#�� — [IC] wounded tiger caught in mania's pit [KAZUTORA HANEMIYA]

[deathfavor]

" Calm the fuck down. " Kazutora hums as he sits on top of a metal barrel, wiping at his bloody nose. He can understand the panic given the bodies crumbled on the dirt. " No one's dead. They were the ones who wanted to start a fight challenge. So they do all owe me money now for losing. " He lolls his head backwards before looking towards whoever happened to stumble in.

[deathfavor]

   Kazutora closes his eyes, burying his face against his knee with his arms wrapped around himself as he stays seated on the ground of this abandoned building. It’s ironic; two abandoned souls in an abandoned building. He swallows hard, but it feels hard to focus on anything around him. He can’t even focus on the damn wound in his leg when his brain feels like crackling static.

   It’s only when Mikey is suddenly beside him that he manages to lift his head to properly look.  “  Wait- Wait Mikey, you’re going to ruin your jacket. “ Not that it seems to matter to Mikey. His words don’t even seem to make the Bonten leader hesitate. If anything, Kazutora thinks that might make it worse only because of what it reveals about the tiger. What sane person would be considered over fabric that belonged to someone else than themselves?

    That’s easy. Someone who hated themselves, and Kazutora has years of experience with that.

  Maybe his blood will wash out. ( Or maybe it’ll ruin it like everything else Kazutora touches. ) Kazutora blindly obeys Mikey, applying pressure like he was told to without protest. “ Someone’s coming?” Kazutora inquires like an afterthought in his obedience.  A sharp spike of pain darts through him as he presses on the wound that momentarily makes the real world sharpen again before it fades and grows distant. Gradually his arms stop applying pressure, easing off until he’s blankly staring at the blood-soaked ground and his wounded leg with his hands limp on top of the fabric.

   “ Why…? “ His voice is so small and lost, and he feels eleven again, confused at anyone doing anything for him. Why are you doing this? Why is help coming? Why do you care? His eyes blink slowly, chest raising and falling in a steady rhythm.  “  It’s fine…I…I…”  It’s not fine, anyone with functioning eyes could see how pale he was, how sweat glistened on his forehead, how despondent he was.  If he died here, then that would be that. And if he didn’t? Kazutora figured he’d reach that problem if he ever came to it. He doesn't actually think he'll die from the wound to be honest, but he's not inclined to look at the future either.

   His chin lifts, eyes finding Mikey again as he sways slightly before managing to catch himself and sit straight again.  “  Can you stay? “ He struggles through the words that feel hard to form on his tongue. What his words really are is a plea. Don’t leave me.

When did Mikey become so weak?

When he thinks that he won't have to see the others, all he can feel is relief. But it's not true that nobody would care if Kazutora died - because Mikey knows that he would.

...So why is Kazutora's offer still so tempting? Kazutora deserves someone better than Mikey - someone who won't drag him into a bloody world, who'd tell Kazutora to his face that he deserves better, no matter what he thinks of himself. The thought that the others would care more about Mikey than Kazutora makes him feel sick - because it shouldn't be that way. Despite what Kazutora said, he doubts that any of them still care about him, but...

Mikey is not a good person. That's why he can't reject Kazutora's offer outright. He hates himself for it, but while he can feel the disgust at himself he feels entrenching itself deeper within him; growing stronger - it's not enough to make him do the right thing.

His heart pounds at Kazutora's words, though. He's not allowed to sound distant like that... like he's barely clinging onto consciousness. It scares Mikey, and for a moment, he freezes up again, fearful that if he gets any closer to him, he'll end up with another bullet inside him. But the moment passes, and then he's pulling off his jacket, walking over and kneeling down to wrap it around Kazutora's wound.

"Put some pressure on it. You'll be fine. Someone will be here to treat you soon." Sending someone from Bonten to look after Kazutora seems like a bad idea, but he'll find a way to get an ambulance here - or maybe he should tell Bonten that he's an ally now, or...

You're not allowed to die. He thinks to himself, and the words feel right. After all - you're mine.

