lieabilities

It is quite the sight.

[ He's done it before, and he'll surely do it again some day. A shame it won't be with the company who's recently developed a better appreciation for it. ]

[ His smile tugs a little wider at Hiyori's warnings, though rules might be the better word for them. The care he has for the creatures is evident in them, and so strongly evident that Kleken doesn't even tease the man with the idea that he might turn around to give them exactly those things the second he looks away. That's the reason, and definitely not because he cares about not upsetting Hiyori for real or anything like that- ]

They're quite the sensitive eaters, aren't they.

[ Closing his eyes for a moment, he nods his head in what could be sincerity. It could also just as easily be mock sincerity, it's difficult to tell with the small smile that plays across his lips, so it'll have to be left to Hiyori's interpretation. ]

But I shall take those words of wisdom to heart. All of my hearts.

[ He only has one heart but he's been doing some reading and that's never good for anyone. ]

[He nods.]

Yep, they sure are! Actually, when they first hatched, we had to feed them worms, which was too much for me. I don't like dealing with dead or alive ones, since they're all slimy and wriggly!

[Pause.]

No offense, of course.

[Anyway.]

But Jun-kun has experience fishing and stuff like that, so I mainly left him to do it! And now that they're all grown up, they have no problem hunting their own insects, so I just give them some birdseed.

[No shame about the amount of work he always offloads onto his partner. But he does feel a bit of regret about the amount of work he's about to offload onto his friends. Bird care, someone to care for his magical sentient sunflowers (long story)... there are arrangements that need making.

Still, seeing his birds (safely) eat the cookies helps alleviate some of his worries. People have a way of stepping up when the situation calls for it, including those you wouldn't expect to. Like Kleken, who promises oh-so-seriously to take his words to heart. And maybe it's a little hammy, but maybe Hiyori can detect the sincerity hidden behind the humor at this point. He smiles, big and bright, and says:]

Great! Then we shouldn't have any problems.

[And then, after another pause:]

... each one doesn't have its own heart, does it?

None taken.

[ As a fellow shirker of responsibilities whenever possible, Kleken's not about to call out Hiyori on that little fact. In fact, he'd praise him if he were the type to. A shame Kleken reserves that sort of thing for other specific scenarios. Instead, he nods along with the statement, as if Hiyori's decision to dump the work on Jun were simply a correct fact and not anything else. ]

[ Which it clearly was. ]

It is pleasant to hear they are self-sufficient to some level then. You've done quite the job in raising them all.

[ How much of that was instinct and how much of that was Hiyori's actual influence, he had no clue. Birds remained outside his arena of expertise and he's not particularly inclined to enlighten himself further on the creatures just because he's apparently now semi-invested in several of them. But he would blindly attribute their self-sufficiency to the other man's influence if only because that seemed the more pleasing answer to him. And perhaps in part because the other does do such a wonderful job of amusing him. ]

[ Like now, as his smile tugs a bit wider once the idol voices the question that'd clearly been tugging at his mind for a moment. ]

They do.

Yep, I sure have!

[Always modest, Hiyori is. Though he does add:]

Jun-kun and I both did. Hina-chan is our precious little girl~♪

[Not that she can replace the dog they had together at home. Who Hiyori would normally be all too happy to talk about and share pictures of, but he can recognize that now isn't the time.

Now probably isn't the time for silly digressions about whether tentacles have hearts or not, either, but they end up having one of those anyway. Hiyori's brows jump, his eyes widen, and he claps a hand over his mouth. One last horrified (over)reaction for the road!]

Hm? But that's so creepy! It's one thing to be grabbed by a slimy thing, but being grabbed by one that has a heartbeat is a whole other thing! And if they each have hearts and minds, doesn't that mean they could get you in trouble? They could steal from people or grab them all by themselves. But when you try to say, "I didn't do it, it was my tentacles!", no one will believe you. You'll end up a misunderstood outcast! And that's not fair to you at all, is it?

[... he's getting riled up. But at least it's sort of on Kleken's behalf?]

[ He truly will miss having this exact sort of energetic nonsense in his life, even if he isn't fully aware of it. He'd missed it when Rinne left, and now the one source of nonsense that doesn't want to eat him was fading out of his life too in the strangest of ways. It's a sobering sort of thought once that does hit him, and results in him giving Hiyori an amused smile with the faintest tinge of actual emotion behind it. Whether it's sadness or fondness is hard to say. ]

It isn't at all. But it's the way I must live, watching their backs so that I might one day convince them to do the same for my own.

