Bro you're lucky it's me. Pretty sure every other guy in Kasugayama High would have tried to beat your face in for even suggesting back rides.
[He will leave it at that, and go to his nearby room to get an apron first before leading them to the kitchen.]
Okay.
[He can do this.]
Should I make the rice from scratch or ask the kitchen to make me that? I kinda need the practise but it would take an hour before eating...maybe next time? [Hmmm...] Any allergies?
[ Is Junpei gonna be huffy and bent out of shape about this perceived rejection? You betcha! But not enough to not tag along. So he jams his hands in his pockets and goes along to the kitchen! ]
Dude. I literally ate someone's garbage. You think I got some kinda allergies? C'mon.
[ He just parks himself in the corner, arms folded. ]
Bro. You could have risked it if you were really hungry...
[He puts the apron over his clothes and pulls his hair back, twirling a piece of white cloth to form a hachimaki around his hair like his dad had taught him. It's been a months that he had done this and it feels strange to be on this side again without his dad breathing down his neck. It's oddly liberating? Eikichi's entire body is straight as a board, as if the hachimaki suddenly turned him a professional cook. Which isn't really that far from the truth.]
Guess I'll have to wing it.
[He's muttering to himself, looking at all of the equipment that was available to him, grabbing trays, dishes, extra sharp knives and sauce holders. Gatten Sushi prided itself with the freshest fish for a sushi VIP experience or whatever his dad tended to mutter about - there was an aquarium that was wider and taller than even him by the front door. Here, there's no lingering smell of a bad batch they had to throw out, just a magical kitchen that can give him the ingredients he needs. Which he does, nicely, asking the kitchen to provide him with fulled cooked (going into detail about the temperature, polish, rice type and grain), pieces of cut fish, fish eggs and octopii of different types, eatable plants, thin ginger slices, nori, a wasabi root, ice and and some soy sauce.
It does feel a little like cheating when all the mise-en-place is done this quickly instead of having to wake up at 4am to polish and soak the rice, but he didn't want Junpei to wait forever while he did all of that by hand.
The dishes the kitchen has aren't very Japanese, nor is the area serving it going to be like a wooden counter, but he can work with it. He can just think of it like fusion cuisine! It gives him an idea as he grabs a few fruits as well. It's easier if everything is mostly cut anyway. He plops all the ice and fish in a huge metal tray and surprisingly manages to put everything on a nearby eating table. He leaves one seat on the right side putting a few serving dishes and places himself on the left, standing up.]
[ Junpei slowly lets go of his moodiness as Eikichi gets to work. It's hard to stay surly when it's pretty fascinating -- seeing his friend in a whole new element and looking like such a natural. Eikichi is just...unreal. He's so extraordinarily talented. Junpei watches Eikichi's hands as they prep the food and thinks there's probably nothing those hands can't do.
He's pulled back to the moment by Eikichi's comment and shrugs. ]
Green tea, I guess?
[ It would probably be good to have a traditional drink with a traditional meal. He settles onto the seat, smiling sadly. ]
We were supposed to have a big sushi dinner, paid for by Kirijo-san, to celebrate our win. It was my idea and everything. I was looking forward to it so much...
[ And then he never got to have it. Now here he is...his own private sushi chef making him a high class meal. Junpei gets a little misty-eyed, looking away. He's been so homesick and also felt so freaking alone here, that it just touches him Eikichi would do this despite the complicated relationship with his old man. ]
[He goes over to the magical kitchen, washes his hands and comes back with hojicha leaves served in a teacup.]
Tch. Paid by your senpai huh? I bet it would have cost a lot. Guess I'll have to up the ante!
[Eikichi's natural competitiveness is activated without him even thinking about it. It seems to push his own worries and his father's voice away, squared away for later. He's gotta make this worth it. Putting thin ginger slices on the far side of the dish with a pair of chopsticks, he begins to cut the fresh squid and scallops with the largest sharp knife he found in the kitchen. The exaggerated movements due to the blade give elegance to the simple motion. One, two, three thin slices, arranged in a pattern that he's practised for the past five years Monday to Sunday without fail, ever since Kankichi had decided his son had graduated beyond the apprentice stage of just the descaling and deboning of fish and the cooking of rice.
