LOCKED TO ardent

[diamondo]

[The apartment is on the third floor, with windows looking out to Goldenrod City. It isn't the biggest place, but it is far better than the base. The place is small - one bathroom, one bedroom, a kitchen, and a small sitting room that doubles as a dining room - but it hasn't taken long for them to settle in. Mondo had cleaned up the place earlier that day while Ishimaru was out with his "superior officer," Colonel Archer. Mondo still isn't fond of Archer or his friend Kimblee, but he knows better than to say anything around them. Ishimaru seems to like them at least, so they can't be that bad, right?

Well, that doesn't matter now anyway. Mondo had finished up what little work he had for the organization early and had returned home to make sure the house was tidy. He knows how Ishimaru likes things - perfect and organized, with the exception of the closet. He hasn't touched the closet at all; that's Ishimaru's space. But it's getting later in the evening and despite what Ishimaru thinks, Mondo can cook.]

Butch, c'mon. Get down from there. I just dusted!

[It doesn't particularly matter that they had only been in the apartment for a week, Mondo knows better than to leave dust lying around. Ishimaru is probably allergic to it. It seems like he's allergic to everything, including Butch, the Lillipup Mondo had hatched from an egg not too long ago. Butch reminds him a bit of Chuck, but that isn't something Mondo wants to focus on now. He scoops up the puppy and carries him into the living room, letting the dog curl up on the couch almost as soon as he's put down.]

Stay. Got it? Stay. Shit, it's been fucking years since I last tried training a dog.

[But he seems rather pleased anyway. Mondo returns to the kitchen where he sets about preparing dinner. He might have a stupidly adorable Pikachu and Pichu apron on. Just saying.]

Comments

[diamondo]

You'll "let" me? C'mon, you can't boss me around if you're not here!

[But Mondo sounds amused as well. He reaches out to mess with Ishimaru's hair.]

Speaking of, what is it you're always doing with the Colonel?

[ardent]

[Ishimaru leans into that touch immediately; it's more comfortable than he'd thought it would be when Mondo had first started doing it, and having his hair played with like that is relaxing. However, he glances over at Mondo's question, his own gaze somewhat curious.]

Ah...sometimes he evaluates the progress I've made with my Pokémon, like he was doing today. He's a very powerful trainer, so his input is valuable. Sometimes Kimblee-san is there as well, but that isn't very often.

Other times we just talk; he...well, he seems very interested in what's happening in Hope's Peak.

[Though he's obviously trying to keep himself under control as he says it, it's clear that that last part is distressing him, at least to some extent; he tries to shake it off, however.]

Why do you ask?

[diamondo]

What have you told him?

[Mondo's tone is still conversational and he's still playing with Ishimaru's hair, but something has gone dark in his expression. It's not frustration with Ishimaru, but rather irritation at Archer for even asking. Isn't it obvious that Ishimaru doesn't want to talk about it?]

I just realized I have no fucking idea what you're up to all day, that's all.

[ardent]

Not very much - he seemed interested in why I would want to bring our classmates here. I said that we're involved in a hostage situation, that our captor has begun to kill the students involved, and that three have died so far.

[diamondo]

[Mondo nods slowly, taking all that in.]

It isn't his place to press you on that.

[It's not something he wants to relive. He can only imagine just how bad it is for Ishimaru.]

He's not giving you too much shit about it, right?

[ardent]

He isn't.

[...it's only then that he gets a good look at Mondo's expression, that he really manages to take in what's going on there; he hesitates for a brief moment before continuing.]

I...I'm fine, aniki, don't worry too much about it.

[diamondo]

You really expect me not to worry? C'mon, you know me better than that. I don't like seeing my friends go through shit like that, much less have to deal with it here.

[He moves to squeeze Ishimaru's shoulder reassuringly, but the calm tone never quite reaches his expression.]

You're important to me. 'Course I'm gonna worry about you.

[ardent]

[There's something striking him strangely about this, but he can't exactly place what; again, he tries to shake it off, settling for focusing on that reassuring touch on his shoulder instead.]

It's just talk, and not in any sort of detail. Like I said, I'm fine.

[diamondo]

You don't have to tell him anything you don't want to. And if he tries to give you shit for it, let me know.

