☆ A LEADING ACT

[queenoftheicethrone-deactivated]

thebigsaturn started following you

…David. 

[thebigsaturn]

A momentary sweep of Déjà vu.

The thought had occurred to him earlier, with his toothbrush still hanging from his mouth and his hands sorting through a potential side deck. It was still dark outside and Reggie was in the shower, minutes from making a fuss over the lack of hot water.

In that second, there was an unguarded reservation - he would prefer not to run into anyone who would remember him.

And yet, there he was in the present but staring the past in the face. It was silly to think that he could altogether avoid Japanese duelists while in Japan at competitions for, well, duelists. It wouldn't suit him to allow anyone a peek at the trifling feelings he had been plagued with.

The air was heavy to begin with, but he was beginning to feel suffocated. Discomfort gave way to agitation, however, and that was better than overt bitterness. A passerby knocked into his side and he threw a glare in their general direction before shoving his hands in his pockets.

His sister would tell him to be "kind", though her brand of "kind" wasn't far off from his usual carriage. Personally, he felt like he pulled it off with a little more tact. She was always afraid of frightening others, waiting for a right moment that might never come to be. Why bother, when a cat can spook a mouse into position?

He would be a gentleman, of course. After all, this was a lady (Happy, Mac?) he was dealing with. Their interaction would be like any other, no matter what she knew or didn't .

"Asuka Tenjoin," Turning to her now, David inclined his head and forced his lips a smile that was not entirely definite, "It certainly has been awhile, hasn't it?"

"A rhetorical question, of course," He leaned back on his heels with an airy sigh, lifting his gaze over her head, "I do wonder, though...you're not here to participate, are you? It'd be a real shame to have our thrilling reunion end in a terrible loss on your part."

[thedarkguardian]

As the male came closer Jehu was able to get a better look of him, the overall look bored him, but that…now that caught his interest.Listening eyes narrowed as the man attempted to appear friendly, but otherwise Jehu kept quiet and waiting.

After all if the man wanted information then he’d have to beg for it after all information came at a price and this man Jehu guessed wanted something costly. He was willing to try and see if the waiting game would work…and wait for it. Just like that the man had given just a bit of what he guessed he was looking for or well his interest it would appear. 

Hands rose as he crossed his arms, a smirk rising as he listened to the man ask his question. “A duel spirit you say…my you’ve asked for quite a hefty price for a question like that.” Though he was curious to know why the man was asking about duel spirits his main interest was turned to that earring.

Rising his left hand and pointing to the earring, “You’ve got quite the rare item there.” 

[thebigsaturn]

He dropped his hand to his side without delay, expression distant, "Yes..."

"It's not exactly a bargaining chip, unfortunately," David spoke quickly and concisely, itching at his palms. An appearance by what the earring held was not exactly welcome, having it even being referred to put him on edge. He bristled, clenching his jaw. This was his business alone.

His vision went black and he tensed, turning away sharply - he wasn't exactly enthusiastic about broadcasting a moment of weakness. He took a slow breath as the scenery returned in splotches and tried to appear interested in his surroundings - there wasn't much of anything to focus on that would seem authentic.

He cursed softly, biting down on his lip and stubbornly keeping himself angled in another direction. What a pain this was turning out to be, and it seemed as though it would be fruitless.

"Perhaps we can work out something of a partnership," He managed to keep a level voice, though his breath was becoming ragged and his heart was thumping. This certainly wasn't a time for weakness, "After all, there are more than enough duel spirits on this island to go around."

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced," Resolute, he steadied himself and faced the foul-mouthed young man once again, smiling as people did when they first met, "David Rabb, and you?"

[thebigsaturn]

Hello, everyone!!! I'm back. I will get some replies up tonight! ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

[thebigsaturn]

03 HEADCANON

David is not exactly gifted when it comes to understanding women - they're something of an enigma to him and, from the glimpses Reggie gives into their workings, sometimes he'd rather keep it that way.

[oc-terra-rose-deactivated201506]

thebigsaturn is folowing

[oc-terra-rose-deactivated201506]

“Just because I don’t do well with tests doesn’t mean I’m not a straight A student. I wouldn’t be here if it’s wasn’t for a promise about keeping my grades high. And I happen to like the Red dorm because I prefer to be near a quiet place to draw and study.” She snapped back.

