Fandom [CLOSED] Tokyo Ghoul: Dead Enmity

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FUCKING FINALLY i swear the site was down FOREVER OMG


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"Oh. I see." Minnie ducked into a slouch and raised a hand to brush her white-painted nails against her cheek. Her eyes, azure and omniscient, saw and saw through Jason, Lea and Jackson, who averted his gaze upon eye contact. How tricky. What could she say in a situation such as this? There was a difficult request, and then there was a simple death wish. Jester had escaped from the clutches of the CCG on numerous occasions, each time taking with him the lives of some of their most valued investigators. Surely it was suicide to send a rookie like Jackson out onto the field. Unless it was a last resort, his involvement could and should be avoided.


"Lambert. You asked to join the investigation, didn't you?" she finally said in her crisp and clear voice, in a tone Jackson was all too familiar with. Upon hearing his name, Jackson's head shot up and he found himself stupidly nodding a sheepish, submissive nod.


Satisfied that she had the boy's attention, Minnie found the words to continue. "I hope you - and Lea, for that matter - realise the magnitude of the case. Jester is no C-rated ghoul. He's killed a lot of people."


"Mrs G-Graham, I was -" began Jackson.


"Jason here would know, I believe. One of his best squad members was taken by Jester if I'm not mistaken. This isn't something we can just hand over to our Rank Threes."


"Yeah, I know, but -"


"But what?"


"I thought that, err, I could maybe take Adrian with me. If Jason thinks, um, that it's okay, of course. I think Adrian's been dying to get out on a mission, and if I can stay by him, then -"


Minnie silenced Jackson mid-sentence with that same stare again. It wasn't exactly an angry stare; there was no blazing heat in her eyes, no disappointment. Just confusion.


"Lea, Jason," Minnie said, turning her head to the side to address the younger senior investigators, "What do you two think about this?"


***


Carol brushed her shoulders off with a hand, one by one removing the dust accumulated within the last four minutes since her departure from the office.


"Hmm, intriguing," the woman remarked as Adrian took to the punching bag with a powerful kick. Quick. Powerful. Not very strong. The choice of activity was unexpected from somebody like Adrian, who had a thin frame with thighs more muscular than calves. He was built for agility, not kick-boxing. Unpredictable. Maybe he could catch an enemy off-guard if he didn't have to carry a quinque around with him. Carol began to make notes on a small pad of paper.


"Adrian! Come here for a second, would you? I've got to talk to you for a bit." she said, raising and widening her arms as if expecting the boy to hug her upon meeting back up.

 

[Yoki]

Dead Enmity

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Whilst Minerva addressed Jackson, Lea sat on her chair, stealing biscuits every now and then from the tin. She was listening, but she wasn't too concerned about the conversation at that moment, after all it was to do with Jackson at the moment, and she wasn't being asked her opinion... So...she had nothing to do but eat. Which definitely wasn't a bad thing! She liked eating, especially digestives, though...she probably shouldn't eat them all... Minnie wouldn't like that...but...they were so good!


"Hm?" Hearing her name, the girl looked up, digestive protruding from her mouth. What did she think about it? Didn't they already know that? Closing the lid, Lea bit into the biscuit and held the other part in her hand. "If we're bringing Ada along?" She asked, turning her head to the side. For a moment she was completely silent, thinking, she looked to Jackson, then to Jason, before actually answering. "Ada's strong. He's a rank three, sure, but...I think he'd make it." After that she grinned.


"Yes, but," Jason butted in, "Adrian is reckless. He'll get himself hurt." The man was obviously still thinking about letting Adrian anywhere near Jester, "Jester is much more experienced."


"Mmn....maybe." Lea shrugged, looking over at Jason, "But I think he'd put up a fight. If Ada was with Jackson further back and then I could stay around them if you really want..." She bit into her biscuit again, shrugging, "I think it'll be good for them. I went with a team when I was a rank three to help take on a ghoul."


"Yes, but that was different."


"Was it really?" She winked at Jason, "After all, you've heard them call Ada my little brother, right?"


- - -


Adrian was really just trying to find something quick and easy to do, sure he wasn't particularly strong, but he was able to throw a decent kick...so...he might as well work on it whilst he was there. As he was just about to kick again he heard his name being called. His leg was lowered and his attention turned to the woman sitting down, what was it she wanted? Quickly he headed over to the woman, though he was confused at what she was doing with her arms... Oh well...whatever...


"What about?" He asked, standing in front of Carol, his hands behind his back. She randomly got him to do exercise and now she wanted to speak about something? What...could it be now?

 

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goodnight, chum.


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Minnie rolled her eyes back every time she saw Lea take a biscuit, but when she listened, she listened with interest, drumming those long fingers against her opposite wrist.


