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Who: Shinpachi & you!
When: 02/15, so after the Nexus Code thing.
Where: Out on the streets! He's coming home from the Pleasure District so anything between there and the Residential District is fair game.
What: Shinpachi solves problems and deals with emotions the only way he knows: by getting completely wasted.
Rating/Warning: Warnings for an angry drunk guy, possible pottymouth use, maybe some.. fighting..?? Who knows, Shinpachi is a loose cannon.

[ It's always like shit goes from bad to worse.

Dealing with shit in Zelien was annoying enough. Dealing with shit here was - relatively speaking - a little easier, but still totally shit. He didn't sign up to be chased by some weird random huge monster ever two weeks or so, okay.

But then that last event got downright disturbing again near the end, and then he woke up and the apartment was so damn empty. There were so many people before, but now it's just Saitou and him - the usual presence of Sano sleeping nearby was gone. One by one, it's like everyone is leaving, and while Shinpachi wants to pretend he's perfectly capable of dealing with that, it honestly does get to him. Especially since he knows that back home only he and one other person are going to survive. This might have been one of the last chances to spend some time with them, so why did they leave him here and send everyone else off to god knows where? (The uncertainty of what happens to people when they disappear just makes the whole matter worse.)

So of course Shinpachi goes to do what he does best. Drink. He just tries to find a bar he normally never goes so he won't run into familiar faces, drinks until he can't anymore or is kicked out of the bar, and then moves to go home.

Except he's completely drunk. If you're out on the streets, then you'll probably spot him, hardly able to even walk straight. Maybe you see him wandering around and bumping into any random thing lining the streets, or maybe he's even bumping straight into you without warning.

Or maybe you have an even worse fate - Shinpachi's so drunk that he honestly won't discriminate between people he actually knows and strangers, and will gladly walk up to anyone to start drunkenly (and loudly, especially that) rant to whoever passes by. ]

Can you.. [ okay, wait, give him a moment, he'll find his words. ] Can you believe this place's shit?!

[ Very eloquent. Sorry that you now have to deal with this disaster on legs. Please get him somewhere safe. ]

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Sometimes I can. Sometimes I can't.

[yuri, that's not even a good answer. though it's somewhat intentional, because it's not like he can miss that shinpachi is totally plastered. so maybe it's just a teeny bit intentional that he's not giving a solid answer to a guy who is drunkenly ranting at him.]

Probably isn't going to change much about what goes on, though.

[ Apparently that's not the answer that Shinpachi's drunk mind wanted to hear, since he starts grumbling something right after Yuri sort of answers his question. ]

'course it's not gonna change.. [ But it's said in a way that has rage lying very, very close under the surface. As if he might try to swing his fist into something soon - if he wasn't already having trouble just remaining standing on both legs right now, anyway. ]

Nothing ever changes in this place. Can't they just get to the point already?!

[ Because it's so, so tiring to be stuck with this for so long. First Zelien, now this place - why is it always that he's the one left behind by himself? ]

Too bad it's not that easy, right?

[he can hear the rage that simmers in shinpachi's tone, and in some way, he's readying himself should it come to blows. honestly, as much as he enjoys a good fight, doing so with someone as fall-down drunk as shinpachi isn't appealing, especially when it just seems like the guy is having a rough time of it.

it hasn't been easy for him either; flynn disappearing without a trace sucked, though they were hardly dependent on each other. but that, combined with everything else that happened before being sucked into the nexus code? he's pretty done with things himself. but rather than drown his sorrows in alcohol, it just makes him more resolved to find a way the hell out.]

If there's gonna be any changes, we're gonna have to make them ourselves.

How?

[ See, it's not like Shinpachi isn't open to that idea. He knows it's how they got out of Zelien in the end, so the same should be possible here.. but he also knows they only got lucky there to begin with too. There hasn't been any opening like that here yet, from what he knows.

.. he thinks. Even if he agrees, it's not easy to think with his current drunk mind, okay. ]

Those CERES bastards.. they just hide themselves away like that all the time! [ Or, well, they're at least a little more open about stuff than COMPASS, but that's like saying a fire is tolerable compared to being flung right into the sun. ]

How the hell can we do anything but be-- be exposed to their stupid whims all the time?!

If they don't give us an opening, don't you think that means we just have to make one ourselves? Doesn't take much but a little rip in their armor to cut the hole open.

[why yuri is trying to talk his crappy justice logic to a drunk guy remains a mystery. maybe it's because he gets how shitty is. no matter how much he refuses to let it get the better of him, he understands it...

and hey, maybe it'll keep someone clued in to not being complacent about things, right? even if there's probably no telling whether or not shinpachi will remember this when he's sober. still, he seems like he could use the reminder, encouragement... whatever. so what if yuri does it in a way that plays it down to a comedic extreme?]

They won't be able to keep this up forever; they're gonna have to slip sometime.

[ He groans in response. Sure, he knows. He knows that can happen even beyond plain optimistic thinking - he's seen in back in Zelien when they managed to take down COMPASS due to one stupid small mistake on their part. Even if had taken such a long time and going through such terrible stuff, it was okay in the end.

He has to hold onto that thought, but.. god, does it feel hard with all the recent stuff that's been going on. Sano's disappearance is just the cherry on that steaming pile of shit. ]

Ain't got the patience to deal with this.. [ It's half-grumble-mumbled, and the next moment he's practically losing his balance, stumbling right over towards Yuri. ]

You don't have much of a choice, unless—

[well, so much for finishing that statement. as shinpachi stumbles forward, yuri makes the move to catch him and prevent him from falling right on his face and breaking all the teeth in his mouth. what a pal, right?]

Easy there. You might wanna drink just a little less next time. [he sighs a bit, but shifts to hold shinpachi's weight up. yuri's not about to stop him if he refuses, but this only seems to be getting worse by the minute, and he's quietly concerned this guy is gonna wind up getting hit by some kind of vehicle by way of just collapsing in the street. it's not his responsibility to take care of the city's drunkards, but this is a bit different, and yuri knows it.] You should probably get back to your place and sleep it off.

[unless he ends up passing out before yuri can guide him there, in which case yuri will be having a houseguest tonight.]

[ it's really incredibly late but hawke's on shift, bouncing at one of the clubs in the pleasure district. it's not entirely a slow night, no, but it's enough that hawke finds herself out on the curb, sitting on top of a mailbox and letting her feet bump against the metal once in a while. she's idly playing a game on her cerevice when she looks up at the sound of shinpachi's griping.

have a raised eyebrow, shinpachi. ]

Depends if you mean the literal or figurative shit, ser.

[ Even the fact that Hawke was just a little bit (okay, actually more than that) intimidating the last time they met doesn't seem to deter his drunk mind right now. He just keeps going on, especially since her response is - sort of - indulging him right now, and that's all he needs. Something to let out his frustration at. ]

Figurative-- I mean.. tch, I don't even wanna think 'bout literal shit right now! [ Please don't make him. He's got enough on his poor mind.. ]

I'm talking 'bout... 'bout all the stuff they keep doing..! Y'know!

[ He's not very clear, but at least the reasons for that are obvious with how much he smells of booze. ]

[ intimidating is a natural state for hawke, at least. she lets her cerevice turn idle, tapping it against her palm as she watches him so obviously stumble around drunk. at least for now, he doesn't seem much of a danger to anyone or himself. so, she'll chat. ]

It always helps to clarify. After all, I would not want to suddenly stumble into literal shit while so caught up in figurative! My poor shoes would never recover.

[ hawke, shut up. ]

Nevertheless, are you speaking of that group hallucination? It wasn't that terrible, was it?

[ At least he won't call her out on how terrible that joke is while he's drunk.. it probably doesn't even register with him as a joke to begin with, let's be real here. ]

Yeah.

[ Although that's not all of it, so he rubs his nose for a moment and sways from side to side involuntarily before he continues. ]

'n all the other stuff they do.. it's been going on for way too long! They just think they can do-- w.. whatever!

[ leave her alone! it's late and she's lazy and it's not as if her audience is particularly attentive, alright. she'll just raise an eyebrow at shinpachi's anger. ]

Well... can't they? We are sort of at their beck and call, are we not?

[Shinpachi, you are incredibly drunk.

Sousei slowly quirks an eyebrow at that, before he slowly shakes his head and shoves lightly at one of Shinpachi's shoulders. Okay, okay, whatever, this way, Shinpachi.]

How am I supposed to take you for a drink as a return favor if you have already gotten yourself drunk?

[Honestly.]

Well..

[ He actually seems to consider this for a moment. Thinking gets a lot more difficult though when your head just feels so heavy and full of buzz, and so he just frowns uselessly for a few moments as he tries to figure out this puzzle before he just gives up on it. ]

It's not like I can't drink more..! [ Excellent suggestion, Shinpachi. What a conclusion you've come to. ] It's not like anything else's gonna help with this shittyass place-- even if I drink the entire day, it's gonna be the same!

[ .. yeah.

Very drunk. ]

[In...credibly drunk... Shinpachi please.

Sousei snorts at that, but it's rather lacking in humor--he doesn't like seeing Shinpachi like this. And he keeps close enough tabs on the contacts list to know why he is, too, so that just sours his mood further.

This place really is merciless.]

No. I am not taking you drinking when you are already so drunk it is embarrassing. I suppose I shall just have to see you to your residence, then.

[ He grunts, and he makes a move like he's shoving someone off, despite.. Sousei not touching him..

Look, he's drunk as hell, don't try to find any logic in this. Because you won't. ]

Like hell I'm going back there! [ Woah, intense about things that don't really matter at all. But his anger is probably manifesting onto just about any topic he can find now. ] What do I even have there, huh? Not like that place means jack shit anymore!

[ Because everyone isn't there anymore. Because it used to be so lively all the time, and then it slowly grew more and more quiet. Until it's just him and Saitou now in a place that's way too big for just the two of them. Like a hollow reminder of what's gone. ]

[He's not even trying, he knows how Tenka gets when he's drunk, he's going to just assume Shinpachi is practically the same......But wow, Shinpachi...

Sousei snorts vaguely at that, though it's rather devoid of legitimate amusement. He doesn't like this situation either; he hates the idea that they can disappear at any time, leaving people behind like this--

It's just not right.]

Then we'll go to my residence.

[Jeeze, Shinpachi--Sousei's not taking no for an answer, for what it's worth.]

[WOAH THERE SHINPACHI it's been a long time since he's seen someone this drunk... Not that he disagrees with the sentiment, but Shinpachi. He's definitely looking more than just a little worried, and he's holding his hands out in front of himself like some halfassed version of a football player, preparing to catch him in case he tips right over.

Hopefully he doesn't, though... Oz would be squashed.]

I— No, but-- Are you okay? Do you need to find somewhere to sit?

[He's already looking around for a bench... Someone needs to help this guy, okay. HE NEEDS HELP.]

[ There's no flattening Oz today.. not yet, anyway. Shinpachi still doesn't look like he's entirely standing stable on his legs over here with the way he's swaying back and forth, but he's still standing. For now. ]

I don't wanna sit! [ Shinpachi, actual tall muscular little kid.. apparently.. at least he's drink, he has an excuse. Sort of. ]

I just-- I just wanna be done with this place!

[ At least alcohol only makes him more honest and straightforward about everything, even if what he wants right now is impossible. ]

[He's here to help and hopefully not get flattened if Shinpachi really does lose his balance... He sure isn't being easy to handle, though?! JUST SIT ON THE BENCH.]

I know— I think we all do... But you should really sit down, anyway.

["Before you get sick or fall over" is what he wants to finish that with, but he bites his tongue nicely since Shinpachi's clearly already dealing with enough shit today.]

[ He starts on another grumbled protest, but it goes quiet after a moment. Maybe he realises he should really sit down-- or more like, he just doesn't want to argue about this when he already has enough things spinning through his mind, trying to fight for the first spot of being rambled about at the moment.

So he stumbles over to the bench with Oz's help and at least plops down, although he still doesn't look too good. But hey, he can't fall over like this.. small wins.. ]

I just wanna skewer those CERES bastards already.. [ grumble, grumble. ]

["He can't fall over like this" THAT'S THE TALK OF A QUITTER!!

Actually, Oz really is concerned he might still manage to fall over, so he stays close by... He doesn't sit down next to Shinpachi just yet (since he's also mildly concerned about being stuck in a drunken headlock), but he's definitely near enough to catch him if he starts teetering!]

I don't think you're alone there. ...You're not going to try anything right now though, right?

[ That's a good question, Oz.

So good, in fact, that Shinpachi frowns at him for a moment or two like he has to think about this too. Consider this idea. But why wait with skewering those CERES people if he can do it now?? What a genius idea, thanks for your helpful input for his drunken mind that's already lost all boundaries hours ago. ]

Might as well.

[ He moves to stand up, and..

... falls backwards right onto the seat. Maybe not today, buddy, how about when you have an actual sense of balance? ]

[LORD. He's to help, but hopefully Shinpachi won't actually be at risk of tipping over or else Oz will probably rediscover the feeling of slamming into a muscle wall.]

You should sit for a while longer, I think!

[HE THINKS... Just in case... Something in his heart is just telling him that it's a bad idea to let Shinpachi go try to punch their overlords when he can barely stand, gosh.]

[After her last bad encounter with alcohol, Anna can definitely tell that Shinpachi was drunk. Of course, that only made her even more worried as he approached her. At first, she didn't know what to say back given how he just suddenly ranted to her!

Let's see...what will she say back?]

Well, no, not really but when everything's attacking you left and right? I don't even know what to believe anymore really! So I guess you can't really believe anything here?

[...real smooth Anna]

[ Real smooth indeed.. It's a good thing that it doesn't really matter what anyone specifically says right now, honestly. Shinpachi's drunk mind is so out of control that he can hardly process who he's talking to or what they're saying.

He's just frustrated. With this place, with the fact that it took away all his friends.. He's a strong guy, fairly independent too, but there's limits to that sort of thing even with Shinpachi Nagakura. ]

That's why this place needs to cut it out! Making us deal with this shit.. It's.. it's unfair! And then the way they hide like cowards, it's.. nn...

[ Woah, watch out there, Anna, Shinpachi looks like he's about to topple over since he can't even keep his balance like this. ]

H-Hey, you got be more careful, you almost feel over!

[She shouted as soon as she grabbed him. Of course, she's not as strong as he was. Sure, she nearly ended up falling over herself but that was besides the point! Once she managed to get him up on his feet, she gave him a smile]

But that's why we need to make sure they won't win! That's what they're planning, they keep making us sad so they feel like they're winning!

[But despite her words, she couldn't fully believe it. Try as she might to keep up her bubbly and upbeat attitude, even she had limits. However, she wasn't going to show them.

Not when a friend of her needed help]

[ At least they didn't both fall over, it's still an accomplishment! A small one maybe, but an accomplishment all the same, right.. ]

Keep making us sad..

[ Well, he can't really deny it. This place seems to try and find ways to piss them off all the time. Whether it's by not letting them fight in a way that Shinpachi's warrior pride would demand, or hurting his friends, or taking them away.. he's completely miserable, even though Shinpachi's usually the one to pull through for the sake of morale. ]

Then what the hell are we s'posed to do about it..? [ Because there's no way to fight back. He can't just run over there and challenge them to a fight like he might have done with problems or enemies back home. And it's the only way he really knows how to solve things. ]

[Shiho was on her way back from some investigating (because some things had to be examined in person, and this was where her psychometry had lead her) when she sees a familiar back.]

Shinpachi?

[Right as he's about to walk into a garbage can.]

Shinpachi!

[She moves forward to grab at the hem of his shirt and pull him back before he gives himself a black eye or something.]

[ That at least helps. A little bit. Not that Shinpachi realised he was about to bump into something anyway, but he's still moving back the moment she tugs on his shirt like that. It's hard to not be tugged right along when you already have no sense of balance anymore, really.

And he turns around to yell at the person for tugging on him, but then there is no person.

.. oh, there is one. He just had to look a little more down. This one seems familiar too, huh.. ]

.. Shiho-chan..? [ Yeah, he doesn't even sound like he's got it all together right now. ]

[The pads of her fingers against the fabric of his shirt means that she knows how drunk he is and that she just narrowly avoided him shouting at her (but she would have stood there and shouted right back, about how she knew he was hurting himself and that drinking didn't help, reached up and dragged him by the collar to a chair and made him sit and rehydrate himself with a bottle of water).]

Yeah.

[She hesitates before letting go, ready to catch him if he unbalances.]

....Are you okay? [She knew he wasn't because psychometry wasn't something she could turn off, but she had gotten very good at pretending she hadn't seen anything.]

[ In some circumstances, even a fairly honest guy like Shinpachi might have pretended to be fine - if not just for her sake. But while he's drunk as shit to begin with? Well, of course there's no way at all he can keep it inside then, and his frown says as much. ]

How's anyone s'posed to be fine in this place?

[ This place that keeps making weird stuff happen. That's putting innocent people who can't defend themselves like Shiho into terrible and dangerous situations. This place that took away his friends one by one.

He hates it so much. ]

They could start by not trying to drink themselves unconscious.

[It's not exactly the nicest thing she could say, but she tries her best to keep her tone kind.]

You could start by not doing that to yourself.

[ If he didn't work in a bar or wasn't used to drunk cowboys or wasn't so laid-back, this might have been annoying. He is though, and when he sees Shinpachi repeatedly bump into people, he steps in before anyone can get pissed and try to pick a fight with him, and pulls one of his arms over his shoulders to drag him somewhere where he can sit down. ]

Maybe ya ought'a take a few moments t' regain yer bearings.

[ Honestly, it takes a while for things to even register with Shinpachi while he's like this. Sure, there's someone draping their arm over his shoulders and dragging him along. The sensation is oddly familiar, especially while he's drunk off his ass. He couldn't count the amount of times Sano dragged him home even if he'd be sober, after all.

But at the same time.. that's also the problem. Since all of this reminds him even more of the fact that Sano is gone, the fact that got him so drunk to begin with, and he starts grumbling like a particularly too grown five year old. ]

I don't wanna..! I've-- I've gotta do something against this place!

[ Oh man, can't you cooperate a little here? He's just trying to be helpful, okay? ]

I'm pretty sure ya ain't gonna be able t' do a lot while ya're drunk, though.

[ It's not just "pretty sure" but "completely sure" because most people tended to lose a lot of reason and ability while drunk. ]

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