( open ) if i wanna stay alive

[breweries]

Who 🍷 shylock and you!
What 🍷 april catchall! mostly festival prompts inside for now.
When 🍷 entire month of april
Where 🍷 hell, baby
Content Warnings 🍷 alcohol and maybe some nsfw things, since he's a tamamo. the rest is tba.




prompts and whatnot will be in the comments! feel free to hit me up via plotting post or PM if you want something more specialized.
also shylock looks something like this, but obv without the fox ears. he'd still be wearing the earrings though, and the bun is a lot more elaborate than his usual.

Comments

NIGHT PARADE;

[breweries]

HANAMI

[ spectral these cherry blossom trees may be, but they're just as beautiful as the real deal, shylock muses. although he doesn't recall encountering this kind of flora before in his world, he can't help the tiniest feeling of deja-vu as he makes his way under the pink foliage, admiring the blossoms up close. ]

How exquisite. It makes me wish that we have this certain tree in where I'm from. Although, don't you think they're being a little too talkative?

[ he raises a finger to his lips in an almost alluring way. shhhh. one might assume that the chatter might come from the other people who are enjoying the hanami, but it might not be hard to discern the actual whispers of the dead. or something. ]

I wonder what they're chatting amongst themselves. Wouldn't you like to know?

[ a rather cheeky smile. what? it's natural to be a little nosy, right? ]

KANAMARA DELIVERY SERVICE + POP-UP BAR

a. [ the tamamo establishments have set up various shops and stalls for the festivities, and the pop-up bar shylock's working at is positively booming with customers. mostly because said customers like to ogle at the pretty bartenders while they create their drinks, but the menu itself is unique -- not only does it serve the usual japanese liquor, but shylock is able to make a few of his western cocktails in case the festival-goers would like to have a taste of something new and refreshing.

as of right now, however, shylock is simply too busy to be making the deliveries himself. no, he'll be found behind the counter as always, mixing drink after drink with nary a complaint. ]

Oh, there you are. That one order, isn't it? [ the order being, well, anything you oocly want to play around with in this menu, or the usual japanese liquor, really. ] Hopefully you won't try and take a sip of this certain drink. Not only is it discourteous, but it might not be for normal consumption.

[ some of the drinks being served here are kinda gross, after all. the dick-shaped food that might come with the order doesn't help matters either. ]

b. [ or maybe you're just a customer looking for a nice drink to parch your throat with. no matter, shylock shall grace them with impeccable service as always, as one who has worked tirelessly in this profession for hundreds of years. it helps that the initial rush of activity has slowed down considerably at this hour too. ]

Welcome. What would you like to drink? I highly recommend what I affectionately call the Demon Juice, created by yours truly.

But of course, if you prefer something non-alcoholic, that can also be arranged.

[ tenkohime herself had encouraged him to make a unique drink for the occasion and the cocktail shylock has come up with is sweet and slightly fruity, its reddish color reminiscent of the demons that used to parade the human realms that inspired the festival. thanks for the mini history lesson back there, hizen.

he will make whichever the customer wants so long as it's within his abilities, though. just sit back, relax, and maybe make some small talk if you're so inclined. ]

SHOOTING GAME

[ speaking of hizen, surprise! he and shylock are manning a stall together in an effort to make at least one game in the entire festival to be fair for everyone. after making sure that the target prizes -- which range from toys and snacks in various sizes and complexity -- have been un-stuck from beneath the shelves they're sitting on for easy dislodging, shylock will hand a toy rifle to an interested festival-goer and one of his winning smiles. ]

Welcome. Would you like to try to give it a shot? [ haha look, a pun. he looks so proud of himself too. ] I can assure you that these games are not at all rigged at any way, so fire away all you want. Unless... you'd like to shoot through my heart instead?

[ --ah. well, what can you expect from a tamamo managing a stand, really. ]

FLOATS / FIREWORKS

[ the floats are also something that shylock has rarely if ever encountered in festivals before, since he's from another fantastical world and all. he can be found at the sidelines, a lit kiseru pipe in his hand from which he's taking a fragrant drag. ]

I suppose humans are the same no matter what world you're in.

[ he wryly comments at the floats that depict humans invading mount ooe, not knowing that this world's history is more complex than that. then again, doesn't that go for other worlds as well?

well, never mind about that. the large crowd went silent for a moment before the first first volley of fireworks hit the sky, regaling the audience with a fantastic show of lights. shylock is impressed like the rest of them, but at the same time he seems to be seeking the sky for something -- or someone, rather. ]

I wonder where he has gone...

