[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

[toremainbehind]

[He pats Eric's head before he disappears into the kitchen.

Izumo focuses on the pancakes, cooking it just the way he knew Eric likes it. He also knows that the others would end up asking for more, so he also made extras.

Though,he also made sure to make fresh juice, knowing he might as well use fresh fruits in the meantime.]

[redstray]

[ As soon as Izumo is the the kitchen, Eric slids off the stool and goes towards a cupboard. Although the talk doesn't quiet down, a few of the others move around the bar as well, getting this out of areas and placing them around the bar.

When Izumo comes out, a cale is on the counter, along with a few trinkets and a small banner saying 'come back soon Kusanagi' Everyone smiling and teary eyed. ]

[toremainbehind]

[He's initially surprised, evident on his face.

Izumo had always wondered why everyone seemed to opt for spending more time with him, even Mikoto has taken an initiative of simply going along with him on small runs. It's made him curious, so he's kept an eye on them, though he'd admit that doing so proved useless when it came to Totsuka.

Eying th cake and the banner, a slight smile appeared on his face.] C'mon now, don't make that kind of face. You all act like I'm leaving forever.

[redstray]

[ They all laughed at his words before sounded off one thing or another. Saying they will miss their favorite bartender ]

We just...wanted to send you off properly.

[ Totsuka nodded his head towards Eric. It was mostly Eric who wanted to and everyone was more then willing to help him along. ]

[toremainbehind]

[He keeps the smile on his face, placing a hand on top of Eric's head.]

Thank you.

[Everyone brightens up at that, already beginning the celebrations. Most of them invites Izumo for drinks, though he politely declines as he still wants to be sober the next morning.

The party goes on happily, with Mikoto joining soon enough when Totsuka persuaded him to.]

[redstray]

[ He smiles a bit at his brother, glad he could surprise him and have some fun for his last day for a while. Eric himself enjoys the party having a piece of cake and the pancakes Izumo made. He tried his best to stay close to his brother but letting the others have their chance with him as well. ]

[toremainbehind]

[Eventually, the day comes to a close, the party ending with most of the guys passing out.

Izumo looks at the scene in front of him, a slight smile on his face. He knew it would be a while before he could get a chance to see this again, and he sees Totsuka taking pictures.

Shaking his head, he turns his gaze to Eric.]

[redstray]

[ Celebrations always were a bit draining for him, but he didn't mind. It was an enjoyable day, a good kick in the right direction.

He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Izumo was watching and he turned to look at his brother, a bit embarrassed and fidgeting. ]

...What?

[toremainbehind]

[He chuckles, looking amused.]

Was this your idea?

[redstray]

[ Don't mind his face getting a bit red. ]

And if it was?

[toremainbehind]

[He gently tugs Eric into a hug as his hand lands on top of Eric's head]

Thank you.

I thought I hit enter I swear orz

[redstray]

[ He hugs him back, reaching up to press their foreheads together. ]

You're welcome.

lol no worries

[toremainbehind]

[Keeping the forehead touch go on for a little longer, he finally pulls away when he hears a click.

Almost immediately, he berates Totsuka for taking a picture, hitting him on the head lightly while the younger man laughed.]

ARE YOU UP FOR CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY K STYLE?

[redstray]

[ His face goes the reddest it possibly can as he scurries to hide his face in his hood.

He gives Totsuka a glaring pout, not liking that his picture was taken especially when it was a moment with his brother ]

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT IS

[toremainbehind]

[Totsuka laughs, and even Izumo seems to have given up as he shakes his head in fond exasperation.

If Totsuka wants a picture, then it's best to take a proper one.

He gestures Eric to come over.]

It's a card game where you're given a card and you have to fill the blanks with ones in your hand

[redstray]

[ Eric doesn't like his picture getting taken and the laughing of Totsuka and Izumo's expression didn't help at all.

It takes a while but after some mumbling under his breath he slowly walked over to his brother, not really looking amused by this sudden development ]

Oh. Interesting...

[toremainbehind]

[When Eric comes over, izumo places a hand on his shoulder and smiles slightly.]

Let's let this be a part of our memory, okay?

We have K cards too so it's pretty hilarious inducing XD

[redstray]

[ Eric huffs a bit before giving a small smile in return. ]

Fine.

Was that what Lauren was doing??

[toremainbehind]

[A pat on Eric's head before Totsuka tells the two to strike a pose.

When it comes to the actual picture, though, the others seems to want in.]

Yes :3

[redstray]

[ After one picture, Eric turns and sees everyone else almost ready to pounce in. He looked up at his brother. ]

Izumo...

Oooooh

[toremainbehind]

[He notices everyone else, causing him to shake his head.

Looking down at Eric, he smiles slightly.] Should we just have everyone else join us, too?

It's a lot of fun, sometimes we play as our characters XD

[redstray]

[ He shrugs not really caring ]

Guess so...

lmao that'd be interesting. and a lot of laughs

[toremainbehind]

[At Eric's words, everyone gathers around and Totsuka drags Mikoto into it, too.

When everyone is all in position, Totsuka sets the timer on the camera as he puts it on the stand before rushing in to join the picture while everyone makes sure that Izumo and Eric stays in the middle.]

It's super funny XD Next time join us! We

[redstray]

[ Eric feels Fujishima beside him and all the others surrounding him along with his brother. He couldn't help but smile a bit bigger, a bit brighter. he was surrounded by people that were friends...maybe even family. He never felt safe and happier then being around these people.

The picture was taken and everyone cheered. He felt many hands on his head, ruffling his hair and giving him a few shouts of happiness and encouragement. Soon after though, they all began to filter out, soon after just leaving the two and Mikoto alone in the bar. ]

That was...fun.

lol hopefully some time this weekend! Once everything settles on my end

[toremainbehind]

It was.

[Izumo starts to clean up, shaking his head at Mikoto when the other seems to actually willing to help out.]

Be sure to make some good memories.