realpolitik | Murasaki | Nice

[After the drama that went down for an entire season that we all know and love, it's probably not a surprise that everyone is pretty willing to party. When the holidays come around, it's just another excuse to all get together, enjoy the fact that they're all together and fine

(except for Art who is in jail where he belongs)

and they can relax and appreciate the company. Even Murasaki is okay with this, honestly; he's happy to just sit there with a warm drink cradled in his hand (coffee because he's the mature sort obviously) and not have to deal with anything psychotic right now.

What he doesn't know is that Birthday has decided that this party is too boring (and maybe the entire crew got together and talked about how Murasaki and Nice need to Get Over Themselves and get a push because both of them almost dying in various ways multiple times was not enough of a push) and that's why he's going to try to get Murasaki and Nice both under the mistletoe that he rigged up previously. This can only go well.

Murasaki, for his part, is oblivious, so when Birthday calls him over, he makes a show of being exasperated for having to abandon his nice seat before he does come over.

Check and mate.]

[Nice is pretty much asleep at the counter, because he probably hasn't even slept yet, and everything's so warm and calm now it's so much easier to relax.

But then Birthday's yelling at him, and he's not really happy about it at all. That means he'll have to move, right?

...When did a Santa hat get on his head--

Ugh, whatever, he's just going to get up from his seat now, slowly, walking to where Birthday's directing him.]

Why'd I have to get up, anyway...?

[He was about to have a good dream about not having to work a day in his life or something.]

[Who knows... Murasaki sure doesn't. He looks vaguely amused at Nice's grumbling (maybe you shouldn't sleep at the party then, Nice), but admittedly the general atmosphere is such that it would take a bit to irritate him.

(It's okay, though, Birthday is working on that.)]

Don't look at me. Apparently Birthday needs something.

[Pain in the butt. So why are they even here-- except Birthday is just sniggering at them from behind his hand and pointing above them.

Above.... them...???

Murasaki rolls his eyes, but looks up as directed and.... well for a moment he doesn't even register the mistletoe, honestly.]

Yes, I see that you put up Christmas decorations. Congratulations. [Sarcasm!!]

[Usually he's fine with Birthday's antics, but since he sees really no reason for all of this, he's getting kind of irritated about it.

...

Above them, though?

He looks up above, squinting at the decorations. Yes, those were nice--wait.

Wait wait wait.]

What?!

[Cue Birthday cackling.]

Mistletoe?! No way!

What.

[It's almost not even a question, really; the word escapes him in a flat statement, even as he looks back up to see what Nice noticed instead of him.

... He's right, it's right there hanging above them, and Murasaki lowers his head to put a hand over his eyes in exasperation.]

Birthday, don't be ridiculous. I'm not playing along with this for your amusement.

[Wait, Murasaki, does that mean it'd be okay if it wasn't for their amusement--]

[This is so embarrassing. He can't even deal with this, especially thinking about mistletoe, and Murasaki and Birthday's cackling in the distance...]

Me neither! That's not cool at all!

[And he tries to step out, but an ominous spark in the air makes him jump back again. Next time Nice glares at Birthday, he's got his taser in his mouth and waiting for either of them to make another move.

...He's still cackling.]

That's definitely not fair, either! What's gotten into you guys, anyway? You're pretty damn nosy!

[Except he could just snap and get out of it all, but he also has the vivid mental image of Birthday chasing him around either way.

God.]

[Oh, that's rude. Murasaki bristles at the sparks in the air and the way Nice jumps back (overprotective? Maybe a little bit, but can you blame him after everything that's happened?), but ultimately he thinks it's pretty obvious what Birthday is playing at here.

Everyone else is watching too (but not helping them out of this mess, he notes), which means...]

What, you're all in on this? [Ughhh... He and Nice are skilled, yeah, but getting out of a mess like this would take more than just skill. He's not really seeing any exits though, besides the obvious.

He glances at Nice. Would that be-- no, that's ridiculously embarrassing to even consider, this is a stupid situation and he's not participating!!! ~~what a buzzkill~~]

Just let us go already.

[Nice is whining and cursing under his breath, and he looks at the rest of the losers when he sees Hajime at the bar. Even she's watching them, through eating a hamburger.]

I can't believe you're in on it too, Hajime-chan!!

[His face is considerably more warm as he looks back at Murasaki, considering it. They'd never be left alone, but they'd never be left alone again if they did...mistletoe...things...

