CONTACT | Call me, maybe

[intercalaryninja]

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[speedweed]

That's... actually kind of terrifying, Tsukikage. "Wait, you can be one thing and then become another?" He has no idea what's going on anymore and that's probably for the best at this particular juncture. What an idiot.

It's not how you flirt at all, get back on track.

NOTHING REMOTELY WEIRD AT ALL, OKAY. Actually, he's a little relieved that it's just that. "Ah, that... would make sense, yes. As I said, I have little else to currently do so there's nothing that would get in the way of that." Even if he's only slightly disappointed at the lack of a tea conversation before then.

In due time.

[intercalaryninja]

"Changing monster types permanently isn't common but it's something that can happen. Most of the time, you may get temporary changes that may combine or exaggerate your features. For me, after arriving I became a shade, and then after that, I returned human and then turned to an arachne. Things just happen from time to time. Such is the terrible magical nature of this world."

He can't help it if he's bad at this.

"Well, then perhaps you could spend the day with me learning the ropes? Only if you have the time to, of course. It would spare us the tutorial on Monday if we did training now."

Wow, what a bad excuse to try to hang out with this handsome gentleman. Why is he so bad at this?

[speedweed]

"Becoming one thing, then returning human, and then another..." He's turning those words over slowly, not quite sure what to make of all of it. But at the end of the day there's nothing he can do to change anything and he damn well knows that. He's stuck here as someone's plaything, after all, not that any of it sits well with him.

They're both horrible at this, so at least it's mutual uselessness.

He really wasn't lying when he said he had little else to do other than maybe figure out a better living situation than he and Jonathan had found. So perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea. That and he could learn a little more about him which isn't remotely a bad idea in his books. "Well, I do have the time and I think that would save us both a lot of trouble."

At least he can be subtle about all of this, for the most part, even if he's agreeing to a lot of this for more than just the need of payment. It's hardly his fault he has an odd type.

[intercalaryninja]

"Again, it is not common. It's just one of the events that can happen in Ryslig. With any luck, you'll have one transformation and then be done with it," Tsukikage reassures him.

How are they even going to get anywhere with their combined hopelessness?

"Then, let us get started," Tsukikage smiles. Quite obviously, he's happy about things but it could pass for him being an employer finally getting the help he needs. "It'll be quiet today, so that will give us a good amount of alone time to teach you the ropes. Usually, you'll have one or two other employees around as well, especially on weekends."

He straightens himself up and then gestures Speedwagon to follow him to the back so he can show him around the store room.

[speedweed]

"Hopefully so and hopefully easy to cope with..." He's not too keen on certain ideas, like vampires, and turning into one of those. A lot of trauma there that he'd rather not turn to if he doesn't have to.

Who knows, one of them will need to not be an idiot for about five seconds or so. A tall order, clearly.

It may just be that and he's thinking it's just that, but there's a part deeper down that perhaps is hoping it's something more or other than just being happy to have some help in these times. A man can dream, after all. "I would assume so on the weekends, I can't imagine how busy this place must get then." If he only knew.

Also the whole alone time thing gets a brief dusting of pink that he's quickly trying to hide away. Absolutely useless. At least he's quick to follow after him.

[intercalaryninja]

Very tall. As tall as Speedwagon is, for now.

"It gets moderately busy. We import goods from Vandare since the old owner managed to get some sort of contract going with a woodworker there. So you'll find lots of buyers on the weekend. We've been managing so far, I suppose."

Tsukikage doesn't want to dream. After all, it's ended in heartbreak and unrequited feelings most of the time. Even when the last few times went so well, Tsukikage feels he needs to guard his heart a little better than he has. It hurts, finding someone interesting again...

Tsukikage misses the blush and shows the back room. There's nothing extraordinary: a rest area, storage area, bathroom and a small office. Tsukikage shows Speedwagon around, first going through protocols and then-

"You drink tea? Coffee?"

[speedweed]

Sad that that will change in the future.

"Vandare..." He's still learning the lay of the land, but it's a name he's certain is a good idea to keep a tab on. Even if he ends up never going there or... does so, for some reason, in the future. "Then I take it that the majority of wooden objects and the like would be from there?" He's pretty sure the answer is yes, but he might as well confirm.

One day they'll figure it out. As it is, he's playing things close to his chest out of the same foreboding he would have had back home. It's safer to play ignorant and keep things light under other contexts, just in case things go south. Even if it's absolutely killing him.

At least it was missed and he's getting himself back under proper control, noting the locations of each little bit. It's not much, but you never know.

"Ah, both, actually? I can't say that I'm too picky about either one."

[intercalaryninja]

But hopefully so will the distance between them.

