[ 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

[smokedout]

[His plan had, as always, been to teleport in and already be there, when Eichi got backstage. But luck just isn't on his side like that... Reaper had had to speak to the security for him, and he'd had to use a door to get in like a fucking chump. At least Reaper is keeping his distance... not something Dodger explicitly wants on a general basis, but something he sort of appreciates when he's in the middle of whatever the hell he and Eichi are doing.

Shigeru fixed up most of the damage to his body, but there's still a harsh mark on his pride - and that comes in the form of the thick collar around his neck, with a green light shining dimly from the control center that doubles as a buckle. Whatever the damn thing is, it seems to sap all of his powers... even his strength is at the level of a normal human's, and he's found himself feeling cold almost all the time. It's bullshit.

Once he spots Eichi, he walks over slowly and greets him with an awkward nod of acknowledgement.]

You got the energy to walk around? I figure we could cut through to a quieter part of the beach to watch the fireworks.

[They're not his thing, but... laying around on a blanket under the stars is. And honestly, all things considered, he could use some company that doesn't expressly care one way or the other about his well-being.]

[finethanks]

Fufu... you've been collared, Dogger-kun, but don't hold your tail between your legs like that. [That was, in fact, a dog pun on top of other dog jokes. Unlike Dodger who had barely told him anything, Reaper had at least informed Eichi ahead of time that he'd be observing this from afar and out of sight. He's feeling very safe.

He stands up with a knowing sort of smile.]

After all, though there are crowds full of people who'd like the opportunity to spend time with me, it's you who gets it, tonight. Fireworks are something that make me a little nostalgic, so I'd like to go watch them. On top of that, my energy is high and I'm feeling healthy. ♪ Lead the way.

[smokedout]

If-

["If you call me Dogger again, I'll shove my cock through your ribcage." He pulls that comment right back before it comes out, because he knows that definitely won't fly with Reaper watching over them. He settles on giving Eichi a sullen expression before continuing as if that god-awful pun didn't happen.]

Brink got it worse than me, anyway.

[He figures Eichi would care - more importantly, it's a reminder that he won't be getting information out of the pseudo-dog. With that point made, he extends an arm for Eichi to... he doesn't know, hold hands? Cling to him like a girlfriend? Whatever he wants.]

Just don't push yourself, yeah?

[finethanks]

Did he? But Brink-kun is technology, isn't he? So he can be repaired time and time again, unlike you and I. Though this place does have people who have naturally strange healing abilities like the ones I learned...

[So, to a point he guesses people can be healed to. He has this pleased look on his expression despite the topic of Brink (who he does care about at least slightly, actually), catching that cut off first sentence. Now, his eyes watch that extended arm for a moment too long before he settles on taking his hand. Tsumugi and him walk around like this from time to time, so his fans won't blink at it, probably.]

In any case, I'll be just fine.

[smokedout]

That'd be true if I had any fuckin' clue how to fix him.. I'm looking into someone who can fix him up.

[He just shifts his grip on Eichi's hand a bit and leads him out through the thinner parts of the crowd, glancing back every once in a while to keep tabs on the cloud of black smoke following them at a respectable distance. Dodger's hand is uncharacteristically cold, and... he's moving closer than normal, since Eichi feels comfortably warm.]

I bet you're having a field day with this, huh.

[finethanks]

I'm certain someone will be able to. Though I suppose for you, you must have plenty of enemies who won't want to help at all...

[Hmm, isn't it such a drag when you're not popular?? Eichi trails off thoughtfully, but his eyes do brighten a little at that last question, even as he tries to look forward innocently.]

I'm only in a good mood because my performance went so smoothly. It was flawless~. I've gained new fans. [He can tell!!] What about you, Dodger-kun? You almost seem like the type of person who would be enjoying this sort of set up.

[smokedout]

Which part, the collar or the voyeurism?

[Because he'd be down for both... in an entirely different context.

