[Spanner likes any kind of convention or expo where new games and tech are being shown off. He actually goes to them more regularly than Shoichi, so when his agent - he quietly marvels sometimes that he's become popular enough to have an agent - offers to pay half his way to a specific convention, Spanner jumps at the chance. He'd probably have ended up going entirely on his own dime otherwise.
(He doesn't consider the release of the mech MMO to be a schedule conflict. He'll play it one way or another, no matter where he is. If his sleep schedule becomes even worse than usual, so be it.)
He's been vaguely aware of Shoichi's plans to attend some con in the near future, and of his being secretive about it. He's been doing much the same thing himself in regards to this con, at Byakuran's urging. He hadn't actually considered the possibility that they were talking about the same con, though. After all, Byakuran managers both of them; surely he'd have mentioned it if his clients with a bankable rivalry would be attending the same convention. Surely he'd encourage them both to hype that up.
All this goes to show, really, is that Shoichi knows Byakuran better than Spanner does. And that Spanner considers things from a wholly logical standpoint, without taking into account that Byakuran might readily take a hit in both their profits to mess with them.
Calling himself and Shoichi rivals is a bit of a stretch these days, of course, although Byakuran is one of the few people outside the two of them to be aware of that. They started out as rivals, certainly, and they still play up that aspect of their relationship - not purely for the fans, either, but simply because they genuinely like competing and messing with each other. But it stopped being about just that awhile ago. Occasional cross-channel collaborations, banter when they run into each other in games while their cameras aren't rolling, the slow creep of discussing things with each other that aren't game-related...their rivalry's turned into a definite friendship. Although, honestly, friendship's not an accurate word either. The banter's become increasingly flirtatious, the teasing more openly suggestive and sexual, and while neither of them have come right out and acknowledged the shift...Spanner thinks, and hopes, that there's a serious mutual attraction happening there. It's not the kind of thing that usually interests him, but...something about Shoichi definitely gets him worked up. The way things have been developing has been kind of breathlessly exciting, and if he has any complaint about this convention it's that he's likely not going to have as much time to talk to or game with Shoichi as usual.
They've only interacted through computers up until now, although this isn't to say that Spanner doesn't know what Shoichi looks like. They both use webcams on their channels; they've seen plenty of each other's faces. So when Spanner approaches his booth, laptop under his arm and bag slung over his shoulder, and he sees someone with bright red hair setting up the booth across from his assigned area...he slows to a stop. Even without getting a decent profile glimpse of the guy's face, that specific vibrant red is a fairly rare color.
And then Shoichi turns his head and Spanner's suspicions are confirmed, and suddenly various hyperbolic expressions make sense to him because his stomach quite literally feels as though it's done a backflip inside him. He'd always thought people were just making that kind of thing up when they said it, not attempting to describe a real physical sensation.]
[His first thought is, oh hell, his amount of sleep is really atrocious right now, he's having auditory hallucinations.]
[His second thought comes after he looks up and sees that familiar face, and after that, for around two seconds, it's nothing but incoherent screeching echoing in his skull.]
[His third thought, the last before he remembers how to work his mouth and stop staring like a cat caught in the middle of falling off a ledge, is that marshmallow eating jerk off!]
[Talking is a concept his brain remembers, along with all the other usual bodily functions, and Shoichi is turning around to face his rival-turned-friend-turned-gay-crush right as he opens his mouth.]
Spanner!
[Because it can't be anyone else. Even from this distance and without the aid of a pricey camera right in his face, Shoichi can tell it's him. That blond swirl of hair, those sleepy green eyes- his eyes flicker down to his mouth, wondering if there's a stick of some sort of candy poking out, but that turns out to be a mistake. Looking at someone's mouth is acceptable when you're alone in your room watching old videos and having embarrassingly gay thoughts. However, that quickly gets creepy in real life, and he jolts his gaze upwards again hoping he's far away that it was't noticeable.]
This is the con you were talking about?
[Now that the shock is starting to wear off a little bit, there's a tinge of incredulous laughter coating Shoichi's words.]
