ofstarsandskies

[ofstarsandskies]

"--Huh?"

Ludger's mind clicked back to life at Ichika's question after it'd apparently shorted out in the first place. Ichika's gentle smile as he explained the good news captivated him so much, he didn't even notice he stopped talking!

"O-Oh, no, not at all! Actually I was doing the same thing for the same reason. So... no harm done?" Ludger chuckles through a bright blush, all the while eternally thankful Julius wasn't in the office to tease him. "A-Anyway, their wedding's not until January, but I ordered the ingredients now so I wasn't rushing the week of to make an all-nighter miracle happen. Though working on this makes me wonder if I'll ever get a chance to bake my own wedding cake..."

At his speed, it wouldn't surprise him if Julius "My Wife is My Work" Kresnik ended up asking his little brother to cater his wedding before Ludger even got engaged.

▸▸ [ @ofstarsandskies ( ludger ) || starter call. ]

─「市香」─  " ah, i'm sorry, was i staring ? " the OFFICER didn't realize it until pointed out. a hint of rosy tint dusted her cheeks at the thought. dainty digits came to twirl around her chestnut locks, but the smile on her lips was genuine, as well as the spark in those olive hues of hers. " you seem happy today, ludger-san. and i like seeing your smile so ... " a pause. " sorry, was that too forward ... ? "

[ofstarsandskies]

"--But what if I do come here just for that?" Ludger asked, his smirk dripping into his voice as well. "If I wanted to quietly drink the night away, I could easily buy a few cases to have at home. Yet here I am: risking tabloids hounding me off-hours just so I can keep visiting a bar without my personnel. Quite a lot of work for a few cheap glasses, isn't it?"

Before Yuri came, Ludger visited Film Noir on rare occasions as a toast to Rideaux's memory. He certainly didn't like the guy, but the life Ludger lived now wouldn't have happened if Rideaux hadn't slapped him with that ridiculous debt. Thus, while he couldn't thank the man himself, he could at least support the one thing he did know Rideaux liked.

Now though... when Ludger met this mysterious stranger who spoke to him like an equal, everything changed. Now he came at least once per week, always around the same time (unless his job needed him to stay longer), so he could maybe see that same person again. However Yuri felt about him, Ludger felt he made a true friend. Any table scraps that let him get the tiniest peek into Yuri's life were highlights of his day.

Well... unless that evening was quality time with Julius. He is Julius' little baby brother who loves being spoiled.

"I do understand wanting to avoid burdening someone with your problems though," Since he didn't want to invade Yuri's personal space, Ludger opts for gently clinking his glass against Yuri's as a metaphorical pat on the back. "Just know that people are more willing to listen than you'd think."

Ah, cards. That brought back memories... Actually, he still had the special gambler outfit he'd won from Mr. Tengu in his closet. Maybe if he ever serious gambled, he'd finally get the nerve to put that bold statement on. But maybe that'd cheer Yuri up sometime? It'd be a fun surprise if Yuri wasn't busy coughing his lungs up from laughing too much.

"Just talking with you is enough for me. I get all the stimulation I need and more at home. N-Not that I'm complaining-- actually, maybe I am a little bit. But anyway, I'm willing to do anything you'd like to take your mind off things."

Not that he would say being soft and kind was the issue... but he wasn't sure how he felt about being led to a secluded place. At the same time, he understood it. This was probably something that needed privacy, just... he might not have picked a place like that; especially given that he didn't know how Ludger would react to hearing that his employer was someone he knew and was family.

Yuri blinked at Ludger's response to his apology. "I... well, I don't think you came here to talk about my work and all its miseries." Of course it made sense to tell him ultimately, since in this case Ludger was the target... but Ludger didn't know that. As far as he could be aware, this could just be any old work moaning. It wasn't like Yuri hadn't talked about work in a less than positive way before. He just... supposed he didn't want their relationship to exist off of nothing but Yuri's job... especially when it was what it was.

