exonym | lift your open hand, strike up the band,

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lift your open hand, strike up the band,

( For as long as Dae-Jung can remember, he has always been a cuddly person. His mom used to joke he was part koala bear, because he was always hanging off of the nearest person, fingertips gripping just hard enough to snuggle in. His family had been affectionate regardless, and he'd never truly lost it - even in his awkward youth.

So when the war had come, and things like affection and care and love came few and far between, Dae had made a promise to himself not to let anything harden him. The people he had loved so freely may be gone, but his heart hadn't. Most days that works.

It's better now. The house is full of people he can gravitate towards, bouncing down stairs to throw an arm around someone's neck, or flinging himself into the lap of whoever's occupying the couch at the time. He knows not everyone in the house cares for the way he invades personal space - and he really does try to be mindful of that - but more often than not he's touching everyone at any opportunity. Hands pressed into backs, fingers laced together, a lazy sprawl against someone's shoulder.

Which is why when he stumbles into the kitchen in search of delicious, delicious coffee, he stops first to press a kiss to someone's cheek, squeezing them round the middle. He probably hasn't even opened his eyes yet. )

( Some days being an empath fucking sucks. Dae may not be all that powerful, but he can still sense things. So when one of his housemates is having a very, very bad day it pricks at his skin until he can't keep away anymore. Wherever the afflicted person is, he'll eventually track them down like an emotional bloodhound, laden with snacks and ridiculous information. )

We should build a tree house some day. Those big cypress trees would be great. We could get lots of lights and blankets and make it super cosy.

( A hum as he offers drinks too. )

We could attach a slide!

( Dae comes back in the evening, grinning ear to ear with his hair a victorious looking gold. It's been a successful day picking terrible people's pockets and he's pretty sure he can pawn the lot of it for enough to be able to treat themselves. Maybe they could have a party. He stashes his haul in the usual out of the way cupboard - because no way is he meeting up with the shady people he knows at night - and skips up the stairs to get changed.

When he comes down he's wearing sweatpants, feet bare, a pair of headphones hanging over his naked shoulders. They're not his. Neither's the iPhone he's got, but that's by the by. Scooting over to the nearest person, he offers up one of the buds. )

Wanna judge this person's music collection with me?

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[ When Dae returns home, Ten is somewhat immersed in some kind of nonsense project, various bits and bobs scattered around him on the floor. It might be his perpetually incomplete board game. Maybe.

He's not so deep in thought that he doesn't notice Dae come in though, raising his head to check and see who's wandering through the door. From that point on, he'll be slightly more alert to goings-on outside his little circle of... whatever. Thus, he's not completely surprised or startled at all when Dae reappears. ]

Oooh, whose? [ Sitting up straight, he uses his arms to quickly sweep some of his mess aside, which will allow him to get closer to Dae. He takes the earbud and puts it in, thinking face already set on his features. ] I'm ready. I'm no music critic, but watch me pretend to be!

Edited (proofreading is for silly people!!!!) 2018-08-15 16:53 (UTC)

Some guy in a suit.

( He wrinkles his nose a little, collapses down beside Ten in a heap so that their shoulders are pressed together. Don't mind that he's still invading personal spaces while shirtless. At least he has pants! )

One of those big business guys. I heard him talking shit about a mermaid.

( He's not exactly Robin Hood, he just tries to aim his vengeful and vicious side in the right direction. ) Got his wallet and car keys too. Being an asshole must make you pretty oblivious. I hit him up more than once.

[ Ten makes a face. Suits! He and Dae match very nicely tonight, because he is not wearing pants. So that's perfect. ]

I'm glad you took his things. [ He says this firmly and without remorse. ] Who would be mean to a mermaid? They're nice! [ Ten has met loads and he liked all of them.

Of course, he likes most people. Except people in suits who say rude things about his fellow ocean-dwellers, apparently. ] I hope he's looking for his keys right now.

[ He lets himself lean on Dae, huffing dramatically. All for effect, mind you. Though he's miffed, he's not really, truly angry. ]

Some people are just bad.

( He scrolls through the iPhone's options until he can press random on the music, wriggling until he's more comfortable. )

I could feel him before I even heard him too. Usually my power isn't like that. I don't really get feelings unless they're super strong. But he was just super smug and mean feeling.

( Oh, but Dae's grin turns gleeful. )

He might be more upset that his car's gone missing too. I know a guy.

[ Ten tries to hold back a laugh, but it escapes in a combination of a snort and a huff. He claps his hand over his mouth and more muffled snickering emanates from behind it. ] You know a guy, huh?