He rolls his eyes, but now that they're further away from the fans (who were giving them odd looks anyway, some of them recognizing the power suppressor or being simply put off by Dodger's scarred appearance) he moves his hand to slip around Eichi's waist.]

It's gonna be cold tonight, you dressed warm enough?

[finethanks]

Both.

[So, yeah. Eichi always runs cold, but he's just performed so actively that he is actually a little warm for once. That will fade quickly as they get further away from people and onto the beach, but he's surprised to feel that Dodger is colder than him.]

This was my uniform for my concert, so I had no choice but to wear this... A leather jacket should help quite a bit, shouldn't it? [Gladio's had kept him warm that first time... He blinks at the hand on his waist, but doesn't do anything to shove him away. He does glance back curiously at the black fog he'd noticed for a second. "At a distance and out of sight" depends, he's sure.]

If you had told me what we'd be doing, I could have brought a blanket.

[smokedout]

[Eichi knows him too well for his own liking. It even gets a bitter little chuckle out of him.]

Just let me know if you get cold anyway - you're showing a lot of skin.

[As it turns out, Dodger had planned things out a little better than he'd let on - when they get to the spot he'd picked out, there's a blanket waiting for them, along with an alcoholic bottle with the label torn off, filled with what looks like orange juice, a pair of cheap plastic cups and some sweet snacks. Kettlecorn, gummi bears, shit like that.]

Woulda bought some marshmallows, but... no point with things how they are.

[He settles onto the blanket, tugging Eichi down to sit on his lap... or beside him, if he's agile enough and wants to make the effort. Dodger can't use anywhere near the strength he normally can, so hell, he might even be able to push him away properly when he wants.]

[finethanks]

[This time, mostly because Reaper is definitely watching somewhere and more fans can pass at any minute, he drops a hand to Dodger's shoulder and sits down next to him instead. He's not very far, at least, and he leans pointedly against his arm as he sits, like a "look, I'm still here~" sort of taunt.

He hadn't even known that Dodger had no powers, but now it connects. The cold temperature of his hand, the marshmallow comment... huh.]

What's this? [He's immediately leaning forward to gesture at the alcohol, though, confused by the lack of label.]

[smokedout]

Pre-mixed screwdrivers. [He shrugs.] Or uh.. I guess the product of me drinking half a bottle of vodka and deciding to fill it back up with orange juice.

[You know, for class.

He can't really struggle with Eichi, even if he wanted to, so he settles for leaning against him in turn after pouring out about a shot's worth into a cup for him. Whether he's actually trying to be on good behavior, or just knows he has no way of backing up his firey personality without real fire, who knows - but he sure is being gentle.]

Here - figure you're a lightweight, so you can start with that and see how you handle it.

[While he pours himself about enough to fill a wine glass.]

[finethanks]

[He accepts it with both hands, blinking down at it curiously. Vodka and orange juice... Vodka is strong, isn't it? Ah, he had wanted to avoid drinking alcohol around Dodger at all for the pure fact that he's a lightweight, but now that he says it like that, as if he can't handle it... it irritates him enough that he can't turn it down.

It takes all of his self control not to reach out and switch their glasses. He knows better. His pride can wait.]

You know, in war it's said to never assume, but to instead prepare yourself for what's possible. [The exact art of war quote won't really work, so he just talks vaguely about war instead, wiggling the cup at Dodger.] Should we toast with these?

[smokedout]

Wars are the second greatest evil that human societies can perpetrate.

[He shoots back the moment as a lazy comeback, content in the knowledge that he's an evil man even by the standards of his own philosophy... and that he doesn't intend to change. And with a sigh, he touches his cup to Eichi's.]

How about we toast to you not sending Reaper to kill me? That's pretty damn worth celebrating if you ask me.

[finethanks]

Fufu... And the sort of "Emperor" I was could already be called a dictatorship, so I've already added to the first.

[He exaggerates their little fake toast, lifting his cup to his lips and pausing.] So long as there's no need for it, you don't have to worry about my command. Though, I do think he might come this way if you touch me too much even if I don't call, so you should be careful.

