You're right. There isn't anything to gain from them.
[ even though the money can be good, it's not like six is the type of person who needs a lot of it to survive. he's never been materialistic nor does he ever plan to be, so most of his reasons for participating in cage fights is purely for the thrill of it. ]
As for this...
[ his brows knit themselves together, eyes narrowing. it's true that what they're doing doesn't appear to be enough to grant them freedom but how much further do they need to push this? full synchrony with a stranger is out of the question.
[Not a productive reason to be fighting, yet still he does it. The concept is foreign to him but he can make the leap of logic nonetheless; an understanding brought by the world he's come from, built on battle. So he leaves it alone.
The better to confront their current predicament. Either they must somehow work to expand the flow of Synchrony between them by allowing it to run deeper—exposing more depth to emotional vulnerability in the process—or they must discover the other method that will loosen the string. As Itachi sees it, the options are slim.]
We discuss ourselves and our backgrounds and attempt to determine if there is a reason the two of us were specifically bound together. [Conversation, not his strong suit. And less when it might require revealing private information.] ... Or, perhaps, increased physical touch will allow Synchrony to work more efficiently. That has been my experience in the past.
[Red eyes watch the cat-eared stranger, cool and collected despite the proposal.]
[ when the suggestion to offer up more than he's willing to share comes up, six can't help the way his eyes narrow — he understands that their options are limited, but that doesn't mean they have to rely on doing something like this. it's already hard enough as it is for him to open up to someone he actually cares for, so asking him to do it with a stranger...
his answer is clear. ]
The latter. It's the lesser of two evils, wouldn't you agree?
[ it's also just as uncomfortable but it sure beats sharing his whole life story with a stranger. ]
[The lesser of two evils, but not necessarily made easier. Not being under the influence of outside magic, he rarely initiates physical contact with even those who are closest to him; to do so now goes far against his nature. Yet the conditions don't necessarily require anything too intimate.
He's already made his decision even before Six poses that question. A slight incline of his head is his initial response meant to communicate agreement, then seconds of hesitation, and arms are slowly lifted.
The concept of a hug should not be so difficult. Still, for someone who hasn't willingly initiated one even with his beloved sibling or significant other, the act is... difficult. A step closer brings himself into Six's personal space—slight, covered arms closing around the Erune's narrow shoulders—and it happens. The most awkward hug. Between them, the red string shimmers as it tangles into the embrace, slack and hanging loosely.]
[ it's not itachi's fault that the erune's first instinct upon seeing those arms wrap around him is to freeze up like a deer caught in headlights. years of dealing with people trying to steal his mask have left him with little to no trust, especially around strangers, but once his mind understands that this isn't one of those scenarios, he gradually relaxes.
while mentally chiding himself for being so foolish.
he knows that it takes two to tango, especially if they want it to count, so he returns the embrace — just as awkward and uncertain. at least the suffering is mutual and that knowledge alone somehow makes this a lot easier... sort of.
he starts counting down the seconds, not quite sure when he should let go, if he should be the first to do so, but it's because he has no idea that he stays put. the silence between them probably makes this worse but he has no idea what's there to say.
the string hangs much more loosely now, ready to unravel at any moment. ]
[Despite the air of awkward and uncomfortable tension, Itachi prefers the silence. There is nothing easy about physical contact, worse with a stranger—is it comforting to know that Six feels similarly to him about their predicament? Surely it would be more challenging if he had to engage in something like this with a less understanding individual. It feels as though the entire situation has played out without difficulty due to some sense of agreement on an intuitive level. Understanding.
In the space of that silence, it is easier to accept what he is doing in the moment, easier to sink into the pleasurable comfort of Synchrony as he has begun to do with Stiles. Muscles relax, warming into an embrace that is less the stilted thing it began, loosening into something proper. Synchrony becomes more fluid—still small and starved, yet not the uncomfortable stutter it had started, running clear with emotions of uncertainty and interest alike.
He takes in a breath. His eyes drift half-closed, eyelashes low, head drooping down. He's close to those twitching ears. In sudden compulsion, Itachi leans and allows his cheek to brush up against one, to see how soft and warm it is. Just like a cat's.
Suddenly the string between them vibrates, then begins to fray apart, unraveling loose from both of their fingers. Itachi is quick to withdraw and step back. His gaze hovers somewhere near the ground, uncharacteristically discomfited.] ... It seems we've satisfied the requirement made of us.
[Please don't mention anything about how he almost rubbed his face all over your ears.]
[ that single thread of understanding between the two of them might have been the only thing that made this a lot more bearable than it should be. six doesn't want to call it lucky to have the other person be just as uncertain as he is, because itachi could have been so much worse, but he can't deny feeling relieved that neither one of them attempt to go beyond what is necessary.
at least, that's up until he feels something solid nuzzling against his ear. that causes both ears to twitch and flicker, suddenly alerted to the fact that this is happening, but before six can say anything, itachi is pulling away from him. it doesn't register that the string has now completely unravelled until moments later.
a part of six knows he shouldn't say anything. another part wants to know what was that for—? ]
So it seems. [ ... ] Did it satisfy your curiousity?