[ Very spontaneously, he gives Dae a quick hug. Essentially, he just raises his arms and loops them around Dae, since he's already leaning on the other. ] That was good, you did good!

[ He nods as he speaks, putting together his thoughts as he goes. ] If you felt it, then he was definitely one of those bad people.

I hope he really misses that car!

( Dae does the facial equivalent of a !!! when he gets hugged, face splitting into a grin. People initiating physical contact always makes him feel warm and fuzzy inside. Hair turning a vibrant shade of pink at the edges, he nudges Ten gently. )

I know many guys. I'm no good at the selling. I hate haggling. So I just cut people in on the profit so they'll do it for me.

( Gazing at the bits and piece surrounding them with interest. )

What are you working on?

[ Ten looks up, spots Dae's hair, and grins like someone just turned on the sun inside him. ] Cute! [ He does not specify what is cute.

All of Dae is cute. But the hair right now, that is super cute. Extra cute. Leveled-up cute. ]

That's smart. Isn't the haggling the hardest part? [ Not a master negotiator, this one. ]

Oh, uh, it's a game! Kinda. Not yet.

Soon? I hope.

A game.

( Ah! The voice of someone who is suddenly very excited. He prefers his games digital, but there's nothing like a board game either. )

What kind of game? Tell me all about it.

Okay, well. [ Here we go. ] I wanted to make a board game! I got the idea from- well, actually I can't remember. Where did I get the idea?

[ He waves a hand. Not important. ]

Anyway, I started out making it for two people, but that's no fun! So I keep adding people and adding people. I think there's about 12 player tokens now. I might've lost one...

I love games. ( Ten, you're officially his favourite person. ) I wanted to be a pro-video gamer when I was younger. I thought I'd win competitions and get to explore the world with my epic console skills.

( But, war. And also he wasn't actually that good. )

When you get it worked out can I play too? We could have a game night. Ooh, we could have a game box. I can get us some other ones, but yours will be the best.

[ Ten's eyes go a little wide. ] Wow, really? That's amazing! I bet you were so good.

No, no- I mean, you can play, of course, but listen, will you help me? [ He scoots across the floor on his butt, tentacles trailing behind. ]

You're an expert, so you can help me figure out the places where it needs to be fixed!

Then we can show it to everyone. And play together! [ This is his dearest little heart's desire. ]

I wanted to be. Games were just so much fun. You could be anyone you wanted.

( That's what the swamp house needs. Dae doesn't know where he can get the necessary equipment but maybe he should start putting his feelers out. )

Yes. Of course I'll help, that sounds amazing. We can have meetings about it. I'll bring a notebook!!

Anyone you wanted, huh? [ There's some consideration of this thought. ] What kind of people did you want to be?

[ He is a curious little squid, this one. ]

Oh, good. You're organized. [ Ten laughs loudly. ] I am sort of lacking in that department. I guess that's why this is taking so long? Probably, yeah.

A ninja! Or a knight. Or a race car driver. Or Lara Croft. I liked her shorts.

( He never met a video game he didn't like. Well, apart from Amnesia because that shit was scary. )

The first present from my parents I can remember was my Gameboy. It was yellow, and I had a little light for car journeys or when the neighbours would keep us at parties too long.

( Oh Ten, how are you so adorable? )

I'll help. We'll get it done together.

It's kind of amazing that video games let you be all those things. [ Ten is kind of fascinated. Growing up underwater, he does not have a lot of experience with electronics. For obvious reasons.

Also, he would agree about Amnesia, had he had the displeasure of being exposed to it. This one's not about scary stuff. ]

Humans are so creative, wow. They can't make light on their own, so they invent stuff to do that for them. [ He shakes his head, but in such a way that it's clear he's impressed. ]

You're the best! Then we can play together.

( Ten is honestly so adorable that Dae feels like he might explode any second. He'll have to find a way to get video games into Swamp House Life. He'll make that a priority. )

I didn't think about it that way. But yeah, people can be really smart. I'm glad we're not still living in caves. I like electricity. And running water.

( The horror, honestly. )

[ Don't explode, Dae! That would make it difficult to keep appreciating your cuteness, too. Myung would also be awfully sad and Ten couldn't stand that. His little squid heart would break into a million pieces.

... Ten's going to love video games though. ]

I like those things a lot now, too. We don't use them underwater, really! But they're useful on land.

[ Blase as can be, this one. ]

You're like Ariel, but with more tentacles. Which are cooler, I think.

( They far outweigh a fishtail. Unless they eventually get a mermaid in the house and then it'll be a tie because Dae likes any kind of supernatural being. )

Do you miss stuff from the ocean?