"So Lea, you think it might work out if you stay with them? Well, I suppose, but..."


"What? What's the rest?" Jackson urged, edging forwards towards Minnie. His glasses were sliding down the bridge of his nose again.


"No. Nevermind, forget it. I'm sorry to waste your time, you three, but Jason has a point. We can't just serve our rookies to Jester on a silver plate like that. You can take Sanister if you want, but that's the last of my say."


***


Carol swayed on the spot as Adrian approached, then pocketed the little notepad and clapped her hands together.


"Very forward, aren't you? I like that, you're such a strong-thought young man, aren't you? And cute. I'd date you, boy, but you're a bit young for me - or, I should say, I'm a bit old for you! Ha, oh, I do love a good laugh with the Young's. Anyway, Adrian, I'm surely sorry for stopping you so early, but I just thought it was interesting... Why did you choose that? The punching bag? You look more like a runner than an attacker to me."


She wasn't lying; it was interesting. Maybe Adrian hadn't yet worked out that he was supposed to be showing off, or maybe he had some kind of hidden talent beneath the carefully toned muscles on his arms and legs. But the boy didn't seem naive. Just a bit strange in her eyes.

 

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Lea giggled at Jackson's enthusiasm, though she was a little disappointed at Minerva's answer. Sure, she didn't say no, but she did say that she didn't think it was a good idea, which made Lea pout a little.


"They're not gonna be handed on a silver platter." She replied, "Jester is strong, but if we have a lot of investigators with us and they're the front line he'd have to get past them before he could get to Ada and Jackie. He'd have to kill me." The girl smiled, finishing her biscuit, "I think I'd like to take them, but if you really mean no...I won't."


"I swear you're crazy." Jason mumbled, "Do you really trust that Adrian can handle any of that? And that he'll stay with Jackson?"


"Do you?" She fired the question right back, "I'm not his mentor."


"Sorry for wasting your time, Minerva." Jason nodded once and stood up out of his chair, he didn't give Lea an answer.


- - -


"Hm?" Adrian turned his head to the side, obviously confused, even if they were similar age he wouldn't go out with Carol...he wouldn't go out with any girl... She said that it was interesting that he chose the punching bag, but why was that interesting? It was just something he had to work on... He grinned, keeping his hands behind his back, "I could have ran. But if you know I can run, and I know I can run...what's the point?" Honestly that really did seem pointless, why not show off something else? There was always things to improve on.


The boy rocked back and forth on his heels, smiling and just looked over at the woman. She may have been confused, but he definitely wasn't, he knew why he'd made the choice...it was just a matter of whether she'd realise or not.

 

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skip skip gotta skip the test because it's so bore


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Jackson fell silent upon hearing his mentor's decision and slouched down again, bringing his hands to his belly to wring his fingers together. The anticipation had made him sweat, and now the dampness was causing the hair over his forehead to curl at the ends. Was he shaking? He couldn't tell, but he certainly felt like he should be. Damn it, and that's the end of it, too...


He chose to get his hopes up and he paid the price for it when the plan fell apart. Lea didn't seem too saddened, fortunately. She was... a bit loud, a bit boisterous - not someone Jackson's ears could cope to be around every day. One Adrian is enough. But yet the man felt glad that she wasn't too crestfallen. Maybe it was the biscuits that made up for the rejection.


Minnie's expression hadn't changed since she delivered her opinion; she still wore that frown and those tight, stretched lips. "Don't worry about it, Jason," the older woman insisted as she half-heartedly waved a hand at him. "And Lea, you should be going too. Your own squad leader could catch wind of your wanderings."


***


In a sudden and unpredictable move, Carol decided that she would reach out and wrap an arm around Adrian's shoulders. She laughed as she did this, with her mouth wide open and head tilted backwards.


"Adrian, my goodness!" she shouted, her voice somewhat high-pitched and forced - moreso than usual. "You are remarkable, I really love your attitude. I bet my husband would love to get a look inside your head, actually, if you ever have any problems I'll give you his number. Professional psychologist, he is, very good." Carol released her grip on the boy and began to waddle back towards the door, her knees swaying inwards and outwards with each short step.


"Oh! Did I forget to tell you that you've done enough? It was barely anything, I know, but we spent quite a lot of time in the office upstairs and I think I've seen enough here. You can follow me back upstairs for a summary if you want or else you can go now. Either way, I'll get back to you on the weekend with your results. I think I have your email address, but I can always ask good old Strat in case."

