[ It's a lovely day at the Valentia, isn't it? Takasugi's probably downstairs eating his not-as-lovely breakfast. Rinne doesn't wake up early enough to know the man's full schedule, but he does know that pretty much everyone's done with breakfast by 9 to 10 am, which gives him the best window of arriving before Takasugi leaves.
So Rinne's here, up as early as he can be. His secondhand guitar case is slung over his shoulder while he looks like a clueless idiot loitering around the first floor and pretending to text. He almost looks younger like this, not knowing left from right yet giddy from excitement all the same.
When he spots the man he's looking for, a switch seems to flip. That crass personality from before returns at full force. He slings a friendly arm over his shoulders and pulls him in. His hold is strong and tight. ]
Yooo, Prez! Looks like someone didn't kill those crows today♪ Hey, is that your shamisen? Nice! Anyone ever tell ya you look way too handsome today? Way too free, too. You're still way too broke, aincha? Gyahahaha, that's our Sugisugi for ya!
[ Which he hopes are all very, very distracting words to hear as he starts hauling Takasugi's ass out of the lobby and into the streets. ]
So Rinne's here, up as early as he can be. His secondhand guitar case is slung over his shoulder while he looks like a clueless idiot loitering around the first floor and pretending to text. He almost looks younger like this, not knowing left from right yet giddy from excitement all the same.
When he spots the man he's looking for, a switch seems to flip. That crass personality from before returns at full force. He slings a friendly arm over his shoulders and pulls him in. His hold is strong and tight. ]
Yooo, Prez! Looks like someone didn't kill those crows today♪ Hey, is that your shamisen? Nice! Anyone ever tell ya you look way too handsome today? Way too free, too. You're still way too broke, aincha? Gyahahaha, that's our Sugisugi for ya!
[ Which he hopes are all very, very distracting words to hear as he starts hauling Takasugi's ass out of the lobby and into the streets. ]
( he doesn't have a moment to brace himself before getting caught. not with that firm grip steering him forcefully, and not when the presence of a strong life pressing fingertips into his shoulder makes the scattered hints of something different linger at the back of his mind. it's a little startling, the way takasugi's cooler skin warms slightly like it'd been looking forward to the same touch in the same place.
startling, and frustrating, to be taken off-guard again so easily.
takasugi lets it roll off him, though, tugging at the band of his shamisen strap to make sure it hasn't offset any on his back. )
Never a dull moment when you're around, huh, Amagi-kun. Still, "Sugisugi"? Tell me that's not going to be my stage name. But I guess, if we're going to take to the stage and make this a real hit, we ought to go all out and get crazier with it. How about styling your name to match mine? Like, ... "Rin-Rin", or something... maybe.
( before he can throw out any more silly suggestions to get his nickname changed, takasugi takes notice of the guitar case, and his one visible eye sparkles brighter than the sunlight filtering through the trees that occasionally line the city streets on the way to the park. it's his turn to lean in, giddy over the fact that they're really doing this thing. )
Oh?! I knew I could count on you. It's a real piece of junk, judging from the bag alone, but I suppose state-of-the-art equipment would take a fatter stack of cash than what I won from that exercise Patho-Gen tossed on our laps a while back. Hell, I'll have to give you a... raise, or I would, if I were actually capable of running a label or any sort of company right now.
startling, and frustrating, to be taken off-guard again so easily.
takasugi lets it roll off him, though, tugging at the band of his shamisen strap to make sure it hasn't offset any on his back. )
Never a dull moment when you're around, huh, Amagi-kun. Still, "Sugisugi"? Tell me that's not going to be my stage name. But I guess, if we're going to take to the stage and make this a real hit, we ought to go all out and get crazier with it. How about styling your name to match mine? Like, ... "Rin-Rin", or something... maybe.
( before he can throw out any more silly suggestions to get his nickname changed, takasugi takes notice of the guitar case, and his one visible eye sparkles brighter than the sunlight filtering through the trees that occasionally line the city streets on the way to the park. it's his turn to lean in, giddy over the fact that they're really doing this thing. )
Oh?! I knew I could count on you. It's a real piece of junk, judging from the bag alone, but I suppose state-of-the-art equipment would take a fatter stack of cash than what I won from that exercise Patho-Gen tossed on our laps a while back. Hell, I'll have to give you a... raise, or I would, if I were actually capable of running a label or any sort of company right now.
