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Only if you actually throw in a fully paid spa day with a fancy pool at a fancy resort for them for real.
[Hey, he knows his worth. And he absolutely WILL milk any situation for as much as he can if he's already sticking his head out for it.]
[Hey, he knows his worth. And he absolutely WILL milk any situation for as much as he can if he's already sticking his head out for it.]
[ Takahashi Akira, a man with an absurd amount of money who could very easily do that...laughs at the idea. ]
That's going a little overboard, don't you think? Besides, sending someone who will no doubt have fresh stitches somewhere with a pool would just be mean.
That's going a little overboard, don't you think? Besides, sending someone who will no doubt have fresh stitches somewhere with a pool would just be mean.
[Yeeeeaaaah, that's what he gets for trying to be too greedy.]
That last bit was as honest as I'd rather not have heard that. Didn't I say to not take them out of commission for too long?
That last bit was as honest as I'd rather not have heard that. Didn't I say to not take them out of commission for too long?
[ In all honesty, the fear came and went pretty often.
Of course he's afraid. He's alone somewhere out on the ocean in the hands of criminals who apparently know enough of their stuff to not only know what a youkai is but to have an anti-magic talisman on hand. Whether they knew exactly what he is or not, they decided to get the most bang for their buck and double it as a blindfold, which felt like adding insult to injury. He can't grow any new eyes, can't use his strength, couldn't even take the damn thing off himself if he could get out of these bindings, and he can't look around at his jail like a normal human being would! Ugh.
But what's been getting him the most is the boredom. He's received only a few visits from the same few people, and none of them have been too entertaining to talk to. He can tell there are more people around, the sound of voices and footsteps are common enough to hear from outside, but they're too muffled to make out any actual words so he'd have something, anything for mental stimulation other than running through the same few thought experiments on getting out over and over and over and over...
--Noise. A single pair of footsteps approaching. Not immediately something to get excited over, but they just keep getting closer until they're at what he's assumed is the doorway and it finally opens.
Must be time for another check in. Boring as they usually are, he can't help but perk right on up at something tangible to pay attention to. ]
Hello! Good--ah, is it afternoon or evening? Been getting hard to tell.
Of course he's afraid. He's alone somewhere out on the ocean in the hands of criminals who apparently know enough of their stuff to not only know what a youkai is but to have an anti-magic talisman on hand. Whether they knew exactly what he is or not, they decided to get the most bang for their buck and double it as a blindfold, which felt like adding insult to injury. He can't grow any new eyes, can't use his strength, couldn't even take the damn thing off himself if he could get out of these bindings, and he can't look around at his jail like a normal human being would! Ugh.
But what's been getting him the most is the boredom. He's received only a few visits from the same few people, and none of them have been too entertaining to talk to. He can tell there are more people around, the sound of voices and footsteps are common enough to hear from outside, but they're too muffled to make out any actual words so he'd have something, anything for mental stimulation other than running through the same few thought experiments on getting out over and over and over and over...
--Noise. A single pair of footsteps approaching. Not immediately something to get excited over, but they just keep getting closer until they're at what he's assumed is the doorway and it finally opens.
Must be time for another check in. Boring as they usually are, he can't help but perk right on up at something tangible to pay attention to. ]
Hello! Good--ah, is it afternoon or evening? Been getting hard to tell.
[Fear's good. Fear's well-deserved, considering how dangerous the Great Lake is in the first place, let alone the sort of bastards who travel her many varied waters and zones, all full of their own time-limited punishments.
But that's not a worry for Akira. Not the Waves of the Great Lake, no; the Twinhook Pirates would've been long gone if they couldn't fucking move before their time ran out. Maybe the reek of guests come before him might add an edge, the scraps of those not cared for enough to cough up exorbitant amounts of ahn or ignored completely. The way the whole place seems to sway and groan, containers on containers like their own little city all stinking and rusting and damp.
