Sake owed

[evillurks]

The Rettigue apartment has sat empty for a few days, as The Shadow worked out of the Sanctum and another apartment across town, closer to the area he's been watching. With another drug ring at least temporarily stifled, he is ready to migrate back to this place that is the closest thing to a home he has.

He is also likely to arrive late to his own arranged meeting, leaving Ichi to jump at the opening of the door. The muted sounds beyond indicate a quiet hall rather than the outdoors, and the rattling cough that accompanies the entrance should reassure him to who is entering there.

Comments

[blind-masseur.livejournal.com]

"Heh." He prods The Shadow's shin gently with his cane and grins. "Not all of 'em." Apparently he's referring to himself.

"Cars?" The word is a poor attempt at its English pronunciation, but he manages it well enough to get the question across. Quickly he waves his hand, dismissing it like smoke. "Later, perhaps. You've filled my head enough for one day. And the longer I sit around here, the less time you have to go after trouble."

[evillurks.livejournal.com]

The prod extracts a faint smirk, and a roll of the eyes, all of which are likely to be lost on the blind man. The amusement in his tone is easier to read. "Just keeping you out of trouble. Play with the coins until the next time I see you. There'll be a test later." It is only half a joke.

Anything else he might have had in mind to say is cut off by another bout of coughing, followed by a quiet groan. The Shadow does not like being sick, although perhaps it would do him good to give in to it and get some rest.

[blind-masseur.livejournal.com]

The look of deep concern returns to Ichi's face as he lowers his head, his ear tilting toward the cough and groan. He purses his lips as he seems to weight the small amount of sake left in his cup, and then sets it back on the table, unconsumed.

"I should go." He stands hastily, bumping a shin into the table and giving a hissed curse as he crouches, rubbing the spot. "Aye! That table's bit both of us now." He winces as he stands and gives a bow to The Shadow, forcing himself to slow down. "You need your health. Thank you very much for the sake, Shadow-san."

[evillurks.livejournal.com]

As he recovers with a wheeze, watching Ichi injure himself on the table, The Shadow reflects that he'd still be available for Burbank if he just lies on the couch for a bit... Sometimes three hours of sleep just doesn't feel like enough.

"Maybe I should get a softer one?" He coughs and runs a hand over his eyes, forcing himself to stand. "Take it easy. And... thank you for the massage." There's a certain weariness to the rough pat on the shoulder he gives the shorter man, but the massage has left him feeling better. "Sorry to wake you for it."

[blind-masseur.livejournal.com]

Ichi nods in his typical manner that seems to involve his whole body as The Shadow pats his shoulder.

"Anytime. I mean it." Tonight is proof that he doesn't mind the irregular hours. He reaches out, setting a hand on The Shadow's arm gently as the other searches for his PINpoint in the front of his kimono. "You get feeling better soon." He finally manages to pull it out and searches the face for the button to send him home. "See ya' later." He disappears to return back home.

[evillurks.livejournal.com]

Left alone, The Shadow sinks back down to the sofa. The cups sit waiting to be washed on the coffee table, and there's always paperwork to be done. After gazing at these for uncounted minutes, he stretches out on his side, closes his eyes, and drifts into a comfortable doze instead.