坂本龍馬 sakamoto ryouma (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
kaientai) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
jigokulogs2022-09-12 06:52 pm
kaientai) wrote in jigokulogs2022-09-12 06:52 pm
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[ the address ryouma provided is to his office, which is in a ten-story building in the heart of sutoku alliance territory. the space is surprisingly tidy, considering it's ryouma's and he's usually a disaster. It's only the futon folded up and shoved against the wall that suggests he might actually spend the night here at least... sometimes. it's fine! there is, oddly enough, a small pile of food and snacks on his desk, all shoved over to one side, so they don't take up the entire desktop. he's yet to sort through those... ]
[ this is not the first time ryouma has invited emily over — personal invitations and business ones tend to overlap when you live and work in the same space — but this time, she'll find a sticky note on the door directing her up to the roof. sure, he could've sent a text, but that's less fun.
it's a big roof, and ryouma's only one guy with limited resources so it's not a very large or ambitious project at this point, but ryouma has managed to convert a corner of the space into the beginnings of a nice little garden. there are a few different boxes with an assortment of plants in neat rows. other, individual pots have other things — little trees, flowers, etc. there are some comfortable chairs to relax in, shaded by cloth awnings he's tied up for exactly that purpose. it's a nice start and probably pretty clear that he's only managed to get as much done as he has with everything else he has going on because he's here all night. well oh well, don't focus on that part!! ]
it's a big roof, and ryouma's only one guy with limited resources so it's not a very large or ambitious project at this point, but ryouma has managed to convert a corner of the space into the beginnings of a nice little garden. there are a few different boxes with an assortment of plants in neat rows. other, individual pots have other things — little trees, flowers, etc. there are some comfortable chairs to relax in, shaded by cloth awnings he's tied up for exactly that purpose. it's a nice start and probably pretty clear that he's only managed to get as much done as he has with everything else he has going on because he's here all night. well oh well, don't focus on that part!! ]
[he hasn't been convinced to go back to the apartments, which means that anything she brings him - food, information, and the rest - comes here. not that he asks for it, it just happens. following the note, she comes up to the roof, and pauses in surprise when she takes in the surprising setup.
he might even escape a scolding this time, with her distracted by the looks. walking over, she admires what he's been putting together, and takes the opportunity to breathe in deep - fresh air feels wonderful in the lungs.]
You have something remarkable here, Ryouma.
he might even escape a scolding this time, with her distracted by the looks. walking over, she admires what he's been putting together, and takes the opportunity to breathe in deep - fresh air feels wonderful in the lungs.]
You have something remarkable here, Ryouma.
[ he's just finished up making sure what needs water has been watered, and now he can settle and enjoy it a little. ryouma looks pretty proud of himself right now, but he's earned it this time?? ]
Think so? It ain't much yet, but I've got big plans! It's funny, I hated this sorta thing when I was a kid. Now it's kinda nice spendin' time and gettin' my hands dirty in a good way.
Think so? It ain't much yet, but I've got big plans! It's funny, I hated this sorta thing when I was a kid. Now it's kinda nice spendin' time and gettin' my hands dirty in a good way.
It's a touch of life in this place, and one sorely needed.
[she takes her breaks in the clinic garden, after all, for the same reason. something alive, something that doesn't smell of the city - and Ryouma has a little oasis here, one she thinks he can absolutely use when the world decides to grow more stressful.]
And how many nights have you spent dozing out here, out of curiosity?
[it's light, not chiding - she'd have done the same thing, if it was too hot.]
[she takes her breaks in the clinic garden, after all, for the same reason. something alive, something that doesn't smell of the city - and Ryouma has a little oasis here, one she thinks he can absolutely use when the world decides to grow more stressful.]
And how many nights have you spent dozing out here, out of curiosity?
[it's light, not chiding - she'd have done the same thing, if it was too hot.]
Probably more than I oughta admit.
[ he wouldn't have minded even if she'd decided to chide him for it; in his experience, that's one way people show care for him and it means something. that's how it was with his sisters, after all. ]
But I've missed that more than I realised, so I'd say it's helped. Can't beat sleepin' under whatever stars we get around here, especially since the other option right now ain't ideal.