Or maybe it's just the fact that he can't fucking do anything, and there's indeed a pair of well-heeled boots tick-tacking towards his container. The door gets slid open with a long-suffering grunt, fresh air and light streaming in to alleviate all that metal-rotten stench, before it disappears just as quickly.]
Hey hey~ [Yeah this one uses tildes a bit. Love to remember that all of a sudden when I reread his dialogues.] Honoured guest. It's afternoon, yeah? Not that that matters to you, I suppose.
[The boots tick-tack ever closer, at a faster clip; it's not often that the first mate gets to actually get his hands dirty these days, with how he's stuck doing the pirate equivalent of paperwork most of the time. In fact, probably the one time Akira's heard this voice was when he was nabbed in the first place and restrained at all; the cold blade of a hook prosthesis at his nape, a pistol pressed to his temple, and the same bored, lilting tone.]
Negotiations haven't started yet. Bit sad for you, isn't it? Thought that, since my lads are busy, I'd come and make sure our accommodations are to your liking. Since you're an extra special guest and aaaall~ You comfy? You good? Hungry, sore, thirsty? If you need to piss, there's nothing I can do about that, unless you're real brave.
[Then there's the tell-tale squeaking sound of leather right up close; Gregor's squatting beside Akira now, breath thick with exotic tobacco nabbed off another unfortunate guest and the tip of that ice cold hook dragging against the metal floor.] You feeling brave?
But that's not a worry for Akira. Not the Waves of the Great Lake, no; the Twinhook Pirates would've been long gone if they couldn't fucking move before their time ran out. Maybe the reek of guests come before him might add an edge, the scraps of those not cared for enough to cough up exorbitant amounts of ahn or ignored completely. The way the whole place seems to sway and groan, containers on containers like their own little city all stinking and rusting and damp.
Or maybe it's just the fact that he can't fucking do anything, and there's indeed a pair of well-heeled boots tick-tacking towards his container. The door gets slid open with a long-suffering grunt, fresh air and light streaming in to alleviate all that metal-rotten stench, before it disappears just as quickly.]
Hey hey~ [Yeah this one uses tildes a bit. Love to remember that all of a sudden when I reread his dialogues.] Honoured guest. It's afternoon, yeah? Not that that matters to you, I suppose.
[The boots tick-tack ever closer, at a faster clip; it's not often that the first mate gets to actually get his hands dirty these days, with how he's stuck doing the pirate equivalent of paperwork most of the time. In fact, probably the one time Akira's heard this voice was when he was nabbed in the first place and restrained at all; the cold blade of a hook prosthesis at his nape, a pistol pressed to his temple, and the same bored, lilting tone.]
Negotiations haven't started yet. Bit sad for you, isn't it? Thought that, since my lads are busy, I'd come and make sure our accommodations are to your liking. Since you're an extra special guest and aaaall~ You comfy? You good? Hungry, sore, thirsty? If you need to piss, there's nothing I can do about that, unless you're real brave.
[Then there's the tell-tale squeaking sound of leather right up close; Gregor's squatting beside Akira now, breath thick with exotic tobacco nabbed off another unfortunate guest and the tip of that ice cold hook dragging against the metal floor.] You feeling brave?
[ Ah yes, he remembers this voice. Someone very important, judging by his coming in alone and the smell of nice tobacco on his breath. (Hm. What he wouldn't give for a smoke right now too.) Someone dangerous. If this one's going to be coming back at all it'd be a good thing to get a few tests in on their patience for chit chat.
With a shrug and a demonstrative tug at his wrists, ] I am feeling sore, if we're being honest with each other.
[ Completely genuine. Not as lackadaisical as he might normally sound, but not quite like he's talking to someone who could end his life on a whim--it's moreso the average caution of talking to any kind of authority figure. ]
Though I don't suppose there's much you can do about that either, huh?
With a shrug and a demonstrative tug at his wrists, ] I am feeling sore, if we're being honest with each other.
[ Completely genuine. Not as lackadaisical as he might normally sound, but not quite like he's talking to someone who could end his life on a whim--it's moreso the average caution of talking to any kind of authority figure. ]
Though I don't suppose there's much you can do about that either, huh?
