open: boogie nights

[horrifictie]

Who ⬤ Harry and the unfortunate people he crosses paths with
What ⬤ Substories and Begging
When ⬤ Mainly the first week of arrival
Where ⬤ Around town
Content Warnings ⬤ Mentions of drug use


I. Money, please! (night after the partying)

[ Harry is in a bind, one which he only thinks is fifty percent his fault. When you break down the math that percentage makes a lot of sense! He had a fifty percent chance of doubling his money, and a fifty percent chance of losing almost all of it. He just fell on the wrong side of fifty because the fates are cruel. The more logical part of his headspace urged him to not gamble it all, but they couldn't stop him from gambling period. History repeats and he's in the same predicament as when he woke up to reality for the first time a week or so ago.

Luckily, he has a time-tested approach to getting more cash. One he readily employs as he looks out for people who look like they at least have some spare change and asks: ]

Hey, you look well to do. I'm a little down on my luck at the moment - can I have some money?

[ Who wouldn't say yes to a 40-something man with *incredible* handlebar facial hair who looks like he's coming down from a day long hangover? Please say yes. ]

Substory: High Definition

[ The rabbit's drugs are surprisingly potent considering his tolerance. The first time he took it he rationalized it as doing it for the advancement of scientific research. The surface level truth was he wanted a hit after being sober for almost a couple weeks. His body still aches from the gunshot to his hip, but that pain is flattened by the first time he takes the drug. When he reports his survey and asks if he could get more, the rabbit tells him all he has to do is report his experiences again.

The next drug he takes turns the whole world black and white, no different than the grainy film reels he (apparently) loves to watch. A voice in his head tells him of the low-budget adaptations of Dick Mullen novels looking just like this, steeped in a gritty *noir* aura that is irresistible to anyone with a passion for genre fiction. It seems only fitting then that he should play up the part. Digging around in the trash nets him a musty old brown overcoat (with a few faded stains on it that he doesn't notice) and his meager cash is enough to buy a cheap novelty detective's fedora to sit on his head.

With that he takes to the streets, notepad and pen in hand, approaching people with a simple "Evening. Mind if I ask you a couple questions?"

The yokai he asks twists her head to a 180 degree to meet him, back still turned, and barks a laugh in his face before continuing on her way. Harry shrugs, knowing this is part of the process, then looks to his next target -- you. ] Hello. I need to ask you some questions, if you have a few minutes to spare?

Substory: Sweet Jacket

[ Now this man's jacket is not *nearly* as sweet as Harry's FUCK THE WORLD leather jacket (which, sadly, did not make the trip to Hell with him) but he can respect a man's right to his fashion choices. As such, he volunteers to chaperone the man across the bridge as a bodyguard. They don't make it more than half-way before three men rush up to them and threaten to kick Mr. Cool Jacket's ass. No way to get past them either. Luckily, Harry has a plan guaranteed to work: ]

Look, over there!

[ Apologies to the poor soul he is pointing at - if you stop he's about to say something *very hurtful* about your fashion choices as a diversion. It's enough for the three men to look with him, even if they have no idea what the big deal is. ]

[ ooc: if you want a special prompt or to plan anything out, feel free to PM me. would especially be interested in an atrocious karaoke thread with one or two people who want to party. ]

Comments

[aceslow]

[ Just like that, Kim's ability to engage in critical thinking snaps back on. He had assumed the best, just because he had wished to. But seeing the way Harry suddenly begins to stammer and stumble over his words, an indictment far more severe than any excuse he could have possibly made, Kim feels dread creep up in his gut, realizing exactly what he's gotten himself into.

He wouldn't. It's not the indulging in sex work Kim has an issue with, per se, but he wouldn't proposition a woman and then rope him into it. He could just about manage wrapping his head around the most bizarre good deed he's done in his policing career. Kim's lips thin as he looks at Harry, then he removes his glasses and polishes them. ]

Khm. Now, detective, what you do with your own time is none of my business. You're a grown man, and you can make your own decisions, whatever those may be. I understand that many find themselves requiring an... outlet.

[ God, why couldn't Harry just go proposition some woman at a coffee shop? He can be quite charming when he's firing on all cylinders. Then he could have an awkward one-night stand that Kim was not invited to bear witness to. ]

But when you bring me into it... [ He places his glasses back on his face, then glances at the door. ]

Be honest with me. Did you proposition that young lady to...?

[ He does not mean to gesture at the (blunted) spiked paddle on the wall. When he gestures at the room as a whole, it is nonetheless what he winds up gesturing at. He glances over at it. He glances back at Harry. It takes a heroic amount of willpower to meet his eyes and not look at the paddle-able bits, but nobody's ever accused Kim of having a dearth of willpower.]

[horrifictie]

[ ELECTROCHEMISTRY - Ok, well, he has the right idea but that girl? She's really not your type. Way too timid. Better clarify this for him. ]

Whaaaaat? [ His voice cracks with a light wheeze, laughter shaking through his chest for a moment. He rises up from the seat, hands settling on his hips. ] Kim, come on. She's not my type at all! Granted, she *is* cute - a fact totally lost on you - but I didn't "proposition" her.

And for the record: I wouldn't invite you to a three-way with a woman. For one, you're not interested. For another, you wouldn't be any fun at one.

[ SUGGESTION - Wow, that was a little unnecessary. You don't need to insult him (even if you're right). ]

*Ahem*.

[ He clasps his hands together, the smack bouncing off the walls and slacks his shoulders. ]

Ok, fine. I was in the neighborhood trying to score. But not with Ayako. Some asshole was insulting her, I stepped in, and then she explained the problem to me after I told him to piss off. Then I offered to help her, sent you a message, and now we're here. [ A beat, and with a gesture to the paddle-- ] You really think she can swing that thing? With her conviction? This is why we need to help her.

[ PAIN THRESHOLD - She wouldn't be strong enough to make it really hurt the way that feels good. ]

[aceslow]

[ Kim thought that he had been quite understanding of this whole ordeal. He came when called for, agreed to this ludicrous farce of authority lessons and even made sure to discuss Harry's hypothetical participation in the sex work economy of this place in what he felt was a kind, non-judgmental way, even though it's an incredibly stupid way of using your limited funds when they had just arrived. But now? Now he's been insulted. It's not that it's particularly important to him that anyone thinks he's fun in a threesome, but the gauntlet has been thrown, and Kim has made up his mind that this is an offensive insult that simply cannot stand.

He eyes Harry with a not insignificant amount of ire, the movement of his shoulders as he sighs as monumental as the rise and fall of an empire. ]

All right. One, my being a homo-sexual has absolutely nothing to do with my ability to recognize a woman's objective attractiveness. Just because I don't want to have sex with every other woman I meet doesn't mean I'm incapable of understanding the motivations of those that do. And two.

[ He crosses his arms. ]

If I were in your position, I wouldn't be so eager to insult other people. Unlike you, I have never had to even consider paying someone to satisfy my needs. That's something I'm able to accomplish on my own merits.

[ So jot that down, Du Bois. ]

Three...

[ He relaxes a little, looking coolly off to the side as though he hadn't just gotten offended by the notion that he's not a fun person to have a threesome with. ]

You're correct. Don't invite me to three-ways. I'm not interested. Let's just get this over with.

[horrifictie]

[ VOLITION - You *really* picked at a raw nerve with those comments. I recommend an apology. A sincere one.
AUTHORITY - Do *not* apologize. Did you not hear him say you aren't able to satisfy a woman without paying her? This is an insult that cannot stand. ]

I will have you know I have had sex without paying a woman! I've had it plenty of times. Not that I remember those times, but I *know* I had sex without paying for it.

And *two*... [ he stops, mouth open, an epiphany in that moment dawning on him ] Wait, Kim do you *want* me to invite you to a three-way? You really didn't strike me as the type, but-

[ AYAKO - "Hi, I'm back!" The young woman cheerfully announces as she carefully opens the door with her shoulder blade. One hand is tightly gripping onto the handle of a jug of iced water, while the other huddles a couple clear tall cups close to her chest. Her smile is bright and betrays total obliviousness to what the men were discussing. Mostly, she's focused on not dropping anything.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY - She's no longer wearing the coat, her sleek dominatrix outfit in full view. A shiny black tube top with a zipper in the front, matching shorts that leave her belly and thighs exposed. It gives the allure of a corset, but is a lot cheaper than a proper one. There's even a choker clasped around her neck!

AYAKO - She quickly makes her way to the table and sets down the jug and cups, then looks at the men again. "Is everything ok?"

EMPATHY - She's picking up on the tension between you and the lieutenant. ]

Oh yeah, yeah, everything's fine! We were just talking about best strategies. [ He flashes her a quick smile and then looks to Kim, nudging him with an arm. ] Thanks for the water.

[aceslow]

I just said no, [ Kim manages to hiss out when they're interrupted by Ayako who, Kim thinks sympathetically, has absolutely no idea what she's gotten herself into. In a way, it serves her right. What sort of foolish person accepts dominatrix lessons from strangers she meets on the street? They could have done anything to her, if they weren't the sort to stand here and bicker instead.

He feels a little embarrassed by his outburst now. He probably shouldn't have let his temper get away with him. If Harry dares bring it up again, Kim resolves to act as though this has never happened. He does not, however, smile back at Harry, unwilling to wholly play along. ]

Yes, Miss, everything is fine. My partner is right. Let's discuss strategies. [ He moves to pour them glasses of water himself, waving her off when she motions to do it herself. She really didn't need to get into full uniform for them, he thinks. All it does is make him feel vaguely uncomfortable, like he should be draping the coat back over her shoulders. ] Maybe you can start with a demonstration? On an imaginary client. Not either of us.

[horrifictie]

[ ESPRIT DE CORPS - He's frustrated, both with you and with himself. Stop needling your partner before you don't have one anymore.

Harry nods at Kim's lead on this and takes his seat on the couch again. He folds his hands and leans forward, attention squarely on her.

AYAKO- The would-be dominatrix nods and steps to the center of the room, facing both men with a furrowed brow and a mean grimace. Then she sets her hands on her hips and tilts her gaze down to the table in condescension.

DRAMA - I *believe* she is attempting to convey a haughty demeanor to her client, the unusually clean coffee table frame in black wood with glass center. It's not really working.

AYAKO - "You -- pig. Y- You're pathetic, begging on the ground for me to *step* on you. You would like that, wouldn't you?"

AUTHORITY - Why is she *asking* the table what it wants? She shouldn't ask if she's in charge.

AYAKO - Then, taking a visible inhale, she lifts one boot and stomps it on the table. It quakes without fear, able to take the weight of her heel, and she grits her teeth in disgust. "Well, go on! Beg for me. Do it!"

ELECTROCHEMISTRY - Wow. This is really cold. Absolutely doing nothing to get the heart going. ]

Ok. This is... um. Well, you have the *spirit* of it. [ He scratches the back of his neck, decidedly turned off. ] Kim, any notes?

[aceslow]

[ Kim elects to stand just behind where Harry is seated, hands tucked neatly behind his back as he impassively watches Ayako's sorry excuse for domination. This is... well. It's something. It's not as bad as he feared that it might be, but it's certainly not good.

Well. If he's been roped into teaching a woman how to dominate someone, he's at least going to do it properly. There's no point in leaving the job half-done, he thinks. He strolls around the couch, over to where Ayako is standing, and holds his hands out as though to touch her. ]

Miss, if I may...?

