CONTACT | Call me, maybe

[intercalaryninja]

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[intercalaryninja]

Rarely people trusted people who couldn't even trust others to see their face. However, Ryslig has made Tsukikage believe more of the opposite and Speedwagon's warmth and comfort around him only confirms that further.

"So different to the vampires of this world. You cannot stop them by destroying a mask, unfortunately. But most seem to be pleasant in my experience."

He's alright. Admittedly this was an overreaction but... what a small world.

"Yes, at the museum when he first arrived in the gift shop. He was rather calm and cool headed despite picking up human finger." Tsukikage gives a little laugh. "He must have been quite frightened since was in my Fog Form and Chikage was with me. But he really was quite the gentleman."

[speedweed]

If someone wants to cover their face, then that's fine by him. He tended to focus more on body language, tone, and eye contact more than anything else to begin with. Words are cheap, after all.

"Ah, it... wasn't to destroy him, unfortunately. That was... handled by Jonathan, the mask was destroyed to keep that from happening again." As far as he's aware, he doesn't know the entire story behind the stone mask at this point. Maybe in the future.

Somehow he can't stop a small smile from settling on his face, slowly shrugging in a smooth motion and starting to walk once again. "Sounds about right, after all that we'd seen, I wouldn't think him the type to frighten easily anymore. ... Chikage?" Of course he focused on that.

[intercalaryninja]

Words are cheap but it's the metaphor, really. Ninjas weren't supposed to get attached... though that's something Tsukikage's long discarded. His shoulders are relaxed and he's even comfortably slouched, finding Speedwagon's company putting him at ease even despite his racing heart.

"Oh. I see. That's very curious. Something unique to your world, I suppose. There's nothing to stop us from turning into monsters here," he says, bitterly.

"Chikage is my assistant. I can commune with them from anywhere using my magic. Perhaps I should have them at least briefly introduce themselves. You may end up working with them in the shop and I'd like Chikage to take some muffins home for the kids."

[speedweed]

To be perfectly fair, he should be far more wary and far more guarded with everything. And yet he doesn't feel like he has any reason to be doing any of that, having long since forgotten the consequences of his actions. Or, well, what would have been the consequences of them if he'd been back home. But here is not there and he's fairly safe in that regard and far more comfortable with the not remotely subtle flirting moments mixed in with just pure idiocy.

"Unfortunately, I've noticed." He wishes it would be as easy as that, but maybe it won't be too bad. Hopefully.

An assistant? Wait. Kids? God, he's just getting more questions instead of answers. "Perhaps it'd be for the best, yes. And... kids?" He's so confused, send help.

[intercalaryninja]

Tsukikage looks over and stifles a laugh at the bewildered expression from the other man. Right. Speedwagon was a newcomer. He probably didn't know about some of the other nuances of monsters, really.

"They're other people who have been taken from their worlds to Ryslig. I run a halfway home near Lake Dala but these days I only host kids and care for them. There's three of them now... ranging from ten to... sixteen, I think Narancia is at the moment?" Well, Narancia is the age when he came to Ryslig but he classes him as a kid all the same.

Tsukikage's left hand smooths over the joints of his... other left hand. At the base of his thumb, Tsukikage digs his long nail into the weakest part of the joint, forcing out blood-like lymph. He doesn't even flinch from the prick of pain. Instead, he brings his lower arm to his lips and mumbles something quietly before he pulls his arm away and acts like nothing ever happened.

Sorry Speedwagon. He's... definitely a bit weirder than one would give him credit for. And it only gets worse from here.

[speedweed]

Certainly he had no clue what-so-ever about the little details outside of the pamphlets he'd looked through when Jonathan was paying no mind. Better to hold onto that information, after all.

A halfway house for kids? That... made more sense than where his mind had immediately ran off to. But that's what happens when you give him any room to let his mind wander, it'd immediately race to the dumbest idea possible and refuse to move form there until proven otherwise. Hopefully something to learn in the future. "I see. Admittedly, that's not what I had thought the case was, but it makes more sense." Instead of them being... like his own kids or whatever.