Fair 'nuff. My lads, they don't prioritise comfort when it comes to tyin', just security. Can't have you runnin' around here blind, can we? And we do need you blind.
[Heh heh horf. A little joke between pals, of course.] Just means you'll have more to thank your family or whoever for when they cough up, doesn't it? You can kiss their feet, thank 'em for getting your wrists all freed up. It'll be reeeeaaal heartwarming~
[Then he's quiet for a second or two, looking over his shoulder as if he'll get sprung for having too much fun, before turning his attention back to his guest and tapping the tip of his hook against one of Akira's thighs. Not a horny gesture, at least not for now, just meant to see if he'll jump.]
What would you give up if you could get outta here right now, I wonder? Both hands? Just for the sake of conversation, mind.
[Heh heh horf. A little joke between pals, of course.] Just means you'll have more to thank your family or whoever for when they cough up, doesn't it? You can kiss their feet, thank 'em for getting your wrists all freed up. It'll be reeeeaaal heartwarming~
[Then he's quiet for a second or two, looking over his shoulder as if he'll get sprung for having too much fun, before turning his attention back to his guest and tapping the tip of his hook against one of Akira's thighs. Not a horny gesture, at least not for now, just meant to see if he'll jump.]
What would you give up if you could get outta here right now, I wonder? Both hands? Just for the sake of conversation, mind.
I don't know, watching me run around could make for some good entertainment.
[ Well, a sharp metal point certainly isn't a sensation he's expecting. So despite how calm and unbothered he'd like to seem both for his captor and himself, it does get a flinch out of him. At least he knows it's there now...? ]
For the sake of conversation...hm.
[ He takes a minute to give the question some actual thought, whether it's another intimidation tactic or not. Conversation is conversation at this point and he's taking it. ]
How about a leg? Is that worth two hands?
[ Well, a sharp metal point certainly isn't a sensation he's expecting. So despite how calm and unbothered he'd like to seem both for his captor and himself, it does get a flinch out of him. At least he knows it's there now...? ]
For the sake of conversation...hm.
[ He takes a minute to give the question some actual thought, whether it's another intimidation tactic or not. Conversation is conversation at this point and he's taking it. ]
How about a leg? Is that worth two hands?
Might, but I'll leave that sort of entertainment to the lads. They need motivation to work harder on our businesses, y'see? And they just won't loosen up around me somehow.
[Tap tap tap.] Maybe they'll be fine with me takin' one of your legs, though. Just think...You could get a real neat prosthetic one instead. Maybe even a peg leg. Heard talk of a captain who has one of those, and she's real fierce.
But then again, having a prosthesis never stopped me from being good at my job. Made me better, actually~ Doncha agree? Didn't you just wanna be the best guest ever when we met?
[Tap tap tap.] Maybe they'll be fine with me takin' one of your legs, though. Just think...You could get a real neat prosthetic one instead. Maybe even a peg leg. Heard talk of a captain who has one of those, and she's real fierce.
But then again, having a prosthesis never stopped me from being good at my job. Made me better, actually~ Doncha agree? Didn't you just wanna be the best guest ever when we met?
You weren't this polite when we met. [ It comes out before he can think better of it, but. He's here now. Nothing to do but roll with it.
Even if he is very aware of the hook still at his thigh. It could be sharp enough to cut through such a dense piece of flesh with enough force, but it wouldn't get through the bone in one go. Once again despite himself, he swallows hard at the thought.
Smile still on his face. ]
I think I've been a good guest, though. Haven't been noisy, haven't made a mess...I think that could be worth leaving all my limbs intact.
Even if he is very aware of the hook still at his thigh. It could be sharp enough to cut through such a dense piece of flesh with enough force, but it wouldn't get through the bone in one go. Once again despite himself, he swallows hard at the thought.
Smile still on his face. ]
I think I've been a good guest, though. Haven't been noisy, haven't made a mess...I think that could be worth leaving all my limbs intact.
Cute.
[Never mind the hook, he's going to lash out with his hand and grip Akira's face in it, squeezing at his cheeks and snorting to himself. Mush mush.]
You know what makes a good guest, in my eyes? One who's in 'n out. One who's got folks who care enough to pick 'em up before they outstay their welcome. Even if you got outta this here container...Where are you gonna go? We're out in the middle of nowhere, constantly moving. You wouldn't be able to escape the Waves if you just jumped off the side.
Really, I'm bein' very polite, letting you come with us all safe 'n sound when we could use you for mermaid chum all limbs 'n pieces, really earning your keep some. Don~cha~ agreeeeeee?
[Never mind the hook, he's going to lash out with his hand and grip Akira's face in it, squeezing at his cheeks and snorting to himself. Mush mush.]
You know what makes a good guest, in my eyes? One who's in 'n out. One who's got folks who care enough to pick 'em up before they outstay their welcome. Even if you got outta this here container...Where are you gonna go? We're out in the middle of nowhere, constantly moving. You wouldn't be able to escape the Waves if you just jumped off the side.
Really, I'm bein' very polite, letting you come with us all safe 'n sound when we could use you for mermaid chum all limbs 'n pieces, really earning your keep some. Don~cha~ agreeeeeee?
[ Alright, approaching the limit on the tolerance of nonsense. Good to know.
Instinct is really clashing with good sense here. He's flung himself into plenty of dangerous situations, but those risks have all been calculated somewhere he knew he'd get out relatively fine. This man just repeated what he's always come back to in those thought experiments he'd been occupying himself with: if he got out, freed his hands and his eyes and yanked that door open, where would he even go?
That's the most frustrating part, not necessarily the manhandling. It's what brings up the hint of a decidedly inhuman growl under his words when he answers as best he can while being so impolitely squeezed. ]
When put like that, yes. You've been a wonderful host thus far.
[ He could bite, says instinct in the back of his mind. May not be able to hold this guy down but he could very easily bite that hand if it doesn't let go. ]
Instinct is really clashing with good sense here. He's flung himself into plenty of dangerous situations, but those risks have all been calculated somewhere he knew he'd get out relatively fine. This man just repeated what he's always come back to in those thought experiments he'd been occupying himself with: if he got out, freed his hands and his eyes and yanked that door open, where would he even go?
That's the most frustrating part, not necessarily the manhandling. It's what brings up the hint of a decidedly inhuman growl under his words when he answers as best he can while being so impolitely squeezed. ]
When put like that, yes. You've been a wonderful host thus far.
[ He could bite, says instinct in the back of his mind. May not be able to hold this guy down but he could very easily bite that hand if it doesn't let go. ]
Thanks~ Glad to hear you understand. Some people don't, keep screaming, make it unpleasant for everyone. Not what we want, is it? Not an easy transaction.
[Thankfully, he lets go of Akira's face; his point's been made, and clearly it's only serving to piss the cargo off anyway. Pointless to push further in that direction, even if he keeps idly snagging his hook in Akira's pantsleg instead. Just ruining the cloth without truly tearing it.]
...Hey. My lads been treating you well? I won't be mad if y'say yes, of course. I want you all hunky-dory when you leave, and I can't have anyone breaking pretty porcelain behind my back.
[Thankfully, he lets go of Akira's face; his point's been made, and clearly it's only serving to piss the cargo off anyway. Pointless to push further in that direction, even if he keeps idly snagging his hook in Akira's pantsleg instead. Just ruining the cloth without truly tearing it.]
...Hey. My lads been treating you well? I won't be mad if y'say yes, of course. I want you all hunky-dory when you leave, and I can't have anyone breaking pretty porcelain behind my back.
[ Good, good. He can take a quick moment to breathe and back away from that edge he always hates approaching in the first place. ]
No one's hit me or anything, if that's what you're asking. Everyone always seems in a hurry to get out.
