[Yup. That noise? Him groaning a little, because even he had thought better of getting the vaccine.
And now? He's really glad he didn't get it. Last thing he needs is people rifling around in his memories, but...he suspects that's the last thing anybody needs. Hazel especially.
Which makes him want to reach out for a second, maybe put his hand on hers. He knows how guarded she's tried to be, and he understands her reasons. Not everyone's accepting of people who are different, understanding of those whose circumstances are completely beyond their control. But he doesn't reach for her. Because she continues speaking a second later and then it's everything he can do not to start pulling seams out of his pillowcase.]
...yeah, what'd he want in exchange?
[Because if he didn't ask for a knuckle sandwich, maybe he should have. Not that he needs to. Josuke'd be happy to give him one anyway. Whoever the guy is.]
A place to stay for the night. Can you fucking believe it? All that for somewhere to sleep.
[her hands clench and unclench on the bedspread as she tries desperately not to get upset again. she'd thought she was over this after finally getting to land a mean right hook onto Kangmo, but as usual she'd seriously underestimated her own feelings. the situation had been nearly all of her fears rolled into a single moment, and you don't just walk away from that.]
He lives with the creep that killed Kaneki, and he was terrified that he'd be next because the guy was already pretty weird about him.
[she looks up finally, expression fierce and so obviously a mask for the way her voice hitches and lip wobbles.]
He could have just fucking said that to start with! I would have let him have the room, he didn't have to do that! Who the hell even does that anyway? How can anyone even think about that after seeing-
[nope, it's too much. Hazel cuts herself off as her face crumples, eyes clenched tightly together for a brief moment as she tries to reign herself in.
who could see a person so completely vulnerable, bare and prostrate at another's feet and in so much pain, and think that was something to exploit? had he felt any of that? had he heard her screaming in her mind? even if she was dead, didn't that mean something?]
[There's no two ways around it. Hazel was right, and Josuke is angry.
But he's not angry with her. Disappointed that he hadn't been told any of this, especially as it took place the night he came to her about Kaneki's murder, but he also understands. Hazel has wanted to protect herself from others finding out about what she is...since day one. And Josuke recognizes her reasons for wanting to do so. In fact, that someone would use knowledge of her being undead against her just proves she wasn't wrong in being so guarded in the first place!
It's disgusting...that level of selfishness. And even if Josuke sympathizes with how someone must have felt living under the same roof as Suzuya, it didn't excuse blackmail, particularly not of this variety, and especially not when Hazel is right, the fucking bastard could have just asked for help...]
Hey.
[He lays his pillow to the side and scoots forward, throws his arms around her shoulders and brings her close.]
It'll be okay. That guy... [Who knows where Suzuya can be found. But that's...not the issue here. So Josuke puts it from his mind.] ...he's not still holding that over you, is he?
'Cause I can knock him down a few pegs if you want. You just gotta say the word and I'll make sure he's sorry.
[that could not have been timed any better. Hazel leans into the physical support, holds onto it tightly as if it might disappear. although she's just as worked up as she was before, there's no ugly sobbing this time; she just shakes, too upset to even realize she's doing it.]
I don't know. I told him when he came over that I'd do a lot more than punch him in the face if he ever tried that again, but it's not like a promise means much anymore.
[what had it gotten her last time? peace until he'd needed something? it wasn't very encouraging. her eyes flick up to Josuke, and for a brief moment she flashes a wry grin that, while tired, is at least free of sadness.]
He might shit his pants if you ever came around to kick his ass, though. All I did was hit him once and he wouldn't get near me the rest of the night.
[Josuke doesn't condone a lot of violence, but man...sometimes people just ask for a good ol' right hook. In fact, when it comes to certain people, that's the only way to get a message across!
So, if he looks impressed with Hazel—and he does, a smirk splitting his face from ear-to-ear—that's because he is.]
Good for you! Sounds like he had it coming.
[He squeezes a bit more tightly before letting go, but he doesn't move away or sit back against his headboard again. Doesn't want Hazel to feel like comfort is out of reach if she still needs more.]
I wouldn't mind scaring the piss out of him, you know. And I can think of a dozen ways to go about it. Bet the guy can't see my Stand, for starters. 'Could make him think he was haunted by ghosts if I wanted to! Or go for a good old fashioned ass kicking. For some people the threat of knocked out teeth works as good as anything!
[Hazel scrubs at her face vigorously, like she's actually expecting for there to be something on it she needs to wipe off. she's pulling herself back together slowly, but just the reassurance of sitting close is helpful.]