 

[Yoki]

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"Oh! Right!" Lea perked up, jumping off of her chair and placing the biscuit tin back on Minerva's desk, "I do have actual duties to attend to." She laughed and looked to Jason, then Jackson, "Hey, come find me later Jackie. And Jason, you should probably go get Adrian, he'll probably be out soon." With that she simply winked and ran out of the room. When Lea had to do something she was gone in seconds, though she'd be back, but you could never tell when. It might be that they saw her in five minutes, or it might be that they didn't see her for the rest of the day.


"That girl..." Jason sighed, shaking his head as Lea disappeared, "I'm glad you agreed with me Minerva, but there's no stopping her trying." He nodded once to the woman, "I'll take my leave so that you can get back to your work." After that he headed out of the door after Lea, "Oh and Jackson, like Lea said, Adrian should be out soon enough."


- - -


Adrian jumped slightly at the sudden raise of her voice and Carol placing an arm over him. Remarkable? Was he really? Her husband would love to look inside his head...well...he didn't need a psychologist... Not until Jackson told him he did at least, he was fine how he was, and he shouldn't really need one for the rest of his life...but...he guessed it was there if he wanted to take it...


The boy simply blinked a couple of times and watched as the woman made her way to the door, he didn't intend on going with her if they were done, not when he could go find Jackson. That was surprisingly easier than expected, but...the easier the better, right?


"I think...I'm gonna go find Jackson. So. Bye!" He smiled, waving to her, before looking back towards the door. Should he move now and just pass the woman or... Yeah, yeah he should probably do that. So he started forwards and was out of the door in seconds. Wait...Jackson had his assessment now, right? So...maybe he should just wander around for a moment, then go back upstairs and wait for the other outside of the room. It wasn't like he had anything better to do.

 

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Carol hopped to the side as Adrian darted past her. Built for speed, she thought to herself, that same brilliant white grin plastered across her face again. Already she knew what she would be emailing that young man on Saturday. He was fast, he was agile and he appeared to have decent stamina. I'll let Robert know right away. This kid is definitely a Quinx.


***


Jackson had left the office in a timely manner, having felt the sharp sting of rejection run through from his heart to his fingertips. No matter how often he was turned down, he never seemed to get used to the soreness it left inside him. "Silver plate, my foot," he muttered under his breath as he took himself down the corridor and in the direction of the lift.


He still had a few minutes before he was due at Carol's office, but nothing to fill it with. It would take too long for him to travel all the way to the archives, so he might as well start on his way to the appointment now.


With swift, practised movements, Jackson slid a card key from his sleeve and swiped it across the elevator lock. A green light flashed and the silver doors slid open, allowing Jackson inside. Floor... First. He tapped the number into the panel on the wall and waited to be carried upwards.


When the doors finally parted again, Jackson almost had to double-take. "Adrian?" he blurted upon catching sight of his friend. "You're out? Already, I mean? Oh, uh, wow. How was it? The test?"

 

[Yoki]

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Adrian headed down the hallway at a rather fast pace, he knew that Jackson wasn't outside of the room anymore, since they'd moved from it, so he assumed that he might have gone with Jason. That's where the male was heading. He could check Jason's office, or outside, or...somewhere where they all might be? But of course Jackson couldn't have forgotten he had a meeting now, right? Surely not...


The boy had been heading to the elevator and was about to press the button to open it when he saw it open, leaving him face to face with the exact person he wanted to see.


"Jackson!" He exclaimed, taking a few steps back to allow the other to get out. That was a lot easier than expected, Jackson had come to him, he didn't even have to look that far! If only everything was that easy... Adrian put his hands behind his back and beamed at his friend, just happy to not be left alone with Carol anymore. Honestly the woman was starting to confuse him quite a bit, he didn't really understand her.


"Huh? How was it?" He turned his head to the side, thinking of an appropriate word, "Test-y?" Adrian asked, deciding afterwards that that was not a good descriptor at all. "It was...okay! There wasn't really anything that hard, it was a little weird though...and the woman talks a lot, so be prepared!" He laughed, rocking on the heels of his feet. "I think you'll find the first bit easy!"

 

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are you stalking me to the piratepad or something? i got my eye on you, ya cheat!


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Jackson cocked his head to the side and gazed absently at the ceiling, rolling his eyes to the left. "The first bit will be easy," he parroted back at Adrian in a quiet voice, bringing his forearms inwards to wring his hands together. He clenched his jaw as he spoke. The first bit. There's more than one 'bit'. The first is the easiest, so...


For several seconds he wrung his hands and stared at his friend, searching for the right words to express his thoughts. Did Adrian show aptitude? Did he even know his results? What exactly happened in the test? There were things to ask, things to know, but Jackson didn't feel it was right to ask. After all, Adrian had gone in that room blind, knowing nothing of the nature of the test or how long it would take. But still. Maybe Jackson would have more of a chance if he knew what to expect.


