expiationlogs | ⌚💣; closed — our love's SICK & TWISTED, just how i want.

a special section for ragna and silco to converse with each other. maybe silco text ragna about the date? maybe they bumped into each other while stalking? or maybe they're hiding behind a counter in the restaurant somewhere, with silco purposely giving ekko the wrong order? have one of the waiters to eavesdrop? I DON'T KNOW, MAN! do whatever you two want with this space. have fun, go wild.

[ Their newfound and questionable adoptive family status aside, Ragna is still Silco's employee, and as much as it pains him to admit it he should probably show up when he tells him to. This time, however, the older man has wisely been upfront about the fact this concerns Jinx, which results in Ragna rushing over to the meeting place without any delay or his usual whining. And now here he is, idly drumming his fingers on the table as he wonders if a one-armed man doesn't stand out a bit too much for this operation. ]

When you said "special assignment", I was imagining something involving more killing, y'know?

[ Instead, he's stuck on observation duty of what, even from afar, seems like a sickeningly sweet date between two lovebirds. And while he's happy for Jinx to be experiencing that, there's a teeny tiny part of him that can't help but want to go over there and tear the guy to pieces. It's not jealously per se, but more of a protective instinct that would cause him to shield Noel from Kagura's advances back in his world. The man frowns, turning his attention back to Silco. ]

... Then again, day's still young.

[Jinx had been up-front about the date thing and as much as Silco had tried to kibosh the whole scenario, he had been unsuccessful. He hated that as much as the fact that Jinx and the boy were seeing each other so much. Young love and all that stupid nonsense when Silco knew the boy would simply take what he could and end up leaving again. He preferred to prevent that kind of pain for his daughter.

Why couldn't death be permanent and he could simply make boys who attached themselves to his daughter disappear forever? Maybe if the boy was cut into small enough pieces?

Either way, he had called in reinforcements because if he was going to endure this, he preferred for his newly adopted 'son' to also suffer alongside him. It seemed fair, and to his surprise, Ragna actually showed up without much in the way of the usual bitching and moaning like some put upon petulant child.]

That's why you're here, boy. If he puts his hands or lips or any part of his anatomy upon my daughter, you're going to remove it. I expect the combined bloodloss from such injury will result in death.

[Silco didn't look up from his work, which happened to be a crossword puzzle. Yes, that's right, this situation required him to actually put down real work and invest his attention in mind puzzles instead. And he made it obvious his presence with a direct line of sight to the table where Jinx and the boy were settled. He wanted them to know he was there.]

If you wish for more killing jobs, you know you only have to ask. I have quite the list and even one-armed, you've proven you can be useful now and again.

[ Ragna mutters something that sounds suspiciously close to "Might be a little late for that," but knows better than to let that become the conversation topic. Instead, he simply and nods, taking a sip from his teacup. He watches the older man establishing his dominance in silence for a brief moment, not addressing the threats of violence in any way. He gets it, he really does ─ any self-respecting parental figure (or older sibling, as it were) wants to spare their loved one the pain of disappointment and loss that comes as part of a package with a failed relationship. Jinx has already had enough of that, so Ragna understands Silco's want to keep her safe and sound. The question is, would that really make the girl happy...?

He lets out a small sigh. Some-fucking-how, it seems like the two are able to come to a mutual understanding and agreement only when they're both being utterly miserable and pathetic, which is an alarming thing to think about. ]

Not much point in that, though, is there? They'd just be coming back before you know it. Unless you're trying to get rid of some of the locals to take over their businesses?

[ He responds with what some people might describe as a disturbing lack of care. Ragna likes to think he's not a cold-blooded murder that goes around killing people for shits and giggles, but he also has no qualms about ending lives if he deems necessary ─ so he's not entirely opposed to the idea, but Silco would need to provide him with a convincing reason to do so. Otherwise, he'll stick to being a bodyguard and... stalking, apparently. ]

[Shut up, boy. Silco was well aware of their physical dalliances of the past, but sex was one thing and an actual date where it was public was completely different in his mind. He considered this more of a threat, though that Jinx thought to bring them here did placate him a little in that this was somewhere she considered a safe space. It was complicated; he was complicated, and he was going to make it Ragna's problem too.

