[Ryan's attempt at comfort is not actually that helpful. Partly because even if he did need time back when they were staying with Morgan he's very aware that he gave him way too much of it. Then also because he can think of multiple other times where he knew things weren't quite right, but couldn't understand what the problem was.
Now he's had it articulated to him he can pinpoint far more times than he'd like where he'd missed the signs, and he's horrified.]
I had no idea.
[What is he meant to say here? He can't make it better. The time's already gone. ]
Ryan... That doesn't sound any better. I can't believe I never knew.
[Or when he had he hadn't realised how bad that was. It wasn't like he'd missed completely that Ryan wasn't himself when that had happened.]
[He so wants to insist that it's better than everything he's been feeling today, because he really hates how this fear makes him feel like he's actively dying, but he holds back. It seems kind of shitty when he knows this is how Min feels things, and it's a little messed up to argue as though it's a contest.]
I mean...I didn't know you felt like this either, so. We're even?
[It's the best he can offer. Neither of them can change what they've said or done, but they know now. Ryan doesn't blame him, not even for a second. And sure, he feels bad about all the times he's been insensitive, but...
Actually, the fact that there's any hesitation there at all is remarkable. Ryan sighs, relieved.]
[Except he sort of is, isn't he? They're naturally competitive and that isn't always bad, but it's pretty messed up to try and one up each other at this of all things. It's at least a relief that Ryan says this is helping. He does seem a little better, even if it hasn't exactly felt like the most reassuring of conversations to Min.]
It is?
[It is talking, which is something that's always helped ground him when this has happened to him. And they are learning about each other. He doesn't feel great about all the times he's let Ryan down in the past, but if he's feeling better now, even if it's only a little, then it can't be all bad.]
Good. I'm glad. Do you want to keep talking about this, or...?
[Or would a distraction be better? He isn't sure, and doesn't want to push Ryan in a direction that will make him feel worse again if he can help it.]
[Under normal circumstances, talking is something Ryan usually needs when he's feeling terrible. Someone to pull him back down to earth and help him feel his feelings, to ground him in the moment when he wants to just melt into the earth and to try and get him to talk when he's trying to run from a conversation.
It says a lot that talking still helps now, even when the emotions are less familiar. It must be something that helps Min too.
Though...Min needs to be ready. Just a few days ago he made it clear that talking isn't always something he wants.
Ryan glances up, trying to think about what he wants or needs. He's...not sure he wants to open up more about that particular thing. It's worrying Min, and turning into something more difficult to share in the moment. He's feeling better, but the thought of that panic creeping back up from his heart and into his throat makes him worry that the progress could get undone.
Still, there's this feeling they should do something. Anything.]
We could...get something to eat?
[Vogue (who has been casually making biscuits on Ryan for the last several minutes to try and help) perks his ears up. Food??]
We could order in. Unless we have something here?
[Distraction is good, but it's the kind of distraction that leaves the door open slightly in case they do need to talk more. Plus, it's probably a good sign in general that Ryan has any appetite at all.]
[He waits patiently for whatever decision Ryan comes to. If he says anything that might influence him, and that's not what Min wants to do here. Though when he brings up food he almost wonders if he somehow might have anyway. Ryan is usually a nightmare to convince to eat when he's not feeling good about something. Bringing food up of his own volition (twice if they count his earlier freak out earlier) is practically unheard of.
Then again, Ryan's said himself he's not used to feeling anxious like this, and Min knows first hand how much energy it can end up burning. Maybe he's starting to feel it now he's a little more himself.]
We can order in. Stay here. I'm just grabbing the menus. I promise I'm not really going anywhere.
[They could order something on the Gears easily, but fascinating as Min-Gi finds the idea he can't quite bring himself to trust it. He'd rather phone and have it delivered, or go and collect it himself on some occasions. Not that he plans on doing that today. It seems better if they both stay right here for now.
He looses Ryan's hands after one more reassuring squeeze, scooping up Strut under one arm and hastily moving the short distance to the drawer where he's stashed the takeout menus he's collected so far for Lavender. He doesn't want to leave Ryan for long now he understands what's going on with him, and wastes no time returning to him with the menus in his free hand.]
What do you feel like? We can get whatever you want.
[Ryan believes him, he trusts him, but he still feels a cold shiver run down his spine when Min lets go. In a mark of slight improvement though, he doesn't get up and follow Min anyway. He stays where he's told with Vogue curled up in his lap, but his eyes track Min everywhere he goes, from the couch to the drawer and then back to the couch again.]
Literally anything but pancakes. I don't want to look at a pancake again for the rest of my life...
[He's very aware that he did this to himself, even if he didn't know there was magical fine print involved, but he might literally never be in the mood for pancakes after all of this.