Gently, he holds them to make sure the serving temperature is just right, before placing them on Junpei's plate before starting to grate the wasabi root for the next fish.]
I did ask the kitchen very nicely, so hopefully the quality is good bro! [Cough.] I mean, Mr. Iori.
[ So it was gonna be huge. The most sushi he'd ever seen in his life! Junpei totally planned to not eat breakfast or lunch to store up room for the occasion! He kinda wishes he knew this was gonna happen here so he could've skipped breakfast, but oh well. He's sure his appetite can do Eikichi's spread justice!
Junpei goes back to watching him at work and when the plate is served up before him, he looks at it in awe. Then up at Eikichi and then back down to the plate. ]
Dude.
[ What does he say? Why does it make him almost want to cry from how beautiful the spread is? ]
This is a work of art.
[ He reaches for his chopsticks and then looks up at Eikichi suspiciously. ]
Are you even human, bro? Like what the heck. What can't you do??
[It's too much praise even for a narcissist like him and his own lack of self-worth and typical Japanese humility makes it that he instinctively tries to take it down a notch.]
Bro, pops forced me to do this since I was eight. Heart, brains and prawn, as he would tell me. Well...back then I was just polishing rice and folding towels, but you get the idea. And I can draw cause my ma taught me!
[He's already cutting the sardines as thin as possible to make a roll out of them with fresh wasabi, chives and some of the sisho leaves for decoration. Unlike his father who kept things as simple as possible, Eikichi, now realizes no one is going to scold him for not following protocol is trying to give it a little je-ne-sais-quoi by adding a small piece of avocado to it. He still waits a few seconds, like his dad would pop out of the kitchen and scold him before putting that on Junpei's plate.]
This is just the entré...we specialized in edomae-sushi.
[ Eikichi might be trying to downplay it, but it causes Junpei to wince. It's an incredible talent, but it was forced on him...and that makes Junpei feel some kind of way. His own father issues not far from the surface. He tries to bury it by taking a piece of sushi and shoving it in his mouth.
And of course it's delicious. ]
Oh my god.
[ Junpei practically groans and quickly tucks into the rest of the plate like a man starved for days. Needless to say, Eikichi hasn't lost his touch! ]
Hey, hey! T-take it slow bro, you're gonna choke on 'em!
[Still, he won't hide his pride at the fact that Junpei seems to like it, as Eikichi's eyes dart over to the iced fish to pick what he'll do next. As he takes the fatty tuna, he cuts it into thin slices, grabbing one from the pile once he's done, brushing it with a bit of wasabi with before his other hand takes some of the rice and he pushes both together in a smooth motion that's incredibly gentle. Each time one is completed, he puts it on the tray in front of him, waiting until Junpei is done before presenting the group to him.
And...as much as he hated to admit it, this didn't need anything else to be fancy. Adding a leaf or a nice flower wouldn't really change what it is. Simplicity.
Without a metaphorical chain around his ankle and the pressure to be perfect, Eikichi Mishina was finally learning. Even the smell didn't seem to bad right now. Maybe it was because he was cooking for a friend and a mistake didn't mean a loss in sales.]
[ It's no time at all before he's finished with the first place, and he almost can't believe a second one is coming. Those silly flowers definitely weren't worth this. He looks up at Eikichi for a moment, uncertain, because the guy is really going above and beyond. But it looks so good that he can't decline it. Junpei accepts the second plate and samples these ones as well. Jesus. They're somehow even better?? ]
It's dangerous to let me know you can do this, man. I don't think I've ever had food this good.
[ And it's not an exaggeration either. Junpei doesn't exactly come from high-class living. The last time he had sushi was when his Mom was still alive, and that was many, many years ago. ]
You're gonna ruin all other meals for me.
