gunshow | prismatica

[ though it could be as simple as two people deciding to meet and take their patronage to somewhere new, the fact of the matter is... they stand out. eichi being famous and ill-disguised being one thing, and ryuu just... having the looks that he does. of course, anyone who might really be looking only has the view of their backs to go by, so maybe it's just dumb luck being on their side, but it's without too much commotion that ryuu leads the way to the very back. there's a side exit that lets out into the back of the building, a space in between shops guarded by a little partition from the streets.

which is good for him, because as soon as the door shuts, all bets on being discreet are off. whirling on eichi, ryuu bends to scoop him up into an impossibly tight hug. there's not even that much of a different in their heights, but he still forgets to not do something ridiculous like lift him right up.

like he's been holding this one in for a few days. (he has.) ]

Congratulations, Eichi-kun.

Ah—!

[What a sudden shift! He's lifted, and the small noise he gives in surprise quickly melts into a laugh, his arms wrapping around him in turn. It's kind of a tight clutch, half from excitement and enthusiasm, half from the automatic fear of being dropped from this bear hug. Even if it's a short distance...]

Thank you...! Thank you for the flowers, Ryuu-kun. [Whether he signed them or not, Eichi knows flowers well enough to track these things down.] I'm so happy that it feels like my chest is going to burst!

Feeling your support, as well as the support from so many others, and my precious fans, new and old... I nearly cried a few times. You couldn't tell, could you?

[He held it back, against all odds! His fingers stretch and then curl again behind Ryuu's shoulders.]

I'm sorry that I wasn't able to send a message of thanks earlier. I've been so busy that I've fallen asleep the moment my body hit the bed each night since then. I've even forgotten to change into pajamas at least once.

[ with a huff of a laugh buried in his shoulder, ryuu shakes his head. ]

I couldn't tell at all. But I think you could have cried, if you wanted to. [ heaven knows he did, when he'd done this for the first time. ] You did something amazing.

[ carefully, ryuu stoops to let him back down, arms sliding back enough to rest his hold on his elbows instead. he only stands straight again when he can look him in the eye, and of course he knows well what a schedule looks like when fame goes from kindling to a roaring fire. but he doesn't look worried this time, happiness prevailing. ]

That's no good, though! [ not that he didn't message him, but that he fell asleep in this clothes - ] Should I come wash your sheets for you?

[ is he kidding, is he serious... ]

Real tears aren't something that should become merchandise... And so, as long as the curtain is up, I can't let them fall.

[He has to worry more about making the fans smile!! But on his own... Ah, alone, he might have cried a little. For a few different reasons. Back on his feet, he lets his hands slip from Ryuu and brush down the front of him, smoothing out his shirt where he'd wrinkled it from the hug.]

You really do sound just like a housewife, like that...

[W...was it a joke? He's not answering, just in case he takes it too seriously.]

I would like if we could go somewhere just the two of us, though. Before our voices are heard from those out front wondering where I might have gone...

[ though it sounds like a strict philosophy, well. ryuu isn't unused to that. professionals have to safeguard themselves in some manner, when they already give so much to stand where they are. he understands, and so only smiles in reassurance, posture loosening.

as for the housewife comment... just don't be surprised if you find him in your apartment laundering things. ]

I'd like that too. [ before they get caught. ] No sense in letting our successful mission suddenly fail, right?

[ gently, he reaches up to give eichi's hat a little tug downwards. ]

We can celebrate while we're at it.

[He laughs in surprise at the tug, reaching up to fix it just a little.]

Ah, yes! I'd love to celebrate! I wonder... If we move to Level 3, we shouldn't have nearly as much of a problem with my being recognized, I believe. Should we find something there, or would you rather head back to the apartment building?

To be honest, I'm more used to over the top celebrations like business parties, so I'm not sure where to begin.

[At the very least, they can start moving, though, and Eichi slips away and smiles back at Ryuu, expecting him to follow. He'll just use his large body like a shield.]

