gonnawinagain | Come and let me in

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Come and let me in

The players: Kiryu and Majima
The scenario: Mr. K comes to visit Mr. M for the first time. How's that investment of mine going, buddy?
The setting: Early 1988, Sotenbori, the Sunshine Cabaret Club.
Any warnings: None to start.

Kiryu wasn't really sure what to expect from his coming here. It certainly was a spur of the moment whim when he'd decided to head off to Sotenbori and check out this 'Club Sunshine' he had been putting investments into. He just needed to get away from all the trouble he seemed to attract for a little while. Not that he was using that excuse to explain the sudden business trip--for that, he reasoned, he was interested in this investment and how it was going. That was his excuse for the unexpected trip should anyone ask.

He was interested in the place. He hadn't heard much, Mr. Moneybags liked to keep the details to himself, and that was fine. The reasoning had been enough to convince Kiryu it was fine the first time around and he wouldn't question that now. But his curiosity only grew the more he thought about it. Mr. Moneybags didn't need to know what he was doing right now. What would it really hurt anyway? He was just going to go in, check the place out, relax a little if he could, and then head back home at the end of the day. No harm done.

That was the plan anyway. He wasn't sure what the place was supposed to be but he was from Kamurocho, there wasn't much that could surprise him in regards to entertainment. When he walked in he noted how cozy it was. It had an air of luxury to it but not ostentatiously so and the smaller room made it more cozy rather than grandiose as the larger cabarets did. He had to admit, he sort of liked it. And, as he would discover after he was seated, it had a more intimate feel to it which he was less certain how that made him feel just yet.

But first he had to get a seat. He made these first few observations as he waited patiently in the foyer to be seated. He rarely came to these sorts of places on his own, especially for personal reasons, so he was admittedly a little nervous. Not that it showed on his determinedly stoic face as he peered curiously about the place.

Idly, he wondered if Mr. M was here today, and what he might look like, who he might be. Kiryu probably shouldn't even introduce himself as Mr. K today but he was a bit curious if it would get him a meeting with the man in charge who was using his money to run this place.

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"Yes," Kiryu said with a nod. "I've been working hard on it recently. I started on them when I was younger but found a place that rekindled the interest not too long ago. It's for all types. I--"

He almost offered to take Majima there as well but he stopped short with a brief stare. His excitement had gotten the better of him. He didn't think Majima was interested in his silly hobby. He looked away and watched one of the girls greet a new customer some tables over.

Idly, he took a sip of his refreshed drink. His cheeks blushed a faint pink as he realized how close Majima had gotten to him--close enough that earlier they'd brushed together. This feeling was...unexpected. He didn't quite know what it was.

"...This is what you teach them. This is why your business is so booming. It reminds me of someone else."

And poof, the magic is gone, someone has looked behind the curtain.

"Guys come to have a good time and relax. That's the service we provide."

Majima's smile still remained, although a little faded, almost thoughtful. He rolled his glass in his hand, looking at the half-melted ice-cubes rattle inside.

"Some want to party, others are into word games, plenty wants to feel as if they're on a date with a pretty girl but without the commitment— but ya know, most just want to chat with someone that's interested in listenin' what they got to say—"

Maybe it was a sign of their times. That finding a friend that would listen has become a luxury. But that's something for wiser heads to figure out. Everyone at Sunshine has their own goals, and works hard at staying afloat. That's where their focus was.

"So who is that you thought of? Your friend?" The professional and polite way of speech was back, but then it wavered into a casual tone yet again "Yer girlfriend?"

Kiryu nodded in acknowledgment of Majima's professional words. That was how this business worked. Paying for a pretty girl to be your friend for the evening. For someone to listen to you and encourage you. It was almost kind of sad. At the same time, it was almost beautiful, too. Everyone needed that human connection on some level. If this was how they got it--well, all the more praise to those that provided it. They were truly miracle workers to give that hope and connection to another human being.

The Dragon of Dogima looked back at Majima with a serene look on his face. Admiration--that this man worked so hard at this job and sounded so sincere when he spoke, whether in his more formal pattern or his slangy speech. He wanted to say as much but couldn't find the words. Kiryu determined to find some way to convey how he truly felt sometime. For now, he continued the conversation as best he could with his less than stellar conversational skill.

"No," he shook his head. "I don't have a girlfriend. I meant a business partner. Well, mentor. He taught me how formal business is. It's hard to remember all the rules and acceptable practices. You're like him; good at all of this."

It brought on a return of serious expression to Majima's face. A brief surprise painted on it too. There it was, a bit of genuine bashfulness, hand reflexively reaching to the nape of his neck, eye skirting the gaze somewhere else.

