Idia Shroud (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
flameinthedarkness) wrote2022-07-16 04:11 pm
flameinthedarkness) wrote2022-07-16 04:11 pm
Sandbox
A spot for random threads or carry over from other posts.
Why did he agree to this? Why did he agree to this?! What did Idia really think would come from this!? He’s been second guessing himself and regretting this the moment they had agreed to this, had tried to get out of it several times when Vil was setting dates and times to meet up, and had taken a lot of prep talk to himself to get him out of his room to leave for this. Idia had at least convinced Vil he would make his own way there. He needs an exit strategy after all, in case things go poorly.
It’s why Idia arrives with a helmet in hand, having borrowed the Ignihyde Magical Wheel for the day. It was so much better than using a broom. Seriously, he wishes he could have his chariot at school… But the drive down to the town helped calm his nerves, being able to relax as he drives and forgetting what he was getting himself into. Only for them to be set back off again upon spotting Vil.
Why is he doing this?! Is it too late to turn back around and leave…?
At least he wasn’t a total mess when he shows up, having thrown on a decent enough outfit, but still trying to cover up the best he can. It had taken a lot of restraint not to throw a face mask on as well, but since they were going to be eating it would just get in the way... though he still shoved one into his pocket, in case his anxiety gets the best of him and Idia needs it later.
It’s why Idia arrives with a helmet in hand, having borrowed the Ignihyde Magical Wheel for the day. It was so much better than using a broom. Seriously, he wishes he could have his chariot at school… But the drive down to the town helped calm his nerves, being able to relax as he drives and forgetting what he was getting himself into. Only for them to be set back off again upon spotting Vil.
Why is he doing this?! Is it too late to turn back around and leave…?
At least he wasn’t a total mess when he shows up, having thrown on a decent enough outfit, but still trying to cover up the best he can. It had taken a lot of restraint not to throw a face mask on as well, but since they were going to be eating it would just get in the way... though he still shoved one into his pocket, in case his anxiety gets the best of him and Idia needs it later.
Sometimes, Vil wonders why he has to expend so much effort on friendship.
Some people make it look so easy. Kalim, Rook, and Cater are the first to come to mind in that regard, though Kalim can be careless and Rook overwhelming in his weirdness and Cater somehow fake in his presentation. They talk comfortably with everyone and can usher others into doing things with them and there isn't a hint of strain along the way.
Maybe he's just choosing an especially annoying subject to try befriending. Yes, that makes more sense than personally struggling with friendship. He had a good friend in Jack when he was younger, right? He's gotten along with others just fine, even if he doesn't usually seek out their company outside of classes and clubs.
It's just Idia being Idia. Idia, who "loves" ramen without ever trying real ramen. Idia, who has a sweet tooth but has never gone into a candy store. He's doing him a favor by looking up what's available in the town at the bottom of the hill, finding out there is in fact a shop that serves ramen and a confectionery store separate from the bakeries that serve the population.
Yes. He's just dealing with someone exceedingly difficult and not friend-deficient himself.
He arrives in town on a broom and stashes it in a tree that Rook had recommended as a good hiding spot; he'd rather not carry it around while cruising shops if he can help it. He waits for Idia at a bench just off from the town square, sunglasses temporarily slotted on his jacket lapel while he touches up his makeup and ensures his ponytail doesn't look too messy.
Idia isn't arriving quickly enough for his liking, so Vil snaps shut his compact and walks over to meet him. "Did you lock up your magical wheel properly? Some of my potatoes had a run-in with some local hoodlums who tried to take theirs."
Actually, the magical wheel was borrowed from Ignihyde, wasn't it? So Idia possibly knew about the incident.
Some people make it look so easy. Kalim, Rook, and Cater are the first to come to mind in that regard, though Kalim can be careless and Rook overwhelming in his weirdness and Cater somehow fake in his presentation. They talk comfortably with everyone and can usher others into doing things with them and there isn't a hint of strain along the way.
Maybe he's just choosing an especially annoying subject to try befriending. Yes, that makes more sense than personally struggling with friendship. He had a good friend in Jack when he was younger, right? He's gotten along with others just fine, even if he doesn't usually seek out their company outside of classes and clubs.
It's just Idia being Idia. Idia, who "loves" ramen without ever trying real ramen. Idia, who has a sweet tooth but has never gone into a candy store. He's doing him a favor by looking up what's available in the town at the bottom of the hill, finding out there is in fact a shop that serves ramen and a confectionery store separate from the bakeries that serve the population.
Yes. He's just dealing with someone exceedingly difficult and not friend-deficient himself.
