ironchef | Victory Road Inbox

[Normal teenagers with abnormal lives still trying to do normal teenage lives counts for something.]

Sure! I'm here.

[He's currently in Goldenrod, so the background is a cafe in the area. He gets up to go outside so he's not going to be heard or anything.] What's up?

[Marik shifts a bit - but then it seems he's gotten lucky today because he recognizes the background of the feed. His eyes widen.]

... Wait, are you in Goldenrod right now?

[His own backdrop is a room at one of the hotels in the city. He, Kaiba, and Atem have been hanging about after Marik took on the gym Wednesday.

He really hopes he isn't mistakened about Hunk's current location because this would feel a lot less awkward in person. No digital footprint. It'd be nice to spend time with the guy too so it's a win-win.]

Yeah, actually! I've been in the city looking up recipes. Finally.

Why, are you around?

[He perks up a little. For the most part he's been here on his own, mostly just getting used to being on his own, and had warned his friends that he'd be in Goldenrod for a little bit. That doesn't mean he doesn't call for a ride back when he gets homesick but... you know...]

[He's got a big cushy soft heart like that.]

It's just me and Shay out here with me. She's my Nidorina.

[This is good luck indeed. Any uncertainty he was feeling earlier is now replaced with excitement. He'll go back to being awkward when he actually needs to ask the question but for now...]

Yes! I just got my third badge the other day so my friends and I have been taking a bit of a break since then.

I remember you mentioning her before. It'll be nice to finally get to meet both of you in person! I'll bring Chenzira with me. He's grown up a lot these past couple of months. Ah-

[He's getting ahead of himself. Probably should confirm Hunk's location first.]

That's [idk some name of a café] you're at, right? I can be there in about five minutes if that works for you!

Yeah! I'll just go in and wait for you! They have an awesome cheesecake.

[And with that, Hunk heads back into Cafe [REDACTED] to wait on his new buddy. And he is excited 'cause... well, he's had his Voltron friends for forever. It's pretty great to make new friends.]

[He gets a brand new nice frothy warm coffee while he waits.]

Cheesecake sounds perfect. I'll see you in a bit!

[Time challenges are a thing with him. Even if Marik doesn't have his bike, when he sets up a limit he always tries to beat it. He gets to the café in four minutes flat. Although he's a bit winded from it.

And it's nice enough out for him to rock his ridiculously boujie furcoat for a change due to the weather clearing up. Marik is a boy with too much money, lived in a cult all his life, and no one to tell him no so his fashion sense is a strange one.

Once the tomb keeper has caught his breath, he pushes the door open and enters the café with Chen riding on top of his head (because the coat tickles his nose too much), then looks around for his friend. Marik finally spots Hunk and putters on over, a big grin on his face.]

H-Hey. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.

[Hunk looks pretty standard to his usual self. Khaki pants, a blue long-sleeved shirt with a circle that's reminiscent of a Snorlax belly (that's intentional), and a letterman jacket that doesn't really hide the fact that despite being a big guy? He's got the muscle to lift a car engine under that padding.]

[Not to mention he's tall. Just a big giant guy with a little coffee cup and swole arms. And do you know what those arms are good for? Hugging.]

Hi! It's great to finally meet you. You mind a hug? Because if you don't? You're getting a hug.

[Shay is sitting on a seat at the table he just left, looking contented with herself because dad has already spoiled her.]

[He knew Hunk was big but seeing him in person makes him look even bigger somehow.]

Mmn! I'm glad to finally meet you too.

[The question throws him off completely. Affection of any type is not something he's experienced much of since he was a child and even then, it was only from his siblings. He's hugged his pokémon and Kaiba a few times since coming here but that's about it.

Still... a hug does sound nice. And Hunk looks like the perfect person to give it. Chen floats down from his spot to sit across from Shay, introducing himself as their trainers talk.]

Ah... Sure!

[Marik laughs nervously.]

I don't mind.

[Yup! Big squishy hug incoming. Even picks him up for a brief second, but only briefly, but puts him back down.]

This is great! And way better to have a personal conversation in... person... I guess. That felt repetitive to say.

[Hunk is an awkward boy. Shay, in the meantime, picks up one of her leftover poffins to offer Chen with a little squawked 'Ni!' because she's polite like that.]

I'll order us some deserts. I really wanted to try this cheesecake out.

[Marik's light enough to lift with ease. He awkwardly hugs back, a gentle patpat to Hunk's shoulder with one hand, followed by a nervous little chuckle.

Oh.

... Right.

That was the reason he contacted him in the first place. Once he's set down, the teen sits down across from his friend and nods.]

Y-yeah. That's... what my mindset was. I wasn't expecting you to be in the area but I'm really thankful you are.

And you've got me curious too. You know I'm up for trying all kinds of different foods.

[Chen bows his head with a soft "oouh" sound and accepts the poffin, slowly nibbling away at it. He's got better manners than his trainer, that's for sure.

Marik folds his hands in front of him on the table, going over the lines he's rehearsed in his head. He's used to playing a part, being one step ahead. Talking from the heart is tough even with practiced dialog.