"Oh, well, well done, then. You said there was a... first 'bit'. Right? How many bits are there? Do they get harder, or something?"

 

[Yoki]

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Adrian simply stood, leaving Jackson to his thoughts, the other did that often, he'd just stand there until his friend spoke to him, not wanting to interrupt his train of though. He'd said the first bit would be easier for Jackson since he probably wouldn't be able to do the second bit, but...the boy didn't want to say that...he didn't want to upset or discourage the other, that just wasn't fair.


"Hm? There's two." Quick and straight to the point, that's what Adrian was, but...he didn't want to say why the second bit would be difficult for Jackson. "Yeah, kinda." He would have gone on, but stopped himself, realising that what he was going to say could potentially upset Jackson if he phrased it wrong, "You shouldn't worry about it though! Just...go and do it! The sooner it's over the less you have to worry about right?" Honestly Adrian just didn't want the male to ask him any more questions...he wouldn't know how to avoid the answers...

 

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why is adrian so cute. like i want to just reach into ur head and pull him out and give him a big squeeze.


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"Well, I'm guessing that, that the actual test is classified, if you're playing the pronoun game," the man jested, parting his lips in a shallow grin as he regarded Adrian. Once again, his round-framed glasses slid down the bridge of his nose and dislodged a lock of golden hair from its place.


Maybe it is a secret after all. Well, I shouldn't pry... How much time have I got? Carefully, he removed his smartphone from his front trouser pocket and clicked it on to check the time. 15:49. Eleven minutes of blissful slacking off in the corridor with Adrian before he would have to enter that office with the loud, plump woman named Carol. He could use the opportunity to calm down a little - despite himself, he still felt somewhat singed after his encounter with Minnie.


"I should really get a watch," Jackson abruptly declared as he stowed the phone back away. "That thing's battery's going already. It's, uh, a good thing we're going home after this, huh? Charge up, get some rest. All that... stuff." The mention of rest triggered a sudden yawn in Jackson. In the presence of nobody but Adrian, he didn't bother to cover his mouth and simply rubbed at the back of his neck as his jaws widened. Damn, I can't wait to get back to bed.


Just as Jackson settled back into his train of thought, a round of loud, careless footsteps clapped down the corridor. They got louder and louder until, from around the corner, an abnormally tall young man with a ruffled brown bowl cut came clumsily winding down the corridor.


"Yo! You guys, what's up?" the boy yelled in a high-pitched and husky voice.


"T-Teddy! Uh, hi!" Jackson coughed back. He recognised the lad from the academy - he had trained with Jackson and Adrian, and now they worked in the same squad. This guy tried out for Quinx too?

 

[Yoki]

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"Mmn...I don't know..." Adrian looked up, "I didn't ask." He kept his hands behind his back, holding onto his wrist with one back and swaying backwards and forwards on his heels. He wasn't going to lie to Jackson if he asked, but he'd avoid the direct answer for as long as possible, it was so he didn't get hurt...that was all... Lying wasn't the way to go about it though, since Jackson would find out the truth sooner or later, and Adrian wouldn't want him to be mad... So, he wouldn't do anything that would make him mad at him.


"Mhm! I can get you a watch if you want..." He started, "I don't mind going out and I'll choose a really nice one, and you'll really like it!" Laughing, Adrian stopped swaying and looked over at Jackson, "I mean...maybe you'll like it... I hope so..." Honestly he couldn't wait to get home too, he wanted to sleep this day away and get up in the morning to that e-mail, or at least he hoped it was in the morning. It was at the back of his mind, not his main focus anymore, but still something that he wanted to know about... He hated having to wait for things like that...


"I-..." The boy was about to speak again when he heard another voice from down the hallway, his head snapped to the right and his eyes landed on a male who was quite a bit taller than himself, Adrian was quite short after all. Oh, he knew that guy...Teddy...right? Adrian smiled and waved at the other, placing his arm back behind his back once he'd lowered it again.


"Teddy!" He grinned, looking at Jackson and then back over to the other, had he been tested for Quinx aptitiude too? "Mmn...wait... Did you do the thing with the weird woman as well?"

 

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writing on mobile again so be on the lookout for typos


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Teddy swung over to stand closer to Adrian and Jackson, then stretched out his long arms to slap a hand down on each of his squad-mates' shoulders. He puffed out a long and wheezy sigh, then tipped his head to look at Adrian.


"Oh, man, you've done yours already, too? Shit, you've seen Carol, then. Lady is fuckin' mental, ain't she? Loves to talk and talk and talk. Never stops." Teddy paused for a moment to pick at his teeth, which were large and strangely angled.


