[How many times can we fall?]

[toremainbehind]

[It's been a week since they've managed to escape.

Neither of them knew who tipped someone off about their location, who helped them escape while everything became hacked and otherwise useless in keeping them contained. It had been their downfall to let Izumo stay in the frontline, his skills almost legendary now with how effective of an assassin he has become over time. Their downfall led to their deaths, and Izumo has ran away with Eric while the remnants of that group tried to go after them.

They didn't know where to go - who to turn to.

For them, this open world was a mystery, even if Izumo has more experience than Eric when it came to the outside world. There's no one they could trust, and little to no money to their name since their captors often took the money Izumo's earned for his kills. But Izumo is adaptable, taking odd jobs here and there in order to earn enough money to save up and find a place to stay.

It's only been a couple of days ago when Izumo first ran into the leader of HOMRA, the Red King and him having traded blows before it came to a tie. They went their separate ways shortly after when an informant came running towards them, Izumo having escaped before he could be questioned.

Now, he had taken Eric to a refuge in a motel. It's small and not one of the best, but it's the best Izumo could afford on such short notice when it became obvious to him when Eric has to rest again.

His right shoulder blade itched from the burns he received from Mikoto, but he ignores it in favor of in-between watching Eric sleep and looking out the window from his perch on the windowsill.]

Comments

[redstray]

[ He's quiet for a moment, stirring the broth about with the chopsticks. ]

About what?

[toremainbehind]

Anything. About this normal life you want to lead.

[redstray]

[ There's an even longer silence as Eric debates whether he should mention anything. He was being selfish saying all these things and that was a bad dog. But, Izumo asked, so maybe, it was okay to say a little bit. ]

I...want to learn. I just don't want to sit around waiting for people to come back. Maybe even, be able to take care of myself...Totsuka taught me to make food, and Chitose some money...stuff. To stop relying on people so much.

And you, you not doing so much gang stuff anymore. Even though we're with Homra, to stop doing jobs so often. Please...Too many people still want you. Or me to get to you so please...

[ He turned silent. Too many words, too much revealed, there wasn't much energy left from there. ]

[toremainbehind]

[Izumo is quiet as he listens intently to what Eric is saying.

When he grows quiet, he smiles a little, pleased and relieved.

Placing a hand on Eric's head, Izumo leans forward to rest their foreheads against each other.]

I'm glad you told me.

[redstray]

[ He jumps a bit at the notion, a bit surprised by the comment ]

W-why?

[toremainbehind]

Because you're telling me something that you want.

[redstray]

Sorry...

[toremainbehind]

Why are you sorry?

[redstray]

You all do so much already, and just bothering you with some stupid things I thought of...I don't like being a burden.

[toremainbehind]

Eric, this isn't stupid. Telling me what you want is never stupid.

[He ruffles his hair.] And you're not a burden. You never have been.

[redstray]

[ He gives a small pout at the hair ruffling. ]

It's not?

[toremainbehind]

[Izumo smiles.]

Of course not.

[redstray]

Oh...okay...

[ He fiddles with his food some more, not sure what else to do. ]

You can ignore it though. Doesn't have to happen, or anything.

[toremainbehind]

Do you want it to happen?

(frozen comment)

[redstray]

I don't know...it would be so different then what we're used to...

[toremainbehind]

Yes, but it could also be a good thing. Only if you're willing, though.

[redstray]

Guess I won't know...till I try. It couldn't be as terrifying as escap8ng that place.

[toremainbehind]

Exactly. The hardest part of our lives are over — we can properly start new lives.

[redstray]

Then you'll consider it? Less work?

[toremainbehind]

I'll consider it. It'll give me more time to focus on the bar, actually.

[redstray]

Thank you.

[toremainbehind]

[He gives Eric a hug and then a pat on the head.]. Come on, let's eat.

[redstray]

Okay

[ He smiles and returns to his bowl, eating it with delight. ]

[toremainbehind]

[Smiling in return, Izumo starts to eat as well.]

[redstray]

[ The rest is eaten in silence. Eric not really believing he talked about his thoughts to his brother and his brother agreeing.

His biggest worry, how would he deal with meeting a teacher? It was hard to meet new people and someone who was going to teach him things...like his old owner? Would the teachings be similar? He didn't know, but the face a new person he had to get used to came to mind made his stomach twist.

He finished the ramen as well as he could, his stomach content at least. ]

Thanks for the food.