windfall | what i desire most, what i fear most

Er, yeah… Lots of cool places.

[ His finger taps on the table. Some office romance drama is reflected in Denji's eyes as he stares at the television, but truly, his mind is somewhere else entirely. Filtering through his limited repertoire of places he's been to. However, the more he tries to consult his memory, the more it's like scouring through the shelves of the emptiest library ever. There's the arcade, sure, lots of food stalls and restaurants, the souvenir shop at the station, other dead people's apartments, the movie theater with Makima, uh…

The thing is that even with the autonomy to wander this city, he's been satisfied so far with the novelty of exploring commonplace shops and things that may attract a tourist — which, for all intents and purposes, he still feels like. He's not as familiar with the hidden gems and localities. When he glances back at Angel, he isn't really looking at him, but his halo. ]

You ever been to a church before? Um… We got assigned to take out a Glass Devil there not long ago, and the people runnin' the place were, like, really grateful and invited us to come back, but I haven't gone or anything. I dunno about that stuff. It seems kinda boring.

[ But he overheard the folks talking about this thing called "holy water," though, and he's kinda curious enough about finding some way to taste test it, see if it's like a special type of soda, that he'd be willing to go back. ]

But your whole thing is…

[ Wrapped up, ribboned, and tied into religion. So maybe Angel'd like it??? ]

If you don't wanna go there, I think we should go to a movie theater instead. I went on a date to one once, and it basically changed my life.

[A church...? Angel looks vaguely unhappy with that suggestion.]

People who go to places like that always act weird around me.

[Sometimes they kneel down and pray near him, and other times they ask him to bless something for him. Even worse, sometimes they try and touch him. It's not his favorite kind of interaction with humans.]

They'll probably try and recruit you. That's usually what they're interested in. But you wouldn't do well in a place like that.

[A movie, however, is what kind of piques his interest. He's seen movies, but never been to a theater. He's not sure if he'd be allowed, honestly, but it'd be worth a try. The stuff about going to one as a date and that changing his life soars mostly over his head, though, and Angel nods in agreement to the proposed idea.]

A movie. That'd be good.

[Aki, watching from the other side of the counter as he finishes putting toast on Denji's plate, can't help but silently think someone with a constant light bulb over his head wouldn't be appreciated in a theater.]

[ Angel offers that brief insight into what hanging out with a congregation would be like, and Denji's expression dims straight away. They did sorta have crazy eyes while looking at him, the type of strange fanaticism that only makes itself known when you come face-to-face with something you want so badly to be divine, to mean something; he's glad there aren't any weirdos like that a part of Public Safety.

And just as quickly as his mood had shifted, it shifts again to anticipation at Angel's acceptance. ]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, these theaters have got huge movie posters, popcorn, candy, cushy seats — you'll love it! After that, we can probably sneak into one or two other movies before they catch on, and after-after that, we can go hang out somewhere else! Like a themed cafe… Or like a bowling alley. Or a karaoke place!

[ Alright, he's just naming places he hasn't been to yet now, and has been waiting for the opportunity to drag someone with him. Besides, why not make an occasion out the outing? If Angel's request is really just to hang out and see Tokyo… ]

[The info that there's food at movie theaters is kind of new to him - he knew there was popcorn, of course, but candy? That sounds good. He, himself, has never once been able to be sneaky, considering the searchlight on his head, but he doesn't deter Denji from any of his ideas about doing so, nor his ideas to go to a cafe, a bowling alley, or a karaoke joint. It sounds like a lot in one night, is the thing, but as Aki sets down their breakfast at the table (along with three jars of different jam for Denji's toast) he says, "Just go on the weekend, if you're going to make such a big plan out of it. But go through the proper avenues this time. Don't break him out or whatever."]

The weekend... [He's been out on the weekend a few times, but it's mostly been for work.] I guess I can do that. They won't care if I'm with him?

["You get a lot of leeway, apparently," Aki answers, handing over Angel's breakfast next before finally sitting down with his own. "Since no one thinks you'd go that far." Angel nods at this in agreement. Where, exactly, would he even go?]

