That's right. Technically I was still pursuing my education. I had intended to study abroad in London for furthering my studies while making money off patents like my father had.
[No need for him to hear about Clock Tower's institution, the Mages Association, or anything else.]
[All interesting information, that he files away for later. Even if he has no idea how it could possibly be useful to him - he just likes to know things.
And that question makes his face turn pink. For all of his 'dog' talk, he almost never actually gets called either, and he has to put some active effort into suppressing his excitement.]
Whichever you want. But I like talking back, and I like to get forced into behaving, so I guess 'bad boy' is better.
[Oh how he craves to be petted and called a good boy, though.]
How are you feeling about bringing me back to your place after this?
Much better than before, but not particularly ecstatic, I suppose?
[With a shrug Tohsaka reaches to finish off her shochu. A sigh escapes her lips as she begins circling the cup's rim with her index finger again. Rin's restraint is loosening. Her perfect posture becoming softer, and her gaze not as sharp.]
I like this better. It's like a dance. Kind of how I like arguments... it lets my brain work on something. I want to win, but you haven't even challenged me. C'mon, be a better opponent.
[Her finger lifts from the glass so that she may instead tap it on table twice. A demand. Urging him to continue. Though the way she gives that information a little more freely may mean he's already on his way to winning.]
[It's an improvement over before. And she hasn't stormed off, and she's starting to get drunk long before he feels anything at all. So everything is going in his favor, even if it isn't quite where he wants it yet.]
If I got you drunk immediately, I wouldn't get to learn about you. But if you want a challenge, sure.
[He does have to think for a bit, because he hasn't actually been playing with any sort of strategy. Just asking whatever's on his mind, knowing full well he can drink her under the table several times over.]
Have you ever killed someone? Do you have any kinks other people here would call 'unethical' or 'amoral'? How hard are you willing to push someone to do something only you're interested in, sexual or not?
Yes, I have killed someone. Yes, in fact one of those idol boys tried implying sleeping with non-human shaped people was immoral. How hard I push depends on my reaction. Is the person reluctant, or actually refusing? I can tease and push and cajole, but doing something someone absolutely hates? Mm, sounds too much like that shitty priest to me.
[With a smile on her face she nods while folding her arms across her chest. Self congratulatory for not passing on any of them.]
[All noted down - he's actually a little surprised at the idea of non-human-shaped people being a red line for someone. In Dodger's mind, they're exactly the same as himself. He even knows a mutant who pretty much looks like Aak.
There's a telling pause after her question, and Dodger picks up his little metal cat to start turning it idly in his fingers. He could pass, that would likely be even more telling. But either lying or being too honest feel like mistakes. Finally, he settles on:]
No. I talk a big game, but... I come from a world where it's more normal to take what you want. And that isn't what it's like here. I'd rather stick around people that want me near them, and that means playing fair.
[He hesitates.]
Tell me more about that kill. How long ago was it, who did you kill and why?
[Interesting answer after the threat to Dabi's friend, and what Toma told her about burning him and sticking fingers in his mouth. Is he saying that to placate her? Or because she's got an in with Henry now, and might tattle? Though it wouldn't be beneficial for Rin to do that, she thinks. Better for a soft man like Henry to learn the horrors on his own...]
Mm... last year. Fighting in a no-magic allowed tournament. Caved in a guy's rib and punctured some vital organs. He cheated, though. I guess inherent regeneration wasn't off the table, because he quickly came back and snapped my neck. I lost all my savings to pay for the "treatment" and when I woke up the doctor at the Broken Wing told me they "accidentally" used tools meant to "fix a filthy liar". I hate that place.
[Last year, and yet she's so cavalier about it. That's... interesting. No wonder she can hang around Toma without any issues. Dodger makes a mental note of that, and reminds himself to actually look through Toma's notes on her when he gets a chance. He also makes a note of the fact that she, too, got weird side effects from dying.
The question forces him to think for a little longer. There are a few good answers - ones he knows she'll be interested in, ones he knows will make her stand up and leave, and a few in the middle that he isn't a sure about.]
You strike me more as the type I want to do things to me. But I'll answer, it depends on how graphic you want me to get.
[Another weird spot where his double-standard shows up. He'd know how to talk to men about his fantasies, blunt and hungry. But he's making an exception for Rin because she's a proper woman.]
[Dodger startles slightly, even if he tries immediately afterward to brush past it. Still, he stalls a little longer, finishing up his latest glass of whiskey.]