His face gets even more hot at the thought.]

Why'd you have to listen to Birthday, Murasaki?! If you hadn't, we wouldn't be in this mess!

[Because it's totally Murasaki's fault. Totally.]

[Ah yes. "Mistletoe things". It's a good thing we're all adults here.

Either way, that gets a reaction out of Murasaki, just as can be expected.]

Don't even start to blame me for this! You listened to him too!

[Come on you two, don't get distracted--nope, they're definitely distracted now.]

Take responsibility for your own actions!

[Saying "Mistletoe things" is totally legit, ok.

Nice'll look huffy though -- he doesn't really look like he's going to take responsibility for anything at all.]

Well if you hadn't listened I wouldn't be standing underneath it with you! I could've just walked away!

[That makes no sense, Nice.]

You should've been paying more attention!

[None of this makes any sense at all, and now Murasaki's a bit more in Nice's personal space, everyone else forgotten as they argue. Some things never change.]

How is this my fault? Besides, if you hadn't been so observant we could have ignored the mistletoe and carried on!

[Dammit Nice why are you so genius-level observant!!]

[Well, that just means Nice is going to get more into Murasaki's personal space, because he's not going to back away.

...He might have to lean up a little bit though.]

You're the one who always acts like he's so mature and stuff! [.........Because this argument is making so much sense.] And you fell for something like that? That's not maturity at all!

[Ok Nice.]

[Now they are both in each other's faces, arguing. Well, it's some sort of progress.

Murasaki looks utterly exasperated at that argument though, because--]

Nice, that doesn't even make sense--

[Ughhh UGH. Nice is in his face, leaning up a bit, and making these utterly ridiculous arguments, and Murasaki... reacts on a whim, reaching out to grab Nice's collar to drag him just the little distance closer to shove their faces together angrily.

I mean. To kiss. Yeah.

It's not the most romantic kiss to ever exist, that's for sure--it's probably 60% done just to shut Nice up. But even so...there's something there, something that makes Murasaki linger for a brief moment.

And then he catches himself and pulls away sharply and crosses his arms and looks away with a huff.]

Shut up.

[oh my god og my god OH MY GOD WHY IS HE GRABBING HIS COLLAR AND THEN HE FEELS MURASAKI'S LIPS ON HIS AND

OH

MY GOD

His eyes are wide while it happens, and he feels his face get really hot -- because he figured they'd be able to get out of it eventually somehow, but Murasaki had done it anyway. And yet. AND YET???]

[he's still kind of staring wide eyed at Murasaki when he pulls away from him, and he's not really sure what to think -- romantic things weren't really ever on the top of his list, but...did he kind of like that, maybe? maybe?

Hearing everyone scream/cheer/make other extremely loud and annoying noises brings him back to the present moment, and he looks over at them, suddenly looking kind of irritated.]

You guys shut up too!

[HUFF...that only makes some of them get louder, because he more than likely looks even more embarrassed, so you know what? That just means he's going to go storming out of Nowhere (until they quiet down) with another loud huff, not looking at Murasaki -- or anyone for that matter.]

[Ah.... right. That was...strange.

He was partially doing it just to shut everyone up (that didn't work) and partially because... because why? He's really not sure, and it's a little too complicated to figure out right now, especially when Nice storms out.

Nice runs off, and as ever, Murasaki follows.

They're partners, after all.]

Oi, Nice!

[He doesn't even know what he's going to say when he catches up, but he follows anyway.]

[It's not like Nice is going to go that far once he actually gets out of Nowhere, since it's not really Murasaki he's running away from. He's just running from everyone being way too loud over something that may or may not be a big deal.

Is it a big deal???? He doesn't even know.

He's staying pretty well out of sight of any doors of windows, but he doesn't really move away from Murasaki when he catches up -- even if he does feel kind of flustered still.

Why is this happening even]

They were being loud and annoying.

[He's going to say it before Murasaki even asks, because he know he probably will.]

[It might be a little bit of a big deal, Nice.

But Murasaki's admittedly not really sure if it is either. It didn't... feel wrong, if nothing else (boy, he's not sure he wants to examine that thought too closely), but whether or not this is something Nice wants is something he doesn't know. And, as ever, that's what's more important to him.

He catches up, and slows, hands tucking themselves into his pockets.

...]

