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FIFTEEN TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE ICONS............

duplicity memories au shit

[ It wasn't supposed to be like this.

More memory shenanigans? More fucking around? He's not quite sure what to make of it yet, but it's similar to his previous experiences. Ending up somewhere he's not supposed to be, unable to remember how he came about the location, and definitely not able to piece together the memories that brought him here. It's enough to make him want to implode, honestly. The killing game... Duplicity... and now... this? A happy-go-lucky "Love Across the Universe" situation? It's too similar to the initial killing game, and yet entirely different. Naturally Ouma doesn't trust it, especially since he's somehow managed to retain his memories of all his prior experiences. Can't whoever's doing this crap keep any consistency? He's reminded of when he woke up in the Down in Duplicity, and of how the others that he'd met therein had always been a tossup in discovering what they actually recalled or experienced.

It's terrifying, really. He's not sure he can even trust his own memories, even if he wants to believe they're reliable. But everything is messed up.

Again. And again.

At least in this scenario, he isn't being forced to partake in any activities like killing or sex. Dating and bonds or whatever is a lot more tolerable, and it's almost too nice compared to his prior experiences. It sets him on edge. All of his classmates are here this time, but none of them seem to recall anything prior. They don't know about the killing game, and the few of them that had shown up in Duplicity didn't seem to recall anything about that, either.

On the surface, anyway. He hasn't interacted much with Shuichi quite yet, even though he'd been the closest with him during his time in Duplicity. He almost doesn't want to approach him, because they'd finally, finally contracted, and then--

... But is it all in his own head? Was any of that even real?

The paranoia regarding his own memories and feelings keeps Ouma from actually approaching Shuichi. Hell, he might even be avoiding him in this ridiculously neutral environment. But it doesn't matter, because Shuichi probably won't notice, right? He surely doesn't remember anything either, just like the rest of them. Otherwise he would've said something by now, right?

It's getting cumbersome to keep up with what's what and who he can even trust at this point. Although the obvious answer is that he can't trust anyone -- that's how it's always been, hasn't it? Everything that had happened surely was just wishful thinking (or dreaming?) on his part.

He's so tired of these games.

So he sits outside the back entrance near the cafeteria, lost in his own head on the bench while everyone else is off having a carefree time, exchanging date tickets and whatnot, unaware of the plethora of realities that are currently cracking Ouma's head relentlessly. ]

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[ Ouma blinks at Shuichi, standing there in his hesitation. It really is awkward! Ouma wonders what he's doing, since he seems to want to leave while simultaneously...not doing anything about that.

Throwing one of his legs over the bench he's currently sitting in so as to turn his position to face Shuichi, he tilts his head at the other with a hum. ]

Mmmm... Yup, I'd say so. It looks like you've totally forgotten how to open doors!

[ His feigned thoughtfulness turns to amusement, and he crosses his arms. ]

C'mon, you just grab the handle and take it for a spin! You can do it, Saihara-chan!!

[ The familiarity falls a little too naturally off his tongue amidst his teasing. ]

[At least Ouma being his usual self is a decent distraction. The mild sense of panic and unease melts a little, giving way to exasperation, and Shuichi bites back a sigh and rests his forehead against the closed door.]

I don't want to interrupt them.

[A loose gesture at the scene inside the cafeteria. Belatedly, it occurs to him that it's probably a bad idea to draw Ouma's attention to such a delicate situation at all, but..,sigh. Why is he like this? Why is this what Shuichi got so obsessed wth in the city?

(Oh, right. Desperation and being a loser who'll cling to the closest extrovert.)]

[ Grinning, Ouma grabs the sides of the bench he's sitting on and pushes himself up, eyes practically lit up with mischief as he approaches close to Shuichi so he can peek around him and observe just what's going on in there.

Ah. More of that lovey-dovey crap.

It's so innocuous compared to what he'd remembered having to go through in that city, and even though he's not pleased with the situation whatsoever, he can't help snickering a bit. ]

What's that, what's that? Is Saihara-chan getting cucked right now??

