Dodger // 8♥ (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
smokedout) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
riverviewlogs2017-07-27 12:59 pm
smokedout) wrote in riverviewlogs2017-07-27 12:59 pm
[He'll freely admit that admitting himself to an auction was a dumb impulse decision... he'd ended up anxious and fussing, sure that no one would bid on him... and been proven entirely right when he'd been won for five fucking units. By the only person who'd bothered to bid in the first place.
It was probably a joke, wasn't it. Or a pity bid.
Still, they got plans to meet up at a bar near the communal hall, and well... he trusts Christian not to stand him up, at least. So he's sitting at a table in the exact back corner of the the bar, drinking a little more than he should while waiting and glancing up anytime someone enters just to check if it's him. Fuck, he hates dating... it always makes him feel like he's become a teenager again.]
It was probably a joke, wasn't it. Or a pity bid.
Still, they got plans to meet up at a bar near the communal hall, and well... he trusts Christian not to stand him up, at least. So he's sitting at a table in the exact back corner of the the bar, drinking a little more than he should while waiting and glancing up anytime someone enters just to check if it's him. Fuck, he hates dating... it always makes him feel like he's become a teenager again.]
Edited 2017-07-27 17:31 (UTC)
[He can say in all honesty that he expects the only reason Eichi agreed to this was because of the absolutely ridiculous amount of money he'd spent on it. He'd had to outbid a crowd of idol fangirls, for fuck's sake... he'd even burned one of them around the wrist so badly she'd had to go to the hospital, when he started getting sick of the bidding wars.
Net income would be low this month, but he can handle himself if he asks Cain for a few extra meals. It's worth it.
He'd invited him out to a fancy restaurant... well. Fancy for Dodger means the kind of place that's just expensive enough that people don't tend to bring their kids along. He figured it would give Eichi a bit of the high ground, make him more comfortable, since... there's no way someone like him would feel safe in a crowded alternate reality McDonald's. There's just enough people around that Eichi can get help if he needs it.
Still, as Dodger looks through the menu, he's silently cursing himself for it. Even if he buys the cheapest things, he'll want to eat a lot... this whole idea is going to bleed him dry.]
You don't mind dogs, yeah?
[Since he'd decided to bring Brink along... and the malinois is curled up around Dodger's feet while they get settled. Thank god robot dogs don't need to eat.]
Net income would be low this month, but he can handle himself if he asks Cain for a few extra meals. It's worth it.
He'd invited him out to a fancy restaurant... well. Fancy for Dodger means the kind of place that's just expensive enough that people don't tend to bring their kids along. He figured it would give Eichi a bit of the high ground, make him more comfortable, since... there's no way someone like him would feel safe in a crowded alternate reality McDonald's. There's just enough people around that Eichi can get help if he needs it.
Still, as Dodger looks through the menu, he's silently cursing himself for it. Even if he buys the cheapest things, he'll want to eat a lot... this whole idea is going to bleed him dry.]
You don't mind dogs, yeah?
[Since he'd decided to bring Brink along... and the malinois is curled up around Dodger's feet while they get settled. Thank god robot dogs don't need to eat.]
Edited 2017-07-27 19:00 (UTC)
[So this, this he admits was a weird choice to make. It had been totally by impulse that he'd bought a date with Eddie, and... he'd considered standing him up, but that isn't much of a victory when he doubts Eddie wanted this to happen in the first place.
A few awkward messages later he's coming into the pet cafe for the first time, and waiting by the door while Brink convinces the employees to let him in. It's incredible how much more persuasive his dog is than him, but... he guesses it is a machine.
So, with his malinois following behind him, he takes a seat across from Eddie and watch him with a neutral, if not unpleasant demeanor. This made a good meeting spot, but... maybe if this ends up going better than they both expected it would, they can move this to proper restaurant, but starting things off that intimate seemed like a bad way to build trust.]
Hope I didn't leave you waiting... [He glances at Brink, who is letting another dog sniff him nearby.] My dog wanted to run a virus scan before we headed out.