He arrives in town on a broom and stashes it in a tree that Rook had recommended as a good hiding spot; he'd rather not carry it around while cruising shops if he can help it. He waits for Idia at a bench just off from the town square, sunglasses temporarily slotted on his jacket lapel while he touches up his makeup and ensures his ponytail doesn't look too messy.
Idia isn't arriving quickly enough for his liking, so Vil snaps shut his compact and walks over to meet him. "Did you lock up your magical wheel properly? Some of my potatoes had a run-in with some local hoodlums who tried to take theirs."
Actually, the magical wheel was borrowed from Ignihyde, wasn't it? So Idia possibly knew about the incident.
So Idia possibly knew about the incident? So Idia possibly knew about the incident?! Do you know how much whining he had to put up hearing from those who worked on the project?! About how much sand got into the parts?! Who takes a magical wheel to the beach like that!? Without shielding it so it wouldn't get jammed up with crap getting into the parts or damaging the paint?! It really was their own fault for lending it out before it was going to be presented, and Idia had pointed it out to them, called them all idiots, but he still had to put up with them whining about it!
"Do I look like an empty headed first year?!" Well done Vil, Idia's no longer nervous. Nerves were well gone with that implied accusation. "Don't compare me to them!" Why hadn't you been watching them better?! Keep your potatoes out of his dorm's work! "Do you have any clue how close they were to fucking up my dorm's project?!" Do you even have the first clue how much work it took to make a magical wheel when you didn't have production lines in place?!
Great start to this all, right?
"Do I look like an empty headed first year?!" Well done Vil, Idia's no longer nervous. Nerves were well gone with that implied accusation. "Don't compare me to them!" Why hadn't you been watching them better?! Keep your potatoes out of his dorm's work! "Do you have any clue how close they were to fucking up my dorm's project?!" Do you even have the first clue how much work it took to make a magical wheel when you didn't have production lines in place?!
Great start to this all, right?
Vil's brow rises very slow as Idia goes off on a rant immediately. Well, so much for a pleasant start to the afternoon. With an audible sigh, he plucks his sunglasses from his lapel and slides them on, as if preparing for a hail of spittle. It's not quite that bad, fortunately. "But they didn't, so your complaints should be aimed at the bleeding heart who borrowed it out."
He could snap back at Idia about the entire incident, but he's quick to rationalize that he simply does not care; at that point in time, he had been extremely focused on the VDC, and the efforts of all the other dorms fell beyond his purview and notice. He can't bring himself to reflect upon the cultural fair much at all, given his overblot and performing while injured kept him from venturing outside for the second day of events.
"Are you done? Our reservation is in ten minutes."
The reservation wasn't necessary, given the day-to-day activity in the town's restaurants, but it made it easier to plan the rest of the day.
He could snap back at Idia about the entire incident, but he's quick to rationalize that he simply does not care; at that point in time, he had been extremely focused on the VDC, and the efforts of all the other dorms fell beyond his purview and notice. He can't bring himself to reflect upon the cultural fair much at all, given his overblot and performing while injured kept him from venturing outside for the second day of events.
"Are you done? Our reservation is in ten minutes."
The reservation wasn't necessary, given the day-to-day activity in the town's restaurants, but it made it easier to plan the rest of the day.
There's an inhale, maybe a sign he was going to keep going. But instead Idia let it out as a long sigh, shoulders slumping as he deflated, that annoyance leaving him and returning him back to his normal self, his softer tone returning, "Yeah, yeah, I am." It was all such BS, but they had dealt with it. Later he still may prod at the fact Vil should had also stopped it, but for now, whatever.
Really Vil, the fact Idia had more obedience worked into his dorm than you did with your little apple is not a great thing...
"Where we going?" Idia had wanted to check out the full area digitally before showing up, but Ortho had told him to make it a surprise and just enjoy it. It was going to be a fun day out! His big brother should just go and have fun... much to Idia's dislike. So, he may not had fully checked it out... but he did make sure he had a backup set of information on his phone he brought just in case he has to leave and make a run from this all.
Really Vil, the fact Idia had more obedience worked into his dorm than you did with your little apple is not a great thing...
"Where we going?" Idia had wanted to check out the full area digitally before showing up, but Ortho had told him to make it a surprise and just enjoy it. It was going to be a fun day out! His big brother should just go and have fun... much to Idia's dislike. So, he may not had fully checked it out... but he did make sure he had a backup set of information on his phone he brought just in case he has to leave and make a run from this all.
Oh good, allowing the rant and not trying to match Idia's yelling had worked. Dealing with his dorm, as well as the members of his NRC Tribe, have helped with Vil's impatience over the months, but it can still rear its head if he isn't mindful of it. It certainly doesn't help matters that Idia has his own brand of baffling neuroticism that he's only seen bits and pieces of through dorm leadership meetings over the past year until now.
