Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. January, 1991. The world has entered the technology era, portable phones, home computers, internet, video games. Japan quickly became the epicenter of the latest and greatest. Companies and factories flourished. Where money was, people followed. And while many rose to live a comfortable, happy, and delightful life from this new found money... Others did not. You see, money has this effect on people that can't be outdone. People will do anything for it. And when it starts slipping into the wrong hands, it's impossible to stop. Benethe the day time laborers and the double-shift workers, a seedy underbelly of syndicates exists. Narctics, black market, organized crime, money laundering, you name it and it's been growing as fast as the upper world economy. While many do it just to stay alive, there's those who make it their posh lifestyle. Either way, there's only one question. What would you do if the money was good enough?
JAN 29 2021: Welcome!! ƎLEMENT has been open for two weeks now and we're so happy to see such a bright beginning! If you're new feel free to drop into the discord and say hi before joining.
"Oh y-you know...listen to music...uh...l-...lively discussions on fashion? The occasional...glass of something alcoholic? It's a bar after all." [break][break] Huh, maybe he knew Sachi after all; it certainly sounded like a place that she would go to. For as much as the little pinkette had tried to keep her late-night extracurriculars hidden away, Shu's anxiety had made him particularly keen on knowing how the younger Morita spent her evenings. Better to keep her safe, he'd justified. [break][break] "Well, it doesn't really sound like a place I end up," he replied, small smile apologetic as he flashed it Yoshi's way. Then, a bit more contemplative, "Though I could see some of my clients ending up in a place like that. Uhm, but I think my sister might go there sometimes! She uh..." and he lifted a clump of salmon locks, waving them around as an indicator, immediately feeling stupid about the gesture. "She has the same... uh... colored hair as me. We did it together when I went off to school." [break][break] He paused, feeling awkward; feeling stupid, but wanting to keep trying. Gods, what he wouldn't give to have Sachi there with him; she always knew how to handle social situations like this. Really, she was the only reason he had survived the years of elitist Ajiwau parties and outings. Shit, he needed to grab onto something... He'd said arcade, right? [break][break] "W-Wait, you said arcade right?" he asked, hopeful; maybe there was some sort of kinship to be found after all. Nervously twirling a strand of pink around his finger, an absent little anxiety-induced habit, he rushed on. "I-I've always loved games! I mean l-like board games... but Sachi-- I mean, my sister-- says that I'd probably like arcade. Uhm wh-where is it?" A pause, minute, before he hurriedly added, nervousness coating his tone, "N-Not that you have to tell me if you don't want to! That's... That's a weird thing to ask someone... where they work... especially before I know you're name... Oh! What's your name? I'm Shuichi!" And he shut himself up, forced that manic speed to his tone to settle before pushing himself to hold out his hand for some obligatory shake as he quietly added, face red as a tomato, "Y-You can call me Shu, though."
"Yeah, I should be alright. I managed to walk at least half a kilometer, even with the wound." [break][break] The--even minute--pride in Seiko's tone wasn't reflected in Shuichi's gaze. Concern was all that lie there, concern and a mild tinge of anxiety that was, honestly, probably always present. She was so... casual about it all. So analytical. For as much as Shuichi had a nasty habit of doing the same thing--trying to rationalize and compartmentalize the world and tragedy and stress to make it all more manageable--recognition doesn't beget support and he couldn't help the feeling of guilt that continued to wash over him at the knowledge that he was helping to continue this cycle. [break][break] For as much as Seiko seemed to have a handle on things, she was still coming out looking like hell, almost dead in some back alley. [break][break] You can't convince her of anything if you don't keep helping her, he reminded himself, rationalizing why he stuck around and listened and didn't argue any further about going to the hospital. It was right there. He knew people still; maybe he could get them to be particularly hush-hush about the whole situation... [break][break] "...I just can't go on record as having these injuries." [break][break] Well, there went that. Shuichi sighed, beginning to put away his tools in preparation of their departure. He contemplated for another long moment about where would be best, eventually settling on a decision as he clipped that medical bag shut. [break][break] "I'd rather not go all the way to Gotanda; it's too far for how much you've bled out already," he explained with a sigh, cleaning said blood from his hands. "If you're not wanting to be noticed, my apartment is going to be the best option," he added, watching her carefully, that concern still riddling his emeralds even as he kept his tone steady. "I don't often get late-night calls at the clinic, but when I do uh..." He pursed his lips, trying to find the right word. "They tend to be pretty serious and uh... complicated. Better to avoid someone breaking into the work if we go to my place." Hands clean, he tossed the rag into a nearby trashcan and held his hands out to her. "It's not far; just a block or two thankfully. Can get there decently quickly. Let's uh... let's see if you can stand." [break][break] Once she grabbed his hands, her started to guide her up, watching each movement and reaction carefully, trying to identify any particularly concerning winces. He aimed for a position where he worked as a support, up under her arm on the particularly damaged side, hand at her waist to steady. He was taller than her, so he needed to crouch a bit to keep it comfortable, but it was more likely that they'd end up safely back at his apartment if he didn't try to carry her or something like that. Hopefully she could at least stand with his help.