[It doesn't matter that Archer is technically a superior officer; Mondo could very easily take him out.]

[ardent]

Or you'll what?

[That sharp edge is back in his tone; the answer had better not be anything stupid, Mondo.]

[diamondo]

What do you fucking think? I'll rearrange his fucking face!!

[Oh he's fully aware that Ishimaru won't like that answer, but hell, at least he's honest about it.]

[ardent]

[Oh boy, here we go.]

You're going to do no such thing!

[diamondo]

Yeah? And why the fuck not? If he's fucking with you, I'm not just gonna stand by!!

[ardent]

I don't see how he's - [he is not going to be vulgar about this he is not going to be vulgar about this] ...doing anything of the sort! Curiosity about other worlds seems to be natural here, and apparently bringing others to this world is an unusual request!!

[diamondo]

And it ain't his fucking place to ask why! We've been through enough shit, who the fuck is he to make you relive it!?

[ardent]

Do you think I would answer him at all if I didn't want to?!

[...DISREGARD THE FACT THAT HE STANDS AND BOWS AND GREETS MONOBEAR IN THE MORNINGS WHEN TOLD TO

AND WHATEVER THAT INSTANCE WITH THE RADIO EXERCISES WAS

WE DON'T NEED TO BRING THOSE UP]

[diamondo]

You're full of shit; you always listen to the fuckers in positions of power! 'Course you're gonna tell him whatever the fuck he wants to know!!

[But Mondo does take a moment to attempt to calm himself down. He doesn't want to be angry with Ishimaru, after all. This isn't his fault.]

Look, I just don't want you getting in over your head.

[ardent]

[He flinches away at that, looking offended; the expression doesn't last long before he tries to force it away, though that doesn't stop the tears from forming.

He's not crying. Yet. But it's obvious that he's considering.]

I said I'll be fine!

[diamondo]

[Shit. He didn't mean to upset Ishimaru! Cue backpedaling!!]

H-hey, I know you will be! I'm not saying that 'cause I think you're weak or anything like that!

[As tempted as he is to mess with Ishimaru's hair again in the hopes of calming him down, Mondo resists.]

You're not weak. Fuck, you're one of the strongest people I know, aniki.

[ardent]

...What?

[...all right, that seems to have stopped the urge to cry for the time being; however, it's replaced it with blatant confusion, good job.]

Am I really?

[diamondo]

[Well at least the tears have stopped!]

You think I'd lie to you?

[Mondo falls silent for a moment, trying to figure out how to put it into words. He knows that Ishimaru is strong, it's just explaining in a way that makes sense.]

...Well, back home you took the lead and organized everything. Sure, I give you a lot of shit about it, but it's an admirable trait, to be able to keep your shit together and help out the rest of us. Even after the murders you kept it together and worked with us to keep us all going. Just imagine if we didn't have someone looking out for all of us.

[If he had been stronger, he could have taken Ishimaru's position. That thought is quickly brushed away.]

You do a damn good job of looking out for everyone and I think they all appreciate it in some way. Except maybe fucking Togami, but who gives a shit about him.

[ardent]

[He glances downward, picking at his sleeves for a while before replying.]

Even if they don't appreciate it, it's something that needs to be done. I've wanted to ensure that everyone escapes the school alive from the beginning; even if that...

[He pauses. Shakes his head a bit. Continues.]

Even if that isn't possible anymore, I still want to save everyone I can. It has nothing to do with strength or courage; it's just the right thing to do.

[diamondo]

It doesn't have to have anything to do with strength or courage. Point is, you've got both. Don't be so modest.

[He reaches out to rest a hand on Ishimaru's shoulder, trying to comfort him as much as he can.]

You're very strong, aniki. Even if you think you're just doing what is "right," how many other people do you see trying to help the others? How many of the others are holding it together for everyone else's sake?

[ardent]

[Ishimaru doesn't relax at that, though the touch at his shoulder is appreciated.]

I'm used to holding it together for everyone else's sake; that isn't anything new. But that does make me wonder what you meant by that tirade earlier.

[diamondo]

...which part?

[Mondo isn't too keen on discussing that, but he knows better than to try to dismiss it as nothing.]