[God. This mood is even souring his drink. Finally, his smile fades.]
I called you here to tell you good news. Not explain how badly you fucked up. I wouldn't let most people get away with what you did. So lose the pissy attitude and be grateful I got tired of being mad.
[Baren's nose wrinkles and he opens his mouth, ready to snap that he doesn't see reason to be grateful for shit when Zoro's lucky that he even showed up here to bring him anything—]
[But it's like when you make a wrong turn and your GPS has to gently remind you "Recalculating route..."
He takes a second to back up. Is it worth it to get too embroiled in his own emotions? Probably not. That sounds exhausting and if he gets angry, there's a chance he might slip up somewhere. If he gets angry first, it'd be like showing his hand. There's no need to imply that he actually cares more than he already has.
(Baren might be a moron.)
So instead he just tilts his head and shrugs, pulling up a chair and settling for a raise of his eyebrow as his expression settles back into a more usual grin.]
Yeah, yeah, shut up.
What's the news then? Did you get a new car? Do I get to drive it?
[There we go. Zoro can't tell if Baren's bullshitting him but he can't bring himself to care. Either way Baren will stick around and the bitterness will fade. Probably into a new bitterness but. Whatever. For now, it's enough.
His smile slips back and it's filled with boyish glee, as if he was running down the stairs on Christmas morning. He leans towards Baren, excitement unconstrained.]
I got a part. A big one. Blockbuster with a famous director. [A breathless laugh slips out, as if all that's happening is finally registering.] There's no way anyone will be able to ignore it, eye be damned.
[Baren holds grudges. He's probably not going to forget this or the way that Zoro left him hanging for over a week - but for now it's muted. His time to be petty and bitter will be later, later, later.
For right now, the news really is good.
While Zoro leans forward, Baren leans back and manages a brief laugh, even as he tilts his head. It's nice to see Zoro happy, that's something that he can't deny. But - ]
Haaaa? Finally? About time.
[How long has he been saying that he wanted to see Zoro's next big movie?]
[Baren had seen him through it. It only made sense. If anything, he owed the job to him more than anyone else.]
They restitched the cut. A new set of clothes and I can be out of here tonight. [Not without their permission, of course.He's got ways around that.] You free?
I told you I was gonna race a shark. Halfway through it didn't like that I was winning. Got in here yesterday because of it. Did my usual escape routine. Got brought back here anyway. Same old, same old.
[He jabs a thumb to the chair beside him, where a folded up leather outfit rests.] Found that, though. Got the same feeling as that flag so I think it was mine back in the day or whatever. Cut reopened when I was wearing it.
[he should probably be more concerned but whatever
he's also going? to wander over to where the leather outfit rests?? now he's just curious because that looks like some fckin weird material even from where he's standing]
His shoulders start shaking as the first cue of his incoming laughter.
Before the floodgates open and then he's cackling.]
The fuck...? Hahaha what the - what the fuck is this?! And it's perfectly tailored to you! Ahahaha, are you sure you were a pirate? Or an adult entertainer? God - that's great! How stupid!
Baren just wrinkles his nose because he can only handle so much Gross before flipping Zoro off on his way out.]
Are you seriously making me do everything? Did the last of your brain cells fizzle out? I can't believe I'm here for a vegetable...
[but he'll still head out to collect zoro's clothes - and be back in about 15 minutes, his entrance signaled by how he throws them right in zoro's face
he never planned to hand over the hoodie he's stolen apparently]
[It's ok, he's stolen enough hoodies from Toshi to compensate. There's some muffled chuckling as he tosses the clothes off his face and starts unhooking himself from any hospital machines he's latched up to. I don't really know how hospitals work.
He doesn't seem to hesitate before changing in front of Baren. He does take a minute to point at his new, still bandaged scar before pulling the shirt on.]
I know brawl bars; you know the sophisticated ones. Can't brawl right now so we gotta go to one of yours. That's all.
Find a bar that doesn't smell like piss and puke and suddenly it's sophisticated. What a world we live in now...