"It's a port city not too far from here. It's got some nice exports, so most of the wooden furniture and handicrafts are from there," Tsukikage confirms. "I also like getting flowers from there. It's a hassle but the bouquets we get out at the front for holidays are lovely."

One day. For now, they suffer in silence.

"We have tea and coffee here. I've never been good at brewing coffee here but there's a selection of tea. It's all there on the side. If you actually want good coffee, you'll have to hit one of the cafes nearby."

He wishes he could say he could show him sometime... but again... very forward...

[speedweed]

It's very possible, both figuratively and literally.

"A port city... Then there's an ocean here, as well? Has anyone gone beyond it to see if other places exist or is that more of a fool's errand?" Of course he would be getting excited over that of all things. A traveler through and through. But the bouquets thing is almost fascinating to him in a way, as well. "Are they familiar flowers or something that only grows in this place?"

Suffering as always.

"I'm sure I could figure coffee out if I see the equipment." Because it's a travesty that he hasn't figured it out for himself. Coffee's rather lovely if done right, he's learned through his time.

You know what, perhaps...

"Cafes nearby? I must have missed them in my wandering somehow?" That's not smooth.

[intercalaryninja]

"Both people on boats and aquatic monsters have both tried to get out of the peninsula. Alas, magic always forces them to turn back. It is the same for trying to fly out of here. It's not recommended. Someone does try every now and again to see if its possible to get out of here but it never works." It is unfortunate.

"Just something that grows better along the coast. Nothing too exotic. Just harder to grow here in Bavan. I think it's the soil."

Tsukikage moves to show their old machine in the employee break room, worn down despite its lack of use due to them picking it up discounted to begin with.

"We should go pick up something from there then. I can show you a few good ones so you're not wandering lost on Monday."

There you go. Winner winner.

[speedweed]

So truly no way out, then. Ugh, of course that would be the answer he would receive. "I see, truly a pity." There's bound to be something out there, he's sure. But that's something for way later in the future Speedwagon to worry about.

"So it's something that isn't just native to this place?" Now he wants to see what it is, but he'll have to wait until something... grows. It is almost winter from what he can tell and he's fairly certain most flower species don't bloom in the winter.

That. Is a mess of a thing. "... Not the type I'm familiar with, but I'm sure I can make it work." And find some way to get his hands on coffee beans and a proper grinder. In due time.

How did that work? He's not going to complain in the slightest about it mostly working. "That sounds absolutely wonderful, you really are being too kind to me." In more ways than one.

[intercalaryninja]

They can work on that at a later time. Tsukikage's always been fighting to find a way out and he's always glad for help.

"Yes. It's nice. You'll see them in the spring. They're such a beautiful shade of violet."

But now to important matters... They did their best with the coffee machine. Really.

"Hopefully. You know better than I would. I'm already jittery without coffee as it is, so I don't drink it often."

Tsukikage smiles at the glowing reception.

"Not at all. It's my pleasure." In more ways than one. "We can stop there for lunch later... once we're done with your training, of course."

[speedweed]

He's sure he knows of another person who would be glad to help on getting out or getting some answers, as well. Something about being used to this kind of madness probably helps.

"A shade of violet..." It is a nice color, he's been fond of it in previous times. But that's not until spring and he certainly hopes he doesn't forget when that comes around again.

Coffee machines are ridiculous and it's better to just go old fashion! "It makes you jittery? Perhaps there's a different type that might not do that..." Of course he'd be familiar with that sort of nonsense.

Oh, right. Training. That's. What they were doing. He's looking away for a brief moment to hide that moment of sheepishness. He'd almost forgot, this absolute nerd right here.

"Right, after the training." This is horrible.

[intercalaryninja]

Violet is one of his other favourite colours. Blue is his favourite, obviously, but it's nice and soft. Goes so well with green too.

"Perhaps. But I don't need caffeine. So I suppose I'd only have coffee for the taste. I don't know much about each types but I can make a fairly decent one for an Irish coffee." He does have to know a good number of bar drinks since the TTT has a well-stocked selection.

Tsukikage can see out of the corners of his many eyes Speedwagon's sheepish expression and he smiles. However, he politely doesn't turn so Speedwagon can think he didn't see. He'll pretend he didn't to let the other man save face... and save his own heart.

"We can make quick work of it. I just need to show you the various areas and what we do. I have an employee manual to refer to if you ever get stuck, or you can call me if there's trouble." Tsukikage tries to be a good boss. And he is one. He fights the urge to hurry up the training and does it properly, knowing it'd be more helpful in the long run...

[speedweed]

It truly does, which might be why he's fond of it in most color combination situations. Green's important, after all.

