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

"It seems to be a sore topic for you, or am I wrong?", he wondered aloud. Maybe it was and Gin was just acting like an idiot because he figured he did something wrong, something that he should have never attempted in the first place. Either he was on the wrong track and just made a clown of himself by being caring in front of a fullblown yakuza, or - something that seemed much more likely - he was just trying a bit too hard to actually impress. Could he fault Kosuke for wanting him to dial his selflessness down? Absolutely not. "So, they hand you the short end of the stick and despite grabbing more and more of it, you just decide you don't need it? I think you're a bit odd, if I'm honest, but then again, I know nothing about your codex, or even your customs. Maybe you're supposed to be an enigma.", the redhead chuckled as his shoulders relaxed and he leaned back for a bit. Gin put the book aside and smiled rather firmly, yawned and rubbed his temples - what would he give to drown in a bathtub full of red wine? His life, possibly, but that wasn't something that was appropriate to sputter about, ever. Definitely not now, however. "An option is always good - I'm no different. But I don't have that option just yet.", he clarified. Wasn't this just mistifying? "Nobody wants that, I'm sure. Then again, it might have been the better option, in a way, but ... lets not consider that."

Often enough, he had to chastise himself and those endless thoughts he found himself spewing. Whatever the case, he figured, he'd never find out about anything he truly cared about if he drowned in his own debt, his own feelings and most importantly, his own misery. Gin had to be done and over with it, smile and be peppy about it, but afterward, he was almost free to be whoever he declared he wanted to be. "Is it? We'll duke this out, I swear." Short mumblings like these, especially paired with some sort of infighting - did they really need that? No. "No need to apologize. I'm still not sure if I want to go back, though. Maybe ... I'll figure it out, be by my lonesome, you know? They'll be disappointed once they find out I didn't finish university and wasted their tuition money, even if I don't come clean entirely. It's not that important, trust me." Gin shook his head, even though he knew that he was lying, at least in a way. The approval of his family was important to him, always had been and always would be, but by now, not only was he kicking it with his own two feet, he was banishing himself to a realm of never-ending turmoil, chaos and hurt. Would he be able to get out of something like that? Well, he doubted it. "You'll catch up to me in no time, trust me.", he confessed with a wink and got up, with a smile on his lips. Yes, to him, of all people - and yet, he grabbed Kosukes hand as he led himself to the door and fought himself back into his own shoes. "I'll just text you then, or give you a quick call? Or do you want to agree on something now?"

"No, it's alright.", Kosuke simply smiled, nothing more, nothing less. Only Gins next words left him puzzled. "Codex?", he asked, wondering what Gin meant. He probably took Kosuke for a much more interesting and mysterious person than he actually was. In truth he was easily content and didn't have any ambitions of his own. He didn't know what he wanted to do if he stopped working here and thus he stayed, because what else was there for him? He was good at his job, even though it was hard sometimes, painful even. He sent his family money when he could and for himself spent as much as he wanted and as had everything he needed, which simply wasn't much. He saved up, because people always said that was a good idea, or rather he lowered his debt, so the interest wouldn't swallow him, even though no one would collect anytime soon. He was very simple, no enigma at all and he was somewhat aware himself, if only because he felt that he could never keep up with Gin and his ambitions. Kosuke shrugged his shoulders, he rarely thought too much about his life.

"You could still finish your studies, right?", Kosuke naively asked. Maybe Gin didn't want to though which was fine too. Family was important, to kosuke personally and inside the Yakuza as well, in a sense he had two families, maybe that was the reason he kept asking those questions. Again Kosuke smiled and shook his head. "I doubt it." He even let out a short chuckle and let himself be dragged to the door. He got into his shoes and looked into the room. "Do you want to take your plushie with you to work? I can drop it off some other time if that's better.", Kosuke offered. He wasn't sure if Gin could store it anywhere. "Whatever you prefer... my schedule isn't that flexible, but in turn I'm used to sudden changes in my plans, so short notice is fine for me.", he answered, pondering in his mind if Gin forgot anything.

If Kosuke said so, he wouldn't interfere. Whatever this man decided on, he wouldn't deny him that speck of truth; Gin couldn't argue either way; after all, he was merely doing his best to impress a man that could give less of a fuck about him, but ... that wasn't what all of this wound up being about, no? "Don't yakuza have something like that? I might be wrong, but I think I heard something about, uh, what was it? Like ... ugh. Forget it, I said nothing! But you do have rules you need to follow, right?" What would even happen to someone like an underling if they put their hands on the bosses wife? Gin didn't want to know and he already had realized that Kosuke wasn't one of them; he wouldn't even notice that someone was attracted to him, Gin was sure of that, especially after what this dork had sputtered and spouted about not too long ago. What a cute, and yet questionable man. The two of them, weren't they rather different? But even then, the redhead couldn't stop running his mouth and he was already feeling how the temperature of his body rose, higher and higher; someone had dusted a pale red color onto his face, all across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose - his eyes shied away from their captor and he focused on those dumb shoes.