[deathfavor]

@ofcrossroads said: “Ah… yo! Kazutora!” Chifuyu calls, smiling despite the weird awkward tension he carries. “I know this is gonna sound really sudden, but uh… you’re not still in love with Hanma, are you?”

" Chifuyu! " Kazutora gives a wave as he grabs his drink and walks over, taking a sip. It's hot but he likes these days despite the fact ; when he can stop hiding his tattoo ( as much as could be hidden ) under high-collared shirts and that familiar bell in his ear. It's nice. Maybe he'll go to the beach this evening. That'd be nice. Maybe Chifuyu would want to come. He takes another sip and lifts an eyebrow in a clear go on gesture when the other man says he has a sudden question. That is on brand for him. Not that Kazutora minds; he doesn't. It's even funny sometimes. The awkward tension with Chifuyu seems like it might be heading in that direction. How wrong he was.

The question has him choking on the drink as he swallows wrong, doubling over while he half coughs his lungs out and half gasps for air. Not particularly effective. Not that his body cares. Tears burn his eyes as he struggles to breathe, clearing his throat as he recovers before he slowly straightens and blinks at Chifuyu.

" Fuck, you really weren't kidding about sudden, huh? " He rasps, wiping his eyes and taking another sip to help soothe the irritation in his throat. Hanma. The man wasn't even here and YET he was. He seemed to be a rather sore spot for Chifuyu lately too ever since that one day. Kazutora grabs the straw in his drink and idly stabs it into the ice while he works his lip between his teeth. Still in love. " I don't- think I have ever said I loved him at any point. " Kazutora frowns, brows drawn together in thought.

Had he been in love? He'd wanted Hanma's approval, yearned and clawed to be praised and cherished and valued. He relished in being at his side, had let the older teen close to him at a speed only Baji could best. He'd liked seeing the other sides that the reaper had which other people didn't get to see. Had valued it when the reaper was there when no one else was and did things for him and spend time with him. Liked that Hanma didn't give a shit, didn't judge him - with Hanma, Kazutora could freely be everything he was scared of anyone else seeing. He could be as messy and volatile as he wanted and Hanma would never flinch, he'd just let him do his thing or praise him. And he could be nice, could soothe his pain when he wanted to sob or-

That's the problem with Hanma. He makes Kazutora want to let everything out and not give a damn about the future even if just for one night. He makes him want to shred all his hard work and throw away all his own rules. He's adrenaline and danger, a dose of excitement right into the veins. He makes Kazutora miss things he shouldn't want and guilt always comes back because this should be ENOUGH. This life that is nicer than anything he deserves with a good job and a friend. And yet...

" I mean. If it's not love, can't be still right? " Kazutora stabs the ice in his drink again with a slightly tense laugh. He's terrible, isn't he? Gold eyes lift to look at Chifuyu, and takes a sip to buy himself a few more seconds. Because now there's thoughts in his head and he doesn't know what to do about them. If Hanma called right now - " Why? " He asks, and his stomach feels like its full of ice. He cants his head, trying desperately for something casual. " If this is your REALLY awkward way to find out if I'm dating anyone or something and you were just guessing Hanma, I'm not dating anyone. I just do the occasional hook-ups, you know? " He rambles because he doesn't know what else to do and immediately regrets the words because somehow that just makes this sound worse. Specifically when Hanma seemed to be the subject of the conversation. Fuck. Maybe he's just overthinking that. " Um. " He blanks, staring at Chifuyu. " I definitely wasn't expecting that sort of question. Did...he do something to bring this up? " All Kazutora knows is Chifuyu bringing up Hanma is bad so this is probably bad. " Or was that just...a badly phrased question? "

[deathfavor]

@kyukicho replied to your post “" Don't care that it's maid day, I'm not dressing...”:

Baji vc I'll do it if ya will!

" Well, I didn't see that one coming. " Kazutora stares at Baji up and down for a long moment, debating it. It would be kinda funny. " . . . I'll consider it. "

[deathfavor]

@kyukicho said: "Yo, Tora." There's a little less emphasis in Keisuke's words than normal. A little less bark as if he's contemplating something on his end. "It ever bother ya that I ain't really a sappy romantic? Like I don't do all that cliche stuff?"

   The sunlight is warm against Kazutora’s face as he lays on the ground of Baji’s room, lazily flicking through the pages of a magazine without really reading it. It’s a comfortable silence, warm and cozy in a way that his place never is. He’s contemplating an afternoon nap when he hears Baji call him. It’s strange though. It sounds softer than usual, like he’s distracted by something else. “ Hmm? “  Kazutora closes the magazine and tosses it to the side while he turns to look at his boyfriend. “ What’s up, Kei? “

   The question causes his eyebrows to raise in surprise. Since when did Baji worry about things like that? Especially when it’s Kazutora, who would knowingly lick knives and bleed for just a scrap of affection. He digs his claws into the smallest bit and curls around it tightly. If anyone would know that, it’s Keisuke. Maybe it’s because Kazutora gives his all in love; intense and passionate like there is no promise of tomorrow. He puts effort into holidays and random days. Has he done something to make Baji worry? The thought makes him frown slightly and he sits up with a soft jingle of his earring.

   “ What brought this up? “ He asks, and then addresses the question with a shake of his head. “ Nah, not really. I know that’s not your thing. “ Kazutora stands up so he can lean against the side of Baji’s bed to gaze down at him with a smile. “ Besides, you might complain but you always go along with what I want to do. So if I wanted to do something horribly cliché, you’d go along with it. “ That did mean it depended on Kazutora to plan it, or speak up about if he wanted something. ( This is already more than he deserves. ) “ Maybe sometimes a surprise would be nice. But it doesn’t really bother me. You’re always there when it matters most. “  He tilts his head with a smile, bending to give him a quick kiss and fondly tuck a strand of black hair behind Baji’s ear. “ You’re Keisuke, I love you as you are now. Lack of sappy romance included. “ He grins playfully, teasing with his last statement. “ And we go on midnight rides or star gaze sometimes, that’s pretty romantic. “

   He bites his own bottom lip, a surefire sign he’s thinking. “ Why? Did I do something to make you think that? “ He asks after a minute, his pulse picking up with a thread of anxiety at the thought, and voice soft with concern.  

[deathfavor]

  Kazutora couldn’t say he was too surprised at Baji’s objection to the idea of listening to the directions from the doctors. It was rather on brand for the other teen. Normally Kazutora would be inclined to agree or support Baji’s antics. But in this case, fear kept a vice grip on his heart.

  “  Don’t. Baji, please don’t. “ Kazutora protests quickly.  “ I know you want to but this- “ His throat clenches at the moment that forces him to relook at the whole situation. “ This is really serious. “ His head falls slightly, eyes closed as he keeps his hold. “ Please listen to and obey the doctors this time. “ It’s important that he makes the request even if Baji doesn’t like it.

   “ Shh, dumbass. It’s like two in the morning or something. “ Kazutora weakly chides but there’s a fractured remnant of a smile that peeks through his expression. He doesn’t know how late it is, only that it’s dark out and been dark out for a while.

   Again tension takes hold of the tiger when he feels the hand that cups his cheek. It’s so warm and Kazutora’s breath catches and stutters for a split second. He yearns to lean into it but a part of him withholds from doing so. He allows his head to be tilted up though so he’s properly looking at Baji eye to eye.

   A bolt of panic flashes through his eyes at the words. “ Don’t- don’t say that. Anything like that. No passing away. “ It didn’t matter that Baji was stable now, it didn’t matter it was just a phrase, it still felt far too real, far too soon.

   A surge of emotions makes Kazutora’s eyes grow conflicted. Kazutora had never particularly minded always being the one to initiate such remarks. But for Baji to say it here and now in these circumstances? “ I love you too. “ Kazutora’s voice wobbles with emotion and he swallows the lump caught in his throat.  “ Always have. “ I’m sorry my love has sharp edges. I’m sorry it’s so hungry.

Maybe he was. Baji was certain Kazutora was enough for him. He'd trade it all. He almost did. Or at least, that had been the intention. So the tiger was right, Baji certainly wasn't on the best track record of taking the best care of himself. He certainly could use Kazutora's nagging to make sure he didn't overexert himself.