[ he sighs. maybe murr has joined in on the fireworks effort, for all he knows. ]

WILDCARD

[ refer to my plotting post and stuff if you want something else! ]

Pop-Up Bar; b

[worldbent]

[A customer approaches Shylock's bar, masked and in an unfamiliar haori, and stands patiently and quietly watching the goings-on as customers come and go for a little while. Strangely, this customer doesn't approach to take a seat, or to order anything; instead, they seem to be observing the other customers and how they enjoy their drinks.]

[Eventually, though, they do take a seat... And withdraw an empty, porcelain sake dish from their sleeve, sliding it slowly across the counter towards Shylock.]

Just one cup, [Matoba acquiesces, sighing as if he's lost some battle.] It had better be untainted, Shylock-san.

[breweries]

[ shylock may be busy serving patrons left and right, but there's no mistaking matoba's presence even when the human initially chose not to sit in at first, no thanks to that strange energy in his affected eye.

he cracks a small smile when matoba finally seats himself at the counter, tilting his head slightly at the porcelain dish before picking it up. ]

Of course.

[ it's the same request natori asked for, after all. look, he'll even pour it in front of the guy just to prove that there's nothing else to be added in the sake.

there we go, one cup of japanese sake and nothing more. ]

Have you been enjoying yourself so far, Mr. Matoba?

[worldbent]

[Matoba takes the cup, and tilts his mask up from his face just enough to reveal his mouth and the peek of the paper spelltag at his jaw. Bringing the cup to his lips, he has just a tiny, initial sip to wet his lips and tongue, pausing with some tiny sigh of satisfaction.]

I always enjoy myself, Shylock-san. [He takes a more substantial sip this time, though still dainty. Moderation....] I'm sure that this is a much more convenient place for you to be spending the festival than the rest of your clan. Ah, unless you intend to partake later?

[Hoes gonna be hoes.]

pew pew

[harimaya]

(Hizen rolls his eyes as he resets some of the prizes. He's long since figured out that anyone from the Tamamo clan is just exhausting to deal with and Shylock is no exception. At least he seems comfortable interacting with the customers which is the very last thing Hizen wants to do but still--)

When you say it like that, you make it sound like it's rigged.

[breweries]

I did tell the truth, didn't I?

[ he chuckles. nothing wrong with reassuring the customers! even if he did put it like that... ]

Regardless, I must thank you for assisting. I almost didn't think you'd come, with how busy everyone else.

[harimaya]

Say it less weird.

(He's finished for now though and watches as one custome takes aim and just... misses entirely. Whatever, they still have a few more shots and their friends are cheering them on.)

I always finish my jobs.

(He said he'd help... so here he is. He keeps his word!!)

bar b

[apathie]

[nehan's ears twitch, before pointing forward. color him interested, and he climbs onto the stool, uncaring of who looks at his exposed back. they can look all they want, when nehan has the glamour on, hiding some scars and lightening others. he's much, much less self-conscious, and more comfortable with regular erune fashion.]

A glass of that, then. [and he can start to loosen up for the work ahead of him.]

What's in it?

[breweries]

[ ooh, nice fit. and shylock doesn't like the unique spin of that kimono too. why don't we as a society wear them backless anyway?

he smiles. ]

Trade secret. But I can assure you that they're not spiked unless you request them to be.

[ it's an easy recipe to make anyway -- a dash of rum, a bit of amaretto, orange and pomegranate juice, and some seltzer water. he even lights up a sprig of rosemary for effect before serving it up to his fellow tamamo. ]

[apathie]

[well, it may not be a trade secret anymore once nehan gets to sip at it, if he can tell what the ingredients are.]

I don't mind it spiked. [then he tilts his head, one ear flicking. of course, it does depend on what sort of thing that drink is spiked. he does have a shift at the brothel hosting the orgy after all. more alcohol or even an aphrodisiac would help him, rather than hurt him.]

Is your extra ingredient a trade secret as well?

fireworks

[murrvelous]

[ almost right on cue... ]

Wonder where who's gone, Shylock?~

[ and this is when he immediately places the crown of his head against the other's back, gently nudging and pushing before letting out a few bright bursts of laughter; not exactly as loud as the show happening right in front of them, but just as sparkly.

then he wraps his arms around shylock's waist and rests his chin lightly on top of the other's shoulder. ]

I bet we could throw a better celebration than them. What do you think?

[breweries]

[ ah, speak of the devil. shylock laughs softly, leaning his head against murr's. ]

And here I thought you were setting off those fireworks yourself.

[ could murr still cast his bitty fireworks magic, even ]

We can certainly try. No -- we will. [ uh oh ] What do you have in mind?