I want to pin you down to your bed and fuck you as hard as I can. I want to bite down on your neck and leave marks for other people to see. I want to keep going until you're a dizzy, moaning mess. And I want you to try and push me off, so I can feel you struggling against me. We can save anything past that for a second date, but I probably can't get as rough with Henry in the room, so I want to take the opportunity.
[Henry's not innocent, exactly, but he does startle easily. And Dodger's been hesitant to let him see how roughly Dodger treats anyone other than him.
He hesitates, though. In light of... everything lately, he wants to clarify:]
I don't mean I want to actually force you. Just... play at it.
[...Unsettling. That's what listening to Dodger speak about this makes her feel. Not because of the fear it sparks in her, but the interest. During her first birthday in the Golden Peacock Rin was trapped in one of the "Get Along Together" spa packages with a man who hated her. Despised her for not only being a mage, but effortlessly good at it. The two of them played dangerous games. Pushing each other's limits and punishing each other with what the other thought would be most humiliating behind closed doors. In truth she doesn't ever feel all that comfortable at the spa anymore because on that birthday she was subject to one of the best fucks she ever had somewhat against her will.
It haunts her. Like a ghost calling her to indulge in a devil's banquet. Rin never considered that night to be something traumatizing, and never held it against that man. She provoked him, just as he did her, and that dance floor was shared. Beyond that she believed she deserved it. At least a part of it. That pain, humiliation, and sweet agony were simply the price to pay for her arrogance.]
If you want that more than me bossing you around I'm willing to let you have it. You have to be patient, though. You'll have to wait until after I host my weekend guest.
[Still not enough to scare her off. That has him relaxing. As much as he can, when he's gone this whole date without smoking. It really is the worst he thinks he would do... he's been getting good results waiting for permission, proving that he can handle boundaries. It takes a lot of anger, and personal hurt, for him to backslide.
He wants to think that, at least. He'd managed to make it a few months without attacking anyone, and he hasn't actually forced himself on anyone... which is a better record than he had in Boston. He'd really like to think his weakest moments don't define him.
There has definitely been pushy behavior. But Dodger doesn't think that's the same thing.]
Sure, I can be patient. Like I said before, I get busy easily. But I want to keep seeing you, threesome or not.
[He pauses to pour himself more whiskey. And the bottle's starting to get empty, so he just knocks back what's left in it before setting it aside.]
My question. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?
Of course not. If I'm to be punished for being wicked the world better grow a spine and hurt me itself.
[Tohsaka waves a hand dismissively. As if the thought of inflicting pain on herself was beyond consideration. Though perhaps that's due to a number of factors. Her body is a weapon, and to weaken it through unnecessary harm is unthinkable. To damage it in a way that makes her image less than perfect? Not an option. Pride and duty outrank self loathing.]
[Dodger snorts. Right, of course. It's... aspirational, honestly. In the same way that he wishes he could truly stop caring about anyone's needs other than his own, he would love to stop craving the cut of a razor when his thoughts get too loud.
He doesn't feel the need to comment on it, though. Seems like everyone here can make an educated guess about what's under his wrist wraps, and they never seem to really care.]
Mm, Toma only got to see my suite because I was using it as an olive branch before setting him straight about where we stand. And if you think I'm going to fold while I'm ahead you're deeper in that bottle than I thought.
[A haughty laugh follows. Her sharp composure slipping, but she's still very much herself.]
[Wryly:] You're so right, you're just a few actually tough questions away from getting me drunk.
[He likes that laugh, though. Dodger calls the waiter back, and gets two more bottles of whiskey. It's where most of his money goes anyway, going through several bottles a day to keep himself at a base level.
Once they've arrived, he pours himself another glass while he speaks.]
Where do you stand with Toma? And his brother, for that matter.
He reminds me of my boss, back home. Bloemrose does, too, but Toma actually knows what he's doing. He could run circles around me, that makes it worth sticking around and learning from him.
[He chews his cheek.]
Some men are born leaders, built out of better substance than anyone else. True individualists that exist to mold the world in whatever way they see fit. I don't think he sees it that way, but it's what I see.
[He takes a sip of his whiskey. That was heavy, probably better to sandwich it in another idle comment.]
And he reminds me of my brother. Same as Chobe reminds me of myself.
[The shot is knocked back with a bit more force and a little less elegance. Rin puts the glass back down on the table as she leans in. No regard for the order.]
You've got some shitty eyes. Maybe consider glasses, hm? But before that - why did you make a cat?
[Just because this is the first time shes bringing any attention to it doesn't mean she didn't catch his fidgeting earlier.]
