all the highs and none the lows. (Earinor & Akira)

"Corruption is not something that will just disappear overnight. Sadly.", he agreed. If that were the case, Gin would live the rest of his life scotfree, he was sure, in an environment that he liked, in a place he didn't have to pay for, away from his stinking workplace; in a better life, that was, but this one was, as he had made it for himself, and thus, there was nobody to blame but himself, too. "Pff, you're right. It's not like we can change anything, and if you think about it, for once, just really hard, maybe we're just victims of the system anyway.", Gin proposed as he went to town on the tart that he had ordered. The slightly lavender hue was nice, at least from what he could see, and while the dyed cream was fluffy, the outer biscuit seemed crunchy yet soft - just how he liked it, and how he'd serve it himself, if he had any chance to bake, ever. Those skills, they weren't his own - they were something he yet had to learn, as much as he loathed to admit it; but Kosuke, what about him? Not once did he look the part; he looked like a businessman that had a wife waiting at home for him, with a nice dinner no less. "No flannels for the Yaseyumei. Sucks. But I get you. It's a pain in the ass if you think about it, really. What can you do, though? People expect a weird level of professionalism from anyone below them, but they themselves can behave like pigs." Much like his customers, which usually were disgusting anyway. Why couldn't he have just met Kosuke elsewhere? It would have been much better. So much more enjoyable, too - but now, there was a bitter tinge about it all.

One more gulp and the soy latte was gone. It could have tasted better, sure, but he wasn't going to openly complain, even if they sat there and just merely enjoyed their night - that was for later, for a stupid little text that he could send his dark knight after they had parted ways for the night, if they would, that was. Warmth made its way into his ears as he wiped the little foam-beard off of his upper lip. "No. There's nothing left for me in Kumamoto.", the redhead replied rather earnestly. The ties were severed and time had marched on - it wouldn't magically turn back, and while the scars he left his family with would potentially never heal, Gin knew that he himself was someone that, out of all the people that took this journey upon themselves, was one of the many that would be swept away by the sea, sooner or later. "If I were on my own, I'd never have managed that, but yeah, I'm happy I have. It was awful - I was pretty flippant and a petty thief at some point, and that despite the fact that my parents would have never said no to buying me anything. Well, the bridge was burnt at that point, they don't know, and I'd be happy if they never will.", he continued to muse on with a rather stern expression, which all but softened the moment he sunk his teeth into his tart and enjoyed the sickeningly sweet bite he got out of that. There were actual blueberries in this - score! Gin almost choked on the bite, though. "Unfortunately. Tell a guy in his fifties, drunk and crying, with like, a bag of presents for you, that you're ... a sex worker", he whispered most of that. "And can't replace his wife. Actually you don't want to be anywhere near his home, because it has to smell worse than him. But you feel bad - and then you also know, that if you give in, you're going to end up as his attic wife and nobody will ever know where you went. I've seen so many creeps." The unfortunate truth was, that they still were allowed in, as long as they didn't try anything too funny - like kidnapping a prostitute, or hurting any of them. Few of them actually were barred from ever entering the vicinity again, something that not only he criticized his boss for. You win some, you lose some, though. "Can't. I'm indebted. Trust me, I'd like something else.", he quickly spat out, as if he'd want to divert the topic. Kosuke, as sharp as he was, could probably figure out who he was indebted to, though. That shouldn't be so hard on him, especially with all the clues that Gin had given him all of a sudden. "Don't worry, I don't see it as an insult." It had been, once upon a time, but now? Hardly. Those days were long since over. "That or he's just insane. He knew some guys that worked in there, rather well, and I was just there to look pretty. I'm not even sure if they figured out I'm a guy, though, if anything, my voice is telling." Wasn't that how Kosuke had realized he wasn't a woman, too? At least it seemed that way. "You don't speak unless spoken to anyway.", Gin tacked on and then, as he'd demolished the pastry, side-eyed his slice of cake. Wow, that thing looked rather ... solid. What a fucking joke. "Now that's unfair! Fine, I'm guessing ... 26.5?", he threw into the rink rather unexpectedly. Who knew if he was right. He wanted to be. "Oh, no no, it's fine, I just was surprised that they actually gave a damn about keeping the theme going, but of course they did. Aaaand because I wanted to see the new theme, they change every six months or so, and I haven't been in here for a while - last time it was all about axolotls."

"I don't like proclaiming myself as a victim. It seems hypocritical. Maybe I could do something to at least get out, but to be honest, the pros of staying far exceed the cons. That doesn't make me a good person, nor a victim and I know as much.", Kosuke smiled calmly. Gins story was a different one, he didn't work for the Yakuza, he didn't break someones fingers or ruined their lives and he didn't facilitate their secret meetings, keeping nosy cops out of the way. He didn't hurt anyone, Kosuke did, but instead of thinking more about that, he watched Gin eat what he ordered. He looked cute doing it and happy too, it lifted Kosuked spirits and he smiled at him, while finishing his espresso. "Well the dresscode isn't any different to other, law abiding jobs I suppose. It's alright for me, I wouldn't know what to pick anyway. I'm not much into shopping, but I guess you could tell." Gin seemed very fed up with all that was going on around him. Kosuke couldn't blame him, but he also just lived with it, without thinking too much about it. Maybe that was wrong.

"Sorry to hear." It was sad to leave his hometown and family behind, but Kosuke couldn't claim he understood any of that. His parents were never there and it wasn't their fault, but Kosuke also didn't care much about them anymore or about Osaka. Kosuke would have asked more about his family or how Gin overcame his addiction, but he felt like they didn't know each other well enough for that, even though Gin was very honest about everything at the moment. "How long are you clean, if I may ask...?", he questioned though. Maybe there was time for a celebration at some point. When Gin started to talk about his customers Kosuke felt a bit bad. He was one of them, was he not? And now he went out with Gin. If he'd been older and maybe a bit more drunk, maybe Gin would have taken him for the same kind of creep. "Sorry. Your job must be hard sometimes.", he simply acknowledged and then moved on to look up from his empty cup. "To your boss?", he asked adding one and one together. Gin seemed to be in a rather difficult position. "I mean it's alright... I'd think there are plenty of people there that have tastes that differ from the so called norm." Kosuke actually knew that for a fact, but it was none of his business, so he kept his nose out. He smiled again as Gin guessed his shoe size. "I won't be telling you.", he told him once more and looked at the interior of this place again. "Surprising there aren't any of those seaslugs. Plushies of those things pop out all over town lately.