Save a life... Yeah, literally. He wasn't sure how literal that surprise cliff dive comment was, but it sure would have been figurative if Yuri had tried to go through with this. Still, Yuri wasn't used to the idea of Ludger being... not necessarily not a social butterfly, since he didn't necessarily know him well enough to say he was now, but... he couldn't really imagine him not being polite, friendly and trying to be in someone's good graces as much as possible. He'd been able to get to know Ludger and lure him into this attempted trap because he'd been willing to talk to a total stranger.

While it wasn't right away, Yuri did start to have doubts somewhat quickly. He considered himself fairly good at reading people and who he was dealing with. Felt like he could see a genuine person from someone trying to use him for something. Maybe it came from knowing the types of people that he did, and having grown up in the Lower Quarter while seeing how... shallow people from the Noble Quarter were. How people with money always wanted something from other people. They didn't mingle for happiness and fun. They mingled for connections and wealth. At the very least, he could tell the difference between false pleasantries and a genuine search for connection.

"Plus, I'd rather not be known as like... the guy who bothers you about my job when you probably come to a bar to wind down. I know I'm not always like that, so I don't want it to get too common for one particular person." It didn't start that way, but once he realized he didn't want to finish the job, it became a lot of... nearly moping. For the most part, that moping was out of realization of his own shortcoming. That he hadn't done his research before taking the job and had assumed the worst about someone without properly understanding the situation. How much could he say he'd grown after all this time if he was still doing that?

He returned to his drink, waste unwanted as another part of him from his childhood lodged itself into his present actions. I'd offer you a card game or something, but I might be a bit distracted. The good news is I could probably play poker completely normal... since normally my poker face is laughing at everything so that nothing in my hand seems suspicious. If I'm distracted, I might be more sullen the whole time instead, but I'd be too distracted and mopey to give my hand away. Might work out."

[ofstarsandskies]

@in-sum || For Mr. Sandy [DontmatchlengthIjustwentoffhard.]

I can push myself further. If I can't achieve the full Chromatus, what use am I? Just the remaining half is left. I can do this.

Julius called upon the latent chaos matter within his body, forcing it outward to harden against his skin like a protective shell. Black armor encase his fingers, trailing down his arms to cover his torso, and... it halts. Though he can feel the chaos matter swirling around his legs, the Chromatus won't form.

...Is this really the most I can do? It's a logical question, and yet... Asking elicits the same sensation as if he'd been stabbed. But unlike a wound, his mind isn't telling him to cease whatever's causing the problem. It's screaming to push through it.

Alright. One more time!

The chaos matter concentrates towards his legs, and... it's hardening! Before he knows it, his entire body apart from his head is covered in armor. He's-- he's achieved a three quarters Chromatus!

"Ludger, I--"

"Julius, your aura's spiking!" Ludger's shouts from the window shatters any pride Julius once had and replaces it with deep, deep regret.

To think he'd forgotten about suppressing his aura, the one thing keeping them from attracting the primarchs' attention. Dismissing the Chromatus allows him to suppress it once again, but the primarchs and their leader'd have to be dead themselves to not notice the brief surge.

"...Do you think they'll come investigate?" Ludger asks.

"I don't see why they wouldn't," He doesn't want to admit they're doomed, but... "Just make some food for now. We might pass as confused humans if we act like normal."

Ludger nods, shutting the window before leaving to the kitchen. Now to see what hell Julius' carelessness wrought them.

[ofstarsandskies]

"It's nice having Victor not be so mean to me now. He teaches me words Nii-san would kill someone over if I was within 100 miles of whoever said it. Though I'm not sure when I'd ever call someone a 'pussy ass bitch'."

Victor told him it was for cowards, but wouldn't coward be more efficient? Or maybe that extra punch is the secret ingredient to reverse the pussy ass bitchness? Mysterious indeed. Further research is needed.

