[OPEN] You clean out your junk-drawer; you mop up some blood

[selfishwish]

Who: Momiji Sohma and you!
When: Aguril 23
Where: Around Aefenglom: The Shopping & Harbor Districts
What: After his first full moon and some exciting dreams, Momiji gets to experience his first real monster change! (It bites.)
Warnings: Mild body horror (teeth); underage drinking, technically

1. Shopping District

[Momiji'd had a toothache since the night of the full moon--except not quite. It was difficult to describe exactly. His teeth didn't hurt so much as the roof of his mouth, almost under them, a steady, boring ache. It had started as a mild throb, around when the sun had set, then grown steadily worse ever since. It was still there after he'd come to from the dream, then almost too much to bear the day after.

Then, today, he woke in a haze and coughed and stared down at his hand and the spots of blood and at his four front teeth scattered across his pillow. In the bathroom mirror, once he's finished panicking, he can see the start of new ones beginning to emerge in their place--bigger and already curving in a way a human's shouldn't as they force their way into the light.

And it still hurts! Not quite as much as before, but enough that he can't simply throw himself back in bed and pretend this was all another bad dream--

This is how the Rabbit ends up poking through the unlicensed apothecaries in the Shopping District, one hand covering his mouth, the other jingling cune coins in his pocket as he looks over dried herbs and teas and other pain remedies. He can't afford most of the fancier-looking ones, and he's not sure about some of the cheaper offerings. There are quite a few unidentifiable powders.

He's about ready to give up, when he spies a display of roots and other forage hanging against a wall, and impulse hits. Without even thinking, he stands on tip toes to snatch a longer, firmer looking one from its bin and immediately pops it into his mouth and begins gnawing vigorously.]

Mf--ahh...[Weirdly enough, it really helps, and the blond visibly relaxes some, chewing away--until he looks up to find the apothecary staring pure venom across at him.] I'mf gonna pay forf it.

[He snaps back, mouth half-full.]

2. Harbor District - Outside the Sly Seadog

[He's supposed to have an early shift waiting tables, towards the evening, but he goes in only to beg off for the night. By now, the pain's a little less pronounced, and his new teeth have emerged far enough that he's at least not ducking his head and hiding his face each time he speaks.

But--he's just not up to it after the past week. And how's he supposed to face guests without a sunny smile? Clearly, people come to the Seadog for the warm service.

He gets yelled at, but apparently he looks haggard enough for his excuses to be believable, too, because come sunset he can be found sitting out near the front of the pub with a mug of cider one of the bartenders pressed into his hand. He's reasonably sure it's not the kind of cider he's supposed to be drinking, either, but the hint of warmth it offers is nice. He alternates between little sips of that and nibbling at the (now rather worn) root he's carrying with him.

If anyone happens to take notice of the teen hanging outside a sailor's bar, he'll wave them down and chat as if it were the most normal thing in the world. If his mug's empty, he might also suggest that if they're stepping inside they could ask if the barkeep will refill it for him...]

Comments

2

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Fionn hasn't seen the boy since that very strange dream, but it would be a lie to say he hadn't been a little worried. And he is more than a little curious about the root. Which might be why instead of 'hello' he opens with a wry observation.]

That hardly looks appetizing.

[selfishwish]

It's not that bad, it tastes a little like ginger...

[Still, Momiji wrinkles his nose, pouting, as Fionn catches him with his mouth half full of one end of the thing. It's gnarled and knobby, and he's managed to gnaw most of the thick skin, which feels the best against his budding incisors, off nearly half its length by now. If the apothecary had just had ice pops, this would have been so much easier and more dignified for him, but noooo.]

Oh, hey. [He perks up, though, once he's actually glanced upwards and realized why that voice sounded familiar.] I had a dream about you! You're, um-

[Awkward, did he ever actually give the guy who rescued him his name?]

You had a spear and threw a bunch of Witches around.

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[He chuckles a little at that summary.]

I certainly did.

[Even if they do wind up exchanging names in the other thread, who remembers everything that happens in crazy dreams? Either way he's always happy to introduce himself.]

Fionn Mac Cumhaill. I hope I find you in a better situation than the last time, boy?

