[ closed ] are you prepared?

[finethanks]

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.]

Comments

[finethanks]

I'm well aware of how leadership works. I own the entire entertainment portion of my family's business, I rose to student council president, was leader of my unit, and even led a tea club. Here, I've risen to control of two of the four night clubs I work in, and I was able to make a name for myself enough that I had a scheduled time slot at this large performance.

[He is full on cocky and the alcohol is doing a lot of it. He's really tried to tone down a lot of his arrogance lately, but he is just having no control right now... His eyes drift closed again. He's smart enough to not slip about how Reaper's powers work, at least...]

Wahh, I thought that it looked so orange, it would have a lot more orange juice than it did... That drink, I mean.

[smokedout]

That sort of shit doesn't prepare you for leading people like me.

[Dodger glances back toward where that cloud of black smoke is hovering... he can probably risk this. He rolls over to straddle Eichi's lap, holding his cigarette away and blowing out the smoke in his lungs before he leans down on him. His breath still smells of ash, as he slips a hand over Eichi's throat and bring his face inches from the idol's. He's not hurting him, he's barely touching him.. but the threat is clear.]

And anyway, didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with fire?

[finethanks]

[He's surprised, sure, but he's drunk, relaxed, and that hand doesn't hurt. It's barely there at all. He can tell the difference clearly from the alley, and he knows that the instant it changes, Reaper would come right over. He had arranged this beforehand.

So, he just looks up at Dodger, not losing any bit of that smug smile of his own.]

My mother has a collection of fighter jets. [So... she's not really a role model.] Get off of me or I'll call him over.

[smokedout]

[His eye narrows, and he stays exactly where he is. He's not done making his point.]

Make me. Without using Reaper - shove me off yourself.

[He'll let himself be pushed if Eichi tries - hell, he's far from the immovable force he'd be without his power suppressor. He just wants to see Eichi assert himself without hiding behind others.]

1/2 I have to ok

[finethanks]

Really? Should a dog give orders? It's just that you're interested in seeing what I might do, right?

[Normally, he'd ignore that and call Reaper over anyway. He doesn't like being the one to do things. He doesn't want to get his hands dirty. They're fragile, soft and delicate, and he prefers to keep a nice image.]

[finethanks]

[But it's just Dodger and Reaper here, and he could only earn points for this, so.

More suddenly than he has any right to, he balls his left hand into a fist and tries to punch Dodger right in the side of the jaw. Pushing is so weak, after all that he's wanted to get back at him for the alley incident. Despite his weak body, he does actually hit pretty hard. At least for someone like himself.]

i love this words can't describe how much i love this

[smokedout]

[Without his powers, Dodger's also lost a good portion of his endurance - and when that punch hits him, it shocks him. The collar also seems to register some attempt to use his powers to defend himself, so the light turns red and he receives a harsh shock as he rolls off of Eichi.

His cigarette has ended up fizzling out in the sand, having flown from his hand, and he sits there catching his breath for a moment before he reaches to touch his face. It hurts like hell... and that puts a smile on his face.]

I think I'm gonna like keeping you around, kid.

HAHAHA I'm so glad

[finethanks]

[Finally, Eichi pushes himself to sit up, swaying a little in place. Ah, his heart is beating really fast from that, and that hurt his hand... But he's not showing that at all.]

I'd like if you could call me Eichi.

[smokedout]

[Dodger glances at him steadily, and gives him a nod.]

Alright.

[There isn't a hint of sarcasm, argument or even resentment. He earned his respect, fair and square. And a moment later, Dodger reaches a hand out to him.]

Lemme take a look at your hand, Eichi.

[finethanks]

[Nice. He's pleased about this, even with the spinning of his head and the throbbing of his hand, but blinks in surprise when Dodger asks for his hand. He passes it over.]

Hmm?

[smokedout]

[Eichi may be doing a good job of hiding it, but Dodger knows how much punches can hurt the one who threw them. Especially someone as inexperienced as Eichi. He takes his hand gently, and looks it over for a moment before pressing his lips against the idol's knuckles. It's a very matter-of-fact motion, as if this is just what people do.]

You could stand to work on your form. But that wasn't too bad.

[finethanks]

[Oh... that's surprisingly sweet, and he tries not to react, but he laughs quietly to himself. Reaper must be so confused.]

I prefer to stand in the back and issue my orders, remaining a strategist behind meatshields, but even an Emperor should be able to fight on his own, if absolutely necessary.

[He doesn't ever pull his hand back, so it's up to when Dodger lets it go.]