[ He places a hand over his mouth and glances away, feigning the look of someone troubled by the tortures of a life they have no control over. ]

Perhaps you can give me some words of advice so that I might convince them to be kind to me?

Do tentacles even have backs?

[Not the point here.

When Kleken asks that last question, he, too, feigns being deep in thought, tapping on his chin for effect.]

I don't have the faintest idea how their slippery little minds work. But if I had to make a suggestion...

[A pause, and then he trades the thoughtful expression for a bright smile.]

"Be kind!" ♪ I find that's evergreen advice no matter who you're dealing with. For example, I did something kind for Jun-kun when I chose him to be my partner. He'd been languishing in obscurity at the very bottom of the social ladder, but thanks to me, he found lots of love and success. And then that kindness was repaid every time Jun-kun cooked for me, did other favors, or expressed his heartfelt gratitude. Then take these birds as another example.

[He waves an arm towards Hiro and Hina, the former just having polished off a cookie. He then squawks as if to say, "Who, me?"]

I raised them with lots of love, and I still feed and visit them almost daily. They may only be pets, but they saved me once before. When I was attacked by a monster in this very same treehouse, Hina-chan bravely threw an earring at him and tried to defend me with her talons. Then Hiro-kun showed up, and he distracted the monster so thoroughly that he stopped bothering me altogether. That funny little laugh is pretty attention-grabbing.

[Hiro, funnily enough, proceeds to laugh: a perfectly-timed "Gyahaha," which makes Hiyori perk up even more.]

See? Like that! And when I was feeling down about Rinne-senpai disappearing, my birds sang to me to cheer me up. You understand my point, right? I don't mean to make it sound too transactional, but if you want kindness, you ought to spread some yourself first! That's how most of my relationships here have worked. Loki-kun, Baku-kun, Baizhu-san, even Esikko-kun... it's thanks to people like them that I know my birds and flowers will be cared for, even after I'm gone. And because of that, I can rest my head on my pillow and sleep soundly.

Of course, there's no reason why they wouldn't.

[ There are plenty of reasons, but those aren't important details. What is important is the way Hiyori continues right along with Kleken's silly little request, launching straight into a flurry of advice that the conman only partially absorbs. Most of it, his tentacles take over, noting the advice on scratch pieces of paper in their dark recesses for his own future reference, leaving Kleken to focus mainly on the parts that interest him the most. Information. ]

[ It's information about Hiyori's personal life, his relationship with his beloved Jun and precious birds painted in vivid pictures of bright and lively colors. It's fascinating how easily and energetically the man can talk about his personal experiences, and Kleken soaks it all up. It's not the sort of talk he'd normally pay attention to, but the idol has made himself a rather interesting figure in Kleken's life, and now, too late, he finds himself hungry to know more. Whatever he still can get before... ]

[ The very strange laugh from Hiro is a delight of its own to hear, Kleken's gaze and thoughts shifting to the little creature to observe it carefully for a long moment before he replies. ]

I'll take your suggestion under very serious consideration. Though I may be under some handicaps in that department, I may try.

[ And, surprisingly, he just might. Whether anyone takes him seriously after knowing the man for so long was a whole other matter. ]

[Hiyori smiles, happy to see Kleken absorb his words of wisdom!]

That's what counts. Of course, if you try to turn over a new leaf all of a sudden, you might get people asking if you feel okay. Or if you're trying to bribe them, or if you've been replaced by one of those doppelgangers!

[A reference to the Spades event.]

And everyone has an ugly side including me, so it's hard sometimes. But it doesn't have to be too dramatic a change. You could always try "one good deed a day." I know Kleken-kun can be gentle since I've seen it with my own eyes, so consider this your vote of confidence.

That is true, Splat has been rather eager to steal my wardrobe as of late. Not to mention picking up my mannerisms.

[ For Kleken, there's a much closer and plausible threat of identity theft, though the likelihood of Splat obtaining the other abilities needed to mimic the conman are rather low. Not unless he gets some sort of upgrade to his biology from the resort, which isn't out of the question... ]

[ Hmm, he'll have to keep a shorter leash on the creature. ]

One good deed a day is a rather tall ask. Perhaps I'll start with once a month.