Yeah. [A sigh, and Murasaki shifts to lean against the wall behind them instead. It's alright. It's a little awkward, but Nice wasn't running away from him, and they can still read each other's minds like this--so it's probably fine. Whatever "it" is.]

They were. [The next question he's going to ask is probably obvious too.] Are you alright?

[It's comfortable, being out here with Murasaki, and it's already calming his nerves just standing here. His hands are in his pockets too at this point, and he shuffles his feet on the cement.]

I'm fine.

[Probably. His mind is still kind of reeling a little bit about kissing Murasaki, but he's not going to let on how ????? it really was, because how does he feel about it? It's kind of spoiled from the situation in general, but does that mean he wants to try it again?

Fuck no he's not going to think about that it's going to make him flustered and then Murasaki will know what he's thinking about and--]

We're both fine, right?

[Probably.

Murasaki has to think about it, though now that they're out here and the situation is calmer, he's finding that he does have the time to think it over, and he's thinking that there's really no way Nice could have enjoyed that when it was under duress. Nice has never liked being told what to do.

But...what to do about that?]

... Yeah. We're fine.

[They'll always be fine, no matter what, but--does Murasaki test his limits today? He could test both of their limits, but...

They'll always be fine, right?]

Hey.

[Good. He wouldn't accept anything less than fine, so he just lets out a quiet sigh and moves to lean up against the building with Murasaki. He still had no idea how to feel about all of this, because he has no idea why they would ever make him kiss Murasaki in the first place. Was there something they knew that he didn't?

Of course not, because he knew Murasaki better than they did, and he didn't want anything like that.

Right?

His thoughts are broken when Murasaki speaks again, and he looks over at him and raises an eyebrow.]

Yeah?

[He really hopes this is Murasaki trying to change the subject, because he's not sure he wants to talk about it anymore, but he thinks that Murasaki's probably thinking a lot about it too.

Which sucks.]

[Sorry, he's bringing it up. He's bringing it up because he's Murasaki and he always brings things up because he likes Talking about Things and Resolving Issues.

You know. As Murasakis do. It takes him a moment to respond, but when he does, he aims for a tone that's relatively light, but his words--]

You know, that would have been better without an audience.

[That's about as roundabout as it gets, but... you know, Murasaki.]

[And Nice hates Talking about Things and Resolving Issues. So there's that.

...He really doesn't know how to Deal with what Murasaki says, and he looks kind of surprised about it. Was...Murasaki into that? With him???

Is he into doing something like that again with Murasaki?? Maybe???

He might have to try it again to see if he cares or not.]

Maybe. I never really took you for someone who'd try flirting, Murasaki.

[He's. Clearly teasing him. Because that's how Nice deals with this sort of thing -- aka he doesn't deal at all.]

[Life is hard when you're Nice and Murasaki, who are both the least romantic shits ever.

But honestly, Murasaki's just going to run a hand through his hair in some exasperation. He doesn't??? know??? He doesn't know what he's doing here, he just knows that leaving it undiscussed to be brushed under a rug feels Wrong to him.]

Come on, Nice. You know it's not like that.

[flirting, that is. Murasaki's never been a particularly impressive flirt. Nor has he ever wanted to be.

And then, more quietly:]

I'm serious. But--if you're not, that's fine too. It's not like I'm going to fuss over that.

[This is awkward enough as it is.]

[Nice is the worst, especially with getting a straight answer from him. But he can kind of understand that Murasaki's being serious about it, but he's really not sure how to deal with it, himself.

Especially...since he's rarely serious about anything.]

You need practice. When was the last time you ever kissed someone? Oh, wait, was it your first time?

[Nice, no.]

I guess I can help you practice.

[What does that even mean...]

[Nice, no.... Murasaki's first kneejerk reaction is to get irritated, naturally. He scoffs, crossing his arms and scowling and:]

Of course it wasn't! Don't be ridiculous. And what are you even--

[Wait.

Wait. He pauses, irritation knocked right away, even as he blinks at Nice blankly.]

... What?

[Eloquent, Murasaki.]

[Murasaki is the most eloquent.

And Nice is just going to stare back, less because he's embarrassed and more just because he can.]

What? Are you confused or something? That's not like you, Murasaki.

[He sounds incredibly blunt about this, but he's clearly still teasing him because this is actually kind of amusing to him.]

[Why you gotta be like that, Nice. Naturally, Murasaki is grumpy and embarrassed, as he often gets.]

