essenceofdeadlybeasts | [ximilia] ic inbox

I see. So yer the ones to keep 'em in check.

[ Meanwhile, Majima absolutely livens up, now that the role has switched and he gets to pry. Tell him everything, please. Or he will withhold the alcohol. ]

How did it go?

How did what go?

[Zhao asked 'innocently' as he sipped on his alcohol. If Majima wanted more information that Zhao had to think carefully about before revealing, then Majima was going to have to work for it. Pry more methodically to get at. No one said he had to play fair.]

[ Ah, playing hard to get ]

The run-in or two with them.

Oh, you know. I'm still standing. Most of them aren't these days.

[Said as casually as can be.]

[ Ah yes, the final way of solving the problem. ]

Yer not so keen in havin' questions directed at ya, huh? [ An observation ]

[Zhao smiled sweetly.]

I like to be the one doing the probing.

[And since Majima was being stingy with the whiskey now, Zhao played idly with his leftover ice. He popped a piece into his mouth and resumed smiling at Majima with an amused twinkle in his eye.]

Ya'dhh—

[ Majima stuttered a second too late from keeping his stupid mouth shut. Good thing he caught on the innuendo, otherwise, he'd really dig his own grave with the comeback he was going to throw. ]

Oh, I've noticed. [ Damn him if he wasn't amused, and it showed in a stifled giggle. And the fact he'd become less stingy with whiskey and a bit more animated again ] Why tho? Is it just 'bout satisfying the urge?

[ The curiosity, naturally ]

Not like any dirt ya get here is gonna be useful back home.

[Zhao's tongue worked to move the ice cube around deftly in his mouth until he finally bit down on it and chewed enough to swallow. His smile never slipped. He chuckled softly at the response and then waited for the refill of whiskey before replying. He took a sip of alcohol first to wash down the ice.]

I do have a pretty strong drive hit me from time to time--and what better way to satisfy than to go in hard and fast with someone worth the effort?

[Would flattery get him anywhere? He didn't know yet but he was having fun twisting his words around either way.]

As for what I would find useful or not... well, that's my prerogative, now isn't it?

[ Bold and confident. That's how many want to carry themselves, but few succeed. Majima ended twirling a lock of his hair in his finger, one that escaped the clutch of the ponytail. As he quietly tried to crack the mystery of the man before him.

Maybe there wasn't any. Maybe he was just— away from home, like everyone else. And just lucky enough to find someone that recognized names of familiars places. Majima certainly could relate to that. ]

Live fast, die young— I'm here for a good time, not for a long time. [ Cheesy all the fucking way, but ain't that something to look forward to. He almost sounded wistful and decided to drown that out with alcohol. It worked, he chuckled instead, and slurred a bit ] I like that, a strong drive I mean. I like ya. Count me in!

[Zhao grinned and chuckled lightly again. That statement was certainly cheesy--and yet had an appeal to it anyway. He certainly could understand the sentiment behind it, and appreciate it. Maybe he felt that way, too, a little. Lived that way sometimes.

When he wasn't trying to make sure everyone else was taken care of first. Woes of being the responsible leader.]

Good, because I'm already starting to like you, too. [And he took a sip of his drink to buy some time after that statement.] So, does that mean I can probe you some more before the day is done?

[ Briefly, but sadly very noticably, Majima inhaled the whiskey. Literally. Few drops were enough to need to trigger a reflex to cough it out, which caused a sound that was a cross of howl and a wheeze. Shit, that round Zhao won.

But— there was a voice in the back of his head. Voice reminding him about letting loose, the thoughts about dropping all the inhibitions or at least the ones that he could live without. Egging him to carve his own path, one that could never predict.

Him getting surprised if not flustered on a line delivered like that? Predictable. Obvious. That was what it was designed for. To make him admit defeat awkwardly and stand down. So what would be the opposite of that...? ]

—just so we're on the same page, ya mean literally or metaphorically?

[ Nailed it.

