lieabilities

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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