"Could ... yes, but want to? Don't know.", his tender confession rang true. Gin was a mess of a person and an idiot of a man, if only for the fact that he had lost himself in the crevices of his own imagination, in a world where nothing hurt more than the reality he could never have. What if he could still finish those studies? It surely would be exciting, maybe even be surprising to himself if he pulled through. "I was homeschooled for a long while, I don't really thrive in an academic setting.", he mumbled in Kosukes direction, as if he'd been asked why he was doubting his own skills, but upon being called out, he immediately scrambled to get Tokage from where he'd practically abandoned him overnight. Well - the tables had turned and Gin was clutching that thing instead of Kosukes hand, which he didn't want to let go of for the slightest bit just before that. "No ... I ... I can put him in my locker while I work, I think? That should work. And then I'll take him home. That way he doesn't have to be lonely, since we're both out." This was a plush, not a child or a pet, for fucks sake. "I'll let you know a few days in advance, I'm not like that. But first, I'll have to come up with something fun to do for the two of us."

"Yeah, there are rules, but nothing that doesn't make sense anyway I suppose.", Kosuke answered. Every society had rules and the clan he was with was no different, but those only adhered to common sense and decency. It wasn't like there was a guidebook either. "Either way, we should get going and we don't have to do anything, I enjoy just talking with you too." With those words Kosuke opened the door for Gin and closed it once they both stepped outside. He locked up and then got going together. Once he dropped him off a few streets over, he himself went to the Yasenyumei to his own job for the night. It was mostly the same every night. They rarely put him outside, they liked to have the brawly ones at the entrance to look intimidating, but inside at the VIP area, they wanted the ones that were able to blend in and were invisible to the guests until something happened. Kosuke was used to standing on his two feet all day, with only short breaks in which he went for a smoke in the back.

Kuwahara Rokuro felt like beckoning upon someone from his own establishment today and thus he pulled out his phone to tell the manager of said establishment to clear a certain persons schedule for the night. Whenever he decided to do that there were no questions asked and whoever was picked simply wouldn't be available for that night. He had enough men and women to fill the gap and still make a profit. He waited in his office, which was packed with expensive things. In the middle sat a big, heavy wooden work table and the chair behind it was as pretentious. He waited in that chair while smoking and pondering over documents. He didn't have any money troubles, he owned many establishments and all of them turned a profit and yet, he was a man that was never satisfied. He wanted more and he wanted to maximize all his assets to their fullest. While he was thinking about how he could make his clubs and restaurants perform better, he eventually was interrupted by a knock on his door. Once the knocker was beckoned inside he glanced up and upon spotting the fire red hair, he put out his cigarette on a marble ashtray on the desk and stood up. "Ah, there you are. How are you today?", he asked while stepping closer. He put a finger under Gins chin and pressed his face up a bit, so he could take a better look at yet another of his assets.

Gin already started to miss Kosuke, the moment he stepped out of his apartment - maybe not in the literal sense of the word, but alas, he was still thinking to himself and how he'd have rather neglected his job for a day than to go back there and just lead superficial talks half the time. Sure, he was doing his best and tried his utmost, but had that ever been enough? He couldn't say. Frankly, Gin wasn't even sure if he could help himself, given the usual circumstances. Once he had arrived, he shoved Tokage into a locker on the ground floor and hurried up to his room, greeting the barkeep and some friends on the side, who were engaged in gossip. He undressed, took a shower, cleaned and scrubbed his body - and yet, he was pondering something. Would he ever be able to return to the life he led before this one? That had been a good question and he couldn't fault Kosuke for suggesting that he return to his studies. Still, would they ever admit him again? Would they want him within their reach? Would someone come to claim him as theirs eventually? All those thoughts permeated throughout his head but he couldn't answer them. What stopped him, he couldn't say, but he knew, one of these days, maybe he'd have to prove himself to a certain someone.

His boss usually skimped on being in his office, though, that wasn't anything bad - in fact, Gin liked it, especially when he or his coworkers needed a breather, they sometimes misappropriated Rokuros ridiculously expensive office as a break room. Just sometimes, when they were feeling rather daring. Good thing that none of them had decided on that today, especially after they had heard the unfortunate news from their favorite bartender himself, after he had overheard his manager talk to the big boss himself. Either way, Gin figured it didn't concern him too much, at least not until he was picked as the one that entertained the man for the night. Alas, all plans of texting Kosuke inbetween clients and just making smalltalk with someone that potentially didn't even answer were ruined - even more so now that they had a watchful eye loom over their heads; it soured Gins mood, a fact that was much apparent as he knocked at Rokuros office door a short while later. His expression softened and his eyes lit up as he slipped inside, but those somewhat rough fingers already caught him in the act. Rokuro was tall; taller than most and someone that Gin couldn't meet eye-to-eye, no, not once would that be a possibility. "Much better now that I've seen you.", he declared with a sincere smile. "I hope you didn't wait too long?"

