maybe phoenix is also just a person who likes being taken care of but tends to lean too far into responsibility and doesn't think about it often until people just do it.
or, and more likely, nico is projecting. ]
If you get them something for their hair, that's something they can wear all the time instead of just in the winter when it's cold, right? [ but he shakes his head. ] I always figured if they wanted to show me their secret identity or whatever, they would. I get why it's there.
[ but he won't lie and say he's not curious. ]
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Yeah, and I'm more than happy to spoil them. [ Is it projecting or is there's a reason they are on the same team. ]
I think they'll like that. [ To the hair supply store. ] We have rules against showing our identities to just anyone, but we might be able to after a while. You might have to ask them yourself to see if they are able.
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...I get that you don't get what you don't ask for, but that's kind of awkward don't you think? To just approach someone and say "we've been working together for a few weeks, can I see your face?"
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I think the only one who would find it awkward is you. [ Wait ] Maybe White Tiger as well. The pretty birdie might be waiting for an excuse to throw the mask off to anyone. [ They smile fondly at that. ] They might even be happy that you are asking for their trust.
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Yeah, I don't think it's a secret I'm not exactly a people person. [ haha. ] I don't really get why there needs to be an excuse, but...if you think it'd make them happy I guess I can try. I try to see them at least once a week by ourselves, but...sometimes the mood's not great.
[ sometimes people are dead. ]
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As much as I would enjoy to see how far that eyebrow could go, I should let you know we're only friends. [ They are grinning before they follow his gaze to red and gold. Ignoring the ribbons to pick up one of those hair picks with tiny red and gold birds hanging off of it. ] Maybe this could be fun as well?
[ They do nod along as Nico speaks. ] They are the type who would have thrown their mask off long ago if they could. Like you all have your rules, we have our own we have to abide to.
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Hey, I never made assumptions. What you two have is very much not my business. [ please. let it be less his business. but it's sort of funny as well and instead his eyes follow rabbit's hands as they pick up the pick. ] ...that looks nice. The colors are a good touch, and it's kind of flashy? It'll stand out.
[ which fits into what rabbit is saying about phoenix, he supposes. ] It's really a rule you can't show us who you are right away? What other kind of rules should we be aware of here?
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That look says enough, Little Bird. Alas, I am without anyone like that. It's quite the shame. I suppose I'll just have to be happy some of you can find that happiness. [ It is a little funny. ] A little flashy is good. It needs to stand out in all of that hair.
[ They pause for a moment. ] Just as you all have your rules, we have ours. A secret identity is important to keep, especially if it can lead to us being in danger. It's similar to those picture stories I keep hearing about. A hero can't show who they are until after knowing a person long enough or something to that effect. [ They give a wave of their hand. ] You already know what you should be aware of from your phones. Anything else, we'll have to find out together by finding those stray papers and anything peculiar.
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[ because he knows he would. he should stop trying to kin a bird. anyway. ]
...I guess that's a fair enough point. I've never had to wear a costume while being a hero. [ he does not say he's never had to hide who he is because that is patently false. ] Our profiles show exactly who we are though, so it feels more dangerous sometimes. But I don't think that's stopping any of us from looking for answers either.
[ though. speaking of. ]
Has anyone spoken to you about the papers that were found last week?
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[ assigned birdkin ]
The profiles are only viewable to us and not the citizens. [ There is that at least. They think about it for a moment. ] Ox has mentioned it in passing, but I didn't get the full details.
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anyway rabbit gets the special privilege of throwing nico off and he flushes a little, eyes fixated on a bundle of ribbons. ]
He's biased. [ /// ] You guys have unlimited funds too, don't you? It's not bad to spend it on other people.
[ that. that helps. he hadn't fully considered it, but he does like knowing that citizens can't know shit. he seems surprised though. ] Nobody from your team's showed you? I thought Temenos might have. I can show you if you'd like.
[ ....this is only because he is becoming aware phoenix and rabbit are friends. ]
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[ They do nod at that. ] We do. I like spending on my friends, especially if I get to remind them it's a privilege.
[ They have to bring a hand over their mouth at the mention of Temenos ] We're... in a fight of sorts. He keeps saying he sees too much of me so I'm making myself scarce until he... asks nicely to see me. [ They are both too much alike help ] Go ahead and show me. I can bother the other heroes as well to see what they have seen.
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...I'd guess the reason has something to do with the last year. [ but that's all he says. ] That's something you and I can agree on. I don't have money like this back home, but I do like spending it more on other people than anything. It's easier.
[ than what? he does not say. but he pauses, giving rabbit a questioning look. that...sounds weird. like can't relate, he cannot imagine really fighting with phoenix and saying he sees too much of them. actually phoenix knows too much about nico, so he has to keep tabs on them in case he has to beat them up (no.) ]
It's probably better that you're all sharing anyway. [ but he pulls out a sheet of paper! it says:
The stakes so far have been too boring. It’s no fun when all they do at the end of the day is go home, so for the next round, we’ll spice it up a bit. If they want a chance for anyone to return at all, they’ll have to take that chance from someone else.
One death each week is enough to keep the door open. Kill, or lose everything any of them have cared about. Let’s see how heroic they can be in those conditions.
and then he also hands over his phone with a picture of a note that says:
These heroes are unable to return to the worlds they call home while they have yet to win their competition. If a team loses, all those within the team, present and future, those worlds they hail from will come under the light of the moon. Those worlds will be forever changed with the loss of the heroes hailing from them. There is nothing better than a hero under distress.
By winning they will be putting their companions here at risk. By losing, their homes will be rewritten to be completely different, erasing their place within it. A dire situation indeed. A benefit no matter the outcome. ]
That's everything.
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They aren't going to remark further on spending money on others. Feels too soft to admit beyond what they have already done.
Also just bunnies being bunnies. Don't worry about it. They give a smile and a wave of their hand to gesture not to worry.
Oh. Reading this and that's. Hm. ] That is quite concerning.
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he will take them at their word at least. bunny problems are bunny problems. instead. the papers are a bigger problem. ]
Concerning is a word for it. Does any of it sound familiar at all?
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This is the first I've heard of you guys having a paper from before. Do you think they'd really share if I asked? [ now he is curious. ] This isn't exactly heroic if you ask me.
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I can do that. I've...never been entirely sure how all of you feel about the competition aspect of this thing. Especially when it comes to sharing information. [ a hand comes up to fiddle with a few hairclips. ] Do you think playing the right roles is necessary for us to survive this?
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A yellow ribbon catches their attention and they pick it up. ]
We have all agreed that any information gained should be shared. We have been fighting alongside each other for several months after all. It's hard not to get attached or form bonds from such an experience. [ They are picking it up. ]
I do think playing the right roles is necessary for now, as much as I don't enjoy playing along and do hope we can figure a way out of this sooner rather than later.
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Yeah...it's the same for all of us, you know? It's impossible not to form some connections with some people here since we're all in the same situation and want to get home. [ watching rabbit's hands...but he's listening. ]
I don't want people to be forced into roles they can't continue with. Or anything that might hurt them. But I'm starting to see where are a lot of parts to this that I'm not even aware of yet.
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