Yeah. [Spanner smiles. He's fairly reserved most of the time and usually only smiles where tech or games are involved, but with Shoichi, somehow he always finds himself smiling a lot. (As if he didn't already know he's got it pretty bad.)] I figured Byakuran would've mentioned if you meant this one, but I guess we've been set up. [Because Spanner isn't as close or friendly with their agent as Shoichi is, but he knows Byakuran as a mischievous fucker. This has his fingerprints all over it.
He glances at what's obviously Shoichi's booth.] ...I'm actually right across from you.
What, really? [As soon as the words leave his mouth, however, Shoichi is shaking his head.] I guess I shouldn't be surprised. If he's pulling this kind of thing to start with, of course he'd have us right near each other.
[He guesses it helps keep up the rivalry image, although he suspects that has nothing to do with what Byakuran is really thinking... but the pang in his gut makes Shoichi realize that he's actually a little disappointed. It's a long shot, but... It would have been nice if they could have been right next to each other.]
I have to say... This isn't how I thought I'd get to meet you.
Yeah? [Spanner's smile takes on a subtle hint of sly amusement.] How did you think you'd get to meet me?
[Truth be told, this is pretty much exactly how Spanner envisioned meeting Shoichi, minus the element of surprise involved. He'd assumed they'd finally meet face to face at some gaming convention, and has actually kept an eye out - in vain - at such venues for awhile, half hoping Shoichi might show up. It had never happened until now, though, with Byakuran specifically arranging it.
He kind of wishes he'd worn something nicer.
And for the record, he absolutely has a lollipop in his mouth.]
Well, I figured that we would arrange it ourselves, for starters.
[And after that... Oh. Well. He guesses it would turn out pretty much exactly like this besides that, and besides having their booths set up opposite of each other. Them not being able to just fling cash at plane trips is why they've been mostly sticking to communicating online in the first place after all.]
[But that's besides the point. He gestures to what Spanner is carrying.]
I'm close to done, actually. [His hand sweeps out, gesturing to what he has.] I, uh... was having the usual stomach trouble, so I figured I might as well give up pretending I could sleep and just get here early.
[It's a pain in the ass, getting anxiety stomach problems so much, but... He thinks maybe this time, it might have worked in his favor. Glancing down at what's left to do, he taps his fingers along the table before looking up at Spanner again.]
If you want, I could help you set up once I finish with my stuff.
So the meds I recommended didn't work, huh? [They've talked about Shoichi's stomach issues before, and Spanner's concern has seen him urge Shoichi toward various remedies. He doesn't like the idea that Shoichi just has to suffer on a regular basis.
He moves over to his table to set down his things. He almost refuses, simply because his first thought is that of course he can set up his own equipment, he's done it a hundred times before...and then his brain kicks itself, and he realizes he can work in close quarters with Shoichi plugging in wires and things]
Sure. If it was anyone else, I wouldn't be sure they could find their way around my setup, but... [They've talked hardware and specs and software hours into the night. Spanner's confident Shoichi's as knowledgeable as he is in this area, which is no small compliment.]
[Because the two of them actually being physically near each other? Not even touching, just near? Shoichi can't lie, he didn't make the offer out of the goodness of his heart, even for a best friend like Spanner. The rest of the day, it's going to be them manning their booths with no time for anything else. And... who knows what Spanner has planned for when the floor closes up. This might be the only time they'll get to interact like this for the whole day despite being a few seconds walk from each other.]
[Shoichi knows he's a masochist, but he's not that much of one. He's going to take what moments he can get.]
[But that means finishing his set up, and he gets back to work while carrying on his conversation with Spanner over his shoulder.]
I'm honored I meet your high standards for touching your gear. [Are you going to want me to touch other equipment of yours? is on the back of his tongue, but it fumbles back down into his throat.] Anyway, it's not a complete bust- the medicine, I mean. It works half the time, this is just the other 50%.
[Idiot. He's an idiot. This is real life, not one of their many sessions together. He can't throw some playful-but-kind-of-sincere banter out there. This is their first time meeting in the flesh and he's not going to ruin it.]
Although if you're going to be concerned about me, I'll pull it right back on you: have you eaten anything this morning that isn't concentrated sugar?
