now we got bad blood ♞ 1

[limitstorm]

Who: Riku
Broadcast: N/A
Action: Down on the planet.
When: 31st; forward-dating!

[ riku has made himself quite scarce in the past few days. he says it's about crowds, it's about the natives being too welcoming. he finds it weird; good treatment is a rarity in his book, but so are actual people. but today, he's actually ventured out past the few tiny shops near the ships. hooded and walking slow, you may note that he's trying not to be noticed again, but there's not much to say in how he looks around a lot, constantly surveying his surroundings.

he's more or less a proverbial wallflower as he stands back, watching everyone have fun and dance with the locals. well, whoever is willing to. it's not really halloween, there's no chocolate, there's no kids running around in costumes, but... he supposes people are finding it fun, and that's what matters. ... he thinks.

the skulls are a little creepy, though. ]

I guess this is a happy birthday? [ admittedly, he sounds a tad amused. ] Maybe I could go a year without chocolate.

[ a pause; ] Or I guess I could try alcohol...? Wonder if they've got an interplanetary age law here...

[ creep creep creeping on over to a nearby bar... ]

Comments

[limitstorm]

[ ... wait, what? no, that was an abysmal hand. are the--no, no, the rules aren't different, the cards are. he squints at the cards simply before clearing his throat and checking his communicator. then, he looks to allen. ]

Can I talk to you? I think your captain's trying to get a hold of you.

[ roll with it, allen. ]

[save_the_souls]

Hm?

[He pulls his winnings over to him as some of the men get up and storm from the table - head to some other shady looking people that were by the bar]

He is?

[He'll roll with it, turning to look at Riku as he pockets the money, tilting his head with curiosity]

[limitstorm]

[ he gets up and beckons him to speak a little away from the bar, looking at the others still at the table. ]

Sorry, confidential crew stuff.

[ so he makes sure his back is to them--so they can't read his mouth or anything, before he looks at allen. in a quiet voice; ]

You've been cheating the whole time, haven't you?

[save_the_souls]

[He'll follow along, giving a subtle quick glance over his shoulder at the people at the bar. He blinks at Riku's question before he answers in the same quiet voice]

Of course. How else would I be doing so well?

[limitstorm]

... at least you're honest. [ he says, with a sigh. ]

You sure you're safe, winning every game?

[save_the_souls]

[He gives a little, patient sigh as he explains offhandedly]

That doesn't matter. They already rigged the deck themselves, so even winning one game would've been suspect. So I might as well get as much as I can while I'm at it.

[He offers a little shrug]

[limitstorm]

[ --oh

hm. ]

Fine. Just to be safe, I'm staying until you pack up.

[save_the_souls]

[He gives a nod; seeming relieved Riku said that!] I think that'd be for the best. I wouldn't put it past some of them to try something soon...

[A frown, but then he stops that to smile kind and reassuringly at Riku and gives him a pat on the shoulder]

But don't worry! I promise I'll make sure you get back to your ship safely!

[...Allen. That's probably not what he means]

[limitstorm]

[ riku bristles, and then grabs allen's hand--it's not a painfully tight grip, but it's certainly not loose. ]

It's to keep you out of trouble, not the other way around.

[save_the_souls]

[He wasn't expecting Riku to grab his hand. The cheerful demeanor breaks for just a moment, conveying surprise and confusion his face - as if he's not sure he understands why Riku, a near stranger, would want to protect him from a mess he's made himself.]

[But the look is brief, before he smiles again. Maybe Riku is just one of those way too nice for their own good sorts. ]

Thank you, but you don't have to worry about me, really. I've done this since I was a child. [nevermind he looks younger than Riku]

I'm more worried about you getting hurt because of this, because they thought you were with me or...mixed you up for me. [what with the hair and all] You didn't have anything to do with this.

[limitstorm]

Believe me, I can take care of myself.

[ a shrug; ] Call it whatever you want--a favor, a nuisance, but I'm definitely not leaving you on your own.

[ and that's that, because he turns to just go back to the table. ]