AH. There it was. That look. The look of a scholar or a better-man, a man whose words flew like paint on a canvas compared to his yapping. The difference between them was brighter than noonday and clearer than a river one skipped stones off of.
He hated it, that know-it-all tone. He hated it, the gaze that flickered across his features and determined in an instant they weren’t of similar make. From the day he was born to the day he died, others had always sneered and treated him like a lesser.
Izou crumpled his newspaper even further, and even though he’d been the one to call-out to the other in the first place, it didn’t stop the discomfort and building anger from rising in his chest. Just like old times, huh.
Death hadn’t changed a thing.
“Only I can do?” Right. He was right. Once a dog, always a dog. Izou’s tone was flat and hollow, the soft spot before a low growl. “Each and every one of ya’s the same in the end. Talkin’ all big, not even owning up to yer mistakes or even what ya really are. Hah… we can step outside. I’ll expose it. The fact that yer just another killer, a beast bathed in red like me.”
The moment he speaks, he can see the change in the other’s eyes. It’s as if every word that came out of his mouth is ire-inducing, as if the more haggard man hadn’t been the one to opt to speak his mind out of nowhere. Pale fingers tentatively reach up to adjust the spectacles resting on his nose, slowly narrowing hazel eyes in response to the crinkle of paper and the bite of a threat.
“Perhaps I was not clear enough. I apologize, if that’s the case.” His smile slowly falls, allowing his hand to rest at his hip, where his wooden sword sits as per usual. He’s not interesting in arguing with someone who’s all bark and no bite, especially in a setting like this; evidenced by the hardened look that slides over his features.
“Speaking of others when you know nothing of them is a dangerous thing to do. As is threatening someone, nevertheless an officer, in broad daylight. You may feel free to complain as you like, but there is no changing the fact the only one causing a disturbance is you.”
There’s a harsh moment of silence, the girl behind the counter casting nervous glances back and forth as she debates reaching for a phone. And then Keisuke’s smile returns, giving a small nod of the head. “Now, I’m sure these people enjoying their evenings would prefer to have some peace....why don’t you enjoy yours as well, and save the trouble? I’m certain they’d appreciate it.”
Eventually, when all is said and done, the past comes back to haunt you.
“....I can’t help but wonder if my words have angered fate.” There is a smile on his face, but it’s lifeless, just as void as the red eyes that stare back. The white hair upon the other’s head is matted with red of varying shades and dryness, a familiar sight, but not quite the same.
He can’t look into that cracked visage, like a mirror split into several pieces and hastily glued back together, and see Heisuke Toudou staring back.
“For you to turn out this way...you have my apologies. Although it seems you can’t quite understand them.” It wears his skin, carries his sword, and is yet not him. There is no warming smile, nor no solemn glint of blue eyes that reflect the same sorrowful feelings he had fought with for as long as he had to in their later days. The fact it slowly brings it’s blade up to mimic the other’s posture merely adds salt to the wound, and the bitter smile merely widens an inch before he gently turns his head to address the individual he’s stepped in for.
“Allow me to handle this. It’s too dangerous to deal with by yourself.” The wooden sword in hand, stained in gore, is a nice contrast to the stark white that slowly crawls over every brown strand on his head.
Silence fell over her as she heard the other speak – she hadn’t spoken to this man prior, but something about his demeanor had caught her attention. So? Simply hearing his opinion had been a matter of interest to her.
She couldn’t say she understood. Danzou was unique: Literally a living puppet. She couldn’t truly understand the depths of death. Or how it effected those who had truly lived. Though, his words struck a cord all the same. “… is that so.” Perhaps she still wasn’t the most cultured when it came to manners, so the fact that she had eavesdropped was lost on her. Not to mention the fact that she was both an ASSASSIN-Class servant as well as the fact that she was crafted by shinobi to be something of a “kunoichi” in appearance… “May I ask why you feel that way?”
She wasn’t attempting to be rude. She didn’t mean to question his beliefs and she hoped she wasn’t being too nosey. But she wanted to understand. And at this moment, she truly didn’t…
“ — Oh?” He wasn’t expected to be faced with such genuine curiosity. He had little problems with her listening closely; after all, it’s not as if it was a private sentiment or conversation. Her appearance earned a secondary glance, but after all his time here, he had seen far stranger.
“Well, I suppose it’s sentiment....after all, you care about those close to you, is that not so?” An odd question, but he won’t pry into the reasons. Everybody has their secrets, Sannan included. “Those bonds wouldn’t be broken even in death. After passing, I believe it would be a relief to know you are remembered by the pleasant moments and not the painful ones....although, there are some things that cannot and should not be forgotten.”
“Because you are no longer together doesn’t mean your memories no longer hold any weight.” He offers a comforting smile, letting himself pause before adding to his words.
“This might vary from person to person, however.”
He is...not a man for festivities. For the most part, he’s too busy or too concerned with other pressing matters to consider spending time walking amongst festival-goers while alone, especially at his age.
There are, however, exceptions.