It's not like I'd let just anyone put their hands on my equipment. [Is Spanner simply making an offhand comment that sounds kind of suggestive, or is that deliberate innuendo? The hell of flirting with Spanner is that his poker face is amazing, and often even when he's blatantly teasing Shoichi there are no obvious tells beyond context or how obvious the suggestive wording is. In this case, Shoichi has no hints, and as Spanner's unpacking his equipment his facial expression can't even be seen.
There's a hint - the barest hint - of a smile in his voice. Maybe that swings the balance of probability a little.]
There's no hard evidence I haven't eaten other things. [Besides past habits. As a matter of fact, Spanner had eaten breakfast at his hotel and he could just say so...but Shoichi's fussing over him is always so cute, and he can't resist the desire to experience it face to face. He can tell him in a minute.]
[It figures that while he's agonizing over what things to watch for now that they're face to face, Spanner shoots off things like usual. Shoichi's quiet laugh can probably be heard even across the aisle, at least while the convention hall is still in the quiet stages of set up, and he eases up.]
[Maybe he's overthinking things. Just a little bit.]
[Although, on second thought, he's pretty positive that he's not overthinking Spanner's horrible diet, and his head pops up from behind his booth again wearing the most incredulous expression.]
Spanner, I've personally witnessed you surviving off of nothing but energy drinks and sugar multiple times in the past. So while it's not hard evidence, statistically you probably haven't and the first thing that shows up on either of our live streams is probably going to be me sitting on you shoving food into your mouth.
[Spanner loves when Shoichi laughs. He doesn't do it enough, even though he's much less emotionally reserved than Spanner himself. Spanner seems to be able to get those little laughs out of him, though, and it's a point of pride.
He glances over his shoulder at Shoichi.] Is that a promise? [His expression hasn't changed, although there's an alert light in his eyes that says he's quite invested in this conversation.]
[That bright shade of red hair disappears from behind the booth, and there's the sound of zippers and plastic before Shoichi resurfaces again. A granola bar goes flying across the aisle with... relatively decent accuracy.]
It's definitely a promise if you don't take the candy out of your mouth and eat that. I'm not having you faint from malnutrition the first time we've actually gotten to meet each other in person!
[And if this has been maybe something he's actually idly daydreamed about before, almost more than any sexual thoughts, well. He has no defense there. Well, maybe, because could anyone not think of it at least a little after the second time of seeing the length of Spanner's streams sometimes and how he keeps himself going through them? It's a natural reaction. That's the only reaction, because Shoichi is pretty sure he was never this much of a mother hen.]
[The granola bar bounces off Spanner's shoulder, and he laughs.] Calm down, Shoichi. I had breakfast at my hotel. [Which means he was teasing Shoichi this whole time just to see his reaction.] It's cute when you worry about me.
[And then Spanner turns back to the things he's unpacking from his bags. Because there's a lot, and it's best to get them out and organized before he and Shoichi start setting up. Hiding any smiles or touches of color on his face is absolutely a side benefit that, while nice, doesn't factor into his motivations at all.
...Oh. [It's a good thing Spanner is turning away, because Shoichi can feel his face heat up a little bit.] Jeez, you're going to be even worse of a troll face to face, huh?
[Right. Good cover. Gives him plenty of breathing space to finish up his prep, and he takes a breath before making his way out from behind his booth. It'll be fine. He just has to ignore his raging gay crush while they're in close proximity to each other. Just bros being bros.]
[If his stomach fucks things up for him, he's going to get it removed and figure out how to become a cyborg, so help him.]
[It helps to stop over at Spanner's booth, admiring his set up. For not the first time, he wishes he could go to his actual home and look at what he has there. They've talked about their respective equipment, sure, but seeing it is something else entirely.]
[That question is so unfair Spanner's hands stop moving as he simply takes a quiet, steadying breath.] ...I have to choose? [He asks this to the air in front of him, not daring to look at Shoichi.
After a moment he clears his throat, scooting aside slightly to make room for Shoichi beside him.] Grab some wires and help me get everything plugged in properly.
