1 ; video/action

[eyeforaneye]

(video: @s.uchiha)

[ The video opens to a view of a simple sign in the quarantine’s common language, a dark green background causing the white lettering of “The Coffee Shop” to really pop alongside a graphic of what appears to be some kind of mermaid or siren. Why does this feel like copyright infringement. ]

It’s my understanding that there aren’t many places like this here. [ So comes the voice from behind the camera, view panning to the right and left to showcase the street he’s on and make it clear just where this particular shop is. Only then does he move forward, the small store’s bell jangling as he steps into what can only be described as an immaculate café, the specials written neatly on a chalkboard in Japanese characters on the counter, booths and tables lining the walls, and plants placed stalwartly in the windows like leafy guardians. ]

So it should receive more business. Now that you’re aware, consider spending your extra money here. [ As he finally turns that camera around, revealing a dour young dark-haired man in all his glory. ]

If you need more information, I suppose it can’t be helped. I’ll address concerns.

(action)

[ Feel free to stop in! Expect a quiet one-armed man behind the counter cleaning an already spotless work station in his down time. ]

Comments

[eyeforaneye]

[ What kind of question--

He doesn't expect it, which is clear by his expression, needing a moment to choose how to answer. ]

No, it wasn't. Living with it has been difficult, but making the choice wasn't.

don't try to act like those are the same

[eyeforaneye]

[ Sasuke doesn't consider himself to be a manipulative person. Making a factual comparison that highlights something which would be beneficial for him? That's free game. So when he notices a chance in Gladio's expression he feels he's landed on something significant, his grip on Kusanagi tightening even if he doesn't yet lift it. So. He's as honorable as he seems. ]

Very well. Take the first hit. [ You should've known this was coming. ]

[supersweet]

[ Jon's oddly quiet for a child before he nods knowingly. ]

Thanks for the cake, Mister.

[anthropophagite]

[ SASUKE.................. ]

In a way? What do you mean?

[eyeforaneye]

[ ... ]

Aa. You don't have to thank me when you paid for it.

[supersweet]

You should always thank someone when you can.

[ It's how he's been taught. ]

[eyeforaneye]

I have completed the procedural training with perfect marks.

[eyeforaneye]

... very well, then. [ You can do it, Sasuke. ]

You're welcome.

[supersweet]

[ Jon grins as he wipes his mouth with a napkin and scuttles off after his case worker. ]

listen I'm sure it's a euphemism for something

[leatherdaddy]

[ To his credit, Gladio doesn't allow this open invitation to hurt his pride - this time at least - but it doesn't go unnoticed, unacknowledged. He bares his teeth and charges, but there's little in his expression that signals anything like pure rage. It's determination.

The Shield closes the distance far slower than Sasuke or Suigetsu can - they run like it's a feather-light flirtation with the earth unhindered by wind or gravity. He's sure-footed across the broken terrain peppered with crumbling architecture long overgrown and mossy, kicking up a spray of gravel and dirt as heavy, red-soled boots rip up the ground in his charge.

But then he gets in close enough, he winds his sword back and leaps - but with the intention of climbing up Sasuke's chest for a kick that should, if successfully landed, result in him flipping back and launching the ninja backwards. It's certainly not what one might consider a typical opening move. ]

[bespredel]

What? [ Yuri genuinely looked surprised (and a little annoyed) by the accusation. For a moment, his nostrils flared, his jaw going tense and his lips pursed. ]

What the hell would the point of threatening you be? Over coffee. Tch. That's stupid. [ Yuri just wasn't the best at 'tone', always coming across as angry, acerbic, confrontational, or all three. ]

[eyeforaneye]

[ Very rarely has Sasuke ever faced an opponent that wasn't larger and physically stronger than him, so the genuinely intimidating figure that Gladio cuts -- with each thunderous step that highlights an impeccable physique and force that strong muscles can drive home -- is one he underestimates. Thus when it's clear that Gladio's intending on a first strike that isn't coming at the end of a blade Sasuke doesn't dodge. No, he raises Kusanagi higher in order to block the hit instead, taking the full brunt of an attack that forces him to skid backwards with how much more powerful it is than he expected.