The couple days, he simply watches from afar. Music and food is plentiful, and he can hear the sounds of the celebrations whenever he rouses from slumber in the evening, but taking part is not at the forefront of his mind.
It’s not until the third night, when the blanket of night rolls over the sky and he exchanges the western uniform he’d grown so used to donning for a comfier, more familiar set of clothes, that he switches his destination to the beating heart of the ward. There are dozens of people here, some solemn with others chatting eagerly with familiar faces, and Sannan simply accepts the offered lantern with a gentle smile and an accompanying nod.
The twisting flowers that coat the ward seem to wave them off as they walk, eager to exchange the asphalt and concrete beneath their feet for sand and lapping waves. His pace is even and steady, mind already set without much wandering. It didn’t take much for him to come to conclusions about what to do and say...after all, the few months before his arrival here with rife with their fair share of despair and loss.
But he continues on. Because that is all someone like him can do; they chose to live a life that carried it’s dangers, and they had accepted it long ago.
Sandals sink into the sand as they all stand at the edge of the water, boats being slowly lowered into the water at differing rates. For a moment, he simply holds onto it, tilting his head towards the sky and letting out a sigh that is followed by a small smile.
“Toudou-kun. Okita-kun. Yamazaki-kun. It’s a shame that I am the only one still drawing breath far past my time.” The chuckle that escapes his throat is somewhat hollow, but the softness doesn’t leave his eyes. “Of all people, I’d think I deserved this second chance the least. But it seems fate has other plans....I suppose I’ve no right to squander it.”
The boat that settles on the waves in front of him bobs in place for a moment, before sliding across the water to join the many others that illuminate the sea around them. The moon reflects off the lenses on his face as he gently slides his arms together, watching the sight even while others decide their time well-spent and leave the premises. There is conversation and laughter, representing the urge to celebrate instead of mourn, and it permeates the air like the thick smoke from a bonfire.
“Honestly...I can’t help but wonder who makes these decisions.” His voice quietens, as if not to disturb those around him. Sannan thinks of the blue cloth that lays on the back of his chair in his room, one he hasn’t worn in a while but still remains his most treasured possession, and turns his gaze up to the moon that seems to envelop them all in it’s soft glow. Are the others looking on this, all the way back in Edo? Do they see the same moon, on their ashen battlefields?
Well. It’d be fine if they didn’t...but it was a nice thought.
“...I do hope you’re taking care of yourself. Putting all the pressure on a lady is shameful, after all.” There’s no names said, but they don’t need to be. He’s said his piece, and that’s truly all he came out for.
Hopefully, wherever they all are, they managed to hear something.
“To celebrate the time you had with those you’ve lost...I think it’s quite important. While your time with them may be over, I’m certain they would appreciate you remembering them and what you’ve been through together.”
...Even if they can’t see it, from wherever they are.
Consciousness only claims him when the sun goes down, but this time, his awakening is accompanied by a commotion outside. It’s not until Sannan moves the light-blocking curtains that allow him to sleep more peacefully that he sees the source of it; the curling petals and vines that weave their way along the outside of his window, as well as everyone else’s.
“My.” Gently, he nudges the glass up, leaning out if but for a moment to take in the sight. It’s certainly beautiful, that much he can’t deny. Fingers delicately tilt up one ivory blossom that hangs near his head, a small smile sliding over his features. This....would be something more to Yukimura-kun’s tastes, but he can’t say he dislikes it.
At the very least, it will offer a lovely view on his way to work.
It is unfortunate that it takes so little to truly put a damper on one’s mood.
He’s merely passing through; this place...does not truly interest him much, the flashing lights, roar of machinery, and adrenaline-fuelled childish delight more suited for those younger than himself. He could think of a choice few who would more than have enough fun in such a place, but unfortunately it is just him.
Just him, and the man who appears through the crowd, who’s constant companion appears to be doing her best in attempting to glare holes through his person.
“What a coincidence.” A smile slides across his features, but whether or not it’s real is up for debate. He chooses to settle his own glance on the man’s face, pointedly ignoring the imaginary daggers being plunged into him as he speaks. “Considering the time of day, I do hope you and your lover aren’t getting into too much trouble...Sakamoto-kun.”
「 ⋮ ✖ ⋮ 」⇢ “Just cut down whoever has the nerve to walk around naked to set an example.”
“If I may, violence against civilians is unnecessary. I’m certain a night behind bars will do them good to make them reconsider participating in such a thing again.”
CROWDED places were no problem. The assassin was used to blending in, to making his presence almost ethereal, and here it was easier than ever when no one knew you. And while Hitokiri Izou wasn’t the most privy at gathering intel, it weren’t as if had had no interest in his surroundings. He watched all the day’s patrons while he sat, and eventually one managed to grab all his attention.
He could smell it on him, what made them the same. It was a cumbersome scent to others, that spoke of early grief in an animal language, that lingered like a hungry, crimson dog on the skin.
– blood, that is.
