ferrociously | if blood don't tell you the truth

if blood don't tell you the truth

[It's strange, but every time he comes back here, he gets this nagging feeling that he's in the wrong place, like he doesn't belong in this building. He's changed into his uniform, he's easily recognizable, but he's still waiting for someone to stop him and tell him to leave. He knows it's all in his head. He belonged here first, long before the mafia, and if anyone stops him he could get it cleared up in seconds.

As usual, he's still gonna carry himself with confidence, though. He inclines his head to the people he passes, and some of them, recognizing the uniform, stop and stare, but Tachihara ignores them and keeps walking. He's back; he's home. Well, he's not. He's a triple agent now, spying on the mafia for the hunting dogs, and on the hunting dogs for the mafia, but his loyalty is with the boss. His are the orders he's going to follow. He is the one creating order. The hunting dogs were created as a farce.

Being back here really is messing with his head.

He turns another corner and spots another familiar person. He hasn't seen Jouno since they were both vampires (and there's a sentence that will never not sound strange), and he's not sure how to react. Relief that he's okay? Of course he'd be okay, it's Jouno. Maybe he should be nervous, because technically Tachihara is working against him now. But then, he was trained as a spy. He's got this. There's barely any change to his heartbeat as he approaches.]

Jouno-san!

[He bows deeper to him than he had to anyone else.]

I finally managed to get away for a couple of days

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[ Things had changed a lot in the days following Fukuchi's downfall. Fortunately, the Hunting Dogs hadn't been completely abolished in the aftermath. The government still had use for them even without their commander. Their work would continue as it always had. They'd even sent Tachihara back undercover quickly so as to not arouse suspicion. It'd happened so fast that Jouno hadn't even gotten to see him before he'd left -- but that's just how this sort of thing worked.

Hunting Dogs didn't get rest, not even when it came to literal death. Jouno doesn't mind; he's always been the type to prefer to keep busy. With missions to focus on, he almost doesn't have time to dwell on their past failure, their first failure. (Try as he does not to think about it, there are times when it still creeps in and he can't help but let it get under his skin.)

Today, thus far, he's managed to keep his mind from wandering, focused instead on filing the most recent mission report that's in his hand. He sidesteps when he hears someone round the corner, only to be greeted with a familiar voice. ]

Tachihara-kun.

[ He tips his hat at the younger man, smiling at him. ]

Are you here for maintenance surgery then?

[ For now, it seems like he doesn't suspect that anything is off. Tachihara's change in heartbeat had been subtle enough that it could easily pass off for surprise to see Jouno. Even so, Jouno had been the one to warn Tachihara back before he'd started his infiltration mission about the heavy psychological toll that it could take. He knew, perhaps better than many, the effects a double life could have on someone. ]

[Tachihara returns the smile. It's not even an act, because he really is happy to see him, especially since he has a lot of good memories working under him back when he first started. That's where the conflict comes from, though. It hadn't hit this hard back when he'd returned during the vampire outbreak, because he'd had a goal then, a target, and he always does better when he has a direct order to focus on. Now, though --

It's just his regularly scheduled return, still necessary. It feels so normal.]

Yeah, but it's not scheduled until tomorrow. It's good to have a bit of extra time.

[The point of making him spend a few days back is to remind him where he belongs, he knows. It's to give him time to destress from being undercover, feel like himself for a few days.

Now, of course, it's the opposite.]

Are you free then?

[ He had extra time, and while he'd been walking somewhere, he hadn't sounded like he'd been in a hurry. If Jouno has guessed correctly, he didn't have somewhere he had to be right away.

Naturally, Jouno assumes he is correct, because he's rarely wrong. He adds on: ]

Walk with me.

[ He doesn't wait for a yes or a no before he starts walking again, heading towards the main office. Tachihara won't say no to him, not without somewhere pressing to be. ]

I suppose you haven't done your mission reports yet, have you?

I'm free for now.

[He knows Jouno already guessed the answer, but he'll say it anyway. And of course he follows, hurrying a bit to catch up at first so he can walk next to him.]

Not yet. I just got here.