A few awkward messages later he's coming into the pet cafe for the first time, and waiting by the door while Brink convinces the employees to let him in. It's incredible how much more persuasive his dog is than him, but... he guesses it is a machine.
So, with his malinois following behind him, he takes a seat across from Eddie and watch him with a neutral, if not unpleasant demeanor. This made a good meeting spot, but... maybe if this ends up going better than they both expected it would, they can move this to proper restaurant, but starting things off that intimate seemed like a bad way to build trust.]
Hope I didn't leave you waiting... [He glances at Brink, who is letting another dog sniff him nearby.] My dog wanted to run a virus scan before we headed out.
Edited 2017-07-27 18:15 (UTC)
It's fine.
[ Eichi minds Dodger more than he does any dog. He's been on edge since Dodger started bidding, and the fact that it got this far at all is more than surprising. Just when he thought he wouldn't have to worry about it, that he'd be blown off as inconsequential and be free to move on with his career, he appears out of nowhere for this?
So, he's very much tense, keeping the menu low enough to keep Dodger in his sight as he browsed for food. This is a surprising choice of location, too... He can't throw real punches, no, but he can pick his favorite sautéed veal for food. ]
I'm still wondering why you're considering something like my opinion to begin with. Are you secretly a fan? You know, you selfishly crushed the feelings of many young girls, and I have to wonder what exactly your goal is from something like this.
[ Eichi minds Dodger more than he does any dog. He's been on edge since Dodger started bidding, and the fact that it got this far at all is more than surprising. Just when he thought he wouldn't have to worry about it, that he'd be blown off as inconsequential and be free to move on with his career, he appears out of nowhere for this?
So, he's very much tense, keeping the menu low enough to keep Dodger in his sight as he browsed for food. This is a surprising choice of location, too... He can't throw real punches, no, but he can pick his favorite sautéed veal for food. ]
I'm still wondering why you're considering something like my opinion to begin with. Are you secretly a fan? You know, you selfishly crushed the feelings of many young girls, and I have to wonder what exactly your goal is from something like this.
[Dodger puts down the menu, tipping his head as he watches the kid with a sharp look. He looks starkly out of place in this environment, since he's still wearing a hoodie and hadn't bothered to cover up the hole where his right eye used to be, but if he cares at all it doesn't show. He's more interested in the subtle signs of Eichi's discomfort and suspicion; it's funny that he's trying to keep Dodger in sight, like that would really keep him safe...]
Never watched your concert. [He shrugs lazily.] Those girls had too much money for their own good, anyway. Better they spend on something that lasts.
Never watched your concert. [He shrugs lazily.] Those girls had too much money for their own good, anyway. Better they spend on something that lasts.
I'll have to forgive your lack of understanding on the fact that you were unable to see my concert, Dodger-san.
[He makes sure to use his name there, because he knows it was never given to him before, purposefully hidden from him before. Of course, multiple people had given it to him afterwards, and Dodger is likely already aware of that, but Eichi still wants it known.]
You see, I'm sure that even you must have had someone like an idol who you looked up to, either now or in the past. The actions of someone important like that... they're in a completely different world. To them, I'm perfect, the sparkling image of someone who achieved a dream they can't imagine, and so it's my job to help mold their futures.
[He sets his menu flat on the table now, leaning back a bit in his chair. He's still sitting properly, of course, but he'd like to be as far from this as possible while still going along with it. For the fans... for the charity, for his name and image, and for his pride.]
Anyway, did you choose this place just for me? You seemed like the type of person who might have trouble understanding parts of the menu, so I was curious why you'd take me here.
[He makes sure to use his name there, because he knows it was never given to him before, purposefully hidden from him before. Of course, multiple people had given it to him afterwards, and Dodger is likely already aware of that, but Eichi still wants it known.]
You see, I'm sure that even you must have had someone like an idol who you looked up to, either now or in the past. The actions of someone important like that... they're in a completely different world. To them, I'm perfect, the sparkling image of someone who achieved a dream they can't imagine, and so it's my job to help mold their futures.
[He sets his menu flat on the table now, leaning back a bit in his chair. He's still sitting properly, of course, but he'd like to be as far from this as possible while still going along with it. For the fans... for the charity, for his name and image, and for his pride.]
Anyway, did you choose this place just for me? You seemed like the type of person who might have trouble understanding parts of the menu, so I was curious why you'd take me here.
You didn't accomplish anything - we don't need to pretend that in private conversation.
[Dodger can't say he's ever had an idol... he's never had something as close to a goal as that. If anything, he's been some sort of an idol for others - a shining example of a perfect dog who does absolutely anything his master wants of him, and never fails. He'd even gotten a reputation as a demon, from how people had learned how quickly they could disappear if they spoke badly of Victor Augustine...
...It's a lot harder to keep that reputation without a master, and without the resources he had back home.]
I figured I'd do something nice for you. [He tips his head to the side, regarding Eichi carefully.] Just keep in mind that I expect you to have good manners, since we're in a place where people expect it. Eating everything on your plate and such.
[Dodger can't say he's ever had an idol... he's never had something as close to a goal as that. If anything, he's been some sort of an idol for others - a shining example of a perfect dog who does absolutely anything his master wants of him, and never fails. He'd even gotten a reputation as a demon, from how people had learned how quickly they could disappear if they spoke badly of Victor Augustine...
...It's a lot harder to keep that reputation without a master, and without the resources he had back home.]
I figured I'd do something nice for you. [He tips his head to the side, regarding Eichi carefully.] Just keep in mind that I expect you to have good manners, since we're in a place where people expect it. Eating everything on your plate and such.
[ He's quiet at that first part, not wanting to keep pushing something that people don't understand. Especially when it comes to this guy. He's very aware that a slip in conversation could mean what it did last time, and he's tense because of it, even if he tries to put on a confident look like he's not. ]
You're only saying things that are more confusing... [ Something nice for him?? What does he actually want? He's trying to figure it out, but there is the possibility he's just screwing with him, right? Ugh. His fingers curl over the edges of the menu. ]
Especially since that last part sounds almost like the beginning of a threat, you know? I'm the Tenshouin family's precious scion, so of course I know something like that.
You're only saying things that are more confusing... [ Something nice for him?? What does he actually want? He's trying to figure it out, but there is the possibility he's just screwing with him, right? Ugh. His fingers curl over the edges of the menu. ]
Especially since that last part sounds almost like the beginning of a threat, you know? I'm the Tenshouin family's precious scion, so of course I know something like that.
[He doesn't respond to... any of that, actually. Telling him whether or not it is a threat would be giving him too much of a clue - and it's up to the kid to figure out exactly what parts of this night are a power play and what parts are just acting kindly toward a person he spent money to hang around.
It is interesting to learn a little about the kid's past, though - he hadn't known he was rich per say, just gotten the impression that he liked nice things.]
Have you talked to Reaper since we met?
[While he speaks, he's started flipping his dinner knife in his hand, touching its tip to the table and then flipping it to touch the handle to the table, and so on... each time making an audible noise, but not doing it hard enough to rattle the table. It's not a conscious threat, but it is a habit he developed to remind others of his dangerous potential.]
It is interesting to learn a little about the kid's past, though - he hadn't known he was rich per say, just gotten the impression that he liked nice things.]
Have you talked to Reaper since we met?
[While he speaks, he's started flipping his dinner knife in his hand, touching its tip to the table and then flipping it to touch the handle to the table, and so on... each time making an audible noise, but not doing it hard enough to rattle the table. It's not a conscious threat, but it is a habit he developed to remind others of his dangerous potential.]
Of course, since we're friends.
[ Despite how completely out of his element he is, Eichi is too stubborn to sit here quiet and afraid and do nothing. He keeps testing with comments, eyeing that knife and considering how that's actually a bit better of a threat, if it is one, compared to inner injuries. He can heal something like a wound...
It's always strategy with Eichi, and he's trying his best to form one for how to deal with this now. Currently, that means closing the menu and sliding it to the edge of the table to indicate he's decided and answering no more about Reaper than what he's asked. ]
[ Despite how completely out of his element he is, Eichi is too stubborn to sit here quiet and afraid and do nothing. He keeps testing with comments, eyeing that knife and considering how that's actually a bit better of a threat, if it is one, compared to inner injuries. He can heal something like a wound...
It's always strategy with Eichi, and he's trying his best to form one for how to deal with this now. Currently, that means closing the menu and sliding it to the edge of the table to indicate he's decided and answering no more about Reaper than what he's asked. ]
[Of course, that means Reaper knows what he'd done... he hadn't confronted him about it, but maybe he just didn't want to give Dodger the satisfaction of his anger. It's thrilling to watch the way the smoke escapes his mask when he's angry.
This time Dodger stays completely silent, copying the motion of sliding his menu over and quietly giving his order to the waiter when he comes around. Several appetizers and one of those overpriced artisan burgers that tastes exactly the fucking same as fast food, but it's the closest he can get to what he's used to eating here.
It should be noted that he's very polite to the waiter, refraining from swearing and saying 'thank you' after his order.]
This time Dodger stays completely silent, copying the motion of sliding his menu over and quietly giving his order to the waiter when he comes around. Several appetizers and one of those overpriced artisan burgers that tastes exactly the fucking same as fast food, but it's the closest he can get to what he's used to eating here.
It should be noted that he's very polite to the waiter, refraining from swearing and saying 'thank you' after his order.]
[Eichi politely orders his own meal. Sauteed veal, a very fancy cup of tea, and some sort of over priced salad. Nothing more than that, as much as he'd like to order the full menu and give Dodger some comment about trying a full range. He doesn't want to end up dead on this.
Honestly, he's been resisting the urge to text someone with his phone for some time now. Half of him wonders if it would just escalate things the way it did last time, but the other half doesn't even care— his pride is built on this. Even if he has a lack of knowledge with which to crush Dodger himself, he wants to try and stand on his own in this. Other people are busy, aren't they? They have other things to worry about than to serve a fallen ruler like himself.
He waits for the waiter to leave with the menus before he addresses Dodger again, breaking the silence.]
If this is something like a normal date, why don't we trade some information normally? I don't know much about you at all, you know.
Honestly, he's been resisting the urge to text someone with his phone for some time now. Half of him wonders if it would just escalate things the way it did last time, but the other half doesn't even care— his pride is built on this. Even if he has a lack of knowledge with which to crush Dodger himself, he wants to try and stand on his own in this. Other people are busy, aren't they? They have other things to worry about than to serve a fallen ruler like himself.
He waits for the waiter to leave with the menus before he addresses Dodger again, breaking the silence.]
If this is something like a normal date, why don't we trade some information normally? I don't know much about you at all, you know.
There isn't much to know.
[But if the kid's the type to use information against him - and he's fully counting on that, if he wants information at all - that's kind of nice to know that he doesn't know much. It means Reaper didn't give him his real name, or he figures he'd be cheeky enough to use it just to get under his skin.]
Put your guard down, kid, it is a normal date. Just ask questions if you're curious.
[But if the kid's the type to use information against him - and he's fully counting on that, if he wants information at all - that's kind of nice to know that he doesn't know much. It means Reaper didn't give him his real name, or he figures he'd be cheeky enough to use it just to get under his skin.]
Put your guard down, kid, it is a normal date. Just ask questions if you're curious.
Edited 2017-07-29 02:03 (UTC)
It's interesting that you'd tell me something like that after such a violent reaction during our first meeting. For someone like me who doesn't know if he can even leave the house each day, I have to protect my health with everything I've got, you know? Someone like you is an unnecessary added threat in my routine, so I'm having to reorganize everything, and it's a little irritating.
[He's a little more confident, saying things like that, since he's genuinely venting. He can't put all of his guard down, not after their first meeting, but he can be a little less nervous, at least. For a sickly boy who's always smiling, his eyes can look pretty fierce. The fact that he's carefully choosing what information to share and not share is something he's counting on Dodger to not notice, right now.]
Also, could you stop calling me kid? I'm 19, you know? It's not as though I'll live a long life, so if you extend the childhood that I was never able to have like that, then it's only sad.
Do you have a job here, Dodger-san?
[He's a little more confident, saying things like that, since he's genuinely venting. He can't put all of his guard down, not after their first meeting, but he can be a little less nervous, at least. For a sickly boy who's always smiling, his eyes can look pretty fierce. The fact that he's carefully choosing what information to share and not share is something he's counting on Dodger to not notice, right now.]
Also, could you stop calling me kid? I'm 19, you know? It's not as though I'll live a long life, so if you extend the childhood that I was never able to have like that, then it's only sad.
Do you have a job here, Dodger-san?
[Blah blah sickness blah blah whining blah blah thinking he's an adult. Dodger's boredom shows up clear on his face; he didn't learn anything new from that, and his eyes roll involuntarily when he learns Eichi's age.]
You're six years younger than me, and we're all dying. You're still a kid, no matter what your life expectancy is.
[And since the kid's chosen to be impolite, Dodger's leaving it at that instead of answering his question.]
You're six years younger than me, and we're all dying. You're still a kid, no matter what your life expectancy is.
[And since the kid's chosen to be impolite, Dodger's leaving it at that instead of answering his question.]
[You know what, he'll take that eyeroll. That means that whatever Dodger is hoping to gain from this isn't happening. He rests his left hand on the table just so he can lean forward a bit.]
Are you hard of hearing as well as sight, Dodger-san? Your date was curious if you had a job in the quarantine.
Are you hard of hearing as well as sight, Dodger-san? Your date was curious if you had a job in the quarantine.
[The more annoyed Dodger is, the more relaxed Eichi gets, hilariously. But when his tea is brought out, then he can finally do something with his hands, and that's the real relief. He immediately busies himself with putting in some sugar and cream and idly mixing it.]
Fufu, you'd be right. I have servants who do that sort of thing when I need it. [Servants... Butlers and drivers, it's all the same. And as he continues, it's honest curiosity that has him saying the rudest things, since he's not even trying to be biting here.]
A salary like that can't be much. Are you sure you're able to afford a place like this?
Fufu, you'd be right. I have servants who do that sort of thing when I need it. [Servants... Butlers and drivers, it's all the same. And as he continues, it's honest curiosity that has him saying the rudest things, since he's not even trying to be biting here.]
A salary like that can't be much. Are you sure you're able to afford a place like this?
[Dodger raises a brow at that. He might be annoyed, but the comments don't really hurt. It's just boring to listen to the kid go on like he owns the place.... seriously, how does Reaper put up with him?
He's distracted himself by the glass of scotch he ordered, and he sips from it lazily while deciding how to answer.]
I get by. Taking a dip in my income is worth it for my plans tonight.
[Whatever that means.]
He's distracted himself by the glass of scotch he ordered, and he sips from it lazily while deciding how to answer.]
I get by. Taking a dip in my income is worth it for my plans tonight.
[Whatever that means.]
[He stares at him quietly for a few seconds for that, then finally breaks this constant staring to look down more directly at his tea.]
Plans, is it? Whatever it is that you intend to gain from this, I'm sorry to say that you'll end up leaving empty handed.
It would be easy for me to call someone to my side. Even if you continue to sit there peacefully, without lifting a finger, all I would have to do is say the word and you'd be dealt with. But that's not very satisfying, you know? So I'm humoring you, for that fact, and for the sake of this auction I was signed up for.
[He's still going on like this... But he's still thinking like a war general. Act strong when you're weak, act weak when you're strong... simple things like that.]
Plans, is it? Whatever it is that you intend to gain from this, I'm sorry to say that you'll end up leaving empty handed.
It would be easy for me to call someone to my side. Even if you continue to sit there peacefully, without lifting a finger, all I would have to do is say the word and you'd be dealt with. But that's not very satisfying, you know? So I'm humoring you, for that fact, and for the sake of this auction I was signed up for.
[He's still going on like this... But he's still thinking like a war general. Act strong when you're weak, act weak when you're strong... simple things like that.]
[Dodger continues to watch him carefully. He'll give him this.. the kid has more guts than he pegged him for. But that doesn't do much for helping him decide whether to try and win him over, or erase him off the face of the moon... they both have their pros and cons at the moment.]
Whether either of us get anything out of this depends on you. [He tips his head to the side.] But you'll notice you're the only one causing a fuss here. I bought a date with you, and I'm buying you dinner. So if you settle down and stop jumping to conclusions, we might be able to enjoy it a little.
Whether either of us get anything out of this depends on you. [He tips his head to the side.] But you'll notice you're the only one causing a fuss here. I bought a date with you, and I'm buying you dinner. So if you settle down and stop jumping to conclusions, we might be able to enjoy it a little.
I'll certainly enjoy this meal. It's been a long time since I've had this, after all.
[His favorite... He pauses, finally done stirring his tea and setting his spoon on the side of its plate.] But the enjoyment of your company won't simply come from relaxing. It's not as if I can forget what happened. Did you expect that I would go along with this easily?
The fact that I'm going along with this at all should be plenty. From there, if you'd like me to relax, then try acting a bit more like an actual date instead of watching me through a magnifying glass and demanding that I start any small talk.
[His favorite... He pauses, finally done stirring his tea and setting his spoon on the side of its plate.] But the enjoyment of your company won't simply come from relaxing. It's not as if I can forget what happened. Did you expect that I would go along with this easily?
The fact that I'm going along with this at all should be plenty. From there, if you'd like me to relax, then try acting a bit more like an actual date instead of watching me through a magnifying glass and demanding that I start any small talk.
I'm not big on small talk... comfortable silence is better than grilling people about their jobs and hobbies.
[He takes a longer sip from his whiskey, hoping for the burning sensation to settle his nerves a bit.]
What happened the last time we met had nothing to do with you, so I don't see it applying here. I can't help you if you don't like my attitude, but this is me acting like I do on dates.
[Uncomfortable, bored and playing with his knife a little too much. Yeah, that's about how he's always acted during dates. Checks out.]
[He takes a longer sip from his whiskey, hoping for the burning sensation to settle his nerves a bit.]
What happened the last time we met had nothing to do with you, so I don't see it applying here. I can't help you if you don't like my attitude, but this is me acting like I do on dates.
[Uncomfortable, bored and playing with his knife a little too much. Yeah, that's about how he's always acted during dates. Checks out.]
[Has nothing to do with him... He doesn't know what to think about that, but everything else he's actually inclined to believe. It actually makes him relax a little, taking the time for a nice long sip of tea to consider how to respond.
...Alright. Fine. If he's being bold enough to be a smart ass, he guesses he can just start by opening up a tiny bit.]
It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I've actually never been on a date. [So...] There have been times when I would joke with friends or get invited places, whether I could make it or not, but it was never anything like a real "date". Even going to common date spots is unusual, so, you see, I'm not quite sure what I should do.
...Alright. Fine. If he's being bold enough to be a smart ass, he guesses he can just start by opening up a tiny bit.]
It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I've actually never been on a date. [So...] There have been times when I would joke with friends or get invited places, whether I could make it or not, but it was never anything like a real "date". Even going to common date spots is unusual, so, you see, I'm not quite sure what I should do.
That explains you acting like a spoiled brat.
[Honesty is the best policy...?
At least he seems to relax a bit in turn; if nothing else, he's more willing to accomodate the kid when he's acting more polite.]
Before I came to the city, I hadn't been on a proper date in... nine years, probably. At least, not the type that lasts long enough to have more than five sentences between meeting up, fucking someone's brains out and kicking them out the next morning. [He glances up at him, that same calculating look still stuck on his face.] Not that I object to that sort of thing. But I'll let you decide if you get comfortable enough to put out.
[Honesty is the best policy...?
At least he seems to relax a bit in turn; if nothing else, he's more willing to accomodate the kid when he's acting more polite.]
Before I came to the city, I hadn't been on a proper date in... nine years, probably. At least, not the type that lasts long enough to have more than five sentences between meeting up, fucking someone's brains out and kicking them out the next morning. [He glances up at him, that same calculating look still stuck on his face.] Not that I object to that sort of thing. But I'll let you decide if you get comfortable enough to put out.
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