[ Mine sees a change and Nishikiyama fill a gap between them that'd looked much larger. The proximity feels both comforting and daunting. There isn't enough relief from it to touch the corners of Mine's mouth, knowing he'd spoiled the invitation. He realizes that Nishikiyama doesn't confront him on calling him wrong, though. He'll continueβ ]
No. I don't want to keep a distance between us.
[ But wary of overstepping Mine doesn't move physically. Asking to be alone without the privacy they'd had before; a notion the other man'd called fucked up and weird whenever Mine'd concealed it. The the case shutting sweeps at the bottom edge of his vision. He doesn't pay for conversation, but this is less than Mine thought he'd have. ]
How can I make amends?
[ If he restarts their conversation, if it were only Nishikiyama's authority as his patriarch harmed... Of course, now Mine's smart enough not to ask that he admits anything else.
[ At least Mine's sharp enough to realize their meeting now had flopped. Nishikiyama isn't sure what to say to itβ taken off guard but also not hating that Mine has come to yield. Part of him feels guilty for his earlier reaction; humbled by the sincerity. It's not very different than the fights he used to have with Kiryu, where Kiryu would always try to be the bigger person between them and attempt to mend things first. As Mine tries figuring out how to make it up to him, Nishikiyama just stands still. Make amends. Should Mine even have to make amends? Nishikiyama is reminded that it's him who's talking to Mine now instead of the man who could've been out here instead while he served his own prison sentence. Someone who could've offered him a far less difficult time without stringing him along to deal with his baggage. ]
As the office door swings on its hinges, a peek of empty hallway remains exposed. Nishikiyama's face twists in an extremely irate way at the sudden volume change, but Kanda is quick to lower his bald head and take up a bowed posture that delays his patriarch's remaining scowl. He stands deliberately in front of Mine when he delivers the newsβ confident that his information is more important than whatever a yakuza junior might be saying. ]
Heard from the boys in the Shibata Family that there's something planned by the Clan about to happen in the coliseum. Two weeks from today. There's a lot of turf up in Shin-Okubo on the line as a prize, but they were gonna close the call for family fighters at HQ in a couple of hours. It's not official, and just some families like Arakawa's guys are fighting, but I got told we were supposed to get all this news from Kashiwagi. Didn't think you'd wanna miss out since you were saying you wanted to expand up in that area before the Jingweon eats it all up.
[ He squints at Mine when he straightens his stance, wondering why he's here at all. ]
[ Kazama's dog before anything else. It makes sense though, that their family would be cut out of participating. Kazama is threatened by Nishikiyama and wants to keep him from growing. They'd already come further than he'd ever expected. Of course he'd try keeping him out of Shin-Okubo. ]
How many fighters am I supposed to scrounge up by then? Three?
Yeah, it's three. Just saw Arase back there and he said he'd fightβ Shindo's down to fight, I'll fight. You've got three of us ready to make you proud, so if it's all good on your end, we'll go out there and whoop some ass!
Fine. [ Nishikiyama doesn't resist Kanda's enthusiasm. His suggestion is quick and passionate, and the three offered up to participate will probably put up the toughest time in the ring anyway. ]
Mine, take me to Tojo Headquarters.
[ How to make amends. ]
Kanda, you take that finger in that cloth there and bury it in the woods. We're on our way out now.
[ Mine doesn't know that he's being compared to Kiryu, that Nishikiyama compares himself, or that it's his phone call that's supposed to be stuck in the answering machine. Ordinarily, a moment of silence won't faze him, not when things are in his favor. Nishikiyama's about to extend him some respite only when Kanda barges in. He takes a step back, which is necessary to keep Kanda out of his personal bubble when the man wedges himself between them. Tojo Family politics is something he pays attention to. Mine looks at the back of his bald head with a scowl, but departs from it at the moment Kanda turns to him. He doesn't have an answer to his unasked question.
Kazama is someone who doesn't hide his disdain from his gaze when he looks at Mine. A vivid sight at the assembly, whenever he stands next to Nishikiyama. Even ahead of his confession, Mine'd become bold enough to invite it; Kashiwagi is its extension.
