✧ 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]

[Wanderer is sort of slumped over, and like this Shio can see that mark on the back of his neck of the Raiden symbol. Looks like Jiaoqiu was right.]

Hm? Please don't tell me it's more tea.

[reignitions]

[Ah.]

Unfortunately, I'd be lying. Jiaoqiu told me to bring this to you.

[threebetrayals]

Ugh. And if I don't drink it?

[reignitions]

I know you're probably tired of it, but until we can get Higashikata or Giovanna...

[threebetrayals]

[He grumbles, but he takes the tea.

And pauses.]

Son of a--you said that huli jing made this?

[reignitions]

I did, yes.

[threebetrayals]

The bastard knows--

[And he tries to get up. This will fail, but he's going to try.]

[reignitions]

[Yeah, Shio's going to ease him back down.]

[threebetrayals]

How did he find out--you didn't tell him, did you?

[He isn't saying what.]

[reignitions]

[He has his suspicions what Wanderer's talking about, but his confusion is genuine when he asks--]

Didn't tell him what?

[threebetrayals]

What I am!

[reignitions]

Oh. That. No, I had to find out from him.

[threebetrayals]

And how does he--his partner. Dammit.

[reignitions]

Yeah. And if not his partner, then that kid his partner's-- mentoring? I think?

[Maybe adopted, but he can't say for sure.]

[threebetrayals]

Fuck. If you tell anyone, I'll kill you. They disowned me ages ago and I don't give a fuck about them, but other people won't care.

[reignitions]

... Why would you just assume I'd tell anyone? It's nobody else's business.

[threebetrayals]

Because I'm a fucking Raiden creation?

[Not scion or descendant, which may say some things about how much he hates them. But this does confirm why Dottore was being Dottore at him.]

[reignitions]

[... Oh, that explains a lot. But Shio doesn't say anything about that, only reaching out to rest his hand on Wanderer's shoulder.]

And that's not anyone else's business. Hell, it's not even my business. I won't tell anyone, you have my word.

[threebetrayals]

[He looks at Shio and hesitates, but eventually he nods.]

...Kunikaki.

[reignitions]

[He smiles faintly, then pulls Wanderer-- no, Kunikaki into a hug.]

Your secret's safe with me, Kunikaki.

[threebetrayals]

[He hesitates but after it hits him that someone is using his name...

Well, he doesn't cry. But he does cling.]

[reignitions]

[His hold shifts to something careful and protective, still holding Kunikaki close.

They'll probably be a while.]

[threebetrayals]

[They will, and Jiaoqiu will handle things on the bottom floor.

Eventually, Kuni pulls away.]

Sorry.

[reignitions]

[Shio lets his arms drop once he pulls away, but he does find himself reaching for Kuni's hand anyway.]

For what?

[threebetrayals]

[He lets Shio take his hand, but he's starting to close off again.]

All of this. You didn't ask for it.