[ He says that pointedly, leaving no doubt that he is, in fact, calling you a dog. ]
[ And then his posture finally deflates a little. Congratulations, Dino, your friendship level is once again high enough to see a little bit of vulnerability. ]
I'm tired. Everyone always expects me to take care of -- everything. [ And with the current Xanxus situation, he's really low on mental resources as is, not that he has the awareness or vocabulary to express that. ] A hellhound on top of that is...
[ okay, a hug is a bit much, honestly. he'll tolerate it for about two generous seconds before none too gently nudging Dino in the ribs to let go of him. ]
[ still, that felt nice. he has been feeling awfully alone lately. yamamoto and dino are not xanxus, but they're something. ]
I know. I just -- don't want to.
[ asking for help is what WEAK people do. grudgingly accepting help when someone forces it on you, however, seems fine. ]
[ He considers it for a few moments, then nods slightly. ]
Squalo is released easily enough, though. Sometimes he can get away with more but he’s not actually offended when he’s shrugged off like that either.
And all he offers is a knowing nod—silent agreement without having to announce it to the room. He will take care of him now and forever so long as he lets him. ]
Do you want me to take him for tonight? Get him out of your hair? Or I can stay? Couch of course.
[ you know, sometimes he really questions why he is still friends with you. but then he remembers that sometimes he really likes it when you're mean to him.
Dino just stands there for a moment, blinking at Squalo where he sinks into the couch. Trap. This was a trap.
But he shrugs and turns to head into the kitchen. ]
If you say so but don't blame me if your kitchen burns down and I end up dead on the floor from blood-loss.
[ it wouldn't actually be that bad. he's not TERRIBLE hes just horrible. ]
[ wow Squalo should be the one asking that question. why is he the only one pulling the chores weight around here and getting literally nothing for it? not even sunday pancakes for fuck's sake. this one-sided shit ends right now. ]
[ his voice is even, almost calm, and nonetheless threatening in that particular way of his. ]
If you burn down my kitchen, I'm auctioning off your soul to pay for a new one.
[ so don't even try that, funny boy. ]
[ the hell-puppy reemerges, looking between Squalo and Dino in visible confusion, and slowly gnawing on the door. ]
I'm guessing he means you, chomps.
[ the puppy lets go of the wood, wags its barely existent tail and stalks after Dino. unlike normal dogs, it would eat fish, vegetables, plastic and probably even rocks, so that's not going to be a problem. ]
[ He's scanning your fridge and pantry for things and setting them all out. In the process he pats the dog and gets him to lay down on the mat to continue chewing up whatever is in his mouth.
Then the clink of pans and utensils. ]
Was this going to be a lesson or am I just making this?
I mean, you can try if you want. Maybe I'll come back a version of myself that doesn't give a damn about you and it'll save us both this headache.
[ NOT. OLD. Just older.
He ignored that last bit. Quietly going about actually cooking something with the usual sounds of utensils clanking against pans, or knives against a cutting board. The occasional spray from the sink to wash his hands.
All is well for a good while. And for the record he does burn his hand once, but that can't be helped. And it actually smells nice. He's quite impressed with himself for that.
#you'refiredI'mgettinganewBestFriend
He's cleaning up the dishes, and eyeing Cazzo for a moment, deliberating something. They have an almost silent conversation before he shrugs, twirling the knife around in his hand. ]
Oh boo-hoo I could totally not care, and that would sure show you. It's cute how you keep... what is this actually, threatening me somehow? If you wanna say something, say it.
[ Old. Totally old. He's Old Xanxus -old, and that has proven to be useless-old, except Squalo never actually had much expectations for Dino so it's not as jarring. ]
[ --Okay, scratch that. Once the smell from the kitchen tickles his nostrils and it actually seems acceptable, Squalo decides that maybe Cavallone deserves a few more chances after all. He sits up properly, then stands up to head to the kitchen, actually curious. ]
I'll be damned, I didn't think you'd make it out alive.
[ He peers at the pot/pan/plate wherever the results are currently residing, laughs, and gives Dino an encouraging slap on the shoulder. ]
See? You can actually accomplish basic daily tasks when you put your mind to it. I'm almost proud.