“My thoughts on how Americans act are based off of being bullied by everyone and my father. It’s not just Americans that act that way. Every school treated me the same.” Terra explained as calmly as she could.

“And why do you want to know about spirit cards?” She asked. “If someone put you up to it just forget about it. I’m not going give anyone the sick pleasure of bulling me again.”

[thebigsaturn]

"Do you make a habit out of telling strangers your life story?" David asked, with a yawn and a self-satisfied smirk that fell dramatically short.

It seemed that he had stumbled upon an objective - what luck, he preened.

On one hand, he could be losing his edge if her secrets were just slipping. On the other, she had given up more than her spirit card in her speech. There was also a weakness, and he liked to think of himself as fairly accomplished in the art of 'bullying'.

It would be difficult to simply drop the subtly, he was rather fond of it, but she had repeatedly displayed that she not an ounce of sense for it.

For now it would be best, or at the very least entertaining, to see if he could manage to get a peek at his prize.

Realizing that open-mouthed staring would only come across as strange, he pulled himself together and slapped a friendly smile on his face that didn't quite make the effort to reach his eyes, "Now why would I do a thing like that?"

With a touch of awkward that he figured would only make it more authentic, he rested a hand on her shoulder. Ordinarily, he would worry that this was going too far and would spook her, but this felt like something the kind of pal you would show your spirit cards off to would do, "I happen to be rather keen on the..."

He shifted away from her, smile broadening in accordance to what he was sure people who had genuine interest in friendship without any other sort of personal gain did - observation was a handy skill, "The study of duel monster spirits. Maybe you could help."

[thebigsaturn]

As thick as thieves —

[splendidvenus]

The tip of the pen retreated into its base as she clicked its end upon hearing her brother’s voice on the other side of her door. With a sigh, she brushed a strand of her hair out of her face. What could he want at this time of night? Maybe he wanted some help. She laughed at the idea of it. No, too good to be true. 

Clapping her notebook shut, Reggie stood, and deliberated the question presented to her. There was no use thinking about a game such as this. Her sibling undoubtedly liked this “test of knowledge” for its lack of necessity for it.

“Spell,” she called towards the door. He hand clasped the cold, metallic knob and swung the door open. Her brother stood before her, card in hand and gum snapping between his teeth. “Would you look at that, I’m right.” Clasped between his fingers was a spell card, brought up to eye level. Reaching to her belt, Reggie pulled out a card of her own. Grinning, she revealed the card to the brother at her door, “And look here! Magic Jammer. Well isn’t that a shame.” A chuckle escaped her lips, “You can’t win a game of wits nor a game of luck? What can you win, Brother?”

[thebigsaturn]

He opened his mouth to retort and stopped short.

Pushing roughly past her with a poorly concealed bitter expression, he flipped the card face up and sighed quietly at the confirmation. The card gleamed in the light, mocking him with its untimely appearance.

Monster reborn, a fine draw in just about any other situation.

Facing away from her still, he fished his deck from his pocket and slid the disloyal little spell in with the rest.

"A game of darkness, perhaps," David snarked under his breath, punctuating the comment by popping a gum bubble louder than necessary. Throwing a lazy cover over his strikes at her was meant to insult her further by not deeming her worthy of a proper front, but he inwardly acknowledged that it was little more than childish.

Falling back on to her bed, he kicked off his shoes - it would be a shame to get the comforter dirty, and he reasoned that it was probably worthwhile to get into the habit - and sifted through his recently adjusted deck. Maybe it was a bad omen that Reggie already found it to be predictable on some level.

There really was only one true way to test if luck was with him; looking to her as if he had just remembered she was there, he smiled invitingly, "I know you have yet to find a worthwhile opponent, how about we settle this in a duel?"

"Something of a warm up, if you will," he said innocently, already shuffling his cards in preparation.

[thebigsaturn]

As thick as thieves —

The night was young and, at this point, whatever stray students that were left wandering the halls shied away at his approach - so it was about time he put his increasingly aggressive approach to rest. It wouldn't do to gain a reputation that would slow down any further progress or, god forbid, give his less abrasive sister an advantage.

And, as these things went, he found himself at her door wondering why he never quite learned how to entertain himself.

Tapping his foot, he snuck a stick of gum from his pocket and crumpled the foil, depositing it in his pocket.

Her light was on, so she was surely awake in there...writing in her diary or whatever it was that girls did in their spare time. Scoffing, he slipped the mint-flavored treat into his mouth and rattled the handle sharply.