"Who know what they decide on, I ain't worried about what some stuff doctors say. If I feel up to it I'm gonna go." Baji huffed at the accusation that he was, in fact, louder than the machines and hum of lights. "I ain't that loud!" He was.

Baji doesn't mind the silence. He knows sometimes Kazutora needs it to work things out in his head. So he calmly waits. Keeping his embrace tight but not intrusive, should he want to escape.

A single nod at the affirmation. It wasn't enough, not until those words of promise leave his lips. Baji's hand glides effortlessly forwards. Cupping the damp cheek that faces him. "That's all I need. Now I ain't gonna pass away from worryin'. If I know you're safe, I know we're gonna be okay."

So close, and still wanting to be closer. He could feel the ragged sorrowful breath against his skin. The clammy skin on his cheeks from where tears soaked in. "I need my tiger, I love ya, Tora."

[deathfavor]

@ofcrossroads said: ❛ hold still. this might sting a little. ❜ (Chifuyu to Kazutora)

random assortment of sentence starters

Kazutora gives a low hum in acknowledgement, sparing a brief glance towards the disinfectant and bandages sitting on the counter before looking towards Chifuyu. " Don't worry, I won't move. " He promises. " Thanks for doing this for me. Kinda hard to deal with injuries around my backside by myself. "

Does the battered, scraped wounds hurt? Sure. But tonight is the calmest that Kazutora has felt in ages. It shows in his whole posture, from the relaxed shoulders to the slow, cat-like blinking of golden eyes, to more noise than words. The itch under his skin has been soothed, no longer driving him to wanting to claw out of his own skin like a prison cell. All that's left is something calm and nearly docile. ( Not quite, because docile never quite fits the tiger, but certainly relaxed. ) He lets silence hang in the air before he begins to speak.

" I tried that Muay Thai class being advertised around lately. My therapist said it might be good for me. " Kazutora doesn't often talk much about therapy or what happens there. Sometimes he says if it was good or bad but rarely brings up specifics. Other times its obvious from his mannerism alone, especially the rough sessions. But crammed into the small bathroom with Chifuyu trying to help patch a wound from a fall, he decides to. " Honestly, he was pushing it for a while for me to do something in the martial arts or something like that. He thought it'd be good for me and a healthy outlet. I was just scared to try. " Chifuyu was right, it did sting a bit. He's had far worse though and doesn't bat an eyelash at it. " Just. Given my history and all. " He shrugs and immediately stops when he remembers the order to hold still. His voice however perks up when he continues. " But it was actually really nice! And fun too. "

His gold eyes watch Chifuyu in the mirror, trying to gauge the other's reaction to his words. Like he's searching for approval or disapproval. He's not sure how well Chifuyu will take it. " Given my background and all, I was ahead of a lot of people other than the actual combinations. So I gotta do a lot of that. But the instructors were real chill and so were the people. It felt good. Lots of safety measures in place though things can still happen obviously. " If anything he seems rather proud of it though. " I was thinking I'd stick with it, at least for a while and see how it goes. It's Tuesdays and Thursdays so I'll probably go right after we close, or a few minutes early if that's okay? " He could do a lot of the closing tasks a bit earlier so Chifuyu didn't have to do any at the end.

" And there's a competition in a little over a month that I might enter if I do stick with it. They said I'd probably do really good. You should come. " Kazutora tears his eyes away from the mirror to turn his head to look at Chifuyu in the dim lighting. " I mean, if you're not busy when it's occurring. Or if it interests you. If it doesn't or it's too close to old memories I totally get that though." He rushes out in a quick attempt to offer Chifuyu ways out of the invitation so he doesn't feel he HAS to go just because Kazutora invited him. " Don't wanna bore you on a day off, you deserve that rest " He laughs sheepishly and glances towards the sink. " I just...thought it might be nice? "

[deathfavor]

@kyukicho said: “I’ve got you” Baji for Kazutora

send "I've got you" to help my muse wash blood off their body

The hot water in the shower had long turned cold, but the tiger doesn't seem to be aware of it despite his typically loud dislike for being cold. ( Had he turned the hot water on? He doesn't actually remember. ) He's simply sitting on the cold tiles in the shower under the cold water and.... And what? Kazutora almost wants to LAUGH at himself because he can't think of what he's doing. He's been here too long; his legs feel stiff and are probably going to hurt when he stands up. He needs to. He still feels blood caked against the side of his head and in his hair, it's under his nails and he's sure there's more blood on him. He's just irritatingly aware of those three spots at the moment. He can't. He needs to and he can't and it's so frustrating.

