riverviewlogs | [ closed ] are you prepared?

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[ closed ] are you prepared?

who: Eichi & Dodger
what: Date #2
when: River festival!
where: Starting backstage after Eichi's concert
warnings: dodger's mere existence... but I'll add specifics if necessary

[Of all the days for Dodger to pick for the agreed upon "second date," it was interesting that he'd choose this one. Eichi had a scheduled concert, a big event and a way to make his name even more known to people outside of his fanbase. Because of this, he's chosen a different style, something a little less innocent to promote the fun themes of the beach. Dressed in a black leather jacket, black leather boots, a shirt that shows just enough red at the waist, gloves that barely make it to his wrists, skinny jeans with tears along the thighs— but he manages to make even an edgy outfit look rich and proper. The jacket is closed and collared in that way, there are gold trimmings and studs, his boots are fancy, really it's clear from a mile away that he's not just an idol, but rich.

His performance a hit as he expects it to be, and so he says a few words at the end to extend his time on stage, to make his idol personality known, to reach out his hand to those in the front rows. Even if there are no rainbow glow sticks like he's come to expect at the academy, he can tell a success level when he sees one. He's going all out here, and by the time he's moving back stage to let things clear up, he's fully exhausted. It takes him a few minutes of sitting before he can pull his phone out to bother sending Dodger a text. He'd said something about meeting him here, but he'd rather not walk around looking for him himself, so he'll leave all the work to him.

You never said what we're doing, you know? But I'm here waiting.

Leaving it at that, he wipes some of the sweat from his face with a little hand towel and then leans back, catching his breath as he waits.]

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[Lighters aren't something he thinks of as common knowledge to any specific type of person, just because he never uses them... they're something humans use, and mutants like him don't have to. So it doesn't surprise him at all, and he just nods an awkward thanks before leaning in to light his cigarette off of it.]

I figured he wouldn't. But you know about me at all, so you must know a little. [He sighs quietly, leaning back to keep the smoke away from Eichi.] Not like I keep it read secret... he's fucking incredible, isn't he.

[There's a certain melancholy note to his words. It isn't the crazed, creepy passion of a stalker - it's the disillusioned tone of a schoolboy who's been staring at his crush from afar the whole year. He has so little faith in Reaper liking him at this point, but... it's what keeps him going. He has to believe there's some hope of at least being useful to him.]

[Flipping it back closed, he leaves the lighter on Dodger's leg to pass it back, glancing back to the snacks with a low chuckle.]

Is this your idea of a second date, Dodger-kun? You really should work on that. [Basically sighing dreamily about another guy, tsk tsk... Not that he expects this to be serious, but he's joking anyway.]

It sounds as though he's your idol. There was someone like that to me, as well. Someone perfect and beautiful, naturally talented and excelling in all of the ways I couldn't.

[He smirks at that, and leans closer to Eichi. Almost close enough for their lips to touch... before he presses a finger to Eichi's forehead and tips him onto his back. Possibly spilling whatever's left in his cup.]

I figured we weren't gonna take the 'date' part seriously - that can change if you want it to.

[He's done talking about Reaper, anyway... that shit hurts.]

[Honestly, he doesn't know what to expect when Dodger gets close. He never does. He doesn't have good balance, especially not while drinking, and so he blinks in his surprise as he falls right back, the rest of his drink spilling onto himself.]

Wah— [WHY... He immediately tries to sit back up, still holding onto the cup uselessly as his other presses to the blanket for support.]

If that's how you change it, I don't want it at all. [His feathers are ruffled, of course. Now he's wet and more cold!!]

[He'd started laughing, but... actually, yeah, that was a pretty dick move now that Eichi's upset. So a moment later he frowns, and takes the cup from him before helping him up.]

Take your shirt off. You're gonna catch a cold wearing something wet in this weather. [He pauses, and realizes that may have made it sound preemptive.] ...I'll give you my shirt instead, yeah?