Arase, Shindo andβ for no apparent reason, Mine's surprised to hear Kanda suggest himself as third, not him. His eyes jump to Nishikiyama, who only accepts. His gaze dims when he bows his head. This is his chance, anywayβhis atonement for something Nishikiyama was about to let go regardless. Mine's pleased. He doesn't get the shit-job of burying a finger. ]
Yes, boss.
[ Having had to readjust his seat, the thought he'd had, when walking from Nishikiyama's apartment to the parking lot about driving drunk the night before, was washed out. Mine feels more possessive about his car when he's sober, and doesn't mention it when they get in.
He stays careful with a conversation he didn't think he'd still be having, moments earlier. Not waiting long, though, even before getting on faster roadsβ ]
May I askβ [ Mine's eyes flicker to the passenger side. ] What is the coliseum? For Headquarters to be putting up a prize like that...
[ A place? Imagining an underground fighting arena is too strange, even with Kanda's loud enthusiasm. An event? Would any other yakuza just let the winner walk up on that turfβ It's clear, though, Mine's more interested than nervous anymore. ]
Exactly what it sounds likeβ it's a fighting ring. It's under West Park, in Purgatory. Not that there's any way you'd have known about that kind of place. It's harder to explain than to just show you. You can come watch the fights when they roll around.
[ It's simply not somewhere someone without some kind of tie finds themself familiar with. Assuming Mine had kept his business before the yakuza clean. As Nishikiyama sinks into his seat, he realizes it's resurfacing the memory of how they'd wound up in his apartment. Ah. He probably shouldn't say anything. ]
These events don't happen without reason. It's about reputation. They're keeping track of which families hold their own. The toughest men will be remembered too.
[ He also got clues from Kanda, but it's kind of unbelievable. The invitation to watch the fights is unexpectedβdefinitely not unwanted, though. He has as good as made up his misstep. Mine's gaze sweeps over the lanes ahead; he's the one not convinced. Looking around also helps him keep his distance from Kashiwagi's mention. ]
If you were to enter four fighters under the Nishikiyama Family name, instead of three, you'd be more likely to win.
[ Of course the risk might be higher too, depending on whether there's a penalty for losses. Mine thinks. His addition just sounds business. He only suggests signing up one other person, not two or three, etcetera. It's because he's only interested in getting one more fighter to participate.
[ An amused expression flutters over Nishikiyama's face at Mine's suggestion. It's resolute. Does he feel competitive? Maybe it's just him thinking about that captain stuff all over again. Despite the earnestness, though, Nishikiyama doesn't seem to be considering him. He puts an elbow up, watching the road instead while his chin sits in his palm. ]
Against hitmen and captains, first thing in the clan? The Arakawa Family is small and niche, but it's still full of killers. And that's only one of the groups playing along.
[ As cute as it is that Mine wants to try, Nishikiyama has little faith it'll go well. ]
You said the other day you've never been in a street fight before. Your tattoo's not even done.
[ It's naive of him to volunteer. ]
Besides, three's always been the entry limit. I can't put in four guys for the same reason you just said yourself: I'd be more likely to win.
Arakawa? [ And Shibata. He'll ask around for some more names.
Nishikiyama's reply is only a scuff on his pride, rather than another gash in their conversation. Deep and unhappy, if not in the way it'd been, Mine's frown returns anyway. Nishikiyama challenges, implying it's enough, but Mine doesn't think his proposition is naive. For all the cash he brings into the office, he hadn't joined, believing he'd be making his way up on stacks of 10,000 yen bills. ]
You said you wanted to see me fight. [ It's lifted from the same conversation. And how eager is he to get his colors doneβ ] I don't think there's a better opportunity soon. If three's the limit, I'd like to know how I can get in on those terms.
[ Paying is always easy, though. From stubbornly keeping his eyes on the road, Mine's gaze drifts right: ]
Think you could beat someone in the lineup for it? That's the only way it'd make any sense for me to pick you over one of them.
[ Just to humor Mine, Nishikiyama considers what he's asking. ]
You didn't say anything about your tattoo not being done either. People might think I grabbed some guy off the street and threw him in the ring for sport.
