✧ 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

[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.

[reignitions]

[He gently squeezes Kuni's hand.]

It's alright. I'd want to be here for you either way.

[threebetrayals]

Seriously? I'm just a regular at your soba shop.

[reignitions]

Yeah, seriously.

[So maybe he's idly thought Kuni was cute, so what.]

[threebetrayals]

Tch. Maybe Ryouta and Kou aren't the only idiots.

[But he's tired and sore so he just. sits there. Eventually leaning against Shio.]

If I try to kill Dottore, will you stop me?

[reignitions]

[He chuckles a little.]

Haven't you noticed? I spend more time with you than I do most of my regulars.

[He wraps his arm around Kuni's shoulders.]

No. If anything, I'd want to help.

[threebetrayals]

That implies I pay attention to other people. [He does not.] So...what, are we friends?

[reignitions]

I mean, I'd sure hope so.

[... Let Kuni get used to the "friends" thing first, he thinks.]

[threebetrayals]

Some of us haven't had friends in a few decades, Shio.

[This is new to him.]

[reignitions]

[He laughs.]

I know, I know, I'm only teasing. Yes, we're friends.

[threebetrayals]

Wow, not even the decades comment threw you.

[reignitions]

[He laughs.]

At this point, there's little that surprises me.