PC: ACE 💀

[resumed]

Comments

[selfimmolation]

It's not that bad... mostly... [ head lilting a little ]

[resumed]

[ shaking his head. ]

I think you might be in need a nap, personally.

[selfimmolation]

[ there's a weak laugh, but... ]

Probably.

[resumed]

[ where even are we. god. anyway he's gently nudging ace like "go lay down." ]

I can hang out until you wake up and we'll make sure you get back to Nimona.

[selfimmolation]

[ i have no idea but ace kind of shakes his head ]

I don't want-- I'm fine. I don't need to sleep. [ it's thursday he aint planning on sleeping!!! ]

[resumed]

Then at least rest a little. You don't have to call it sleep.

[selfimmolation]

... I will. [ he sounds so sulky about it ] But we're getting locked in soon anyway.

[resumed]

I know. We're gonna grab some stuff and meet you back where everybody else is staying so we can be together.

[selfimmolation]

... Promise?

[ :T ]

[resumed]

Dude, where else would we even go?

[selfimmolation]

I don't know. [ said after a bit of hesitance because part of him wanted to go "offline" but 1) he doesnt. even know what that means 2) nico is....not..... an ai... anymore? ] You're right.

[resumed]

[ ...hm. ] I'll be here as long as you want me to be. I can promise you that much.

[ until curfew happens and they all get split up anyway :( ]

[selfimmolation]

[ hums a little ]

I like having you around. [ there's a little touch because he likes it for two reasons right now which is he likes nico and also knowing nico is there physically helps with. realizing this shit wasn't real it's fine it's fine they get separated anyway!! ]

[resumed]

Very flattering, Ace. [ a gentle tease. ] Then I guess that settles it. You're stuck now, no takebacks or anything.

[ cyoa brain is so real and he does not fault him for this. ]

[selfimmolation]

I've said it before. [ sulkily. ] Don't act like it's new. [ :T!! ]

[resumed]

I'm not, I'm not. But I mean...we've had this conversation. You know why sometimes it's not my first instinct to believe it.

[selfimmolation]

Yeah, but you're not allowed to think it with me.

[ it's only half joking ]

[resumed]

You do make it easier not to think it. I'll give you that.

[selfimmolation]

Sounds bad if you say it like that. [ but he says it with half a laugh, so. yknow. ]

[resumed]

It's not meant to, you know. [ a slight grin. ] But you know that.

[selfimmolation]

Maybe. [ maybe!!!! so!!! ]

[resumed]

[ gently pokes him in the forehead. ]

...we'll catch up. Promise. [ and we can finally set this free three weeks later because you're alive again. ]