Unfortunately, overprotective crime lord father had a type and Silco embodied that completely even as he scratched letters into his puzzle.

He glanced at the pair having a date and then over at Ragna.] Let perhaps don't kill him. No doubt there is a basement we can lock him in to languish and not die in. There are plenty of methods to employ if he steps out of line.

[Ragna's upfront attitude about murder was comforting, putting him at ease when it honestly shouldn't given the man could turn on him at any time. He liked to think they had established a trust with one another, especially in light of recent events which brought them together over cheap booze in the first place.]

Have you spoken to the boy before?

[ Ragna sneers, waving his hand dismissively. He doesn't take the idea too seriously, even if it's probably on the table if the guy does something to hurt Jinx. Otherwise, it would make the girl sad, and he'd rather avoid that, even if it means suffering the idea of his adopted little sister dating some dude. The horror. ]

Yeah, yeah. Gimme a holler whenever you're planning a trip to the good old torture dungeon.

[ He's only half joking here; he would not be surprised if it turned out Silco owned one of those. In fact, he'd be more shocked to find out he didn't have one.

Ragna shrugs his shoulders lightly, indicating a lack of concrete opinion. ]

Once. Seemed like a boring asshole to me, but what do I know?

[ The part he's conveniently omitting is the fact he was the one who antagonized Ekko in the first place, and the guy simply pushed back, but details. Still not a great first impression, even if it earned the guy a tiny gold star for not being a pushover. ]

[Silco made no threat he wasn't willing to carry out, and there was always a basement around these parts that would serve an appropriate torture dungeon. Honestly, it was the sound-proofing which always remained problematic; not in the undercity of course. Some places were so deep and dark that the screams were appreciated. Here, people would become upset; soft-spined idealists.]

And what part would you like to play in such a place, hmm? You hardly seem the shoving sharp sticks under the fingernails type.

[He said that with an almost bored tone as he scribbled another answer on the crossword. Everyone was capable of torture, but it had to be the correct motivation and most didn't have the stomach for the long-game. Fits of rage or something paltry.]

He's a boring little insect, but he has a knack for survival and idealism. Both dangerous qualities. Though, antagonizing him can be briefly entertaining.

[ Ragna makes a face, even if the description isn't nearly as grisly as half of the things he's done in his life. Still, at the very least he's always made his opponents' deaths quick, albeit not entirely painless. ]

Ew, hell naw, that sounds gross. [ Unless the person in question was Terumi, then he'd do so without a second thought. ] Dunno, guess I'd be making sure you don't go overboard?

[ Not because he particularly cares about Ekko's theoretical suffering, but because again, that would make Jinx sad. Plus it would no doubt lead to no small amounts of family drama Ragna might end up getting dragged into, and he's had enough of that for several lifetimes, thank you very much.

The man rolls his only working eye at that description, figuring that might be on point. Especially the idealism part. He has no idea why anyone, least of all Jinx, would see something in that sort of person, but hell, it's not like he's ever had a crush on anyone; maybe it's one of those "love is blind" things people keep going on and on about. Which in turns makes him wonder... ]

... Think there's anyone you'd actually approve of? As her boyfriend, I mean.

[Some lessons could only be learned in pain, not in death. Unfortunately, torture was common enough that it was woven into certain aspects of life, and he carried on that tradition here, albeit he kept his dealing of such a nature very under the table. He'd make an exception for the boy and take the sentencing hit.]

Oh, you're my chaperone against extremism now? Hmpt, as long as you don't try to force me to develop a conscience...

[He was many things, but he did prioritize Jinx over all else as history had unfortunately proven to him. That was why this date was being allowed in the first place because he cared for his daughter, though he did not have to be happy about her choice in boys.

Silco blinked his blue at the question. You know, no one had ever asked him that before, and it forced him to consider. He tapped his pen against the top of his hand as he thought, watching their pair across the room.]

No one I have met, no. Why? Have you thought of a candidate that I can vet?