[What does that breath mean? The pause of hands Shoichi knows are almost always busy? Is he reading too much into it? Is he wanting too much of what those action could mean? Is the equation breath plus pause plus innuendo equals mutual interest sound?]
[They rage around in Shoichi's head even as he shuffles into place, heart beating in his ears like headphones canceling everything else out. Just met in person, and already their arms are brushing as Shoichi gets to work. At least it helps distract some of the noise in his mind.]
[But... what does he say here? What can he say? Suddenly all his witty teasings or idle conversation is missing from his brain. There's just him, the equipment, and every little thing from Spanner that he can't help but notice.]
[Spanner's glad his rig is so familiar to him. He can work on it without even paying much attention, instead continually glancing at Shoichi out of the corner of his eye.
It's so different, seeing him in person. He's watched all of Shoichi's videos - and there are a lot - and they've done plenty of video chats, but seeing him, watching his movements and expressions in real time with none of the lag of a technological filter...it's one of the few things Spanner has to admit technology can't capture.
He shouldn't be debating the urge to kiss him. Even aside from the fact that he's not entirely sure whether there's genuine interest beneath their usual banter, it'd be a bad idea even if Shoichi is into it. They have a whole day of convention activities to take care of. If he's going to make a move at all, it should be later, at the end of the day, when they're free. To either follow up on any sort of mutual interest, or for Spanner to make a discreet exit if his advances are rebuffed.
He finds himself speaking without having really planned the words, but luckily it seems his brain's functioning decently well on autopilot.] You have any plans once you're done with your booth for the day?
[Nice, smooth, very good. Shoichi blinks himself out of his hyper focus, glancing back over to Spanner. He really has to stop making his eyes go down to that lollipop first thing every time.]
Well, you know- [He laughs a little.] Falling unconscious on the way to my hotel bed, probably. What about you?
Oh. [Spanner's glad he defaults to not very expressive. It helps to keep any hint of disappointment in his face or tone easy to manage.] I thought maybe we could do something. [Which...is a very open-ended statement. 'Something' could mean anything.
Spanner notes that scrutiny of his lollipop this time, and either he misinterprets it or it simply reminds him of something, because suddenly he delves into a previously unopened pocket of his bag and pulls out...a little wrench-shaped pink lollipop. Which he offers to Shoichi.] Wanna try? You said you liked strawberry.
[Spanner's told him about his specially made lollipops before, but he's never been able to give Shoichi one. He could've sent one, but he was honestly holding off until he could do it this way - until he could hand one directly to Shoichi.]
That's fine! [He really hopes his voice breaking a little bit was just in his head and not an actual thing that happened.] I wouldn't mind- I mean, it's the first time we've seen each other, right? It'd be great.
[Mentally, he's kicking himself. If this was over text and he was in his room, Shoichi knows he'd be yelling into his hands and pacing. If he's messed things up for himself already...]
[Thank god for that lollipop. Its retrieval distracts Shoichi from his own mental screaming, and his lips quirk up in a grin. Right... Sugar helps the brain.]
Thanks. [Taking it and tugging off the wrapper, he laughs a little.] How many of these have you packed for the con?
Yeah. [Spanner smiles.] We could get something to eat. Even if it's just room service. [A beat.] We can put it on Byakuran's tab.
[At the question of how many lollipops he's brought, Spanner blinks, then reaches into that same pocket of his bag and pulls out a large ziploc. It's...bulging.] 450.
Not entirely. I packed maybe 30 extra. [Spanner shrugs.] 72 hours times 60 minutes each, figuring for 4 hours of sleep a night and each lollipop lasting about ten minutes or so...equals in the range of 420 lollipops. It's simple math.
[This is what you're in for, Shoichi.
At least Spanner seems to have some vague self-awareness about it, as he pauses for a moment.] ...I do make them myself. They're not as unhealthy as commercial candy. [Not entirely.
Also. Four hours of sleep, Spanner. What is this. What are you.]
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badliifechoiice22016-09-14 09:12 am
We need to come up with nerdy net handles for them both
(He doesn't consider the release of the mech MMO to be a schedule conflict. He'll play it one way or another, no matter where he is. If his sleep schedule becomes even worse than usual, so be it.)