[ofstarsandskies]

Adding Ludger to the deal doesn't deter Theo at all; seems he's happy so long as he gets that second dinner under the beautiful night sky. "I should be able to set up another day within a week. My DODA work has been on the slow side, and the commercial GHS is still on course to release by our deadline. The only thing that could hinder this plan is a few dimensions beyond what a quarter Chromatus can reach, but I have ways to make Rideaux want to handle those."

Just as Rideaux has a way of picking into Julius' raw nerves, the opposite is also true. It helps people of Rideaux's type are easily manipulated if you prod at their pride. He can make his little plan work so long as he keeps his reasons quiet, lest he never escape Rideaux's "how did someone as boring as you get a date?" comments.

"It's not as hard as you're likely thinking-- Ludger likes tomatoes plenty himself," Just not as obsessively as his big brother. Though it's good he doesn't; Julius' reasons are steeped in sentimental thoughts of what he's lost. "And I know he doesn't forget to exclude eggplants. They're mostly a part of his grand attempt to get me to tolerate them to no success. Or he wants me to know I've made him feel lonely."

Such a cute baby brother. He'll have to hug him and tell him he loves him after the afternoon's over.

--Buuut since Julius' not at risk of Ludger finding out he's delving into bad habits, Julius leans back to catch Ms. Ladia's eyes with a slight nod. She winks back, returning to the kitchen for a second to signal Mr. Kresnik's ordering that drink. Sometimes fame and recurring business has its perks. Theo's future reaction'll be interesting given their conversation.

"The Miracle Kholodet isn't the same size as a Gel, you know. Though I understand it can feel as if you're eating a novelty snack than a proper meal," Not to fear, Julius does have another tomatoless alternative on the tip of his tongue. "Another Ludger-approved option I do like the Bryndzové Halušky. They're potato dumplings with bacon, eggs, and a special cheese made from sheep milk. It's rather different given sheep cheese is a high premium ingredient in Elympios, but that's the beauty of eating out, no?"

ㅤㅤ THEODORE'S face lit up at the agreement of a next time and he nodded with renewed enthusiasm. " I - if that's fine with you then I'd be happy to spend time more with you and Ludger here next time ... ! Please do let me know whenever you both are available and I'd be happy to join you two. " Next time ... there would be a next time. He felt his heart swell with joy at the thought of having friends to enjoy his break with.

ㅤㅤ He couldn't help but laugh, endeared by the fact that Julius was in fact, beyond fond of tomatoes and not to mention, he was happily admitting that he indulged himself whenever Ludger wasn't around. " It must be tough for him having to manage your tomato obsession but don't worry, I'll keep this between us. " Perhaps as a form of appreciation for being taken out to such a lovely place. " If I didn't know any better, I'd say he's letting you know he's cross with you by leaving eggplants in the dish -- well, assuming you've been honest about your other food preferences anyways. I'm not exactly fond of eggplant either so I somewhat understand ... " In Theodore's case, it was more of a texture thing so he never really went out of his way to make eggplant dishes apart from the first time he's tried them. Although, he wondered if Ludger would be able to make it better than he could ... perhaps the librarian's opinion could change if it was prepared by another albeit better cook.

ㅤㅤ " Miracle .... Kholodet ? It sounds practical more than anything but I suppose it's better than nothing if you're running low on time to pick and choose your meal. I don't know if I'd be able to enjoy something like that though ... " After all, meals were an experience to enjoy in one's daily life. " With that being said, do you only order tomato dishes here ? I think I understand your ordering habits now but let's say ... if Ludger was here, would you have any other recommendations ? "

[ofstarsandskies]

"None that I can foresee, no. The only possible complication is monsters on the highroad to our home might delay our arrival. They're no threat to you or I, but they can be annoyingly persistent if they haven't eaten recently."

Such is fate when building your house on the outskirts of a major city. The security and solitude outweigh any negatives, but he can't deny downsides do exist. Although with Ludger introducing people into his family by the hour, Victor's house is becoming just as much of a tourist attraction than it was as a serial murder site.