Unfortunately, that doesn't actually narrow it down at all. Ryan thumbs through the menus, sticking one for a diner that serves breakfast all day on the bottom where he doesn't have to think about it.]
Uh...I dunno, pizza maybe? What kind of toppings should we get?
[You know, on the assumption that they'd split one. While Min's thinking about that, Ryan spies something further down that particular menu and gasps.]
Oh my god, I think this one's Hawaiian? Except there's no Hawaii here so it's-- [Wait. He squints.] A...lolan? Aw, I thought it said "Aloha"-n. That would've been funnier.
[He probably should have filtered out the menus where pancakes might be an option, but it's fine. Ryan is capable of ignoring whatever he doesn't like. Which turns out not to actually be that much.
Min refrains from commenting on anything that Ryan looks at, waiting until his opinion is invited for once. If they get pizza it makes sense they would share, so he does start to try and think about it, shaking his head quietly at Strut as she tries to voice her thoughts. They have plenty of more Pokémon friendly foods. She will not be getting pizza.]
Do you want Hawaiian? Or... "Aloha"-n.
[It wouldn't be his first pick, but he is trying very hard to sound neutral so Ryan will choose what he actually wants. And "Aloha"-n would be pretty funny.]
[As soon as Strut starts adding her opinion, Vogue starts meow-ing along. This is a group decision, obviously. Obviously.
Unfortunately for Min, Ryan already knows that isn't his go-to order and that sways him from the start. He's admittedly a little curious if it's actually the same, but he shakes his head.]
Nah, I just thought it was funny.
[He hums thoughtfully as he looks through the menu. They aren't going to get anywhere if they just wait for each other to make a choice though, so he goes for a new plan.]
Well...whatever we get on it, I want extra cheese. And...an order of fries.
[Ryan looks to Min, now that he's put down a couple real suggestions.]
[This is not a group decision and Min will be ignoring their hungry felines, no matter how annoying they try to make it. He hadn't been paying that much attention to what's on the menu (not that his order usually changes much when it comes to pizza), so he leans in now so he can at least claim he'd looked it over properly.]
You know what? Hawaiian does sound pretty good. Let's see if it really is the same thing. Do you want anything else? Or soda?
[By now Strut is trying to climb his chest so she can complain about the lack of input she has directly into his ear. Doing this in front of their Pokémon might have been a mistake.]
Calm down. We'll feed you guys after we put in an order.
[Their hungry felines are very distracting, and Ryan scritches Vogue behind the ears.]
You hear that? You're gonna get to eat even before we do, so you've got nothing to whine about. [This is then undermined immediately by soft cooing--] Aw, I know. Your life is so hard...
[Vogue purrs in reply, happy that Ryan understands his life is in fact the hardest life that any pokémon has ever lived. No one has suffered like Vogue suffers, having to listen to his human and his secondary human order pizza for themselves!
Min's choice registers after that and Ryan perks right up. He genuinely hadn't been expecting Min to go for it and wouldn't have been upset if he picked something else, but he's admittedly pretty curious about it and might have thought about it for the rest of his life if they didn't try it.]
Yes! Definitely fries. --Oh, soda would be good too. Whatever's closest to Sprite?
[He definitely hasn't been paying attention to what the Poké-brand names are unless they're funny. Something about getting soda feels like a splurge since they definitely have drinks where they are, but it isn't exactly a huge one. It feels like a special treat!]
[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.]
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no subject
Now he's had it articulated to him he can pinpoint far more times than he'd like where he'd missed the signs, and he's horrified.]
I had no idea.
[What is he meant to say here? He can't make it better. The time's already gone. ]
Ryan... That doesn't sound any better. I can't believe I never knew.
[Or when he had he hadn't realised how bad that was. It wasn't like he'd missed completely that Ryan wasn't himself when that had happened.]
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I mean...I didn't know you felt like this either, so. We're even?
[It's the best he can offer. Neither of them can change what they've said or done, but they know now. Ryan doesn't blame him, not even for a second. And sure, he feels bad about all the times he's been insensitive, but...
Actually, the fact that there's any hesitation there at all is remarkable. Ryan sighs, relieved.]
I think this is kind of helping.
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[Except he sort of is, isn't he? They're naturally competitive and that isn't always bad, but it's pretty messed up to try and one up each other at this of all things. It's at least a relief that Ryan says this is helping. He does seem a little better, even if it hasn't exactly felt like the most reassuring of conversations to Min.]
It is?
[It is talking, which is something that's always helped ground him when this has happened to him. And they are learning about each other. He doesn't feel great about all the times he's let Ryan down in the past, but if he's feeling better now, even if it's only a little, then it can't be all bad.]
Good. I'm glad. Do you want to keep talking about this, or...?
[Or would a distraction be better? He isn't sure, and doesn't want to push Ryan in a direction that will make him feel worse again if he can help it.]