[ It's Rinne's turn to look away, choosing to watch the busy shop windows and the road ahead. What is it they say about never meeting your heroes? As Takasugi leans in and does far too much to satisfy Rinne's curiosity, maybe there's some truth to that. Still, he's not here to make this awkward! As they talk and walk toward the park entrance, Rinne's arm stays draped over Takasugi's shoulders. ]
Label shmabel. Don't sweat the small stuff, Prez. The way I see it, we're two broke guys just tryna get by. Rinrin just likes gettin' bossed around, that's all. [ lie ] Gyahaha! We sound like a couple of pandas. But don't get the wrong idea. Just 'cause I'm nice about it now doesn't mean I ain't gonna want compensation later!
Besides, we don't always need cash to have fun. The world would be pretty boring if we did.
Label shmabel. Don't sweat the small stuff, Prez. The way I see it, we're two broke guys just tryna get by. Rinrin just likes gettin' bossed around, that's all. [ lie ] Gyahaha! We sound like a couple of pandas. But don't get the wrong idea. Just 'cause I'm nice about it now doesn't mean I ain't gonna want compensation later!
Besides, we don't always need cash to have fun. The world would be pretty boring if we did.
( so much for trying to trying to embarrass rinne.
but even having a small rug like that pulled out from under him gets takasugi's mouth to quirk into a smile, and then a laugh. )
Hahaha! Right you are! Cutting open a path with literally nothing to our name means we're selling the dream itself. A dream where success or failure really hinges on how we grip them. Not that I've got much doubt on the matter, after hearing that sample of yours. Well, that, and the fact that I could turn things around in an instant by sheer will alone, I bet.
( not to rub in rinne's talent again, but. takasugi's just calling it like it is.
there's a light breeze as things eventually open up to the much larger park near their district, and takasugi feels the back of his neck stand with the chill. or at least, he thinks that's what it is. he stalls the both of them before they enter, sandaled feet stuck promptly to the cobblestone underneath. )
but even having a small rug like that pulled out from under him gets takasugi's mouth to quirk into a smile, and then a laugh. )
Hahaha! Right you are! Cutting open a path with literally nothing to our name means we're selling the dream itself. A dream where success or failure really hinges on how we grip them. Not that I've got much doubt on the matter, after hearing that sample of yours. Well, that, and the fact that I could turn things around in an instant by sheer will alone, I bet.
( not to rub in rinne's talent again, but. takasugi's just calling it like it is.
there's a light breeze as things eventually open up to the much larger park near their district, and takasugi feels the back of his neck stand with the chill. or at least, he thinks that's what it is. he stalls the both of them before they enter, sandaled feet stuck promptly to the cobblestone underneath. )
... You ate before we left, yeah? I don't need to be picking you up off the floor.
( it isn't like him to offer such a stalling statement, but the cathedral-arch of this gate, and the green beyond it...
is a deal more noticeable than before, like his whole body is itching to brush fingertips along grass. )
( it isn't like him to offer such a stalling statement, but the cathedral-arch of this gate, and the green beyond it...
is a deal more noticeable than before, like his whole body is itching to brush fingertips along grass. )
[Rinne grows quiet. Now he's embarrassed. Pretty and uplifting as his words sound, Takasugi doesn't have to bring Rinne's talent up when it has nothing to do with success. Assuming otherwise was Rinne's first mistake. When their victory hinges on what amounts to luck, Rinne can't help but feel scared and uneasy about the future.
It is nice though, to have someone who believes in himself as much as he believes in you. That's why Rinne even agreed to anything at all. If gods exist to give people happiness, then Rinne thinks he's getting that happiness already, even just a little bit.]
It is nice though, to have someone who believes in himself as much as he believes in you. That's why Rinne even agreed to anything at all. If gods exist to give people happiness, then Rinne thinks he's getting that happiness already, even just a little bit.]
[The question catches Rinne off-guard. Is it like Takasugi to ask like a kind old lady showing some hospitality? ...That's not how he asked, but Rinne feels the concern all the same.
Well, Rinne is not about to make Gramps worry!]
Now why would I let my business partner do that?
[Niki didn't get the chance to feed or eat with Rinne today, so maybe Rinne ate a nutribar. Whatever. When Rinne sets his sights on one thing, he's too excited to think about anything else. Not the grass calling to him, nor the reluctance to let go of Takasugi when his own cowardice wants to pull away.]
Over there!
[His hand moves down to grab Takasugi's wrist and drag him to a nice, cool, and quiet spot in the shade. Rinne's strides are big, but careful.]
Try to keep up, Prez. I don't want ya crampin' my style!
Well, Rinne is not about to make Gramps worry!]
Now why would I let my business partner do that?
[Niki didn't get the chance to feed or eat with Rinne today, so maybe Rinne ate a nutribar. Whatever. When Rinne sets his sights on one thing, he's too excited to think about anything else. Not the grass calling to him, nor the reluctance to let go of Takasugi when his own cowardice wants to pull away.]
