So a vampire walks into a bar owned by a magic Japanese Batman...

[bakegarasu]

Who: Otoha and Charley
Where: The Crow's Nest
When: Late at night I assume since vampires are involved. :|
Style: [ Action ]
Status: Closed.

[It had been slow. It had been slow all week. Maybe this wasn't the best idea. What did he know about running a business? Even if he was glad he wasn't his father, the man could at least run things decently. Maybe he should see about advertising, or at least expanding the menu some more.]

[Sighing, Otoha sits on a bar stool, reading a book. ... This plot is terrible, but he had promised himself that he was going to try to read more. It wasn't like there's much to do until customers come in.]

Comments

[likeagoodson]

Thank you. [ It's the only thing he can offer right now, a thanks he doesn't quite feel. Still, Charley finds it a little reassuring anyway. ] For everything. [ His voice is quiet. ] For saving him.

[bakegarasu]

... It's no problem.

[He leans against the bar a little.]

You don't need to thank me.

[likeagoodson]

It's the right thing to do, especially since I— [ A shake of his head. ] I wanted to. [ And isn't he so awkward at having this conversation now. ]

Is it always this quiet in here?

[bakegarasu]

... Pretty much. I need to advertise more. Also I forgot how many kids there are here.

[likeagoodson]

[ He shifts in his seat, arms folded over the bar. ]

I hadn't really noticed. I've been...distracted. [ A hint of a smile. ] It's nice anyhow.

[bakegarasu]

It is. It's just hard to remember to restrain myself sometimes. Most kids didn't grow up like I did.

[likeagoodson]

Restrain yourself? [ That sounds a little...odd. ] What do you mean by that?

[bakegarasu]

I grew up in the Yakuza. Most kids don't drink until they're older, they don't swear as much, and they actually have a problem with murder.

THIS IS THE BEST THING HE'S HEARD ALL MONTH

[likeagoodson]

Oh...

[ Well, what can he say to that? To be honest, he doesn't have a problem with murder either, but it depended on what was being killed and for what reason. Never a human life, though Charley's sure Otoha isn't talking about those with a supernatural origin. His voice is low. ]

That makes sense. [ And then, as if he's obligated to say more: ] I was raised in a church. But I don't remember much of my time there.

[bakegarasu]

Ah. I wasn't exactly raised religious, as you can imagine...

[likeagoodson]

I didn't mean anything by it. [ A breath. ] Our pasts don't necessarily dictate who we are or what we do in the present.

[bakegarasu]

I know that, at least. Most former Yakuza don't end up as the guardian of their city.

[likeagoodson]

[ This guy's so full of surprises, isn't he? Charley just blinks at him. ]

Do you, uh, miss your home? [ More to the empty glass than Otoha: ] Sometimes, I don't know if I prefer being here or there...

[bakegarasu]

I do. This place is... very different from Shinjuku. There's not as much life here, and it's strange for me. But I know what you mean.

... Want another drink?

[likeagoodson]

[ Charley recognizes that name, but he says nothing. There's a lot he needs to think about, sort through and figure out what to do with it. He shakes his head and pushes the glass aside. ]

No. I really shouldn't have... [ A glance at him. ] I have to go back soon. [ There's a man lying in a bed recovering from dinner, after all. ] I hope you don't mind.

[bakegarasu]

I understand. Feel free to come back any time. We're open most nights.