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[turning her head to look at him, a smile slowly blooms.]
I'd really like that, actually. You'll be the first to know.
[it doesn't have to be much. it can even be just going to the shelter and helping there. the important part is spending time together - being able to seek each other out, and ask for it, because it was always given. that's what makes it special, after all.
reaching up, she runs her fingers through his hair, an idle thing, but meant to be soothing.]
...Did your hair get longer recently, or is that merely my perception?
I'd really like that, actually. You'll be the first to know.
[it doesn't have to be much. it can even be just going to the shelter and helping there. the important part is spending time together - being able to seek each other out, and ask for it, because it was always given. that's what makes it special, after all.
reaching up, she runs her fingers through his hair, an idle thing, but meant to be soothing.]
...Did your hair get longer recently, or is that merely my perception?
In a jail cell when she gets shot.
[ He settles on his back, his other arm thrown wearily over his face. ]
Akiyama's tellin' me I'm one've the most feared men in Tokyo. An' I still can't save one fuckin' girl?
[ Akiyama knows Yasuko as a 43-year-old woman. The last time Majima saw her: she was 18. ]
[ He settles on his back, his other arm thrown wearily over his face. ]
Akiyama's tellin' me I'm one've the most feared men in Tokyo. An' I still can't save one fuckin' girl?
[ Akiyama knows Yasuko as a 43-year-old woman. The last time Majima saw her: she was 18. ]
Mm...Dunno.
[ He takes the tie out of his hair, shaking the unruly waves loose. It's not like he neglects his hair, but it's generally not the first thing on his mind. It's easier to pull it up at forget about it most days. ]
Whatcha think?
[ He takes the tie out of his hair, shaking the unruly waves loose. It's not like he neglects his hair, but it's generally not the first thing on his mind. It's easier to pull it up at forget about it most days. ]
Whatcha think?
I like it, actually. Something about it suits you.
[it might look even better if he did take two seconds for it, but...]
Would you let me comb it out? Just to see.
[it's a little impulse she wants to follow, born from nothing so much as she knows how nice it feels for her when someone does that - with how much he's having to bear up, it might feel good to simply let himself be a little spoiled.]
[it might look even better if he did take two seconds for it, but...]
Would you let me comb it out? Just to see.
[it's a little impulse she wants to follow, born from nothing so much as she knows how nice it feels for her when someone does that - with how much he's having to bear up, it might feel good to simply let himself be a little spoiled.]
[ He does like it when other people take care of his hair for him and he did get Majima to brush it after getting dragged back home. Therefore it's only fair that Emily get the same privilege. ]
I mean, I ain't gonna stop ya, if ya wanna.
[ Please. Watch him melt. ]
I mean, I ain't gonna stop ya, if ya wanna.
[ Please. Watch him melt. ]
I do. Be right back.
[a quick kiss to his lips, and she extracts herself from his arms to go get a comb. not hard to find, and then she's back at his side, settling down with it. start from the ends, she knows, and as much as her life is caring for other people - sewing up their injuries, fixing mistakes - there's something different in little acts like this for those she loves. the intimacy of it, the way she can go slow, focus on nothing more than taking out every tangle in his hair for no reason other than she wants to.
selfishness and selflessness, intertwined.]
[a quick kiss to his lips, and she extracts herself from his arms to go get a comb. not hard to find, and then she's back at his side, settling down with it. start from the ends, she knows, and as much as her life is caring for other people - sewing up their injuries, fixing mistakes - there's something different in little acts like this for those she loves. the intimacy of it, the way she can go slow, focus on nothing more than taking out every tangle in his hair for no reason other than she wants to.
selfishness and selflessness, intertwined.]
Goro.
[she shifts, propping herself up some so she can look at him. usually, she wouldn't interrupt. usually, she'd let him keep going, but she can see the path this is going - blaming himself, tying a corpse to his body and carrying it.]
I don't believe such a thing would happen if you had even the slightest say in it. If you had the capacity, I'm sure it would have turned out differently.
[it's not your fault.]
[she shifts, propping herself up some so she can look at him. usually, she wouldn't interrupt. usually, she'd let him keep going, but she can see the path this is going - blaming himself, tying a corpse to his body and carrying it.]
I don't believe such a thing would happen if you had even the slightest say in it. If you had the capacity, I'm sure it would have turned out differently.
[it's not your fault.]
[a letter returns back, handwritten and crisply folded.]
Matoba,
Thank you for the insights you've provided. Your words corroborate my own findings of a short while back, when I attempted to look closer into where the strange clay that formed the haniwa statues came from. I was told in a rather blunt and intimidating manner to leave the matter be, so I can only assume at that point the same suppliers become involved. Beyond this, we may need to look into more aquatic sources of information.
