jigokulogs | semi-closed 🔪 such is the mantra of men

(What Hizen doesn't expect is to get pulled over to a table suddenly. After finding nothing wrong with the dice, the patrons accused the dealer of cheating some other way and they were important enough to get someone better to mind their table. That better person however ends up being Hizen. Surely, a ranked member of Shuten will satisfy them?

Well, fuck them because Hizen is nothing but irritated right now. It isn't his first time minding a table but damn, he was really trying to avoid them. He plays the first couple of rounds carefully. He lets the patrons win just enough to make them comfortable and they lose juuuust enough that it feels normal. He gets them comfortable while encouraging them to slow down and warning them to be careful. They snap at him to just roll the dice, call him a kid, and scoff at each other about how they knew the last dealer was shit.

They never notice the way he switches the dice effortlessly each time. He might not completely understand the game but he knows just enough. He has a natural talent for sneaking around and it carries over to the table with each controlled move he does and while the house winnings aren't as great as they could have been... it's enough. Perhaps it's for the best because if it was too much, they would really think something was going on.

Of course, that doesn't stop them from accusing him of cheating like that last punk and Hizen snaps back,)

I told ya to quit while you were ahead--!

(HE WARNED THEM AND THEY HAVE THE AUDACITY TO COME FOR HIM HE'S GOING TO BEAT THEM AT MORE THAN JUST THIS GAME IF THEY KEEP UP...)

If you think he's cheating, prove it. [ Nishitani, his Shuten pin proudly on his lapel, standing at the table Hizen has come over to take. He'd been skeptical of the kid dealing, but his moves have been flawless so far-- which makes Nishitani happy, and makes the clan happy too. ]

[ Taking a long drink of his scotch on rocks, Nishitani looks over at the kappa making a fuss, resting his temple against the iced drink, looking the put upon, currently in a dry steak, patron. He's a ranked Shuten, if anyone was cheating and benefiting, it should be him. ]

[ And sure, Hizen may be trying to lend favour to Nishitani, but Nishitani has cheated right back. Two men controlling the field, and one taking centre point on field. ]

(The kappa scoffs. He rallies his friend into agreeing with him and continues to accuse them of being unfair. He hadn't seen it, he can't prove it, but he just knows. The kappa is noisy, obnoxious, and truly grating and Hizen's hand moves from the dice to the sword he keeps at his side just when Nishitani speaks up. He stops, shifting a glance over to the senior member.

If anyone should be benefitting from cheating, it should be Nishitani but as far as Hizen is concerned, why help when he figures one bad table means nothing in the long run as long as he can make it up? He's confident a significant portion of the members here can do that tonight.

With two ranked members holding their ground and claiming their innocence, the kappa grits his teeth and storms off. But he has his eye on them, the kappa swears.

Hizen's posture relaxes and he's quick to step away from the table. He snaps at a passing oni to take over for him. The oni begins to complain that he's on break and Hizen just cuts them off,)

I'm getting a drink.

(And he has no intention of coming back. He really hates dealing with people.)

[ Nishitani watches Hizen stalk off before tapping his remaining chips on the table, wood clicking against plastic. ] Tables cold anyways. [ Given the loosing streak he'd been fostering, the others around him murmur their ascent. When he tips the dealer and leaves, it's perfectly within his right to do so. ]

[ When he makes his way to the bar, also within his right. He orders Hizen a drink, tells the bartender to tell Hizen who bought it too. When Hizen looks over, Nishitani will raise his drink, an offer for conversation. ]

(He passes the bartender his money only to have it turned away. A nod of the head in a certain direction and Hizen turns to see...)

Still got money to spend?

(He seems unimpressed. He doesn't reach for the drink either,)

What d'ya want?

(He approaches this like he does with all first gifts: with suspicion. He might have grown used to accepting things from others but he still expects some sort of catch.)

More than enough, baby.

[ Nishitani tops off his own drink, pops out a cigarette and offers one to Hizen. ] Want nothing. Can't a boss offer his underling a reward for a good job?