Wouldn't dream of it.

[ Some would argue Ragna himself is devoid of conscience. He likes to think that isn't true, but it's probably not unfair to say it's a little skewed compared to most people. That's just fine with him, though, and he certainly won't inquire where the Silco's limits lie ─ he already knows they focus around Jinx, and that's good enough for him.

He's a little taken aback by the question he gets regarding the girl's potential partner, shaking his head to dismiss the idea. ]

No, 'course not. Just─ wondering, I guess.

[ He wonders the same thing about himself, in fact; is there anyone he would be willing to acknowledge as a partner for Saya? ... It feels a little childish to admit, but the answer to that is probably a no, too. He has no right to make this kind of decisions for his little sister, of course, but he would do anything to keep her safe. To an extent, the same applies to Jinx, though he feels less entitled to interfere with her life ─ but at the same time, he's here for a reason. Ragna looks over to the girl with a wistful expression on his face, and finally speaks up in a quiet voice. ]

... She's not gonna stay a kid forever. You might not be able to protect her from everything.

[ It's understandable he would try to steer her away from bad decisions to prevent a heartbreak, but there's only so much a parent can do in that department. ]

Good, otherwise I might consider grounding you to your church.

[No, he wouldn't. Ragna was an adult and that was something which he couldn't do, but he was committed to making life very uncomfortable for the other man which might be worse depending on his tactic. Still, it was strange to be spending so much time with this man after writing off their relationship as 'Jinx-in-the-middle' of all interactions. Yet, here they were.

He tapped his pen on the table as he considered. He had thought about it, of course, because he had times on his hands and he was a schemer. He had once thought of Ange, but it didn't seem a right fit the longer he had considered it. Unfortunately, most of the people in these parts were no one he would consider worthy of his daughter.]

There is no one that I can think of. She deserves happiness, but not with any of these idiots. Least of all with that idiot.

[It was far more complicated than that. Silco disapproved out of a protective interest both for Jinx and himself. She was his world, and the idea of losing her to anyone created an anger in him that he couldn't swallow. It was based solely out of his fear of abandonment, and the further Jinx pulled away, the harder he pulled back.]

I'm very aware of how age works, thank you very much. I may not be able to, but I can do everything in my power to protect her for as much of everything as possible. It's my job as her father.

And who's gonna protect your scrawny, old ass then, huh?

[ Of course, Silco has no power to ground him, whether they acknowledge the whole adoption nonsense or not. Besides, for all his evil crime lord energy, Ragna is willing to bet his wrath is nothing compared to the old nun and the cat that raised him.

He doesn't turn his attention away from the pair, watching them with an uncharacteristically wistful expression on his face. ]

... Even if the idiots do make her happy?

[ That's the part Ragna finds himself stuck on. Perhaps what he thinks of as happiness for others no longer matches their own ideas? In his head, his little siblings were always the kids they had been when they'd been torn from his side, but before he even knew it, they grew up into adults, ones he could barely recognize at times. It now feels like the same has happened to Jinx ─ she was taken from them for a while, and returned different enough for them to take notice. And once again, he wasn't around to watch over that growth himself...

The man blinks, realizing he let his thoughts wander a little too far, and turns back to face Silco, a small, smug smile forming on his lips. ]

Duly noted. [ It's his job as an older brother, too, though he'd lie if he said he hasn't failed at that more often than not. ] Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't she the one kicking up a fuss 'cause you got yourself a sweetheart not too long ago? How the turns have tabled.

Oh, do you actually protect me?

[He thought that he was paying Ragna for the reputation and the fact that the younger man had an eight-pack of abs and the ability to blow up buildings. He was certain that if push came to shove again that Ragna would actually make the effort to save his life, but fortunately, Silco kept himself behind a desk more often than not.

Silco finally dragged his attention from his crossword to follow Ragna's gaze to the date night couple. He curled his upper lip, but he would credit that she did look happy regardless of him and Ragna being on the other side of the room overseeing. He disliked how much that idiot boy captured her attention.]

She clearly has terrible taste in men.

