capeandcowllogs | And if you go chasing rabbits

Entry tags:

And if you go chasing rabbits

WHO: HJ and FRANK CASTLE
WHERE: Show No Meowcy (a pet store)
WHEN: UH idk backdated to Friday afternoon
WARNINGS: hj is a racist fuck
SUMMARY: ridiculous.............
FORMAT: qiucklog i guess

[ They were out of dog food.

Such a simple, easily fixed thing, but the bowl was empty, and Hooded Junior was having none of that. Somehow, the puppy had that sort of dog-like sixth sense in which they knew that the food was out. Hooded Justice, after whom the dog was named, wasn't going to put up with the whines or baleful looks for long. He would have just left it, if it weren't for the constant looks from the puppy. He could have left it, and went out to do things he wanted to do, and he should have.

But he didn't, and instead was finding himself looking for a pet store. And a pet store he found, after a long, long walk. He was vaguely familiar with the brand that nelson bought for JR, and was certain he should be able to find it, with enough time. The store itself, however, was tougher. He didn't know where Nelson went, and hadn't bothered to find out. So it was after a long, long walk that he found himself at what he assumed was a store for pets, with the cages and advertisements inside.

That, sadly, was how the poor store owner found himself staring down into the dog supply area, watching the behemoth of a man openly stare at the dog food, looking from one bag to the next, looking for the right brand. He did know a little something about raising his dog, at least, and knew changing food would be detrimental to Jr's health, and he couldn't have it become unhealthy. So he stood there in the middle of the day, staring down dogfood like it was his job, and hating every moment of his existence in that one moment. ]

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[ Asthenoa continued to be an exercise in frustration.

First it had been the horse, which was about as useful as a sack of bricks. He ended up ditching it, as it was more trouble than it was worth, and he figured that would be the end of it. However, when he ported back into the City, something else came with him.

A souljour: one of the monsters from the maze.

At least it wasn't the horse.

But he needed supplies for it, because 'magical' or not, the thing still acted like an ordinary rabbit -- which, it turned out, happened to be one of the most frustrating animals to cater to. He brought it with him anyway, on a whim, to test how its powers worked and the range of the amulet which shielded against it. So far, it seemed like it was a harmless thing; it was even pliant to being carried in his arm. A real carrier was on the shopping list -- along with other things.

He was aware of how misplaced he looked: tall, broad, covered in bandages, with a rabbit under his arm. However, there was a stranger sight down another aisle. Frank spotted Hooded Justice and he arched his brow, approaching him in slow stride. ]

No face today?

[ Hooded Justice hadn't planned on taking Hooded Junior with him to the pet store, honestly. If anything, he would have preferred to leave him, but he also suspected that he may need the guidance of the puppy, when it came to food. Being somewhat familiar wasn't going to be well enough, not when he needed to get the right food.

But Hooded Justice wasn't one of those pet owners, not really.

JR looked first, stamping his feet in familiarity, where Hooded Justice only turned his head slightly. His every muscle tensed, at the sound of a familiar voice, and at the sight of him. Defensively. ]

No. [ Said more simply than he thought he could manage. Being reminded of it left him quivering with anger already. ]

[ Frank took a moment to glance down at the dog. The souljour wiggled its nose slightly, noticeably wary of the other animal, but Frank paid it little mind. He shifted the rabbit in his grip, getting it a little more secure, before he continued. ]

Got your errand done then.

[ The man was obviously still not over the encounter. More and more, Frank was beginning to wonder if he was much different than his initial assumption. ]

[ It was likely that HJ would never get over the encounter. Taking the power from him, the control over his identity was a surefire way for him to lose it. The fact that he hadn't silenced Frank for good spoke enough about the benefits to leaving him alive. If he were to ever know that he hadn't stayed silent --

Well, HJ wasn't known for controlling his temper. ]

It is not your business.

[ Curt and short, Hooded Junior was showing signs that he was picking up on his master's agitation, nose working and head looking around, ears moving back and forth to pick up any signs of danger. It didn't consider Frank a threat, but the creature in his arms was getting a look. ]

There's no need to ask that.

[ The souljour squirmed a little bit more when the dog started reacting, rubbing lots of very white hairs over a very black coat.

A brush was on the shopping list. ]

Just curious.

[ Which isn't entirely the truth. He wondered if Hooded Justice actually carried out what he intended to do that day, or if the act of getting 'caught' riled him into retreating entirely. Regardless, he shrugged it off. The anger was already coming off of the man in waves. Frank wondered if the encounter spoiled what little amnesty they had between them. ]

Never thought you'd be shy.

[ For some, it wasn't important, but to Hooded Justice, control over his identity was everything. Paramount to everything. He protected it with a fierceness and a tight fist that was probably not necessary.

It wasn't even to protect an identity, not really. It was to control the fact that this was his identity. He was Hooded Justice, but so few seemed to comprehend -- or even get that. Even Nelson never seemed to really understand it.