[ And then with a little smile, he playfully adds: ]
[He does want to say 'now you're just exaggerating' but Junpei's shared enough of his life and his persona awakening that Eikichki knows he hasn't been eating well. For all his diva-ness and aversion to seafood and self-imposed diet to stay thin, Eikichi did get to eat what he wanted, for the most part. Even visit the nearby ramen shop for a vegetarian or light pork broth that they knew each other by name.
...even if she made him eat her stupid yogourt banana ramen to get the guitar case. He gets a memory taste of that in the back of his mouth and tries not to look like he wants to barf and instead concentrates on the next batch of cut salmon, which he brushes with the sauce on top. Maybe he should have asked for eel? It was weird how he was pushing himself.]
Next time just ask the kitchen if you're that desperate, I'm sure it'll come with something that fits a trashcan sandwich. [What are you, an Earthbound character?]
I haven't really done the fancy stuff anyway.
[Well his dad hadn't let him do that yet. Maybe when he was eighteen. He had to wonder, if he returned home, would other Eikichi also make sushi with their dad, or was his dream of starting a visual kei band override it?
[ He wrinkles his nose. Had to thank Zenkichi for dropping that info on him. He's quick to polish off this second plate, letting out a contented sigh and washing it down with the tea. ]
It's nice to have this taste of fine Japanese cuisine, though. And yanno, a good meal like this is kinda like a celebration for SEES victory! But also maybe a celebration of new beginnings? New alliances and definitely best of bros!
[ He lifts his saucer of tea as though proposing a toast and then knocks the drink back. ]
Even when they deny you a back ride and try to act like you're lucky they didn't kick your ass.
[ He smirks over the rim of his cup, very much as though proclaiming: I am a little shit and I WILL get my way on that one someday. ]
[Their wasn't at much fish left. It was going far more smoothly than Eikichi had expected. Maybe he'd been annoyed with the entire thing for nothing? He didn't have a cup of his own, so he raised his dipping water.]
To the best of bros!
[He doesn't drink it, but when he looks back at Junpei with that shit eating-grin, well, it's hard not to be that person that scared most of Kasugayama's delinquent population into doing the right thing. Maybe Junpei hadn't really seen that side of Eikichi as he brought out his inner Shinjiro and lowered his entire body just a tad to look at him. His voice is a little lower, red eyes almost twinkling and there's a slightly crazy smile on his face.]
[ He makes eye contact with Eikichi. It's....definitely intimidating. He could for sure see where Eikichi got his rep. And maybe Junpei would be scared into submission if this was the start of his journey with SEES -- like that time in the alley when they got cornered by thugs and Shinjiro had to come help them out. But he's grown since then. Also knows the truth about Eikichi! And it's that Eikichi is a secret (maybe not so secret) softie. So Junpei props an elbow on the table, chin on his palm and smile never once leaving his face. ]
And what're you gonna do with it, man? Don't threaten me with a good time.
[ ....wait. What. ]
Anyway, I totally got room for more! I'm not passing up this rare opportunity by leaving leftovers. Unless you wanna have some for yourself. Then fricken go for it, bro. You made it, after all.
[ ............wait. What. Not even doubling back to clarify what the fuck he meant by that first comment. Junpei just moves straight on. ]
Do you know if the Fae have a weakness? Yanno a little like us with our personas. But also kinda like...werewolves and silver or vampires and garlic. I met a girl named Maelle and we were talking about throwing a Fuck the Fae party. So I was just wondering if there was actually a way to keep them out. Apart from you and your intimidation tactics.
[Ha. Well Junpei's got guts to double down. Eikichi stares at him for a few seconds in silence before he blinks and just shrugs it off with a laugh (his voice still a little low), giving Junpei light punch on the left elbow to dissipate the mood. He then twirls the knife to cut the remaining fish, slamming the weapon blade first into the wooden cutting board.]