[And for once, he might actually be including himself and the man across the table in that assessment. He was aware enough of his own insecurity of her potentially abandoning him in the long term, so perhaps he was a touch on the sullen side as he gazed at the pair. He doubted he ever could look so carefree and happy, not that Jinx didn't deserve everything this world had to offer her.

Yet, he found himself distracted from examining the pair at Ragna confirming to him that Jinx had spoken openly about his own intimate association. It didn't surprise him, but he found the open conversation inappropriate.]

And what do you know about my other associations, hmm?

I seem to recall something like that in fine print.

[ He's being facetious, of course; he's already made himself clear during their little misery loves company evening that he intends to keep the older man alive, and that certainly hasn't changed just because Jinx has come back. If anything, that might have just strengthened his resolve. ]

That we can agree on.

[ And yes, he's willing to include himself in that statement to a degree. Sure, Jinx is no angel either, but the men around her certainly aren't helping. But she seems happy to be around them, and that boy is no exception... so regardless of Ragna's personal opinion (and overprotectiveness), he figures it can't be all bad.

The man shrugs in response to the question, barely keeping himself from rolling his eye. "Other associations," he says. He imagines dating him must be about as exciting as discussing the details of an extended car insurance. He almost feels bad for whoever that is. ]

Not much, just that it's a thing. [ A beat. ] And I don't need to know more, thank you very much.

[ Granted, it's doubtful Silco would be willing to disclose any of it given how secretive he's been about the whole thing even to Jinx, but having been on the receiving end of too much information about other people's relationships from the girl, he feels like he should make his stance on it clear. ]

Funny, I wasn't aware that you could read.

[Silco actually believed that Ragna wasn't one to read fine print on any document presented. No, the guy was ordered around by Jinx and was currently hanging around with him less of their unfortunate 'family' bonding and more because Jinx was involved. Perhaps the younger man was finally succumbing to temptation and wanted to cultivate some dirt on Jinx; she no doubt harassed Ragna all the time.]

Hmmm, look, miracles happen. The fake world brought us together for this exact moment of agreement.

[Sarcasm was thick in his tone as he watched the pair across the way, lips twisted in a resigned distaste for the fact that they did seem to be having a good time. Okay, the boy was clearly aware of him and probably Ragna, though the boy was hardly smart enough - in Silco's mind - to realize the inherent danger of this association.

His mismatched eyes leveled Ragna with a look again, jaw working before he grunted in displeasure. Jinx couldn't help herself and now he had to deal with this.]

It is nothing worth discussing. Everyone forms loose bonds in this place. [Loose bonds being a clear understatement he was unwilling to correct.] Perhaps you should consider the value of such an association. I could provide you time in the brothel.

Hardy har har. As if anything you write is worth reading.

[ Probably not as much of a cutting remark as he wishes it was when he is, in fact, the type of person not to read the fine print. He's a doer, not a thinker! Similarly, the thought of using this to gather some less than favorable intel on Jinx has never even occurred to him ─ all that really matters to him is that she's safe, even if his current methods of ensuring that are... less than ideal. ]

Pass.

[ And, once again, that's all he's got to say to that offer. Who's being inappropriate now? Ragna's not exactly eager to get dragged into the discussion of his own sex life (or lack thereof), so instead he gives the other part of that statement some thought instead. Bonds, huh... He'd like to argue he has no need for nor interest in such things, but given he's out here stalking Jinx out of care and protectiveness towards her... Well, let's just say he might need to try a different angle. ]

... Gotta say, I'm surprised. You're the last person I'd expect to give me a "Power of Friendship" speech. Well, "Power of Love" in this case.

You're not the first person to tell me that, and you won't be last.

[Silco took no offense. He hardly was one to write long-winded manuscripts of his plans or life. He thankfully was long-winded in the verbal word rather than the written one, but he had no doubt that there was nothing of particular interest for most people unless they were looking into him. He had been dictating that interaction for many years.

Oh well, Jinx was open with everyone's sex life; hence why Silco did his very best to keep his on the down low. His daughter couldn't help herself; when she had people close to her, she wore her heart on her sleeve and that involved spilling the gossip about everyone. Besides, discussions of sex life were common practice; there was no need to be ashamed.

