As much as his mouth does not say his unpleasant commentary, the soured look on his face surely says it for him. There’s a small smirk on the redhead’s lips as he fights back mentioning what his position entailed. ( He could gain access to information on just about anyone he pleased. ) He did not, however, wish to make this outing even more unpleasant and he did not wish to be manipulative as his old partner was towards Akutagawa.
It’s when a small takoyaki shop finally comes into view that Chuuya slows his steps and glances at their surroundings. ( A habit many in their line of work had. ) “Your sense of what is necessary is undoubtedly different than mine.” Words are paused only as he orders two takoyaki bundles and hands one to the ravenette, already stuffing one of the piping hot balls into his mouth. “You may not be directly under me, but I prefer to take care of my subordinates.”
Blue-grey irises gaze at the other in thought as he chews on another ball shaped bite. “Besides, getting to know the person you’re training better helps the process.” While not his main reasoning for forcing the hellhound out on this excursion, it was one that he thought the other might be more accepting of.
“I know yer not particularly pleased with me draggin’ you out here.” It’s a statement the Executive more or less blows off instead of continuing. Akutagawa was going to be a stubborn case, that much he knew before he even agreed to training him. He was ruthless if you were an inconvenience and he was particularly violent even by mafia standards.
Chuuya wanted to challenge him to change, to better himself as a person and let go of seeking approval from a singular entity that Chuuya knew, better than anyone, was a sadistic and manipulative shit.
“I just wanted to treat ya to some food after training. Yer free to go. Just come see me when yer bruises are gone to set up another session.”
nakahara’s words receive little more than a slightly louder exhale through the nose in response; one could certainly say that their views differed, but it would be an understatement. regardless, ryuunosuke accepts the bundle of takoyaki as he mulls over the statement that follows.
it’s true that nakahara is considered a respectable superior by the overwhelming majority of mafiosi, whether they are directly under his command or only passingly included in missions that involve the redhead’s participation. he’s known to try his utmost to keep casualties to a minimum, going so far as to complicate missions for the sake of sparing the worthless lives of weaklings. in ryuunosuke’s eyes, such attitude is foolish at best and a death sentence at worst – there should not be room for softies in the ranks of the mafia.
he supposes it is another testament to nakahara’s prowess that he has made it this far up the ladder and stayed there, revered by his subordinates and respected by those of equal and higher rank, regardless of this blatant weakness. nakahara’s power and skill are not to be belittled, he can grudgingly admit – but of course one should expect no less of dazai’s former partner.
the sudden dismissal has ryuunosuke blinking himself back to reality – it seems he had tuned out his superior for a bit there. mild surprise shows on his face for but a moment before he reigns himself in and dips into a respectful bow.
“ thank you, nakahara-san. ” the gravelly tones of his voice rumble out of his throat, low and quiet in the space between them. some might call it ill-mannered to leave now without even keeping the one who had invited him company until the food has been eaten, but ryuunosuke sees no point in pleasantries when he has clearly been given permission, so he turns to leave with the warm bundle still cradled in his hands and weaves his way back through the crowd towards familiar side alleys.
once he finds himself in relative privacy and can ease his frayed nerves, he leans against a wall in a nondescript side street and gingerly unwraps the takoyaki. they’re still quite hot, just the right amount of spicy, and their warmth fills his aching body from the inside out.
he’ll give nakahara that – food does feel good after such a training session.