[He snorts. Alright, so she's close with Toma. Or as close as Toma lets anyone who isn't Chobe.]
I'm blind in one eye, actually. I'd probably be better just cutting it out.
[Or corrective surgery... you freak.
He glances down at the cat.]
I don't know. Just wanted something to keep my hands busy. And talking to you made me think of trying to pet a cat.
[He holds it out to her. It's rough, and there's fingerprints left in the metal, but it's recognizable as a sitting cat and that's all he was going for.]
Do you want it? Otherwise it's just going in the trash.
[Oh. Huh. That's interesting. Curiosity squashes caution as she reaches out to accept the figurine. Rin has a soft spot for cats, and even told Dabi as such on the network - which is why she asked about it.]
[He relaxes a little more, and something in his gaze softens when she accepts it. It feels like he's getting somewhere, finally.]
Yeah. It's, y'know, it's something to do that doesn't hurt anyone, keeps my hands busy so I can think. I used to fix motorcycle parts, too, patching them up and molding them back into shape. Haven't had a reason to do that here.
[There's a heavy amount of caution apparent in him when he starts to open up, but there's a slight tone shift when he mentions motorcycles. A tiny hint of how deeply he loves talking about them, even if he's trying to sound passive.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[No need for him to hear about Clock Tower's institution, the Mages Association, or anything else.]
Do you want to be a good boy, or a bad boy?
no subject
And that question makes his face turn pink. For all of his 'dog' talk, he almost never actually gets called either, and he has to put some active effort into suppressing his excitement.]
Whichever you want. But I like talking back, and I like to get forced into behaving, so I guess 'bad boy' is better.
[Oh how he craves to be petted and called a good boy, though.]
How are you feeling about bringing me back to your place after this?
no subject
[With a shrug Tohsaka reaches to finish off her shochu. A sigh escapes her lips as she begins circling the cup's rim with her index finger again. Rin's restraint is loosening. Her perfect posture becoming softer, and her gaze not as sharp.]
I like this better. It's like a dance. Kind of how I like arguments... it lets my brain work on something. I want to win, but you haven't even challenged me. C'mon, be a better opponent.
[Her finger lifts from the glass so that she may instead tap it on table twice. A demand. Urging him to continue. Though the way she gives that information a little more freely may mean he's already on his way to winning.]
I'll let you ask three questions in a row.
no subject
If I got you drunk immediately, I wouldn't get to learn about you. But if you want a challenge, sure.
[He does have to think for a bit, because he hasn't actually been playing with any sort of strategy. Just asking whatever's on his mind, knowing full well he can drink her under the table several times over.]
Have you ever killed someone? Do you have any kinks other people here would call 'unethical' or 'amoral'? How hard are you willing to push someone to do something only you're interested in, sexual or not?
no subject
[With a smile on her face she nods while folding her arms across her chest. Self congratulatory for not passing on any of them.]
Do you think you'd eve push me?
no subject
There's a telling pause after her question, and Dodger picks up his little metal cat to start turning it idly in his fingers. He could pass, that would likely be even more telling. But either lying or being too honest feel like mistakes. Finally, he settles on:]
No. I talk a big game, but... I come from a world where it's more normal to take what you want. And that isn't what it's like here. I'd rather stick around people that want me near them, and that means playing fair.
[He hesitates.]
Tell me more about that kill. How long ago was it, who did you kill and why?
no subject
Mm... last year. Fighting in a no-magic allowed tournament. Caved in a guy's rib and punctured some vital organs. He cheated, though. I guess inherent regeneration wasn't off the table, because he quickly came back and snapped my neck. I lost all my savings to pay for the "treatment" and when I woke up the doctor at the Broken Wing told me they "accidentally" used tools meant to "fix a filthy liar". I hate that place.
What do you most want to do to me?
no subject
The question forces him to think for a little longer. There are a few good answers - ones he knows she'll be interested in, ones he knows will make her stand up and leave, and a few in the middle that he isn't a sure about.]
You strike me more as the type I want to do things to me. But I'll answer, it depends on how graphic you want me to get.
[Another weird spot where his double-standard shows up. He'd know how to talk to men about his fantasies, blunt and hungry. But he's making an exception for Rin because she's a proper woman.]
no subject
[She taps the table again. Aggressive; assertive. Insistent on getting what she asked for, or a pass.]
I want to know what I'm dealing with. I have a right to know that, don't I?
no subject
I want to pin you down to your bed and fuck you as hard as I can. I want to bite down on your neck and leave marks for other people to see. I want to keep going until you're a dizzy, moaning mess. And I want you to try and push me off, so I can feel you struggling against me. We can save anything past that for a second date, but I probably can't get as rough with Henry in the room, so I want to take the opportunity.