Fine. Here's the last of 'em.
[...yeah he's stupid and just assumes Junpei meant it like he wanted more sushi so he did it, all yakuza and like.]
Oh hell no bro. I am not eating fish...I had so much as a kid I haven't been able to stomach it since I was eight.
[Why are they switching subjects? Well, he is done anyway and removes the hachimaki to sit on his chair, flipping it over so he's leaning on the back, all cool and delinquent-like.]
Well...I don't think Trish back home had any weaknesses apart from money, and none of the fae even care for that here. They could be like one of those all-around strong personas, you know? They certainly can be assholes, that's for sure. Isn't having a party like that just paining a big-ass target on your back?
[ He says, not at all hurt by the light punch and still wearing a faintly satisfied smirk. Yup. Maybe Junpei is a bit of a masochist. But his expression brightens when the rest of the sushi comes his way (despite that intense knife work there. Whoa, bro. Calm down.)
He takes it much slower on eating these last few slices, intent on savoring each bite as though it's his very last meal. This is too good and it's with all the sadness in the world that he's down to the end.
Junpei looks up at Eikichi's remark to see him sitting down all badass like (so cool!!) He supposes that makes sense. Growing up with all the fish would kind of ruin it for you. Probably not helped by how serious Eikichi's old man was about his sushi.
But it's the last comment that has Junpei shaking his head. ]
I don't care. It'll be worth it if it gets under their skin. They think getting people wasted for their entertainment is some kinda sick joke and it pisses me right the hell off, man. So I want her to have a fun party and not a bullshit Fae party.
[ He pops a piece of sushi in his mouth, chewing slow and humming his appreciation. ]
Maybe you and Tatsu-kun could provide the music? I'd love to hear you sing sometime.
So you wanna riffle some feathers huh? [He means ruffle.] Okay fine, I gotta admit there idea of a party sure was somethin', and I did get a cool book out of it but what's a little rebellion now and then, right?
[Provide the music? Okay, now Junpei is just pressing his buttons on purpose. His eyes light up at the idea.]
Well we need to get Ta-chan a proper guitar first. I think he'd get tired just doing sick tangs with just his imitation skill, as good as it is.
Heh. Who knows? Maybe getting a little rebellious will help you awaken your rebellious spirit as the phantom thieves keep saying -- and get you that cool costume?
[ Which. Junpei still thinks is a bad idea. Eikichi's probably gonna pop several blood vessels trying to make it happen. But he'll still support his bro's dreams! Like the good friend he is. ]
Yanno, I was trying to learn guitar for a bit back home. I'd let Tatsuya use mine if I had it here...
Hah! Played is.......A Word. I'm not so sure it applies to what I did, man. Maybe the better word is dabbled with a few online tutorials and then mostly just let it sit on a stand in my room? But it was electric!
[ He laughs, holding up his hands in protest. ]
I'm definitely not worthy of jamming out with the already established Gas Chamber. Plus you already got the guitarist! Buuuuut since we got all this time on our hands, maybe I can pick up something else and help you fill in your group! Like the drums? Or something?
[Sort of how Eikichi ended up singing really. Instruments take time! He's just naturally talented in vocals (yeah no)!]
Well the more you practise, the better it is! But I get it bro...Gas Chamber was still new before...y'know but that's okay! We don't have a drummer, that's right. Jun played the Keytar!
[He probably told Junpei before, but that's okay. He just loved talking about his little demon-contract musical group.]
[ It's decided. Before he's even tried. Really, how hard can drums be? Junpei likes hitting stuff with a bat, sooo....he'll think of the sticks like mini bats and go to town! ]
And all that's left is for Jun to show up. Jun and Junpei, hope you don't confuse us!
