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Vous les hommes êtes tous les mêmes || CLOSED

WHO: Dio Brando and Tohru Adachi
WHERE: Dio's Place
WHEN: Just after the election I guess?
WHAT: Dooku asked Dio to punish Adachi. Dio has better plans for getting him to behave.
WARNINGS: TBA??? I'm not expecting much, but will update if it changes! Probably a lot of oogling T B H

[Dio was no stranger to Count Dooku's relationship with his 'friend', Tohru, and he knew that some day he may be called in to deal with him. Of course, there were many numerous ways to 'deal' with others. Dooku likely meant some kind of punishment, mental or physical, but Dio had something else in mind, and had therefore offered the man a drink and some time to talk.

With the election over, and his work done, Dio felt that this sort of meeting could use a little bit of something that he had denied himself lately, some flair. Wearing a fancy and revealing little number alongside an extravagant amount of gold jewelry, accented with some dramatic makeup, Dio lit a few candles and set a red velvet cloth over his coffee table before getting out a couple of wine glasses and a bottle of white wine.

Adachi would be over at any moment, and he needed to be prepared to put his best foot forward. This was certainly going to be fun for him.]

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[ And Adachi... at least wore a clean suit? ]

[ Really, he had no idea what this was about, and couldn’t even begin to guess either. As far as he knew, they had a working relationship under two fronts — Dio’s “day job” as a lawyer, and they were both in Constellation— and a side fling that didn’t mean much of anything. But between Dio fighting Grievous, the pet names, and the blatant flirting, he was getting ridiculously mixed signals and he didn’t know what the hell to do about them. ]

[ He definitely wasn’t expecting literally everything that was on the other side of that door when he knocked. ]

[Dio was about to bring pretty much every kind of relationship he had with Adachi into question this night, he was sure of that. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, though. It could be mutually beneficial!

As if he had not asked Adachi over to 'talk', Dio opened the door when he heard the knock, giving a smirk as he leaned on the door frame.]

Good evening, Tohru. Please, come on in. Take your shoes off, make yourself comfortable.

[ Holy...! ]

[ Adachi stared in mute shock at what Dio was wearing, eyes saucer wide and mouth hanging open like he was catching flies. Well, then. They were... definitely not talking business; at least that much was obvious. It was a moment before his hands curled at his sides, trying desperately not to reach out and slip them under all that gold that was just barely hiding his buff as hell chest. ]

[ He finally let out a cough, looking up at Dio, though the red in his face was definitely not going away any time soon. ]

H-hey. Th-thanks for the... invite...

[ What was even going on??? He still slipped inside, shucking his shoes off as requested, but he was the epitome of confused right now. ]

[Dio grinned at the response to his outfit, feeling his ego stroked. Yes, good. That was what he was hoping for.

Either way, he stepped out of the doorway to allow Adachi in, then shutting the door behind them as he allowed Adachi some freedom. He wouldn't insist on where he sat or anything, but he did start with pouring the two of them some wine from the bottle.

With a sigh, he took a seat on the couch, waving a hand as if to offer any spot in the room for him.]

Well, we do have some things to discuss! I figured it'd be best to do in person, as it is a complex matter.

[ Some things to discuss? Best in person? Complex!? Adachi wanted to scream; there were so many mixed signals just in that simple statement, he didn't even know what to do. He felt his hands immediately get sweaty, and he absently wiped them on his pants, eyeing the laid out coffee table. Nope, that was not helping things. Not at all. ]

Ah... w-what about?

[Relax Adachi, he's not about to propose marriage. He was quite amused by how he could practically feel his heartbeat quicken. Might as well break the suspense.]

So I'm sure you anticipated this, but our mutual contact Count Dooku has requested that I punish you for insubordination.

[And here he offers a wine glass to his guest. It's not poisoned or anything, not to worry.]

I don't intend to, of course. Your behavior isn't insubordination, after all. It's unprofessional, sure, but worthy of punishment? Of course not.

...ah.

[ Adachi seemed to relax at that, though he probably shouldn't have. Seriously, anyone that had a vampire tell them he was supposed to be punished should be concerned. But this was Dio; he was pretty sure if he was actually going to punish him, he would have done it the moment the door was closed. ]

[ Adachi accepted the drink, taking a long draw from it before settling down on the couch. ]

It's not like I'm doing it for no reason. You have to know by now that I'm not exactly in Dooku's camp.

[Dio's smile lit up at that, unable to help but chuckle a little at Adachi's relaxing and his response.]

