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[no, he doesn't realize, thank you very much— and don't you dare tell him, shun! (or at least not outright, anyway.)]

It isn't? Oh... hm, I hadn't realized. [to be fair, he wouldn't really know either, he's only gone with one of his fathers.] Or something. [since he's too shy to admit he didn't ask everyone.]

[ Thankfully, for as blunt as he can be, he isn't quite that upfront. He'll let Sizhui be blissfully unaware of how sad he comes across, it's fine.

Speaking of: he looks so dejected at finding out the fun of an arcade, according to Shun, is going with someone. Ugh. Ugh. ]

I've got nothing going on so don't mind hanging around for a while if you want to call someone to meet up. [ A beat, as he realizes: ] My name is Shun, by the way.

[good, there's nothing wrong with sizhui thinking going to the arcade by himself sometimes is sad. (even if it kinda is when you stop and consider.)

but let's be real, he especially wouldn't mind the company right now when everything's so new.]

Really? I would appreciate the company. [what if i can't get ahold of anyone? he's sure not going to ask that aloud, however.] I'm sorry, I got so carried away with the directions, we didn't even get to introductions. It's nice to meet you, Shun. [the briefest pause on his end this time so he can bow his head then,] My name is Sizhui.

Yeah, yeah.

[ Sizhui is just lucky that he's got nothing better to do today. Even if he did, he might still tag along but- Details. ]

Sure. [ He can be sociable but that doesn't necessarily equate to nice or polite. But at least he has the decency to continue to engage in some small talk as they walk. ]

Other than getting turned around, you settling into this place alright?

[while shun's dismissive response may sound rude to other people, he understands; they've gotten the basic niceties out of the way so there's no need for excess, uh, mushiness.

details aside however, he is lucky, both for shun not being busy and for him being a decent guy.]

There's a lot to take in— [no pun intended! ha. haha.] —but I've been handling it okay, I think? My world is nowhere near this... technologically advanced. [even though his cultivation abilities (and newly gained gembonded powers) are rather snazzy and all.]

[ He's nice enough to let the double meaning slide. That isn't his brand of humor as it is, but- This guy makes it almost too easy. ]

Yeah, that must be hard. I guess my world's on par? This place seems a little more advanced in some ways but... about the same.

[someone's gotta eventually introduce this soft fool to double-entendres, why not the person who has already done so much already? (actually, no, it's better sizhui continues considering shun a ‘gentleman’ instead. that's almost funnier.)]

Really now? Huh... in what ways do you think it's more advanced? [let's just say curiosity killed the cat.]

[ All with time. Admittedly, Shun is probably the last person to learn such things from. For as crass as he can be, it was a lot of talk and not much actual knowledge or desire. ]

Well, for one- It's a lot better at keeping things clean than my planet. Kind of? The surface of this planet seems fucked but at least they had the sense to preserve what they could and go upwards.

[they've got nothing but time now, considering, though surely shun has better things to do with his gang rather than play tagalong with sizhui. if the younger male desperately wants to know anything, he can ask outright anyway.]

Hopefully, we're here to make it less like that. [‘fucked’ is what he means but good luck getting him to repeat it.] What did your world do if not go upward then?

[without thinking too much, he clasps shun's hand, quickens his pace and rushes them toward the nearby subway doors that have opened, realization only dawning after everything's said and done. instead of apologizing right away like he should, sizhui's hand loosens, tightens, then his head shamefully dips as he murmurs,] I'm sorry, I didn't... want to miss it.

[ Maybe someday. Right now, Shun doesn't think this kid is capable of swearing even if he wanted to. ]

Straight to sh- [ His curse is cut off by the grab of his hand following pull. While he doesn't necessarily mind, a little warning might have been nice. Shun allows himself to be yanked onto the subway before it gives a bing and notice that the doors will be closing so don't block them. ]

No, that's fine. I get it. It'd suck to wait when you don't have to, right? [ Hm. ] And it's crowded so... better to stay close together.