" Huh? " Baji's voice is suddenly in the space and Kazutora's brows furrow for a moment. He didn't expect Baji to show up at his place. He didn't expect Baji to show up at all. He hadn't texted. Had Baji texted him? The thoughts race through his mind and he just barely lifts his head to watch the other roll up his sleeves and then swear at how cold it is. Or Kazutora presumes that is what it is about when he watches Baji practically break the shower handle trying to warm the temperature up quickly. So he hadn't turned the hot water on. One mystery solved.

He's suddenly very aware of the fact his lips are trembling and there's something HUMILIATING about being caught like this. It's not like Baji hasn't seen everything before and then some. But it's different. This is a different sot of interaction. He wants to say something but the words get caught in his throat and a sense of distress coils in his chest. But Baji seems to know, to understand. I've got you is both reassurance and a request ; let me care for you is what else it means.

Kazutora doesn't fight or otherwise try to dissuade Baji ; the tiger lays docile and allows Baji to start scrubbing shampoo into his hair, fingers working to get the dried blood out of his hair. He's content with the silence, content to let Baji do whatever it was that Baji meant when he said he had him. He trusts Baji and...

A faint frown slowly creeps onto his lips. Not one of anger or upset, but mere confusion. Baji's focused on helping ; Kazutora watches the water turn red as it hits him and then rushes towards the drain. He tries to clear his throat, voice rough with dehydration when he manages to speak.

" ....Kei, what....what's today's date? " He suddenly isn't sure, can't remember, but there's a pressure on his chest that demands he know.

[deathfavor]

being sent this and kazutora's commentary was

" Sometimes you want to be fucked up and sometimes you want to be cuddled and spoiled. "

[deathfavor]

  Evidently Chifuyu had heard his mumbled comment because his reaction is far from subtle. Kazutora rolls his eyes, pushing his striped hair over his shoulder even when he chuckles.  “  Chifuyu, I’m kidding. I’m not going to do that. Relax. “  He assures him, amusement lurking in his eyes. “ That bothered? “

   “ You were. “ Kazutora shoots down the remark, evidently not buying the words fed to him. “ You didn’t answer me on if it was a specific dish or just anything. “ He brings up again, golden stare unwavering as he watches Chifuyu’s expression carefully. Was it a stressful thought? Yeah. But there were probably tutorials and videos out there to learn to cook something. It might not be phenomenal, but it would probably be decent at least. “ So? Specific dish? Or just something dinner appropriate? “

The corner of his lip quickly twitches to a frown, and Chifuyu shifts with unease. Is Kazutora trying to become an escort now? On second thought, maybe he shouldn't have suggested it.

Rolling his shoulders back, Chifuyu forces a grin and shrugs. “ Don't worry about it. I wasn't being serious. ” Or maybe he was, but causing Kazutora further distress defeats the purpose. Lifting a hand, Chifuyu offers a reassuring thumbs up. “ I got cooking covered for the both of us. ”

[deathfavor]

@ofsavior said: “I know things were different back then —” Chifuyu pauses, hesitation catching in his throat before he swallows harshly. “With Hanma. But you don’t… miss it…” There’s an edge of concern to his tone, as if he’s asking himself if he even wants to know the answer. Because if Kazutora says yes, then what does that even mean for them? His eyes search. Kazutora’s expression for answers, but they’re out of Chifuyu’s reach. With a final plea, he asks, “Do you?” (Bonten)

Kazutora tilts his head a fraction towards Chifuyu to show he's listening, but he doesn't look directly at him. Not yet at least. At most he earns a curious glance up from his phone when he hears the unusual hesitation before he looks back down. Chifuyu's pauses strike him more as contemplative than hesitation, like Chifuyu's picking the words to make his point clearer rather than being concerned or fighting to say them.

