Investigation!! Discover the extraordinary!

[callmetyrant]

Who: Takeo and Tsuchi (open)
What: Reading trashy books
When: Afternoon, after class, the day when the kids went exploring at night.
Where: The municipal library near the school


But most people would feel hard pressed to believe that there was any "knowledge" in these trashy books. Everything from actual mythology books, to silly magazines about UFOs, ESP and the supernatural were stashed on the table that they'd set aside for this "most imperative of studies."

Takeo wondered if this is what those "supernatural clubs" in other schools across the country were all about. If so, he seriously hoped they had found magic scrolls, like he had (and currently had in his backpack) because if they didn't, well, then it would be terribly embarrassing for them.

At the time he was waiting for Tsuchi to return with some more magazines that he'd commanded the boy to get. His criteria was "as new-agey as possible."

Comments

[cockblockade]

For someone visiting a library, Daisuke had a telling lack of books.

All he could say was, "A few personal things," before he stared at Takeo in some quiet, which he hoped would end that conversation for good. Was he ashamed? No. He had not been asked. And on top of that, a few labours. "Mother just needs a few things. Anyway - it's been quite a busy week. I've been receiving plenty of complaints about your enforcement of the uniform code."

[callmetyrant]

"Ah, I can explain. The high number of complaints about my enforcement of the uniform code comes a high number of disregards of the uniform code."

Takeo shrugged. "It's not my fault if they can't abide by a simple rule. If students can't wear the right color shirt or dress up properly, how will they manage greater responsibilities in life?"

[cockblockade]

"Well, their current lack of responsibility is something you should be taking care of," Daisuke remarked. "It's a good opportunity for you to teach them, rather than let the grass grow under you, as it were."

He leaned back in his chair and watched Takeo appraisingly.

[callmetyrant]

"Which is what Utazawa and I have been trying to do, but most people don't appreciate it. Hence your sudden influx in complaints. The dress code in the school is pretty simple. It's not hard to abide by. But most people these days will argue that I'm getting in the way of the free development of their personality," he said, adding, a tad more raw, "I put up with daily insults to my stature when we try to tell people to get their act together."

Sharp as a knife, he turned the attention to the glaring fact. "So, couldn't find what you were looking for?" he said, having noticed Daisuke's lack of books.

[cockblockade]

This was awkward, Daisuke thought. There was a moment or two of horrid thinking, and he looked somewhat uncomfortable to answer, because he tried not to lie even in spite of things.

"No," he said hesitantly. "I'm beginning to think I'll have to look somewhere else instead."

[callmetyrant]

There were a lot of things being said about Takeo Akiyama, plenty of which weren't true, but if there was one thing that was spot on was this: Takeo Akiyama is a sadist.

He smiled in a friendly away, which was an easy gesture because his dark heart was smiling as well. "Well, would you like us to help you look? I've certainly got no problem with it."

[cockblockade]

Daisuke found himself forced to be diplomatic.

"Oh no," he said calmly, quickly. "I couldn't. Thanks for the offer, but it's nothing major, and I don't want to take you away from your work."

[callmetyrant]

Takeo now smiled so charmingly he could turn ten, no, ten times ten nuns to sin, or just about the same amount of evil nuns back to heaven. He had an angelic smile... and, if it was possible, he was sparkling a little too-- a little bit of unconscious magic.

"Please, Oubai-san... I can always do my research some other time. Let me help you. I'll be happy. Now, why don't you tell me what you're looking for?"

Takeo didn't notice how his voice slipped into a sweet... but hypnotic, and very convincing tone. Not until he'd done it.

[cockblockade]

There was no problem at all in the charm Takeo had used just then. Daisuke could think of nothing better to do than get the help that would enable him to move onto something else.

For which end he said, "A catalogue."

[callmetyrant]

"A catalogue. Hmm. Surely we can help. Anything specific?"

[cockblockade]

"No. Just the general area. Where they are."

[callmetyrant]

"Oh. Alright. I'll show you then," he said, smiling brightly. "I'll show you personally."