[ As if there would be any confusion at all when they are so drastically different. Junpei's down to his last slice of sushi and is actually kind of bummed about it. He plucks it off his plate with his chopsticks and lifts it up in front of them. ]
Best meal ever, bro. My compliments to the chef and all. [ He takes off his baseball cap in a 'hats off' moment before plopping it back on his head and eating the final piece. Eyes roll back and he sinks against the seat. God. It's so good. His belly is very happy. ]
[ From mangaka to band member....if only Yukatan could see him now. She always harped on him for not doing anything other than play videogames, and now here he is! Flexing his creativity with Eikichi! It helps that there are no real electronics around here, but more than that. Junpei just... really likes spending time around Eikichi. This gives him all the more reasons to do so! It's only once in a convergence of timelines you meet a bro like this!! ]
You def still got it, man. Seriously. I might have to do some other grand gesture of friendship soon just so you gotta owe me one again!
[ Junpei lets out an easy going laugh. ]
I won't force it, buuuut all I'm saying is you best be on your toes, Eikichi Mishina! You never know when Junpei Iori will strike again.
Bro don't bother with a grand gesture of friendship for it if you're stuck between my sushi and a trash sandwich.
[He gets up to start cleaning. Once again, force of habit, and it was starting to bother him that it was just...there...yeah he'll go with that too. He goes off, laughing.]
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[He will leave it at that, and go to his nearby room to get an apron first before leading them to the kitchen.]
Okay.
[He can do this.]
Should I make the rice from scratch or ask the kitchen to make me that? I kinda need the practise but it would take an hour before eating...maybe next time? [Hmmm...] Any allergies?
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[ Is Junpei gonna be huffy and bent out of shape about this perceived rejection? You betcha! But not enough to not tag along. So he jams his hands in his pockets and goes along to the kitchen! ]
Dude. I literally ate someone's garbage. You think I got some kinda allergies? C'mon.
[ He just parks himself in the corner, arms folded. ]
I am sorry this is so much detail lmao
[He puts the apron over his clothes and pulls his hair back, twirling a piece of white cloth to form a hachimaki around his hair like his dad had taught him. It's been a months that he had done this and it feels strange to be on this side again without his dad breathing down his neck. It's oddly liberating? Eikichi's entire body is straight as a board, as if the hachimaki suddenly turned him a professional cook. Which isn't really that far from the truth.]
Guess I'll have to wing it.
[He's muttering to himself, looking at all of the equipment that was available to him, grabbing trays, dishes, extra sharp knives and sauce holders. Gatten Sushi prided itself with the freshest fish for a sushi VIP experience or whatever his dad tended to mutter about - there was an aquarium that was wider and taller than even him by the front door. Here, there's no lingering smell of a bad batch they had to throw out, just a magical kitchen that can give him the ingredients he needs. Which he does, nicely, asking the kitchen to provide him with fulled cooked (going into detail about the temperature, polish, rice type and grain), pieces of cut fish, fish eggs and octopii of different types, eatable plants, thin ginger slices, nori, a wasabi root, ice and and some soy sauce.
It does feel a little like cheating when all the mise-en-place is done this quickly instead of having to wake up at 4am to polish and soak the rice, but he didn't want Junpei to wait forever while he did all of that by hand.
The dishes the kitchen has aren't very Japanese, nor is the area serving it going to be like a wooden counter, but he can work with it. He can just think of it like fusion cuisine! It gives him an idea as he grabs a few fruits as well. It's easier if everything is mostly cut anyway. He plops all the ice and fish in a huge metal tray and surprisingly manages to put everything on a nearby eating table. He leaves one seat on the right side putting a few serving dishes and places himself on the left, standing up.]
Okay. Pick something to drink and sit down.
stop i love it >(
He's pulled back to the moment by Eikichi's comment and shrugs. ]
Green tea, I guess?
[ It would probably be good to have a traditional drink with a traditional meal. He settles onto the seat, smiling sadly. ]
We were supposed to have a big sushi dinner, paid for by Kirijo-san, to celebrate our win. It was my idea and everything. I was looking forward to it so much...