[ Though the unorganized jumble of places to go obviously indicates otherwise, Denji would argue that it isn't that big of a plan if you bend a few rules, have Angel move faster than a starfish for once. Better yet, he could use his wings to fly them from place to place. Except that would mean he would have to carry Denji. He may have put on a little more weight since rooming joining the bureau, but he doesn't think he's that heavy.

Oh well, there's food in front of them, plus an actual avenue in which they can realize the stuff they want to do. Slathering the assortment of jams together onto one slice of toast, Denji's far too famished to make things hard or look surprised that it's Aki who's cleared the runway for them. That Aki would take two devil variables and be okay with letting them add together... Maybe miracles can happen. He's not going look a gift horse in the mouth. ]

Is there even more special paperwork to do if ya wanna go far? [ he asks through his open-mouthed chewing. He still thinks the city has nearly everything to offer, even if he can't look up and see the sky as widely as he used to. But this request — it's Angel's to be selfish with. Last night, the countryside seemed like a place he'd like. ]

[Wants to go far...? Aki frowns, truthfully unaware if that's the case. He never works outside the city, after all, and decides to simpy say, "He can't leave the city proper." Kind of a white lie, but in any case, he isn't fond of the idea of them going further than the confines of Tokyo, itself. Angel watches as Denji creates his toast, vague interest in his expression, but he ends up eating his meal plain. "After the stunt you pulled not that long ago, I don't think anyone wants to give you leeway to go too far, either. And not with a devil."]

[Not that Angel is liable to kill him or try and use his body to trade for a pet of some kind, but still. Denji doesn't make the best decisions when it comes to this sort of thing, so it's good he seems to have bitten the halo of a very un-problematic devil in this case. Kind of like he's re-proving that he can handle himself - though this is like assigning him to petsit a turtle. How much trouble can they get into?]

I don't like traveling. I didn't like being on a plane. [It was weird, not being attached to the ground.] Trains are weird, too. But cars are okay. [He pauses, thinking as he presses his thumb through the center of his toast.] But I hate walking the most of all.

[ Forgetting that Angel hates being in close quarters with him, he tilts his nose up, challengingly: ] I'm not going to carry you on my back everywhere we go, dude… At the very least, you're gonna have to step on the train. Cab fees add up. Aki's not made outta moolah!

[ …Implying that he's semi-hoping his handler will be giving them both extra allowance for the extended excursion. Please and thank ya!

At any rate, the same way Angel watched him, Denji pauses in his eating, a very rare thing indeed, to stare at the devil poke holes into his toast. Like, is this some devil eating ritual? Fascinated in a dumbfounded way and probably silently hoping that, by some way of luck, he's willing to give Denji whatever he doesn't want to eat, he smears much of the jam on his toast against the corner of his mouth. Completely missing his target.

Ah… He dabs at his mouth with the corner of another slice of toast, then bites into it. But in place of the dollop of mixed jams are now crumbs sticking to his face. Which is fine, he'll just save those to eat later. Like how squirrels stash away nuts and things inside their cheeks. Something like that. Anyway. ]

Hey, are you eating that?

[ Yeah, he's just going to ask for it now. ]

The train, huh...

[He really doesn't like the trains. They feel weird to stand on. The floor not moving while the world outside does... Angel continues tearing up his toast and surreptitiusly sticking some of the bits in his mouth as Aki tells Denji, "You have your own money, you can pay your own fare."]

[He looks up when Denji asks after his food, looking down at it. It's true he hasn't wolfed it down like he apparently did, half of it still on his face, but he still slowly nods his head, pressing another bite into his mouth with the edge of his thumb.]

I'm eating it.

["Just go get more, yourself, if you're still hungry," Aki tells him. Angel has never left food on his plate before even if it takes him an hour to eat. Asking for his food is pointless - he'd never give it up. When Aki tells Denji that, however, Angel does look up.]

Can you get me more, too? [And Aki quickly says, "What you have is plenty." Because Angel will eat their pantry dry if given the okay. He clicks his tongue, going back to slowly eating the breakfast still in front of him, muttering,] Cheapskate.

Bleeeh, fine.