Surprise shows on his features for a mere half-second as he looks up with now red eyes, meeting Gladio's. ]

I guess that muscle isn't for show after all. Good. [ With only a hint of a smirk to indicate that now it's his turn, suddenly darting forward with a leap and a reverse-spin strike of his chokuto aimed between Gladio's left shoulder and throat. ]

[leatherdaddy]

[ Sasuke's style of fighting reminds him of a variant of the Marshal. Quick flashes of cutting steel and sure, swift strikes. It's like watching wind or water fight, it flows from one strike after another, only to become as poised and balanced as stone in the next moment. More importantly, he's fast. Gladio's used to breaking through such defenses, even the likes of Cor the Immortal, powering through his raised katana to drive him down. It comes as a surprise for the Royal Shield as well, but the attack has left Gladio upright once again as he sticks his landing.

The red glow of Sasuke's eyes are a shocking enough sight that he's slow in raising his weapon. ]

Your eyes - the hell?!

[ Now it's his turn to be surprised. This was a detail (one of probably several) that were overlooked in their previous encounters. It's enough to stun, although after spending some time with a frumpy skeleton, such things are becoming something of the norm. He associates it with the awesome power of the Astrals, though, and it makes him instantly nervous.

Gladio's keenly aware of the drawbacks of such strength. Greatswords exchange mobility and speed for power, and so he's trained hard to cover himself and his king by faster means than trying to maneuver such a big blade to intercept an attack. Amber eyes glare over the edge of a teardrop shield that he summons to form around a clenched fist, raised in defense against that attack, his sword-arm tensing as he prepares for an overhead swing as a counter attack with ground crushing force, delivered on the heels of a roar of effort. ]

RRRAH!

[liquidate]

(wiggles excitedly)

Then in that case, I want the caramel frappuccino with five blobs of whipped cream. Hurry, hurry, show me your skills.

[eyeforaneye]

[ The question isn't banter and it isn't a threat so it goes unanswered in the midst of battle. Why explain his abilities when they're still fighting? He'd rather keep a few trump cards close to the chest, just as he's sure Gladio would... and nothing illustrates that better than the sudden appearance of a powerful shield, one that his strike reverberates against with a vicious clang of metal and a rattling of his bones.

Interesting.

His last second mid-air dodge of that attack is almost unnatural in its fluidity, foot catching on the lip of his shield with the aid of chakra just so he can spin out of its range. ] That's another good trick. [ It's muttered almost mockingly low as his next step forward has him digging a heel into Gladio's shoulder before he's dropping down onto the ground behind him, already whirling around for another slice at the arm holding that shield. ]

[leatherdaddy]

[ That arcing blade cuts only air and earth, splitting old concrete into fragments. It shouldn't surprise him, considering he's seen what the man nearly single-handedly bring a Behemoth to the ground, with absolutely no concern registering in his expression when it tried to throw him off. What does surprise him is how he then uses him as a living springboard, throwing the Shield further off balance with a grunt. ]

Ugh! Shit--

[ Gladio twists around with too much haste, bringing his shield arm around to block the oncoming hit, but it leaves him down on one knee and tipped just too far off balance to recover quickly. The blow staggers him, and the shield vanishes. Already he's breathing hard as he grasps his weapon in both hands. Despite the clear disadvantage, it's kind of exciting facing off with such a daunting challenge. Gladio's getting pumped. ]

You've got some moves yourself, Sassy.

[anthropophagite]

Learning how to make coffee isn't about marks, usually-

well. Does your employer like your skills?

[adiuvio]

[ John isn't offended. It takes more than a brusque word to hurt his feelings.

Still, John appreciates the sentiment. He even shoots Sasuke a smile. ]

Don't get yourself into trouble on my account. An accident is an accident.