[And he never writes reports before actually arriving, since there's always a risk that they'll be found by another mafia member if he does. Not that it's as much of a concern anymore, though no one but the boss knows about his status as triple agent, and it's better to keep it that way.]

[ The path to the main office is an easy one, one that Jouno has traveled many times before, so it's easy to navigate the hallways and talk to Tachihara at the same time. ]

Ah, well, welcome home.

[ There's a pointedness to his words that would be easy to miss if one hadn't been looking for it. This is home, and it's best if Tachihara doesn't forget it. ]

I know it's tedious since you'll just have to go over it all again when you write it up, but how is your mission going?

I'm home.

[He returns the greeting automatically, then hesitates when he realizes what he just said. It still feels right to say it, even if it's no longer the truth. Tachihara should have said it when he first arrived.

And he thinks he hears something in Jouno's tone, but it's hard to be sure, and it's better to keep going like he didn't notice anything.]

There's not much to report. It's been quiet, aside from the usual Port Mafia business. I've been gaining even more trust.

[ Jouno picks up on even the slightest hesitation, but says nothing. There's no reason to accuse someone without evidence, and Tachihara has done his job well so far.

He'd been the first among the Hunting Dogs to see the Agency's innocence; Jouno knows he's much smarter than he seems. ]

Good work. [ He pushes the office door open with one hand, moving to set the file in his hands down on Teruko's desk. He speaks up as he walks the short distance through the room. ] You've done really well, Tachihara-kun. Your skills as an infiltration agent are something to be admired.

[Tachihara follows after him for a few steps, then stops, just watching Jouno. He's not sure if he's meant to join him, sit down somewhere, or if they're going somewhere else after this.]

Thank you, Jouno-san.

[The praise makes him happy. His heartbeat speeds up for a second, because for someone like him, who loves orders, being told you've done well is important. But then he remembers again that he's no longer taking Jouno's orders.]

Coming from you, that means a lot.

Is my praise regarded that highly?

[ Jouno isn't oblivious to the fact that he'd been, more or less, Tachihara's mentor since recruiting him to the Hunting Dogs. Fukuchi had taken him in under Jouno's personal suggestion, and from then, Jouno had been the one to really lead him on the path to being a proper Hunting Dog. ]

I'm simply glad your mission has been a success so far. I know undercover work especially can be taxing.

You don't give out praise unless you mean it.

[And he prefers that. The whole point of praise is that you earn it. Though it's a bit surprising to be praised right now, when he has very little to actually report.]

I wasn't expecting to have to go back to the mafia, but if that's what needed of me, I'll keep doing my job.

Between you and me, I'm surprised we still exist at all.

[ Jouno had fully expected for a shut down upon Fukuchi's defeat. They'd been his pet project, after all. Jouno had been ready to accept death for rebelling against the Hunting Dogs. Surviving and keeping the same job had come as quite the surprise. ]

But your mission in particular seems to be of great importance to the government.

[ It's no surprise. Mori knowing military secrets is certainly a thorn in their side. ]

You have a lot on your shoulders.

[Tachihara is surprised as well. It seems like someone higher up still finds them useful, despite the fact that they're also a clear threat, and one the military already proved it can't control.]

It would be a lot of work to replace me.

[And they would have to replace him, and that new spy would have to work their up the ranks of the Port Mafia, which could take years if they even succeeded. Thinking about it like that does make it sound a bit overwhelming.]

What about you, Jouno-san? What kind of missions are they giving you?

It would be. You're a valuable asset to the team.

[ That's the trouble with the Hunting Dogs. They're always thinking in terms of assets and the skills that their members bring to the table. They lose much of their personalities upon joining.

The change of topic feels a little abrupt, something that doesn't go unnoticed by Jouno, but he lets it slide for now. He'll pry more about the mafia later. While things seem fine, he wants a better picture of Tachihara's mental state.

They've all been through so much recently, after all. Teruko and Tetcho had been shaken, whether they'd admit it or not, and even Jouno hadn't quite felt comfortable since the reveal. If Tachihara is taken this all in stride, then perhaps there is something wrong after all. ]

We've been focused on potential terrorist groups lately. They want to find the remaining members of the Decay of the Angel. We've made some arrests, but none of the leads are concrete.