[ Denji used to penny pinch toast, too, when he lived in a shed the size of a broom closet, but what's Aki's excuse, huh? A loaf isn't that expensive, not in the same way a cab fare can be…

That's why when he's warming up a few slices at their toaster, he makes two extra to shove into his pockets. There's still enough for Power to chomp on whenever she's done committing war crimes in the bathroom… Or whatever it is she's doing. Denji marches back over to the table, his plate replenished. Instead of swiping more jam across his breakfast, Denji tosses a casual glance Aki's way to make sure he isn't looking, then stretches out a leg to nudge at Angel — he's expecting him to jerk back in annoyance, perhaps glare his way and tell him to go kick rocks, so he makes a pointing motion for under the table. Where he's taken out the two extra slices of toast for Angel.

Man, he's too good at this being sneaky thing. ]

[Aki is focused on the TV now, watching the weather report like it's a drama or something. It means Angel, dusting his hands off over his emptied plate (When did it empty? He definitely had a good portion left when Denji got up), looks up briefly in vague annoyance when nudged, follows the point, and reaches beneath the table to take the two slices. Here he was wondering how he was going to convince Aki to get him dinner tonight, and he's already supplied with more human food. This apartment isn't so bad.]

This... would be good with blood. [He chomps into the center of it after mumbling that and, like summoned by the word, Power is there demanding her food (it's literally on the table) and did she hear they were serving blood? (Aki tells her they certainly aren't) before she looks at Angel pointedly. Asks if he brought an offering to the household. He looks down at himself briefly, still dressed in her socks and her pants, then shakes his head.]

Next time. [Power doesn't seem pleased with this pseudo-promise but begins eatin despite it. Aki finally turns his head and, upon seeing toast still on Angel's plate... does nothing, because he doesn't clock it as unusual. Because he takes forever to eat. With the bathroom free, he gets to his feet to use the bathroom now that it's open, calling over his shoulder, "Don't leave without me today."]

[Angel turns to look at the TV, now a lady news anchor discussing something political that he isn't that interested in. Taxes and stuff, he bets. Leaning over, he sees the remote near Denji and reaches out to try and grab it. He never watches this thing - surely there must be something more interesting on.]

[ He'd been watching Angel at first, curious to see if he'd actually take the peace offering, but as soon as the new broadcast popped on, his eyes became glued to the screen. Probably not for the same reasons Aki's were. ]

Hands off. It's still my turn.

[ Denji's response is automatic. He snipes the remote from right under Angel's fingertips, holding it high above his head — it's what he's used to doing after squabbling so many times with Power over who has custody over TV viewing time. Honestly, they're lucky Power's still shoveling breakfast into her mouth, otherwise, she would probably join in on tussling for the remote, just to feel included.

Briefly, his eyes flick to Angel. Actually… ]

…What would you even wanna watch? [ They're going to the theater together, but Denji doesn't really have a particular genre in mind — there are genres he enjoys more than others, yeah, but he's usually okay with giving most movies a try. He doesn't care so much about choosing something Angel would enjoy, but it'd suck if the dude fell asleep during it. That'd be paying for his ticket for nothing! So something that'll keep his focus for a few hours would be good, at least. ]

[What does that mean, turn...? He actually wants to watch a news report? Angel turns his head back around to look at the screen, to try and see what it is Denji is interested in. The lady on the screen is discussing something about the diet moving forward with an economic reform that changes tax laws regarding government purchases... Huh? He turns back around when asked what he wants to watch instead, and for a moment he's honestly starting to worry that this is what all televised media is like. Is this what movies are like, too? He had assumed not, but Denji actually seems like he's watching this.]

I don't know... But this isn't interesting at all.

[He folds over his last piece of toast, the bread crinkling before he lifts it and pushes the whole thing into his mouth at once. Chews in thought, then swallows before he answers.]

What kinds of movies are there to go see?

[ Denji's pulling up movie posters to answer Angel's question when, out of nowhere, a glint enters his eye — ]

It is interesting, though! Just look, look there —

[ And the hand that'd confiscated the remote wildly points out at the screen, but all that happens on the program is that the woman turns to her co-anchor, a light bounce to her coiffed curls, to comment that while public sentiment has been generally positive toward the reform, corporate lobbyists are in a stir, citing that increased taxation on government expenditures will hurt the nation's commercial growth.