[ The comment about his supposed gentleness earns Hiyori a side-glance though, the disbelief clear in his gaze. ]

As long as he doesn't develop a drinking habit!

[Though holding wine glasses would probably be a better use for Splat's tentacles than attacking nipples (depending on one's perspective).

One good deed a month is something, anyway. But rather than address that statement, Hiyori chooses instead to address the incredulous stare he's being given.]

There's no need for that look. I've seen you with a gentle look in your eye when you watch those birds. And you also had one before when we discussed Rinne-senpai. Only true performers like me are good at putting on a persona all the time, so you shouldn't beat yourself up for letting your soft side show. Some people might find it cute!

[Just ignore the part where he admitted to being a fake bitch himself...]

Oh, he doesn't like the taste, so we're safe there.

[ Given he's a creation of the resort, Splat has a taste for only one specific thing. Which has been of a benefit to Splat most of all; if Kleken were also responsible for feeding Splat on any sort of routine schedule, the poor creature would have passed away ages ago. ]

[ The exact (projected) lack of gentleness he thought obvious to everyone who laid eyes on him. ]

You must have seen an odd reflection in my glasses, to have seen such looks as you're describing. Especially if you think you've seen anything cute about someone as untrustworthy as me.

[ When in doubt, lie his tentacles off and throw random non-related conversation points out. ]

Thank goodness for that.

[For the sake of his own mental well-being, he won't ask what Splat does have a taste for.

He doesn't expect Kleken to agree with being called gentle or cute." By some standards, though, that denial might just make him seem even cuter!]

I have perfect vision, though. And I do think you shady types can be cute sometimes. Your type tends to think you can make anyone dance in the palm of your hand, but when someone catches you off-guard and says something nice to you, you react cutely! Rinne-senpai was like that, too, sometimes. And so is our producer.

[Hiro chooses then to let out a squawk—perhaps doubting Hiyori's words about his departed deadbeat dad being cute. Hiyori, of course, nods along and uses this to support his argument!]

See? He agrees with me! Anyway, often the types who hate being called cute are still awfully cute. Like Baku-kun! You'd agree he can be cute, right? Not that you'll e~ver get him to accept it.

[ Never tell him that denial of his cute status increases it, he'd probably perish. ]

You have quite interesting tastes in cuteness then.

[ Clearly the only reason why he could look at someone like Kleken and register the man as cute. ]

[ The look Kleken casts toward Hiro at his input on the topic is one that briefly reads like betrayal-- though the bird easily has a much closer connection to Hiyori. While he might have agreed with Rinne having a cute demeanor at times, that didn't mean he'd like for the same logic to be applied to himself. That was simply far too outside of his preferred realm of applicable adjectives. ]

He also has interesting tastes.

[ That is clearly what's happening here, a man and a bird with odd tastes in cuteness. ]

[ The posed scenario regarding Bakugo, however, isn't so easy to dismiss. He's certainly thought of the man as entertaining, several times over, but he's not sure he can think of a scenario where he's thought of the man as 'cute' and the serious consideration he puts to this scenario shows clearly on his face for a moment. His actions could be cute at times, certainly, and he would call Bakugo cute just to see the man light up in indignation, but was that itself cute... ? ]

[ As he settles on an answer, he flicks his gaze back to Hiyori with a knowing smile. ]

I believe all signs point to you two enjoying being teases.

[ Says the man who enjoys being a tease. ]

["Oi," says Hiro (in bird language) when Kleken shoots him that accusatory look, "don't look at me. I didn't say anythin' along those lines. But he'll twist yer words however he wants. That's Hiyori-chan for ya." And he's not wrong. "Interesting tastes" isn't strictly a compliment, but Hiyori treats it like one anyway, nodding right along.]

You're right, we both do!

[And then, when he's called a tease: a knowing smile.]

Takes one to know one, right? ♪ [He singsongs.] I do hope someone will tease you in my absence. I wouldn't want you getting lonely, after all.

