riverviewlogs | [Closed] Try to get out but we just keep sticking around

[There's a knowing smirk from Eichi as he watches that reaction, purposefully taking his time in answering.]

You're a little like a puppy at times, Dodger-san. I wonder if that's why you have a dog.

[He could literally die from a shove and yet he's bold enough to say this shit, but that's just how he is. For as much as he risks his life, he tries to only do it when it's important to his goals, important to his interests, or he believes he can survive it one way or another.]

He did say that. He was quite angry, but rather than giving you the satisfaction of a confrontation and a warning, it seems that he intends to wait and see if you'll foolishly try something again. I wonder if he could even be watching us now?

[Eichi...]

I'm sure he has better things to do than stalk me.

[A very, very ironic statement coming from Dodger. He knows Reaper won't be around, because he chose a time when he knew Reaper wouldn't be up to anything worth keeping tabs on... and he'll be able to pick right back up on following him around in the morning. He can prove himself to Reaper on his own time, but that doesn't mean he intends to stop invading his privacy when he thinks he can get away with it.

He's silent for a moment, leaning back in his chair and scratching his wrist under the table to alleviate the itch of going this long without a cigarette, before he speaks again.]

Were you the type of kid that put things on his balls so the family dog would lick it off, Tenshouin?

[Haha, he won't say anything on that first comment, and the second one is so crude it's almost surprising, even for Dodger. Still, he manages to keep his cool.]

What a strange question for a restaurant like this. We never had a dog. [Yeah, he's going to play it off like this, for now, eating his food and not seeming offended at all. He just thinks it's sort of funny, really... But he really does know he should calm down on being so cheeky.]

[He knows it's a strange question... but honestly, it's just where his mind went when Eichi mentioned him being a dog. Which should say enough on its own.]

The man that raised me was. You could see it in the way he held himself. He was always looking for power, for sex, for money, for some way to crush other people so he'd have something to stand on, to put himself up a little higher.

[His tips his head to the side, playing with his food now more than eating it as he tells the story.]

So, I got raised to be his dog. Obeying every one of his commands, no matter what it meant for me. Even if it was humiliating, or dangerous, or even impossible. I did it. And I did it well. No matter who I had to kill, or what I had to sacrifice, I've always done what my master says. So it's funny that you call me a dog, since that's been my purpose since birth... and since I'm planning to keep being one here.

[Which, if Eichi's thinking about it... puts a lot of things into light about how Dodger views and treats Reaper.]

[Oh. That's a lot more information than he ever thought he was going to get, but he actually listens politely the whole time, not making any faces or anything.]

Was that all to give yourself a purpose? [What a way to be. It reminds him of a way darker Tsumugi, who was always going out of his way to please everyone around him and listen to what he's told. He was very easy to manipulate. Dodger is very different, of course... he's not sane, Eichi knows that much. But he's still trying to figure it out.]

And if it's Re... Reaper-san that you're trying to make your "master," I'll have to tell you he's not the type of person that could fill that role at all. He may act like it, and he may be a highly competent leader, but he pushes people away rather than taking any responsibility for their actions. He'll gladly guide someone in the right direction, but if it's orders and whims you're looking to satisfy, you're looking in the wrong place.

But that's just my opinion, after all.

[In some part of his mind, he knows that. He knows Reaper isn't actually as ruthless as he portrays himself to be, and he won't be able to treat Dodger as cruelly as he likes. But Eichi does make a point that he'd failed to let himself consider - that Reaper doesn't want a pet project. A fact that Reaper himself has brought up multiple times, but it's finally starting to sink in that he can't just adjust himself until he fits under Reaper's skin.]

What happens between Reaper and me isn't really your business.

[He doesn't intend it, but it comes off defensively. Reaper has become a deep obsession since they met, one that he can't shake despite many distractions pulling at his attention. Reaper is something he wants desperately, despite being nowhere near prepared to earn him... and it's a consistent source of frustration and anguish.]

[Finished with his food (he ate that meat pretty fast), he sets his fork down and pushes the plate to the side slightly, bringing a hand to his chin in thought.]

That may be true, but you of all people should know that there are people who make things their business when they want something. Above all, he's a precious friend, and I'd like to keep it that way without you causing any interruptions.

[Since he doesn't see this ending in any good way. Just like in chess, he tries to predict the moves, and every one he sees Dodger making ends in a messy loss.] Though he denies it, he's a good person who wouldn't leave even someone like me to be hurt.

[He's quiet for a while, considering the information. Eichi makes good points... as much as he hates to admit it. For once in his life he feels like he's lost his appetite, and with a small huff he pushes aside the few bites of his burger and the handful of fries that are left.]

If you're really that important to Reaper - and I get the sense that you are - then it's in my best interest to keep you safe. I admit that... I've done a lot of shit just to get under Reaper's skin, but I don't plan to do things to intentionally hurt him. And that includes people close to him.