"Aren't we still victims though? Victims, that victimize others and make them victims, too, which, in turn, makes us the aggressors, just because we have someone who's ideas we have to live by.", he spoke with a sigh. Gin was, for all intents and purposes, rather fed up with the way this world worked. Maybe it was stupid to proclaim, but life couldn't be all about rollerskating, having fun, drinking and meeting friends - and yet, fate was cruel to both him and Kosuke, but moreso to his newfound friend. Why was he putting himself in the same shoes as someone that truly couldn't help it? If only he'd been more aware, this wouldn't be an issue anyway. Here he sat, earning good money for what he was doing and paying back a debt that he'd long since paid off, but apparently there was more. Fee after fee after fee - and he couldn't even blame his boss, that fuckwad, with his sympathetic demeanor and his claims of: 'it's not my choice, sorry' and other sly words. Ah, what a pain in the ass, no? "Kosuke, I buy most of my clothes secondhand because I absolutely hate shopping. Look, I can take you thrifting sometime if you'd like, it's fun and pretty affordable, as long as you have an idea what you want. And I think you'd look good in an ugly sweater as well. True, though - form fitting businesswear doesn't brand you as anyone but a businessman."

Frankly, it didn't do anything for anyone - it just looked plain and boring after a while, but maybe that was how these thing sshould be, as well as viable for just about anyones perception of them, which was a daring task as well. "No need.", he murmured with the shake of his head. When was the last time it had actually annoyed him? Or hurt him? By now, he was over it, and rubbing his fingers at this very moment. Did they feel stiff because Kosuke asked too much, or because he was genuinely cold? No idea. There also was no reason to let his head hang low, not at this point. "Uh, let's see. I moved to Tokyo at eightteen, finished one semester and then flubbed out in the second one, where I basically was already deep in the dumps. I'd say ... three years now? All thanks to the guy I tried to steal a few yen from.", he chuckled, as if anything about this story were funny. Questions like these, they all were something that he wouldn't share with just about anyone, they felt deeply personal and hurtful to a level, but Kosuke had ... well, hadn't he already transcended the existence of one more faceless customer? It seemed that way, and Gin couldn't help but look at the stonefaced man that, for whatever reason, wasn't eating. "Psst, eat up. At least something. I can't eat all of that. And don't worry about my job, yours isn't really forgiving either." That had to be true, at least to some degree, and as he started to shove a piece of cake into his gullet - destroying one of the lychee jellyfish in the process - he almost choked. Right. "Uh-huh.", he replied with a stuffed mouth, somehow, and then put the fork aside. Man, this was too much of a treat; he didn't even have a sweettooth. "And some are you, saying they aren't into men, and then let themselves be taken for a date.", he chastised the raven-haired man with a grin. No, that was just sweet and adorable. "Booo! Get this man a gin on the rocks so he softens up!", he declared, and apparently was heard quite well, as another server brought over a glass of gin - on the rocks - dyed blue, with a sugary rim no less. Oh god. That looked like hell. "Sea slugs might be their theme for the next term, now that you mention it. Do you like them? Or do you just pay special attention to new plushes, huh?", Gin asked. Was Kosuke one of those softies? Cute.

Kosuke didn't mean to make Gin feel bad about himself or his situation. He didn't know what to say. "You're definitely not an aggressor.", he said, which didn't include himself and he knew that wasn't the point. What use was there in complaining though? He could have worse, much worse and thus he just did his job and that was that. "I usually get a drink right after work, without changing. There is no real use in having other clothes I think.", he smiled, trying to get out of having to shop, or thrift, whatever the difference was. Besides, he didn't know what he looked for. A black hoodie maybe, that would be something he didn't own, but when would he wear it? "You really don't like my style, huh?", he suddenly asked with a somewhat insecure and apologetic smile. He didn't really understand what was wrong with it, most people told him he looked good, maybe even too good and not enough intimidating, mostly because even though he was quite strong, he just wasn't as broad as other guys he worked with.

Gin seemed somewhat agitated, although he didn't say it and Kosuke tried to catch his gaze. "You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to talk about.", he assured him softly. "I don't mean to hurt you. I usually wouldn't have asked as much, I know most people here have their baggage and most don't want to talk about it." He looked at Gins hand with the red nails, wondering if he should have grabbed it, but he didn't. He didn't want to intrude his personal space. "Well three years is a lot. Congratulations.", he smiled, trying to turn the conversation into something positive. He was directed at the cake in front of him and reluctantly took up the fork to take a bite. It wasn't bad, just very sweet and kind of Gins and not his, especially if Gin ended up paying. "Well I... you're right about that...", Kosuke admitted and his face was probably turning red a bit. He was saved, or doomed by a drink he suddenly got, even though he didn't think Gin meant to. He looked at it and took a sip out of courtesy. "No I... you just can't pass the stores without noticing them... right?"

"I know, but you could be viewed as one, because people are selfish beings and won't ask you why you are doing what you are doing, you know?", Gin replied rather tense. No, it was fine - he hadn't offended Kosuke and his life wasn't closer to leaving him, just because the banter with another man was going sideways. Was this what he had planned on doing all his life? Certainly not, but the options he had weren't extensive, not at all. Few things around him were accessible to him, and those that were, could be rather blinding to him. "What do you sleep in, then? Or are you one of those guys that just takes everything off, except for their socks, and then flops down in their futon?" Now he was curious and his interest was sparked. To him, it seemed as if Kosuke was the orderly, kind of stuck-up type that needed some pushes in the right direction, but even then, maybe he was the wrongest of them all and could only develop a rather two-dimensional view of people that were so much more than a few bad stereotypes. Still, he felt caught and sighed. "No, it's not that ... it ... you are pretty attractive, even like this, I'll give you that, but ... uh ... it lacks personality, in my opinion? You're just wearing that. No accessories, no nothing. You seem plain, like a muddy puddle, but when you step in, you're actually falling through half the earth. Not that I don't like that.", Gin chuckled. Oh, Kosuke was fun to be around, alright.