"A small place called Midori at the end of the street. They primarily serve sushi -- as you do when you are by a port, I suppose -- but I asked ahead and they do serve ramen on specific days." It wouldn't be the most authentic environment and everything, but it would certainly be better than simply ordering ramen and eating it in the cafeteria.
Vil adjusts his sunglasses as he walks, looking over at passersby to ensure they aren't scrutinizing him. Either the glamour is working as intended, or Idia is just much more of eye-catching with that hair of his.
"A small place called Midori at the end of the street. They primarily serve sushi -- as you do when you are by a port, I suppose -- but I asked ahead and they do serve ramen on specific days." It wouldn't be the most authentic environment and everything, but it would certainly be better than simply ordering ramen and eating it in the cafeteria.
Vil adjusts his sunglasses as he walks, looking over at passersby to ensure they aren't scrutinizing him. Either the glamour is working as intended, or Idia is just much more of eye-catching with that hair of his.
Idia's lip instantly turned up the mention of sushi. He hates raw fish! It's gross and slimy and cold! What the hell, Vil? But... yeah ok, it's not that bad that he can't be around it, he just won't go anywhere near it. He was here for the ramen. Really, not like he had much to compare it to if it did turn out bad, other than the instant stuff.
But he may have standards on how it's presented. After all, ramen shows up in plenty of anime, and it always looks so amazing! "Fine, whatever." Not like he can really be picky, right?
While they head off Idia is having his own issues with being 'scrutinized'. Whether it was actually happening or not, it was in his mind, he tugging his hoodie up even higher to try and hide in it better as his head drops, back arching into more of a slump than normal, anything to try and make him stand out less. This was a mistake. He knew it was a mistake! It was bad enough putting up with looks and whispers in the school, why was he going out in public like this?!
He just wants to go back to his room...
But he may have standards on how it's presented. After all, ramen shows up in plenty of anime, and it always looks so amazing! "Fine, whatever." Not like he can really be picky, right?
While they head off Idia is having his own issues with being 'scrutinized'. Whether it was actually happening or not, it was in his mind, he tugging his hoodie up even higher to try and hide in it better as his head drops, back arching into more of a slump than normal, anything to try and make him stand out less. This was a mistake. He knew it was a mistake! It was bad enough putting up with looks and whispers in the school, why was he going out in public like this?!
He just wants to go back to his room...
Fortunately, Vil's attention is focused forward as he eyes the restaurant signs down the walk, so he takes no notice of that reaction from Idia. Not that he would particularly care; they were there for the ramen first and foremost, and if Idia couldn't stand the even the faint smell of raw fish...
Well. That would be troublesome, but that was an issue for Future Vil and Idia.
For now, Vil talks over his shoulder as he leads the way to the end of the street. "I hope you did your own research as well. Unless you intend to just go with whatever is recommended to you by the server."
Well. That would be troublesome, but that was an issue for Future Vil and Idia.
For now, Vil talks over his shoulder as he leads the way to the end of the street. "I hope you did your own research as well. Unless you intend to just go with whatever is recommended to you by the server."
He should had prepared. He should had prepared! Why did he listen to Ortho on this?! 'You don't need to think so hard about it, big brother, it'll be fun. Go and have fun!' PFFFTTTTTT! ...he's an idiot... he should had gone with his gut feeling.
Though Idia's gut feeling was to not do this at all... and yet he's here... regretting this more and more...
Ehhhhh, "I-I-I-I," Ok, he's having issues answering this, too caught up in his head and calling himself an idiot. It's such a noob move... but, hey, that whole 'spontaneous outing and going with the flow' was a good trope! Eh, but that only works in media, doesn't it, clearly not irl.
He's such an idiot. "I, ah, I, ah... I-I-I'll just... see once there." Idiot. Idiot. Idiot!
Though Idia's gut feeling was to not do this at all... and yet he's here... regretting this more and more...
Ehhhhh, "I-I-I-I," Ok, he's having issues answering this, too caught up in his head and calling himself an idiot. It's such a noob move... but, hey, that whole 'spontaneous outing and going with the flow' was a good trope! Eh, but that only works in media, doesn't it, clearly not irl.
He's such an idiot. "I, ah, I, ah... I-I-I'll just... see once there." Idiot. Idiot. Idiot!
All in all, it's a pretty normal day, save for the fact that Idia Shroud has actually come to class instead of a flying tablet. Probably got totally chewed out by Trein, Cater figures. Well, even if he was dragged in, it's always kind of nice to see him--even if they're not going to have a chance to talk until after class and Idia will very definitely try and run off before Cater can try and strike up a conversation. Good for you, he thinks. You're doing it!
Ortho's gotta be proud, too.