What are you--! [He huffs, aggravated, and runs his fingers through his hair. This is one of few times when he's really just not connecting the pieces, but it's probably partially purposefully, even if he doesn't realize it.] Stop jerking me around, Nice. What are you trying to say?

[DON'T MAKE HIM SAY IT, MURASAKI...]

Since when have I ever spelled out anything for you? It's not like it's hard to figure out.

[Nice is never direct about anything ever, ok.]

[He's not... Nice is never direct. And as that sinks in, and as everything Nice has been saying sinks in, and as Murasaki calms down a little... he snorts softly. And then chuckles, equally softly. Because--]

Honestly... you make things as difficult as possible, don't you?

[But he wouldn't be Nice if he didn't.]

Yeah, I get it now.

[But what does that mean, exactly?]

I don't make it difficult! You just overthink things!

[He huffs a little bit, crossing his arms, and then huffing again when Murasaki speaks again.]

It took you long enough. [God.] So...what now?

[Good thing they're still going to just...keep fussing at each other!! (Somehow, Murasaki thinks this makes things easier, or at least more normal).]

I already told you. I know you were paying attention, Nice.

[Wow, Murasaki.]

We should try again without an audience.

[Smooth.

Except this time, he's 100% serious.]

[HE ALWAYS PAYS ATTENTION TO MURASAKI...well. Kinda sorta not really.

He does get huffy though, and then scratches at the bandage on his cheek as he considers it.]

Yeah, I guess so.

[THERE'S LIKE A BRIEF PAUSE and then he's going to move in to kiss Murasaki again because he's not going to get beat to the punch again!!]

[Kinda. Sorta. When it matters??? Murasaki hopes so, anyway.

But hey... hey that works. It's still a little awkward, because this is incredibly new for them--but on the other hand, now that he doesn't have to worry about people watching them or jeering at them, there is definitely something a great deal more...enjoyable? Is that the word? Maybe it is.

He doesn't reach out (there'd be something a little too tender about a gesture like that, he thinks), but he also doesn't pull away, lingering for significantly longer than they had in the cafe, until:]

... I was right.

[Whatever, Murasaki--though he can't really wipe the smile from his face, which makes his point a little less acceptable.]

It was better without the audience.

[It was definitely more enjoyable when they weren't in front of everybody else, Nice thinks. His mind still hazes over a little bit, and it's not extremely uncomfortable for him to not exactly be thinking straight, and he blinks when he hears Murasaki speak again.

...

And then he huffs, cheeks turning a little red as he looks away from Murasaki.]

That was really corny.

[You're both really corny...]

I knew that was the kind of person you were already, but you just need to be reminded sometimes.

[Casually tsuns at Murasaki--]

[Look at that casual tsunning... but Murasaki's too happy with this turn of affairs to really be bothered by it. Besides, as ever, isn't he the sort of person who gets what Nice means anyway? Which is why even as he lets out a brief huff, more of a laugh than anything, he's smiling.

He won't argue with Nice turning away.

It gives him time to recover too--because he definitely needs it, with his heart beating a little too fast, and his face just a little too red still.]

As if I'm the only one.

lYou're corny too!!]

Besides, it isn't as though you do things you don't want to do. [That much, he's sure of.]

[He can't look at Murasaki still, because he kind of hears the smile in his voice. That's just weird, Murasaki smiling around him like that. It makes him feel weird.

That's why he doesn't know if he likes it or not. Maybe he does?? Who knows.]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[He's perfect, thank you very much.]

Whatever. Are we going to go home or what?

[Good luck with getting him to stop tsunning..]

[Leave him alone, Nice's tsun far outweighs Murasaki, which makes him the well-adjusted one in this....thing. Thing.

Whatever Thing this is.]

...Yeah, we may as well.

[Back to normal, maybe. It feels more back to normal.]

What do you want for dinner? [...] Pick something we have the ingredients for, instead of being difficult this time.

[A bit more back to normal, even if some things, maybe, have changed a little.]

[Murasaki is the more well-adjusted one in like, 90% of situations, so.

Nice seems to think about it, putting his hands into his vest pockets.]

Ramen might be okay, but I don't think we have the ingredients for that.

[.......You're so fucking helpful]

We always have fried rice, though. Is that all we have the ingredients for?

[At least this is more normal -- he can deal with that.]

Murasaki | Nice | 075

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