(Baby.............. he makes a visible face. Is he being mocked? Made fun of? Not taken seriously? He knows he looks young compared to his actual age. He's used to being mistaken for just some teenaged punk but baby??????)

You're not my boss.

(He says, snatching the cigarette. He doesn't smoke often; his vice is drinking, but he feels like he needs to prove himself right now. Like he needs to hold his ground and make sure this guy doesn't brush him off as some kid he can boss around.

(Always reading into things the worse way. Assuming the worst in everyone.))

I'm here 'cause the boss gave us orders.

(If he had a choice, he'd happily be napping at home or drinking at Hemlock. He'd be anywhere but among the crowd.)

Unfortunately for you, while I may not be the manager or pitboss here, I trained everyone who is. [ Nishitani's eyes glint fuchsia in the dim light of the bar, the cozy atmosphere choked with cigarette and cigar smoke. ] With blessings from the boss. My job to make sure this place runs smoothly opening night. You helped with that.

So, take the thanks. [ Or don't. Either way will mark something firm in Nishitani's books. ]

...

(Perhaps not the boss but someone more experienced in the area. Someone in charge for the moment and in turn, not someone he should seek out a fight with.

It's clear he doesn't want to just accept the offer. He's hesitant-- suspicious-- and he keeps his eyes on Nishitani as he reaches for his drink.)

If that's what ya want then keep me off the tables. (Please. He's complaining but he truly hates it. He knows what he's good at it and it isn't that.) I got my own job to do.

(A few minor cuts and scrapes on his knuckles, the occasional bandage wrapped around a finger or part of his hand to keep himself and the place clean. It's all minor and he's already begun to heal but it's clear enough that he's gotten into a few fights this night already. He's better at staying out of sight until he needs to take care of someone. He has no business mingling with the customers as far as he's concerned. )

Wasn't my fucking idea to put you on it. [ Nishitani is slightly peeved about that-- someone he trained picking a bouncer to cover a table. Absolutely not, a talk he's had already. ] You did good under the pressure though, kid.

(Raising his glass and taking a drink,)

Ain't a "kid."

(He knows he looks like one but he isn't. And he knows this isn't going to stop most people from calling him kid or -kun but he needs to say it at least once. Maybe someday, someone will listen.)

Plan on turning the tables or are you happy losing?

(He saw how Nishitani was playing.)

[ Only the little gods know why Andy didn't cut off all that damn hair after the blood rain. Back then, it seemed like a hundred trips to the sento wouldn't be enough to rinse all the caked gore free. Would have been easier to just shave her head fucking bald. But here she is, that wild mane still tumbling down her shoulders in angry waves — still a pain in the ass, and absolutely refusing to be tamed for an outing.

Andy, for her part, has mostly given up. She's left her brush abandoned on the bed. Probably just as well — she hasn't finished dressing yet either. Apparently neither heaven nor hell can make a seven thousand year old woman do anything before she's good and ready. Or maybe she's just wandering around in her underwear because she doesn't know where her clothes actually are.

The second thing seems more likely. That's probably why she's rooting around in their closet. ]

[ She's rooting around in their closet, and Nishitani is no help because he's standing behind her, hands gripping her hip dips, biting at her neck and shoulders as she tries to find the yukata's he'd gotten them a week or so ago. ]

[ The only thing that can get Nishitani off her-- ]

Fuck, bitch, your hair! [ Sputtering, Nishitani pulls back scraping at his face. Her hair got in his fucking mouth. Again. ]

[ That fucking hair has a mind of its own. Sometimes it wants to choke a man, and Andy should probably try harder to do something about it, but she doesn't seem particularly impressed with Nishitani's struggle. She glances over her shoulder when he starts cursing, sparing him a slightly raised eyebrow and not much else.

Dryly, as she turns back to their closet: ]

That's what you get for coming the fuck up behind me.

[ Not that she really minds. ]

[ Spitting out chunks of thick black hair, Nishitani backs up enough to look over Andy's shoulder, hands still on her hips. The closet is largely his, filled with suits of red, purple, gray, black-- ties and waistcoats and shoes, too. Andy's gear is... she has less of a show to put on, while Nishitani must always look the welldressed yakuza. ]

The fuck are you looking for anyways?

