A colorful AU!

[crab_rangoon]

The world is gray. Always gray. He had thought once, as a little boy, that the emergence of color would be a wonderful thing. He used to dream that finding that person, that getting to see everything in brilliant Wizard Of Oz technicolor would be something he would always cover until it happened.

But after Ishwari, after the betrayal and the loss, after Ajay and Lakshmana left to America after Mohan's failed assassination attempt, Pagan just gave up on that dream. Love, he decided, was just for those who have given up on themselves. Not worth the trouble.

Yuma became the face of Kyrat after that and Pagan stepped back, letting her handle the death threats and the rebels and all of the bullshit that he just didn't want to deal with. Pagan ruled from the back, tempering Yuma's impulsive bullshit with a cooler head, though no less ruthless. However, the arrangement left him free to roam the world, taking care of his business in Hong Kong and the mainland unmolested. His father might not have had the desire to rule the Triads, but Pagan sure as fuck does. Even if it means he has to go and do things himself.

It's this reason, chasing spineless Hong Kong assholes, that lands him in Japan. He has a small security detail that walks the crowd, but otherwise Pagan is by himself as he walks the streets, checking his phone for his victim's last location.

Comments

[lone_horse]

He considers that as well.

"Both of us without a purpose beyond our children," he says carefully. He looks to Pagan.

"Do you think our meeting might change that?"

[crab_rangoon]

He considers that very seriously. "Ah, now that is a question. A very good question, but one that I don't know if I can answer. Do I - want it to? Now that's the right question."

Pagan leans forward, folding his hands together.

[lone_horse]

"Dreams take root in our hearts whether we want them to or not," he says in counter. "But whether you choose them or pursue something else... that's what can change things."

[crab_rangoon]

Pagan's laugh isn't bitter, but it's certainly not warm. He's never encountered a situation like this before. Never thought he would have the chance to.

"I - want to hope for it."

[lone_horse]

He nods.

"I'd like to too. I think-" and this is clearly something that takes him a moment, that takes effort- "I think we leave a bad example, only living for others. Our responsibilities, they're important. But if we only live for them, we only show them how to be trapped."

[crab_rangoon]

"And you are trapped here, Kiryu Kazuma," he says firmly. "Even I can see that fucking much. Trapped in this life. And I'd like to think that it's more than this goddamn bond that makes me want to help free you from it."

[lone_horse]

"I like to think that too," he says honestly as he breathes in, takes a sip, and puts down his drink.

"...so let me know when you're ready for the two of us to introduce ourselves properly."

What, you thought he forgot that part?

[crab_rangoon]

He chuckles. "I hesitated earlier because - well, I didn't know if it would be worth it." He wanted to have a talk, this talk, first.

"But now I think it is. And I'm rather looking forward to it."

[lone_horse]

He nods... and he'll finish his drink.

"No rush. I don't have anywhere to be and I think you said you're the same?"

[crab_rangoon]

"No, I have nothing. But I'm not inclined to leave you so soon. And if I'm going to get my ass properly kicked, I might as well do it sooner rather than later."

[lone_horse]

"I hope you'll give me a challenge, at least."

[crab_rangoon]

Pagan shoots him an offended look that's not in the least bit sarcastic. "Why would you even say such a thing? I can be realistic and prepared to give you as good as I can."

[lone_horse]

And Kiryu will give him a very innocent look.

"I like being challenged. And I think you've got more in there than you realize."

[crab_rangoon]

"Eh," he says. "Well, then let's do it." Maybe it's the drink or maybe it's the way that Kiryu looks at him, but he certainly wants to know him.

[lone_horse]

That's a nod, and he'll finish his drink in one go as he stands up. He'll wait for Pagan before he starts moving towards the door.

"Same place as before. Just a different floor."

[crab_rangoon]

"Lead the way," he tells him. And then, because it seems important to note - "My security is gone for the night. Dealing with my pesky family issue."

[lone_horse]

"I appreciate that," because he does. It's very clear that the man is very different in front of other people.

He will start to head towards the building.

"Do they know what happened?"

[crab_rangoon]

He sticks close.

"They would be fairly shitty security if they didn't notice," he points out with a scoff.

[lone_horse]

He raises an eyebrow. Are they shitty security? He's seen the quality of goons over the years. Smart people can still have stupid goons.

"Do you want them to know?"

[crab_rangoon]

"Well, it would make things easier, wouldn't it?" he points out, hands in his pockets.

[lone_horse]

"That's not an answer," but he answers it with something almost like a smile. He shakes his head. "I don't care. I just wanted to know if I have to be careful around them."

[crab_rangoon]

"Always be careful around them. They have loyalty to my money, but that doesn't mean it lasts," he tells him, looking up at him with a smile of a laugh.

[lone_horse]

Kiryu nods. Understood, not that he really had any intention of doing anything different. Though that does bring them to the elevator again, and Kiryu will offer a tip to the bums that let them by this time.

"I don't know if I'm more or less complicated."

[crab_rangoon]

"Hm? In what way?"

He steps inside, leaning against the wall with his arms folded slightly.

[lone_horse]

"Technically, I have loyalty to our bond. Some people see that as a good thing. Others distrust it. But the way I've always seen it is that the bond exists as much because it should exist as any other reason."

He looks to Pagan as he presses the button.

"We don't work together because of the bond. The bond exists because we work together best. But its existence complicates things."