underwhelms | ( bootycall )

[ It's amazing that they seem to function in perfectly opposed directions, because how they can mutually miss each others' points and still remain friends is a mystery for the ages. At the very least, JJ isn't offended by his non-existent come-on, and Yusuke only responds to the forehead tap and everything else with mild surprise, the metal of the pods suddenly replaced with JJ's lap.

...He was just doing what he was told to, so this accusation comes completely out of nowhere, and JJ is the worst. Yusuke stops staring stupidly long enough to squint up at him, incredulous. ]

Fondling? Don't be ridiculous.

[ There's no real bite to his tone, and he doesn't scramble away either, too tired to raise a fuss. It's strange and he shifts for a moment, unsure if he can really get comfortable like this. But after a moment he stops his fidgeting, blinking against JJ's palm with a defeated sigh. ]

...I appreciate it. Though I'd rather you not see me in such a sorry state at all.

[ "Ridiculous"? Sure, tell that to his most definitely fondled thigh.

—But anyway, that's not really the focus here. JJ lets his hand drift from Yusuke's eyes when it doesn't seem as though he plans to fight back or struggle, and he grabs the pillow he'd brought for himself, shoving it between his head and the pod behind him as he leans back. ]

If you had to see me skinny and crusty when I was sick, I think it's okay that I get to see you with a few dark circles under your eyes.

[ Though the reminder that Yusuke is even in a sorry state in the first place brings a twinge back to his chest despite their joking around, and he brings his hand back to Yusuke's head to thread his fingers through his hair again. ]

Or do you really believe we're friends because of your pretty face?

[ Touching someone's leg is already far beyond anything he'd have done before, he's ruined for marriage forever.

But no, it's true they've been through quite a bit now. Though even when he was sick as a dog, JJ had taken the time to comfort him—Yusuke's starting to cast his emotional burdens on him quite a bit. The way they're arranged is odd, but not unpleasant. A good tagline for their friendship in general. He laughs quietly. ]

I don't mean my physical state. Though I'm sure I look quite the mess.

[ Jokes aside, he tilts his head slightly, glancing at the pods. Those slumbering inside are probably getting a better night's sleep than they would, but... ]

Truly, I'm grateful you're here. For all the people here, it's strange how desolate this place feels.

[ He's never liked it much, honestly. ]

[ JJ smiles slightly at hearing Yusuke laugh, and he hums in acknowledgment of his words. It's a miracle that he hasn't launched into a speech about how he's such a great friend and how of course Yusuke would be grateful to have him here. But that's character development for you.

For the most part, he has his own complex feelings toward the unit. He'd spend probably more time than he should've wandering the halls when he'd first arrived, and even when he hadn't been here physically, he'd been wondering about it. He honestly can't tell if he's better or worse off than the people who have no one to miss stored among the pods. ]

This place is all right in small doses. It is easier to be here with someone than alone...

[ His fingers stall for a moment when he looks down at Yusuke. ]

Who are you waiting for?

[ He hadn't wanted to peer into the pod himself, the people inside had a way of capturing your attention in a ghastly way, and he couldn't be there for Yusuke if he was too busy being unnerved. ]

[ dw JJ has a lot of friends that compliment him in his stead, the worst.

Anyway, he can guess why JJ had come by before. He has a large family, and that alone would warrant a trek through the rows and rows of pods. Meanwhile, Yusuke's just chasing ghosts. He closes eyes, musing. ]

Mr. Tozier. [ That one, he's sure of. A girl with shocking, red hair, too. There are more missing than that as well, though whether they're dead... who can be sure. ] Perhaps a few others.

[ There's a slight sinking feeling in his chest, but JJ hadn't come for those people. He'd stopped by to make sure he was all right. After a beat, he moves on. ]

If you ever need company here, I'll come with you.

[ It's the least he can do to return his courtesy today. ]

[ Despite being an older sibling, JJ's not particularly protective by nature. Maybe it's a byproduct of being so sheltered and privileged, but he's always been convinced that most things will work out for the best when approached with an open mind and a positive attitude. So the feeling that wells up then, alongside the tightness that follows the reminder of Richie being up here, isn't exactly something protective. Instead, it's almost like JJ's so entitled that sometimes it spills over to him being entitled on behalf of other people.

He doesn't really need to hear Yusuke's offer to accompany him up here, because he already knows that Yusuke would be there for him if he was in need—he has been countless times in the past. But what gets him is that Yusuke would wander up here alone, stand vigil completely alone for hours, and then not understand right away why JJ would visit him.

It's kind of annoying, but mostly it makes JJ feel sad, though he huffs out an irritated breath because it's easier to act like he's mad. ]

Okay- c'mere.

[ It's a good thing Yusuke is essentially a twig, because that makes him all the easier to manhandle as JJ pulls him back upright so that JJ can pull him into a hug strong enough that Yusuke probably can't panic escape. ]

I know. [ Yusuke is so dumb!! ] We're lucky to have a friend like you.

( bootycall )

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