"Is that so?", Rokuro asked with a raised eyebrow and gave Gin another glance, before letting go of his face. He walked back to his big chair and sat down. "You cam earlier than expected actually, I still have some work to do." He patted his own lap and beckoned Gin to come sit. Once he did, his legs dangling off on the side, Rokuro put one arm around him and continued studying his balances. "How long since you visited me? I feel like I've been working way too much lately. I hope you don't feel like I'm abandoning you." Rokuro was a smooth talker, he was charming and good looking, but there was brooding much more under the surface. He was more ambitious than was good for him and even though he had pretty much all he could need and more money than he could ever spend, he wasn't satisfied, he never would be. At this moment he took offense because he technically wasn't his own boss. There was another figure looming over him, leaving him alone, but still, just the fact that Rokuro wasn't on top annoyed him.

For a while he pondered over his documents, then looked at Gin again. "What have you been up to?", he asked him. "I've been thinking about going to the Yasenyumei today. You know I can't take you there alone, so pick one of the girls you want accompanying us and I'd rather you eat before we get there, so what do you want?" There was plenty food options in the Yasensumei too, but Rokuro didn't want his accessories eating away, they were supposed to just sit there, look pretty and offer Rokuros business partners something to look at. A boy or girl with a mouthful of food wasn't a sight to behold, so he rather had them fed and ready beforehand. He scribbled something on the papers that lay before him on the desk, then leaned back in his chair and put his free hand on Gins thigh. "You might also change into something more appropriate... didn't you get something on your last shopping spree I've sent you on? You might as well wear something new. I trust in your sense of style." Whenever he took Gin or anyone else to the Yasensumei, afterwards he'd hand them a credit card and they were to go out and buy something new for the next visit. He didn't care if they spent a little extra on food, drinks or more clothes either.

"It always is. I don't get to see you everyday, after all.", he reiterated both his admiration and his words and their meaning - Gin was a man of his word, at the very least half the time, and while Rokuro was good at talking and tearing into him with nothing but words, Gin was equally as capable of a skill like that, if only with his customers and not the man that made him who he was. To Gin, Rokuro had always been someone that was like a flash of light, someone indescribably beautiful yet harsh, a king without a crown, an angel without wings, but he knew better than that and had learned over the past few years that he wasn't just that. His silky-smooth voice and his deep, dark eyes buried something else in his mind, something he couldn't grasp or understand and something he didn't want to know about, never had wanted to and never would be able to, he was for certain. "Oh, I apologize. I was just so eager to see you again." However, now that he was invited in his den, an arm around his small waist and fingers tracing over his thigh, he knew very well that his place was by this mans side, as something like Rokuros arm candy, for as long as he was lovely to look at and properly enjoyable by him and others. "It's been almost a month - but don't worry, I know you're a busy man and you have many people to please." Gins heart warmed up, though, as he imagined himself to be Rokuros one and only; something silly and yet, he'd be fortunate if it ever were to happen.

A glimpse of a smile formed on his lips as he allowed himself to breathe for a moment and also poor his eyes over the hand that sat on him, to the jewelry Rokuro sometimes wore and then to his documents; something that Gin wasn't recquired to care about, though, sometimes he did and he had to admit that he liked it, albeit from a purely academical and not a situational standpoint. "Nothing much, aside from working. Reading a few books, here and there and caring for some plants. The usual, as you might say.", he chuckled and listened closely. With Rokuro, anything could happen - sometimes, it was just a nice night out, other days they stayed here and Gin was supposed to be his plaything for a night, or he had the honors of actually looking at one of this mans bedrooms in his way too fancy home, though, the redhead had figured tonight was nothing but mundane if he had to call off every last client, even during a graveyard shift. Eventually, a cold shiver trailed down his spine and into his arms and legs. Yasenyumei, of all places? If Kosuke wasn't working tonight, that'd be proper - if he was, that would lead to a few awkward instances. "Hmm." A girl - probably someone that didn't run her mouth and yet wanted some nice cash - and some food. Gin wondered. Theoretically, he ate, but practically, that wouldn't last him all night. "What about some hakuto jelly?", he gingerly asked, with as much tact and sweetness in his voice as he'd give any client, though, Rokuro was something special and he knew it - expensive jelly was like pocket change to him. Still, the talk continued. "Plenty. If you allow me, I'll go change now ... unless you have something else on your mind first?" Permission was needed; he couldn't just get up. "And ... if you'd need insight, I suggest you take Anzu along. Short one, long black hair, with the beauty mark next to her nose. Rika could use the money more, I'm sure, but our last visit with her was ... well, you know. We both do."

"No need to apologize, dear.", Rokuro smiled and then even let out a warming small laugh. "A month? It seems I am the one that needs to apologize." While they sat there, Rokuro brushed over Gins thigh and since he sat the papers aside and leaned back, looked nowhere else but at him. He made a point of making everyone he talked to feel special, it didn't matter if it was some of his girls or boys, or a business partner and he took his time away from his work for now, just to please Gin and let him bask in his presence - something that kid always wanted. "The customers all behaved I assume?", he asked. Sometimes they had troublemakers and sometimes the girls and boys didn't speak up, because they thought they had to endure everything, or they thought their customers were too important. Rokuro cared about them, maybe not like one would care about other people normally, but rather as someone who didn't want his property damaged, be it physically or mentally. He took care of such things.