No Tohru, I knew that right away! It's what instantly drew me to you that night during the Swear-Out. I love what you are doing.

Our benefactor Dooku does not know how to lead, that much is obvious. He took a group of hostile people with varying goals and is trying to rule them with might. Forcing someone to obey you is foolish and unquestioning loyalty is useless.

[He took a drink from his glass then, really thinking on it.]

Therefore, I wanted to ask... would you perhaps consider throwing your lot in with me instead? I feel like, beyond your detective work, you could be an extremely valuable asset.

You aren't reaching your potential in Constellation, and they do not appreciate your talents.

[ Adachi stared at him for a long moment, an eyebrow raising slowly. What was with people trying to entreat him to their evil organizations? It was seriously getting annoying; he was trying to do the right thing, here. ]

Well, I'll agree with you about Dooku being a shitty leader, but... not exactly sure I want to jump in with anyone's cause again after this. At least not right away.

[Dio laughed at that, actually rather entertained.]

I understand that. I do have to ask though... Why do you remain with the Constellation? [He was actually interested right now, wondering what end he could be aiming for with not only remaining in the organization, but in drawing their ire.]

It seems like a vast number of them do not respect you, which I see is an image that you cultivate. At least in that you want to be seen as incompetent, though the added needling is so strange to me. Is there some way I could help you out so that it is less necessary to put yourself in harm's way so much?

I really do appreciate you as a friend, and as a lover. I'd rather you be in one piece, if at all possible. [He offers Adachi a wide smile at that. It was true, despite Dio not having much as far as emotional attachment. He still felt some ownership, despite himself.]

[ Adachi fell quiet at that, no sure how to take that. He wasn't even sure if Dio was being honest about appreciating him. Hell, he wasn't sure about a lot when it came to just about any of this, but... ]

[ He let out a sigh after a moment, swirling his glass absently. ]

I believed in the cause, at first. Didn't take very long for Dooku to prove it was just a front for whatever bullshit ambition he has.

[ He gave a lazy shrug. ]

I'm just doing what I do best, really: being a distraction, so other people can get their shit done. You can help me best by working against Dooku while I keep the attention on me.

[Dio regarded Adachi at that, leaning his cheek on a hand. The thing was that he did understand that. Dooku had drawn people into his fold under false pretenses, which was why Dio felt it was such a weak organization. Not everyone shared a goal, because Dooku hadn't honestly told them what he was interested in.]

Well, the fact remains that I'm supposed to bring you to heel here. [How annoying. Dio tapped at his cheek with his fingers as his eyes closed. He didn't really want to. He felt that Dooku could use being questioned, and the his lapdog Mars was just that. A dog. Pathetic and drooling, loyal because of ignorance. Wanting approval so badly, like some kicked puppy, following him about and acting as if the man were infallible.]

Hm hm hm. I am happy to work against Dooku, though I'd really like to know your end goal in that regard, so that my efforts can be focused on that as well. Also, if you find need for some more support, 'Carpo' is a very good friend of mine. Enrico Pucci, who lives with me, and has been a friend of mine for a few years. [More years for Pucci than for Dio but that is beside the point.]

What should we do about this false punishment, though?

[ Adachi gave a sheepish smile, peering over at him. ]

Well, I can back off for awhile. Dooku would probably want to see physical evidence though, knowing him.

[ He shrugged; he could take a beating. Wouldn't be the first time; hell, he had walked to the hospital with his severed hand in his pocket. Of course, that was before he had gotten Riza; after he got her, his crazy endurance seemed to have eased back a bit. ]

As for after Dooku... I haven't thought much about it. I've just been focusing on trying to get enough evidence to have him put away for at least a month.

[ He paused, running a hand over his mouth. ]

...the initial message of the Constellation is a good one. Being treated as equals in this world that we were forced into would be nice -- especially for those that don't want to leave it.

[Dio laughed at that.]

No physical evidence will be necessary. I've the ability to shape flesh to my will, even if I were foolish enough to think a physical punishment would have lasting effect, I'd have put you back together.

[He didn't want to sour things by leaving this on a bad note. Still, he couldn't help but grin behind his wine glass.]

... or I could 'rough you up' in some other ways~

[He chuckled, taking a sip of his drink and closing his eyes for a moment, his smile fading a bit.]

I would like to be treated more like a citizen than a burden as well. It really is a struggle at times... After all, I'm a monster, right? Who cares how a vampire has to get along in a world where it's required that he act as a human? [He shrugged, sighing.]

But I've honestly no idea what Dooku's end goal is. Overthrowing the government, probably. In any case, I will assist you to the best of my ability.

