maskormenacelogs | Promise of safe return undelivered

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† shinjiro aragaki | n/a

Promise of safe return undelivered

WHO: Shinjiro and Akihiko
WHERE: Visiting Shinji's dumb incarcerated ass, following the DMV bomb-threat
WHEN: June 2nd
WHAT: being losers. Also trying to explain why he is detained. Fun times are had by all.
WARNINGS: None so far!

-----

It really had taken longer than he would have liked to admit, to work up the words and the will to actually contact Akihiko via his tattoo. He'd been arrested incredibly shortly after regaining consciousness, finding himself in an unfamiliar building, stared at in horror by terrified civilians, and with some police with a bullhorn or some shit offering to 'negotiate'.

Or-- something to that effect. Even after his head had cleared, the order or exact details were a surreal, confusing blur. And after a night in holding, he had finally accepted the fact that there was no way to explain the fact that he had no idea how it all had happened, and have anyone believe it. Especially with the whole-- multiple witnesses and security footage and every other goddamned part.

Sure. He'd been dragged down to the station before-- but always grudgingly released after a while. Never forced to accept the fact that he'd (somehow?) fucked up majorly again, and would likely be the next imPort that would be imprisoned. Hell, maybe all those on the network would be giddy, like when that Lucifer guy was caught.

"Fuck." He curses under his breath, bringing his hands up to rub at his eyes as he lays back on the small cot.

Maybe this was just years worth of overdue karma.

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Shinjiro ending up stuck somewhere isn't new. Fortunately over the years the other guy learned not to steal so much, which he would've liked from the beginning. Used to pummel him so much for doing that kind of stuff. But after what happened, those years where they didn't see eachother as much? It was hard to say how he got by in his day to day. And Akihiko disliked not knowing where he was all the time. Once or twice he picked him up from a station, but never for shit like this.

"Hey." His tone average, not too pissed or confused as he steps up to the bars. Jacket over his shoulder with a hand gripping the collar. Stares in to his friend and looks him over, feeling himself already starting to sigh. He's- used to this but not. There's no way he could be in here for what they said. When he arrived they gave him a brief and then showed him here, but- bomb threat? Shinjiro'd never threaten other people's lives, this is complete bullshit. Which is why Akihiko's pretty calm right now.

"Look's like you could've used the company."

His eyes close as he hears the approach- just faintly different from the pacing he'd been hearing for the past hours, and with a gait that was unconsciously familiar. A sigh, and he sits up, for once able to actually look up and into his friends face as he approaches and speaks.

There's-- not really any way to explain that doesn't make him worry about his own sanity. So for now he'll do what he always does, and shove those feelings and worries down to be ignored to the best of his abilities.

A single, dry laugh, and he nods slowly. "Yeah. Coulda been nice. They fill you in, then?" His lips press together and teeth grit, almost-- pained, almost lost. And he finally stands up to step closer to the bars, so he can at least try and feel on equal footing. His hands are shoved into the pockets of his pants, shoulders raised and head low.

"...I still can't figure out what the hell happened." It's a low admittance, brows creasing in frustration at it. He has- no idea what to do, really. Major felony charges? The fact that it had happened? And the complete lack of memories between being on his way back to the youth center after lunch, and then coming to in the middle of a trashed building, surrounded by terrified civilians? It was impossible to deny it had happened, and impossible to give any reason as to how or why.

He's already accepted this place has it's own problems. This place has a lot of it's weird shit too, including all these powers that are not only brought here from different places, but also just given to people, brand new, upon arriving. So hearing what happened? What Shinjiro did? There was no denying he was influenced some how. Could've been by an imPort, could've been by someone against them, or even with them. Hard to say so early in the game. All Akihiko knows though is Shinjiro didn't do it.

Doesn't like seeing him behind bars either. Makes his own expression stern, though it might just look like he's making that face at his friend. Just has the gears turning in the back of his skull, idly rubbing his thumb over the collar of his coat.

"Yeah, they did, not much though. Were pretty stiff on the details," said with a breath, cocking his hips a little and putting more weight on his other foot. Akihiko's eyes drag over the cell for a moment, checking it out from corner to corner before he's back to sizing up Shinjiro.

"It probably was someone like us who did it. Don't know if it was on purpose or not, considering controlling these powers isn't exactly easy for everyone. What do you remember about what happened?"

Despite knowing that Akihiko likely comes close to believing him-- that stern glare is a bit difficult. As though he's not already running circles in his own mind, wondering if he's gone crazy or just lost control in an entirely new way this time. Already questioning and doubting and finding no answers, no matter how long he thinks about it--

And with the question of what he remembers, he simply sighs. Shakes his head, shoulders slump a little.

"...Same as I told everyone else. Headin' back to work, then-- I was in the building, with cops all around and people freaking out." Again, his jaw tightens, and he brings a hand up to rub at those dark-circled eyes. "There ain't a damn thing in between."

Which was the weirdest part-- especially since he'd obviously been active, obviously gone through all those motions and shouts and whatever the fuck else. But there was no memory from taking that step on the sidewalk to waking up to the clamor of-- well, a bomb threat.

"It was like- passing out or some shit."

"Hm." Glances to the side, thoughtful. He listens to the whining sound his rubber gloves make everytime he rubs at his collar, mulling over a few things in his head.

Like passing out. So it was kind of like- he was being controlled? It has to be. The idea that Shinjiro did this, like under some fugue state? Doesn't even occur to him. This is a man he knows who wasted away his own damn life because he accidentally killed someone. There's just- no possible way he'd threaten to blow people up. That's fucking ridiculous.

"How long you stuck in here then? They can't think you really did this."

It was almost like being charmed-- if being charmed was more precise and complex than simply taking swipes at teammates. Complete with the lack of memory after the fact. He shifts forward slightly, head tilting down to rest against the bars slightly, one hand holding on to them.

"...I dunno. They already got fingerprints and shit. Doubt they'll just keep me in the station's holding cell 'til they work out a trial or whatever..." Like hell he knows how it all works- But he feels his odds of getting moved into an actual jail cell are fairly high, at this point- especially with the denial of bail.

As for thinking he did it... He shakes his head. "...Kinda hard to prove that I didn't." Especially because he physically had. It was just a matter of whatever mental state he'd been in-- whether it was his own or someone else's. "Especially since I dunno who'd have that kinda power, or why they'd want to hold up a damn building."

"I'll try to talk to them. They seem to already know a lot about us, if that's the case they'll figure out you're not really to blame soon." Akihiko's not too sure either, how the justice system works here, if it will- really straighten out. But they have to know a lot about them considering they adjust their powers when they're brought here. Considering they give them jobs that relate to them, how would they know what relates if they don't know anything about them? And even then-

He wants to believe the police force, the military, the courts, that they're not corrupt, even if this place is a bit odd. Though, he's thinking he might have to push a little.

Still. These people just- give handouts as far as powers are concerned. That has to be a damn factor, right?

"Well we can ask around. And the government knows who has what powers here, right? Especially since they monitor it and let us know about them when we show up. It'll be fine." Flicks at some of Shinjiro's hair sticking out between the bars.

"You eating okay in there?"

His nose wrinkles as fingers brush over his hair, nice and thick and unruly without being crammed down under his usual beanie. But otherwise, he simply shrugs, having just accepted the rest of what Akihiko had to say. He'd talk to people, try and get info-- And most all Shinjiro could do here was scour the network via his tattoo.

"-Yeah, it's alright." A lie, but he doesn't skip a beat with it. Food had been offered, sure, and he was sure it was decent-- but he'd not really wanted to eat anything just yet. His appetite still wasn't exactly up to snuff, given everything that had happened the past day.

"Ain't exactly what I would have picked, but it's better'n nothing." And-- he feels the need to apologize for some reason, even if the words never make it past his throat. For putting Akihiko through something like this, for being ultimately problematic again.

After a moment, he glances up, pulling back from where he'd been leaning on the bars. "-That Cap'n Holiday guy." His voice is a bit lower, but it's the only avenue he can think of. "He told me when people arrive, they get a printout of info 'bout them out've the porter-- but it mostly just gets shoved in a desk someplace." Not much of a lead, but at least it's half-relevant to the comment of knowing about powers.

"Don't worry about it, we'll figure this out." Said in response to that silence. he sees something hitch in Shinjiro, knows that face, knows how he freezes up with when the words just- don't form. Has an idea of what's gonna be said.

"You didn't do anything, screw them if they think otherwise. Both of us know better." Raises his hand, making a fist and pumping it once. "We'll figure out who's the problem here."

A pause.

"Yeah, I figured something like this. I'm sure there's someone I can talk to about it without going onto the network to ask everyone. I doubt who it is would just come forward with his ability anyway." A pause.

"You sure you can't remember anything else?"

