jigokulogs | 🐉 JULY CATCH-ALL, CLOSED.

[ myth would indicate that dragons tended to indulge in sleep for a vast majority of their lives. unfortunately, it didn't encompass the whole truth. mort didn't necessarily require sleep to function (then again, in his world he was also impervious to sleep, stun, and other similar effects), and so it isn't a surprise that he frequented the night life in jigokucho. while people normally practiced a bit of caution in a new world, mort doesn't have such reservations.

if anything, it's precisely trouble he's looking for. except, trouble may be more applicable to the opposing party in this case. which, equally as unfortunate to everything else, happens to be a certain individual who catches his eye from a distance.

megumi stood out from the crowd in the sense that mort could almost feel a sort of different energy to him. he isn't sure if this is just a residual effect to the fact that he's somehow acquired more knowledge of him and his world than the other boy would care to admit, or... if it may have purely been megumi's powers doing all the talk. regardless of how his attention is captured, mort is quick not to let it escape. except, as he narrows in on him, does he find...

the boy moving a little funny? uh... ] As you've requested, I did not touch you this time.

[ does this count for something? it better, if just for the fact that mort never practices restraint. ]

[ The stardust was likely the cause of it all. Under the effects, Megumi feels himself just a bit more relaxed, his usual inhibitions a distant calling he found himself ignoring. That was probably why, when offered a drink by a stranger, the usually cautious and skeptical boy actually took it, falling victim to the vibe of the room and indulging himself. The bitterness of the liquid was agreeable to him, an alerting sting that rolled down his tongue, and the relaxation that set in after he had emptied the glass put his usual worries and contemplation at ease. One became two, and for a young man who rarely indulged, that was well enough to take its toll on his body, causing his usually soft and nimble steps to stagger, the pale skin of his face taking on a light flush.

Megumi recognises the taller man too easily, and while he would normally have his guard up against this suspicious character, the alcohol in his blood keeps him relaxed. ] Are you ...expecting praise from me?

[ Not intruding into someone's space uninvited should be a basic courtesy.
Megumi motions to move, but with his balance thrown off he ends up staggering forward and finds himself gripping onto the dragon's shirt for support, cursing under his breath for showing him this undignified scene. ~~Hope he got a new shirt and isn't walking around in the ripped one....~~ ]

[ he admits this is not a position he expects to see the other in. despite how they first met, it was clear that megumi tended to be extremely guarded and carried the air of one who was both reserved and wary. especially against him. in that sense, the contrast is enough to cause a dark and subdued chuckle to escape his lips.

the irony of it is only amplified when he sees his body move towards him. while normal people may have found it natural to have supported him immediately, mort ... isn't typical. instead, he seems to study the way the other stands and positions himself. watching as he feels the sorcerer's fingers curl over the material of his non-ripped shirt (he worked for new threads okay). ]

You should be careful when roaming around at this time. [ it's a warning precisely because he may be exactly one of those ill-intentioned people. albeit, not in the same way he cautions against. ] But to answer your question, yes. I do think I deserve something.

[ .... but does it count if megumi is the one touching him???

still, as if to stick to his original point, he does not reach out quite yet, even if it does seem like the boy is struggling. ]

[ Next time, if anything starts to feel off while out in the streets of Hell, Megumi asserts to himself that he will head home immediately. There won't be a next time, as far as he can help it, because anything might be preferable to the humiliation of being in such an untoward state in front of someone he sees as a threat. He leans against the dragon for a good second to steel himself against the rocking world in his perception, but pushes against him soon after, breaking apart even if it means he continues to stagger. ]

What would that be then ... [ What does the older man think he deserves? Perhaps it's the drink in him, but Megumi doesn't feel inclined to end the interaction immediately, relaxed enough for some curiousity. His head's still spinning though, his coordination lost from him. He rubs at it, clicking his tongue. ] 'Tch ...