And besides, maybe Ragna would be less of... well, that with a good lay or two.]

What are you talking about? Sex isn't love or friendship. It's sex. And it's usually transactional. Unless... [He sat back in his seat and observed Ragna a moment.] Are you the sentimental type?

[ If he asked Ragna's siblings that question, the answer would be a resounding "yes". Jin and Saya (well, Izanami to be specific) absolutely loved to point out how sentimental, naive and emotional their older brother was. The man himself stubbornly disagrees with that assessment, however, and will not reconsider it no matter what evidence is brought up to him. ]

Like hell I am. [ He lets out an annoyed snort, his eyes darting away from the other man, as he's making a poor attempt at not showing his discomfort. ] You're the one who started spewing all that "bonds" shit.

[ Intimacy, emotional and physical alike, equals vulnerability. Vulnerability equals weakness. And that's one thing he could never allow himself. He doesn't need any relationships, no matter how Silco wishes to call them; he just needs to keep fighting, until... until what, exactly? That is the question. It used to be "Until I get my revenge and sort out this Centralfiction shit", and he didn't think much about what to do next since he knew he'd be dead by the end of it. What else is there to fight for...? ]

[Silco was developing a similar impression as Jinx in that Ragna cared far more than the other man actually wanted to let on. After all, they had shared cheap high alcohol drinks together after Jinx's disappearance and here they were now overseeing her first date. Ragna wasn't here for the blackmail opportunity or for the potential for violence.

No. Ragna was here because the younger man cared.]

Your defensiveness gives you away, boy. [He made a point of picking up his paper puzzle and re-folding it pointedly.] Fine. We'll look into finding you someone that you can form an attachment to and make an imprint in some bedding with.

[Silco was of similar opinion regarding vulnerability, which meant he was more than willing to put in effort to make his 'son' miserable with his efforts. Besides, all he had to do was make the suggestion to Jinx and he knew she would take that and run with it.]

And perhaps having someone will provide you with motivation, instead of being a lay-about.

[ Ragna isn't too surprised that Silco was able to see through him ─ he's not a great liar at the best of his days, and at this point he's beginning to think the only person he ever manages to fool is himself. Still, he doesn't dignify his comment with a response at first, instead opting to take another sip of his tea...

Only to almost comically choke on it when the older man continues with his thought. ]

Nobody's asking you for that!!

[ He raises his voice without thinking about it, and if the other duo hasn't noticed them before by some miracle, they definitely will now. Several heads turning in their direction seems to make him remember where they are, and he tries to rein his emotions in. The man clears his throat awkwardly, more than willing to move past that subject. ]

Again with that motivation crap... Do you need everyone to be workaholics like you?

[ There's probably some middle ground to be found between those, but he'd rather whine than entertain the idea. ]

[The corner of his lip tugged faintly in the beginnings of a smirk when Ragna nearly choked. No wonder Jinx had such an attachment to this one; the reactions were worthwhile when it could be pulled out. Case in point.]

Oh, I don't require a request. This is a service I would provide to most employees of mine.

[He wasn't too willing to tread over the ground of them potentially being family. It was too real to say it outright after all. No, for both of their sakes, he would continue to do exactly this. No matter, he expected Ragna had a reason to keep a distance from people. Perhaps it would be divulged eventually.]

I hardly consider 'doing your job' to be a high expectation.

[Silco had never held those who worked under him to carry the same work hours as he did. People here in Aldrip even less so.]

Was that also in the fine print...?

[ At this point, he's not ruling that out. It's pretty obvious Silco enjoys tormenting him with those silly ideas and watch him squirm, and while he's not the first (nor last) to feel that way, Ragna sure isn't happy about it. But... for some reason or another, it's tolerable. Probably because he's being just as much of a jerk to the older man in return. ]

So you say. [ Clearly, "work ethic" is not a part of his dictionary. ] And what is my "job" exactly, aside from looking intimidating?