You're praising me a lot today.

[Which he should be happy about, so he'll keep acting happy about it, but he's also not that used to it. Maybe it's because he's been away for so long. Jouno has always told him when he's done something right - and when he got it wrong - so it might be natural. It might just be because so much happened.

Tachihara hasn't been thinking about that as much as he should. He'd been more focused on helping the mafia regain what they lost in the conflict, and moving on to the next job.]

The mafia might have more leads, but I'd have to look into it. It's not what the black lizard is tasked with.

[But he doesn't mind sharing those leads if he finds them, at least. He dislikes the Decay of Angels strongly enough that he doesn't care who gets their hands on them first. The mafia will most likely kill anyone they find, and the hunting dogs will either arrest or kill them. He's not too picky about which, though he thinks he prefers death.]

Should I not be? You haven't done anything wrong have you?

[ Jouno's smile is unsettling in the way it often is. There's a hint of something in his voice, but he never quite comes out and says it. An inkling of a suspicion isn't enough to go on, not when Jouno likes to be sure before he acts decisively. ]

I would appreciate it if you could use your resources. The sooner we deal with these criminals, the better. [ While he's more likely to follow orders and arrest them, Jouno has no real problem with imposing capital punishment on the terrorists. Protecting civilians is what matters. He doesn't care what happens to the people who put them in danger.

In fact, the darker side of him enjoys it slightly more when they're suffering and toyed with. ]

I'd hate for another large-scale incident to happen. We've been humiliated enough as an organization.

[When he says that, a part of Tachihara panics. He thinks he manages to control it before he react in any noticeable way - he has a lot of control over his body and its reactions - but the phrasing definitely makes him worry. Does Jouno suspect him of having done anything wrong?

On the other hand, he's a delinquent who's often done something wrong, so it doesn't have to mean anything. He could be talking about something a lot smaller than becoming a triple agent.]

Nothing more than usual. Only what I have to do to stay undercover with the mafia.

[He at least manages to say it normally. But he knows Jouno can pick up on the smallest reaction someone has, so he can't relax yet. He'll focus on being helpful instead.]

I'll see what I can find. I want nothing more than to see those terrorists brought to justice.

[And that, at least, is the truth. He truly hates them, both for what they did, and for destroying what the hunting dogs could have been. He might have found his place in the mafia instead, but he really did want to be a hunting dog originally.]

[ There it is. The weakness that Jouno had been picking for. The crack in the armor so minor that it might as well not have been there at all. Jouno steps forward, steps closer to Tachihara, the smile only widening.

It's admirable, really. The steadiness in Tachihara's voice would have fooled anyone. Jouno can appreciate someone with such a talent for lying. In fact, he adds that to the praise for the day: ]

You're a very good liar, Tachihara-kun. You almost had even me fooled.

[ It's perhaps the highest compliment Jouno has given so far. ]

But unfortunately, I can smell your despicable behavior from here.

[ He doesn't care about what Tachihara does as a member of the mafia. Many sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, and if that's following orders that lead to the deaths of others... Well, Jouno isn't someone to question the tried and true methods of espionage.

He does, however, care about losing Tachihara to the mafia entirely. ]

Are you in too deep, Tachihara-kun? As your commanding officer, it's my responsibility to know when you pull you out.

[His control slips a bit more. Just a little bit, his pulse increasing slightly as Jouno keeps talking, barely noticeable, but there. He's scared now. He's been caught. This might be the moment he dies.

It's strange. He'd been terrified of being found out in the mafia, of the day he'd slip up, but when he did all that happened was that he'd received new orders. He'd been given an even more important task, one he could easily dedicate himself to, whether or not anyone recognized him for it. And now... Now it's happening here.

And it feels like learning that your own home is no longer safe.]

Jouno-san...

[He doesn't step back. He doesn't run. His voice still sounds even, but his heart is beating faster and he's starting to sweat, almost imperceptibly still.]

I'm not in too deep.