[smokedout]

Even if you're never on the frontlines, you should know how to handle yourself there.

[Dodger keeps holding onto his hand, resting his cheek against it while he speaks. Seeking comfort for that part of him that is always, consistently, starved for physical attention.]

We'll have to practice more with guns, in any case... but I guess that'll have to wait until Reaper's not breathing down my neck.

[finethanks]

You're so concerned for me, Dodger-kun. What a good boy you are. Pet pet~.

[He's saying "pet' while he moves his hand from Dodger's cheek to his head to pet him. Yep.] I won't refuse learning to work more with firearms, though it will have to be in between my work. I'm in the middle of something big here.

[smokedout]

[Well, Dodger is far from skilled at masking when something pleases him, so he leans into the touch and relaxes as Eichi pets him. It's nice to be treated like a dog, even if not in the exact context he wants.]

Something big? [His eyes were almost closed, but they open again to watch him.] What exactly are you planning?

[finethanks]

Fufu, don't look at me as though you're expecting the long plan of a villain. It doesn't relate to you at all, so you'd be uninterested.

[He ruffles his hair for a another minute or two before he pulls his hand back. It looks like this fireworks show is winding down.]

[smokedout]

[For a moment, he almost looks disappointed. Somehow he'd fully expected Eichi to talk about taking over the world - it seems like something he'd be interested in, being a real emperor. But that moment passes when Eichi ruffles his hair, and he lays back down on the blanket with a huff.]

What are your plans after this? You gonna be on your own tonight?

[finethanks]

I have no specific plans tonight.

[He watches Dodger for a moment, not bothering to lie back down, but crossing his arms over himself so he can get more warmth from these borrowed clothes.]

I was simply going to take a look around before heading back to my room and thinking of my next performances. This one was important for my path. Seeing what people respond to, and what variety I should include... it's very important.

Ah, but now that I've had that drink, I can't think straight at all.

[smokedout]

[He's silent for a moment, before rolling onto his side to watch Eichi. The idol is fucking adorable like this, red-faced and chattering and swimming in Dodger's shirt. He's cursing himself for how much he enjoys his company.]

Come back to my room. You're drunk, and I need the heat.

[He'll let Eichi decide if it's an invitation that assumes sex.]

[finethanks]

[Eichi glances to him at that, quiet for a moment as he considers. He's curious, he's drunk and relaxed, and Reaper is watching them right now... But in the room?]

You want your heat from a sickly existence like mine? [He chuckles, then glances over to the black cloud still hovering not too far away.]

If he can stay in the hallway.

[smokedout]

Not like I got that many options.

[He hesitates, glancing up at Reaper. He'd joked about the voyeurism, but... ugh. It's still a little annoying to know that he's there, judging.]

Sure. But asking him to do that is on you, far as I know he's planning to go do whatever it is he does once we get back to the hall.

[finethanks]

He's already agreed to help me in regards to you so long as I ask. Fufu, but he'll also respectfully keep his distance, as well, and leave my decisions to me.

[They'd already discussed this. He pushes at the blanket, trying to stand up, but he can't stay straight at all, so he flops a little bit to the side as he does.] Just what are you hoping for? You really are desperate for some things, aren't you?

[smokedout]

[Dodger stands up, then, and helps Eichi to his feet. Or rather, he holds him up so he can attempt to pretend he's standing.]

I don't know if you've noticed, but I can't keep myself warm with this damn collar on... and I'm freezing my ass off out here. [He presses a kiss to Eichi's lips.] You're drunk as shit, I'm not gonna take advantage of you. I just want you to sleep in my bed with me. Actual sleep.

[He would absolutely take advantage of him and they both know it. But Augustine did teach him to always play the long con whenever the opportunity crops up.]

[finethanks]

But you wouldn't turn it down if I did something myself, right?

[He stares at Dodger with half-lidded eyes after that kiss, but even if he leans back towards it a little, he doesn't kiss him again. Instead, he links his arm around Dodger's for support. He hates it, but he can't stand on his own right now.

He's actually going to tell Reaper that he doesn't have to stay outside, but Dodger doesn't need to know that, and he knows Reaper can be over in an instant. So.]

Let's go.

[smokedout]

I'm not expecting you to.

[Which is a yes.

He steadiest Eichi as best as he can, leaning down to gather Eichi's shirt and jacket... the rest he doesn't really care if he loses, so he'll let it be picked up by whoever feels like it. It's not worth the effort to even bother Reaper to get it for him later. And as they walk back toward the street, he pulls out his phone to call a taxi.]

Just remember - it's on you if you get in over your head.