[ Mine doesn't hesitate; it's the lesser problem to him. He's been itching to get the tattoo finished since getting to compare himself to Nishikiyama. He puts the timestamp on it that Kanda'd mentioned. Of course, then the man becomes one of Mine's potential opponents immediately. ]
Is that your only condition? [ He doesn't undervalue it, more like he wants to make sure. ] In that case, I accept.
[ 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.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2024-01-23 09:19 pm (UTC)No. I don't want to keep a distance between us.
[ But wary of overstepping Mine doesn't move physically. Asking to be alone without the privacy they'd had before; a notion the other man'd called fucked up and weird whenever Mine'd concealed it. The the case shutting sweeps at the bottom edge of his vision. He doesn't pay for conversation, but this is less than Mine thought he'd have. ]
How can I make amends?
[ If he restarts their conversation, if it were only Nishikiyama's authority as his patriarch harmed... Of course, now Mine's smart enough not to ask that he admits anything else.
An amputated digit makes him think. ]
1/3
Date: 2024-01-24 11:01 am (UTC)You don't needβ
2/3
Date: 2024-01-24 11:17 am (UTC)As the office door swings on its hinges, a peek of empty hallway remains exposed. Nishikiyama's face twists in an extremely irate way at the sudden volume change, but Kanda is quick to lower his bald head and take up a bowed posture that delays his patriarch's remaining scowl. He stands deliberately in front of Mine when he delivers the newsβ confident that his information is more important than whatever a yakuza junior might be saying. ]
Heard from the boys in the Shibata Family that there's something planned by the Clan about to happen in the coliseum. Two weeks from today. There's a lot of turf up in Shin-Okubo on the line as a prize, but they were gonna close the call for family fighters at HQ in a couple of hours. It's not official, and just some families like Arakawa's guys are fighting, but I got told we were supposed to get all this news from Kashiwagi. Didn't think you'd wanna miss out since you were saying you wanted to expand up in that area before the Jingweon eats it all up.
[ He squints at Mine when he straightens his stance, wondering why he's here at all. ]
3/5 lmfao sorry extended fanfiction version i guess
Date: 2024-01-24 11:26 am (UTC)[ Kazama's dog before anything else. It makes sense though, that their family would be cut out of participating. Kazama is threatened by Nishikiyama and wants to keep him from growing. They'd already come further than he'd ever expected. Of course he'd try keeping him out of Shin-Okubo. ]
How many fighters am I supposed to scrounge up by then? Three?
[ It's always three. ]
4/5
Date: 2024-01-24 11:29 am (UTC)[ Loud again, he responds. ]
5/5
Date: 2024-01-24 11:34 am (UTC)Mine, take me to Tojo Headquarters.
[ How to make amends. ]
Kanda, you take that finger in that cloth there and bury it in the woods. We're on our way out now.
no subject
Date: 2024-01-24 03:50 pm (UTC)Kazama is someone who doesn't hide his disdain from his gaze when he looks at Mine. A vivid sight at the assembly, whenever he stands next to Nishikiyama. Even ahead of his confession, Mine'd become bold enough to invite it; Kashiwagi is its extension.
Arase, Shindo andβ for no apparent reason, Mine's surprised to hear Kanda suggest himself as third, not him. His eyes jump to Nishikiyama, who only accepts. His gaze dims when he bows his head. This is his chance, anywayβhis atonement for something Nishikiyama was about to let go regardless. Mine's pleased. He doesn't get the shit-job of burying a finger. ]
Yes, boss.
[ Having had to readjust his seat, the thought he'd had, when walking from Nishikiyama's apartment to the parking lot about driving drunk the night before, was washed out. Mine feels more possessive about his car when he's sober, and doesn't mention it when they get in.
He stays careful with a conversation he didn't think he'd still be having, moments earlier. Not waiting long, though, even before getting on faster roadsβ ]
May I askβ [ Mine's eyes flicker to the passenger side. ] What is the coliseum? For Headquarters to be putting up a prize like that...