"Where did that come fr- ... Kosuke, it's fine, really. Don't worry. I don't feel like I am forced to share things with you, I want to, but talking about them can be rather hard, in hindsight, when it hits you, in the middle of a sentence.", he explained, his shoulders going slack after all the tension he didn't even know was there, left his body with a single breath. Once and for all - poof - it was gone, just like that, disappeared into the aether, swallowed by his thoughts. "You're fine, don't worry. I can and will tell you off if you're overstepping a boundary.", Gin laughed, rather timidly this time. Not everything in life was all nice and bubbly, totally amazing and easy to overcome. Sometimes, it took more than that, a mere slap to the wrist wouldn't do it, for any of them, no matter what, no matter how - it happened, and it would happen again. Humans were fickle, and none were above others. In the end, a hierachy was all that they had left for themselves. "Thank you. I appreciate that!" And he bubbled up slightly, as if someone had added some fizz to his character, the moment he received praise. It was sweet, and Gin rewarded himself with another bite of cake as he grabbed his fork again - and Kosuke seemingly did the same, though, he was playing hard to get soon after. The redhead couldn't help but grin stupidly. "Is that so? I suppose so, now that I think about it. Do you liked stuffed animals, or is that just a coincidence?" That settled it - if this absolutely delightful dork wasn't telling him his shoe size, he'd embarrass him by bringing him a goddamn slug plush to work if he had to, especially now that he knew where Kosuke spent most of his time. Jackpot.

Kosuke smiled, honestly at that and shook his head. "You don't have to defend me from hypothetical people, really. Besides, I don't want out, it's too much of a hassle, so in my selfishness I decide to continue doing what I do. It's my choice really." That was what it boiled down to, wasn't it? Gin was sweet when he saw so much good in Kosuke, but he wasn't all good, no matter how he behaved in front of him. This time Kosuke laughed too. "I have plain T-Shirts at home as well as some jogging pants.", he told Gin. "I also have some training clothes, not exactly something I'd go out with though." Now he managed to make Gin stutter and he smiled about it, that was kind of cute and fun. "Uhm... I'm not sure if you insulted me or if that was a compliment.", he grinned. There was an attractive in there but he also was compared to a muddy puddle and called plain. Actually it sounded mostly like an insult, but he didn't mind that. "And there I thought you only wanted me out of my clothes so fast because it was your job, I didn't know my fashion sense offended you. I'm sorry."

Maybe he was a bit cocky with a joke like that, but he already uttered it and could only hope it sparked a laugh. Especially after a sore topic. "We can postpone talks like that, I realize this might not be the best environment for it.", he suggested with another smile. He hoped this went well enough to warrant another meeting, and maybe a third one as well. He enjoyed his time with Gin and getting to know him. He enjoyed the difficult topics too and how passionate Gin was about so many things. And now he was just mocking Kosuke. "I've just noticed them, there is no deep meaning behind it. I usually am out alone, so I look around that's all.", Kosuke tried to explain. "You seem more like the plushie having kind. Your whole bed full of them? The cupboards too?"

Wasn't this man just a riot? If he had known how this would have gone the last time, especially their little impromptu date, he wouldn't have let it come up to chance as to when or why Kosuke would return, if it all - he would have taken the opportunity and left with him. "I know, I know. But still. I know you mainly watch over who comes and goes in the Yaseyumei, but you seem a bit delicate when it comes to dirty work. Too friendly. As if it hurts you, too, if you have to do it.", Gin mumbled into another fork of cake, as if he were almost certain that Kosuke didn't want to hear what he spoke of. Their conversation was suddenly ladden with guilt and pain, almost as if they both were bursting at the seems and looked for another soul to share it with. What a ridiculous assumption that was - Gin needed to get a grip. "Ah, there you go! For a second I worried you sleep in your suits.", he joked and couldn't help but capitalize on the fact that Kosuke still had something to drink. Gins hand reached over the table, but just then, he decided to forego the glass for the other hands wrist, which he grabbed ever so slightly. "It was a compliment. And no need to be sorry, your fashion sense is something we still can fix, senpai ~", he giggled, almost relentlessly, before he let go once more.

As he sunk back into his seat, Gin was left wondering what on earth he himself was on about just now. Did he feel the urge to touch someone else, or was it more a need to perceive something that, at best, wasn't his to feel? Whatever it was, truly, he couldn't say for sure - but he was rather sick of feeling the uneasiness that permeated the air right now. A giggle escaped him, especially now that he let those words sink in. "Alright, we will, but be aware - you're basically asking me to invite you in my home, or to take me back to yours. What was that about me wanting you out of your clothes? I think you want me out of mine.", he returned the favor - the corners of his mouth almost started to hurt at this point, but that wasn't a bad sign, not at all - he loved every second of Kosukes attention and he also basked in the knowledge of understanding that, yes, in the very end, maybe he wasn't even wrong when it came to all he said. "Plushies? No. They're targeted at rather stern men, like you, you know? The type you wouldn't know has a plushie obsession in the first place. Buuut ..." Gin started rummaging through his shoulderbag all of a sudden and got out a bunch of keys on a simple carabiner, which he laid on the table, before he slid it over. There was a single keychain on it, of a light blue, beanshaped being with a little crown and a blue cape. "I have this! I only need little Tokage here. I'm more into plants, they basically took over my apartment - it's just so nice to have some green foliage here and there, but that kind of escalated. A bit. Heavily."

Kosuke took another sip of the gin he'd gotten to avoid answering to Gins inquiries right away. He sat the glass aside and still held it. "I fear you have the wrong impression of me.", he told Gin slowly and with a somewhat foreboding voice, but he wasn't all wrong. he didn't enjoy hurting or even killing people, but he did it. In the moment he never cared much, he just did his job, like a policeman or a soldier would. Sometimes after he caught himself questioning it all, but it didn't stop him from relentlessly collecting money. Sometimes alone, mostly in a team with another colleague of his. It was always easier not to be alone and Kosuke hated to be the one threatening people. Well, Gin was somewhat right wasn't he? But not altogether. Gin noticed the sudden shift in atmosphere as it seemed and lightened up the mood again. Kosuke smiled at him, only to suddenly be grabbed by his wrist. His heart sank into his stomach as he looked at Gin. He didn't want him to notice, so he quickly answered. "Uh... that didn't seem like a compliment again.", he chuckled.