Over there!
[His hand moves down to grab Takasugi's wrist and drag him to a nice, cool, and quiet spot in the shade. Rinne's strides are big, but careful.]
Try to keep up, Prez. I don't want ya crampin' my style!
( rinne dodges the question so effortlessly, so flawlessly, that takasugi wishes he had a moment to gently knee him from behind. that's supposed to be his thing, okay? having it turned around on him feels a little like glancing in a mirror.
and besides, a god's supposed to cultivate harmony with their "followers", yeah? not that he really is one, or at least not right now, but he's got reasons for asking beyond polite concern. this could be his make-or-break event for easily connecting with the people, an impulsive avenue that many of the other augmented weren't likely to take, and takasugi's seen enough men die on the streets as their domains turned against them.
he isn't about to let their candles get snuffed out so easily in this new land, and especially not when he was still discovering what it needed of him.
that said, as he's dragged across the grass and under the dappling light of the trees, the park makes him feel... lighter, to the point where he isn't as annoyed at being tugged around. when they stop, he wrenches free, looking a deal more lively than he did days ago in his room. )
You sure do whatever the hell you want, don't you? Not that I entirely mind it. Life's more fun when you least expec—
( ... oh? he jabs a finger towards the distance. )
Take a look over there, Amagi-kun. They're chasing each other. Is this where the people of this city have their secret trysts, you think?
( he's oddly hyped about it, hefting the shamisen off his shoulder to start tuning it. )
and besides, a god's supposed to cultivate harmony with their "followers", yeah? not that he really is one, or at least not right now, but he's got reasons for asking beyond polite concern. this could be his make-or-break event for easily connecting with the people, an impulsive avenue that many of the other augmented weren't likely to take, and takasugi's seen enough men die on the streets as their domains turned against them.
he isn't about to let their candles get snuffed out so easily in this new land, and especially not when he was still discovering what it needed of him.
that said, as he's dragged across the grass and under the dappling light of the trees, the park makes him feel... lighter, to the point where he isn't as annoyed at being tugged around. when they stop, he wrenches free, looking a deal more lively than he did days ago in his room. )
You sure do whatever the hell you want, don't you? Not that I entirely mind it. Life's more fun when you least expec—
( ... oh? he jabs a finger towards the distance. )
Take a look over there, Amagi-kun. They're chasing each other. Is this where the people of this city have their secret trysts, you think?
( he's oddly hyped about it, hefting the shamisen off his shoulder to start tuning it. )
[ Rinne glances out of curiosity—he can't help it—only to whip his head back at lightning speed in the Takasugi's direction. Down goes the man's arm, and quickly, too. As much as he loves a gamble, Rinne doesn't want to risk getting caught!
Caught doing what? Well, he's shy. He's supposed to be the one making vulgar remarks around here. Is this what he puts everyone through? ]
Don't point at 'em, you—! Anyone ever teach ya how to mind your own business? You're giving the 27 Club a bad name. Jeez... No matter where I go, these city people get so shameless.
[ And Rinne can't explain why, but when his eyes trace the glistening sweat as it rolls down their flushed skin, when the wind presses their clothes into tight silhouettes against the sunlight, he begins to imagine the pulse beneath their flesh. How his teeth could sink into it.
His jaw tightens. ]
Sit. [ Like Takasugi's an unruly subordinate. Rinne does the same on one of the benches. ] Hell yeah I do whatever I want. Are we here to jam or what?
[ He cracks his case open. Inside, resting in worn velvet, is an old guitar scuffed at the edges, fretboard smoothed by calloused fingers. It reminds him of the one he played on street corners when rent was due — when the music was all that wouldn't fail him. ]
Caught doing what? Well, he's shy. He's supposed to be the one making vulgar remarks around here. Is this what he puts everyone through? ]
Don't point at 'em, you—! Anyone ever teach ya how to mind your own business? You're giving the 27 Club a bad name. Jeez... No matter where I go, these city people get so shameless.
[ And Rinne can't explain why, but when his eyes trace the glistening sweat as it rolls down their flushed skin, when the wind presses their clothes into tight silhouettes against the sunlight, he begins to imagine the pulse beneath their flesh. How his teeth could sink into it.
His jaw tightens. ]
Sit. [ Like Takasugi's an unruly subordinate. Rinne does the same on one of the benches. ] Hell yeah I do whatever I want. Are we here to jam or what?
