Snippet #2696289

Morizukawa Nao

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Dialogue: blue | Thought: darkblue

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Nao leant back, rocking on his feet as he waited near the entrance of Sceptre 4's carpark. The others had headed off first, but Nao had decided to stay back and wait for Riku, who had yet to arrive. Scowling, he leant back against the wall and readjusted his tie, tugging it slightly loose as he tried not to feel worried. Riku normally came on time - when he wasn't caught up in things at least - but what with all the murders going around Where is he? He's late! He'd better not be dead - and this tie really sucks.

Not for the hundredth time, he wished that he could take the tie off. Just one grip and pull and an attacker would have a makeshift noose around his neck. The boy was dressed up to the nines - a black vest buttoned over a white dress shirt hugged his trim figure, and a thin black tie was enclosed around his throat like a noose. Covering his lower limbs were trousers that were the same ebony shade as his vest, and draped over his arm was a black suit coat. His light blue hair was tied differently from its usual half ponytail - now it was higher and more towards the center, keeping all pf his bangs from falling into his eyes instead of just his left eye.

Overall, it created a very sombre image. Hopefully. Nao wasn't really sure, but hasty research into what funerals were and proper behaviour that was kept to the dead of the night inside his room, away from prying eyes, told him that this was what most people wore, and Nao needed to fit in like a normal person would.

He had to prove (to himself? To others?) that he could be normal and unthreatening. Especially today, where the other clans would be gathering at the funeral of Ikeda Akio, the recently deceased Grey King.

Nao hadn't really known the Grey King, but he knew what the man had accomplished. He had managed to keep peace in a city where people could destroy buildings with one touch or burn them down with a flick of the wrist, and were more than ready to use it on the people they disliked - which was a lot, especially considering that half the clans hated each other. Nao didn't know what it was like, having to play moderator to people who would get at each others throats at the hint of a threat or slight, but he couldn't help but feel that it was probably pretty difficult.

Like, insanely difficult. Juggling a couple of plates while balancing on a ball and catching knives with your teeth at the same time kind of difficult. But somehow he had managed, until somebody killed him. Heading to the funeral of such a strong man was worth the pain of wearing an itchy suit and a cloth noose around his neck, even the interaction with the other clans that they would inevitably have. Sceptre 4 had enough stress on their plate with dead coworkers and managing the peace, dammit.

It's the first time I've seen everyone so worried... well, except for that time Riku caught me doing that. Nao winced at the memory, but straightened up as he heard a car arriving, his face brightening as he heard the sound of rubber meeting ground at high speeds and the engine running. Ah! That must be Riku! Finally. What took him so long? He strode steadily to the carpark, Dark boots making no sound as he followed the sound of the running engine.

While it was normally filled with cars, today it was merely half full, thanks to time off or work. Picking his way forward, Nao headed straight to a familiar looking car, making sure that there was a smile on his face as he did so. A big, broad smile, so that he looked happy and cheerful and not as if he had been worried or angry at all.

Think happy thoughts. Imagine a battery with electricity flowing through you, filling you with energy. Funny shit. And exclamation marks. Like so! Exclamation marks always make things seem cheerful! Even if they're not

Forcing his steps to be faster and lighter, as if he had springs on his feet, Nao bounced up towards the parked car, leaning down to give a little wave towards its occupants from outside the driver seat with the biggest grin he could manage. It turned a little more real as he saw Ritsu fast asleep, Ken at the steering wheel. "Hi Ken!" he said brightly, remembering to keep his voice low at the last second. "How're you doing? Are you driving Ritsu to the funeral? We're late, you know!"