[ OPEN ] want to be free

[aceslow]

WHO: Kim Kitsuragi (aceslow) & YOU
WHAT: Various July activities -- both for the event (happy to receive items/memories too!) and for every day activities.
WHERE: Throughout the City; bank, shopping centres, parks, etc.
WHEN: Through til the end of July.
WARNINGS: Probable discussions regarding racism, loss, and the diaspora.


[ EVENT ] a. in the vault.

[ The deserted bank is an eerie place as it is. On a Lieutenant's salary, Kim barely has enough money to put in the bank as it is, let alone frequent one as extravagantly wealthy as this one; the minute he steps foot in it with his grubby boots and worn - though well-maintained - jacket, he feels immediately out of place, a sense of unease dogging his steps. His footsteps are loud in the echo chamber that is the grand hall. Eventually, he makes his way back to where the keys are, name after name etched on the side of the keychain. It's a trap if he's ever seen one. He hesitates, hand hovering just over the keys, brow furrowed. ]

This is almost certainly a trap.

[ Then, decisively, he yanks it off the wall, then glances behind him towards whoever his companion may be. ]

But it's the best lead we've got. You coming?

[ OOC NOTE: The item I've chosen concerns racism & the diaspora, please only respond to this prompt if those are subjects you're comfortable with! ]

[ EVENT ] b. out and about.

[ After the whole messy incident with the vault, Kim's taken to keeping the toy plane with him, burning a hole in his pocket. In all honesty, it's not something that brings him any solace, any comfort; if anything he feels desperately uncomfortable about it. But after everything, it feels almost sacriligious to leave it in the apartment he's hunkered down in, unguarded, unprotected, the sole personal possession next to the rest of the nondescript apartment. It feels equally as wrong to leave it in the bank where he had found it, as though abandoning it again means --

God, he doesn't know. He's not one for analyzing his own thoughts and feelings. Straight ahead, down his narrow, narrow path. That's how he's always been, how he'll always be. So he puts it firmly out of mind for the time being as he goes along his daily business, pacing about the city, investigating every nook and cranny with a fine tooth comb, and largely trying to keep himself busy, whether that's in the park, in a store, or even roaming once more through City Hall. Whatever public place you can think of, he's there. ]

[ OOC NOTE: We can wrap the event into any of the other prompts as well, but this one is intended for sharing of objects/memories! Please feel free to have your character share theirs first (or have only them share it, without that reciprocation) if you like; I never mind a backstory dump. :) ]

c. daily life (shopping / exercising / a midnight smoke).

[ With little else at his disposal other than the grim dawning realization that if he truly has to start making a functional life for himself here, Kim can be seen during daily life in the City taking what he needs.

Perhaps you find him in the supermarket or convenience store, the handle of his shopping basket nestled in the crook of his shoulder as he stares at the shelves with a light frown on his face, combing the shelves for this and that: salt, cabbage, meat and onions rank chiefly among his purchases, but it looks like he's working his way towards a very bland meal -- that, and he seems to be pretty concerned about getting really badly injured, if the amount of painkillers, bandages, and other first-aid goods are of any indication.

Or perhaps you find him in the park, jogging around its perimeter again, and again, and again, and again... he'll periodically stop, huffing and puffing more than he'd care to fess up to. There's nothing better to do around here, after all, and he feels a certain compulsion to remain in shape (though all embarassing stretches take place in the privacy of his own bedroom; an old man he may be to some here, but he's not old enough to start congregating in the park with the other seniors) to face whatever dangers he's convinced have yet to come. If you catch his eye, he'll nod in greeting with a small smile, wiping the sweat off his brow, suddenly self-conscious. ] Afternoon. Pity there's no gym in this place.

[ Or maybe you're another night owl, coming across Kim leaning against a wall, silhouetted by the street lamps above, staring contemplatively off into the distance as he lights a cigarette. Before he takes a single drag, he takes a deep breath, as though even contemplating his cigarette brings some measure of serenity to his soul. He takes that first drag like an addict does; savouring it, hoping it never comes to an end. But as he blows out a large plume of smoke, he'll look your way, nodding in greeting. If you're clearly of age and look interested, he'll extend the cigarette carton in your direction, asking, ] Want one?

d. weapon creation.