Denji turns to him, grinning wide. ]

You saw that, right?

[ …Anyway, as for movies… ]

Hey, see, she's doing it again!

[ The movies… ]

Yeah. The news is really the best.

[ On the bright side, Denji's phone is open and right there, revealing everything looking up before on the table for Angel to peek at, if he wants. There are three movie posters for him to cycle through. Denji won't even notice. ]

[Angel looks each time Denji points to the screen with so much elation, but every time he assumes he missed it or isn't looking at the right thing. Eventually he gives up, letting Denji ogle the screen while he stares down at the smaller one on the table. He hears the bathroom door open as Aki comes out, crossing the room to his bedroom, and when he comes out with his shirt half-buttoned Angel waves him over. He motions to the phone.]

I don't want to pick. You pick for me, human.

[Aki looks down at it, flicks through the choices. He's kind of used to making decisions for Angel for things he doesn't actually seem to care about. Thinking is too much effort for a dumbass devil, he always figured. After a brief examination of the titles, he says, "I heard that drama movie is depressing, so you should see the kaiju one." (Truthfully, he thinks Angel won't enjoy any of them, but a depressing movie will make Angel a pain in the ass and Denji will probably like the kaiju one. ...And he doesn't even know what the cartoon one is.)]

Okay. That one. [And he pushes the phone back over to Denji. Easy peasy.]

Aah? [ Denji grunts back at him, finally turning to address their weekend plans, but only once the news segment has moved on to a man reporting live from a recent devil attack. Yawn fest. ] Oh. [ He slides over, face tilted to see which one Angel — well, Aki — decided upon. The monster one will be fun, lots of explosions and decimated buildings, for sure, but he's a little disappointed they didn't wind up going with the movie with the two dudes in suspenders. The tiny mushroom head looked really cute. ] Okay, lemme reserve the tickets.

[ The only seats left are at the very front, closest to the screen, but it's probably fine. It'll be immersive, and with their seats reclined, just as good as sitting on the upper levels. He's about to proceed to payment… But he glances up, then quickly yanks his gaze back down. Very indiscreetly. ]

Uh, you sure you don't wanna invite anyone else?

[Angel wonders, for a second, who he would invite - if this is Denji's way of asking to bring Aki or Power or... or who. Beam? He isn't sure. However, before he can answer, Aki clicks his tongue, his eyes on the news while he finishes buttoning his shirt.]

You two, go and get dressed. [Said to Power and Denji.] It looks like there was activity in Shinjuku. We should get to the bureau early, in case they need us down there.

[And so Aki starts herding the two of them like cattle, shooing them to go get dressed and finish washing up. Angel only has his clothes from the night before, so he changes into those and dumps the ones he was lent in a pile on the floor while watching the same news anchor who Denji seemed fond of, like he's still trying to figure it out. Aki is fine with this since he's out of the way and quickly washes the dishes while reminding Power to get her tie and Denji to button his shirt properly, matching the buttons to the right holes, no not like that, do it again, start from the top. Once everyone is finally out the door, herded outside and down the street toward the train, he nudges Denji briefly, not really whispering so much as speaking quietly so Angel doesn't pay attention to it.]

I'll give you money for concessions this weekend, but you have to be careful with him. You need to make sure other people don't bother him, or try and approach him. People don't always think of him as a devil. Understood?

[ Denji's not looking where he's walking as Aki, like a shepherd dog making sure all his sheep are in single file, ushers them along. Still finagling with these stupid buttons, one of them clearly hanging by a literal thread, loose enough it might just fall out throughout the day. So when he feels a bump from him, he looks somewhat startled by it, turning his keen, yet questioning, gaze toward Aki as he listens to him.

Fleetingly, his thoughts go back to what Angel said before about the way church worshippers frolic to him. "People who go to places like that always act weird around me." Are there really that many weirdos walking about that Aki has to give him a heads up? The most he's seen them do is hand stuff out and give speeches on the street. ]

What're you, his mommy? [ Denji's own retort prompts a scoff out of him, his interest very quickly waning, returning to his shirt buttons. ] …It's because they think of him as some weird sign from up above, yeah? I don't see it when all the guy does is peck holes into his bread like he's never had any before — and he can't even pick his own movie to watch! But whatever. Don't worry, I'll get rid of any moths zippin' around.