Kosuke was let go again, unsure what to feel or think. His wrist still felt like it was burning, it was odd really. Eventually the waitress was passing them and Kosuke asked her over to order a drink for Gin too. He felt awkward to drink alone and maybe he wanted to act like that was all Gin wanted - a sip of his drink. He looked at Gin again who didn't stop with the flirting. "That's not what I meant, besides, I can have you at my place without undressing you." That sounded weird, didn't it. Kosuke sighed and chuckled at the same time. "Only talking is fine too, somewhere, we could just find a park bench or something...somewhen..." Kosuke didn't plan to go further than eating today, not even inviting himself into Gins home, even if it was only to talk. They didn't need to hurry, right? Besides, Kosuke didn't want to seem like he was after Gins body, because he wasn't. "Mind you I don't own any plushie.", Kosuked sighed, shook his head and leaned back. Gin was the worst wasn't he? Soon enough he got to see a little blue animal with a crown. "What's this? Or who?", he asked, maybe a character of some anime? "I'm not good with plants. Do you want to show me?" he realized how that sounded. "I mean... do you have pictures on your phone?"

Gin did have the urge to call a waitress over and ask for more drinks, now that his cake was mostly gone, but maybe he was overstepping the line with that. Potentially, it was no good to even call for someone and he should just leave it be, though, he also didn't want to step out for a smoke either. It took him a bit to gather his thoughts and decide what he wanted. "I might, but ... it's not meant in bad faith.", he chuckled, earnestly this time around and his face had lit up again, all of a sudden no less. How goofy he was, for letting someones mood fall below a certain threshold - or was that not normal behavior? Either way, he figured, what would he do if not commit more sins than this? "Pff, sorry, I'm actually not that great at complimenting people, especially on a below surface level. In my line of work, it's basically important to know what to compliment someone on, from the moment you see them, but ... now, I'm kind of at a loss for words? A bit in awe? I don't know what to say. You're much more ... flattering and kind of real than I imagined. Now, that sounds awkward and weird - sorry.", Gin mumbled. This was some sort of stupid idea, wasn't it? Kosuke would probably think he was a maniac if this kept up. What the fuck were those words even? He was better than that, multiple people had taught him and he’d always been a sweet talker - now, he was nothing, wasn’t that just swell? Disgusting.

Almost in protest he raised his hand as soon as he saw the waitress, almost shot up as the date was about to go south and he decided, as stupid as he was, he was going to get sloshed tonight - he had the money for it, and he was sure Kosuke could use more than one drink, too. “Ah, yes - how can I help?”, the young woman asked as soon as Gin had gotten her to come here - even though she was eyeing the ever-silent Kosuke - and he just decided on a whim what he wanted. “Can you get me a beer? Any is fine. Also, two more gins, one for me, one for him, and two glasses of water, please.” She jotted it down on her little paper in record speed and with that, wandered off once more. What even was that interaction? A mess, that much was for sure. “But can you have me at your place without my eyes undressing you? … I’m joking. I’d actually like something like a movie date, since you’ve already seen House, why don’t you show me Totoro?”, the redhead asked, voice full of anticipation, and a wide grind plastered all over his face as he gingerly watched the big bad yakuza man he sat opposite of. It was time for him to ask questions, wasn’t it? “What about a walk around the park? I heard the plum blossoms this year are far nicer than the cherry blossoms.”, he managed to reply in one swift motion, as if he was a natural talker. Potentially he was, but too much attention had never been a good thing - it made him hurt, from the inside out, with a really deep growl in his stomach; thankfully, that wasn’t the case here. His dignity was save. “Not a single one? We have to change that.”, Gin declared. He wasn’t even drunk. Not yet anyway, but he was already behaving a certain way that meant tonight was going to be a rollercoaster in more than one way. What a happy end that would be. "Tokage! A little ... sea dino pretending to be a lizard. It's confusing. He's from a game!", the redhead giggled excitedly, as he wrested the little fellow off of his keychain and shoved him into Kosukes hands. This was his burden now, and Gin only winked at him, without saying another word. "Uh, yes, one sec ...", he replied, again giggling, and then dug around his phone for some pics. There they were - everything was full of plants, from the windows, to the wall, to even the floor - well, it was livable, definitely, and it weren't too many - at least in his mind. "Scroll through if you want."

Gin was stumbling with words now, flattered and embarrassed and Kosuke let him talk without interrupting him, just because it was kind of funny. He sat there on his side of the table swaying his glass and wondering what Gin talked himself into right now. Only when he stopped his triage of words did Kosuke smile at him. "It's alright, I'm just teasing you.", he simply said calmly. Nothing more and nothing less. Gin truly worried too much and Kosuke wondered if he was always this excited, or if it was only now. He couldn't say much more than that anyway, because the waitress came over and Gin started to order again. She looked expectantly at Kosuke, but there was nothing he needed to add and he just shot her a polite smile before she ran off again. He wondered what she thought of the two of them, with Gin talking for Kosuke in front of her, but on the other hand it didn't matter and since he was getting another drink - apparently - he finished his current one, then placed the glass at the edge of the table so the waitress could pick it up once she came back.

"You can't pay for all of this.", Kosuke told Gin and tilted his head. It was getting too expensive that was for sure. Then he got slightly embarrassed again. "Oh it's a childrens movie, you really don't have too...", he mumbled, but Gin truly seemed like he wanted to. "Also, are you sure you'd feel comfortable at a strangers house? No pressure really, we can postpone this until you do." After all they didn't really know each other, did they now? "A walk sounds nice. Uh... actually there is this fair next week, right? I might need to work, but maybe we could catch the last hour and the fireworks, if you're interested. I know mainstreet is always a buzz, but there is a little area around the western parts where I live too. They usually sell some food there as well.", he proposed. That sounded like a nice evenging... or second date? Whatever it was... Now Gin fumbled with his keychain and got it off, just to push it into Kosukes hands instead. He looked at the little blue thing and it's crown, only to attempt to give it back now that he saw it. "Are you into games?" Gins phone was slid over the table too, gallery open already and Kosuke leaned over, but let it lay where it was while sliding through a few photos of Gins home. "It looks cozy... very green.", he smiled. "I'm afraid my place isn't as nice."