Oh, you think they're cool? [ Ten asks, looking ridiculously pleased. He uses two of the aforementioned arms to form a heart over his head.

If a mermaid does arrive at swamp house, Ten will hope they're not from a rival family. That'd be the pits. ]

Miss it? Um, a little, sometimes. I'm really, really happy here. Sometimes it can be sort of tricky, because of the whole- [ he mimes falling asleep ] and having to stay near water and stuff, but that's not bad! It's not.

Yeah. How can they not be cool?

( He's glad that Ten is happy here. He'd hate to feel like he was pining for something. Dae couldn't do it himself. )

We should build a pool.

Some people are pretty weirded out about them. [ Ten nods, sighing and shaking his head a little.

As if to say, they just don't know what they're missing out on. ]

Oh! Oh, a pool! That would be amazing. [ A pool is a lot bigger than a bathtub, after all. A lot. Not that he doesn't love his tub. ]

Maybe we can do some magic and stuff to get a pool in the place.

( He's the least useful of the magical swamp house. He can only ever feel emotions, and even then it's not a sure thing. He feels too much, it's easy to get confused. )

So you can stretch out and let your tentacles be wild.

You think so? [ Ten asks, looking deeply thoughtful. He'd like that a lot, but he's been thusfar hesitant to make a lot of requests.

Well, magical ones.

He did sort of ask Myung to bring this tub along in the first place. Oops? ]

They do need to go wild sometimes. It's true. If they get all cramped up for too long, whew. It's not good. [ He demonstratively wiggles a few in a crazy manner. ]

[ It should be stated that Bird is not averse to physical contact. They are not exactly the opposite either. They have no special opinion about it, because they haven't really had time to form one. Having only just arrived at the house, they are still in the process of learning everyone's routines and mannerisms and all those things that someone observant in the way that Bird is would take note of in a person.

Thus, when Dae greets them the way he does, they consequently do not seem to be startled, but they don't seem to totally understand what just happened either. ]

Good morning. Did you sleep well? [ they ask, trying for what they've deemed to be a normal form of early morning address. Also, their face just changed three times in the span of thirty seconds there, which is totally normal. ]

( Unfortunately Dae-Jung is mostly staring at the coffee machine so he misses Bird's flickering appearance. )

Super cosy.

( Stabbing buttons with his fingers until there's a gurgling noise, Dae finally looks over at the other boy. He smiles unguarded, tipping his head a little to watch him. )

How about you? Are you settling? Can we do anything to help? Do you want coffee?

[ That is for the best. Maybe it's not the least jarring way to wake up... ]

Cozy? [ they echo, as if they're chewing on the word. They're on the verge of reaching over to assist with the pot when it looks like Dae succeeds. Oh, good. The caffeine fairy is coming soon.

Bird has gathered the gift of caffeine is very important to nearly everyone here. ]

I'll have some coffee if there is some available. [ They fold their hands in front of themselves. ] Everyone's very welcoming. I think I'm lucky to be here.

There's plenty. And we can always brew another pot for the rest of the house. ( Or for themselves. Because Dae lives a life fuelled on caffeine and candy. One of these days he might develop scurvy. )

And cozy, yeah. A lot of people let you cuddle them at night. It's great, because I hate sleeping alone. And with all the extra-curriculars going on you never know who's going to be home.

( A bunch of shady criminals. )

You'll settle in. It's easy.

[ Bird nods to show their understanding. Ah, so the caffeine fairy can come many times per day. That explains a lot about the circadian rhythm in this household... ]

Is cuddling people an important part of sleeping together? [ In Bird's mind, sadly, sleeping together currently involves a vision of two people on opposite sides of a bed, on their backs, hands folded over their chests.

Because you do it to save space, right? And probably to conserve heat.

Maybe that's the purpose of cuddling... ]

Can you explain to me what you mean by extra-curriculars? [ Sorry, Dae. They actually, really never stop asking questions. ]

It's nice. I sleep better if I have someone to hold on to. I like knowing that there's somebody there. And it's warm and cozy and cuddly, which are all good things.

( Bird, just let Dae cuddle you. He'll show you the way. )

Uh. Um, you know how some of us make money, right?

( OH NO WHAT IF HE'S EXPOSING THE CRIMINAL UNDERBELLY OF THE SWAMP HOUSE? )

I see. It gives you a sense of reassurance? [ Let them chew on that for a little bit. ] It makes sense, yes. Someday, I'll try this for myself.