[selfishwish]

[He smiles (albeit in a way that doesn't flash his teeth) and sits up a little straighter at that introduction.]

Momiji Sohma. I'm glad I got to meet you for real! [Then, a shrug and a small nod.] Nobody's tried to kidnap me yet today, so I guess so.

[He snickers slightly at that, then glances back to the Seadog's entrance.]

Were you coming to get a drink? ...the food here's pretty gross.

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

Well met, Momiji.

[It does sound like today has been better for him. Kidnap-free and everything. Fionn follows his glance to the bar and his mouth quirks in amusement.]

I was just passing by, but I'll make sure to keep that in mind.

[He nods to the drink in Momiji's hand.]

I assume the drinks are at least passable?

[selfishwish]

Um, I guess so? This tastes nice, but it's the first time they've let me have any. I'm not super sure what's in it!

[The barkeep had said "cider," but it's definitely not like the Mitsuya "cider" they sell in stores back home. Or even like sparkling apple juice--really, he's not sure if they have apples around here to start with!

But it's cold and slightly tart and just alcoholic enough for him to know it without feeling more than the very beginnings of a flush.]

The sailors all buy a lot of them? But probably not just 'cause they taste good.

[gorgeously_unrestrained]

[Not sure what's in it and the sailors buy a lot? Fionn laughs.]

A ringing endorsement if I ever heard one. You've thoroughly convinced me. I shall return in a moment.

[He's going to pop into the bar to grab one of those questionable ciders before rejoining Momiji a few minutes later, glass in hand.]

Not bad. A bit weak, but the flavor is fine.

2

[bloodwit]

... I don't think so.

[ at the question for a refill and upon judging momiji's apparent age. not that he feels strongly about it - but nor is he feeling positive enough to grant the favor. notably, even just passing by the tavern, viren looks out of place, his clothing superficially just a touch too expensive to really fit in with this district. ]

What are you doing, lurking about here?

[selfishwish]

Aw. [Momiji adopts a truly melodramatic pout at the flat refusal.] You could just ask if you're going in, he prob'ly won't make you pay for it. He just gave me a little cup, anyway...

[For a half-second, he sulks unabashedly up at Viren, lower lip jutting out and arms folded tight over his chest. The world is being very unfair lately, and this guy is clearly its latest agent! He doesn't even look like he'd be the type to stop in at the Seadog normally, anyway!

But then, just as quickly, the boy brightens enough to shrug off the question that follows, as though the answer were obvious.]

I'm not lurking, I work here! ...but not right now, I'm taking the night off. Plus, it's a nice spot, it's right near the ocean! [Okay, minus the fishy, sweaty smell and the drunk sailors and all that. It is a very tolerable spot, especially if you're already in a Mood.] And I have to bring this cup back still, so-o...

[bloodwit]

[ the pout, likewise, is meant with an unmovable look - mouth pressed into a wry line, eyebrow raised. ]

[ this one's chatty, isn't he, viren thinks to himself. he doesn't yet interrupt, even if he does have questions: work here? nice spot? yikes. he typically doesn't do concern for strangers well, but he can admit it's worth a pause. ]

The cup is likely the least of your concerns. You can just leave it.

[ --because that's what the important thing for him to latch onto, apparently. ]

[ but then with more sincerity, his tone less dry, ]

But if this is your evening off, far be it for me to interrupt you.

[selfishwish]

That's okay, I don't mind!

[That stone-faced look Momiji's getting only makes his lips quirk at the corners until he's grinning a little. A very serious type, huh?]

I'm just not ready to go home yet, is all. [He quirks an eyebrow.] What about you? You're lurking around, and you don't look like a sailor.

[bloodwit]

Exploring, thank you.

[ though, he does look a bit lurky. lurking-exploring? something like that. ]

I've yet to see much of this district, thus the visit. Most of it seems to be... grime, thus far, but I'm hopeful for the docks.

[selfishwish]

Sooo, lurking and staring at stuff!

[In his defense, Viren started it. And looks, like, a million times more lurk-y than he does! Glass houses.]

It's kinda grubby, but the ocean and the ships are really pretty. And the sailors are nice, until they get drunk and start trying to fight you.