Seeing as how it's a special occasion, we should go out! I'm used to something more lively myself, for things like this... [ "lively" edging on "wild" ] but I think we can manage.

[ with a smile, ryuu follows behind at a slightly slower pace. being the meatshield this time is exciting! ]

To Caihong?

Can't I take part in something "lively?"

[Maybe he shouldn't, but he's had a lot of colorful experiences thanks to this whole, kidnapped multiple times thing. Maybe he can convince Ryuu to let him later. But for now, a destination is the first step, and he smiles at the specification.]

Caihong will do just fine. Come to think of it, you'd fit right in with the dragon statues, wouldn't you? Fufu...

[Though Eichi walks as gracefully as ever, there's a clear bounce to his step as he moves, and he brings his hands to his mouth, folding them there thoughtfully as they walk. Thankfully, the people that had followed him along are held back by the cafe and the confusion around it, and they slip away with ease.]

In this travel time before we begin celebrating, is it fine if I ask you for some input, Ryuu-kun?

[ ryuu laughs lightly, relaxing into the moment as they set out - it's not that he thinks he can't, but maybe it'll take a while to hit his stride, with so much happening right away. plus, he thinks with no small amount of warmth... just for today, it's fine with just the two of them.

eyes drifting to the marks of happiness in his demeanor, ryuu almost misses the question entirely before he's blinking clarity back into his vision. ]

Input? Ahh, of course! I'll do my best to answer, so ask away.

From what I understand, TRIGGER was quite popular at your home, right? At any point during your rise to fame, did you ever experience someone close to you becoming upset at your popularity?

[He folds his arms as he walks, then lifts a hand to his chin, thinking on how to continue.]

That concert that you watched, it was me and another person. Separate songs, us together... But you know, I was the only one who received offers and attention. He didn't receive a single call.

[It's not as if they were a regular duo. It was just the two of them, deciding to perform at the same time for a Halloween-month type concert. But...]

He's furious. Most of the time he's been ignoring me, but when he does send messages, they're pointed like a knife. It seems that nothing I can say works to help, so I wonder what I should do...

[ immediately, ryuu's upbeat expression falls somewhat. not exactly into something sad, but the cheeriness definitely mellows. this is - work related, after all. in a way. but it is something ryuu takes seriously, even if it's just from one friend to another as they walk. ]

I can't say I have. Though... TRIGGER's situation was a bit different. You know we were signed to President Yaotome's agency, right? [ facing forward, ryuu tucks his hands in his pockets, face a new breed of calm. ] TRIGGER was... we weren't really allowed to socialize. We fought hard, as newcomers, but our success was nearly instant. Yaotome Productions put all its faith in us, and the return was massive. Bigger than I'd ever dreamed of...

But also because of that, we were isolated from other groups. We worked with our mentors and wanted to challenge them head on, of course. But IDOLiSH7 were our first rivals...

[ and they'd fought for them. they'd fought for each other. ryuu lowers his gaze. ]

I'm telling you this because I don't think your friend's reaction to your success is your fault. Or something you can fix on your own.

[ a remarkably shrewd take, for someone like him.

but also, he's going somewhere with this. ]

[Eichi is staying rather professional about this as well, even if it definitely is tearing him up. They've walked enough by now that he can even his pace with Ryuu, staying side by side instead of trying to angle to use him as a shield. He looks to him at the last part, and at this point, allows himself a small frown.]

In other words, it's hopeless? I should just leave it be?

I wouldn't call it hopeless! [ of course, this is ryuu, so there are few things he'd find totally hopeless. ] But to meet a friend with jealousy over their success rather than a congratulations... that's something that comes from inside.

[ in other words, it's going to take more than convincing on eichi's part. ]

I'm sorry. I know it's not easy to hear.

...It's fine. I can understand it, after all.

[He steps in such a way to let their arms brush, wanting the small bit of comfort even if he says it's fine.]

At the very least, I won't allow it to hold me back. I'd like to believe that he wouldn't want me to, either... past those feelings of his.

Thank you, Ryuu-kun. For listening as well as supporting me.