[ It's been long enough that Kim has gathered the fact that all of their weapons have been forcibly taken from them, right down to the blade attachment in his poor multi-tool. With just one glimpse of Kim, it's easy to see that he's not a man who's used to getting into physical altercations all-too often, preferring to rely on the security of his firearm, but it's not as though he can make a gun.

Besides, this isn't purely for self defense. Rather, it's an experiment: if weapons are so highly prohibited, then is the creation of them also prohibited? Will he wake cuffed like that fellow on the network behind him? It's a small punishment, as punishments go, so Kim decides to risk it, heading to park as the sun begins to wane, long shadows cast over the entire area. After gathering some of the natural resources around the park, as well as a few helpful items lifted from shops here and there, he sits cross-legged on the grass and gets to work, beginning by taking some kitchen utensils and industriously hacking away at a particularly sturdy branch to attempt to make a fine point.

From his grumbling, it's not going particularly well. He could really use a hand. ]

Ugh. I could really use my damn knife right about now.

e. wildcard!

[ Wildcard! Feel free to make up your own prompt - Kim can be found out and about the City at large - and I'm happy to roll with it! Feel free to brainstorm with me on my plotting post or hit me up on plurk! I'd be happy to write custom starters as well. ]

Comments

[miyagimagic]

[ Thanks, Kim. It's very much appreciated that someone is willing to move beyond this, especially since talking about his state - and especially what caused it - is definitely not something Daniel feels like doing.

Listening to the other make such thoughtful remarks about this place and everything he's found out about it is much better. Despite the fact that there seems to be a little bit of fatigue about Daniel's face - then again, that's probably just something that has to do with the injuries, huh - there's also something more in his eyes while he listens and looks at Kim.

Something a little impressed, perhaps a faint admiration. It's just nice to see someone here with such a good head on their shoulders. Someone who's made sure to scoop out the situation.

Maybe that's the reason Daniel nods so easily to that last question, rather than keeping the information to himself. Clearly Kim is treating information well in this place. ]

Technically not, but I know what it is about. [ His phone reads out for him. ] Someone I know went there and found an item that belongs to me.

[ Would Daniel usually just take it out and talk about it with a stranger? Probably not, but it's like the thing burns a hole in his pocket, so.. he reaches in there - thankfully still wearing his tracksuit rather than his usual suit style from back home, giving him rather large pockets - to pull out a photo in a small frame. There's a man on it - obviously Daniel, though uninjured - with a hand on the shoulder of a teenage boy with a bobcut. They're both smiling at the camera, a wooden sign standing next to them with a carved bonsai and the words 'Miyagi-do Karate.'

Probably doesn't let you learn a lot more about the city or how it works, but.. you know, there the item is anyway, Kim. ]

[aceslow]

Hunh.

[ Kim leans away to take the picture in properly, adjusting his glasses as he does so. Karate. It's not a familiar word, but it's clearly some sort of studio, possibly Seolite in nature -- something ceremonial, perhaps? A temple? But more important is the people in it. He looks up at Daniel, feeling an additional pang of sympathy; Kim detests being brought here away from his work, but others have left something far, far more important behind. He's left behind no family, and few friends, only those he manages to see once every handful of months. Others aren't so lucky. Or unlucky, as some may see it. ]

No matter what, it gives you something sentimental, [ he muses. ] Not a bad gift, all things considered. Is that your son?

[miyagimagic]

[ The man's eyes widen a little in surprise.

It lingers for a moment, like the question caught him off guard, but then the surprise fades to leave his look as something softer when he glances at the photo again. Since it's not really easy to type and hold the thing at the same time, he puts it back into his pocket for the time being, instead taking his phone into his hands once more. ]

No. My student. I taught karate back home, in the style of my own teacher.

[ Of course the fact that karate might not exist in every single world out there - let alone necessarily with that name attached - is completely going over Daniel's mind. He's just a little too normal to fully think about it.. ]

That is Robby. He's such a great kid. He takes everything you teach him so seriously, and he's incredibly kind and compassionate to boot, with a drive to do what's right. I always felt so lucky that he actually wanted to learn from me. Even before anyone else other than my daughter did.

