[ Midoriya did not anticipate this reaction, though the thin shoulder against his arm is not unwelcome. He just needs a moment. His face is bright red. Paul, in his infinitely stupid super-observant way, can probably see all the (im)proper physiological reactions here. ]
I was just trying to pay you back for making jokes about us on the internet where everyone can see!
[The greatest challenge is suppressing the diaphragmatic hitch of laughter that threatens to disrupt his carefully measured breath. He elects to expend his precious oxygen reserves by staying on his feet, reluctantly, toppling forward to rest as much of his weight against the crook of Midoriya's shoulder as possible.
This requires a certain draping of his taller body that precludes visual observation of Midoriya's reactions, but the vibration of his voice through Paul's ribs is more than sufficient on its own. He nuzzles the top of Midoriya's head consolingly, still silent.
He is not precluded from visual observation of Kaworu, which he engages in with thorough and frank enjoyment.]
Nothing for you if you're going to be that way! Kaworu lets his shirt drop back down his torso and promptly pounces on Paul, wiggling between him and Midoriya so he can try to find a good ticklish place to jab.]
[ He bodily props Paul up against the wall. It's not so strange that Paul has chosen to demonstrate his ability to show off. It is strange (and slightly unsettling, but he carefully does not think of that) not to feel Paul's breathing, something Midoriya subconsciously uses to measure the ebb and flow of him. He passes glances at him in his upper periphery. He elects to let go of his shirt and lace his fingers through Paul's instead, inviting a communicative grip. ]
Oh no you don't,
[ he says to Kaworu, but without any proper fight in his voice. He lets his arm curl against the wall as he shunts both of them against it. He does nothing, however, to prevent Kaworu from searching out a weak point on Paul. (Midoriya can think of a few optimal places, but it's entertaining to watch someone else do it. Get him!) ]
Paul-kun needed a kabedon and you definitely needed one. This is how they work, right?
Edited (brackets always mess me up) 2022-06-22 07:50 (UTC)
[Even Paul has limits. Midoriya's bold statement followed by tentative question and Kaworu's determined squirming exploration conspire with the oxygen-demands of his body to make him give in at last, his hot, stale breath bursting from him in a laugh.]
Stop it-
[He squeezes Midoriya's hand and loops his arm around Kaworu in an effort to put an end to his bedevilment.]
[He collapses into Paul when the arm loops around him, taking his place in the middle between them. It's not really a role he deserves as he rarely builds bridges that are of any use. But it's always a place that he fights for.]
[ To be sure, Midoriya admires any ability honed by skill. But also, Paul is a bit of a peacock. ]
Test? I thought you were just showing off. It worked though.
[ He wanted to shove both of them, but Kaworu shifts. Midoriya makes a puzzled noise and awkwardly improvises with his hands instead. It turns into more of a rough hug around their shoulders than anything resembling punishment. He laughs, full and bright, the kind of unchecked laugh usually reserved for those close to him. ]
[Paul is uncharacteristically, delightedly dizzy as he leans into both of them, Kaworu the sweet whipped fluff center between him and Midoriya. He's still seeing starbursts at the edge of his vision when he takea advantage of his position to kiss the corner of Midoriya's jaw, his laughter silent but palpable in the heave of his shoulders. ]
We're terrible to you, Izuku-kun.
[He's even almost a little sorry about that. Mostly, he's happy, in an uncomplicated way perhaps helped along by the decluttering effect of oxygen deprivation.]
I'm terrible to both of you.
[Kaworu tucks neatly against his chest, Midoriya's shoulder cradles his lowered head.]
Let me catch my breath, and I'll do it again -
[It's another warm and playful day, the grander worries of the world forgotten in the tumble of them all together like healthy young animals in sunshine. He wouldn't change any of it, from kabedons to sharp little elbows into his ribs.]
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2/2
I was just trying to pay you back for making jokes about us on the internet where everyone can see!
no subject
This requires a certain draping of his taller body that precludes visual observation of Midoriya's reactions, but the vibration of his voice through Paul's ribs is more than sufficient on its own. He nuzzles the top of Midoriya's head consolingly, still silent.
He is not precluded from visual observation of Kaworu, which he engages in with thorough and frank enjoyment.]
no subject
Nothing for you if you're going to be that way! Kaworu lets his shirt drop back down his torso and promptly pounces on Paul, wiggling between him and Midoriya so he can try to find a good ticklish place to jab.]
no subject
Oh no you don't,
[ he says to Kaworu, but without any proper fight in his voice. He lets his arm curl against the wall as he shunts both of them against it. He does nothing, however, to prevent Kaworu from searching out a weak point on Paul. (Midoriya can think of a few optimal places, but it's entertaining to watch someone else do it. Get him!) ]
Paul-kun needed a kabedon and you definitely needed one. This is how they work, right?
no subject
Stop it-
[He squeezes Midoriya's hand and loops his arm around Kaworu in an effort to put an end to his bedevilment.]
How is this a fair test, exactly?
no subject
[He collapses into Paul when the arm loops around him, taking his place in the middle between them. It's not really a role he deserves as he rarely builds bridges that are of any use. But it's always a place that he fights for.]
And you stop it first!
no subject
Test? I thought you were just showing off. It worked though.
[ He wanted to shove both of them, but Kaworu shifts. Midoriya makes a puzzled noise and awkwardly improvises with his hands instead. It turns into more of a rough hug around their shoulders than anything resembling punishment. He laughs, full and bright, the kind of unchecked laugh usually reserved for those close to him. ]
Both of you stop--I don't even know what anymore.
/wrap party
We're terrible to you, Izuku-kun.
[He's even almost a little sorry about that. Mostly, he's happy, in an uncomplicated way perhaps helped along by the decluttering effect of oxygen deprivation.]
I'm terrible to both of you.
[Kaworu tucks neatly against his chest, Midoriya's shoulder cradles his lowered head.]
Let me catch my breath, and I'll do it again -
[It's another warm and playful day, the grander worries of the world forgotten in the tumble of them all together like healthy young animals in sunshine. He wouldn't change any of it, from kabedons to sharp little elbows into his ribs.]