Jiro Mochizuki (望月 ジロー) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ginto) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
imperturbatus2016-01-31 09:18 pm
ginto) wrote in imperturbatus2016-01-31 09:18 pm
2nd Full Moon
Prelude, The Lake, Late Night
[ Jiro was beginning to have a strong dislike for the creatures on the grounds, or at least those on the lake.
It had been a routine inspection. He was checking the grounds, making sure that everything was safe for the school from all accounts. It was one of his duties. However, part of it unfortunately involved going across the lake by boat... That, perhaps, was his mistake.
Maybe some of the people awake would have heard the startled yelp and the following splash of something falling into the water. One of the boats was then capsized and floating upside-down in the middle of the lake, with a violent pool of bubbles breaking the otherwise calm surface water.
It took some time before the red-clad man emerged, walking out of the water to the shore with steam rolling off of his body in the cold night air. He collapsed in the snow, resting a bit and, should someone move the hat on his head, they would see nothing but his hair and bones. However, he didn't intend to linger, and as soon as he had the strength he limped back towards the castle.
Perhaps, in the morning, there would be rumor of a walking skeleton on the grounds. Hopefully, it would remain only a rumor. ]
Inside the Castle, An Hour Later
[ He was shivering, weak, and exhausted by the time he re-entered the castle. The steam coming off of him had stopped by then, leaving Jiro soaking wet and walking slow, back towards the staffroom. There were spare robes he could change into there, ones that were warm and dry. The sooner he could do that, the sooner he could begin to feel like himself again, and work on a slow process of regaining his strength.
It was never so simple, and the sound of footsteps immediately had him on edge, nearly snarling at the source before remembering himself. Still, there was something in his tone that betrayed his agitation when he spoke. ]
Who's there!?
[ Jiro was beginning to have a strong dislike for the creatures on the grounds, or at least those on the lake.
It had been a routine inspection. He was checking the grounds, making sure that everything was safe for the school from all accounts. It was one of his duties. However, part of it unfortunately involved going across the lake by boat... That, perhaps, was his mistake.
Maybe some of the people awake would have heard the startled yelp and the following splash of something falling into the water. One of the boats was then capsized and floating upside-down in the middle of the lake, with a violent pool of bubbles breaking the otherwise calm surface water.
It took some time before the red-clad man emerged, walking out of the water to the shore with steam rolling off of his body in the cold night air. He collapsed in the snow, resting a bit and, should someone move the hat on his head, they would see nothing but his hair and bones. However, he didn't intend to linger, and as soon as he had the strength he limped back towards the castle.
Perhaps, in the morning, there would be rumor of a walking skeleton on the grounds. Hopefully, it would remain only a rumor. ]
Inside the Castle, An Hour Later
[ He was shivering, weak, and exhausted by the time he re-entered the castle. The steam coming off of him had stopped by then, leaving Jiro soaking wet and walking slow, back towards the staffroom. There were spare robes he could change into there, ones that were warm and dry. The sooner he could do that, the sooner he could begin to feel like himself again, and work on a slow process of regaining his strength.
It was never so simple, and the sound of footsteps immediately had him on edge, nearly snarling at the source before remembering himself. Still, there was something in his tone that betrayed his agitation when he spoke. ]
Who's there!?
Lake of course!
No kidding.
[He can understand the need to keep it a secret though. As the shock slowly passes, he puts down the protective shield and hides his wand, straightening himself again.]
You bet your ass we're gonna talk, but not before you get out of those clothes. You must be freezing.
[And. Water. Sano briefly wonders, if those burn him as well, but shakes the thought off. There's no time to think about this.
He gets up on his feet and helps Jirou to stand.]
I'm not letting you catch a cold.
Staffroom
Which leads to the staffroom, Jiro then in warm and dry robes while sitting by the fire. Sano is still there, and Jiro doesn't keep him waiting long before beginning to explain. ]
Seeing as you could tell what I was on sight, I must assume you've met my kind before at the least. The headmistress knows of my brother and I, as well.
Staffroom
I haven't exatly met a vampire. I just got an Outstanding on DADA.
[Regardless of what he may look like, he paid attention in his classes. What Jirou says next, is another shock though.]
Your brother?! Kotarou is a vampire?!
[Sano would have never, ever reached that conclusion. Poor kid... Doomed to a lifelong discrimination, just because he got on fate's wrong side.]
How?