[ it's been a while since he's been witness to someone being so clearly... hammered for a lack of a better word (he might even proclaim he's seen more dragons succumb to actual poison than alcohol). the hint of intoxication only seems to snowball into a further state of dishevel. but, despite that, mort relishes the idea that megumi is still trying to put up some sort of guard against him.

his mental fortitude was impressive, if just for the fact that he's somehow still managing to hold his own and keep... surprisingly well to their current line of conversation. ] Permission to touch you. [ there's a pause between them as he continues: ] If just because it's quite clear you need a hand.

[ a small hint of a smile, if just because this situation was... actually kind of humorous all things considered. ] Do you disagree?

[ He's definitely berating himself now for ending up in this situation. It's the stardust, he tells himself. But truthfully he should have known better than to pick up a drink at all in public. If he were to be attacked right now, he wouldn't exactly have the coordination or alertness to respond in time. At least he can't actually sense any ill intent from the dragon. Or, perhaps he simply had no interest in fighting an intoxicated boy, who clearly wouldn't be putting up half as good a fight. ]

Do whatever you want. [ Which is as much permission as he's able to give. Megumi starts to move, feeling the world spinning around him as he tries to make his way to somewhere he can sit. ]

I'm going to sit somewhere.

[ everything megumi has assessed was perfectly accurate. he neither held ill-will nor would he ever engage in a fight with someone where the odds were stacked against them. mort would more likely down his own weapon than permit himself any sort of upper hand. while this would partially due to his vague sense of honor, it was also due to the fact that there would be no pleasure derived from simply killing someone unguarded.

what megumi probably doesn't see is that mort views this situation as he had similar situations in the past. he would care for the boy in hopes of eventually mentoring him further. to help him reach his potential. it was clear he was still young, despite being powerful. the more ripe the fruit, as they say. (says no one actually...)

but, with permission granted, he takes this as an opportunity to hold him around the waist; both steadying him, as well as anchoring him in place. ] Sit, and then what? [ at this rate... you are going to be passed out on the streets, megumikun. ]

[ With his gait unsteady, Megumi finds himself leaning against the dragon's body for support. While being made to accept support from Mortelix compels him to want to push away immediately, there's a part of him that knows doing so will only cause him to fall flat on his face, given his lacking coordination at the moment. Once again, he curses himself for allowing himself to end up in this situation. ]

It'll clear up eventually ... [ It doesn't sound like he has a very promising plan, but who really could, in a situation like this? Right now, he just wants to not have to be depending on a very suspicious person for support.

Now that he thinks about it ...

Megumi looks up at the order, narrowing his eyes in both suspicion and confusion. ]

Why are you helping me?

Eventually. [ he repeats megumi's words as if to punctuate how ridiculous it sounded in the present context. the fact that he was indeed leaning on him only perpetuated this fact. but, well, mort wasn't one to argue with someone, even against his clear disagreement. he never doubted he was right, and he presumes this was yet another situation he would make no commentary on, but judge it as is...

you drunk, boy.

but, he doesn't exactly bring more attention to this fact. something tells him that megumi was a bright boy who was probably more than capable of rationalizing the situation. otherwise, he suspects he wouldn't be here.

all the same, at megumi's words, he gives a brief pause. it wasn't a bad question. mort could have come up with various answers— believing in his potential, not wanting him to die on the streets as a result, the fact that he was used to similar situations...

either way— ] Whim. Now if I've answered all your questions— [ with that said, he then picks up megumi with the same arm around his waist and throws him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. ]

Let's go.

[ 'Whim' somehow makes completely sense, despite not actually being any sort of real answer. The more powerful an entity is, the more predisposed they are to their whims - simply because they can. For some reason, that answer reminds him of another calamity from back home. A natural disaster that's both massacred over a hundred innocent, defenseless people, and saved his life for no fathomable reason. Whims are dangerous and unpredictable.

He doesn't know why that's where his mind had traveled to, but he's going to blame that on the alcohol. ]

That's hardly an ans -- [ And with little warning, he's picked up and thrown over a shoulder so carelessly. His usual tepid and stoic demeanor falters and Megumi breaks out into a flustered protest, kicking out and banging his fists the dragon's back. ]

What?! What are you doing -- Put me down!