[ Well, that sure is a ramble, isn't it-- except Daniel just continues typing, and the phone continues to read it all out loud. ]

He is here in this place too, which makes me really worry about him. Even if things haven't been too dangerous here yet, there's no telling what could happen in a place this ominous, and I have to make sure he's safe this time, no matter what.

[ .. for a moment the typing stops. A strange expression comes over Daniel's face, as if he snapped out of something, and he looks between his phone and Kim for a moment or two before he instead just starts looking embarrassed. ]

Sorry. I really overshared there. [ And he doesn't even know why? Sure, gushing about the people he cares about comes naturally to Daniel, but.. usually not to this extent, and especially not with strangers?

Yeah, he's definitely looking embarrassed now for suddenly throwing all that at Kim, not realising it's actually a compulsion that came over him thanks to the photo.. S-Sorry, Kim.. He looks genuinely apologetic over here as he stares at you. ]

[aceslow]

[ Funny, isn't it? Kim doesn't think he's ever heard anyone, let alone a teacher, talk about a kid under their care that way. Even digitized through the phone, it's enough to give him cause. Some of it is by virtue of his upbringing; orphans in Revachol were a dime a dozen, and certainly none went out of their way to take some scrawny Seolite kid under their wing. That doesn't make Kim exceptional, he knows. That's just the way of life. But even after that, as he became an adult himself, his path of profession has barred him from really being able to see any of that. Sure, he'll get parents protesting, but Erik is the kindest, sweetest boy in the world, how could you possibly think he's been killing small animals in his free time? or people eulogizing kids already gone, when they don't have any responsibility towards them anymore.

Certainly nothing so earnest. It's... a little unsettling, honestly. But it's nice, albeit unexpected for anyone to be such an open book. He offers Daniel a small smile. ]

You clearly care very much about him. [ He slips a hand into his pocket, where the tiny plastic airplane feels as though it's burning a hole into him; proof that someone must have cared about him too. Or maybe not. Nobody could say for certain. ] He's very lucky to have you.

[ Underneath Daniel's awkward stare, he feels compelled to share as well, though not what they're supposed to be sharing, underneath the circumstances. ]

I spent many years working as a juvenile officer, you know. Having an adult figure around that cares enough to help guide a kid can make all the difference in the world for how they wind up. Though winding up in this place isn't something I'd wish on any kid. [ He shakes his head, a little disgusted by the fact that it's brought in by far more young adults and teenagers than people of Kim's own age. ]

Though, ah... what is karate, exactly?

[miyagimagic]

[ The slight thing Kim says before what he shares himself is enough to make Daniel's gaze drop for a moment. Not in a bad way - though there's a potential bad angle to it, a guilt that threatens to overtake Daniel if he thinks about it a little too hard - but mostly because he has trouble easily taking a compliment like that, seeming a touch flustered.

Still, he makes sure to look back up when Kim starts talking about himself. Even if he wasn't sure why he said so much when he usually wouldn't have, Daniel feels like it's only fair to still listen to Kim in return, to pay attention to his words.

.. and it's worth it. Even if it's just a slight tidbit about Kim, Daniel can still sense something in those words, especially coupled with that compliment that preceded it - Kim also cares about kids and their wellbeing.

There's nothing that makes someone rise more quickly in reputation in Daniel's books than that sheer fact. Even if Daniel is naturally guarded, he wants to believe in these words. Kim seems like a good man.

It makes Daniel smile, though before he can type anything on his phone to reply to all of that, there's.. suddenly that question.

One that catches him off guard, but then again, he's had people question way stranger things than karate. At least he can still chalk that one up to potential cultural difference. ]

It's a form of martial arts. [ He focuses on the question for now, figuring he can always turn this conversation back around to Kim in a few moments. ] Though it isn't necessarily just about fighting. It's also about meditation, and trying to bring balance into your life. That is what my teacher taught me when I was young, and it really helped me back then, so I wanted to make sure to pass that on to kids who could need it nowadays.