[It's a meaningless lie, he knows. Jouno will be able to tell. It's why it's better to avoid needing to lie around him.]

[ If there had been any uncertainty, it's gone now. Though the smile lingers on his face, Jouno can't help but be disappointed. He'd feared this would happen, even warned Tachihara about it. It had almost seemed inevitable.

He closes what distance there is between them, putting a hand on Tachihara's cheek. ]

What a rotten stench. [ The lie.

His free hand moves to rest over Tachihara's heart, palm on his chest. It's the familiar fabric of their military uniform. Tachihara needs to be reminded why he's allowed to wear it. ]

If you're not lying, prove it to me. [ It's just a game at this point. He already knows Tachihara has lied to him. ]

On your knees.

[He doesn't react when Jouno touches him, either. He wants to flinch back, but a proud mafia member shouldn't flinch in the face of danger. If this is where he dies, then he will face that death with his head held high, because being a mafioso means being ready for death every day.

It had been different when it had been Fukuchi. Turning on him had been easy, but this is Jouno.

He could admit it all here and face his punishment. Jouno already knows he lied, so there's no point in denying it, but for some reason there's part of him still rebelling against that idea. He remembers the time spent with Jouno as his mentor, the training, the missions they did together. Maybe he owes him this much.

He drops to his knees, but keeps looking up at him.]

I'm not sure what this proves, Jouno-san.

[It proves nothing, really.]

It proves you can still listen to orders. At least this much.

[ Jouno grips Tachihara's jaw roughly, squeezing it between his fingers. There's a force behind it; it's hard enough to bruise. ]

If you're keeping secrets from us, I'll torture you myself. [ Jouno's voice is cool, icy, and not at all the friendlier tone he'd had earlier. ] I've trained you. I know what I've taught you to withstand. Don't think for a minute that I won't find a way to break you.

[ He smiles down at Tachihara. ]

You're a Hunting Dog, Tachihara-kun. When you joined us, you became ours, body and soul. You'll fall apart without us. [ Literally, though it would take Tachihara a bit longer than it would have the others. ]

Do you think because you've made bonds with the people there that it's where you belong now? The mafia will never own you like we do.

[ Jouno lets go of Tachihara's chin only to slap him across the face with a white, gloved hand. ]

Bark.

[The grip hurts. Tachihara wants to pull himself free, but he knows he has to endure it. He has to endure whatever happens next, until this is resolved, even if it can only be resolved with his death. He doesn't want to attack Jouno and he wouldn't win that fight if he did. He couldn't trick Jouno into killing him faster. And that sounds like it would be a coward's way out to him.

He owes him at least this much.

He stays quiet while Jouno talks. It's partially because he's listening, mostly because that tight grip would make it difficult to respond. He's dropped his mask by now. He doesn't like this. Faced with Jouno, Tachihara still feels that old loyalty to him, that gratefulness at being given a purpose and orders he can follow, but he made his choice to switch sides months ago. It's too late.

That slap nearly knocks him off balance. He catches himself with one hand and pushes himself back up into a kneeling position. His cheek stings. He knows Jouno can hit harder.]

I'm not keeping any secrets!

[It's true. At least, now that this particular secret is out, it's true.]

But in the end, I didn't like betraying the mafia, either. Especially not when I learned that my orders were based on the Captain's lies.

[He's not their Captain anymore. It still feels like it's far too late.]

If that means I have to die, then I'll face it without fear.

I'm not going to kill you.

[ To a degree, Jouno understands Tachihara's predicament. They'd all been betrayed by Fukuchi, and they'd all had to make a choice after that betrayal. Both Tachihara and Jouno had stood against their former Captain in the end, and it had gotten them killed (or at least turned undead, which Jouno had seen as a worse fate, even if he's alive again now). ]

The Commander asked me to join the Decay of the Angels. From the beginning, I was recruited to the Hunting Dogs with that purpose in mind. [ Jouno had volunteered that information to Teruko, but not seen the purpose of telling the rest of the Hunting Dogs. He still leaves out that it'd been due to his own criminal background, not because he's ashamed, but because it's a card to keep in his back pocket. Tachihara, of everyone, would understand that most, but there's no point in revealing everything.