[ It's impossible not to know (or remember) how much Shuichi had liked Kaede. He's pretty sure they'd had a thing back in the city, too. But here he is... ]

That's soooo sad...!! [ Exaggerated mock pity falls off his tongue as he throws his hands behind his head. ] Hey, hey-- Do you want me to interrupt the pig bitch's attempt at trying for someone waaay out of her league? I don't mind!

[ ... A lie.

But he is pretty bored, and fucking around with Miu is always fun. ]

[Shuichi feels more than hears Ouma's approach, like his presence is tangible and electric. It sends a spark shooting through him. Ouma pauses behind him and Shuichi half expects contact, some of that teasing he'd become so accustomed to. But then the other boy stops an a normal human distance, snickering and focused on the scene inside rather than whatever nonsense is going on in Shuichi's head.

God, he's a mess. Shuichi bites his lip, averting his eyes from the girls inside.]

It's not like that. [It's never been like that, even when Kaede felt like the most important person in his life.] Just...leave them alone, alright?

[Shuichi stretches an arm out in front of Ouma like a barrier, like he might have to physically stop him from interfering. Kaede deserves better than having little chances at happiness spoiled for her. Hell, even Miu deserves better.]

[ Shuichi's exasperated response is expected -- too familiar, even. It might even briefly let Ouma forget about the fact that this is just a new version of Shuichi and not the one in his memories he'd grown so...close (?) to. It was complicated. But they'd definitely been partners, in multiple weird senses of the word. There had been a mutual trust of some kind, which Ouma never gave out easily.

And now it's gone.

It's gone, but Ouma still feels at ease in a sense around Shuichi -- he's something that Ouma can potentially trust, even if it's a bitter realization that none of that is necessary or likely to come about in this situation.

He doesn't miss that city. But he misses something, and he definitely doesn't want to fixate on that mess of feelings too much. ]

Whatever! [ He concedes easily enough, like he never intended to do anything in the first place. ] If that's what you're into, it's none of my business...!

[ He says, like he's ever fucking minded his own business before.

His eyes linger on those two for a few seconds longer -- Miu, clearly flustered and fumbling over her words as Kaede seemed embarrassed (but not aversive, Ouma notes). His attention shifts to Shuichi quickly, and he looks at the other pointedly. Knowingly, perhaps, given that his leer returns to something teasing or mischievous again.

But it's simply because he knows a lie. Especially from Shuichi. ]

Sooo, what did you forget, anyway?

[Half of what comes out of Shuichi's mouth when Ouma is around is just sighing. He foesn't even bother arguing the cuck kink, because that's just what Ouma wants.

At the very least, even if everything that came before was somehow fake, it prepared him for dealing with this fucker.]

I--

[agshdjs think fast. Surely he has learned something from Ouma after all this time? Saying anything tangible could shoot him in the foot if Ouma decides to be a pest and sticks around, so...]

...I had something I wanted to ask Akamatsu-san, but now probably isn't the best time.

["Hey, are you sure you don't remember being here before and dying and having sex with me in some weird BDSM city?"

Yeah, that'd go over great.

Shuichi finally lets go of the door handle, self-consciously fiddling with his bangs before turning around. And of course Ouma is right there, so just...trying to step around him without looking too obviously avoidant.]

I'll just look for her later.

[ Interesting.

Ouma's nosy (of course), so he's not quite enthusiastic about just leaving Shuichi alone after that. But then again, he never is good at leaving Shuichi alone. Shuichi is his favorite, after all.

Ouma takes a backwards step along with Shuichi, oh so casually intercepting the other by remaining in front of him -- eyes still shining curiously and attentively at the other, as if he could discern what it was Shuichi wasn't telling him simply by staring at him long enough. He playfully laces his fingers behind his own back, and if Shuichi takes any more steps forward, Ouma will just keep taking steps backwards in front of the other. Y'know, because he's annoying like that. ]

Ohhh, is it a secret? Didja walk out here to get away since you couldn't catch her alone?

[ He gleefully onslaughts Shuichi with his questions, like a meddling child -- although his questions become far more targeted in nature, despite how he's articulating them. ]

And then you turned around when you saw me, huh? Is Saihara-chan avoiding me or something??

[Of course Ouma isn't just letting him escape. Shuichi avoids meeting his eyes, like walking down a few steps takes so mucch concentration and he really can't be distracted by this gremlin.]

It's a secret.

[Hey, you gave him the out.

But of course Ouma narrows in on the real issue immediately. Shuichi's mouth twitches faintly, but he just barely manages to keep a straight face. He turns onto the path wrapping around the school like this is a totally normaly way to walk with someone.]

N-no, of course not. I don't really know you well enough to have any reason to avoid you...

[It stings to say it. Probably the most painful lie he could have gone with, because he's an idiot. But it's true enough here, isn't it? As far as Ouma knows, they just met a few days ago and haven't really talked yet.]

[ It does sting. For Ouma, too.

Ouma frowns, stopping right in front of Shuichi to block the other's path (even if momentarily), staring hard at the other's unmistakably avoidant face. Something's off here... ]

Don't lie.

[ Ouma chides, bringing a finger to his lips with a smile. ]

... It's 'cause I'm a super intimidating Supreme Leader of Evil, isn't it? You're scared to ask me on a date, huh?

[ More teasing. Even if the subject is something that stirs up fonder memories for Ouma. Shuichi might not remember anything, but Ouma really does enjoy his company.

Dramatically, Ouma brings the back of his hand to his forehead, his voice mimicking as though he were speaking from Shuichi's perspective. Although he's purposefully acting...nothing like the other would. ]

"It's too scandalous...! A detective of justice and truth hanging out with a heinous, dangerous villain of lies!!"

[ He drops the act abruptly, sticking his tongue out with a wink. ]

-- Right?

[Shuichi nearly trips right into Ouma at the first accusation. Don't lie. He freezes for just a second, eyes darting to Ouma's wide and sure that he was caught, that Ouma remembered--

But then Ouma just grins and carries on, dramatic as usual. The flare of panic and hope dies down, and Shuichi frowns and drops his gaze again, forcing himself to relax. It's somewhat effective.

Goddammit. It's not really Ouma's fault, it's not like he could know what Shuichi's sitting on here, but Shuichi can't help the surge of disappointment and frustration at those dashed hopes. He huffs a breath through his nose, presses the heel of his palm to one eye, and the response that escape him is much drier than he'd planned.]

What if I said yes?

[It's half true anyway, even if it's not what he'd been thinking at first. A large part of him wishes it was the Ouma he knew in this situation with him so he could have that chance at a normal date they never got.]

[ ... Well.

That's not the reaction Ouma expected. Something about Shuichi's tone strikes weird with Ouma, too -- the natural assumption being that the other is using dismissive sarcasm or the like, but it's...not. Ouma blinks at Shuichi for a second.

There's gears turning in his head, definitely. But he doesn't want to be wrong, or falsely hopeful, even.

And then he grins again, tossing his hands out like the statement Shuichi just made hadn't affected him whatsoever. ]

Ah-haha!! Then I'd say you can't, since I've already been claimed! I've got a date with a lovely lady gambler with a huuuge rack that wants to spoil me and play games with me all night long, y'know?

[ A beat, before the corners of his lips curve up more. ]

... But that's a lie! I'll definitely keep the lonely Saihara-chan company so you don't look all lame and dateless for this whole thing.

[ He says, like he's not currently lame and dateless himself??? ]

[The way Ouma just stares blankly for a second would be satisfying if Shuichi wasn't so busy being completely torn up inside.

Really, he should just be making an excuse and escaping like he had with Kaede. What's the point in lingering with Ouma like this? Does craving this bit of interaction make him hopeful or just masochistic? It's probably the latter, because he can't find an inch of himself that believes things might somehow go his way for once.

At least the script remains the same. It's easy enough to roll his eyes at Ouma's nonsense, let him ramble about nothing. He even admits his own lie before Shuichi can call him out on it.]

Aren't you alone, too?

[Called the fuck out.

Though he winces just slightly the moment the words are out of his mouth. In context, he's just pointing out Ouma's equally lame and dateless state. But it reminds him a little too much of some of his last words to Ouma the first time around, the awful thing he'd said while too angry to question Ouma's actions. Sure, no one could really blame him at the time, but it hindsight it made him feel shitty.]

[ Oh, burn.

It doesn't dredge up the same discomforting memories as Shuichi, since Ouma never even made it that far in the game with his own memories, but -- he is right, in more way than one.

He is the only one here that seems to have different memories. About everything. Everyone else could be happy-go-lucky and enjoy their fun, dating adventures, but Ouma was far too paranoid after everything else he's gone through. It's frustrating. ]

Nooope!

[ But he outwardly takes it in stride, pointing an index finger up in a matter-of-fact way as he babbles on. ]

I've got multiple personalities, actually! So I'm never really alone if there's two of me! But the other guy's a reaaaal headcase, and he can be kinda nasty and violent, so you'd better pray you never meet him. Luckily, there's a good way to avoid it, since he only comes out when I haven't had enough sweet stuff. [ He feigns a worried voice-- ] Ahhh, so I should really eat soon, huh...

[ Can't you just. Fucking say you wanna have lunch with Shuichi normally????

No, no he can't. ]

[Is that what he was going for? Because it sure as hell doesn't translate that way. Shuichi spares Ouma an exasperated glance, shaking his head.]

That's obviously a lie.

[So you can't freak him out with your veiled threats of violent alternate personalites or convince him to go find you sweets or whatever fuckery you're clearly angling for here.

Though it's not like Shuichi's got any specific plans otherwise. He's kind of just moving aimlessly without a goal beyond "away" and now that Ouma's following him like this he can't really stop to consider where he's going without making it obvious there isn't actually a plan.]

[ Ouma huffs, like Shuichi should obviously read his mind or something. Although he did catch the obvious lie, but he seems more interested in getting away than playing games or figuring out Ouma's intentions at the moment.

Which is honestly a little insulting. It's not his Shuichi, but it's still Shuichi. How dare he. ]

You're so dense!! Seriously, the worst...!!

[ Spinning around, Ouma falls into step beside Shuichi, walking beside the other now -- although he's moreso just hovering. ]

Is this how you treat all your dates?

[ He's just decided it's happening now, so good luck escaping.

Although as soon as he asks that, his tone drops into something more derisive than offended as he tacks on with a mutter: ]

-- Well, since it's you, I'm sure you've never even had a date...

[agsfhsksjaka]

Wh-what?

[Shuichi's steps falter as he finally looks at Ouma for real, bewildered. Even knowing that every word coming out of Ouma's mouth is probably meant to fluster him doesn't stop the flustering from occuring this time around. Someone save this poor boy.

It takes a moment or two too long for him to pull himself together, frowning through a blush and sighing like he could convince the world he was more frustrated than embarassed.]

Did you forget the rules of this game? It's not a date without a ticket.

[There we go. Cling to objective facts and rules, that's the only way to deal with Ouma and remain sane.]

[ Cute... Ouma's grinning again at least, glad to claw the reaction out of Shuichi. He's always been easy to fluster, and that doesn't seem to change regardless of whatever memories he has. The mischief is back in full force for Ouma too, which is another thing that doesn't ever seem to change. ]

Nee-heehee...

[ Ouma's hands move to grab Shuichi's waist as he sidles closer to the other before he begin patting at Shuichi's pant pockets -- front and back. ]

What, you don't have one--?

[OUMA PLEASE.]

N-no, I don't!

[Shuichi stiffens and then staggers back at the unexpected handsiness, automatically grabbing at Ouma's wrists to keep those hands off him. Jesus christ, dude, you can't just grab him like that. It's too familiar, and too reminiscent of other activities they definitely aren't doing here. Shuichi's face goes red all over again, and he sets his jaw with the effort to keep himself grounded in this present moment and not like, popping a boner or something equally mortifying.]

Booooo...

[ Ouma jeers, although he lets Shuichi grab his wrists easily enough. And he's definitely smiling at Shuichi's back. The other's face is almost certainly red, and Ouma doesn't need to see it from the front in order to tell -- it's evident all over his ears.

He wriggles his fingers, but doesn't try to pull his hands back. ]

-- Oh hey, check inside my left sleeve!