He didn't think there was anyone alive who probably could. ]

It's not about that.

Never thought you would like those.

[ He pointed at the creature in his arms. The rabbit. If the man wasn't going to leave, HJ intended to shove him away from the subject he was trying to touch. ]

[ Frank lets that initial comment pass without reply. He won't get HJ to talk about it, nor will they reach an understanding. The man is too guarded and Frank is too impatient for that bullshit. ]

I don't. [ It's not a lie, nor is it defensive; it's honest. ] It's a gift from the Porter.

[ He could, in theory, invite HJ to pet it and see the man vomit inside his hood, but he isn't feeling that petty yet. Besides, the amulet also protects everyone around him, as well as himself: the souljour is harmless currently. ]

Tougher than it looks.

[ the little wiffling noises it makes, however, begs to differ. ]

[ His eyes narrowed. He was thinking of the opposite of what Frank said, but it was at least not to be purposefully contrary, but it was just a rabbit. A useless creature, if HJ ever heard of one. He didn't think of himself as the sort for pets, Hooded Junior aside, but this was beyond useless.

At least his dog was being trained for more than companionship. What little more could that creature offer -- and how much of a companion could it actually be? ]

I see.

[ JR, who was alternating between the souljour, Frank, the food, and pleadingly up at his master, was probably the most excitable one of the four, but he stayed silent, even if he paced a little more than usual. He wanted his food, obviously, but there was also something interesting, and it smelled, if his own nose twitching was any indication. ]

Rabbits are often not formidable.

Usually not.

[ It certainly didn't look very formidable. As a soft, fluffy bundle that squirmed restlessly under Frank's arm, it was rather harmless in all appearances. ]

Good thing it's not an ordinary rabbit.

[ Given Hooded Justice's disposition, he doubted the man would appreciate being told it was 'magical' -- so it left it at that. ]

I'd make sure your dog doesn't get any ideas.

[ His dull, flate tone actually made it hard to tell if he was simply bullshitting or not. ]

He will not.

[ Hooded Justice was adamant on that point, at least. He didn't think Hooded Junior was going to start trying to venture away from his side, but neither did he think that the rabbit was going to cause any trouble, either.

Why would it?

It was a rabbit.

He narrowed his eyes at the thing, unwilling to believe it was anything than what it appeared to be. Hooded Justice didn't handle the suspension of disbelief that came with being in the City very well, after all. ]

I suggest you do not worry about the dog.

[ Curt and to the point, as always. There was no malice behind the words, but firm, nonetheless. Hooded Justice didn't like anyone in his affairs, and even the slightest implication of knowledge or involvement was enough for him to feel like the walls were closing in. Frank had already passed that point, and Hooded Justice didn't know what to do with him, or what to think of him. ]

I'm not worried about the dog.

[ The reply is full of implication, and obviously so -- very much on purpose. Moving the souljour from one arm to the other, Frank looks Hooded Justice up and down.

The dog is fine; his master is the one growing more and more concerning. ]

Rather domestic of you.

He needed food.

[ Hooded Justice narrowed his eyes, sizing Frank up. He was still angry, beyond angry. Being found out, for one thing, was like being under the spotlight. It was likely his own mistake, in retrospect, of course. He could have asked Nelson to do it.

He didn't want to dwell on it, but it was still there, sharp and hovering at the back of his mind. If he had just asked him, this wouldn't have happened. ]

Is there something you want? Other than to point out that I'm buying food for a dog?

[ Like it wasn't ridiculous. ]

[ Frank shrugged slightly; it's a very slight gesture, perhaps hindered by the fact that he has a rabbit under his arm. He was aware that he was pushing the man's buttons, and curiosity kept him pushing more. Hooded Justice did not turn out entirely as Frank expected, and now he wanted a clearer answer. ]

You just seem to be having trouble with it.

Maybe you should call the clerk.

[ There was one, down the opposite aisle, who looked like he was trying his best not to stare at the fully costumed imPort in the store. ]

He will do little to assist me.

[ His eyes traced to the man at the front. Hooded Justice sized him up, and found him unworthy of his time. Something about him set him off. Maybe it was the way his hair was done, or maybe it was the rings, but there was certainly something that made Hooded Justice prickle at the thought. ]

He will be lucky to have my money, and that is all. If I were not distracted, this would be over with.

[ Pointedly. At Frank. Hooded Justice did not do well with conversation, especially when people approached him and HJ didn't know where he stood, or where he wanted to stand. With this man, he obviously was on edge, and why wouldn't he be? ]

Come again?

[ That tone held a whole lot more distaste than Frank expected. Not that he anticipated Hooded Justice to get along well with more 'common' people, or anyone at all really, but the active bitterness was something he didn't anticipate. ]

Didn't think I was so distracting. [ Like how the dog is actively distracted by the rabbit, the master followed suit? Funny how that worked. ]

I am not here for conversation, I am here to buy food for the dog.