As for the sleeping drug, I will inform you how my testing goes.
-E.D.
Matoba,
Thank you for the insights you've provided. Your words corroborate my own findings of a short while back, when I attempted to look closer into where the strange clay that formed the haniwa statues came from. I was told in a rather blunt and intimidating manner to leave the matter be, so I can only assume at that point the same suppliers become involved. Beyond this, we may need to look into more aquatic sources of information.
As for the sleeping drug, I will inform you how my testing goes.
-E.D.
[ Izō doesn't let a whole lot of people close to him, much less in ways like this. It's a sign of trust and care between them. It's also a simple, calming act that has him almost instantly relaxed. He breathes out a contented sigh, his posture softening.
She might be at it awhile, given that he slept with his hair up and hasn't done anything about it. ]
She might be at it awhile, given that he slept with his hair up and hasn't done anything about it. ]
[ Frustration expands in his chest. ]
Tired of not havin' a say.
[ There's a low growl to the way he says it, so much anger suppressed. It's that mixture of fury and pain that snaps him in the end, a vortex of fire that tears up everything. Maybe it makes him lighter for a little while, but the detritus will build up again: as he lets Makoto walk away, as Mirei chooses her career over their marriage, as Yasuko dies. Yasuko... ]
It was th'same bastards who set me an' Taiga up.
[ He rolls again to look her in the face, frowning. ]
That's th'yakuza, Em. They used us as steppin' stones for their own clout. Shibata had my fuckin' eye taken out because it made him look good. Taiga is gonna be executed so that some Ueno-seiwa bastard could play hero an' look good with his boss.
Then that Ueno fuck blackmailed Yasuko with gettin' her brother free. He had her killin' Shibata's men cuz he was done playin' friends.
[ Betrayals upon betrayals, using their power and influence and violence to manipulate and dispose of anyone in their path. It's not just the hurt he's feeling that he wants her to understand, it's the depths of his concern for everyone in Jigoku-cho. This is an ugly game. ]
Tired of not havin' a say.
[ There's a low growl to the way he says it, so much anger suppressed. It's that mixture of fury and pain that snaps him in the end, a vortex of fire that tears up everything. Maybe it makes him lighter for a little while, but the detritus will build up again: as he lets Makoto walk away, as Mirei chooses her career over their marriage, as Yasuko dies. Yasuko... ]
It was th'same bastards who set me an' Taiga up.
[ He rolls again to look her in the face, frowning. ]
That's th'yakuza, Em. They used us as steppin' stones for their own clout. Shibata had my fuckin' eye taken out because it made him look good. Taiga is gonna be executed so that some Ueno-seiwa bastard could play hero an' look good with his boss.
Then that Ueno fuck blackmailed Yasuko with gettin' her brother free. He had her killin' Shibata's men cuz he was done playin' friends.
[ Betrayals upon betrayals, using their power and influence and violence to manipulate and dispose of anyone in their path. It's not just the hurt he's feeling that he wants her to understand, it's the depths of his concern for everyone in Jigoku-cho. This is an ugly game. ]
[for a long moment, she's just silent, sorrow written on her face. understanding, absorbing - how she doesn't wish to demean anything he's telling her with the wrong thing. carefully, she reaches for one of his hands, linking it with her own, holding it in that silence until she finds words.]
...That's why you're fighting so hard. So no one will ever touch you again.
[not him, not the people he cares about, that are his. they need to be protected, somehow preserved. that's why then this can be hell.]
But...this time, you know them a little better. And you have those willing to be at your side, whatever you decide to do. Whatever it takes.
[it's brutal, it's wrong, and it makes the heart bleed. but there are still candles, little spots of brightness against the thick and heavy darkness of it all. she raises their joined hands, kisses his. a mirror of something she did a few months back, promising to stand by him, to be patient and to help him achieve his goals, his happiness. that hasn't changed.
even if he has to play this terrible, terrible game, that hasn't changed.]
...That's why you're fighting so hard. So no one will ever touch you again.
[not him, not the people he cares about, that are his. they need to be protected, somehow preserved. that's why then this can be hell.]
But...this time, you know them a little better. And you have those willing to be at your side, whatever you decide to do. Whatever it takes.
[it's brutal, it's wrong, and it makes the heart bleed. but there are still candles, little spots of brightness against the thick and heavy darkness of it all. she raises their joined hands, kisses his. a mirror of something she did a few months back, promising to stand by him, to be patient and to help him achieve his goals, his happiness. that hasn't changed.
even if he has to play this terrible, terrible game, that hasn't changed.]