2

[chosenside]

[Perhaps it's odd that a well-dressed fellow like himself is around these parts, since the Sly Seadog isn't exactly known for its well-mannered and disciplined customers. And perhaps Theseus should start wearing more casual clothes, but he's just someone that's very particular with his appearance and how he's seen by others. First impressions are quite important.

But he's mostly just here to acquaint himself with the different areas and shops of Aefenglom. So much has happened in his first month of being here and after the whole crisis in that other city, a bar sounds like a good place to go, even one as rowdy as this one. Maybe because it is rowdy that he's attending.

He's about to walk inside, except he sees a rather young kid sitting in front with... is that alcohol in his hands???]

This isn't exactly the safest place to be around. [Theseus looks mildly worried, thoughts of going inside momentarily forgotten.]

[selfishwish]

Oh...it's okay!

[Says the boy sipping from the mug, with just a quick glance up. Theseus definitely doesn't look (or smell, really) like the Seadog's typical clientele, but that's not too surprising on its own. Especially with the mirrorbound, Momiji's learned, you run into people all over, finding out where they fit in within the city. That was how he'd ended up with his job here, after all.

There's a definite innocent schoolboy, "never mind me" quality to the smile he puts on, then.]

I know all the bouncers here.

[It has been a long enough day that he doesn't stop to consider that this migh not be the most reassuring explanation he could have offered.]

[chosenside]

[How is that okay???

Theseus runs a hand through his hair because that answer really doesn't give him much comfort. Even if the bouncers are willing to protect him, that still leads to other questions that are just as worrying to him.]

You stay around this area a lot? Hard to imagine its appeal. [He'd think that Momiji would hang around the shopping or entertainment district, either spending time at a bakery or coffee shop. Something that's still open at this time of day. Just something away from bars.

Of course, since this kid is most likely a mirrorbound like him, he can't exactly tell him to go home to his parents. Theseus doesn't think that fact will ever stop bothering him, children bring brought here, even if it's not fully intentional.]

[selfishwish]

Mhm, I work here sometimes!

[It's not the most natural fit for someone of his age and stature, perhaps, but it did have the signal advantage of being the first place he saw that was hiring.]

It's kind of dingy, but a lot of the people are nicer than they look! And nobody minds Monsters running around-- [He shrugs. That's not necessarily the vibe he gets from some of the other neighborhoods outside of the Haven.] Mostly the bad part's just the smell.

[chosenside]

[He says that so cheerfully...

While he's not unfamiliar with kids working at jobs, he really hasn't seen many of them taking these sorts of positions. Theseus supposes he really can't do much about it or say anything, but the wizard decides to stick around for a bit longer-- especially when he hears the comment about Monsters running around. Just 'coming back' from that awful dream and the city, it's hard not to think about the sort of mistreatment this kid might've suffered from it.

Theseus looks down the alley for a moment, before deciding to go straight for it.]

You're feeling okay then? After everything? [Hopefully no nightmares or memories of a traumatic experience.]

[selfishwish]

[He has the good fortune of being the type of rich kid who can't help but see work as mostly a game. And the Seadog is nothing if not an adventure! But, as for that question...]

Oh, you mean with-- [The nightmare that had stretched on longer than he's been awake since? The one where he got dragged off the street and put up for sale, with so little control that he'd put the chains and collar on all by himself? After, he'd hidden in the sewers, and without the sun it had been impossible to tell how many "days" had passed as he slept.

That one, right?]

Mhm! I'm pretty good. [He says, swallowing dry, then swallowing the rest of his cider. His smile is vaguely wobbly after, but that may be because of the ongoing dental changes.] Just--kinda have a toothache today. [Cheerily:] Normal Monster stuff!

1 i know this is like a week old i hope this is ok.......

[clothes]

[ today, akutagawa is helping out at your local friendly apothecary while the usual elderly shopkeep recuperates from an incident that she only described as 'slippery but sweet' with her minotaur husband. akutagawa did not question it further, nor did he question too many details about this job. it was just manning the front of the shop, right?

...wrong. apparently rabid children going ham on the most expensive of wares is a thing he'll have to deal with. akutagawa's glowering doesn't budge, even with momiji's snarl of a response. ]

I don't recall there being a sign anywhere that said sampling the products were allowed. I suggest you pause your snacking and pay for it now, or there will be issues.

