nullificates

Have you seen my height? It's not like my back is unscathed!

(the obnoxiousness is only broken by yawn.)

Since you're here, would you make me a drink?

All the more reason to take care of it.

[ Not that Dazai would actually listen, but he says it anyway as he takes off his own jacket. ]

Might as well. What would you like?

(remember the stick)

Surprise me, Sig? Sprinkle some love on it!

[ Considering that for a moment. He's already got an idea. ]

If you're sure.

Sure, why not?

(and his face is back to the counter.)

[ Good, then Dazai can't see exactly what he's doing. He's not as practiced at making drinks as some of the other employees, and there's no real point in putting on his "fake it til you make it" face here. But there's something he knows he can do.

It takes some doing, but eventually Dazai will have a warm, chocolate-scented glass gently set beside him. ]

There you are.

[ Enjoy your spiked hot choccy. ]

(dazai could nod off, if it weren't for the lights, and for the noise, but his nose plays a funny game of what may it be. when the hot chocolate is presented, it does get a smile out of him.

ah, like he asked, wasn't it? the taste is good, and it causes a hum out of his lips.)

Delicious, Sig! Warming for the heart in this very cold, inflexible weather!

[ Ah, he likes it. Good. That'll get a small smile from him as well. ]

Mm, it has been getting chilly.

[ Leaning in just a little, ] Chilly enough to spend the night in bed instead of out and about.

Some of us have beds, many beds, that smell like people who aren't here to sleep on it. A little depressing! The counter has no smell, you know? Or... Maybe it does smell a little of the weed deal I struck, but that's very besides the point, fufufufu.

(no need to try to hide anything, right? even if sigma doesn't know yet, he will. gogol is not his best self, dazai is tired and depressed. speeding it up sounds the best strategy.)

Dazai, if you need to strike deals to get it I'm pretty sure that means it's illegal. [ You were just charged with possession, sir!!

That's not the meat of what's being said, though. People are gone--people plural? He already knew about Chuuya's sudden disappearance, was there another? Someone who'd effect the man this much, hm...

He folds his arms on the counter, looking less like a scolding schoolmarm for a moment. ]

There are still people here who'd like to see you taking better care of yourself.

Says who? Maybe it was for payment. I happen to have no money, you know?

(of course sigma knows. what he gets from lupin is simply enough for him to live, he doesn't care beyond that. everything is shared amongst the others.

but, the drink is nice against his long fingers, and he scoffs, a little, more fondly and helplessly than anything else.)

I'm alive! Pretty enough, considering all odds, right? Ah, anyway. Why are you here so late?

[ Ah, there it is. The 'this conversation is over' redirect. Pushing further now probably wouldn't be worth it, so the only protest he'll give is a resigned eyeroll. ]

I was brainstorming seasonal drinks. Shiomi-san has been keeping very good notes on what you've been teaching her.

Ah, the best kiddo. The people who work here are quite special, aren't they? I'm glad this place exists.

(lets him keep an eye on all of them at the same time.)

Smokes... Where are my smokes?

Mm, you've found very good people here.

[ He isn't as familiar with all of them, but they do their best to keep the place running and have never given him any trouble, so.

Besides, despite everything he trusts Dazai's judgement. ]

Are they not in your pockets?