A sudden change in tone. "UTAZAWA!" he bellowed, as Takeo is wont to do, turning around to smile warmly at his friend. "Pick up the research books and take them home to the Disciplinary Committee room. And then, ah, here," he reached into his pocket for a small USB drive -- bright pink and happy looking. "Please, use the TV tuner on my laptop to record today's episode of Lara-chan's Talk Show, I think they're going to talk about spoilers for the next season of Koi no Aspirin. Thank you, that will be all. I'll be helping Oubai."

[shiftingseas]

Tsuchi looked at the USB drive, a little bewildered. He held back what was on the edge of his tongue for reasons of his own. For the limit of his generosity was high.

"Sure," he said, backing his chair out.

He span the drive once with his fingers, then began collecting his things. And they seemed to be packed in record time. Now leaving, he was anxious to say that ditching him was rude, but he felt angrier with Oubai for getting in the way - and that he could not do much about it.

[cockblockade]

And Daisuke was more thoroughly disinterested than ever by Takeo's offer of help. He had forgotten about the other boy completely, and looked a little guilty because of it. "You don't have to show me," he said, waving a hand which moved to cover his face. "Just tell me where, please."

[callmetyrant]

"Oh well, it's someplace about, mm... you know what? Why won't you let me show you?" Takeo asked. He stopped, to briefly wonder why he felt like his voice had an echo-- noticeable only to him. However, he did meet eyes with Tsuchi, wondering if the other, magically-aware boy could notice it.

[cockblockade]

Takeo could always be convinced to leave once he had been useful, Daisuke thought. But he was rapidly backtracking on that thought - it was unpleasant, and something he did not want. He began to plan a third way.

He pointed backwards with a well-kept thumb.

"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt. I'll show you where I was looking."

[callmetyrant]

"Right. I'll be able to guide you from there. Now, Utazawa?" Takeo turned to the other boy, landing a significant look on him. "I trust you have no problem with this arrangement?" he asked, lingering on the look for a moment...

[shiftingseas]

For a moment Tsuchi stopped and looked over his shoulder. The relief it gave him to have his grievance acknowledged was quickly numbed - they were still in civil company.

"There's a few things. But we'll talk about them later."

[callmetyrant]

Takeo knew that the proper thing to do was nod politely at his friend, reassure him that his answer had been met, and keep appearances from Daisuke Oubai.

But Daisuke Oubai couldn't see the face Takeo was doing, and Takeo knew it. That's why he made sure to cross his eyes and stick his tongue out at Tsuchi.

[shiftingseas]

Tsuchi swung his bag around his shoulder and laughed to himself. He had found the secret was not impolite, and enjoyed it. He stood there smiling at every secret answer he could think of. After considering what to say for a moment, he chose to say nothing; he waved a hand and set off for the door all over again.

[callmetyrant]

Takeo turned about, now the very image of elegance and reserved calm. "Right then, Oubai-san, shall we go help with your search?"

[cockblockade]

Daisuke looked briefly at the other boy's face, where there were several emotions running under the surface. He saw mischievous ones, curious ones - some that were highly sinister - and woke to a voice elegantly prodding him.

"I just need some help to know where I'm going," he said. "I am quite sure you're busy enough already. I wouldn't want to impose."

[callmetyrant]

Takeo smiled so handsomely that people would feel compelled to compliment his dental hygiene. "No, please," he said softly, before magic drenched his voice again, "Let me go with you..."

He continued to smile.

[cockblockade]

Daisuke seemed to cool as much as Takeo grew charming.

"Not now. I usually try to be more accomodating, but right now I've got things to do. Apologies."

[callmetyrant]

Takeo strongly resisted the urge to bite his lower lip and look exasperated. Stupid unreliable and morally objectionable magical powers of hypnosis!

"Fair enough," he said, smiling a little. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of service. I'll be on my way then... In fact," he gave it a little thought. It seemed harder to command things that went against someone else's will, but... "Hmm, just don't mind me. In fact, pretend I'm not even here..."