But when Hanma's name is mentioned, his head jerks up, earring ringing sharply at the violent gesture as he stares directly at Chifuyu.

" Why? What's brought this up? " Kazutora asks, suddenly finding himself defensive at the question. And he knows, he knows, that he's probably bristling over it. He consciously forces his shoulders to relax as he stares at Chifuyu and then looks away. They don't talk about the past terribly often. Or rather, Kazutora doesn't get the luxury to. Chifuyu mentions Toman from time to time, but Kazutora is all but mute on that particular topic. He offers a lending ear but he has little input other than the occasional rare remark. When he does, he always says it carefully, like the words are full of thorns. Valhalla talk had been reserved for the last time he'd seen Chome and Chonbo while in jail. He thinks he mentioned it once and had never said it again after seeing the reaction. But Valhalla wasn't a bad memory for Kazutora. Hanma wasn't a bad memory.

" Chifuyu... " Kazutora has a bad feeling about this. " You mean Valhalla as a whole? Or just Hanma? " He wonders if the distinction even matters to Chifuyu. Probably not. They're probably both bad to him. Just like Kazutora tunes out Toman memories on the occasions others are around to reunite. Except Kazutora simply always wanted to seal that chapter shut and move on. Toman hadn't been his refuge. But the way others speak of Valhalla is never pleasant. It's like a forbidden conversation.

" I don't exactly see myself running around smashing car windows like i did then. I'm not fifteen anymore. " He jokes, letting the sound scratch his throat. He can hear the concern and it feels like he's being tested. Again. " Listen, Chifuyu. I don't know what brought this up considering you avoid talking about Hanma or Valhalla like its the plague. But I was fifteen. I enjoyed it then. Valhalla. Hanma. I liked him. More than I ever had Mikey. It felt like my gang. " He shrugs, turning to look at Chifuyu, but his expression remains guarded.

Does he miss it? Kazutora watches Chifuyu try to read him, but his expression doesn't waver. Kazutora's watching Chifuyu just as intently if not more so. " Sure, I miss the bonds I had in Valhalla. I think that's understandable. I had good memories with Valhalla, Hanma, all that. Of course I miss some of those times. What outcast kid wouldn't when they found somewhere that felt welcoming and had fun? It's the same way you guys miss Toman. " But can Chifuyu get that? Or does the past make it too hard to see? to understand? " It's been gone for years, so what does it matter? They're just memories, Chifuyu. Most people look at memories good memories fondly, doesn't mean anything. I don't know what 'it' you're referring to, Chifuyu. Valhalla? Hanma? Gangs? The violence? My memories with everyone then? What are you REALLY wanting to know? "

He frowns. " So? You going to tell me what brought this up? " He asks, arms folded across his chest as he gives Chifuyu a pointblank stare. " Because it's not fair. You've never asked about Hanma or Valhalla. No one has. No one even says their names for fucks sake. So the fact you are now means something came up. " His frown deepens, shoulders hunching inwards like a shield. " It's not fair that I get to be on trial because I had good memories with my gang at the time and be condemned for that and everyone else gets to have their good memories. " He draws in a shaky breath, finally tearing his gaze away. One or the other. You can't have both. Did that apply to this? He couldn't have good memories of Valhalla AND still like this? No, no. maybe he was just...misunderstanding. The phrase makes his stomach ache. Maybe he's just understanding all of this.