"That's— quite a compliment," he said wistfully. "I'll do my best to live up to it."

Briefly, he felt a disconnect, in how people perceived him, and in who he felt he was. Whoever that mentor was must have been a figure that helped Kiryu get to his position; a position where he had so much money he could invest into a club just because he wanted to. But he was no one of that sort, wasn't he?

He wanted to say something else, ask a question but his attention was caught by a sudden commotion at the entrance. The music didn't let the sound through, and present guests remained unperturbed, but he knew how to recognize the signs. Youda blocking the passage, tall figures moving at the entrance. Yuki looked a little panicked and caught Saki just returning from her brief break— shit.

"Excuse me, Kiryu-han. There's an emergency I must attend to. I shall return shortly" He stood up, followed it up with an apologetic bow, and rushed to the entrance with a swift, but not alarmed step.

Kiryu wanted to say something in response to Majima's humble reply--assure him it was the truth, encourage him to embrace it for what it was, something along those lines. He felt the man was hesitant on some level and though Kiryu couldn't fully understand why he instinctively wanted to encourage Majima and bolster his confidence. The man was a giant wonder so far and Kiryu could only hope to promote bigger, better things from him by supporting his business.

He truly felt this deep inside. Of course, the interruption came before he could find his words. Such was life.

Kiryu glanced over to where Majima's eye had roamed and then back again. He nodded and made a sound of confirmation. Then watched as Majima left almost without even hearing Kiryu's response.

For a moment Kiryu tried to keep his attention elsewhere, watching the other patrons enjoy their time with the girls here. It wasn't his place to interfere here. It wasn't his job to take out the trash in this place. And yet--that was what he was used to doing. He couldn't help it when he looked back towards the entrance, eyes seeking out Majima's tall, lanky form as he confronted the ill behaved guests. He watched as the scene unfolded.

A shame. Their conversation was clearly going to continue but— trouble. Beggars can't be choosers. And Majima has always felt personally responsible for all his employees. Saki could handle herself yes, and she did double as a bouncer back in her first club. But he took the responsibility seriously.

The moment Yuki noticed him coming she darted backstage, Majima stood behind Youda politely asking what's wrong and assessing the problem.

Ah, drunk chinpira. Thinking they're Omi's high league when they weren't even on a level of a grunt. But they packed hidden weapons, had a very high opinion of themselves, and low about the hostess they felt entitled to. Despite his slender form, Majima pulled very well an intimidating figure. The height, the eyepatch, and the way he stood as if he bowed to no one (if only...). Despite their growing process he managed to push the thugs out of the club— Yuki ran up to him at the last moment, and to his surprise handed him a baseball bat. He flashed her a grin and hoped the guests (and the investor lad) did not notice that little supporting item.

With door to club firmly closed and them on the streets, he was ready to unleash the world of pain. No one messes with Sunshine on his watch!

Kiryu watched Majima escort the not so gentle men out of the club, slight surprise at seeing the cute Yuki hand a bat to Majima last second. He looked away. He was oddly good at remaining still when he was idle. Slow breathing, relaxed posture, stoic demeanor. Never betraying the thoughts within him.

Even when he didn't want to be still. His eyes darted back to the entrance. Barely a minute had passed. Plenty of time for a quick fight. It was probably already over with. Kiryu couldn't sit still anymore.

Without dismissing his calm exterior, Kiryu stood up from the table and walked swiftly for the front entrance. He ignored everyone along the way, determined to get outside and see what had occurred. He had a feeling that the manager of this establishment could handle himself just fine and yet-- If anything had happened to Majima...

He burst out of the front doors and stood outside, gaze sweeping the area to find Majima and the thugs that thought they could interrupt this nice business.

The moment Kiryu burst out through the door, one of the thugs flew in a wide arc and hit the wall right next to him. With a quiet oomph, the man slid down to the ground and refused to get back, crawling his way away from the pandemonium that was happening.

These men surely thought their force laid in numbers, and they could easily overpower one manager. How wrong were they proven— the fight was almost done, Majima was currently busy twirling his bat as if it was a nunchaku and probably hitting the man more times than it was necessary, finishing it with a kick.

That would be the end of it— if not for one of the previously incapacitated punks that got off the ground by sheer force of spite. Popped open a folding knife and ignoring Kiryu entirely, ran towards Majima

Kiryu's gaze followed the flying man's descent to the ground but he was finished, barely managing to crawl away in defeat, and Kiryu's attention quickly returned to the sight in front of him. A triumphant Majima basking in his glory, defeated enemies surrounding the ground around him as the last one hit the pavement, too, after a final kick.

