[ Stubborn, crazy fades out into determination. Mine tilts his chin down, immediately deferring to the decision. ]
I understand.
[ He thinks about what Nishikiyama said he liked and didn't like, two days ago, and what Mine'd replied himself. He's so earnest, it might stingβa sharp turn from the vague answers Nishikiyama'd found easy to critique. ]
Yes, I want you to see what I'm capable of. Is that wrong of me? [ They're alone again for the rest of the drive. ]
[ It's about Nishikiyama and not Mine himself? That's almost worth being flustered about and Nishikiyama hesitates before concluding that he couldn't have misinterpreted. In an attempt to check Mine's reply for other motives, he tries to reapproach the question from another angle that might make more sense for someone self-serving. ]
[ Mine's gaze strays from the road more obviously, looking over for a moment. He wants to catch a hint of how Nishikiyama's affected by his answer; Mine finds scepticism peering back. He's still retracing his misstep. If he lets doubt back in he feels like he's failing. ]
I'm not interested. [ Reasserting insteadβ ] I'd like to show you more of myself.
[ Not just the fighting. As Mine recalls more conversation, Nishikiyama'd let him know what he enjoyed. He looks back ahead. An answer to this isn't something he can stay looking at the other man for, yet. ]
[ But it doesn't seem as though Nishikiyama dislikes it. Mostly because he's reminded that it's, apparently, about him. He wonders if Mine truly understands what he's getting himself into. ]
There aren't many shortcuts you can take when it comes to fights. Most of the boys in there have gone their whole lives not knowing anything else. Be prepared for that.
[ It's not to discourage him, but more to raise an appropriate amount of caution. Despite how he is with others, Nishikiyama isn't eager for Mine to humiliate himself. He's too fond of him. ]
I'll wait and see how the next two weeks go. Not like you'll even fight unless you have real a shot at beating people.
[ Mine's gaze flickers to the side and back front, receiving judgment. Commentary he'd regarded with a dislike sits there as backdrop to his behavior. He'd joined the yakuza out of an extreme belief. ]
I may not have grown up the same as themβ
[ Clearly, he thinks it's an advantage. Nishikiyama's misgivings aren't lost, though. He does understand, that he's unlikely to be bet on. Despite that, Mine is much stronger than he looks. There's a lot he can say, owing resilience to different hardships, but he's aware that actions'll speak louder to the patriarch. ]
[ He acknowledges that he's put Mine into consideration where it wouldn't make sense. What's interesting is how Mine himself seems to not think of Nishikiyama's terms as an obstacle to his outcome. Just how does he expect to both put down his tattoo colors and best one of his seniors in such a short time frame? βIs he just delusional? Insane? The results two weeks from now will reveal a lot. ]
Will you even have time for the rest?
[ He means all the fluff on the side. Their private meetings, Mine's work; he means anything that doesn't contribute to such a high goal post. ]
If you think you will, you're probably underestimating what you've just tried signing yourself up for. Prep should start today after I enter and get back to the office.
[ Mine listens. Even though he seems to have made his decision so quickly and spur of the moment, he'd thought of those things. Did he do enough of it? There's not much wiggle room, but some, with a few things already in motion. Nishikiyama's admonishment stands beside Mine's aim to be ahead with his thinking. He's stubborn, relentless. ]
I'm not taking this lightly, I assure you.
[ Driving to Tojo HQ is an obvious detour, but Mine hadn't expressed any issue taking it. Nishikiyama is right, however, their time back at the office together will be short because of it. Is the patriarch going to be impressed or pissed that he leaves again; wanting to please is a compulsion. ]
I have an appointment later, [ The preparation he's told to do, premeditated, he's eager. ] To start the colors.
[ Now, breaks between the sessions'll have to be condensed. Mine isn't troubled by that but he wonders, right after saying, if his answer mitigates his absence. ]
Could you accompany me?
[ Mine gives his focus to the road when it really belongs with expecting Nishikiyama's answer. ]
I want you to see it, not to hold my hand, but as an expression.
Of course now you want to spend more time together.
[ Nishikiyama once again pokes at the fact that Mine had ditched him, attentive to how little difference there is in spending a morning at his apartment versus the generous time in private alone with one another Mine seems to hope for now. ]
Not that I mind going if you can keep me entertained and a conversation going for that many hours. Are you confident without drinks?
[ It remains a larger divide in Mine's mind; he has more confidence as a yakuza than as a man. Strange to put it that wayβhe doesn't think it consciously. Of course, Mine bristles and he doesn't look over. ]
I'm fine without drinks.
