i bet you think about me ( closed )
WHO: Aki and Yuwon
WHAT: Drinking as an apology
WHERE: The nearest (and cheapest) bar
WHEN: Early March(ish); after Denji's canon update
WARNINGS: Men drinking alcohol, Chainsaw Man manga spoilers
WHAT: Drinking as an apology
WHERE: The nearest (and cheapest) bar
WHEN: Early March(ish); after Denji's canon update
WARNINGS: Men drinking alcohol, Chainsaw Man manga spoilers
[ It's mid-afternoon when Yuwon receives a message from Aki: Bar. 8pm. I owe you a drink.
He's not one to go back on his word, after all.
After the last mission - one that had gone surprisingly well, considering how uncomfortable his new arm had felt - Aki had slipped into something that felt like a daze. Denji had come back from seeing into the future, and Aki had the weight of all this new knowledge baring down on him, oppressive and dangerous for him to struggle through. He doesn't think that he should be shocked to hear that he's going to die, since he knew that his life was on a timer, since he knew from the Future Devil that his ending would be a poor one, but for it to come so soon....
He had left Denji alone, despite how much he had wanted otherwise. He had been willing to give up everything to stay with him and Power, and none of it mattered. Nothing he did mattered now, because when he goes back... It's all over.
It's what brings him here, leaning against the wall of the bar, a cigarette held up near his mouth, breathing in and out. The habit has become worse lately, making him need them all the more, craving the way it soothes him in an old, achingly familiar way, and as he flicks the ash off the end he breathes out a small cloud of smoke.
At the end of the day, it's a little pathetic, isn't it? He owes Yuwon, but he's using this for his own means. He doesn't think the other guy will care, though. ]
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and yet, the results were inarguable. yuwon was the type to place the most stock into what was actually achieved vs. the minute details. hence, he decides not to sweat on their awkward second encounter. that said, he texts back an Okay. before he ends up heading to the specified location.
per usual, he comes exactly on time. not too early, not too late. when he gets there, it's clear this man looks... troubled somehow. or maybe it's just yuwon thinking everyone here seems to have some sort of unspoken baggage. but, instead of addressing it, he says: ]
I've never had someone ask me out with such a sour face before. [ not that yuwon necessarily looks enthused, either. but, listen. ]
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It feels a little bit easier, knowing he can drown himself in the familiar. He can have a drink, he can let his mind go foggy, and he can find some kind of peace. That's enough for him right now, with what little else he has going on for him. At least he has an excuse, at least he has a reason - owed for an accident.
Lifting his head, he nods at Yuwon before he motions for the door of the bar, opening it up for him and waiting for him to go inside. ]
I'm not asking you out. I owe you one. [ He doesn't know if he likes the implication!! Shaking his head, he frowns. ] Go and pick a table.
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[ but, despite his words, he doesn't seem offended as much as he's purely pointing out a fact. another one on top of implying his expression was sour, but he decides not to push the fact any further. he ends up taking a seat unceremoniously as he peers at the writing on the wall and the makeshift menu that populates on his oculars. ]
What's good here?
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No. It's not.
[ Is he going to apologise? No. That's not who he is, sadly.
Sitting down across from the other man, he leans back. He's been here once, with Denji, but he doesn't remember enjoying anything in particular; he was too focussed on the sheer amount of grief his friend was feeling. All he wants right now is a beer anyway, so surely anything will be fine? He shakes his head. ]
I don't know, but order whatever you like. It's on me.
[ He's already reaching out to the little electronic machines for ordering and punching in the biggest glass of beer he can get his hands on. ]
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he doubts it's actually going to make any sort of dent in his unnaturally high tolerance (thanks to his stats), and so once aki is done putting in his: ] Get me this. [ he nudges him, almost as if guiding his hand down to the drink he wants before bringing his hands back to to his side of the table. without any additional prompting and before any of their drinks come, he asks point blank. ]
Now that you ordered, do you want to say what's on your mind?
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Maybe the desperate need for a drink is enough of a giveaway, but Aki isn't sure how willing he is to go into details yet. Instead, he lets himself reach out and order a drink for Yuwon instead, putting in an order for some random snack food before he puts the menu down to one side. He doesn't like talking to strangers about how he feels or how awkward it all is, but this is a teammate. Maybe he should be talking about it.
Leaning back, he gets a cigarette from his pocket and lights it before offering the box over for his companion to take. ]
Why does there have to be something on my mind?
[ He breathes out, a long, sharp noise. ]
I could have just wanted a drink.