"Alright, I'll wait here for you. If Ms. Crowe needs me to remove this," He taps his mask. "to prove I mean no harm at any point, know I'm happy to comply. Take as long as you need-- Elle certainly won't mind the extra minutes to prepare."

"...Is something likely to happen?"

That stopped him in his track, a tilt of the head betraying confusion. He wouldn't have expected that anything untoward would, and he supposed that Victor was just being cautious of an absolutely worst-case scenario; but something about the way he worded that made Phi wonder just a little bit.

Still...

"I think it'll be okay. Still, I can point you out to her if that would make you feel better about it."

Honestly, the boy thought Velvet might be more sceptical of an ominously masked man approaching the crew than she would of him simply saying that he was going to catch up with a friend; because while he trusted that Victor had been sent by Elle, he wasn't completely sure that anyone else would. Plus, Laphicet wouldn't really wish Velvet's wrath upon anyone, especially given that she would be far less likely to punch Victor than to simply eat him whole with her daemon arm if something should happen to him.

"I'll be back in just a minute, okay?" Still he lingered a moment, waiting for confirmation, before scampering in the direction of the docks.

[ofstarsandskies]

Granblue AU Skit -- What Happiness Is

Talking with @in-sum about my Primal Beast Kresniks GBF AU inspired me to remind everyone that there is no AU where Victor isn't at least partially a red flag.

[ofstarsandskies]

trying to draw chibis again

[ofstarsandskies]

"I have an arts and crafts set in my closet, so we should have everything we need to make the lures. The only thing we're missing would be a mold..." --Unless that was still in the house! "--Or wait, let me check something!" Ludger excuses himself to root through the junk closet.

Before he and Julius headed out on their camping trip, Ludger vaguely remembered his brother buying a fancy mold so they could craft new lures after their big camping trip. But due to their trip following the "what can go wrong will go wrong" rule, the brothers went home without touching their tackle box once. Their fishing gear went unused since and they gave most of it away over time, but maybe the mold's price tag let it survive the spring cleanings?

Many things are shoved around. Heaps of dust flow, accompanied by many a cough. But where oh where is their paddle tail mold? Ludger's half ready to give up until he spots it: a tiny silver box with a logo from his old fishing rod! Wresting it free from the clutter, one pop open and the plan's alive!

"--Good news, we do have everything! I was worried we gave this away," Ludger sets his spoils on the table and makes a quick trip to his brother's closet for his old, old apron and gloves. "First thing we'll need to do is get our safety gear on since we'll be handling hot plastic. Lucky for us my brother loves keeping things he thinks I looked cute in, so these should fit you. Want me to tie it or do you wanna try to yourself?"

"Oh wow, that's a great idea!"

He'd wanted to say that he didn't think that Ludger's stories would be boring; but the man's suggestion managed to absolutely thrust that thought out of his mind. Laphicet hadn't, after all, really known what direction to take his thought of something fishing-related beyond that; but that idea was such a good one! He almost seemed to bounce excitedly in place.

Did he know the first thing about making lures? Not really... but Ludger sounded like he did, and that was good enough for Phi!

"Can we start that now? What equipment do we need to make those?"

[ofstarsandskies]

"It's a bit hallowing to know Victor killed me over 300 times. But I guess the fact I can't remember any of it is a blessing in disguise: I dunno what I'd do if I had to watch myself die over and over."

Although for some reason, he gets the feeling there's a reality he did remember his gruesome pasts...

[ofstarsandskies]

OOC;; The Sweet Taste of Freedom

We're finally free of doing Auto Only Victor runs! Now with that off my mind and my sanity, hoping this'll be the second wind to get replies out on schedule!

Thanks Victor Parade. You somehow were the key to escape my personal hell.

