IC Contact; Empatheias [CLOSED]

[bondsofsuffering]

[All messages via the crystal network or messenger bird go here!

Be sure to indicate the date and method of communication; messenger bird, text, audio, or image!]

Comments

[bondsofsuffering]

[There's a quick flash of amusement, laced with something a bit more... malicious. But just for a fraction of a second before we're back to deadlining it in the emotions department.]

If it's hate, I think I can find somethin' to contribute.

[And there's that light, confident tone again. It's... an improvement over his 'voice' from the start of the message, at least?]

[purrtagonist]

[HIZUMI IS LUCKY THIS IS A VOICE COMMUNICATION AND NOT AN IMAGE ONE?? but the light and confident tone coupled with that response gets Akira to let out a thoughtful hum]

Oh, I'm sure everyone does. Including me.

[far more than he'd like to admit, or even focus on, really]

I, for instance, hate paper cuts almost as much as I hate stubbed toes.

[bondsofsuffering]

[Siiiiiiigh.]

You could at least try and take this seriously!

[Beat.]

Stubbed toes and papercuts are nothin' compared to a brain freeze.

[purrtagonist]

Who says I'm not taking it seriously?

[listen to him. he's absolutely Mr. Serious]

At least brain freeze is easily avoided by not drinking your frozen drink too fast.

[bondsofsuffering]

Paper cuts don't stop you from eatin' the rest of your ice cream!

[It's downright debilitating is what.]

[purrtagonist]

Neither does brain freeze for those strong of heart.

[you sissy]

[bondsofsuffering]

[How dare you insult him.]

Oh yeah? You sayin' you're strong enough to take it, then?

[purrtagonist]

I'm saying I'd never let a little bit of brain freeze get between me and some good ice cream.

[bondsofsuffering]

Heeeeh... is that so?

[The tone of his voice clearly indicates the unsaid sentiment:

Is Akira willing to prove it?]

[purrtagonist]

[my overwhelming GUTS means I'm not at all afraid of Hizumi's challenge!]

You sound skeptical. I'm almost hurt.

[bondsofsuffering]

As they say, seein' is believin'.

And I'm not gonna believe you until you can prove yourself.

[purrtagonist]

You're on.

[challenge accepted without hesitation]

But I feel like if we're turning this into a competition, there need to be some sort of stakes involved.

[he does have a gambling spirit deep down, you know]

[bondsofsuffering]

Oh? And what kinda stakes are you thinkin' of?

[purrtagonist]

Free ice cream for my friends.

For a month.

[bondsofsuffering]

[...]

Sorry, but showin' some guts isn't worth that much.

Free ice cream for a day, tops. We're still too small to go bankruptin' ourselves right out the gate.

[purrtagonist]

Deal.

[start high and push your limits even if you know it won't work!!]

What do you want if I lose/

[bondsofsuffering]

The limit's five of 'em, too. Bringin' in the whole town doesn't count.

[He raises a hand, fingers splayed by example.]

As for you, if you lose, you can pay us back for the ice cream by puttin' on a special promotional show and nettin' us... how about thirty new customers?

[purrtagonist]

Only thirty?

[DON'T BRAG]

I think I can manage that.

[bondsofsuffering]

Only thirty. I thiiiiiiink that should pay it off.

[Also, promotions! The more the better.]

Hope you're ready for it!

[purrtagonist]

I'm always ready.

[thumbs up. LET THE ICE CREAM BRAIN FREEZE COMPETITION BEGIN]

[bondsofsuffering]

Then you're on!

...Once everyone's feelin' a little less dead, anyway.

[As he is currently on Ayumu watching duty.]

[purrtagonist]

[oh, right. of course]

I hope Ayumu-san feels better sooner rather than later. Send him my regards.

[bondsofsuffering]

Will do. And thanks for takin' the extra work!