[At the mention of his absence, Hina suddenly flocks back over to him, perching her pudgy body on his shoulder. Whether she's trying to comfort him or cling to him is unclear. Either way it tugs on his heartstrings, but his mind is already made up. So, he just looks at her fondly, reaching up to stroke her tiny head as he says, softly:]

That goes for you too, of course. But you already know that, since you're my smart little girl~♪

[ His smile in return is a more playful one; Kleken's both a tease and a man with interesting tastes. Both concepts he's well aware of for himself. So to be called out as much by someone similar is more amusing to him than insulting. His growing fondness for Hiyori definitely not being a factor in that- ]

I'm not certain I'll come across anyone who might be able to jest with me in the unique way you do.

[ And that much is true. Just like he hasn't found anyone who'd affected him the same way Rinne had. As his gaze flickers over to Hina's arrival, he can't help the thought that perhaps this was some common trait between those who came from their world. Make the people around them inexplicable fond of them, then disappear with... ]

[ Well, there were traces of them, but that was a reality Kleken tried not to face by himself and so it's as good as without a trace. It was rather cruel of them when he phrased it like that, but it was also a rather uncharitable view. Explained easily by Kleken's uncharitable mood, being placed in the position of those left behind. But unlike Hina, he didn't have the size nor emotional honesty to support Hiyori that way. ]

Perhaps we'll take to teasing each other in your absence.

[As he pets her head and speaks to her in soft, hushed tones, Hina chirps. He'd like to think she's saying that she'll be okay: that she's strong now because he raised her well. But that would be self-serving for him to think. She could just as easily be saying "Don't go" or some such.

It hurts the most, looking at these birds. Kleken will be fine without him. Everyone will be. He feels bad about leaving some people behind, like Esikko and Bakugo given their recent struggles. But they'll all be fine in the end. The only person who said they couldn't survive here without him was Jun, and even that might not have been true, since Jun was always more resilient than he gives himself credit for. But these birds, on the other hand, are just innocent, defenseless creatures.

Which is why he lured Kleken here, of course.]

True, we're all unique. [He looks up from Hina, finally, and back at Kleken.] I'm sure I'll never meet anyone who's quite like Kleken-kun, either. Even though you remind me of Ibara at times. Just as Esikko-kun reminds me of Eichi-kun, and Mister Olivine reminds me of Tatsumi-kun. But you're not the same by any means. For starters, you have tentacles!

[The sadness in his eyes diminishes, replaced by fondness. If he makes it back home, if he gets to keep his memories, if they manage to thwart the bad guys trying to sabotage SS—if, if, if. If all of that goes right, then he'll talk to the idols from home he mentioned and regale them with stories of the strange and wonderful people he met at the resort.]

That's what I was hoping for. [He says, his gaze drifting from Kleken to Hiro and back.] I don't mean to guilt-trip you or put you on the spot, since none of them are your responsibility. But I was hoping you'd come and visit them anyway after I leave. Which is exactly why I brought you here.

[His lips quirk up some more, into a teasing smile.]

Pretty underhanded, isn't it? But you'd know all about that, I'm sure. After all, "it takes one to know one." ♪

I do hope that isn't my only unique feature.

[ There's a lightness to his voice, a soft tease that shows more amusement than offense at Hiyori's comments about similarities and tentacles. Though Kleken may have actively strove to be a unique presence in the lives of everyone he met, comparisons are inevitable. Though a part of him does think that it makes sense for Hiyori to have already met someone like him, with how unique the man himself was... ]

[ He nearly raises a brow at the idea of someone putting Kleken on the spot, even though that's false bravado on his part that he's immune to such things. He's more than apt at squirming his way out of things, but the eyes Hiyori fixes on him makes him give pause. Consider the man's words with a thoughtful expression and a soft exhale that has the echoes of a laugh in it. ]

It takes one to know one.

[ He repeats the phrase with an easy smile and a tilt of his bed, gaze shifting towards the little bird. ]

I suppose for lack of conversational company, Hina and her companions could make do.

[ He's hardly one to find animals more comforting to speak to than people, not believe that he can actually maintain a conversation with them but... ]

[ It would hardly hurt to try, when no one was looking. In honor of a request made specifically to him by someone he won't be able to ignore requests from in the near future. ]

Nope, not by any means. [He shakes his head, still smiling.] Not by any means. I could tell you what I see as your good traits, but based on our previous conversations, that might just make you uncomfortable!

[Not that Hiyori always hates making people uncomfortable. As he goes on to say:]

Though it's fun to tease along those lines. You'd know all about that I'm sure, because it "takes one to know one."