EXCUSE YOU, TSUKIKAGE, YOU CAN'T JUST GO DOING THAT AND NOT EXPLAIN TO HIM. Because his instinct is panic.

"W-what! Are you okay? That looked like it hurt and you're just... ignoring it entirely?" Are you sure this is the man you want to have a crush on?

[intercalaryninja]

It's a halfway house for anyone but people wanted to stay in the city or with other friends. It's a sanctuary for anyone to come and go as they please.

"Ah... you thought of them as my own. Monsters aren't fertile here, so such a thing would be impossible." Well, he did adopt one but he's long gone. Tsukikage gives a nostalgic smile at the thought of his son.

And then suddenly Speedwagon is panicking. Tsukikage blinks, wondering just what he was talking about before he looks at his hand.

"Oh... please do not worry. I'm used to doing that. I can communicate with people via their blood and I can speak to Chikage directly using my own. It's all part of Blood Magic, Mr. Speedwagon. I'm fine, really."

They're both idiots. One reacts too much. The other doesn't when he should.

[speedweed]

It would make sense, at least in his case he'd never want to impose if he didn't have to.

And now he feels like an absolute idiot for remotely assuming that and is just coughing softly to himself to cover all of that. Good grief. "I see, good to know." Even if it doesn't remotely matter to him, it's fine.

Blood... magic? He's not sure if that really helps, but if it doesn't... hurt, then he supposes it's fine? God.

Deep breaths to calm down, thankfully it comes quick enough. "I... suppose I do have a lot to learn still."

[intercalaryninja]

Speedwagon could never impose as far as Tsukikage's concerned.

It does hurt as any other prick of the finger too but it doesn't really register as pain for Tsukikage. He gives an apologetic smile up at Speedwagon though.

"Don't worry. Blood magic is unique to me. I'm the only practitioner as far as I know. It is a long dead Ryslig art. You'll get used to the strangeness of Ryslig and everyone here in time."

[speedweed]

He might change his tune about that later on, but that's a might.

One of these days he'll be better at hiding his emotions behind a mask or something to that effect, but today is not that day and he's a good tint of red as soon as he's giving him that smile. God, how could he honestly be this stupid and this ridiculous at once? It's a mystery how he survived.

"It just depends on how long that takes, I suppose? I still can't quite wrap my head around the idea of turning into something I'm not, to something very much not human... And yet there's no choice and I will need to deal with it, head on."

[intercalaryninja]

Perhaps, but ninjas were particularly stubborn.

Though he's never had this sort of a first impression on a person before. Usually, Tsukikage neither had the masculine handsomeness or the lithe beauty that most men liked. Even his past relationships started with time and a gradual growing love. Someone was attracted to him... it really did make Tsukikage happy.

"It is a very scary thought. The unknown. The unpredictability. The fact you do not know what monster you'll become always is troubling too."

Ah, what a nice topic to start as soon as they arrive at the front of the cafe..

[speedweed]

Just as stubborn as his type, clearly.

He always did have an interesting type when it came to people, while he was a fan of muscles to some extent or another, personality was far more of a guiding factor for him. And Tsukikage certainly did have the latter in spades, enough to where he's really looking over the fact he's not all that human in appearance. It's easier to do when you're attracted to how a person is versus how they look, after all.


"That's always something of a problem," the unknown, he means. But he's taking note of where they are finally and given how the populace seems to react to monsters in general? Perhaps it's better to change the subject. "But enough gloom and doom for one day, hm?"

[intercalaryninja]

It is really nice. Most people are the same but it's still nice to feel attractive and have someone you're crushing on think you're attractive too.

Like most places in Bavan, monsters were generally accepted by the population and Tsukikage frequents cafes that are monster-friendly. The atmosphere around the cafe is light and chipper, with people walking by and chatting amicably to one another. Tsukikage notices the atmosphere and gives an almost relieved laugh.

"I think so. There is a time and place for such serious talk. Let us not make it now."

He's going to the counter to order his tea straight away. He's also going to ask for a straw...

[speedweed]

It certainly is nice when that someone knows that. Which might be something to think about in the future, huh.