[ it's just a simple fish puttanesca. not even he could mess that up.
...also, rude.
...he leans against the counter, tapping the tip of the knife to his bottom lip when he finally comes to investigate. He offers the dog a look and finally just sets the knife onto the drying mat with the rest of the dishes he'd cleaned.
His eyes roll at the pat and he huffs indignantly. ]
Do what, this? [ He gives him another hearty shoulder-pat. ] It's how men show affection. [ Or it might just be Squalo, but he just shrugs. ] Suppose you wouldn't know, huh.
[ THE COMPLIMENTS JUST WON'T STOP TODAY. ]
[ Nonetheless, he's walking over to the cabinets and returning with some nice-looking fish-adjacent wine and two (!) glasses, which he then sets on the kitchen table and pours. Hopefully Dino is getting some plates, because they're totally eating together. ]
[ he glances at the second shoulder pat and arches a brow. ] ...nevermind.
[ he watches Squalo move away and does in fact grab two plates, with matching silverware. admittedly, he does adjust the amount he grabs after noting the two glasses...
he knows this doesn't mean anything and he's not putting any weight to it, but he does think it's nice. sharing a meal. doing something like this for someone else.
the next part comes out of nowhere and he worries the inside of his cheek.]
[ it's lucky that the glasses are already set down and full, because Squalo flinches and drops the remaining bottle on the floor. it shatters, leaving a blotch of wine spreading across the tiles, but rather than do anything about it, Squalo just pulls back a chair and sits down, now all tense. ]
...don't.
[ don't do this to him. he can't even begin to describe in words what he feels right now. and that's exactly why he was hoping to just sort of... ignore it. pretend it's not there. have a nice meal with his friend without screaming his throat out in grief. don't take it away from him. ]
[ the shattered wine bottle surprises him and Dino looks from it, Cazzo deciding he wants to lick it up, and Squalo who moves over to sit in the chair. ]
Kyouya.
[ he corrects, but...he gets it. This hadn't been his intention. he hadn't connected those dots. he just...needed to say it. outloud. ]
[ Squalo gives him a look of disbelief, because he totally did not see it coming -- well, of course, he's obsessed with himself after all -- and he's not sure what the hell he's supposed to say. ]
[ Then he realizes the little hell creature is waddling right into the middle of glass shards while slurping tile wine up with its weirdly long tongue. It may be difficult to hurt Hell creatures, but that goldfish totally died from tequila, so -- ]
No -- fuck! --
[ he grabs Cazzo out of the mess and plonks him into his lap. the puppy shoots its tongue out like a goddamn chameleon to give him a cheek lick before it disappears in its weird maw again. ]
[...well. That’s a sight that causes Dino to smirk faintly.
It finally happened. That sealed the puppy deal. Cazzo really does belong to Squalo now (part time :| ).
Dino quietly turns to plate the dish on two plates, and gives Cazzo some in a bowl. All three are brought over to the table but he sets Cazzo’s on the floor beside Squalo. ]
[ Squalo has a long suffering expression on his face, a little exaggerated, which suggests his mood has at least lifted a little bit from where it was a moment ago. He still holds onto the puppy, though, not going to let it go until the glass is gone from the floor. ]
[ He gives a nod with a grunt of acknowledgement, his version of "thanks" for the moment, and keeps one hand on Cazzo to stop him from climbing into the plate. He runs the other through his bangs and sighs. ]
...do you think that's why they brought them in to begin with? So they'd have a better way to torture us?
[ Because he's certainly hurting more now than from any of Lucifer's games ever did over the course of two years. ]
[ Dino busies himself with scooping up the broken glass shards that he can get easily and then carefully sops up the spilled wine. he would probably always be here to clean up Squalo's messes... ]
I...don't know, honestly.
[ the rest of the wine is cleaned up with a wet cloth, and Dino moves over to grab a new bottle; inspecting them before finding one that's close enough before he brings it over with the glasses. ]
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He arches a brow. ]
Maybe you should consider dogs. They seem to like you.