This much, though, felt right in the moment. If he could 'confess' something, it could stir a sense of loyalty in Tachihara. As Jouno sees it, they need to regain his trust first and foremost.

That doesn't mean he won't be brutal about it, though. His fingers wrap in Tachihara's hair, yanking his neck back and forcing him to look up in a position harsh enough that he won't be able to move from it easily. ]

I chose the side of justice. I thought, when you'd opposed the Captain, that you might have, too. Was I wrong?

[ More than that... ]

What draws you to the mafia, Tachihara-kun?

[That surprises him. That's twice now that he hasn't been killed for being discovered as a double agent. The Port Mafia is known for showing no mercy to traitors, but the Boss is also known for turning every situation to his advantage and finding a use for every resource. Tachihara had been more useful to him alive than dead. Jouno, though, doesn't really need him in that way. The situation is less urgent now. They would have to replace him, get a new spy into the Port Mafia, but it could be done.]

You're not?

[His surprise is cut off by a hiss of pain as Jouno yanks his head back. The position nearly has him tip over backwards - he has to flex his abs to keep his balance. He still doesn't try to fight it, just accepts the pain and discomfort, looks up at Jouno's face even though he doesn't have any eyes for Tachihara to meet.

The guilt is creeping in now.]

He had those plans for you?

[But Jouno had chosen differently. Tachihara is surprised by that, too. Everything about this situation is too confusing.]

The Port Mafia has its own Justice, even if it's mostly internal. And the Hunting Dogs were in the wrong. I sided with the people who were working to stop that disaster.

[But Jouno had worked to stop it, too, and had stayed loyal on top of it. It's not a good enough answer and he knows it. His voice is a little bit strained from the position Jouno has him in.]

Don't you think someone with my personality is better suited for the mafia?

Make no mistake -- I'm not sparing you out of the kindness of my heart.

[ Jouno is pretty sure that no such thing exists, though Tetcho would certainly insist otherwise. Despite his partner's opinions, Jouno is not a good person. He sees the practicality in the mafia's solution to kill all traitors. ]

I simply have to report this to the Commander. [ Their new commander. He wonders how she'll choose to deal with this particular problem. No one in the Hunting Dogs, save Tetcho perhaps, is known for mercy, but Teruko can be especially cruel. ] In the end, it will be her decision. I may, however, recommend that we terminate your mission.

[ In the end, it would come down to tactics. Tachihara had not said he'd been compromised, but it seemed likely. Jouno would determine, indirectly, that much before he left. If he had been, removing him from the situation would be better on Tachihara in the long run, for both his mental health and personal wellbeing. Still, there'd be a benefit to being able to feed the mafia specific information, especially if Tachihara himself wasn't aware that he'd be leaking exactly what the Hunting Dogs wanted them to know.

If they could control where Mori moved his chess pieces, there were a lot of opportunities there. ]

He did, yes. [ Jouno didn't mind being a pawn in the bigger picture of things. If he had, he wouldn't have become a Hunting Dog. Still, knowing that Fukuchi had never seen justice in him in the first place had stung in a way that he hadn't quite expected. He'd never been seen as potentially good, and yet, being in the Hunting Dogs had made him wish he could be.

People like him were never meant to be good, though. Even now, his version of justice holds corruption to it. ] What the Port Mafia has could hardly be considered justice.

[ The question returned to him is an odd one. His personality? Ah, Jouno thinks he understands now. To care about something like that -- how childish. Personalities were just masks that people wore to fit in. Tachihara's just lost himself in the mask he wears to perform for the mafia. ]

I think you have a decision to make. [ He lets up on Tachihara's hair, letting go to massage his cheek instead -- a gentle gesture at odds with the harsh one it replaces. ]

Tachihara-kun, I selected you because I sensed something in you. If I thought your personality suited you to being a delinquent, I would have locked you up without a second thought.

[ Tachihara may be rough around the edges, but it just meant that he needed to be molded and guided. Similar to how Jouno had once been himself. ]

Edited 2022-03-20 15:14 (UTC)

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