[ Do you think you can cuddle this cheep cheep, Dae? They're sort of a tricky person. ]

Money? Oh, yes. I think I understand. Are these activities extra-curricular? I don't understand the context. Doesn't that refer to education?

[ Someone get this child a slang dictionary. ]

Yeah. And hey, if you ever need a cuddle buddy there's plenty of us. I never say no to hugging someone.

( He'll even try to remember to wear pants! Because he is a good boy. )

Oh, huh no. It was just me being cute about it I guess. Nobody's in school. Unless Minsu decides to teach us how to cook.

Oh, really? I'll bear that in mind. [ This creates so many questions. ] Is this common here in your realm? It seems very common in this house.

[ Bird would not make any sort of judgment about Dae based on whether or not he wore pants. They are understanding (strangely) in this respect. ]

That would be a useful skill to have. [ They think for a moment longer, squinting slightly as if focusing. ] I believe I understand what you meant. Assuming so, then yes, it was cute.

[ They really try hard. They do. ]

It depends on the person. I've always been super into physical affection, but not everyone is. Some people don't even like touching at all.

( Even though to him that seems terrible and lonely. But it's fine, he respects boundaries. Most of the time.

Dae beams though, when Bird confirms it was cute. It lights up his face and makes him look younger. )

Yay.

What if it isn't a matter of liking or not liking? [ This is probably a perplexing question, but Bird doesn't quite get that it is and so they don't elaborate. ]

Oh. [ They say this and point at Dae's face. ]

That was also cute. But it's different, I think. [ They try so hard with vocabulary. ]

Edited 2018-09-01 16:48 (UTC)

What do you mean?

( He frowns a little, confused. But he's definitely eager to figure out what Bird's trying to say. He seems to have infinite time for people these days.

Also, now he's blushing. )

What if it's a matter of necessity? [ Bird is always logical.

To a fault, pretty much. Though now they're really trying to use logic to help themselves understand people, so perhaps it's not all bad. ]

I never would've gotten this at the Culinary Institute.

[this is how fond minsu is of everyone, that this kitchen in this house outshines his dream school more and more. he turns his head enough to nuzzle the hair that's sticking to dae's temple, pressing his smile there before he goes back to cracking eggs.]

Would you like your eggs scrambled and me over easy?

[it's too early for ridiculous lines, minsu.]

( It's never too early for lines, because Dae's face splits into a wide and ridiculous grin at it. )

Shush, your making smile turn sunny side up.

( Also that smells delicious, so the minute Dae has coffee he's travelling back to Minsu to hook a chin over his shoulder and peer into the pan. He still marvels at this. Real food. Not stolen shit. )

I'd still give you an A+.

[oh, that was good. minsu laughs at dae's return, reminded of why he likes him so much.

likes all of them, and this is all he can do for them. so he does his best, even if he wishes he could give them better.]

Do I get one of those little gold star stickers?

[he pours a thin layer of eggs into the pan, concentrating, but careful not to dislodge dae either.]

I kinda want one so everyone will know that i'm the teacher's pet.

I don't have any, but now I'm going to get some.

( He will even pay for them like a respectable citizen and stick them up on the fridge. )

I was never the teacher's pet. I hated school.

( He just wanted to play video games and make up dances and not worry about life. )

Ah, I got in trouble if I didn't do well.

[even then, minsu got in trouble. because he took home economics instead of shop class. because he got a part-time job at a daycare instead of trying out for football.

he folds the egg over and slides it onto the plate, pinching a few herbs from the little pot that neve helped him with. and then minsu turns, presenting it proudly to dae.]

That'll be three hugs and a forehead kiss. Should I add it to your tab?

( He pulls a face, like he might go back in time and fight anyone who yelled at Minsu, but then the food is being given to him and instead he lights up. Dae takes the plate and leans in to press a kiss to the other boy's forehead. )

I'll pay up the rest later. I don't want to drop the delicious food.

( A pause. )

I'd still probably eat it though.

No you wouldn't!

[over minsu's dead body is anyone eating food off the floor in this house, even if he does keep his kitchen clean.

he follows after him though, content to sit and keep dae company while he eats.]

What are we doing today? Anything I can help with?

But it's tasty!

( He's eaten worse, Minsu. Though he won't mention it, he doesn't want his friend to suffer heart failure. )

I'm not sure. ( Usually he just goes with the flow of the day. He could always go and work on getting them some cash, but he probably should lay low for a few days. He thinks about it as he tucks into the food, chewing with a thoughtful expression on his face. ) I was going to go for a run. Do you need anything? I could get it.

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lift your open hand, strike up the band,

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