For now he pulled out a credit card. He held it between two fingers and in front of Gins face. "Anzu then. How about you fetch her for me, get home and change you two and order some food. I'll pick you up in about an hour." Everything was on him and if Anzu needed a new dress, that too would be on him, as long as they were ready in time. Once Gin got up, Koruko sat up straight again and gave the redhead a little slap on the butt, not in a demeaning or forceful way, it was a little tap one could giggle about. "And remind her of the rules, will you? We don't want another incident." The girls and boys biggest weakness was liquor and drugs for sure. It was expected of them to take whatever was offered to them, but they shouldn't get blackout drunk either. Gin knew how to balance the act, when to drink, when to stop and when to let the liquid disappear otherwise, or sober up on the toilet. Koruko liked taking Gin, because thus far, he always behaved just like he expected him to.

"You're too gentle to me.", Gin giggled. Rokuro always was, lest he was in a good mood, but he could be different - not that he ever showed him that side, though, Gin knew that something was up, in a way. This jig of his didn't fool everyone and other coworkers had told him large tales of Rokuro, of who he truly was and yet, he was smitten by a man that probably could undermine all the smiles he wore and all the words he spoke with actions of his own. Wasn't it sickening to know how well-loved he was? "No need, as long as you don't let me wait that long again.", he suggested instead, with a wink of his own, and as he was wondering why he hadn't seen his boss in forever, he was fairly certain that Rokuro had taken up other endeavors and spent enough time doing what a man of his size needed to do: Expand his business, of course. One brothel wasn't all he owned, why would it be? He wouldn't get rich just off of that; nobody would. "They were all rather well-behaved, at least when they joined me. I think Kei, the new bartender, tossed one or two of the unruly ones out before they could get past him." Everything in here worked just fine, like a well-oiled machine, whether or not its owner was present, they all knew what they could or couldn't do, even if he had to admit that sometimes, just sometimes, they broke all those roles on purpose and took nothing for granted.

Gin whisked the card from Rokuros hand as soon as he could, careful not to bend it, but regardless, that piece of plastic meant power, and with power came money; cold hard cash that the redhead could use any day, but for now, it wasn't much and it wouldn't need any kind of introduction. He already knew. "I won't disappoint.", he declared, clasping the little piece of plastic in his hands and tensed up, as he received a slap. Of course. Wasn't that always going to happen? It was funny enough, still, and Gin only smiled about it like an idiot. "I will - now, if you'll excuse me." Gin bowed slightly in Rokuros direction, then deeper, before he got himself out of there. Alright. One quick search and he found Anzu; they both got into their street clothing and excused themselves out of there, called a cab, and were off to Gins place. Hopefully, one or two of the dresses he owned would fit her, and if not, they still had other options. Still, he wasn't one to shirk the opportunity to go pick out a food order with her, order it to his address and as he ushered her in the bathroom to wash up, text Kosuke - in hopes he'd see it. 'at the yasenyumei tonight" "with my boss, though ; _ ;" he complained as he started picking out clothing. Their food arrived, and while Anzu was asking way too many questions about posture and responses to their clients, Gin simply giggled and was happy that his suit still fit, that it wasn't too snuck on him and he looked marvelous in it. The dress he had picked out matched his suit, frankly, and Anzu looked gorgeous enough for Rokuro in it, yes. Some make-up on her also helped, and the two of the were already giggling and shit-talking others when she spotted his Tokage collection. "The great Gin, a softie?" "Oh, please. I like cute things, I thought that was obvious!" Once they were done, they headed out, and what did they know - Rokuros driver was there to pick them up, right on the dot. Gin let Anzu get in first, and then closed the door behind him. "What do you think of her?"

Rokuro finished his work and after an hour got into his limousine. They parked outside of Gins apartment, or rather all of his assets apartment complex and waited. Gin was right on time, he never angered Rokuro and was diligent in what he did. Maybe being from an upstanding family and having had education made people more reliable and patient. Either way, the driver opened the door for the boy and the girl and the female got in first. She sat opposite of Rokuro and Gin got in next. "You both look stunning.", he summized with a charming smile and offered them both a drink. It was neither a long way from his office to the apartments, nor was it a long way from the apartments to the Yasenyumei, but a man of Rokuros caliber didn't traverse on foot anywhere. It was enough time to finish a glass of sparkling wine however and to him Anzo seemed like she needed a little something to find her courage. Not that he didn't like the shy and insecure ones and his business colleagues liked them too.

Kosuke worked in the Yasenyumei that night and was currently out back to have a smoke with some of his colleagues. While they chatted away, Kosuke checked his phone and saw Gins message. Usually he texted him before and after work and sometimes in between, while Kosuke only had little breaks the whole night. >I'm working there today<, he answered once she saw that Gin would be coming over. In truth it probably didn't make much of a difference, Kosuke would work normally and never chatted to anyone anyway. Gin would be busy too and maybe they wouldn't even see each other. >Who's your boss?< He only now realized he never asked before, but he wasn't able to read any potential answer, instead their break was interrupted as the chief of security joined them out back. "High visitor coming, get ready.", he told them and Kosuke wasn't the only one putting out their smoke and getting back inside. If important guests came, they were picked up from the front and escorted inside along their own bodyguards. They either went to the bar area in a small segregated place, or they got their own room. Today it was the former. The are wasn't secured by any walls, which made their job all too difficult, then again rarely anyone attempted something stupid in here. There was a lot of staff and generally people who tried something stupid vanished shorty after, completely and people knew. The are itself consisted of comfortable chairs and couches, the life music wasn't played too far away, but everything that was said remained there. There was a rope that ran along the edges of the area, but in general it was supposed to be part of the floor, as if the higher ups mingled with the rest. When Kosuke went down to greet their guest there was no Gin, instead they brought an older, chubby gentlemen to the top, it was only when the second group of people arrived, that Kosuke spotted that red hair. Kosuke already took position in one corner from which he could oversee most of the little area and the rest of the floor.

Gin didn't even have to ask Rokuro; after all these years, someone like him had a certain skillset that proved useful, but even then, he still sought after someones approval, decided that he needed to be praised for most of what he did and that he wasn't complete without it. In the end, it surprised no one that he snickered at the compliment he received and as he sat down, he couldn't help but smile in Rokuros direction - he knew how to handle him, was aware what he liked and what he hated, but first and foremost, he clearly was making his heart flutter and Gin ignored his phone completely, even though he should have checked for an answer from Kosuke. There was no time for that; he'd already muted it, shoved it into the small bag he had given Anzu to carry with her and now was nipping at the glass of alcohol that Rokuro provided them with. "Cheers.", the redhead spoke and toasted with them, before downing the liquid; not in one go, he never could do that under someones watchful eyes, and worse yet, Anzu was looking at him for approval, though, she too was shyly putting a strand of her behind her ear as she drank. The two of them were a rather odd duo, yes, but she'd balance him out perfectly and frankly, a visit at the Yasenyumei paid well, not only because Rokuro would treat everyone that performed well to his card afterwards, but also because many of the older gentlemen and sometimes ladies had a lot of pocket cash to spare on some purring kittens.

He was none the wiser when once they pulled up to the looming, overwhelming shadow that the Yasenyumei cast upon their mere human forms. The building was tall and didn't look horrible on the outside, so much so that Gin was rather interested in it from the outside - Anzu was still fighting to empty her glass it seemed, and as she did, the door was already opened for them and they were allowed out, escorted inside and were supposed to look good next to Rokuro, who himself, looked like he was bedazzled by some other force - he was stunning and Gins eyes stole a glance of the man every now and then, as he kept himself and Anzu in check, looked at nothing in particular half the time and let wafts of smoke and sticky air inebriate him. Nothing had changed and it wasn't any surprise that Kosuke smelled a certain day if he spent all his time working here, though, he had to admit that he was curtiously looking for him, in a pile of men that were dressed all the same. Not a single word left his lips, not until they were guided to their seating area and Rokuro had found his own place first; both him and Anzu settled next to their boss, on different sides, though, that would change, rather sooner than latter. "Kuwahara-san, I'm glad to see you. How have you ... how has business been?", the older man asked, the one they sat across off - Gin recognized his face, though, failed to remember his name. Who could that geezer be?

Kosuke wasn't sure if Gin even recognized or saw him, but it didn't make a whole lot of difference anyway. He stood in his corner and kept an overview of the situation inside and outside of the VIP area. He knew Gins boss, he frequented this place often, more often in the past month, but not at night. It seemed he had some business with the owner, but that was none of Kosukes business. Today he seemed to be here as a guest, accompanied by another frequent customer Kosuke recognized. He never spoke a word to either of them and he doubted they ever took notice of him. Besides Gin he brought another person, a young woman who caught the other mans eye right away. "Good my friend. I've recently acquired a new estate, a restaurant, you should come visit. Dinner will be on the house." It was Gins boss who spoke, smoothly and with a smile that looked very honest. He seemed almost too nice to be part of the yakuza, but Kosuke was no different. It seemed he was a businessman first and foremost, not that Kosuke was qualified to infer anything though.

Drinks were ordered soon enough and a young woman passed Kosukes colleagues to serve the drinks on the little table between the two men. Gin and his friend got something too. Eventually the young lady switched sides and introduced herself to the older man, while he ordered another drink for her, praising Rokuros sense of business and taste in women. He took the compliment with a dignified smile and a short nod, before they started to talk about business. Kosuke usually didn't listen in, unless people talked so loudly he couldn't not hear it, but still he hardly saved any information, because it was nothing to him. Today was no different, he didn't pay attention to what was said and instead kept focused on his work, even with Gin around, who seemed very occupied with his own job.