But... he trusts Hunk. Although it's their first time meeting in person, he feels safe around the guy since their initial chat. It's... nice to have someone like that. He just hopes he isn't being too clingy or something, or projecting too much.

Marik bites his bottom lip, feeling his face turning hot. This is embarrassing. Unfamiliar. He hates not being prepared for something - and that something being as simple as forming a relationship with someone.]

Hnn... So... er... what... what do you know about... dating?

[He doesn't really have a skin tone given to blushing, but he's not great at hiding expressions. But then again-]

I actually haven't dated- but I've had crushes. And I helped a couple of buddies get their dates. And my mom and dad were great examples of how to treat each other. [Hunk's got one of those remarkably tight knit, warm hearted, disgustingly kind families.]

So I think I have a pretty good view from the outside.

[Dating's always been a little strange for him. Being in military school and then going to space meant that he hasn't really had a chance to sit down with someone and say, 'Oh, I tend to like people based on personality. I don't find anyone hot, then I start liking them personally and suddenly I start seeing things physically attractive about them. What is that called?' That stuff? He's never managed for himself.]

[But he's seen how other people are.]

Are you thinking of dating someone? [He does take a quick moment to order their food so there's at least that moment to think about it.]

[Both of them have that problem so Hunk can probably tell just by the blonde's expression and how he's somewhat trying to hide his face under that poofy mane of his.

... He hasn't dated anyone either? Oh jeez. Now he feels even more foolish for having asked him. At least until Hunk gives him that explanation. That's what Marik is lacking. No actual reference to base what modern day relationships are like outside of what he's seen in 90s media once he came to the surface and people watching. Which isn't exactly good to mimic. He could just ignore what he's feeling and not bother at all but...]

I'm sorry to... spring this on you. I just... I didn't know who else to turn to.

[He moves to steeple his fingers and drum them together, trying to get out the nervous energy he's experiencing. (Chen is lowkey eavesdropping. He's been aware of the situation for a bit now.)]

Y-Yes. There's a girl... She's so kind, gentle... It's like she's made of light, she shines so brightly.

[Marik shifts again. Why did he wear a furcoat? It's getting uncomfortably warm in the café.]

I've never felt... anything like this before... but.. my only knowledge on relationships are arranged marriages and what I've seen in outside media. W-which... I imagine aren't good examples... I don't want to mess this up.

[You look like a Rock Star, Marik! Even with the anxiety heat you're doing fine.]

Nah, it's okay. I'm honored.

[Though the way Marik talks about this girl? He can tell he really likes her. Whoever this 'her' is. It sounds like she does Hunk's number one concern: consistant kindness. To him, a relationship isn't worth it if someone isn't consistantly kind to you. But the way he describes her, she sounds like an angel.]

Do you spend a lot of time together already? Er... what's her name? Or am I allowed to know that?

[He'd be glad to know that even if he's a mess, he's at least a hot mess. Marik does relax a bit when Hunk tells him he's honored though. At least he isn't being a burden.]

I really appreciate it.

Ah... a decent amount, yes. H... Her name's Fluttershy. I could tell she was pushing herself out of her comfort zone when we first spoke over the network shortly after I arrived but she's always so nice. I haven't wanted... to over step any boundaries so we haven't gotten to see each other much in person. I was able to spoil her with buying her an egg at the Battle Convention at least...

[Marik moves his hands out of the way and gently bonks his head against the table.]

Most recently I got to see Shy at the Halloween party and we watched the contest together...

[He lets out a bizarre, pathetic, nasally whine before muttering into the table.]

Shelookedreallyhotinhercostume...

Edited (redundant dialog fff) 2022-11-13 18:47 (UTC)

[That makes him chuckle a little. Not in a leering way or anything, but in that way that you have to pleasantly enjoy someone embarrassed for mostly good reasons.] She actually lives at the Voltron house!

Look, I'm a big fan of being up front. That way there's not a lot of misunderstanding and drawn out confusion. But if you're worried, my friend Allura is really good friends with her.

I could talk to Allura and see if she's open to going out on a date at all.

[Hunk's just a housemate and he's been a little distant since Pidge and Lance left, but Allura knows her. She could find out.] Not naming you specifically. Just, you know, is open to going out. Then you could ask her.

Edited 2022-11-13 19:21 (UTC)

[He deserves it. His reactions to things are always exaggerated when it comes to... well, most things.

Marik immediately looks up with wide eyes, surprised by his increasingly good luck today. First Hunk's in town at the same time as him, now he knows of Fluttershy, and one of his friends is good friends with her!]

So that's who she mentioned she was staying with down in Sevii...! I feel a lot better knowing she's with your group.

[He drums his fingers against the table, trying to decide if he should take Hunk up on his offer. The man's right in that he should be upfront though.]

That could work... I'm just... concerned I'll do the wrong thing, you know? I guess maybe I'm getting ahead of myself though if Fluttershy isn't even in interested in dating... S... Should I ask her myself? Would that... be a better way of handling this? Maybe she'd find that more... romantic?

I think it's less a romance thing and more a respect thing. The best thing you can do for anyone is act in a way that's respectful. And sometimes that's knowing someone's current boundaries. Or it's knowing that you'll be able to handle it if they're not ready for that yet.

