bakerstreet | dialogue prompt!

What...?

[ Failed step one: not falling for another obvious bs comment. He almost drops the soda he'd just grabbed from the shelf, only managing to catch it at the last second with both his hands. ~~This will be fun to open later.~~ The door slams back shut in both of their faces with a rather loud noise, and Saihara doesn't have it in him to look around and discover how much attention that drew. Damn it. It's at times like these that he kind of misses his hat. ]

What kind of question is that? Of course I'm not! It's just...

[ There has to be some kind of logical explanation he can conjure up; something that doesn't imply in any way that he pays some kind of special mind to the other. Even if he does, it wouldn't be for that kind of reason. ]

...you had a bunch of them with you the time we were both on cleaning duty in the yard. Remember?

[ There. That settles it, though... He may have managed to talk his way out of that one, but it's possible he just dug his grave even deeper in other ways. So much for not paying too much attention to Ouma. ]

[Cue obnoxious horse laughter at Shuichi's fumbling. It's very endearing. The fumbling, that is, not the awful laugh.]

Wow, you have such a good memory! It's true. Saihara-chan knows me so well!

[Kokichi decides to be merciful and leave it at that. Or maybe that statement itself is a lowkey form of teasing, since...it sure does make it sound like Shuichi pays lots of attention to him. Which he apparently does. Kokichi's not getting excited about that or anything, no sir.

Either way, he sticks close as he leads the way to the register, leaning casually against a display while he waits for Shuichi to pay. Yeah, he really is just gonna let him take care of it.]

I was totally gonna have you killed for dragging me around and almost getting me in trouble, but I guess I'll let you off with just this.

[ It's not like Saihara expected much else; the whole concept of buying something for someone kind of... already implied that. Somehow though, on the way to the checkout (because they are absolutely going to use self-checkout instead of talk to an actual person), he manages to procure a second can for himself. It's just some kind of milk tea, he doesn't even get the time to register the details that well, what with someone kind of rushing everything along.

Still, there should be nothing suspicious about that; they were both running the whole way here, and it's not a lie that he could use a drink too. Even if the main purpose of buying it is actually as a backup for his plan. ]

Ah... Do you really get to say that? You're the one who got me into trouble...

[ Kind of bizarre to think that he's used to hearing things like that by now. And they're in the middle of a semi-crowded convenience store anyway, with just as many people outside; even if that ridiculous reason had made any sense, Ouma wouldn't kill him here of all places. ]

Let's just... go. I think I saw something like a small park across the street. There has to be somewhere we can sit.

[Yup, nothing weird about that. He pays attention too – and Shuichi does like tea.]

Ehh? You're blaming me? But I'm a model citizen!

[ sure jan

Kokichi is all about invading that personal bubble, leaning in close while Shuichi is paying like he's just gotta see everything going on, even this mundane shit.]

But despite these awful accusations... Sure! I'd love to go to the park with Saihara-chan!

[Of course, he says it all with the same exaggerated tone that makes it hard to tell which parts are lies. Maybe all of it? After all, why would he ever wanna spend time with Shuichi? Gross.]

[ Model citizens don't buy spray paint and then try to use it on expensive-looking cars... Or at least, pretend they're going to and then frame someone else for no reason. They definitely don't do that either.

But he's too tired to keep arguing, and-- ]

O...Ouma-kun!?

[ If gravity wasn't a thing he might have just gone all the way to the ceiling with the way he jumps. What the heck!? He was just done paying and stuffing the receipt into the recyclable bag that now houses their drinks, and then suddenly there's a puff of air from someone literally breathing down his neck, and the other boy's voice right in his ear. A couple of staggering steps are quick to carry him away, while he rubs at the collar of his coat with his only free hand.

It's a miracle he hasn't dropped the bag, in all honesty. ]

I get you don't trust me, but do you have to stick so close? I'm... not going to run away with a soda I don't even really drink.

[Kokichi snickers, but quickly plasters on a hurt look, a hand clutched to his chest like he is just so wounded.]

Why would I think that? I trust Saihara-chan more than anyone!

[But Shuichi is in such a hurry to get away from him... Kokichi backpedals, slapping on a smile as he trails after the other boy toward the door.]

That's a lie, of course. You're definitely trying to steal the drink you paid for, aren't you?

[That's...not even stealing, though. Unless that's the point he's indirectly trying to make...?]