“Oh- uh-…me too. I-I’m not off though…I head out to work later tonight.” [break][break] Maybe it was just that he felt some kinship in the awkwardness, in the nerves; hell, maybe it was pity. Regardless of the reason behind it, Shu felt that usual tension and fear when around other people begin to dissipate, some sense of calm overcoming that anxiety for even the briefest of moments. Maybe the guys wasn't so bad. Maybe Shu was actually craving some kinship after the time he'd forced himself alone. Maybe this was his sign from the fates that it was time to make some friends. [break][break] And maybe it was just the Xanax kicking in and calming the frayed edges of his self-isolation tendencies. [break][break] Regardless, his cheeks tinted a bit darker in shade as he fumbled with his hair and attempted to look less an anxious fool [break][break] “No- you’re fine I mean-…I-I have a tough time with m-my hair too.I think you’re l-lucky though…my hair is only smooth when- um- when I shower.” [break][break] Shuichi's gaze flicked up to watch the other toy with his azure locks, his mind traitorously wondering how soft that fluffed bush would feel. His own was smooth enough, soft even, but he'd always been a fan of long thick locks, one of the reasons he'd let his own grow to that length. He smiled slightly at the other's fidgeting, finding it, again, endearing. [break][break] He was thrown off, though, by the returned explanation, by that question as his companion gestured to his locks. He tried to rack his brain, tried to think if he'd ever been to the place, but the confusion was evident in his expression, tinged with the faintest hue of embarrassment, like he felt he was supposed to know what the hell the guy was talking about, like he was letting him down for not. That excitable rush to his words surely wasn't making the mild, ever-present guilt any easier to avoid. [break][break] "H-Hysteria?" he questioned, fingers absently fidgeting with the ends of his hair despite the fact that it was already sufficiently brushed out. He glanced away sheepishly, brows knitting as if frustrated with himself. "N-No sorry. I uh..." He laughed, sardonic, managing to flash Yoshi an apologetic smile, such an uncommon expression in any capacity for the young physician. "I don't really get out much except for work. What uh-- What kinda stuff do you mean?" [break][break] He wasn't quite sure if he would share any interests besides unique hair stylings with this guy, but he could at least try, right? What was the point in sticking around for the conversation if he didn't at least aim for some kind of connection? For as scary as the prospect was, the guy seemed--despite his outward appearance--nice enough. He reminded Shu a bit of his sister, actually, or at least of the style of friends she kept around her. Maybe befriending this guy would creep him a little bit closer to her level of social success.
