[ 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. ]
[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...?
[ 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. ]
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!
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! ]
[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?
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.
[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. ]
[ 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. ]
[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.
[ 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. ]
[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.
[ 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. ]
[Sakamoto knows not to press any further- As far as she's concerned, he's just a stranger who barged his way into her life. She does have this irresistible pull, however, as well as an air of mystery and sadness about her.
He finds himself touching the scar at the back of his neck, usually hidden behind a knitted scarf, and still submerged under layers of curly hair. This is the worst time for impure thoughts, but at least he'll admit to himself that he had been attracted to her from the get-go.]
Yeah! I'm kinda like a thorn in everyone's side. Whatever! I have work to do, so I'll stay wherever I want until the job is done.
[Everything he does is for them, the world, his country...
His loved ones.]
You seemed pretty keen on draggin' me back here! You're probably just bein' a good Samaritan, but if I didn't know any better...
[ God, even she has to admit, yeah, he's a huge fucking thorn in her side, the sharp point being that smile of his. If she has a pull, then he has a practical tug to him, one that makes it impossible for her to simply leave him be. She'd be lying if she said that she wasn't attracted to him, also, but she's never been one to so easily admit something like that out loud.
Grabbing her mug, she goes against her better judgement and makes her way over to the couch, sitting down next to him. Putting the coffee down onto the table, she knots her fingers together in her lap and heaves the heaviest sigh known to man. She likely looks even more tired from this close proximity, and the streetlights that cast long shadows across her face through the window underscore this fact. ]
Such a mouthy bastard.
[ She spews insults because she doesn't know how else to respond. She feels naked and vulnerable every time he opens his smart mouth, especially when it comes to calling her out on the things she's doing her best to keep inside. ]
Who the hell would have a crush on you? You're not even cute. [ Her voice is deadpan, but she's looking him in the eye when she says it. Her expression belies her words, however, her eyes following the fingers that trace along that unseen scar at the back of his neck. She isn't aware of its existence, but she's fairly certain that his body is ribboned with old wounds beneath his clothes. He carries himself like someone who's seen battle, and it's part of the reason why she's so intrigued by him. ]
[Sakamoto's smile is like a vortex- It's guaranteed to suck you in. The confidence he sports isn't for show, it's how he fucking feels about himself, it's evident in the way he constantly talks out of turn.
When she meets his gaze, she might find herself overwhelmed with how that emblazoned foolishness is evident in his eyes too, one of his most appreciated features. They're blue but wise, despite his young age.
Instead of being taken aback by her words, he leans on one hand, grinning.]
Really? I think I'm fine as hell.
[He knows very well that she's exhausted. It's clear in her features and her demeanor, and while he's drunk he still wants to keep her company. Sakamoto would love to help her out if she needed, but Touka doesn't want help.
And, unlike many idiots of his kind, he will respect that. Aid her, but from a distance.]
Is that so? [ Aaaand it's this asshole's ineffable charm that gets her every time. He's almost like a pickup artist, but he's too goofy to be disgusting.
Taking a sip of her coffee, she leans in slightly before setting the cup back down onto the table. ]
You probably wouldn't even know what to do with yourself if I decided to agree with you there. [ A scoff. ]
I know your type. You're all bluster, but when push comes to shove, you're nothing but a deer in headlights.
[ When he looks at her like that, it's almost impossible for her to conceal the very real flush that colors her cheeks. Still, two can play chicken, and Touka has never been one to back down from a challenge.
Reaching out a hand, she grazes her fingertips along the exposed length of the scar, looking thoughtful. ]
Don't flatter yourself, shitty Tatsuma. [ Her tone is quiet, quieter than it usually is. ]
[And that touch starts something inside him, lights a fire where the heat had been in his chest. He opens his mouth to speak but thinks carefully about his words, not wanting to come off as creepy or inappropriate.
Still, he begins to wonder how her hands will feel all over his body. Curious to see how far this game will go, he snakes a playful arm around her waist, pulling her closer.]
Would you rather I flatter you?
You don't seem to like my words.
[But his brow is raised, as if to say, "That's alright."
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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?
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[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.]
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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...?
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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.]
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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. ]
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[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!
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[ 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! ]
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You're goin' back to the cafe? What, you live there too?
Don'tcha get tired of it?
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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.
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[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.]
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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. ]
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[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?
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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. ]
1/2
2/2
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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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. ]
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He finds himself touching the scar at the back of his neck, usually hidden behind a knitted scarf, and still submerged under layers of curly hair. This is the worst time for impure thoughts, but at least he'll admit to himself that he had been attracted to her from the get-go.]
Yeah! I'm kinda like a thorn in everyone's side. Whatever! I have work to do, so I'll stay wherever I want until the job is done.
[Everything he does is for them, the world, his country...
His loved ones.]
You seemed pretty keen on draggin' me back here! You're probably just bein' a good Samaritan, but if I didn't know any better...
[Ruefully:]
I'd say you had a crush on me.
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Grabbing her mug, she goes against her better judgement and makes her way over to the couch, sitting down next to him. Putting the coffee down onto the table, she knots her fingers together in her lap and heaves the heaviest sigh known to man. She likely looks even more tired from this close proximity, and the streetlights that cast long shadows across her face through the window underscore this fact. ]
Such a mouthy bastard.
[ She spews insults because she doesn't know how else to respond. She feels naked and vulnerable every time he opens his smart mouth, especially when it comes to calling her out on the things she's doing her best to keep inside. ]
Who the hell would have a crush on you? You're not even cute. [ Her voice is deadpan, but she's looking him in the eye when she says it. Her expression belies her words, however, her eyes following the fingers that trace along that unseen scar at the back of his neck. She isn't aware of its existence, but she's fairly certain that his body is ribboned with old wounds beneath his clothes. He carries himself like someone who's seen battle, and it's part of the reason why she's so intrigued by him. ]
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When she meets his gaze, she might find herself overwhelmed with how that emblazoned foolishness is evident in his eyes too, one of his most appreciated features. They're blue but wise, despite his young age.
Instead of being taken aback by her words, he leans on one hand, grinning.]
Really? I think I'm fine as hell.
[He knows very well that she's exhausted. It's clear in her features and her demeanor, and while he's drunk he still wants to keep her company. Sakamoto would love to help her out if she needed, but Touka doesn't want help.
And, unlike many idiots of his kind, he will respect that. Aid her, but from a distance.]
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Taking a sip of her coffee, she leans in slightly before setting the cup back down onto the table. ]
You probably wouldn't even know what to do with yourself if I decided to agree with you there. [ A scoff. ]
I know your type. You're all bluster, but when push comes to shove, you're nothing but a deer in headlights.
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But you do, don't you? I'm not blind.
[He leans further into his hand, haori slipping without him noticing. There's an evident scar starting from the shoulderblade and extending downward.]
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Reaching out a hand, she grazes her fingertips along the exposed length of the scar, looking thoughtful. ]
Don't flatter yourself, shitty Tatsuma. [ Her tone is quiet, quieter than it usually is. ]
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Still, he begins to wonder how her hands will feel all over his body. Curious to see how far this game will go, he snakes a playful arm around her waist, pulling her closer.]
Would you rather I flatter you?
You don't seem to like my words.
[But his brow is raised, as if to say, "That's alright."
"I can just show you."]
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