retrospec | (no subject)

...I dunno. Maybe? I think I fought.

[He probably shouldn't frame it as a question, but his memory is really fuzzy whenever it comes to his own involvement. Maybe because it was one of the first things he remembered.

All thoughts about people he should remember are forgotten at the new implication of Shouto's words.]

Ohhhh, really~? Then I can do this and just use you as an oven or a freezer whenever it gets too hot or cold?!

[There's no warning, just Cutter trying to drape himself over Shouto's shoulders to the best of his abilities like a real friend (meaning without any regards for how heavy he is or that he's invading Shoutos personal bubble at all).]

[Shouto is startled out of whatever he was going to do and just allows it to happen.]

H-huh...?

[His left side does start to heat up a bit.]

Ahhhh~ That's so warm! You're the best, bro, I feel like a cat that found the perfect spot in a batch of sun lying on you! I'm gonna stay like this for the rest of winter, ok?

[He laughs, squirming a little so that he can get more contact between his chest and Shouto's warm side, making a pleased little noise when he succeeds.]

I can't believe you're using me like this.

[He says it so dryly, but it's very clear he doesn't mind, since he makes no attempt to get away.]

I can't believe you're letting me use you like this.

[He shoots right back, only lifting his head so that he can grin cheekily up at Shouto.]

[The softest little huff.]

It's only because I like you.

And I'm only feeling comfy doing this because I like you too.

[He grins and settles his chin onto Shouto's shoulder before he relents and lets go, drawing back enough that Shouto can get out of his grasp if he chooses to.]

You know that I like you for more than just your body temperature, tho, right? I wonder if our other selves have done the same thing before.

[Shouto continues to make no move to get out of it. He's content here, with his friend's arms around him. It's been a long day, and he could use this.]

I know. ... I don't know if they do, but I hope they did. You're a good friend to have.

[After waiting what he guesses is a full minute or two Cutter just drapes himself back over Shouto with a small sigh.]

I'm usually not that touchy, you know. Just for the record. But you feel just right.

[Like it's normal exchanging casual touches. Usually Cutter feels like he has to be on edge when he's touching with somebody other than his family but Shouto feels... Normal, he guesses. Familiar already, even through they met not that terribly long ago.]

Same here, you're a good pal to have. Although I guess I won't be able to do this when you have a girlfriend.

I wouldn't let most people hang off of me like this, you know.

[He echoes right back.

There's just a handful of people he's comfortable with. And Cutter is right there, Shouto will allow things like this when he's comfortable enough.

There's a pause as he rewinds what Cutter just said. Girlfriend?]

... It would be a boyfriend. If I was dating somebody, it'd be a boy.

[He tenses for a moment, feeling intensely uncomfortable with the sudden implications of their proximity.]

....Oh.

[But Shouto would tell him if they were crossing a line here, right? Cutter's face scrunches up in thought as he tries to figure out his feelings on the subject matter. Does he mind the idea that Shouto might be gay? ....Nooo, not really. Does he feel good or comfortable with it? That's not really it either, but he also doesn't mind so....

He shrugs his shoulders.]

I guess some manly men like other men. Are you- ...you know, just for guys or guys and girls alike?

[Shouto would definitely say something if he was actually uncomfortable with something. He would've gotten up or pushed Cutter away.

But this? This is perfectly fine.]

Just guys, I think. I've never really had crushes on girls before.

Huh. I can't say I understand 'cause I really don't, but then I guess I haven't really felt any serious attraction for anyone yet either. Just like ...thinking somebody's body is looking really good, or like, ..being really impressed with what they think or do, I guess?

[He rests his head back on Shouto's shoulder and hums, a verbal version of a shrug.]

But I guess I'm 'both teams', indirectly, if I had to say. Caring about whether somebody is a boy or a girl when you really love them wouldn't be manly at all.

I don't really understand how attraction works. Just that I like guys.

[But he'll lean lightly against Cutter for now.]

It's good to keep your options open? I think? There are lots of nice people out there.

[Is this even kind of the right thing to say? He has no idea.]

... If they hurt you tell me so I can freeze them.

Hm. You've got your mind on somebody already?

[Cutter let's his eyes drift closed before huffing out a soft laugh.]

Dude, don't! Not that I don't appreciate the sentiment but you could probably kill somebody if you encase them in ice or freeze them solid.

I could make them slip instead. If that makes you feel better.

But you're a good guy. I don't want somebody to take advantage of that.

[ He hums softly at the question. ] I think Izuku and Yukine are both cute.

Only if there's no stairs or corners to break their heads on around.

[He gives Shouto a suspicious look that turns into a pout at being called "good" again.]

Do I need to remind you that I'm on the villain-side this life? We're not supposed to be "good."

Though I guess you've got a type there, pal! The cute and dangerous ones, huh?

It's a deal.

Just because you say you're a villain... You hang out with me and you look out for people. You're telling me to to freeze people because you're worried about their safety. [ He let's that hang for a moment.

And then there's a slightly baffled look on his face.] ... What part of Izuku seems dangerous?

[and just like that Cutter gets the sudden feeling that he might have committed a terrible mistake just now. Shouto isn't REALLY going to use his power for him against anybody, is he? Well, nothing worse than a frozen pair of pants, at least. He hopes.]

You don't count, you're basically already adopted into the Family. Also, it's called being classy. A real man doesn't pick on weaker people or looks away when he can change things for the better. You have villains who are real scoundrels and then there are the guys who make you go "he's a bastard-! ...but one I can't help but respect" - that's the kind of criminal I wanna be.

[At least he keeps telling himself that. There are a lot of small things that don't make any sense the more Cutter keeps thinking about his plans for the future.]

I dunno, the part where he's hellish smart and can break giant glaciers with a flick of his finger once he gets his powers back?

[ Unless Shouto is actually joking, he's very serious about what he's saying. So if he says he'll use his powers to get some petty amount of revenge on anybody who takes advantage of one of his best friends. ]

... If that's how you want to put it. I can't stop thinking of you as a nice guy.

[ There's a pause as Shouto reminisces over Izuku's apparent strength in that other world. ]

Yeah, it's attractive. Cute guys who could manhandle me.

Nice guys finish last.

[He is pouting at him again. Cutter doesn't want to be seen as somebody who is easily taken advantage of. That wouldn't be very manly.]

I d- Pffft, hahaha! Okay, that's something we need to put into your twitter or dating social media ad! "Looking for: Cute guys who could manhandle me"! I bet you'll get swarmed!!

I'm sure there are plenty of people who like nice guys. ... I like nice guys.

[Pout as much as you want, Cutter. It's not going to change how Shouto thinks of him.]

I don't have a dating social media. And my twitter is supposed to be for work. Besides, I already have people I like.

Yeah, but still-

[Wait, what.]

If that's supposed to be some sort of confession I'm gonna hit you.

...

[Actually looking back on what he said, it does sound like one, doesn't it?]

I just told you both of their names.