Majima hee-hee-heed, his voice a bit hoarse as his airways burned from their intense introduction to whiskey, but not stopping a cocksure grin on his face in the least ]

[Zhao waited calmly for Majima to cough up his inhaled whiskey. That had to hurt at least a bit. Poor fella. He didn't want to make the guy feel any more embarrassment than he already probably did though so he waited it out politely.

Just so we're on the same page—he turned his head to look at Majima now, waited for the incoming question—ya mean literally or metaphorically?

Without missing a single beat, Zhao went into his response with a little more oomph to his tone than before. A little bit of a loud laugh in his voice as he opened.]

Hoho! Ya lookin' for a good time tonight after the drinks, tiger? [He leaned forward just enough to encroach on Majima's personal space but not invade it entirely. Met Majima's cocksure grin with one of his own.] 'Cause I know a move or two for that sort of affair, too, if you're interested.

[He leaned back into his own space.]

But don't worry, I've got plenty more questions to throw at ya if we're keeping it all hands-free. Dealer's choice.

[ This was the absolute worst but also— just really damn fun. At this point, he was going to see it through whether it was just a joke or not just to prove that he can. Break of the leash. The leash, he was briefly reminded of with the word 'tiger', enough to falter his grin a little. But not enough to throw him off entirely.

Sagawa isn't someone he wants to think of right now. He'd be happy if he could never think of him again, but that's way too much to ask. ]

Sure, why not? I could unwind a little. [ He was still flashing his teeth, but until the humour returned it probably looked more dangerous than pleasant. The whiskey definitely helped to keep darker thoughts at bay. Like a strong wind keeping skies clear. ] Tho I don't have stripes, I got scales.

[ And tiger without stripes is just a kitty cat ]

[Zhao might have pursued the 'offer' if the expression on Majima's face didn't speak volumes of how awkward he was taking this turn of conversation. Sure, he was grinning, but it felt either forced or feral in a defensive way.

That didn't mean Zhao wouldn't keep having fun at Majima's expense. Until told otherwise, he was going to presume they were having fun despite the awkwardness poking through. Sometimes treading into unknown waters could be exciting and fun even if it was strange and scary. Hopefully that's what Majima was feeling rather than offended. Zhao could only guess.

He kept these thoughts out of his expression with his typical little crooked smirk. His eyes flickered over Majima's whole body as if admiring him from head to toe (and back again).]

I bet. [Almost quietly. Then more loudly:] Ohho? Ya mean if I pet ya I won't get to hear ya purr for me? I might be a little sad about that. So, are ya gonna bite me instead? Hope you're not venomous then 'cause I'm tempted to find out, Majima-kun.

[He chuckled and took another sip of his drink.]

What were we talkin' about? Oh, yeah. I was curious about your blade but we got a little distracted by appreciating a different kind of tumble. So, you gonna show me yours and I'll show you mine? Or were ya savin' that ~mystery for a special occasion?

[ Zhao wasn't wrong on the assessment that Majima wasn't as relaxed as he tried (and failed) posturing with. But if this direction was unwelcome he'd also make it abundantly clear. His amusement at that line is genuine— he wasn't getting flirted at all that often. Or he shot that down if it was in the work environment. And honestly? He was kind of admiring, and kind of jealous Zhao could spin the tale so easily and so openly ]

Maybe I'll be the one to bite first, huh? The fun way—

[ He clanked his teeth and chuckled echoing at what started this entire segue in conversation. If there was only any way he could ensure he meant it playfully— heh, every blink is a wink when you've got only one eye.

—No high five for you brian, this time. Moving on. ]

Show don't tell is a good rule. And the trainin' space is quite nearby so—

[ It's not like someone is going to stop them because they had a few drinks. Living in places like Kamurocho— or Sotenbori— or Yokohama— just the life they go through, means getting into fights even when shit-faced. And they're far from that state, they're fairly lucid even. This is absolutely great idea. ]

Bet I could take ya and yer blade even right now.