Well, I'm sure as hell not going to stop you. His name's Kangmo, but you don't have to go looking for him or anything; I made him a copy of the house key, he comes around pretty often.
[a copy of the house key that she didn't need to get him in the first place, go on and ask about that. she pauses, looking briefly contemplative.]
...actually, if you're going to beat him up, make sure I'm home. I kind of want to watch.
[this is the first time that Hazel's actually said this aloud, and she realizes (belatedly, alas) how completely ridiculous it is. she grimaces a little and holds her hands up defensively.]
Don't look at me like that! I offered it to him, that wasn't part of the blackmail thing!
[which. just makes it sound even more like she's come completely unhinged, doesn't it. she exhales and runs a hand through her hair. she really was a mess, wasn't she.]
Look...even if he does spend one night somewhere else, he still has to live with that nutcase, right? And that's super shitty and probably scary as hell. And - everybody needs somewhere to go, don't they? Somewhere safe.
[it's strange, having to explain this. she hadn't given it a second thought when she'd made the offer, had just thrown it at Kangmo with the same sort of bluntness she'd been delivering most of her replies with.
he was an asshole, sure, but he should still be able to feel safe somewhere. Hazel knows what it's like not to have that.]
You just offered him a key that'd give him access to your personal stuff and the stuff of everyone else living there? After knowing he's the type to try blackmailing to get what he wants?
[He could shake her right now.
But he opts for shaking his head instead and...gently dropping a closed fist atop her head.
Bop.]
Dumbass.
[So much nicer than she'd have people believe. Sheesh.]
The guy coulda gone to the authorities or the government. He coulda gone anywhere else. Nothing was stopping him.
[But now there's a chance that Suzuya and Hazel's paths could cross, and that worries Josuke.]
What's he going to do, run off with my Mardi Gras beads?
[she closes an eye in anticipation of something with a little more teeth, only to find herself gently booped instead. it makes her exhale into a smile, even as she grumbles an answer out and tries to wave off his hand.]
Besides, I'm pretty sure what was stopping him was a lack of common sense. [or friends.] He doesn't seem smart enough to start rifling through anything.
[He lowers his hand, but the expression he wears is still serious.]
I don't know, I don't think it's smart to underestimate someone who's desperate. But I'm not gonna tell you what to do, either. Just ask...that you're careful, I guess.
There aren't many worse things he can find out about me, and none of it's in my house. If Kangmo wants to dish on me, he'll do it whether he's sleeping on my couch or not.
[she'd even told Kangmo about how she was a horrible spiritual abomination, if he really wanted to get nasty with her. the only other thing she'd prefer not to have spread around were the deaths she was involved in, but that was something she hadn't told anyone...aside from Kanaya in a fit of anger.
Hazel chews her lower lip thoughtlessly, expression mirroring her friend's. it wasn't the safest line she was walking, and she couldn't say that she was completely certain she could keep her balance. but it was what she's chosen for herself, and that meant something. these were her mistakes if things went poorly.]
I'm not going to let it ruin me. I've got, um, you know. I've got people I want to be around for.
[all of the gut spilling she'd been doing today and Hazel still found it a little embarrassing to say something so sentimental. she ducks her head a little bit to hide her expression before finishing what she'd wanted to say.]
And maybe I'm not the best at being careful, but nothing can knock me down for good. You're probably going to worry anyway, but - just try and do it a little less, ok?
[That'd be easier to do if she didn't give him cause to worry, but rather than say that, Josuke nods his head.]
I'll try. But I'm not making any promises.
[Especially if she's gonna sit there and tell him nothing can knock her down for good. Josuke doesn't buy it. If his power could hurt her where little else can, there's probably something out there that can do worse.]
Anyway, you're alright. That's what counts, I guess. Unless there's anything more you gotta tell me...?
Hey, don't make it sound like I'm neck deep in trouble all the time!
[even though that is not an entirely inaccurate assessment, which is probably why there's no edge whatsoever to her protestation. anybody who knew and liked her would probably have a fit if she regaled them with her adventures since getting pulled here.]
I've been super well-behaved lately, thank you very much.
[Josuke doesn't look convinced, but he does look willing to let the subject go. After all, they've discussed the key points, gotten across their feelings on the matter and established where each of them stands more or less. That's enough.
So, scooting off the bed and starting towards the dresser where a small television sits, Josuke flicks it on. He casts a look back over his shoulder in Hazel's direction. Even smiles finally.]
Anyway, while you're here...wanna watch a movie or something?
[Which is followed by...]
You can even stay the night if you want. Give you a break from that Kangaroo guy.