[ Of this delightful place? Wonder why. ]
No one's hit me or anything, if that's what you're asking. Everyone always seems in a hurry to get out.
[ Of this delightful place? Wonder why. ]
Ahhhh, good, good. We only have abooouuut...Five guests right now, barring yourself, but like I said; you're special. Maybe they're worried that I'll get upset with 'em if they go playing with you~ Or...
Maybe they're scared of you, too. [That? That sounds less bored, more thoughtful. It's also underscored by the sound of Gregor's boots scooting, his leather pants squeaking, the heat and faint pressure of his knees bracing either side of Akira's. Not quite a straddle, he's not looming enough to do that, but it's pretty fucking close.]
But you're pretty chatty, so I think we're getting along great~
Maybe they're scared of you, too. [That? That sounds less bored, more thoughtful. It's also underscored by the sound of Gregor's boots scooting, his leather pants squeaking, the heat and faint pressure of his knees bracing either side of Akira's. Not quite a straddle, he's not looming enough to do that, but it's pretty fucking close.]
But you're pretty chatty, so I think we're getting along great~
Of me? Come now, I'm harmless.
[ Said as Gregor's no doubt face to face with that talisman and the thick, confident strokes of its characters. Somehow it's sticking right on to Akira's face with no help, as if magnetized or glued or something, but that? That's just silly.
The talisman's taken a backseat in Akira's mind for a second, though, because this is an unexpected development. He is chatty, and so is his captor, and his desperation for any kind of mental or physical stimulation is enough to keep him going despite the fact he probably should have taken a cue from his other visitors and shut up a while ago. ]
I'm glad you think so. Your men don't seem to appreciate it nearly as much.
[ Instead here he is, not minding the situation as much as he should so long as someone, anyone is here sitting and talking with him. ]
[ Said as Gregor's no doubt face to face with that talisman and the thick, confident strokes of its characters. Somehow it's sticking right on to Akira's face with no help, as if magnetized or glued or something, but that? That's just silly.
The talisman's taken a backseat in Akira's mind for a second, though, because this is an unexpected development. He is chatty, and so is his captor, and his desperation for any kind of mental or physical stimulation is enough to keep him going despite the fact he probably should have taken a cue from his other visitors and shut up a while ago. ]
I'm glad you think so. Your men don't seem to appreciate it nearly as much.
[ Instead here he is, not minding the situation as much as he should so long as someone, anyone is here sitting and talking with him. ]
Right! Just a sweet little pussycat, you. But they're a bit edgy after they do their rounds 'n report in, and it's oooonly been since you've been here. Funny, I think. Funny stuff.
[Gregor's quiet for a good few seconds then, clearly chewing on a thought. Especially if the way he takes his hook to the floor instead to tap a little rhythm is anything to go by.]
Sorry about the lads. They're real uptight sometimes, but you...I like you. You're my favourite guest thus far, I reckon. You like ice cream? Perfume? Maybe I'll send you off with a few gifts as my thanks, once negotiations are through.
[Gregor's quiet for a good few seconds then, clearly chewing on a thought. Especially if the way he takes his hook to the floor instead to tap a little rhythm is anything to go by.]
Sorry about the lads. They're real uptight sometimes, but you...I like you. You're my favourite guest thus far, I reckon. You like ice cream? Perfume? Maybe I'll send you off with a few gifts as my thanks, once negotiations are through.
[ What he wouldn't give to see those gears turning instead of just hearing them, having one more clue as to what's going on inside this man's head. Is he suspicious of Akira? Of the men? How much do the grunts know about what he is, come to think of it... ]
Your favorite? My, that has to be some pretty high praise from someone like you.
[ A little more leeway for nonsense has been given, it seems, so he tilts his head just-so. Perfect angle for batting one's eyelashes if the circumstances were different. ]
Your favorite? My, that has to be some pretty high praise from someone like you.