He gives another nod, relaxing just the slightest. As much as he hates admitting reliance on someone-- it really does help, knowing there's someone naturally in his corner, so to speak (likely a good analogy with Akihiko.) Someone who'd be out there and looking for info from another direction. Even if it's fruitless, it's enough to stave off a lot of those worries he'd otherwise be drowning in.

"Thanks." Simple, but meaningful. His lips twitch in what's almost a forced smile, but doesn't make it all the way-- though he again pauses at the last question.

"...There's seriously nothing." A frustrated sigh, and Shinjiro tilts his head back. It kills him not to know, to have that huge-ass gap in his memory, like blinking and waking up in another time and place. "Like it's not even a huge gap for me-- just walking, and then all've a sudden coming to with all that shit going on."

Dude, he'll always be your corner man, no doubt a-bout that. There's no way he won't support you, especially if you're on the ropes.

Ha.

Ha.

Either way, Shinjiro should know that by now.

"Hm." A sigh, glancing away, and he soon turns around and sits, leaning back against the bars. Fuck the people that run this place, he's going to chill with Shinjiro for a bit.

"Guess it's all we have to go off of. All right then, bring it."

He lets out a short, amused exhale as Akihiko sits down, and follows suit himself. Fuck the police and all that, right? Might as well loiter right at the holding cells. He keeps his back to the side of the cell, though, keeping Akihiko at his side.

It's weird that- even after everything Shinjiro'd put the guy through, here he was still. Even after Shinjiro told him to fuck off for two years, and then went and got his ass killed... Akihiko still pushed and shoved and pried and even ended up in this place, even still following him to bail his dumb ass out of stupid situations. (Maybe not bail literally in this case, but....)

Things really had changed since they'd been kids, and Shinjiro'd been the one always the one looking after and taking care of the other.

His head ducks a bit, brows creasing, staring down at the dirty smudges on his pants. He'd-- had his reasons for leaving this, sure. Those years ago, when he left SEES, when he set about looking forward to his death. But in this whole other world, so far removed-- it's hard to still feel alright with them, especially with Akihiko seeming to forgive even his death, still showing up as soon as he was asked, still taking his word, still showing up and sitting on the floor of the police station with him, as though Akihiko's only concern was to ensure that he was alright.

His hands tighten on the fabric of his pants, shoulders riding up. It's a shitty feeling. Admitting to having fucked up- having to face how much his best friend clearly cared, and knowing that back home there'd never be a chance for Akihiko to try and look after him again.

They're all definitely the sort of thoughts he can't let himself have, can't let himself dwell on, for fear that he'd doubt and regret the decisions he'd already made back home.

"Too bad they can't make this place more comfortable for you." The words are even, but still kind of distant. He tilts his head to the side, back against the bars, content just to watch his friends short, gray hair and the back of his head. "So there been much going on outside the past day? I figure I gotta be missing something in here."

Why not sit with his friend? It's not like he's trying to break him out. This is just a visitation. Sure, this is bullshit, knows Shinjiro's innocent, but he's not going to break him out and get them both in more trouble. It'd sure as hell be nice to just run in and get him out, gung-ho, Akihiko's favorite way to live, but sometimes you have to play it smarter. And he'll sit through it either way.

Always will. Shinjiro's his best friend, his family, and one of his last links to his past and childhood, even if... even if he's no longer the last thing he has back home. But he has him back here, and this time he won't get so distracted. Doesn't forgive him, hell, he'll never forgive him for going on forward without him, leaving him behind. They could've keep kept fighting together... Stayed side by side a lot longer, especially since Shinjiro had come back to SEES finally, maybe even come back to school. And then he had to- move on by himself.

Ass hole.

"Doesn't matter to me as long as I can chill with you for a bit." A small laugh, leaning his head back against the bars with a sigh, propping a hand on an up bent knee.

"Not really, still just getting used to this place. America's pretty different." He chuckles, lifting a hand and clenching it, listening and watching the rubber of his gloves squeeze. "The food here's pretty great actually, though haven't had anything as good as your cooking was. Guess it's for the best you didn't do it much, I'd get too used to it." Another laugh, turning his head a little to glance back at him through the bars.

Edited 2014-06-08 22:30 (UTC)

Akihiko's comment earns itself a dry snort and a head shake, as though wordlessly dismissing it as bullshit. But despite the actions and his aloof facade-- again, it really does strike something. The fact that Akihiko was automatically on his side. Was fine with doing a whole lot of nothing and hanging out on the holding cell floor. Wasn't even chastising him as much as usual.

He tries to force his lips to curl up in faint amusement, but it just ends up wry and hollow and pathetic.

"You'd deal even without my cooking." An amused exhale, his head tilting to the side and against the bars as well, meeting that angled gaze. "But yeah, it ain't bad. Greasy as hell, though." Or maybe that was just him being a snob about it-- or the miserable Florida heat intensifying the feeling. Who knew.

"Once they let me go-" look at that, attempting to show some sort of positivity for once. You know he's trying hard now, Aki, "-I'll see what I can't scrounge together. You got any preferences?"

He probably could be doing something better right now. Like- training.

Ya know, as just an example.

"Yeah, of course I would. Doesn't mean I won't miss it though." But the way he looks back it's hard to say if this is just about cooking right now. Deal without it- without you? Hell yeah he would, Akihiko's not a quitter, never. Even when he's battered and broken. But it doesn't mean he won't miss it- miss him. He shouldn't even have to say it.

"Greasy is good though, gives you something to work off, gives you a lot of energy." Even if- it makes him also want to sleep some of the time. He's napped more than he'd liked here on this terrible diet of his.

"Hm?" Glances back again, a blank look on his face.

Shinjiro's lips press together, not entirely ignorant as to the layered meaning there. After all, they were used to one another, used to their stupid backwards ways of communicating, used to saying one thing and meaning another. And that look back at him just confirms his gut feeling. He glances from the bars to the opposite wall, arms folding loosely and shoulders curling forward unconsciously.

"Mm." Just a short, acknowledging noise to the comment of missing it- missing him. The end result he'd known would happen but hoped desperately that it wouldn't. Of course Akihiko would miss him, think back on him, latch onto him in this new place-- But part of Shinjiro had almost hoped he could just be left and discarded and forgotten for everything he'd done to hurt the other man.

The comment of Akihiko's diet, though, earns a short laugh. "Y'know, eating like a normal person'll do that too." it's dry, but half-amused. "Instead've just beef and grease and shit." And that rounds him back to Akihiko's look for clarification:

"Like I said- I'll throw something together once I get out of here. What is it you want?"

Sorry but-

"Once?" A grin.

His brows furrow. "--What?"

It quickly turns to a scowl, eyes rolling up as though exasperated. "-Ain't like I'm gonna say 'twice'."

"You said once, I'm not used to you talking like that." Turns a little pushing a hand through the bars and shoving at Shinjiro's head a little. Never with- hope. Used to more ifs and buts from Shinji, but 'once'? It's a nice change.

"-Hey!" He growls at the hand shoving in and ruffling up his hair, whether that was the intended end result or not. Not cool, bro. He doesn't even have a hairbrush in here. Shinjiro grabs that arm, tugging it in as much as he can-- which... hopefully won't get guards coming.

"Well, usually things're different." It's... a really weak excuse. But whatever.

His arm's tugged and Akihiko laughs, doesn't even think to glance up at if anyone saw or is coming. He's got a smile on his face and quickly jerks his arm back. Not back through the bars, just bends his elbow to yank Shinjiro's hand and body towards him again or get the hell out of that grip all together. His strength in check, having gotten the hang of it by now.

"Different yeah, we're a team again. So we have to keep that hope up and keep fighting, right? And when you do get out of here, I guess I'll expect that food now." A laugh, softening his arm a little and moving to pull it back through the bars again.

"I was joking when I said it, don't force yourself to do something like that. But we'll definitely get a meal together once you're free. Something better than whatever they serve in here."

Shinjiro winces and huffs out a breath at being pulled in-- right, Akihiko's strength... While controlled, it's still something Shinjiro can't exactly fight against. But then they're relaxing back, and he rolls a shoulder, half-stretch, half-shrug.

"'Keep up hope and keep fighting'... You're going a bit far there." a short 'tch' noise that can either be dismissive, or a signal that he's only playing aloof.

"And don't set your standards that low. I could pull crap out've a trash can that'd be better than the junk here."

"Is it really that bad?"

"I mean I'll eat it, but it's sure as hell not good."

"Guess I'm just used to you complaining about anything. Take your word on it this time though."

-Tch. "Hey."

He turns to glare through the bars- Maybe a little bit sullenly. "I don't complain about anything." he'd make a comment about just having standards but man, that.... isn't true.

"Sorry, everything." A smile. He knows you don't. especially since they got here.

Another scowl-- but okay, yeah, he kind of does complain about a lot of things. But like hell he has to admit it. So he'll reach out to shove Akihiko's shoulder lightly.

"-There, better. At least get it right, shit." Might as well roll with it.

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Promise of safe return undelivered

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get on aim when you can u-u

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