[ A place? Imagining an underground fighting arena is too strange, even with Kanda's loud enthusiasm. An event? Would any other yakuza just let the winner walk up on that turfβ It's clear, though, Mine's more interested than nervous anymore. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-01-24 04:08 pm (UTC)[ It's simply not somewhere someone without some kind of tie finds themself familiar with. Assuming Mine had kept his business before the yakuza clean. As Nishikiyama sinks into his seat, he realizes it's resurfacing the memory of how they'd wound up in his apartment. Ah. He probably shouldn't say anything. ]
These events don't happen without reason. It's about reputation. They're keeping track of which families hold their own. The toughest men will be remembered too.
[ He watches himself in the car mirror. ]
Kashiwagi didn't say shit. Of course he didn't.
[ This is muttered and the part he focuses on. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-01-24 04:55 pm (UTC)[ He also got clues from Kanda, but it's kind of unbelievable. The invitation to watch the fights is unexpectedβdefinitely not unwanted, though. He has as good as made up his misstep. Mine's gaze sweeps over the lanes ahead; he's the one not convinced. Looking around also helps him keep his distance from Kashiwagi's mention. ]
If you were to enter four fighters under the Nishikiyama Family name, instead of three, you'd be more likely to win.
[ Of course the risk might be higher too, depending on whether there's a penalty for losses. Mine thinks. His addition just sounds business. He only suggests signing up one other person, not two or three, etcetera. It's because he's only interested in getting one more fighter to participate.
Mine's gaze'd become fixed on one point ahead. ]
I'm willing to fight.
no subject
Date: 2024-01-24 05:08 pm (UTC)Against hitmen and captains, first thing in the clan? The Arakawa Family is small and niche, but it's still full of killers. And that's only one of the groups playing along.
[ As cute as it is that Mine wants to try, Nishikiyama has little faith it'll go well. ]
You said the other day you've never been in a street fight before. Your tattoo's not even done.
[ It's naive of him to volunteer. ]
Besides, three's always been the entry limit. I can't put in four guys for the same reason you just said yourself: I'd be more likely to win.
no subject
Date: 2024-01-24 10:16 pm (UTC)Nishikiyama's reply is only a scuff on his pride, rather than another gash in their conversation. Deep and unhappy, if not in the way it'd been, Mine's frown returns anyway. Nishikiyama challenges, implying it's enough, but Mine doesn't think his proposition is naive. For all the cash he brings into the office, he hadn't joined, believing he'd be making his way up on stacks of 10,000 yen bills. ]
You said you wanted to see me fight. [ It's lifted from the same conversation. And how eager is he to get his colors doneβ ] I don't think there's a better opportunity soon. If three's the limit, I'd like to know how I can get in on those terms.
[ Paying is always easy, though. From stubbornly keeping his eyes on the road, Mine's gaze drifts right: ]
I'm being serious.
no subject
Date: 2024-01-25 02:14 pm (UTC)[ Just to humor Mine, Nishikiyama considers what he's asking. ]
You didn't say anything about your tattoo not being done either. People might think I grabbed some guy off the street and threw him in the ring for sport.
no subject
Date: 2024-01-25 02:27 pm (UTC)[ Mine doesn't hesitate; it's the lesser problem to him. He's been itching to get the tattoo finished since getting to compare himself to Nishikiyama. He puts the timestamp on it that Kanda'd mentioned. Of course, then the man becomes one of Mine's potential opponents immediately. ]
Is that your only condition? [ He doesn't undervalue it, more like he wants to make sure. ] In that case, I accept.
no subject
Date: 2024-01-25 02:34 pm (UTC)[ 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
Date: 2024-01-25 02:58 pm (UTC)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
Date: 2024-01-25 03:16 pm (UTC)[ 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
Date: 2024-01-25 05:30 pm (UTC)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
Date: 2024-01-26 11:29 am (UTC)[ 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
Date: 2024-01-26 01:24 pm (UTC)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
Date: 2024-01-27 10:47 am (UTC)[ 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
Date: 2024-01-27 02:48 pm (UTC)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
Date: 2024-01-27 09:16 pm (UTC)[ Before Mine had gone away the following morning- ]
You go yesterday too?
no subject
Date: 2024-01-28 09:17 am (UTC)[ 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
Date: 2024-01-28 01:24 pm (UTC)[ 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
Date: 2024-01-28 07:00 pm (UTC)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)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:1/2
From:2/2
From: