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Yeah, most of us hang out in bars. Not places like this! You were pretty, though.
I couldn't help but walk in. I'm sure I'm not the first customers who walked in and bought somethin' just 'cause he wanted to speak to you.
[She's gorgeous, like. Come on.]
What's up? Gotta open that? I can get it for ya.
I couldn't help but walk in. I'm sure I'm not the first customers who walked in and bought somethin' just 'cause he wanted to speak to you.
[She's gorgeous, like. Come on.]
What's up? Gotta open that? I can get it for ya.
No, you're not. [ She's not bragging. It's true. Most of them were boring and completely transparent. Not so with Sakamoto, though, and it hits her somewhere south of her throat. His smile is devastating her, but she can't help but be drawn to it, just like a moth to a flame.
"You're just the only one I've cared to talk back to." ]
No. It's fine, leave it. [ Though it wasn't too good for business, she silently prays that no customers enter the cafe, lest their presences shatters the small solace Tatsuma's company provides. ] It's just a really slow day today. I wonder if something's going on in town.
"You're just the only one I've cared to talk back to." ]
No. It's fine, leave it. [ Though it wasn't too good for business, she silently prays that no customers enter the cafe, lest their presences shatters the small solace Tatsuma's company provides. ] It's just a really slow day today. I wonder if something's going on in town.
Yeah, there's a shindig at this seedy bar tonight. A bunch of loan sharks are comin' in to take advantage of the stupid folk who wander in. They're bad blood, though! A lotta folks don't like 'em, so they're stayin' inside.
[Yakuza types, and all that.
She's so tragically beautiful. Like a rose preserved in a vase of ample water, destined to wither and rot despite the efforts to keep it fresh.
Has she been saving herself for someone? He wonders.
What a waste, honestly.]
[Yakuza types, and all that.
She's so tragically beautiful. Like a rose preserved in a vase of ample water, destined to wither and rot despite the efforts to keep it fresh.
Has she been saving herself for someone? He wonders.
What a waste, honestly.]
I take it that that's where you're gonna be, then.
[ A statement of fact, one that snaps her back to reality. As to whether she's saving herself, well... Unwittingly, she probably is. Hard-working and diligent as she is, however, she's mortal. She will die, and she's prone to having faults.
She can't wait forever, and while she knows that, it won't stop her from trying.
Straightening herself, she wipes her hands on the front of her apron. ]
Don't let me keep you. Thanks for stopping by.
[ A statement of fact, one that snaps her back to reality. As to whether she's saving herself, well... Unwittingly, she probably is. Hard-working and diligent as she is, however, she's mortal. She will die, and she's prone to having faults.
She can't wait forever, and while she knows that, it won't stop her from trying.
Straightening herself, she wipes her hands on the front of her apron. ]
Don't let me keep you. Thanks for stopping by.
[ The more he talks, the more embarrassed she feels. What was she even doing, relying on this stranger for company? She knows he's just being kind, and it makes her skin crawl.
She feels like a complete idiot, and she swallows hard. Pity's the last thing she wants. ]
No, it's fine. I should probably finish cleaning, anyway. [ Never mind the fact that the entirety of the cafe is pristine as hell. ]
He's out, but he should be back soon. He's my older brother [ Also a lie. ], though, so it's not like he'll write me up or anything.
[ As if on cue, the bell above the cafe door rings, signaling the arrival of a customer. Grateful for this, Touka springs into action, grabbing a menu and her clipboard. ]
Ah, welcome!
She feels like a complete idiot, and she swallows hard. Pity's the last thing she wants. ]
No, it's fine. I should probably finish cleaning, anyway. [ Never mind the fact that the entirety of the cafe is pristine as hell. ]
He's out, but he should be back soon. He's my older brother [ Also a lie. ], though, so it's not like he'll write me up or anything.
[ As if on cue, the bell above the cafe door rings, signaling the arrival of a customer. Grateful for this, Touka springs into action, grabbing a menu and her clipboard. ]
Ah, welcome!
[Sakamoto's face is red, but god, is he happy.
Those yakuza bastards are dangerous, no joke, but by some sheer miracle he made it out of there with a handshake a deal. Turns out that, while those gangsters are the worst crooks of the lot, they've got some pretty powerful associates.
It's not surprising- Even the most innocuous of places are run by the mob.
He's not just drunk on alcohol, he's drunk on success! So drunk that in fact, he doesn't realize that he's just run into someone until-]
Ohp! Whoa there, my bad, my bad! Wasn't really lookin'. You okay?