"Depends on how long you let it steep, too. Kind of the same concept of coffee." It isn't remotely the same concept, but he likes to pretend he knows how this works when in reality he only really ever made tea on his own, though he understands the concept of coffee well enough. "Irish coffee?" Oh boy.

Perhaps it's for the best that he doesn't know, for now, there will be plenty of other things to be embarrassed over later, after all. Once they're done here. While his mind may be somewhat wandering, he can pull it back to remember and recall this training at the very least. He does better when he's doing, anyway.

"Ah, at least there's that much. I do learn quickly once I'm doing something, so it shouldn't take that long." Or at least he hopes it won't, a trial by fire at the end of the day tends to be more of his speed.

[intercalaryninja]

"Oh, is it? I didn't know that. Learn something new everyday," Tsukikage covers his mouth like he always does when he's laughing. It's a bad habit, especially when he wears a mask, but he's so used to hiding his emotions it manifests in little quirks like that.

With the confirmation that he was ready to learn anyway, Tsukikage teaches him. How to keep stock. How to take inventory. How to deal with customers. Tsukikage explains patiently and eloquently, practice developed from teaching children and teenagers in his home. He even shows some of the more hands-on parts of the job when a little old woman pops in to buy a couple of bottles of milk.

"I think that's enough for today," Tsukikage says when he's finished. "Would it be too much if you help me clean up?" Any questions you want to ask, Speedy? "And are you still up for looking at cafes around here?"

Tsukikage hopes so but a part of him is worried that Speedy's tired or bored and wants to go home. He wants to give him a smooth out if he does. Otherwise... well... he really hopes they can go get a coffee together.

[speedweed]

"I suppose one does," he's musing quietly to himself, not... quite realizing that he's laughing. It's probably for the best that he remains oblivious to that whole mess.

Thankfully he's a fairly quick learner even in the worst of times, filing everything away neatly in his brain to bring back up later. And the hands-on parts is even more helpful for him to understand exactly how it all works. It seems easy enough for him to pick up on with a bit of practice, luckily.

"I wouldn't mind, it's certainly another aspect of it I should learn anyway, right?" He's learning, and also quietly milking as much time out of him as he can get. Even if it's for actual work related reasons and totally subtle. Mostly.

Until he's remembering the cafes thing and is internally screaming for a brief moment. Oh god, okay, that's actually still a thing. He can absolutely get on board with this and he certainly isn't bored of him by any stretch of the imagination and has energy for days.

"Y-yes, I'm still up for that."

[intercalaryninja]

It's nice to have company. Tsukikage always does like helping newcomers but the larger man is so nice that Tsukikage can't help but warm up to him. They haven't had time to actually talk about themselves but now was his chance. Just a getting-to-know-you session. Nothing weird.

"Sounds wonderful," Tsukikage says, cleaning up, unable to help but smile sheepishly as he hears the cute stutter in the other man's voice. He works a little faster now, taking advantage of his arachne speed to get the job done.

Closing up didn't take too long and soon they're outside. Tsukikage locks up and puts the key in his coat before he looks up at the blonde.

"Any preference on what kind of cafe you want to visit? Bavan is a big city. It has some selection."

[speedweed]

How dare that mask be in the way of him seeing that sheepish smile, but he's unable to hide a small smile of his own. It's fascinating, that speed, but he's going to focus mostly on whatever tasks need to be done, knowing full well that there's something better on the horizon once they're done.

For a brief moment he hums to himself as he contemplates it, not really having any particular preferences that he can think of. "Whatever you think might be best? Honestly, I'm not that picky." It's actually a lie, after his trip around certain parts of Asia, he's become particularly picky with tea of all damn things. But that's to be expected at this point.

[intercalaryninja]

It's gonna be a while before you see his face, Speedwagon. Tsukikage has a few tricks up his sleeve and even if you're cute, you're no exception to the rule. His face remains concealed when in 'uniform' at all times.

"Alright. We'll go to one I like that's not too here. I usually recommend customers that way if they ask."

Tsukikage hopes he'll like it. Even if he's been to four dimensions, technically he's never left Japan so he doesn't know what such a worldly traveler would like. But he had some English friends with high expectations in Ryslig so he scuttles ahead, letting Speedwagon follow at his own pace.

"So tell me more about yourself, Mr. Speedwagon. I admit you have me curious after your resume earlier." This is the flirting, right?

[speedweed]

A man can dream and hope for the future, but for now he'll be content in trying to figure out the puzzle that he is. It's more fun that way if he figures it out for himself, anyway.

"A subtle hint," he can't help the smile to his tone at that particular juncture. Mostly if it's good enough to recommend to locals, then it has to be a good spot, right?

He may be a picky man, but he's also a man that can understand that things aren't going to be the same everywhere. Some places don't have the same technologies or knowledge on how different things are prepared or have their own methods they vastly prefer. The good thing about being as well traveled as he is is that you learn to roll with the differences.

