thenearshore | [Open]

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Who: Shin and Open
When: December 8th - 10th (bass shopping) or 24th (Other things)
Where: All over
What: A bit of a catch all for things Shin's doing his first weeks here

I. Bass Instincts Ahahaha see, I said the username, that's kinda like saying the title right?
Adrien had told him to get himself a bass, along with some clothes. He was given full reign on it, much to his shock. That didn't mean that he wasn't going to be conservative... with the clothes. The bass he seems determined to find the perfect instrument. He'd gotten three days worth of clothes on the first day, then went to the nearest music shop and tried every bass in the place. He'd then gone to the next nearest one, trying everything there as well. He left most of the people he'd talked with confused, as he couldn't tell them what kind of music he planned to play, or what kind of feel he liked best, or what string type he liked most. The first person he couldn't even tell if he prefered strumming with his thumb or a pick. Yet every time he played well enough that it left the attendant shocked. And then he handed the bass back each time, feeling like it wasn't right.

He didn't quite connect the glares he was getting with him lighting up his cigarette in the store. Sure, a lot of people seemed to be willing to forgive it when they heard him playing, though there seemed a few even more pissed at him over it. Sure, it's not technically illegal in Tokyo to smoke in stores, but public opinion has shifted since he had developed his habit of smoking where ever he felt like. At least he carries around a disposable pouch for his cigarette butts so he's not littering too much. He found himself still lighting up as he starts to realize what the glares are for, the irritation of not being able to find something that felt quite right starting to get to him.

II. I got Twenty Dollas in my Pocket
Shin finally finds a bass, and so he spends the next several days looking through thrift shops, finding for himself new clothes. He is pretty consistently drawn to the designer suits hidden in the back of some of these places, usually with all kinds of holes that made them unwearable to their previous owner, but gave Shin a ton of possibilities. Between his obvious leaning in style once he started picking out clothes and Marinette at least being able to teach him how to mend, he was thrilled to be getting all kinds of clothes second hand. It might be difficult to find him under the pile of band shirts while he looks through countless old shoes for things that might fit him in the back of a overstuffed store. His favourites all tend to share major design elements with 90's era Vivienne Westwood. He likes a touch of leather fringes, platform shoes, and upholstery type fabrics mixed in with his plaid pants with hanging belts and band tees. It's not long before he's picking out all the icons of early 2000's punk fashion.

IIIa. Hello from the Other Side
It didn't matter that Adrien insited that Shin shouldn't feel like he needed to pay anything back. Shin knew he'd want to be able to have his own money to spend without worrying about bothering Adrien for it. He didn't want to make things hard on Adrien, having already noticed his own expensive tastes. Not to mention, he couldn't secretly get Adrien his own bass for Christmas with Adrien's money. That just wouldn't feel right.

He'd gone out searching for jobs, and after passing over a lot of other options, he'd stayed out later than he had before, trying to get jobs in bars. Most bars thought that he wasn't old enough looking to work there and didn't want trouble. He worked his way deeper into the city, and before he knew it he was surrounded by some things he was pretty sure would make his god blush, but he felt drawn to. Expensive clothes, expensive drinks, big lights. It took almost no time for him to decide to start asking some of the men if they knew anywhere that was hiring. A few of the men he'd asked laughed, called him too little, or didn't seem to notice him at all, which he suspected was going to be the biggest issue of all.

Finally he found a group that were willing to humor him. They told him that if he, said with some words about his baby face, could get a girl's number that night, then he would be able to work at their place. It doesn't take him that long to realize that they didn't really notice him since he's dead. He decides to stop his first approach and instead waited to find a certain kind of person. He looked around for girls that looked overwhelmed by the lights and pretty people. Sure, it might be kind of like taking advantage of someone, but it was just a number. The moment the right kind of girl hesitated nearby against a building, Shin lands on his hand in front of her, slamming his palm against the wall. It would be hard to miss that sound, even if he was otherwise easy to miss. But he wasn't putting on some cheesy tough line, he's instead asking with a surprising gentleness, "Is everything alright, miss?"

IIIb. This is Fine
It works at least once during the night, though it's possible they egg him on to get another number. By the end of the night, though, he's agreed to work at the host club and set up his first working days. It was nice to see that he'd have a pretty flexible schedule, mostly working when he decided to come in. Of course, it would be having regulars that brought in the best cash. It was an easy swing to get into, and one he enjoyed. He mostly did daytime and early evening dates so he'd not worry Adrien too much with nights out, but he knew that was where the real cash was, and it was bothering him to be missing out on it.

But he was worried that Adrien would judge, so he hadn't actually told basically anyone from the Far Shore, at least anyone that hadn't gotten caught up in his trying to get a number, that he'd gotten this job yet. Not when Adrien gave off this rather disgustingly obvious vibe of overly sheltered rich boy. It wasn't that Shin held it against him, but he didn't need to remember anything about his life to know that Adrien's type did not really get involved in this kind of business unless they were the ones paying for the date. Needless to say, if he recognizes anyone as being from the far shore, while he's entering, leaving, or taking a cigarette break outside of the club, he'll be trying to blend in with the surroundings as best as he can.