He's been vaguely aware of Shoichi's plans to attend some con in the near future, and of his being secretive about it. He's been doing much the same thing himself in regards to this con, at Byakuran's urging. He hadn't actually considered the possibility that they were talking about the same con, though. After all, Byakuran managers both of them; surely he'd have mentioned it if his clients with a bankable rivalry would be attending the same convention. Surely he'd encourage them both to hype that up.
All this goes to show, really, is that Shoichi knows Byakuran better than Spanner does. And that Spanner considers things from a wholly logical standpoint, without taking into account that Byakuran might readily take a hit in both their profits to mess with them.
Calling himself and Shoichi rivals is a bit of a stretch these days, of course, although Byakuran is one of the few people outside the two of them to be aware of that. They started out as rivals, certainly, and they still play up that aspect of their relationship - not purely for the fans, either, but simply because they genuinely like competing and messing with each other. But it stopped being about just that awhile ago. Occasional cross-channel collaborations, banter when they run into each other in games while their cameras aren't rolling, the slow creep of discussing things with each other that aren't game-related...their rivalry's turned into a definite friendship. Although, honestly, friendship's not an accurate word either. The banter's become increasingly flirtatious, the teasing more openly suggestive and sexual, and while neither of them have come right out and acknowledged the shift...Spanner thinks, and hopes, that there's a serious mutual attraction happening there. It's not the kind of thing that usually interests him, but...something about Shoichi definitely gets him worked up. The way things have been developing has been kind of breathlessly exciting, and if he has any complaint about this convention it's that he's likely not going to have as much time to talk to or game with Shoichi as usual.
They've only interacted through computers up until now, although this isn't to say that Spanner doesn't know what Shoichi looks like. They both use webcams on their channels; they've seen plenty of each other's faces. So when Spanner approaches his booth, laptop under his arm and bag slung over his shoulder, and he sees someone with bright red hair setting up the booth across from his assigned area...he slows to a stop. Even without getting a decent profile glimpse of the guy's face, that specific vibrant red is a fairly rare color.
And then Shoichi turns his head and Spanner's suspicions are confirmed, and suddenly various hyperbolic expressions make sense to him because his stomach quite literally feels as though it's done a backflip inside him. He'd always thought people were just making that kind of thing up when they said it, not attempting to describe a real physical sensation.]
Shoichi?
dibs on iri3
[His second thought comes after he looks up and sees that familiar face, and after that, for around two seconds, it's nothing but incoherent screeching echoing in his skull.]
[His third thought, the last before he remembers how to work his mouth and stop staring like a cat caught in the middle of falling off a ledge, is that marshmallow eating jerk off!]
[Talking is a concept his brain remembers, along with all the other usual bodily functions, and Shoichi is turning around to face his rival-turned-friend-turned-gay-crush right as he opens his mouth.]
Spanner!
[Because it can't be anyone else. Even from this distance and without the aid of a pricey camera right in his face, Shoichi can tell it's him. That blond swirl of hair, those sleepy green eyes- his eyes flicker down to his mouth, wondering if there's a stick of some sort of candy poking out, but that turns out to be a mistake. Looking at someone's mouth is acceptable when you're alone in your room watching old videos and having embarrassingly gay thoughts. However, that quickly gets creepy in real life, and he jolts his gaze upwards again hoping he's far away that it was't noticeable.]
This is the con you were talking about?
[Now that the shock is starting to wear off a little bit, there's a tinge of incredulous laughter coating Shoichi's words.]
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He glances at what's obviously Shoichi's booth.] ...I'm actually right across from you.
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[He guesses it helps keep up the rivalry image, although he suspects that has nothing to do with what Byakuran is really thinking... but the pang in his gut makes Shoichi realize that he's actually a little disappointed. It's a long shot, but... It would have been nice if they could have been right next to each other.]
I have to say... This isn't how I thought I'd get to meet you.
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[Truth be told, this is pretty much exactly how Spanner envisioned meeting Shoichi, minus the element of surprise involved. He'd assumed they'd finally meet face to face at some gaming convention, and has actually kept an eye out - in vain - at such venues for awhile, half hoping Shoichi might show up. It had never happened until now, though, with Byakuran specifically arranging it.