[wow, he could swear if he wanted to! it's just that sizhui obviously doesn't want to right now!!!

the automated warning sound prompts the younger man to move them a little further away from the door (since he realized he's still technically holding shun's hand), but once they're near a couple of empty seats, he gestures toward them in case shun might like to sit.

sizhui has not, however, let go of his hand for that exact reason.] Yes, it is. I hope you don't mind if I, ah, keep holding onto you? I can let go if you like. [a beat] Or hold your arm instead?

[ Sure. We'll go with that.

He seems surprisingly fine with being led along; honestly, it's not as much of a bother as he thought it would be. The man's learning this whole """intimacy""" thing isn't... awful. Or, at least, it gets him Currents now and then to supplement his small earnings from odd jobs and keeps from turning into a rock monster. ]

That's fine. Whatever's more comfortable for you, I guess.

[(dear editor: let sizhui say ‘fuck,’ dammit.)

it very likely helps a lot that the person he's with such a good boy; lan sizhui's done everything within his power to make certain someone is comfortable before proceeding— usually, anyway, but this can be one exception since shun doesn't seem particularly bothered.

he smiles delightedly, releases shun's hand and moves to hook their forearms together instead, suddenly all too aware of the warmth between his shoulderblades. ah, his gem... it's surely glowing, but thank goodness, his layers ought to (hopefully) cover it.] This feels more secure, [he says, like it needs an explanation.] But shouldn't it be comfortable for you, too?

[ It's fine, he'll be a bad enough influence before long.

Unfortunately, Shun's own gem is in a vulnerable spot. While he hates it, he hates the constricting feeling of things around his neck more these days. Get choked enough times and that tends to happen. Either way, he brings a hand up to the nape of his neck where it rests briefly as it warms.

Hm. His doesn't glow, not really, or- Maybe he's just so emotionally subdued in general that it does only give a hint. It isn't obvious, at least. ]

I'm fine with whatever. Not really a picky kind of guy.

[clearly, and it'll be glorious, even if shun's already got sizhui wondering about those earlier expletives.

that is... more than enough of a reason to not want his neck covered. in spite of himself, the younger male's attention follows shun's hand, head tilting slightly so he can see better, realization dawning some moments later; it must be where his gem is at. he considers speaking, saying something for reassurance, though second-guesses mentioning it altogether.

instead, sizhui's posture straightens, he adjusts their position and tucks them into a nearby corner, free arm hooking around the sturdy metal pole for extra stability.] Then we'll stay here for the duration of the ride. It shouldn't take too long, after all.

[ Corruption isn't his kink, thankfully. He just finds it funny to see people like Sizhui let loose a little. ]

Suits me just fine. [ Shun, meanwhile, leans back against the window of the car. It helps him hide his gem and lets him look cool. He has to keep his intimidating presence somehow, doesn't he? Not that it seems to be doing much good when he's going to an arcade with the human equivalent of a doe. ]

What's the first thing you're gonna wanna play? Don't tell me you're into those dancing games. [ As if he hadn't tried his hand at them once or twice and got oddly competitive. ]

[good golly, it doesn't have to be anything too crazy now! ‘letting loose’ is a far better way to describe sizhui allowing himself to not be so uptight.

unlucky for shun, he truly doesn't look all that intimidating with someone like sizhui attached to his arm, it's true. he'd apologize although he's done nothing wrong, he can't deny, it feels a lot safer having the man with him, particularly when some people are already staring.

his attention upturns from their feet, eyes blinking slowly, the faintest smile curving his mouth at the edges.] Why, are those the worst? To tell you the truth... I like the big ones with the buttons and sticks. Oh! Or maybe the one with the balls you roll up the platform? [he hums consideringly while trying to conjure up the machine. skeeball, by the way, is what he's thinking.]

[ Stares will be met with silent glares. Granted, glaring seems to be his default when dealing with most strangers. It was all part of being a yakuza; for as much as they wanted to belong, they wanted people to earn the right to be among them, to feel comfortable in their spaces. Shun had been inducted like all the rest. He had been more than ready for the test.