[ Which one even is it? Damn it, he's still recovering from the sudden shock of finding Ouma that close, he's in no state to be trying to discern what part of that is true or not. Knowing the other, maybe both are just lies. ]

I don't think that matches the definition of stealing...

[ He's tired.

The fresh air outside helps a little however, and so does the excuse of having to look for the place he'd suggested a minute ago. "Something like a small park" turns out to have been the most accurate description he could have given; sure, there are a couple of benches and some trees but mostly... ]

Ah... I guess it's more of a playground. But it does look like we can sit there.

[ Once the stoplight in front of them changes and they can cross the street, at least. ]

[Shockingly, Kokichi looks even more excited by the idea of a playground than he did by the park.]

I guess that's alright.

[He sounds more put-out than he looks, which says plenty.

While they wait for the light, Kokichi catches the edge of Shuichi's plastic bag and rifles through it for his soda. He emerges victorious just in time for the light to change and immediately grabs Shuichi's wrist to drag him across impatiently.

It's just chilly enough that there aren't many people hanging around outside, let alone kids in the playground. There are benches, but Kokichi instead makes a bee-line for the swings and hops into one of the seats.]

[ And this is... exactly why he bought a second drink. He figured that might happen. ]

W-Wait... Ouma-kun!

[ The sudden start is a little surprising since, you know, like most normal people Saihara crosses the street by walking. He hadn't expected to just be jogging behind the other boy for no reason. Although after the couple of awkward first steps, in which he by miracle manages not to trip, he has to admit it feels kind of... fun. ]

You sure don't look like someone who's only settling.

[ Called out -- but it might be the first time the slightest trace of a smile has crossed Saihara's features since this whole thing began. Exhaling a pent-up breath from all the adrenaline that's now finally starting to leave his body, he moves around the swing Ouma has decided to occupy.

While he does so, the rustling sounds of the bag being fiddled with can be heard -- which could be just him trying to get his own drink out, but... by the end of the motion, it's actually rolled around the can into a wrapper of some sort. There, that should prevent any of the condensed water on the metallic surface from getting out. Once he has it that way, he's careful in stepping closer, before pressing the cold object against Ouma's shoulder; the one he'd complained about, of course. ]

There. Does that feel any better...?

[While Shuichi fusses with his drink or whatever it is he's doing, Kokichi's settling into the swing, tugging his sleeves over his hands to protect them from the chill coating the metal swing chains. His legs kick where they dangle just above the ground, a hair too short to make contact.

And then suddenly there's a press of something cold against him. His coat eats up the worst of it, but he still stiffens, looking back to Shuichi with a startled look before he fully processes the situation.

Ah.]

...Wow, did you actually believe I was hurt? Of course that was a lie!

[Just gotta shove Shuichi's kindness right back in his face, instead of just...y'know, acting like a normal person.

But he grins brightly anyway, oddly pleased.]

Saihara-chan is pretty nice, huh? Even if he's super gullible.

I'm not... that gullible.

[ It's a weak argument considering the entirety of today is something that just happened, but... he's also not trying very hard to make it. Maybe he's just getting better at reading Ouma, but the comment doesn't really bother him to be honest. ]

I couldn't be certain if it was a lie or not. You don't exactly... make that easy to guess, Ouma-kun.

[ But it's not like he hadn't thought about it at all, or accepted it without trace of a doubt. It's just, if his two options were to err on the side of being a decent human being or on the side of potentially not caring he's hurt someone, of course he'd pick the first.

But what's more frustrating is that his retort wasn't a criticism either. As much as he doesn't like to admit it, when he's trying to figure out Ouma's lies, he can't help but want to do it. Before he knows it, he gets drawn in and the rest of the world seems to fade for a bit. Holding back another tired sigh (did he seriously just think that?) he just lets himself drop into the next swing over, adjacent to the one Ouma's in. Whatever. He doesn't regret the choice he made, so he has nothing to hide. ]

[Most people wouldn't bother being decent where Kokichi is concerned. Maybe that's why he likes pestering Shuichi the most. One of the reasons, anyway.]

Of course I'm not gonna make it easy! You just gotta try harder if you really wanna see through my lies.

[There's an out hidden in there – if Shuichi doesn't want to, he doesn't have to bother. But it's strangely exhilarating to think that maybe he tries so hard because he does want to understand.