[maybe, but it soothes her, combing out the tangles with a steady persistence. piece by piece, until it's free and smooth again. slowly working at it, careful not to tug too hard and cause him pain. patience is the key, to leave his hair looking as fine as his feathers. he can still scroll his phone if he wants, there's nothing saying he can't.
it's simple, it's easy. it's thoughtless, and when she's done, she can kiss him on the cheek, a smile in her tone.]
Very handsome.
[wings and claws and all. she likes them because they are his.]
it's simple, it's easy. it's thoughtless, and when she's done, she can kiss him on the cheek, a smile in her tone.]
Very handsome.
[wings and claws and all. she likes them because they are his.]
[ It soothes Karasu, too, for reasons Izō can't exactly be sure of. Some crow thing, he's sure, but it's not like Karasu will tell him. Regardless, he and his permanent ride along are much more relaxed. It takes him a second to properly sit back up, leaning back against her. ]
An' yer gorgeous.
[ A compliment for a compliment. ]
An' yer gorgeous.
[ A compliment for a compliment. ]
'Course that's why.
[ Because his love is a vibrant thing that refuses to be quiet. Even at the precipice of giving up, he was inspired by his adoration for a girl who deserved better. She kisses his hand and he gathers her up against him with the arm around her waist. ]
Whatever happened... Th'way he went back t'Tokyo worked. The Mad Dog is the chairman's right hand. Biggest family in th'city. That means I'm paying wages to 10,000 guys that need it.
[ His voice is soft because they're so close, but there's a raised note of excitement: 10,000. Compare that to how he's just barely managing to get the other Lost Souls straggling along with him now. ]
But I gotta go out there an' work for it. Make a reputation so big, people are scared t'fuck with what's mine.
[ Reputation and appearances are everything to a yakuza. The way they inspire their followers is how they keep their loyalty and awe. He needs to do more. ]
[ Because his love is a vibrant thing that refuses to be quiet. Even at the precipice of giving up, he was inspired by his adoration for a girl who deserved better. She kisses his hand and he gathers her up against him with the arm around her waist. ]
Whatever happened... Th'way he went back t'Tokyo worked. The Mad Dog is the chairman's right hand. Biggest family in th'city. That means I'm paying wages to 10,000 guys that need it.
[ His voice is soft because they're so close, but there's a raised note of excitement: 10,000. Compare that to how he's just barely managing to get the other Lost Souls straggling along with him now. ]
But I gotta go out there an' work for it. Make a reputation so big, people are scared t'fuck with what's mine.
[ Reputation and appearances are everything to a yakuza. The way they inspire their followers is how they keep their loyalty and awe. He needs to do more. ]
[it sounds simple, and she knows its anything but. mow that he knows he can, his determination won't end. a force of ten thousand, their loyalties to him and what he represents. and never having to be scared again.
tucked up close to next to him, he'll almost feel her hum of assent more than hear it.]
What can I do?
[tell her how she can help. what they can do to make him into a myth. he says the word, and she will.]
tucked up close to next to him, he'll almost feel her hum of assent more than hear it.]
What can I do?
[tell her how she can help. what they can do to make him into a myth. he says the word, and she will.]
Flatterer.
[she says it lightly, arms wrapping around his waist and putting her head on his shoulders. if she sits just so, she's tucked between his wings - comfortable for them both, snug and safe.]
Does that feel better?
[she says it lightly, arms wrapping around his waist and putting her head on his shoulders. if she sits just so, she's tucked between his wings - comfortable for them both, snug and safe.]
Does that feel better?
Don't flinch. Ya can help me make it look real, an' make yerself look valuable to th'Alliance at th'same time.
[ It's already what they've been practicing, but they'll have to take it out into public. ]
They already think yer th'only one who can handle me, let 'em keep thinkin' it. You're just that strong, yer doin' somethin' nobody else can.
[ He breathes in against her hair. ]
An'... I dunno... help remind me that it's just an act sometimes.
[ Or else he'll get lost in it, get too close to the fire of his real feelings and burn himself up. ]
[ It's already what they've been practicing, but they'll have to take it out into public. ]
They already think yer th'only one who can handle me, let 'em keep thinkin' it. You're just that strong, yer doin' somethin' nobody else can.
[ He breathes in against her hair. ]
An'... I dunno... help remind me that it's just an act sometimes.
[ Or else he'll get lost in it, get too close to the fire of his real feelings and burn himself up. ]
Of course. That's why you have a key, after all. Go out there, do whatever you need to as Toraguma's fearsome snake, and then here, you can remember that you are Goro.
[belonging only to himself.]
We'll figure out some ways to make it even more real. A few scenes to stage, maybe...somewhere that our people will notice.
[belonging only to himself.]
