caughtinanetwork | 003. voice; Letting my armor fall again

[ He doesn't appear with the usual flourish. If anything, the only thing that would tip anyone of his presence would be the fact that there was a slight flash of light coming from the door of the closet in Night's room before it swings open and this particular demon storms in in quite a huff. ]

Night! Night, did you see what those two did to the ocean? They've blessed the entire--

[ But then Mephisto stops when he realizes he's addressing an empty room. But there's something amiss. The bed looks as if it's never been slept in. If the cat had snuck out of the Villa and into his own bed, he would have known. His sword and coat are gone. There's a half-finished can of beer by the bedside. ]

...Night...?

[ For a split second, he realizes this is what disappointment -- true and honest disappointment -- feels like. But of course, he's not about to be caught with his guard down. Out comes the SFC and there's a quick broadcast done on the network. ]

[ There's a moment of pause as he clears his throat. ]

For those who are unaware, Night is no longer here in the city.

[ And almost casually, offhandedly. ]

I'd supposed those who knew him would like to know.

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[We're going to say this is after Shiro got Rin home and took care of his injuries. After he had time to browse the network and make sure nobody died horribly, he watches Mephisto's post.

For a moment, he almost feels bad for Mephisto. Almost. He knows Mephisto better than pretty much any human, so he's good at reading his poker faces. He can tell Mephisto is upset, even if he covers it up.

But it's hard to feel bad for a jerkass demon, so he's going to have to try at it.]

I didn't know you cared about him.

[Rin has been home for a bit, thanks to Kid's demands and the requests of several others that he get his ass back there and rest, so he's just laying on his bed now that he's all bandaged up, flipping through the SFC. That's how he comes across this, rather than seeing the light or hearing Meph.

But as soon as he does, he shoots up out of bed and darts out of his room, stumbling to a halt at the doorway of Night's room, just... staring at it.

After maybe a minute of this (because it really takes him that long to get past the 'no he can't be...') the fingers on his left hand twitch, curl in to a fist and slam hard in to the wall next to the door frame.]

Cared?

[ Have a laugh for that. But he supposes, in a way, between the beers and the ramen and the awkward flirting... and the fact that thanks to a curse, his butt was stuck to Night's hand for a day... he did kind of care.

In a way that only demons care. ]

Shiro, please. What sort of sentimental fool do you take me for?

That's the thing: you're not sentimental. Which is why it's weird that you're showing so much emotion for one person.

[Yeeep, he can read you like an open book. There's no point in hiding it, Mephisto.]

[ You'll find the dog on his bed, Rin. ]

I had a feeling it was only a matter of time.

[ If he means Night leaving or Rin coming to see for himself, he's not saying. ]

[ He taught you well, Shiro. Maybe too well. ]

Nothing more than feelings of regret that there won't be anyone to entertain me while you're off doing what the city calls you to.

[ Because really. It was fun while it lasted. ]

And that my maid cafe now finds itself one bouncer less.

If you're that bored, then I could find some time to spare for you today.

[Translation: don't get lost in your lonliness, you dumb demon.]

[Rin could normally keep up his anger enough to snap at Mephisto, or go in to some stupid pointless rant that in the end will mean nothing except a lot of words, but after what happened he's too damn tired to bother with it. They weren't kidding - he really should be resting. Most injuries were gone within a few hours, but holy water was effective for a reason and he's not going to recover as quickly as he usually does.

He sighs and drops his arm against the wall, and his forehead against it.]

I should be used to it by now...

[What a strange post. Grell looked around in wonder before looking back to her communicator.]

Hmm? But is not the night already upon us?

My, now what did I do to earn your attention all of a sudden...?

[ Smirking back. Cut him some slack, Shiro. He's been here half a year longer than you. It was boring. Night was trollbait. ]

But if you must... then who am I to say no?

[ There's a dog silently judging you for falling into the holy ocean. Really. Elevator eyes from a dog. How does that make you feel? ]

Are bonds really so transient in this city? Here one minute, gone the next...

You looked like one of those lost puppies in the rain. It's too pathetic to ignore.

[No slack will be cut for trolldemons. You better have some booze ready for him by the time he gets to your place, Mephisto.]

[ Don't mind the raised brow, Grell. ]

He most certainly was, but as they say... good men come and go.

I didn't know you found the pained look attractive. Perhaps I should do it more often.

[ That smirk never leaves. ]

Now then, shall I wait for you here or would you rather I came out to play, hm?

...so you're speaking of a person. [Did not know that.]

Well, you know, exorcists like to be in power over demons.

[Whoops that sure is a joke about power plays.]

You're at your place, right?

A minion, if you want to be specific.

[ There is small smirk from that. ]

He will be missed... but alas, such is the way of Vatheon.

[ Shiro pls. Not over the network where everyone can hear! ]

Must you speak so scandalously over the network...? What would the children think?

[ Tapping his parasol on the wall. ]

I haven't left Night's room. But you know how simple this makes travel.

[ Dangling the Infinity Key. ]

Ah~? A man of authority [She hums in amusement.] I always find the good ones~!

I'm assuming you have more on hand?

[Yeah yeah judge away. They weren't expecting Shiro to be that awesome, okay?]

You've been here that long and you haven't figured it out yet?

[He could be judging you right back for that, Meph. But, again, too damn tired.

He pushes off the wall and shuffles in to the room, dropping on to the bed.]

I've lost count of how many friends I've had come and go. Sometimes they come back... but they don't always remember.

I don't think Night's room is the best place for some drinks and a friendly chat.

[Pro-tip: Shiro is currently in his room, and things from his room can be seen in the background. Including a closet door.

There is always the troll option.]

[ And the troll option is always a good one. For a split second, the feed cuts and there's suddenly a hand on Shiro's shoulder. ]

Oddly, I would have told you otherwise were he still about.

And may I ask just what you mean by find, hm...?

[ Legs crossing as he settles down. Already, this conversation is pleasantly distracting. ]

I'm never without those I need... however, I doubt you'd be one to willingly join their ranks?

[ Rin, pls. He doesn't do friends. Shiro was an exception. ]

Your brother was quite the living example.

[ He settles down too, though: paws stretched out and on his belly. ]

It seems your little swim did quite a number on you.

[You're the reason no one trusts him back home. His own friends being the exception, of course. At least Rin tries to act normal.

The comment regarding Yukio just gets a dull nod, but directing attention to his bandaged arm gets him to lift his hand up, fingers moving around carefully.]

Yeah, well... we thought we were far enough away. And I was actually doin' pretty good in our spar before I fell.

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003. voice; Letting my armor fall again

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