The day's test is pretty tough, so he's not able to sneak any glances to social media, which is why when the bell rings and the class is over for the day, he lingers behind, distracted with catching up on his feed. Someone passing by invites him along for something and he waves them off with an apology. Dinner with Heartslabyul, he says, lying easily. Actually, he's got a livestream scheduled for a bit later in the evening, so he wants to make sure he leaves enough time to prepare. It's hard enough keeping his dormmates out of his room when he has a performance.
Cater stretches, thinking about what the plan actually is for the night when a familiar song reaches him. There's a second where he thinks it's in his own head but then he realizes no, it's coming from a row below him and off to the side...sure enough, leaning forward he catches a glimpse of Idia shroud hunched over and fiddling with something, headphones on the desk in front of him.
"Huh--Idia, you're still here?" Cater would've thought he'd be long gone. And more importantly. "What're you listening to?"
He definitely knows that song, but there's no way, right?
Ortho's gotta be proud, too.
The day's test is pretty tough, so he's not able to sneak any glances to social media, which is why when the bell rings and the class is over for the day, he lingers behind, distracted with catching up on his feed. Someone passing by invites him along for something and he waves them off with an apology. Dinner with Heartslabyul, he says, lying easily. Actually, he's got a livestream scheduled for a bit later in the evening, so he wants to make sure he leaves enough time to prepare. It's hard enough keeping his dormmates out of his room when he has a performance.
Cater stretches, thinking about what the plan actually is for the night when a familiar song reaches him. There's a second where he thinks it's in his own head but then he realizes no, it's coming from a row below him and off to the side...sure enough, leaning forward he catches a glimpse of Idia shroud hunched over and fiddling with something, headphones on the desk in front of him.
"Huh--Idia, you're still here?" Cater would've thought he'd be long gone. And more importantly. "What're you listening to?"
He definitely knows that song, but there's no way, right?
Why can't the tests be online? It would be so much easier. There would even be a way to get around the 'make sure they aren't cheating' thing. Well, not Idia if he didn't want to, but he still see no point in cheating, in studies or in games. All it does is hurt yourself. But NNNNnnooooo! He had to be forced into class to take it. UGhhhh. And worse... using a pen. He couldn't even type it. Which... fine, not like he can't use one, even if he would always pick typing over writing outside of quick notes.
Trein won't even let him wear his headphones during it! Even just for the noise cancelling! UGGGHHHH!
But... Idia gets through it, it really wasn't that tough a test. But it doesn't mean he doesn't have to destress from it afterwards, of having to come in to do it in person, of having to sit around others during it. He hates this so much. So while he's normally first out of the room if he can manage it, since it's a test most were rushing out ahead of him, leaving him time to poke away at his computer and sort out some stuff rather than get caught up in the stampede out of the door. You know what would help him unwind? Music.
And there's this great indie music maker he's been obsessed with of late. They were so good to work to! That's just what he needs. Hell, he even has limited edition tracks that only he got! It's so sweet, Idia chuckling to himself as he brought up the song selection, starting it up and going to grab his headphones to put them on and...
Oh... Cater.
SIIIGGGGHHH. Please don't try and drag him along to anything after this, Idia just wants to retreat back to his room. Maybe stop a vending machine. Then room.
Oh, um... how to answer this? "A-a-ah, just, ah, just... some indie musician I found..." Ahhhh, that was the wrong thing to say, wasn't it?! He should had said it was anime music or something! Idia knows Cater is part of the Light Music Club, he doesn't want to hang around answering question about this all with him!
Trein won't even let him wear his headphones during it! Even just for the noise cancelling! UGGGHHHH!
But... Idia gets through it, it really wasn't that tough a test. But it doesn't mean he doesn't have to destress from it afterwards, of having to come in to do it in person, of having to sit around others during it. He hates this so much. So while he's normally first out of the room if he can manage it, since it's a test most were rushing out ahead of him, leaving him time to poke away at his computer and sort out some stuff rather than get caught up in the stampede out of the door. You know what would help him unwind? Music.
And there's this great indie music maker he's been obsessed with of late. They were so good to work to! That's just what he needs. Hell, he even has limited edition tracks that only he got! It's so sweet, Idia chuckling to himself as he brought up the song selection, starting it up and going to grab his headphones to put them on and...
Oh... Cater.
SIIIGGGGHHH. Please don't try and drag him along to anything after this, Idia just wants to retreat back to his room. Maybe stop a vending machine. Then room.
Oh, um... how to answer this? "A-a-ah, just, ah, just... some indie musician I found..." Ahhhh, that was the wrong thing to say, wasn't it?! He should had said it was anime music or something! Idia knows Cater is part of the Light Music Club, he doesn't want to hang around answering question about this all with him!
