jigokulogs | I'm just happy to he bere [CLOSED]

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I'm just happy to he bere [CLOSED]

Who ⬤ Okada Izō, Sakamoto Ryouma, and Hizen Tadahiro
What ⬤ Three Tosa boys celebrating their promotions the Tosa way
When ⬤ Early May
Where ⬤ One of the many bars in Sutoku territory
Content Warnings ⬤ Three drunk idiots

[ Going to drink in Sutoku territory felt ... off, as off as the initial invitation from Ryouma felt. At least he's not going alone, but even Hizen coming along felt suspicious. Ryouma's up to something, isn't he? Sutoku territory guaranteed the drinks would be cheaper than anywhere else, at least, so they have that going for them.

Izō hesitates for a moment before opening the door to the fairly nondescript bar. He motions for Hizen to go ahead of him. ]

Here goes nothin', I guess...I give it two drinks before one of us wants t' punch him.

[ And that's being generous. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

(Hizen follows along after Ryouma and Izo, bringing up the rear. He's quiet, preferring to let the other two do most of the talking if they speak at all. It's nice to listen, he thinks. He can learn more about them this way. He's not very good at speaking either so the less he has to say, the better.

He steps ahead of Izo and makes a sound that might be a short laugh. Just for Izo.)

It's always something.

(There's no nothing about this!! All Ryoumas are the same. He's decided this. Absolutely no comment on wanting to throttle Ryouma, though. He isn't agreeing! But he isn't... disagreeing either.)

[ indeed, it is a fairly non-descript place on the outside and the only thing particularly remarkable about the interior is that it's a traditional japanese-style place and not something more Western and fast food-y like the better known sutoku offerings. the lower floor is bustling and small groups of people are clustered around low tables drinking and eating noisily.

unlike the communal drinking on the lower floor, ryouma has reserved one of the small rooms on the second floor for the occasion instead. ryouma's higher income, and prior relationship with this establishment means the finer things (and cheapest drinks) are readily available for this little party just like the last time he used this location and so the second floor is where the staff will direct izō and hizen when they arrive.

ryouma also craftily made sure to tape the banner that reads "CONGRATULATIONS" in shiny gold cardboard letters over the door they came in through because he figured he'd never get another chance to talk them into taking a decent photo — so, he goes right ahead and snaps a pic on his phone as soon as they're both standing in the doorway (and therefore under the banner) together. ]

Glad you both decided to come. Sit! Be comfortable!

[ is he's pushing his luck? maybe, but this sake isn't going to drink itself~ ]

[ If looks could kill, Ryouma would be floating face down in the Sanzu at this very moment. Izō scowls at ... everything about this. If it weren't for the promise of booze, he would've walked right back out the door.

For now, he does as Ryouma says and takes a seat, but only because he wants to, not because Ryouma told him to!! ]

... I'm only stayin' 'cause of this.

[ Yes, he's already pouring drinks for the three of them. ]

(

He even takes pictures, too.

He stares blankly at Ryouma when he takes his photo which means he probably just has a photo of Hizen at least staring deadpan at the camera now. He doesn't get upset though! Which is nice of Hizen. He really is trying to exercise a little more patience here. There's the promise of alcohol and well,,,

(He hasn't had drinks like this since he arrived. It's not like he misses sensei or Mutsunokami or anything though, wow.)

He sits down and while Izo pours, he slides the cups over towards their drinkers. One for Ryouma, one for Izo, one for him.)

Right, right.(Ryouma! Hurry up! He's ready to get the cheers out of the way and start drinking!!) Whatever you're gonna say, hurry up.

(Because... he has a speech or something doesn't he?)

Aw, don't be like that.

[ ryouma doesn't care that it's not perfect, he's probably still going to have this printed so he can put it on his desk anyway. whenever he has a desk to put pictures on. whatever!! it's not important!! hizen is being shockingly nice and he's unphased by izō's attitude, as usual, and just smiles at him. that smile. ~~ryouma can't be stopped.~~ ]

What makes you think I have anything to say?

[ only because ryouma is a terrible liar he can't say this with a straight face. ]

[ Izō is gonna punch him. He's going to punch Ryouma square in the nose and yell so loud they'll hear him downstairs.