Didn't mean ta hit ya.
Those yakuza bastards are dangerous, no joke, but by some sheer miracle he made it out of there with a handshake a deal. Turns out that, while those gangsters are the worst crooks of the lot, they've got some pretty powerful associates.
It's not surprising- Even the most innocuous of places are run by the mob.
He's not just drunk on alcohol, he's drunk on success! So drunk that in fact, he doesn't realize that he's just run into someone until-]
Ohp! Whoa there, my bad, my bad! Wasn't really lookin'. You okay?
Didn't mean ta hit ya.
[ She had just closed up the cafe when she realized that they were fresh out of coffee filters, and with a curse, she'd taken off into the night on a mission. Pulling out her phone, she went over the small shopping list she'd made for herself before departing, her face illuminated by the glow of the screen.
So absorbed is she that she doesn't have time to sidestep the drunkard who collides into her, and her first instinct is to swear. Loudly. ]
Oi, watch where you're going, asshole--!!
[ But wait. She recognizes that voice. ]
... Tatsuma?
So absorbed is she that she doesn't have time to sidestep the drunkard who collides into her, and her first instinct is to swear. Loudly. ]
Oi, watch where you're going, asshole--!!
[ But wait. She recognizes that voice. ]
... Tatsuma?
A-ah, Kirishima!
[He stumbles back, running a nervous hand through a mess of soft curls. He's not sure he wants her to see his face this embarrassingly red, and god, she looks even cuter at night.]
Shoot. I didn't think I'd run into you! Man, I should just turn around and head back! I wasn't headed to any respectable place...
[As he attempts to turn his back on her, he's visited by unpleasant thoughts.
What is she doing out here at night? Is she sneaking around with another guy? Did that stupid boyfriend or highschool crush or whatever actually come to see her?
She deserves more than being pushed around, someone who will treat her right and make her feel pleasure damn it! Someone who-
Is the very opposite of him.
Sakamoto doesn't realize it until his face hits the dirt, but he's fallen. In more ways than one.]
[He stumbles back, running a nervous hand through a mess of soft curls. He's not sure he wants her to see his face this embarrassingly red, and god, she looks even cuter at night.]
Shoot. I didn't think I'd run into you! Man, I should just turn around and head back! I wasn't headed to any respectable place...
[As he attempts to turn his back on her, he's visited by unpleasant thoughts.
What is she doing out here at night? Is she sneaking around with another guy? Did that stupid boyfriend or highschool crush or whatever actually come to see her?
She deserves more than being pushed around, someone who will treat her right and make her feel pleasure damn it! Someone who-
Is the very opposite of him.
Sakamoto doesn't realize it until his face hits the dirt, but he's fallen. In more ways than one.]
[ god, she hates the thrill that runs up her spine when she realizes who he is. ]
Are you okay--
[ She's cut off, however, by the fact that his face decided to have a meeting with the floor. She stands there, dumbfounded, for several seconds, before finally moving, crouching down next to him. ]
... Moron.
[ With a huff, she sets about hoisting him up and slinging one of his arms across her shoulders. The smell of booze causes her to nearly gag, but she lifts him with no issue. Swallowing hard, she begins the long trek back to the cafe, awkwardly dragging her companion along with her. ]
Did you not eat before going drinking, or something...?
Are you okay--
[ She's cut off, however, by the fact that his face decided to have a meeting with the floor. She stands there, dumbfounded, for several seconds, before finally moving, crouching down next to him. ]
... Moron.
[ With a huff, she sets about hoisting him up and slinging one of his arms across her shoulders. The smell of booze causes her to nearly gag, but she lifts him with no issue. Swallowing hard, she begins the long trek back to the cafe, awkwardly dragging her companion along with her. ]
Did you not eat before going drinking, or something...?
[SCREAMS CUTE GIRL UNDER HIS ARM THIS IS BETTER THAN SOME STRANGE WOMAN AT A BROTHEL]
I ate a lot, but I drank even more! I'm stupid, stupid! Y-yeah.
[Is she happy to see him?
Fuck. He's happy to see her too. There goes that heart of his.]
So, uh. How've you been? Ahaha...
[Since... Yesterday.]
I ate a lot, but I drank even more! I'm stupid, stupid! Y-yeah.
[Is she happy to see him?
Fuck. He's happy to see her too. There goes that heart of his.]
So, uh. How've you been? Ahaha...
[Since... Yesterday.]
[ Though she hefts his weight around fairly easily, it compromises her ease of walking, simply because his body gets in the way. ]
You are pretty fucking stupid.
[ She gives a long-suffering sigh, but it's mostly for show. This was more interesting than going to the market to buy supplies, but she'd need to go back out in the night to do that, too. She figures she'll get this oaf settled in and comfortable before heading out again.
For some reason, she just can't, in good conscience, leave him out there on the ground. A few years back, yeah, she definitely could have. But there was something about him that made it impossible for her to do that now. ]
Better than you, apparently. [ She sends him a sidelong glance, and though the smell of liquor is making her stomach churn, she can't help but notice how close his face is to hers.
If she weren't trying so hard not to vomit, she might've been embarrassed. ]
You are pretty fucking stupid.
[ She gives a long-suffering sigh, but it's mostly for show. This was more interesting than going to the market to buy supplies, but she'd need to go back out in the night to do that, too. She figures she'll get this oaf settled in and comfortable before heading out again.
For some reason, she just can't, in good conscience, leave him out there on the ground. A few years back, yeah, she definitely could have. But there was something about him that made it impossible for her to do that now. ]
Better than you, apparently. [ She sends him a sidelong glance, and though the smell of liquor is making her stomach churn, she can't help but notice how close his face is to hers.
If she weren't trying so hard not to vomit, she might've been embarrassed. ]
Edited 2015-06-15 18:10 (UTC)
Oh my god! D'ya think you're the first one to tell me somethin' like that?
[He has to laugh at her mirth, grateful for her kindness. Unconsciously, the arm around her tightens slightly as he tries to match his steps with hers, although he does notice something-
She seems uncomfortable, so he immediately covers his mouth with his free hand.]
Whoa. My breath smells that bad, huh? Sorry. I'll... When we stop somewhere I'll have some water. Yeah!
[He has to laugh at her mirth, grateful for her kindness. Unconsciously, the arm around her tightens slightly as he tries to match his steps with hers, although he does notice something-
She seems uncomfortable, so he immediately covers his mouth with his free hand.]
Whoa. My breath smells that bad, huh? Sorry. I'll... When we stop somewhere I'll have some water. Yeah!
If I am, then everyone else in the world is a moron, too.
[ At the tightening of his arm around her, Touka can't help but flush slightly. The smell of the alcohol isn't so bad on its own, but as a ghoul, everything that a human consumes smells disgusting and rotten. It's not personal, Sakamoto, but let it suffice to say that she's grateful that the cafe is coming back into view.
At what he says, she snorts. ]
Just face away from me and we'll be good. [ It served a double purpose: she didn't have to be consciously aware that his face was mere inches from her's. It was a win-win! ]
[ At the tightening of his arm around her, Touka can't help but flush slightly. The smell of the alcohol isn't so bad on its own, but as a ghoul, everything that a human consumes smells disgusting and rotten. It's not personal, Sakamoto, but let it suffice to say that she's grateful that the cafe is coming back into view.
At what he says, she snorts. ]
Just face away from me and we'll be good. [ It served a double purpose: she didn't have to be consciously aware that his face was mere inches from her's. It was a win-win! ]
[He follows her instructions, curls bouncing as he turns away. His eyes take in the nonexistent nightlife- Man, this neighborhood is quiet and boring. How does she live her life like this?]
You're goin' back to the cafe? What, you live there too?
Don'tcha get tired of it?
You're goin' back to the cafe? What, you live there too?
Don'tcha get tired of it?
Yeah. [ She slightly jostles him in order to partly throw off any suspicion in regards to why a petite girl like her is able to hoist a man like him so easily, and partly to tease him. ]
That cafe's pretty much my life. [ This is probably one of the most honest things she's ever said to him. ] It means a lot to me and the people I care about.
[ In more ways than one. ]
I could drag you back to a hotel if you want, princess. Our couches can't compete with actual beds.
That cafe's pretty much my life. [ This is probably one of the most honest things she's ever said to him. ] It means a lot to me and the people I care about.
[ In more ways than one. ]
I could drag you back to a hotel if you want, princess. Our couches can't compete with actual beds.
Oh.
[But, if it was, then why was she so distraught-looking? Listless.
The way she shakes him makes him think about other things, though he quietly dismisses these thoughts. Touka is doing him a big favor, and so he shouldn't irritate her with dirty words or paltry notions.]
That's alright. I don't think I can walk too far.
["I want to stay with you."
He feels something in his gut, a stupid yearning to be close to her, to hold her hand. He feels the warmth of her body and stifles a sigh- God.
This is a real girl, huh. Not some woman behind a mask of make-up at a brothel.]