Such a change in attitude from what he thought this city would more likely be, it's... actually comforting in a weird sort of way. But he certainly will not complain about it, just catching bits and pieces of conversations where he can to feel out the general mood of this place. An old habit that hasn't quite died off just yet.

"I'm rather fond of leaving it for now." Of course he would be, coming to any sort of resolution to his mortality and morality is not the best of conversations.

Perhaps it'd be easier to tell the quality of this place by the tea rather than coffee, but if Tsuki is going to get a tea, then the coffee sounds a better idea. Hopefully it's what he remembers.

[intercalaryninja]

Bavan certainly had its downsides: monster hunters lurking in the shadows; Bavanites fetishising them; a high population of monsters and therefore higher chances of conflict more than anywhere else. However, it really was a nice city, full of life and bustling city-goers. They talk about whatevers going on in their lives: Fashion, entertainment, science... all sorts of things.

Coffee is ordered. Tea is ordered. Tsukikage even offers to buy a snack for Speedwagon. Soon, they're sitting down at a low table so Tsukikage can sit with his long arachne body. With his legs curled up, he almost seems normal if not a little blue.

...

How did you have a normal, not-work conversation with a cute boy?

[speedweed]

It's... actually really nice to hear normal conversation going on around them and no one really seeming to notice their existence. It's almost as if he were back home again, though people are a lot more cheery here and the clothing is a little different than what he's accustomed to.

Of course he had declined at first, but any more push towards it and he'd break down and finally get something. He's still learning that it's okay to take offers from people and to let them do something for him. It's an odd feeling even now, but eventually he'll get it.

That... is a good question, honestly.

"... So." Doing great.

[intercalaryninja]

Of course he'll push. Tsukikage wants to buy muffins for the kids anyway, so naturally he'll want Speedwagon to also eat. Tsukikage doesn't take any himself, of course, instead just looking down at his hands and thinking of a topic.

...

"So how did you find out about my shop?"

Tsukikage internally kicks himself for asking a question he already knows but it's not the worst question. After all, 'Charlotte' knew but 'Tsukikage' didn't. He'd ask for questions more about Speedwagon in a second.

[speedweed]

He's an absolute nerd and has to be pushed into these sort of things, but he absolutely relented after about the second time or so. But he seems at least a little calmer than Tsukikage does at the very least.

Uuuuntil he's asking that question and he's actually paling a little and turning his attention to the table instead. Oof. How does he explain this without sounding absolutely horrible?

"... It's... going to sound horrible," he starts slowly, still keeping his gaze downwards. "I might have been trying to mug people for whatever they had on them, ended up going after the wrong woman. But I... backed off, at least, realizing it wasn't a fight I wanted to have and we ended up speaking. After, your name turned up as someone who had jobs open." He hates admitting all of this, he really does.

"Mind, mugging was not the preferred method."

[intercalaryninja]

Tsukikage knew the answer but he was surprised that Speedwagon was sharing it. He patiently lets Speedwagon speak though, letting the man finish.

"You are a very honest man, Mr. Speedwagon. It's refreshing, especially in my line of work." Well, as a ninja and an escort, anyway. Not the rest of it. "You're a newcomer from a particular background. I do not blame you."

Tsukikage smiles a little.

"Although, even if mugging was not your intention, perhaps you are lucky that you were directed at me. If I ever disappear or you choose to find work elsewhere in the future, I do not recommend you sharing the fact you're a mugger to your employer. They may not be as understanding."

He says that so plainly and seriously... but it's a joke, he swears.

[speedweed]

He's nothing if not honest. Or just can't really tell a complete lie, is maybe the more accurate way of looking at it.

"Your line of work...?" Do shopkeepers really have that problem with people being honest? That's rather strange, but he supposes it makes sense in the long run. He... wasn't terribly familiar with the business to begin with, so maybe it is a problem he's just not aware of. After all, lying your ass off was a good part of the job when it was needed in his former line of work.

But onto another thing entirely and he's letting out the softest of huffs and tilting that hat to try and hide the red crawling to his cheeks again. He's... not entirely sure if he's joking or not, but it does make him feel absolutely ridiculous for saying all of that.