Whenever he was out and about with Rokuro, he wished himself to be the only one - but Gin knew that wasn't how the world worked and he also was aware that no matter how much charme he exuded, he'd never convince those who didn't want to interact with him in that way to actually spend time with him, to give it a try. That was, what someone like Anzu was for, who seemed to take interest in the man that had allowed himself to speak to Rokuro and seemed to be on the verge of striking up a deal with him, or something of the like. "Oh, that sounds phenomenal. Of course, I will honor your invitation whenever I have the time.", the older man agreed, apparently intrigued by the business ventures that a silly little man went through, just to simply get his hands onto something other than that. It was, for all intents and purposes, a seedy business that Gin had fallen into, and while he himself kept a proper distance while being at his boss every beck and call, he knew very well that Anzu didn't have much of a choice, not when she was marbling at the older man and tracing the ridges in the fingers of the hand he eventually offered her. Now, she wasn't even looking at either Rokuro or him, oh no, she needed no reassurance for her actions anymore as the old man was rather distracted by her antics, in a good way at least.

It wasn't long before there was more to drink again, something that he could use after the food, yet, Gin held himself back - the night was young and he wasn't about to get wasted, let alone disturb the two men during their boring business talk. Why again was Rokuro putting up with these guys? It didn't matter, not when Gin was looking at his boss like he'd laid his eyes upon a god that was there for him in every moment of his life. Silence was all that he was left with, at least in a sense, as he drowned those thoughts out for a moment and the voices became a blur; if only it could always be like that, he thought to himself, only to realize that he didn't want that, that he'd be nothing more than a drugged up zombie if that ever happened, and just like that, he was properly grasping his own glass before anyone could urge him to. The expensive sake that they had chosen didn't exactly taste good to Gin, yet, he didn't complain about trivial matters like those, not when his eyes fell upon something rather peculiar ... Kosuke. How would he get away from here? Up from his seat? Excusing himself to the toilets already wouldn't work in his favor, it would disable his trump card if he actually needed to throw up, but even then, he felt like he was thirdwheeling something he wasn't exactly needed for. Gin leaned back a bit and let the situation in front of him unfold, with that old geezers hand on Anzus thigh soon enough. How boring, and yet, as he leaned closer to Rokuro, he wasn't even sure what he wanted to do.

The tow men started to talk about business, something about the older one selling something to the younger, but Kosuke didn't pay it much mind. He couldn't ignore the woman though, not because she was exceptionally beautiful or anything like that, no, Kosuke saw her slip her hand into the older mans jacket while everyone else was distracted by a piece of paper Rokuro procured. He doubted anyone else noticed, it took less than a second and something landet in that purse of hers. She pulled something out, probably acting like that was the reason she took it in the first place, but Kosuke was sure of what he saw. Thieves usually didn't frequent this place, not even the non VIP aread and if they did they were sure to lose a hand sooner or later. Kosuke caught maybe one or two pickpockets, or someone putting something in anothers drink and he promptly stopped them, but he never had it happen in the VIP area. Usually the guests in there were powerful men, people you wouldn't want to get on their bad side with. This woman was either bold or crazy.

Everyone continued their conversation, while Gin seemed a bit lost and the girl went ahead swooning the older man. Kosuke pondered. He didn't want to cause a scene, maybe he should tell his superior, excusing himself for that should be no problem and he was able to leave quietly enough to not disturb anyone and yet he wondered if that would cause trouble for that girl. If she was a friend of Gins, he didn't want to immediately throw her to the wolves, maybe when given a chance she would return what she had stolen. Still, once the older man noticed even Kosuke would get into trouble, for not paying attention, or for not saying something earlier, whichever story he wanted to stick with. Then it wasn't up to his boss or their bosses to decide his and his colleagues fate, the customers would get to dish out punishment if they felt like it. Kosuke put a firm gaze on Gin for a moment, trying to get his attention somehow, without moving, but even i he got it, he would probably think he just wanted to say hello...

This was mundane to say the least. Not only had Gin to be expected to be hit with strong booze, he'd also figured they'd get to the touchy-feely part of this practice much sooner, because omeone was waving blue pills around or just couldn't keep it in their pants. However, for whatever reason, nothing of that sort happened, not at all. Every second that passed reminded him that maybe, this was just a business talk and maybe, they weren't whores for the night, but just escorts that were supposed to look good next to the respective gentlemen that they spent their night with. Well, in any case, there was something that bothered the redhead first and foremost; the ability to be so close to Kosuke and yet, he couldn't be next to him or even shoot him more than a quick glance, whenever he tried to spot another waitress or was acting like he'd caught something interesting and was trying to discern what it actually was. His focal point of attention, however, was Rokuro, in a physical way and that guy across from them, whom he shyly gazed towards every now and then, in hopes of catching a glimpse of Kosuke, who was nestled somewhere behind that dude - even if he was closer, Gin doubted he could strike up conversation with someone that was simply perceived as a run-of-the-mill grunt. What a shame. Couldn't Kosuke be someone of Rokuros interest instead?