It proved to be locked, but that was something he had grown accustom to. She didn't take very kindly to brothers barging in on her; it was ridiculous, really. If he wanted in that badly, he'd find a way. Apathetically, he knocked the toe of his boot against the door once.

"Oi, Mac," Off balance, with his weight resting against the frame, he pulled a card from his deck and held it away so it would be facing her when she inevitably opened up, "Take a shot - monster, spell, or trap."

[thebigsaturn]

02 HEADCANON

David is a serious morning person, priding himself on being always dressed and out of bed by 7 AM. He's often found in a more agreeable mood earlier in the day - provided that everything went routinely and you also wake with a similar sense of purpose.

[machinegundeathboss-deactivated]

thebigsaturn started following you 

“Hey…you look familiar. Have I seen you somewhere before?” Judai stared at the other. Didn’t he just meet the guy? Or was that a different guy that looks like this one? I’m confusing myself now… “Anyway, I’m Judai Yuki,” he replied brightly. He started to get the same feeling he got from that other guy, so it was best to be careful.

[thebigsaturn]

"You must be mistaken," He said vaguely as he shouldered past, his mouth moving too quick for words that were likely not in the appropriate language in the first place. His index finger paused at his chin for a few steps and then striking the air once with that same digit, he whirled around to face the Japanese student.

The boy seemed ordinary enough - osiris red jacket, a dumb expression with an undertone that, David decided, was something like wary. As he had passed a moment ago, there was also a sentence and maybe what was a name tossed out.

Attempting a smooth recovery - with his own word choice almost blowing it, it was hard to not roll his eyes at the prospect of failure - he paced back with a sheepish smile and the most affable 'oops' demeanor he could manage.

"David Rabb," He introduced himself firmly, ducking his head just enough to finish getting across 'apologetic'.  Running his teeth over his bottom lip, he considered the possibility that the act was entirely lost on the kid, he didn't exactly have the look of intelligence about him,  "If it isn't too much to ask, I could use a shove in the right direction."

His smile grew to allow a further peek at his pearly whites, "You wouldn't leave a clueless foreigner to his own devices, would you?"

[thedarkguardian]

Arms crossed as he listened to the male speak lips pulling into a smirk as male seemed rather cocky, “Oh and what is it that your looking for that makes you think you can just waltz right on in here?”

“Me interest you?” Grinning he walked a bit towards the male stopping he dropped a hand to rest on his hip, “Well I hope this interest of yours is something your willing to die for.” He purred.

[thebigsaturn]

This wasn't some sort of twisted talent show, and David was not about to waste time competing with the brat.

Unconcerned, he mirrored the young man's approach tidily, hands at his back. This was a much enjoyable experience than hanging back at the academy, attempting to squeeze something that wasn't there out of incompetent students.

"I am, coincidentally,"  David replied in a breezy pitch, lifting his shoulders briefly in a manner that made light of the situation and could be very well put to use in the case of a casual, by chance happening between two friendly people.

Yes -  this was one way to pass the time, and potentially reap a few rewards, "I'm here investigating the presence of duel spirits, I'm sure you're familiar - what with the..." He waved at the air, wrinkling his nose, "...Interesting atmosphere you keep."

Pitiable, was his final judgement. This costumed punk obviously hadn't had a visitor worth his salt before, his methods were low but not successfully so in this case. It would work on a weaker willed visitor perhaps, but the bigger guns would have to be drawn eventually. How exciting.

"I don't expect just asking nicely will do, however," He said, idly rubbing his earring between his fingers, "Have you anything in mind?"

[oc-terra-rose-deactivated201506]

thebigsaturn is folowing

[oc-terra-rose-deactivated201506]

“There’s nothing wrong with good grades. But I feel the only way to determine if someone is a good duelist is to duel them.” Terra shrugged. “So you’re an American. My father is one too, not that I expect you to know that.” She chuckled at him. “But I should have known that you were one. When I went to school in America everyone was rather rude and assumed everyone to be beneath them. Much like you are acting now Mister judgmental.”

[thebigsaturn]

"Again with the baseless assumptions," David responded dryly, his expression souring. It was foolish of him to think that there was anything to gain from bantering with a bottom-feeder such as her, "While there is value in the ability to manage grades, I have enough duels under my belt and intelligent thought firing through my head to realize it is not the only indicator of a competent duelist."