[ When she nods her assent, he grasps at her shoulders, correcting her posture. ] You don't need to immediately resort to theatrics, [ he says calmly. ] Make sure that your posture is correct -- like that, yes. You don't need to bare your teeth like that either. You need to look as though you're entirely in charge of the situation and like your client is... mm, an inconvenience? Beneath you to expend that much effort. If you are truly in charge, you don't need to prove it. It will be less work for you too, in the end.

[ He shoots her, and Harry with her, an imperious look, mouth an unimpressed, flat line, brow raised, head tilted minutely to the side, watching as she imitates him. It's not great, but at least she doesn't look like a small, yappy dog anymore. His face relaxes again. ]

A bit like that, yes. Any further thoughts, detective? Perhaps on the... dialogue?

[ That's less his forte. ]

[horrifictie]

[ ELECTROCHEMISTRY - Damn. That look he's shooting you hits like a bullet through the skull. It's *wicked*, from him and then from her. What wonders a few small changes can do to get the blood pumping.
COMPOSURE - Your fingers twitch against your cheek, hand held in your bulky palm, but you somehow manage not to flinch.
RHETORIC - Ah, the *dialogue*! My time to shine.

Harry lifts his head and then the rest of himself off the couch, stretching out his back for a second before planting his hands on his sides. ]

Kim is right. You're trying too hard Ayako. If men are coming to you for their kicks, then you already have control of the situation. Short commands, slower presentation, and don't *ask* them to beg. In fact - disregard their wants completely. A man who really wants a woman... he'll beg for her. He'll cry for her. Make them feel like they can't live without you. You need to--

[ Suddenly, he stops. Mouth open, then closed, crunching down on word vomit before it spills out.

RHETORIC - What the hell? You weren't finished.
VOLITION - He is now.

AYAKO - "Sir?" The expression she was holding at the behest of Kim falters, noticing the obvious shift in his interruption. "Are you ok?" ]

I'm fine. [ He pushes out, quick and uneasy, then gives his throat a rough clear before proceeding. ] The point is: you don't need to be as forceful as you think. Men... they just want to be loved. Withhold that from them and they'll need it even more from you.

[aceslow]

[ Kim frowns at Harry as he starts to ramble on, the line between his brows growing deeper as he realizes that Harry is not pulling from a dramatic well, but a personal one. He didn't think that he would get quite so deep about what men truly desire - what he truly desires - and would instead provide some more convincing dialogue than watch me whip you, maggot!

Never mind that it doesn't seem accurate to Kim, who has never felt a desire for love so strongly that he would beg for it. But he's not the sort to come to a place like this anyway, and he's certainly seen that Harry's more than happy to beg for whatever it is he's lacking. Instead of voicing his concern, he chooses to simply back Harry up. ]

Khm. Yes, Harry's right. I believe being witholding has a great deal to do with what men come here for. [ He shoots Harry a quick glance - you okay? - then looks back at Ayako. ] Less is more. Do you feel you have a better grasp on things now?

[horrifictie]

[ AYAKO - "I think so." Though Kim asked the question, it's Harry who she continues to hold her gaze on. "Rather than giving them what they want, I should refuse it. Dangle it out for them..."

INLAND EMPIRE - Connections form in her mind, cruel and decisive. You may have created a monster.
SUGGESTION - The very best kind. She'll do great here with your support. ]

Now you're getting it. [ His lips struggle to smile, forcing all his might into a thin grin. Suddenly this isn't fun for him anymore. He's in pain and he doesn't know why. Still he looks at her, strangely panicked at the thought of looking at Kim. ] Do you want to give us one more demonstration?

[ AYAKO - "Ok." The young woman takes two steps back, satisfied with the distance between them, and takes in a breath. No words fill the room. Her shoulders pull back, sculpted eyebrows firm, arms at her side as her eyes pierce toward the men. There's steel in them and disregard for who it hurts.

