[ Not as bad as it could be then -- his shoulders relax somewhat at the thought. ]
I don't have a choice, do I. [ hhhhhhhhh. It isn't really a question; he'd forgive Shishi for pretty much anything, really. Wanting - needing - to keep doing what she's doing is one of those. After a moment, he's going to lean against her, since it seems less disruptive than hugging her. ] I'm glad you're safe and well, Shishi. You and Miss Okuni both. I don't know what I'd do without you especially.
[ he'll probably have Words for her in some nebulously timed thread yaywon's thrown at me i should've considered the timing of this thread for but anyway #timeisbullshit #figureitoutlater ]
[ Her voice is quiet. She could do something that he can't agree with on a fundamental level, that not even their years and years knowing and caring for each other could wave away.
She leans her head against his shoulder for the briefest moment in reply. The kettle whistles, and she moves to take care of it. ]
You would still be a marvelous police officer. [ She smiles, all her tenderness reflected in her eyes. ] But I'm glad, too. I plan to live for a long time.
[ That's. A way to put it. There's a bit more to go with that, but that's the nicer part of things. He can't help but start blushing though, thinking about them, this is such a mess, uh. ]
They're... really nice, but I don't know if you'd get along with them. They're kind of, um... affectionate? Even with strangers. Fond of like, you know, just, hugging people out of nowhere and stuff like that. [ tragically tsukasa is actually dead from meeting them and she is actually just talking to a ghost, ] It's kind of embarrassing, but I don't mind that much.
When did you become so shameless, Tsukasa? Should I hug you out of nowhere now?
[ She's kidding, but she sounds a little serious. She's glad that he made new friends. The more connections he can make, the better. If they're good people, she won't object. ]
[ Thank you Shinobu but also please stop asking questions, Shinobu!!!
Even though he can be honest about this part. ] Investigating a lead. They were helpful in pointing us in the right direction, and I told them I'd come see them again when I had the time... Ah, I was sort of thinking of visiting tonight, to be honest. Um, or maybe I should wait... They might have-- uh, dates. For the festival.
Please don't just say it... [ he wants 2 die. ] For the record, we really are just friends. I-I haven't done anything with them... They just seemed to take a liking to me for some reason.
[ they like a man in uniform and also he was nice to them. a real gentleman. ]
And, um... [ ...a soft sigh. ] It's something to talk about over tea, along with what you wanted to speak to me about. You've nearly got it, right? I'll set the table.
[ he's just-- quickly going to grab plates and so on for that then, right out to the table he goes. the lanterns get set on the ground, and he'll work on putting out her nice dessert spread he brought with him on the plates and all. busy work for his hands. ]
Tsukasa. How old are you? What is your occupation?
[ Please learn to say courtesan like it's a normal word because it is. ]
They like you because you're charming. [ She wasn't kidding, you know. She meant it.
But she follows suit with busywork, getting the tea and cups ready, pouring after the exact right time seeping. The town may be going to shit soon, but that doesn't mean they can't have tea that's flavorful but not too bitter. ]
Well?
[ Once everything is settled, Shinobu waits patiently for him to tell his story, smiling until he says anything. ]
[ (flashbacks to okuni pointing out he'll be a playboy if he keeps his sweet-talking up and what would shinobu say then???
"That I'm charming." he knows his bestie so well) ]
Well... [ How does he begin. ] I received a note requesting my presence in Westside earlier this week. It wasn't signed to the both of us - me and Shishimaru, I mean - so I... went alone.
[ He Is Aware This Is Reckless, hold on- ]
There were two other people there - they also received a note asking the same of them. Furthermore, the note was, um... It said it was about the recent kidnappings. And it- [ he rests his chin in the palm of his hand, mouth pursing momentarily. ] It certainly was. I heard from Xie Lian that the kidnappings are perpetrated by members of the Xian Le, and that matches up with what we discovered - that is, the fact they keep the kidnappees in the warehouses on that side of town. We were too late in getting there to... From the looks of it, they were moving them - shipping them out? - and the warehouse was empty when we checked it out.