[ Pop goes that last button into the hole… and right out into his hands, where it immediately falls out to. Ugh, he closes his fist around the button and shoves it into a pocket. Aki will just have to live with his lack of professionalism today. He begins picking up his pace to catch up to Power, who's taken to boasting about how many devils she'll slay by the end of the day to Angel. ]

If you've got anything else I should know, save it for the fridge or somethin'. I'll look at it later.

[ He says this, knowing he'll probably forget to read it. It's not like he'll even understand most of it, anyway. He's still learning basic kanji, as is. ]

Edited 2024-01-17 23:05 (UTC)

[Denji brushes him off like he's not saying anything of substance. Aki's brow goes tight and, before he can get too far away, he reaches out and grabs him by the shoulder, halting him from getting too far.]

I'm dead serious, Denji.

[Briefly his eyes flit to Angel and Power, Angel who has briefly looked over his shoulder at the tense motion, Power who didn't even notice it. He's so annoyingly observant.]

...Look. [His voice still low, he lets go of him before he can complain.] He's one of the most dangerous devils in the bureau. The only reason he isn't chained up in a cell is because he does those things. Pokes holes in bread and can't pick out a movie. But he can kill a human faster than anyone else. [And before Denji can make a snarky remark, he adds,] You included.

[Even if the idea that his touch may not work on a functional immortal like Denji, he still has a gigantic arsenal to finish the job with.]

At the end of the day, your job is protecting people, not killing devils. You get that?

[ That Aki's handing his buddy's leash off to someone else is probably supposed to be a show of trust, but that he can't seem to release his grip without telling him under no uncertain terms that he can do this or that is just as much a show of his distrust. He stares hard at the hand holding him back from joining the others, heavy, suffocating, warm. Aki never touches him unless he means it — so, even though he could force him off and keep going, Denji simply opts for crossing his arms. ]

I could kill him way before he even reaches for someone, or me. Lickity splat, man. Dead and done.

[ He huffs, as if he hasn't died countless times before to lesser accidents, devils who manage to pierce straight through a vital artery just because Denji slipped on a puddle or something. It's not outside the realm of possibility that Angel could get him, too, but he can't seem to think of how else to reassure Aki, despite the fact that a plain, "yes, sir," would do.

He looks away, gaze chasing after the still walking figures of the rest of their group. ]

…Geez. If you're so worried, just come with us, then.

[Aki seriously doubts it, at this point. Denji still underestimates people - and considering he thinks Angel is no big deal to him, he thinks he would definitely fail to expect what he would bring in a fight. But he doesn't say that, instead only offering him a, "Sure you would" roll of the eyes. And joining them...]

I'm trying to give you a chance to show you've grown up a little, here. Since your first outing with a devil. [You know, the one where Aki had to save his sorry ass from a leech devil.] I don't -

[But over his shoulder, Angel calls out: "I don't want to go with him." Aki looks at him, but he's facing forward again, not looking in their direction. Just how much of that was he able to hear...? Devils are awful.]

...And I don't want to go with you two. [A win win, apparently.]

[ …Is it normal for birds to hear so well?

Denji twitches at the call, eyes turning to look ahead at the same time Aki does. And when they settle back into their conversation, he's right in step with him, unruffled by the extra input from Angel. ]

Whatever, it was just an idea. I don't care what you do.

[ Mouth pursing, his gaze drops a level, his expression a kind of cross between a scowl and a pout. He notices that he forgot to roll his sleeve cuffs up, so he starts fussing with that as he goes on to say: ] I'll show him a good time. He'll see a badass monster eat tons of people and dirt and things, have some candy, watch me rock at karaoke, and then… I dunno, maybe we'll do something else. Or maybe we'll stop by the apartment before he's gotta head back.

[ A beat. ]

And, fine, I'll pay for the stupid cab rides to keep him far away from folks. [ Since it'd be easy for the train car to rock a certain way and, whoops, there he goes bumping into someone. ] You can relax.