[ It’s true - Andy’s wardrobe is far more utilitarian, mostly neutral colors with a preference for black. It’s easier that way. Less thinking involved when she gets dressed in the morning. But she’s not looking for her usual shit this time.

At his question, she glances back at him again - then, after a moment, turns around in his arms to face him. It’s probably an invasion of personal space, but she reaches up without asking to help pluck a stray strand of hair or two from his mouth, maybe a little amused while she does so. ]

Trying to find the outfit you got me for the festival. [ Dryly: ] At this rate, I might end up going in my fucking panties.

If you want these thugs to run train on you, you can just tell me, baby. No need to play coy. [ He lets her help with the removal of her hair, and Nishitani grips her hips once she's facing him, his face uncharacteristically soft when looking at her. ]

They're both hung up on my side.

[ His rough, scarred hands are a familiar weight on her hips by now, fitting against the curve of bone like they’ve always belonged there. ]

Seems like a lot of work when I’ve already got a thug at home who fucks me fine.

[ Her voice is dry as ever, but there’s a glint of something amused in her eyes, and her arms casually drape themselves over his shoulders. She doesn’t seem in a hurry to check his side of the closet - she trusts everything is there, and they’ve got time. ]

[ She faces him, and he pins her against the wardrobe now, against the side still closed. He'll have to clean the mirror later, but he might just use some of Ryouma's money to pay someone else to do it-- because his fingers skate down her hips to her ass, pressing into firm muscle. ] Only "fine"? Breaking my heart, Andy!

[ She lets herself be backed up against the mirrored surface, leaning her head back against the glass in a way that offers her throat as a challenge. As his fingers dig in, her arms urge him closer, coaxing him to lean down towards her. ]

You do alright. [ Low and wry: ] Good enough that I've been letting you sleep in my bed since we fucking met.

Edited 2022-08-07 06:45 (UTC)

[ The palace is one of the first places she goes looking for him. After asking around she confirms that she was right to come here. It doesn't take long to find him at a table. Setting her gift of a watermelon tied up with a ribbon in front of him she takes a seat. ]

Are you enjoying the festival? I got this for you since I remember you like them. They told me this one's really juicy.

[ Is that something one can tell from looking at the outside? They all looked the same to her but she'll trust the merchant knows what they're talking about. ]

[ A drink, a show, then back to the rounds Nishitani's making of Sai no Kawara. He's not expecting company, smoking hard and changed out of his informal yukata into a more formal suit. When a full fucking watermelon is put down beside him though, Nishitani gawks at the present (it has a bow?) then up at-- oh. Question and answer. Julieta. Nishitani's fucking thankful his drunk memory isn't worse than it is, or he wouldn't even remember her name. ]

[ Looking back down at the watermelon once she's seated, Nishitani finally takes the cigarette out from between his lips. ] I'll have to take your word for it.

So, what need does the Enma have of a scoundrel like me?

I'm supposed to be attending the opening for relaxation and diversion so I'm going to need your help.

[ Left to her own devices she's likely to just go back to work. Since she's just been promoted she should probably set a good example. If even the Enma himself suggests it might be a good idea to rest then she'll take that into consideration. There aren't any situations in active need of her attention so she can afford a few hours worth of running around the various food stalls in her yukata and enjoying some company. ]

[So the thing is, Kazuma knows how to cheat. Theoretically. He'd gone to the training, he'd been through the lessons, he'd proven he can actually do the tricks. The other thing is, he simply doesn't like the idea. So when the time comes, he just doesn't bother with it.

Dealing honestly in a Shuten establishment! The scandal.

At first, it might just look like he's covering his tracks well, but anyone paying close attention as the night passes might notice that his table is doing rather worse than others--or, rather, the clientele themselves seem to be somewhat luckier. Not outrageously, mind--he isn't helping them win, either, and some people are simply bad at cards--but enough that there's a noticeable difference to those who know what to look for. Nishitani, certainly, is one of those people.

Kazuma, apparently, is cocky enough to think nobody is paying attention, or if they are, they don't care enough to interfere.]