"Yeah? I'm always on the lookout for new artists, do you mind if I listen really quick?" Fortunately, for how brash he can be when it comes to forcing Idia along with him on outings, it's not like he's going to jump over and swipe the headphones off the desk. Anyway, he just wants a closer listen to that voice--it's not like it's for sure the cover artist that came to mind. Sure, it's kind of an obscure song, but...
Gathering up his things, he stands to make his way over to Idia's desk, smiling his usual unaffected smile.
Gathering up his things, he stands to make his way over to Idia's desk, smiling his usual unaffected smile.
"I-I-I-I!" Please hold while Idia's brain reloads. It's not just a case of someone touching his stuff, it's the fact of what track is playing.
"H-H-Hold on! I gotta change tracks!" He made a promise not to put that out anywhere, so it couldn't be copied or burnt! He's got to respect the artist's choice! "N-Not that song!"
"H-H-Hold on! I gotta change tracks!" He made a promise not to put that out anywhere, so it couldn't be copied or burnt! He's got to respect the artist's choice! "N-Not that song!"
Cater stops mid-step, hesitating. Watching Idia frantically go to change tracks, a weird feeling settles in his stomach. It couldn't be, right? That song, how hurriedly he's trying to hide it...it's just Idia being Idia, it's gotta be. This is a weird coincidence. "Okay, sure! Whatever works," he agrees, tucking his notebook underneath his arm and shifting on his feet.
Cater's free hand messes with his hair. "JSYK, I don't judge anyone for their music prefs. Like, Lils is super into screamo death metal, and sometimes I listen to technopop..."
Cater's free hand messes with his hair. "JSYK, I don't judge anyone for their music prefs. Like, Lils is super into screamo death metal, and sometimes I listen to technopop..."
Eeeeehhhhh. Sigh... a huff out as Idia deflates a bit. "I-It's a commissioned track I got, ok? I can't just... share it with others." Not a complete lie, but enough that he thinks its believable. It's not totally a lie either, technically he did pay for it, just... hadn't asked for it. It had been an amazing reward for wanting to support someone.
Hmmm, lets see, Idia scrolling through his list on his holoscreen. "I donno... what you into? I got options..." Maybe it would be good for more people to find this person. Still... Idia not sure he and Cater share tastes. Why would they? Though, "Technopop is cool..." It muttered out under his breath, almost hoping Cater didn't hear it.
Hmmm, lets see, Idia scrolling through his list on his holoscreen. "I donno... what you into? I got options..." Maybe it would be good for more people to find this person. Still... Idia not sure he and Cater share tastes. Why would they? Though, "Technopop is cool..." It muttered out under his breath, almost hoping Cater didn't hear it.
"Hm, well..."
Screw it. He doesn't have enough excuses to talk to Idia. He can kill a little bit of time before he has to get back to his dorm. Cater puts his notebook down on the desk and slips into the spot next to his fiery classmate. "I'm kinda into a little bit of everything depending on how I'm feeling."
His smile widens--yeah, he can totally see how Idia would be in to technopop, virtual idols...which of course doesn't do anything to stop the questions forming in his head.
"How about something that gets you feeling really pumped?"
Screw it. He doesn't have enough excuses to talk to Idia. He can kill a little bit of time before he has to get back to his dorm. Cater puts his notebook down on the desk and slips into the spot next to his fiery classmate. "I'm kinda into a little bit of everything depending on how I'm feeling."
His smile widens--yeah, he can totally see how Idia would be in to technopop, virtual idols...which of course doesn't do anything to stop the questions forming in his head.
"How about something that gets you feeling really pumped?"
Edited 2022-12-17 07:59 (UTC)
Idia can't help but jump a little as Cater moved in beside him, but really, he would have that reaction with anyone getting near him. Let alone someone so bright and cheerful as Cater.
"Hmmm, ok..." Yeah, Idia gets that. Sure, Premo is his fav and will forever be, but it depends on his mood; if he's gaming, what project he's working on, that kind of thing. And sometimes it's just nice to fully embrace a horrible mood with music that suited it. In fact a lot of his choice tended to have what most might consider a sadder tone to them, even if they were upbeat in tempo. Got to keep those blot levels up after all...
Scrolling through and... "This one will do." Selecting a song from the list... and after a moment of hesitation, handing over his headphones. "Here..." He's not worried about Cater breaking them, if that happened he could easily repair them.
"Hmmm, ok..." Yeah, Idia gets that. Sure, Premo is his fav and will forever be, but it depends on his mood; if he's gaming, what project he's working on, that kind of thing. And sometimes it's just nice to fully embrace a horrible mood with music that suited it. In fact a lot of his choice tended to have what most might consider a sadder tone to them, even if they were upbeat in tempo. Got to keep those blot levels up after all...
Scrolling through and... "This one will do." Selecting a song from the list... and after a moment of hesitation, handing over his headphones. "Here..." He's not worried about Cater breaking them, if that happened he could easily repair them.
Cater waits as Idia makes his selection, feeling a touch anxious despite himself. Just a really weird coincidence, he tells himself. You're thinking way too hard about this and making yourself paranoid. Well: moment of truth. At last, Idia offers him the headphones and Cater's actually a little surprised at that, him being so fidgety and all.
"Thanks!" Accepting the headphones, he slips them on...and then the music starts to play, and it's his voice. Well, he recognizes it immediately, but he can understand why others wouldn't. His voice is a little different when he's singing for real and not throwing it in an upbeat, careless attitude--the one that embodies "Cay-Cay". And he has a whole different face when he sings, being that he'd designed and commissioned a virtual persona. If someone had a look attached to the voice already, why would they compare it to anyone else?
It's a good thing he never performs club concerts using songs he sings online in his double life.
Without realizing it, his smile falls as he listens to the first minute of the song, not really listening to it at all as much as he is to the sound of his own internal voice screaming no way no way no way. Cater glances over at Idia, realizes he's still wearing the other boy's headphones, and quickly takes them off to hand them back.
"Sorry, I got a little caught up in the lyrics," he lies, pulling his smile back on as fast as he can. "What was the name of this artist?"
"Thanks!" Accepting the headphones, he slips them on...and then the music starts to play, and it's his voice. Well, he recognizes it immediately, but he can understand why others wouldn't. His voice is a little different when he's singing for real and not throwing it in an upbeat, careless attitude--the one that embodies "Cay-Cay". And he has a whole different face when he sings, being that he'd designed and commissioned a virtual persona. If someone had a look attached to the voice already, why would they compare it to anyone else?
It's a good thing he never performs club concerts using songs he sings online in his double life.
Without realizing it, his smile falls as he listens to the first minute of the song, not really listening to it at all as much as he is to the sound of his own internal voice screaming no way no way no way. Cater glances over at Idia, realizes he's still wearing the other boy's headphones, and quickly takes them off to hand them back.
"Sorry, I got a little caught up in the lyrics," he lies, pulling his smile back on as fast as he can. "What was the name of this artist?"
He... does not look like he's enjoying it... ehhh, whatever, as Cater said, not everyone has the same tastes in music.
And clearly Cater's tastes suck if he doesn't like this.
It's not like Idia can just leave him to it, it's his gear after all. Would... would it be rude to take his phone out and do gaming stuff while he waited? Maybe... hmm, though his indecision over it is cut short as Cater takes off the headphones and speaks.
"Ah? Oh, um, Cinder Suit. Or, ah, Cinder, I guess, for short." Idia answers as he takes back his headphones, moving to slip them into their normal place around his neck, pausing the music for now... and scrolling back to his last place on the list for himself. "It's one of his more upbeat ones, but... ah, I, ah, like his darker stuff." Ehh, why is he even going on about this? Cater wouldn't care what a shut-in like him likes.
And clearly Cater's tastes suck if he doesn't like this.
It's not like Idia can just leave him to it, it's his gear after all. Would... would it be rude to take his phone out and do gaming stuff while he waited? Maybe... hmm, though his indecision over it is cut short as Cater takes off the headphones and speaks.
"Ah? Oh, um, Cinder Suit. Or, ah, Cinder, I guess, for short." Idia answers as he takes back his headphones, moving to slip them into their normal place around his neck, pausing the music for now... and scrolling back to his last place on the list for himself. "It's one of his more upbeat ones, but... ah, I, ah, like his darker stuff." Ehh, why is he even going on about this? Cater wouldn't care what a shut-in like him likes.
"Oh yeah?"
It's him. It's Idia. Idia Shroud is basically his biggest, most dedicated fan. Him, Cater Diamond, AKA Cinder Suit. And there's absolutely no way he can tell him--and what is he even supposed to do with this information, himself?
"Cool--thanks for sharing," he says, knowing he should leave. This'll be better to figure out for himself when he's back in his dorm. Still, somehow, he feels reluctant. Immediately, he's thinking about some of the direct messages they shared behind usernames, where Cater wasn't as scared of being a bit more honest. How can he not look at Idia differently?
It's frustrating, because it changes things--disturbs the cemented foundation of the barrier he's built between himself and others. Frustrating because it shouldn't change anything, because in real life, like here? Idia clearly doesn't want much of anything to do with him (a fact that Cater often chooses to ignore).
"Hey, uh...I gotta get going." He stands, hesitant. "Maybe you can send me some more recs sometime? I like listening to darker songs when I'm studying."