The Dragon of Dojima felt a surge of energy at the sight. He wasn't certain where it came from other than the fact that Majima's proud, strong form enticed something out of him. The desire to test that strength, perhaps, against his own undefeated might.

The feeling was fleeting, though the blood pumping through him did not fade, it quickened as Kiryu caught sight of the thug with knife in hand running towards Majima. The big bruiser was surprisingly quick when he wanted to be--he dashed forward swiftly in time to catch the chinpira by the knife hand, give it a rapid chop to break the arm and disarm the man. He then grabbed the man by the shoulder and spun around to throw him towards the nearest wall. Kiryu turned his back on the crumpled chinpira, confident he wouldn't be getting back up this time.

His gaze met Majima's in that instant and—

Majima didn't expect one of them to get up, but that was exactly what was thrilling about fighting. Surprises. Unexpected twists and turns— and then seeing the enemies crumble, as his twists and turns are just better, stronger, lavishly unexpected.

But that surprise is one to throw him off more than anything the opponent could pull off— the effortless spin Kiryu performed as if the guy weighed nothing (his own movement only making it easier to smash him against the wall). This was not a lucky move, it was a fully controlled, focused mayhem.

Shit, there's a brief flash of... something. Something that tempted him to lunge at Kiryu without prompting— something that told him all the ways they could have exciting fun— he resisted, though, remained in the spot for a second more as their gazes met.

No way he can put on the mask again, not quite. The illusion of the Lord of the Night must have been thoroughly shattered— so what's next? Instead of planning, Majima resigned himself to playing this by ear, following the instinct.

"Woa— Nice grapple. Should have asked ya 'bout yer workout routine" Majima did try to downplay the presence of a baseball bat, partially hiding it behind his leg in a casual hold. He also tried to stop himself from grinning, which resulted in a crooked smile— at least, until he gave up on that and nearly beamed. "Thanks for the save, but now let's get ya out of here. It's unseemly for us makin' mr. Investor work as a bouncer."

Majima stepped over the lying (whining) men as he kept trying to catch Kiryu's attention and steer them towards returning to the club. While he still used the manager's reasoning, his speech pattern slipped a lot on the casual side. Maybe it's the adrenaline still coursing through his veins clouding his judgement.

He felt that spark--or maybe he saw it in the other's eye--as they gazed at each other. That spark that he had which made him want to throw a punch at Majima and see what came of it. He recognized it within the other and for a moment they stared at each other as if already engaged in a battle of willful energy.

The moment passed quickly (and yet had almost felt like forever in that slowed down time way that adrenaline seemed to produce) and Kiryu blinked as Majima broke the spell with words. He nodded at the other man and there was almost something akin to pride in his features as he stood straight and indomitable. The compliment may have been a way to brush off the awkward situation but Kiryu didn't feel like it wasn't entirely without merit. And he was young and proud.

He followed Majima's lead easily enough though, letting the adrenaline fade as quickly as it had come. A pity but for the best. Majima was right, he didn't need to get into a fight. Not here, not now. He turned back towards the club as Majima led him that way and they headed inside once more.

"I don't mind," he insisted though just to let the other know. "Though I was glad to see you didn't really need my help."

In more ways than one. He was glad that Majima was all right, but also excited to note that he was more than just capable of defending his club. It looked like Majima was a seasoned fighter. A good one at that. Something about that made Kiryu inexplicably glad to find that out, too. Maybe it could be brought up in more detail later. For now, he let Majima steer the tone of the conversation from there. He'd said what he wanted to about it.

Edited 2021-08-04 21:47 (UTC)

For better or worse, Majima's train of thought was quite similar to Kiryu's. He didn't get to admire younger's man handiwork much, but he so wished he could get to see more. Not to mention the lingering disappointment over how gone was the intense moment, a fight against someone with actual skill and strength that never happened. Cage and leash, leash and cage, he became a professional at self-denial too it seemed, staying exactly in line.

That realization hit bitterly, and in an attempt to make it go away, to prove to himself it's not like that— he turned around, taking advantage of the relative privacy the corridor near the bar and backstage offered.

"Seedy district brings seedy element— it doesn't really fit the image, but keepin' the customers and girls safe take priority over that" At least here, in Sunshine, Majima had a little more freedom about taking care of trash, so to speak. A little bit more space to breathe in general. He dipped into backstage to put away the bat, but also to drag Kiryu inside (after making sure none of the girls is around). There he proceeded to smooth his hair, catching any stray strand and putting it in place "So is makin' sure none of them notice what's goin' on"

Kiryu nodded in understanding. The confession sat well with Kiryu. He would have done the same. Well, except unlike Majima, Kiryu wasn't nearly as good at acting professional when the need arose. Once again, he admired that second nature of Majima's to be able to put on the class act. And to take it off again as suited him.