He doesn't. He grits his teeth instead. ]

Ya never shut up yer whole life! Ya always got somethin' t' say, so jus' say it already so we don't have t' wait for it!

[ He huffs and turns to Hizen. ]

Who th' fuck does he think he's foolin'?!

(No one. Ryouma is fooling absolutely no one!!! But Hizen just sighs and looks down at his drink?

Please... he just wants to drink.)

I said hurry up.

(Before he just starts drinking without a cheers!!!)

Okay, okay! I won't keep you waiting long, I promise!

[ he laughs because there's really no point in pretending anymore when they've both seen through the obvious lie. ]

Mostly I'm just grateful you both agreed to come tonight. And, if it wasn't already clear, this is for a reason! I'm not surprised either of you did so well and got yourselves noticed already but it's a perfectly good reason to go out and celebrate together, right?

You both should be proud of yourselves! That's why I'm treating you tonight, after all.

[ another reason to be glad for his own promotion: being able to pay his tab without a worry. fortunately for izō and hizen, he finally raises his cup. ]

So, to bigger and better things in the future for all of us! You can drink to that just fine, right?

[ The urge to punch Ryouma square in the nose rears its head again. Stop saying nice things about him! It's embarrassing! It'd be fine if it were all directed at Hizen, who clearly deserves the praise more than himself. Izō groans and raises his cup. ]

Yeah, yeah, jus' shut up an' drink already!

[ Whatever, it's acceptable to drink now, so bottoms up.

The first of many, certainly. ]

(Annoying because Hizen still doesn't get what he did to earn it. He'd gotten his little promotion and left more confused than anything.)

Really dunno what the big deal is but...

(He raises his cup and knocks it back. He's already reaching for the bottle again to refill both is and Izo's. He'll even refill Ryouma's. Once. This time.)

Just remember you said you were paying. If you forget, I'll make you pay.

(He refuses to be left with anymore tabs in hell.)

[ ryouma knows exactly what he's doing and will never stop saying nice things so they better get used to dealing with it. he empties his own cup and then noisily cheers and applauds for them both because he can. ]

You don't give yourself enough credit is all. And don't you worry... if I can't pay, I don't drink. Wouldn't spoil a good reputation over that.

[ because reputation matters, especially these days. this does not stop him from doing and saying all the things he does and says but he makes it work?? somehow?? ]

You're both lucky though, 'cause I changed my mind but originally I'd been thinking something like party hats...

[ he was not but he's having fun. ]

[ Yes, he's just going to down the second drink Hizen thoughtfully poured for him. ]

If ya'd done that, I would've broken yer damn nose.

[ He's still thinking about it. ]

...But whatever. Thanks. I guess. For th' drinks.

Less talking.

(And more drinking! Another refill for Izo, another shot for himself, pour, repeat. Hizen Tadahiro drinks like a fish and he's going to get the most out of this. Nothing is going to ruin his mood. )

Didn't even know you guys were getting promotions and stuff. Wasn't your boss playing dead most of the time?

(Who?? Promoted Ryouma??? He assumes Toraguma also spoke to Izo. Who's idea was promoting Ryouma!!!)

Well, there's still a hierarchy. The Elders took over but I don't really like oversight if I can help it anyway. I guess they like what I'm doing so far..?

[ which is good because it'd be a bad time if he had to try and follow someone else's rules. he also has to keep up with the others when it comes to drinking because his pride as a tosa man is on the line here!! will he regret this later? possibly. probably?? ]

I guess I've been doin' good enough that th' boss paid attention.

[ It's just as much a surprise to him as it was to anyone. Well, no sense in disappointing the boss with his drinking habits. More is better! ]

Do they like what yer doin'? They gonna be happy with how nosy ya been? Tch...Imagine rewardin' someone like you with more responsibility.

(No, Hizen will not brag about his promotion because as far as he's concerned, it's just a work thing.)

Bet everything's all crazy now that the big bird's alive again.

(It's just the three of them. He can say whatever he wants to say, okay?)

They seem like the kinda person that'd like him. (The Daitengu is chaotic enough and seems to have something against #authority that he feels like they'd probably be a fan of Ryouma's work or something if they knew? Do they know? Hm.) And you got more work too, ya know.

(More drinks.)

Don't see why not... I'm jus' doin' what I always do, y' know? Doesn't matter what they call this place, I'm sure I can make a world where everyone can be happy here too. You watch!