“Hah.” Izou tilted his crinkled newspaper, eyes shrouded in shade as he watched the man’s each and every step in the dimly lit cafe. Those eyes of his shone dangerous and dark, like a wild animal in the corner. “Walkin’ in all fancy-like, like you own the place… – when yer just a monster as any. Don’t think for a second that it ain’t noticeable, now.”
— @sochosan
Dipping into places like this once in a while is nice, a calm, quiet place where he can simply relax and watch those who pass by the large glass windows he prefers to sit beside. His days off are few and far between, so making the best of them is what he intends to do. This cafe in particular is one of his regular haunts, with generally pleasant staff and atmosphere—
At least, it was.
“...I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” His tone is calm and level, but the smile on Sannan’s face is nothing but frozen. He hasn’t even done anything, and yet the man in front of him gleams with all the hospitality of a predator.
Well. Two can play that game, he supposes.
“I assure you, I never intended on making that impression. You, on the other hand, seem to be quite relaxed for someone who enjoys accusing strangers of things.” He makes sure he locks eyes with the other, unwavering and seemingly pleasant to anyone else. “I understand there may be little else for someone of your calibre to do, but I would suggest being a bit more civil. Some people might not take kindly to such words, after all.”
While Mitsuru prefers to keep the books she reads at the library there – not that she wouldn’t turn them back in on time, but she doesn’t trust her roommates not to lose them somewhere – there is one that she simply has to take home with her, unable to put it down. She had quickly devoured the first volume, and now is looking for the second; as Spirale’s libraries do not use the Nippon Decimal Classification, she still has trouble finding what she’s looking for and oftentimes gets lost in the stacks. Not that that is a bad thing by any means…
However, it’s getting late, and she’s starting to get tired; not wanting to be out after dark, she almost feels as though she is in a race against time. Back in Iwatodai she didn’t go out at night either, unless it was for a mission – and then she had the rest of SEES with her, which made it much easier to take on any threats that may have lurked in the shadows, be they Shadow or human. Here she did not have that luxury – at least, not yet – so it was best to set out while the sun was still in the sky, for she did not trust the darkened streets of Spirale…
“Ah – excuse me.” Her search is interrupted by a man also browsing the stacks, and she steps aside so that he may reach the book he’s looking for. Several others are tucked under his arm, and she purses her lips – she isn’t nosy enough to try to see what they are but admittedly she is curious, and she finally asks, “Are you trying to learn more about this place as well?”
It is a bit surprising to see a young lady out at such a time, but perhaps that’s simply him and what he’s used to. There is much he has to learn, as it were, and it’s not as if he’s a stranger to running on few hours of sleep in order to learn as much as possible. His grip on the pages beneath his arm shifts ever so slightly, and her response receives a small smile in return.
“You have my thanks.” There’s a nod as he takes the opportunity to reach up and gently pluck a book from a few shelves up, green spine fitting perfectly in a gloved palm. He takes a moment to check the cover to make sure it’s what he’s looking for and moves to add it to his growing collection and move along, only to be stopped by a curious inquiry.
“Yes, you are correct.” Apparently, he is the one who’s quite out of place. After all, having no knowledge of half the objects within his own home...there is quite a lot of reading he has to do. In the soft evening light of the library, he turns to fully face the younger, noting the poised way she carried herself as he lays a hand on his own stack of hardcovers. “As it were, you could say I’m out of my element. Learning more about our circumstances is likely the wisest choice.” The ‘as well’ has not gone unnoticed, if the light coaxing tilt of the head is anything to go by.“ I take it you’re doing the same?”
Out of his element is putting it lightly, but...that’s all that needs to be said.
hey! if ur ever looking for information on my character (whether i haven’t finished/uploaded my stats or bio pages or it’s just information you’d like to know) you can always 100% shoot me a message asking about anything! if you need something cleared up about my muse, ask me. if you wanna learn more about my muse, ask me. if something is confusing you or you just want to know more - ask me! i’m always available to answer questions about my muse because the odds are i’m probably still figuring them out. no matter how long i’ve had them for, there’s always room for character development and finding out more about them. there are some things even i haven’t figured out about my muse, so always feel free to ask me if you wanna know anything.
Thank you for having common sense. It's surprising how something simple like that isn't exactly 'common' anymore, jiji-san.
“Well, I can’t say I’m used to being thanked for such things.” The smile he offers is small, but it’s a softer one than usual. “Regardless, I’m glad you understand. I trust you’ll take this as a lesson and won’t be causing any trouble yourself in the future.”
He continues trying to lighten the mood. Not very often does he get to speak with co-workers, after all.
“Come now, no need to be so stiff. Do you not have a preference, is that it? Or is it…that you aren’t interested in them at all?”
“I would prefer to not repeat myself.” This is one conversation you were better off not having. A hand sharply adjusts the lenses on his face, eyes narrowed.
“My apologies, but what I ‘prefer’ does not matter in the least. Gawain-san, you would be better off not voicing such vulgar curiosities, especially while on the job.”
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