[open] horsebow moon / catchall

[playfoul]

Who ⬤ Yuri & you
What ⬤ A substory and some gen prompts!
When ⬤ September
Where ⬤ Around town
Content Warnings ⬤ None

I. Bountiful Business

[ As the giant bounty shakes up the weapons market, you'll find Yuri at the shops of arms dealers, examining the heft of a blade or chatting up the shopkeeper with questions that sound less like a customer's and more like a business partner. Perhaps you'll even catch money exchanging hands, a stack of cash tucked away quickly and too thick to be a normal sale.

If he notices you observing him while he's going about his business, he'll smile back disarmingly. ]

Is it my face or is it the weapons you're here to admire?

II. Drifter Grifter

[ Ever the opportunist, the drifter smells generosity and latches on to it. The rugged man can be seen ducking into a homeless shelter in Sutoku to avoid detection after suckering in more bleeding hearts. Anyone here to shake down the scammer or haul him away for arrest will be held off at the entrance by Yuri, questioning the accusations brought against the man. ]

And just what makes you suspicious of him?

[ It's his personal belief to take in anyone down on their luck, no questions asked, which is why he's reluctant to just turn the guy over. ]

III. Muscling Into Sutoku

[ Toraguma's crackdown on youth gangs sent more than a few troublemakers packing with their tail between their legs. The wayward youth now lay low and nurse their wounds...and a few of the delinquents have taken up refuge at the Sutoku shelter rather than return to their troubled homes. ]

[ A. The matron Yuri has put in charge of the establishment is a no-nonsense one-winged youkai, wrangling delinquents with a sharp tongue and efficiently setting volunteers to tasks like collecting bedsheets and packing food. Yuri keeps a low profile for the most part, taking on chores like any other volunteer, but work with him and it'll become apparent he knows the ins and outs of the place. Ask him anything. ]

[ B. Inevitably, the youths fall back on their violent habits. A petty argument escalates into punches being thrown and knives being pulled. A turf fight as if they're on their own stomping grounds. Exasperated, Yuri seizes one of the gang by the wrist in time to prevent a stabbing, but there are more knives being flashed than he has hands for. ]

Wildcard

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Comments

[playfoul]

[ Damn, Felix doesn't pull his punches. At least he's not inquiring after whatever he saw, that part of the distraction seems to be working. ]

So, was I just in the way of your purchase? Here I was, thinking we had a little something.

[ He moves away from the counter, which just means he comes around to Felix's side uninvited. Even leaning a little close as he speaks into his ear. ]

Which beauty has caught your eye then? That over there, perhaps?

[ Yuri can recognize a masterwork when he sees it. ]

[littleshield]

[ Pulling punches? Not in Felix's repertoire. ]

Hmph. Do you really think lines like that will work on me? Just because you are skilled with a sword doesn't mean I'll suddenly go weak in the knees or some nonsense around you.

[ Though, his attention flicks more onto Yuri as he draws further away from the counter because he is not about to ignore his presence. The young male is (unfortunately) actually someone he has been...a bit more interested in associating with since their last bout. Felix communicating this point exactly would be a herculean effort of sorts, even if he refuses to move despite Yuri's uninvited place at his side. Honestly, this isn't some kind of competition, but Felix is getting it into his head that it is, and he refuses to lose.

Yuri daring to lean in a bit gets Felix to turn his head away pointedly like a feline refusing snacks because it is picky. But at the line of questioning, he looks back just a bit, before turning his gaze to the blade once more. ]

I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised you've an eye for good craftsmanship. It'd be foolish to only go around with one blade—considering this place there are a thousand reasons as to why and how someone could lose a weapon.

I'm not looking to find out the result of being unprepared in such a scenario. I imagine that's also why you had those daggers with you.

[playfoul]

'Skilled with a sword', hmm? A rare compliment from you.

[ Felix pricks up like a cat at his presence, and Yuri would have laughed at his reaction if he didn't know he was already walking a fine line with the swordsman. Still, his grin grows a little wider. ]

I agree with you there. The city's getting too worked up for my tastes. Should the peace wear out, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

[ His gaze flickers from Felix to the sword. ]

It's a sharp blade, with an even steeper price. But if you want it, I may be able to help you cut a deal.

[ Let's just say he's made friends around here, and this merchant is one of them. ]

[littleshield]

It's a deserved one. I call it like I see it.

[ He says, sounding somehow satisfied. Look, even though it is a fact someone else weaseled the stardust away from the both of them at the conclusion of the battle, every single part of it was enjoyable. Someone else might've took issue with the sudden reveal of daggers mid-fight, but to him? It's practical and smart, to be honest.

A slight nod in response to being prepared. At this point, the danger is lying beneath the surface, ready to explode right beneath their feet at any given moment. It's only a matter of time and they both know it.

...Though, Felix also can't help the smile that might appear at the offer. He isn't much of a businessman, yet it is clear and obvious to him if he can spend less for a well-made quality item? Definitely worth it. ]

Heh, a generous offer.

I think I'll have to take you up on it. You happen to know the seller well?

[ Of course he's already going to grab at his wallet, prepared to present the money right after...you know, the deal is cut. ]

[playfoul]

[ Is that a smile he spies? What a miracle. This is one of the rare times Yuri's seen something other than a scowl on Felix. Maybe this next exchange might even go well. ]

I do know the man, but this will only work if you pretend to like me for a minute.

[ Can he do that? Ushering Felix forward, Yuri introduces him to the merchant as a good friend of his. A fine swordsman with a keen eye for craftsmanship just like the man. Yuri eventually eases into a conversion about purchasing, and they banter back-and-forth over the price. Should nothing go terribly wrong, the merchant will relent and offer it at a discount. ]

[littleshield]

[ Point it out and Felix will pretend like it has never been there. Then again, that's probably why it hasn't been pointed out... ]

If I couldn't stand you, you'd know.

[ So, he just ends up acting like himself, or that is how he plans to, in the first place. Why should he present himself any different? Felix does feel his hackles rise when he's introduced as a good friend, scowling, because he feels embarrassed due to his recalcitrant nature, but he doesn't feel like protesting, simply raising his chin in a proud manner. He is dignified, he is grace, he also wants the damn good quality blade.

He's not the best at smalltalk regardless, so he stands there looking like a proud, prickly cactus, but also doesn't interrupt. There's only no trouble because it doesn't require him to say much of anything. When the discount is offered, he will begin bringing out the money from his wallet.

Once he has the blade in his hands, he will also make a comment. ]

A short and simple enough affair. Though you really did seem to know the man, you appear familiar with haggling for a good price. He didn't just let you have it too easy.