Humming contently, Kokichi shoves his hands in his pockets to protect them from the cold. Something crinkles softly inside one of them – he may have swiped something from that display while Shuichi was busy paying.]

Buuut I guess that kindness still deserves a reward. Want a kiss?

[ Does he want a... wait. What? ]

I... What?

[ For the longest time over that barely mumbled word, Saihara's mind just... blanks out, like the exact same question is looping through on repeat. It takes a while for his face to even start burning, though he's at least aware he really wants to hide that but... the most he can manage is a shaky hand through the fringe of his hair.

He's barely even conscious of the way his own body shifts away by reflex, until the opposite chain from the swing gives a protesting series of jingles when his back hits against it. They weren't even that close, considering they're sitting in different ones, but he still needs more distance from Ouma right now. Or at least... He needs more time to process where that even came from.

What... What kind of question even is that!? At least the trace of indignation helps. ]

Messing with me isn't a reward, Ouma-kun.

[ Which is... a reply. One that sure doesn't answer the question, but a reply. Wow, the tree in the distance is certainly fascinating to stare at. ]

[Wow. That sure is one hell of a facial journey Shuichi's going through. Kokichi watches him change colors with barely restrained glee until he finally dredges up a response, at which point Kokichi just cackles, the swing shaking and clinking softly with him.

When he finally calms down – and unfortunately for Shuichi, it's a long few moments – he pulls his hand back out of his pocket, and with it a crinkling bag of candy – Hershey's chocolate kisses, in fact.

Grinning, he tears the bag open and leans over as if to offer Shuichi one.]

Jeez, it's just chocolate! What were you thinking of?

[ It's fine. Or you know, it's not fine but being laughed at does do wonders for returning him to his senses. ]

I think I told you exactly what I was thinking.

[ That Ouma's messing with him, which happens to have been right on the money. The way he reached said conclusion notwithstanding, though.

But now that he's calmer it doesn't take long for the rest of the dots to start connecting in his mind. Wait. The stand from earlier... had something like this on display, didn't it? He wasn't specifically looking, so there's a chance he's remembering wrong, but... Ouma had a decent amount of time to hang around it, without Saihara being able to pay much attention. And would it really not have made any noise the whole way they were running if he'd had it in his pocket all along?

With all the stacked evidence, you can't blame him for feeling a bit apprehensive. ]

Where... did you get those?

[Kokichi gives Shuichi the most innocent look, shaking the bag a little to emphasize the offer.]

Hm? I brought them from home. It's a precautionary measure. I have to eat something sweet at least once every three hours or I'll die!

[As if to build on that point, he retracts the bag to fish one of the chocolates out himself, quickly peeling the foil off and popping the sweet into his mouth. Slightly muffled around the chocolate melting on his tongue, he carries right on:]

So it's suuuper generous of me to be offering you some of my emergency stash. You should be more grateful!

[ As usual, Ouma has an unblinking answer for everything. It's probably just another lie anyway, but without solid evidence to the contrary, it's not like Saihara can easily prove it. And Ouma knows this, so he's taking advantage. Damn it. Where does he even get away with blaming him right now? The last time he took something from Ouma's hands and it only landed him into trouble isn't exactly... old history at the moment.

But then, something else catches his attention. ]

Ah... home? Are you talking about your dorm room?

[ He can't help it, he's asking before he knows it. They all live in the dorms at school, right? But he isn't quite certain that's the word most people would use to describe it. Even to him, his mental idea of 'home' is still his house, regardless that he's not living there right now. Is he reading too much into this? ]

[Mm. Chocolate good. Kokichi sucked contentedly at the sweet, letting it melt in his mouth. He leans back offer to offer Shuichi the bag again, the swing swaying gently with the motion.]

Yeah, what about it?

[He's certainly not thinking too much about the lie he just pulled out of his ass for no real reason. If Shuichi's gonna psychoanalyze his choice of words, though...]

[ Except, maybe the fact that Ouma isn't thinking too much about it already provides enough answers on its own. ]

No, it's nothing.

[ Back to the bag of candy, which... he still has to stare apprehensively at for a moment. The memory of taking the can of spray paint and then paying the price for that move is still fresh in his mind. But if he doesn't take one, he won't be able to check the sole detail that might be able to either clear or verify his suspicions about where they're from.

