[ You need to get your house in order. Loki had said this -- both Loki here and Loki home. He was right both times. Tech needed to seriously reevaluate things, to live in a manner beyond simply abiding by his own whims. He has to decide what he wants, make a plan and a clear path, and figure out where Kaiba fits into that -- what he can get out of this transaction if not...what? Affection? Attention? Care? Love?

The compliments feel hollow, but he can appreciate what they are. Softening the blow. Kaiba didn't do this deliberately. It was Tech Boy's fault, trying to fill a void caused by Monika's absence. The moments of near affection had confused him. The lust and desire also confused him. Sex was a weakness, even if it had been so empowering with Kaiba. ]

Nah, man. Nah it's fine. It's cool. It's whatever. We'll keep on working on the next project. Whatever that is.

[ Push it far away. ]

So like, you don't need to come around or anything these next few days. I'll just recover. And shit. And work. And you do you, man.

[ One more tantrum and they're through, Kaiba had said. So he doesn't throw one. He doesn't pitch a fit. He just stands and gets out of the tub, heading over to replace the soaked towel around his waist with a dry one. Another towel anxiously ruffles through his hair to dry it. ]

I guess...I don't know. I got stupid. We should really work on ripping these emotions out of me if we can. They...complicate things.