( open ) unfortunately, about me

[hitokiller]

WHO: Anyone and everyone.
WHAT: Izou being Izou.
WHERE: The busy streets of Shinjuku, what's left of the Nishimuki Tenjinsha shrine in Shinjuku, a run-down looking 7-10, etc.

WHEN: Sometime near the tail-end of the first week.
WARNINGS: Mild violence (right now), severe intoxication.

█ 001, "some people make us feel more human". —

Gerroffa me, you—!

( the sounds of a struggle ensue, and suddenly a couple well-dressed gentlemen are shoving the offender out the club's door. it's pretty obvious he's a bit far-gone with the way he stumbles backwards, arms raises as if to protect himself or perhaps start throwing a mean punch. he doesn't get very far with the idea though, a quick swing of his arm completely missing its target to the irritation of the bouncers who were holding back as best they could. ) 

T-Try'na... laugh at me. I'll show ya... I'll show ya ALL! I don't forget anyhone... anyone who, crosses my...

( izou quickly discovers how difficult it is to move his mouth properly, visibly flabbergasted at how rapidly his words are starting to slur despite how often he's been through this song-and-dance. it's a familiar strangeness, a something he might find easier to digest as a problem if he weren't so horribly far-gone by most people's standards while a majority of those passing by opt to ignore his cursing and outbursts at the door. gradually, slowly, the chatty drunk realizes that no one's paying him any mind, and, with a couple exaggerated movements, places himself closer to the side of the street against a cold street-light. anything to keep the world from turning for a minute. anything to give him a little comfort.

he'll just... totally get up and leave, any minute now. with a groan, his head starts drooping against the steel that is clearly not designed to be a pillow, hands crawling clumsily up it for support. he's absolutely about to fall asleep in the middle of the city. ) 


█ 002, "and some people make us feel less human". —

( here, the ever present hum of the city was more faint, and the historic and solemn stone entryway of the temple, adorned with carved pillars and cracks, seemed all the more impressive in the darkness. in fact, one would even call it serene when compared to the hustle and bustle of neo-tokyo, so much so that it's a wonder a spot like this hasn't been entirely torn apart given its proximity to such ruin on the outskirts of shinjuku. tall stalks of grass blow delicately in a breeze, the inherent sensuality of their presence enough to beguile any visitor into venturing up the short steps and into the sacred.

it was easier to breathe here, and those with the courage to approach further into the center of the complex this late at night would see the triumphant emergence of greenery amidst the prayer chambers—new life among wood stained by time and rain. scenery worth committing to memory for anyone who might be losing hope. a glimpse into a world full of air for all who were suffocating.

yes... the perfect spot for some respite, if only a certain man hadn't been tailing behind whatever stranger came here for some peace of mind.

for izou, the night is far from suffocating—it's pleasant, full of sheltered places covered in withered leaves and welcoming to the quick manner his feet move familiarly on the ground without making a sound. a man in his element, aided by an abnormal adeptness in concealing his presence, listening carefully for the slightest shift in movement, the gentle smack of nervous lips. if he weren't so hungry, a cold reminder of how flippantly he tossed his cash around already, the thrill of stalking would bring an even bigger grin to his face... but whatever.

moments later, the soft clink of a blade being unsheathed could be heard as he raised it towards the back of his prey. )

Better start walkin' with a friend at night. Now, take out your valuables.

* alternatively, for those who aren't okay with being surprised and/or more than capable of noticing him following you despite the reduced effectiveness of his presence concealment skill: just assume you caught him before this.


█ 003, "and that is a fact as much as gravity is a fact". —

( it's a convenience store. you know. sickeningly bright, and with the same song looping for the past hour or so. it's the witching hour, and whoever shuffled in was probably just hungry... or bored.

a scrunkly-looking gentleman in an apron at the counter watches whoever's browsing with an impatient expression, a clock in the far-corner wall ticking needlessly the only other sound aside from the shop jingle. after a good ten minutes he smacks a hand down on the counter, shattering the banal background noise with his scratchy voice. )

I'm sick of ya criss-crossin' between shelves like a chicken with it's head chopped off. Buy somethin' or leave.

( my smoke break... )

* Anyone from Brimstone, feel free to recognize Izou from his loud demeanor around their commons.

Comments

[hitokiller]

( being yanked back like the little creature he is in spirit doesn't seem to phase him none.... at the moment. he's too busy scrunching his face up as he recalls bits and pieces of jing yuan's profile and their discussion during the "orientation". it's a shame he doesn't have a name for right now, or he prays, in all his crazed inebriation, doesn't have a name to discover. )

Too big to be seen wh, the likes-a... of me.

( "tactical intelligence"? "diplomacy"? all this important business... )

Smug or no, takin' everything I said seriously... reeks of a kindness I don't deserve. Yer student must be, pretty...

( —thankful. choke that thought down. this is where he gets antsy about the grip on his collar and tries to shrug it off. )

[eepy]

[ for someone who's inebriated, he finds it very impressive that he's still recognized. and despite the brief exchange they've had over the network, jing yuan too recognizes him well enough.

still, that remark surprises him and his hold on his shirt loosens, ensuring that he continues to keep him supported despite the gentler grip while he finds his footing (and his composure, if he even can) once more. he only releases him when he finally squirms away. ]

There is no one undeserving of kindness. [ smug or not. ] If not kindness, then to be heard and listened to.

[ and his previous rambling about winning seems to root from something deeper, hence jing yuan's curiosity and mild prodding. ]

But yes, Yanqing is rather adorable as a student. Feeling better?

[hitokiller]

( whoops, i was under the assumption they could read the data entries too. anyway, waves a magic wand.

"there's no one underserving of kindness."

his head throbs, the generous words offered while he's vulnerable possibly the most painful. izou falters, unable to even ponder why it bothers him so much right now, unable to even cling to anger as his defense. if only he could dig the heels of his dress shoes into the street to sober himself proper, to steady the world and the slight tremble of his shoulders.

in summary, he knows his outburst is awkward... but the purpose of this man's kind, yet piercing questioning continues to elude him. )

... Yeah. ( a lie. ) Yeah, now... just.

( he waves a hand dismissively, not even in jing yuan's direction. somewhere down the street??? )

Call me, a... wagon, would ya.

[eepy]

[ jy can pretend he didn't hear it ...

he can also tell a lie from the truth, once more stretching out an arm to tug him back before he can clumsily amble further down the street. at this rate, he'll find himself crashing into another lamp post or worse. ]

And where would I find a wagon?

[ if he meant cab back to the base, then he's out of luck because he has no means to pay for the cab or train fare. looks like they're walking back. ]

Besides, the cold, winter air should clear your head after a bit of walking. [ he overtakes him but not entirely, making sure the other male is trailing next to him. if izou tries to walk away, he's getting steered back on track. ] Come.