Ugh, how embarrassing. There was a certain kind of way about this that he should know of by now - but he did not, not even once did he think to, well, think about it, in any capacity or form. Gin was dumbfounded as Kosuke told him to stop with his stupid display of idiocy, in a much nicer way than he would have had to - and he couldn't help but laugh the tiniest bit about it, so much so that all of it just meant he had to relax more. "Damn, I should have known that!", he cursed himself. In hindsight, it was potentially a rather obvious tease on Kosukes part, but Gin had fallen for it, face first, down the same drain as he always would - sarcasm often wasn't his language, not with a soft and moldable brain like his, less and less braincells to spare and too much stupor in his mind, but he tried, at the very least that was. "I can pay for all of this, it's fine. It's really not that bad.", he told Kosuke with the shake of his head - he'd ordered it, and this guy hadn't even eaten his tart, so of course he could, but even then, there was no need to rush - and Gin didn't want to take out his wallet to prove a point, that would just be a rude slap in the face of this guy. He made too much. He should be debtfree; but some things were like binding agreements and maybe, just maybe, he already knew too much to be let off of the hook anytime soon - not that he had any control over that, either.

"I really would like to. The reviews online looked rather fun, oh, and the plushies did, too ...", he softly admitted. They all looked giant and cozy, and like something that Gin would have wanted in his apartment - the big, grey thing, which was Totoro itself, apparently, also exuded a vibe of calmness, in his mind at the very least. Therefore, wasn't it only right for him to want to watch it? And besides, it was this big softies favorite movie. "I wouldn't mind, I have been in more delicate situations. But ... what about you? We can go to my place instead if you want - if that's okay for you, since, you know, I might just intrude in your personal space.", he proposed, as the waitress returned with their drinks and sat them down - she disappeared with Kosukes empty glass, in a flash no less, and Gin grabbed the canned beer that he, for some reason, hadn't been expecting poured it himself, into the tiniest, blue-tinged glass he'd ever seen. What was this supposed to be? Piss on the rocks? Possibly - at least that was, what Kirin beer tasted like anyway. "I don't know if I can make it, but I'll let you know. It'd still be a nice outing no less - just for the fireworks, if anything. But food does sound intriguing." Even if he had to watch what he was eating from time to time. Another date - that was nothing Gin had anything against, even when the little king was shoved his way - the redhead let it dart into Kosukes direction again. "Take him. I have another one, and you could use a little companion." Wasn't that a cute way of doing things? Little gifts, here and there, like penguin pebbling - it was, without much of a doubt, a great time that he was having. If he were sitting next to Kosuke, he would cuddle up to him for sure - but like this, he simply trank his beer. "Partially. I play old games a lot, I even have a TV for that, which you can seeeee, here!", he pointed out as he swiped through some pictures and stopped at one. Even from an overhead shot, he knew where it was. "I'm not on top of the latest trends, admittedly. No time for that." It was sad, but still. "What about you?" There was little they hadn't asked one another, and so much at the same time. "Don't worry, I won't judge. And the green can be overwhelming, too - taking care of them is a bit of a mess."

This guy didn't let it go, did he now? Kosuke smiled still, but he didn't feel comfortable letting himself be treated to so much. "We can split, it's no problem.", he told him. He wasn't poor, especially not since he rarely bought anything for himself. He had dept, yes, but that didn't mean he had to be overly stingy. He wouldn't get out of it anyway and no one came for that many as well, as long as he worked and that he did, without ever complaining or even being late. Gin was just too generous and nice, but maybe he truly wanted to see Totoro, even though he wasn't into plushies, apparently. "A-Alright then... as long as you keep my favorite movie a secret. I doubt I'd be taken seriously anymore if people knew..." Why did he trust Gin with that information in the first place? He just blurted it out last time, like it was no problem, but now Kosuke was embarrassed again. he had the film at home on an external drive, so they could watch it whenever, but maybe it was a bit too early for that.

"I don't mind a visitor really, but my place is rather small and my TV definitely not the newest model. It's a rather calm area though.", he admitted smiling. "I don't mind going to your place either... if that doesn't pose a problem? Having a visitor who was a customer twice...? I don't want to cause any trouble." Kosuke looked up at the waitress shortly as she placed the new drinks, but she was already gone again. Kosuke grabbed his new glass and took a sip. "Yeah just text me if you wanna go and I'll see about my schedule... I don't know what happens next week yet, it's mostly rather short notice." They usually told him two to three days before the job what he'd have to do. Collectors duty was more a weekly quota if he got that assignment, but the hours were pretty flexible then. The small dino was shoved pack into his hands and Kosuke looked at it like he just got a puppy, a living breathing one he could kill by accident. "I... are you sure? Isn't he important to you?", he asked, carefully holding the little keychain. Then he looked down at the photos again. Yeah this room was definitely nicer than his own. "I've never really had time for games and as a child not the means. Sometimes my colleagues drag me to an arcade, but that's about it."

"Are your sure?" Gin took a gulp of his beer and then, just as it was empty, filled the rest of the glass with the other half of the can, which he quickly shoved in Kosukes direction. That wasn't good, Sapporo was possibly the better choice, but all in all, it was drinkable and, worse even, it potentially even warranted a taste-test. For now, he was rather happy with what he had, though, and he couldn't really say that he disliked it the slightest bit. In fact, maybe he just liked it the slightest bit too much and was, for all intents and purposes, smitten by Kosuke. What if he had a washboard abs? A broad chest? What if he ... no! He'd seen most of this guys body, he knew how well-hung this dude was and he didn't need any weird ideas for that! Gah, this was embarrassing and Gin couldn't help but decide to take a big swig from the gin he had. Oh god, oh no, that ... why didn't he just reach for the water!? "I wouldn't dare. It suits you, but, lets keep it at that for now, until we can freely talk to one another, somewhere where really nobody will hear anything of that.", he suggested soon enough. It was, what it had to be and dear Gin was, all in all, happy if he got out of here in one piece eventually. Would he even want to go to Kosukes for the night? He couldn't say, and he much less was able to answer if it was appropriate.