[ He cracks his case open. Inside, resting in worn velvet, is an old guitar scuffed at the edges, fretboard smoothed by calloused fingers. It reminds him of the one he played on street corners when rent was due — when the music was all that wouldn't fail him. ]
Loosen up a little. It's not like they're actually going to spot us. They're too busy indulging in the—
( he, too, is distracted. or has been, since the moment he lay eyes on them from across this field of jade that ripples occasionally like a picturesque wave.
it's not like he's that sort of voyeur or anything, but there’s something thrilling about the chase. it makes takasugi's throat itch for a breath, as if he’s been holding it without even realizing it. it's so suddenly enticing, almost like he’s anticipating the moment when either side will rip into the other, their fingers grazing skin to draw back stripes of red.
the thought of it springs out of nowhere, or from somewhere deep down, but the stupid grin on his face subsides when he hears that firm "sit", bringing him back to reality. takasugi's gaze sweeps over rinne with an unassumed sigh. )
... throes of spring, as it were, and we're supposed to be learning what we can. Obviously they'd come somewhere less crowded to handle their business, given how stupidly repressed they all seem to be. It's like we just stumbled upon a hidden achievement without even trying. ... Anyhow, who's in charge here?
( he says while literally taking that seat upon the grass, seemingly unconcerned with getting stains on his clothing.
all it takes is a pluck or two for takasugi to check out the instrument, tilting his neck slightly to the side once he’s satisfied with the sound. it feels as natural as breathing, this, and before long, his strums carry him away into the sound. there's an odd elegance about him while he crafts the backbeat of their music, eyes closed and a bead of sweat running down his cheek. maybe it's because he's not talking for once. )
( he, too, is distracted. or has been, since the moment he lay eyes on them from across this field of jade that ripples occasionally like a picturesque wave.
it's not like he's that sort of voyeur or anything, but there’s something thrilling about the chase. it makes takasugi's throat itch for a breath, as if he’s been holding it without even realizing it. it's so suddenly enticing, almost like he’s anticipating the moment when either side will rip into the other, their fingers grazing skin to draw back stripes of red.
the thought of it springs out of nowhere, or from somewhere deep down, but the stupid grin on his face subsides when he hears that firm "sit", bringing him back to reality. takasugi's gaze sweeps over rinne with an unassumed sigh. )
... throes of spring, as it were, and we're supposed to be learning what we can. Obviously they'd come somewhere less crowded to handle their business, given how stupidly repressed they all seem to be. It's like we just stumbled upon a hidden achievement without even trying. ... Anyhow, who's in charge here?
( he says while literally taking that seat upon the grass, seemingly unconcerned with getting stains on his clothing.
all it takes is a pluck or two for takasugi to check out the instrument, tilting his neck slightly to the side once he’s satisfied with the sound. it feels as natural as breathing, this, and before long, his strums carry him away into the sound. there's an odd elegance about him while he crafts the backbeat of their music, eyes closed and a bead of sweat running down his cheek. maybe it's because he's not talking for once. )
Edited (nm he needs to yap more) 2025-04-07 14:49 (UTC)
[ As the spring breeze scatters petals across the park, the cold shock of Takasugi's profile strikes Rinne like lightning. Rinne isn't usually drawn to melodies like this—not by fond memory or foreign mystique. But when Takasugi plays his shamisen, it's as if he's pouring his very soul into the strings, creating a sound that is potent and perfectly his. That's what draws Rinne in once again—Takasugi's vibrant, unshakeable spirit.
Having the chance to watch such a historical performance up close is so exciting, Rinne thinks he might just have to bite Takasugi for another—
He shakes the thought off his mind. What's wrong with him today? Is his hunger so bad that he can't concentrate? He has to focus. He had a boss to impress, and Niki's done more for him while running on less.
Rinne joins in with his guitar, following the rhythm as he gives it body and color with his own sound. He doesn't know how he looks with an acoustic guitar now, not when his new persona barely calls for it. If anything, playing for a crowd is something he's used to. Just focus on the strings, Rinne tells himself, and be grateful that song is the only thing you can draw from them.
When the song ends, Rinne looks up at him almost expectantly. Was he good? No, was he fun? He hates it when he's like this, eyes softening like he's a puppy. Complimenting Takasugi plainly would drive him into a corner, and Rinne doesn’t want to get empty praise after begging for it. He should crack a joke instead. Play dumb, play it cool, anything to put them in a situation where they don't have to talk about it. ]
Yo, you sure you don't wanna swap seats? Ain't no way you wanna mess up your fit this early.
Having the chance to watch such a historical performance up close is so exciting, Rinne thinks he might just have to bite Takasugi for another—
He shakes the thought off his mind. What's wrong with him today? Is his hunger so bad that he can't concentrate? He has to focus. He had a boss to impress, and Niki's done more for him while running on less.