[ Nishitani plays Kazuma's table for a round or two. ]

[ That's all he needs. Standing up, he approaches one of the young attendants, her dress cut low and drinks on a platter above her head. He tells her he needs to see the pitboss. ]

[ It's mere minutes later Kazuma is "relieved" of duty, pulled away from the table and coming face to face with one very irate Nishitani. They're out of public eye here. There's no camera's either. ] Boy, that was some dumb shit you just tried pulling.

Edited 2022-08-12 04:44 (UTC)

[A more sensible person would probably deflect, or apologize, or play dumb, or do anything to try and deescalate the situation. Kazuma is not a more sensible person. Rather than do any of those things, he tilts his chin up and looks Nishitani square in the eye.]

I somehow doubt a single table will make much of a dent in profits, sir.

[ Nishitani's smoking-- he's always smoking, and when Kazuma doesn't immediately apologize he points at the kid with the same hand carrying the cigarette, smoke choking the air between them. ] It's not about fucking profits. [ Nishitani's a friendly person, when he wants to be-- overbearing, insane, criminal, yes, but friendly. Here though, Kazuma is facing down with the Kijin Patriarch, a man who has done unspeakable things to further his own career, and is willing to do unspeakable things here to do the same. ] You think you know how to run a fucking casino? No. So you shut the fuck up and do as you're told, got it? Or I'll shut you up myself.

[Kazuma narrows his eyes as he considers the man in front of him.

The thing is, he isn't sorry he wasn't following instructions, and if directly asked about it he'll admit so. But he's not stupid, either. He's well aware that Shuten is populated by some very dangerous people, Nishitani included, and that continuing to press his luck here could end up very badly for him without much to show for it. He does have his pride, but there are other things he counts as more important. Marginally.

So he won't back down yet, but he will elect to tread carefully. He keeps his tone neutral rather than incendiary.]

Meaning what, sir? Isn't it better for our customers to feel they're having some success?

What's best is consistency. Once word gets out that you're the fucking weak link, you think the boss is going to want you working at any casino, let alone the one downstairs? [ Irritated, burning that cigarette down to the filter, throwing it at Kazuma's shoes. Deal with it, or don't. Nishitani will judge either way. ] So it's time to get your head out of your ass and do as told!

[That gets through to him, finally.

Kazuma doesn't make it that much of a secret that he doesn't particularly like the Shuten's values, but unfortunately he does need to fulfill his contract, and ideally as fast as possible. He really can't afford for Toraguma to have a problem with him.

Honestly, he'd hoped nobody would notice his little protest, but it seems he really does need to toe the line here. Keep his head down. Compromise his morals.

He stares down at the cigarette Nishitani threw at his feet and grinds his teeth.]

I... understand. Sir.

[It feels like the words are being dragged out of him, but this is what he needs to do.]

I apologize for my conduct. It won't happen again.

Good boy. Now if I get any word from one of your tables again, it's going to be more than just a little chat next time. [ Nishitani taps out another cigarette, specifically not offering one to Kazuma, lighting up and drawing back hard. He's at the door, about to open it, before he looks back over his shoulder, pointedly at the cigarette filter at Kazuma's feet. ] And for fucks sake, clean that shit up and get back out there.

[Kazuma doesn't actually respond to him, still staring at the cigarette on the floor. A little extra indignity, as if the exchange hadn't been humiliating enough.

But he can't afford to press his luck here. Whether he likes it or not, Nishitani is far more important to the Shuten than Kazuma is, and it seems the ice he's on is already very thin. Following orders is the least he can do to gain traction back.

Even if it galls him.

After a moment, Kazuma gives Nishitani a stiff nod. And he cleans up the fucking cigarette.]

semi-closed 🔪 such is the mantra of men

ryouma 💰 august first

izo 🍑 easy access

hizen 🍙 feeding strays

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

andy 👘 two and not one

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

harry 📍 uniform violation

julieta 💦 a show to remember

no subject

no subject

no subject

kazuma 🃏 a terrible man

lmk if anything needs changing 👈👈

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!!

no worries friend!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject