「 open post / overflow 」

[kaientai]

Comments

horse mystery.

[medicative]

[a summons is a summons, and Emily comes to the appointed dock at the appointed time. Ryouma knows she's punctual, can't doubt that, but she's curious what he wants her to see all the same. an inkling is in her that he's actually gotten a houseboat - in which case she'll thoroughly congratulate him - or there's something else related to his love of the sea.

so it is that she's standing there, calm as anything, peering up and down the river for her friend. where could he be...?]

[kaientai]

[ it would be easy to miss if you didn't know what you're looking for, especially if what you expect to find is something more... home-like? instead, it's still very much a floating restaurant done up to be reminiscent of an old-fashioned daimyo's party boat. it's like he's moved up in the world??? ]

Oi! Up here!

[ he's standing up on top of one of the roofs, balancing on the narrow ridge where the ornately sloping sides meet. ]

Whatcha think?

[ and, of course, proudly stencilled on the placard on the side of the ship are the clear characters 馬神秘 — horse mystery. ]

[medicative]

[um.]

What is that?!

[are the first words to fall from her lips. what is that, why does Ryouma have it, and who on earth named the thing? it can hardly be called a boat.]

[kaientai]

[ take it in, emily. the glory. he's sure she's impressed. anyone would be impressed. ]

It's home as of—... [ he goes to check a watch he remembers not wearing. whatever. ] Sometime yesterday?

[ ryouma doesn't usually show off, but the way he hops onto a pole and then down onto the prow of the boat before coming to stand next to her on the dock is one of those things you can only pull off when you're working with better-than-average balance. ]

Didja see the name? It's like it was meant to be!

[ he's so proud. ]

'Cause I'm a horse too, after all.

[medicative]

...It's bigger than I might have expected.

[that's the kindest thing she can think to say. diplomatic. not stating her real feelings on it.]

How on earth did you acquire it?

[kaientai]

Well! What'd we say? We should look the part, right?

[ what part might that be? he assumes this is considered a luxury. it would have been in like... 1863. ]

I got real lucky when I was out drinkin' with a friend. Won it from a Kappa in a card game.

[ which is... totally legit ownership. ]

[medicative]

[that's legit enough to her. crossing her arms, she looks it over, scrutinizing.]

Well, I'm glad you have your own home now. Enough room to do as you like. But please tell me you intend on putting your own personal touch upon it sooner rather than later.

[something less....of it all.]

[kaientai]

Well, sure. It's less of a house and more of a bar and grill-type deal right now. Gonna have to do a lot with the interior.

[ he thinks on it a little, looking thoughtful. ]

Dunno about the red. Red isn't really me. Hehe, I bet Izō would like it...

[ in fact he could not be more wrong about that if he tried. which is maybe evidence of all his problems but shhh. ]

[medicative]

It'll be a project, but nothing you can't handle. And you'll need some extra hands - I'll send out word to some of the more physically inclined sort I know. They did a good enough job with the clinic, so you know they won't be liable to break things waywardly.

[that look on her face says she's thinking of things like lists and organizing and tasks being done - an unconscious reflex.]

But I'm happy for you. Really and truly, I am.

⚡️ another horse mystery.

[kaientai]

[ the text arrives fairly early in the morning. it's early even by ryouma's standards as a person who never schedules anything before 10 am, but he's excited. sorry not sorry, izō. ]

You busy? Got something to show you!!

[heretic_blade]

[ Izō doesn't sleep much, but even so, he regrets looking at his phone. ]

its 6am. this better be good.

[kaientai]

[ ryouma might have also pulled an all-nighter, but he hasn't even tried to sleep yet, for a few reasons. ]

It's good!! I promise! ♡ ～('▽^人)

[ he also might be... biased. ]

Just come here!

[ he has very conveniently dropped a pin, and it's definitely not to his office. surely izō wanted to come out to a random pier on a random dock at 6 in the morning, right? ]

[heretic_blade]

if it aint good, im throwing u into the river.

[ Izō definitely does not want to go out to a random pier nor dock at the asscrack of dawn. Karasu complains in his head the whole time and Izō can't even be annoyed about it.

And yet...Izō shows up half an hour later, looking like he hasn't slept and is definitely still drunk. ]

[kaientai]

[ well, it's... something? it's a boat done up to be reminiscent of an old-fashioned daimyo's party boat. it's like he's moved up in the world???

ryouma is sitting on the railing, kicking his feet like a child while he does something on his phone. he looks up when izō arrives, appearing extremely proud of himself despite the horrible thing he's sitting on. who cares if it's ugly? you can love an ugly baby. ]

Well? Whatcha think?

[ and, of course, proudly stencilled on the placard on the side of the ship are the clear characters 馬神秘 — horse mystery. ]

[heretic_blade]

[ Izō stares in disbelief, looking between Ryouma, the boat, and the placard. ]

It's the ugliest fuckin' thing I've ever fuckin' seen! An' what's with that fuckin' name?!

[kaientai]

Eh? Well, it's—... [ what's wrong with the name?? ] It's fate! 'Cause I'm also a horse!

[ that works both ways, he's decided. ]

It's fancy. Anyway, it ain't like I picked it. Y' don't look a gift Horse Mystery in the mouth.

[ how long was he waiting to say that? it's a good thing he's up here so he can't be pushed into the river where he belongs. ]

[heretic_blade]

[ If looks could kill, Ryouma would be floating face down in the river right now. Izō scowls and flies up, perching right beside him and grabbing a hold of his shirt. ]

Gimme one good reason not to throw ya in th' water right now.

[morns]

some guy is walking around the bar with his dick out.
health code violation?

[kaientai]

It's nobody I know is it

[ listen we all know it's a reasonable question. ]

[morns]

sure you want the answer to that?

( Unfortunately it is a very reasonable question. )

he's spinning it

[kaientai]

Well, if I know him and don't do something that'd be irresponsible wouldn't it?

[ he's trying. other option is potentially paying someone's bail later?? ]

Shame to interfere though huh

[morns]

( Are you responsible, though, Ryouma? )

you could try
not sure you'd manage it
he's very proud of his cock

[kaientai]

[ debatable. ]

Hehe, that's why I asked...

I know that thinking everyone wants a look isn't an uncommon condition but some are more hmmm... enthusiastic?

[ yeah he'll go with that. ]

[morns]

speaking from personal experience there?

( Is there a sordid dick twirling past you haven't explained, sir? )

[kaientai]

Maybe.

[ his friends do... ]

Not me though, of course. I'm always on my best behaviour~!