"Apparently she knows what she's doing, though. 'S'what Strat told me, at least. Can't say how far I'd follow that claim, though." Teddy tightened his grip on the other two men's shoulders, grabbing onto their jackets and pulling them closer to him. He laughed as Jackson raised his arms in surprise and grabbed at the air for support, and Jackson tried to laugh, too. He knew that Teddy meant well, even if he was a bit too friendly.


"Did - did you find it hard, Teddy?" asked Jackson as he composed himself again.


"Huh?" Teddy blinked for a second and waited to process the question before he answered. "Oh, yeah, the test. Nah, I wouldn't call it hard. Boring is a better word, to be honest. That lady's voice gets painful after a few minutes. Don't ya think, Adrian?"

 

[Yoki]

Dead Enmity

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"She does talk a lot." Adrian replied, simply looking up at the other. He didn't mind how friendly and touchy Teddy tended to be, it didn't bother him in the slightest, and mostly he just didn't react to it, letting the other pull him about. "And...she talked about her husband a lot too..."


So Strat told him that she knew what she was doing? Well, she told Adrian he was remarkable...although he didn't quite get why. He decided it was best not to bring that up, however. It wasn't exactly important at the moment, and that had been just between the two of them after all.


Jackson had asked Teddy whether or not he found the test hard, and Adrian found himself hoping Teddy didn't mention too much. Jackson needed to find out what was going on in there so he could go in with an open mind, not one that already believed he was going to fail... It wouldn't do any good for his chances. He really hoped the other managed to qualify...


"Mmn...I mean... It's a little scary at times. Like, when you're sitting quietly and then she starts talking really loud..." He looked to Jackson, then to the ground for a moment, "Oh! And...she was talking about her husband...and...she gave me this." He went in his pocket, pulling out the little card Carol had given him before he left... "Apparently I'm interesting and her husband would like to examine me, but...if that requires cutting my head open I think I'll pass..."

 

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back~


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Teddy tipped his head backwards and rolled his eyes up into his skull. He snorted loudly with his mouth wide open, then wrapped his arm around Adrian's shoulders again, securing the boy's right side with the crook of his inner elbow.


"Examine you!" he squeaked, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. He was struggling to contain his laughter. "Like you're the maniac, and everythin'. Oh, oh man, that's funny. I got talk about her man too, but shit, she didn't give me no card. I ran outta there as fast as I could, hid down in the containment until just a couple minutes ago."


Jackson grinned back up at Teddy, lower jaw trembling with his usual noiseless, shallow laughter. "She sounds... uh... 'fun', then," he remarked, pushing his glasses back up to their correct place again.


"Fun with a PH," Teddy added, flicking the wrist of his free hand. His arm constricted more tightly around Adrian.


Is he..? Jackson glanced at Teddy through the corner of his eye, watching the odd way in which he was thoughtlessly squeezing Adrian closer to him. Poor guy's going to get a bruised shoulder. He elected to ignore Teddy in the hope that he would release his friend soon; that grip couldn't be comfortable. "Yeah, well, I'll, err, see her for myself in a couple of minutes. Pray for me, would you?"


"Huh? You goin' for Quinx?"


The oldest of the three men bit at at his lower lip before he replied, "Yeah. Yeah, I am. Me and Adrian, together, I mean. Right?" in that last word he addressed Adrian. Teddy didn't release his grip but turned to the right to watch and wait for Adrian's response.

 

[Yoki]

Dead Enmity

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Adrian didn't really get what the other was laughing at, but he stood there and looked up at him, not saying anything since he didn't know what to say... he guessed it was a little strange of her to give him the card. Did she really think he was crazy? Maybe...he was? Who knew...it didn't matter at this point.


The longer the boy stood there listening to Jackson and Teddy, the tighter Teddy's grip on his shoulder got. It was actually becoming quite uncomfortable...however, Adrian didn't say anything about it. He felt like his shoulder would be crushed if the taller male tightened his grip on him anymore... The guy was stronger than Adrian...and he wasn't sure what to do...should he say it was hurting? No... Well, what? Did he just deal with it? Mmn...probably...it wasn't that bad after all...


It was a few minutes after that that he felt Teddy grip him tighter and Adrian whined quietly out of discomfort, it wasn't often Adrian ever complained about pain to someone...and he wasn't going to start doing now...but...he didn't exactly want his shoulder broken. So, in an attempt to move Teddy without being rude, he lightly grabbed hold of the other's forearm, trying to slowly move it a little so that it didn't squash his shoulder all that much. This was just becoming extremely uncomfortable...what if his shoulder got snapped in half? Teddy didn't realise just how strong he was...especially when he had hold of Adrian's smaller frame.


