hugtopia | Video: Achtom 6th

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Video: Achtom 6th - Early Morning

[Cor was not intending, initially, to do this as a video. Such requests would certainly go better if someone has a face to go with the voice, can see the type of person they'd be working with. He's as stern as ever, even if there are subtle indicators that he's been exerting himself recently. The ever-present jacket discarded for once, sweat clinging to his face, breathing slightly elevated.]

I know I am not alone in being unused to such... quiet. I suspect many of you are from worlds where such unquestionable peace is not the norm. I am a soldier, as I have ever been, and there is familiarity in the discipline of body and mind.

[A noise off screen, an animal perhaps? Something dying? A lazy king snoring? The deepening scowl on Cor's face makes it apparent that whatever it is Cor isn't happy about it.]

If anyone would like to join me in the mornings for training routines perhaps we can teach one another of the fighting styles of different worlds.

[Again a noise, this time more like a chainsaw or motor boat than an animal and Cor takes a moment to wipe sweat from his brow, heave a sigh and his expression turns a touch apologetic.]

Also if anyone has access to a chess board or mahjong table they'd be willing to share I would greatly appreciate it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Given their leanings towards more intellectual things it may well be something I can inquire about.

[Battle strategy is certainly a fine thing to discuss but the mention of telekinesis piques his curiosity.]

Telekinesis? There's a great deal that could be done with that. I have to admit now you've got me curious what you're capable of.

Oh, probably not as much as I should be. I usually practice for finesse, not power. I wouldn't say no to ideas if you have them, though~ ♥

Finesse is just as valid as power...

[Will be glad you cannot see the look he's giving his phone. So exasperated already, you're as bad as his king.]

Which is precisely what you were hoping I would say, isn't it? Don't be coy.

If I can't be coy, what's even left?

[It's a light, playful comment..... but not entirely a joke, to be honest? Still, even if Cor can't see the sly, mischievous smile Will is giving him now, he can probably hear it.]

But if you really want me to be so forward..... I was going to tell you not to be too rough with me~ ♥ I can handle a little, but you are awfully big and strong.....

[There's silence for long enough that Will would be forgiven for thinking he wasn't going to get a response to that. Eventually Cor comes back and this time he actually flicks on video for his answer. His brow furrowed in confusion, a light blush still coloring his cheeks in a way he's never had to learn to cover.]

You're not... talking about training, are you?

[Regis was absolutely no help here and he's entirely out of his depth.]

[There's a soft, delighted laugh at that, before Will changes over to video as well; his smile is decidedly playful. He hadn't thought he'd get to actually see Cor blushing! How adorable.]

Do you want me to be?

[For a fleeting moment there's a flash of surprise in his features, startled and unsure, cheeks flushing brighter. Almost immediately he shakes himself out of it, expression darkening into something not quite angry but suspicious and guarded.

Few here even know of his reputation as the Immortal and there's certainly no reason for a charming young man like Will to be saying such things to him. Not without some sort of ulterior motive, just like every other potential threat to the Crown that has expressed an interest before. He could understand it in Lucis. Bedding a Legend was the least nefarious of reasons someone might have had to pursue him but here it makes no sense, absolutely none and he cannot, for the life of him, come up with a reason for Will to say such a thing.]

What do you think you're playing at?

[Red really is a good look for him, huh? He's charmed--at least, until the stormclouds roll over Cor's expression, and then it's Will's turn to be confused at the abrupt mood shift. There's a hint of purple eyebrows peeking out over his mask, smile softening in surprise.]

Is expressing interest really such a bad thing?

[He has no idea what happened, or what changed, let alone why--but whatever it is, the topic is clearly unwelcome now. Will holds his free hand up in surrender; he knows when it's time to back off.]

Sorry, Cor.

There is absolutely no reason for you to be interested in me.

[The air quotes around interested are audible, the statement one of irrefutable fact like saying the sky is blue or time moves forward. So certain and unshakable in his mind that saying otherwise can only be meant as something hurtful or careless. Just because he'd allowed the younger man to lean on him when he was still reeling from his arrival here hardly meant he was going to let Will mock him or rub his solitude in his face.

He shakes his head a little, dismissing the apology. He'd had his fun and Cor had made it clear jokes of that nature were not appreciated. Boundary set. They could move on.]

It's... alright. But if you do want to train or even just work on strategy together... No more jokes.

[Not ones that bit too deep, hit a little too close to home, anyway.]

You--

[--really think that's a joke? Really think there's no reason anyone could ever be interested in you? Really think he would do that to you just to be cruel?

He can't..... claim he would never do something like that. He's not--not exactly a good person. He's done things he's not proud of. He's dug deep and cut deeper, because--because he was the only one who could do it. Because it meant he was doing a good job. Because if there's one thing he's held onto over the years, it's that you do what you have to do, and that you be the best at what you do, no matter what that happens to be, or else.

Maybe he's not so different now. Maybe he's still not a good person, and there really is no reason he should make overtures towards someone he can feel has such tremendous, genuine love and integrity and compassion in his heart. He may be trying to change for the better, may be striving to reach out and connect with people here as much as possible..... but a Liepard can't change its spots overnight. Intentions don't mean much without the results to back them up.

Will's smile falters, just for an instant, before he remembers to steady it.]

--You got it.

[It was not meant to be anything against Will. Of course a charming young man like him would find it fun to tease an old stick in the mud. It was no different than Prompto and Noctis giving him grief. It's something that the more daring of recruits have done for decades. Tempt fate and tease the Immortal.

Whether it's trying to break his usually flawless composure or actually trying to get him to lighten up a little dozens have tried. But Will, sweet earnest, civilian Will has gotten far closer than any trainee.]

.... Thank you.

[But why does this feel so strained now, so much like he's gone and trampled on Will's good spirits instead of the younger man laughing off the teasing? He frowns a little harder, a little niggling seed of doubt trying to take hold in the back of his mind but he refuses to entertain the idea.]

And... I apologize. That was unprofessional.

[That was better, clearly. Because duty and professionalism are all he has to hide behind.]

Unprofessional?

[This time, Will does laugh, just like he's supposed to. He remembers the light, playful, friendly air he'd intended. Just a small slip up--nothing that can't be smoothed over and forgotten.]

You don't have to be on the clock all the time, you know. And I'm not exactly working under you or anything, either.

[It says something about how flustered Will's gotten him that, despite everything, the "working under you" comment gets a little more color coming back to his cheeks and he has to clear his throat before speaking. Maybe he's just spent enough time around Gladiolus to know exactly how easily that could become an innuendo.]

On duty or off my behavior reflects upon the crown. There's no such thing as truly off duty...

At least not back home. Here maybe there's more room for such things but it will take some getting used to.

[Oh, Cor..... As happy as he'd be to take a ~variety of positions under you~, he just promised he'd be good. Clearly Gladio is a bad influence. ♥]

See, that just makes it sound like The Crown wants you stressing yourself into retirement. I'm sure Reggie wants you to take care of yourself and relax a little when you can, too.

[On the other hand, this sort of behavior probably perfectly reflected what Mors wanted, right? Not that anyone has filled him in on that yet.]

[Gladio is the worst influence.]

Don't tell me he's gotten to you too.

[Everyone going on about how he needs to rest and now, clearly, Regis and Will are ganging up on him. ]

Retirement has never really been an option either way.

[Oh no, he fully expects to die in the field.]

Don't be silly~ I thought you needed to get some R&R before I even met him.

[He..... doesn't have anything to say about the retirement thing that wouldn't make him uncomfortable too, to be honest. Rockets don't retire, either. They rot in jail, work until they die, or flee only get hunted down like dogs and.....

It scares him just to think about, even in another world they have no way to reach. At best, you would get executed for treachery. At worst..... well. You could get the dubious honor of living in fear the rest of your life, or you'd get dragged back and punished.]

I don't see why everyone is so insistent...

[Honestly, what purpose does it serve? Him stepping away from duty is... inefficient.]

Because we want you to be healthy and happy, maybe? Just a guess.

[Have a grin. People care about you, Cor. Deal With It.gif.]

The idea that idleness would ever make me happy is... misguided at best.

[Nature or nurture is irrelevant at this point. Cor hates not having something to do. It leaves him feeling helpless. ]

There is a difference between just lazing around and not overdoing it, you know..... I can't speak for anyone else, but in my experience, finding that happy medium helps me feel better after I run myself ragged.

I've gotten a couple suggestions on things to do to keep myself occupied. I'm already lacking enough to fill my days.

[He sounds so exasperated by the lack of stuff to do.]

I suspect your recommendation of taking on a lighter workload is simply going to be a side effect of our location.

I'm sure you'll come up with all sorts of things to fill the time. Especially if a lot of people take you up on training and board games!

His Majesty is already determined to force me to rest some.

[The traitor. And this would be a perfectly reasonable place to end the conversation but, despite, that little hiccup earlier Cor finds himself not wanting to hang up.]

What sort of games do you like?

He says the same thing about you, you know that? Maybe if you do something fun together, you'll both be achieving your goals?

[Will is starting to regain his genuine good humor again, thinking of these two chasing each other in circles like Growlithe chasing their tails, both trying to get the other to take a break. It's cute, honestly. Cute, ironic, and a little exasperating.]

Oh, I don't know..... fetch? Heh, I didn't usually have a lot of time for normal games before I came here. Between work and taking care of my team, I stayed pretty busy! I have a lot more than the few that made the trip here with me; taking care of all of them takes a lot of time.

[Okay he has the decency to look sheepish about that. Regis wants him to relax, he wants Regis to relax. Ah but Will doesn't know what Regis' future holds.

But hold on. Wait a second. Will did you just.... ]

Do you mean to say some of these pokemon of yours are here?

[WHY HASN'T HE MET THEM!?!?!]

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