"Furthermore," He carried on, exhaling wearily. The time he was wasting on this exchange grated on him and left him agitated. If only to release some pent up frustration, he clenched his fists, "It is hypocritical to peg me as judgmental in the same breath you generalize the American population."

It was too tempting a thought to shut the girl up with a duel of darkness, but as he had just affirmed aloud - he was not stupid. There was no getting away with that. The people of the academy he could handle, but it would be a shame to be cut off by an interruption from what was held in the earring, "I have to be honest, you don't seem like you have anything to offer me."

"To, well, not be hypocritical, I'll treat you as I would if I thought you could be of any use," He looked directly at her and smiled in the most cordial manner he could muster, "Does the term 'spirit card' mean anything to you?"

[jkhdsaadhkgldshg-deactivated201]

thebigsaturn started following you

[jkhdsaadhkgldshg-deactivated201]

“It’s fine. I’m Hane.” She replied taking his hand. “The American Academy? That’s sounds interesting. Have you transferred for a reason or…?” she questioned leaving it somewhat open ended. Feeling somewhat cornered, she decided to be careful and keep as much information to herself as possible. Making her answers short and aiming the questions more towards him were her only choices at the moment though. Besides running away. If that was even possible…

[thebigsaturn]

"Overseas study," David replied shortly, rocking back on his heels as if bored, and dismissing the question as if it were nothing with a vague hand motion. It was his sister who had the patience to butter anyone with a potential connection to a target up, he liked to think that he worked with more direct and, therefore, effective methods.

"As for reasoning..." His eyes glinted at her with meaning, once again momentarily breaking his genteel carriage. This time it was intentional, however, he meant to keep the girl on her toes. It wouldn't do for her to get too comfortable, "Something tells me that Duel Academia has a lot to offer."

"I don't wish to pry but I would be a fool not to take the opportunity," With a brisk sigh, he looked to the sky, "Your name, I notice, is a word that normally deals with...creatures of flight."

Shaking his head as if he were talking nonsense, inwardly pleased with what he thought was a lovely presentation. After a monent, he started up again, with an airy and conversational tone and a hand running bashfully through the hair at the nape of his neck, "You see, to cut to the chase, I can't help but wonder what your role is here."

"You say you're not a duelist," He tapped a finger against another, as if counting this off, "And yet you wear these...interesting wings as if you're keeping with a theme."

"They're quite interesting, by the way," His voice became soft, edged with a quiet predatory fever that built as he closed in on her, and his gaze flickered briefly to the feathery pair in question, "In fact, I've never seen a more lifelike prop."

A shadow of excitement at the taste of near success passed through his eyes, and a smile snuck through his carefully crafted show, "Did you make them yourself?"

[yubelterrorincarnate]

thebigsaturn and splendidvenus started following you

splendidvenus started following you

thebigsaturn started following you

[yubelterrorincarnate]

” Oh, how cute, a pair in uniform.” Yubel sneers sarcastically. ” What do you want?”

[splendidvenus]

What an unusual place to run into a person. This dorm looked abandoned, Reggie had not expected a soul to be around. In the darkness, she could make out the figure of the person before them. The voice suggested a woman, but… there was something off about it.

Then it hit her, a wave of pure darkness and… hatred?. The feeling emanating from this person made it hard to breathe. But… the darkness was drowning something else. Something faint, vague, disguised was hiding in the darkness. Who was this person?

The faint feeling grew stronger as Reggie stepped toward her. That feeling… A duel spirit?! But her earring had not reacted at all? Was she simply mistaken? She needed to be sure of which hypothesis was correct.

“We were just touring the island.” The figure became clearer. What?! What kind of person was this? This was a duel spirit, no doubt about that, but why didn’t her earring react? She reclaimed her confident and friendly demeanor. Duel spirit or not, gaining this thing’s trust was important. “We’ve come from America, which you might assume from the uniforms. Can I ask,” she kept her calm, she could not afford letting her know their true intentions, “what your name might be? And why you’re someplace no one else resides? Why be solitary in this abandoned dormitory?”

She had to keep up the facade, the fake interest. Her breath was quickened and short, the thick darkness seeping from this creature was making it difficult to keep a grasp on her calm stature.She needed to act quick, ifhe cut in, this entire thing could blow up in their faces. He would screw it up, that’s for sure.