[ at the feeling of him stepping closer, ryuu's expression warms back up a bit, and he hums an affirmation. ]

Of course. In our industry, competition can be fierce, can't it? But better things come from supporting the bonds we make. I'm absolutely sure of that.

[ with a tuck of his chin inwards, he smiles a bit more. ]

But we're all only human, too. I'm sure everyone's felt frustrated at times, when we've wanted to feel happy.

Certainly... Jealousy guided me for too long. I can't say that I'm free of it now, either. But, at the very least, I'm trying to learn to rely on others a bit more.

[He lifts his hand to take his hat off, stretching a little to place it on Ryuu's head, sideways, a little crooked.]

Right now, I'd like to rely on you to help me celebrate. ♪ For you, as well. Things are different here, aren't they? This success of mine isn't just a stepping stone for myself, but for every moonblessed idol. I finished speaking with Yaotome-san earlier today about some plans...

[He winks.]

So there won't be a problem if we continue to celebrate together, even as rivals.

[ a laugh puffs out of him at the gesture, and because it's ryuu, he just accepts the presence of a sideways and slightly crooked hat. there are other things to grab his attention. ]

You and Gaku did? [ look at him. look at how happy this information has just made him. ] I'm glad you two are getting along!

[ his heart was gonna go concave if not. ]

But that's true! Being in the public eye here isn't really like being in a glass case.

[ not all idols feel that way about being well known, but ryuu shows his hand with it - how TRIGGER had been on a pedestal that he wasn't always certain he agreed with. it's why starting at the bottom hadn't bothered him so much. it's why it still doesn't - he genuinely enjoys getting to do the things they're doing right now. ]

You've done a lot for all of us, so. I'll treat you today.

Yay! I feel as though I'm always spoiled, but today there's a reason for it.

[He's so happy he claps, and it's worth noting that his health seems better currently, as well. It's lucky— that concert had taken a lot out of him, and it's the time of year where it normally starts declining, but maybe all of the positive energy helps? Or it's just chance. He's still very aware of needing to watch himself.]

I'm glad as well, though. Yaotome-san has been a wonderful person to speak business to, you see. He has the sort of passion that I love, and he thinks with his heart in a way that I have to admire, even if he does get a bit carried away. I believe we balance each other out.

I should have put your mind to ease and told you much sooner, but I got so wrapped up in everything that I forgot.

[By now, let's say that they're down to the lower level. The switch in decoration and landscape is sudden, between areas, and the one they're headed to isn't far now. Hmm, it's nice, beautiful, and he doesn't spend enough time here for other reasons, but he glances at a dragon statue as they pass it, thoughtful. Taking his face mask off, he shoves it in his pocket.]

In any case, I should stop speaking about others. I have you all to myself for now, don't I? So I intend to take advantage of that.

[The wording is so Ominous but he really is just saying he's excited to have a good time with Ryuu...]

[ ryuu has to laugh a bit, knowing. if gaku and eichi weren't getting along, ryuu's certain he'd hear about in no uncertain terms. that's just the kind of guy gaku is, even if he knows ryuu is more than a little fond of the other idol. but to hear that they're working together in such amazing ways, well... it's worth acknowledging. ryuu also loves gaku's passion, and now he's getting to see it flourish to benefit others without limits.

lifting his head as they enter the lower level, gaze falling on the dramatic shift in colors and architecture, the scent of water and food and an ancient sort of industry, almost, ryuu's smile settles in. it's not home, but there's a familiarity to it that comforts him. seeing eichi's live was a little like that, too. ]

It's okay. Success takes a lot of moving pieces. You don't really realize until you see it come together, but I think it's worth paying attention to.

[ ryuu's always felt that way, from the intimacy of his groupmates to the staff members of everything he's ever taken part in. ]

But! We can save the work talk for another time. [ he shifts his shoulders a bit. ] You look really lively. I'm glad.

A dream of mine was reached, after all!

[Stepping foot onto one of the small bridges leading to the first main section of buildings, Eichi moves ahead of Ryuu just enough to be able to stretch his arms out wide, eyes sparkling. He turns back, his next few steps made backwards so that he can face his fellow idol.]

This may not be the world that I know, but dreams can still be chased here, and even achieved. Isn't that wonderful? I'm not trapped in a dreary place surrounded by kidnappers, and more than that, I'm able to reach out with my hand and make a difference. I can carve my presence into this world, even if I've only been here for a certain number of months...

[His arms drop back to his side as he spins to face forward again (slowly), breathing in like it's refreshing.]

Without the need of my family name as a tool, and without dragging others bloody through the mud, this Eichi Tenshouin made a name for himself... ♪ Even if I'm not born with talent naturally, even if I've had to work many times as hard as anyone else... I've taken a step on the right path. It feels amazing... so much so that even my health can't hold me back, right now.

Even so! [ ryuu follows along after his vibrant footsteps, enjoying the sound of water bubbling beneath them. ] It'll be getting cold soon. Let's make sure Lunatia's new star stays burning.

[ not that he thinks eichi will have any problem riding that high to continued success, but he wants that longevity for him. and maybe selfishly... he wants him to be able to experience an outing like this anytime. all the time, even. giving a glance over the side of the bridge at its highest point, he breathes in too. ]

It really is wonderful.

[New star... Eichi's face flushes with joy at hearing that. It feels good, after all... All of it feels so good. But those words are true all the same, and his steps slow a little so that he can linger back near this peak of the bridge. He gets so close to the edge of the bridge that it would make anyone nervous, but he's so carefree about it, leaning up onto his tiptoes to properly gaze out over the water, hands lifting over his brow as if to aid him in peering further.]

This world, and every other... They are, aren't they? [Dropping a hand to pull out his phone, he takes his few steps back into proper safety, angling his phone to get a shot of Ryuu with this backdrop. Say cheese! He's giving plenty of time here.]

I wouldn't want to lose this shine, so I won't be so careless, either. You can rest easy knowing that. This world, and each one I've been in, no matter how dark, or dirty, or disgusting... There are ways to love them all.

I want to keep living to enjoy them to the fullest, so I'll have to dress warmly and avoid staying out for too long, once it begins to get cold enough. It's on my mind, so don't worry too much for my sake, okay?

[ somehow, ryuu can offer a nice picture while still listening intently - maybe his smile is all the nicer for it, in the end. of course there's truth to his words that ryuu wholeheartedly believes in. every dark situation comes with the ability to learn from it and overcome it. he's seeing that right now, isn't he?

still smiling, he approaches. ]

I don't think I could stop worrying all together, even if you say that. [ it's just who he is. ] But I believe you, all the same. We're lucky, today.

[ ryuu tips his chin up. ]

It'll be a nice night.

[ it's already temperate, just that hint of briskness in the air to soothe over what's left of summer. it smells great. ]

So, what do you feel like eating? You should pick!

[Of course, Eichi would never expect Ryuu to stop worrying completely. Actually, he's started to like feeling it, that concern. It warms him, it grounds him, and he keeps his phone in his hand as he hums in thought.]

Even if it's been such a long time since I was home, it still hasn't been often that I've been able to go out like this. I love hearty things like dishes with meat, so what would you suggest along those lines, Ryuu-kun?

[Something with meat!! That's all he cares about.]

So, I suppose something like yakiniku sounds exciting...?

It hasn't? [ well, then. ryuu's expression shifts, quickly livening up. ] In that case, we should really make this worth it!

[ what does ryuu love wholeheartedly? his friends. but also partying. and by partying i mean eating and drinking himself into a coma - so really, with an amazing live having taken place and now this opportunity, it really is like having a tiny sliver of home with him. (except he won't get scolded the next day... maybe.) with a hum, he nods towards the path off the bridge and into the bustle of all the little kitschy shops and restaurants. ]

If you want meat, I can't think of anything better than yakiniku. We'll have to look in all the corners here, okay? The best places are usually the toughest to find.

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