[eyeforaneye]

[ By contrast Sasuke's expression stays almost painfully neutral, as if he'd have no real issue with any such threat. Which is accurate. Coffee is indeed a weird thing to get worked up over but it's not the strangest thing he's ever heard. ]

I'm not sure. It could be that you're just trying to make sure that I'll give you only my very best effort.

[eyeforaneye]

[ It occurs to Sasuke to question if that's truly what Suigetsu wants, given how much whipped cream is the standard. Really, it does.

It also occurs to Sasuke to let him suffer with the consequences of his actions, so he patiently totals up the order before stepping aside to start the process. ] Don't rush it if you want it done right.

[ Which he does. And then he starts adding the first extra blob of whipped cream, one that towers well over the edge of the cup. THEN STARTS ADDING THE SECOND... ]

[bespredel]

I mean, well duh I want your best effort. But I would like to think that you could get that out of someone in the service industry without threatening them. That's just stupid.

And childish. [ Says the somewhat immature sixteen year old. ]

[eyeforaneye]

One or two. [ Again it's low and too calm, but just the fact that he'd make a quip like that in the first place is proof that he loosens up considerably more in a battle than he does normally. It's as if fluid movements relax wound-up muscles and that extends to an even more trapped mind and caged-in emotions. If anything he still worries he doesn't keep the lid on those tight enough.

His chokuto could easily find the soft flesh of Gladio's throat with that shield out of the way... but instead he takes a step back, letting him recover. ]

Get up and come at me again, Gladiolus.

[leatherdaddy]

[ Amber eyes blink - they're too experienced, too lacking in naivete not to recognize an honorable gesture when offered. He accepts it as graciously as an Amicitia can, with a bright smile and nod for his sportsmanlike behavior. Grunts as he hoists himself up and yanks his greatsword from the broken stone beneath him and rests its weight on his broad shoulders. ]

Thanks.

[ There's a brief huff of amusement, just breathless enough to resound to any swordsman worth his salt like a man struggling to hide the fact he's catching his breath. ]

That kind of formality makes me feel self-conscious. [ He eyes that chokuto again with a smile that, despite the vigilance and wariness that draws his attention to them, never loses that smile at all. It reaches his eyes even if he's still watchful, careful. There's a joy in this he's found, the kind found in a man who has accepted his role in life and embraced it. ]

...Best two out of three then?

[ He throws his weight out in front of him in another charge, blade at the ready to lunge. He's not going to keep you waiting for that thrust, Sasuke. ]

[eyeforaneye]

I already have doubts in my employer's effectiveness as a barista. [ He will continue to use this word mercilessly simply to show off knowing it. Which is not impressive. But he doesn't realize that. ]

I think he's easily impressed.

[eyeforaneye]

[ It's a few steps distance that Sasuke's put between them while Gladio catches his breath and regains his stance, chokuto spinning in a lazy arc while he waits and shakes out tense muscles. Perhaps he should've stretched before this... Gladio's hits were strong enough to make steel sing, after all, and he can still feel them reverberating in his bones. ]

Didn't I tell you before? Exhaust yourself. However many rounds that takes. [ With the implication there being that Gladio will reach his limit before Sasuke will. Only time will tell.

He waits far too long to raise his sword to block another fast hit, however, still quietly noting how quickly Gladio can really move despite his size and the power behind his strikes. Just like before it's enough to test his balance... but this time thick steel truly overpowers thin, with the focal point of that blow actually cracking a blade that refuses to dent. It weakens Sasuke's grasp, fingers sliding on the hilt as eyes widen at the first realization of what's about to happen.

That chokuto flies out of his hand and the momentum of Gladio's swing is one he doesn't move away from quickly enough, one ankle pressed into dirt to force him back only enough to keep a sharp broadsword from cleaving him in two -- instead it slices through the front of his midsection, red staining his torso almost instantaneously. ]

Fuck-- [ The curse escapes with a rattle of an exhale as Sasuke drops to one knee, blood splattering dirt and debris even as his arm wraps around his midsection. ]