There's always trouble of some kind when you roll with me... I'm kinda trying to lay low since my last slew of chaotic events, but I'd be up for some light trouble with you. Something tamer.
( That wink. Dammit, Eli. Ko hides his mouth with a swig of his whiskey-coke, sinking a little further in his seat. )
I'm almost scared to ask what light trouble is for you. I think we must've been very different growing up.
( Ko was lonely and moody and pushing people away despite needing attention and love desperately. Highly focused and driven. Disadvantaged but determined.
His eyes narrow, but they're unfocused on the spot in front of him. )
Exploring, mostly. Our tiny village wasn't much, but there were some off limits spots he liked to go to. We planned trips to the city but never seemed to make it.
( He'd sing for him in a certain empty cathedral; tone deaf as he was, Ko tried his hardest, and Reiji still somehow enjoyed it. Probably one of the kindest souls he'd ever known. )
Mm. I haven't been terribly bored, but that might be more the people instead of Karteria itself ...
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Date: 2026-01-28 01:37 am (UTC)From:( Hmm. Maybe a little is fine.
It doesn't occur to him this could be because of some weird Spectral impulsivity, so he drinks again and sits back in his seat. )
I think even as a teenager I didn't really get up to much trouble ... I'd be in your care again if the mood strikes.
( He says it sardonically; Ko isn't the type to get into trouble very much. )
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Date: 2026-01-28 02:08 am (UTC)From:[He winks.]
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Date: 2026-01-28 03:13 am (UTC)From:I'm almost scared to ask what light trouble is for you. I think we must've been very different growing up.
( Ko was lonely and moody and pushing people away despite needing attention and love desperately. Highly focused and driven. Disadvantaged but determined.
His eyes narrow, but they're unfocused on the spot in front of him. )
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Date: 2026-01-28 03:19 am (UTC)From:[It sounds like they weren't that different, actually, just that Eli got the attention he craved by kicking, screaming, and fighting.
He tilts his head at Ko's reaction, reaching over to run a fingertip along his jaw toward his chin to encourage Ko to look at him.]
You okay? What are you thinking?
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Date: 2026-01-28 03:29 am (UTC)From:Reiji and Eli would have gotten along, he thinks. )
I'm alright, just thinking about a friend. One who would try to drag me into things from time to time.
( As though he's uncomfortable with talking about himself, he polishes off his drink. )
Oh. Okay. Yeah, the bartenders are definitely on your side here.
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Date: 2026-01-28 04:05 am (UTC)From:What kind of things?
[He grins, downing the rest of his own drink.]
They don't water it down, that's for sure. That's part of why I like this place. You'll find a lot of Karteria is watered down and boring.
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Date: 2026-01-28 04:54 am (UTC)From:( He'd sing for him in a certain empty cathedral; tone deaf as he was, Ko tried his hardest, and Reiji still somehow enjoyed it. Probably one of the kindest souls he'd ever known. )
Mm. I haven't been terribly bored, but that might be more the people instead of Karteria itself ...