PM to Tobias, Marco, Grell.

[espio]

[Espio's not bothered about having affected anyone other than a small handful of people. Time compression, after all. But that small handful of people? UH. Apology... might be needed, here.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to find words for "sorry, I was someone else." Thus, one short PM.]

This is definitely me.

No, I haven't figured out what happened yet.

Are we still on for Christmas dinner?

ESPIO

Comments

[PM]

[redcinemareel]

I'm starting to loathe you again.

Come to dinner.

Re: [PM]

[espio]

You already hated me. And now I hate me too - I actually remember being that other me, and I want him to come back so I can break his stupid emo ninja traitor ribs.

Anyway, I'm making the dinner. Beef, by the way, since I don't think Marco'd be interested in the traditional turkey.

[redcinemareel]

I didn't always hate you, just disliked you most days. There's a difference.

He's a far better fighter than you, also. Do you remember that?

Fantastic! I'm sure Marco will appreciate the consideration you're giving to the meal!

[espio]

Everything else is pretty standard, though. Made a Cjristmas pudding and everything.

And I suppose it's my fault time compression decided I needed to be a ninja, huh? Figured. Anyway, sure, he has some skill, but I'm a lot stronger and he can't take a hit - and I owe him one for making Toby cry.

[Sorry, ninja. As far as your counterpart's concerned, you should have figured out what was going on and bloody well explained yourself]

[redcinemareel]

What sort of Christmas pudding? [Very intrigued!]

Of course it's your fault! I can't kick Time Compression in the face, so you'll have to do!

...you made Toby cry, again?!

[espio]

The usual? The fruit pudding soaked in brandy.

And no, I didn't. He did. Because he barely knew Toby, Toby had no idea it wasn't me, and it looked like I forgot him. But like that's gonna matter to you. It'll be all my fault anyway.

[redcinemareel]

You're catching on quick~!

I'm sure he'll forgive you if you grovel.

[espio]

You're being predictable. That's why.

[Action]

[corruptedsouls]

[Tobias... hasn't really felt like checking the BBS since... you know. Of course, despite his better judgment, thanks to what his Dad's told him he's out and about looking for said ninja chameleon.]

[espio]

[Don't even ask why Espio is human today. He kind of feels like he blends in even better when not tiny and pink, and he's been... well, being miserable, to be honest, so he didn't want to draw attention to himself.

Still, when he spots Toby wandering, well...

He's him again! Let's go prove it!

By... sneaking up behind him, grabbing his wrist and spinning him round into a hug.

With a rather uncharacteristic, slightly sing-songy,]

Tooobyyyy~!

[corruptedsouls]

[OKAY BOY NOT EXPECTING THIS GWAH.

...The sing-songy is even weirder.]

E-Espio? [OH GOD WHO ARE YOU NOW.]

[espio]

[He can't help it. He's beaming - after all day of being miserable, Toby just had to pop up and even though it's only been about a week of not being himself he still actually missed him and, yep... so happy he's there and he's there and AAAA.]

Believe it or not! One hundred percent myself, too!

[corruptedsouls]

[Um...]

Are you sure about that?

[espio]

Definitely. Absolutely definitely.

[Backs up a bit, rubbing his head, that strange giddiness wearing off a little.]

Sorry. Missed you, you know?

[corruptedsouls]

[Well, if he says so, then that's good enough for Tobias! Now he's beaming too.]

You just usually don't sing and everything, so I thought Time Compression changed you again.

[...Still. Have a hug! Because ohgod he's so happy to see you too.]

I missed you too!

[espio]

Well... yeah, no excuse for that.

[Yay hug!]

I actually remember that guy, too. [Toby, if you weren't convinced, the way he growled that should tell you he's his normal cranky self.] Bastard.

[corruptedsouls]

[If there had been any further doubt, that would've crashed it. For now, though, Tobias releases the hug and just smiles that happy smile of his.]

He wasn't too bad. I... just was sad he didn't remember me.

[espio]

I didn't get the memory of his whole life or anything, but I got enough to know he's a lying, secretive, manipulative traitor.

[Yes, so okay, his impression may be tarred a little by the fact he just doesn't like him - ninja really isn't all that bad, though he is a secretive liar who did betray his friends...]

[corruptedsouls]

[...Weird. Why is Tobias laughing at that?]

[espio]

What's so funny?

[corruptedsouls]

You're cranky again, which means you really are you. So I'm really happy.

[espio]

[Irritable grumble, but hey. Have a squeeze.]

[corruptedsouls]

[He just giggles again at the grumble. Sorry, Espio, he will forever be happy to see you grumpy now.]

[espio]

[Kisses his forehead.]

So, you still want to go out after all that? I like seaside towns when it's too cold for tourists - we could eat out in Balamb.

[Like, a week after being ready for it?]

[corruptedsouls]

You bet! I always want to go out with you!

[Innocent smile~. Are you really surprised?]

[espio]

[Grin!]

Let's take a car out at five, then.

[corruptedsouls]

Okay! I'll tell Mom and Dad we're going.

[espio]

[There's something about that which seems to make Espio a little uncomfortable. He's pretty certain Grell wants to kill him for the five millionth time, and he has a funny feeling she'd come and spy on them. But, even so...]

Okay.

I'm hoping we'll be able to get back to Garden before curfew, but if not we'll have to stay in Balamb overnight - let them know that too.

[corruptedsouls]

Right!

[He gives Espio another hug and runs off to find said parents.]

[espio]

[And... he's gone.]

Seeya?