[ And then he never got to have it. Now here he is...his own private sushi chef making him a high class meal. Junpei gets a little misty-eyed, looking away. He's been so homesick and also felt so freaking alone here, that it just touches him Eikichi would do this despite the complicated relationship with his old man. ]
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Tch. Paid by your senpai huh? I bet it would have cost a lot. Guess I'll have to up the ante!
[Eikichi's natural competitiveness is activated without him even thinking about it. It seems to push his own worries and his father's voice away, squared away for later. He's gotta make this worth it. Putting thin ginger slices on the far side of the dish with a pair of chopsticks, he begins to cut the fresh squid and scallops with the largest sharp knife he found in the kitchen. The exaggerated movements due to the blade give elegance to the simple motion. One, two, three thin slices, arranged in a pattern that he's practised for the past five years Monday to Sunday without fail, ever since Kankichi had decided his son had graduated beyond the apprentice stage of just the descaling and deboning of fish and the cooking of rice.
Gently, he holds them to make sure the serving temperature is just right, before placing them on Junpei's plate before starting to grate the wasabi root for the next fish.]
I did ask the kitchen very nicely, so hopefully the quality is good bro! [Cough.] I mean, Mr. Iori.
[He's trying not to laugh.]
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[ So it was gonna be huge. The most sushi he'd ever seen in his life! Junpei totally planned to not eat breakfast or lunch to store up room for the occasion! He kinda wishes he knew this was gonna happen here so he could've skipped breakfast, but oh well. He's sure his appetite can do Eikichi's spread justice!
Junpei goes back to watching him at work and when the plate is served up before him, he looks at it in awe. Then up at Eikichi and then back down to the plate. ]
Dude.
[ What does he say? Why does it make him almost want to cry from how beautiful the spread is? ]
This is a work of art.
[ He reaches for his chopsticks and then looks up at Eikichi suspiciously. ]
Are you even human, bro? Like what the heck. What can't you do??
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Bro, pops forced me to do this since I was eight. Heart, brains and prawn, as he would tell me. Well...back then I was just polishing rice and folding towels, but you get the idea. And I can draw cause my ma taught me!
[He's already cutting the sardines as thin as possible to make a roll out of them with fresh wasabi, chives and some of the sisho leaves for decoration. Unlike his father who kept things as simple as possible, Eikichi, now realizes no one is going to scold him for not following protocol is trying to give it a little je-ne-sais-quoi by adding a small piece of avocado to it. He still waits a few seconds, like his dad would pop out of the kitchen and scold him before putting that on Junpei's plate.]
This is just the entré...we specialized in edomae-sushi.
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And of course it's delicious. ]
Oh my god.
[ Junpei practically groans and quickly tucks into the rest of the plate like a man starved for days. Needless to say, Eikichi hasn't lost his touch! ]
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[Still, he won't hide his pride at the fact that Junpei seems to like it, as Eikichi's eyes dart over to the iced fish to pick what he'll do next. As he takes the fatty tuna, he cuts it into thin slices, grabbing one from the pile once he's done, brushing it with a bit of wasabi with before his other hand takes some of the rice and he pushes both together in a smooth motion that's incredibly gentle. Each time one is completed, he puts it on the tray in front of him, waiting until Junpei is done before presenting the group to him.
And...as much as he hated to admit it, this didn't need anything else to be fancy. Adding a leaf or a nice flower wouldn't really change what it is. Simplicity.
Without a metaphorical chain around his ankle and the pressure to be perfect, Eikichi Mishina was finally learning. Even the smell didn't seem to bad right now. Maybe it was because he was cooking for a friend and a mistake didn't mean a loss in sales.]
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It's dangerous to let me know you can do this, man. I don't think I've ever had food this good.
[ And it's not an exaggeration either. Junpei doesn't exactly come from high-class living. The last time he had sushi was when his Mom was still alive, and that was many, many years ago. ]
You're gonna ruin all other meals for me.
[ And then with a little smile, he playfully adds: ]
Especially trashcan sandwiches!
