[Anonymous]

[tigerpoet]

I need something to occupy me that doesn't require me having control of my body.

Split personality. There's less we have to fight here, so I take control less than I used to, and I'm bored.

I'd take offers to spar but you'd have to run it by the other half first.

Comments

[tigerpoet]

I wouldn't hold back even if you told me to.

I'm in our apartment. He already gave you the number.

[Just assuming that happened at some point.]

[scarsnstripes]

Oh! Right now? I need to change out of my work uniform, but I can come find you after that.

I should probably put on something old anyway.

[tigerpoet]

Why not right now? Do you have something better to be doing?

[Better than fighting? Sounds fake.]

[scarsnstripes]

I'll have to replace my work uniform if it gets bloody, and that's expensive. Older clothing is more suited for fighting like I do.

[tigerpoet]

Then hurry up and change. There's very few people I'd wait around for.

[So the fact that he's waiting for Atsushi now says something.]

[scarsnstripes]

Alright, just give me a bit!

[He will in fact hurry, quickly changing into an old shirt he's already had to rehem before and some slightly worn out pants he'll roll up when he arrives. He's getting better about preparing for things like this, at least.

He leaves a note so Dazai will know where he's gone, and so he won't worry if he comes back with blood on his clothes.

Once that's done, he's on his way to Atsushi's apartment, smiling slightly once he arrives and knocks at the door.]

[tigerpoet]

[The door opens too quickly for Atsushi to claim he wasn't waiting for the knock. Just don't call him out on it and they'll be good.]

There you are.

[The apartment is mostly empty, and a big enough space has been cleared in the center of it that you could probably spar without hitting something. Other than each other. That's kind of the point.]

Come in. Tell me when you're ready.

[Atsushi already has his sword hanging at his side.]

[scarsnstripes]

[Atsushi's smiling when he opens the door, and he'll follow him inside, taking off his shoes as he does... as well as his socks.]

Just give me a second to prepare.

[And he'll just. Roll up his sleeves.

and his pant legs. What is he doing?]

Sorry, if I don't do this there won't be much left of my clothing, after.

[tigerpoet]

Don't justify it to me. I'm not scandalized by your legs.

[He's from the 1940s, not the Victorian era.]

[scarsnstripes]

I didn't think you would be.

[But he seemed in a hurry, so...!

Not that there's much to look at. Atsushi looks like a stringbean, honestly, and like he could do with gaining a couple of pounds. Aside from some serious butt game.

Which is probably why it looks ridiculous when those arms and legs start growing tiger striped fur, nails growing out into sharp tipped claws, fingers elongating slightly so they're more like weapons themselves. his limbs seem to gain a bit of muscle as well in the process, which probably makes it clear why he had to prepare so.

It's not a moonblessing, it's just his ability.]

[tigerpoet]

[Maybe Atsushi would be more surprised about this if he hadn't already been informed that the other Atsushi turns into a tiger. As it is, he's almost a little disappointed that he's not fighting a full tiger, but this is fine too.]

Not bad.

[Whether he's ready or not, Atsushi lunges at him with his sword.

In comparison to the other Atsushi's transformation, inner Atsushi's battling isn't particularly noteworthy. He's stronger and faster than a normal human with his body would be, and he bleeds ink instead of blood, but he's at least still human-shaped.

He's having a good time and is being so attacked right now.]

[scarsnstripes]

[At the very least, the other Atsushi knows how to use a weapon. Meanwhile, Atsushi is more of a brawler, using the brute strength and speed of his ability to attack and defend, dodge and move. He also doesn't seem to balk much when cut-- a high pain tolerance, or maybe an awareness that he'll heal eventually.

They're both a bit on the blood knight side of things, when they fight.

Basically, the other Atsushi can go all out as much as he likes until they're both exhausted. He has plenty of stamina to spare... at least until he runs low on Chroma.]

[tigerpoet]

[And exhausted they will be. Atsushi sinks to the floor, covered in wounds that drip ink and still smiling.]

A better fight than I've had for a long time.

[He doesn't know who won, but that's irrelevant.]

[scarsnstripes]

[Atsushi is also sinking to the floor, dropping his transformation almost immediately with a heavy, content sigh.

That... actually felt good. Fighting someone without attempted murder being involved. It was kind of invigorating. He's smiling tiredly, pleased with the results of their fight.]

It's surprisingly nice fighting someone who isn't trying to murder me.

[...Atsushi???]

[tigerpoet]

It is.

[Taints are not exactly known for holding back, and taking over to spar with the other authors would increase the chance that they found out he existed. Even if some already know, they aren't ones he would willingly spend time around.

Given that they're both tired out, it makes sense to lean against Atsushi, resting his shoulder against his. It's only a tiny bit of moonlacing, really, but it soothes the aches.]

We should do this again.

[scarsnstripes]

[It does makes sense, and Atsushi obliges him-- even turns a bit into that lean so their sides are pressed together in places.

The warmth and comfort of moonlacing felt wonderful against his aching body, especially since he's probably healing slower than normal.]

Yeah, we should. I didn't think sparring like this could feel so... nice? Is that the right word? Do you do this often?

[tigerpoet]

[Atsushi could dig the ink out of his pockets and take a swig to heal his wounds, but that seems like effort and he doesn't feel like it right now.]

I don't. Secrecy reasons. [Wouldn't want to inconvenience his other half, no matter how bored he got. He can always take out some Taints... or at least, he could always take them out when they were around.] But my other half will allow it if it's you. He's very fond of you already.

[scarsnstripes]

Oh...

[He supposes that makes sense, if they need to keep it under wraps. Was it viewed poorly, perhaps...? Or was it to protect themselves?

Either way...]

Well, in that cast, we should definitely do this again. I've been needing a sparring partner who won't kill me, actually.

[That deal with Akutagawa might be on hold while they were here, but it was still a good idea to try to train.]

[tigerpoet]

You're a good sparring partner. ...And having someone to talk to myself isn't... bad. I suppose.

[Tsun tsun, dere dere.]

[scarsnstripes]

You are too..! At least, I think you are.

[Again: not a lot of fights without attempted murder.]

And you're just nice to spend time with, too. You and him both.

[tigerpoet]

Doubtful. I'm not much of a talker.

[...having said that, he slides his hand closer to the other Atsushi. Not moonlacing, but the offer is there if he so chooses.]

[scarsnstripes]

[Oh!

He's learned enough here to recognize the offer as what it is. Amazing what a few months in affection city will do to chip away (slightly) at natural obliviousness. Atsushi will happily tuck his hand alongside his, smiling a little as he laces their fingers.]

You don't have to talk much to be good company, you know.

[tigerpoet]

...Hmmph.

[The tips of Atsushi's ears are turning pink, but he doesn't argue with that any further.]

Our usual method of healing wounds is much more efficient. If less pleasant.

[Not that he's enjoying cuddling or anything.]

[scarsnstripes]

Oh? What's usual? If it's anything like Yosano-sensei's method... I'm sorry.

[He really, really is.]

[tigerpoet]

It's this.

[With his free hand, Atsushi reaches into a pocket and pulls out an inkwell. Uncaps it. Tosses the whole thing back like he's drinking a shot.

Some of Atsushi's wounds do clear up immediately, so you can't say it isn't effective, but...]