[ Ah, well - he pauses. ]
Almost empty. We... discovered the body of a woman, next to the incinerator - she had a baby with her, thankfully still alive. Dirty, but alive. [ Exhale. ] There was also a room with a chair and an electrocution device in the warehouse. I... don't want to think of what they did with it, but I'd guess that it was for those that didn't cooperate as easily. I took the device they were powering it with though, for evidence. It's at home.
[ and tragically, the fate of those warehouses is "they get set on fire on azalea lights night" so presses hand to forehead ]
[ Tsukasa is charming in his natural element, sweet and earnest and without effort. He would be a playboy by accident and not by design, and that's the difference that counts It's why she'll forgive him for almost anything.
She listens to him patiently, her expression schooled in her neutral smiling bedside manner. Nothing about that is pleasant. Nothing about that is good in the least, and Tsukasa is lucky that someone has told her a brief summation of events because hearing it the first time sent her into a rage. ]
You were with Lan Wangji.
[ Her words are quiet and clipped. She's not angry at Tsukasa; she's furious at their entire situation. Even if this a town ruled by mafia, it shouldn't be like this.
She moves to his side suddenly and envelopes him in a hug. He may feel her trembling slightly. ]
I'm glad you made it out of there safely. I'm glad you're here to tell me about it.
[ Tsukasa draws in a breath just as sudden as her movement; the moment after, when he feels her trembling, he returns the hug -- he buries his face into her shoulder, squeezing her tightly. ]
I am, too. And I'm glad you're here to hear me. [ His shoulders draw up with a bigger breath, the precipice of tears, but he swallows them back even if he can't swallow the trembling of his voice that matches her body. ] Shishi, none of this is right. There's people in the Xian Le who want to oust Xie Lian, there's people kidnapping those from the Mori family to get money... I suspect they're the same people cutting tongues out, too. Maybe all three of them are connected.
But what can I do about it? [ He tightens his grip, then lifts his head. ] I want to protect people, I want to help people, but if I can't even prevent things like this from happening--
[ He bites his tongue on his words, and instead pets the back of her head. To comfort her and himself both. ]
I'm glad we're both okay, [ he finishes, softer. ] I love you too much to lose you.
[ He's one of the few she feels secure enough to show small moments of weakness like this to. With him, it's voluntary, and it's because he's honest with himself like that that she can be like this. It's his warmth that makes her still again. ]
None of it is right, and it must be corrected. [ Could either of them accept it otherwise? Could either of them live with themselves?
Shinobu breathes out, not quite a sigh, more of an exhalation of some of her negativity. ]
I love you, too, Tsukasa. I would be lost without you. [ Her moral ground has always been steady and strong, but he is a beacon. ] There is so much going on within the Xian Le. [ She takes a deep breath. ] The people unhappy in the Xian Le are the ones doing the kidnappings, and there isn't a small likelihood that they'll try to oust Xie Lian. [ That much she thinks, too, and that worries her greatly, but there's something she doesn't agree with. ]
There is a traitor within the Xian Le. He's the one most likely cutting people's tongues.
[ At least "maybe has long hair" does curb their list, just a bit. Not by much considering how many people have long hair but--
He lets her withdraw, though he's taking one of her wrists to rub circles into instead. ]
He's still within the Xian Le family, so that takes out our longer-haired-yet-neutral associates... He's not someone who hesitates regardless of what action he has to carry out, so he's likely used to getting his hands dirty. He has to at least be high enough - or maybe disconnected enough - that no one questions where he's going or what he's doing, or why he's doing it... [ Tsukasa hums a short note -- really, Shinobu'd have a better feel for suspects, so he's just here to help spitball. ] You're sure it's a man? ...What makes you think he might have long hair, too? I'm sorry, it's not like I'm doubting you, but -- I'd like to hear all your thoughts.
Edited (makes a word plural. IT BOTHERED ME... ) 2020-02-24 03:48 (UTC)
[ She looks to the side, as if she's trying to recall the exact instance she's about to talk about. ]
In an investigation, I overheard some Xian Le members talk about getting attacked by someone interfering with their business. They were clear that it was a man, and they called him a long-haired bastard.
[ How long is long.... is up for debate. That's a subjective descriptor in her mind. ]
Mmm... Thank you. [ A wrist squeeze, with a little smile. Really grateful, actually, because chat like this means he can slip into work mode and leave being upset again to the side for the moment. ] Let's assume that by "long," they mean somewhere from the shoulder down. Anything past the chin's usually considered that anyway, at least on men... From the Xian Le, that takes out...
[ ...he has to think about who all stood up for their terrible no-good descriptors at date auction night; he should keep better track of who's in what family, he's realizing, but future Tsukasa can deal with that. ]
[ Tsukasa gives her half a smile, a blush creeping up across his cheeks and nose - it's more because she's pointed it out, but the little gesture doesn't help, either. ]
...I don't, do I? I think most people'd consider that a weakness.
[ He's on the fence on what he thinks of it himself - it's gotten him a lot of teasing so far, and he doesn't think it's that great to be unable to lie in a town like this.
On the other hand: he thinks it probably makes him at least a little trustworthy, too. ]
You don't though, do you.
[ it's not really a question, because shinobu's always turning his deprecating remarks into something nice. ]
[ He knows her too well. Her smile is a little impish before it's pure affection. ]
To me, it's a strength. In this town full of lies, your honesty is moonlight on a dark night.
[ It's pure water in a lake full of poison. She doesn't want that to change. What she worries about with him is how gullible and forgiving he is. That jail is proof, and it's too naive even if the people who generally occupy it are there for harmless reasons.
I'll think about it. Maybe I will become mayor and get started on constructing a proper jail.
[ He's joking - he doesn't think he'd make a good one, not really. ]
You're always so poetic... I'm jealous of your way with words. [ ...but that's not the important thing right now, and he clears his throat. ] Um -- flirting isn't going to solve our dilemma, Shishi, so let's hold off on it for the moment.
I'll support a mayor that will build a proper jail.
[ Joking or not, she's sincere about that. They need multiple businesses and services constructed. The recent events have only highlighted how much. ]
You're the one who always flirts first, Tsukasa. [ "Flirts." However they end up like this. She doesn't disagree with him, however, so she maneuvers away from him. ]
Capturing that man, whoever it is, will solve some of it. I wish I had more of an idea.
Mmm... The compliant crossdressing delinquent, Minato -- his hair's also pretty short, so he's out. Shishimaru, too. And it can't be Xie Lian, either. He's as upset as you or I about this whole thing...
He'd never do it. [ Tsukasa's firm on this - if there's anyone he believes in within the Xian Le, it's their most recent family head. And not just because the two of them are similar. ] Where does that leave us?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I don't have a choice, do I. [ hhhhhhhhh. It isn't really a question; he'd forgive Shishi for pretty much anything, really. Wanting - needing - to keep doing what she's doing is one of those. After a moment, he's going to lean against her, since it seems less disruptive than hugging her. ] I'm glad you're safe and well, Shishi. You and Miss Okuni both. I don't know what I'd do without you especially.
[ he'll probably have Words for her in some nebulously timed thread yaywon's thrown at me i should've considered the timing of this thread for but anyway #timeisbullshit #figureitoutlater ]
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You always have a choice.
[ Her voice is quiet. She could do something that he can't agree with on a fundamental level, that not even their years and years knowing and caring for each other could wave away.
She leans her head against his shoulder for the briefest moment in reply. The kettle whistles, and she moves to take care of it. ]
You would still be a marvelous police officer. [ She smiles, all her tenderness reflected in her eyes. ] But I'm glad, too. I plan to live for a long time.
[ ... ]
How have things been for you?
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[ That's. A way to put it. There's a bit more to go with that, but that's the nicer part of things. He can't help but start blushing though, thinking about them, this is such a mess, uh. ]
They're... really nice, but I don't know if you'd get along with them. They're kind of, um... affectionate? Even with strangers. Fond of like, you know, just, hugging people out of nowhere and stuff like that. [ tragically tsukasa is actually dead from meeting them and she is actually just talking to a ghost, ] It's kind of embarrassing, but I don't mind that much.
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When did you become so shameless, Tsukasa? Should I hug you out of nowhere now?
[ She's kidding, but she sounds a little serious. She's glad that he made new friends. The more connections he can make, the better. If they're good people, she won't object. ]
How did you meet them?
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Even though he can be honest about this part. ] Investigating a lead. They were helpful in pointing us in the right direction, and I told them I'd come see them again when I had the time... Ah, I was sort of thinking of visiting tonight, to be honest. Um, or maybe I should wait... They might have-- uh, dates. For the festival.
[ haha...........ha............. ]
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[ She smiles her please don't try to pull any bullshit with me smile. ]
What were you looking into?
[ She's not mad that he went to see them, just that again, he tried to skirt around the full truth when asked. ]
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[ they like a man in uniform and also he was nice to them. a real gentleman. ]
And, um... [ ...a soft sigh. ] It's something to talk about over tea, along with what you wanted to speak to me about. You've nearly got it, right? I'll set the table.
[ he's just-- quickly going to grab plates and so on for that then, right out to the table he goes. the lanterns get set on the ground, and he'll work on putting out her nice dessert spread he brought with him on the plates and all. busy work for his hands. ]
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[ Please learn to say courtesan like it's a normal word because it is. ]
They like you because you're charming. [ She wasn't kidding, you know. She meant it.
But she follows suit with busywork, getting the tea and cups ready, pouring after the exact right time seeping. The town may be going to shit soon, but that doesn't mean they can't have tea that's flavorful but not too bitter. ]
Well?
[ Once everything is settled, Shinobu waits patiently for him to tell his story, smiling until he says anything. ]
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"That I'm charming." he knows his bestie so well) ]
Well... [ How does he begin. ] I received a note requesting my presence in Westside earlier this week. It wasn't signed to the both of us - me and Shishimaru, I mean - so I... went alone.
[ He Is Aware This Is Reckless, hold on- ]
There were two other people there - they also received a note asking the same of them. Furthermore, the note was, um... It said it was about the recent kidnappings. And it- [ he rests his chin in the palm of his hand, mouth pursing momentarily. ] It certainly was. I heard from Xie Lian that the kidnappings are perpetrated by members of the Xian Le, and that matches up with what we discovered - that is, the fact they keep the kidnappees in the warehouses on that side of town. We were too late in getting there to... From the looks of it, they were moving them - shipping them out? - and the warehouse was empty when we checked it out.
[ Ah, well - he pauses. ]
Almost empty. We... discovered the body of a woman, next to the incinerator - she had a baby with her, thankfully still alive. Dirty, but alive. [ Exhale. ] There was also a room with a chair and an electrocution device in the warehouse. I... don't want to think of what they did with it, but I'd guess that it was for those that didn't cooperate as easily. I took the device they were powering it with though, for evidence. It's at home.
[ and tragically, the fate of those warehouses is "they get set on fire on azalea lights night" so presses hand to forehead ]
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She listens to him patiently, her expression schooled in her neutral smiling bedside manner. Nothing about that is pleasant. Nothing about that is good in the least, and Tsukasa is lucky that someone has told her a brief summation of events because hearing it the first time sent her into a rage. ]
You were with Lan Wangji.
[ Her words are quiet and clipped. She's not angry at Tsukasa; she's furious at their entire situation. Even if this a town ruled by mafia, it shouldn't be like this.
She moves to his side suddenly and envelopes him in a hug. He may feel her trembling slightly. ]
I'm glad you made it out of there safely. I'm glad you're here to tell me about it.
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I am, too. And I'm glad you're here to hear me. [ His shoulders draw up with a bigger breath, the precipice of tears, but he swallows them back even if he can't swallow the trembling of his voice that matches her body. ] Shishi, none of this is right. There's people in the Xian Le who want to oust Xie Lian, there's people kidnapping those from the Mori family to get money... I suspect they're the same people cutting tongues out, too. Maybe all three of them are connected.
But what can I do about it? [ He tightens his grip, then lifts his head. ] I want to protect people, I want to help people, but if I can't even prevent things like this from happening--
[ He bites his tongue on his words, and instead pets the back of her head. To comfort her and himself both. ]
I'm glad we're both okay, [ he finishes, softer. ] I love you too much to lose you.
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None of it is right, and it must be corrected. [ Could either of them accept it otherwise? Could either of them live with themselves?
Shinobu breathes out, not quite a sigh, more of an exhalation of some of her negativity. ]
I love you, too, Tsukasa. I would be lost without you. [ Her moral ground has always been steady and strong, but he is a beacon. ] There is so much going on within the Xian Le. [ She takes a deep breath. ] The people unhappy in the Xian Le are the ones doing the kidnappings, and there isn't a small likelihood that they'll try to oust Xie Lian. [ That much she thinks, too, and that worries her greatly, but there's something she doesn't agree with. ]
There is a traitor within the Xian Le. He's the one most likely cutting people's tongues.
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Then we can solve one problem right now -- or at least sooner than the others. [ Well, god willing. ] ...Do you have any theories on who it might be?
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[ She lifts her head and withdraws from Tsukasa. ]
Unless you think about how the way he operates indicates how connected he is in how he knows where to hit and how brutal he can be.
[ Cut tongues, burned warehouses, murder victims, burn victims, you name it. ]
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He lets her withdraw, though he's taking one of her wrists to rub circles into instead. ]
He's still within the Xian Le family, so that takes out our longer-haired-yet-neutral associates... He's not someone who hesitates regardless of what action he has to carry out, so he's likely used to getting his hands dirty. He has to at least be high enough - or maybe disconnected enough - that no one questions where he's going or what he's doing, or why he's doing it... [ Tsukasa hums a short note -- really, Shinobu'd have a better feel for suspects, so he's just here to help spitball. ] You're sure it's a man? ...What makes you think he might have long hair, too? I'm sorry, it's not like I'm doubting you, but -- I'd like to hear all your thoughts.
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In an investigation, I overheard some Xian Le members talk about getting attacked by someone interfering with their business. They were clear that it was a man, and they called him a long-haired bastard.
[ How long is long.... is up for debate. That's a subjective descriptor in her mind. ]
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Mmm... Thank you. [ A wrist squeeze, with a little smile. Really grateful, actually, because chat like this means he can slip into work mode and leave being upset again to the side for the moment. ] Let's assume that by "long," they mean somewhere from the shoulder down. Anything past the chin's usually considered that anyway, at least on men... From the Xian Le, that takes out...
[ ...he has to think about who all stood up for their terrible no-good descriptors at date auction night; he should keep better track of who's in what family, he's realizing, but future Tsukasa can deal with that. ]
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[ She's joking, but she's not. He may be the police, but his family has ties to the Xian Le. ]
Even if it didn't, you don't have a face that can lie.
[ She reaches up to brush her fingers across his cheek. ]
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...I don't, do I? I think most people'd consider that a weakness.
[ He's on the fence on what he thinks of it himself - it's gotten him a lot of teasing so far, and he doesn't think it's that great to be unable to lie in a town like this.
On the other hand: he thinks it probably makes him at least a little trustworthy, too. ]
You don't though, do you.
[ it's not really a question, because shinobu's always turning his deprecating remarks into something nice. ]
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To me, it's a strength. In this town full of lies, your honesty is moonlight on a dark night.
[ It's pure water in a lake full of poison. She doesn't want that to change. What she worries about with him is how gullible and forgiving he is. That jail is proof, and it's too naive even if the people who generally occupy it are there for harmless reasons.
The truly horrible often end up dead. ]
I still think your basement needs reform.
[ Her usual smile is back. ]
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[ He's joking - he doesn't think he'd make a good one, not really. ]
You're always so poetic... I'm jealous of your way with words. [ ...but that's not the important thing right now, and he clears his throat. ] Um -- flirting isn't going to solve our dilemma, Shishi, so let's hold off on it for the moment.
[ Calling this flirting is also a joke desu, ]
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[ Joking or not, she's sincere about that. They need multiple businesses and services constructed. The recent events have only highlighted how much. ]
You're the one who always flirts first, Tsukasa. [ "Flirts." However they end up like this. She doesn't disagree with him, however, so she maneuvers away from him. ]
Capturing that man, whoever it is, will solve some of it. I wish I had more of an idea.
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anyway. ]
Mmm... The compliant crossdressing delinquent, Minato -- his hair's also pretty short, so he's out. Shishimaru, too. And it can't be Xie Lian, either. He's as upset as you or I about this whole thing...
[ :thinking: ]
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Shinobu's smile is inscrutable. ]
I hope it wouldn't be Xie Lian. To make his own family buckle like this would be....
[ Terrible. ]
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He'd never do it. [ Tsukasa's firm on this - if there's anyone he believes in within the Xian Le, it's their most recent family head. And not just because the two of them are similar. ] Where does that leave us?
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