Dazai's Vampire Adventures [open]

[proficience]

Who: Osamu Dazai (proficience) and you!
When: September 1st through September 4th, before the trip to Dorchacht
Where: Various places around the main city; the cafe, around the streets, etc.
What: Dazai is just trying to get by as a vampire during the daytime, really. Some fairly light-hearted threads before the event!
Warnings: Probably nothing really, but I'll put a talk of suicide warning here just in case, since that's how he is.



I - The Cafe

[Dazai had originally agreed upon working at one of the local cafes as a way to earn money to buy his closest friend a notebook, as well as to help pay for whatever their house needs. That, and he'd become painfully bored without any sort of job. Sure, back home, he'd tend to avoid work or responsibility unless absolutely necessary, but --

He knows that here, as a vampire, his time to enjoy the days are short. Incredibly so.

He's also a social man, so meeting new people is always a bit of a thrill; without a job, doing so would be near impossible.

Today, he's behind the counter and about as peppy as one would expect him to be. He's trying to cope with the fact that he has to yawn just about every few minutes or so by insisting he keep a smile upon his face at all times. The smile may be a tad -- well, unnerving with his newly formed fangs.]

Hello~! Can I take your -- [He'll yawn here, waving a hand frantically in front of his mouth in an attempt to hide it.] order?

II - With an Umbrella

[After receiving several lessons on how to survive as a vampire during the day soon after his initial arrival, Dazai has picked up on a few Life Pro Tips and has now finally procured an umbrella that he now has tightly gripped in his hand. He's walking around the city near most of the shops, stopping occasionally to catch his breath.

Honestly, if he weren't in the process of turning, he'd appear to passersby to be incredibly sick. Even if one were to witness him wobble about and stop for breath, they might think that he is.

He can be approached either while walking, while hunched over and holding his knees, or while he's passed out on a bench.

If approached on the bench, he might be baking just a bit in the sun. That umbrella won't be in his hand at that point!]

III - Desperate Need to Feed

[A certain vampire named Dazai has been incredibly stubborn lately when it comes to actually feeding from others. He has two reliable sources, those who are bonded to him, but --

Sometimes, neither are available, and sometimes, Dazai worries about taking too much blood from them at once. So, he's far more emotional than usual if approached while anywhere, the chance of him simply snapping at you higher than normal.

In fact, while he's trying to make his way home from work, he'll bump into someone (you, perhaps?) and state:]

Out. of. my. way.

[His voice, although weak, still carries a strong hint of disdain for whomever he'd bumped into.]

IV - Wildcard

[Want to run into Dazai at a specific place or in a specific scenario? Talk to me on discord (Celes#5178), plurk (danger) or just write a starter in the comments here! I'm open to pretty much anything!]

Comments

1

[clothes]

[ akutagawa has been spending a lot of time working. it isn't uncommon of him to work three jobs in one day at this point. even with his weak constitution, it's still impossible for him to sit still. unlike dazai, he's very antisocial, so that aspect kind of sucks, but at least he isn't bored at home, alone with his thoughts.

akutagawa has some time before his next job, so he intended to get himself some coffee. instead, he's standing at the counter, staring at his former mentor. ]

...Dazai-san.

[ dazai?? is working??? in a place where he'll need to do more than just stand there or sleep???? akutagawa can hardly believe it, his floppy ears that are definitely some kind of sharknado-wolf's and not a fucking puppy's perking in intrigue. ]

Are you really working here? Of your own accord?

[proficience]

[Dazai had noticed his former protege head into the cafe, and was honestly, genuinely hoping that he would somehow decide to leave without ordering a single thing. Or without speaking to him, but --

He's not surprised to discover that his hope was fleeting. He sighs dramatically, a half-yawn slipping from his lips as he finishes.]

Either that, or -- before I began to turn, I ordered one too many coffees, couldn't afford the bill, and am now stuck working off my tab.

[He's going to turn around and mess with one of the espresso machines after saying that.]

[clothes]

[ akutagawa hums in understanding. that excuse sounds rather flimsy, but akutagawa doesn't question it since it doesn't matter at the end of the day. ]

I see. In any case, I would like to order some coffee.

[ a raise of a brow as he watches dazai f*ck with the espresso machine. ]

At your leisure, of course.

[proficience]

[Oh, it was flimsy. Very flimsy, since it was a complete lie. He'd just wanted something to do during the day until he's no longer able to see the sun.

Being surrounded by coffee, its smell and various baked goods is almost torturous for him, though, so this job was probably not the best one he could have signed up for.]

You drink coffee?

[He turns his neck just enough to peer toward Akutagawa with one eye.]

Even after the changes?

[clothes]

Yes. As a powerful, prehistoric wolf, coffee has no ill effects on me. Granted, my tolerance was much higher before this bothersome curse, but I still drink it just fine.

[ if by 'just fine' you mean 'more than a small cup makes him puke.' akutagawa is just clinging to what few vices he can indulge in left. plus, coffee is delicious, okay. ]

What about you? Is being out and about in the daytime not painful for you? Vampires turn to ash when faced with sunlight and fire, if I recall correctly.

iii

[prayerwheel]

[ ..........well that's a complete 180 from how he was acting the last time they talked ]

...Dazai?

[ Azura frowns and steps aside to let him walk past her, because it's an honest mistake--she blends in with the shadows and doesn't make noise, it's no wonder he bumped into her while she was taking an evening walk.

But she does trail behind him as he walks, because he...really doesn't look so good. Does she need to walk him home, or something?? ]

Are you feeling ill?

[proficience]

[Oh no, he recognizes her. Enough to where he does actually feel a pang of guilt for snapping at a reasonable error, but --

He still feels far too angry about this. He sighs a sigh that is all too similar to one a moody teenager would do, and shrugs.]

I'm feeling just fine.

But I should ask if your eye sight has gotten worse.

[He'll turn around and start to walk away at that, since a part of him is urging that he leave before he makes a terrible impression.]

[prayerwheel]

[ Well, she's going to follow behind him!! He's....mad about SOMETHING clearly and it's making her very concerned. ]

My eyesight is just fine. But you seem to be in dire straits, so I can't possibly leave you be quite yet.

[proficience]

[He was hoping she wouldn't follow, but since she seems to be dead set on doing so --]

I said I was fine.

[He holds up an arm and waves it dramatically as he continues to walk toward -- honestly, he has no set destination in mind, but he's hoping that if he walks for long enough, she'll lose interest.]

[prayerwheel]

Forgive me if I don't believe that. I won't push you to talk about anything you don't want to, of course, but...please let me walk with you

[ She's following!! She won't give up that easily ]

The mean one...

[petrifying]

<sub>[It's really not Emil's fault when he bumps into Dazai, at least not entirely. He'd told the witch who had been helping him to and from the instrument shop that he'd like to try and make his way back to the Coven all by himself. Clearly though, he must've made a wrong turn or miscounted just how many steps he should've taken because he can tell even from the sounds and smells around him that he's in unfamiliar territory. The streets aren't exactly a good place for the blind to be wandering and while Emil can manage and backtrack, the anxiety of being lost does begin to grip him. It reminds him of when he'd run the entire way from his manor to Nier's village to warn him of Shades, bumping and tripping himself along the way. At least this time though there wasn't any imminent danger to worry about - he just had to make it back to his dorm room in one piece.

Easy enough, right?

That is until he finds himself walking into someone and an icy cold yet familiar voice hits his ears. He recognizes it of course, it's Dazai...but clearly he's upset and not in a very good mood. Immediately Emil's hands are raised as he begins to apologize, fumbling backwards a few steps, head bowed slightly. The last thing he wants to do is make people who've given him the time of day angry at him. He must be having a bad day...]</sub>

S-Sorry Dazai! I didn't mean to walk into you!

_{[At least it's genuine, right? It's not like he really can see where he's going...]}

/cries

[proficience]

[Dazai notes the shorter stature of who had bumped into him, and for a split second, feels a pang of guilt rush over him for snapping. He recognizes that frame, he knows who that is. He's Atsushi Jr.! But that pang goes away as quickly as it came, thanks to the lack of blood in his system, and Dazai soon groans, stepping back a few steps.

He makes a point to keep his eyes on Emil, just to see where he's going to go. He doesn't want to continue being mean, or potentially do any harm to his friend, but -- he's just unbelievably annoyed over every little thing right now.]

You shouldn't be out.

[That's at least not completely off the mark; it could have been worse.]

Go home.

[Please, please just go home!]

[petrifying]

<sub>[Dazai may not know it, but being told he shouldn't be out, that he should go home...it twists something inside Emil in a way he wishes it didn't. Sure he knows that it's safer back in the room he'd been assigned but how many years had he spent tucked away in his manor? How long had he self imposed isolation on himself for the sake of other's safety? Now he was taking the first steps to actually break out of that mentality of hiding himself away only to be set back.