Itachi's gaze automatically latches onto twitching ears, unable to repress the feelings of nostalgic fondness dredging up in him at the sight. That, and for the first time in several years, he finds himself considering something cute. But he will not say that aloud; he still has that much composure.]
I apologize. My behavior was impulsive and unacceptable. [He definitely would not have done that five months ago; the gembond is a bane.] ... I'll leave you now. Goodbye.
[Time to escape with what honor he may still have.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ even though the money can be good, it's not like six is the type of person who needs a lot of it to survive. he's never been materialistic nor does he ever plan to be, so most of his reasons for participating in cage fights is purely for the thrill of it. ]
As for this...
[ his brows knit themselves together, eyes narrowing. it's true that what they're doing doesn't appear to be enough to grant them freedom but how much further do they need to push this? full synchrony with a stranger is out of the question.
at least he's willing to listen for now. ]
What are your ideas?
no subject
The better to confront their current predicament. Either they must somehow work to expand the flow of Synchrony between them by allowing it to run deeper—exposing more depth to emotional vulnerability in the process—or they must discover the other method that will loosen the string. As Itachi sees it, the options are slim.]
We discuss ourselves and our backgrounds and attempt to determine if there is a reason the two of us were specifically bound together. [Conversation, not his strong suit. And less when it might require revealing private information.] ... Or, perhaps, increased physical touch will allow Synchrony to work more efficiently. That has been my experience in the past.
[Red eyes watch the cat-eared stranger, cool and collected despite the proposal.]
Which would you prefer?
no subject
his answer is clear. ]
The latter. It's the lesser of two evils, wouldn't you agree?
[ it's also just as uncomfortable but it sure beats sharing his whole life story with a stranger. ]
Perhaps more contact...?
[ can they survive a hug?? ]
no subject
He's already made his decision even before Six poses that question. A slight incline of his head is his initial response meant to communicate agreement, then seconds of hesitation, and arms are slowly lifted.
The concept of a hug should not be so difficult. Still, for someone who hasn't willingly initiated one even with his beloved sibling or significant other, the act is... difficult. A step closer brings himself into Six's personal space—slight, covered arms closing around the Erune's narrow shoulders—and it happens. The most awkward hug. Between them, the red string shimmers as it tangles into the embrace, slack and hanging loosely.]
no subject
while mentally chiding himself for being so foolish.
he knows that it takes two to tango, especially if they want it to count, so he returns the embrace — just as awkward and uncertain. at least the suffering is mutual and that knowledge alone somehow makes this a lot easier... sort of.
he starts counting down the seconds, not quite sure when he should let go, if he should be the first to do so, but it's because he has no idea that he stays put. the silence between them probably makes this worse but he has no idea what's there to say.
the string hangs much more loosely now, ready to unravel at any moment. ]
no subject
In the space of that silence, it is easier to accept what he is doing in the moment, easier to sink into the pleasurable comfort of Synchrony as he has begun to do with Stiles. Muscles relax, warming into an embrace that is less the stilted thing it began, loosening into something proper. Synchrony becomes more fluid—still small and starved, yet not the uncomfortable stutter it had started, running clear with emotions of uncertainty and interest alike.
He takes in a breath. His eyes drift half-closed, eyelashes low, head drooping down. He's close to those twitching ears. In sudden compulsion, Itachi leans and allows his cheek to brush up against one, to see how soft and warm it is. Just like a cat's.
Suddenly the string between them vibrates, then begins to fray apart, unraveling loose from both of their fingers. Itachi is quick to withdraw and step back. His gaze hovers somewhere near the ground, uncharacteristically discomfited.] ... It seems we've satisfied the requirement made of us.
[Please don't mention anything about how he almost rubbed his face all over your ears.]
no subject
at least, that's up until he feels something solid nuzzling against his ear. that causes both ears to twitch and flicker, suddenly alerted to the fact that this is happening, but before six can say anything, itachi is pulling away from him. it doesn't register that the string has now completely unravelled until moments later.
a part of six knows he shouldn't say anything. another part wants to know what was that for—? ]
So it seems. [ ... ] Did it satisfy your curiousity?
[ might as well call him out. ]
no subject
Excuse me, why are you doing this to him.
Itachi's gaze automatically latches onto twitching ears, unable to repress the feelings of nostalgic fondness dredging up in him at the sight. That, and for the first time in several years, he finds himself considering something cute. But he will not say that aloud; he still has that much composure.]
I apologize. My behavior was impulsive and unacceptable. [He definitely would not have done that five months ago; the gembond is a bane.] ... I'll leave you now. Goodbye.
[Time to escape with what honor he may still have.]