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[He does want to say 'now you're just exaggerating' but Junpei's shared enough of his life and his persona awakening that Eikichki knows he hasn't been eating well. For all his diva-ness and aversion to seafood and self-imposed diet to stay thin, Eikichi did get to eat what he wanted, for the most part. Even visit the nearby ramen shop for a vegetarian or light pork broth that they knew each other by name.
...even if she made him eat her stupid yogourt banana ramen to get the guitar case. He gets a memory taste of that in the back of his mouth and tries not to look like he wants to barf and instead concentrates on the next batch of cut salmon, which he brushes with the sauce on top. Maybe he should have asked for eel? It was weird how he was pushing himself.]
Next time just ask the kitchen if you're that desperate, I'm sure it'll come with something that fits a trashcan sandwich.
[What are you, an Earthbound character?]I haven't really done the fancy stuff anyway.
[Well his dad hadn't let him do that yet. Maybe when he was eighteen. He had to wonder, if he returned home, would other Eikichi also make sushi with their dad, or was his dream of starting a visual kei band override it?
...something to think about.]
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[ He wrinkles his nose. Had to thank Zenkichi for dropping that info on him. He's quick to polish off this second plate, letting out a contented sigh and washing it down with the tea. ]
It's nice to have this taste of fine Japanese cuisine, though. And yanno, a good meal like this is kinda like a celebration for SEES victory! But also maybe a celebration of new beginnings? New alliances and definitely best of bros!
[ He lifts his saucer of tea as though proposing a toast and then knocks the drink back. ]
Even when they deny you a back ride and try to act like you're lucky they didn't kick your ass.
[ He smirks over the rim of his cup, very much as though proclaiming: I am a little shit and I WILL get my way on that one someday. ]
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[Their wasn't at much fish left. It was going far more smoothly than Eikichi had expected. Maybe he'd been annoyed with the entire thing for nothing? He didn't have a cup of his own, so he raised his dipping water.]
To the best of bros!
[He doesn't drink it, but when he looks back at Junpei with that shit eating-grin, well, it's hard not to be that person that scared most of Kasugayama's delinquent population into doing the right thing. Maybe Junpei hadn't really seen that side of Eikichi as he brought out his inner Shinjiro and lowered his entire body just a tad to look at him. His voice is a little lower, red eyes almost twinkling and there's a slightly crazy smile on his face.]
Don't threaten a man holding a razor sharp knife.
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And what're you gonna do with it, man? Don't threaten me with a good time.
[ ....wait. What. ]
Anyway, I totally got room for more! I'm not passing up this rare opportunity by leaving leftovers. Unless you wanna have some for yourself. Then fricken go for it, bro. You made it, after all.
[ ............wait. What. Not even doubling back to clarify what the fuck he meant by that first comment. Junpei just moves straight on. ]
Do you know if the Fae have a weakness? Yanno a little like us with our personas. But also kinda like...werewolves and silver or vampires and garlic. I met a girl named Maelle and we were talking about throwing a Fuck the Fae party. So I was just wondering if there was actually a way to keep them out. Apart from you and your intimidation tactics.
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Fine. Here's the last of 'em.
[...yeah he's stupid and just assumes Junpei meant it like he wanted more sushi so he did it, all yakuza and like.]
Oh hell no bro. I am not eating fish...I had so much as a kid I haven't been able to stomach it since I was eight.
[Why are they switching subjects? Well, he is done anyway and removes the hachimaki to sit on his chair, flipping it over so he's leaning on the back, all cool and delinquent-like.]
Well...I don't think Trish back home had any weaknesses apart from money, and none of the fae even care for that here. They could be like one of those all-around strong personas, you know? They certainly can be assholes, that's for sure. Isn't having a party like that just paining a big-ass target on your back?
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[ He says, not at all hurt by the light punch and still wearing a faintly satisfied smirk. Yup. Maybe Junpei is a bit of a masochist. But his expression brightens when the rest of the sushi comes his way (despite that intense knife work there. Whoa, bro. Calm down.)