[But, if it was, then why was she so distraught-looking? Listless.
The way she shakes him makes him think about other things, though he quietly dismisses these thoughts. Touka is doing him a big favor, and so he shouldn't irritate her with dirty words or paltry notions.]
That's alright. I don't think I can walk too far.
["I want to stay with you."
He feels something in his gut, a stupid yearning to be close to her, to hold her hand. He feels the warmth of her body and stifles a sigh- God.
This is a real girl, huh. Not some woman behind a mask of make-up at a brothel.]
[ That "oh" is what makes her twist to look at his face. It's a weird sound, coming from him, and she isn't entirely sure she likes it. That boisterousness was what had been keeping her going as she moved up the street leading to the cafe, and her brows furrowed together in spite of themselves. ]
Oi. What's with that gloominess, shitty Tatsuma?
[ She completely misreads his expression in the soft half-light provided by the streetlights, and as she mounts the steps to the cafe, she pulls him close in order to have him lean on her for support while she digs out her keys. ]
You're free to stay the night, but I expect you to help me clean whatever mess it is you're gonna make once you're awake.
[ And she fumbles with her keys, all too aware of the fact that his body is pressing against hers. ]
Oi. What's with that gloominess, shitty Tatsuma?
[ She completely misreads his expression in the soft half-light provided by the streetlights, and as she mounts the steps to the cafe, she pulls him close in order to have him lean on her for support while she digs out her keys. ]
You're free to stay the night, but I expect you to help me clean whatever mess it is you're gonna make once you're awake.
[ And she fumbles with her keys, all too aware of the fact that his body is pressing against hers. ]
Gloomy? Who's gloomy?
[Teasing:]
You're the gloomy one! Oi.
[He doesn't even realize how he's leaning against her, body close, almost as if he's trying to say something.
He's not her boyfriend, so he shouldn't act like one.]
Yeah, yeah! Quit naggin' me, I'll help ya clean up. 'S only fair! Mmmm.
[A deep murmur rumbles in his throat.]
Hope I'm not intrudin' on anything. You with your boyfriend tonight? Did that bastard finally show up?
[Teasing:]
You're the gloomy one! Oi.
[He doesn't even realize how he's leaning against her, body close, almost as if he's trying to say something.
He's not her boyfriend, so he shouldn't act like one.]
Yeah, yeah! Quit naggin' me, I'll help ya clean up. 'S only fair! Mmmm.
[A deep murmur rumbles in his throat.]
Hope I'm not intrudin' on anything. You with your boyfriend tonight? Did that bastard finally show up?
[ A scoff, but she doesn't even grace that "gloomy" comment with a response. ]
You seem like the kinda guy who's into nagging. Think of it as me doing you a favor.
[ She doesn't mind the way he's leaning, though she won't say it out loud. ]
I don't have a boyfriend.
[ Her voice is distant as she says it, and as she puts the key into the lock, she turns it slowly. Snaking an arm around Sakamoto's waist, she drags him into the cafe before closing the door behind him. ]
You seem like the kinda guy who's into nagging. Think of it as me doing you a favor.
[ She doesn't mind the way he's leaning, though she won't say it out loud. ]
I don't have a boyfriend.
[ Her voice is distant as she says it, and as she puts the key into the lock, she turns it slowly. Snaking an arm around Sakamoto's waist, she drags him into the cafe before closing the door behind him. ]
[Her arm around his waist feels so good, it's criminal. She's just taking good care of him, he tells himself, he's drunk so she's not being as careful to keep a distance between them.
That's it, that has to be it.
He squints carefully, trying to remember- How long has it been since he's taken a shower? Goddamn it.]
No?
'Cause, if ya are waitin' around for someone... You seem like a great gal! It'd be a shame for you to waste time sticking around when you could be spendin' it on your own terms.
That's it, that has to be it.
He squints carefully, trying to remember- How long has it been since he's taken a shower? Goddamn it.]
No?
'Cause, if ya are waitin' around for someone... You seem like a great gal! It'd be a shame for you to waste time sticking around when you could be spendin' it on your own terms.
Edited 2015-06-15 19:24 (UTC)
[ Touka's arm may or may not linger for a little too long around his waist as she locks the door. Taking him by the hand now, she leads him over to one of the couches at the far side of the cafe before sitting him down and sauntering behind the counter to get a bucket and a jug of water. ]
Shut up. There's no one I'm waiting for. [ A lie. ]
[ It comes out harsher than she intends, and she walks over and places the bucket down in front of him. She has no interest in talking about whoever she's waiting for. Not with this stranger. Grabbing a cup, she pours him a glass of water, which she places on the small table in front of the couch. ]
The bucket's there in case you need to puke. I'm gonna get you a blanket.