Rinne joins in with his guitar, following the rhythm as he gives it body and color with his own sound. He doesn't know how he looks with an acoustic guitar now, not when his new persona barely calls for it. If anything, playing for a crowd is something he's used to. Just focus on the strings, Rinne tells himself, and be grateful that song is the only thing you can draw from them.
When the song ends, Rinne looks up at him almost expectantly. Was he good? No, was he fun? He hates it when he's like this, eyes softening like he's a puppy. Complimenting Takasugi plainly would drive him into a corner, and Rinne doesn’t want to get empty praise after begging for it. He should crack a joke instead. Play dumb, play it cool, anything to put them in a situation where they don't have to talk about it. ]
Yo, you sure you don't wanna swap seats? Ain't no way you wanna mess up your fit this early.
Worried for me? That's kind of cute. But it's nothing a visit to a professional dry cleaner won't fix, and it's a boss's job to have their subordinates back, don't you think? I'll come out cooler for it.
( his heart might've been dry this morning, but now it sings amidst the sound of their separate melodies gradually coming to harmony, like a bird in the trees.
takasugi can't remember the last time he felt this enthusiastic about music. he's typically playing alone, even among a crowd—for his comrades who sought solace as they discussed their plans well into the night, and for the soldiers that walked past him to their deaths, until eventually, he ended up with hardly anyone left to listen beyond his mistress and the insects that thought they could seek comfort in that miserable sickbed of his.
but rinne chases every note, glancing so pitifully at him, that takasugi can't help but feel excited. a younger man, who's too "curious for his own good", or whatever he'd said. he'll have to give him a head-pat or two, or... or do something more normal for him, after this. like take him out drinking, with the empty hole in his pocket. maybe finally ask why he bothered with that stupid drunken act of his, and—
as the small crowd approaches closer, takasugi flashes rinne a playful grin, plucking a little more erratically in an attempt to show off.
a grin that vanishes mid-twang as a rock sails past them, accompanied by a decry from somewhere in the back: "show a little more respect and keep the noise levels down in our beautiful park!". )
( his heart might've been dry this morning, but now it sings amidst the sound of their separate melodies gradually coming to harmony, like a bird in the trees.
takasugi can't remember the last time he felt this enthusiastic about music. he's typically playing alone, even among a crowd—for his comrades who sought solace as they discussed their plans well into the night, and for the soldiers that walked past him to their deaths, until eventually, he ended up with hardly anyone left to listen beyond his mistress and the insects that thought they could seek comfort in that miserable sickbed of his.
but rinne chases every note, glancing so pitifully at him, that takasugi can't help but feel excited. a younger man, who's too "curious for his own good", or whatever he'd said. he'll have to give him a head-pat or two, or... or do something more normal for him, after this. like take him out drinking, with the empty hole in his pocket. maybe finally ask why he bothered with that stupid drunken act of his, and—
as the small crowd approaches closer, takasugi flashes rinne a playful grin, plucking a little more erratically in an attempt to show off.
a grin that vanishes mid-twang as a rock sails past them, accompanied by a decry from somewhere in the back: "show a little more respect and keep the noise levels down in our beautiful park!". )
[The music starts again. Once more, Rinne chases him. He's quick to adapt to any song Takasugi throws at him, knowing when to match his pace, which progressions to play. He keeps his hands steady on the rhythm Takasugi lays down for him, but secretly, they itch to play something that will change their set entirely. He can't shake what Takasugi told him, see? Supporting his subjects is what a monarch is supposed to do. Takasugi does come out cooler for it. But Rinne's never had the support of someone older, and he can't decide if he should leave it or lean in. His gaze flickers towards the man, half-expecting a frown of critique, a smirk at his compliance, or worse, indifference.
But Takasugi isn't analyzing. He’s improvising. A quick tug lifts the corner of Takasugi's mouth—a smile.
Rinne snorts. What a show-off! But the brazen melody reawakens something within Rinne. Not permission—he doesn't give a damn about permission—but encouragement, he thinks. Takasugi is enjoying this, and Rinne can't help but smile back.
Then it happens.
Noise, they said?
It's been weeks since that concert. It was easier when the first stone cast was his own. It was a water bottle he'd positioned at just the right angle to fall on him when the time came. After that, the hate came pouring. He could accept that. All it did was confirm a truth he already knew. He was a deviant, a monster. Someone society could never take into the fold.
But when someone takes Takasugi's smile and tells him the same, Rinne's blue eyes flash red. The fire within him starts to burn.]
