dissonates | [Action / Backdated to the 19th]

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[Action / Backdated to the 19th]

[The fonic link is a rather convenient tool, that much is for sure; with it, Asch can tell where Luke is in case he needs to avoid his replica- and, alternatively, whoever he's with. And in this case, it's Guy. Ever since Guy's arrival earlier this month, Asch has been mysteriously absent from the apartment he'd shared with Luke, and tonight, with Luke and Guy both out and about for the evening, he's come to a decision.

He's leaving- for good. Once the apartment is empty, he'll venture there himself, clear out his room, and leave it vacant for them to find later on. Or not find. Maybe they won't notice. Maybe they won't care.

Guy won't. He's fairly certain of that. And that- ...it doesn't bother him. He won't let it bother him.

Tsuae is displeased upon his return, of course, and Star has the nerve to try and set him on fire, but his mind is made up. Within a few hours he's packed up and ready to go. It's actually kind of sad, how few possessions he's managed to acquire over the last few years in Luceti. It'll probably only take a few trips to get it to his new place.

...Once he figures where that new place is.

People can run into him while he's in the process of moving if they so desire, though there are a couple people that, in particular, he needs to be speaking with. The area is mainly community building 2, by the way.]

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[Asch, what are you doing outside right now? It looks like it's about to downpour any minute now! It's even already began to sprinkle. Miyabi, sized up and holding a glossy green cape over her head with one hand. The other is carrying a large scroll and a mess of brushes and art supplies. Looks like the oncoming rain interrupted her painting session.

She comes close to missing Asch entirely, but the red out of the corner of her eyes catches the girl's attention, and she stops. Lu--no, Asch? What's he doing outside like this? And...carrying a box? Hm. This requires careful investigation.]

You don't have to live with him to watch him! You could stay with Ginji and Noelle; they like you way more than just... just because you're useful!

[Because that's mostly the reason why Van keeps people close to him. It's why Van was so kind to him, why he still kept Asch at his side, why he brought Sync into the God Generals. Luke tore himself away from that - slowly and quietly, but he managed. Even if Van still has a bit of influence over him, it's not nearly as much as before.

He can't understand how Asch can know that, how Asch has seen firsthand just how subtle and terrifying Van's manipulation can be, how his whole childhood has been destroyed, and still take up his offer.]

... Is this really just about watching him?

[At the same time, he knows the thrill of being by his teacher's side again. He knows that's the only reason why there's a small pang of jealousy in his chest, one that's quickly brushed away just by a flash of Akzeriuth in his head. And he knows that, in a way, Van's hold on Asch is even stronger than the one he has on Luke.]

[Asch doesn't respond right away - not that he doesn't want to, but more like he can't. His true motivations for opting to live with Van, someone neither of them could trust, over Luke and Guy (whose level of trust is, at this point, still rather dubious at best), are difficult to describe.

Yes, he wants to watch Van. He wants to see what the man does, how his plans have changed, if he truly does want to alter his plans for the replication and destruction of their world. And while the relocation plan isn't the best solution either - there's no chance that everyone will agree to move to a new planet, after all, or even that Van would remember this place upon his return to Auldrant - even so...

...and chance to be with Van again, to stand at his side, to rely on him, to learn from him, is...

...Luke couldn't possibly understand. He had more than Van in his life. Asch had nothing.]

What else would it be about?

[He's more than useful. Surely... surely he's more than useful.]

[.................

he's a who that's a what]

...It's just a box. [WITH HIS STUFF. YOU ARE A STRANGER. GO AWAY.]

[Asch doesn't particularly care for being under scrutiny, and after a quick glance around, he spots Miyabi not far off. Crap, he's been caught, hasn't he? And he's in the middle of moving, too... dammit. Oh well, maybe he can be vague about it.]

Miyabi, what are you doing out here?

[Rapunzel is still grinning; Pascal isn't too impressed with this guy so far, however.]

Oooh, right. It's probably not very heavy, huh? [She laughs.] What are you doing with it?

[Yeah, that's a reaction he's getting used to.]

I-I realize it must be a strange thing to hear, but... Ah, yes, well.

[he coughs and stands up, bowing his head again.]

It was an honor to share a space with you, Asch-san.

I'm moving. [And it's not her business where, why, or with who, okay? ...And he has a feeling he's going to regret this.]

[...Yes, probably.]

You are? [Actually, her first instinct isn't to ask about that.] Then you probably do really need some help, right? Pascal and I can give you a hand!

[...Yeah, the very small lizard on her shoulder who is glaring at you right now, Asch.]