It's him. It's Idia. Idia Shroud is basically his biggest, most dedicated fan. Him, Cater Diamond, AKA Cinder Suit. And there's absolutely no way he can tell him--and what is he even supposed to do with this information, himself?
"Cool--thanks for sharing," he says, knowing he should leave. This'll be better to figure out for himself when he's back in his dorm. Still, somehow, he feels reluctant. Immediately, he's thinking about some of the direct messages they shared behind usernames, where Cater wasn't as scared of being a bit more honest. How can he not look at Idia differently?
It's frustrating, because it changes things--disturbs the cemented foundation of the barrier he's built between himself and others. Frustrating because it shouldn't change anything, because in real life, like here? Idia clearly doesn't want much of anything to do with him (a fact that Cater often chooses to ignore).
"Hey, uh...I gotta get going." He stands, hesitant. "Maybe you can send me some more recs sometime? I like listening to darker songs when I'm studying."
...look, Idia is the worst person to pick up social cues, and even he can feel how forced this all is. And the fact Cater is leaving before him... that's super weird. But Idia will take it. "Ah... yeah... sure." He won't. He really won't.
Yeah, time to go, he's got stuff to do rather than waste time here, moving to grab his items and stuff them into his pockets as he slid out of the seating. "Um..." Yeah, nah, no clue what to add to this, he's just going, pulling his headphones up and on as he activated his music, heading out of the room. That was all super weird...
Though later into the day and after he's forgotten about this all, Idia, or 'Gloomurai' will be waiting in the chat for the stream to start, working away on some project or class assignment during it.
Yeah, time to go, he's got stuff to do rather than waste time here, moving to grab his items and stuff them into his pockets as he slid out of the seating. "Um..." Yeah, nah, no clue what to add to this, he's just going, pulling his headphones up and on as he activated his music, heading out of the room. That was all super weird...
Though later into the day and after he's forgotten about this all, Idia, or 'Gloomurai' will be waiting in the chat for the stream to start, working away on some project or class assignment during it.
About ten minutes before the scheduled start of the stream and the channel goes live with the "STARTING SOON!" screen. As Cater double-checks his equipment (it's gotten a few upgrades thanks to donations, but all in all it's a pretty meager setup thanks to his dorm limitations), he can't help watching the chatroom, where his eyes go almost directly to the Gloomurai username and its VIP sticker. Yeah, he hasn't been able to stop fixating on this revelation, and doesn't like the way he now has to feel a bit more "on" for his audience than usual.
Being any kind of public figure, even one like this that has a relatively small following with an unknown real life identity, comes with having to hide a certain amount of himself, of course. It's not like he's going to go around broadcasting all of his issues. Normally, though, it's a nice way to talk more casually--he doesn't have to be over-the-top chipper or silly as Cinder Suit. This isn't going to be nearly as much of an escape for him if he's being more self-conscious of his behavior.
So as his alarm signals the official beginning of the stream, Cater takes a breath. Don't worry about it, he tells himself. Clearly Idia doesn't recognize your voice, so it's fine. He switches the stream settings, greeting the audience with his digital model and running through the plan for the day. Chatting and catching up, some online party games, plenty of music. Overall, it's a low-key stream with fun vibes. Someone does point out early on that Cinder seems a little distracted and he explains he just had a bit of an off day--but that being here is helping him take his mind off of things.
Due to Heartslabyul's (Riddle's) strict curfew, his streams always have to end around the same time, but it isn't uncommon for his username to pop up afterward in other streams as Cater browses with his phone from bed. This time, Cater's looking at the direct message history he has with Gloomurai--not like they've shared long, expensive conversations, but due to his fan's support, Cater had at least spoken with him on occasion in regards to music requests, tech advice, and of course expressing his gratitude. Messaging out of the blue is a little different for him, and Cater isn't even really sure what he's hoping to get out of it, but he finds he can't stop himself.
👋
Okay, so it's just an emoji. Cater doesn't know how else to start. Maybe Idia'll be too busy doing something else to respond, anyway.
Being any kind of public figure, even one like this that has a relatively small following with an unknown real life identity, comes with having to hide a certain amount of himself, of course. It's not like he's going to go around broadcasting all of his issues. Normally, though, it's a nice way to talk more casually--he doesn't have to be over-the-top chipper or silly as Cinder Suit. This isn't going to be nearly as much of an escape for him if he's being more self-conscious of his behavior.
So as his alarm signals the official beginning of the stream, Cater takes a breath. Don't worry about it, he tells himself. Clearly Idia doesn't recognize your voice, so it's fine. He switches the stream settings, greeting the audience with his digital model and running through the plan for the day. Chatting and catching up, some online party games, plenty of music. Overall, it's a low-key stream with fun vibes. Someone does point out early on that Cinder seems a little distracted and he explains he just had a bit of an off day--but that being here is helping him take his mind off of things.