[ Straightening, she wanders off to the back room, both to get a blanket and to calm down. He's insanely perceptive, and it isn't his fault that she's... what is she? frustrated? Angry? Sad?
She kicks a mop bucket in frustration, sending it flying into the back wall of the store room. ] Fuck...!
[ After a few seconds, she grabs the aforementioned blanket and walks back into the room. ]
Shut up. There's no one I'm waiting for. [ A lie. ]
[ It comes out harsher than she intends, and she walks over and places the bucket down in front of him. She has no interest in talking about whoever she's waiting for. Not with this stranger. Grabbing a cup, she pours him a glass of water, which she places on the small table in front of the couch. ]
The bucket's there in case you need to puke. I'm gonna get you a blanket.
[ Straightening, she wanders off to the back room, both to get a blanket and to calm down. He's insanely perceptive, and it isn't his fault that she's... what is she? frustrated? Angry? Sad?
She kicks a mop bucket in frustration, sending it flying into the back wall of the store room. ] Fuck...!
[ After a few seconds, she grabs the aforementioned blanket and walks back into the room. ]
[Without thinking, he brushes his fingers over her hand. His own are rough, calloused, from one-too-many days of handling a sword and doing busy-work. Many of the blisters are still fresh, as he's had to do a good deal of load-carrying himself.
He watches how her shoulders tense up at the mention of another man, removing his scarf reflexively and placing it under his chin, something he's learned to do after moving around so much. It was less expensive to fall asleep on a bench than buy a hotel room, and at this stage in his life, he needed to save all the money he possibly could.
Sakamoto wonders what else there is to know, because behind that gruff exterior there certainly is a very gentle soul, a person who cares about others despite what she may have faced in the past.
He smiles idly in a sleepy haze as she returns.]
I didn't mean to make ya mad.
But if you do feel angry, you can go ahead 'n talk. I'm blacked out drunk.
[A lie.]
I won't remember much.
He watches how her shoulders tense up at the mention of another man, removing his scarf reflexively and placing it under his chin, something he's learned to do after moving around so much. It was less expensive to fall asleep on a bench than buy a hotel room, and at this stage in his life, he needed to save all the money he possibly could.
Sakamoto wonders what else there is to know, because behind that gruff exterior there certainly is a very gentle soul, a person who cares about others despite what she may have faced in the past.
He smiles idly in a sleepy haze as she returns.]
I didn't mean to make ya mad.
But if you do feel angry, you can go ahead 'n talk. I'm blacked out drunk.
[A lie.]
I won't remember much.
[ She has no words for what he says, instead tossing the blanket over to him and heading behind the counter again to fix herself a cup of coffee. She feels so tired all of a sudden, thinking about all of this, and while her faith in Kaneki would never falter, it didn't change the fact that waiting for him to come around was difficult. More difficult than she could even begin to imagine.
Pouring the boiling water over her cup, she makes sure not to look in Sakamoto's direction, instead opting on pouring the entirety of her concentration on the task before her before speaking. ]
It's not worth talking about, even if you're piss-drunk.
[ It's almost like a headache is beginning to form behind her eyes, and she brushes a few loose strands of hair away from her face. Exhaustion lines her features, and whether it's a newfound tiredness or something that's been more well-concealed for a longer duration has yet to be seen.
When her coffee is done brewing, she doesn't drink it immediately, instead opting to lower her upper body onto the counter, folding her arms and resting her forehead onto them. ]
Do you make it a habit to overstay your welcome?
[ Says the woman who practically dragged him back to her place of residence. ]
Pouring the boiling water over her cup, she makes sure not to look in Sakamoto's direction, instead opting on pouring the entirety of her concentration on the task before her before speaking. ]
It's not worth talking about, even if you're piss-drunk.
[ It's almost like a headache is beginning to form behind her eyes, and she brushes a few loose strands of hair away from her face. Exhaustion lines her features, and whether it's a newfound tiredness or something that's been more well-concealed for a longer duration has yet to be seen.
When her coffee is done brewing, she doesn't drink it immediately, instead opting to lower her upper body onto the counter, folding her arms and resting her forehead onto them. ]
Do you make it a habit to overstay your welcome?
[ Says the woman who practically dragged him back to her place of residence. ]
Edited 2015-06-16 06:54 (UTC)
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