" I thought..." His voice fades. I thought at least you actually believed in me. His head falls for a moment, opening his mouth like he wants to say something more. My mom did this, you know. When I first got out of juvie. Tiptoed around things she wanted to say. Instead he shuts his mouth and lifts his head to look at Chifuyu again with a business-like expression. " So? Can you just tell me what this is about? What you really want to know? Maybe I can answer you better that way. Just........say it. Even if it sounds terrible, I'd rather just hear it then play this game. " He stares at Chifuyu, the stoicism cracking. " Please. "

[deathfavor]

Anonymous said: Kazutora, do you smash or pass Draken?

smash or pass antics i've been dragged into

" The only person from Toman that I'd ever fuck is Baji. " Kazutora retorts, arms folded behind his head as he remains sprawled out on the soft grass under the sun. The thought of Toman makes his nose scrunch in displeasure. " So it's going to be a pass. "

Leave it to him to be blunt. He blinks, staring up at the clouds drifting across the sky before he adds on. " But if I had to choose someone else from Toman for some fucked up reason, then it'd definitely be Draken. Sure as hell wouldn't be any of the others. " Really, he's not sure if second place like that is better or worse than simply saying pass. Oh well. " Nothing really against him - " Besides the Toman factor " - he's just not really my type, y'know? "

[deathfavor]

shakes treats for older tora threads - @kyukicho

Kazutora laughs when he slams some punk's face into the ground, unfazed by what sounded like the fucker's nose breaking and the blood that spills over the ground and against his boots. Naturally there's cheers around him - at least from people who aren't too drunk to realize what's happening or busy being distracted by music and flashing lights. Doesn't matter anyway, the guy's a deer that stumbled into wolves. Kazutora slams his foot into the guy's stomach and watches him fly off to the side somewhere to the side of the club. Doesn't matter. The tiger had already ripped apart the guy's pride and beaten him up. Which meant a big, fat paycheck for him.

The tiger slinks back to his seat in the club and takes an offered drink, letting the cold numb his throat when he swallows the shitty alcohol. His phone buzzes an he beams when he sees the transaction notice. Good, that meant this month's payments no longer were something to stress about. And there'd be plenty more to do. He's fine to enjoy music so loud that he can't hear his own thoughts. Relishes it even. But a movement in the corner of his eyes catches his eyes, and he ignores the people trying to talk to him. So some fucker was trying to sneak in here, huh? Not unexpected, it was a big underground club lots of delinquents wanted in. But most weren't able to. Kazutora hops up, slinking towards the door.

" Hey fucker! " Kazutora sneers, grabbing the shirt and shoving the person back out the door into the cold night. He steps out as the shadows shroud him, gold eyes wide with violent hunger, adrenaline still singing in his veins from the earlier violence. " The hell you think you are? You think you can just - " Kazutora's voice falters, staring at the person. No. No, No. Did someone drug his drink or some shit? Was this guy someone who just LOOKED like Baji?

" You're not real. " Kazutora stares at Baji with wary disbelief. Baji wouldn't be here. Not somewhere as fucked up as here. " You can't be. " Except Kazutora HAD grabbed him, and he's pretty sure you can't grab hallucinations. He doesn't think at least. This can't be Baji. It's been years. He'd promised Baji he'd live - not that he'd stay. " You're not Baji. You can't be. But you look close. Who the fuck paid you for this stunt? C'mon. Was it that stupid ex-Night Dust leader after i crushed them? " Kazutora glares, stepping closer. " I'll literally kill him. I'll make sure no one tries this again. " His glare softens though, eyes looking Baji up and down, humming. " But you're pretty ~ Spit it out and maybe I'll be nice. " He coos, suddenly sickeningly sweet, even if his body still was tense for a fight. " You don't want my bad side. "

[deathfavor]

" Uggggh, do I have to? " Kazutora lolls his head back in protest that speaks to his youth. " Fine, fine. I'll test my ankle. " That was assuming this kid wasn't about to simply snap with the additional weight of Kazutora. The tiger wasn't so sure he'd be able to handle it. But he shuffles, working with the boy to haul himself back up. If Kazutora notices the pause takuya takes to compose himself, he doesn't show it.

Instead he tentatively tests his foot. It hurts but it doesn't give out under his weight. " Think it's just a sprain. I would've been soooo pissed if it was broken. " Kazutora frowns. " That would've been lame. " He remarks cheerfully the pair of them slowly meander their way through the alley and back towards the main road. At least Kazutora had really beat the because they weren't moving at all.