[Hunk's mostly seen romance played out over nice meals or quiet moments. He also saw a lot of 'lonely pining guy sticking his foot in his mouth repeatedly rather than talking things out'.]

Do respectful first. Then romantic.

[Blink.]

Respectful first. Right...

[So being patient and collected will be the better way to go. No charging in without thinking, trying to impress her right off the bat. He can do that. He can do that easily. It's what he's good at, after all - playing the long game.]

Then... as long as you don't mind and if it isn't too much trouble, could you have Allura ask her? This way, if... she isn't interested, then I won't have ruined my friendship with her.

Well... If she's as nice as you say, and dude, you're awesomely polite, and you look like a rock star. I don't think your friendship would be ruined if she said no. But sometimes you just want to know what you're getting into.

Allura also came from a situation where she had a lot of weight on her so she didn't socialize that much, you know? She'll get it. She knows how hard it is.

[Hunk at least understand that his background, being as healthy as it is, is pretty lucky.]

[That comment takes him aback. Him? Polite? And... a rock star? He knew he was "exotic" looking by most people's standards and while he regards himself as incredibly handsome, to hear it actually come from someone else is odd. Certainly not a bad thing though.

Marik supposes he has been playing it safe with his interactions since coming here. It's been rather easy to just... act like nothing traumatic ever happened. Not talking about his past, only having a few people from his world here, and knowing his status as a tomb keeper doesn't matter in this place has helped with that.

Might not be the best way to work through trauma but he's done well enough so far, right?]

I... I do?

[He vaguely remembers seeing some J-rock things back in Domino City. Guess his aesthetic does kind of match that... Huh.]

What if me liking her but her not feeling the same made Fluttershy feel uncomfortable around me? That's the last thing I want to have happen, no matter how kind she is...

[He's over thinking this, clearly. Marik tilts his head a bit as Hunk tells him about Allura.]

Ah... She does? Then... if she's alright doing this for me, can you pass on my thanks? ... I owe you both big time.

Hey! I'm sure she'd love to help. She totally gets how this place is a chance for a lot of people to do normal things.

['Normal' is subjective, sure. Maybe 'common' would be a better word if it wasn't as loaded as it is.]

Be careful. Worrying about it too much means you can trip over your own tongue. Here's what I believe-

[He counts off on his fingers.] Be respectful. Be genuine. And then be romantic. [Surprisingly, he's not saying 'be honest' just because sometimes you just... can't be. Sometimes it's as big as someone living a life full of secrets. Or sometimes as small as someone having a bad day and they don't need to know they're not at the top of their looks game.]

['Genuine' is better.]

I really appreciate it, Hunk. Both you and Allura.

[He listens wide eyed and intently as his friend gives him valuable advice, following along by holding up his own fingers and counting down on them as he repeats him.]

Be careful but not to the point of paranoia-

[That's... something he'll need to work on.]

Be respectful and be genuine, then be romantic if the moment is right.... I... I think I can manage that.

[It's what he's been doing with his interactions with Shy so far.

But there is another thing that pops into his mind that he hadn't thought of before. Marik lowers his fingers and looks up at Hunk.]

... Fluttershy isn't fond of scary and gruesome things. What do I do... when she starts learning more about me and... my past?

Well... What about you and your past? You've only told me a little bit but it didn't sound like you were happy about it.

People can't always help the situations they were born into, you know? In my opinion a truly good person would respect how hard it is to turn away from something difficult and do better.

[He says that pre-emptively. He knows there were plenty of Galra that needed that room to change. Some of them, like Lotor, were not actually changed enough to matter. But some of them truly wanted to be 'free'.]

[Marik's never said a lot. But it's been pretty obvious he's not had a lot of options.]

It's... a lot.

[Marik glances over at Chen for a moment, the Yamask giving him a knowing nod. The blonde takes a deep breath and slowly exhales.]

... I've gone through a lot, I've done a lot of terrible things... willingly. I know I'm not the same person I was half a year ago but... those tendencies still pop up from time to time. I've been trying to better myself though...

I don't want to scare her or make her feel unsafe with me because I'm... not entirely stable. I'd never hurt her! I just... what if I'm too intense about something? Then she's too nice to say anything to me and it just festers until it becomes a wedge between us...?

[There he goes again, over thinking things even on a friendship level.]

Edited 2022-11-14 17:23 (UTC)

[He can see the concern. He remembers how worried Kieth was about them learning about the 'real' him. The same as Pidge. Sure, they didn't have terrible backgrounds, but they'd been purposefully misleading people.]

I mean, you're trying. Nobody's perfect, things aren't ever going to go without a problem. So, I dunno.... like I said, be genuine. If that's a part of you, then let her help you through it, and use that toughness it's given you in your training.

And hey, you have friends here. We'll all help you too. It won't just be on her, as a friend or a girlfriend.

[Then he chuckles awkwardly.]

And she has friends too that'll give her good advice if she needs it. [Whether it's to 'get out' or giving her ideas on how to help. For once it barely registers when they're food is dropped on the table.]

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video > action;

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I'm sorry I had the perfect icon for the counting

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