Days off for Shuichi Morita usually included three things: a long, spa-like soak in his tub; a not-so-healthy dose of relaxation-inducing narcotics; and a trip to the minimart to fill up on snacks. He normally ate out, the hum of crowds comforting as long as he wasn't approached by someone, eating alone at a restaurant one of his favorite little calming pastimes. He could pretend, amidst the hustle-and-bustle, that he was some quiet island, secure in company without having to actually interact. That said, he still needed things to nibble at when he was home, especially after those particularly long nights trotting around Roppongi and making sure rich bastards didn't overdose on his products. [break][break] So there he was, amidst the too-bright lights, some muffled music playing through the mart's speakers. He was grateful for the quiet, the reprieve that the average workday provided. It was always unlikely that he'd get recognized when most of his clients were off in business meetings at that point in the day. He still looked the part, though; he'd been too lazy to pick out a new, more casual outfit that morning, instead opting for the clothes he'd worn out the day prior, the ones that had been haphazardly tossed onto the corner of his bed when he'd returned from the late-night housecall. Black slacks, white sweater covered by that long gray, double-breasted petticoat, the only splash of real color the crimson scarf Sachi had gifted him for his birthday last year. [break][break] Even with the assurance that he wasn't about to run into a client, Shu still became fully aware of the form drawing closer, prey-like instincts kicking in the moment he noticed the approaching body. The man didn't make any immediate moves or comments, Shu far too anxious to actually chance a glance at the guy, only noting from his peripherals that long cascade of azure. Cool... he silently mused before he could stop himself, subtly grimacing at the thought as he made to move away, hoping the guy wouldn't follow. [break][break] "H-Hey, Shortcake." [break][break] Well, that gave him pause. Confusion creasing his brow, Shu's emeralds finally fell fully on his neighbor, that gravelly tone giving him a start even with the noticeable nervousness ingrained in it. He stayed like that for a long moment, silence lingering between them, Shu unsure what he was supposed to say in that moment, wondering if maybe he was getting confused for someone else. Not quite the norm, considering the unique hair color, though looking over his companion's visage, he certainly looked like someone who would have friends with unique locks. His certainly stood out, Shu's mind again noting how cool he thought the guy looked. Dangerous, too, his nerves noted, stomach flipping with that lingering anxiety right up until... [break][break] "You know like- like Strawberry... Shortcake..." [break][break] All Shuichi could manage was a confused blink. What the hell was this guy talking about? Was he... Was he joking? Dumbfounded, the young physician could do little more than stay silent as he tried to catch up and figure out what the hell was going on. The guy, for as jarring as his appearance might have been, didn't seem like he had any ill-intentions. Shu did glance around, though, as if expecting some related thugs to come up creeping behind him. When none appeared, he turned back, preparing some sort of response, the idea interjected by the taller man's inquiry. [break][break] "What business meeting d-did you roll out of?" [break][break] Wh-What? Dumbstruck was too simple a word for the clear confusion that littered his expression, though as that lopsided grin graced the other man's visage, Shu couldn't help the faintest, endeared chuckle to slip from him. Was this guy for real? He glanced away, embarrassed, fist lifting to disguise that little smile that he let slip out. For as scary as the guy looked, he sounded like some 15 year old trying to talk to a crush for the first time. It was cute; innocent; far different from what Shuichi had expected. [break][break] "U-Uh, none," he replied, feeling a bit dumb for the lame response. "I-It's my day off... Just uh... tossed this on...?" [break][break] He ran a sheepish hand through his hair, a nervous habit he'd had since childhood, but he'd forgotten that his hair was up in a ponytail, finger snagging and resulting in some mismatched looseness. A little yip left him, cheeks flushing as he realized what he'd done, basket hooking on his elbow as he went to release the trapped locks, cascades of pink watefalling around him for a moment before he tugged them all over one shoulder and went to work brushing out any remaining snags. [break][break] "S-Sorry," he murmured, staring at the end strands of pink instead of the man before him. "Did uh... Did you need something?"
There's something to be admired in that casual air about Seiko in that moment, though Shu is far too concerned with keeping her breathing to do much contemplating on that sort of thing. He's glad she manages to get the pills down, spending a bit more time on the cleaning and prep work, wanting them to be well on the way to numbing her system before he started weaving that thread and needle through her skin. [break][break] "Alright, here we go..." [break][break] The words are the only real warning before he begins his work. He moves as quickly as he can, some part of his mind listening for anything particularly concerning leaving the young woman, but the rest of his mind dedicated to the task at hand. As large of a gash as it is, it takes quite a few stitches to get it sealed, Shu's hands looking like they did after one of his torture sessions by the time that last tug pulled the wound shut. He quickly tied the thread off, cutting the excess with his teeth before grabbing up his cleaning rag and wiping away the excess stain of crimson on her side. A sealing salve came next, just something to numb the spot and keep it, hopefully, clean, before he finally glanced back up to his companion's face. [break][break] "You okay?" he breathed out, concern lacing his gaze and tone. "You've got a few more, but it's probably best to get you somewhere safer and cleaner now that the big one's handled. Do you think you can move if I help you up?" [break][break] He quieted for a moment, trying to think up a place they could go so he could take a look at the other wounds dotting her form. Her home, surely, wasn't a great choice, her boyfriend presumably there. They weren't far from his apartment, though that seemed a bit... creepy. His clinic was further away; they'd have to get a cab to go there, but he'd at least have the necessary tool to help a bit more. He voiced the contemplations quietly, ending with a, "Where do you want to go?"