It rang a bell within him. A realization on the tip of his brain. But the second passed and he returned to the now without the idea fully forming. Still, he was curious about this man and his nature. What drove him. How he learned his skills, as both a business manager and a fighter.

"I understand," he said in order to continue the conversation. He was glad that Majima felt the need to keep everyone in his establishment safe. That was what sat so well with him about this man. There was a danger lurking underneath the pristine look but a kindness and honor that Kiryu could admire. Admittedly, he was a bit thunderstruck by this man and everything about him. He wanted to get to know Majima more. "You're doing a fine job if I had to guess. The business is running smoothly and you've made certain everyone is safe." A pause and then, "I like the way you run things. I'm glad I got to see so much tonight. It's been an education and a pleasure. I hope to continue to do business with your establishment, and you, as the future allows."

He wasn't certain that was entirely what he wanted to say. There was more, perhaps, or another angle that he felt might convey what he truly wanted better. But he wasn't certain what that really was yet. This sounded business like and professional--he hoped--which worked well from their relationship as business partners, but it felt lacking somehow to Kiryu. At least maybe it would convince the other man that Kiryu wasn't going to stop doing business with his club for what he saw tonight. That was enough of a start to figure out what it was that nagged at him, that wanted him to say something else in another manner yet he couldn't figure out what. Probably sounded a lot less awkward than anything else he could say anyway. He hoped it would do. For now.

Edited 2021-08-05 01:37 (UTC)

Who would have thought that being praised could feel so good? He did, he always did. A weakness, if anything, but when it was delivered with this smooth voice he could allow himself to indulge. That's also usually hidden behind the armor, Sagawa always made sure that the praise he offered was lined with something diminishing, belittling— not to mention even earning an honest one from that man, made him feel slimy.

No reason to mull on that sully the mood, Sunshine was outside of Sagawa's greedy hands, and so were everyone involved, including Kiryu (even though not out of his reach. Majima knew he was allowed to work here only as long as it didn't interfere with Grand's business)

"Thank you for your patronage"

Smoke and mirrors. They're so polite, nice, business-like... Majima wanted to laugh, if not for the aluminum bat (that he still hasn't put away, and instead leaned on as if it was an elegant cane, befitting his outfit), they'd still be a picture of two, snappy young businessmen.

"The way you say it, makes it sound like you'll be leaving us soon—" The hint of disappointment was genuine; that energy that sparked moments ago, it wasn't gone, at least not for Majima. He was looking at Kiryu in a new light, as if all the little things of his personality that he unfolded before, of what kind of man he is, started to fall in place. Now that he realized he was missing a crucial piece.

—because now he knew there was also a streak of spiky defiance lurking just below the soft-spoken and candid surface. Where Kiryu went outside, despite being told to stay. And got involved because he wanted to— or maybe because he felt the need to. Perhaps he was jumping to conclusions way too soon, but Majima suddenly felt with utmost certainty, that nothing, no request, no authority could make this young man bend his personal convictions. No wonder he made a fortune.

"Whenever you're ready, we can dial you a cab any moment ya want, there's a spot for them just nearby. You may stay however long you wish, though—"

Kiryu nodded but when he heard that disappointment in Majima's voice--was that just his imagination?--it caused him to regret his wording. He hadn't meant to make it sound like he was ready to leave. And yet, he glanced at his watch. More time had passed than he would have expected. What was the saying? Time sure does fly when one was having fun.

He supposed that was true. He was having fun. It was tempered by the business-like meeting and his awkwardness but if Kiryu admitted it to himself he had enjoyed his time here. He should probably head back to Kamurocho for the night...

He smiled at Majima. "You can hold off on the cab for a little bit longer."

The glint in the sole eye was back. He wasn't giving much thought just yet, what he found so enjoyable about the other company, simply giving into the moment. Working in nightlife's service industry meant rarely being alone— but his position (besides the other circumstances) often stood in the way of forging connections. Customers saw only the perfected mask. Coworkers got a much closer glance to how Majima really was, but still— he was responsible for them, for the environment they worked in, and for their safety. There were no such lines, or obstacles drawn with Kiryu. Strangely they could... interact as equals.

He opened mouth to say something, but before he got more than the first syllabe, Yuki busted through the door. All prim and proper, but the moment the door closed she sighed loudly and bowed down. Hands-on knees, as she leaned back on the door, an image of misery. The sigh continued until she looked up at Majima and whined.

