dumbshow | probably not depressing

Sure...

[Knuckle stares after him for a few good seconds before looking back to the magazines in front of him. Sports, celebrity news, something about Leorio punching Ging... Okay. But more importantly!! Why was Shoot running off to hide again?!

He realizes this so belatedly that he visibly stiffens before sneaking over along the aisle next to the fiction one. Maybe he's trying to read something gushy?? It's a secret?? He wants to know...

He'll step out into Shoot's aisle suddenly.]

Hey, Shoot! What kind of book are you looking for? I can help! [He knows nothing about book shopping. Hence asking a question like this.]

[Meanwhile, Shoot is- not happy, exactly, but less nervous once he disappears into the rows of shelves. Whatever he just said back there about Knuckle not being cold went as poorly as he imagined it would and now he wants to just be... elsewhere.

This isn't hiding, though. This is most definitely avoiding, but it isn't hiding.

His conversation fumbles are actually bothering him enough that he's not really looking at books as Knuckle creeps up. Well, he's facing books, and he is making eye contact with books, but he isn't really seeing them. Which is why it's exactly when he finally reaches for one at random, just to look busy, that Knuckle pops out of nowhere.

Shoot drops the book.]

Knuckle-? [Please go look at bookmarks, this is ten times the Knuckle he's precariously used to.]

I hadn't picked anything specific to look for. Why don't you look for something that looks interesting?

Hmm...

[Interesting? Interesting. He's not sure why Shoot is dropping books, especially when he has like four hands, but he'll keep that to himself for now along with other speculation. Something interesting, though...

He's going to hang out here, in the same area, and start skimming the titles. Eventually, he pulls out something that looks to be the equivalent of Twilight and skims the back of it. Is this something Shoot would like?]

Here, what about this? [Shoving that at him, he abandons it there and moves a few steps down the aisle, crouching. From here, he'll skim through some more, and--

Oh, one of the titles grabs his attention, and so he pulls it out. Some type of fantasy Kung fu book...]

[Okay he only has one hand right now because he only needs one hand to pick up books, come on.

Now Shoot is in a tighter spot than before (as if he can actively pick up books he might really want to read with Knuckle hovering around like this!!), and simply goes back to staring at the shelf in front of him... Occasionally he'll shift a few inches to the side, like he's really looking.

They should have gone to the bar. They should have. Shoot isn't mentally prepared to casually hang out somewhere it's not too loud to hear anything clearly.]

What? [Oh, a book shoved at him, thanks. He doesn't drop this one, to his credit. He turns it over to look at what it is, although-]

Knuckle, this is for children.

[YA is kiddie lit when you're pushing 30, clearly.]

Huhh?

[He looks up briefly from his little squat, eyeing the book in Shoot's hand.] No way is that for kids, it's a novel! Look at it, it's like 400 pages.

[What Knuckle pictures when Shoot says children: 5 year olds.]

Don't be embarrassed by the whole werewolf thing! Think of it like it's Meleoron or something. [Because that helps.]

[That's... not how books work! Shoot frowns down at him, like he might even put forth the effort to explain, but why is Meleoron suddenly involved?]

What? No, Knuckle- [knuckle??] I'm not embarrassed, it just isn't to my tastes.

[It's not novel enough, clearly.]

... Like it's Meleoron, really? [No, he's stuck on this.]

Not your taste? So you're too good for it, now?

[What the hell!! He's trying here, since Shoot didn't tell him anything he did like, so--! Standing up with the Kung Fu book in one hand, he moves over to snatch that Twilight wannabe away.]

But yeah, like him! Part human, part something else... [Shut up he's embarrassed and he feels its unjustly so.] What's wrong with it, anyway?

That doesn't make any sense.

[Seriously, not liking a book doesn't mean he's too good for it, what? How?? Take the vaguely defined parody, take it all.

And Meleoron isn't anything like a werewolf... Don't say that too loudly, what if he's here somehow.]

There's nothing wrong with it, in any case, I just don't think I'd like it... Why don't you read it? [Is he serious, is he "please shut up" serious, who can say.]

Ahhh, fine, I will!

[He waves the book a little between them.] You're just judging it by the cover! [no] I'll read it and find the story myself! If it ends up good, I'm gonna rub it in your face, you hear me!

[Shake shake shake... Okay, that's enough shaking, so he stops. Stacking the second book on top of the first, he looks down at his pile of 2 proudly.]

I've already got two! What's taking you so long, Shoot?

[he's going to what]

[Shoot blinks, considers telling Knuckle not to read the Twilight ripoff, and decides against it. He'd probably start- or continue yelling, so maybe it's just not worth the effort.]

If it turns out to be better than it sounds, I'll read it. But I doubt it.

[This as he ignores being rushed, ugh. He looks studiously at the shelf, maybe willing it to give him a suggestion. Seconds pass.

A whole minute passes. Then he looks back at Knuckle, and he's... distressed?? About this book thing??]

You're hovering.

[Fine, he thinks! He will read it. It will be better than it sounds, or than Shoot thinks, and he will hear about it!! That's that. And so, he stands like this, books in one hand and the other at his hip as he watches this very seriously.

Really, it's just creating tension.

Tension that snaps when Shoot finally speaks again, and as the words settle in, Knuckle goes from surprised to offended and angry. Hunching over and bending in front of Shoot to share up at him, he shakes his books at him like they should be threatening.]

Hahhh?! Hovering?! Is that what you think?!

[HE'S HERE FOR SUPPORT. He stands up straight, again, books coming with his hand as the other swipes in irritation at the air between them.]

So you don't even want company for something like this, is that it? Fine! I don't give a damn! So call me when you're done, already!

[Like a child, he storms off to the front of the store, scanning through the gadgets by the register instead as he fumes. (Really, it's all just confusion coming out as anger.)]

[Oh, he shouldn't have said anything. Knuckle overreacting isn't anything new, true, but his way too emotional reaction still leaves Shoot standing there stiffly, pointedly glancing away at some advertisement posters visible above his head. Can't he browse in peace, is that so much to ask...?

It takes him a moment after Knuckle stomps off to realize the disconnect between what he actually meant and what Knuckle apparently assumed. Shoot frowns after him, a little guilty; it's Knuckle's own fault! for overreacting, but at the same time... 'It's your big day.'

Is he actually a terrible friend?? It's true, isn't it, he's making this whole outing awkward and frustrating. He turns his fretful staring back to the bookshelf and makes it a few minutes before he grabs a book at random - it's probably not embarrassing, he hopes it isn't - and turns to go find his wayward buddy.

But not without a detour, at the last minute, awkwardly veering behind a new arrivals display when he spots Knuckle by the register. He'll appear very suddenly at his elbow in another minute, putting his book down on the counter and Very Calmly sliding a bookmark on top of Knuckle's mini book stack. It has a tassel.

And a picture of a puppy.] You probably don't have any real bookmarks, right? Don't forget one.

[But also don't look at him too closely right now or everyone will know he felt terrible, and it will be terrible.]

[He was screwing things up for sure, wasn't he? But how could he help it when Shoot was so damn weird?! It's still amazing for Knuckle to think that they've been partners like this for so long and he still didn't understand him one bit. In a lot of ways, it was frustrating. Before, he didn't give a damn, but now--! Why was that?

In other ways, though, it pressed at him like guilt. He was a kind-hearted guy, so why hadn't he spared just a little more of that for someone who's been fighting and training at his side?

Shoot appears out of nowhere about now, and it startles Knuckle out of his thoughts. Geez, the guy really doesn't make a noticeable impression, so he can pop up from behind anywhere and give you a shock... At least he doesn't jump or anything. It's just a quick glance to the side that he appears on.]

Huh?

[He'd been staring at these little book keychains with names on them looking for his own for too long, probably. Straightening himself, he moves his eyes back to the stack of books, and sees--

The cutest bookmark he's ever seen.

Granted, he hasn't looked at very many bookmarks. Now, though, he's unsure of how to react. First, there's his pride. Embarrassment, why did Shoot give him one with a tassle and a puppy like that, did he think--]

It's-- [His expression is morphing between disgusted and in love, save him. He can't resist this, damn it! Damn it!!!] Okay! [Taking that whole stack, he slams it down on the counter, looking away like he's just set down something heavier than he can bear.]