[Henry's not innocent, exactly, but he does startle easily. And Dodger's been hesitant to let him see how roughly Dodger treats anyone other than him.
He hesitates, though. In light of... everything lately, he wants to clarify:]
I don't mean I want to actually force you. Just... play at it.
cw: mention of previous dub/noncon
It haunts her. Like a ghost calling her to indulge in a devil's banquet. Rin never considered that night to be something traumatizing, and never held it against that man. She provoked him, just as he did her, and that dance floor was shared. Beyond that she believed she deserved it. At least a part of it. That pain, humiliation, and sweet agony were simply the price to pay for her arrogance.]
If you want that more than me bossing you around I'm willing to let you have it. You have to be patient, though. You'll have to wait until after I host my weekend guest.
cw continues
He wants to think that, at least. He'd managed to make it a few months without attacking anyone, and he hasn't actually forced himself on anyone... which is a better record than he had in Boston. He'd really like to think his weakest moments don't define him.
There has definitely been pushy behavior. But Dodger doesn't think that's the same thing.]
Sure, I can be patient. Like I said before, I get busy easily. But I want to keep seeing you, threesome or not.
[He pauses to pour himself more whiskey. And the bottle's starting to get empty, so he just knocks back what's left in it before setting it aside.]
My question. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose?
cw discussion of self harm
[Tohsaka waves a hand dismissively. As if the thought of inflicting pain on herself was beyond consideration. Though perhaps that's due to a number of factors. Her body is a weapon, and to weaken it through unnecessary harm is unthinkable. To damage it in a way that makes her image less than perfect? Not an option. Pride and duty outrank self loathing.]
cw continues
He doesn't feel the need to comment on it, though. Seems like everyone here can make an educated guess about what's under his wrist wraps, and they never seem to really care.]
Your move, then.
cw ♾️😭
[Well... there goes what she'd drink if she'd need to pass... How can she win now? (as if she had a chance)]
no subject
I'd rather use your bed. But I don't want anyone in my room, either, so I'm not gonna push. Mating Season pods are fine.
[He gestures with his whiskey glass.]
Do you want to tap out, or should I get us another bottle?
no subject
[A haughty laugh follows. Her sharp composure slipping, but she's still very much herself.]
no subject
[He likes that laugh, though. Dodger calls the waiter back, and gets two more bottles of whiskey. It's where most of his money goes anyway, going through several bottles a day to keep himself at a base level.
Once they've arrived, he pours himself another glass while he speaks.]
Where do you stand with Toma? And his brother, for that matter.
no subject
Pour.
[With a frown she grabs her shot glass and holds it out to him.]
What do you like about Toma?
no subject
He reminds me of my boss, back home. Bloemrose does, too, but Toma actually knows what he's doing. He could run circles around me, that makes it worth sticking around and learning from him.
[He chews his cheek.]
Some men are born leaders, built out of better substance than anyone else. True individualists that exist to mold the world in whatever way they see fit. I don't think he sees it that way, but it's what I see.
[He takes a sip of his whiskey. That was heavy, probably better to sandwich it in another idle comment.]
And he reminds me of my brother. Same as Chobe reminds me of myself.
no subject
You've got some shitty eyes. Maybe consider glasses, hm? But before that - why did you make a cat?
[Just because this is the first time shes bringing any attention to it doesn't mean she didn't catch his fidgeting earlier.]
no subject
I'm blind in one eye, actually. I'd probably be better just cutting it out.
[Or corrective surgery... you freak.
He glances down at the cat.]
I don't know. Just wanted something to keep my hands busy. And talking to you made me think of trying to pet a cat.
[He holds it out to her. It's rough, and there's fingerprints left in the metal, but it's recognizable as a sitting cat and that's all he was going for.]
Do you want it? Otherwise it's just going in the trash.
no subject
Sure. I'll take it. Do you do this often?
no subject
Yeah. It's, y'know, it's something to do that doesn't hurt anyone, keeps my hands busy so I can think. I used to fix motorcycle parts, too, patching them up and molding them back into shape. Haven't had a reason to do that here.
[There's a heavy amount of caution apparent in him when he starts to open up, but there's a slight tone shift when he mentions motorcycles. A tiny hint of how deeply he loves talking about them, even if he's trying to sound passive.]
no subject
That university spot has a workshop class. Metal and wood working. I dunno, might be good for you?
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