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You're right. I'll wait until you get some alcohol in you. [ not confirming or denying. but, there is definitely something contrary to his words, a slight hint of amusement peppering that last second. but, it's true that for some men, alcohol was a simple means of becoming more honest to their base thoughts.
it's a brief thought, before: ] Are you the type who needs a drink after a mission?
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Leaning back in his chair, he flicks at the cigarette, huffing it out with a puff of smoke. ]
Sometimes. My division and I used to do it together, before I came here. It always seemed worth celebrating surviving another one.
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whatever it is, yuwon doesn't question it. he decides analyzing his life was likely unnecessary. it also wasn't any of his business which he punctuates by nodding along. ] I'm assuming your world was just that dangerous then. What did you do back at home? [ which just seemed like simple logic. it was likely done on purpose. the harsher the world, the more skills required to live in it.
thankfully, their drinks arrive pretty swiftly and some snacks are also provided alongside the alcohol. ]
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[ Which isn't a lie, but it feels weird to say - it sounds so innocent, like he was some kind of desk jockey. It was far more than that, but explaining it was always a bit of a pain to people who had no idea what devils were. Maybe it'll make more sense to someone who's been fighting monsters here for long enough. ]
I was a Public Safety Devil Hunter, meaning I hunted devils to keep the general populace safe. My main work was done in Tokyo.
[ Another drag of his cigarette. ]
We made contracts with Devils to fight others.
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he does recall aki revealing a few more minute details of his life prior and he did seem secure in himself and his abilities prior to the kaiju battle, so it should have been expected and yet. he thinks the contrast of devils and demons of other worlds vs. his own is interesting. not that their nature is any less chaotic in the tower, but they seemed far less principled and more open to carnage. granted, he can think of several factors on why that is, he decides it isn't worth pursuing right now. ]
You don't think that's a little backwards? To use your enemy to kill your enemy? [ but, it's clear by his tone he doesn't actually think any negatively about it. objectively, everything could be a means to an end. ]
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[ Other than Quanxi's, and the Angel Devil, but they felt like the exception more than the rule. Devils, in his experience, had been selfish, vile creatures... It's only recently that his attitude towards them had begun to change. Spending more time with Denji and Power, with Angel - and, apparently, Makima - had shifted his mindset a little.
His desire for vengeance had died, and in its place had come a desire to live for his new family. It's a shame that he wasn't going to get to experience that.
Their drinks come, and Aki reaches for his immediately, drinking half of it in one go and ordering a second glass before he sinks into his chair. Fuck. ]
Devils are what they are, and so are humans.
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he supposes even weapons that have an ego, or cursed weapons that eat at the user's life of sanity were similar enough. ] ... and what do you think humans are? [ isn't that the only natural inquiry after being told that.
but, that said. after watching this man chug down his beer with such fervor. he does ask the next logical thing. ] You sure you don't need to slow down? Well, I'm not here to police you.
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I don't know. Ask me later.
[ When he's had time to think or dwell, when he's let himself consider it all, opened up his mind to it. When it aches a little less, and he can survive a little more. Another drink, but a tamer one this time - pace himself a little.
Embarrassing himself less, hopefully. ]
Why would I need to slow down? There's no mission tomorrow.
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[ it's less of a callout, more than an actual fact. it's true that yuwon wasn't necessarily the most patient and he can't envision waiting for a response for a throwaway question. he says, and yet, he did wonder what was going through the man's head. at times he seemed relatively open, speaking without any semblance of a front, and yet at times like these... he seemed evasive. his real feeling furtive and murky.
is this relatable, or? with his own drink on the table, simply collecting condensation, he grabs it and takes a firm gulp. despite its alcohol content, there's no flush of skin, or anything even as he has a moment to take it in. ]
Don't regret saying that. [ don't make him quote you on this, aki.
but does he also order another drink for aki? yes. ]
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[ Aki still isn't used to this, really - talking to people. His life, before Denji and Power had entered it, had been work, spent time with his coworkers when needed, maybe extra time with Himeno, and then go home. He had a routine, an ease to it, because his singular focus was on the Gun Devil. Since those two joined him in his apartment, however, things have been different.
There was joy and excitement in his life, alongside the frustration and anger. He had a reason to live beyond vengeance: them. Their happiness.
Knowing that he loses it all? It sickens him, and the anger burns inside him like wildfire, as deep as the ocean of his own grief and sadness. ]
I won't. [ If they do end up on a mission, he'll shoot a rocket at the thing like he did last time. Whatever. Another long drink, and then he sighs, rubbing his forehead. ] I know what LILITH wants from us. I don't want to risk getting sent home yet.