As his thoughts warred with one another, it became painfully apparent that a certain someone had their eyes on him - it was Kosuke, who's amber eyes were prodding into him and forcing holes into his body. What was that about? Why was he staring like that? Wasn't he supposed to be good at his job? One question after the other plagued him, yet, Gin ignored it, for a bit. The staring didn't stop and by now, even he was aware that something was off. The chitchat between his own boss and the haughty gentleman continued without further ado, Rokuro either ignoring the young yakuza glaring in his direction or accepting it as a problem on that mans part; whatever the case, he didn't raise a fuss about it, not until Gin leaned over and sheepisly whispered something into his ear. So much for his toilet break. Incidentally, he didn't want to disturb the men, and yet, something was definitely up, which was why Gin felt relieved as he was allowed to leave the "booth" that they had been sat in. Who even picked a table like this? The standoffish ones for sure. The redhead went the extra mile to pass Kosuke by, only to let a waitress stumble over the tip of his own expensive shoes. They were probably in need of a polish now, but he didn't care, not as he continued moving and watched the young girl stumble and crash right into another guy, ruining his suit as she spilled all the drinks over him - it was enough to distract, for now, at least, and Gin, eyed Kosuke. "What?", he whispered eventually.

Gin threw him some glances, but it seemed he just wanted to see how he was doing. Whenever his boss glanced into Kosukes direction he averted his gaze as best he could. This was an awkward situation and he rather hadn't found himself in it. He could have made everything a lot easier by just telling someone what had happened, but he tried to be the good guy as it seemed. He probably did it only for Gin, who finally got up. Kosuke was about to move forward and suggest to escort him, which wasn't too out of the ordinary, with their VIP guests having to pass through the room, past the rest to get to a toilet. The private rooms had their own designated stalls, but not this area and since his bosses own grunts didn't seem to leave his side, it would have been a valid excuse, yet Gin had other plans. One of the waitresses soon stumbled and spilled the drinks all over him. She fell to the ground afterwards and apologized profoundly - poor girl. She would get into trouble for this now.

Kosuke took the opportunity and almost rudely went ahead of his colleague who was about to offer his help to Gin. Instead it was Kosuke who blocked his way and bowed in front of his customer. "I will be escorting you.", he said and figured even though he wasn't signed up for this now, it was an okay offer, since there was a commotion near a customer who stood right next to him. There already came people running to clean up the mess while Kosuke gave Gin a look that meant something like "Just keep walking". Kosuke trailed after him, waited for just a bit, then started talking while still making their way to the bathroom stalls. "Your friend, she stole something from Suzuki-san. I'd suggest she give it back before he notices it's missing...", he whispered loud enough for Gin to hear it over the noise in this room, but hopefully silently enough to keep it from others.

Gin wasn't above anything like that. Of course he knew that someone had to pay for that mistake, that sometimes, things had to happen, one way or the other, and he was one of the instigators for a moment of violence. That poor girl would probably get more than a stern talking to, or lose her life at worst, and yet, he was sure that a beating wouldn't be something that the waitress didn't see coming when she signed up or rather wound up working for the yakuza, in one of their finest establishments no less. The Yasenyumei towered over a good portion of this city, reminded everyone of who they should listen to instead of their local government and yet, what was there for them to complain about? Not only did they feed them better than the government did, they also wouldn't lock them up for silly reasons; still, Gin himself had fallen into a hole that he couldn't claw himself out of, so his pity was limited to none but himself. What a poor lad he was. The ruined shirt was easy to take care of and frankly, there was nothing wrong with a few splotches on it - it breathed some life into that godforsaken fabric, though, considering it had a somewhat striking red color, its hue had just darkened.

"Thank you.", he mumbled as he patted some dust off of his clothing and trailed after Kosuke, ignoring the other man entirely. While Gin himself had nothing of value, he himself had value; maybe not to Kosuke or his colleagues, at least not in a monetary sense, but to that old fart and Rokuro. As the redhead was trailing after the raven-haired man, back to the toilets, he couldn't ask any questions and instead was focused on getting out of there - the way wet fabric clung to his chest was disgusting, but it was a sacrifice he had to make if he wanted to know what his ... friend? Friend with benefits was on about. Theoretically speaking, it was none of his business, but even then, he was neither a monster nor heartless, just a bit tactless and potentially way too sober for anything that needed to happen out of Rokuros line of sight. As he thought about it more and more, he was happy they finally disappeared out of the murky innards of the Yasenyumei and into one of the tiled, yet dark bathrooms. "So, what was that abo-... you're kidding me, right?" An immediate sense of dread settled in his gut as Kosuke had finished speaking. Gins shirt felt dry as his skin flared up hot and red; again? Rokuro would kill him. Not literally, but that wasn't good. It didn't matter that Anzu would, at worst, be a dead bitch, found in a few weeks, taken apart by something else than the elements, oh no, what mattered was his own head - he had suggested Rokuro brought her along, therefore, if Suzuki-san noticed, Rokuro would take the blame and in turn it would land on Gin. "My ... coworker.", he cleared his throat and whispered. "Will give it back, I'll make sure of it. Somehow." How? He wasn't sure, but he started to wash his hands and then take a paper towel which he soaked up and dabbed on the expensive fabric he wore. Rokuro wouldn't like that, either. But he was an understanding man, a loving one, Gin knew that. Wanted to believe that. "But how did you even notice?"