Oh gods, he's bad at talking about himself. But he can... try. "There's not too much to tell outside of what I've already said. Grew up in the streets of London, primarily having to fight and claw to make sure I could eat. Ended up leaving in my early teens to travel and... I suppose survive on the streets proper. Ogre Street had become my home and somehow I'd ended up leading what was essentially a gang." He's sighing for a brief moment, none-too-happy to admit that particular backstory.

"Had some morals, of course, wasn't the type to take advantage of the others in the streets with us, unlike others in my position. Let the ladies work as they pleased but not get involved unless someone was out there threatenin' them, can't be having that. Children off the table, only go after those who were very clearly well off. They wouldn't have missed what they had, anyway, at the end of the day..."

There's far more to tell, but he's not too sure if he's already put him off simply by that. And he's made it rather clear in his tone that that's not the full story.

[intercalaryninja]

Tsukikage listens patiently and attentively, doing amazingly well keeping one eye on the road and a few pairs on Speedwagon as they walk. He tries to imagine the city of London, or what he assumed of old London with the media. He could see a young fighter and imagined him getting caught up in the wrong crowd. A tough past for sure, and one some Bavan people could relate to, but a courageous one at that to have pulled out of that somehow.

"A thief, huh? At least you sound like someone who had to do it to survive. As a ninja, I had to learn how to steal things by trade to earn my place in my family," Tsukikage says. He doesn't really want to bring the conversation to him but he can sense the unease in his voice. He wanted to reassure him that he was fine and he could do much worse.

Tsukikage knows he had.

"Did you end up breaking up the gang?" He asked, gently trying to encourage the man on.

[speedweed]

It perhaps could explain the scar on his face, not that he's seeming too keen on bringing it up in casual conversation. London was a shithole as far as he was concerned and he wouldn't be wrong in the slightest, but if you could survive on Ogre Street then you could survive anywhere. Wits, cunning, the strength to keep going despite all of the shit being against you, that sort of thing.

"Thieving was only part of it, we weren't above murder if we had to." He doesn't sound particularly proud of that part, tipping his hat down with a soft sigh. "Though, I suppose, thievery wasn't just a London thing." It's actually helping a bit to hear that he's not being judged for this sort of thing.

But he's slowly shaking his head in turn. "Not exactly. I left to follow after someone after seeing how he reacted, we tried to rob and kill him when he resisted, but he put us on our asses fairly quickly. He could have killed us then and there, but he didn't, a true gentleman that one. I ended up getting his name and following him, there was just... something about him, that my destiny intertwined with his. I was correct, in that assumption.

As for the gang, as far as I'm aware, they were still doing what they had done. But I still spoke to the two closest to me fairly frequently. Good men, Tattoo and Kempo Master, despite."

[intercalaryninja]

"You really aren't familiar with what ninjas do, huh?" Tsukikage says in response to what Speedwagon says. "Thievery differs between people and their needs. As is murder." Tsukikage holds his hand up and flicks his wrist. As easily as a playing card could be flicked out of a magician's hand, a knife appears. And then Tsukikage pulls it back and it's replaced with a kunai. And then it's gone in a blink of an eye.

And then he waits for the man to continue. And he feels a familiar, old ache in his heart. He almost laughs, if not for his poker face.

Right. This is why he didn't wish too hard. This is why he wasn't supposed to jump into things. He was glad he wasn't too forward to the point of where it couldn't be mistaken for workplace friendliness but it didn't soften the blow.

"Destiny, huh? Must be someone special," Tsuikage says, levelly as he usually did. "It's good to hear you keep up with old friends. I don't hear much from mine anymore."

[speedweed]

"I... had heard the term before, but never encountered one to my knowledge." He wouldn't have known if he had, anyway. But that's a lot smoother of hidden weaponry than he had expected, a smile pulling at his lips. "Ah, hidden weaponry. I can't say I'm not familiar with that, had a bowler hat at one point with sawblades hidden in the brim. Quite a feat, that one."

Good thing for Tsukikage that letting him continue with his story might actually clear some of this mess up. In fact, he's actually letting out a bark of a laugh at the someone special comment.

"Good god, you're making it sound as if I pine after this man. I did, once upon a time, but he was far more interested in a woman from his childhood and went on to marry her. I backed off, of course, being a gentleman about the whole thing. Now he's merely a close friend that I would gladly assist if he needed me to." He sounds far too amused by all of it, jeeze.

"When I said destiny, I meant more that we ended up on an adventure with another man as well, to deal with a supernatural situation. It taught me things that I hadn't had learned otherwise and despite all of it, I certainly wouldn't have traded it for the world."