Gyahahaha! Look, Prez. We got haters already!
[Then, to the crowd:] Can't you just be happy we ain't fuckin' in the fields? Ya sick freaks! I don't care who died and made ya king of the park. We'll do as we damn please!
[Rinne flashes his middle finger at their audience. He expects shock, but what he doesn't anticipate is the fear. Their faces contort into horror as his hands transform into monstrous claws and show everyone the beast that has begun to take hold.]
But Takasugi isn't analyzing. He’s improvising. A quick tug lifts the corner of Takasugi's mouth—a smile.
Rinne snorts. What a show-off! But the brazen melody reawakens something within Rinne. Not permission—he doesn't give a damn about permission—but encouragement, he thinks. Takasugi is enjoying this, and Rinne can't help but smile back.
Then it happens.
Noise, they said?
It's been weeks since that concert. It was easier when the first stone cast was his own. It was a water bottle he'd positioned at just the right angle to fall on him when the time came. After that, the hate came pouring. He could accept that. All it did was confirm a truth he already knew. He was a deviant, a monster. Someone society could never take into the fold.
But when someone takes Takasugi's smile and tells him the same, Rinne's blue eyes flash red. The fire within him starts to burn.]
Gyahahaha! Look, Prez. We got haters already!
[Then, to the crowd:] Can't you just be happy we ain't fuckin' in the fields? Ya sick freaks! I don't care who died and made ya king of the park. We'll do as we damn please!
[Rinne flashes his middle finger at their audience. He expects shock, but what he doesn't anticipate is the fear. Their faces contort into horror as his hands transform into monstrous claws and show everyone the beast that has begun to take hold.]
Edited 2025-04-08 03:46 (UTC)
@ salem (this would be before they get tasked to go into the woods)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
techrotten
2025-04-08 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
...I had a serious question to ask you, but now I also have a less serious one.
"Prez"? As in president?
"Prez"? As in president?
[ RATTLES HIM
me, not eleanor ]
I'm admittedly not "hip" with "slang" so anything, honestly. Especially when you're bringing other worlds and times into things.
But more seriously. President of what? A company? A country?
me, not eleanor ]
I'm admittedly not "hip" with "slang" so anything, honestly. Especially when you're bringing other worlds and times into things.
But more seriously. President of what? A company? A country?
[ Ah, good. There's only one thing worse than a president, and that's an American president ]
Understood. And in fact makes a bit more sense why you were interested in my whole Protoframe thing, considering.
I actually wanted to potentially ask you a favor, since that interest also means you might be able to help me out. Patho-Gen gave me a few of my usual weapons, but they've also very obviously been a bit tampered with and/or disassembled. And embarrassingly, I'm not exactly proficient enough to be sure they're safe.
Think you could take a look?
Understood. And in fact makes a bit more sense why you were interested in my whole Protoframe thing, considering.
I actually wanted to potentially ask you a favor, since that interest also means you might be able to help me out. Patho-Gen gave me a few of my usual weapons, but they've also very obviously been a bit tampered with and/or disassembled. And embarrassingly, I'm not exactly proficient enough to be sure they're safe.
Think you could take a look?
( and the fear is tangible.
takasugi catches a whiff of it on the breeze before seeing it in their faces, a strange shudder of realization passing through his body—another sign that he's changing.
but he's not too concerned about their complaints when it comes to the noise, even if it's annoying. he's confident they'll adapt to it, and maybe even come to appreciate it, where it's not as if he'd been ignorant to the judgmental looks from some of the lower class who viewed them as a misuse of resources. with a little time and patience, something that's never been his strong suit, they'll see the light and come around. by then, they'll have their routine down, and maybe even jotted down some lyrics that suit rinne's bold tones. a folk song, maybe. did he learn those up north, under those strict parents of his?
however bad things get, what's important is to make something interesting out of it. )
Whining comes naturally to those who feel powerless in front of change. That's all.
( it's his turn to be a smart-ass, the sharp twang of each pluck on his shamisen gradually coming to stall.
he looks up, wanting to see the disrespectful smirk on rinne's face to match the voice, and finally realizes what a part of the crowd has been staring and pointing at. like a creature let loose in the woods, he's starting to shift. but before takasugi can make a move to rise to his feet, or step in front of him—
he notices another tossed arm, another rock headed their way.
this one, aimed right at rinne and his defiance. )
takasugi catches a whiff of it on the breeze before seeing it in their faces, a strange shudder of realization passing through his body—another sign that he's changing.
but he's not too concerned about their complaints when it comes to the noise, even if it's annoying. he's confident they'll adapt to it, and maybe even come to appreciate it, where it's not as if he'd been ignorant to the judgmental looks from some of the lower class who viewed them as a misuse of resources. with a little time and patience, something that's never been his strong suit, they'll see the light and come around. by then, they'll have their routine down, and maybe even jotted down some lyrics that suit rinne's bold tones. a folk song, maybe. did he learn those up north, under those strict parents of his?
however bad things get, what's important is to make something interesting out of it. )
Whining comes naturally to those who feel powerless in front of change. That's all.
