Lucky day (open to 2)

The world was such a sick place. Sick for putting him through all of this like it was a big joke. Jamie's lips twitched in a snarl as he hugged his knees closer to his chest, the rumble in his stomach like a low growl. For the past two days, the boy hadn't eaten anything. He'd already parted with some of his treasures earlier this month, and losing anymore seemed like such a waste. So he'd instead tried to pilfer food from stores. But there just wasn't a good moment to pull anything off. All the stores had been full, and everywhere he looked there was a potential witness. So eventually he had to stop.

If that wasn't bad enough, some local brat had taken an interest in him. And he just would not shut up. "Hey, hey, are you a pirate? Do you have gold and stuff? Ooh, I know, it's hidden! Where's the map? C'mon, lemme see it! Mommy will be really happy if I bring home some gold 'n stuff! Just a little! C'mon, pretty please please please?" the kid shook Jamie by the shoulder insistently. With a glare Jamie peeked over his knees at the whining kid, narrowing his eyes at the display. Was that supposed to be a begging face? His bottom lip jutting out like some neanderthal? It was disgusting, poorly executed and sloppily done. But this kid just wouldn't stop. Rather he kept on shaking Jamie vigorously, all the while prattling on about a map and bloody hell knows what.

Closing his eyes helped the headache, but all the good it did Jamie was cancelled by this brat. His voice was annoying. His touch was annoying. For the love of hell, his presence was annoying. Couldn't he take a bloody hint and leave him alone, damnit? Fine. If subtley isn't enough, Jamie had no choice but to be direct. Extending his arm briefly, the boy gave a hard shove towards the beggar's forehead, sending him falling backwards with a satisfying thud. After that, there was silence. Now that was a precious sound. Much better than that useless talk. The child smiled lightly, savoring the sudden calm as he rested his forehead on his knees. If only this blasted headache would go away, then all would be perfect.

"T-Thomaaaaaasss-!" Jamie winced at the high-pitched sob. That brat did not want to shut up, did he? | Insolent, whiny little blighter- |  That was all he had time to think before someone grabbed his shirt and hauled him off the ground. His head spun wildly and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to beat the bloody daylights out of whoever was handling him so roughly. "You pickin' on my kid brother?" Oh, marvelous. There was another one of these idiots lurking around. Jamie cracked his eyes open just before he was violently shaken again. "I said, you been pickin' on my brother?" For some reason Jamie doubted anything he had to say would sway this ruffian's idea of who was to blame. What a fantastic day this was turning out to be.

Hm, another day without any solid entertainment. As usual. Sharaku didn't even know why did he complained anymore. Well, more like internally compained, and still did nothing to fix it in the end, except random trips which periodically solved absolutely nothing. Maybe a short moment of amusement over something, but that was about it. Alas, there weren't many solutions in store for him even if he tried. Getting too involved in something specific might not bode well for him, and he had already managed to dip himself into supernatural business. That for one, was enough at the moment. Even if the days when that didn't come into play tended to be boring. What was there to do? Go around and mess with people? Ha, as fun as that sounded, his manners wouldn't allow him to be too innapropriate with someone unless he knew them well enough. That said, there were so many moot points it wasn't even worth polemizing over. Yet he often did, as that was actualy one of the few things he could do without any problems arising.

That, and many more useless things in mind, Sharaku was wandering around Standasen today. With no apparent reason besides the fact he hadn't been here as often as in other places around Azores. A completely half assed reasoning, but he rarely needed anything better to justify doing something. Not that it really mattered any, since he was as bored as usual. Which was no news, as being surprised or any more extreme kind of state avoided him like a plague. Sure, he had his past to blame for the Mr. Calm he was lately, but it made everyday life...how to put it...rather bland? Was that the right word for it? 'Minha sorte...'

Well, his own thoughts jinxed him once in a while. He was rather rudely distracted by some yelling from nearby. Having a lack of anything productive to do, it was an obvious decision to go take a look. After all, he could leave it be if it was of no interest to him. What he did not expect, was to come upon a few young boys..having some sort of a skirmish apparently. One was holding another by his shirt, and there was obviously some violence going about. How ungraceful. Even youngsters practiced street fighting already? What was the appeal of kicking someone's butt...well unless you had a solid reason to do so. Most of the time, that tended to be omitted in fights...as far as his observations went. Oh well. ''Might I ask what is going on here? You should not be picking a fight out on the streets, boys.'', he would say in quite the calm tone as he approached them.

Why was he getting into this was a good question though.....