[ To die, to abandon Denji, to leave him hurt and suffering and losing everything... ]
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then, after his next response, he breathes out a quiet huff right back. as if they were exchanging sighs. ] Don't worry, no one gets rid of tools so easily. [ he doesn't mean it offensively, either. being useful was simply a double edged sword, while it would naturally suit ones purposes and intents, it also meant you were kept around for that explicit reason. being the type of person who would measure how useful someone was and how best to utilize these talents... he's not unfamiliar with it in the least.
when the appetizers are brought over by robot, he takes a piece before it even gets settled onto the table. he munches on it while speaking. ]
Why are you worried?
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It cuts him deeply, twisting a knife inside of him. He only has two years left anyway, but to have those two years so solidly ripped from his hands and shoved into the ocean, to have his own body turn against him and destroy and hurt rather than strengthen and cherish...
Blinking back a sudden press of tears, he takes another drink, ignoring the food. He's going to get drunk quickly at this rate. ]
When I go back, I'm going to die.
[ Said with surety, finality: because there's no escaping it, is there? ]
So I want to stay here for as long as I can.
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it's not a lie.
who knows if his skills work similarly in this place, or if he's been operating on false beliefs, but as it stands... aki didn't exactly strike him as the type to spout this sort of nonsense. there's a brief pause as he seems to deliberate on what to say. per usual, he's lacking in any real tact. ] I see.
[ his taciturn nature ends up winning out and he sounds disinterested at best. except, that isn't exactly true. he definitely is curious and he eventually asks: ] How do you know? [ did he see his future? or did he live through it to know? was LILITH capable of bringing people back from the dead? ]
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Poor Yuwon, having to deal with the weight of Aki's own grief and poor decisions. He chose to love, to cherish the people around him, and he paid the price in blood.
Leaning his head on his palm, elbow up on the table, he sighs softly. His finger flexes, reaching up to tap his eye gently. ]
Remember I told you about the contracts? I have one with the Future Devil, and he showed me. I wasn't sure it was going to happen, but Denji told me. I'm going to die when I go back, almost immediately.
[ It sounds so pathetic when he says it out loud. Morose and sad because he's going to die, like devil hunters didn't die daily. He was lucky to last as long as he did, the years of service he's given. He just wishes the circumstances were different; because his death hurt Denji more than anyone else. ]
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he nods at the first question, slowly, as if piecing together his words. "the future devil" sounds outrageous on paper, but considering he's a regressor, he supposed he couldn't exactly refute the possibility, nor deny its existence. so he was basically told his future, and then had it confirmed by the one person here who he considered family...
it's pretty messed up. ] I remember. [ both the contracts and his connection with denji.
he seems to ponder on it before: ] You know the future, but you're saying you're powerless to change it... [ it's truly unfortunate. he's not about to feed a man false hope based on his own experiences. but, it does make him curious about something else: ] So what have you decided to do?
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Ripped away, right when he had finally found something like happiness. How mortifying.
All of this is messed up, but isn't that what the Future Devil wanted to begin with?
Aki sighs. ]
I haven't decided anything yet. The only option I have is to live here. I wonder if LILITH will stop my death, or allow me to go when it's time.
[ Two years... He takes another drink, expression sour. ]
I don't know what their plan is.
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it's why he didn't exactly expect aki to produce a response to his question. ]
It may be worth looking into. [ is all he says on the subject. he didn't want to speculate on something that could have been perceived as impossible. that said: ] I don't think anyone but they know what they intend to do with us.
[ he finishes his own drink off, idly taking another bite of food, before reaching over and placing in another order idly. he taps his finger on the screen a few times before turning back to aki. ] You may as well search for your own solution. I knew someone who stated they were brought back from the brink of death. [ a pause. ] I also had certain abilities before coming here... [ except, he decides not to get too into that.
the point was it wasn't entirely impossible. but, his tone is devoid of anything even remotely hopeful. ]
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He wishes it had been different, though. He wishes, desperately, that he had been able to do something more for Denji, had been able to make him happier, with the time that they had. Hearing about the horrors that his - friend had faced in the time since Aki has gone...
Undeniably, he hates himself for not being there, not to protect him, but to help him. To be there at his side, to show him how cherished he still is. Aki's depth of love for Denji is incomparable to anything else in his life, but he doesn't know how to say it properly.
Another drink. It makes life easier. ]
I don't know how much interaction I want to have with them. [ Leaning back, he frowns. ] I was brought here from the moment everything changed for me. I know that I am lucky, to be mostly whole [ little flex of his metal arm, haha ] but that doesn't mean I appreciate being... Played around with like this.
[ But what choice does he have? ]
I'll ask. Maybe they'll save me.