“Ah, hell—sorry; I guess not many people call him that... uh... Hotaru...” [break][break] There was a moment, the briefest flash of a natural reaction to that name taking over, in which a rather terrified expression overcame Shuichi's features. He stumbled back half a step before the look was gone, hidden away by a faked cough and a nervous glance around the area. [break][break] "O-Oh... Hotaru... I uh... I see... uhm..." [break][break] He was lucky this guy was a talker, just flashing that charismatic smile and continuing on with his explanation, allowing Shu the moment to catch his breath and try to assess the situation, to assess this man before him. He didn't... seem like a danger. He didn't really seem like someone who would hang around Hotaru either, though Shu was all too familiar at that point with the ways in which Hotaru could manipulate others. [break][break] The affiliation with that damned man was enough to bring back the spark of a memory, Shu recalling briefly that looming form when he'd brought Seiya to him. He also recalled that strange countenance that had overtaken him, the way Hotaru felt... different in that moment. It had been early on in their... relationship... so Shu had just shrugged it off as some attempt to blind him to the truth of his character, but maybe... [break][break] "S-Seiya..." he murmured, flushing suddenly a deeper crimson as the flirtatious nature of his companion's comment finally registered. He glanced away like some nervous schoolboy, fingertips immediately moving to toy with the tassels of his scarf. He'd never been good with flirtation in the first place; his most recent years had only made that type of interaction harder to stomach. Still avoiding eye contact he continued, "M-Morita... Shuichi." He should return the gesture in kind, shouldn't he? "Uhm you can... uh... you can call me... Shu... if you want..." [break][break] He wasn't quite sure why he'd felt compelled to offer that information; the idea of interacting with anyone who associated enough with Hotaru for the man to demand Shu keep him alive was... disconcerting. But as he glanced back at that ruby gaze, that flirtatious smile fitting nicely amidst that friendly visage, he couldn't help but think that this guy wasn't so bad. He certainly was friendly, which was more than he could say about their shared acquaintance, and he didn't look like an Ajiwau. Honestly, he looked like some punk kid trapped in an adult's body. [break][break] Maybe I can... get some info... on Hotaru... he contemplated, unsure whether that was an authentic goal or if he was just justifying wanting to learn more about this man. [break][break] "I uh... I could go for a drink..."
"That's a greeeeat question. Depends on the answer you want?" [break][break] Shuichi had lost his tendency for theatrics when he joined the Ajiwau ranks, replacing wide-eyed enthusiasm with stoic simplicity as an act of self-preservation. Now, though, his inhibitions all but plundered by that inebriating wine and narcotics mixture, the young physician fell back into the familiarity of dramatics. His brows creased at Jikai's joke, some childlike pout finding his features, the expression only deepening as his companion's laughter turned to a pained gasp. [break][break] "Would you believe a party gone wrong?" [break][break] The frumpiness just increased, Shu's fumbling hand movements becoming all the more fevered as he tried to pull at those fabrics and get at the wound. [break][break] "Hold on-" [break][break] He jumped at that grumpiness, anxiety flaring for a brief moment before he realized what the other was doing. He took the time away from Jikai's body to finally set the wine bottle to the side. As his emeralds watched with nervous, fretting curiosity, Shu's hands reached up and tugged those long pink locks into a loose bun, a few strands still falling around his features. [break][break] "Honestly, it's not thaaaat bad." [break][break] "Yeah, that's why you immediately came running to a back-alley physician, right? Because it's not that bad?" [break][break] Shu hadn't meant for the words to come out as snarky and sarcastic as they had, another byproduct of the intoxicated state, but he didn't regret them. In fact, he paid them little mind as that wound was revealed and his attention was caught. He leaned down, emerald gaze perusing the bloody mess before Jikai was suddenly swaying like a tree in the breeze. Panic returning to his countenance, Shu reached forward, one hand finding his companion's bicep, the other at his unstabbed side in some attempt to help steady him. [break][break] "Here, lay down," he instructed, hands smoothing to Jikai's chest and pressing him back onto the bed. "I'm not going to be able to help you if you're swaying like that." [break][break] Wound now fully on display, Shu spent a long moment just assessing it before turning and beginning to dig in his supply closet. It was a nasty wound, clearly done with some not-at-all-sharp blade. Shu wasn't one to pry into his coworkers' or employees' lives outside of their work together, so he didn't quite know what Jikai was up to most of the time when not guarding his body, but this definitely reeked of some fight gone bad. The bruises and markings along what he could see of the rest of Jikai's body were similarly implicating. [break][break] "Can you at least tell me what kind of blade it was?" he questioned, grimacing as his fumbling hands dropped a few items in the cabinet. He really needed to not be so far gone right now. He didn't mean for that snarky sarcasm to return as he added, "Any sort of information about what happened will help." [break][break] He popped up a second later, arms full of different supplies that he deposited onto the little wheel-y side table. He tugged them over, pulling on a pair of gloves, and began organizing as he listened to whatever retort or, hopefully, explanation Jikai had to offer.