[But still, Baren watches with mild interest - even cracks a grin at the new scar just because he always thinks it's funny when more get added to Zoro's collection. But more than that, trying to figure out exactly what needs to be done from here. The moron's shit at taking care of himself so Baren's tried to figure out most of the aftercare nonsense so the nurses don't have to chase him down.]
Didn't think you wanted to go out though. You want a celebratory drink that bad?
[Maybe it's a remnant from his accident. The pale walls just feel like cell bars now.]
Doesn't have to be a bar. Just don't want to sit still.
[He uses his reflection in the mirror to smooth back his rowdy hair. The rainbow dye has almost entirely faded into a pastel aesthetic blog's dream. Minus the black roots that are starting to creep in.]
... I'll probably have to redye this before the job.
[Just... an idle thought as he tries tucking back a troublesome hair.]
I'll have a shot at it if you don't plan on cutting my hands off.
[Because Baren still thinks he can do a salon job for free - and he thinks that the rainbow was funny, but if Zoro has a big job, he probably won't pull the same joke twice.
Anyway.]
Nah, I'm down for a bar. People buying me drinks sounds good.
Baren makes this face where he looks like he swallowed a bug. He falls half a step behind Zoro because he's legitimately stunned. Just him? What the fuck does that mean? He's not "just" anything - but that's also his immediate coping and nitpicking at anything that could make the statement less
well
He's quiet for a moment.
And then he's lifting a foot to literally kick Zoro's ass (he just got out of the hospital Baren) before running ahead, sticking out his tongue.]
You're too fucking slow! Did being stuck in the hospital again age you a thousand years? C'mon, gay grandpa...!! Maybe you can get a drink in before your bedtime!
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[God. This mood is even souring his drink. Finally, his smile fades.]
I called you here to tell you good news. Not explain how badly you fucked up. I wouldn't let most people get away with what you did. So lose the pissy attitude and be grateful I got tired of being mad.
[1/2]
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He takes a second to back up. Is it worth it to get too embroiled in his own emotions? Probably not. That sounds exhausting and if he gets angry, there's a chance he might slip up somewhere. If he gets angry first, it'd be like showing his hand. There's no need to imply that he actually cares more than he already has.
(Baren might be a moron.)
So instead he just tilts his head and shrugs, pulling up a chair and settling for a raise of his eyebrow as his expression settles back into a more usual grin.]
Yeah, yeah, shut up.
What's the news then? Did you get a new car? Do I get to drive it?
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His smile slips back and it's filled with boyish glee, as if he was running down the stairs on Christmas morning. He leans towards Baren, excitement unconstrained.]
I got a part. A big one. Blockbuster with a famous director. [A breathless laugh slips out, as if all that's happening is finally registering.] There's no way anyone will be able to ignore it, eye be damned.
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For right now, the news really is good.
While Zoro leans forward, Baren leans back and manages a brief laugh, even as he tilts his head. It's nice to see Zoro happy, that's something that he can't deny. But - ]
Haaaa? Finally? About time.
[How long has he been saying that he wanted to see Zoro's next big movie?]
Huh. That is good news, Z.
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[Baren had seen him through it. It only made sense. If anything, he owed the job to him more than anyone else.]
They restitched the cut. A new set of clothes and I can be out of here tonight. [Not without their permission, of course.He's got ways around that.] You free?
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Stop acting like you have anyone else to tell anyway.
[Regardless, he'll get up from the chair and stretch. Guess he has to actually go back and get those spare clothes now.]
For now, anyway. I'll ditch you if something better comes up.
What happened to whatever you were wearing? Blood? Do I even wanna know how you got in here this time?
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[Asshole.]
I told you I was gonna race a shark. Halfway through it didn't like that I was winning. Got in here yesterday because of it. Did my usual escape routine. Got brought back here anyway. Same old, same old.
[He jabs a thumb to the chair beside him, where a folded up leather outfit rests.] Found that, though. Got the same feeling as that flag so I think it was mine back in the day or whatever. Cut reopened when I was wearing it.
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[he should probably be more concerned but whatever
he's also going? to wander over to where the leather outfit rests?? now he's just curious because that looks like some fckin weird material even from where he's standing]
This...? Really?
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[There is indeed a bloodstain on the shirt-jacket-whatever-it-is portion. He's hoping he can get it cleaned.]