[ and yet he's done nothing. ]
[ he wouldn't have minded even if she'd decided to chide him for it; in his experience, that's one way people show care for him and it means something. that's how it was with his sisters, after all. ]
But I've missed that more than I realised, so I'd say it's helped. Can't beat sleepin' under whatever stars we get around here, especially since the other option right now ain't ideal.
[ and yet he's done nothing. ]
I still think you could stand to have a place apart from your work to rest your head. But this is at least a start.
[and she'll actually sit in one of the chairs to rest. whatever he invited her over for - even if just to proudly show off his work - she doesn't need to keep standing like she'll fly away at a moment's notice.]
If you hate the apartments so much, you could always pick somewhere else.
[and she'll actually sit in one of the chairs to rest. whatever he invited her over for - even if just to proudly show off his work - she doesn't need to keep standing like she'll fly away at a moment's notice.]
If you hate the apartments so much, you could always pick somewhere else.
I got nothin' against the apartments. I jus' never had a place of my own before, so it ended up more like a glorified storage room than an actual livin' space. Sorta felt worse like that...
[ he has no intention of spoiling a good mood, but he's been honest enough with emily in the past to at least not be so vague this one time. it's lonely. ]
Only time I wish I had the space is when somebody comes over.
[ like right now, even if he's plenty happy up here at the moment. the weather won't always permit. ]
[ he has no intention of spoiling a good mood, but he's been honest enough with emily in the past to at least not be so vague this one time. it's lonely. ]
Only time I wish I had the space is when somebody comes over.
[ like right now, even if he's plenty happy up here at the moment. the weather won't always permit. ]
You could always stay on the river.
[a thought, born from that light in his eyes when he sees the boats, the joy in his voice. he's her friend - she wants him safe, but also happy.]
Surely there's a craft somewhere to suit you, for shelter and travel alike, and visitors when you choose. Or you can keep receiving them up here.
[a thought, born from that light in his eyes when he sees the boats, the joy in his voice. he's her friend - she wants him safe, but also happy.]
Surely there's a craft somewhere to suit you, for shelter and travel alike, and visitors when you choose. Or you can keep receiving them up here.
[she looks away modestly for a second, though she does like the praise.]
I just thought that since you're so fond of boats, it might bring you a bit more happiness to be able to be on one of your own. And it might suit you better than an apartment, with how you can travel, but it would still let you be able to divide work and rest.
I just thought that since you're so fond of boats, it might bring you a bit more happiness to be able to be on one of your own. And it might suit you better than an apartment, with how you can travel, but it would still let you be able to divide work and rest.
( Admittedly, finding time to do things is getting harder since promotion, since Dandelion got added to the list of Kate's jobs, but Ryouma promised drinks and laser tag, which is enough reason to carve a couple of hours out of her evening and meet up with him.
Kate is, for once, out of her usual gym ready attire, replacing leggings and hoodies for shorts and a long-sleeved top. flat boots instead of trainers, still easy to move in, but everything's a little bit nicer than the usual girl he sees. There's even makeup happening. Not that most places around Jigokucho really seem to care how old their drinkers are, but a little bit of deniability never hurt anyone, right? )
...Hey.
( She's here on time, give or take a couple of minutes lost to a crossing that refused to clear of traffic. )
Kate is, for once, out of her usual gym ready attire, replacing leggings and hoodies for shorts and a long-sleeved top. flat boots instead of trainers, still easy to move in, but everything's a little bit nicer than the usual girl he sees. There's even makeup happening. Not that most places around Jigokucho really seem to care how old their drinkers are, but a little bit of deniability never hurt anyone, right? )
...Hey.
( She's here on time, give or take a couple of minutes lost to a crossing that refused to clear of traffic. )
[He's not hard to miss even before he gets to the office, a rather tall man with a stick even taller than himself practically glued to his arm, squinting at the directions and having to ask a couple different other office staff to point him in the right direction. Why are stairs so exhausting... they didn't USED to be this exhausting!! He hates this place.
But eventually, he gets himself turned the right direction, rapping his knuckles against the doorway as he peeks his way in.]
Sakamoto-san?
[Ah. Well, this place definitely looks... lived in? Weird to have a futon here, but who is he to complain.]
But eventually, he gets himself turned the right direction, rapping his knuckles against the doorway as he peeks his way in.]
Sakamoto-san?
[Ah. Well, this place definitely looks... lived in? Weird to have a futon here, but who is he to complain.]