Seiya's flustering did nothing for Shu's own tension, his brows knit deeper into that concerned expression as his new companion floundered for some control over the situation. He took a distinct step backwards, away from the dark-haired man, when he was released, nervous emeralds never leaving that visage, like some rabbit just trying to find an escape from some slinking, predatory fox. He might have actually darted away were he not so terrified of being chased, of being spotted, of the scene somehow winding up with him on the wrong side of the Ajiwaus' opinions or, worse, in a body bag at the hands of this presumed-violent stranger. [break][break] Seiya's quick explanations weren't helping much, either. "Bad-guy blood" was still blood; it still implied that this man was dangerous, those slipped-away weapons only supporting that conclusion. And Shu's blood boiled at that breathing guidance, his cheeks turning a dark scarlet from some mixture of embarrassment, insult, and fear. [break][break] "Uh... the name is Kissa Seiya; you saved my life a couple years back!" [break][break] What? That prey-like inclination was momentarily stifled, terrified expression briefly flickering to a more manageable confusion. He still jumped when the other bowed to him, an instinctual response to the quick movement, but his hands slowly loosened from that tight fists they had been clenched in. He glanced around, embarrassed by the public display, grateful there weren't that many eyes on them. [break][break] "H-Haru?" he murmured, only further confused by the offered name. [break][break] As much as he had saved a few lives over the past couple years, Shu had mostly forgotten about them, justifying that dismissed memory with the idea that they were scumbag Ajiwau bastards who didn't deserve a second thought. Keeping them alive wasn't doing any actual good for the world. Was this guy part of the Ajiwau? He certainly didn't look it... [break][break] "I... I don't... I don't know who that is..."
Awwww, damn. That sweet smile was heart-melting, Shuichi feeling his stomach flip at the adorable wave accompanying it. He was already hooked, already invested, so easily tricked into giving a shit about people. There wasn't a chance he was going to leave well enough alone after that little endearing display. At the very least, he needed to take a closer look at those wounds. [break][break] And then his emeralds matched with that dark, charcoal gaze and Shuichi felt his soul about leave his body. [break][break] To say the woman before him was intimidating would have been the understatement of the century, his breath hitching as that intense gaze landed on his form. He stood up straighter, too, like he was some schoolboy who'd been caught misbehaving by the principal, the hand he'd been using to wave freezing before him, that friendly smile taking on a far more awkward angle. [break][break] "I don't suppose your parents ever taught you proper manners." [break][break] Her voice was as intimidating as he expected it to be, Shu wincing like he'd been struck at the sound of it. For as much as he wanted to check on the kid, this was absolutely not going the way he'd hoped, his body screaming at him to run the moment she started stalking his way. He didn't though, half out of fear and half from that intrinsic caretaker core that told him not to leave until he was satisfied with the kid's safety status. [break][break] "You know it's rather rude to stare?" [break][break] "O-Oh, y-yeah, I know! I-I'm sor--" [break][break] The stuttered words faltered, as she drew closer, towering over him, Shu feeling more and more like some obstinate ant with each second that passed. [break][break] "I uh--!" [break][break][ "Is there anything I can help you with, Sir? You seem a little... Lost." [break][break] Words and the ability to breathe simultaneously left the young physician, his visage flushed with embarrassment and nervous anxiety alike. He wondered, briefly, perhaps a bit assumptively, if this woman had ever killed a man. She certainly looked like she could break him in half over her knee without breaking a sweat. Why had he thought this was a good idea again? [break][break] "I uhm... I'm a..." his gaze flicked to that smaller form pressed behind the woman, new resolve coming with the glance and with a shaky, deep breath. Emeralds lifting to that stern expression once more, he spoke, far more confidently than he actually felt. "Morita Shuichi, ma'am. I'm a doctor. I... I couldn't help but notice his burns," and he nodded at the child, his tone instinctively softening, "and I just thought they looked a little off, like they hadn't been treated correctly. I uh..." the sheepishness, the nerves, were back, apology in his tone. "I just wanted to take a closer look to make sure..." [break][break] As much as he wanted to spout apology after apology, he managed to stop himself, small voice in the back of his head reminding him that he wasn't in the wrong, that this was appropriate, especially if it turned out that the kid actually needed some help. Eyes falling to that little form again, he added, "I just wanted to help if I could..."
Blood. Gods, there'd been a lot of blood. As he trudged through the dimming Tokyo streets, Shu double- and triple-checked under his nails, making sure he'd gotten all of that lingering crimson off of him. He always wore gloves, always slipped on protective gear; how the hell did that blood always find its way past his barriers? [break][break] "P-Please! Please no! Stop! Stop please!" [break][break] His steps faltered, eyelids blocking emeralds as Shu took a few long, shaky breaths. The moments after a job like that were always the worst, the echoes of his victim's pleas lingering like ghosts in the back of his mind for hours until he managed to drown them out with drugs, alcohol, or some dangerous mixture of both. His hands, now tucked into the deep pockets of that expensive coat, trembled, clenched into shaky fists as he tried to tether himself to the reality of that sunset-drenched city. [break][break] You're done. You can go home. You can relax. Breathe... Breathe... [break][break] Slowly--agonizingly slowly--Shu managed to settle the creeping anxiety, that terrifying, looming panic, and restart his trek home. He was close; so close. He just had to cross that threshold and he could crumble, could crawl to the bathroom, could throw back half a bottle of those numbing narcotics, could let himself fade for the night. [break][break] "HEY! DOC! WAIT UP!" [break][break] Shu froze, terror no longer creepy, now fully sprinting through his system, up his spine, clouding his brain with a sudden heart-racing panic. It was a chill even that warm scarf wrapped tightly around his neck couldn't keep out, the beloved fabric feeling more like a constricting snake when he glanced to see that chocolate-haired man trotting in his direction. Who the fuck was this? Why was he coming towards him? Why was he-- [break][break] Blood. Shu noticed it just before that arm wrapped around his shoulders, the stench becoming overpowering as he was tugged into the unexpected and wholly unwanted embrace. [break][break] "Well, hello beautiful! Long-time-no-see!" [break][break] A squeak, terrified and high-pitched, slipped from Shu's lips before he could manage to get any words out. He stared, aghast, at this invading figure, brows knitting in confusion. [break][break] "Wh-Who the fuck are you?" he managed to stutter out, trying to steady his breathing, visibly trembling as his mind tried to place that expression, tried to place this man coated in that horrible stench and terrifying hue. When he spoke again, it was in a stuttered plea, desperation coating his tone. "P-Please stop touching me!"
"Then I'll make him get better. I'm not done with him yet." [break][break] The surprise had to be apparent on Shuichi's features, his hands pausing in their work as those pretty pastel brows rose in surprise. He supposed that he should have expected something like this from a girl who seemed fully capable of walking her way through the Tokyo streets at night with a potentially-deadly gash in her side; she definitely seemed like she could handle herself. [break][break] Yet still that concern lingered. He justified it with the knowledge that she was so similar in age to Sachi; hell, even that tenacity and strength mirrored in his little sister's countenance. Of course he'd be concerned for her; of course he'd be worried. It shouldn't distract you... She's an adult, obviously... [break][break] And so he focused in on the work, trying to ignore that buzzing little voice in the back of his head that is screaming for him to press the issue, to get more information, to find a way to convince her to turn the bastard who did this in. He'd worked with trauma before, had spent the majority of his early medical years in the ER, but he wasn't a social worked; he wasn't a therapist; he didn't know how the hell to go about convincing the abused to turn on the abuser. Hell, he himself was in a similar-enough situation with Hotaru, and he had spent three years now convincing himself of reasons why he shouldn't or couldn't take steps to slip away from that bastard's grasps. [break][break] Hypocrisy, at least for now, kept him quiet and focused on the work at hand. [break][break] He smiles, forlorn and empathetic, at Seiko's muttering, grateful at least that she had the wherewithal to still speak. That, at least, was a good sign that she would be okay. As was the cleanness of the cut, revealed as he worked that rag and disinfectant across its angles. [break][break] “Do you ever do stupid things just to feel like someone? As unpleasant as they may be, they’re just necessary." [break][break] Shu couldn't stifle the scoffed, half-laugh that slipped from him, flashing her a quick apologetic look before returning to his work. He was all too aware of the little bottle of narcotics jingling around in his bag, of his dependency on them, of the amount of times he's dived into their pool of numbing haze just to be able to feel things, to experience them without completely breaking down. [break][break] "Y-Yeah," he replied, some hushed bitterness in his tone. "Probably too often, honestly." [break][break] As he spoke, he reached back into his bag and pulled out a few new items: medical thread, needle, that bottle of pills, and a rolled-up cloth. [break][break] "But I... I think more people do that. Everyone just has different levels of severity with their... uh... coping strategies." [break][break] He used one hand to press that cleaning rag to the wound, to stint the bleeding while his other hand expertly opened the pill bottle and held it out to Seiko. [break][break] "Do you think you can take these without water? My bottle's empty," he explained, prepared to drop two into her palm. "They're pain meds. Pretty quick activation time; will help with the next few hours of recovery. And uh... and the sewing." [break][break] Whether she took the pills or not, Shu spent the next few moments prepping the area and handing her the rolled-up cloth to bite down on before beginning the quick movements of pressing that thread and needle in and out of her skin.
For a moment, as that flash of anger passed through Kane's expression, Shu worried that he'd fucked up. Kane was, perhaps, one of the few people he could actually stand being around in this business, certainly one of the few he enjoyed doing business with; the thought of pissing him off too much and sending him barging out of his life was extremely discomforting. That concern, however, was replaced with a resurgence of stubbornness as Kane dismissed the pain and--poorly--justified the wince. Bristling like some pouty child, Shu furrowed his brows into a determined glare, prepared to snap back after that "baby me" comment, but he stopped short as Kane continued. [break][break] "You do plenty of good. You make a ton of money, don't you? You're in the Ajiwau, you're set." [break][break] Expression morphing into some incredulous visage, Shu spent a long moment just staring at his companion, a bit dumbfounded by not only the offered justification, but also his very visceral, emotional response to it. The idea of any of his work being "plenty of good" was beyond laughable, and the money associated with it even worse. Years of frustration, of feeling like he was just a piece of shit tool for rich bastards, boiled in the back of his mind. [break][break] "I didn't get into medicine to make sure rich pricks don't overdose!" he exclaimed before he could stop himself, fists at his sides, trembling, tears traitorously pricking the corners of his emerald gaze. "And I definitely didn't get into it so I could fucking torture people!" It was the head injury talking, right? He wouldn't normally say this shit if he hadn't just almost died, right? "I got into medicine to help people who are hurt and you are one of the few people who I can stand in this city and you just saved my life, so you're going to sit down in that chair and let me make sure you don't pass out from blood loss!" [break][break] He was huffing, flushed, chest heaving, more than a little mortified at what had just slipped from him, but he didn't take it back. Instead, swallowing slowly and taking a slow, deep breath, he added, voice softer but still wavering with emotion, "Please."
Shuichi's hands froze in his satchel, the girl's words sending a nervous shiver down his spine. He knew all too well that tone of voice, that panic, that lingering shadow of expectations and how terrifyingly easily they could suffocate you. His emerald gaze lingered on her for a long moment, trying to find the words, the encouragement to spew that would make her see that she needed actual help, that as much as he could fix her up, he really shouldn't. [break][break] Not your problem or your place, he reminded himself bitterly, some gnawing guilt in his stomach as he returned to his supply-retrieving. [break][break] "I mean, you'll be alive and safe..." he murmured, perhaps too quiet even for her to hear, refusing for a moment to look at her, focusing on the task as hand. He slipped on a pair of gloves, fishing out a bit of gauze, cleaner, and a soft rag. [break][break] Not your business... Not you problem... [break][break] "I get it," he sighed, finally returning his gaze to her features, that softness, that kindness, returning and replacing the bitterness. As he spoke, he began to guide her hands away again, to pull that coat away and to reveal that crimson wound. "I don't uh... I can't say I agree with your methods, but uhm... I get it. I can get you patched up, can even sew up the wound, but..." he pursed his lips, dabbing the cloth with that cleaner. "I've seen this kind of thing before and uhm... it doesn't... it doesn't get better unless you make it get better." [break][break] He winced at his own words, eyes on that wound, half of him screaming to just shut up, the other half willing him to keep going, to try and do something besides just get her patched up for the next bout of violence. Even with that cacophony going on in his head, Shuichi's hands were steady, one finding her side, the other moving the dampened cloth close. He finally returned his gaze to hers, some seriousness that only came with a history of these traumatic back-alley fixups lingering in his eyes. [break][break] "Brace yourself; this is going to hurt." [break][break] And then, slowly, he pressed that cloth to her wound, working as quickly as he could to clean up that gaping thing, to get it at least clear enough for him to start sewing her up.
Shuichi loved children. [break][break] He always had, even when he was one. There had been a time, before his parents' expectations convinced him otherwise, that he thought about pursuing pediatrics. Hell, he'd even considered at one point, just as he was floating on the high of graduating and right before he joined the Ajiwau ranks, adopting a kid of his own. Anxieties were a bit rampant in his life, though, nerves far too heightened for him to ever think he'd actually make a good singular caretaker. And so instead he just flourished in those moments when, out and about, he could see the cuties running around, stumbling as they figured out how to be humans. [break][break] So it was no surprise, really, that as he trekked through the streets of Shibuya, his attention was caught by the strange pair making their way through the district. [break][break] Shu couldn't quite put his finger on why, but there was something about those two--the woman with the hard stare and stoic countenance and the boy dragged along behind her--that sent a nervous shiver down his spine. He told himself to just let it go, to return to his own business, but he soon enough found himself following them, his mind screaming that this was stupid and dangerous and he should just leave well enough alone. [break][break] It was during this rather uneasy and unexpected tailing that Shu spotted those burns spotting across the boy's skin. His dyed brows knitting in concern, Shuichi made a point to stand a little closer, to try and get a better look at those blemishes. They looked... wrong; like they'd been improperly cared for. His stomach pitted at the thought of what could have caused them. [break][break] Now Shuich was not, by any means, a sneaky person. His dyed hair stuck out like a sore thumb and he wasn't particularly skilled at going incognito. So it came as no real surprise when the boy noticed him and sent him some curious look. Frozen with surprise, standing outside some Shibuya grocery, Shu could do little more than awkwardly wave and hope that that woman wouldn't notice the little exchange. [break][break] If she did, he'd surely stumble through some introduction; if she didn't, he told himself he'd slip away from the uncomfortable scene... though, ultimately, he knew himself better than that. He'd surely just keep trailing them until he got an opportunity to take a better look at those injuries.
Shuichi's heart was already aching at the sight of that wild gaze, at the indication of such tension and terror. What happened to you? his mind murmured, not even having to try to look concerned as authentic worry began to slip through his system. She looked like some injured rabbit, ready to run at a moment's notice. The idea of her trying to stumble away was... terrifying, honestly. He had to keep her calm, had to keep her safe, had to make sure her wounds got-- [break][break] "My boyfriend... He hurt me." [break][break] Maybe it was because she was the same age as his sister. Maybe it was because she was so clearly in a panic. Hell, maybe it was just that tucked-away goodness still left lingering in his soul. It didn't matter what it was; Shuichi's blood boiled at the woman's words. The idea of some bastard doing this to anyone that he supposedly "cared" about was gut-wrenching, filling Shu with an anger he hadn't felt in a long while. It took a concentrated effort to keep him grounded in the moment, to not let his hands tremble in ire, to remind himself that she needed a caring, medical touch right now and not any more violence. [break][break] You don't even know this girl, he reminded himself as he slowly reached down to start tugging her grip away from that bunched-up ball of fabric. Just keep a cool head... [break][break] "I'm sorry about that," he murmured, some deep sympathy in his gaze as emerald met moistened violet. "That... That should never happen. Let me... Can you let me help? I have some supplies in my bag; at least enough to get you stable so we can get you to a hospital." [break][break] As he spoke, his hands tugged away that rolled up coat, his gaze flicking down to appraise the wound. Shit.. It was bad. A deep slice. It would certainly need stitches, something Shu had the supplies to complete in that moment, but the location was... less than ideal. Still, if he didn't get doing something she'd end up bleeding out before they could stumble to a medical facility. Gently, he returned that bunched up coat to her side, guiding her hands to hold it while he dug in his satchel for the supplies he'd need to clean it up and stop the bleeding. [break][break] "It's gonna be okay," he said without thinking, flashing her a kind smile, perhaps the kindest he'd produced in years. "I'll make sure you get through this, okay?"