His gaze moves from looking ahead to turning towards the boy. " How often do you show up with a busted face? " Kazutora quirks an eyebrow but seems to hesitate a bit on accepting the offer. He's not overly fond of the idea, but if she's at a pharmacy she or someone there probably has some idea. The last thing he needs to do is somehow make it worse. He'd die if Baji or Hanma or someone got to do cool shit and he had to miss out because of his stupid ankle. " Alright... " He agrees after a moment.

The tiger listens to the story, finding the answer to his question already in it. A lot. " At least you have someone to take care of you. That's nice. " Something appears in his expression, but it disappears as quick as it had appeared. " Dude, that sounds kinda sad, like you're in there every tuesday and thursday or something. " He laughs, but it isn't mean, just amused. " I don't really have shit happen anymore. But I used to just slap a bandaid on shit and call it good. Probably didn't do that much to be honest. " He shrugs his shoulders. " Oh! Dude! " He blinks like he's suddenly realized something before smiling. " What's your name? Can't just call you takemichi's friend. "

of course he wouldn't want to go to the hospital, when has he or his friends ever accepted a hospital visit after getting into a fight? never. and that says a lot for him, he's used to hospital appointments. he doesn't mind the place, really, but going there when you've had your ass kicked was embarrassing. so he only nods when the boy disapproves of his suggestion. fair enough.

when his help is accepted, takuya takes a moment to realise what he's just offered to do. he's just offered to help valhalla's second-in-command, and he's accepted it. it shows on his face a little, how nervous he is, but once again... if this guy did go for him, he's confident he could win. especially with him in this state.

nodding, he shuffles over. " okay... well if you landed wrong it's probably a sprain. but you should still try and put your foot down and see if it's broken. " he explains as he squats down to position himself at the tiger's side, carefully taking his arm and wrapping it around his own neck for support. after a short countdown, he hoists the boy up, making himself a little dizzy in the process. but he's smart enough to keep still, taking a deep breath until the dizzy spell passes.

when it does, he begins to walk, helping the dual-haired delinquent through the alley. " you know... i'm actually headed to a pharmacy right now. if you don't want to go to the hospital, i know a lady who works in the pharmacy who can help? she gives me free stuff when i show up with a busted face. " which was frequently, unfortunately. he grimaces at that and gives an awkward laugh. " i think she felt bad seeing me walking around beaten up all the time. now she just gives me stuff to clean myself up. me, takemichi, and our other friends go there after we get into fights. "

[deathfavor]

@kyukicho said: Baji's always willing to give cuddles.

Kazutora wastes little time in crawling on top of Baji, collapsing on his chest with a grunt. He buries his face into the crook of Baji's neck, eyes fluttering closed with a faint brush of eyelashes over the sensitive skin. It wasn't that anything was particularly wrong. But there were days you woke up simply exhausted and wanting to do absolutely nothing. Even Kazutora had those days. Today was evidently one such day as the tiger had no particularly desire to go out and do anything at all. He'd dragged himself all the way from his place to Baji's room - that was enough activity for him.

His shoulders relax as he breathes in the familiar scent of his boyfriend, hands halfheartedly splayed against his chest. There is a noise of approval when he feels the weight of a chin against the top of his head, encouragement in his eyes to stay exactly as he was. He shifts only slightly to adjust his legs, tangling their legs together with a muffled giggle. It's nice. He wishes this moment could last forever.

He must have dozed off, because the lighting is slightly different when Kazutora blinks open his eyes and lifts his head slightly. Confusion muddles his mind as he glances around. He's groggy but still has no intention of moving from the comfort of laying on Baji. He just tilts his head to press an exhausted kiss to Baji's jaw before he lets his head fall back against his chest. " Hey Kei. " He murmurs, voice a bit rougher with sleep. " Can we stay like this? Or do you have stuff to do? " He asks. Not that it will ultimately matter. If he doesn't? Great. If he does? Kazutora has his ways of getting him to stay - or at least delay the inevitable for a little while longer so he can continue to soak in the warmth.

[deathfavor]

" Don't care that it's maid day, I'm not dressing up in a maid outfit. "