Once Gin and him reached the bathroom, Kosuke quickly made sure no one else was there. He wasn't supposed to talk to their customers, or at all and he wasn't even supposed to be here. He'd have to excuse himself, telling them that he just thought it was easier if he took care of their customer, when he was already right next to him and his colleague would have had to step over the mess the waitress made, he was sure he could pull it off. Since they were alone he could talk a bit more now however, he still positioned himself by the door, just in case someone else needed to use the bathroom and would enter unprompted. "Mh... I'm not sure what it was, but she put it in her purse.", Kosuke shared some more information, maybe it would help Gin to solve this situation. He could probably talk some sense into her, right? But the longer they waited the higher the chances the old man noticed what had happened and he would blame someone. Kosuke didn't know if he immediately would demand a search of the girl, who was really the only suspect, unless he believed he dropped it somewhere.

Kosuke looked at Gin and the mess he tried to remove from himself. "It's my job to pay attention.", he answered him and wondered if those stains were a problem for him. "We might have some extra shirts around, you could ask a manager to help you out.", he suggested further. He doubted he wanted to sit back down with red spots on a wet shirt and it would only further the anger towards that waitress. Kosuke could have talked more but he also knew he shouldn't, so he stayed silently at the door, until their guest decided to go and where to. They would have been interrupted anyway when a guy opened the bathroom door. He shot Kosuke a quick glance, while he averted his gaze to the floor, then the guy vanished into a stall. Kosuke looked up again, at Gin. He definitely didn't like his work days to go like this, usually it was much calmer, right now he felt nervous, simply because he kept a secret from his boss and one of their customers. Nothing much ever happened to him because he always stuck to the rules, not today though.

This had taken a turn for the worst. Sure, Anzu seemed trustworthy on the surface but why on earth would she steal from someone like that? No customer had ever reported her for anything, she had a clean bill of health and of manners, something that Rokuro would care about, and while Rika had been a handful for causing a scene over who exactly touched her where that one time - and definitely wasn't welcome back in this establishment when she threw a drink at one of the poor goons - Anzu was playing with much more fire than Gin would ever dare. Of course, he wasn't so different from her, knew that actions came with consequences, but he'd done it because he was desperate and Rokuro had caught him in the act and made him who he was today; one of many, yet, Gin knew he was loved and cared for, didn't need to resort to shifty tactics or shady business, and all in all didn't need to raise a single finger if he didn't want to. Sometimes, he didn't understand either coworkers or colleagues and he wasn't sure if all their brains were forged out of wet cartboard or if they were genuinely that gullible and idiotic and thought that maybe, just maybe, they could wrong some rights with the way they acted.

Alas, little did it matter. Gin looked at Kosuke with slight panic in his eyes, only to inhale deeply, shake his head and then wipe away the remainder of the stains before using a dry towel to go over the splotches and droplets again. No, he was supposed to look good and this was to dry in no time - there was no need to get him a new shirt. "I'll fish it out, forget about the purse.", the redhead declared and tossed all the papertowels he'd needlessly used away. Where would any of these lead? Probably down a pathway to hell, and yet, Gin couldn't help but think about how and where this guy could potentially lose whatever Anzu had stollen from him. Where did she grab it from? It was too late to ask, since someone else came in and made himself comfortable in one of the stalls, it seemed. Their time was over and Gin simply accepted it - but Kosuke looked, well, he looked at him like he was a hurt puppy, didn't he? Gin walked those few steps to him and, on the side that nobody would spot, grabbed the other mans pinky finger and stroked over it with his thumb. The redhead leaned in. "It'll be fine, relax.", he told him before he let go and opened the door, shooing Kosuke out with but a gesture. So much for a little piss break.

Kosuke wondered if he did the right thing and how to even determine what that was. Was he supposed to follow all his bosses rules all the way? Probably, but wasn't he also supposed to help out Gin? He'd been fine all those years with nothing but some friends he made at work that simply had the same problems as he himself, this was new territory for him however. When Gin came closer all of a sudden Kosukes heart skipped a beat and he wasn't sure if it was because he liked him a bit too much, or because he was afraid of being caught. He simply nodded, but didn't say anything more, instead he opened the door for Gin and let him out first, then he followed him back the way they came. Gin seemed nervous before himself, but now he appeared to have calmed down, but maybe he just played the act because he read Kosuke like an open book. Apparently he wasn't a good actor and he could only hope that no one else noticed the shift in his demeanor, which rarely happened.

Together they passed the bar area once more, with all the little tables that had dimly lit lamps on them. The room was full of people, like always, the VIP area had a much larger table and more space. There were other floors with loud music and dancefloors, not this one though, this was used for talking, drinking and business. Thus it wasn't so hard to get past this floor and they entered the VIP area soon enough. The floor had been wiped clean meanwhile, no sign of the waitress though. Kosuke returned to his designated spot as if nothing had happened while Gin was free to return to his seat. From here on out everything was up to the readhead, Kosuke could only watch, but kept his gaze on everything else as well. He couldn't help him anyway, so he was better off doing his job and not raising any suspicion.