[ Said as if it were such a simple thing. As if doing something like this shouldn't be painfully difficult or leave him feeling out of place. Hooded Justice, however, simply didn't mesh with this sort of thing. It was an exercise in his patience, and it was waning quickly. ]

I am sure you have better things to do than stand there.

Sure.

[ Truth is, he does need to get his shopping done. While the rabbit has been behaving itself, he doubts it will stay calm in his arms indefinitely. It really needs a carrier.

Frank turns from him, but offers a lingering look. ]

Careful not to cause a scene.

I do not cause scenes.

[ He's hoisting the largest bag of, what he thinks is, the right dog food, and hoisting it over his shoulder. JR looks up at it excitedly, his tail sweeping back and forth so violently he's sending himself backwards slightly.

Justice turns to take to the register, but the way he was tense, the way he moved, it was nothing short of hostile. ]

Take care of your rabbit.

[ He tossed over his shoulder anyway. If a man could seem like he was feeling superior about owning a dog and buying food, Justice was somehow doing it. ]

[ It'd be easy to argue that HJ makes a scene wherever he goes, considering how he's checking out dog food in full costume, but he doesn't bother.

He goes ahead to do just that: picking up the necessities for the souljour under his arm, starting with a carrier. All the while, however, he keeps an ear -- and his good eye -- on Hooded Justice.

He can't say why he has such a bad feeling about this. ]

[ It's probably for the best. Everything starts out fine, like it always does. Hooded Justice knows, of course, not to let some things out from nowhere. He can keep himself quiet -- and does in most situations -- but while Hooded Justice was known for not saying much, there were times when he said quite a bit.

When his anger, annoyance, or frustration was piqued, for example.

It was something he said, the man at the counter, something about how it wasn't quite Halloween yet, and perhaps he should leave the costume at home next time. The comment wasn't necessarily something that should set him off, but there was a low grunt as he laid the cash out on the counter. Where it came from? Well, Hooded Justice was resourceful. ]

I would think better of your kind when it comes to acquiring money. That was uncalled for.

[ Well. Maybe he just meant shopkeepers in general, right? The open mouth of the clerk (who was likely the owner too, of a small shop like this) said enough of his opinion. ]

[ The unfortunate thing was that Frank collected his things and showed up in line just in time to hear the tail end of Hooded Justice's little comment. ]

Come again?

[ It could have been nothing, but for some reason Frank doubted it. He stepped up a little closer, abandoning the basket full of supplies.

Now that the rabbit was in the carrier, at least, he looked a little more intimidating. ]

[ HJ hadn't necessarily forgotten that he was there, but he also hadn't let it hold him back, either. IF anything, when Frank approached, he turned his head, black hood tipping slightly in annoyance for being interrupted.

Now this would be delayed further. He wanted nothing more than to have this done with, and leave, and it was trying his patience to be out and dealing with this. Hooded Justice had better things to do -- at least to his mind. ]

I thought I was quite clear. He is inept at encouraging my business, and it's contradictory.

[ It was a fact, honestly. Not like HJ would come back here again, anyway. ]

[ His good eye narrowed. It was not a good idea to continue this tense situation in a place like this, but he was curious. There was too much building here, and he wanted to know what the outcome was when it snapped. ]

...right.

[ Frank didn't sound convinced. The phrasing was too compromising in itself, even slight as it was. Frank couldn't deny the origins.

He tucked his hands into his pockets and stored that thought away. ]

You're holding up the line.

It is not me who holds up this line.

[ Hooded Justice's eyes flick to our poor, and quickly reddening shopkeeper, who looks as though he's going to either burst or back away slowly. One or the other. He can pick up the implied insult, and while normally he would probably let it go, this one takes the cake.

There's something about the way he says it. Hooded Justice shook the bill again, to get his attention. ]

I would expect this to be taken as quicker.

[ HJ may have opinions, and many of them not fit for most situations, but he's also lived in New York City for too long to not know how to keep it subtle, instead of simply out and saying it. ]

[ Frank's eyes narrow.

He doesn't say anything for now. The shopkeeper looks like he has had enough for one day, without this escalating, but that doesn't mean something won't be said later.

Frank returns to that same old silence which he used to keep with Hooded Justice, although it is not the comfortable kind. Instead, it is critical and full of unspoken suspicion. ]

[ The shopkeeper, of course, wasn't going to approach it. If anything, he seemed more interested in letting it drop as much as Frank was. Hooded Justice, of course, was more than happy to leave it, as well.

He didn't actively pursue things, and he didn't often speak up, but the more irritated and frustrated he became, the easier it was to allow his tongue to slip free, and speak up.

He took the bag, hoisting it over his shoulder, and tugging at Hooded Junior's leash to pull him along. He wanted to leave this place, and get rid of the nagging itch between his shoulderblades like he was being examined a touch too closely. ]

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And if you go chasing rabbits

this is the most indulgent tag i've ever written

you mean the best fucking tag

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