[With that cheerful little note, he takes a small sip of this drink to test the taste.]

[smokedout]

[He raises a brow at that... he hadn't expected Eichi to recognize the quote. But damn if it doesn't get a smirk out of him.]

Damn, and here I was hoping to shove my tongue down your throat while he was watching. [He comments dryly.] You're fine. Not like I can object to having him around... he's a nice sight.

[finethanks]

He's a cloud of smoke currently, isn't he? You can make those on your own with how much smoking you do.

[Go make out with that, instead. But he gives Dodger an even look right back and then downs the rest of this shot sized drink. He can do it, see!! He's fine... He doesn't even sputter.]

You did try to have me sit on your lap.

[smokedout]

And that automatically means I'm making moves on you?

[Yes?????]

Just relax, I'll deal with it if he ends up pissed off. And put something in your stomach besides booze. [He gestures at their variety pack of snacks, like a hypocrite, while sipping about two shots' worth from his cup.] There's some sandwiches in there too, if you're actually hungry. Figured you could use the calories after performing.

[Reaper had had to follow him through the grocery store while he got this shit, and he was uncomfortable, and it was hilarious.]

[finethanks]

Isn't physical contact always a sign of some sort of affection? I'm not sure how else you'd read that.

[Especially since the first time it happened there were makeouts, and the second time there was that stolen kiss. He remembers!! He passes his empty cup to Dodger, not really explaining what he wants as he lean forward to peer at the snacks.]

I am quite hungry after all of that. Let's see... What should I try, I wonder? Are these your favorite snacks?

[smokedout]

Right, I keep forgetting slants are prudes.

[He says it jokingly, but.. still rolls his eyes as he fills Eichi's cup again, just a bit more than before, and places it on the blanket between them.]

They're just crap I picked up at the store... you like sweets, so I went for that.

[He doesn't have much in the way of preferences... but one of the snacks he picked up is hamburger flavored Pringles and that's pretty out there.]

[finethanks]

[He turns to stare at Dodger at the slants comment, but then glances back to the sweets. He settles with picking up a single gummy bear, holding it up to inspect it.]

How cute, this little bear. Imagining Dodger-kun buying something like this is a little cute. Was Re— Reaper following along the whole time?

[That's so great... He picks up the filled cup even if his cheeks are already a little pink, wiggling the bear a little.]

[smokedout]

Yeah, Reaper came along. We're sorta tethered at the moment.

[He takes a few gummy bears and shoves them unceremoniously into his mouth, barely chewing before washing them down with booze.]

Whatever happens, he has to be close enough to keep people safe if I act up.. which is bullshit.

[While he speaks, he's pulled out a cigarette... and a lighter, which is not something he's ever needed to own before. It's clear from his attempts that he still has little to no idea how to use it.]

[finethanks]

When you act out like you do without any consideration for your surroundings, it's no wonder you're in chains.

[Eichi simply smiles as he watches Dodger, sipping a little bit of his drink and then popping the gummy bear into his own mouth.] You should be glad that your leash is so long at all.

[Reaching over, he places a hand on Dodger's wrist holding the lighter, pushing lightly to bring it down after one failed attempt.]

Do you have to do that here?

[smokedout]

[Dodger tips his head as Eichi reaches for him, and he bristles when he touches his wrist. His hand curls into a fist around the lighter, but it's more from stress than aggression.]

...Do you have to bitch about it?

[He huffs quietly, pulling his arm away to try another attempt at lighting his cigarette. Still failing.]

And anyway, I'd rather have a shorter leash with him. But I guess he still wants to be able to keep away from me.

[finethanks]

[He's quiet at that short response, then reaches again to hold his palm out for the lighter.]

It's meant to be a punishment, after all. Whining isn't very attractive. Here, let me show you how to use that.

[smokedout]

[Dodger is quiet for a moment, still trying a few times, before giving up with a sigh and passing the lighter over.]

How much did he tell you about me, anyway. I mean, about- uh. I don't know, how I act toward him?