( it's his turn to be a smart-ass, the sharp twang of each pluck on his shamisen gradually coming to stall.
he looks up, wanting to see the disrespectful smirk on rinne's face to match the voice, and finally realizes what a part of the crowd has been staring and pointing at. like a creature let loose in the woods, he's starting to shift. but before takasugi can make a move to rise to his feet, or step in front of him—
he notices another tossed arm, another rock headed their way.
this one, aimed right at rinne and his defiance. )
( the rock sailing through the air, wrapped in paper.
the calm in takasugi dissipating as entirely unrelated incidents flash through his mind.
or, unrelated as far as his memory may want him to believe, the final moments of his friends and his mentor playing out in his mind during the quiet moments of his prison cell ages ago. all those incidents he was powerless to prevent, marked by grief and anger. and maybe it's selfish of him to think of them right now and use that grief to fuel him, but the thought of rinne maybe taking a fatal blow right now while they were sitting in a place of peace and supposed contentment, to imagine blood cracking on his face in lines like bark almost makes him go pale.
but right now, he can do something.
he can quickly push up from his knees, faster than an average human, and swing his shamisen in a wide arc like a baseball bat to strike that rock with a loud CLANG.
it whips through branches and into the great beyond, his face contorting despite a grin as if he's trying to keep from biting down too hard on the unexpectedly sharp teeth rowing his mouth. deep breaths, takasugi. a couple in the crowd who'd been enjoying the act are seeking out the perpetrator, while others whisper "can you be charged for acts against an augmented like that?" to each other. )
Anyone else wanna give that a shot? We're got plenty of energy for more up here. Don't be shy.
the calm in takasugi dissipating as entirely unrelated incidents flash through his mind.
or, unrelated as far as his memory may want him to believe, the final moments of his friends and his mentor playing out in his mind during the quiet moments of his prison cell ages ago. all those incidents he was powerless to prevent, marked by grief and anger. and maybe it's selfish of him to think of them right now and use that grief to fuel him, but the thought of rinne maybe taking a fatal blow right now while they were sitting in a place of peace and supposed contentment, to imagine blood cracking on his face in lines like bark almost makes him go pale.
but right now, he can do something.
he can quickly push up from his knees, faster than an average human, and swing his shamisen in a wide arc like a baseball bat to strike that rock with a loud CLANG.
it whips through branches and into the great beyond, his face contorting despite a grin as if he's trying to keep from biting down too hard on the unexpectedly sharp teeth rowing his mouth. deep breaths, takasugi. a couple in the crowd who'd been enjoying the act are seeking out the perpetrator, while others whisper "can you be charged for acts against an augmented like that?" to each other. )
Anyone else wanna give that a shot? We're got plenty of energy for more up here. Don't be shy.
[ Rinne's heartbeat drowns out the din of the crowd. The hand before him is grotesque and unfamiliar. This isn't what he fought Elan with. At the time, he had strong legs and lace wings. As with the insects he and Hiiro would spoil every summer, everything that filled his senses until now had been sticky and sweet. These aren't hands for plucking fruit. They twitch at the scent of fear as they seek for something to tear into.
The Amagis claimed to be descendants of gods or... whatever farce his ancestors fed their people long ago. He never believed a word of it, but when the crowd recoils, memories he'd long buried since come back to the surface: villagers scurrying past him, elders murmuring when they think he can't hear, and his brother looking at him with what he can only recognize as pity. No one dared to stay by his side. All they saw was a god to be worshipped or a beast to be feared. The stone cast at him scares him to death, but it only seems right.
Right. What's right was the only thing that ever really mattered.
Then, the sound of metal swinging at something hard. A home run? Rinne looks up and finds his protector right in front of him. ]
Prez...?
[ Not only that, but the crowd... is bothered? On their behalf? The sentiment is so foreign that he almost wants to pinch himself to make sure! But if there were even a couple of people enjoying the show—
No, if even just Takasugi was enjoying the show, then shouldn't that be enough for Rinne to keep playing? ]
The Amagis claimed to be descendants of gods or... whatever farce his ancestors fed their people long ago. He never believed a word of it, but when the crowd recoils, memories he'd long buried since come back to the surface: villagers scurrying past him, elders murmuring when they think he can't hear, and his brother looking at him with what he can only recognize as pity. No one dared to stay by his side. All they saw was a god to be worshipped or a beast to be feared. The stone cast at him scares him to death, but it only seems right.