[He wonders, briefly, if he could somehow use that train of thought to get Dodger to take care of his vampire problem for him. It's a minor thing anyway, but he's still rather irritated and the idea floats through his mind before he brushes it off for now. He's skipping too far ahead.]

I can assure you that I am. You know, his network username came from a conversation of ours. ♪ I was so proud to see it upon arriving here. [Eichi please. But he chuckles that off, resting his hand on the table in an attempt at showing some kind of understanding. It would be rude to reach all the way across a table to grab someone's hand, after all, and he doesn't exactly want to go straight to that, anyway.]

You'd do much better to behave normally rather than searching for ways that he could take you under his wing. If that is what you are doing, I mean... And it may be out of my place to say any of this, but it's just my opinion.

[He glances down at their dishes.] It seems we're all done. It was delicious, so thank you.

It's not your business. [He repeats, much more pointedly this time, before... awkwardly shrugging and avoiding his eye contact.] ...And. You're welcome. I guess.

[He's not really sure if he's accomplished what he wanted. But he pays for the meal, and he gets up to lead Eichi out, finally being able to light a cigarette once they're outside and happily smoking for a minute before he speaks again.]

Stray dogs never knows how to act without masters... they get thin, scruffy. You know? [He huffs under his breath, finally dropping the cigarette, crushing it, and just replacing it with a new one.] I'm not even sure I want a master, exactly. I know Reaper isn't really the type of person I need for that, but... he's someone I need in my life, even if he doesn't own me. I'm guessing that's something you haven't felt about anyone.

[It's a disgusting feeling, how very desperate he feels for Reaper's attention. But that's his own problem.]

...You probably wouldn't understand someone like me.

[He says this after a few coughs, covered with his hand. He'll politely put up with the smoking, even if it's kind of killing him and his weak lungs. He's had worse.] I was once told that I would never have any precious friends in my life, because I had crushed all of the potential candidates beneath my heel. It was a curse of sorts... But somehow, there are those who defy that.

I can understand a need for certain people, but in order to find my purpose, I went about things quite differently. Jealous of those people who had healthy bodies and could effortlessly rise as stars, I sought out to have each of those idols of mine on their knees beneath me. I carved my own path, even if it meant playing dirty, and completely changed the workings of an entire school, caused a "war" and emerged as "Emperor."

Well, but it was lonely on top of the throne, and it was only afterwards that I realized there were people that I needed. I believe Reaper-san is one of many of my precious friends here now, but even if he and everyone else were to disappear and leave me here alone, I'd crawl my way forward, digging my nails into everything I could and stubbornly living.

[He talks so much, but this cigarette smoke actually makes him have to stop to cover more coughs. He's fine, he's fine...] ...So, it's different. What you're saying makes me unsure if I should pity you or be irritated by you.

[He knows his smoke is making Eichi cough, but... he can't help needing his fix. At least after this cigarette he can hold off for a bit, for the kid's sake.

He listens quietly, and.. well. He can't say he likes what he hears; Eichi is the type of kid that he's always thought of as dangerous and untrustworthy. But he guesses it's because it's the type of man that always ends up being his master.

Finally, he crushes his second cigarette and turns to talk to him.]

Don't do either, then. I don't need your pity and I don't care if you don't like me - I'm only telling you all this so you aren't surprised when I don't listen to you about Reaper. [He nods his head in the vague direction of the shooting range he's seen further downtown.] Shall we?

[At that, Eichi eyes him for a long moment before he looks away and chuckles. Even when that chuckle turns into a cough.] Fufu... I don't expect you to listen to me about anything.

[Another couple of coughs, and he seems to be okay again, blinking where he gestures and then glancing around, clueless.] Ah, where's the car?

[Eichi honestly can't even picture the idea of walking there. He never walks to destinations. People always offer him rides... He can't do something physical like that?]

Don't have a license. [He shrugs.] Getting some exercise won't kill you, anyway. Trust me.

[It's not a long walk... for Dodger. But he is blessed with superhuman endurance, and it hasn't really crossed his mind exactly how taxing 30 minutes of walking can be for a person with Eichi's weaknesses. Still, he's keeping a close watch on him while they walk. Just in case.]

What's wrong with you, anyway? Cancer?

That's what Gladio said, and I ended up in the hospital, as well...

[This isn't very good. He'll walk, right now, but it's slow and with nervous stares ahead at where they're going. He'd love to be able to walk that far, but even short walks have made him have to stop and take breaks or he'll pass out.]

No. It has no name, but it's an illness that runs in my family. Death is common because of it, so my grandfather who was able to live as long as he did was considered a demon. I have a weak heart, and something as simple as the weather or physical exertion can cause my body to be overworked. I spent most of my childhood in the hospital, and some days I was so weak that I couldn't even lift a spoon.

I'd rather not fall unconscious on my first date, so if we really are walking, I may have to stop quite often.