[ The smile - born from his relief at seeing Kim's compassion towards kids - remains on the man's face as he listens to his phone reading this out loud. Even if his relationship to karate has become slightly more.. complicated for various reasons, there's nothing about the moments he shared with both mister Miyagi and the kids he doesn't cherish all the same. ]

Do they not have karate where you come from?

[aceslow]

[ Ah. Martial arts. They don't have much of that in Revachol, though it's become increasingly popular from the admittedly rare imports that they get from Seol, a bunch of Revacholiere kids swept up in the idea that if they learn how to punch well enough, they'll get mystical powers. Kim is largely for it; if people are busy in their studios, it means that they're less likely to get into trouble on the street. The sorts of criminals he has to deal with tend to deal less with professionally trained fighting, and more to do with, oh... nail onna stick. They're simple people, in the underbelly of Revachol.

Though in Revachol, it's more like the overbelly. ]

I see. We have martial arts where we're from, yes, just ones that go by different names. I don't know much about them, though I've listened to a few radiodocumentaries, I'll admit. [ His world's version of NPR. It only registered to him afterwards the futility of listening about a visual artform, but his options are rather limited. ]

I'm from a world that seems to be different from ones most people here are from. Not in the nature of the world, I don't believe, but differences in language, geography, culture. What you're describing doesn't sound dissimilar to what we have back home. [ This is probably a rude question, but: ] You're really able to make a living off of teaching kids martial arts?

[miyagimagic]

[ Radiodocumentaries. Kim, truly a man with nerdy interests after Daniel's own heart.. ]

I'm a car salesman. [ His phone reads out for him, Daniel giving a small shrug, though not completely without a smile, as he says it. Look, he knows what kind of reputation that job has, okay.. ] I teach kids on the side for free.

[ That part is actually important to Daniel, after all. He doesn't want kids to have to depend on having the money to be able to learn it - something he's sure Kim will understand too, given the sentiment he showed towards children a few moments ago.

Though there's something that's sticking out a little more in his mind, something he can't help but address. ]

You are not the first person I've met who comes from a different world geographically. Though the other guy had animal ears, so I'm guessing your world is a little closer to mine. [ Is the animal ears thing still weird to him?

Yes. Yes, it is. It's easier when he can just type it though, rather than figuring out what tone to even use while talking about people with animal ears.. ]

In my world karate actually comes from a different country than where I live. My teacher came from Okinawa. [ There's a pause, because.. you know, cultural differences and similarities are actually really hard to convey when names of places don't mean a thing to the other person, Daniel realises now.. Give him a moment to figure out how to word this. ] People there look more like you than they look like me, if that makes sense?

[ Look at him struggling to convey 'my teacher was Asian' when that word probably means nothing to Kim.. Daniel doubts that's going to be the one word that carries over across cultural differences. Hell, maybe it's just a coincidence altogether that Kim looks Asian, and that kind of thing doesn't even exist where he comes from, if the worlds are different enough. ]

[aceslow]

[ A car salesman. Kim presses a couple fingers to his mouth, stifling his smile. That makes a lot more sense. He has no such misconceptions about used car salesmen - aside from the fact that Kim couldn't even afford a used personal vehicle, much to the mutual disappointment of himself and salesmen - but it's a little funny to hear that the man has such mundane employment after all. It makes sense. There's little money in teaching; why would there be any more in teaching something as niche and, frankly, unusable in modern society as martial arts?

That he teaches kids out of the goodness of his own heart speaks well of him. And poorly of him, if you're taking into account logical uses of your time and energy and the amount of money he must have to pour into the endeavor, but Kim's not so concerned about that. God knows Kim himself couldn't do it; while he may be concerned about the well-being of juveniles, he personally can't stand working with them.