He kind of wishes he'd worn something nicer.
And for the record, he absolutely has a lollipop in his mouth.]
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[And after that... Oh. Well. He guesses it would turn out pretty much exactly like this besides that, and besides having their booths set up opposite of each other. Them not being able to just fling cash at plane trips is why they've been mostly sticking to communicating online in the first place after all.]
[But that's besides the point. He gestures to what Spanner is carrying.]
Have a lot you need to set up?
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Ah...some things, yeah. [It's a decent amount of setup, but it won't take him long.] What about you?
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[It's a pain in the ass, getting anxiety stomach problems so much, but... He thinks maybe this time, it might have worked in his favor. Glancing down at what's left to do, he taps his fingers along the table before looking up at Spanner again.]
If you want, I could help you set up once I finish with my stuff.
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He moves over to his table to set down his things. He almost refuses, simply because his first thought is that of course he can set up his own equipment, he's done it a hundred times before...and then his brain kicks itself, and he realizes he can work in close quarters with Shoichi plugging in wires and things]
Sure. If it was anyone else, I wouldn't be sure they could find their way around my setup, but... [They've talked hardware and specs and software hours into the night. Spanner's confident Shoichi's as knowledgeable as he is in this area, which is no small compliment.]
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[Because the two of them actually being physically near each other? Not even touching, just near? Shoichi can't lie, he didn't make the offer out of the goodness of his heart, even for a best friend like Spanner. The rest of the day, it's going to be them manning their booths with no time for anything else. And... who knows what Spanner has planned for when the floor closes up. This might be the only time they'll get to interact like this for the whole day despite being a few seconds walk from each other.]
[Shoichi knows he's a masochist, but he's not that much of one. He's going to take what moments he can get.]
[But that means finishing his set up, and he gets back to work while carrying on his conversation with Spanner over his shoulder.]
I'm honored I meet your high standards for touching your gear. [Are you going to want me to touch other equipment of yours? is on the back of his tongue, but it fumbles back down into his throat.] Anyway, it's not a complete bust- the medicine, I mean. It works half the time, this is just the other 50%.
[Idiot. He's an idiot. This is real life, not one of their many sessions together. He can't throw some playful-but-kind-of-sincere banter out there. This is their first time meeting in the flesh and he's not going to ruin it.]
Although if you're going to be concerned about me, I'll pull it right back on you: have you eaten anything this morning that isn't concentrated sugar?
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There's a hint - the barest hint - of a smile in his voice. Maybe that swings the balance of probability a little.]
There's no hard evidence I haven't eaten other things. [Besides past habits. As a matter of fact, Spanner had eaten breakfast at his hotel and he could just say so...but Shoichi's fussing over him is always so cute, and he can't resist the desire to experience it face to face. He can tell him in a minute.]
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[Maybe he's overthinking things. Just a little bit.]
[Although, on second thought, he's pretty positive that he's not overthinking Spanner's horrible diet, and his head pops up from behind his booth again wearing the most incredulous expression.]
Spanner, I've personally witnessed you surviving off of nothing but energy drinks and sugar multiple times in the past. So while it's not hard evidence, statistically you probably haven't and the first thing that shows up on either of our live streams is probably going to be me sitting on you shoving food into your mouth.
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He glances over his shoulder at Shoichi.] Is that a promise? [His expression hasn't changed, although there's an alert light in his eyes that says he's quite invested in this conversation.]
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It's definitely a promise if you don't take the candy out of your mouth and eat that. I'm not having you faint from malnutrition the first time we've actually gotten to meet each other in person!
[And if this has been maybe something he's actually idly daydreamed about before, almost more than any sexual thoughts, well. He has no defense there. Well, maybe, because could anyone not think of it at least a little after the second time of seeing the length of Spanner's streams sometimes and how he keeps himself going through them? It's a natural reaction. That's the only reaction, because Shoichi is pretty sure he was never this much of a mother hen.]
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[And then Spanner turns back to the things he's unpacking from his bags. Because there's a lot, and it's best to get them out and organized before he and Shoichi start setting up. Hiding any smiles or touches of color on his face is absolutely a side benefit that, while nice, doesn't factor into his motivations at all.