Right. What's right was the only thing that ever really mattered.
Then, the sound of metal swinging at something hard. A home run? Rinne looks up and finds his protector right in front of him. ]
Prez...?
[ Not only that, but the crowd... is bothered? On their behalf? The sentiment is so foreign that he almost wants to pinch himself to make sure! But if there were even a couple of people enjoying the show—
No, if even just Takasugi was enjoying the show, then shouldn't that be enough for Rinne to keep playing? ]
[ The strum of his guitar cuts through the air, signaling the end of this short intermission and the start of their next song. In between, the Shift. His claws scrape awkwardly across the fretboard, making each chord a struggle. The throbbing pain of his sprouting fox ears is going to kill him if he doesn't scream. But dammit, the show must go on! ]
Drop it, Prez. I know I'm your damsel in distress, but quit swingin' your shamisen around. [ He flashes him a quick, cocky grin. ] Let's show this crowd what they've been missing!
[ On his acoustic guitar, Rinne starts playing a song that is probably only funny to Takasugi, especially as he starts to rap.............. ]
Drop it, Prez. I know I'm your damsel in distress, but quit swingin' your shamisen around. [ He flashes him a quick, cocky grin. ] Let's show this crowd what they've been missing!
[ On his acoustic guitar, Rinne starts playing a song that is probably only funny to Takasugi, especially as he starts to rap.............. ]
( oh?
someone might ask her if there are any conditions for that favor, but takasugi just smiles at the text, aware that the tech could come in handy down the line the moment he gets a closer look at it.
how lucky for him that this opportunity fell in his lap. )
More than sure
In fact, I'd love to have a chance at it
I'll even share something fun with you in exchange
someone might ask her if there are any conditions for that favor, but takasugi just smiles at the text, aware that the tech could come in handy down the line the moment he gets a closer look at it.
how lucky for him that this opportunity fell in his lap. )
More than sure
In fact, I'd love to have a chance at it
I'll even share something fun with you in exchange
( the chords cut through more than just air.
they slash through takasugi's moment of inner panic like an act of faith, his crooked expression coming to calm when their little act refuses to grind to a halt.
when he realizes, in that moment, how truly reliable this new companion of his is.
damsel in distress... that's a good one. red fur is sprouting up all over his chest in distracting, itchy patches, but all takasugi can do is blink in a rare moment of awe. he lowers his arm, and the shamisen with it, stepping nimbly out of the way as rinne keeps up the momentum while seemingly shrugging off what just happened. while slowly embracing the fear of this oncoming shift, a one that looks strikingly similar to takasugi's.
"an asian rendezvous with a shanghai honey". are those lyrics on purpose, considering that annoying delegation he had to attend once upon a time? how cheeky.
his shamisen is fine, of course. sure, it's a little scuffed, but it’s not your typical instrument with all the modifications he's done.
nothing's stopped, and rinne is doing fine ( mostly ), so what else can he do but take his seat again and improvise a rhythm alongside those guitar string plucks? let the fleeting nature of this sun-kissed day take them away. let each strike of the bachi on strings hit the remaining skeptics in the crowd at full force, even as his claws grow painfully long. )
they slash through takasugi's moment of inner panic like an act of faith, his crooked expression coming to calm when their little act refuses to grind to a halt.
when he realizes, in that moment, how truly reliable this new companion of his is.
damsel in distress... that's a good one. red fur is sprouting up all over his chest in distracting, itchy patches, but all takasugi can do is blink in a rare moment of awe. he lowers his arm, and the shamisen with it, stepping nimbly out of the way as rinne keeps up the momentum while seemingly shrugging off what just happened. while slowly embracing the fear of this oncoming shift, a one that looks strikingly similar to takasugi's.
"an asian rendezvous with a shanghai honey". are those lyrics on purpose, considering that annoying delegation he had to attend once upon a time? how cheeky.
his shamisen is fine, of course. sure, it's a little scuffed, but it’s not your typical instrument with all the modifications he's done.
nothing's stopped, and rinne is doing fine ( mostly ), so what else can he do but take his seat again and improvise a rhythm alongside those guitar string plucks? let the fleeting nature of this sun-kissed day take them away. let each strike of the bachi on strings hit the remaining skeptics in the crowd at full force, even as his claws grow painfully long. )
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