That smile fades, however, when Daniel points out the elephant in the room. It's not that Kim is offended - it would take more than that to offend him - but it pushes on a bruise, to be lumped in with those he has nothing in common with other than their physical appearance. It's impossible to see that the topic displeases him with his poker face, his expression as unreadable as it ever is, his demeanor as polite and proper as it's been since the beginning of their conversation. There is no harm in the observation, after all. It's simply that it's as tiresome as it always has been, always will be. ]

Khm. Yes. I know what you mean. [ He adjusts his glasses. ] You're talking about my ethnicity, of course. Several people here have pointed it out. [ They've asked him if he's Japanese specifically, whatever that means. Their world's analogue of Seol, he supposes. ] Many martial arts are from Seol back home as well. But I must apologize for the disappointment -- it has very little to do with me. Despite my appearance, I am a true blue Revacholiere. [ He quirks a brow. ] We favour brawls over martial arts. There's no grace to it, but it gets the job done.

[miyagimagic]

No disappointment whatsoever. [ At least Daniel is quick to clarify that - despite the fact that what Kim was saying more sounded like a figure of speech than anything else, really. Still, it seems the man still can't help but say it all the same, adding a slight but dismissive hand gesture when the phone reads it out for him. ] Even where I come from, assuming all Asians can do martial arts just because they are Asian is insane. [ Or, you know, people from Seol in Kim's case, but.. Daniel isn't too sure what you'd call them, and doesn't want to assume. Seollites.. Maybe?

(Also, he's well aware some people do actually think that, despite the idea being insane to him. Johnny probably thinks that, he thinks, considering it's.. Johnny..)

His mind does linger on the Revacholiere part for a moment, trying to imagine what the equivalent culture from his world would be. Just going by the sound of it, Daniel imagines maybe.. France?

That would work. Kim seems very well put together to him.

He shakes himself out of the thought, offering the other a slight smile. ]

I do hope you don't get in too many fights though. [ He likes Kim too much so far to wish that on him.

And it's not like Daniel wishes that on others easily, anyway.. ]

[aceslow]

[ Assuming all Asians can do martial arts just because they are Asian is insane, huh? Kim lets out a quiet snort as he reads it, shrugging his shoulders a little ruefully. Dryly, he says, ] You'd be surprised at the generalizations people make due to appearance and heritage. It would not be the first time I've encountered such a misconception. Harmless in the grand scheme of things.

[ That's what he says. It's not what he means. But it's easier to downplay it than it is to give voice to the utter annoyance he feels with the whole situation. Still, it's enough for his hackles to settle a little. It's this place's fault, really; between half the people here mistaking him for whatever a Japanese person may be to the toy in his pocket, it's interrupted the steady status quo he was used to. It may not have been a pleasant status quo, but it was, at least, what he was used to. ]

I certainly try not to get into too many fights. But as I said, I am a police officer. Sometimes it's inevitable for things to go south -- though it is our job to attempt to defuse a situation before it gets to that point.

[ Not that it always works. And here's Kim, with his itchy trigger finger and all. ]

I'm sure you know more about hand-to-hand than I do, anyway. [ Daniel's throat is injured, after all. ] Do you find yourself in many fights outside of the karate... ring? Arena? Stage? You're going to have to help me out with the terminology, here.

[miyagimagic]

[ Okay, yeah, Daniel can imagine how it might be impossible to always avoid fights when you have that kind of job - especially when you see the way some people act, or when you have to deal with people being drunk.. Though Daniel has gotten the kind of impression of the other so far that Kim seems composed and calm enough. Someone practical. Clearly not someone with an itchy trigger finger.

Obviously.

So the fights he does get into are probably inevitable. The kind of you can't de-escalate, no matter what you'd try. Daniel nods a little bit, taking in all the information.. But before he has a chance to say anything about it, there's Kim moving onto that last part, actually making some amusement appear on Daniel's face. There's not a laugh - it's hard to tell if he can laugh, if he can't even speak - but he is smiling as he types, his phone then reading out: ]

We usually just call it being on the mat.

[ Sounds less impressive than the other terms, but still.. ]

I try to not get into fights. [ Though, you know, those bruises on his face might tell a different story, even if they're starting to fade at this point. ] It's just that sometimes it's inevitable for things to go south even when you're not with the police.

