harimaya | Jigoku: inbox

I don't mind. I've been saving up for a while! Plus, he's a friend from back home. It's just— uh ...

[ he breathes out a soft chuckle, trying to shake it off with a shrug. god, he can't say he's doing this out of guilt because megumi died so young. it just sounds so sad. let's focus on it being a fun gift instead. ]

It's important! It's not safe here, and our powers barely exist so he'll need something to swing at his enemies! That's why- [ he whispers the following words to hizen, so the scammer wouldn't hear. ] I don't care about the price. So long it's a good one.

(He waits for an explanation. He's a friend back home and? ... He feels like there's something more there but he doesn't have the skills to read into it or the desire to really care. The answer he receives is acceptable for Hizen's standards, at least.)

...

(He sighs. With a good enough reason, Hizen can tolerate more. Quietly, tiredly,)

... Fine.

(And louder, not speaking to Yuuji but just calling out to the back,)

And ya better not waste my time!

(There's a clatter in the back like something being dropped followed by more clamouring noises which seems to satisfy Hizen so he can turn back his attention to Yuuji,)

You owe me.

(He has not gotten a single snack out of Yuuji since they met!!!)

[ thank god he didn't push for more details. yuuji relaxed his shoulders, tucking his hands inside his pockets and smiling brightly. he's more than happy to let hizen take the lead here and show that spirit not to mess with them. as they wait for the new set of weapons for display, he turns to face the other; nodding. ]

Yup. I owe you!

[ he reassures him, not bothered at all. if anything, yuuji knew exactly what to do to repay his kindness. ah, but perhaps not tonight— hizen is probably too exhausted for further socializing, already burdened to join this unplanned shopping spree when he's supposed to be resting home. he will leave it to another day. however, for now— ]

Hizen~

[ oh god, yuuji don't. but, he couldn't help it— he's too happy. ]

Thank you for being here. I didn't mean to make you worry.

(Damn right he's tired. After this he's getting a konbini fried chicken and he's going to eat it on his way home and go the heck to sleep.

He raises a brow. He doesn't like that tone one bit. It reminds him entirely too much of that guy who always called him when he wanted to say or do something stupid. It feels entirely too familiar and he's ready to shut it down when--)

...

(It really is like that guy.)

Shut up. I'm not worried.

(The owner comes out! He has a few swords in his arms and he lays them all out on the counter. They're mostly a nice standard length but some are on the shorter side. As the owner sets them in a certain order, Hizen will point and explain about swords.)

The shorter ones are better for tough places. Inside buildings and alleys and stuff. But these-- (The longer ones,) 're gonna do more damage. Gonna hit more things and ya don't gotta get so close.

Not really gonna change the price for these. Different swords got a different purpose.

(They are, in fact, about the same price regardless of the differences in their size. The last point he's really going to make is the general shape and he traces a few of the swords with his finger to show what he's talking about as he explains,)

Straight swords are harder to draw. If you want something fast and easy, you wanna curve.

[ ah, rejected. it didn't discourage yuuji at all, and he kept a smile on his face; listening as the other explained how the sword should complement its owner, the type of blade for each fighting style, what is easier, and for now he understood why megumi's height is relevant. hizen is really good at this, as expected.

he stands beside him, peering over the display of blades before them. the majority are katanas — until he notices the one on the far right. ]

His old sword isn't a 'straight' one. A bit big, heavy and long. Kinda like this one- [ he points at the one that captured his attention. it was too similar to megumi's old cursed weapon, and he knew he just found what he was looking for. however, there is one minor difference.

with that, he looks up at the owner and asks. ]

Can I have the same style ... but with a black blade?

[ yuuji is really pushing to make this purchase even more expensive, huh. ]

(A non-traditional sword then... That narrows down the options quite a bit. Based on the height of this unknown friend, a longer and heavier blade certainly makes sense, too which narrows it down even more. Yuuji picks the one that Hizen is thinking of.

The owner balks and Hizen closes his eyes. A custom order? The owner scoffs. A custom sword isn't going to be cheap. It'll be more expensive than these already made ones! He gives a price range and begins to list some different types of metal. Hizen has never even heard of some of these? It must be some hell specific ore or something. Regardless, it's all quite expensive! And it'll take time to make a sword, too.

Furthermore... he ain't making special deals for someone outside the clan. He doesn't know who Yuuji works for but it sure as hell ain't Toraguma.)

'S not asking for anything special. (Hizen groans and pinches between his eyes again,) Don't gotta get all fancy.

(The owner scoffs at Hizen. Custom orders are special and even regular members of the clan can't get them! Well, it isn't like Hizen's mentioned his own rank or anything. He dislikes bringing it up though. It reminds him of those bastards back in Tosa that used their ranks to get their way. As far as he's concerned, he didn't really do anything serious to earn the rank either but...

He looks over at Yuuji and sighs,)

Your friend. (Whoever the hell they are that's worth coming out to some sketchy shop in the middle of the night in Shuten territory--) Is he gonna take care of it? If he's gonna get it broke or thrown away, just get this one.

