retrospec | (no subject)

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.

So what, you wouldn't want me even if both of them told you no?

[What the hell is he even arguing for?]

... Cutter, do you want to date me?

[He's not sure how they ended up talking about this.]

What? No! I mean-

[This is it. He is falling over his own tongue because how the hell is he still supposed to know what to say at this point.]

I like you, but not like that! I don't even know how I like you, but I'm pretty sure that I don't want to stick my tongue into your mouth or sleep with you even though you're a great guy who lets me use him as a living kotatsu!!

[Its very soft, but Shouto laughs. A soft thing that sounds more like wheezing air than a full laugh, but he's still clearly amused.]

That's okay. I don't mind you using me like this either, even if you don't want ot kiss me.

[Cutter huffs and settles back into his spot of half-hugging Shouto.]

You don't kiss your kotatsus either. I'm just being practical and combine what I like with each other.

[He lets his eyes slide closed as he's hugged again.]

I thought you didn't like me like that.

[It's soft, but it's teasing.]

Shut up! I like warm things.

[Stupid friends with way too good poker faces included.]

Are you gonna make a move on either of them?

I'm a warm thing. Half warm.

[He's teasing.]

Ye... I don't know. Maybe?

I know, right?

[Grinning, he pats Shouto's head. Slowly Cutter is starting to feel like he's figuring this one out.]

Maybe? That sounded a damn lot like a "yes" just right now! Who is it, Izukins?