[Any other time and Min might have at least complained about it, but Ryan isn't feeling good today and even if it's his own fault Min still feels kind of bad for how frustrated he'd been. It's not like he dislikes it, so he's not really putting himself out here.]
Don't worry, I wouldn't forget your fries.
[It wouldn't be surprising if he'd missed it given the noise Strut is still making, but he's pretty good at retaining orders in his head. Especially when it comes to Ryan whose likes and dislikes he knows almost as well as his own.]
Strut, it's going to take longer if they can't hear me. Vogue's being good.
[She doesn't seem too thrilled at being compared negatively to the other cat, but the upside of her being a Pokémon is the same downside that had caused all this drama in the first place. They understand exactly what their humans are saying, so she does reluctantly settle down to let Min put in the order.
He takes the menu from Ryan so he can dial the number on his Gear, ordering them an Alolan pizza, their own separate fries, and a large bottle of Sprite. Just Sprite, strangely.]
[Ryan lets Min have the menu with ease, and now that he has a free hand he offers it to Strut if she would also like scritches and attention.]
Aw, you're good too, Strut. C'mere--
[Aside from that, Ryan keeps quiet and lets Min do the ordering. He doesn't forget the fries (and they each get their own!) and...huh. When Min hangs up the phone, Ryan tilts his head curiously at him.]
Sooo...Hawaii doesn't exist but Sprite is still Sprite? This place is so weird sometimes.
["Sometimes", as though he wasn't subjected to magic mood-changing pancakes this morning.]
[Min-Gi gives Ryan a look that says he definitely doesn't think Strut is good. At least not in that moment. Strut is more than happy to get what attention she can from Ryan's free hand though, purring up a storm in the typical way she does when she is hoping for food but has already been scolded for crying too loudly. If her human is being mean, maybe this one will take pity on her.
He shrugs at Ryan's question as he sets down his Gear, glancing down to see if Strut wants to come back to him but she only seems to have eyes for Ryan for the moment.]
I guess. The label's different, but it still basically tastes like Sprite.
[Because he has definitely been stumped looking for versions of things in their world in this one, and may or may not have frustrated multiple retail workers who had no idea what he was talking about.
Unfortunately, it's Vogue's turn to be a little naughty. Min-Gi is clearly off of his Gear and he and Strut were promised food! So he stretches big in Ryan's lap and makes a big show of stepping over him (and over Strut) to go right up to Min-Gi. He puts both of his palms on Min's side and meows up at him like he is starving.
No one has suffered like he has suffered!!! Min promised food and it's been a whole thirty seconds!
(Ryan should probably stop this, but he's busy trying not to laugh.)]
[It's hard to say whether Min looks more offended or worn out by Vogue's display. It's been a long day with very little time to himself between Ryan and the cats, and he really isn't enjoying yet more pestering.]
Fine. I'll feed you. Are you happy now?
[Likely not since he's only getting up and they do not actually have food yet. Strut takes note of his movement, though, hopping away from Ryan and getting herself under Min's feet as he goes to feed them.
She is starving!! Vogue is starving!! Why isn't he doing this faster?]
[Vogue is clearly a good influence on the resident baby kitten. Every mew from Strut gets an echo encouragement from Vogue as they follow Min to get food.
This time, Ryan doesn't have to be told to stay put. He does watch, but it's more because the whole thing is kind of endearing, even if Min is getting frustrated with them. It just reminds him how sweet Min is to put up with all of this today.]
Need any help over there, man?
[The question is noticeably lacking the absolute desperation to be glued to the hip with Min, and thus is a marked improvement overall. Ryan just feels a little bad that he's sitting and watching Min take care of both of their Pokémon, even though Ryan would do the same if their situations were reversed. There wouldn't even be a second thought.]
[Min's not feeling all that sweet and doesn't look it either, but neither cat is put off by his obvious grumpiness. He shakes his head at the offer of help. It's annoying, but it won't take long and they'll be happy once they have their food.]
No, it's fine. I've got it.
[It does wind up taking longer than it should. They're both so noisy and somehow know exactly where they need to be to get in his way. Eventually, though, both cats have food in bowls far enough apart they hopefully won't try and steal from each other and Min-Gi is free to sit back down.
He's glad Ryan is apparently feeling himself enough he could keep out of it. He doesn't want to ask if the pancakes are wearing off and risk reminding him to feel clingy, but it's nice to see him a bit more relaxed even when he'd almost been on the far side of the room.]
They're so going to want more when the pizza gets here.
[The cats are both very obnoxious until they get their food, but then settle into their own bowls (or at least Vogue does). Once they're both done though, Vogue mrows for Strut to come over, and Ryan and Min are treated to Vogue trying to give baby Strut a lil tongue bath, whether she wants one or not. The whole thing makes Ryan chuckle.]
Oh, totally. They'll be like, "You haven't fed us in 100 years! Give us what you're eating!"
[Cats are cats, even if those cats are Pokémon.
There's a thought on Ryan's mind though, and he blurts it out before he forgets to, or before they get too deep into kitty cat antics.]
...Thanks for everything today, by the way. I know it's been like, super annoying.
[Strut does actually keep to her own bowl. Min's managed to train her to do that much without complaint at least, though she does throw the occasional jealous glance over at Vogue just to make sure he doesn't have something better.]
It's okay. You put up with me when I'm being weird. It's only fair if I do the same for you.
[Ryan's put up with a lot from him lately, so annoyed as he'd been earlier it's hard to find it in himself to stay irritated now they've talked it out. He's just grateful he seems more like himself.]
[Now that Ryan doesn't have pokémon in his lap, he pulls his legs up on the couch and curls into the corner, facing Min and making himself cozy in the process. His heart flutters at Min's response - and for once today it isn't in the horrible panic sort of way. It's soft and warm, and Ryan knows he's so grateful to have Min-Gi.]
Pfft. You haven't been that weird. I'm pretty sure I've been way weirder lately?
[Not even just today - there's the torchic performance, and the freak out he had about getting the evidence removed from Joltiktoc, and how irritating he was when he and Min were repelling each other like magnets. It's not a competition or anything, but it's hard for Ryan to not feel like he's been harder to deal with.]
[Min shifts almost imperceptibly. He's still sitting normally, but the angle brings him closer to Ryan and lets them face each other more easily.]
Are you kidding me? There have been so many times where I've been way weirder.
[There's the whole Poké Mafia thing, how nervous their sudden rise to fame had made him even before the publication of their Torchic photos, and the ongoing problem of how much he hates being around psychic Pokémon. It's not a competition, but if it was Min's sure he has the edge.]
You'd be fine without me. I got by, didn't I? It's way better having you here though.
[It's such a tiny shift, but it makes the space between them feel even smaller - something Ryan appreciates more than Min-Gi will probably ever know. He shakes his head and laughs a little.]
I'm not kidding! Besides all your weird is like, normal kinds of weird. Mine's weirder weird, so it counts twice as much.
[He's being light and playful about it now though - this is a game and he's winning.]
Mm, you did. Buuuut even if I could do it alone, I wouldn't want to. It would suck so much. I'm...[He actually falters trying to find the words he wants.] ...I'm just. Super glad you're with me?
[That has him laughing, and he reaches out to nudge Ryan's feet playfully.]
Oh, yeah. Me as a criminal? That's totally normal compared to your stuff. What was I thinking?
[The other part of the conversation isn't something that feels so easy. Mostly because Ryan has no idea what he's doing to him, coming out with stuff like that. He knows how he means it, but that doesn't stop him forgetting how to breathe for a moment.]
[Alright, maybe Min has a point there. Ryan snickers and pushes back against Min.]
I didn't mean it like that! I meant it's a normal thing to be freaking out about. Who wouldn't freak out about suddenly having to be a criminal?
[Even Ryan probably wouldn't be totally calm about that.]
Meanwhile I'm over here like "Oh no, I ate pancakes that made me lose my freaking mind!"
[He is the clear winner here. Though, it's not clear if this is a contest anyone should really want to win? Luckily for Min, he doesn't have any more embarrassing words for him, but...having the sentiment returned, no matter how many times he's heard it before, brings a bit of color to Ryan's cheeks.]
At least you didn't come back to our room with some random kid stuck to you.
[Ryan may have the edge today, but it's not like nothing weird has ever happened to him here. Apparently Min-Gi isn't willing to give up too easily even if this particular contest isn't one either of them should be trying to win at.
He does cave pretty fast at Ryan's pushback, but makes no move to really move his hand away either. For Ryan's benefit, obviously. He's doing better, but he probably still wants to be as close as possible.]
Right, right, the same day I broke our tent and then proceeded to be ridiculously clingy for someone who literally couldn't touch you.
[He was weird that day too, so clearly his weirdness still outnumbers Min's! This is a very normal contest to be trying to win at!
That being said, Ryan is very aware of Min's hand staying where it is. It's so sweet of him to still be worrying this much, even though he's definitely feeling mostly better now. He sneaks a hand over to gently rest on the back of Min's.
Maybe he shouldn't be milking this for all it's worth. But...this is nice. Being close and cozy and being able to touch is just nice. And being playfully competitive at the same time just makes it all feel so weirdly normal.]
I think you mean we broke our tent, and I was trying super hard to avoid you. I don't think you can beat me for weirdness on that day.
[There's a definite hint of challenge in his expression that belies the softness of their touch. He almost wishes they didn't have food on the way that will inevitably end up interrupting the moment.]
[Min pretends to consider that before nudging Ryan again with a smug grin.]
You know what? You're right. I guess that was pretty weird of you.
[It might seem mean if not for the deep affection obvious in his voice. The switch in stance hadn't been in his original plans, but sometimes it's fun to be mean to Ryan.]
[For a second, Ryan looks playfully scandalized. What?! No!! If he's that smug about it then he wins!
But then he remembers two can play the smug game.]
Thank you. Now that I've been officially crowned the biggest weirdo in the house I'd like to thank the Recording Academy, all of our future fans, NOT my parents OR my siblings because I got this weird on my own, aaaaand Min-Gi Park for always believing in me and for driving me absolutely insane for two whole decades.
[He was counting off on his fingers, and when he leaves out his family that leaves three fingers up - conveniently in the shape of the infamous rock and roll devil horns, which he throws at Min while sticking out his tongue to really rub that last point in.]
[For a moment Min thinks he has him. Really, he should know better after two whole decades. Of course Ryan wouldn't give in that easily. Min-Gi pulls away from Ryan, looking mock offended at his acceptance speech.]
Wow. What happened to being super glad I'm with you? But if that's how you feel...
[He sighs deeply, shaking his head as he looks away from him. Strut seems to take his sadness as genuine and squirms herself free from Vogue to trot over and jump back on his lap. Don't be sad, human! Strut is here and she is adorable.]
[Strut might see it as genuine, but Vogue doesn't and he and Ryan share a quiet look from across the room. That's enough for Vogue to decide this isn't his problem and that it's more important to figure out how to get up on the counters while no one is paying attention to him.]
I am super glad I'm with you. Both things can be true, y'know. Maybe I'm happy you drive me insane.
[Min drives him crazy and he wouldn't have it any other way. If one person is going to consistently make Ryan feel like he's losing his mind, like his heart's going to flutter out of his chest, it's going to be Min-Gi.]
[Min has to divert some of his attention over to Strut to reassure her, but it's not enough to put him off joking around with Ryan completely.]
Okay, that is weird. No wonder I couldn't win against you.
[That's not really true. Ryan drives him crazy all the time, but he'd never change that about him. He wouldn't be Ryan if he didn't, and Min already knows how much better his life is with him in it.]
[Neither would Ryan. Today's been concrete evidence of just how much Ryan wants and maybe even needs Min around, but he would never want to change anything about him ever.]
What can I say? I set a very high and very weird bar.
[He laughs, content to be the weird champion, and reaches over to give Strut some pets too. Double attention for the baby!]
[Strut seems immediately content to accept that everything is okay, and doesn't complain about getting double the attention.]
You do, but that's why I love you.
[He hasn't said it since the Torchic thing blew up online, but it's true and with Ryan feeling more vulnerable today it seems like a good time to remind him. He looks vaguely awkward about saying it, but not uncomfortable.]
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Don't worry, I wouldn't forget your fries.
[It wouldn't be surprising if he'd missed it given the noise Strut is still making, but he's pretty good at retaining orders in his head. Especially when it comes to Ryan whose likes and dislikes he knows almost as well as his own.]
Strut, it's going to take longer if they can't hear me. Vogue's being good.
[She doesn't seem too thrilled at being compared negatively to the other cat, but the upside of her being a Pokémon is the same downside that had caused all this drama in the first place. They understand exactly what their humans are saying, so she does reluctantly settle down to let Min put in the order.
He takes the menu from Ryan so he can dial the number on his Gear, ordering them an Alolan pizza, their own separate fries, and a large bottle of Sprite. Just Sprite, strangely.]
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Aw, you're good too, Strut. C'mere--
[Aside from that, Ryan keeps quiet and lets Min do the ordering. He doesn't forget the fries (and they each get their own!) and...huh. When Min hangs up the phone, Ryan tilts his head curiously at him.]
Sooo...Hawaii doesn't exist but Sprite is still Sprite? This place is so weird sometimes.
["Sometimes", as though he wasn't subjected to magic mood-changing pancakes this morning.]
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He shrugs at Ryan's question as he sets down his Gear, glancing down to see if Strut wants to come back to him but she only seems to have eyes for Ryan for the moment.]
I guess. The label's different, but it still basically tastes like Sprite.
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[Because he has definitely been stumped looking for versions of things in their world in this one, and may or may not have frustrated multiple retail workers who had no idea what he was talking about.
Unfortunately, it's Vogue's turn to be a little naughty. Min-Gi is clearly off of his Gear and he and Strut were promised food! So he stretches big in Ryan's lap and makes a big show of stepping over him (and over Strut) to go right up to Min-Gi. He puts both of his palms on Min's side and meows up at him like he is starving.
No one has suffered like he has suffered!!! Min promised food and it's been a whole thirty seconds!
(Ryan should probably stop this, but he's busy trying not to laugh.)]
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Fine. I'll feed you. Are you happy now?
[Likely not since he's only getting up and they do not actually have food yet. Strut takes note of his movement, though, hopping away from Ryan and getting herself under Min's feet as he goes to feed them.
She is starving!! Vogue is starving!! Why isn't he doing this faster?]
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This time, Ryan doesn't have to be told to stay put. He does watch, but it's more because the whole thing is kind of endearing, even if Min is getting frustrated with them. It just reminds him how sweet Min is to put up with all of this today.]
Need any help over there, man?
[The question is noticeably lacking the absolute desperation to be glued to the hip with Min, and thus is a marked improvement overall. Ryan just feels a little bad that he's sitting and watching Min take care of both of their Pokémon, even though Ryan would do the same if their situations were reversed. There wouldn't even be a second thought.]
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No, it's fine. I've got it.
[It does wind up taking longer than it should. They're both so noisy and somehow know exactly where they need to be to get in his way. Eventually, though, both cats have food in bowls far enough apart they hopefully won't try and steal from each other and Min-Gi is free to sit back down.
He's glad Ryan is apparently feeling himself enough he could keep out of it. He doesn't want to ask if the pancakes are wearing off and risk reminding him to feel clingy, but it's nice to see him a bit more relaxed even when he'd almost been on the far side of the room.]
They're so going to want more when the pizza gets here.
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Oh, totally. They'll be like, "You haven't fed us in 100 years! Give us what you're eating!"
[Cats are cats, even if those cats are Pokémon.
There's a thought on Ryan's mind though, and he blurts it out before he forgets to, or before they get too deep into kitty cat antics.]
...Thanks for everything today, by the way. I know it's been like, super annoying.
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It's okay. You put up with me when I'm being weird. It's only fair if I do the same for you.
[Ryan's put up with a lot from him lately, so annoyed as he'd been earlier it's hard to find it in himself to stay irritated now they've talked it out. He's just grateful he seems more like himself.]
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Pfft. You haven't been that weird. I'm pretty sure I've been way weirder lately?
[Not even just today - there's the torchic performance, and the freak out he had about getting the evidence removed from Joltiktoc, and how irritating he was when he and Min were repelling each other like magnets. It's not a competition or anything, but it's hard for Ryan to not feel like he's been harder to deal with.]
Man, I have no idea what I'd do here without you.
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Are you kidding me? There have been so many times where I've been way weirder.
[There's the whole Poké Mafia thing, how nervous their sudden rise to fame had made him even before the publication of their Torchic photos, and the ongoing problem of how much he hates being around psychic Pokémon. It's not a competition, but if it was Min's sure he has the edge.]
You'd be fine without me. I got by, didn't I? It's way better having you here though.
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I'm not kidding! Besides all your weird is like, normal kinds of weird. Mine's weirder weird, so it counts twice as much.
[He's being light and playful about it now though - this is a game and he's winning.]
Mm, you did. Buuuut even if I could do it alone, I wouldn't want to. It would suck so much. I'm...[He actually falters trying to find the words he wants.] ...I'm just. Super glad you're with me?
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Oh, yeah. Me as a criminal? That's totally normal compared to your stuff. What was I thinking?
[The other part of the conversation isn't something that feels so easy. Mostly because Ryan has no idea what he's doing to him, coming out with stuff like that. He knows how he means it, but that doesn't stop him forgetting how to breathe for a moment.]
Yeah. Me too. I'm glad you're with me too.
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I didn't mean it like that! I meant it's a normal thing to be freaking out about. Who wouldn't freak out about suddenly having to be a criminal?
[Even Ryan probably wouldn't be totally calm about that.]
Meanwhile I'm over here like "Oh no, I ate pancakes that made me lose my freaking mind!"
[He is the clear winner here. Though, it's not clear if this is a contest anyone should really want to win? Luckily for Min, he doesn't have any more embarrassing words for him, but...having the sentiment returned, no matter how many times he's heard it before, brings a bit of color to Ryan's cheeks.]
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[Ryan may have the edge today, but it's not like nothing weird has ever happened to him here. Apparently Min-Gi isn't willing to give up too easily even if this particular contest isn't one either of them should be trying to win at.
He does cave pretty fast at Ryan's pushback, but makes no move to really move his hand away either. For Ryan's benefit, obviously. He's doing better, but he probably still wants to be as close as possible.]
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[He was weird that day too, so clearly his weirdness still outnumbers Min's! This is a very normal contest to be trying to win at!
That being said, Ryan is very aware of Min's hand staying where it is. It's so sweet of him to still be worrying this much, even though he's definitely feeling mostly better now. He sneaks a hand over to gently rest on the back of Min's.
Maybe he shouldn't be milking this for all it's worth. But...this is nice. Being close and cozy and being able to touch is just nice. And being playfully competitive at the same time just makes it all feel so weirdly normal.]
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[There's a definite hint of challenge in his expression that belies the softness of their touch. He almost wishes they didn't have food on the way that will inevitably end up interrupting the moment.]
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I dunno, man. I'm pretty sure I volunteered my services as a crowbar...
[Which is objectively weird on his part. The challenge is part of the fun though - they can be comfy and competitive all at the same time.
Ar least until pizza comes. Then one of those things will fall to the wayside.]
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You know what? You're right. I guess that was pretty weird of you.
[It might seem mean if not for the deep affection obvious in his voice. The switch in stance hadn't been in his original plans, but sometimes it's fun to be mean to Ryan.]
I concede.
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But then he remembers two can play the smug game.]
Thank you. Now that I've been officially crowned the biggest weirdo in the house I'd like to thank the Recording Academy, all of our future fans, NOT my parents OR my siblings because I got this weird on my own, aaaaand Min-Gi Park for always believing in me and for driving me absolutely insane for two whole decades.
[He was counting off on his fingers, and when he leaves out his family that leaves three fingers up - conveniently in the shape of the infamous rock and roll devil horns, which he throws at Min while sticking out his tongue to really rub that last point in.]
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Wow. What happened to being super glad I'm with you? But if that's how you feel...
[He sighs deeply, shaking his head as he looks away from him. Strut seems to take his sadness as genuine and squirms herself free from Vogue to trot over and jump back on his lap. Don't be sad, human! Strut is here and she is adorable.]
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I am super glad I'm with you. Both things can be true, y'know. Maybe I'm happy you drive me insane.
[Min drives him crazy and he wouldn't have it any other way. If one person is going to consistently make Ryan feel like he's losing his mind, like his heart's going to flutter out of his chest, it's going to be Min-Gi.]
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Okay, that is weird. No wonder I couldn't win against you.
[That's not really true. Ryan drives him crazy all the time, but he'd never change that about him. He wouldn't be Ryan if he didn't, and Min already knows how much better his life is with him in it.]
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What can I say? I set a very high and very weird bar.
[He laughs, content to be the weird champion, and reaches over to give Strut some pets too. Double attention for the baby!]
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You do, but that's why I love you.
[He hasn't said it since the Torchic thing blew up online, but it's true and with Ryan feeling more vulnerable today it seems like a good time to remind him. He looks vaguely awkward about saying it, but not uncomfortable.]
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