[ thank god for Responsible Adults. actually just thank god for steven, who's always a big help.
there's a lull. honestly, even if this is steven, asking this is just a tad bit embarrassing. being surrounded by all this everything just made his world seem a little smaller; all these life-threatening issues and here he is wondering how to cook of all things. ]
It's a little silly|
[ nope. backspace backspace backspace.
if he was chat, this was where he'd put in the cat emoji. and he'd go: (^=˃ᆺ˂) i'm purrty sure i'm going to burn down the apt! (FLAME EMOJI) (FLAME EMOJI). less cat puns if it was a text to nino, but this isn't a text to nino, and this isn't a text as chat.
god. ]
Well... This is actually the first time I've been alone.
[ alone alone!! ]
and I'm kind of lost?
[ ggggggooooddd. this is the best impression to make on steven, who is so cool and not at all a loser nerd who likes rocks too much. ]
[ the pause in messages has him wondering exactly what adrien has to ask him - it could be a multitude of things, and he can only hope that he can provide the help he needs. he considers himself a good role model, but adrien isn't a pokémon trainer. if it's personal, he may run into some trouble...
but now's not the time to dwell on that. he has a new message. it's... oh. adrien... ]
and it occurs to adrien to maybe explain his situation so it's less sad, but then that entails touching on his irregular background and rigid schedules, right down to nutritionists. that's... awkward, and one of the good parts about this whole thing is that he got to move away from that.
he doesn't feel judged, however, which is more due to the fact that it's steven than anything else. ]
More like completely not sure. I may have been putting it nicely?
[ inside his mind: (PRAYER EMOJI) (PRAYER EMOJI) ]
I had a lot of help before, so this is all pretty new.
[ and he's not looking to judge! actually, it kind of brings him back a little - before he set out on his journey, being raised in the stone household was filled with lessons and schedules. while the fact that steven's father wasn't completely evil made things a little less rigid than they were for adrien, he can still understand the sentiment. ]
It takes bravery to admit something like that, you know. Even if it's put "nicely".
[ u should be proud, kid. humility is a gentleman's first step! ]
[ oh, he has skarmory all right! but he's nestled nicely into his poké ball attatched to steven's belt, simply due to the fact that bringing gigantic birds into apartment complexes usually doesn't bode well.
instead, he'll have a much more travel-sized companion floating by his side when he knocks at adrien's door. ]
[ and when adrien opens the door to let steven in, that welcoming smile of his is going to turn into the standard curiosity-with-hints-of-wonder towards that travel-sized companion.
sure, he loves the cool pokémon... but he hadn't quite expected steven to actually bring one.
[ ...okay, that gets an honest-to-goodness chuckle out of him. it's a good guess for someone who's not familiar with pokémon, but it's a cute one. ]
Well... you're not wrong, but there's a little more to it than that. This is a Beldum - Metagross' pre-evolved form.
[ it's differently coloured than metagross as well, but that red eye and basic structure is definitely unmistakably like the behemoth that adrien had seen before. this little one also seems to be much more social, getting all up in adrien's grill and chirping inquisitively at him. are you a new friend? ]
[ he moves over a little to let steven further into the apartment, leaning back a bit as beldum zips close to him. he's a little shy about the whole thing, more used to the... less energetic skarmory and metagross; it's a very big contrast, since he'd associated pokemon with big and majestic.
not that its a bad contrast. he laughs a little. ABSOLUTELY NEW FRIEND. ]
Nice to meet you, Beldum. I'm Adrien. [ ... this is where he'd raise his hand for a handshake, but beldum doesn't have hands. can he pet floating metal even if it's cute??? he has no clue.
a glance at steven, then back to beldum. ]
So, is Beldum going to grow up to be like Metagross?
[ while most of steven's pokemon are big and majestic, he does have a few others that he keeps at his side as companions and helpers. beldum and aron in particular are perfect for helping excavate mineral specimens in caves, so he's bred plenty of them in his time as a trainer. as a steel-type specialist, he knows all there is to know about them.
while beldum certainly does not have hands, it'll lean into and nuzzle happily into anything remotely resembling an open hand from adrien. hi, smaller human! ]
With time and training, yes. But this Beldum is still quite young, so it'll take a while before it reaches that point.
because adrien's definitely got an open hand, and he's definitely going to take that nuzzling with some very poorly masked excitement. like, the makings of a dumb goofy grin on his face? eyes probably sparkling a bit. it's, like, the mini version of that badass majestic floating rock steven rode on and it likes him. maybe. he's petting a floating rock-badass-in-training. ]
I bet you'll get super strong.
[ all hush-hush to mini-metagross (like steven can't hear, but adrien's aware he can). after, he clears his throat a little to collect himself. ]
Er... Sounds like there's a lot to know about them. How long does it usually tak—
[ he's getting distracted. he could sit here all day talking about pokémon. adrien blinks, then, sheepishly: ]
—I mean, you didn't come here to tell me all about that stuff. [ tell him tho. still he has to remember his agreste manners. so. ] Do you want some tea, or water? Before I ask for your help with this one specific thing...
[ whether steven can hear it or not (he can), beldum will nod and intensify its expression. it's kind of a coward, but steven says it has potential! one day, it'll be brave enough to even battle. just you watch, human friend adrien.
steven can't help but smile as he watches the scene - the boy is a natural with pokémon. even if he isn't a trainer, it's always nice to see pokémon and humans getting along. ]
We can talk about it later if you're still curious. [ oh, but he could definitely go for some tea. ] If you'll join me for a cup, tea sounds nice.
... just kidding! adrien nods at both of those statements—that hint of enthusiasm showing again—gesturing for steven to take a seat at the table further into the apartment. he can do tea!! and he would definitely join Cool Adult for it, so: ]
Give me a second!
[ or, well, more than a second, but he'll go set that up. it takes a moment for adrien to come back with two cups, and then he slips away again to return with a plate of dessert. ]
I don't know if you like blueberry cheese tarts, but I had some—
[ —the sound of something falling over cuts him off, and adrien's immediate thought is plagg.
god, he knew he should've chosen the croissants instead. but the tarts looked so delicious?! how was he supposed to wait until steven was out of here to eat one??
(and already he can imagine plagg going "my cheese, adrien, you gave him my cheese!") ]
he does take that seat, but he heard that sound, too. adrien doesn't seem to be addressing it, but it's caught his attention. even beldum perks up, looking curiously to where it thinks it heard it. ]
he really tries to seem as neutral as possible, which is fortunately. somewhat easy. given his IMMENSE EXPERIENCE with awkward situations (too bad he doesn't realize his bullshit acting doesn't work on people who are not fifteen!).
don't look towards the couch don't look around the stack of books nested on the floor beside the couch, which isn't really visible from their position but was definitely. audible. and he's going to now pretend wasn't. ]
[ it was small and muffled, but definitely a "thump". beldum is floating closer to the couch to look at it curiously, but... no response. steven watches it, but eventually turns back to adrien. ]
...I guess it doesn't matter. I'll take you up on the blueberry cheese tart, though.
[ jjjjesus. he's not going to be relieved, because he should have no reason to be. internally, though, he's definitely letting the flatline in his mind restart.
as he serves steven a tart.
beldum, however, may notice a little black antenna peeking out from the book pile if it looks there, so maybe adrien shouldn't be fully relaxing yet. ]
That might've been in my room. I was moving things around... I think I left some books on the edge of my bed.
[ ha. ha. he blinks, definitely thinking that steven's sniffing the Weird, and that small smile is telling. not that he can express any gratitude towards the older man's respect for adrien's secrets, because that would entail having secrets in the first place. which he doesn't.
right. adrien returns the smile tentatively, as if insinuating that the possibility of that "something else" is odd and unnecessary!!!, before moving on! ]
Uh. It's...
[ and this time he's visibly more shy about the whole thing, not due to NOT PRESENT SECRETS!! and more like not present life skills. he fiddles with the handle of his cup, then raises his hand to lightly brush the back of his head when he finally lets out a quiet: ]
[ oh god. adrien feels something like a rock (heh) in his stomach because
—no, he picked the wrong adult—
just kidding, he thinks this must be so basic and easy for steven that it's a ridiculous, flatlining thought for him that adrien doesn't know such a SIMPLE!! THING!! ]
... Cooking. [ he repeats after steven repeats with a nod, trying to find the words to say. ] I know, I should know, but—
[ not seeming put together in front of adults you kind of admire is the worst
he can run up a building do you wanna see him run up a building ]
[ no, that's about right. you honestly did pick the wrong adult for this, adrien. he honestly feels bad that this is the one thing that adrien needs help with, because it's by no means in his area of expertise. this is what happens when you have enough money to buy all the pre-made food you need.
he honestly can't help but laugh a little, but it's paired with a shake of his head and a sigh as he exasperatedly runs his fingers through his hair. ]
No, no, I understand completely.
[ he's not laughing at adrien, but at his own incompetence. fuck his hot gay rich life. ]
Though I'm afraid I'll have to be honest with you... When it comes to that, you and I are probably at the same level.
text.
there's a lull. honestly, even if this is steven, asking this is just a tad bit embarrassing. being surrounded by all this everything just made his world seem a little smaller; all these life-threatening issues and here he is wondering how to cook of all things. ]
It's a little silly|
[ nope. backspace backspace backspace.
if he was chat, this was where he'd put in the cat emoji. and he'd go: (^=˃ᆺ˂) i'm purrty sure i'm going to burn down the apt! (FLAME EMOJI) (FLAME EMOJI). less cat puns if it was a text to nino, but this isn't a text to nino, and this isn't a text as chat.
god. ]
Well...
This is actually the first time I've been alone.
[ alone alone!! ]
and I'm kind of lost?
[ ggggggooooddd. this is the best impression to make on steven, who is so cool and not at all a loser nerd who likes rocks too much. ]
text.
but now's not the time to dwell on that. he has a new message. it's... oh. adrien... ]
You're not quite sure how to live on your own?
text.
and it occurs to adrien to maybe explain his situation so it's less sad, but then that entails touching on his irregular background and rigid schedules, right down to nutritionists. that's... awkward, and one of the good parts about this whole thing is that he got to move away from that.
he doesn't feel judged, however, which is more due to the fact that it's steven than anything else. ]
More like completely not sure.
I may have been putting it nicely?
[ inside his mind: (PRAYER EMOJI) (PRAYER EMOJI) ]
I had a lot of help before, so this is all pretty new.
[ that's one way to put it, right... ]
text.
It takes bravery to admit something like that, you know. Even if it's put "nicely".
[ u should be proud, kid. humility is a gentleman's first step! ]
I'd be happy to help in any way I can.
text.
the kind of adult even the bubbler wouldn't send up into space. ]
You would say something like that.
[ reasons why adrien came to him, after all. he is a grown gentleman and adrien is simply a bitty gentleman. ]
Is it okay if you come over?
text.
I'm on my way. Text me your address.
text.
but adrien texts his address shortly after, feeling much less tentative about the whole thing. ]
Hopefully one of these days I'll be able to do a favor for you instead.
Thanks!
[ always helpin' him out... (also, adrien resists the urge to ask steven to bring skarmory.)
time to bribe plagg into hiding with camembert. ]
action.
instead, he'll have a much more travel-sized companion floating by his side when he knocks at adrien's door. ]
action.
[ and when adrien opens the door to let steven in, that welcoming smile of his is going to turn into the standard curiosity-with-hints-of-wonder towards that travel-sized companion.
sure, he loves the cool pokémon... but he hadn't quite expected steven to actually bring one.
this is a new one, too...! ]
—And Metagross Junior?
[ oh god it's the first thing he thought of ]
action.
Well... you're not wrong, but there's a little more to it than that. This is a Beldum - Metagross' pre-evolved form.
[ it's differently coloured than metagross as well, but that red eye and basic structure is definitely unmistakably like the behemoth that adrien had seen before. this little one also seems to be much more social, getting all up in adrien's grill and chirping inquisitively at him. are you a new friend? ]
action.
not that its a bad contrast. he laughs a little. ABSOLUTELY NEW FRIEND. ]
Nice to meet you, Beldum. I'm Adrien. [ ... this is where he'd raise his hand for a handshake, but beldum doesn't have hands. can he pet floating metal even if it's cute??? he has no clue.
a glance at steven, then back to beldum. ]
So, is Beldum going to grow up to be like Metagross?
action.
while beldum certainly does not have hands, it'll lean into and nuzzle happily into anything remotely resembling an open hand from adrien. hi, smaller human! ]
With time and training, yes. But this Beldum is still quite young, so it'll take a while before it reaches that point.
action.
because adrien's definitely got an open hand, and he's definitely going to take that nuzzling with some very poorly masked excitement. like, the makings of a dumb goofy grin on his face? eyes probably sparkling a bit. it's, like, the mini version of that badass majestic floating rock steven rode on and it likes him. maybe. he's petting a floating rock-badass-in-training. ]
I bet you'll get super strong.