[ofstarsandskies]

Ludger seeing this coming from the shadows what does he do? (I am obligated to come for your giblets Kika >3)

@diiingdong || For a first sightin'

On the way home from visiting Elle (and Victor, although he huffed the whole time), this weird feeling kept nagging him. He ignored it up until a kid at the park asked him how he was doing that with his shadow. Ludger turned just enough so he could catch what's good on and there it was: a smiling face in his shadow.

Is that... a Spirit? Spirits can do all sorts of weird things, so playing in someone's shadow isn't too out there. Or there's always other supernatural forces; he's still got a demon in his mind from a certain festival.

"Um... You wouldn't happen to be a Spirit, would you?" Ludger asks as he bends down to address the smiley shadow. "I know I have a bit of a reputation as a Kresnik, but I promise we're not bad as we seem! The Great Spirit Origin can attest to that."

[ofstarsandskies]

For the first time in years, Ludger almost breaks his Oath to let out the loudest "WHAT?!" in history. Fortunately he suppresses his voice so no sound comes out, but it's impossible to miss the loud clang! as his ladle smacks into the pot. His writing isn't much better-- it wobbles with fresh adrenaline, forcing him to take it much, much slower than usual so he doesn't write in chicken scratch.

'MONTHS!? Told my brother I'd be 10 days at most! He's gonna send Elle to forcibly walk me home at this rate!!! (°Д°；)' And if Elle does that... no doubt Victor's coming with to protect her!

--Well, it's official: he's got 8 days to make a miracle happen or his trip's over. Which to most that wouldn't be the end of the world--they'd just make a second trip--but Ludger wanted to give thanks equally! Can he say he did if Lord Zaveid required his own second trip? Not in his book. Once he's done with this dish, he's quadrupling his efforts. Lord Mikleo and Lord Zaveid will be found even if he has to walk for hours without stopping!

Off those worries for now, Lady Edna does grace him with a nickname: Lurin, like pudding. it even sounds like what he'd name a cute pudding cup recipe! 'I like it! I'll treasure it always! But don't be afraid to call me Ludger too. I'm just glad to have one.' And he'll put that passion back into his dish as he gently nudges each chestnut into the syrup. Just a couple more minutes to boil it'll be time for these little guys to marinate.

While they wait, Ludger's already got a few not-as-creative-but-he-tried answers, 'Think Luds wouldn't be bad. Or Luncher to fit my chef image? Would say Lulu too if that wasn't my cat's name.' Though if he's being honest, there is one nickname he's been saving since before he gave up his voice. 'But if I ever have a best friend, I'd want them to call me Star. Have reasons but they're not worth sharing. (∗∕ ∕•∕ω∕•∕)'

Of course if Lady Edna asked, he wouldn't keep her in suspense. He'll have to say a prayer to any shred of dignity he has left first, though.

❛  That would definitely happen,  ❜ she says wisely, as if imparting wisdom onto him. ❛  Grampveid is just like a homeless bum: he could be anywhere because his whole personality 'blows.' Could take you weeks or even months to find him.  ❜ Since they're both traveling, maybe Meebo might've crossed paths with the lousy bum enough to offer Ludger a merciful hint or two. Maybe. ❛  Yeah, it better be. It's not often you get to associate with high class ladies like us.  ❜ Well, Lailah looks the part, but her sense of humor is ... really something. Still, Edna supports female solidarity. 

Midway reading, she is unamused at the 'cute' remark. She definitely made up 'Meebo' out of spite and a desire to see just how much it would annoy him because it's her duty to annoy him—and while the name does roll off the tongue for her, it actually hadn't occured to Edna that others would think it sounds 'cute.' Ew. Gross. Hopefully, Ludger doesn't tell Meebo that same thing or else she would have to sacrifice her umbrella to maintain peace and order. 