[murrvelous]

[ oh, it's very itty and bitty. practically sparklers that only last for a few seconds at the tips of his fingers! just enough to make people politely gasp in feigned surprise or be completely unimpressed. ]

Well, I could make way bigger explosions than those! And in the light of my fireworks, you could cast huge shadows with the smoke from your pipe, in the shape of the wizards from home!

[ all the while, murr continues to rub against shylock like a cat marking his territory. ]

We'd need some fancy clothes, though...

Shooting Game

[tohell]

[ He can appreciate the caliber of flirtation, no matter how insincere. Tamamo's streets aren't meant for promising shades of truth, only glamors that entice and allure. Fine by him. The demon gladly meets the suggestion with his own inviting smile. ]

Since you're offering yourself up as a target, does that mean I can claim you as a prize?

[ The demons of his world live a life impervious to death by any type of violence, and many without a mortal's sense of pain. Most of that lot are fearless of blades or explosives as a result. While this means he's no expert on weaponry, any child who has seen a book knows enough to point a rifle. A toy of this grade won't have the kickback or force of the original, which makes improper handling a slightly less embarrassing affair.

Not that he's taking this seriously. It's a game like any other here. Going along with the teasing banter, he settles the toy gun against one shoulder for a moment, head cocked while sizing up his unofficial target. ]

That is the nature of the game, isn't it? If a shot lands then the winner gets to take home whatever strikes his fancy.

[breweries]

[ oh my, what do we have here? shylock certainly did not expect any reciprocation at all, what with the matter of business he's in at the moment, and thus his lips stretch into a pleased smile as he places a hand on his chest as if to protect it. ]

If I'd known any better, I would've assumed that you were one of us with that easy response.

[ he doesn't recall seeing the demonic man around the clan, but then again, hell has not ceased to amaze him yet. ]

I'd like to see you try. I must warn you, however, that no one has yet to thoroughly capture my heart for their own, but I wish you all the luck regardless.

[ he's... lying about that. maybe. but he's not about to put his odd relationship with his fellow western wizard into words any time soon, so who knows, really. ]

[tohell]

[ While his friendly demeanor doesn't change, J clearly recognizes how Shylock pegs him as an outsider. In a world divided into quarreling factions, it's not the smartest choice to advertise playing for a different team. If things get dicey in the future, anonymity will be of use. Even if he's been spotted as an outsider there's still value in keeping silent over where his loyalties are. All of this is enough to deflect.

An effortless task for a consummate liar. ]

My, what a silver tongue you have there. [ J leans in a little closer, one hand settled on the divider between himself and Shylock. It allows J some leverage as he appreciates the goods on display. Not to mention the various snacks or toys to be aimed for. ]

Had I known your customers were blessed with the prospect of winning an alluring gentleman's heart, I wouldn't have idled my time away elsewhere.

[ Ultimately, all the flirtatious words are of little value. They both know Tamamo has no shortage of entertainers, and paid company is commonplace. If that's what he was after, there's an easy solution found on every street corner or brothel.

For once his motives are a little less underhanded. A small toy on a keychain shaped like a black kitten had caught his eye from across the way. Its expression a mixture of empty-eyed apathy and a twinge of sadness, the stuffed toy reminds him of another stray here with a similarly lost expression.

It's of little consequence if he doesn't pocket the amusing trinket, but he's not opposed to the promised diversion. A readjustment of his weapon signals J's intention to try, skills be damned. ]

If that's the case, I'll start off aiming for lower-hanging fruit. [ With another uptick of his lips J's gaze slides over to the pathetic looking kitten toy in the middle of the shooting gallery. ] How many attempts does each round allow for?

[ Should he miss once or twice, it's helpful to know how much that will cost him. Here money doesn't grow from human souls on trees. ]

[paperpusher]

[Natori thought that doing delivery work during the festival wouldn't feel that different from getting sent on fetch quests in his exorcist profession, but door dash is a lot harder than he thought it would be. Maybe part of it is because he's used to skating by on his looks, but with this paper bag over his head the only thing affecting his tip haul is the quality of his service. God, is this how it goes for normal people? F in the chat.

Anyway, he rests his forearms on the bar as he waits for Shylock to put together his order. The lizard is visible on his left wrist where the sleeves of his yukata have rucked up.]

Haha, I should have expected that your bar would be popular tonight, huh? Don't worry, there's no need to warn me about stealing a sip.

[He pushes the paper bag up high enough to wink at Shylock as he reveals that he is the masked stranger. You thought twas but a humble delivery boy, but instead it is a célébrité.]

