AU; ain't no rest for the wicked

[nooses]

i've got bills to pay, i've got mouths to feed
there ain't nothing in this world for free

STARRING:
THOSE BORN INTO FORTUNE - Shintaro Kisaragi. Shinji Ikari.
THOSE CAST OUT BY FORTUNE - Masumi Seki. Monica Campbell. Guy Cecil.

Comments

[truants]

[It's strange to have the presence of someone beside him. Has it really been that long since he had human company...?

--christ, that makes him sound so pathetic. He guesses he is. That's no news, that's for sure. He has to raise his voice over the engine, but they aren't going too fast yet for the wind to take their breath.]

Do you think it'd be better if we knew the reason behind everything?

[maskmaker]

Knowing why something happened won't undo what happened, but if you know why it happened, it helps you avoid the next time. [She doesn't have to raise her voice so much if she raises her head so her chin's on his shoulder. This way she can talk right at his ear.] Don't you think?

[truants]

[He has to admit. Her presence there is warm and familiar.]

You make human relationships sound like a danger zone. I mean, what the hell, we're pretty dangerous animals in the end.

[maskmaker]

They're dangerous! Dangerous and thrilling -- that's why I like being with Seki, because you have so many chances to hurt me and you don't.

[truants]

[He can't help snorting.]

Yeah? Things aren't so boring with you around. Maybe that's why I keep picking you up like this.

[maskmaker]

You like being seen with a cute blond girl, don't you?

[truants]

What guy wouldn't? Blond chicks are great.

[maskmaker]

Does that mean that if I dyed my hair I'll be less desirable?

[truants]

I guess it'd depend on the color you pick. [please do not pick hot pink]

[maskmaker]

Brunette. Maybe people will think I'm smarter than they think I am.

[truants]

[The scooter at last putts to a stop. Their destination wasn't too far away, and Seki kicks down the breaks.]

Nah, you're a special sort of airhead.

[maskmaker]

[Monica doesn't quite let him go, though. She's wrapping her arms tighter around him to press her body up against his back. That's what you get for calling her stupid.]

I'm not an airhead.

[truants]

[Clingy much?? But Seki isn't pushing her away, even as he rolls his eyes at her answer.]

Accepting yourself is a step towards happiness.

[maskmaker]

Oh I've accepted myself very well. But I'm not an airhead. [She huffs and... doesn't let go.] Hey. Carry me.

[truants]

[This isn't going the way he thought it'd go.]

... why? [A+ comeback there, Seki, you neanderthal.]

[maskmaker]

Because you're taller than me. And I'm holding on to you already. Plus, you're warm. I like it here. [Don't you want to carry a cute girl Seki]

[truants]

[This is actually a very tantalizing offer. Seki wonders how he'd look if he walked into the building right now, carrying a girl.

Probably fly as fuck.]

I don't want to give you a piggyback ride, though. You'll snap me in half.

[maskmaker]

[She peers at him while he contemplates.] I didn't realize Seki was that weak.

[truants]

Nah, it's more like I'm pretty sure Monica is that fat.

[maskmaker]

Fat girls have softer boobs, did you know?

[truants]

No, I wouldn't. I've never felt up a fat girl before.

[maskmaker]

You haven't!? You've yet to explore the world, Seki! Soft girls are amazing!

[Monica has probably not actually felt up other girls.]

[truants]

[That gets a thoughtful hum.]

Soft boobs or no soft boobs, I'm still not giving you a piggyback ride.

[maskmaker]

I guess you're stuck here on your bike, then. [There's a slow, sage shaking of her head behind his shoulder and she rests against him. Honestly if he really moved she'd let go of him easily, though.]

[truants]

[Which is why Seki isn't moving. Because apparently he's a big fucking wuss, more than he likes to admit. In any case, Monica is warm. She's a presence that won't leave.]

I got a job to do. You're keeping me from getting paid.