❛  Well, obviously Meebo is Meebo; Zaveid is Grampveid, but I prefer Perveid. Only they have those kinds of names because they annoy me, but if you really want your own nickname...  ❜ She takes a palmier and eats it, chewing thoughtfully as she idly watches Ludger add more ingredients into the mixture. She isn't sure what the last addition was, but the other ingredients remind her of... ❛  Okay, you can be 'Lurin' then. Those ingredients you just threw in could also be used for pudding.  ❜ It's an attempt at originality. Can't blame her for trying. Maybe the key to good nicknames is just spite. 

Still wondering about the phenomenon of how he can cook and write simultaneously, she is quiet at the next written words. She doesn't know what to make of that, actually. How do 'Meebo' and 'Grampveid' and 'Perveid' even shape her relationships? She made those up to annoy Mikleo and Zaveid, but she made up 'Lurin' because Ludger seemed genuine about wanting a name of his own. How do relationships come into play here? Zaveid knew her brother and she considers him a pest while Mikleo... Of course, he's Sorey's best friend, but she doesn't know where they stand; the line's a constant blur between the bantering and whatnot, ambiguous and unknown. Edna still has much to learn about interpersonal relationships, it seems.

❛  ...For you?  ❜ she replies steadily, with only a tilt of her head to indicate curiosity. Well, his name is a mouthful, so of course he must have some nickname variations already. That makes sense to her. ❛  So you already have some nicknames? Share with the class then, Lurin.  ❜

[ofstarsandskies]

"...Victor. Have you really been calling an idiot behind my back the entire Zestiria AU?"

"Yes. And I've enjoyed every second of it."

"I swear, sometimes I wonder who hates me more: Lancer or you. And Lancer shot me in the head! Twice!"

[ofstarsandskies]

[ofstarsandskies]

He'd graduated from derogatory nickname to his real name already, huh? Guess he's not a complete creative dead end. "I'm glad to receive such high marks. Though I apologize the finisher was lackluster-- I'll workshop a better finale in case I ever need to plan Normincarena 2."

Ludger toots his pipe one more time to catch Julius' attention before putting it away. Once Julius looks back, Ludger's already finished his message, 'Don't worry. Sure it'd be great if it comes to that! Just don't perform without me! (*ゝω・)ﾉ'

"I wouldn't dream of it." His brother gives an approving nod, so he returns to Lady Edna's question, "Back on topic, I don't know Phoenix personally; our records say he undertook an important mission and hasn't been seen since. I just figured he must hold some importance to you to deserve a prominent spot on your umbrella."

Though for Lady Edna to call Phoenix a stalker, that implied he's been around her very recently. Someone as boisterous as the (self-proclaimed) Normin Leader wouldn't sit in a pocket or watch from a vantage point, and yet nobody's seen him among the Shepherd's Crew.

...Unless...

"--Pardon the odd question, but your doll wouldn't happen to be the real Phoenix, would it..?" It's a bold shot in the dark, but curiosity gets the better of him.

She squints at him one last time and grumbles, ❛  You better pour your whole heart and soul into it then,  ❜ though, it lacks any real contempt anymore. While the initial remark still bothers her a little, at least he's acknowledged that he offended her and wishes to make amends. Edna is not one to scorn someone who is this earnest in trying to reconcile. She may not like humans, but that's no excuse for her to immaturely shoot down someone's act of redemption. She's an adult, after all.  

He actually agrees to do the nornimcarena. The normincarena. Edna's never really thought about the actual moves for it. It'd been something humorous conjured up just to mess with people, but even then, all she thinks of for the normincarena are some swaying of hips, arms flailing up and down in the air, and a jump here and there. It was a cozy and cute dance when she first conceptualized it. The cuter, the more embarrassing it'd be—but she never enforced it for real because she'd have to demonstrate it otherwise.

This dance, though. 