[ .. there's a slight pause, where Daniel is probably deciding he likes Kim enough so far that he doesn't want the other guy to think Daniel is weirdly violent or anything, so he adds-- ]

Especially when you know the kind of people I do. [ I-It's not his fault, Kim! He can't help it that something about him attracts karate rivals like no tomorrow... ]

[aceslow]

When you know the kind of people you do...?

[ While Kim may not be a cop here, he's an investigator down to his bones. His mind immediately flits through several different instances of what he could possibly mean by that, scenarios dancing through his mind in quickfire. While Kim has certainly been tricked before - he's less of a good judge of character than he wishes he was - the man certainly seems earnest enough, open to a fault, wearing his emotions on his sleeve. He also seems to be well in his right mind, no physical indicators of drug or alchol abuse that he can see, from the clear whites of his eyes to the steadiness of his hands against the communicator.

Not involved formally in organized crime. But maybe on the wrong side of the tracks, so to speak. The extent of his injuries are also worrisome, seeming to him like someone who had set out to hurt him, and hurt him bad. You don't aim for the throat and face unless you're seeking to inflict serious harm, in his professional opinion.

He frowns, the furrow between his brows deepening. ]

Were you in trouble back home? [ Oh. If not himself, then perhaps delinquent youth? He has a feeling that he'd feel inclined to protect his charges, if it came to that. ] With criminal activity and the like? [ He gestures at his own face and throat meaningfully. ] Injuries like that aren't exactly what I imagine to be sustained in a fair fight.

[miyagimagic]

[ Experience is serving Kim well here. He's hitting on several truths - both in what he is saying, and what he isn't saying.

The fact that he's right about some things here comes very rapidly obvious too. Especially when the man lets out that final statement. It makes Daniel's gaze dip, avoiding Kim's own, something twisting his expression to look a little more embarrassed and guilty. No, whatever happened to Daniel, it's clear from the other's reaction that it wasn't a fair fight. It's like Daniel is shrinking on the spot as he thinks back on what happened.

He doesn't reply right away too. His phone still held in his hand, but nothing being entered on it. Instead he idly rubs the knuckles of the hand that's holding the phone with his free hand, seeming to think. It's not like Daniel likes talking about any of this, but-- on the other hand, he's not really sure what kind of impression he'd be leaving behind on Kim if he were to say nothing here, and his impression of the other is, in turn, positive enough that he doesn't want to ruin his own impression, just because he feels nauseous thinking back on what happened.

Daniel breathes in, and then types again. ]

I was trying to protect the kids.

[ Another count Kim is right on, despite not even voicing that one out loud. ]

It didn't go as well as I hoped. [ A twitch at Daniel's lips, a smile that doesn't reach his eyes in the slightest - instead just looking sad as he looks over at Kim. ] Can't do anything about it now.

[aceslow]

[ Kim's expression brightens as Daniel goes on, even though he knows that it shouldn't -- the man is describing what must have been an incredibly traumatic incident, an incredibly recent traumatic incident, and one that endangered his wards. But still, it's as though there's a horrible little record in Kim's mind that's keeping track. It's why becoming a detective held so much appeal to him; he loves solving puzzles, and he loves being right. ]

That's precisely what I thought! It all added up. I could be wrong, since we only just met, but you don't strike me as the sort to get into scuffles like that for the hell of it. Being that you run a centre for kids without asking for pay, that meant you were largely dealing with underprivileged youth, and all that entails, so...

[ Kim shrugs, a little helplessly. He had been an underprivileged youth himself. He had never grown close to any of the kids he'd grown up with, not really. But they kept tabs on each other in small ways, even if it was just seeing what they were up to from time to time. Few of them wound up anywhere good.

His excitement over a correct deductment isn't appropriate. The poor man looks like someone has kicked him emotionally as well as physically, the way he's simply shrunk in on himself. ]

They were lucky to have someone willing to protect them, [ he reassures him. ] Even if it didn't go as well as you'd hoped, they'll remember that you tried for the rest of their lives. If not for this occasion, then for many others. I can promise you that.

[miyagimagic]

[ Daniel looks over at Kim. There's still something a little hurt in his eyes, but it has nothing to do with the other's glee about having guessed right. It's still just due to the memory of it all.