[she laughs and flops over onto her stomach. this went - ok? better than expected? not terribly, and that's really the point. Hazel had suspected this for a while, but the whole incident had just crystallized that she can't stand to have Josuke upset with her. disappointing him is distressing in a way she hasn't felt since she was in middle school and having to bring bad news home to her parents. friendship was a funny thing.]
You're lucky he's not an actual kangaroo, or I'd be out of here no matter how much I like you.
[which is to say, yes, she'd like to stay the night. this was the closest she could get to real sleep anymore. ...and if she went home, Hazel knew all she'd do is rehash nasty thoughts over and over again. it's happened before.]
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deadtective) wrote2015-01-08 01:21 am
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And now? He's really glad he didn't get it. Last thing he needs is people rifling around in his memories, but...he suspects that's the last thing anybody needs. Hazel especially.
Which makes him want to reach out for a second, maybe put his hand on hers. He knows how guarded she's tried to be, and he understands her reasons. Not everyone's accepting of people who are different, understanding of those whose circumstances are completely beyond their control. But he doesn't reach for her. Because she continues speaking a second later and then it's everything he can do not to start pulling seams out of his pillowcase.]
...yeah, what'd he want in exchange?
[Because if he didn't ask for a knuckle sandwich, maybe he should have. Not that he needs to. Josuke'd be happy to give him one anyway. Whoever the guy is.]
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[her hands clench and unclench on the bedspread as she tries desperately not to get upset again. she'd thought she was over this after finally getting to land a mean right hook onto Kangmo, but as usual she'd seriously underestimated her own feelings. the situation had been nearly all of her fears rolled into a single moment, and you don't just walk away from that.]
He lives with the creep that killed Kaneki, and he was terrified that he'd be next because the guy was already pretty weird about him.
[she looks up finally, expression fierce and so obviously a mask for the way her voice hitches and lip wobbles.]
He could have just fucking said that to start with! I would have let him have the room, he didn't have to do that! Who the hell even does that anyway? How can anyone even think about that after seeing-
[nope, it's too much. Hazel cuts herself off as her face crumples, eyes clenched tightly together for a brief moment as she tries to reign herself in.
who could see a person so completely vulnerable, bare and prostrate at another's feet and in so much pain, and think that was something to exploit? had he felt any of that? had he heard her screaming in her mind? even if she was dead, didn't that mean something?]
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But he's not angry with her. Disappointed that he hadn't been told any of this, especially as it took place the night he came to her about Kaneki's murder, but he also understands. Hazel has wanted to protect herself from others finding out about what she is...since day one. And Josuke recognizes her reasons for wanting to do so. In fact, that someone would use knowledge of her being undead against her just proves she wasn't wrong in being so guarded in the first place!
It's disgusting...that level of selfishness. And even if Josuke sympathizes with how someone must have felt living under the same roof as Suzuya, it didn't excuse blackmail, particularly not of this variety, and especially not when Hazel is right, the fucking bastard could have just asked for help...]
Hey.
[He lays his pillow to the side and scoots forward, throws his arms around her shoulders and brings her close.]
It'll be okay. That guy... [Who knows where Suzuya can be found. But that's...not the issue here. So Josuke puts it from his mind.] ...he's not still holding that over you, is he?
'Cause I can knock him down a few pegs if you want. You just gotta say the word and I'll make sure he's sorry.
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I don't know. I told him when he came over that I'd do a lot more than punch him in the face if he ever tried that again, but it's not like a promise means much anymore.
[what had it gotten her last time? peace until he'd needed something? it wasn't very encouraging. her eyes flick up to Josuke, and for a brief moment she flashes a wry grin that, while tired, is at least free of sadness.]
He might shit his pants if you ever came around to kick his ass, though. All I did was hit him once and he wouldn't get near me the rest of the night.
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[Josuke doesn't condone a lot of violence, but man...sometimes people just ask for a good ol' right hook. In fact, when it comes to certain people, that's the only way to get a message across!
So, if he looks impressed with Hazel—and he does, a smirk splitting his face from ear-to-ear—that's because he is.]
Good for you! Sounds like he had it coming.
[He squeezes a bit more tightly before letting go, but he doesn't move away or sit back against his headboard again. Doesn't want Hazel to feel like comfort is out of reach if she still needs more.]
I wouldn't mind scaring the piss out of him, you know. And I can think of a dozen ways to go about it. Bet the guy can't see my Stand, for starters. 'Could make him think he was haunted by ghosts if I wanted to! Or go for a good old fashioned ass kicking. For some people the threat of knocked out teeth works as good as anything!