[thebigsaturn]

David laughed once, loudly and with real mirth. The piercing sound echoed through the relative silence and reverberated through him even after it had faded, leaving him visibly shaking with suppressed giggling.

"At last!" He barked, snapping back to stability without a speck of outward warning. Eyes wild, he greedily took in the sight. The monster was unlike anything he had ever seen, and the atmosphere could only be described as ambrosial. The anticipation was almost too much.

With shallow breaths passing through his slackened smile in quick succession, he tossed his head in the direction of his blabbering sister, intending to only throw her a look in hopes to shut her up. And yet, it was written all over her face as she attempted conversation with an objective, she would choke.

Wherever she would falter, David was determined to thrive - and he was already in his element, standing in the rubble of an old building and the beautiful, nearly poetic, crushing ambience provided by the delectably malevolent entity. Thrusting his arm out, he shoved Reggie brusquely aside and propelled himself forward.

The earring, he noted, bounced lifelessly with the momentum. This would be strictly between him and the stunning creature in front of him, and he was not one to change his mind once it was set.

Holding his sister in place with by roughly gripping the fabric at her upper arm, he casually brushed his own sleeve off with his free hand, "I suspect you're not one to wave a white flag and surrender, Duel spirit."

"A magnificent beast such as yourself ought to go down fighting," He said haughtily, setting back his shoulders and fixing the personage with a level, cocksure stare complete with a now mild, asymmetric touch of a smile on his lips.

[thedarkguardian]

askduelingbabekuchiki, askduelingbabemoony, thebigsaturn have appeared!

Growling Jehu stared at the unknown familiars with annoyance, “Who the fuck let you in here?” He demanded.

[thebigsaturn]

"Well, I can't say it's most terrible hello I've ever received," David said flatly, unimpressed by the cheap shot at intimidation. His senses were not as reliable as his sister's, but the energy he had been trailing was clearly originating from this person.

It was dark in nature, but he had grown accustom to presences such as those long ago. In fact, it was something he found himself at comfort in.

His ego swelled at the thought of his own undauntedness and with a calm confidence, he drew closer, "I let myself in - you'll find that I tend to take whatever liberties suit me."

"I get the sensation that you may be able to interest me in some way," he continued, with a cheeky brightness that betrayed a sinister and growing enthusiasm bubbling through the cracks of his composure.

[oc-terra-rose-deactivated201506]

thebigsaturn is folowing

[oc-terra-rose-deactivated201506]

“The jackets have more to do with how high your grades are than actually dueling. but yes in theory you correct” Terra explained “From the way you talk I take it you’re not from around here.”

[thebigsaturn]

"Ah" Interest piqued, he angled himself ever so slightly back in her direction. David wondered if perhaps had doubted her worth too soon, with her seeming so bold. Arrogantly, he shoved that possibility aside. It was more likely that she was simply not intelligent enough to recognize when she was being insulted.

Tugging at his lip with his teeth, he gave himself a small private nod before facing her completely, "By that logic, you assume I don't find worth in keeping respectable marks."

"We take pride in our grades where I come from," He said loftily, with a sharp smile, "I've transferred from the Duel Academy in America."

[jkhdsaadhkgldshg-deactivated201]

thebigsaturn started following you

[jkhdsaadhkgldshg-deactivated201]

“N-no. I’m…I’m not…” she answered with a sight hesitation. She smiled keeping appearances even with the sudden intimidation she felt. Hane tensed realizing the apprehensive feeling was coming from his aura. It was heavy; dense with whatever she was sensing. She backed up, barely an inch, just to put more distance between them.

[thebigsaturn]

Without missing a beat, his boots fell into step after her.

For a moment, he regarded her with a more targeted intensity. If she was being truthful with him, then she must somehow be in possession of a spirit card. It was not unheard of to keep cards purely for the sentimental value, he reasoned with himself. His smile widened, it would not go to waste for much longer if he had his way.

Like a switch, as quickly as he had become overtaken by zeal, he lightened up and corrected his posture, shuffling back politely. Shoving a hand into his pocket, he made a shrugging gesture, "Excuse my mistake."

"I am David Rabb," He said pleasantly, offering his hand now, "I've just transferred from the American Academy."

[thebigsaturn]

Thanks a lot for welcoming Reggie and me, everyone! (*≧▽≦)

It's really great to be back into roleplaying after a long break. Send me an ask or just start something up if you'd like to pal around with David?

(disclaimer: he's probably not your pal unfortunately)