Strength:

What was the bloody holdup? Was this brat going to take a swing or not? Or was his intention to let Jamie hang there all day until he passed out? None were particularly pleasing right now, but the sooner this idiocy was over, the sooner Jamie could go back to lamenting his poor fortune as of late. For now he had his visible eye closed, quite resigned to whatever this urchin had in store. It was shocking when the firm hold on his shirt suddenly slipped away, leaving Jamie to tumble to the ground. "N-Nothing's goin' on. R-Right Will?" Who was he talking to? Jamie? No. Through the dizziness and mildly blurry vision, the child could tell that the ruffian wasn't even looking in his direction. He was looking at someone else... Squinting lightly, Jamie could make out a well-dressed man standing close by. Ah. So this boy talked something good, but turned tail and ran the moment he got into trouble? Pitiful. But Jamie knew he was in no position to comment, since he himself was incapacitated by his own hunger at this point.

"Y...Y-Yeah, Tommy. N-Noth...*hic*...N-Nothin' at all." For the love of God, even that crying brat was clamming up. For all that sobbing he did, he seemed perfectly fine. Tch. How irritating. The child exhaled heavily as the two brothers muttered apologies under their breath to the newcomer before scurrying off to God knows where. As long as it wasn't here, those two could jump off a cliff for all he cared. The boy pushed himself to his feet, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through his stomach. "...Thanks mistuh." Despite his discomfort, Jamie smiled cheerfully, his voice dripping with gratitude. Maybe some good was going to come out of that nuisance. This man looked rather well off. If Jamie was lucky, he might have something good on him. Well, he'd just have to wait for a good opportunity to check and see, was all.

Sharaku would raise an eyebrow as two of the youngsters stammered out half assed replies of 'nothing is going on', before turning tail and scramming away. What was the deal with this? He had asked a simple question, and they reacted as if he came here to arrest them or something. Well, this was a rather unusual outcome, but it wasn't like he had any actual reason to complain about it. Although this kind of reaction made him briefly wonder as to what was really going on. Really, unless those boys were complete and utter wimps, he doubted they'd run off if they hadn't been doing something quite bad. Not that logic could be applied everywhere. 'Hmm..?' In all honesty, he had gotten himself a bit lost in his thoughts, and almost managed to overlook the fact that one of the young boys was still around. It was actually the one that had been held up back then.

Oh well. ''You're welcome....'', he would respond, trailing off a bit. Now, Sharaku wasn't a smartass or anything in general, but this seemed slightly strange. From what he had the pleasure of witnessing, he could conclude those two, or at least the older one, were picking on this boy here, for reasons unknown to him. Why did the boy seem rather cheerful after that was beyond him. On second thought, it wasn't like he really knew what was this all about in the first place. ''Well, I suppose that went rather swell...'', he would mutter under his breath, before turning his golden gaze back to the boy again. ''...Are you here on your own? It's not a good idea to get into a fight when you have no way to defend yourself, you know?'', he would ask, a bit curious as to why was the boy hanging around here without anyone else. Well, yes, kids were independent these days, but wasn't being careful at least somewhat important anymore? Then again, he couldn't say it was his place to talk about that out of all things...'I'm hopeless either way...' Well, wasn't he?

Well, wasn't this fellow just a bucket of joy? Most people would've responded with a shaky smile and asked if Jamie was alright, or frowned in worry. This one just seemed unconcerned. So he hadn't come poking around trying to play good Samaritan? The child wasn't sure if he was pleased with that, but at least this man had gotten those pests away. "Naw mistuh, ah ain't ahlone. Yous 'ere, roight?" Jamie smiled innocently like only children could. If that didn't set this man at ease or prompt him to lower whatever guard he had up, he wasn't sure what was. That probably wasn't the answer this man was looking for, but no matter. He preferred people not knowing too much about him, in case someone came looking for him.

"Ah know, mistuh. Ah wusn't lookin' fer ah foight. Seems loik ah founds one anyways." the child let out a sigh. Really, that was true. He'd been quietly minding his own buisness when that brat butted in. Jamie couldn't very well be blamed for the whole thing, could he? The little brat started it. Jamie looked back at the man with a smile. "Buh thanks tuh you, ah didn' get 'urt none, yeah? Alls roight 'n propah." he took a second to look the man up and down before giggling. "Ah didn' fink gents loik yous was still around, mistuh. Wotta you doin' round 'ere, eh?"