We'll figure out some ways to make it even more real. A few scenes to stage, maybe...somewhere that our people will notice.
Some people are gonna get hurt along th'way. Are ya really gonna forgive me?
[ He will never be as out of control as he looks, but the unpredictable violence is a tool in this performance. It will still be very real. ]
[ He will never be as out of control as he looks, but the unpredictable violence is a tool in this performance. It will still be very real. ]
Edited 2022-07-25 01:31 (UTC)
If I make a point of taking care of and seeing to at least some of who you harm, that does credit to my own reputation and that of the Alliance. They fear you for the violence and respect me for the aid offered.
[of course there was a genuine streak of caring, to see people do better. but she's not blind to what favors do for other people, and how she can do good deeds to an end when needed. ambition never died in her - just was put on hold.]
[of course there was a genuine streak of caring, to see people do better. but she's not blind to what favors do for other people, and how she can do good deeds to an end when needed. ambition never died in her - just was put on hold.]
[ He hopes that helps to protect her, to put her at the other end of his dichotomy... A powerful saint that handles a powerful demon. Worthy of respect and protection for the work she does. His arms tighten around her. ]
Don't wanna live half-alive anymore, Em.
[ She had asked him before: what he wanted, where he was going. He needs to drive his life forward on his own terms. And he wants her to be there with him. ]
Don't wanna live half-alive anymore, Em.
[ She had asked him before: what he wanted, where he was going. He needs to drive his life forward on his own terms. And he wants her to be there with him. ]
[ He rests his hands on her arms, blushing furiously. No matter how comfortable he gets with someone and accepting affection from them, he can't help but get at least a little bit flustered by it. It's fine, it's a warm, happy feeling now. Emily deserves his vulnerability, the soft side he'd covered up for so many years. ]
Yeah...Lot fuckin' better. [ He gives her hand a gentle squeeze. ] ...Ya can do that whenever ya want, ya know. Jus' ask.
[ Because they both benefit from it. ]
An'...maybe lemme do it for ya sometime?
Yeah...Lot fuckin' better. [ He gives her hand a gentle squeeze. ] ...Ya can do that whenever ya want, ya know. Jus' ask.
[ Because they both benefit from it. ]
An'...maybe lemme do it for ya sometime?
You don't have to anymore.
[she whispers it into his skin, a surety. as if she knows, when all she does is hope as fiercely as years of jaded quiet allow.
he wants, and that's the step forward. where he goes, she'll still be there at his side. there's no question of it.]
[she whispers it into his skin, a surety. as if she knows, when all she does is hope as fiercely as years of jaded quiet allow.
he wants, and that's the step forward. where he goes, she'll still be there at his side. there's no question of it.]
Of course. Whenever you choose.
[she knows what it takes for him to relax and be softer with her. it's an effort she's happy to encourage, to push onwards in his life. if he wants to do something like combing out her hair, she's glad enough to let him.]
[she knows what it takes for him to relax and be softer with her. it's an effort she's happy to encourage, to push onwards in his life. if he wants to do something like combing out her hair, she's glad enough to let him.]
[ In the morning, she'd made it know to Emily through text that she was picking her up for a date. Brunch, then skating. A shopping trip through Tamamo district; Aerith's dragged Emily through the district as she sees it. Only the cheapest of shops with their finest wares. Dresses, dinnerware, home decor; all of it was on the table today. Everyone knows her there. They have nice things to say. She's helped out so many small businesses, and all of them are eager to help her out, too. Aerith is all too happy to tease: Emily has been introduced as her date the enter day.
Skating had been fun, even if Aerith was as clumsy as a newborn deer. She slipped, fell, and held onto Emily for dear life in the rink. There had been plenty of moments stolen, in her book, and now she supposes the real treat should come. After some fun on skates, Aerith leads her to an izakaya in Sutoku. It's a small, homely place, a real hole in the wall sort of establishment, with dim lights and good liquor. Aerith nurses a shot like it's a tall glass of water, not one for the bottle herself. ]
I always wanted to ask.
[ She sips it again, but this time at least, she makes no face. ]
About that mask you've got. What's the story?
Skating had been fun, even if Aerith was as clumsy as a newborn deer. She slipped, fell, and held onto Emily for dear life in the rink. There had been plenty of moments stolen, in her book, and now she supposes the real treat should come. After some fun on skates, Aerith leads her to an izakaya in Sutoku. It's a small, homely place, a real hole in the wall sort of establishment, with dim lights and good liquor. Aerith nurses a shot like it's a tall glass of water, not one for the bottle herself. ]
I always wanted to ask.
[ She sips it again, but this time at least, she makes no face. ]
About that mask you've got. What's the story?
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