[Zhao chuckled good-naturedly, amused by Majima keeping up the game. At first it felt odd flirting with him, but Zhao found it fun to mess with the younger man and fell into it more easily as they talked. Now he was tempted, curious, and a little interested. But he also wasn't ready to push his luck. If this was only a game to Majima he didn't want to insult by actually showing interest in physical intimacy with the man. Best to keep it just a fun game of words.

And Majima gave Zhao another perfect opening with his last phrase despite the change in topic. No way he could pass that up.]

Ohh, I'd be more than willing to thrust my blade at ya to show ya how it's done. You want me? I'm all yours. Let's go, hot stuff.

[ Zhao keeps that up, and he's going to run out of the witty comebacks. But then a short break they had to take to get ready for the training room was just enough to refuel the brain juice, for the next bout of sparring. This time not just verbal but also— well, actual sparring.

Fortunately, no one was taking the training room right now, so they didn't have to worry about going easy. Majima tucked the folded metal fan into his pocket and entered the room with an energized beat to his step. He opted for going shirtless, if just because— he is not going to sew back his own shirts if they get cut to ribbons, and they are a limited resource (and they are going to cut each other, alright). Besides, the hannya needs to see some light of a day too, get some sunrays— artificial ones, in this case. ]

Heard there's somethin' that belongs to me here. [ He said with a cheeky grin, starting the banter exactly where it was left of. ]

[Zhao had his saber in hand, moving through a few low-key practice swings to limber up when Majima strode in with his quip on his lips. The line caused Zhao to smile and chuckle briefly as he turned towards the other man. His eyes darted over the other's physique automatically upon seeing him ready for a spar. Brave man to walk into a blade fight with no protection. Then again, their kind didn't usually have time to don armor before a fight broke out.

Zhao wondered if he should be more careful with his clothes--his leather jacket in particular since it was a luxury item and might be harder to replace while stuck here. But his mind was set on "don't get cut" and the power (folly) of youth to think one could pull it off. Yet this was normal for him, fighting in his street clothes had become a regular thing, and he thought nothing of it. Even if this opponent was a rather good one. Surely Majima would already be a decent fighter, even faster and stronger than his older self considering he was in his prime now... but did he have the experience to keep up? Zhao was about to find out.]

Hmmn, I did say I was all yours... but you're gonna have to earn this piece of meat before you can bite into it today, Majima-kun. Ready when you are~.

Yer gonna make me work for it. [ A chuckle ] Good.

[ It was stupid, but it also made it so thrilling. A show of bravado, in a sense. And while he didn't consciously make it into a test, he realized it still would be telling about his opponent— just how much this is going to be a fight, and just how much it's going to be a dance.

Majima unsheathed the tanto first, for a warm-up with a few moves— rolling and twirling the blade— ]

This been my recent go-to friend for slicin'— [ It's tiny compared to the blade Zhao wields with grace, but it's reliable, familiar, known. In a real fight, it would be a better choice— but here on these testing grounds? He could give it rest, keep hidden, and instead— he whipped out the metal fan, still folded. It couldn't cut in this form, but it could be used both as a stabbing weapon, or for heavier strikes meant to utilize the blunt force, either on the opponent or their weapon. Not this time though he has no intention of doing harm to the prized sword. ] —but I'm all for tryin' new toys

[ With a flick of his hand, he revealed the fan, its intricate and deadly design. Too pretty to be a weapon, and yet here it is. For a moment he used it as if one used a simple fan, hiding part of his face with it, adding an air of mystery... nah, just goofing around ]

Come at me, dragon boy.

[Zhao recognized the first drawn blade that Majima spoke fondly of. The tanto appeared to be the same as the one Majima's older self had wielded the day Zhao had first met him. His eyes watched it with interest until the Mad Dog placed it back in its sheath and withdrew another blade altogether. Zhao knew it for what it was the moment he laid eyes on it despite its closed form.