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It says a lot that talking still helps now, even when the emotions are less familiar. It must be something that helps Min too.
Though...Min needs to be ready. Just a few days ago he made it clear that talking isn't always something he wants.
Ryan glances up, trying to think about what he wants or needs. He's...not sure he wants to open up more about that particular thing. It's worrying Min, and turning into something more difficult to share in the moment. He's feeling better, but the thought of that panic creeping back up from his heart and into his throat makes him worry that the progress could get undone.
Still, there's this feeling they should do something. Anything.]
We could...get something to eat?
[Vogue (who has been casually making biscuits on Ryan for the last several minutes to try and help) perks his ears up. Food??]
We could order in. Unless we have something here?
[Distraction is good, but it's the kind of distraction that leaves the door open slightly in case they do need to talk more. Plus, it's probably a good sign in general that Ryan has any appetite at all.]
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Then again, Ryan's said himself he's not used to feeling anxious like this, and Min knows first hand how much energy it can end up burning. Maybe he's starting to feel it now he's a little more himself.]
We can order in. Stay here. I'm just grabbing the menus. I promise I'm not really going anywhere.
[They could order something on the Gears easily, but fascinating as Min-Gi finds the idea he can't quite bring himself to trust it. He'd rather phone and have it delivered, or go and collect it himself on some occasions. Not that he plans on doing that today. It seems better if they both stay right here for now.
He looses Ryan's hands after one more reassuring squeeze, scooping up Strut under one arm and hastily moving the short distance to the drawer where he's stashed the takeout menus he's collected so far for Lavender. He doesn't want to leave Ryan for long now he understands what's going on with him, and wastes no time returning to him with the menus in his free hand.]
What do you feel like? We can get whatever you want.
no subject
Literally anything but pancakes. I don't want to look at a pancake again for the rest of my life...
[He's very aware that he did this to himself, even if he didn't know there was magical fine print involved, but he might literally never be in the mood for pancakes after all of this.
Unfortunately, that doesn't actually narrow it down at all. Ryan thumbs through the menus, sticking one for a diner that serves breakfast all day on the bottom where he doesn't have to think about it.]
Uh...I dunno, pizza maybe? What kind of toppings should we get?
[You know, on the assumption that they'd split one. While Min's thinking about that, Ryan spies something further down that particular menu and gasps.]
Oh my god, I think this one's Hawaiian? Except there's no Hawaii here so it's-- [Wait. He squints.] A...lolan? Aw, I thought it said "Aloha"-n. That would've been funnier.
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Min refrains from commenting on anything that Ryan looks at, waiting until his opinion is invited for once. If they get pizza it makes sense they would share, so he does start to try and think about it, shaking his head quietly at Strut as she tries to voice her thoughts. They have plenty of more Pokémon friendly foods. She will not be getting pizza.]
Do you want Hawaiian? Or... "Aloha"-n.
[It wouldn't be his first pick, but he is trying very hard to sound neutral so Ryan will choose what he actually wants. And "Aloha"-n would be pretty funny.]
no subject
Unfortunately for Min, Ryan already knows that isn't his go-to order and that sways him from the start. He's admittedly a little curious if it's actually the same, but he shakes his head.]
Nah, I just thought it was funny.
[He hums thoughtfully as he looks through the menu. They aren't going to get anywhere if they just wait for each other to make a choice though, so he goes for a new plan.]
Well...whatever we get on it, I want extra cheese. And...an order of fries.
[Ryan looks to Min, now that he's put down a couple real suggestions.]
What do you want on it?
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You know what? Hawaiian does sound pretty good. Let's see if it really is the same thing. Do you want anything else? Or soda?
[By now Strut is trying to climb his chest so she can complain about the lack of input she has directly into his ear. Doing this in front of their Pokémon might have been a mistake.]
Calm down. We'll feed you guys after we put in an order.
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You hear that? You're gonna get to eat even before we do, so you've got nothing to whine about. [This is then undermined immediately by soft cooing--] Aw, I know. Your life is so hard...
[Vogue purrs in reply, happy that Ryan understands his life is in fact the hardest life that any pokémon has ever lived. No one has suffered like Vogue suffers, having to listen to his human and his secondary human order pizza for themselves!
Min's choice registers after that and Ryan perks right up. He genuinely hadn't been expecting Min to go for it and wouldn't have been upset if he picked something else, but he's admittedly pretty curious about it and might have thought about it for the rest of his life if they didn't try it.]
Yes! Definitely fries. --Oh, soda would be good too. Whatever's closest to Sprite?
[He definitely hasn't been paying attention to what the Poké-brand names are unless they're funny. Something about getting soda feels like a splurge since they definitely have drinks where they are, but it isn't exactly a huge one. It feels like a special treat!]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.]
no subject
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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