[But he's done teasing for now, anyway. His smile is less cheeky, more grateful when Kleken does imply he'll visit at least occasionally. It's all that he can ask for.]

They'll like that, I'm sure. I talk to them too sometimes. I also sing to them! Not that I expect you to do that, but...

[He pauses as an idea occurs to him. Then he asks:]

Say, want me to sing something now?

Yes, it just might.

[ It absolutely would and a part of him appreciates Hiyori's recognition of that, even if he could do without the mention of it. ]

[ Still, the line about 'takes one to know one' gets a twitch of a smile on his lips, and this bit of emotion is one he doesn't try to hide. They both know what he's like, and Hiyori's willingness to point it out is one of the charms that Kleken sees in him. Even more so his willingness to take those snipes at him. ]

I'm afraid I have no talent for singing myself-

[ Another lie? Though it's hard to imagine that Kleken would have any experience in singing, all things considered. ]

- but I would appreciate hearing the talents of a much more practiced singer.

[ He even sounds sincere at this point, eyes flickering to the birds for a moment, then back to Hiyori. ]

As would they, I imagine.

[A warm, happy smile.]

Then I'll give you all a concert! ♪

[Something else to remember him by. Hina chirps excitedly, moving to sit nearby in anticipation. He takes his phone out, intending to go through his music and locate the instrumental track for one of his songs... but then he gets another idea.]

I'd love to share a bunch of my songs. But besides those, how would you feel about hearing something from Crazy:B?

[Hiyori watches him, waiting to see if he recognizes the unit name. He only mentioned it once, back when they were decorating those photos of Rinne together. Hiro, for his part, seems to recognize it, flapping his wings and making some kind of noise.]

[ The name tickles at his memory, forcing him to call up the deeper recesses of his mind for the reason for its familiarity. There's an internal... something, some kind of emotion that he can't put his finger on when he recalls it's a name he knows in relation to Rinne. He's careful to keep the realization off his face, but he can't help the way his eyes seem to light up with a touch more excitement. An interest deeper than just a polite one. ]

[ That while the visual imagery of a lot of bee stickers floats up to join the rest of the memory. Sometimes having multiple brains at work really came in useful. ]

You know some of their songs?

[He nods.]

Not all, but some of them! Our units didn't take the stage together much, but we did belong to the same agency. And we performed together here a few times, too.

[His smile is fondly nostalgic.]

Not to get too serious, but it's been a while since he was here. And with every month that passes, I'm sure there are fewer and fewer people left who remember him. I'm the only one who remembers what he was like as an idol back home, but I'm about to leave too. So, it'd be nice if his songs could live on with someone.

[He tucks his phone away again; he doesn't have the instrumentals for any Crazy:B songs, but no matter. He'll sing without one.]

So, here's "Crazy Roulette!" Or the short version of it, anyway. On the count of three...

[He counts off one, two, three... and then he sings. The first line he belts out? "Never be a loser," of course.

Truth be told, the first bit is a little awkward with him trying to sing all four parts, but by the chorus he's gotten into it. And it really does sound like a Rinne song: the gambling metaphors, the lyrics about thrill-seeking and freedom, the bees. A swarm of bees giving your heart a jolt. A buzzy beat that shakes fate itself. This honey bee is on the assault! Perhaps now, Kleken will understand what he meant about the bee theming.

Through it all, Hiro seems entranced, sitting on the floor and watching alongside Hina. His feathery little head bobs in time with the song. He starts to squawk again, discordant at first, but then in time with the melody. Though, a funny thing happens during the prechorus: he buries his face in a hole in the floorboard, letting out a groaning noise. Is he getting emotional? Overwhelmed by memories of his father?? Hiyori wonders about that, but he keeps going! (In reality, the groan was him saying "It's embarrassin' to hear ya to try to rap, Hiyori-chan," but Hiyori fails to pick up on this.)

At least he nails the last two lines, belting them out and imbuing the lyrics with real feeling. "Today only comes once and it's your stage/Give into your greed and soar." Hiro pulls his head out of the floorboards to squawk along to it, then takes the directive literally and kicks off the ground, soaring straight for Hiyori's head.]

Hey, hey—!

[Hiyori puts up his arms to cover his face, but as usual, Hiro dives for his hair. He huffs, eyes meeting Kleken's.]

Good luck dealing with this one! He's nothing but trouble, as you can see. [But he's smiling as he says it.]

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