[ While the blush was still there, unlike other time Dio outright flirted with Adachi, he just smiled and turned away, hiding the expression in his glass. That couldn't keep the nervous hand from reaching up, scratching absently at his collar. If Dio looked, he'd be able to catch a glimpse of a familiar gold chain around Adachi's neck. ]

[ But back to more important matters; Adachi let out a faint noise, finally turning back to him. ]

Yeah! Like, these people are the ones that messed around with the porter and what not. They're the ones that invited imPorts in, whether they intended to or not. I don't care what people did some... what? Thirty years ago? Things are different from back then; we don't need such a hypocritical system.

[ And that, there, was the main issue as well. ]

Even if we do expose Dooku for conspiracy against the government, I think the most he's going to get is a month in jail. We're treated like heroes and barely punished for misdeeds, yet restricted in everything else we do.

[ He frowned in annoyance. ]

We need to be treated like actual citizens, with respect to the fact that some of us aren't human.

[Dio liked what he saw there. Yes, he was wearing the necklace he'd given him, wasn't he? But more than that, Dio was enjoying this conversation. Despite his background as a supervillain, he did rather enjoy thought experiments and philosophy and the like.]

It's true. We're treated so strangely. On the one hand, no matter what is done, an imPort only ever gets a slap on the wrist. And yet we are constantly imprisoned in these cities. Hell, in this country.

As an Englishman, I should be able to move back to my homeland. You should be allowed to travel to or even live in Japan.

I feel like less of a hero or prisoner and more like... a living resource. Or a zoo exhibit. To tell us we are only allowed in these specific places is not only imprisoning us, but unfair to the natives who live here and are now forced to compete with us for space and revenue.

...I had hoped that I could help change all of that, but I suppose that's a lofty goal for an ambassador. Still, I hardly think that terrorism is the way to go either.

[Manipulation was better. Hell, Dio didn't even think bloody revolution would do it, as cathartic as that'd be.]

I feel simultaneously celebrated and mistrusted. It's quite a mixed signal.

[ Adachi nodded sadly. ]

...I miss Japan. Granted for... all the wrong reasons, like being able to get a proper bowl of ramen, but still.

[ He fell silent a moment, thoughtfully sipping at the wine. Dio was pretty much echoing everything he felt -- everything that Adachi joined the Constellation for in the first place. If he was trying to win him over, he was succeeding with a lot more ease than Dooku had. ]

I think...

[ He paused almost right away, frowning to himself. ]

I'm not sure, but... there's two things I can see happening. Dooku ends up getting overthrown somehow either way, but... either we can take the Constellation and reform it into what it was initially pitched as, a means of protesting how we're treated here. Or we throw in behind Ambassador Amadala and try to help her with her efforts.

[ He glanced at him again, a bit of a sheepish smile coming to his face. ]

I know you don't like to lose, but sometimes the small victories come from backing up the other guy?

Is it really for all of the wrong reasons?

[He laughed a little at that. Something as simple as having food you are accustomed to could be really nice. Not that Dio had to worry about that.]

I miss Cairo. The night life was packed. People everywhere. Here, it seems quite lonely after a certain hour. I suppose that's insignificant in the long run, but it is what I would like to travel for.

[The comment about backing Amidala though... he wasn't sure. Dio didn't do 'backing' other people. In fact, joining Constellation was feeling like far too much of a chore and he hadn;t even DONE anything yet. Dio just didn't like to have a boss.]

You remember how I survived at the bottom of the ocean for almost a century out of spite? Yeah, I think it might be hard to put aside my loss so quickly. However. She seems to be open to beginning a discussion, and I will not decline that, at the least.

I think she's about my age, so pretty young for someone so into politics. But she seems to have a good head on her shoulders; it could be worth hearing what she has to say.

[ Adachi wistful smile came to his face at the mention of Cairo though, and he leaned against the couch, curling himself up a little. ]

Tokyo was like that too; even though I lived in a good area when I was stationed in the Iwatodai sector, if I looked out my window I could see the whole city was just alive all the time.

[ He let out a sigh. ]

It made moving to the country tough. I had trouble sleeping at night because there was no noise in the background. It was so quiet all the time, it was enough to drive a guy crazy. Prison would have been the same if I hadn't been so done with everything at that point.

[ Adachi was halfway to taking another sip when he realized, far too late, he hadn't told Dio about that part of his past yet. He couldn't keep back the flinch; aw, crap... ]

[Oh, it takes no time for Dio to hone in on that tidbit, and less time for him to notice the flinch afterwards. As such, he took a moment to think on it and the implications, taking a slow drink of wine to fill the time.]