"You don't need to apologize for that. If you'll have me, I absolutely would love to - if you don't, at least not tonight, we can do it another time. I'm not sure what your shift will be like tomorrow, so I don't want to hassle you into staying up longer than necessary.", the redhead eventually confessed. It was a nice thought, but it also was getting late, and was he took his phone back, he did notice that maybe, just maybe, they were close to overstaying their welcome in this Café anyway. When had it become so late? Time really flew, but Gin knew that he had a bit more time to spend, before he needed to get into bed urgently - or else he'd never fall asleep again, knowing that the sun could rise any moment and with her, his alarm would go off anyway. "Shouldn't be. You're not my customer anymore tho, right? Not that I wouldn't want you back - but you don't have to pay me to meet you from now on." That was an open confession - and if it didn't work out, well, maybe Kosuke would still take the bait and come back to fuck him because he needed it - even then, Gin would be more than fine with it, even if he knew that it probably would be rather awkward to deal with. Who wouldn't have thought so? Fucking an acquaintance usually was the worst, though, Kosuke seemed ... he couldn't really say. "I will! I'll look forward to it either way." As Tokage came into focus, however, his thoughts of the fireworks were all but blown away. It was the simple second of silence that impacted him, before he shook his head. Whatever he was going to say, it would be damn cheesy, so he let it be. Mostly. "I'm sure! He can be as important as he wants to me, I know you'll take good care of him and if I want to see him again, you'll let me, right? But really, he fits you ... I don't know, you two have a similar expression.", Gin confessed, and he really thought so, as he was scrolling through more and more of his pictures, before he managed to find one where he wasn't on it, in some weird reflection, barely dressed, or half-caked-up. It showed a small basked, full of differently sized Tokages, in a pile, stuffed away in a corner. He showed it off, without a word. "Hmmm, any idea what types of games you'd be into? I'm sure I can lend you something for your TV, and since I'm mostly on my phone anyway, I won't miss my console for a month or two. If you'd like."

Kosuke was given the rest of the beer and while he looked around he noticed most other guest had left already. "Are you trying to get me drunk?", he asked jokingly and then drank the beer in one go. He might not have looked it, but he was used to drinking and therefor maybe felt a bit more relaxed, but nothing more. The waitress was talking to another employee at the moment, because it wasn't busy anymore and maybe she looked over just to check if people were ready to pay. Kosuke looked at the tart Gin ordered for him and started eating. If it was already here it would be a waste to throw it away right? He chuckled slightly. "It does sound like you really want to enter either flat just to be alone... You know I like talking to you and I don't want to give you the impression I need anything else than getting to know you for now.", he admitted smiling. "But I'd like to walk you home at least, so I know you're fine. Or just close to it, whatever you prefer."

"I'll work nights for the following days, at Yaseyumei. My shift starts at 5PM.", he openly stated with a smile. "But you have to work tomorrow too, right?" Kosuke finished his tart and slid the plate away from himself. Then he grabbed his glass again to drink from it. "I want to meet up again, so... no need to worry there. Just tell me about the festival on Saturday and if not that, maybe something like Thursday evening would work. You have off on Fridays, right? So we could stay out a bit longer." The plush was Kosukes now and he kept it in one of his hands for now. It seemed like Gin wanted to make sure they'd meet again, if only for the plushie and Kosuke smiled about it. "I'll take good care of him then." Gin seemed to have plenty more of them anyway. "You're not giving them out to just about anyone right?", he teased. "Oh don't worry about it, I usually don't have much time, or energy to play games. Especially now that I... uh... have to plan you into my week too, huh...?" Since the waitress kept looking over, Kosuke decided to pull out his wallet and call her over. "I insist.", he told Gin and payed the bill before the redhead could argue with him. The waitress left him with the receipt after he paid with cash and he put it in his pocket along with his wallet.

Gin giggled. What a stupid assumption. "Of course not, I'm just sharing. Getting you drunk will be for another day." Maybe at the festival? No, that wouldn't be as he wanted it to be. That was an idiotic idea and stupid, too. They wouldn't be able to enjoy half of it, he figured, but now that he sat here and simply got to look at Kosuke, he wondered if he'd bother to change before they went there. Something, anything, that would be nice - maybe couple clothing? He didn't even know, that was too much at this point, possibly. Definitely. Absolutely. Gin didn't need to overstep the simplest of lines, not yet, not now - they had plenty of time for that another day. "Did I give off that vibe? No, I'm sorry. I'd just like to freely talk with you someplace that doesn't have a thousand ears that could be listening. Even mentioning the Yaseyumei out here might be dangerous, I figured.", he replied, equally as excited about whatever promise had seered itself into his brain, now that he felt like it was appropriate to take that swig of Gin with pride and then down the entire thing, just so the burning liquid was gone for good and he could, if anything, have a nice rest of the night, alone or with company. "I'd feel bad if you'd walk me all the way home, but if you insist ... I wouldn't mind."

This was moving like a derailed train all of a sudden, and the freight was rather heavy, but it was a fun venture - it just happened to blow back right into his face, the moment he figured he'd gotten over it. Wrong. When was the last time Gin could endulge in such senseless and mindless talking? He wished for it to happen more often, but clearly, that was impossible. "If, by any chance, I were to drop by the Yaseyumei before my shift, would I be allowed to talk to you?", the redhead asked, almost as if he had a plan in mind. One, that would potentially lead to Kosukes downfall if he wasn't careful enough, and another one that would rat them both out to the wrong people. "Mhm, unfortunately. I wish it were weekend already, but alas, we both don't really have one. But I'll be sure to let you know - I'll just make it fit into my schedule if I call on some favors, actually.", he spoke with a grin. Someone would vouch for him, even if he left early, and it wasn't like his boss would dig through his dirt all that intensely, not when he had a good reason to. A loverboy was allowed, no? "I like the idea, with thursdays I mean." That he did, but he still knew that Kosuke wasn't able to get every friday off - potentially at the very least. If that really was the case, in the end, he could only fathom. "Thank you - and no. I got that one a few years ago, for graduation. I've collected them ever since, you're not getting anything else from my Tokage pile!", he defended his little collection of sea dinos with roaring laughter, but soon enough got himself back under control. What an embarrassing display - he was even blushing, and his blood had shot right into his ears. "Then we'll play some games at my place?", he shyly suggested; and as Kosuke paid, Gin let his head hang. He insisted, huh? That definitely put a dent in this guys savings, but he knew how inappropriate it had to be, just to settle the score. "Next time is on me, though.", he made clear, as he finished up and then decided to get up. "Thank you for paying, Kosuke. Really. You didn't have to. ... Also, I don't know about you, but it's like, 3am, do you ... want to go home?"