[ Granted, given his current lack of an arm and an eye he might be failing that at the moment, but when it comes to fighting, he's confident it's not even that big of a handicap against most enemies. Of course, actually protecting the other man also counts as a part of his job, but it's more than that; it's also a promise, which is far more valuable in Ragna's book, so he doesn't bother bringing it up here. ]

Of course it was. No one ever reads the fine print thoroughly.

[No, he was currently engaged in doing this because it bothered Ragna and at this point, they had shared some of the worst liquor there was in this place and that basically made them brothers. Well, there was that whole 'adoption' aspect, which neither of them were currently acknowledging openly despite actively spending more time together.

He looked at Ragna and sighed as if this line of questioning was the last thing he wished to delve into.]

My bodyguard. You're supposed to look out for my well-being. [And tolerate Silco's usual acerbic commentary.] I assume you can still handle that duty?

[ Ragna waves his hand dismissively, more or less confirming that he's exactly the type of person who never reads those. As for his job description... yeah, he's probably never read that one either, but he figured it's something among those lines. So, Vi's and Silco's silly squabble aside (that he wasn't present for, mind you), Ragna would say he's not doing too shabby of a job. But he also supposes bitching about the employees not doing a good enough job comes as a requirement for being a boss. ]

Then that's what I'll do. I've already said as much, no? And I'm not the kinda guy who goes back on his word.

[ Some people might find that hard to believe, given his reputation, but it's true; Ragna is a man of his word, and he takes his promise seriously, even if his usual attitude doesn't exactly reflect that. It's not often that he gets serious, since that's dangerously close to being vulnerable too, but right now he seems to mean what he says. Still, it is a little unusual for him, so he looks away, his gaze landing on Jinx once more. ]

... And I'll find a way to make this world into a place where she can live peacefully.

[ He admits slowly, speaking in a quiet tone. So, yeah. He's got plenty of motivation, thank you very much. ]

[Oh, Silco was aware. Ragna had signed way too fast for someone who had read any manner of fine print. He expected the younger man had read the title, the wage, the hours and where to sign and that was about it. It wouldn't matter here as there was no actual justice system to exploit, no lawyers or trials (felt just like home), but he could make an argument directly to the council and it wasn't learned enough so far to not believe him. Sentencing remained a waste of time, but no matter.

He trusted that people didn't take the system seriously enough to know how to exploit it. Of course, he could try to teach their overseer for his own benefit and he might now that he had established his little empire of dirt. Perhaps that was the best means for control.]

You have, yes. Yet, I've been pushed in the face twice and had my leg mauled once. It seems to me that you need a performance review on that end.

[Well, Silco also didn't operate where he needed Ragna around constantly. There were certain people that he relished winding up after all, and those from his world happened to be a group that inspired a particular nasty side of him. There was no avoiding that kind of danger.]

Will you? It seems that you and I are committed on that fact, but Jinx is not a peaceful individual. She will always find ways to stir things up, as she should.

[ Honestly? He might not have paid much attention even to those; he'd been asked by Jinx to take care of her old man, after all, so whatever Silco scribbled on that whole "contract" shit was secondary at best for him. And while he does have a point saying the performance may not have been stellar, Ragna doesn't think it's all on him, so he purses his lips in a childish pout. ]

As if it's my fault you keep running off on your own. Or do you need me to babysit you 24/7?

[ He doubts Silco would enjoy that, and Ragna has zero interest in participating in his dates with the Mystery Individual™. As such, he figures they both prefer their current arrangement, imperfect though it may be.

The man leans back in his chair, tossing the happy pair another glance. That may have been true for the "old" Jinx, but... it's clear her short (?) trip back home has changed her considerably. Ragna doesn't think it's for the worse, but he does have to wonder if, the way she is now, she'd truly be against the idea of living in peace. He pinches the bridge of his nose thoughtfully, mulling over his words. ]

Well, yeah. Maybe "freely" would be a better word? [ They can probably agree on that. ] No sentencing or any of that crap.

⌚💣; closed — our love's SICK & TWISTED, just how i want.

RAGNA & SILCO.

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