[ But he also understands that Nishikiyama doesn't refuse him. He lets his relief be palpable. ]
I'm glad, actually, if this lets me make up for leaving too soon.
I'm not sure how long I want to hold onto my grudge yet. The hangover I had after was one of the worst in my life.
[ And with that, Nishikiyama unwittingly admits to having been upset without even realizing it. It's due to the straightforward conversation. As the Tojo headquarters comes into view, Nishikiyama thinks aloud. ]
Anyway, I've got something that'll help take the edge off your colors.
[ Leaning in his car seat, he comes to unpocket a mysterious case of white pills. ]
[ Ah. There's nothing Mine can say, pointing out that he was right, but here's a place for his atonement. He also agrees. ]
I know, Kanda made me keep drinking. [ The patriarch, actually.
Pulling into HQ, briefly Mine's left to think about a hand on his knee again, Nsihikiyama leaning over. Then, sooner instead, he takes the case held at him and pushes his thumb in near the lip of the lid to pop it open. ]
What are these?
[ Small and nondescript. Uppers? Downers? Just something for pain? He stays sitting back in the driver's seat, returning his gaze to Nishikiyama but not the box. Mine doesn't think it's unreasonable to imagine a crime boss can get his hands on drugs. Even without an answer, he feels nervous about the prospect of taking something. ]
[ It's got to be. Anxiety does tug on the corner of Mine's mouth from the lack of an explanation, but it's not enough to let in obsessive ideation. He remembers the first night after getting the linework in and only taking something after. It wasn't that long ago either. ]
Just one?
[ He's receptive. Mine holds the case, open but he hasn't taken anything out. ]
[ With what Nishikiyama spares him in terms of advice, Mine pockets the case. He'll give it back later. There's conversation that can wait until Nishikiyama is done, when he's preparing to get out. Mine doesn't. ]
Should I stay here?
[ He'll drive him back of course. It's headquarters that Mine's only seen a handful of times from the inside, yet. ]
[ Because if others see Mine specially set aside together with Nishikiyama too many times, word will spread. They might mistake him for the frontrunner of captain or similarβ speculation and whispers to which Nishikiyama is unwelcoming. The car door closes behind him and he rises, crossing the long stretch of the entrance to let himself in. ]
[ Moments of Nishikiyama's absence pass while Mine is waiting, only for another car, black with dark windows, pulls up behind Mine on the side of the road. There's a flicker of recognition that crosses the driver's expression when they parkβ a man with a scar across his nose bridge and cheek, and another man sitting shotgun to him.
Kazama and Kashiwagi let themselves out of the vehicle and head into the headquarters afterward. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ He notices Mine is kind of crazy in his conviction, but isn't going to say anything about it. ]
Do that and I'll change who I enter. For today, though, it's those three.
[ Finishing his whole tattoo and besting one of his yakuza family seniors within a period of two weeks? It's an insane feat. ]
Any real reason you're so interested in participating? You just want me to see you fight or what?
no subject
I understand.
[ He thinks about what Nishikiyama said he liked and didn't like, two days ago, and what Mine'd replied himself. He's so earnest, it might stingβa sharp turn from the vague answers Nishikiyama'd found easy to critique. ]
Yes, I want you to see what I'm capable of. Is that wrong of me? [ They're alone again for the rest of the drive. ]
no subject
[ It's about Nishikiyama and not Mine himself? That's almost worth being flustered about and Nishikiyama hesitates before concluding that he couldn't have misinterpreted. In an attempt to check Mine's reply for other motives, he tries to reapproach the question from another angle that might make more sense for someone self-serving. ]
This about the captain's spot or...?
no subject
I'm not interested. [ Reasserting insteadβ ] I'd like to show you more of myself.
[ Not just the fighting. As Mine recalls more conversation, Nishikiyama'd let him know what he enjoyed. He looks back ahead. An answer to this isn't something he can stay looking at the other man for, yet. ]
no subject
[ But it doesn't seem as though Nishikiyama dislikes it. Mostly because he's reminded that it's, apparently, about him. He wonders if Mine truly understands what he's getting himself into. ]
There aren't many shortcuts you can take when it comes to fights. Most of the boys in there have gone their whole lives not knowing anything else. Be prepared for that.
[ It's not to discourage him, but more to raise an appropriate amount of caution. Despite how he is with others, Nishikiyama isn't eager for Mine to humiliate himself. He's too fond of him. ]
I'll wait and see how the next two weeks go. Not like you'll even fight unless you have real a shot at beating people.