[ he's partly through another cup when he pauses and grins at hizen. has he ever heard hizen talk this much or this easily? probably not. ryouma is pleased to see both of them enjoying themselves, but you really can't go wrong with good sake. ]

'Course they like me! They knew who I was an' everything! That's still kinda surprising though...

[ even if he made a name for himself in his own time it's still strange to know that people from other worlds and in the future know who he is. ]

It'd be more surprisin' if they didn't know ya...Everyone fuckin' knows ya.

[ Is that a hint of bitterness?

Perhaps. It's time to cover it up with another drink. ]

Pain in th' ass.

[ Affectionate??? ]

(Oh no.

Everyone's Tosaben is coming out. Even Hizen's, as light as it is right now which fits his more restrained attitude. It's obvious he isn't going to be a particularly lively spirit even after a few drinks. Since he's arrived, he's mostly just gotten sleepy, dozing off instead of dealing with his company but right now... he feels relaxed.

(Not that he'll ever admit it out loud. Or sober.))

'Course everyone knows you. (Just like Izo said. And ooooh he's going to lean over to get real close to Ryouma, hold out his hand and........ flick him in the forehead.) And don't go lettin' it get to your head either.

Ya didn't even have much to drink and you're already saying stupid shit... (Like how he's going to make Hell a happy place.) Get it together!

(HE IS NOT LETTING ANYONE RUIN THIS HE CAME HERE FOR A GOOD TIME NOT A TIRED TIME.)

Well, it can't be helped! I missed the in-between time whenever that happened...

[ he's still laughing so this is a fact that doesn't really bother him. what is time anyway? ]

Eh?

[ this is when he notices hizen leaning closer and he thinks he's supposed to be leaning closer as well. is hizen going to tell him a secret? this just means he leans almost directly into the forehead flick himself. ]

Aw, how's it stupid? It's nothin' I never did before! I'm a perfectly legitimate businessman!

[ he is being completely overdramatic for effect and it shows. ]

Perfectly legitimate, my ass!

[ Izō barks a laugh and claps Hizen on the back. Yes, he's proud of his sword boy for being mean to Ryouma. Probably not a Hizen-approved way of showing it, but so what? ]

Yer jus' pullin' shady shit like ya always did!

(Way to make it easy, Ryouma... before he can even enjoy his act of violence, he's hit on the back though and he fumbles forward just slightly, planting his hand on the table and spilling his sake just a little as it splashes from the sudden movement.

He hisses out of reflex but he looks between Izo and Ryouma because unlike Hizen who is familiar with a different version of these two, these are are actually familiar with each other.

Picking up his shot, drinking it and just nodding in agreement because if Izo says it then it must be true. It's two against one at this meeting which doesn't really seem fair but! Life! Isn't! Fair!)

Mmm... and so what if I am? At the end of the day, I know what I'm workin' for.

[ whiny as ryouma was a minute ago for effect, he can declare this proudly. try harder!! ]

What's the problem with shady anyway? Is it about bein' sneaky? If I'm out-sneakin' ya maybe y'oughta try harder.

[ ~~step your game up mr. assassin-class servant.~~ a playful jab that could get him smacked by either one of them. it's fine. all in good fun! ]

[ It's nice to have someone back him up against Ryouma! Izō doesn't even mind that Hizen hissed at him -- only fair since he almost made Hizen spill his booze. He's lucky Hizen didn't take a swing at him, too for that.

He slaps Ryouma's chest with the back of his hand. ]

It ain't nothin' like that! Ya couldn't out-sneak me if ya fuckin' tried, Ryouma!

You ain't out-sneaking no one! (Gradually, little by little, his own accent begins to match the others. Not as strong but just as natural,) You're about as sneaky as a sumo wrestler.

(To them, at least. Dang, Ryouma didn't even have to do anything before they knew he was up to something. They probably knew before he even knew, to be honest.

He also pulls Izo back, away from Ryouma. There's a good yank on the back of his clothes and he scolds,)

Oi, settle down. (And shoving another drink right at him,) 'S too early for that.

(Enjoy the drinks a little more before we go shoving Ryouma around wow. They're all sharing the same brain cell and Hizen is trying(?) to be? Responsible? Still.)

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