[Aki starts to tell him Angel does just fine on trains, that he's more than capable of keeping away from people and they've ridden the express line during rush hour a couple times without issue... But also, it's probably better not to risk it. Better to keep him on the straight and narrow.]

[He lets him off after that, just with a note to hold onto his button so he can sew it back on tonight. If his shirt survives the day, anyway. Once they're at the bureau and Aki is looking over incoming reports to see if help is needed in Shibuya, he's interrupted by the dangerously sweet sound of the boss calling him, looking into the office with that usual unreadable smile on her face before asking Aki if she can talk to him privately for a minute.]

[God, he's so fucked. He takes in a brief but steadying breath before following her out, the pleasure of talking to her mixing in a slurry with the dread of the anticipated dressing down over what Denji and Angel pulled.]

[Not that any of that filters down to them. The week goes by normally enough. He doesn't scold either of them and Makima doesn't talk to either of them about what happened either. It's not that it's been brushed under the rug, just... handled. He already made them both feel bad about it (he guesses) and redirected their problem-causing to a sanctioned hang-out session on the weekend, which is sent through the proper channels and approved easily. Mostly because it's Angel and mostly because Aki is the one putting his seal on it. So, by the time Saturday arrives, Angel is sitting in the garden out front, watching clouds roll across the sky. Still in uniform. He doesn't own any other clothes.]

[Truthfully, he's not that excited. He doesn't want to do something he knows he's not going to enjoy. Denji is probably going to end up being too touchy and close to him and some random human is going to end up freaking out and it's just going to be a mess of a day.]

[But Makima said something about popcorn. That he'll probably like it with butter, so he should make sure to order it like that. For some reason he's thinking about that.]

[ A good, normal week for Denji is usually one he doesn't remember much of by the end. That is, if he's done a well enough job of tilling the city, seeding the cracks in the streets and sidewalks with devil viscera. Just hot metal streaking out, plummeting, wherever Makima points her finger to.

It is what it is — a living, first and foremost, but his memory can be kinda crap because of it. Hard to keep track of things when so much is always happening simultaneously. It actually took Aki reminding him the night before, as well as the morning of (five minutes after Denji snoozed his alarm) to build out time to get ready, to have breakfast, to pack his things. He's so annoying. But without him, he'd probably be even further behind schedule than he already is.

Denji begs the driver to wait on standby before booking it into the courtyard. Given his extra attachments, sighting Angel is easy and fast; he hollers out to him at about halfway into reaching him: ] Heeey! [ He probably doesn't need to go the whole distance, the call really all he needs to beckon him, but Denji still draws nearer to him, his face blocking out his view of the sky. ]

What're you lookin' at? Let's go! We're gonna miss the previews.

[The sudden loud shout irks him just a bit, like a pinch to the side. Angel lowers his head to watch Denji approach, not bothering to get up until he's actually over there. The longer he can stay sitting, the better.]

Previews? [What, for other movies? He's never been to a movie, but he remembers hearing humans talk about seeing advertisements for other movies before them. Discussing which ones they want to see.] It's not like I'm going to see any of them.

[But he does get up, stretching his arms up high before dropping them with a sigh.] Okay, let's get it over with...

[Like he wasn't the one who literally requested this.]

Yeah, but that's the fun part… [ Denji keeps up with him, pointing at the cab to steer their direction. Not like Angel's moving that fast. ] Even if you don't see any of them, you can decide how bad or good it looks from the couple seconds they give ya! And, like, be all judgy.

[ Man, this guy's drought of energy is really killing his own enthusiasm…

Though they spent an entire night together, half of which was with an actual purpose in mind, the other half with another person in their company. How the hell are they going to manage a whole day migrating from point to point? They're going to wind up speeding through their itinerary if he doesn't approach anything with curiosity! Honestly.

He yanks the car door open, sliding to the far side of the backseat before Angel. Once he's in, he can see the driver blink into the rearview mirror, not expecting his second passenger to be, well, a devil. And so obviously one at that. He starts to protest, but Denji pats the back of the driver's headrest, perhaps more forceful than what's respectful. ]

Hey, big guy, couldja speed up? We've got a tight schedule here — right?

[ He steals a glance at Angel, clearly trying to garner his assist, not unlike when he was trying to pose as Aki. ]

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