jigokulogs | open 🌙 july catchall

[Monts brushes some of her hair behind her ear, raising a brow at him, but in a knowing way.]

Why thank you! The manager said I definitely pull in more customers with this particular outfit. As for my popularity...

[Sighing exaggeratedly, she makes a gesture with her hand.]

I'm not a Number One, but I don't do too badly for myself. But being at the top has never been my thing as just going with the flow is.

For last month, well... [Monts laughs and as she shifts in her seat, her dark dress glitters under the lights of the club.]

I wasn't equipped to deal with all of that so I mostly stayed inside. I checked up on people through text.

[Though some people were left with some concerning texts, while others, she ended up being comforted by.

It could have been worse.]

I don't know about you Gojyo but I'm not ready to be taken out by my hallucinations in near-corporeal form. I'd rather live another day so I can have a fun night like this, with you!

Edited 2022-07-22 05:51 (UTC)

'Tch. If they don't think you're number one quality, then they're fucking blind.

[It's okay, Monts. Gojyo here will more than gladly stan you.

Regardless, he leaned back into the seat as he made himself comfortable. He was taking a second to process everything that possibly could have happened between them both over these last few months.

Hell, considering all he personally dealt with, he could imagine it must have been just as tough on her end.]

Guess we're pretty similar in that regard, huh?

[After all, he had spent half the month avoiding most of society and making himself home in his own little slowly forming secret base of operations.

You know--

Just in case.]

Have to say, I'm pretty amazed at how damn resilient this city is. You wouldn't think that all hell was literally breaking loose less than a month ago with how people are going about and enjoying themselves now.

[He smiled as he turned to look at her again.]

Everyones just running about, getting hooked on stardust, and living their lives to the fullest~

Speaking of Stardust...

[ There are some joyful shouts and some groans of defeat at the other tables. The surfaces are sparkling with the magical substance and Monts turns her head to glance over at the tables with hostesses playing games with their customers and it's a mix of cash and Stardust being exchanged.]

If you'd like, let's make it fun and see if we can win any off some of the other customers. The girls are placing bets on all types of games to win more of them. There's poker, blackjack, darts, and probably some made-up ones.

You know, like the ones made up so that they can get our clothes off.

[She points to one group where a particularly rich patron is stuffing their cleavages with cash and sprinkling some of the Stardust on top as well. How considerate!]

[Now that had managed to catch Gojyo's attention. Expression perked as he gasped with mock shock at the insinuation that they go out and imbibe as half the city had already been doing.]

Why Monts, are you trying to use my appreciation of casual nudity to try and win you some drugs?

[Goodness! To think!

He gave her a painful pause to keep her hanging... Before laughing out with absolute amusement.]

Ahahah, damn, you know you could have just tempted me with the concept of gambling alone, yeah?

Sure. I'm down.

Oh, don't you go teasing me! [Her tone of voice is purposefully coquettish, it's all in good fun between them.]

I haven't been using it, intentionally. Being around so much of it and hunting for the dust outside of workhas been rubbing off of me, that's all!

[She'll stand up, scanning the room.]

So what game are you feeling up to? If it's poker, we have a patron who's been overconfident with his luck of the draw. He's gotten a ton of Stardust.

[Monts offers her hand to Gojyo.]

Can you win a game or two? Just for me?

[With that his laughter settled, still holding his all-too-mischievous grin as he watched her scan the room for potential ~~suckers~~ opponents.]

All right you addict. But only if we split the findings.

[With that he stood up, stretching his arms over his head as he matched where her gaze was traveling.]

Toraguma has been just as eager to get his hands on that stuff as anyone else has. So I'm sure snagging some probably will ease off my debts a little.

[Damn stupid beach debts.]

So that guy thinks he's good, eh? And getting eager with his winnings? Sure, I'm down.

[Hell, he'll even start his way down to the poker table ahead of you, Monts. He was always the type of guy who was more than happy to prove his capabilities.]

[She strides over to catch up to him, slipping her arm under the crook of his elbow.]

We'll split, but only if you win big, okay?

Here's our guy!

[Monts points over to a... Well, he's basically a skeleton, but anyhow, the gashadokuro is surrounded by three hostesses who are cooing and entertaining their guest. His ribcage is practically radiating and rattling with Stardust and he triumphantly sets down a lucky hand defeating one of the girls who was playing with him. She's pouting as Monts makes her way over with Gojyo.

Monts smiles at the group and waves to them while whispering to her redhead companion:]

Try not to make any puns.