...Prison, hm? Well, it's not like I can judge. I'm a vampire after all, and I was young and brash about it some time ago.

[Read: I can't judge you because I've definitely killed people before. He was curious, but he was also a very skilled wordsmith, and figured that he should not pry if he were not willing to give up information himself.]

Well, just imagine that quiet, but during the day. That's what I'm experiencing, though when I sleep, the noise comes back. I suppose that's quite off topic, but. It's been bothering me terribly as of late.

[ Adachi fell quiet. It's not that he didn't appreciate the attempt to not focus on it, but somehow that was even worse than if he had just outright asked. ]

[ He finally let out a sigh, absently swirling at his glass as he let the goofball mask slip off. It hurt to take that mask off anymore; he was getting so comfortable with being the person that was both a troll and a decent guy, someone that could be serious about work, but joke around with his friends. Being the asshole murderer was just a chore after two years in this place. ]

...least you went to jail for... what? Getting food, I guess? I went to jail because I screwed up, and then I kept screwing up because I was bored.

[Dio raised his brows at that before he chuckled and shook his head.]

Oh no. I never went to jail. I mean to say that I once slaughtered a village of about seventy or more people in a single night. I wanted to rule the world, you know? Made a whole zombie army out of them! Like I said, young and brash. Vampirism, you know? That power goes to your head, and then vampire hunters decapitate you and send you to the bottom of the ocean.

[He shrugged. Dio didn't go around slaughtering like that anymore. Not because he was a better person, but just because he was smarter now. That kind of thing wouldn't accomplish anything. It's just piss people off, and as fun as that was, it wasn't conducive to his goals.]

I imagined something happened like that to get Dooku to be so interested in you. Did you want to talk about it some more? I have a feeling you want to get it off of your chest. Please dear, speak freely.

[ Adachi nodded slowly at that. ]

...power definitely is a drug that goes straight to your head and makes you do stupid shit.

[ He shifted after a moment, holding his hand out. The Fool Arcana appeared after a moment, rotating lazily over his hand as it threw off blue sparkles that faded away before they could hit anything. It was still weird seeing it; even if his soul had calmed down since coming here, this was a little too close to Dojima's brat for comfort. The dumbass kept saying they were similar, but he was sure that was only because they had similar Personae. Now that he had the same Arcana as him, he... wanted to hate it. Wanted, but couldn't quite dig up the effort too. ]

When I got power, when I saw it in action, I thought I was on top of the world. And I thought that meant I had the right to reshape it into something better; something that wouldn't just discard talentless people like me. I think I wanted that, but I let it get to me... or maybe I was just already corrupted beyond redemption, and getting power just pulled that out even more.

[ He waved his hand, dismissing the card. ]

Getting your ass beat by a couple of teenage brats and thrown in jail for it really changes your perspective.

[Dio sat back in his seat, watching Adachi and carefully listening to him. Despite the ego, all of his flamboyance, and everything, he did make for a decent listener, quietly sipping on his wine as he allowed his guest to spill what he felt to him.

It was all for the best for him, anyway. Knowing Adachi better meant he would be easier to control, should Dio choose to.]

The goal is not what was wrong, was it? To hope for a world where you can be accepted as you are... it's of course the same thing I wish for.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." The corruption was perhaps always in you, but it doesn't mean you should not have a place in the world, right?

After all, even the corrupt have dreams. The evil have wishes. The cursed have hope. To 'get your ass beat by a couple of teenage brats' doesn't have to mean any end to your ambition, but it does mean reevaluating, which you have done here.

It's admirable, and I think that you will find your place continuing on the path you've set for yourself. It is my wish as well, to help people like you and I to find that place.

And so... if you ever need that assistance, I hope that you would call on me, Tohru.

[ Dio had Adachi hanging on his every word, a weird, almost longing feeling settling in his chest. Part of him wanted to call bullshit on what he was saying, but he was so gently encouraging that it was hard to. It helped that what he said made sense; that he could still strive for a world where he felt like he belonged after everything that happened was so right, especially after all the experience he had in this place for the past two years. The fact that he ended it off with his first name just nailed it in the head. ]

[ Dooku needed to take notes. ]

[ He finally looked away after a moment, feeling his cheeks warm up. ]

...you really know what to say.

[Dio smiles as he watches Adachi's face color and gets such a simple answer back. Perfect. He set his glass down after a moment, getting up from his spot to go to Adachi, his hands going to gently cup the man's face as he leaned in to kiss his forehead.]