Maybe he really shouldn't be out.]</sub>

...I'm trying to find my way back.

_{[He lets his hands fall down to rest at his sides as he straightens, a frown curving his small mouth downward. Something's not right. People who were feeling grumpy just didn't groan and stumble. (And he heard it, those few uneasy steps backwards...)]}

Um Dazai? Are you okay? You don't exactly sound well...

_{[A person could lie with their words and a smile but when it came to a person's gait, the way they shifted their weight and the little sounds they make...there are lots of subtleties Emil's capable of picking up on. Even if Dazai tells him he's okay something is off.]}

[proficience]

[As much as Dazai really doesn't want to play the role of caretaker right now, guiding Emil back to his place of residence, a part of him feels compelled to. Perhaps that part is feeling that way because of that day they'd spent together in the cafe; honestly, he's not sure. But either way, he can't just leave Emil here like this.

He will refuse to admit that he's not doing particularly well, himself, though. There's absolutely no reason to admit such a thing.]

I thought you knew how to get back on your own.

[While not a lie, it's still uncharacteristically harsh for him to say, given their last encounter, and that part of him that wants to help guide Emil back home is still present. Even if he's not making it clear with his words.]

I'm fine! [And of course that comes out sounding quite adamant, and he steps back again. His steps are still wobbly, signifying that he's lying.]

[petrifying]

I thought I could make my way back on my own this time...the escort I had needed to tend to something and I said I'd be okay on my own.

<sub>[Clearly he'd misjudged his memory this time. Oh well, it happens.

It takes Emil a moment to voice what he's feeling, worrying his bottom lip silently as he listens to the insistence Dazai gives him. Sure, it's not his place to nag but...there really is something wrong. There may not be any reason to admit such a thing, but Emil knows better.]</sub>

I'm sorry if it's rude of me to say Dazai but...please don't lie to me. I may not be able to see you, but I don't need to to know something isn't right.

_{[Is it out of line to say any of this? Maybe...but Kainé never had a problem calling people out on their bullshit. Maybe he ought to be a bit more like her in that regard.]}

It's okay if you're not okay...but you shouldn't have to hide it if you're not.

[hisui]

[One month has taught Nagare plenty of how equally convenient and inconvenient books are. With powers like the ones he had back home, going from having all and every kind of information at his disposal to needing to resort to something as archaic (and sometimes heavy) as books is proving to be quite the change of pace.

This evening, he is on his way to the Coven, carrying a small pile of books meant to be returned to the library in his arms. Using magic to make the task easier was an option, but doing things the conventional way still translates into new experiences to him.

What is an even fresher experience is suddenly having a familiar face emerge from the shadows and bump into him, sending a couple of books scattering across the ground.]

Dazai?

[And getting snarled at for something that clearly isn't his fault.]

I apologize for bumping into you.

[Even in the dim light, a quick glance at the big letters on the cover of the books that landed on the ground is enough to tell that Nagare was researching about necromancy. Or at least trying to, given the lack of information publicly available about the subject.]

[proficience]

[Considering the fact that he hasn't eaten in far, far too long, Dazai's mood levels are low. He's testy, to say the least. So, even though he knows Nagare and considers him an acquaintance-and-soon-to-be-friend, he's still going to respond harshly to that apology.]

Can't see? You shouldn't be reading, then.

[He glances at one of those books and tilts his head, kneeling down to then pick it up. Which is a feat considering how weak he is right now.]

Necromancy...

[hisui]

[Rather than feeling personally attacked by the harsh words, Nagare is a bit taken aback by the sudden aggressiveness of that reaction. It's unlike the flirty man to lash out like this for no apparent reason.

... Which probably means he must have a not so obvious reason for that unusual behavior.

Balancing the weight of the books on one arm, he carefully leans down to pick up the remaining book that didn't catch Dazai's attention, setting it back on top of the pile.]

Yes. More accurately, this book is about the history of necromancy. Unfortunately, there is nothing about how to perform the magic. I am a bit disappointed.

[proficience]

[Still feeling undeniable and indescribable anger pooling within, Dazai lets out an exasperated sigh as he watches Nagare deal with those books. He's intrigued by the concept of necromancy, of course, since it's related to death -- he's always interested in that, but --]

You can't actually bring back the dead?

[He's not surprised. The concept simply seems too unreal, too impossible to actually work.]

Were you fascinated by this school of magic for a reason? Trying to bring back a lost loved one?