Edna is watching in mild awe as Imperdum discards his coat while Ludger prepares some sort of instrument from his bag. There is a strange juxtaposition to her about the nice melody Ludger plays against the extravagant twirls and flips Imperdum performs with perfect precision. He moves with the likeness of a trained acrobat, or a veteran warrior, or that of a seasoned assassin. 'Elegant' and 'precise' are definitely not words she'd associate with the normincarena. She wonders if he could beat Rose in a matter of agility and stealth. ( She ought to make Rose do the normincarena as well just to prove this very impulsive thought. ) 

While she doesn't applaud, she is looking at both of them in silence for a moment when they finally finish. Accustomed to being yelled at ( by Meebo ) for doing anything, it does strike her as weird to meet such obedient people who actually do everything she tells them to do with utmost commitment and faith. These two sort of remind her of Alisha, of when Edna told her about the squirrelcarena and Alisha had asked with all her seriousness how it was performed. That was ... a fun memory. Edna hardly has fun memories. 

❛  It was more than enough,  ❜ she admits, leaning against her umbrella like a cane. ❛  The normincarena is your best moves, so if that was it, then you passed, Imper—  ❜ A pause, then she considers him thoughtfully. ❛  Julius, right? 90 out of 100. I'm docking off some points for that unflattering finish. I take it you're friends with that orange stalker of mine, Phoenix?  ❜

[ofstarsandskies]

"It certainly wouldn't hurt to invite Vera too. You'll be working with her daily as Vice President, so it might do you some good to get to know her outside work. Although I hear she's not very sociable at parties."

Julius wouldn't know personally since Vera stuck to Bakur like glue at company parties, and any time divorced from that man is a blessing. She did have a tendency of stiffening up during meetings between potential business partners, though. The two sisters are almost like them in a way: completely different atmospheres despite being each others' closest companions.

"--Ludger. The longest conversation I've had with Nova lasted ten seconds. I 'feel' for her as I do strangers on the street," If his body wasn't busy fighting him, he'd scrunch up Ludger's hair for that bold assertion. "Though say I did like her-- I can't see what having a girlfriend would do for me that my family doesn't already provide. You and Rollo are everything I'd want in life."

Though he does ask for one thing: his stained fingers slip into Ludger's hand and squeezes just enough to confirm he's real. As he hoped, he can feel Ludger's warmth with the glove out of the picture. A shame he can't offer the same comfort; the catalyst's chill is uncompromising.

"I was hoping you'd say that," Julius shouldn't be glad Ludger's giving in to his big brother's twisted fantasies, yet he is. "When we get home, would you mind if I helped you cook? I should do at least a few chores around the house now that you're the one providing for us."

Right. The promotion. It felt like such a pointless and hollow gesture, one designed to simply mock him more than celebrate his achievements. Did Bisley even have any other options? Though it didn't matter. A promotion meant nothing if the world was going to end.

Maybe Bisley will get his wish. A world of complete spirit subjugation. It wasn't something he wanted, but maybe - if Julius was able to hold on just a little longer, and spyrix research was able to advance, maybe-

"You want me to invite over Vera?" His feelings toward her had definitely cooled, but there would always be a touch of embarrassment over the love-triangle misunderstanding. To have thought that she had feelings for him, and to be so convinced that he was willing to confess to her-

"She probably still has a crush on you. You could finally confess your feelings for her."

Julius would never. Out of the two twins, Vera was far more his type, though Ludger still couldn't really imagine Julius settling with anyone. His focus had seemingly always been for his work, though Ludger knew now how much of that was simply a way to try to cover up his own existence from Bisley.

He should have just been happy working at the cafeteria. He had only ever wanted to become an agent to follow in Julius' footsteps! And look where that got them.

Julius still would be dying. The world would still be ending. But maybe he would have been far more blissfully unaware about everything.

Julius' pain wasn't unnoticed, but Ludger didn't want to simply grab hold of him and risk hurting him more. He stayed close to his side, waiting to see if he would need to help him walk. Julius was taller, but a few inches didn't mean that he couldn't lean on his little brother for support.

"We can celebrate, but I think I'd rather it just be us." Maybe he was being selfish and keeping Julius from spending time with others, but Ludger wanted to spend these next few days with his brother alone.