He's definitely not hiding, he's just trying to make things run smoother.

IV. Riverside Music
Shin usually practiced bass in one of the studios he had access to, either in Adrien's mansion or with Yui at Mirei's place, but sometimes it is nice to actually get some sun. He found that one of the bridges over the river in the Far shore actually gave pretty great acoustics, so some afternoons he can be found out there, practicing some kind of rock music, though it almost all leans towards grunge and punk. He's able to pick things up quickly, playing most songs decently well after a day or two without the tabs in front of him. He is able to play things much faster with tabs in front of him, and even has an app and a stand for his phone so he had access to a much larger list of music than he could easily carry printed out. The portable amp was already more than enough bulk attached to the guitar case.

V. Wildcard/Other Did we discuss something else? Got an idea that didn't fit into the others? I'm still open to it. I'll let you know if there's any reason something wouldn't work.

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[Shin smiles at her. It's cute, and it's easy to see why he could be popular in this line of work. He was fond of this place too, it wasn't as fancy as some of the other date locations he'd brought others to, but it was more comfortable. He looks through the menu casually as he talks,] Thank you, Alex.

[He even leaves off the honorific. Even if her Japanese is good, she's a foreigner, so he doubts she'll be insulted even if she didn't want him treating her like a proper girlfriend.]

What kinds of things do you like to eat?

Me? Mm..pasta, I guess? I'm not particular. [ She's been able to try more food since arriving here, and she's been trying to appreciate what she can get.

Seems he even knows how to make it about her, giving the customer the attention they crave.]

What about you?

Edited 2018-07-17 20:03 (UTC)

As clichè as it sounds, I really like sushi.

[He starts looking at the menu,] This kind of food is really good too, even though I don't have it much.

[He tilts his head curiously, his eyes going just a little wide and his expression softening as he asks,] It's not all that common to really like pasta. Are you from somewhere with lots of it?

It isn't..? I guess I didn't really think about it, but yeah I'd say a lot of people eat that where I'm from.

[ Maybe it wasn't here? It was probably pretty obvious she wasn't from around here. Her expression turns a little sheepish as she decides to admit something to him. ]

Actually...even if I've been here for some time now, I haven't gotten myself to try sushi yet.

[ Raw food wasn't a staple back there, nor did it sound very appetizing. She's been trying to get past that, but... ]

It probably sounds really unusual, [He smiles warmly, with an almost effortlessly disarming cheer,] but the best things in life are usually the ones that seem different at first.

[He doesn't want to push his luck asking for a date before she even names him as her host, though he had a feeling that she wouldn't even want to meet the others. It's still his job to offer it, so meaning the practice of each host spending about ten minutes with her before switching he asks,] You wanted a shokai, right?

[ She definitely could see how he'd win customers over easily. Women had a weakness for sweet, especially from a young boy. Those instincts just kick in. ]

Shokai..? I'm sorry, this...is my first time at this type of club.

[ While the Heavens allowed her to understand the language, it didn't mean she understood all the terms and slang. ]

Are you a shokai?

[Shin covers a little laugh at that,] I'm sorry. It means the same thing as 'first time'.

Every so often your main host switches out so you can meet all of us, and you get to pick your favourite as your shimei at the end. They'll be the person you sit with the next time you come too.

[He looks up at her a little worried,] You know there's a door charge, too, right? [He points it out on the menu,] You were so confidant I thought you knew what you were doing, I should have told you.

Oh, don't worry. I expected that at least. The set up is just different from what I'm used to. [ That seemed pretty universal. ]

Ah..does that mean I won't just be talking to you? [ Alex wasn't so interested in talking to the other hosts, nor was she really expecting a next time. ] Am I able to just choose now?

[Shin smiles warmly, reaching to touch his fingertips gently to her hand,] If that's what you want, Alex, than I'm yours all night.

There's usually help that comes to sit with us too, but they'll do anything you have me ask of them. Even if that's to have time alone. [He got the feeling that she wanted some privacy, and so he'd try to get it for her.]

[ Her fingers twitch slightly from his touch, but she doesn't pull away. ]

If you can..then, please. [ Not just because she was only there for him, but she didn't feel comfortable with the thought of all those men around her like that. She gets that they're just doing their job, but she would prefer to just be with him. She returns the smile, although hers is more apologetic. ]

Sorry, I hope that doesn't make you uncomfortable. [ She was a stranger, after all. ]

[Shin laughs brightly and gently. It's a sweet laugh even if it might be a little at her expense.] No, not at all.

[He gives her a warmer smile as he leans his jaw into his palm while looking at her,] I prefer it this way too.

[ Was such a smile simply tradecraft? She hoped not, but people learned to do things to survive. Some learned to kill, and some learned to capture you with a smile. She wished she could keep it there, but Alex didn't want to beat around the bush. She wasn't hear to mess with him like that.

Her eyes fall to the hand that laid on top of hers. ]

Then, Shinichi..I'll be honest. There were..particular reasons why I decided to with you.