[He raises a brow at that, but... he kind of understands. He's been around a lot of mutants, and sometimes instead of getting powers they just get some horrible illness, or some other mutation that actively endangers them. It's horrible.]

Just let me know if you need a break.

[Eichi can probably thank Shigeru for the fact that Dodger's become aware of necessities like that, and more willing to be patient with them... he's starting to grow beyond the husk of a man that first ended up here.]

[He hums in acknowledgement. His generic anime disease is really irritating, honestly, and he hates being treated differently for it in ways of pity, but basic understanding of his needs is helpful for sure. He's just left to get annoyed at it on his own.

The combination of the smoke from earlier and the walking now has him needing to stop only a short couple of minutes later, looking down at the ground as he finds a pole or a wall to lean against so he doesn't just fall over.]

...So it won't be inconvenient, why don't I pay for a taxi? [He hates this, and this wounds his pride, but also he doesn't want to die.]

It's not inconvenient, it's your life.

[Really, he doesn't see a point in putting it in terms that induce pity. It's a fact of life, and if the medicine around here can't cure it then there's no reason to judge him for it.]

I'll pay for a taxi if you want it.

[He's insistent on being the paying party here... partly to be nice and partly to avoid giving the kid small victories.]

[Ugh, he can't even pay for his own life taxi? He can't really fight that, though, as he clutches at his chest with a hand to try and still his heartbeat.]

If we continue to walk like this the whole way there, I won't be able to have any fun at all. I doubt I'd be able to lift a gun. [As disappointing as it is.] So, if you could...

[He guesses that is a fair point. He nods and pulls out his phone to call for a taxi, and a silent cab ride later they've gotten to the shooting range.

The next time Dodger addresses Eichi, it's as they move through the shooting range. No one is there at this time of night, so it's peacefully quiet... but Dodger's more at peace from the feeling of having a semi-automatic in his hands. He picks a target and ushers Eichi over to it.]

Most people start with a pistol, but I'm more partial to SMGs. Home territory and all. [He offers the gun to him.] You know how to hold one of these?

[It's a little eerie to be here alone with Dodger, but Eichi has kept himself calm by reminding himself that if he really wanted to, he could have teleported them both away from crowds of people. So it's really the same. It's a twisted sort of reassurance to himself, but it works.

Eichi takes it with both hands, glancing down at it.]

I could guess, but I'm not certain. I'm left-handed, but should I use my right hand for something like this?

You use both hands for it - it's just about knowing which hand to put where.

[Dodger moves his hands for him, placing Eichi's left hand on the handle in front and his right hand back by the trigger. His touch is surprisingly gentle; it's clear there's a lot of strength there, but also a lot of care not to hurt him while he's doing this. And once he's satisfied he moves behind Eichi, checking that his elbows are bent properly and fixing a few more aspects of his stance before he places his hands over Eichi's to point the gun properly at the target.]

Usually you have a headpiece to block the noise in places like this, but I think you should know what it's going to sound like when it fires in the real world... you ready?

[It's extremely helpful. Eichi is used to watching videos and routines and then being able to perform them perfectly the first time, so having any sort of example at all is nice. He'll commit it to memory, determined to be able to function in some way if he and his friends ever do another mission.

It's still nerve-wracking having Dodger this close, after everything that happened, and he's noticeably tense, but he doesn't say a word. He's learning.]

In other words, it's going to be startlingly loud, right? [He expects that, and yet he knows he's still going to end up jumping. Staring down the target and trying to brace himself, he lets out a little breath.]

I'm ready.

Relax. [He can't help running his fingers lightly over Eichi's hands, moving a bit closer, but he really is trying to hold back his interest for the kid's sake. He'll just hurt himself if he jumps.] Breathe in when you aim... breathe out when you shoot.

[He takes a breath as an example, and presses down Eichi's finger to pull the trigger. The gun isnt much for accuracy, but Dodger's grip is firm and holds it better than Eichi would be able to alone. And the target is peppered with a few bullets before he lets the trigger go and his hands slip down to Eichi's waist instead.]

[All of this is so distracting, he doesn't know what he should focus on. He certainly can't relax, no matter what Dodger says. He's very excited to be able to shoot something, feeling a bit like a rebel to be doing so, but it still makes him worry that he'll mess up. On top of that, these brushes and touches are a lot different when there's no masks in the picture. He's completely aware, and it's a little startling.

He follows the breathing tip, but his ears are ringing after it shoots. Even so, the breath he lets out turns into an excited little laugh that he doesn't know what to do with, and he accidentally bumps into Dodger behind him.]

It's so loud! Amazing, even with your hands holding it too, I could feel it through my whole body. What power... Imagining myself wielding something like this in combat is too much to believe. ♪

[It must be a Tenshouin thing to enjoy weapons so much, too.] I can't hear very well, right now.

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