[ whether it's a response that puts megumi's curiosity to ease or not, mort considered it of no consequence. he presumes if it wasn't enough, megumi would simply find reason to fight him, and while in his present state... mort can't see it coming together very smoothly, he still would have been up for the idea of witnessing it. whether, he would view it as an actual threat or not would be another matter entirely. it was clear the boy was strong, but it was also equal parts obvious that he was not in his best form.

obvious.

hence, even the kicking and banging doesn't seem to faze him. he approaches it like one would a wounded animal scratching and hissing as its savior.

but, fortunately, he doesn't say that. ] If you're in no condition to fight me, you're in no condition to argue. [ there's a shrug that megumi might feel as mort only secures his grip. ] ... I have to say, this is the funniest I've seen you look.

[ is he enjoying this? yes. ]

[ It's funny how quickly his desire to inflict some sort of violence spikes the moment Mort had made the claim, that he is in 'no condition to fight'. His kicks and punches were in protest before, but upon hearing that assertion, a spite seems to consume him, and be absolutely wants to prove the dragon wrong now. The claim that he is funny helps none. ]

Who said I'm in no condition? [ And so, against his better judgement, Megumi clasps his hands together, making the shadow puppet of a dog. His face keeps that stoic, serious look, even if his actions are vastly inappropriate for the situation. For no logical reason at all, he summons his strongest shikigami at the moment, the combined version of both his dogs - Totality. ]

Knock him out.

[ The large wolf attempts to do just that, charging at Mort like he's ready to bow him over. ]

[ there has to be something to be said about a man who is fully capable of desiring a fight regardless of their present state. it is equal parts impressive, as it is... reckless from his own thoughts, but considering the boy's strength, he didn't necessarily consider the latter a con. with power came the ability to overcome most adversity, and in this case, came with the confidence to approach any given situation with grace and poise.

the latter two concepts may not be as applicable, however. this is probably doubly the case when paired with the fact that mort is now sliding megumi off and lifting his body directly in between himself and the dogs; holding him out, his arms slightly raised as if he were displaying some prize.

the dogs, he can't deny, are intriguing and in any other hour, he would easily want to fight them, but he was firm on his stance of waiting until megumi as at his prime. much like how any good wine connoisseur would wait and hide away their more valuable spirits. ] Are you sure you want to devour your master as well?

[ this is embarrassing... and as if to accentuate his point, whatever minute movements the dog makes, mort is sure to force megumi's body to follow, even at the expense of being shaken violently from left to right. granted, he's relieved its at megumi's expense and not his own. ]

[ Divine Dog is a simple curse that operates on two guiding objectives: obey your master, and protect him. These two principles are now coming into significant conflict, with the large creature attempting to land its attack as directed, but being hindered just at the last moment by the boy being parading around in front of it like a meat shield. Being held up like a toddler already has Megumi's annoyance spiking, and he curses his own current state of weakness, dizzy and unable to collect himself enough to break out of the other's grasp. The shaking only rattles him up completely and plunges him into a greater state of dizziness and nausea, the world now looking like it's tumbling around him.

It feels like he might retch, and he does mildly, covering his mouth and closing his eyes. Funny how when this dragon is involved, he always ends up in situations that result in nausea? He's feeling humiliated beyond belief at the absurd scene, and even at the expense of himself, he wants nothing more than for Mort to taste this same humiliation. It feels like he might just pass out at some point anyway, so screw it, right? ]

Forget me. Throw him on the ground.

[ With that command, Divine Dog charges forward, little consideration for its master as it crashes right into him and Mort behind him, bowing them both over with the intention of forcing Mort on his back.

Of course, this hurts Megumi way more than it does Mort, but he's thriving off the satisfaction of forcing the dragon on the ground. He might have even broken a rib?? This is so stupid???? But yes.