It's simply how I feel myself. It's... comforting though, to know you feel the same.

[It wasn't only that of course. It was how he manipulated people. To make them feel loved, wanted, needed, valued. And though Dio honestly was cruel and selfish... some part of it was true. He did care for his followers, even if he sent them to their deaths. He DID want to create that world, where the wicked could be happy.]

You are important to me, Tohru. That's why I wanted to have this talk with you, to touch base and to get on the same page.

I'm very glad that you decided to join me tonight.

[And yeah, his hands had remained on Adachi's face this whole time, fingers gently running through his hair as if he were oh, I don't know... a lover???]

[ Oh, Adachi was so doomed, and he knew it too. Dio was hitting all the right buttons to make his heart flutter up into his throat, feeding into how touch-starved he was, how much he needed someone to feel like he did without being so obviously evil about it. It made his chest ache, and for a moment it was a bit hard to breathe as he almost wanted to cry. ]

[ He finally let out a shaky breath, reaching up to rest his hand over one of Dio's. ]

Y-yeah, well... you make it hard to resist you.

[ God, when he was ultimately betrayed, it was going to hurt like hell. But was it wrong for him to enjoy it while it lasted? ]

[Dio laughed a little at that, loving that response. Wonderful. Yes, excellent. He still got it, he was sure. It helped, perhaps, that there was always some truth to what he said. Dio didn't outright lie, because of course he had no need to! His goal was awful, terrible, and yet... it was for awful and terrible people. Ultimately it was selfish, of course. Dio wanted a place that he felt perfect. Never worried, not frustrated or angry, but any fool knew that he would bore of it on his own. He needed other who were similar, who he could lead to this debauched Promised Land.

And so he remained there with Adachi, allowing him to touch his hand back as Dio gave him a warm smile. Whether Adachi was 'good' now or not, Dio was nearly certain that he'd hooked him enough to no longer need to worry overmuch about how he was perceived.]

That's the point, isn't it? [He gave the man a playful wink as he pulled away, his fingers running over the other man's cheek as they left Adachi's face.]

We all want to be wanted, don't we? I think I'm doing a good job. At least, for some people~

Y-yeah, I'd say so.

[ Adachi ducked his head in a vain effort to hide the blush threatening to consume his face, his own fingers slow to abandon his face, like if he held them there longer than Dio's touch would still be there. This was embarrassing. He was embarrassing. ]

...is it alright if I stay awhile?

[ So damn embarrassing. ]

[Dio liked it, in all honesty. He didn't experience friendship or even attachment to others the way that normal people did, but he was certainly endeared by this very genuine display of Adachi lingering where his touch had been, as if hungering for it.

It made Dio want to devour him so very much.]

Of course it is. Make yourself comfortable, Tohru.

[He gave a little laugh at that, getting back to his glass of wine, swirling the glass inhis hand for a moment before he remembered a little thing he should probably tell the man.]

Oh! Enrico lives with me now, by the way. He won't be a bother, but I did want to let you know. If you'd like privacy, my room is available.

[ Adachi struggled against a laugh, ducking his head again as a weird feeling fluttered around in his chest. He wasn't exactly ready to throw down yet -- maybe after a few more drinks -- but even still, he wasn't going to be putting himself in a position where someone could walk in on them. His hand eventually made its way to rubbing at the back of his neck, peering up at him sheepishly. ]

...we can always continue this conversation there?

[Dio could read the situation well enough, and felt no need to drive things further in any lascivious direction. He was really interested in the talking, in all honesty. Adachi may not have thought such a thing about Dio, but he didn't just spend his time lounging about and seducing anyone who'd look his direction.]

Of course. I'll bring the wine, you bring your glass.

[He'd likely assure Adachi later that Enrico was good people, who would likely not even raise a brow to their conversation. After all, Dio kept no secrets from the priest. He was a true friend.]

You can feel free to stay the night as well, if you'd like. I don't want to hear about you getting in trouble going home after drinking.

[ It was that show of concern for him getting home that night that made Adachi realize that no, this wasn't just a way to get him in bed. He stared up at him for a long moment, feeling his heart flip over in his chest in a way that made it feel more like it was fluttering up into his throat. ]

[ He ducked his head again, feeling the heat in his face all over again, especially as he ran his hand through his hair. W-wow... he kept telling himself he shouldn't trust Dio, but it was so hard to believe that when he was this nice. He was really good at playing his strings. ]

Okay... that sounds great.

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Vous les hommes êtes tous les mêmes || CLOSED

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