[Is he really asking her that question? Gods, Asch... Miyabi sighs and moves closer, holding the cape over Asch as well, so he doesn't get too wet. It was still just sprinkling, but still.]

I was painting in the forest, and practicing my brush skills. What are you doing out here in the rain? [And what is in that suspicious box you are holding? 8|]

[Wait, really? That's his answer and he's sticking to it?

...Ffft. All this time he was living next door to a crazy person, and he had no idea. Freaky. Whatever, though, it's water under the bridge now.]

I'm sure you'll get over it.

[Who the hell is- ...oh. Cranky lizard thing.

Wow, he's touched by the generous offer, really.]

I think I can manage it somehow.

You really have to ask that?

[Though he can't understand, he knows - they had talked about as much at the New Year's party. The God Generals were co-workers and nothing more, and Van... Van was his teacher, the only presence in Asch's life that he could rely on.

Luke had more than that and he still finds himself wishing things could be better between him and Van.

Thankfully, he isn't yelling about this. He doesn't hate him for this decision, he could never hate Asch. He feels... afraid, a little betrayed, a little abandoned. Mostly afraid, because he's experience Van's manipulation and how deep he's willing to stab someone in the back, all with a twisted smile.]

[What's so suspicious about it, it's just a box 8| Asch purses his lips for a moment, then averts his eyes, feigning disinterest. He's doing nothing suspicious, okay. Nothing at all.]

I'm moving some things.

I'm not a child, and I'm not the same as I used to be, either. I'm not so desperate for his attention that I'll follow his plans blindly.

[Unlike some people, which of course he doesn't say. It's not like either of them have a particularly good track record with Van, and maybe Luke is choosing the wiser course of action by cutting Van out of his life, but Asch is certain that this time, he can handle it.

And... it's what he wants. For more reason than what is apparently obvious; with Guy here, and being forced out of his own home, Van is a distraction, a focal point, a goal. Determining how he's changed, what sort of danger he could pose, whether or not the others are safe... someone has to do it. And he's the most suited for it now.]

It's not as if I have any alternative.

[Live with Ginji and Noelle? That's laughable. Ginji, maybe, would be acceptable, but Noelle is their pilot, not his, and he couldn't live with a stranger.]

Oh--alright! Then why don't I keep you company? I'm sure that'll make things go by much faster!

[A good, engaging conversation is always good, right?]

[No, of course not. 8| Nothing about nothing a secret box out in the rain. Totally not suspicious. Miyabi looks at Asch closely and quirks a brow right up. Moving something things? What kind of "things" is he possibly moving right now?]

When there's a rain storm coming soon? [Honestly Asch...why do you lie when you kinda suck at it?]

[Maybe Asch isn't desperate. But Luke had no idea of Van's plans until it was too late. What if this was...? And Noelle wouldn't mind; she could even be friends with Asch, if he'd just try and not rely on the past...!

Luke clenches his fists, takes a deep breath, and tries to calm down. He still can't understand. Van nearly let Asch die in a draft because of a stupid, flimsy excuse. Why is he living with him, trusting in that much?!]

I don't like this, Asch. [Obviously.] I don't think this is a good decision at all. [... He places a hand on his collarbones, the pendant showing itself between his fingers.] But I told you I'm not going to leave you. If you ever need me, for any reason... I'll be there. I told you I'd follow you anywhere if it meant bringing you back, right?

[...Company... while he moves...

...j-just what he wanted...]

You really don't have to do that.

...Hmph. You shouldn't worry so much. It's not as if I have no way to contact you if something happens.

[If anything, he's the one most suited to stay with Van and keep watch for anything suspicious. Much like Mushroom Road, he's the one in control of the fonic link. The only way that could be halted is if Van somehow found and used the fon slot seal on him, and if he did something like that, Luke would probably notice anyway.

Not to mention that Van would have to be a complete fool to do something like that. He's trying to win Asch back, not drive him away entirely.

Still, the fact that Luke's saying that isn't... worthless. Asch does take note of it, even if he doesn't show much indication that he has.]

[HE DOESN'T SUCK AT IT HE JUST- look usually people fall for his stupid lies, you're just weird, Miyabi. H-HIS HAIR GROWS FAST AND...

...shit, she's just going to find out if she visits anyway, isn't she.]

Fine, I'm just moving. And I'm doing it now.

[So just Deal With It, okay.]

[Is it?? She knew it!]

Oh, I know! I thought it just might be nice to talk to you again. [Know that she is SO WELL VERSED in the Luceti ways.]

[SHE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE NICE TO- okay, it's official. This girl is touched.]

Nice? Are you making fun of me?

[Rapunzel just blinks. Making fun...? Why would he think that?]

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