I'll take all this!

[At least he didn't look at Shoot very much.]

[Well, Shoot knows that much about Knuckle, after being around him for this long... He looks dutifully elsewhere, at some tiny desk calendars, while Knuckle no doubt has some kind of puppy-related crisis beside him.

Honestly, he doesn't need to look. Knuckle's reaction is practically coming off of him in waves, and Shoot is equally deeply embarrassed and sort of pleased. The bookmark had been a whim and he'd wondered up until giving it to him whether or not he'd be laughed or yelled out of the store... Luckily, Knuckle is still as predictable about cute animals as he thought.

It's endearing. He has to admit he's thoroughly endeared, although only to himself and he's definitely not smiling, that was a twitch.

The cashier mercifully doesn't make it worse by so much as blinking at how embarrassing they are, so they can ring up and get out of there without incident. Shoot makes it to the sidewalk before he sighs and mutters,] Sorry.

[like he didn't just deliver a puppy peace offering...]

Do you still want that drink?

[The apology seems to come out of nowhere, seeing as Knuckle hadn't noticed the bookmark was any sort of 'apology' either. Honestly, he'd been so lost in his own thoughts and worries that he'd stopped blaming Shoot almost immediately after he started blaming him. It was his own fault for misunderstanding his own partner so much.

Shoot says a lot that he doesn't get, though, and so he puzzles on that 'sorry' instead of saying he doesn't have to be saying it. By the time the question comes up, he eagerly shoves confusion aside and grins.]

Feeling more outgoing after spending some time with me, huh? [Knuckle no..... that's not what this is at all.....] Hahaha, of course I'd like it!

[A pause, and he looks at Shoot more directly. How to phrase this straightforward without scaring the guy off...] We should get to know each other a bit more. And what's better at loosening you up than alcohol? When it goes down, words come up!

[And well, he and Morel have both learned that that's not the only thing that could come up, so.]

[Awkward moments seem to slide off Knuckle effortlessly, which Shoot appreciates. He couldn't ever be that genuine, so at least one of them has that going for them. It makes him feel a little better; he's still unsure of how to proceed with this whole... this thing, ever since it stopped being "get a drink and then go home," but he thinks he can manage.

Probably. That it's Knuckle helps; familiarity helps, even if it's still longevity over knowing each other as well as they could.

Which, well. There is that suggestion. Shoot doesn't actually look opposed to getting to know each other - it's the rest that makes him slowly look more and more hesitant. Why is this awkward? It's only Knuckle. Out of everyone, Shoot feels he can be around him the easiest.

Even with the yelling and the hovering. Pros, cons.]

You're really persistent about this... [sigh.] Alcohol isn't necessary to have a conversation.

[... And belatedly remembering this isn't an interrogation... ah, damn,] I want to go.

[He's still not understanding Shoot here. Is he convincing him, or himself? Does he really want to go, or is he trying to be nice? But why would he be nice. He scrunches his eyebrows together in thought, arms crossed tightly even with the bag over his wrist.]

Why shouldn't I be? Huh? ...After this whole damn NGL thing, I realized that I haven't really bothered to ask anything about you. I don't know a thing! [He stares at the ground now, as they walk, bothered. But well, he's far more open about this than Shoot, considering... He's willing to say this much.]

We're partners. So I was thinking, why the hell haven't I been acting like it?

[Looking up and over to Shoot, he offers something of a grin, unfolding his arms so that he can lift one fist between them. Come on, knock fists with him, do it.]

Shoot. Will you forgive me?

[He is trying to be nice, but it's for both of them!! Sort of! Don't ask, don't give him that look...

Shoot keeps looking at him and away again, suddenly feeling like they're having two completely different conversations. The fact that Knuckle doesn't think he acts- partner-like enough throws Shoot for a loop, truthfully. They've had their differences, but they work pretty well together when they need to get serious... Is that not-? Did he miss something crucial?

Exactly how much has he missed from behind his walls? So-] What do you mean?

[No, really. He's the one who's supposed to be mad about something, here?? He can't do anything but glance up and down between Knuckle's fist and his face, perplexed.]

Forgive you for what?

F-for...

