✧ ex-gang

[reignitions]

[There's one thing Shio can say about his life now and that it's, for the most part, quiet.

Disbanding BLAZE was not the easiest decision (no matter how it felt at the time, grief is a bitch, etc), but... well, in hindsight, it's one he's glad he made now. Gen is moderately successful and that's good enough for him. Nobody causes trouble in this quiet little out-of-the-way noodle shop.

Even if that is partially by design.

He should be expecting one of his regulars in about three, two, one...]

Comments

[threebetrayals]

[The door to Gen doesn't slam open, but it's a near thing. The boy, known mostly as Wanderer around the neighborhood, barely acknowledges any other patrons as he stalks over to the counter.]

[reignitions]

[Shio's eyebrows shoot up as Wanderer storms in. Right on time, but a bit concerning nonetheless.

Wanderer's preferred tea is waiting for him already.]

Your usual?

[threebetrayals]

Obviously.

[He slides into a stool, pissed.]

[reignitions]

Hey, just making sure. The mood might strike you to try something different.

[He doubts it, but it could happen. He'll get started on that order, though. He has the even the most minute details of Wanderer's preferences memorized by now.

There's a glance over his shoulder at Wanderer--is he gonna talk about it or just stew in being pissed.]

[threebetrayals]

[The answer is always "stew". Though the fact that he's favoring one arm might be a hint.]

[reignitions]

[Hm.]

First aid kit's in its usual spot in the restroom if you need it.

[threebetrayals]

I'm fine.

[Just bruised to all hell on that side, but it's covered by his clothes. Shio can probably guess that's what he means.]

[reignitions]

[Yeeeeep, that just gets a soft sigh. He doesn't press the issue further, just brings Wanderer's order over, when it's done.]

[threebetrayals]

Thanks.

[He starts eating, ignoring Shio for a message on his phone.]

Tch.

[reignitions]

So, the typical annoyance or something new this time?

[Calmly, as he moves to clean up a spot nearby.]

[threebetrayals]

Tartaliga is being a dumbass and they wanted me to handle it.

[So something new! He rarely gets called to handle that idiot.]

I refused.

[reignitions]

Really? They wanted you to handle Tartaglia?

[Not that he doubts Wanderer could do it, more like that feels a bit beneath him.]

[threebetrayals]

Apparently he's getting bored.

[He doubts that.]

But I refused, like I said. He still sent some of his goons, though.

[reignitions]

I swear, someone needs to teach that dipshit a lesson...

[threebetrayals]

He won't learn it. He's too fucking stupid.

[reignitions]

Won't learn, and quite probably will take the wrong thing away from it.

[Shio's not even sure how one would go about it, considering the way Tartaglia is.]

[threebetrayals]

Exactly. He's too stupid to know he's stupid.

[And Wanderer is tired of dealing with him.]

[reignitions]

[That earns a snort as he swaps out the teapot for a new one.]

You know, it's kind of funny. He physically cannot step foot in here thanks to the barrier on the place--I don't know if that's a quirk of the spell just recognizing him as trouble no matter what or if he just passively trips the barrier's conditions even without particular intent.

[threebetrayals]

Are you kidding? You're ex-BLAZE. He'd love to get a chance to fight you, if he knew.

[So yeah, the latter.]

[reignitions]

[He snickers.]

He keeps trying to come in sometimes. Honestly, I'm kind of hoping you end up here at some point when he tries, just because it's fucking hilarious watching him try to get in but get bounced back by the magic every time.

[threebetrayals]

[That gets Wanderer to snort, smirking.]

What, no security footage?

[reignitions]

Oh, there is, but it's just funnier to watch it in real time.

[threebetrayals]

Maybe next time.

[Doubtful, but would be funny.]

How much do I owe you?

[reignitions]

If nothing else, I'll get you the security footage next time you're here.

[But it would be funny.]

Just the usual price.

[threebetrayals]

[Wanderer pulls out his wallet and just drops the cash on the bar. He's not done, but this way he's paid already in case he gets called away.]

Make sure you strengthen your wards.