"Majima-saaan. Please no more. I mixed up the tables! Brought wrong order— Couldn't tell which whiskey is which!! The shelves are too tall—"

The door opened suddenly behind her, pushing her forward. Arms flailing, she nearly tripped but Majima was there to catch her mid-step. Youda who entered the backstage room looked positively sheepish, upon the realization that it was him opening the door that caused the minor ruckus.

"It's alright Yuki-chan, I handled this. You're too much of an airhead to handle floor management" Youda was simultaneously reassuring but also disapproving. The bickering was an everyday thing, but Majima could read the room, and suspected that right now, it could damage Yuki's confidence.

"Nonsense!" Majima proclaimed helping her up and quickly brushing off unruly strands from her face. "No one gets this shit perfectly the first time. You trip and you learn."

"Maybe I'm really not fit for this kind of responsibility" Yuki remained slightly dejected but she also began to perk up, at least until Majima pulled another stunt.

"Hey, Kiryu-han... You got the customer experience already, how about seeing the inner workings?" Majima turned to Kiryu and immediately suggested an idea that suddenly formed in his mind. Accompanied by expression of surprise from both Youda and Yuki. "We could use someone man the bar, to hand Yuki the orders. Ya, look like someone who knows his drinks. Ah— naturally I'll be manning the floor too, yer not going to be left alone out there Yuki"

Yuki looked at the beaming Majima with an expression of combined confusion and suspicion. As if she was trying to find a catch in his words. (As if she was expecting a prank). Then her gaze moved at Kiryu, before returned to Majima again. She clearly had something to say, but didn't want to talk over Kiryu's response.

This was an unexpected invitation. And yet somehow he wasn't surprised by Majima's wide grin as he made it. It was also true that Kiryu got requests for help like this all the time, too, so he barely batted an eye at it. His hesitation was brief as he glanced from Yuki and Youda back to Majima.

"All right," he agreed easily enough. The could feel the surprise in the room. But this wasn't the first time he'd offered to help despite his better judgement. "As long as I don't have to make any mixed drinks."

He was afraid he'd get something like that all wrong. He had no experience behind a bar. He knew his drinks from being a regular patron and he could read bottles without aid, even the ones on the top shelf, but he knew nothing about mixing specialty drinks. He hoped they didn't do that sort of thing here, or that someone else could handle it while he just got the items for said someone else.

As far as helping out though, he had no qualms about it. Again, it wasn't the first time he'd been asked or accepted unusual requests. This time it just felt more like helping an old friend instead of some stranger. Which was odd since they'd only just met today but somehow he felt more close to Majima and this establishment than anyone else he'd met for the same length of time. Or maybe he just didn't want to disappoint that beaming smile aimed at him. The clever man was having fun and Kiryu felt like he should keep that going, felt like having fun, too.

Only his usual nervousness about new things kept him a little subdued. (No, wait, that was typical from an outside point of view. He was always quiet and intense.) And the desire not to disappoint while trying hard to help.

Yuki giggled and clasped her hands overjoyed, nearly jumping on her feet.

"Don't worry, Kiryu-san. Cocktails are not popular orders— leave the hard work to Majima-san!"

"Eh—? Since when I'm on mixin' drinks duty, that's Youda's lane"

Youda observed their exchange with a stoic look on his face as he stated general words of support without directing it to anyone in particular.

"I believe in you."

And that's how they all returned to their work. Majima grabbed Kiryu for a moment to straighten the front of his jacket, and then fixed his collar. A perfectionist at work. Though part of him did want to get a closer look at the businessman that could hold his way in a street fight. Kiryu carried himself like a— soldier, or a fighter. It wasn't immediately obvious but his shoulders just never slump.

"Remember, any moment ya want to take a break just do so. Customers aren't allowed to roam, so no one will come to the bar aside for me, Yuki and maybe Youda" Maybe being a big word here, since, with the chaos they brought, the man was definitely going to stick to the entrance and nothing else. "Thanks for lendin' a hand and goin' along with it."

"Yeah." It was more a sound of acknowledgement and understanding than an actual word but it got the point across. Kiryu was listening. Even as he tried not to squirm under Majima's perfectionist hands fixing his jacket. It was less uncomfortable and more flustering than he would expect. Majima was awfully close.

He stood his ground though and once Majima was done Kiryu finally snapped out of it, and nodded before responding properly. "It's no problem, Majima-san. I'm glad to help. I'll do my best."

Once he was out there working hard it would all be a breeze. That was just how Kiryu was as a person. He put his all into whatever he did.

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