[But at least the headmistress knew. If she had no problem with it, Sano had no right to disagree. He's not one to discriminate. They were both fine folks and Sano saw no reason why to treat them any different than he had until now. It still left a whole lot questions open though.]
Staffroom
[ He knows this is confusing, and after that shock... He knows he needs to elaborate more, perhaps explain everything. There are things he'd rather keep to himself, and that already makes the conversation much more difficult. However... Sano has already proven to be a trustworthy man, one who will at least not attempt to bring harm unwarranted. ]
He is a vampire, but unlike me he can tolerate sunlight and running water perfectly, as any human would. For the time being, he also doesn't need blood and can sustain himself on food. The trade-off is that, currently, he is powerless.
Staffroom
[Uncrossing his arms, he walks over to where Jirou is sitting to sit right next to him. He's confused, but receptive. He quietly listens to what Jirou has to say, noting that the guy didn't looks like he had an easy time talking. It comes to Sano, if he really needs to hear it all. Turning into a vampire had to be just as sensitive of a topic as turning into a werewolf. Shock and curiosity aside, he doesn't want to make Jirou feel worse than he already was. This had to be a hell of a day for him.]
Look, you don't need to tell me everything, if you don't want to. I mean, I'm curious, but I can't force something out of you, that you don't want to talk about. Just tell me what I need to know, or pay attention to. In case something happens.
[He taught flying and the possibilities of everything that could go wrong were endless.]
Staffroom
[ The movements and words are a surprise to Jiro, and after that comes a more relaxed posture and expression. It's a little strange to feel like he can trust this man so quickly, but perhaps being suspicious of him really is a fool's errand. He should know better than to think that the other would have ulterior motives from what he's seen of him by this point. ]
I appreciate that, Sano, and perhaps one day I can say everything.
[ His eyes go back to the fire then, and he leans back in his seat. ]
Kotaro and I are brothers by virtue of being of the same bloodline. We are the last of it, and so I would protect him with my life if I must. That is my duty to him, as both his brother and guardian. However... What I told you before is true as well. I would wish nothing more than to see him thrive here, in a place where he can have friends and not know only strange things.
Staffroom
He listens with his full attention on Jirou, as the vampire explains, nodding in understanding. That would explain why they don’t resemble each other. At the end of it he has to smile, because really… ]
Not so sure about the strange things, since this castle is full of them, but there’s no better place to live out your childhood than Hogwarts, I guarantee that.
[So much mischief you could do and so many people to meet…]
Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.
Staffroom
[ The reassurance prompts him to meet Sano's eye again, and he nods after a beat. ]
There are few men I've met who would be so accepting and understanding. You really are a good man, Sano.
Staffroom
Don’t mention it. Maybe because I know how it is to not be accepted and not be understood.
[He says averting his gaze to the fireplace, thinking of his mother and of Christmas, or of his entire life, really.]
Life’s too short to spend it on hatred and prejudice.
Staffroom
[ No, he can't fully agree with Sano's last statement. Not just because he is ageless, but... There is someone he can't forgive or let go of his hatred for.
He watches Sano then, frowning a little because it appears as if something is on his mind... Still, at the moment it's not in him to pry. ]
I'm not keeping you from anything?
Staffroom
From a human standpoint anyway.
[He says with a smile, shaking his head at the question.]
I couldn't sleep, so I was taking a walk when I found you.
[The shock had kept hi up, but now that it's ebbed away, he can feel the tiredness return and sleep creep up into his eyes. A glance at the clock tells him the time and he thinks he really needs to go to bed.]
I should go back to sleep. Got early classes tomorrow. Wouldn't do if the teacher overslept his own class.
Staffroom
[ He gets to his feet then, stretching once he has. It feels like everything's back to normal, save for feeling considerably weaker than before... Still, with a little caution, it shouldn't be a problem. ]
I should return to my own duties, in the meantime. Thank you once more, Sano.
Staffroom
Just don’t fall into the lake again. And make sure Kotaro is on time for the early class.
[He yawns, stretching much like a lazy cat. Laying a hand on Jirou’s shoulder, he gives his friend a smile.]
Good night, Jirou.
Staffroom
[ Once more he flashes a smile at Sano, more genuine than any he had previously towards him. Of course making sure Kotaro was up and ready for class on time was a given, but not falling into the lake again... He still has to get the boat back.
Hopefully, the giant squid won't get too curious during the late night again. ]