Augh. Without the protective layer of a sleeve, like what Ouma had done with his clothes, the swing's chain feels chilly against his hand while he uses one to hold on and lean closer. His other does reach out though, carefully fishing a single chocolate from within the bag. ]

Don't tell me this is the only thing you're planning to eat.

[Unfortunately, reading between the lines of these little things he lets slip are probably Shuichi's best bet at actually learning anything real about his background. Just asking sure isn't gonna help, that's probably obvious enough by now.

But he grins around his chocolate, pleased that Shuichi finally accepted his goodwill.]

Of course not! Because of a certain generous detective, I also have a drink to wash it down!

[He lifts the soda, waving it gently so as to not cause problems for himself when he opens it in a bit. See? A whole meal. He takes such good care of himself, clearly.]

[ Nothing happens. His would-be "reward" makes it safely out of the bag and into his hand, and even as he withdraws with it, things stay normal. Was Ouma maybe... really trying to pay him back for the drink, in some really roundabout way? ]

You know that's not what I meant.

[ He almost laughs -- this whole situation is honestly more than a little bizarre by now. Though he catches himself at the very last moment, but by then it's too late to erase the signs of a smile from the corners of his lips. ]

Don't complain when you end up with a stomach ache later.

[ Given the friendly mood that they've fallen into, he almost... feels a little guilty about what he's doing. But he can't help it -- as a detective, once he has a theory, he really can't stop until he follows it to the end. So discreetly, he turns the chocolate around in his hand, checking the wrapper for any markings. Something like a lot number, or at least the expiration date... ]

[Unfortunately for Shuichi, the chocolates themselves only have a simple foil wrapping. All the production details must be on the bag Kokichi's holding. The game becomes just a bit more difficult.]

Aww, Saihara-chan's such a worrywart! It's okay, my stomach is made of steel.

[And despite all the nonsense Kokichi's put him through, it looks like he still managed to wring at least a teeny smile out of Shuichi. A soft laugh escapes him and he shifts in his seat, trying to get the swing swaying sideways. It'd be way easier if his feet could actually reach the ground.]

[ The universe is really making him work for this truth bullet. ]

Ah, hey! Watch it...!

[ Ouma's swing veers close enough, on the erratic trajectory it obviously wasn't made to travel, that Saihara has to plant one foot on the ground in a panic as he attempts to steer his own out of the way. The chains from both rattle loudly with all the sudden strain placed on them, although... despite the fears he couldn't help but give into, the motion falls short in the end. Maybe it's because Ouma's too small to properly do this, or maybe the swings are just built to not go that far... and the other probably knew from the start.

Damn it. He fell right for that one too. ]

What was the point of giving me this if you're the one who won't let me eat it?

[ By not giving him time to, he means in his frustration, but that's honestly an excuse. What he really wants time for, of course, is to think of a way to take a closer look at the bag of chocolates. The wrapper alone not having what he needs was already a possibility he'd accounted for, it's just... difficult to form any coherent plans if he's busy getting caught up in all of Ouma's little games. ]

[The solution is pretty obvious, but Shuichi is the king of overthinkers...]

Who's stopping you? It's not my fault you're taking so long to just put it in your mouth!

[Kokichi snickers, making another attempt at swing bumper cars. Fortunately for Shuichi, the designer of this particular swing set seems to have anticipated that kind of childish nonsense and spaced the seats just far enough apart to avoid any collisions. He once again falls just short of actually being able to bump into Shuichi, and with a sigh he gives up and lets the swaying play itself out until it finally comes to a stop.]

[ To be honest this could probably be solved so much faster if he just had the backbone to reach for the bag and snatch it, but. He's worried Ouma would prove quicker. Being elusive is what the other does best, after all.

Ah, but maybe... it's that exact same trait which might offer him an out. ]

Say what you want, but I can see you trying to distract me, Ouma-kun.

[ It's not lying if he utilizes the truth. Sure, exposing Ouma's deflection tactics is far from his primary motivator here, but it's not like the other has to know that. Warily, Saihara watches the swing as it sways to a slow, like he's gauging the pattern between those moves. Because he is -- then at just the right moment, he reaches out and... ]

Give it up. I'm not about to just let you get sick.

[ ...he goes for the bag. With at least a somewhat legit reason, so that even if he fails he won't be exposed and risk losing all other chances he might have had. ]

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