(The one that's already made.)

[ while he didn't understand a lot about swords, he knew his request will spike up the price— and it's fine! even if he's getting the impression an outsider isn't privileged enough for this service; the owner almost mocks him for going that far. perhaps it had to do with yuuji's specific faction, his low rank— whatever it may be, it only made the sorcerer commit to what he asked for.

he glanced over at hizen, nodding slowly. ]

He will take care of it. Not only because he needs it, but because it's a gift as well. He's that type of guy. However ... I don't know much about the sort of metal it needs. Something that won't break easily?

[ as for the money, well— he doesn't have the whole amount right now, but surely by the time this custom sword is ready for collection, yuuji will be able to take all the extra jobs/shifts he can to pay up for it. who needs sleep anyway, huh?

he pressed his hands together, silently begging hizen to hussle for a lower price! shuten to shuten! ]

...

(A loud, tired sigh and he turns to the owner,)

Hizen Tadahiro. Look it up later. I'm making a request...

(And he goes over the details with the owner. It's basically what Yuuji has described and wanted but Hizen adds a few more details-- discussing options for the metal and how to keep the balance of the sword right after the changes are made.

The owner takes the notes down and gives an estimated quote. It might change later after he speaks to the smith and there's a fee for handling the commissioning and the sale... it all adds up. There's also an approximate amount of time it'll take to make the sword, of course, paying more could get it done faster... Even negotiating doesn't bring it down by much more than what it already is. Hizen's rank isn't high enough to bring it any lower.

It looks like the commission is going to eat a significant portion of Yuuji's paycheck at nibble into the next if he wants to have enough to live.)

Oi. (He doesn't look at Yuuji. He's busy glaring the owner down to make sure he doesn't get any crazy extra ideas,) Sound good?

(With Yuuji's approval, the deal goes through. They'll make their first payment and then pay the second half upon completion.)

[ even if the price persisted at a relatively expensive level, hizen's efforts will not be underestimated. yuuji found himself smiling the whole time, trying his best not to interfere and once the negotiation is over— he nods in agreement. it sounds great. perfect. a done deal.

now it's his turn to take the lead, offering the owner all that he had on him, which is a fair amount for a down payment; a reassurance to get this little project rolling. they wait to get a receipt of the order, proof of the first payment, they shake hands, and it's only when they get away from the shop far enough to avoid any eavesdropping— yuuji relaxed his shoulders. ]

You were amazing back there! Man, I almost bought that cheap product if it wasn't for you. Thanks! I owe you big time!

[ grinning, he pats the other on the shoulder. ]

I'll treat you to a nice dinner with my next paycheck. How does that sound? A homemade meal!

(It's plenty for now and the owner is happy to take it all w hile reminding Yuuji that the costs could still go up depending on what the smith says. Hizen makes a note to come back and make sure he doesn't get any crazy scam ideas... but he won't tell Yuuji that.

With the deal done with, they leave and Hizen begins to plot his route back home. Yeah, he thinks he'll take a certain way that takes him by a certain convenience store chain and get a riceball and a drink there. He's shaken out of his thoughts by a pat on his shoulder. He shakes it off,)

You should know what you're buying before you drop a bunch of money on something.

(Man... to be so carefree with money. Hizen doesn't get it. He's kind of stingey when it comes to his own money.)

... You can cook? You better be good.

[ he's not carefree! he suffered a great deal collecting it, and will continue pushing himself into repaying the debt— but yuuji's reasons aren't shallow. it was all for someone he cared about, so it's worth it all. ]

Oh, I've been told I should open my own restaurant. [ by no one, BUT- ] Seriously, I'm good. I promise you'll love it.

[ that's a fact, at least. he'll take that as an acceptance of his invitation to a homemade dinner; another win in yuuji's book. this night is turning out a lot better than he thought, and once he realized this huge burden is off his chest— yuuji visibly relaxed his shoulders, sighing with a lazy smile. ]

I'll walk you home, and then I'll hit the bed. The thought of the cold pillow against my cheek is so tempting right now ...

(Hizen will never turn down food unless he has a good reason to.

He stops walking for a second and looks back at Yuuji, his hands in the pockets of his hoodie. He looks Yuuji up and down and...

KICKS HIM IN THE SHIN.

Not too hard. He isn't trying to hurt him but he is trying to send him away.)

I don't need some escort! I'm not going home anyway!

(Stomping his foot on the ground,)

Go back already. It's past your bedtime or something!

[ the kick was so unnecessary?!! he ends up squinting at the other, offended but really not hurt. he then points an accusing finger at hizen's face, biting back. ]

What do you mean you're not going home? It's too late and dangerous!

[ let's not address yuuji's hypocrisy here. in his mind, his duties as an enma involved him working in shady hours— keeping order and all that nonsense. eventually, he lowers his arm down to his side again, looking less angry and more concerned now. ]

You got out of your place because of me, right? I really appreciate it because I needed your help. But, I'll feel like shit if I don't make sure you reached your home safe.