[Honestly, Eichi isn't quite sure he understands at first. He's done things in the past, elaborate and stretched out, that left people in need of his help to gain a higher opinion for himself. But this doesn't quite seem like that. It's too genuine. And so, he accepts the help up and thinks, and comes to the conclusion that maybe... he's just bothered about Reaper and emotional?]

I wasn't finished, you know. [Talking about his own idol, that is. He'll use this time to shrug his leather jacket off and then pull his shirt off, shivering immediately at the breeze.]

That idol of mine felt so out of reach that it bothered me. So I stopped at nothing to have him kneeling at my feet along with those other people that I admired. [He folds his arms as he waits for Dodger's shirt.] I did it, you know?

[At least he hasn't ruined the atmosphere... he can tell that much from how Eichi continues his story. And while Eichi's speaking, he pulls of his hoodie and shirt and hands them both over. Almost immediately he's shivering from the cold - he's never felt this cold before in his life - but he's giving his best effort not to seem affected.

It's entirely possible Eichi will see his tramp stamp like this - the paw print tattooed in the center of his lower back.]

We're different in that sense. [He sighs quietly.] I don't want to be better than Reaper, I don't even want to be as good as him. I just want- I want to be useful to him. To have someone like that have total control of my life, and break me down and mold me into the type of person he sees fit. [He huffs quietly, taking a long drag from his cigarette before putting it out in the sand.] He's not the type of person that would do that to me. But the least I can do is try to make him.. I don't know. Appreciate that I'm there if he needs me.

[Eichi quickly pulls on the shirt and the hoodie right after that, ignoring how they're a little baggy on him. His fingers curl around the edges of the sleeves and immediately pulls them close to his own mouth to breathe into for some brief warmth on his fingers.

Satisfied with that, he reaches for his leather jacket, which will most certainly be too small for Dodger, and passes it to him.]

I'll tell you this again even if I'm sure that you don't want to hear it, but Reaper won't be that person for you. You can't change a person. Not like that. [Actually, his voice is a little softer saying these words, so he's not trying to rub it in or sounding too amused by it at all.]

I know.

[He ignores the jacket, because he knows it will be too small - they may be nearly the same height, but Dodger is nearly twice as wide from his muscles alone. He just sits there shirtless and shivering.]

Just don't have anything else here. [This is the most honest he's been about his situation, and it's a little weird to say it all aloud. But Eichi... is close to the situation, he's got insight. It's different from discussing things in vague details with Cain, who doesn't know what sort of person they're talking about.] I've always been someone's dog. And now I've been a stray for... god, four months. It's the longest I've ever been on my own, and I fucking hate it.

[Eichi had noticed the paw mark before, but now he actually glances at it as he sets his jacket uselessly to the side. His eyes linger there pointedly, and then he leans closer to Dodger, wrapping one arm around him in an attempt at sharing warmth as the other hand presses fingertips to that mark carefully.]

To be cut off from what you're used to working towards is never something pleasant. [Even if he should be mentioning that that's not healthy, that someone shouldn't want to be a dog, he does't really know if he thinks that way. He's not sure of Dodger's reasoning completely, and he clearly wants to do this, so why shouldn't he do what he wants? It's convenient, too, but he's trying not to fall into that way of thinking too hard...]

Anyway, rather than focus on that right now, I would like to try to enjoy this date a little, if I'm here anyway. When do the fireworks start?

[Well... Dodger appreciates the contact, and he appreciates the comfort. Somehow, the friends he gains always seem to start out as people he tries to scam or hurt.. and this is turning out no differently. He lets out a puff of air as he pulls Eichi properly into his lap, just to be able to wrap his arms around him properly and take advantage of his warmth.]

They should be starting soon.

[His fingers run lazily over Eichi's back... and Eichi gets to enjoy being completely surrounded by the smell of liquor, cigarette smoke, and a smell he probably associates with hospitals or morphine. The faint scent of charcoal that usually clings to Dodger is currently gone, though.

Dodger ends up so focused on the hand on his back, in turn, that he actually startles visibly at the sound of the first firework bursting.]