[ all hush-hush to mini-metagross (like steven can't hear, but adrien's aware he can). after, he clears his throat a little to collect himself. ]
Er... Sounds like there's a lot to know about them. How long does it usually tak—
[ he's getting distracted. he could sit here all day talking about pokémon. adrien blinks, then, sheepishly: ]
—I mean, you didn't come here to tell me all about that stuff. [ tell him tho. still he has to remember his agreste manners. so. ] Do you want some tea, or water? Before I ask for your help with this one specific thing...
action.
steven can't help but smile as he watches the scene - the boy is a natural with pokémon. even if he isn't a trainer, it's always nice to see pokémon and humans getting along. ]
We can talk about it later if you're still curious. [ oh, but he could definitely go for some tea. ] If you'll join me for a cup, tea sounds nice.
action. 1/2
... just kidding! adrien nods at both of those statements—that hint of enthusiasm showing again—gesturing for steven to take a seat at the table further into the apartment. he can do tea!! and he would definitely join Cool Adult for it, so: ]
Give me a second!
[ or, well, more than a second, but he'll go set that up. it takes a moment for adrien to come back with two cups, and then he slips away again to return with a plate of dessert. ]
I don't know if you like blueberry cheese tarts, but I had some—
action.
god, he knew he should've chosen the croissants instead. but the tarts looked so delicious?! how was he supposed to wait until steven was out of here to eat one??
(and already he can imagine plagg going "my cheese, adrien, you gave him my cheese!") ]
... So I thought I'd share?
[ just
going to casually
not touch on that at all.
yyyyeaaahhhhh. ]
action.
he does take that seat, but he heard that sound, too. adrien doesn't seem to be addressing it, but it's caught his attention. even beldum perks up, looking curiously to where it thinks it heard it. ]
Did you hear that?
action.
he really tries to seem as neutral as possible, which is fortunately. somewhat easy. given his IMMENSE EXPERIENCE with awkward situations (too bad he doesn't realize his bullshit acting doesn't work on people who are not fifteen!).
don't look towards the couch don't look around the stack of books nested on the floor beside the couch, which isn't really visible from their position but was definitely. audible. and he's going to now pretend wasn't. ]
... Hear what?
[ yes
nailed it!! ]
action.
[ it was small and muffled, but definitely a "thump". beldum is floating closer to the couch to look at it curiously, but... no response. steven watches it, but eventually turns back to adrien. ]
...I guess it doesn't matter. I'll take you up on the blueberry cheese tart, though.
action.
as he serves steven a tart.
beldum, however, may notice a little black antenna peeking out from the book pile if it looks there, so maybe adrien shouldn't be fully relaxing yet. ]
That might've been in my room. I was moving things around... I think I left some books on the edge of my bed.
[ mhm.
... he'll sit down now too. ]
action.
[ he's joking... right? it sure sounded like he was, but that small smile might say a little different.
anyway. thanks for the tart, he'll be taking that. ]
So, tell me about this one specific thing you need help with.
action.
right. adrien returns the smile tentatively, as if insinuating that the possibility of that "something else" is odd and unnecessary!!!, before moving on! ]
Uh. It's...
[ and this time he's visibly more shy about the whole thing, not due to NOT PRESENT SECRETS!! and more like not present life skills. he fiddles with the handle of his cup, then raises his hand to lightly brush the back of his head when he finally lets out a quiet: ]
... Cooking?
[ help ]
action.
[ he repeats it, just trying to make sure that he heard it right. cooking? like... making food? by yourself?
for once, his expression looks a little... blank. ]
action.
—no, he picked the wrong adult—
just kidding, he thinks this must be so basic and easy for steven that it's a ridiculous, flatlining thought for him that adrien doesn't know such a SIMPLE!! THING!! ]
... Cooking. [ he repeats after steven repeats with a nod, trying to find the words to say. ] I know, I should know, but—
[ not seeming put together in front of adults you kind of admire is the worst
he can run up a building do you wanna see him run up a building ]
action.
he honestly can't help but laugh a little, but it's paired with a shake of his head and a sigh as he exasperatedly runs his fingers through his hair. ]
No, no, I understand completely.
[ he's not laughing at adrien, but at his own incompetence. fuck his hot gay rich life. ]
Though I'm afraid I'll have to be honest with you... When it comes to that, you and I are probably at the same level.
action.
action.
action.
action.
action.
action.
action.
action.
action.
action.