[ Her eyes return to his face this time, absent of any judgment, but not lacking in sincerity. She wasn't here to get him in trouble. ]

Does..your god know you're here?

[Shin's demeanour changes rather rapidly. He stiffens, even darkens as she brings up Adrien.]

He does.

[He resists taking out a cigarette, though he leans back as he reaches for it and stays leaned back.] I'll be honest too, this is my job, and unless you're going to at least spend money like a real customer, then maybe you should move on. I'm not interested in being judged.

[ Alex watches him, an expected reaction. ]

I'm the last person who would judge you for this. [ There was a chuckle, though more at herself. ]

And I said that I'd pay. I wouldn't put you in that kind of situation. [ Money was the objective here, and while she didn't know what his bosses here might be like, they probably wouldn't appreciate not getting their share. ]

People don't take this kind of job unless they felt they were out of options. Or weren't given one. [ Her gaze is al little more serious this time. She didn't know who his god was, but if he knew about this, then she wanted to make sure. ] Which one are you?

[If she was paying, then he'd at least hear her out. He even puts in effort to not look too guarded or even outright angry at her for this. If anything he has a kind of patented punk level of disinterest. The kind that some other girls might eat up.]

Neither. [He huffs a little,] I'm good at this work, and I can't argue with the pay, as long as I keep my girls happy enough to come back.

[He shrugs a little,] Being from the Far Shore it takes more effort than it should, but it's still worthwhile.

[ That response only left her confused, if not bothered. ]

So it's for the money, but not because you need it?

[He looks at her skeptically,] Do I look like I need money?

[Most of what he's wearing is some kind of designer, even if his modifications, while beautifully punk, would probably give some of them a heart attack. But he knows as well as she does that the clothes don't mean he has money for other basics.] My god takes good care of me. There's always a stocked fridge, and the moment he feels something off he's usually texting me.

[He looks at her challengingly,] Or is this job just for scum?

[ Which is why she had to ask. With all the comforts in life he did have, why would he resort to this kind of life still? He had no mouths to feed, or people hounding him for debt, so why--

And then the last question drops on her like a boulder.

There's a hoarse cackle behind her, and she can practically feel his breath against her neck.

Of course it is. Come on, tell him. Tell him all the reasons why it is. Tell him why you are.

Her hands clench into tight fists, digging her nails into her palms.

She believed that about herself, yes. But did she about others? Is that what she thought when Loretta told her about her mother? The most popular prostitute in the bar that her father owned? Yet she gave birth to such an amazing daughter. Could she consider her scum? What about Worrick? He started young, just like her, except he made that choice. He was a kid that needed to get by, and like Shinichi had said, the pay was hard to deny. Till this day Worrick took on customers, but did it ever cross her mind that he was anything less than?

And yet she saw herself differently. She could only speak for herself.

Her hands begin to tremble as she tries to calm herself, to push the voice back. Her jaw tightens. Letting out a shaky breath, she speaks up again, her voice soft and her head lowered. ]

Eventually...that's how you see yourself.

[Shin watched her head drop, watch guilt run over her without a hint of his own remorse. At least until he hears her words.

He might be good at telling himself there was nothing wrong with this job because sleeping with his clients isn't strictly part of the job description. But still, he had slept with almost every one of the girls that were his regulars.

A hand slides up to his mouth and he shoots the waiter a look that clearly says 'not now'. He takes a breath with a long, slow blink. He knows he's stinging Adrien right now, and he felt his phone vibrate, which with the current settings meant that it was either Yui or Adrien. He makes a silent mental apology for ignoring him a moment longer as he reaches out to lift up her chin so she sees his face as he softly tells her,]

I know.

[ Her gaze seems distant until she focuses on his face again. ]

Then...why? Why hurt yourself like that..?

[Shin hesitates here, and then sighs.] Let me tell Adrien everything's fine first, or he'll have a kitten.

[Shin pulls out a phone, smiling sadly and showing her the text. He starts replying then,] Don't think too bad of him letting me do this.

[He hesitates again after he sends his message,] I guess it's what feels right.

[ So this Adriend was his god...but why would he have a kitten?

She peers at the text when he holds it up to her. ]

It’s not that..I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him letting you nake your own choices [ Even questionable ones ]

..I just wanted to make sure that it wasn’t something you had to do [ She hesitates. ] because of him.

[ She averts her gaze then, squeezing her arm with her hand. ]

...It’s familiar to you.

No. I think it scares him.

[He looks aside, his stomach still fluttering.] It's more than just familiar.

It's easy.

[ As he should be. This repurcussions that came with this job were nothing to take lightly. ]

Easy in what way?

So much of it comes naturally. I have trouble getting the attention of someone because of where we are from, but once I've made them notice me, [He gives a charming smile, letting his voice drop deep as he croons his next words,] I'll keep your heart for myself.

[It was the kind of line and voice that easily sent chills through most people, especially with the way he makes just enough eye contact before his eyes flick to watch her lips instead just as his own tongue dabs against his own.]

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