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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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[ 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. ]

[Shuichi's nearly about to push onwards, escape while he can, but then Ouma brings him to a halt with a grip on his arm and a serious tone. It'd be surprising if Shuichi wasn't used to Ouma's abrupt mood changes already.

So there's no surprise on his face, just mild confusion. At least, until Ouma's string of questions hits a note that resonates with him and he can't even focus on the rest.]

"Remember something weird" like what?

[He doesn't want to give himself false hope. He doesn't want to jump to conclusions. He's probably just interpreting things the way he wants to rather than any way that'd actually be logicial if he wasn't such a mess. Is that a normal thing to ask someone? Maybe Ouma's thinking more along the lines of whatever happened before they were all kidnapped or whatever.

Still, he can't help the question slipping past his lips. He doesn't even pay attention to the mastermind shit. It's nonsense anyway, he can't imagine Ouma actually believes it at all even while being the most paranoid person here. He'd thought Shuichi was trustworthy, hadn't he?

Though that was only after they'd had some time to get to know each other. Maybe he should focus more on that than his masochistic hopefulness. Hm.]

[ The good part about being a constant liar was the ability to tell the truth or press the truth without any commitment or consequences -- everyone assumes you're lying, so you can say ridiculous, off-the-wall things (or incredibly sincere things) without anyone knowing the wiser. Ouma's tone turns less serious once again.

Even as he lets something serious haphazardly spill out of his mouth -- Shuichi would dismiss it if he truly didn't remember, anyway. ]

Liiiike... when I had a super freaky mark on my neck and you had to take care of me until it stopped being a weird color!!

[ A test. Not that Ouma expects much from it, but he needs to exhaust every opportunity to ensure -- if nothing else, he's at least thorough in investigating all possibilities. God... This is more painful than he thought it would be. He's ready to toss out a "just kidding" or whatever, but he at least wants to read Shuichi's reaction first. That will determine everything. ]

[If Shuichi had really been oblivious, that would have sounded like regular Ouma nonsense to be simply ignored.

But Shuichi is not oblivious. And while he's been trying to keep himself from jumping to conclusions, that "nonsense" is just too specific. His guarded expression finally cracks, mouth hanging open for a long few moments as he processes that, runs through it a few times in his head quickly to make sure he isn't hearing it wrong or missing some obvious innocent explanation. It's only after that awkward pause that he finally pulls himself together a bit, though he's not really on Ouma's level when it comes to lying and keeping a straight face even at his best moments.

(This is not one of his best moments.)]

Like...Duplicity?

[He definitely isn't doing a good job at not looking completely stunned, but an attempt is being made here. He can't tear his eyes from Ouma's face, but this way is a decent test of his own, right? If Ouma doesn't seem to understand, he can just pretend he meant to say something else or....god idk.[

Duplicity...?!

[ Ah... His heart pounds a bit faster as he realizes that yes, yes, this is no coincidence or dream -- it had all definitely happened, and Shuichi had definitely been there for the majority of that mess.

This...is his Shuichi, and that makes him so excited that he can hardly breathe. Ouma leans in closer to Shuichi's proximity, moving one of his index fingers to press against the other's neck... Specifically, where he might have a mark, considering Ouma imitates the trail of it by letting his finger brush up against the skin, following the entirety of every curve of Shuichi's until he reaches the other's lower lip. That's where Ouma lets his index finger rest, as though he might be shushing the other.

Although his intentions are far from that. ]

What's that? Like, a place where you might've had to chase me down and stuff?? Since I was so ahead of you in that game...

[ Nevermind the fact that he literally got switched to a Submissive rank... It doesn't matter, especially if Shuichi doesn't remember -- but he seems to.

Which makes Ouma's pulse thump in excitement. Does he remember everything else that happened or not? Is this all wishful thinking in the end?

Ouma's hand, almost instinctively, moves to grap at the collar of Shuichi's shirt. ]

Hey, do you really know who I am? I won't forgive you if you use a lame lie, y'know!

[He's prepared for the worst. He's prepared to be disappointed. Even given the shit Ouma had been saying, how it'd seemed like such an obvious hint, Shuichi's still prepared to be wrong. He always is.

What he's not prepared for is the intense spark in Ouma's eyes as the other boy suddenly leans in, fingers on his neck, on his lip. Shuichi's eyes widen and his breathing stops, like that finger is somehow smothering him all on its own.

It's takes him a second to remember how to breathe again.]

You're...

[It's all familiar. Ouma's allusions, the suddenly intimate attitude. That's confirmation, isn't it? Right? There's no way he's just misinterpreting things? God, he wishes Ouma would just be fucking straightforward for once instead of dancing around the issue.

(Then again, what would he do if their positions were reversed? second guess everything, probably. Try to test the waters in a way that wouldn't make him sound entirely crazy if it was some kind if misunderstanding. Like hell would he jump straight to so you remember another world in which we fucked a lot?

Yeah, okay. He can forgive the roundabout shit in this situation.)

Shuichi's tense, staring down at Ouma with an anticipatory look. With a tight jaw, one of his hands comes up to grab Ouma's wrist.]

...You're not the mastermind, even if you try to pretend otherwise. You're not the leader of an organization with ten thousand members.

[It's not a question or an accusation or doubt. It's fact.]

Just ten.

[ Essentially, this confirms for Ouma everything that he needs to know -- he defintely doesn't need to know about how Shuichi is so onto him that he even knows how many members he has. It's frustrating in a sense, but it's also a relief -- so Shuichi already knows that much, huh? So Ouma doesn't even have to pretend as much as he normally does, right? It's as nice to know that someone is onto him as it is annoying, since it isn't something he can brush off as easily.

Ouma's grip (from the hand attached to the wrist caught in Shuichi's own grip) loosens, and he grins. ]

Ten? Really? Really, really...? Where'd you get a number like that, Saihara-chan?!

[ His shoulders shrug. ]

Besides... It doesn't matter if I'm the mastermind or not by this point, does it? 'Cause I've got sooo many people prostrating themselves to me for this dumb quota... So I've already beaten a game as stupid as this, y'know!

[ Sure... ]

[Shuichi huffs an exasperated breath through his nose.]

There's no quota here.

[Here being the operative word there.

Ouma's all smiles, but Shuichi can't manage the same even with relief slowly trickling through his veins. This is real, it has to be real, all the evidence supports it, but the resulting emotion isn't quite happiness. He isn't even really sure how to categorize it. The loosening of tension, a tightness in his chest easing up tentatively, a warmth in his cheeks as he tries not to think aboutthe sort of things they apparently both remember.

Ouma's grip eases up, but Shuichi's only tightens. Like hell could he let Ouma go right now.]

...You really remember?

[His eyebrows knit together, uncertain still. Maybe Ouma can bear to dance around the subject forever, but he can't.]

Laaaame!! If there's no quota, then why are we even here?! What's the whole point of this lovey-dovey nonsense? Are they trying to get us to bring our guard down?

[ Ouma babbles, casually trying to pull his arm away only to notice that Shuichi's got a pretty good grip on it. Hm.

He brings his spare hand up to grab at Shuichi's hand that's on his own. That'll show him. ]

Not happening! Nope!! 'Cause I remember everything from killing games to BDSM boot camps! I'm not falling for this auspicious atmosphere!

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