Megumi tries to get up, but truthfully, he's suffering. He ends up collapsing against the dragon's chest. ]

Edited 2022-08-31 09:58 (UTC)

[ there has been several concepts that mort had to inevitably come to terms with in this place. numero uno being that currency actually held some vague semblance of meaning here. being a dragon, he was accustomed owning treasures and valued artifacts; he had no shortage of gold or jewels, but it's here he realizes how desolate his funds were without any of that. ... and as it happens to be, this world required actual cash money.

without his hundreds of subordinates or his riches, he found... he actually had to work.

most occupations were ill-fitted to him here, regardless he does use these attempts at "jobs" as a way to potentially find his rival. yuuji had been one such a candidate.

beyond that, the boy seemed to hold some sort of interest (even if it may have been purely based on the fact that he was a dragon — how novel and maybe a little sad if that was true) and so mort was willing to test those boundaries. besides, he figured it'd be good practice against someone he... may actually want to grow closer to.

all the more motivated, he speaks quietly as if sharing a secret with him. ] Can I truly have you? [ as usual, his words... leave a lot to be desired, but thanks for letting him try out his tamamo training on you!! then again, yuuji probably is the only one would agree to something like this... ]

[ how could he say no when mort asked so nicely? of course he would comply and offer his assistance, even when at the time he didn't quite comprehend the type of 'training' he is signing himself into. the tamamo province is scandalous in itself; one always had to walk in with an open mentality, and more importantly — self-restraint. it's so easy to fall victim to such temptations that lurk in every corner, and as an enma yuuji understood that a lot would use certain ways to get out of debts/trouble, and he shouldn't be persuaded by cheap tricks. most of the time he did well, coped and got the job done.

but, he's not at work right now. he's with a friend. a friend he's terribly smitten with, too. a dangerous mix. ]

Yeaaaah ...

[ came out the honest answer, sighing and staring at the other in low lashes. a beat— he then snapped out of it, eyes growing wide and alert, back straight. oh, he's not supposed to consent too easy, is he? if he wants to help mort polish his charm (not that he fucking needs to!), the sorcerer had to give him a bit of a challenge. why else would they need training if it didn't involve them learning the art of seduction? after all, not everyone who walks in here is a ball of sunshine.

he clears his throat, forcing a scowl while folding his arms against his chest. ]

I mean, no!! I am a very stubborn man, and I shall not be persuaded with dashing good looks alone!!

[ was that good? he gives mort a quick thumb up and a wink. check out his acting skills!! ]

[ temptation was truly an intriguing word. prior to his placement within the tamamo clan, he never considered himself particularly indulgent, and yet in comparison to everyone else who seemed so fixated on the idea of recoiling away from their own wants and desires... he can't help but to view himself in a slightly different light. in his life, mort had always used himself as the ultimate criterion for which he assessed everything, and now it was teaching him things about himself that he had never considered before.

even today's events was some peculiar extension to all of that. mort was indulging in the idea of closing the distance between himself and yuuji. perhaps, even learn a bit more about him along the way. it never hurt to learn more on the person you could potentially want to spend a portion of your life with, right? (as rivals, but listen.)

... and he really is learning quite a bit. mort often finds himself impressed by how genuinely good-natured he seemed. it wasn't that he was pure per say, but that he had a unique, but kind quality to him. maybe some would have labeled this quality... compassion? acceptance? he isn't exactly sure, but—

his thoughts almost numb him to the initial "yeah" that yuuji first projects. then, he hears the rest and almost wonders if he is supposed to be convinced by his words? but, he easily decides to go along with it in respect to him. ] Then maybe I should give this "stubborn man" what he truly desires...

[ ...

...

... and then he pulls out straight vodka. ]

[ being a 'rival' is still a foreign concept, simply because he didn't quite understand the dynamic mort is seeking. often confused (seduced) with the allure behind his voice, soft features, and well-spoken words— in contrast to his desire to have someone he could test his own strength with. the sorcerer tends to brush it off as someone seeking a sparring partner, but it never settled well in the back of his mind. there's something more to it that should have kept him a bit wary of such bold intents, yet yuuji is keen on dismissing it. because ... pretty dragon ♥

for a second, there's ecstasy— heart pounding in his chest, face burning up in anticipation of what might happen between the walls of an opulent hub and in the company of tenko-hime's new lil fox. could it be? it must be!

and subsequently ... he is presented with a drink.

yuuji ends up staring, tilting his head from one side and then to the other— slow blink. silence follows before he gasped a soft 'oh!', lips curling up shortly. ] Well, this stubborn man favors a delicious apple juice ... but I will not deny your kind request. Thank you!