Probably.]
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[Right. Good cover. Gives him plenty of breathing space to finish up his prep, and he takes a breath before making his way out from behind his booth. It'll be fine. He just has to ignore his raging gay crush while they're in close proximity to each other. Just bros being bros.]
[If his stomach fucks things up for him, he's going to get it removed and figure out how to become a cyborg, so help him.]
[It helps to stop over at Spanner's booth, admiring his set up. For not the first time, he wishes he could go to his actual home and look at what he has there. They've talked about their respective equipment, sure, but seeing it is something else entirely.]
So, where do you want me?
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After a moment he clears his throat, scooting aside slightly to make room for Shoichi beside him.] Grab some wires and help me get everything plugged in properly.
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[They rage around in Shoichi's head even as he shuffles into place, heart beating in his ears like headphones canceling everything else out. Just met in person, and already their arms are brushing as Shoichi gets to work. At least it helps distract some of the noise in his mind.]
[But... what does he say here? What can he say? Suddenly all his witty teasings or idle conversation is missing from his brain. There's just him, the equipment, and every little thing from Spanner that he can't help but notice.]
[Fuck. He has it so bad for him.]
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It's so different, seeing him in person. He's watched all of Shoichi's videos - and there are a lot - and they've done plenty of video chats, but seeing him, watching his movements and expressions in real time with none of the lag of a technological filter...it's one of the few things Spanner has to admit technology can't capture.
He shouldn't be debating the urge to kiss him. Even aside from the fact that he's not entirely sure whether there's genuine interest beneath their usual banter, it'd be a bad idea even if Shoichi is into it. They have a whole day of convention activities to take care of. If he's going to make a move at all, it should be later, at the end of the day, when they're free. To either follow up on any sort of mutual interest, or for Spanner to make a discreet exit if his advances are rebuffed.
He finds himself speaking without having really planned the words, but luckily it seems his brain's functioning decently well on autopilot.] You have any plans once you're done with your booth for the day?
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[Nice, smooth, very good. Shoichi blinks himself out of his hyper focus, glancing back over to Spanner. He really has to stop making his eyes go down to that lollipop first thing every time.]
Well, you know- [He laughs a little.] Falling unconscious on the way to my hotel bed, probably. What about you?
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Spanner notes that scrutiny of his lollipop this time, and either he misinterprets it or it simply reminds him of something, because suddenly he delves into a previously unopened pocket of his bag and pulls out...a little wrench-shaped pink lollipop. Which he offers to Shoichi.] Wanna try? You said you liked strawberry.
[Spanner's told him about his specially made lollipops before, but he's never been able to give Shoichi one. He could've sent one, but he was honestly holding off until he could do it this way - until he could hand one directly to Shoichi.]
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That's fine! [He really hopes his voice breaking a little bit was just in his head and not an actual thing that happened.] I wouldn't mind- I mean, it's the first time we've seen each other, right? It'd be great.
[Mentally, he's kicking himself. If this was over text and he was in his room, Shoichi knows he'd be yelling into his hands and pacing. If he's messed things up for himself already...]
[Thank god for that lollipop. Its retrieval distracts Shoichi from his own mental screaming, and his lips quirk up in a grin. Right... Sugar helps the brain.]
Thanks. [Taking it and tugging off the wrapper, he laughs a little.] How many of these have you packed for the con?
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[At the question of how many lollipops he's brought, Spanner blinks, then reaches into that same pocket of his bag and pulls out a large ziploc. It's...bulging.] 450.
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[There was never any doubt about that. He's glad to see they're on the same page about it.]
[Which is a contrast to the feeling Shoichi gets when Spanner pulls out that monster, and his voice dies for a second. He has to fetch it back.]
Spanner... Do you plan in going through that entire bag in the few days the con goes on?
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[This is what you're in for, Shoichi.
At least Spanner seems to have some vague self-awareness about it, as he pauses for a moment.] ...I do make them myself. They're not as unhealthy as commercial candy. [Not entirely.
Also. Four hours of sleep, Spanner. What is this. What are you.]
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