PAIN THRESHOLD - It stabs you through the lungs, your breath caught.

AYAKO - Her eyes stay locked on them with only the sound of air flowing through a vent in the ceiling. Then her lips curl in dismissal, head slightly canting. "I don't think I'll waste my time on you. Unless you ask nicely."

DRAMA - Strange. You *know* it's a lie and yet it registers without falsehood? She's acting! ]

[aceslow]

[ It's clear that this has begun to have an adverse effect on Harry. It's women, Kim thinks. It shouldn't be all women, but this nebulous ex of his had done quite the number on him, and somewhere in his amnesia-addled brain, the synapses misfire around the fairer sex, saddling them with all the baggage and misconceptions that he's not certain Harry has. Beginning this conversation by talking about how all men desire love and that she needs to keep it from them --

That goes well beyond the ordinary perameters of what Kim considers to be garden-variety kink. And yet he insists that Ayako keep going. Kim doesn't care to know what Harry does in his personal time, truly, but he privately hopes that this hasn't awakened something in him to have him pursue self-abuse in this new, exciting way. This can be a perfectly healthy outlet for many people, but not necessarily for the detective.

At least Ayako seems to have a better handle on things. ]

Well done, [ he says, nodding. ] Perhaps your employer should invest in paying your more experienced colleagues for lessons in the future. It's clear that all you needed wa ssome guidance.

[ He makes a show of looking at his watch, toe tapping impatiently. ]

I think you have this well in hand from here, Miss. If you'll excuse us, we did have other things we needed to get done today. [ He nods at Harry. ] Come on. Let's go.

[horrifictie]

[ AYAKO - "Oh! Yes, we'll be opening for business soon too." Her face is awash with relief, the lieutenant's approval meaning a lot for someone who only just met him. She looks to Harry again and smiles warmly. "Thank you both. If you two ever want to come here, let me know! I'll set you up with a discount for your help."

SUGGESTION - Though she makes the offer to you both, she's very clearly looking at you.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY - Makes sense. She can tell you're more into this sort of thing than the lieutenant. Perhaps they have male staff for the homosexual clientele? ]

I'll keep that in mind. [ He gives her a quick wink and strides past her, leading the way out of the club. ] Good luck tonight!

[ The halls of the club are still empty as they leave, the receptionist at the counter giving them a quick "have a good evening!" before they ascend up the narrow stairs and back into the night. There's a cold breeze without chill coming in, or maybe that's just Harry feels as it cools his face. Was it warm down there or was it him? ]

Well, that's that. Nothing we couldn't handle like pros. Never had a reason to be worried.

[ It was a very normal set of interactions and absolutely nothing happened that threw him into an internal panic. ]

[aceslow]

I wasn't worried that we couldn't handle it. I just didn't want to handle it.

[ Snippy as he is, Kim at least sounds less angry than he did when he was going on about prospective threesomes. Which is, for the record, now a conversation that never happened. He has elected to erase it completely from his mind, and he did no such thing as get irritated because Harry insinuated he wouldn't be any fun in an arguably deviant sexual situation. ]

But yes, it's well handled now. [ He glances at the doorway, wondering if he should ask - what was all that about? - and then decides against it. Instead, he says, ] I can't say I recommend taking her up on that offer, however. It might be best to start slow, detective.

[horrifictie]

[ ELECTROCHEMISTRY - As if the adrenaline junkie has a *moral high ground* on taking things slow. This is why you shouldn't listen.
VOLITION - As if you have any moral high ground on judging who is and isn't a so-called "junkie". ]

Yeah, I think that's the right call too.

[ Not that he wanted to take Ayako up to begin with. He wasn't really that into her. Or, well, not until that very last moment. It would still be kind of awkward, right? Right. Right? Hm. ]

Thanks for coming in to help. Even if you didn't want to, you gave great advice! Guess I was wrong.