"Huh?" Only tuning into hear his name, Adrian had no idea what Jackson was on about, "I'm sorry... What're we doing? Do you need to go for Quinx now or?" He blinked, still pushing Teddy's forearm, very lightly however...he wasn't exactly as physically strong as some others.

 

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sorry i'm dragging this on a little >///< can't think of a non-awkward way to skip through to the appointment. what say when it happens, we just do a couple posts of teddy and adrian talking then get jackson out? i really can't be bothered to type out another entire interview, especially since it's just with myself and awkward.


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"Anyone in there, mate?" Teddy yipped. He was avoiding the question; chances are that he stopped listening somewhere along the line, too. But still he mocked in the way that he did, trying to joke and jest and make like he was closer to Adrian than anyone. He even added to the comedy by pressing his ear against Adrian's skull whilst knocking a fist on his forehead with his other hand. He still maintained a firm hold on the boy. "You got asked a question."


Jackson clenched his teeth together around his lower lip as he watched the scene. Part of him wanted to play along with Teddy's joke, but he recognised Adrian's little hand movements against the taller man's thick and heavy arm. He recognised that little whimper. He's gonna break the guy's arm. Adrian's not big enough to be held like that!


"Uh, T-Teddy," Jackson began, nervously holding up his arm towards him, then bringing it back down again. He was too far away now to reach, and moreover, he didn't particularly feel like being the next victim of his squad-mate's over-enthusiastic cameraderie.


"Huh? What is it, Jack?"


"I think you're, uh..." He couldn't find the words to finish his sentence, but a hand gesture pointed at Adrian told Teddy what was needed to say.


"Adrian? Oh." Teddy flashed a delicate grin at the man in his grip, froze for a moment to think, then unwrapped his arm. For a second he looked as though he were about to speak - maybe apologise, even - but clearly Teddy decided against it and simply shrugged. Jackson allowed himself to relax again.

 

[Yoki]

Dead Enmity

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Adrian's attention had been brought to Teddy's hand as it connected with his forehead, it didn't really hurt or anything, he was just surprised by it. He didn't mind that though, joking around was fun... If he wasn't being crushed then maybe he would have appreciated the joke more.


"What...question?" He asked, if he was asked something then he wanted to know what it was, "I'm sorry... I wasn't listening..." Maybe he should have listened to Jackson a bit more...well...now he just felt bad as well as in pain.


Before anyone answered him Jackson started to talk to Teddy about something, it didn't take long for Adrian to realise that his friend had also noticed how tight Teddy's grip on him was... He was definitely thankful for it since the second Teddy let go Adrian let out an audible sigh of relief, rolling his shoulder and then placing his hands behind his back, smiling at Jackson in thanks. He then looked over to Teddy and smiled up at him too. The other didn't realise, it wasn't his fault, and Adrian never said anything...so...he guessed he kind of let it continue... Well, at least his shoulder didn't break, even if it was aching now.


"Sorry. I should have said." He smiled, rocking back onto his heels, he wouldn't have blamed Teddy for breaking his arm even if he had. He was just over enthusiastic was all. "Um. Jackson." The boy's attention went back onto his friend, smile dropping slightly, "What time is it?"

That's fine! And yeah, I wouldn't do another interview either, making Teddy and Adrian talk for a little and then bringing Jackson back sounds like a better plan. Doing an interview with yourself if just strange...

xD

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yo, got it, thanks! it would be so awkward if i had to sit through an interview... with myself...


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Upon hearing his name, Jackson turned his attention to Adrian again. The time..? He began to search through his pocket again for the phone - it was wedged tightly between his leg and the fabric of his trousers - when Teddy spoke again.


"Four o'clock, on the dot," he said rather loudly, not giving Jackson the time to check for himself. Teddy was looking at a rather chunky-looking and expensive digital watch strapped around his left wrist. Although it was too high up for Jackson to see, the screen flashed with the numbers. 16:00.


"Already?" Jackson whipped his head from side to side, checking for the presence of a loud, dark-skinned woman in a short dress and waist-length overcoat. She should be here now, then. But there was no sign of Caroline Stoke.


Jackson waited for several seconds and Teddy just lingered in the middle of the corridor, casually making irrelevant comments like, "The floor needs a wipe," and "I'm getting hungry."


Just as he was about to give up waiting and go knocking on doors for her, the corridor was filled with footsteps once more. They weren't like Teddy's heavy, clapping footsteps, though; they were short, crisp and close together. The footsteps of a plump woman in heels.


"Oh! You're here already!" Carol remarked, clapping her hands together as she caught sight of the three men grouped in the corridor. Teddy swerved out of the way as the woman powered towards them. When she finally, suddenly skidded to a halt, she briefly stared at Teddy and Adrian as if to say, and what are you doing here? But she kept her mouth shut until her eyes fell upon Jackson.