"I'll... keep that in mind, I suppose. But eventually these sorts of things get out into the open whether you wish them to or not."

[intercalaryninja]

Tsukikage says nothing to answer Speedwagon's question. He merely takes his straw and sips at his drink, not a drop spilling onto his cowl or showing his face as he does so. He hides his smile in his drink, incredibly amused by all of these.

"That is true. I suppose it's better finding out from you than by other means," Tsukikage says.

Now he has to wonder what can he say? It'd be rude to overstep his boundaries as an employer, so he can't really ask too personal questions. Maybe stick to what he's already mentioned?

"So you've been around the world for research and your interest?" Maybe elaborate more on that? Why were conversations so hard?

[speedweed]

Tsukikage, please, he has absolutely no issues talking about personal questions. He might turn a shade of red and die for a minute, but he'll eventually stammer the answer out. It just takes a bit of time and persuasion and he certainly will be glad he said it later.

Perhaps.

Oh, that, thankfully he will gladly talk at length about all of it. "Something like that. A lot of it was to also get out of London proper and get a look at the rest of the world. I was... lucky I was even able to, with my station in society." He's pausing for a brief moment, glancing to the ceiling as he turns something over in his mind. It only lasts a moment before his attention is on him once again. "I wanted to learn everything I could from wherever I went, whether it meant the local flora and fauna or the culture and hospitality of the native population. Which I... suppose is odd, given the time period and how Britain tended to be."

But he's shrugging and taking a moment, a frown playing on his expression. "I suppose also to see if the ways my country handled things was the same as other places. In some it was, in others it was not. Things you could be killed for there, you would not be there. A sad state of affairs, but I did promise to not dwell on that for long..."

[intercalaryninja]

It's not that he's too shy. He's just very aware of how bosses take advantage of their employees and he doesn't want to be one of those people. He's all about professionalism... even if he wants to break that wall down.

"Sounds like you have a very open mind. It's nice," Tsukikage says. His exposure to British history is limited but he has the roughest understanding a person from 'modern' times can have.

"Country to country, City to City, Dimension to Dimension. The differences a world can have is astounding. You are free to discuss it if you want to. I have no issue with it. My master tells me I often am too dour though which was why I said such a thing earlier."

[speedweed]

He may as well go ahead and break that wall down, given how he easily rolls with the punches and keeps going. As well as being disgustingly good at keeping everything separate or mostly under wraps if it's necessary.

"I do try to, it seemed a rare thing." It's not wrong, he was lucky to end up in the strange situation he had and with people who were willing to learn or willing to teach. Different life experiences and different view points he wouldn't have seen otherwise. It even continued here, really.

The question is if he should even talk about it. He remains silent to mull it over in his mind, weighing the pros and cons of it. He's fairly sure that it's... safe here, from what he can tell, so maybe it's not the worst of ideas to discuss. To put out there and hope that this goes well.

"Forgive me if I'm a bit... blunt about this, but it's easier to just outright speak plainly of it. All of... what we had been doing, the looks and some of the words, would have gotten us arrested and possibly killed where I'm from. You had to remain in secrecy, having to be extremely careful lest someone catch notice." His tone has shifted greatly from the more upbeat chatterbox to carefully picking his words and speaking slower, voice softer. It's not a subject he's too fond of speaking about, but this isn't Victorian England.

[intercalaryninja]

Tsukikage is very much the same, honestly. However, he's bound by his own code and his idea that things need to be done in a certain way. At least, while he doesn't know someone and doesn't know what to think of them...

The young man sips his tea again, giving Speedwagon a chance to think and a chance for his own heart to settle. He admits that he had been going a little fast and he feels a little tired from the emotional rollercoaster. That wasn't to say that he wasn't prepared for Speedwagon's statement. Tsukikage responds with a grave nod.

"I understand..." He tests some words in his mind, needing a moment to match Speedwagon's seriousness. "... Where I'm from, it's not as harshly punished but older more traditional families would disapprove. However... here... here we do not have to worry. Ryslig, for all its flaws, at least accepts same-sex couples. There have been even a few same sex marriages... I attended one last year, for instance."