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on anyone, but especially on someone who seemed to have a lot to leave behind. he supposes he'd believe a similar thing of himself if he were in the same position. except, his was more about his objectives than any specific person he leaves behind. but, he wasn't here to discuss himself or what he would do.
"maybe they'll save me." he's never heard anyone be so casual about their own life. ] If they're using you, you just need to use them. [ isn't that all it is? but, who knows if they even have that ability. ]
Is the future something that can't be changed in your world? I mean, is the Future Devil always right?
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Leaning back, Aki rubs at his face absently. He's tired, he's so tired, but it's not as if he can just stop. It's not as if he can abandon Denji a second time, be the cause of more hurt and pain for what little family he has left... Shaking his head, he leans back in his chair. He wants another cigarette, damn. ]
Maybe. If I can find a way to ensure that I can do that without risking anything.
[ And then, his lips twitch a little, hand waving. ]
He's always right. The Future Rules, after all... He's never wrong. That's his role.
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before he knows it, his mouth is opening for a simple rebuttal— ] Is anything without risk? [ he would argue the higher the stakes, the higher the reward. it's not just a principle where he's come from, either. in the same way that they could potentially be burned for whatever sliver of trust they place in LILITH. though, they could also receive an equal amount. even strength could be gifted in a sense... aki's arm was a clear indicator of that.
but, he's not criticizing aki, either. but, maybe, it's his own way of casting out that cautionary sign. ]
That sounds like a shitty saying. [ "the future rules" sounds like a cult thing...
he reaches out, giving aki a squeeze on the shoulder. albeit, it's a bit rough. it's not like he was trying to comfort him or anything, but well... in this moment they shared, maybe it just felt familiar, that's all. ]
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[ Aki is more than willing to risk himself, or he was, once upon a time. Before Denji and Power, his life was a series of exchanges, blood and flesh and life force itself in order to get what he wants. Now that he's got cold feet, now that vengeance has fallen away and all he has is the family he claimed as his own... The things he's willing to risk and give up are falling short.
It's embarrassing, how much he cares, how much he wants to cherish Denji and show his life. Mortifying.
Rubbing his face, he huffs a little laugh, a low chuckle. A rare gift. ]
That's because it's a shitty devil.
[ Fuck the Future Devil, honestly.
The squeeze is... Nice, and Aki lifts a hand, patting Yuwon's hand absently. ]
Thanks for listening.
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when aki rubs his face, yuwon seems to look at him, the corner of his lips curling upwards in amusement. it kind of reminds him of a cat or something, but of course, he doesn't exactly voice this out loud. thankfully, it could also be seen as an equally quiet huff of a laugh in return. ]
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[ ???
that said, he looks aki over quickly. ] You going to be okay going back to base?
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[ Aki blinks at him absently, before... Yeah, okay, right. He's had a few beers. It's probably...
He waves his hand absently. ]
It'll be fine, Yuwon-san. I'll be able to get back without a problem.
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there's a brief touch of a sigh. ] Your face already looks a little red. [ he says this, but he is actually just saying it to say it. he figures if the threshold of his drinking is enough to loosen his lips, well, he has zero faith in aki getting back on his own two feet.
but, he guesses it wasn't his business either. that said, he still reaches over to aki's half-finished drink and gulps the rest of it down. ] I'll cut you off here and you can thank me later.
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I can handle a few drinks.
[ Though he is scowling a little at Yuwon, wondering why that guy isn't as flushed as he is. Hasn't he been drinking too...? Damn, just like Makima-san...
Leaning back, he rubs his face. ]
I'm fine.
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[ he releases a quiet huff, just barely audible before he places a hand on the top of his head. it's belated, but he realizes only now... was his hair different? that said, ] Let's go. [ he's not sure why he gets a bad feeling about leaving him to his own devices...
but, he supposes if he still says no, then there's nothing much he can do. ]
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[ He's not passed out on the table at least... Aki sighs a little, lifting his hand to rub at his eyes. He is tired, but... But...
Shaking his head, he lets himself stand, Yuwon's the boss now. ]
Let's go.
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[ when being passed out is the standard...
in a sense, he supposes he should be grateful not to be affected by alcohol in the same way. he seems to eye aki, making sure he's actually following and he's actually stable. if he's not, he goes grab him firmly by the forearm. it's not like he wants to see a guy who just ... poured his secrets out laying on the streets of neo tokyo. ]
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[ Hasn't he earned the right to be a little bit wasted after all of this?
Letting himself be dragged is easier than arguing, though, and he lets himself trail after Yuwon with a sigh. ]