[ Not his right one, because that's where he keeps his lockpick.

But the left may have something a little more easily found in it. And made of paper. ]

[ boo you whore ]

Sleeve...?

[Shuichi collects himself enough to look down at Ouma's hands, fingers wiggling. This feels like a trap. He frowns, and after a moment brings Ouma's wrists together so he can hold both of them with one hand. It kind of forces Ouma to sorta hug him, but Shuichi will ignore that at the moment if it keeps Ouma from getting a hand free for more mischief. Shuichi carefully slips a finger up the indicated sleeve and does in fact find a piece of paper there.

It's a date ticket, isn't it?

Ouma doesn't need to see Shuichi's face to guess at what it's doing when he sighs through his nose.]

[ Look, Ouma has no complaints about this... Instead snickering in amusement as his arms are kept wrapped around Shuichi, and he rests his chin against Shuichi's back as he watches the other.

Or, well, watches the back of his head. Shuichi probably doesn't need to see Ouma's face either to know there's a shit-eating grin present. ]

Well? How's that for a trick up my sleeve?

[ He sounds way too amused with his own stupid joke. ]

[Shuichi just stares at the date ticket for a long few moments while Ouma snickers into his back. Maybe if he looks at it long enough, he'll spot some indication it's a fake or something.

Or maybe he's just procrastinating responding. Sigh.]

...Look, can you just...not mess with me here? I'm really not in the mood for it.

[He doesn't need the inevitable crushing disappointment when Ouma laughs and says it was a lie after Shuichi finally accepts. He doesn't need a hint of hope that he can rebuild what they had in Duplicity when that situation was doubtlessly just the result of being forced to depend on each other.]

[ Now Ouma's brow furrows. Why is he acting so weird... It'd be understandable if Ouma had already been messing with him, but he hadn't done anything to Shuichi in this scenario aside from some light teasing. Is Shuichi really just that much of a downer? Is he actually depressed about the Kaede thing but not saying anything?

Ouma had been vying to lighten everything up a bit -- maybe selfishly wanting to spend more time with even a memory-less Shuichi (at least, that way, he could pretend for a little while that there hadn't been pressing matters between them). But here he is, putting a knot in Ouma's stomach because he's acting like his Shuichi. ]

... Maaan, you're no fun at all. You'd think we were in a killing game instead of a lovey-dovey game with how much of a buzzkill you are!

[ Ouma sighs, attempting to take back his hands now. ]

[Killing game. A sharp little intake of breath, and for a moment Shuichi's hand squeezes tight around Ouma's wrists as he stiffens. The moment passes quickly, though, and Shuichi hurriedly releases Ouma.

Fuck. He has to chill out. The Monokubs had mentioned a killing game before Monokuma opted for the dating game instead, it wasn't that weird a thing for someone to just randomly mention in this situation. He has to get his shit together.]

Sorry I'm so boring.

[At least if he's boring, no one will waste their time on him. They'll have their fun with each other and he won't spoil it all by being crazy or depressed or cursed to endure horrible shit.]

[ The sensation of Shuichi's grip squeezing tighter on his wrists at the mention of a killing game is impossible to miss, and it sets Ouma's brain on full throttle. Why did he react like that? Why is he acting so weird? It's not just because of Kaede, is it? Still, it feels stupid to hope or open any emotional vulnerability here, so he's not sure how to deal with this.

But it's bugging him. And he can't leave it be.

As soon as Shuichi releases his hands, Ouma grabs one of Shuichi's arms, attempting to stop the other in his tracks. ]

Liar.

[ His voice drops, dismissing the playfulness he'd been able to keep up for so long. ]

You're not boring. You're actually super suspicious right now, even though there's no reason to be? What's up with that, huh? Do you remember something weird? Or maybe you're the Mastermind behind this stupid thing??

[ He knows that isn't likely true whatsoever, but he brings it up, anyway. ]

It's the perfect cover, isn't it?! The loser, virgin Saihara-chan being behind all this biiiig date show crap!!

[ VERY unlikely, but he's fishing. Shuichi is being weird for some reason, and Ouma very, very much wants to know why. ]

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