[ sure, he had a drink before, but it didn't mean he knew the variation in strength and flavor; vodka might be too strong, but this is someone who is used to eating the raw flesh of a cursed spirit. so, he can handle this. as he waits to be served, yuuji relaxed against his seat, eyeing his companion for a second before daring to drop a serious question- ... breaking character for now because this is important. ]

How comfortable are you with physical intimacy with complete strangers?

[ he knows how that sounds, and he's quick to gesture to mort that he's not making a move at him; chuckling a bit. ]

I know we're fooling around right now, but some people might expect you to ... do stuff? Are you okay with that?

Edited 2022-07-24 17:38 (UTC)

[ to be honest, he's heard that alcohol was a great equalizer in conversation. what reservations people have are left at the door, and it was enough where he's heard humans had considered it a sort of rite or ritual they complete at a certain age. while it didn't exactly piece together with his dragon sensibilities, he knows his foolish father had shared many a drink with humans during his time as dragon lord (which also led to his demise, ultimately, but he digresses).

realistically, he's not sure how effective it was on someone like yuuji who seemed honest and easygoing by nature. but, he supposed everyone had secrets and even the seemingly most optimistic and heroic individuals were just as susceptible to that rule than anyone else. no, perhaps it would be fair to state that there probably was more beneath the surface there than the average man.

his lips curve upwards slightly, giving something akin to an amicable smile as he pours his drink into his glass. per his training, he heard a smile was just as imperative as the act of serving them. but, before he could continue on with anything else, yuuji mentions physical intimacy. to be honest as a dragon that was either revered or feared, he never expected anyone to wonder about how he feels. he supposed only the boy in front of him would be concerned over such a matter.

as if to answer his question, or perhaps to perfectly evade it, he reaches out, the tips of his fingers gripping onto yuuji's. it's a brief touch and yuuji might notice the way his fingertips are more cold than they are warm. but, before his touch lingers, he moves yuuji's hand...

to around the glass of vodka. still not removing his hand, he continues: ] I am more curious to know what you think. Do I seem the type to mind? [ to be honest, mort did have his own sense of honor to uphold, and he figures if he didn't like something, he was more than okay leaving, but it was kind of entertaining to test him. ]

[ while he did experience the joys of intoxication and its daunting effects, yuuji had an impressive level of tolerance for someone as young as he is, and inexperienced. it didn't mean he is keen on making it a habit, if anything— the sorcerer isn't fond of it. he didn't appreciate not being in control or lucid enough to be aware of his surroundings. the alcohol bliss seemed to dominate his choices for him, blurring his memory along the way and it held an eerie resemblance to when sukuna takes over. an interesting experience, but no thank you.

however, denying a friend's gesture is not something he wished to do; especially when he knew, inwardly, he can tolerate a drink or two while still keeping his head above water. this seems like a night he would like to remember.

the touch teasing his hand rallied his senses again; his gaze tracing the other's movement in a pressing curiosity. if mort's intention is to distract and subsequently elude that question, it might've worked like a charm, as yuuji is more fixated on being pampered— staring down at their hands together. he then closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment to make one important promise to his future self: 'don't ever visit this place again' — yeah, he's not made to be seduced. someone so weak-hearted and touch-starved is a perfect victim of easy money. they will rob him blind. ]

I think ... I don't have to worry about you.

[ that's when yuuji's cheeks finally warmed up, taking a light shade of pink, grinning with a distinct fluster. yo, he had no shame— he's fucking smitten and mort had to know it. finally, he breaks away from the other's touch, only to bring the glass close to his lips and downed the whole thing in one breath. ah, that was a little too strong, and yet yuuji took it like a champ. ]

You will not let anyone take advantage of you. I can tell you're strong. You're built to fight, and you'll be just fine in this messy faction! [ and then with a shrug: ] ... just keep in mind you have a friend in the Enma, and I can totally arrest someone for you.