[The smells aren't anything pleasant. The smoke makes him want to cough, the liquor just reminds him of how he spilled it all over his new shirt, and the smell of hospital is wholly unpleasant. Still, Dodger's quiet reaction is kind of cute, and Eichi is busy admiring that when the first firework sets off.

So, they both startle, and Eichi immediately laughs for it, cheerful and resting his head briefly against Dodger's shoulder before he turns to get a better look at the lights, his fingers dragging away from that tattoo.]

Sudden, wasn't it? It seems we were both a little worked up. [He doesn't explain that, but he won't move out of Dodger's lap this time... But he does reach to grab some kettlecorn.]

[Dodger lets him shift around, and he isn't sure whether he appreciates Eichi not touching his tattoo or whether he misses it once it's gone. He settles on just linking his arms around Eichi's waist, setting his chin on Eichi's shoulder as they watch the fireworks fly up and burst in the sky.

It's cold as all hell, but Eichi is warm and soft.. and nice. He finds himself relaxing much more than he expected to.]

Jesus, this is a fucking weird night, huh.

[He reaches to sip from his cup again, and after a pause offers it to Eichi.]

Here, fresh and not tipped on you... just don't drink too much or you'll probably get sick.

Is it? I'm having a much better time.

[Than the first date... where he was terrified. But this guy is actually like a dog? He's being held back by so many things, Eichi feels like he actually doesn't have to worry at all. Even Reaper was under the wrong impression, he thinks— sure, Dodger is incredibly dangerous, but if you take certain paths, you can avoid that, right? That's the art of war, after all. Avoiding it.

He settles back against Dodger a little since he is warmer, despite the lack of jacket and fire, and accepts the cup with one hand.]

Even if I try to prove you wrong, I'll only prove you right... Fufu, so I'll take it slowly. [Or try. He takes a short drink now, offering back a piece of kettle corn with his free hand.]

Do you enjoy fireworks, or is this another activity you simply tried to please me with?

[Dodger leans down to eat from Eichi's hand, pressing his lips to the kid's fingers for a moment as he thinks. He's still acutely aware that Reaper can see all this... but it's sort of nice, getting to prove to him that he can be on good behavior. That someone like Eichi can feel comfortable with him.]

I fucking hate fireworks. [He admits after a pause.] If it were on me, I'd just get you drunk and take you back to my room to fuck your brains out. But I'm trying something new.

[And honestly, he likes it. It's been so long since he's really connected with someone, and felt comfort in their presence, but he can't help feeling that with Eichi. He wants to please him... frustrating as it may be, since he isn't the type of man Dodger is really after. But he still finds himself searching for the kid's approval.]

You can be so well-behaved. ♪

[He chuckles at his own comment, as lewd as Dodger's admission is. He hates them? He just wants to fuck? God, why does he do any of this? Well, he'll keep drinking slowly, since even with Reaper watching, he still doesn't want to end up sick in the morning. He's already got red cheeks, but it doesn't feel as overwhelming as it had when he'd been with Gladio.

He'll keep slowly giving Dodger kettlecorn, too.]

Why do you hate fireworks?

[He doesn't mind the comment, and continues to let Eichi feed him. Partly because he likes the feeling of Eichi's fingers on his face each time. It puts him in an open mood, ready to answer anything he brings up honestly.]

They sound like gunshots.

[His eyes stay fixed on the water, on the reflection of the fireworks rather than the explosives themselves.]

When I was growing up I'd hear guns going off all the time... I was terrified of them. Then I got taken in by this gang, and they taught me how to use guns... the shots stopped scaring me. Hell, I started liking the sound. Knowing I was causing someone pain, making someone's heart race and their blood pump, that was fucking great.

[He pauses, and his voice becomes much more... shy.]

But I can't sleep through that sound. Just hearing it, not being the cause- makes me feel like I'm stuck in the crossfire. Like I'm gonna get gunned down if I don't do something, but what the fuck can I do, it's just noise. Just makes me feel like a- sitting duck.

