[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.

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.

[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.

[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.]

[bloodwit]

Sightseeing.

[ a sigh, then. it's pretty dark, and especially with the light from the bar, it's hard to see much detail of the ships from here. viren squints into the darkness, briefly, before glancing down at momiji. ]

I can't imagine a sailor picking a fight would go particularly well for you, if that's been the case. [ unless this one's secretly a witch, he wonders. he can't quite place any of the more discreet monster traits yet. ]

[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.]

[selfishwish]

I've been okay so far! I can be pretty tough.

[He puffs his chest out a little but also visibly has to fight not to laugh. Mostly, he's gotten pretty decent at knowing when to let the bouncers step in as it gets later on in the night.

Then, mid-pose, he winces and turns his head to chomp back down on one end of the root he's still carrying with him, worrying at its skin. His incisors still haven't come all the way in, but by now they're visibly more prominent than any normal human's teeth, at least if one's looking.]

They don't fight as much, either, if you can get them singing stuff. [He adds, in between bites. That's more honest.]

[bloodwit]

Creative... technique. [ he'll have to admit. if it works, it works.

viren, himself, won't be getting anyone to sing anytime soon. alas. ]

[ he glances to the root - elongated incisors, hm? he mentally runs through his list of monster and their corresponding traits, decides on which is most likely for that little occurrence: ]

Puca, or...?

[selfishwish]

They all know a lot more songs than I would've guessed. [Though he has to tweak the lyrics sometimes, because a lot of the ones they like to sing in the pub have words he really shouldn't say.

He nods tentatively, still gnawing.]

I think so? I haven't changed much yet, but...whatever the rabbit-y type of Monster is. [The gold eyes are his only other giveaway so far.] Are you, um...

[Nope, all he can spot at a glance is the fangs and claws, and those aren't very telling.]

I can't tell. A werewolf?

[bloodwit]

... That would be the puca, yes.

[ viren's posture is never quite relaxed, exactly, but there is the slight tensing of his shoulders as that type of attention his turned his way - eyebrows furrowing as he glances off to the side and back again. he lifts his hand, pensively flexes it for the claws to clack against one another. ]

I'm not yet certain. [ he's glad his scales remain hidden - that would make things more obvious. and while some of these estimates may be a touch off, based on that, he rattles off a few: ] Turnskin, dragon, chimera— Time will, unfortunately, tell.

[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]

You never know, I could be a rabbit chimera, too! Nobody's told me or anything. I might just grow a big snake tail out of nowhere--

[He energetically pantomimes a long dinosaur tail swooping out of nowhere to curl back around the step he's seated on.

The excitement quickly dies off at Viren's last remark, however. Exuberant is his default setting, but today he can sympathize with that resigned note a little.]

...but probably, yeah. Do you just have the fangs and stuff so far?

[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.

[bloodwit]

[ well. a big snake tail is a possibility, he guesses, watching momiji writhe about with that pantomine. ]

[ there's a hesitant pause, head inclining at the question. ]

... Some scales, as well.

[ he sighs, though, turning away from momiji and towards the ocean. his claws drum against the top of his staff, something which he holds much like a cane. he gives it a tap against the ground. ]

But I did have some exploring to do. Since you are more familiar with the area, I wouldn't refuse your guidance. [ he glances back. ] Otherwise, I'll bid you farewell.

[selfishwish]

Oh. So, you'll probably get the snake tail instead. [He jokes weakly.]

[For a minute, he considers just waving goodbye, but his teeth are hurting a little less now. And heading back to Kyo's apartment for the night still doesn't sound that appealing...]

Aw, if you want company, I don't mind! [Because that is clearly what Viren just said. He hops up, brushing himself off and darting over to the man's side.] Are you looking for anything specific, or just looking around? I mostly know how to get places by now...

[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.]

[bloodwit]

[ WRINKLES his nose, both at the joke and the comment. ]

If that's what you'd like to think. So long as you behave [ emphasis on the word ], then we shouldn't have any quarrels.

[ he starts off, then, towards the ships, his steps accompanied by the metal clink of his staff - the area's actually somewhat dark by now, so hes just going to, after a quick look around, swipe someone's neglected lantern off a low wall. that'll do. ]

Not anything specific, but— Anything. I'm new enough that it's all still interesting, even if not particularly relevant in the grand scheme of things.

[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.