[ people regarded ryouma as a tall guy in his own time, but around here he's sorta average when you're rubbing elbows with oni and such. otegine is what tall really looks like and ryouma is suitably impressed, for whatever that's worth.
mostly he's just gawking like an idiot. ]
Well, if I had any doubts 'bout ya bein' the real deal, now I'm sure of it! I think I'm startin' t' figure some of this stuff out.
[ he's observed that a small sword is small and a spear is tall. very scientific. ]
Hehe, anyway, that's right! Sakamoto Ryouma, at your service!
[ he could sit at his desk like a normal person, but he just sits on it instead. no need to make this any more formal than it needs to be. ]
mostly he's just gawking like an idiot. ]
Well, if I had any doubts 'bout ya bein' the real deal, now I'm sure of it! I think I'm startin' t' figure some of this stuff out.
[ he's observed that a small sword is small and a spear is tall. very scientific. ]
Hehe, anyway, that's right! Sakamoto Ryouma, at your service!
[ he could sit at his desk like a normal person, but he just sits on it instead. no need to make this any more formal than it needs to be. ]
[why are you on your desk, sir... Ah well.
The Touken leads with his weapon by default, making sure it clears the door before ducking through himself. 192cm usually wasn't too bad to handle in comparison, but people always tended to make things just too small indoors.]
...Ah... hah, I don't really get what y--
[Except he misjudges coming back out from the other side of the door, clocking the back of his skull. There's a wince and a muttered ow as he tiredly glares back at the doorway.]
Never mind. [He sighs, rubbing the new bruise on his head and depositing his weapon against one of the walls to keep it out of the way.] You sure are dedicated about this idea, huh?
[...]
...You really are Sakamoto Ryouma, then. Or-- [Another glance is given over the smaller man, more visibly conflicted than cautious.] -- An echo of him, maybe.
Sorry. I wasn't given much detail on your situation.
The Touken leads with his weapon by default, making sure it clears the door before ducking through himself. 192cm usually wasn't too bad to handle in comparison, but people always tended to make things just too small indoors.]
...Ah... hah, I don't really get what y--
[Except he misjudges coming back out from the other side of the door, clocking the back of his skull. There's a wince and a muttered ow as he tiredly glares back at the doorway.]
Never mind. [He sighs, rubbing the new bruise on his head and depositing his weapon against one of the walls to keep it out of the way.] You sure are dedicated about this idea, huh?
[...]
...You really are Sakamoto Ryouma, then. Or-- [Another glance is given over the smaller man, more visibly conflicted than cautious.] -- An echo of him, maybe.
Sorry. I wasn't given much detail on your situation.
Edited 2022-09-15 13:16 (UTC)
[ ryouma winces a little in sympathy because that had to hurt. ]
Ya drink? Oughta take ya over to the bars in Shuten territory someday, you'll feel right at home.
[ and people should be comfortable!! ]
And, heh, sorry if it seems a little pushy. Do ya know Hizen Tadahiro? Or Ichimonji Norimune? I've gotta little experience dealin' with 'em.
[ as to what ryouma is..? that's a little more complicated these days than it used to be. ]
I'm a Servant, so this physical form is magical, but in all the ways that matter I'm me! "Echo" is somethin' I haven't heard yet though.
Ya drink? Oughta take ya over to the bars in Shuten territory someday, you'll feel right at home.
[ and people should be comfortable!! ]
And, heh, sorry if it seems a little pushy. Do ya know Hizen Tadahiro? Or Ichimonji Norimune? I've gotta little experience dealin' with 'em.
[ as to what ryouma is..? that's a little more complicated these days than it used to be. ]
I'm a Servant, so this physical form is magical, but in all the ways that matter I'm me! "Echo" is somethin' I haven't heard yet though.
Mn. Not as much as others, maybe... heh, but I can't say no to topping off warmed sake until we've all had our fill.
[There's a smile to the statement, even if it slips a bit as he rests his hands against his hips, worrying at his bottom lip for a moment.]
...Yeah, I've met them both. Though, uh... we're not really all that familiar yet. This is the first I've spoken to either of them. [Yes, perhaps they all might have been contemporaries - he isn't sure. But Norimune was far too old to comprehend, and he didn't even know of Hizen's existence until about two weeks ago.]
Still... They seemed to be familiar with yourself and a couple others, outside the normal sense. I don't know if I can really pretend to understand -- that's not really my forte or anything. But I guess it seems like we're in similar positions. [Existing, both physically and conceptually, in ways that wouldn't be remotely normal without a mage's help.]
Right?
[There's a smile to the statement, even if it slips a bit as he rests his hands against his hips, worrying at his bottom lip for a moment.]
...Yeah, I've met them both. Though, uh... we're not really all that familiar yet. This is the first I've spoken to either of them. [Yes, perhaps they all might have been contemporaries - he isn't sure. But Norimune was far too old to comprehend, and he didn't even know of Hizen's existence until about two weeks ago.]
Still... They seemed to be familiar with yourself and a couple others, outside the normal sense. I don't know if I can really pretend to understand -- that's not really my forte or anything. But I guess it seems like we're in similar positions. [Existing, both physically and conceptually, in ways that wouldn't be remotely normal without a mage's help.]
Right?
I'll keep that in mind! I'm over in that part of town plenty. They've got the best gun ranges, in my opinion.
[ that's beside the point, but the way otegine responds tells him a little about the guy too. he doesn't seem as hard to figure out as norimune and the easy smile is distinctly un-hizen-like. ryouma finds it interesting, seeing as servants have an obvious blueprint for the way they are. ]
It's pretty similar, yeah. The short version is that before I got here I usually got sent t' deal with existential threats to humanity survivin'. Sent, in my case, by the World itself. Human mages can summon Servants to, after all, but I never had a Master.
[ that's beside the point, but the way otegine responds tells him a little about the guy too. he doesn't seem as hard to figure out as norimune and the easy smile is distinctly un-hizen-like. ryouma finds it interesting, seeing as servants have an obvious blueprint for the way they are. ]
It's pretty similar, yeah. The short version is that before I got here I usually got sent t' deal with existential threats to humanity survivin'. Sent, in my case, by the World itself. Human mages can summon Servants to, after all, but I never had a Master.
[God. Guns. It gets a nervous laugh from him, but nothing that lingers long. No wonder Hizen did a full-blown Mutsu impression while talking about this guy.
Still, when the conversation slides into something more serious, Ryouma has Otegine's attention, the Touken folding his arms against his chest. His expression stays pretty openly confused, up until the last few words where he visibly starts.]
...Eh?
It can work like that??
[As far as he knows, in his context, it is swords and their mage... well, and more recently, knowing there are OTHER mages with OTHER swords somewhere out there. Anything beyond that... would be a trick of their enemy, wouldn't it?]
Wouldn't that be dangerous, though? Letting things like us go around without rules would just make the problems worse, wouldn't it?
Still, when the conversation slides into something more serious, Ryouma has Otegine's attention, the Touken folding his arms against his chest. His expression stays pretty openly confused, up until the last few words where he visibly starts.]
...Eh?
It can work like that??
[As far as he knows, in his context, it is swords and their mage... well, and more recently, knowing there are OTHER mages with OTHER swords somewhere out there. Anything beyond that... would be a trick of their enemy, wouldn't it?]
Wouldn't that be dangerous, though? Letting things like us go around without rules would just make the problems worse, wouldn't it?
You're right! I guess I've just been so focused on everything else I didn't even consider it. Always got my eye on the kinda ships I can use for business, which aren't aways comfortable for livin' on.
[ the technology is a lot better than he's used to, but obviously something suited to shorter trips wouldn't make for an ideal residence, even if he'd be doing better just moving out of his office. ]
Not like I need an excuse t' hang around down by the docks and look around, see what's sellin'. I'll sort out the money when the time comes...
[ he hates the idea of having to ask for money but it's not like he has a choicefor now. ]
[ the technology is a lot better than he's used to, but obviously something suited to shorter trips wouldn't make for an ideal residence, even if he'd be doing better just moving out of his office. ]
Not like I need an excuse t' hang around down by the docks and look around, see what's sellin'. I'll sort out the money when the time comes...
[ he hates the idea of having to ask for money but it's not like he has a choice
Who knows? You could get lucky somehow. A boat could just fall into your lap.
[whatever form that'd come in. if it was a work in progress, they could finish it, make it somewhere he could be content. if it was old, it could be reinforced.]
[whatever form that'd come in. if it was a work in progress, they could finish it, make it somewhere he could be content. if it was old, it could be reinforced.]
[Since his brief chat with Levi about the specifics of Ryouma's role within the Alliance, Heizou has been considering putting aside some time to go and speak to the man directly. He's been keeping himself surprisingly busy, even for him, since arriving in the town and it's a few days down the line before he finally pencils in a free afternoon to make his way down to the other man's office.
Heizou doesn't knock, but nor does he waltz right into the room. He opens the door and looks in, then rests his shoulder against the door frame and lightly touches one curled hand to the centre of his chest as he gives a faint bow in complete contrast to the way he had just so abruptly made his presence known.]
Do you have a few minutes to spare for a new hire?
[Oh, he's aware of his audacity. Don't worry about that.]
Heizou doesn't knock, but nor does he waltz right into the room. He opens the door and looks in, then rests his shoulder against the door frame and lightly touches one curled hand to the centre of his chest as he gives a faint bow in complete contrast to the way he had just so abruptly made his presence known.]
Do you have a few minutes to spare for a new hire?
[Oh, he's aware of his audacity. Don't worry about that.]
[ usually ryouma expects a knock or a text or generally any other indication that someone's arrived so that he can appear at least marginally more professional.
as it is, his jacket is tossed over the back of his desk chair and he's sat half-reclined on the couch, a foot up on the table in front of it. he's partly through a thick book he's reading, but a quick glance is enough to tell that it's no novel; that's definitely comics of some kind.
ryouma just blinks at the sudden intrusion, setting his reading aside and standing up. it's a curious sort of entrance and it makes him wonder if it was intended to get a reaction out of himbecause it's the sort of thing he might do. ryouma doesn't seem to mind that he's been caught unawares; he'll roll with things as they are, as he usually does. ]
Sure do! Just takin' a little break. Come on in.
as it is, his jacket is tossed over the back of his desk chair and he's sat half-reclined on the couch, a foot up on the table in front of it. he's partly through a thick book he's reading, but a quick glance is enough to tell that it's no novel; that's definitely comics of some kind.
ryouma just blinks at the sudden intrusion, setting his reading aside and standing up. it's a curious sort of entrance and it makes him wonder if it was intended to get a reaction out of him
Sure do! Just takin' a little break. Come on in.
[It is absolutely intended to get a reaction, but more than that it is intended to allow Heizou to get a more rounded idea of the kind of person Sakamoto Ryouma is. If the man had known he was coming, he may have been putting up a front when he arrived. Like this, he gets a far clearer picture of the man he's dealing with in a far more immediate way.]
Appreciate it.
[And he does come in then, pressing the door closed behind him and confidently crossing the room to slide into an available chair. His body language is subdued and polite, but his overall attitude is clearly anything but.
Heizou smiles.]
I thought it would be a good thing for the two of us to get properly acquainted. Levi was of the opinion that you might have some use for me. I can't promise anything, but I'm open to hearing you out.
Appreciate it.
[And he does come in then, pressing the door closed behind him and confidently crossing the room to slide into an available chair. His body language is subdued and polite, but his overall attitude is clearly anything but.
Heizou smiles.]
I thought it would be a good thing for the two of us to get properly acquainted. Levi was of the opinion that you might have some use for me. I can't promise anything, but I'm open to hearing you out.
[ ryouma is typically not one to put on fronts unless he absolutely must and prefers those within his own faction to think of him more as a friend than a strict professional, given a choice between the two. his little, literally lived-in office space seems to reflect as much. ]
Well, mind tellin' me a little about what y' do? No point in givin' ya a long spiel over nothin'.
[ one corner has a small area with a microwave and an electric kettle and various other items; ryouma keeps things on hand so he can offer his guests tea, it's just a matter of heating up some water. ]
I like knowin' what folks are good at. What kinda thing excites ya? That sorta thing. People do better work that way, I find.
Well, mind tellin' me a little about what y' do? No point in givin' ya a long spiel over nothin'.
[ one corner has a small area with a microwave and an electric kettle and various other items; ryouma keeps things on hand so he can offer his guests tea, it's just a matter of heating up some water. ]
I like knowin' what folks are good at. What kinda thing excites ya? That sorta thing. People do better work that way, I find.
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