[He wonders briefly if it's just the alcohol or his genuine feelings that have him feeling so nice about that shared information. That's so personal, so genuine, and he lets his fingers linger for a few seconds after the next piece of kettle corn.]

...Even if I've never been in any situation like that, I can understand the feeling.

[Hospital noises are nothing pleasant with him. It's different, but similar. Somehow, he's finished the rest of this drink, setting the empty cup to the side on the blanket and ignoring when it immediately is knocked over from the breeze.]

Next time, we should choose something that you're actually interested in. [Yeah he's just gonna say next time casually.]

[He'd meant to take that cup back before long... but instead he sort of watches as it rolls away from the blanket a foot or two, too far away to bother with. It had had way too much in it for Eichi's well-being... that's worrisome, but it's just a fleeting thought as his focus drifts back to Eichi feeding him. And better yet, what he's saying.]

Next time we'll lay around and watch old movies in my room, then.

[He's completely okay with having a 'next time'... but he doesn't expect his idea of a date to be particularly appealing. All he ever wants to do is lay around and just... be near the other person. Be appreciated. He's always figured it's better to do things they'd find romantic.

In the middle of a particularly intricate display of fireworks, he tips Eichi's head back to press a kiss to his lips. Not the rushed, breathy kisses they shared at the masquerade, or the mischievous stolen kiss from their first date. This one seems to speak more of the gratitude he feels for the kid putting up with him. It's warm, and affectionate. And it lasts several seconds before he lets Eichi pull away, and tries not to bring attention to what just happened.]

[ Another kiss... but this one is kind of nice. He doesn't know how to feel about it. His head is spinning since he wasn't expecting that drink to be as strong as it was, and this feels sort of nice? Like he's wanted here. He's torn by that, left staring in quiet surprise at Dodger before he breathes out a laugh. Dates...

Dates, but now he's invited to the room he wasn't allowed into before? He notices that, too. ]

I happen to like old movies. Let's each bring one, since I'm sure you'd enjoy the yakuza films I'm thinking of. [ He's drunk and not even thinking about Reaper watching them, ducking his head back to give him one more brief kiss. Hmmm. ]

Yay~.

[Despite himself, he ends up with a smile on his face as he reciprocates the kiss. Eichi seems pretty drunk - no surprise - but he's not complaining one bit. He lets out a quiet hum as he leans down to kiss Eichi's neck.]

If you haven't seen the Godfather, I figure you'll like it... or A Streetcar Named Desire.

[He just really likes Marlon Brando, okay.]

[Eichi chuckles against the kiss, though it's more like a giggle right now. Gently, he places a hand on Dodger's shoulder when his neck is kissed, pushing just slightly to stop him from going further. He's drunk, and only getting worse as time passes, but he can still try to control himself enough to stop this.]

Let's watch them both~. [He leans unsteadily, glancing back up at the next explosion of fireworks.]

[Without hesitation, Dodger complies and lets Dodger push him back. Instead he settles for resting his head on Eichi's shoulder, and taking Eichi's hand to move it to his hair in a silent request to be petted. He's already been eating from his hand, so... why not, right?]

I told you not to drink past your limits...

[Not that he minds, and not that it's his problem. Honestly, drunk Eichi is pretty adorable.]

[Considering Eichi has someone in his unit who always requests to be pet, he's no stranger to this. It's a little more subtle than the outright requests, but he pats Dodger's head and then runs his fingers through his hair more thoroughly.]

It's difficult to know my own limits when I'm so unfamiliar, you know? [He leans more heavily, but still watches the fireworks.] My heart is beating so fast, I might be readmitted.

You drank enough for five shots just now.

[His tone is soft, while he closes his eyes and enjoys the feeling of Eichi pressed against him, and his hair being pet. The kid's gonna have a massive hangover in the morning... which he supposes is his problem, if Reaper gets upset about it. But he'll worry about getting him something to drink later, right now he's just enjoying the quiet attention.

And chugging the rest of the bottle so Eichi won't get any ideas.]

Y'know what... next time I'm gonna get my hands on a guitar, too. 'Bout time I showed you some better music than the crap you perform on stage.

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