Besides, he can recognize the other is trying to cheer him up at the end there. Or perhaps just reassure him, even if it doesn't do a whole lot. Daniel knows that the threat he was trying to protect them from is still at large back home, after all-- and Daniel isn't there himself to try and stop anything from happening again. It's terrifying.

Not that he confesses to that part. He carefully keeps it to himself, not wanting to burden anyone else with it. Instead he tries to smile a little, though it's weak. ]

Thank you.

[ It's the least he can write - and have his phone read out - when Kim is going out of his way to say that last part, right? ]

If it is not too much, I would like to ask you for a favour. I will do you a favour in return as well, of course. [ Even if Daniel isn't too sure what Kim could even ask from him in return-- but the other seems decent enough that he's pretty sure Kim wouldn't ask anything that'd even come close to bothering Daniel.

It's also why he trusts the other with this request in the first place - especially if Kim has some experience with troubled teens. ] That boy I showed you on the photo earlier. My student. Since he's here in the city as well, could you help keep an eye on him if you ever happen to come across him? Especially if there ends up being trouble.

[ Daniel doesn't trust this city to stay relatively quiet one bit. ]

[aceslow]

...ah. To be honest, despite my old job - [ or rather, because of it ] - I can't say I'm very good with kids. Any sort of mentorship will have to be up to you.

[ He thinks that perhaps he gave Daniel the wrong idea. He's invested in the welfare of minors because that's the fundamentally correct thing to be concerned with, but being around them has rarely been a comfortable matter for him. If Daniel thinks that he's able to help guide his charge, he's sorely mistaken, though Kim doesn't think that's actually what he's asking for. Still, good to clear that part up straight off the bat.

Besides, everything Daniel has mentioned about the kid has been glowing. Blindly so, perhaps, but not the sort of thing that Kim would expect even the most loving guardian and mentor to say to, say, the likes of Cuno. He doesn't expect that Daniel's student will spend most of his time screeching slurs at Kim to provoke a reaction, so at least there's that. ]

But of course I'll keep an eye out for him. Especially if things go south. No reciprocal favour needed for that, [ Kim says, shaking his head. ] If I'm around, I'll make sure no harm comes to him.

[ Wryly: ] Though I'd be a lot more confident about my ability to do so if this place didn't take my firearm away from me. Once you're recovered, maybe you'll have to show me a thing or two.

[miyagimagic]

[ Daniel nods - approvingly so. Really, just a few more eyes on Robby to make sure the boy doesn't end up in trouble is all Daniel needs. Not that he isn't worried about the influence other people could have on him, but it feels like a much lesser worry when Daniel is so constantly worried about how bad things could get here. About how much danger these kids could end up in.

Getting Kim's agreement is a definite relief, and Daniel's shoulders even lower a little, like some pressure is sliding off them.

Though he can't quite resist adding: ]

You're a good man. [ Maybe it's a little bit early to judge, but.. with the way Kim has been talking about kids and other matters, and even with him agreeing to do this without needing a favour in return?

Daniel thinks that speaks for itself enough. ] I do not think you need to mentor anyone on purpose to be a good influence. Your presence might do it naturally.

[ Sorry, Kim, he is still typing to address that last part of what you said. But with Daniel being Daniel, he just couldn't resist sneaking in at least a slight compliment for the other. Especially with what Kim was willing to agree to. Daniel even gives the other a slight smile.

Then he's done typing, and the phone now reads out: ]

I also definitely wouldn't mind teaching you some karate once I'm more able to do so, if you're sure you would like that. My style is very oriented towards self-defense, so even knowing some basic moves might come in really useful here. Practice also helps me clear my head. [ .. not that he knows if the last part is something the other needs.