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[ He says that pointedly, leaving no doubt that he is, in fact, calling you a dog. ]
[ And then his posture finally deflates a little. Congratulations, Dino, your friendship level is once again high enough to see a little bit of vulnerability. ]
I'm tired. Everyone always expects me to take care of -- everything. [ And with the current Xanxus situation, he's really low on mental resources as is, not that he has the awareness or vocabulary to express that. ] A hellhound on top of that is...
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He softens though and reaches out to tug Squalo into a hug. ]
I know. You’ve always been that way. And you’ve been going through a lot.
...You know you’re not alone, right? Yamamoto would do anything you asked him to, and so would I.
[ so would many others—-there’s a pause. ]
I’d do most things you asked. I’ll help with the dog. And the cats. And that...fish. Okay?
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[ okay, a hug is a bit much, honestly. he'll tolerate it for about two generous seconds before none too gently nudging Dino in the ribs to let go of him. ]
[ still, that felt nice. he has been feeling awfully alone lately. yamamoto and dino are not xanxus, but they're something. ]
I know. I just -- don't want to.
[ asking for help is what WEAK people do. grudgingly accepting help when someone forces it on you, however, seems fine. ]
[ He considers it for a few moments, then nods slightly. ]
[ Okay. ]
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Squalo is released easily enough, though. Sometimes he can get away with more but he’s not actually offended when he’s shrugged off like that either.
And all he offers is a knowing nod—silent agreement without having to announce it to the room. He will take care of him now and forever so long as he lets him. ]
Do you want me to take him for tonight? Get him out of your hair? Or I can stay? Couch of course.
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Have you learned to cook yet?
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I can cook...I just usually end up cutting or burning myself somehow in the process which...makes it less fun.
[ feed him. ]
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Great. Then make yourself useful. I want something with fish.
[ aaand he's pointedly sitting down and putting his feet on the table. horses that don't earn their keep are sold for sausage u know ]
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but then he remembers that sometimes he really likes it when you're mean to him.Dino just stands there for a moment, blinking at Squalo where he sinks into the couch. Trap. This was a trap.
But he shrugs and turns to head into the kitchen. ]
If you say so but don't blame me if your kitchen burns down and I end up dead on the floor from blood-loss.
[ it wouldn't actually be that bad. he's not TERRIBLE hes just horrible. ]
Cazzo di cane, come help. You might get samples.
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[ his voice is even, almost calm, and nonetheless threatening in that particular way of his. ]
If you burn down my kitchen, I'm auctioning off your soul to pay for a new one.
[ so don't even try that, funny boy. ]
[ the hell-puppy reemerges, looking between Squalo and Dino in visible confusion, and slowly gnawing on the door. ]
I'm guessing he means you, chomps.
[ the puppy lets go of the wood, wags its barely existent tail and stalks after Dino. unlike normal dogs, it would eat fish, vegetables, plastic and probably even rocks, so that's not going to be a problem. ]
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I am worth more than this kitchen.
[ He's scanning your fridge and pantry for things and setting them all out. In the process he pats the dog and gets him to lay down on the mat to continue chewing up whatever is in his mouth.
Then the clink of pans and utensils. ]
Was this going to be a lesson or am I just making this?
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[ Still, surely nobody could be that horrible. At least, nobody who didn't have all-destructive fire coming out of their bare hands. ]
[ Squalo does his best to relax, sinking deeper into the couch, and closes his eyes. ]
Lesson? You just fucking said you can cook.
[ Own up to your shit, Cavallone. ]
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[ You have a soft spot STOP LYING.
I hate you.He's measuring things out beforehand, not everything but the annoying parts...cutting up vegetables, etc. ]
I can. I also said I might bleed to death in the process.
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[ He probably would. Although he's feeling resentful to old people in general at this point. ]
Bleed on the tiles and not into my food, then.
[ #friendoftheyear ]
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[ NOT. OLD. Just older.
He ignored that last bit. Quietly going about actually cooking something with the usual sounds of utensils clanking against pans, or knives against a cutting board. The occasional spray from the sink to wash his hands.
All is well for a good while. And for the record he does burn his hand once, but that can't be helped. And it actually smells nice. He's quite impressed with himself for that.
#you'refiredI'mgettinganewBestFriend
He's cleaning up the dishes, and eyeing Cazzo for a moment, deliberating something. They have an almost silent conversation before he shrugs, twirling the knife around in his hand. ]
Come and get it Princess.
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[ Old. Totally old. He's Old Xanxus -old, and that has proven to be useless-old, except Squalo never actually had much expectations for Dino so it's not as jarring. ]
[ --Okay, scratch that. Once the smell from the kitchen tickles his nostrils and it actually seems acceptable, Squalo decides that maybe Cavallone deserves a few more chances after all. He sits up properly, then stands up to head to the kitchen, actually curious. ]
I'll be damned, I didn't think you'd make it out alive.
[ He peers at the pot/pan/plate wherever the results are currently residing, laughs, and gives Dino an encouraging slap on the shoulder. ]
See? You can actually accomplish basic daily tasks when you put your mind to it. I'm almost proud.
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...also, rude.
...he leans against the counter, tapping the tip of the knife to his bottom lip when he finally comes to investigate. He offers the dog a look and finally just sets the knife onto the drying mat with the rest of the dishes he'd cleaned.
His eyes roll at the pat and he huffs indignantly. ]
Why do you do that?
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[ THE COMPLIMENTS JUST WON'T STOP TODAY. ]
[ Nonetheless, he's walking over to the cabinets and returning with some nice-looking fish-adjacent wine and two (!) glasses, which he then sets on the kitchen table and pours. Hopefully Dino is getting some plates, because they're totally eating together. ]
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[ he watches Squalo move away and does in fact grab two plates, with matching silverware. admittedly, he does adjust the amount he grabs after noting the two glasses...
he knows this doesn't mean anything and he's not putting any weight to it, but he does think it's nice. sharing a meal. doing something like this for someone else.
the next part comes out of nowhere and he worries the inside of his cheek.]
I miss him.
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[ things have been going so well. ]
[ it's lucky that the glasses are already set down and full, because Squalo flinches and drops the remaining bottle on the floor. it shatters, leaving a blotch of wine spreading across the tiles, but rather than do anything about it, Squalo just pulls back a chair and sits down, now all tense. ]
...don't.
[ don't do this to him. he can't even begin to describe in words what he feels right now. and that's exactly why he was hoping to just sort of... ignore it. pretend it's not there. have a nice meal with his friend without screaming his throat out in grief. don't take it away from him. ]
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Kyouya.
[ he corrects, but...he gets it. This hadn't been his intention. he hadn't connected those dots. he just...needed to say it. outloud. ]
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[ Then he realizes the little hell creature is waddling right into the middle of glass shards while slurping tile wine up with its weirdly long tongue. It may be difficult to hurt Hell creatures, but that goldfish totally died from tequila, so -- ]
No -- fuck! --
[ he grabs Cazzo out of the mess and plonks him into his lap. the puppy shoots its tongue out like a goddamn chameleon to give him a cheek lick before it disappears in its weird maw again. ]
[ damn. he's been dad-trapped. ]
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It finally happened. That sealed the puppy deal. Cazzo really does belong to Squalo now (part time :| ).
Dino quietly turns to plate the dish on two plates, and gives Cazzo some in a bowl. All three are brought over to the table but he sets Cazzo’s on the floor beside Squalo. ]
I’ll clean it up.
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[ He gives a nod with a grunt of acknowledgement, his version of "thanks" for the moment, and keeps one hand on Cazzo to stop him from climbing into the plate. He runs the other through his bangs and sighs. ]
...do you think that's why they brought them in to begin with? So they'd have a better way to torture us?
[ Because he's certainly hurting more now than from any of Lucifer's games ever did over the course of two years. ]
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I...don't know, honestly.
[ the rest of the wine is cleaned up with a wet cloth, and Dino moves over to grab a new bottle; inspecting them before finding one that's close enough before he brings it over with the glasses. ]
Whether that was the intention or not, it worked.
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