Due to Heartslabyul's (Riddle's) strict curfew, his streams always have to end around the same time, but it isn't uncommon for his username to pop up afterward in other streams as Cater browses with his phone from bed. This time, Cater's looking at the direct message history he has with Gloomurai--not like they've shared long, expensive conversations, but due to his fan's support, Cater had at least spoken with him on occasion in regards to music requests, tech advice, and of course expressing his gratitude. Messaging out of the blue is a little different for him, and Cater isn't even really sure what he's hoping to get out of it, but he finds he can't stop himself.
👋
Okay, so it's just an emoji. Cater doesn't know how else to start. Maybe Idia'll be too busy doing something else to respond, anyway.
Pre stream Idia's around in chat with those also waiting, chatting casually with a few, going along with some of the in-jokes for the chat, nothing too major, just some basic greetings as he's setting up his desk with what he's planning to work on during the stream. And as Cinder comes on he will join others in greeting him, saying it's good to see him and looking forward to the stream.
Which instantly derails any plans he had, having to get in on those games. But also not be too try-hard or hog the time, happy to change out for others to play as well. Between any games he gets in on and during the chatting and music he'll be working away quietly, popping up in chat now and then to 'www' over something or reply to others. Maybe even throwing out a few gifted memberships during high parts of the stream; during a game win by chat or at the end of a popular song. And when Cinder mentions his bad day, he does respond;
It all good, you're doing great!
As things wind down Idia will still be working away. Hell, his day doesn't really start until around 10PM, his desk covered in open books as he was going through ideas for both designs and papers he has for classes, a program rendering some stuff for his own blogging site about the MMORPG he plays, and a project generating processes to help with issues some in his dorm were having right now. While he knows most of the dorm leaders thinks he does nothing as a dorm leader, it's mostly just never leaves Ignihyde. His responsibility is to his dorm, not the others.
It's during a stretch and fresh energy drink break that he hears the message chime go off, surprised by it since it wasn't the normal one for Crimson Muscle, and they didn't have anything planned for tonight, so Idia is surprised to see who it is. Oh, Cinder.
(^_^)/ hey great stream tonight
Which instantly derails any plans he had, having to get in on those games. But also not be too try-hard or hog the time, happy to change out for others to play as well. Between any games he gets in on and during the chatting and music he'll be working away quietly, popping up in chat now and then to 'www' over something or reply to others. Maybe even throwing out a few gifted memberships during high parts of the stream; during a game win by chat or at the end of a popular song. And when Cinder mentions his bad day, he does respond;
It all good, you're doing great!
As things wind down Idia will still be working away. Hell, his day doesn't really start until around 10PM, his desk covered in open books as he was going through ideas for both designs and papers he has for classes, a program rendering some stuff for his own blogging site about the MMORPG he plays, and a project generating processes to help with issues some in his dorm were having right now. While he knows most of the dorm leaders thinks he does nothing as a dorm leader, it's mostly just never leaves Ignihyde. His responsibility is to his dorm, not the others.
It's during a stretch and fresh energy drink break that he hears the message chime go off, surprised by it since it wasn't the normal one for Crimson Muscle, and they didn't have anything planned for tonight, so Idia is surprised to see who it is. Oh, Cinder.
(^_^)/ hey great stream tonight
In a way, it's nerve wracking now to see his message get a response. But in another, the casual response puts him more at ease. Yeah, Idia definitely doesn't know. So...it's fine, right? It's not like he did anything to hide from his classmate--Gloomurai found him totally on his own. Cater hadn't been really advertising his online persona, just kind of letting it develop as it would naturally.
thx :) I know I had a shaky start but I didn't want to let anyone down ;;;
I had a lot of fun playing games w/ you and the others
It really is easier to talk to people when they can't see your face. Smiling all the time is so exhausting.
thx :) I know I had a shaky start but I didn't want to let anyone down ;;;
I had a lot of fun playing games w/ you and the others
It really is easier to talk to people when they can't see your face. Smiling all the time is so exhausting.
It really is! Having a screen in between was always better, you could really let loose more without having to worry about how to act and had time to actually think how to answer rather than be forced into the moment to answer like irl. That was so tiring. And in a contrast to Cater, it allowed Idia to show a bit more joy than he normally did in person.
You picked up pace real fast, it was all good!
If some hater has issues thats their issue
Hey, it's the net, that was always an issue no matter how good you were.
Me too! Totes distracted me from work XDD I gotta catch up now
You picked up pace real fast, it was all good!
If some hater has issues thats their issue
Hey, it's the net, that was always an issue no matter how good you were.
Me too! Totes distracted me from work XDD I gotta catch up now
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