(It was absolutely unnecessary but it had to be done. He swats at Yuuji's finger!)

You're the one out in the first place! (He sure will call him out because that's his job!) I don't need some babysitter!

I'm gonna go get a drink!

(Babies don't drink.)

Drink in your own apartment!

[ this is just the perfect recipe for a night that won't end well. shuten is dangerous on its own, and hizen now thinks he should go out drinking and get wasted, with no one around to make sure he's okay? yeah, that will get yuuji to leave his side faster.

he frowns at him; arms folded against his chest. ]

Aren't you being a hypocrite? You came to me because it's dangerous out here and then expect me not to worry about you as well?

...

(Yuuji please this body was literally created to sneak around in the night and get into fights. He can handle himself! He's been fighting ever since he arrived here.

He steps forward and jabs him in the chest with his finger,)

I ain't a kid like you.

I don't care how old you are. I'm not leaving you.

[ he lowkey wants to know how old hizen is, but this is turning into a standoff with both sides unwilling to back off. one thing for sure, yuuji is not returning the hostility. he won't be kicking or poking anyone with his finger tonight.

well, not hizen for sure. ]

We can buy some drinks, and you can move that party to the safety of your apartment.

...

("We can buy some drinks."

>We.)

How old are you? (Isn't he supposed to be the one in Shuten. Why is he playing cop now.) The only thing you're buying is cola.

I can take care of myself. Ain't no one messing with me anyway. (Something something about him having a rank. Which he still thinks is weird. He closes his eyes and lets out a sigh,) Go home, Itadori.

(He doesn't... usually use names... okay.........)

[ there's some miscommunication here, but— he didn't bother to explain the drinks aren't for him, only hizen. the truth is: he didn't mind drinking alcohol; he simply couldn't bring himself to try it out yet and there's no rush to it. ]

We're the same age ..... ?

[ what. did he miss out on something? is hizen supposed to be in his early twenties instead of a teenager? their age didn't matter anyway and yuuji relaxed a bit; his own expression growing soft. ]

But I'm worried about you. [ let's try this in another way. he then steps closer, reaching out for the other's shoulder; squeezing gently. ] I'll just keep stressing about whether you made it home safe or not. I won't be able to sleep, so what's the point of going home?

... how can we resolve this?

("We're the same age.")

Like hell we are.

(BIG DOUBT. He highly doubts it.

He takes a half step back but it isn't enough to really get away from Yuuji. Yuuji can probably feel him tense just because... he isn't used to being touched. He isn't used to people really getting close to him. That time with the stupid shivering mochi was an exception.

He looks at his shoulder and then at Yuuji and back at his shoulder and back again and AAAAAH he swats it away. Why is he looking at him like that too? And speaking like that? He mumbles,)

Why're ya being so weird...?

(Gods he doesn't get these types of people and he's quiet for a moment, trying to think a moment... he reaches into his pocket and takes out his phone.)

... We can talk.

(This is his vague attempt at a compromise? he isn't sure if it's going to be good enough or not. He's not a negotiator. That was always Mutsunokami's thing.)

I don't care if you're an adult, you know.

[ that's an understatement, yuuji.

still holding into his concern over that boy's safety, the sorcerer allowed his hand to linger where it was before he slowly pulled back, still staying close to hizen. he was expecting another 'go home' and further dismissal of his efforts to reach out to him, but—

the other is trying now? perhaps they can find a middle ground. that's when yuuji regarded the phone, a bit confused before he nodded. ]

I guess ... [ he felt bad to burden hizen on carrying out a whole conversation while he goes out drinking— it felt too much to ask. hesitantly, clearly he doesn't like it, but he's trying to loosen up even when yuuji will worry himself sick and— ]

... Just text me when you reach home safe. Can you promise me that?

(... There sure is a misunderstanding here but he doesn't want to correct it right now. The goal is to get rid of Yuuji, not get him to stick around longer.

He still doesn't get why Yuuji cares so much. It's weird to him. It really makes him feel kind of bad for not indulging him? Ugh. Realizing he feels like just annoys him, though. Even after centuries, there's this vague urge to spoiled kicked puppies. Still, he's relieved when Yuuji relents. He puts his phone down and nods.)

... Yeah. (He can do that much. It's easy and simple but what he says next still feels heavy and serious,) I can promise.

(Because promises are special. When you make one, you don't break it.)

You too. (...) 'kay?

[ — and yuuji felt genuinely reassured by it, lips curling up into a weary smile. it didn't feel great to let hizen wander at such a late hour by himself, but they shall leave it on this small settlement.

he nods as well, sighing afterward. ]

I promise. But, seriously, thank you for helping me out. I'll let you know when we can set up that dinner date.

[ yeah, that's happening. it wasn't some casual chat, but another promise. he turns to the side, giving his friend a lazy wave. ]

Don't drink too much!

Hm.

(He just makes like, a vague sound in acknowledgment. No, he will not wave. Instead, he just shoves his phone back into the front pocket of his hoodie and turns on his heel. He sure is going to swing by a convenience store and stock up on snacks and drinks. )

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