Though being an Adult with Adult Responsibilities (even in this place, where said responsibilities don't involve an actual job) in general means you can use something to clear your head every once in a while, as far as Daniel is concerned. ]

[aceslow]

[ Your presence might do it naturally? Now this guy is sounding an awful lot like a certain detective he knows. Harry had the excuse of having incredibly low standards due to being -- well, due to many factors, most of which Kim doesn't care to linger on. He's not certain what Daniel's excuse is, but he lets out a quiet snort anyway, half-surprised, half-amused. ]

If you say so. A bit early to be making those sort of assumptions, isn't it? [ It's all right. If he gets disappointed later, it's not Kim's fault. It's just a rather sunny way of viewing the world, isn't it? Few people are as they present themselves to be, and for all of Kim's focus on his own presentation, he's not sure what he's presenting at the moment.

Aside from being a tired old man. Because that's precisely what he feels like, these days. Ironically, the less he has to do, the more tired he feels; it's precisely the sort of thing he hopes having a task like learning a new skill will help amend. ]

Exercise helps me clear my head too. But there's no gym here, so... [ So he doesn't have his beloved precinct gym treadmill at his disposal. Something like martial arts seems like it might be the next best thing. ]

You let me know when you're recovered. Maybe we can teach each other a thing or two. My name is Kim Kitsuragi, by the way -- I don't believe we introduced ourselves. That's the name you can find me under on these mobile devices.

[miyagimagic]

[ Daniel doesn't reply to Kim's line about assumptions - but maybe the look on his face is enough, even without words emerging from his phone. He just smiles at the man, looking like he's got all the faith of the world in him.

Which.. could be bad. Sure, it's not like Daniel can't understand that it really is too early for that, and he knows that he's been fooled by someone's first impression before. He knows trusting too easily can be dangerous.

But maybe it's exactly the nature of this place that makes him want to trust all the same. That makes him want to believe that there's at least some good and reliable people here, even if this place as a whole is awful-- and Kim sure seems like a good person. ]

My name is Daniel LaRusso.

[ That's the thing he answers to instead - perhaps wincing just a little bit at the way the robotic phone voice pronounces his name, but sure.. That works, he supposes.. ]

And I also use that as my name on the devices too. [ See, this is clearly why Kim is a normal and reliable guy. He's a guy who understands the importance of not using weird usernames!! ] Let's make sure to get in touch again later.

[ And he even dares to admit: ]

I certainly would like that. [ You know, as if him smiling at Kim just now like he's stupidly glad wasn't enough. Please, Daniel, you wear your heart on your sleeve, my dude. ]

[aceslow]

All right. Nice to meet you officially, then, Mr. LaRusso.

[ Kim also pronounces his last name incorrectly, his thick accent marrying the consonants, lingering on the vowels, but it's clear that's not going to change; when introducing himself, he even said his distinctly Japanese sounding last name in the very same accent. He holds a hand out to shake Daniel's hand firmly. He hadn't been expecting this encounter, but it's pleasant to meet someone that comes across as being half-reasonable, half-normal; Kim often feels out of place here, out of sorts, an inarguably ordinary man in an inarguably unordinary world. To have fellows here is a boon. ]

We'll be in touch -- after you're better. If you're going to teach me a thing or two, you'll need a voice. [ And maybe that will be some motivation to rest up, if his puppydog-like enthusiasm wasn't enough. ] So do me a favour and go home and rest up, will you?

[miyagimagic]

[ Daniel definitely sticks out his own hand as well to take a hold of Kim's, allowing for the handshake. What he doesn't do is point out anything about his name - though whether it's because it doesn't bother him as much when Kim is doing it (given the other's constant accent when it comes to names) or if it's just because he has to be a little more selective in what he does or doesn't say while he has to make his phone speak for him is anyone's guess.

Instead he just shakes the other's hand before letting go, the smile on his face turning a touch more sheepish when Kim points out the obvious here.

Is it a little embarrassing to have to be talked into taking care of yourself as a grown adult? Yes, definitely, but there's still something about the kindness of someone he's only just met that warms Daniel's heart all the same. ]

Alright, I get it. [ The phone reads out a moment later, after Daniel has both of his hands available again to type. ] I'll go home now, and contact you again when everything is a little better. Thank you, see you again.

[ And with that - and a last smile offered right after - the man does turn to leave, actually planning on going home, rather than making just an empty promise. He probably should rest up some after a lengthy social interaction in his current state, anyway. ]