[ it's been entire centuries since he's gotten intimate enough with an individual to read their every shift in expression under his touch. while there were no shortage of knights and dragons who approached him with the intentions to slay him, none were quite as intertwined in his life than the girl he had raised. sometimes, mort feels like he can see a vague inkling of her in yuuji. a mere glimpse of shadows that seems to pass every time he sees the bit of color tinge his features.

but, it wasn't just in his reaction. it was in the goodwill he projects and maybe even in the hope he seems to offer (even to someone as horribly intentioned like mort), as well as in the darkness that seems to dwell just beneath the surface. the more mort touches him and capture his warmth within his own, colder hands, does he begin to think there are multiple ways in which they intersect, and he finds himself wanting to untangle each thread. naturally, the more curious he becomes, the more bold he feels in his advances.

which is why he's a bit surprised and even mildly disappointed at the prospect of yuuji pulling away, even if it is to finally give attention to the drink he's poured. it's an unreasonable sentiment, but one he had possesses nonetheless. ] That's a shame. It might have been a nice experience to win your concern.

[ he's mostly joking. but, mort can't help but find yuuji's reactions and even the way he estimates him as nothing short of "adorable." then again, mort found the idea of being stabbed in the back as "cute," so who knows if it's an actual fitting conclusion he's come to.... he gives a small hum of thought before giving a slightly easygoing nod. ] I'll be sure to remember that. I think the sight of you exerting your authority over someone could be equally appealing.

[ at that, he reaches over, touching the corner of yuuji's lip, wiping any residual alcohol off. only a fool wouldn't use a tactic that yielded such delicious results, righ? ]

You really think that's appealing? Most of the time, folks just frown at the sight of an Enma flashing their badge, a-and-

[ — oh.

he lost his line of thoughts here, stuttering his last word into something incoherent before shutting himself up; shoulders visibly tensed under the thick fabric of his hoodie, eyes wide. it was at this very moment yuuji noted how cold mort's skin felt against his own, and how close it was to sneak a touch over his lower lip. while he understood the nature of their little training session here, presuming mort is doing nothing more than fulfilling his duties as a tamamo host— after all, they just had to be so sly and enticing in everything they do. a really dangerous bunch.

but, but ... walking into this with some vague, one-sided attraction is making what is intended to be a playful tease to skyrocket into a mad turmoil of wild emotions.

he didn't pull away this time, which might've been less humiliating than what he was about to do. the sorcerer broke off his silence with a short-winded and very nervous chuckle. it took him a while to realize he'd been clutching into each knee with such force that he's almost hurting himself right now, so — let's relax the hands, and stretch those fingers. he's still so stiff. ]

Umm ...

[ .......... ]

Can I have another drink? Fresh juice. I'm not good with alcohol ...

[ yes, give mort an excuse to leave the table, so he can calm the fuck down. ]

Edited 2022-07-30 19:13 (UTC)

[ the fact that he doesn't immediately pull away is a relatively positive sign as far as mort was concerned. though, he easily identifies the fact that can't simply take it at face value, either. a lot could go on in the mind of an individual who is debating between fight and flight, after all.

tilting his own head slightly, he angles it if just to get a closer view of the sorcerer. he can almost taste the discomfort and finds that a bit intriguing too. he wonders if this meant that he failed at being a proper host, but maybe yuuji will forgive him? while he isn't exactly certain what yuuji is deliberating on, he takes it as progress if he's allowing him in such close proximity. which he still isn't sure comes from trust, confidence, or something else he can't see.

at yuuji's request, however, he does seem to nod along. since he asked so nicely!

but... whether fortunate or unfortunate, he doesn't quite leave yet. while his fingers do move, they fall somewhere near his collar bone. he gives a light squeeze, massaging into the muscle. his touch is firm, but lacking the pressure to cause any real pain. ] Don't be so tense.

I am sure you know this, but tensing your muscles can become a bad habit. [ he recites this with accustomed ease, as if he were more of a teacher than a ... whatever this was. regardless, he seems to shake it off as he does release his hold on yuuji. after all, now was the next hurdle...

what fruit juice is even popular. he might just have to select by some arbitrary means like smell. to bring less attention to the fact that he's still relatively poor at making these types of calls (who let an ancient dragon try his hand at mixology??), he continues. ] I never would have guessed you were poor with alcohol considering the way you consumed it.