III.

[silentsavant]

[As he walks along the streets, a curious sight catches his eye. Even if he did not recognize the man lying there, it would be notable: passed out on a bench, an open umbrella cast aside absentmindedly even though the sun beams overhead unobstructed by clouds. Although scattered showers are common this time of year, today is not a day to be wonder whether to leave the house with an umbrella or not. That much is clear, and quite literally.

Soren approaches with swiftness in his step now. He peers over Dazai's sleeping form, a little more concerned now that he notices a distinct, deathly pallor, face drawn in unconscious suffering. It doesn't take a great leap of deduction to understand what he must be suffering from, for he'd read up on the nature of vampires and knows very well that they don't feel so hot under the sun. (Or in general, ha)

He should probably wake him up for his own good. He stoops down to pick the umbrella up off the ground, shuts it, and then pumps it open with a loud, crashing whoosh near Dazai's head, sufficient enough to wake the (un)dead.]

[proficience]

[Deep in slumber, Dazai dreams of himself relaxing on the shore, reading a pleasantly lighthearted novel of sorts that has been written by his closest friend. In this dream, he's not a vampire, so the sun is actually a wonderful addition to the relaxing atmosphere for him. He doesn't feel as if its rays are trying to sear his skin. He feels wonderful.

Which is why, when he hears that very loud, very abrupt whoosh, he jolts awake and wobbles, even swaying some, and he lets out a very, very pathetic moan.]

Oooohhh --

[Planting the back of his hand atop his forehead, he slowly cranes his neck to look at the cause of the noise.]

Eh? Oh. Soren-kun, why are you -- did you do that? [He notes the umbrella and laughs. The laugh is weak, since he desperately needs some sort of sustenance to give him energy, but -- it's still a laugh.]

I shouldn't have fallen asleep out here. The sun hurts.

[closed] Nagare, intro log con't

[proficience]

[OOC: from here]

[Watching the other man drink slowly and almost methodically is enough entertainment to keep Dazai amused. He can't help but grin even wider as he watches him stare into the remains of his most recent glass, almost as if he's looking for something.

Hearing those words, albeit quiet, is enough to convince Dazai that his challenger, his opponent, is looking for something. An answer to an admittedly silly question.]

Well! The part where you forget all of your troubles, of course! Though, I don't think you've gotten there yet, yourself. Otherwise, you wouldn't be asking that question.

[hisui]

[Silly or not, Nagare's puzzlement is genuine. Perhaps the life he led didn't have many breaches for this kind of necessity. But looking at it the way the man presented, it made sense. He often just assumed his surrogate father drank beer on a daily basis because he enjoyed the taste. To think that it was possibly a way to forget his troubles...

At the realization, his eyes widen for a split moment. He still has a lot to learn about how heavily feelings can impact an individual's mind and, consequently, actions.

Shortly following the first realization, came a second one. With the answer to his question now found (and not inside his glass), he casts a glance at the other, tilting his head a bit.]

Is that the reason why you drink, as well?

[Troll harder, Dazai!]

[proficience]

[He should have known that'd be the response to his answer, but he still finds himself sighing anyway, his head tilting the opposite way from his challenger. It takes a moment for him to come up with a response, since the two of them really, really don't know each other quite yet. Spilling too much personal information about himself could drive the other man away; that, and Dazai is not a fan of seriously admitting his faults.]

Perhaps.

[He carefully sips from his glass, swirling the remains around as he mulls over what else to say. His expression is stern, serious, and clearly reads as if he's hiding something. Usually, he's excellent at hiding things, but now --

The alcohol in his system is making it difficult.]

[hisui]

[As if the roundabout answer isn't enough, the sudden change in attitude only makes the man's attempt to evade the subject even clearer. If he doesn't wish to expand on the matter, then Nagare won't press for any answers.

Silence hangs in the air between them for a little longer as he waits for his companion's reaction, studying that now solemn expression. When nothing comes, he returns his focus to his half-full glass.]

I see.

[Nagare still doesn't comprehend exactly what good drinking to forget one's problems does, and by now he is sure there's really no way he can win against the other man, who's already finishing his third glass. Still, one and a half glasses is a new record. And so is the sudden, induced sensation of warmth that has started to settle within him.

With a slow, decisive movement, he pushes the glass further towards the center of the counter, away from himself. The corners of his lips turn upwards in a small smile, directed at his opponent.]

I admit defeat. As we agreed, the winner has the right to take something from the loser.