[What the... Is he completely blind?! How does he not know what he means? Knuckle keeps his hand hovering between them as his mind races for a way to explain. 'I didn't give a shit about you before' 'I never really paid much attention to you' 'You've always been kind of annoying'...

THAT WASN'T ANY GOOD AT ALL.

Tensing, he shakes that hand a few times between them, willing Shoot to knock fists with him even more.]

What do ya mean, for what?! For not going out with you like this sooner! Now shut up and accept it, idiot!

[Oh, is that it? This is a little overdramatic for just that...

Shoot's expression relaxes somewhat, though he still looks slightly taken aback by this whole aside. He realizes up to a point that he's the one between the two of them who pays more attention, so he'd always thought that was just how Knuckle was - easily distracted, more drawn to people more like him than Shoot...

But how does he even put that into words? He didn't mind being ignored unless it was for training, or working? He's not proud of his bad habits.]

It's just that I didn't think you did anything wrong. [He shrugs, frowns- but okay, fine he'll give Knuckle a half-hearted fist bump with the rest of his explanation,] We're always busy.

[This is so strange... He looks at his still raised hand for a moment before dropping it stiffly back to his side and-] Knuckle— um.

[fffffuck]

Busy, yeah, I guess...

[That trails off into mumbling under his own breath. He really doesn't want to explain word for word why he's feeling bad about all of this, because if Shoot's somehow not noticed, then doesn't that mean he's not hurt? And saying something could hurt him...

Maybe he can just make up for the difference quietly. Naturally. Yeah! Really smooth and everything.

He blinks, though, dropping his hand automatically after the fist bump (he doesn't even react, after all that) and frowning curiously.]

Huh? Yeah, what?

Edited 2015-01-08 03:46 (UTC)

[Shoot's as satisfied by this as he can be. He's more or less past that odd fumble and on to thinking about the next one, which will be his, he's sure of it.

It's just— after all that's happened, he doesn't feel like he's been as open as he ought to be, either. His bad habits notwithstanding, of course, but as much as it would be so much easier to keep his emotions to himself and skirt any possibility of a less than positive reaction... It's unfair. This is what he's telling himself before he wimps out.

Anyway, he probably should have said it sooner—] Thank you. For getting me out of there.

[And for visiting him in the hospital, which is actually too embarrassing for him to say!!]

[Words like that, from Shoot? First, Knuckle reacts in surprise. It's the bookstore all over again, but like ten times worse. or better? The point is, after that, a grin slowly takes over his face, confident, inspired, softheartedness shining even through the way he punches his palm.]

Are you kidding?! Of course I got you outta there! [That's not enough, he decides, and reaches to wrap an arm around Shoots' shoulders, tugging him closer.] I wasn't gonna leave without you!

[He's so serious when he says that, now, but it can't even compare to his mindset back then. Abandoning the world for it... Yeah.]

You— [He starts, but gets cut off by having to stoop abruptly, thank you Knuckle. To his credit, he wasn't about to say something like You didn't have to - ah, he didn't have to drop him, though...

Still, Shoot would have done the same, if their positions had been reversed. So he'll stand here and stoop and not awkwardly pull away.]

I know that. [he. may have assumed? Thanks for punching monsters for him, too.] But I wanted to... say it myself.

[A beat. Go for gold, Shoot, another statement thrown out before he can concentrate too much on saying these things (is this friendship?? Knuckle making him talk with his big stupid grin?),] I'm glad we're partners.

[That actually completely throws him for a loop. Shoot saying anything other than the necessary that hadn't been stated already. Shoot not only doing that, but doing it kindly. To him??? Saying that he was glad they were partners?

Normally, he likes to stay tough (hah), but this hits him right in the heart.

And he looks touched. Those eyes get big, his mouth goes from surprised to grinning even despite the tears starting to form-- no, no, he's not going to cry over something so dumb! Not something so dumb as them both being glad about this partnership!]

Shoot! [Yelling his name with emotion out of nowhere is always a good idea. Closing his eyes tight, he grins wider and bumps Shoot's shoulder with his fist, now, lightly.] Of course we're partners, damn it! Of course-- Why wouldn't I be glad, too?!

[Ah, he's getting embarrassing.]

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wait I misread

how dare

words are hard ok

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