[ how is he not supposed to be tense after this?! yuuji didn't know it was possible to feel like a wild fever roaming through his body, from 0 to 100 in such a short period of time. in fact, he's pretty sure that's not normal, and he would've assumed he's falling sick if he wasn't — well, excited?

yes, this is new. there is a hint of awkwardness, but it was also really flattering. this is probably the charm of the hosting services of the tamamo faction; give the client the satisfaction of living their wildest dreams and yuuji is living one right now. despite the enamored, intoxicated smile on his face— the sorcerer is still sober enough not to be utterly blinded by temptations, and act on them. mort is a friend. mort is working right now. mort is not hitting on him; he is just doing his job. mort is also one sexy delicious piece of-

he breathed out a heavy exhale, snapping out of it and rolling his shoulder back- ]

You're right. It is a bad habit, but I'm a bit tense for a reason.

[ expressing himself had never been easy, often coming off as too straightforward and maybe crude. however, itadori yuuji has always been honest; that's what he can offer. ]

I'm really enjoying my time right now. A lot. It can be for the shallow reason that you're really attractive, but you're also graceful. I don't ... think you need any further training in the charm department. You're a pro already. Consider me charmed! ♥

[ and really riled up, not sure if he should be here much longer without embarrassing himself further. as for the alcohol, he shrugged. ]

... I can stomach anything? Even if I hate the taste. [ he glances toward the other, shifting a bit closer- ] We could prepare the drinks together. If you need help with that? I used to work in a restaurant/bar before getting promoted.

Edited 2022-08-13 11:38 (UTC)

[ seeing the array of emotions that flit across yuuji's countenance is nothing short of amusing. he supposed it was always an interesting experience to be on the other end of someone's goodwill, or even affections. though, mort isn't sure if it's affections so much as just a temporary state of heightened emotions for the boy. even when they first met, it seemed he had some interest in the pure concept that he was a dragon ~~(who is actually an ogre)~~, after all... mort presumes that still played some sort of role in his overall appeal, and to be honest, he wasn't opposed to taking advantage of that fact.

what he doesn't truly see beneath the surface is likely all the little emotions that he truly didn't have a full comprehension of. kind of like now. ] And here I thought you were supposed to be a difficult customer. [ he responds in tune, but there seems to be some humor to his voice. ]

But, I think I also prefer you as you are. [ as the sorcerer who may very well be the one who cures him of his eternal boredom.

but, with that done and said— ]

If you would. I admit I had subordinates who handled most of the menial tasks. Besides, it would be a shame if my concoction ended up being the worst thing you've tasted. [ but, can his drinks compare to sukuna's fingers??? i hope not. imagine a flesh/curse flavored drink. ]

That's ... actually really sweet, Mort!

[ whether the dragon meant it in the way yuuji perceived it or not, it didn't matter— it felt nice to hear someone accepts him for who he is. or, at least, say it out loud. there's a bit of flattered pride behind his smile; a cheery little shake of his head as he got himself settled right next to his friend— drumming his fingers playfully as he regarded the offered options. it's a wild selection, mostly alcoholic (obviously for a reason) — he hums, contemplates some more, and then starts by grabbing a glass- ]

Okay. This one is not really alcoholic-free? But ... a lot of souls seemed to favor it whenever they ask for a refreshing taste. I tried it, and it's actually really good. A very easy drink to make while you charm your guests! You don't wanna' keep 'em waiting for too long, you know?

[ he proceeds to pour some gin, then added fresh lemon juice to the mix, a drizzle of lightly sweetened syrup then finished with club soda; he then stirs all the ingredients together, and dropped some ice before decorating with a lemon slice and a cute cherry on top. it will certainly taste a lot better than sukuna's fingers. ]

Give it a try!

[ he tossed in a straw and leaned over to mort's direction— with every intent to coax him for a taste as he held the glass up.

ah, who's serving who now? ]

[ "sweet." the more he speaks to yuuji, the more he inevitably hears terms that he isn't accustomed to. or rather, he's only heard in whispers and misunderstandings formed from his prior pupil. he supposed maybe this could still constitute as some form of misinterpretation, but, of no creation but his own.

oddly enough, he was satisfied with that and shows that in a light curve of his lips. either way, it was pure fact that he believed those who harnessed special abilities and powers be treated appropriately, and raised and given all the right resources. normally, he would be all hands-in on this, but he likes the idea of studying yuuji from a careful distance.

a distance that actually doesn't seem all too far. when yuuji's hands move, mort studies them with interest. once complete and kind of in his face, he leans over to take a few careful sips through the straw, his neck leaning down as yuuji holds the glass in place.

the drink itself was was surprisingly refreshing. unlike the horrifying creations of mostly straight up alcohol he's created, he does find this easier to swallow down. he's heard in instances like these it was imperative to give praise, and so, he lifts a hand and places it on top of yuuji's head. ] You did well.

[ a pause before— ] May I make you one as well?

[ this is where he shows his skills in mimicry, he thinks... ]

[ he offers a little bow, and while it was more of him being silly yuuji still felt a sense of pride for getting that acknowledgment. it took him a fair amount of time to find his way into creating respectful drinks, and after many errors (and dealing with a very angry boss)— it's good to know he is skillful enough to offer a helping hand. ]

Sure! Make the same one and then create your own. Surprise me!

[ he leans back on his seat, using the same straw that was offered to mort, enjoying the refreshing taste. from where he is resting, it was safe to stare— the sorcerer found himself showing less interest in the dragon's work and more in his physical aspect. his soft hair, the curve of those horns, his strong build, and then further down to his ... tail. he slurps some more, silence, and then he blurted out: ]

You don't talk much about yourself.

[ it felt like every question yuuji has asked, somehow ends up with him talking about his own experiences and thoughts instead. if he wasn't so smitten, he would've picked up on it earlier. he considered this guy as a friend, and yet — he really didn't know anything about him either. ]

Are you coping well here?

[ it isn't often he concentrated on anything other than war, combat, and achieving his goals. it's odd to think that in the short time he's known yuuji that he's somehow managed to create these new experiences. to be honest, they're fresh enough to the point where mort isn't particularly certain if he enjoys them or not (still on the fence about using peach emoji, for example), but he does appreciate the knowledge he's inevitably passed on to him through these meetings.

it's fortunate mort had some vague semblance of bartending training when he had arrived, and he decides to use this to his advantage. as the sorcerer had suggested, he recreates his drink to a tee. nothing missing, including the garnishing. he then makes a second drink.

but, while he's debating what ingredients to use, it's then that he heard yuuji's words. "you don't talk much about yourself." that gets a small hint of a chuckle from him. ] Funny enough, I was going to say you are similar, but a little different.

Sometimes I get the impression, like now, that you're more concerned about others than you are yourself. [ he comprehends this on an irrefutable level that yuuji did always seem to put a priority on other people. just like now. it wasn't a bad thing, but it is perplexing to mort. which is why he probably spends a moment too long pondering this before he realizes his hands are idle. ]

But, I've been coping fine. You might think it odd, but I often feel this world will truly give me what I desire.

[ ... and he seems to stare at yuuji a second too long as he admits this. which isn't a lie. yuuji was strong and had endless potential. it wouldn't be off to state that he was sort of similar to being his own vessel. or that's the impression mort got of him. still, he closes his eyes briefly as if to physically break that line in conversation.

does this count as talking about himself... ]

🐉 JULY CATCH-ALL, CLOSED.

🐸 dated around mingle, stardust + dronk - megumi.

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i missed this ??

ilu...

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wow

🐯 dated around mini-event, ojt - yuuji.

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i'm embarrassed

after my sext emoji tag, you have nothing to be embarrassed about

adsjkH STOP!! it was... impressive. we all need to strive to be that kind of hero

i hope mort gets to sext someone one day u_u

he will have to run it by his sexting manager yuuji first u_u

you really want mort to stay single, huh?

stop!?! yooj is the 🍑 master

and yet he gets no 🍑 sigh

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