[ akutagawa's own transformation is coming along rather nicely, his doggy ears drawing back as he visibly reaches up to crack his knuckles. he is not above throwing hands with thieving teenagers. ]

[selfishwish]

[Wow, the customer service here is really unfriendly! Maybe that's why they're unlicensed, the Coven probably doesn't hand out apothecary permits to jerks!]

I'm not sampling, I said I was gonna get it.

[He sulks back, the root still halfway in his mouth. Normally, he'd probably just apologize and try to explain himself, but--bits of him are falling out of his head this morning, and now he's teething. He's legally allowed to throw a tantrum over it.

Also, there's the matter of the threat in Akutagawa's voice and pose and the way his canine ears press back against his skull. Momiji totally intended to pay before, but now he can't help but freeze and throw a nervous glance or two towards the nearest exit. Just in case!]

Um, how much is it? [He swallows, then goes right on nervously chewing.]

[clothes]

[ while his expression remains as neutral as ever, inwardly, akutagawa blanches at the sight of that pricey root dangling out of the brat's mouth. let it be said that babysitting wacko kids with distemper wasn't in the job description!!!

akutagawa isn't sure what to believe, and truthfully he isn't actually going to knock poor momiji's block off for eating inventory, even if it is one of the more expensive products-- though he doesn't appreciate the obvious assessment of where the way out of the shop would be. no, this shakedown will be relatively painless. (...as painless as a mafia-style shakedown can be, anyway.) ]

Saying you intend to buy something you don't even know the price of...

[ the exasperation in his tone is quite palpable. ]

That particular root is today's spotlight item. It is used to ease aches and pains, and its effects last for quite some time, making it highly coveted.

[ someone did their homework, it seems! akutagawa crosses his arms before eyeing the tiny little sign pinned to the wall behind the root's stand. it's unfortunate how easy to miss it is, but that's probably how mrs. minotaur-lover gets you. ]

This particular item you will definitely be paying for is fifty-three-thousand-eighty-three cunes.

[ ...yikes. ]

[selfishwish]

[In his defense, Momiji has literally never not been able to afford a thing before.

Until, that is, this precise moment. The teen's gnawing comes to an abrupt halt as he processes both that (reassuring) bit of info about what he's biting into and then the (horrifying) price-tag attached to it. Some quick mental math, and...yep, that's only about four-and-a-half weeks of wages for him!

Also: exponentially more than he has in his pockets just now.]

Oh. 'Kay...um, but since it's so expensive, people probably don't buy a whole one at a time, right? Soo, maybe I could just buy--the bit with teeth marks?

[He'd try to smile innocently over the suggestion, but that's too hard right now. The end result's a rather brazenly pleading look, instead.]

[clothes]

[ oh dear... at the other end of the spectrum, akutagawa has spent most of his life homeless, a sickly orphan on the street. sure, he doesn't begrudge those more fortunate than he ever was, but most of them have never made such a blatant attempt at bamboozling him like this! no one likes free things more than rich people, huh? akutagawa couldn't be less amused even if he tried.

welp... akutagawa gives poor (heh) little momiji the most condescending, frigid stare imaginable. his thoughts are completely readable on his face: this kid is an absolute lunatic. that cheeky, beseeching stare of his is just downright weird.]

You and I both know that is not how it works. If you are refusing to pay, then say so right now. I'm sure one of your organs would be sufficient enough to replace this root you destroyed, unless you have some other method of payment you conveniently forgot to disclose.

[selfishwish]

That makes more sense than trying to sell one weird radish for, like, a hundred-million yen!

[The puca whines plaintively, forcefully shaking his head. By now, he's tearing up and worrying at his lower lip instead of the root he can no longer afford to gnaw on.

At that mention of organ-theft, his eyes widen anew and he takes a hurried hop back. He really has no idea if the dog-guy is serious, but he looks scary enough to be.]

I... I could give you an IOU? I get paid again next week! I wasn't trying to cause trouble, h-honest--

[It has already been a very long day, and right now it is taking all the willpower he can muster not to bolt for the door or dissolve into a crying fit.]