He takes it much slower on eating these last few slices, intent on savoring each bite as though it's his very last meal. This is too good and it's with all the sadness in the world that he's down to the end.
Junpei looks up at Eikichi's remark to see him sitting down all badass like (so cool!!) He supposes that makes sense. Growing up with all the fish would kind of ruin it for you. Probably not helped by how serious Eikichi's old man was about his sushi.
But it's the last comment that has Junpei shaking his head. ]
I don't care. It'll be worth it if it gets under their skin. They think getting people wasted for their entertainment is some kinda sick joke and it pisses me right the hell off, man. So I want her to have a fun party and not a bullshit Fae party.
[ He pops a piece of sushi in his mouth, chewing slow and humming his appreciation. ]
Maybe you and Tatsu-kun could provide the music? I'd love to hear you sing sometime.
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[Provide the music? Okay, now Junpei is just pressing his buttons on purpose. His eyes light up at the idea.]
Well we need to get Ta-chan a proper guitar first. I think he'd get tired just doing sick tangs with just his imitation skill, as good as it is.
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Heh. Who knows? Maybe getting a little rebellious will help you awaken your rebellious spirit as the phantom thieves keep saying -- and get you that cool costume?
[ Which. Junpei still thinks is a bad idea. Eikichi's probably gonna pop several blood vessels trying to make it happen. But he'll still support his bro's dreams! Like the good friend he is. ]
Yanno, I was trying to learn guitar for a bit back home. I'd let Tatsuya use mine if I had it here...
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Oh damn, that's right! Sign me the hell up then!
[Idiot fell right for it.]
Wait you play the guitar? Bro, you need to come jam with us too! Electric or traditional?
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Hah! Played is.......A Word. I'm not so sure it applies to what I did, man. Maybe the better word is dabbled with a few online tutorials and then mostly just let it sit on a stand in my room? But it was electric!
[ He laughs, holding up his hands in protest. ]
I'm definitely not worthy of jamming out with the already established Gas Chamber. Plus you already got the guitarist! Buuuuut since we got all this time on our hands, maybe I can pick up something else and help you fill in your group! Like the drums? Or something?
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Well the more you practise, the better it is! But I get it bro...Gas Chamber was still new before...y'know but that's okay! We don't have a drummer, that's right. Jun played the Keytar!
[He probably told Junpei before, but that's okay. He just loved talking about his little demon-contract musical group.]
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[ It's decided. Before he's even tried. Really, how hard can drums be? Junpei likes hitting stuff with a bat, sooo....he'll think of the sticks like mini bats and go to town! ]
And all that's left is for Jun to show up. Jun and Junpei, hope you don't confuse us!
[ As if there would be any confusion at all when they are so drastically different. Junpei's down to his last slice of sushi and is actually kind of bummed about it. He plucks it off his plate with his chopsticks and lifts it up in front of them. ]
Best meal ever, bro. My compliments to the chef and all. [ He takes off his baseball cap in a 'hats off' moment before plopping it back on his head and eating the final piece. Eyes roll back and he sinks against the seat. God. It's so good. His belly is very happy. ]
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[He is so happy tho. His friends at Cuss High were mostly trying to do it for his sake and their heart wasn't in it.]
Don't worry. No one will. Once you see Jun, you will...understand.
[Jun has a presence despite being short, Junpei.]
Well, I'm glad you like it! It was a lot less harder than I thought it would be. Probably cause I didn't have to gut the fish myself.
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You def still got it, man. Seriously. I might have to do some other grand gesture of friendship soon just so you gotta owe me one again!
[ Junpei lets out an easy going laugh. ]
I won't force it, buuuut all I'm saying is you best be on your toes, Eikichi Mishina! You never know when Junpei Iori will strike again.
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[He gets up to start cleaning. Once again, force of habit, and it was starting to bother him that it was just...there...yeah he'll go with that too. He goes off, laughing.]
Huh. Just try me!