Edited 2022-07-25 05:17 (UTC)

Got it. Don't tell him how boned he'll be taking me on.

[He gave a quick, serious nod with that one. As it if was 100% something he was thinking of saying. Cracking his knuckles and rolling his shoulders before making his way over to the downtrodden hostess.]

Mind if I sit here? Promise I'll make it worth your while. ♥

[Before looking at the rattling opposition with a hint of competitive glee.]

That's a mighty large amount a dust ya got there, Mr.

[Monts rolls her eyes, but grins at Gojyo's awful joke. The gashadokuro has an intrigued expression while the hostess moves over to let him sit, batting her eyelashes at Gojyo.]

"Ohhhhh, I'm sooooo bad at this game, Mister! Me and the girls are trying to get back our dust, but it's sooo difficult!! Play a few rounds and restore our honor, pretty pleeease?"

[She'll hold out the deck of cards to him while Monts takes care of ordering a bottle of liquor for the whole group. She proceeds to sit on Gojyo's opposite side, crossing her legs while giving off a low chuckle.]

You heard the lady, Gojyo. Help some dustless girls out, will you?

[Decadent, bright, boisterous, and sensual. This was truly indicative of the Tamamo's den and Marianna blended in so well, it was as if she had always lived here.]

Edited 2022-07-28 04:01 (UTC)

[Man, what an oddly nostalgic feeling this all was. Sitting across a table, drink in hand, cute girls sitting on each side, hopefully waiting on his next move. It reminded him of the old days, before the Minus Wave, before the shit hit the fan.

Life had been good back then, huh?]

Well then, I suppose we should get your winnings back, huh?

[He says, tossing a playful wink to the cute yet overdramatic hostess before turning back to the grinning skelly across from him.]

We might as well profit some too while we're at it, yeah?

[He looks at Monts with an all too sweet look. It was the look of a man who needed a favor. A guy who hadn't touched a drop of the shining power until this point. ]

So.

How much do you trust me?

[AKA how much do you want to wager as a starting fund to get him going, Monts?]

Edited 2022-08-05 06:07 (UTC)

I trust you enough.

[He gets another bright smile although it's tinged with something inscrutable.]

I haven't seen you play before, but you're clearly experienced. I can't think of anyone else I'd trust with a deck of cards right now.

And if you win... [She pauses for effect. Points to herself.]

Let's hang out more after work! That way you can completely make up for not hanging out with me the past month.

[Monts is so breezy.]

'Enough' huh?

[He chuckles with that, not once breaking eye-socket contact with Mr.Bonejangles sitting opposite of him.]

I guess 'enough' will have to do. Especially if it means getting me more free time with you~ ♥

Go on. Place down that trust of yours on the line and let's see what we get out of it.

[Ah, there was a competitive glint in Gojyo's eyes as he said that. More than eager to get the game rolling. All he needed was something to wager to the stardust covered skele.]

Do your best! And make it a fun one.

[And that's all she has to say as the skeletal yokai leans forward, jeering and ready to throw down. Throughout the rest of the series of games, the girls, including Monts cheer for Gojyo, pitching in where they can and then raking in the spoils. Everything is colorful, vivid, loud, and as indulgent as it gets.

Marianna isn't certain if she actually likes it all but the gleam of Stardust subtly pushes against her doubts as time marches on.]

❈❈❈
[As the working hours wind down in the red light district, and hostesses and patrons are ushered out of the club, Monts leaves with a tote bag that is aglow with Stardust. Everyone is splitting into small groups to escort one another home or to the next spot that will be open until the dreary morning hours. Most are very chatty and excited to go drink and play some more, but Monts?

She's leaning against the wall outside humming some random song to herself. Near the end of the last game where the gashadokuro desperately tried to win one last round against Gojyo, Monts had slipped out, unnoticed, and just waited. Everyone was too busy having fun to call her back in.

No one pays her any attention except maybe to congratulate her on all the Stardust she has so far but then she's left alone, waiting.

The look in her eyes is distant as she holds a piece of dust between her fingers, contemplating the sensation it's been leaving on her person.]

Edited 2022-08-10 06:50 (UTC)

[The night was a crazy one indeed. And throughout the drinking, jeering, and celebration, Gojyo had found himself winning and losing in moderately equal batches against the gashadokuro. And there was one point where Monts had taken part of the winnings, saying that she was stepping off for a second. Of course, he acknowledged it, even offering a flirty 'the spot next to me will be waiting,' For when she returned.

But she didn't seem to return. Despite it, it was not as if he could really step off. He had a few more games to win after all, and the soft sensation of the passing stardust may have finally started taking its hold upon him.

He only decided to end it at the end of the night. People were puttering out and the table was just left with both him an his opponent. A tired, slightly distant look taking hold of him as, with a yawn, he placed every bit of his winnings in-- Only to double it, and roughly take the rest of the gashadokuro's dust and then some.

Finally satisfied as he piled and bagged up as much of the cash and dust as he could, the clattering pile of bones practically begging for one more game as he stood up.]

Nah, nah, brother. Can't ya see they're closing up? Maybe we'll meet up again in a couple of days for a rematch though, yeah? You can royally show my fleshy ass a thing or two then~

[He chuckles as he starts off with that. Ignoring the rest of his opponents desperate pleas as he made his way out the door, only to catch Monts waiting by the entrance patiently.]

Ah. You're still here.

[The shock on his expression was apparent as he made his way over. Casually leaning his back against the wall beside her.]

Thought you ran off for the night what with all that dust I got ya.

[He chuckles with that, casually switching both his bags to one arm so that he can dig into his pockets and pull out a cigarette.]

Ya doin' all right?

[Damn he was still grinning from the results of the game. Or was it something else perhaps?]

Oh, hey!

[Her face lights up when Gojyo greets her and she stands up straight with her bag of dust looped around her hands.]

I was just waiting for the action to die down. And for your information, I wasn't going to ditch you. It wasn't even the first thing on my mind.

[Before Gojyo can say anything else, she sidles up next to him, giving him a playful bump with her shoulder.]

Although, I could get a head start and have you chase me? Is that what you're into?

[Not even the first thing on her mind, huh? Leaving such an open ended statement like that only left Gojyo questioning what it was that she could be thinking about at the moment.

But the thought was almost immediately distracted as he found Monts playfully bumping against him. His expression startled at first, only to be quickly replaced with a somewhat playfully yet ever so slightly devious smile.]

Ahn? Are you saying you're the type of person who lokes to be chased after then?

[Not that he didn't already know that in a way, but damn it was fun to tease her.

Besides, he was feeling just as playful. So why not encourage it?]

So what? Should I count to three and give ya a head start?

[With that he returns the nudge right back with a wink.]

Hm. Maybe. It's fun to look over my shoulder every once and a while to see who's straggling behind me.

[Monts emits a low hum, playing up her pondering face. What comes next may or may not be a surprise. She pauses mid-stroll and for the briefest of seconds, she leans her forehead against Gojyo's shoulder.]

... But sometimes just being next to someone...

[She draws back just as quickly her expression still warm.]

... Is nice in its own way.

[She does however take a few steps ahead of him.]

I usually walk alone at night nowadays. Only in my clan's territory of course. I'm not gonna be the cause or in the middle of a street brawl if I can help it.

Edited 2022-08-17 05:39 (UTC)

Heh, still worried about what happened that one time, huh?

[There was something nice about the little gesture. Enough so to get Gojyo to reach up and ruffle the side of his head slightly with a a bashful smirk in response.]

But still, it's nice to see you're doing all right otherwise. Can't say I wasn't a little worried with all the shit that's bene happening over this past month.

[With that he lowers his hands into his pockets. Humming softly as he watched her trail ahead. Unable to help but wonder how it was that he always ended up strung along by her. He paused to take in the way her dress moved with her movements, the way it glistened off the low city lights that surrounded them surprisingly mesmerizing.]

... Huh. It's a damn pretty night ain't it?

It is, isn't it? Clear skies follow rainy ones after all!

[Even if the rain was blood. She turns her head to glance back at Gojyo.]

Looking at the both of us right now, one wouldn't think we were ever having a hard time in the first place. But we're both pretty good at hiding ourselves, wouldn't you agree?

[The light of the Stardust gathered in her bag seems to amplify her urge to be upfront. And somehow, she doesn't seem to mind.]

[The words had actually managed to catch him off guard for a second, pausing in his step as he he contemplated just exactly how to respond to that. It wasn't as if she was lying about the type of life he had. In fact, she had it pretty spot on. He was just surprised to hear her say it.

Was it because of that one time a few months ago?]

Yeah, I guess you wouldn't be able to tell, huh?

[He smiled, a little calmer of a smile than what he was sporting earlier. But it was still a smile. Popping the cigarette into his mouth and lighting it casually, he inhaled his first shot of nicotine.

Damn, it tasted even better with the dust.]

I mean, 's pretty obvious with me. But at least I'm starting to get my shit together. Surprised though, as much of a damn troll as you can be, you always felt like you knew what you were doing with your life.

[With that he caught up to her in his step. Playfully bumping his shoulder against hers.]

Are you, really?

[Her expression softens as he bumps his shoulder against hers. She stops walking as they enter an alleyway full of lanterns, still brightly lit and shining even this late at night.]

... Actually, being here, I think I've lost some of my direction again.

[She turns away from Gojyo to stare up at the sky, idly thinking about throwing up some of the Stardust into the air and wondering if it could float away until it was far out of reach.]

But you know what Gojyo? I like everyone I've met here in Hell so far.

I like you.

[Whether there had been dust or not, her remark wouldn't have been any different. It's how she truly feels, what she truly wants to say.

... And...]

I wonder if that's all I'll be able to do. Just like someone I mean.

[Perhaps it was the dust, but the low glow of the hanging lanterns in the alley just seemed to look especially nice. The warm light seeming to bounce off of Monts skin in just the right way, contrasting to the cool low backdrop of the night sky. Damn, this scene was so relaxing. If felt nice.

When was the last time he felt so relaxed and just, well, happy?

And then she said what she said. His heart skipping, for just a second as crimson eyes widened and fin ears perked ever-so-slightly in response.

He just wasn't really expecting to hear that from her. Really, he never expected to hear it from anyone.

But then she continued, a soft melancholy seeming to come over the atmosphere as he absorbed the heaviness of such words. Taking another long inhale upon his cancer stick before flicking some of the ashes off, he slowly sidled over to her. His gaze going up, joining her in the view of the lights overhead.]

I guess, when you grow up different from everyone around you, it's hard to feel closer than that to anyone. Makes ya question it. Like it you're really even capable.

[He understood it. Perhaps not in quite the exact same way as Monts. They were very different people with very different experiences, after all. But, in a way, he related to that feeling.]

... Hey, Gojyo?

[She continues to look away from him and that invisible gap she had established so early on between them somehow feels even more vast. Maybe it's the wistful sound of her voice or the way her gaze doesn't try to ease him in as it does sometimes. So close, so far, they're both in the present, she's outside of time itself.]

I know I'm not the only strange individual and I had this weird thought where if I grew up in a place like this maybe I wouldn't be so—

[A pause. The mark on the back of her neck stirs ever so slightly, but it stays immobile.]

It's easy, isn't it? To have a good time here I mean. Enjoy a drink, a pretty face, and someone's body, without a lot of consequence. Before everything happened, it was easy for me to enjoy those things for a long while until it wasn't anymore.

[Is she going to explain what "everything" meant? Perhaps not.

Monts laughs at herself, light but bitter before she turns to him again and walks up to him, closing the gap herself. She holds out her hand.]

Can you give me your hand? I want to check something.

My hand?

[Gojyo turned his gaze with that. Looking down at Monts curiously, even as her own continued to fixate on the scenery around them.

Nah. It wasn't just the dust. Monts really did just look that fucking stunning tonight. His hand twitched, hesitating to reach out to hers. It was funny, usually it was so damn easy to just take a girl by the hand and just whisk her away. To flirt and kiss and dance and more, he never really found much struggle with it.

So why did he feel so hesitant now?

Was it because of what she said?]

I guess you're right about that. That it's pretty easy to lose yourself here.

[A beat.]

But sure, guess you can have my hand. Ain't the first time I had you take it from me after all.

[A subtle reference to the night with the fireworks. A fleeting moment of strange intimate fun shared between the two of them before they were forced to part ways.

Regardless, he took the dive. Reaching out to cusp her hand against his own.]

[Her lips twitch into another smile. Monts knows what he's referring to, her being the one who pulled him along and all. As Gojyo grasps her hand, she moves it so that his palm is facing up and her fingers wrap around his wrist. She's cool to the touch as her thumb traces the pads of his palm down to the line of the veins, stopping where she can feel his pulse.

For several seconds, Marianna is quiet and the world around her is still. There's only her eerie intensity that fills the air between them as her ocean eyes focus on that singular point of warmth and life.]

... Hm. [Her thumb softly presses down on his wrist.]

I used to do this to my past partners... Get a feel for their pulse I mean.

[Her eyes meet him with yet another hard-to-read expression past the pleasant serenity on the surface.]

It's just a way to remind myself that there are more similarities than none between us.

Edited 2022-08-22 21:57 (UTC)

open 🌙 july catchall

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Timeskip | Late Night Stardust Walk

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