Kosuke laughed silently. "That'll be expensive.", he told him with a knowing look on his face. Kosuke didn't mind a good drink or two, he was coaxed to drink an excessive amount every now and then too and he got used to it. "No no... it's just... how we met is rather unusual. I don't want to come across like... I don't know how, I just don't want you to feel like your job is what I see in you, or what I expect.", he admitted and somehow he wished they were somewhere they were more alone than this to tell Gin about his feelings. Maybe he was stupid to worry so much about how they met and what they'd already done, but for Kosuke that hadn't really happen in a sense. He knew it did, but not in terms of where they stood right now and he didn't even know where that was. They had one date now, didn't they? Could they call it that? They maybe would have another, but right now all of what their relationship was seemed to float around them with no concrete goal, but that was fine, right?

"Don't feel bad, I'd like to make sure you arrive safely. It's not trouble.", Kosuke smiled and then was caught off guard himself. "I uh... I'm afraid I'm not working out front. They like to have guys there that look a bit more intimidating than me and... even then, I have breaks, but that's all. I can text you in my breaks if you want." He knew that wasn't the answer Gin wanted to hear, but he was to stand there and not talk and he was very good at it. He had little breaks, mostly just so they could go to the toilet in their nine plus hour shifts. "We'll make the festival work. I possibly can only come late too, but I'll make it if you can." He looked forward to it and in all his years working for the Yakuza he never switched shift, maybe it was time to call in a favor of his own. "And Thursdays, yes." He smiled again and finished his drink. He looked at the little dino again. "You shouldn't trust me with something that important... but I'll keep him save." They had so many plans already and Kosuke light every single one. He smiled again and nodded. They could play games, watch movies, but... he decided maybe it was best to just look forward to the festival together. "It's alright, really." They didn't spend much time with eachother, did they now? But they both needed some sleep possibly. "If you're ready to go, I'll bring you home." He smiled again and stood up, the plushie still in his hand. He didn't want to lose it.

"So be it.", Gin giggled. So, this guy claimed to have a high tolerance, was that it? He could deal with that, in fact, maybe it was the best that Kosuke wasn't someone he could easily drink under the table in the first place. Sure, it would potentially lead to some funny moments, but the last thing he truly wanted was a drunkard that had lost the ability to control himself for whatever it was worth. Wouldn't that be a shameful display? He didn't even want to think about it, now that it came to mind. "How we met is rather unusual indeed, but don't worry, I won't take it against you. Out here, I'm Gin anyway, and with that, quite normal. Whatever I do in there doesn't leave the walls of the building, you know? So, even if you were counting on that, for whatever reason, though luck.", he answered and stretched afterward - it was nice to finally stand, not sit, or lay down, or even kneel. Why didn't they just go for a walk in the first place? Right. Gin had wanted to grab a bite and the atmosphere in here was off-setting both of their weird moods the slightest bit, which was why he'd been more than happy to slip in here. It was fun, especially when he saw someone as dangerous as a bonafide yakuza look at the tiny jellyfish with childlike wonder. "Then, thank you. You're quite literally a knight in shining armor!"

Now Gin was the one with childlike wonder plastered all over his face, it was almost ... interesting to see, was it not? For a moment, he believed himself to be nothing more than a man that lived for no other discernable reason than to please others and now, all of a sudden, somebody else made that his job. Kosuke truly was someone that he didn't quite get; someone that lowered himself even more, just to please someone else. It was a sight to behold. "Oh, no no! Take your breaks, please - it's not like I'll have much room to reply, just ... whenever it's convenient, alright? I just thought that maybe you'd be outfront and I could come catch a glimpse at you. But it makes it all the more worthwhile if I don't get to see you until the festival.", Gin was quick to reply. They should get going by now, it definitely was time for his sleep and maybe, if he found himself a cat or a dog, or any other pet - something he could hardly care for, he figured - he'd have a more urgent matter to attent than senseless flirting. But, truth be told, he liked it. "That's exactly why I am giving him to you, though. If I want him back, I have to ask you, you know? No two ways about it. And also, he kind of ... hm, you two look similar to me.", he told Kosuke with a stoney face - all in all, this was going good, especially if he compared a stern man with a little blue plush dino that had a permanent ':3' stitched onto his face. Yep, totally alike. Cute. "That'd be nice. Thank you, Kosuke." With Tokage taking up one of Kosukes hands, Gin grabbed the other one, and they left the café pretty quick, down one side of the mainstreet, with Gin leading the way, since he knew a shortcut. The streets had emptied out, the night air was rather crisp, and the walk wasn't a long one. "Osugi.", he suddenly blurted out. "Gin Osugi. I only told you my first name back at the brothel."

Kosuke wasn't counting on anything. He wanted Gin to be himself and not have the feeling he had to throw himself on Kosuke to please him. He didn't. He wasn't even sure how it would all work out if they were to go further than just holding hands, given the fact that Kosuke had absolutely no experience with men, but he'd figure it out another time. Right now he just enjoyed his time with Gin and looked forward to spending more time together in the future. "I'm anything but a knight, believe me.", he mumbled with a slight smile, but it truly was no trouble. He didn't finish school, didn't go to university, so he wasn't as smart as Gin, but he at least knew how to fight and in this area of town, one never knew who crossed their paths. Everyone could get unlucky and Kosuke preferred to see his date home safely. Not that he didn't think Gin couldn't defend himself, he surely had some tricks up his sleeve as well, but still. It was something Kosuke simply wanted to do, whether or not it was needed.