[breweries]

[ oh shit, it's natori shuichi in the flesh! not that shylock didn't know who he is even with the paper bag over his head thanks to his unique magical signature, but he will blink in surprise anyway. ]

Still averse to the typical Tamamo wine, I see. Well, so long as you do your job well...

[ ...although he had to ask. ]

And anyway, there's no need to hide your pretty face. You do know our clan values beauty above all else, don't you?

[ he's probably sparkling underneath that paper bag? don't be shy king, just let it all out. ]

[paperpusher]

[He puts one hand against his chest and leans in like he's going to tell Shylock a secret. Cue the background music.]

Shylock-san. [His voice gets a little deeper and a lot more sensual. You can really hear the ✨✨✨.] That's precisely why I'm hiding my face. I'm just serving as a humble delivery boy today. The star of the show is all of you, working so hard to make the festival a success. Like stagehands at a Kabuki theater, I'm meant to fade into the background.

[Read: he's tired and wants the anonymity.]

fireworks

[nya]

( needless to say, she's not quite used to the sound of explosions not signaling something terrible happening. back home, these kind of noises generally signaled an attack — and after being pursued by machines who'd spew bombs and bullets, well... she's not too fond of the noise.

ears flat against her head, she looks up to the sky, nose wrinkled; skeptical. still, the fireworks themselves... aren't bad. in fact, they're pretty — and when they fall down, they seem to deal no damage to anything, nor scorch the earth beneath.

it's very weird. )

You don't like 'em? Humans, I mean. ( one of her ears is pointed towards shylock, to catch his words, just in case he speaks. she'd probably saw him in the crowd and figured she'll tag along, just in case she needed to... hold someone's hand while the fireworks went off...

listen!! it's the ptsd. )

[breweries]

[ try as she might to downplay it, shylock can recognize her skittish body movements from anywhere -- it's reminiscent of a stray cat getting caught off guard during a festival, as one does. he can hardly blame her though, what with the raucous crowd around them and the fireworks popping off in the sky and coloring the night with bright, fleeting colors.

he sticks by her, in case she does get overwhelmed. the question she asks is rather intriguing too, and the smile he gives her is wry. ]

Not all of them. I do commend them for coming this far without magic -- what they lack in that department, they make up for creativity and innovation. It's just that in my experience they're... rather closeminded, at least from my world.

[ putting it lightly, of course. ]

But enough about that. A certain human here has told me that there aren't as many of them in this realm, so that's cause for celebration as well, don't you think?

[ no killjoy humans to cramp their style!! ]

[nya]

( just in case, she grabs onto the end of his shirt, as to not get separated. they are in the middle of a crowd, after all... better safe than sorry! )

Hmm... ( he's not entirely wrong. well, back in alrest, some humans had access to 'magic' — or rather, to blades and channeling ether as arts. some of them, but not all; it wasn't exactly a gatekept thing, though. ) I guess it's like that everywhere. Some of them just aren't very accepting, though... from my experience, it's like that with every race.

( humans, nopons... they all have their own prejudices. even blades, meant to be simply weapons, develop their own worldviews. it's inevitable. )

Well, maybe. Are you sure the yokai are any better?

smacks into for jail crimes

[nemuru]

( there's probably nothing more worrying than getting some kind of text or ping in the early morning hours mid-enma investigations that just says: )

un: sr
im dying come pick me up

( and has an address attached to it, too. shylock'll figure out quick it's a jail somewhere closer to a piece of enma territory, and if he's paid any attention to ritsu on the network, he also knows who sr is.



anyway pwease hewp )

babyboy..........

[breweries]

[ okay so full disclosure: shylock doesn't know who sr is, nor does he keep a close eye on the network like most modern people. but he tries surmising on who it is on the way to the jail indicated on the mysterious text.

when he does get to meet ritsu there behind bars, it just clicks. ah, right, he's a sutoku. but...

at any rate, they should talk somewhere else anyway. ]

Ready to go? [ no time to act surprised and all. they all must be goin thru it rn... ]

Re: babyboy..........

[nemuru]

( shylock you are litrerally the worst friend pay attention to ritsu more.

but ritsu actually... looks surprised to see he's come to pick him up, figuring the other either wouldn't have time or wouldn't recognize his
gamertag. "sr" isn't exactly notable.

...ritsu is also more than a little worse for wear, though the bruising on his face and arms is incomparable to what's beneath his clothes, and he grins slightly. ow. )

Aye aye, captain.

( he keeps his gaze turned away from the hellpolice when he's let out, moving closer to shylock automatically the second he can. only then does he....

stick his tongue out at the police and start pushing shylock to leave cmon cmon-- )

Thanks for comin'... You didn't have to. Think they would've let me go eventually.

( may...be. maybe. )