He still has the scars to prove it. ]

They're not the worst just... Kind of kiddy? Silly. The classic arcade games though are good. Skeeball's not bad either. I can teach you how to cheat the machine. [ Actually, now that he considers it: ] Maybe I'll set a high score for pinball too while I'm at it.

[aw, that'd almost be cute if it literally weren't shun's default state. nevertheless, sizhui appreciates the fact whoever's let their eyes wander immediately turns and decides minding their own business is in their better interest. from his peripheral, he considers the man, doing everything within his power to curb his enthusiasm, even though that's proving more difficult than it should when shun's considering actually playing games himself.

doesn't really sound like something a yakuza member would do, but does that matter here? (to be fair, it matters in certain aspects, but definitely not in sizhui's case.) here is where they're starting new lives anyway, there's nothing saying shun can't do whatever he wants as his own boss.]

Well, knowing that now, I suppose I'm obligated to admit: I do sort of enjoy them at times. [a soft ahhh! as shun says the name and of course that's it.] Skeeball, yes, that one is fun too. Cheat the machine, though? Why would we do that? [sorry, shun, he's kind of a nerd.] I'm not sure pinball is one I've tried yet.

[ The keyword there is considering. He might be inclined to join in but it'll take some convincing. Or, maybe, Sizhui's enthusiasm will be more infectious than he realizes and taking part won't seem like such a hassle. It's not like playing games at an arcade would really tarnish his reputation, right? Especially not if he was cheating his way to winning. ]

Well, arcades usually have tickets as currency. Rigging skeeball is the fastest way to get enough to get anything. Otherwise, you're blowing all your money for almost nothing. I just even the playing field is all.

[ A beat. ]

Pinball's pretty fun. I can show you.

[maybe his eagerness will get shun involved, but if anyone tries giving him trouble for doing something he's enjoying, he'll get to experience real quick how sizhui can turn from a happy-go-lucky doe-eyed thing to an absolute murder-machine. (okay, so it's more like a kitten, though seriously, he dares one person to say something that way he can verbally tear them apart.)

oh yes, that's right, those tickets are supposed to ‘buy’ prizes; he hasn't ever gotten anything of substantial worth, unfortunately, so it'd be interesting to win something like that. but is it really winning if you cheat?

‘i just even the playing field is all.’ he hums softly with contemplation, lets the faintest smirk quirk his lips on one side then he nods.] Alright, we can try it out.

And I would very much like to learn pinball, too.

[ Well, hey- Looks like this kid might have it in him to bend the rules a bit after all.

Good to know. ]

Then it's a deal. We play some pinball, rig some skeeball, and go home with a couple of prizes. Anyone you want to give yours to?

[ He's mostly just teasing but it's kind of hard not to. ]

[luckily, he isn't a total square, much to the fortune(?) of everyone else.]

Pinball, skeeball, prizes, [sizhui repeats, his eagerness more glaringly obvious now, given how his eyes have lit up. his expression softens following the question though, cheeks faintly flushed as he downcasts his gaze again. he raises the hand not clutching shun's arm, rubs a pinkened cheek and shakes his head.]

I don't think I know anyone who would want one. So, perhaps I could keep it? [a beat of silence then,] Unless you might want it for some reason?

[ It's to the fortune of Shun, at least. He'll come to appreciate it in time.

But he only sees a 'square' (i.e. someone with a healthy emotional range) when he looks down at Sizhui's beaming face. He's like a kid at Christmas. It's embarrassing. It's also cute? He doesn't know. ]

Nah, you keep it. Or I'll win you one myself if luck isn't your lady tonight.

[in time, yes, but if sizhui's enthusiasm about arcade games is already cute, shun better be ready for it to only get ~~worse~~ better from here! there are so many new things he's learned already, despite not having even explored everywhere yet, and he's always been excited so far.

his features soften briefly, concerned, lips pursed while he hums with contemplation then sizhui remarks,]

Hopefully, my luck won't be too awful... [unsurprisingly, he perks up afterward, gesturing with his free hand toward nothing in particular.] But if so, I'd appreciate that a lot, Shun. It's kind of you to offer!

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