Gin grabbed Kosukes hand eventually and they wandered off into the night. The cool air was refreshing and the streets more quiet now, but on mainstreet it was always somewhat lively. "You can text me anytime, I'll answer when I have time.", he assured Gin with a smile and kept his plushie in his free hand for safekeeping. He was careful not to squish it too much. "I look like a blue dinosaur?", Kosuke asked raising an eyebrow. Eventually they turned into an alleyway and continued from there instead of staying on the mainstreet. Here it was much quieter, in fact they were alone and Kosuke was suddenly glad he brought Gin home. He probably was too protective though. Gin suddenly spoke up and Kosuke looked at him confused. "Huh?" Oh, his full name. "You didn't have to tell me.", he eventually smiled. Now he knew his full name, maybe he'd add it to his contact information later.

There was some snickering from his side as they wandered off into the night. Wasn't it a delight to be here, just with Kosuke, with someone he gave two fucks about? Why, all of a sudden, he couldn't say - but he figured that if he stuck to him, maybe that'd get him somewhere, not in life, not in death, or in friendship, but for the time being. Good feelings galore were all he wanted, and as he stuck out his hand to grab the other, warmth seeped through his very being, the moment all the blood he had rose to his face and almost drowned every sound out, as soon as it reached his ears. For no reason at all, Gin felt like Kosuke was making it hard and easy on him at the same time - he felt rather dumbfounded, but at the same time, maybe he was just an idiot that had too many expectations of a man he barely knew - all the while he happily took his hand and even gave him quite the sentimental memento. "Hm, well, black armor can shine too, you know? And I do believe you, it's just, to me, you're kind of a blessing in disguise.", Gin laughed, almost silently, as he danced around the topic once more. For this time of day, the streets were still rather clean, were they not? What an pleasant surprise.

As they walked and walked, he wanted to go for a detour, and yet, decided against it, the moment he found himself back in reality. There was nothing to gain from that, and much less there an incentive for keeping Kosuke awake for longer than he had to - and unfortunately, his apartment complex was in sight anyway. What a bummer. "That's sweet, I'll take you up on that, you know!", he managed to say, before almost tripping on his own feet. Enough dancing, enough stupidity, he thought, as his body hit that of Kosuke and he gave him an awkward grin - neither of them had fallen over and, thank god, he was still standing on his own two feet, just leaning onto the young yakuza himself, for god knows what reason. Because he was the first thing in reach? Possibly ... "Hm, you're fluffy like him, now that I've gotten close to you. But otherwise, not really. I just think both of you have a certain charme, though, one is a little plush toy, shaped like a bean, and another my date for the night, tall, dark and handsome as ever.", Gin explained himself further. Tokage would be a nice companion for Kosuke, he was sure of it, and as he thought about that just for a little bit too long, he realized something: Weren't they home? Now, he was silly - he could have simply lied to this man, avoided unintentional confrontation, but he didn't. Instead, he pulled Gin a bit further in, through a little alleyway connecting both houses and toward the back entrance, outside of any security cameras view. Not that it mattered. "I wanted to - desperately, at that!", the redhead whispered, as he leaned forward - he stole another one of Kosukes kisses, that were utterly wasted on him, but smiled the brightest, the moment it was his. As they parted, which felt like eons later, he smiled, accomplished. "Thank you for tonight, and thank you for bringing me home - you'll be save on your own way, yes? Please text me when you get there, so I can be sure you made it safely." This felt like some sort of romance movie that they were re-enacting, but Gin liked his kitschy fluff. "Unless you want to come upstairs?", he joked.

Gin flattered Kosuke way too much. "I'm glad you had a good time.", he told him anyway, but in truth, he felt like Gin was seeing more in him than there was. As they walked home they didn't talk that much, but Gin enjoyed himself and neither of them craved for a smoke as it seemed. Well Kosuke didn't have a free hand anyway. While they were talking Gin suddenly tripped, held on to Kosuke and Kosuke in turn caught the redhead as best as he could. "Are you okay...?", he asked looking down at the face that just grinned at him. They probably stood there like this, holding on to each other, for longer than they needed to and eventually Kosuke averted his gaze a bit embarrassed. Gin was the one taking a step back again, grabbing Kosukes hand once more and pulling him into another small alleyway that had barely room for two people next to each other. It was that kind of alleyway other people might have been scared to enter, because they didn't want to be mugged, but that was not of Kosukes concern. "You flatter me too much... but thank you.", Kosuke mumbled, suddenly being halted. They stopped in front of a metal door that lead into a rather tall building. Was that were Gin lived? He wanted to take a look at it, but before he could, Gin leaned forward to press a kiss on Kosukes lips. He had wondered if it was appropriate to kiss Gin at the end of their little date, but he decided not to, yet here he was being kissed instead. He almost dropped Tokage and his heart fell into his stomach. His whole body lit up and he felt a tingling sensation all over. He couldn't remember the last time he felt like this and the kiss probably took longer than was appropriate for a first date. Once Gin pulled back, Kosuke looked at him with flushed cheeks. "No worries...", he mumbled and then shook his head smiling. "Not yet. Not today. We should both get some rest anyway...", he smiled and took a step back. "Thank you for tonight. Don't wait for me getting home, it's about a 40 minutes walk from here." Kosuke smiled still, but parted for real now. "Good night.", he wished Gin, then turned to get back out the alley and back to the mainstreet.

Kosuke had a long walk home, but it gave him time to think about this evening. It had been great, he truly enjoyed himself and he was looking forward to meeting Gin again, possibly at that festival. He also brought Tokage all the way home and once he entered his little one room flat, he searched for a good place for him. He eventually put Tokage next to his bed and as he got out of his clothes, he found the receipt from that little café. He was about to throw it away, but decided to instead hang it on his fridge with a magnet. Then he remembered he probably should tell Gin - who hopefully slept already - that he got home safely and did so with a photo of Tokage attached to it. He sat there on a little pillow and looked as happy as ever. Not long after Kosuke was ready for bed as well and he slept like a baby that night. Maybe because Tokage was watching over him.