"Oh, Miss, uh -"


"There you are! And right on time," the lady beamed, her eyes lighting up as that famous smile spread across her face again. "Lambert, right? Minnie told me to look for a blondie in a wheelchair, and there you are right in front of me. Come, come, we've got not a moment to waste!"


Jackson felt his face flushing again. Now isn't a good time to look like a volcano, he reminded himself and tried to facade excitement as he nodded a quick goodbye to Adrian. In reality what he felt was more along the lines of anticipation - he was beginning to regret not asking Adrian more about the test. But he was going in now, and...


Click. The door closed behind them, leaving Teddy and Adrian alone in a room that was silent but for Carol's muted and muffled voice.

 

[Yoki]

Dead Enmity

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Four o'clock exactly... Jackson needed to go for his aptitude test now, right? Yeah, that was a four. Honestly, Adrian was a little nervous for him, he hoped the other did well...but...as much as he didn't want to say it, Jackson was already at a disadvantage...and it sucked. He didn't deserve to be at a disadvantage... It wasn't fair...


"Mmn..." As they waited Adrian simply rocked back and forth on his heels, he didn't really reply to Teddy when he said things, instead only looking at the other for a few seconds, before diverting his attention to the rest of the room and waiting for the male's next comment.


They were waiting quite a few minutes, which was hell to impatient Adrian, he didn't like waiting, he always like to be doing something, which was probably why he'd developed a habit of rocking on his heels or the balls of his feet. He really thought that Carol would never come out, and it almost seemed to be a little awkward between the three boys...but then he heard footsteps. Those familiar quick footsteps... Carol was here.


Adrian smiled, Teddy moved, and Jackson was just left to deal with her for the next hour. He was gone within seconds, ushered into her office, before the door was shut, leaving Teddy and Adrian outside on their own... Now...what?


The boy looked up to his companion, before stepping forwards and going over to lean against the wall. He had to wait for Jackson, so he'd be stuck here for awhile, but he didn't know what Teddy would do. Might as well make some kind of conversation.


"How do you think he will do?" He asked, looking up from his feet to address the other. Right now he wanted someone else's opinion, both himself and Teddy had already done the Quinx test, so they knew what it entailed...and Jackson couldn't exactly perform physically... So...he wondered what others thought.

 

[yaint]

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NOTES

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no notes


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"Hah?" Teddy seemed somewhat surprised to be asked such a thing. He raised a single eyebrow and tapped his lower lip with a finger, leaning back against the wall and bending over his lanky frame with a slouch. "Shit, I dunno," he said, then exaggerated a rolling shrug. What was there for him to say? Everyone had their disadvantages, even the seniors - Minnie was old and frail. Adrian had a weak instinct for self-defence, from what he assumed after nearly strangling the man. And Teddy... Well, Teddy was Teddy. He had a bad sense of direction, little knowledge of boundaries and less enthusiasm than was desirable for someone in the CCG. His best asset was his colossal strength, but whether or not it alone would get him through to the Quinx squad was just another mystery.


"Haven't really talked to the guy before, to be honest. Just shared a few classes back at the academy, did more with you. But heck if they even let any of us in. I heard some hoe talking about Wren wanting the brains to mass-produce quinques for us, so they can't spare many a kakuhou for Quinxes. There probably won't be more than a squad full of us - five, six? Who knows?"


Tick. Tick. Tick. Time was passing. Carol was still talking about something or another behind that door in that loud and strained voice of hers. Teddy shoved his hands into his pockets and rolled back his head. He did wonder about the outcome of the trials. He didn't even know how many people had applied for the surgery. It must have been popular, though; if getting superhuman abilities wasn't enough, rumour had it that the compensation was a hefty sum. There must have been twenty, thirty Rank Twos and Threes swimming in and out of that office that week.


"...Hey. Adrian." Teddy started talking again, but this time he didn't bother looking at his junior. "You're a Rank Three, right? How come? You fail your finals at the academy?"

 

[Yoki]

Dead Enmity

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"Mmn...you didn't help me at all..." Adrian grumbled, crossing his arms. Teddy saying that he didn't know didn't help Adrian at all, he wanted a different answer, yes or no...but whatever, he'd deal with that. He guessed the other was just as unsure about it as he was... And it was true that Teddy didn't really know Jackson all that well, so he couldn't blame the other for not know... If Adrian, Jackson's best friend, didn't know, then how could he expect someone who didn't know the man all that way to know whether he would be okay with the test... Oh well, he guessed they'd just have to wait to find out.


"Five or six?" The boy turned his head to the side slightly, if there was only five or six of them then they'd probably all be put in one squad, right? "So. If we get in, you gotta promise to stay with me if I don't know anyone. Okay!?" Adrian grinned, uncrossing his arms and using the wall to push himself off of before falling back against it again, he did this over and over again. It was obvious to all that the boy was very fidgety, staying still was a massive problem for him, but he guessed it was kind of beneficial in combat.


After that he didn't really have much to say, so both of them seemed to stay quiet for a little bit. Adrian looking around, and Teddy doing god knows what. Then Adrian heard his name and he turned his head, eyes focusing on the man in front of him. How come he was a rank three? Well...it wasn't exactly a secret, but the boy didn't like talking about himself.


"I didn't fail." He replied, "I didn't even get there." There was no need to be upset about it, he dropped out himself, he just wasn't prepared for it. "I dropped out...mn...'cause I thought I was too stupid." Adrian smiled and pushed himself off of the wall, shrugging, "But they wanted me anyway...and I'm here right? So. It doesn't matter."

 

[yaint]

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NOTES

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this won't last much longer i pinky-swear


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"Heh. Okay, mate, whatever. Deal. I'll stick with you if we make it to the stockyard. Teddy continued to lean back and simply watched Adrian from afar, snorting and snickering at the odd movements he kept doing. Was it some kind of ritual? Did he have a hyperactive disorder? It didn't really matter, but Teddy thought it was funny. He liked Adrian.


"Hah? Seriously?" he scoffed upon hearing Adrian's reasoning for being a drop-out. "Your own choice to join and you were the one landing yourself in that shitty position. I feel sorry for you guys, you're like the dogs of this whole organisation. Fuck it, if I wanted to I could make you call me 'sir' and bark or piss on a fence." He laughed at that idea and smacked his own head as the sound echoed loudly through the room, briefly drowning out the noise of Carol's babbling. Teddy's sense of humour was warped and weird, but he had fun in his own little world. Even if his jokes were somewhat disturbing.


He allowed several painfully silent minutes to pass, mostly spent playing with buttons on his watch, before he spoke again.


"I don't get it, though. You said you didn't think you were smart, but they still got you here. I haven't seen you on any cases yet, though. Have you even been assigned one?"

 

[Yoki]

Dead Enmity

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Adrian had smiled happily when Teddy said he'd stay with him, that was good, he was glad he'd have someone to stick around. See, the boy seemed friendly, but he didn't like getting too close with too many people, but at the same time he preferred to have someone around he knew, it was easier to stick with the people he was already friends with that way. He'd be acquaintances with everyone, but only real friends with a few.


He continued bouncing off of the wall for quite awhile, it was a subconscious thing, he hardly realised he was doing it a lot of the time... Maybe he did have a hyperactivity disorder, but he'd never really been tested as a child. His parents couldn't have cared less, and after that he really just wasn't bothered about getting tested for anything, it wasn't a big deal after all.


"You could..." Shrugging, Adrian pushed himself off of the wall completely and walked closer to Teddy, a smile on his face, "But that would be mean. So you won't." They weren't treated that bad, sure, they hadn't finished the academy, but it wasn't that big of a deal right? They were still investigators. Still, whether he was given respect or not didn't matter in the slightest to Adrian, he'd continue to do his job regardless.


Then there was the whole thing of had he been on a case yet... Well, yeah, he had, but it wasn't with that many people.


"Jason says I have to stay with him." He replied, "So...I have, but only small things, and with Jason. He says I'm too reckless." Adrian grinned, leaning backwards to that he was balancing on my heels, "But I don't mind."

 

[yaint]

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NOTES

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done! finally. let's get back in action.


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MAIN

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Teddy stuck out his tongue at the mention of Jason and pulled his chin down into his neck, making an ugly face. "Ugh, Jason, who shoved a stick up his back end? Guy's some kind of party pooper if you ask me, but I guess you'd know better. I don't like 'em."


With little warning other than the click of the door, Teddy's complaints were interrupted by Carol's voice babbling away. She had her hand on the door and was holding it open as a red-faced Jackson rushed out, clearly ignoring Carol's anecdotes and remarks about his behaviour. His glasses were all the way at the end of his nose and the hair over his forehead was curled at the edges.


He edged as close to Adrian as he could get without running over Teddy's feet, then hissed out of the corner of his mouth, "C'mon, I'm done. Let's pack up, get in the car and get out of here. You, uh, haven't been drinking, have you?" His voice was laced with a tone of exasperation. He didn't dislike Carol, as such, but her behaviour was just a bit too much for him. She hadn't stopped talking all through the test, and his ears felt raw and burned-out.