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Well, I'm sure as hell not going to stop you. His name's Kangmo, but you don't have to go looking for him or anything; I made him a copy of the house key, he comes around pretty often.
[a copy of the house key that she didn't need to get him in the first place, go on and ask about that. she pauses, looking briefly contemplative.]
...actually, if you're going to beat him up, make sure I'm home. I kind of want to watch.
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Don't look at me like that! I offered it to him, that wasn't part of the blackmail thing!
[which. just makes it sound even more like she's come completely unhinged, doesn't it. she exhales and runs a hand through her hair. she really was a mess, wasn't she.]
Look...even if he does spend one night somewhere else, he still has to live with that nutcase, right? And that's super shitty and probably scary as hell. And - everybody needs somewhere to go, don't they? Somewhere safe.
[it's strange, having to explain this. she hadn't given it a second thought when she'd made the offer, had just thrown it at Kangmo with the same sort of bluntness she'd been delivering most of her replies with.
he was an asshole, sure, but he should still be able to feel safe somewhere. Hazel knows what it's like not to have that.]
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[He could shake her right now.
But he opts for shaking his head instead and...gently dropping a closed fist atop her head.
Bop.]
Dumbass.
[So much nicer than she'd have people believe. Sheesh.]
The guy coulda gone to the authorities or the government. He coulda gone anywhere else. Nothing was stopping him.
[But now there's a chance that Suzuya and Hazel's paths could cross, and that worries Josuke.]
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[she closes an eye in anticipation of something with a little more teeth, only to find herself gently booped instead. it makes her exhale into a smile, even as she grumbles an answer out and tries to wave off his hand.]
Besides, I'm pretty sure what was stopping him was a lack of common sense. [or friends.] He doesn't seem smart enough to start rifling through anything.
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I don't know, I don't think it's smart to underestimate someone who's desperate. But I'm not gonna tell you what to do, either. Just ask...that you're careful, I guess.
[It's all he has a right to ask in the end.]
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[she'd even told Kangmo about how she was a horrible spiritual abomination, if he really wanted to get nasty with her. the only other thing she'd prefer not to have spread around were the deaths she was involved in, but that was something she hadn't told anyone...aside from Kanaya in a fit of anger.
Hazel chews her lower lip thoughtlessly, expression mirroring her friend's. it wasn't the safest line she was walking, and she couldn't say that she was completely certain she could keep her balance. but it was what she's chosen for herself, and that meant something. these were her mistakes if things went poorly.]
I'm not going to let it ruin me. I've got, um, you know. I've got people I want to be around for.
[all of the gut spilling she'd been doing today and Hazel still found it a little embarrassing to say something so sentimental. she ducks her head a little bit to hide her expression before finishing what she'd wanted to say.]
And maybe I'm not the best at being careful, but nothing can knock me down for good. You're probably going to worry anyway, but - just try and do it a little less, ok?
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I'll try. But I'm not making any promises.
[Especially if she's gonna sit there and tell him nothing can knock her down for good. Josuke doesn't buy it. If his power could hurt her where little else can, there's probably something out there that can do worse.]
Anyway, you're alright. That's what counts, I guess. Unless there's anything more you gotta tell me...?
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[even though that is not an entirely inaccurate assessment, which is probably why there's no edge whatsoever to her protestation. anybody who knew and liked her would probably have a fit if she regaled them with her adventures since getting pulled here.]
I've been super well-behaved lately, thank you very much.
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[Josuke doesn't look convinced, but he does look willing to let the subject go. After all, they've discussed the key points, gotten across their feelings on the matter and established where each of them stands more or less. That's enough.
So, scooting off the bed and starting towards the dresser where a small television sits, Josuke flicks it on. He casts a look back over his shoulder in Hazel's direction. Even smiles finally.]
Anyway, while you're here...wanna watch a movie or something?
[Which is followed by...]
You can even stay the night if you want. Give you a break from that Kangaroo guy.
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[she laughs and flops over onto her stomach. this went - ok? better than expected? not terribly, and that's really the point. Hazel had suspected this for a while, but the whole incident had just crystallized that she can't stand to have Josuke upset with her. disappointing him is distressing in a way she hasn't felt since she was in middle school and having to bring bad news home to her parents. friendship was a funny thing.]
You're lucky he's not an actual kangaroo, or I'd be out of here no matter how much I like you.
[which is to say, yes, she'd like to stay the night. this was the closest she could get to real sleep anymore. ...and if she went home, Hazel knew all she'd do is rehash nasty thoughts over and over again. it's happened before.]