[CLOSED]

[subtract]

Who: Add & Ludger
Where: Chang'e's temple
When: March 29th
What: Shinki bonding.
Warnings: Add, will update if needed.

Up until today, Add had been going out of his way to completely ignore Ludger's presence. They'd barely spoken a word to eachother since their initial meeting. He'd even been snubbing perfectly good meals, since Ludger insisted on doing all the cooking. Add would rather make a light snack for himself at 1 AM than have to tolerate that other shinki. He found himself to be a light eater anyway, so it's easier that way.

But today, he decides to make a change. He's been fine with ignoring Ludger, but it's a completely different matter now. Not only did Roxas take Ludger on a prayer without taking Add, but it was apparently a much more challenging and difficult mission. And Roxas always seems to get along so well with Ludger...

Not that he's jealous or anything idiotic like that. Of course he's not jealous. He just finds it irritating, that's all. It's irritating that Ludger gets so much attention.

So instead of holing up in his room today, Add wanders out into the temple to hunt down his fellow shinki. He finds him without much difficulty, slaving away at some menial chores. Add leans against a nearby wall to watch.

"You're quite the hard worker, aren't you? Kukukuku..."

Comments

[soindebt]

Unlike Add, Ludger doesn't consider this slaving away. He doesn't mind cleaning or doing anything around the place. It gave him something to do, and a clean home is a happy home. Or so he'd like to think. Roxas hasn't complained about the cleanliness at least.

He stops moping and looks over at Add with the most uninterested expression before going back to what he was doing. It was better to just ignore the pain in the ass fellow shinki than to accidentally goad him on.

And don't think he hasn't noticed you snubbing his great meals.

[subtract]

Well, just because Add decides to drop the cold-shoulder act doesn't mean Ludger is going to do the same. His grin falters for a split second, but he isn't one to back down so easily. He continues to watch the other in silence for a few more seconds, giving him ample time to change his mind about snubbing Add's greeting(?).

When no reply comes, he simply continues where he left off.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot. It would reflect quite poorly on Roxas to have two shinki who won't even speak to eachother. Why don't we try starting over?"

An innocent enough request. It's not like he's really lying, either. They did have a pretty bad start, and he'd prefer it if their relationship improved at least a little...

[soindebt]

Starting over? Ludger already gave you a chance, what makes you think he'd be willing to give you another? This guy can hold grudges if he has to. He finishes moping the room and looking at how much cleaner the floor was. It was clean enough to eat off of. Good. The next room is waiting.

It's then he finally turns to Add. ".... why should I trust you?"

[subtract]

Trying to talk to Ludger is like a trial of patience. Just how long is this guy going to let the silence drag on? And Add thought dealing with Roxas was annoying...

Eventually, Ludger decides to say something. Add resists the urge to sigh, still smiling tightly. Not the most ideal response, but whatever, he can work with this.

We're both on the same side, aren't we? That should be enough of a reason... maybe not under these circumstances, though. He's going to need more than that. Lying at this early stage is unlikely to help his case, so the only other option he has left...

He pauses, hesitating before giving his answer.

"Admittedly... I may have spoken too harshly on our first meeting. Had I known we would be working together, I would have chosen to act differently." That's as close to an apology as he's going to get, probably.

[soindebt]

Ludger is en expert on letting silence drag out if he's not a fan of the person he's talking to. Hell, he could just keep ignoring you for days, Add. Which... he has been pretty much doing, especially after the prayer mission he went on with Roxas. He hasn't even told Add about the kitty they met while undergoing that job.

They might be on the same side, but that means nothing if you're a complete ass to someone you just met, Add. Seriously. Voice that thought and you'll get an even bigger glare.

........ And that makes Ludger distrust Add even more. Was this supposed to be a way to get Ludger to drop his guard? Was this sincere? Only time will tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing. "... You don't like people, do you." Yep. That's what he got from that 'apology'.

[subtract]

"Not particularly, no."

He shrugs. Not much point in lying about that part, either. It doesn't take much more than cursory observation to realize Add doesn't like dealing with people if he doesn't have to...

Ludger is someone he has to deal with, though, at least to a degree. Living under the same roof and all. While he'd like to eliminate him eventually, that could take quite a bit of time and planning, not mention building his trust would assist with that. It's an annoying situation, but he can't just ignore Ludger if he's running off and gaining their god's favour while Add's back is turned.

"... We're stuck working together anyway, so it would be less troublesome for both of us if we came to an understanding. I'd like to get to know you better. What do you have to lose by giving me a chance?"

[soindebt]

This guy has got to have an agenda. Add looks the type to always have an agenda of some sort. Just means that Ludger has to be more wary in the future. Or find something to bribe Add with enough to keep the other distracted while Ludger makes his own plans. No, he doesn't want to get rid of Add, just make him more manageable.

He can't lie to save his life. The problem with having a open book for a face. "......... my life."

IT'S THE TRUTH.

[subtract]

... This guy is way too blunt. Well, maybe Add isn't much of a liar, either.

If that's how he wants to play, fine. Add straightens his posture, eyes flicking to black unconsciously. He's totally offended now.

"You're the one who pointed a gun at me, yet I'm the one who's suspect? You should be begging me for a second chance. Do you plan on ignoring me for the rest of your life? I'm not going anywhere just because you don't like me."

[soindebt]

Being honest was better than being conniving. Ludger's got your number, Add. At least for the most prt. He's still trying to figure out why the sudden change of heart after all the days of ignoring each other. Did Roxas say something about this to Add?

Ignoring sounds good. Ignoring you sounds like the best thing ever. Yet... Ludger has a feeling maybe Roxas wouldn't like that too much in the long run. The next sentence is something that he has to get out before any of this can go any further.

"......... You're annoying."

[subtract]

Add holds his ground, willing himself to stay composed even when faced with Ludger's aggravatingly long pauses. Even if he fails to convince him here, Add isn't going to give up. He already has several backup plans forming in the back of his mind. For a start, he could always try to get Roxas on his side... surely Roxas would want his shinki getting along, and he's much more gullible than Ludger. It's not something he'd want to rely on too heavily, but it's an option.

... an increasingly attractive option, the more he tries to deal with Ludger directly. It sounds like he's just being brushed off again. Add strains to keep himself from scowling.

"Is that all you have to say?" he growls back, hands on his hips. At least say something he can justifiably get mad over, damnit.

[soindebt]

They aren't pauses. This is just the way he talks, and Ludger converses with his facial expressions and body language. Which both at the moment say 'Why are you still trying to win me over? It's not going to work unless you miraculously stop being a dick.'

Add might not understand it, but at least annoyance should be clear?

Ludger doesn't even have a chance to reply before a mewling sound comes from behind him. Oh yeah....... the cat. Has Add met the cat? Is this Ludger's way out of this conversation? Probably not. Putting his hands on his hips, Ludger stands up straighter. Please ignore the cat that keeps meowing. "What's your real motive?"

[subtract]

Add isn't too good at reading body language... which might be for the best, really, since otherwise he might be tempted to argue. He's still convinced Ludger was the one in the wrong that time. Is pointing out another person's faults the same as being a dick? Add wouldn't think so. He did nothing wrong! And he even tried to help, but Ludger was the one who told him off! Honestly, to act like Add was the one who was being rude...

He's starting to get impatient (why can't you just stop staring like a simpleton and vocalize your thoughts?!) when something completely unexpected happens. Add freezes, his gaze immediately dropping to the source of the noise—a small, fluffy cat.

There is a cat in their temple.

Suddenly, the Ludger issue seems significantly less important. Are there stray cats in the Far Shore? Did someone bring it here? If he catches it, can he keep it?? Add crouches down so he can stick his hand out to the cat, making a clicking noise with his tongue. Ludger's question flies completely over his head.

[soindebt]

Welp. This means the conversation is over, right? Except now he has another problem. Add is looking at the cat like it was the most wonderful thing in the world, which is causing Ludger to feel overly annoyed. He considers the cat his since they hit it off so well. The fact that Roxas let him keep it makes it a lot more like a done deal to Ludger.

He looks down as the cat brushes against his leg on the way over to Add. "Be careful," he says to her, the sentiment earning him a chirp.

Kitty will sniff Add's hand before rubbing her face and head all over it. Ludger crosses his arms as she does so, but it's not like he can keep the cat from liking Add. Cats have weird taste.

[subtract]

Ah... the cat came to him... he almost wasn't expecting it to, but it did...

His heart melts instantly. Gently, he scratches it—her?—behind the ears while she rubs herself against his hand and purrs, a tiny but sincere smile playing at the corners of his mouth. It's hard to stay mad or annoyed about anything with such a cute cat in the room. If only he could deal strictly with cats and machines every day, that would be so much better than dealing with people...

But then, a terrible realization hits him. The cat appeared from behind Ludger, and Ludger was addressing her like he already knew she was here. It wouldn't make sense for a cat to randomly appear in a Far Shore temple... unless someone brought it there.

Like a switch being flipped back on, he shoots a suspicious glare up at Ludger.

"Is this your cat?" he demands sharply, still petting the cat in question.

[soindebt]

This is really happening. Add is smiling. Ludger wants to take a picture of this so badly, but he hasn't figured out how to make the phone not use the camera clicking noise. Oh well. One of those once in a lifetime things. Unless Add likes cats as much as Ludger does.

Wait. Do they have something in common other than their god? That's......

He blinks at the question before nodding. "Roxas said I could keep her." Even as he says this, that cat is soaking up all this attention. Till she's done and just walks off. Enough petting. Time to go sleep under a cabinet or on top of something she shouldn't be on. You know. Like cats do.

[subtract]

... Roxas gave Ludger a cat.

Add got a robot vacuum, which has been quite interesting to take apart so far, but... Ludger got a cat.

A cat...

Add stares listlessly as those words echo in his mind (a cat...). The cat eventually wanders off, his arm still outstretched, a complex expression drawing across his face (a cat...).

Ludger gets along better with their god, he got to do the more important and difficult mission, and he even got a way better gift for his efforts. He cooks, he cleans, he can fight... This issue is way more serious than Add realized. Is there even a point in trying to compete with this guy? Ludger is way out of his league. It's like he actually has skills and charisma or something...

Not that he's jealous. Add definitely isn't jealous.

He straightens himself back up, folding his arms in a huff.

"Well aren't you special. And why wasn't I informed about any of this? I live here too, I have a right to know if we're bringing any additional animals into the household." Not jealous at all.

[soindebt]

Ludger's smile about informing Add about the cat quickly turns to a frown. Something is even more off now than before. Add seems to be upset. Ludger can't figure out for the life of him why Add would be upset, unless Add wanted a cat, too. Couldn't he just ask Roxas if he can have a cat, too? It'd be good for the cat to have a little friend to run around with. This is something he should definitely bring up with their god.

Oh. Not upset. Yup. Ludger knows what this is now. Add was jealous. Jealous about Ludger's present. This is worse than being just plain old upset.

"May doesn't take up much space." If anything, she's brought some more positive energy to the place. Plus Ludger gave her a cute name. It's not the month of May yet, but she looks like a May.

[subtract]

His eye shoots off a few more sparks. May—he already named her. Were they even planning to tell Add about this?!

"Just because she's small doesn't mean it's not a nuisance," he snaps. Why is he even getting worked up over this? He wants to have a cat, too. His only issue is that Ludger got one first... "Animals shed, she'll get hair all over the place, probably scratch up and ruin furniture—I have delicate electrical equipment that could end up damaged!"

Ah, that's actually a good thing to remember. He'll have to keep the electric stuff locked up so the cat doesn't bite something active and hurt herself. So much for installing a security system to his door, too, there's no way he'd install something like that if it could scare the cat away or worse...

"... Hmph. You're already spreading yourself thin, do you even have the time to properly care for an animal? If you're not taking care of it, it'll be your own fault if something happens to it."

[soindebt]

Eventually. May tends to be active when Add isn't. Sorry dude. Cats are cats you know.

Ludger sighs and takes a cat brush out of his back pocket. He's got the shedding thing under control. As for furniture, he points with the brush over to a scratching post, toys, and a bed for her. Which... she probably isn't using. Ludger's been busy making all this stuff when he's not cleaning or doing missions. And May seems to be well fed, so hey, you're barking up the wrong tree. Ludger's dad senses work on cats, too. He's also been in the Near Shore, doing little odd jobs for money when people notice him.

You could say Ludger is a Jack-of-all-Trades.

[subtract]

Who would've thought that holing up in his room avoiding human interaction would cause him to miss out on such an important event...?!

Ugh, back to wordless answers. This time he doesn't bothering biting back his annoyed sigh, glaring at the scratching post and toys that he also somehow failed to notice until now. So maybe he got a little too focused on his robotics project and the whole Ludger problem. He's a busy guy! It's not his fault there are so many things that demand his attention! And this could've easily been a non-issue if someone had just told him about it!

... but he did come here to try and convince Ludger to give him a chance. He remembers that before he can start into an angry rant. It wouldn't do him any good to piss Ludger off even more.

The cat thing is just more proof of how important this task is. He can't give up so easily.

Taking a moment to collect himself, Add hisses out a slow, quiet sigh before answering.

"Fine. Just take care of it, I won't be pleased if it leaves any messes." Still a bit of a stiff response, but it's better than how he was a moment ago, at least. "If you have a personal problem with me, fine, but you should at least tell me about any temple matters. You're not the only one affected by this. We're still living together whether you like it or not."

[soindebt]

Add, you are scoring less and less points with Ludger every minute you decide to act like a spoiled child. That's how he seriously feels about you right now. The look is very easily read on his face. Not. Impressed. With. Your. Threat.

And it wasn't his job to keep Add informed. That was technically their gods job. Roxas was in charge of all decisions in this place, so Roxas was the one who should be telling them about changes in the temple. At least that's how it should be. Guess even a god can skip out on their own responsibilities.

Ludger shrugs as he shakes his head. "Tell our god, not me."

[subtract]

Asking Add to stop acting like a spoiled brat is like asking water to stop being wet. It's something completely outside his control! Or at least he's too stubborn to even acknowledge his own behaviour.

He likes Ludger less the more he has to deal with him, but goddamnit, he will win him over. Somehow.

"I shouldn't have to go through a third party just so you don't have to say two words to me," he replies, refusing to budge on this. "I'm not even asking you to like me. Is it really that difficult to be on neutral terms?"

[soindebt]

Would it be in bad taste to shoot, stab or maim Add right now. Not inside the temple at least. Blood is a pain to clean out of anything, especially floors and walls like this. And Ludger is afraid May might just want to play in the puddles. Cats have done stranger things.

It should be an Olympic competition to see if Ludger can even be won over.

"..........." You'll be getting a long moment of silence. It's broken by a happily purring May dragging a sock across the floor to her cat bed. Who knows who that sock even belongs to! "... Fine. For now."

[subtract]

He holds his ground, posture rigid. His only sign of wavering is when May wanders back through the room dragging a sock like a proud hunter carrying her prey. It's... it's too cute. But he wills himself to focus on the more important task at hand. That's how determined he is right now.

And his patience pays off when Ludger finally yields.

"Kukukuku, good! I'm glad we're finally able to reach a compromise." Almost instantly, Add goes back to grinning broadly and chuckling lightly under his breath. He might be a little too proud of this small victory. Neutral terms, that's something he can work with better than the silent treatment. Though it doesn't feel like the silent treatment is much different from Ludger's normal behaviour... but still! Progress!

"Well then, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure there will be plenty for us to discuss over dinner." Ah, yes. He did have something of an ulterior motive besides the long term one...