A metal fan made for fighting. Elegant and yet deadly in the right hands. Zhao had no doubt that Majima could make it a deadly weapon if he wanted. Even if it was a new toy to the man as he claimed. But it did mean Zhao had the advantage here since his opponent was still getting the feel for his new weapon.

On the other hand, Zhao knew that if Majima had any instinct for it or any knowledge in how to use it at all that he was concealing, the fan gave Majima a distinct advantage against his sword. The fan wasn't just an elegant item meant purely for show when wielded as a weapon; it had plenty going for it as both a defensive unit as well as offensive, and a good artist knew how to use deception and redirection with it for all the more power in a fight, too.]

Careful with that, Majima-kun, lest you get yourself hurt.

[All grand talk... but he did offer the man a small bow to kick off the match between them. He stepped forward with a careful eye on Majima as he gave the other what he wanted: the first attack, a simple downward slash to test the waters, see how Majima used the weapon--or his body--in reaction. A simple follow-up left him room to breath, hopefully, as he switched the direction of the blade and swept it back in the opposite direction before backing off for the moment.]

[ The tanto was a, relatively fresh acquisition for Majima, at this point in his life. It lied well in his hand, easily concealed, and the craftsmanship itself was nothing bad either. He would never guess it was going to accompany him through many years to come. But then, Majima didn't expect to live all that much longer either.

So it made sense to play around— Even if he risked indeed, getting hurt ]

Can't learn to be a good dancer, without missin' the beat a few times—hah! [ The answer was planned to be longer, but Zhao was fast, so witty banter has been forgone for defense. Just as he noticed the guards in Gyeongje used the open fan to expertly catch the claws and blades and misdirect them or used the fans as a shield— he can't use it to cast spells as they did, but everything else? Oh, he was so going to still those vibes.

Then there was also that guy in Camellia's Grove that fought with two fans— plenty of sources to pull the inspiration from.

He dodged the downward slash, almost reflexively but the follow-up was when metal met metal. The fan was good at blocking, catching a blade like a sai— but then go from defense to offense? Majima lets the breathing moment happen, that's how the sparring is supposed to look like, right? Testing moves, trying a different approach, not really hurting each other, that looks bad on the file. But with how Zhao moved, carried himself Majima was wanting to test themselves against each other for real.

Wonder how long could he keep up being polite? ]

Nice start. And fast— [ It was his turn, a spin around to change his position, like in a breaker fight that launched into a butterfly kick full of flourish and followed up by wide swing with the fan, not even meant to actually connect with the defensive sword, but to obscure the low kick that followed ]

Speak for yourself-

[Zhao partially muttered as he was too busy dodging Majima's counter and follow-up to reply to the banter properly. Least not yet.

The spin was quick, the butterfly kick a beauty, and the swing of the fan a perfect accompaniment. It was like watching a dance of deadly precision. Zhao had little time to think much less get out of the way.

Which proved to be a better tactic than parrying as the low kick came in next. That he did end up blocking because the reaction was so last minute he had no other choice. It hit his knee as he brought up a leg to block and sent him stumbling backwards.

But while he was knocked off balance he didn't let that mean the next attack would be easy to get off. Zhao kept his eyes on his opponent, carefully gazing everywhere at once rather than focusing on one part. That was a good way to get caught off guard again. The sweeping fan made it harder. Zhao admired Majima for the deceptive attack hidden by the fans sweeping blow. It was a good use of the weapon.]

Have you been practicing?

[With the fan, he meant, specifically. He had to wonder.

In the meantime, he eventually found his footing and spun around to get out of attack range for a second. Nothing more as he was moving forward once again on the attack. No point in letting Majima have the upper hand so early on.

He stepped forward with a flourish of his sword but the quick flickers were meant as distraction as his opposite hand pushed outward from the chest into a hard palm strike. He followed that up with a diagonal slash of the sword and some quick foot-work that immediately performed a spin of his own as he flourished another slash, this one with some bite from the kinetic potential of the spin.]

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