[ His terms make sure of it. ]
no subject
I may not have grown up the same as themβ
[ Clearly, he thinks it's an advantage. Nishikiyama's misgivings aren't lost, though. He does understand, that he's unlikely to be bet on. Despite that, Mine is much stronger than he looks. There's a lot he can say, owing resilience to different hardships, but he's aware that actions'll speak louder to the patriarch. ]
But I won't back down easily.
[ Mine hasn't so far. A beat. ]
Thank you for considering me.
no subject
[ He acknowledges that he's put Mine into consideration where it wouldn't make sense. What's interesting is how Mine himself seems to not think of Nishikiyama's terms as an obstacle to his outcome. Just how does he expect to both put down his tattoo colors and best one of his seniors in such a short time frame? βIs he just delusional? Insane? The results two weeks from now will reveal a lot. ]
Will you even have time for the rest?
[ He means all the fluff on the side. Their private meetings, Mine's work; he means anything that doesn't contribute to such a high goal post. ]
If you think you will, you're probably underestimating what you've just tried signing yourself up for. Prep should start today after I enter and get back to the office.
no subject
I'm not taking this lightly, I assure you.
[ Driving to Tojo HQ is an obvious detour, but Mine hadn't expressed any issue taking it. Nishikiyama is right, however, their time back at the office together will be short because of it. Is the patriarch going to be impressed or pissed that he leaves again; wanting to please is a compulsion. ]
I have an appointment later, [ The preparation he's told to do, premeditated, he's eager. ] To start the colors.
no subject
[ Before Mine had gone away the following morning- ]
You go yesterday too?
no subject
[ Now, breaks between the sessions'll have to be condensed. Mine isn't troubled by that but he wonders, right after saying, if his answer mitigates his absence. ]
Could you accompany me?
[ Mine gives his focus to the road when it really belongs with expecting Nishikiyama's answer. ]
I want you to see it, not to hold my hand, but as an expression.
no subject
[ Nishikiyama once again pokes at the fact that Mine had ditched him, attentive to how little difference there is in spending a morning at his apartment versus the generous time in private alone with one another Mine seems to hope for now. ]
Not that I mind going if you can keep me entertained and a conversation going for that many hours. Are you confident without drinks?
no subject
I'm fine without drinks.
[ But he also understands that Nishikiyama doesn't refuse him. He lets his relief be palpable. ]
I'm glad, actually, if this lets me make up for leaving too soon.
no subject
[ And with that, Nishikiyama unwittingly admits to having been upset without even realizing it. It's due to the straightforward conversation. As the Tojo headquarters comes into view, Nishikiyama thinks aloud. ]
Anyway, I've got something that'll help take the edge off your colors.
[ Leaning in his car seat, he comes to unpocket a mysterious case of white pills. ]
no subject
I know, Kanda made me keep drinking. [ The patriarch, actually.
Pulling into HQ, briefly Mine's left to think about a hand on his knee again, Nsihikiyama leaning over. Then, sooner instead, he takes the case held at him and pushes his thumb in near the lip of the lid to pop it open. ]
What are these?
[ Small and nondescript. Uppers? Downers? Just something for pain? He stays sitting back in the driver's seat, returning his gaze to Nishikiyama but not the box. Mine doesn't think it's unreasonable to imagine a crime boss can get his hands on drugs. Even without an answer, he feels nervous about the prospect of taking something. ]
no subject
[ It's simply phrased. Nishikiyama's lack of explanation might invite paranoia in someone who doesn't trust him. ]
It hurts like hell if you go in without anything. I was a dumbass when I went in for my first session.
[ He'd hurried to go before Kiryu. ]
no subject
[ It's got to be. Anxiety does tug on the corner of Mine's mouth from the lack of an explanation, but it's not enough to let in obsessive ideation. He remembers the first night after getting the linework in and only taking something after. It wasn't that long ago either. ]
Just one?
[ He's receptive. Mine holds the case, open but he hasn't taken anything out. ]
no subject
[ Unhelpfully. He unbuckles his seatbelt as Mine takes the medicine case from him. ]
no subject
Should I stay here?
[ He'll drive him back of course. It's headquarters that Mine's only seen a handful of times from the inside, yet. ]
1/2
[ Because if others see Mine specially set aside together with Nishikiyama too many times, word will spread. They might mistake him for the frontrunner of captain or similarβ speculation and whispers to which Nishikiyama is unwelcoming. The car door closes behind him and he rises, crossing the long stretch of the entrance to let himself in. ]
2/2
Kazama and Kashiwagi let themselves out of the vehicle and head into the headquarters afterward. ]