I'll show you the scar when you bring me the clothes.
[He has to change anyway. It makes sense.]
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And just stares.
His shoulders start shaking as the first cue of his incoming laughter.
Before the floodgates open and then he's cackling.]
The fuck...? Hahaha what the - what the fuck is this?! And it's perfectly tailored to you! Ahahaha, are you sure you were a pirate? Or an adult entertainer? God - that's great! How stupid!
Can you wear it next time I come over? Holy shit.
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Get it cleaned for me and I will.
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[because the night that zoro wears this is also going to be the night that baren takes him out to a gay bar
this sounds like a good enough trade-off to him
for now he puts it down and snorts]
Anyway, get your stupid sweaty toes away from me, I'll get your shit.
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[Said very matter-of-fact as he wiggles his toes at Baren in a little wave.]
Think of somewhere to go while you're doing it.
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Baren just wrinkles his nose because he can only handle so much Gross before flipping Zoro off on his way out.]
Are you seriously making me do everything? Did the last of your brain cells fizzle out? I can't believe I'm here for a vegetable...
[but he'll still head out to collect zoro's clothes - and be back in about 15 minutes, his entrance signaled by how he throws them right in zoro's face
he never planned to hand over the hoodie he's stolen apparently]
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He doesn't seem to hesitate before changing in front of Baren. He does take a minute to point at his new, still bandaged scar before pulling the shirt on.]
I know brawl bars; you know the sophisticated ones. Can't brawl right now so we gotta go to one of yours. That's all.
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[But still, Baren watches with mild interest - even cracks a grin at the new scar just because he always thinks it's funny when more get added to Zoro's collection. But more than that, trying to figure out exactly what needs to be done from here. The moron's shit at taking care of himself so Baren's tried to figure out most of the aftercare nonsense so the nurses don't have to chase him down.]
Didn't think you wanted to go out though. You want a celebratory drink that bad?
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[Maybe it's a remnant from his accident. The pale walls just feel like cell bars now.]
Doesn't have to be a bar. Just don't want to sit still.
[He uses his reflection in the mirror to smooth back his rowdy hair. The rainbow dye has almost entirely faded into a pastel aesthetic blog's dream. Minus the black roots that are starting to creep in.]
... I'll probably have to redye this before the job.
[Just... an idle thought as he tries tucking back a troublesome hair.]
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[Because Baren still thinks he can do a salon job for free - and he thinks that the rainbow was funny, but if Zoro has a big job, he probably won't pull the same joke twice.
Anyway.]
Nah, I'm down for a bar. People buying me drinks sounds good.
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[He sounds... put out? It doesn't really feel like a celebration if he's not treating the person he's dragging along.
Maybe he should just be happy he doesn't have to spend money.
(He's not, though.)]
I'm not letting you near my hair again.
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[re: the hair
because baren admittedly turns right on his heel so that he can face zoro properly and lean right up into his space with a shit-eating grin]
Why? You know you don't have to buy my drinks to take me home, Z.
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Don't need to tell me that. You follow me home easy enough on your own.
[Does he understand what Baren's saying?? Does he even have the slightest clue??]
I just want to take you out. It's my idea to celebrate. Only fair.
[Does he understand what he's saying??????]
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one day
one day
zoro is going to come home to a giant banner in the houseboat that just says "i'd let you fuck me"
but today is not that day
anyway whenever baren is done being shocked at this level of density-]
.... You really need more friends if I'm the one you wanna take out....
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[100% genuine question, as if the thought of anyone else hadn't even crossed his mind. Probably because they hadn't.]
I'm fine having just you.
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Baren makes this face where he looks like he swallowed a bug. He falls half a step behind Zoro because he's legitimately stunned. Just him? What the fuck does that mean? He's not "just" anything - but that's also his immediate coping and nitpicking at anything that could make the statement less
well
He's quiet for a moment.
And then he's lifting a foot to literally kick Zoro's ass (he just got out of the hospital Baren) before running ahead, sticking out his tongue.]
You're too fucking slow! Did being stuck in the hospital again age you a thousand years? C'mon, gay grandpa...!! Maybe you can get a drink in before your bedtime!
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