[ A little more leeway for nonsense has been given, it seems, so he tilts his head just-so. Perfect angle for batting one's eyelashes if the circumstances were different. ]
You think so? I think you're not a gibbering fool pissing himself 'cause I'm this close, but you're not disrespectful either~ A fine balance, that. Get too lippy, I might get upset and take all that good opinion back. But go boring, and I'll just leave.
[Another fragrant tobacco-puff, not quite right in Akira's face but too close for comfort all the same, before Gregor goes tapping the curve of his hook, flat side up, against his chin as if holding something precious on a plate.]
Must be a real pain, not bein' able to see so good. Don't suppose that tall tale about other senses makin' up for one lost is true, is it? Heh.
[Another fragrant tobacco-puff, not quite right in Akira's face but too close for comfort all the same, before Gregor goes tapping the curve of his hook, flat side up, against his chin as if holding something precious on a plate.]
Must be a real pain, not bein' able to see so good. Don't suppose that tall tale about other senses makin' up for one lost is true, is it? Heh.
I do have a reputation for being lippy, but I'll do my best to remember my manners for such a gracious host.
[ Oh, hello. He's in the middle of scrunching his nose when cold metal's suddenly close to his throat and he automatically follows its nudges upward. Baring it to further danger, he's belatedly aware, but what is he gonna do? Take it?
And then a question is asked and the smile's right back on his face. ]
It is. Your brain naturally takes up the space it isn't using for an extended period of time, even if the change isn't permanent.
[ Oh, hello. He's in the middle of scrunching his nose when cold metal's suddenly close to his throat and he automatically follows its nudges upward. Baring it to further danger, he's belatedly aware, but what is he gonna do? Take it?
And then a question is asked and the smile's right back on his face. ]
It is. Your brain naturally takes up the space it isn't using for an extended period of time, even if the change isn't permanent.
....and how are they going to bathe?
[His idea is sounding worse and worse the longer they keep talking, but he's already in for it now. All he can do is to try and limit the damage in advance.]
[His idea is sounding worse and worse the longer they keep talking, but he's already in for it now. All he can do is to try and limit the damage in advance.]
Showers are safe, of course!
[ A thought. ]
But you bring up a good point. I should go ahead and get to work on an aftercare guide for them so we can jump right into business once they're here.
[ Headed towards his desk now, pretty sure he's just forgotten to let go of Douman's hand at this point. ]
[ A thought. ]
But you bring up a good point. I should go ahead and get to work on an aftercare guide for them so we can jump right into business once they're here.
[ Headed towards his desk now, pretty sure he's just forgotten to let go of Douman's hand at this point. ]
[He sighs as he slips his hand out of Akira's grasp, doing it so by-the-way that the gesture is easy to miss.]
Then I will leave you to that. I need to return and keep an eye on school business anyway.
Then I will leave you to that. I need to return and keep an eye on school business anyway.
Atta boy. As my thanks for such good behaviour, I'll do you better 'n most guests. Three strikes of being too lippy, then you're out. How's that sound?
[The hook turns suddenly to press the sharpened tip against the soft, tender skin spanning under Akira's jaw, though whether it's in response to his smile or simply as a natural transition, it's hard to say. Gregor's revelling in having his expression hidden like this, able to smirk and leer all he wants without losing or gaining unnecessary ground for it.]
Might even try to make your transition back out into the sunshine a little easier on those eyes of yours, should it come to that. Hopin' it does, for our sakes~
Hey. [A sudden thought, a beat, the smell of that same expensive tobacco and leather.] You a smoker?
[The hook turns suddenly to press the sharpened tip against the soft, tender skin spanning under Akira's jaw, though whether it's in response to his smile or simply as a natural transition, it's hard to say. Gregor's revelling in having his expression hidden like this, able to smirk and leer all he wants without losing or gaining unnecessary ground for it.]
Might even try to make your transition back out into the sunshine a little easier on those eyes of yours, should it come to that. Hopin' it does, for our sakes~
Hey. [A sudden thought, a beat, the smell of that same expensive tobacco and leather.] You a smoker?
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