He was here right...'Wait, what?' What kind of answer was that? Not that it wasn't a fair answer and all, but Sharaku didn't think he needed to be reminded that he was around. That was pretty much obvious now, wasn't it? Oh well, fate had it that way apparently. ''True, I am here indeed.'', he would say, with a low chuckle. Someone else might have been annoyed at this kind of evasive answer, but he found it more entertaining than anything else. Besides, he usually had no qualms about playing around with children. This boy seemed innocent enough, so he didn't even have a way of telling whether it was intentional or just a childish way of answering. No matter though, whatever it was, he was content to play along for now.

''Or maybe it found you. Wouldn't that be a better way to put it?'', he would half state, half question with an amused smile, when the boy said he found a fight without looking for one. Well, the answer to this one lied in knowing which party started the fight, but it wasn't like Sharaku was aware of that little detail. And children liked hearing they weren't at fault, didn't they? ''Well put. But you should still keep an eye out for trouble. There won't be someone to help you out everytime.'', he would say calmly, when the boy assumed everything was fine thanks to him. Maybe it was, but only this time around. Young or not, precautions are always a good thing. When the boy asked what was he doing around here, he would blink a few times. Well, the question of the day. ''Simply taking a stroll, I suppose.'', he would shrug lightly. He really had no better answer than this. ''...Do I really look that strange in this setting, or was that simply a figure of speech?'', he would ask curiously after a moment, addressing the first part of the boy's latest question. He figured not many people walked dressed like that around Standasen, it being a less expensive part of Azores, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. He was sort of wondering what the young man thought, since he stated it like that. It was simply that. No real concern, as he was going to keep wearing what he wanted anyway.

{OOC: sorry, went on vacation and couldn't get online to post. didn't mean to make you wait so long.}

"Eh? S'not wott'ah meant, mistuh." Cocking his head and blinking his visible eye, Jamie stepped forwards and suddenly grabbed onto the man's suit jacket. He tugged at the fabric and pulled it all sorts of funny directions, as if inspecting the piece. It was actually a decent suit. A little cheap, in Jamie's opinion, but well made. It could fetch a pretty penny a shop he knew. But the last thing he needed was to snatch this thing and try to run away in his condition. With his long legs, Jamie didn't doubt this man could catch him easily. Instead, he used this as a cover to feel around the pockets, checking for a wallet or loose change. "Yer loik a propah gent, ain't ya mistuh? Nawt many 'round 'ere wear dis stuff. Thas a chickin 'n roice bag a' fruit, ain't it?" It took all he had to grin brightly and not scowl. For a well-dressed fellow, he had absolutely no cash on him. At least in his suit pockets. Maybe he carried his score someplace else? Damn.

Dropping the jacket and taking a step back, Jamie linked his fingers behind his back and looked up at the man. What a disgusting shade of gray. What had this bloke been doing to get that tone in his skin? Jamie should find out and avoid doing whatever the bloody hell this man had. Who knows what odd effects came with that color? [color=#cc6633]"So whatcha doin' round dis Joe Brown? Comin' ta see the soights?"[/colors] This was the one good mark Jamie had seen all day. If he let it slip through his fingers now, who knows when he'll have another opportunity to pick up a little something? It was a risk Jamie didn't want to take. So for now he'd have to stall this man a little longer before finding another opportunity to rummage for cash.

((OoC: That's okay. I had actually been on vacation somewhere in between that time too, so I was more or less glad I didn't have to post xD))

'Is that so....?' Sharaku shouldn't have been any surprised though. Figuring out what one meant wasn't always a straight road. He had to put thoughts about that aside rather quickly, as the boy took a bold move, almost unneccessarily interested in his suit. Honestly, it had him quite confused for a moment, which was one of the main reasons he didn't really attempt to stop the youngster. To be completely sincere, he wasn't sure what to make of this...rather strange situation. If it were an older person doing this, it would be definitely considered suspicious if nothing else. In this case, he was a bit out of the loop. It could have been mere childish curiosity for all he knew, even though it still made him feel weird. He really couldn't put a finger on this boy. But, all in all, he wasn't too unnerved. He simply had to keep playing this game and figure out what was the purpose of it, right? Simple enough. The idea of playing imaginary tag was actually rather amusing. Besides, how long could the boy fool around with him before ending up turning it on himself? Hm, that was the question, wasn't it?

''I simply like the style, that is all.'', he would say lightheartedly when the boy commented on his clothing and let go of him. He kept the answer simple, as he wasn't completely sure what the young one was getting at exactly. When the second set of questions followed, Sharaku would raise an eyebrow slightly. If his memory wasn't failing him, he had already been asked what was he doing here once. Just what was the boy after? Hm. Okay, enough beating around the bush for a while. That, and he did not really have a different answer to give than the one he did the first time. Still...''No, not really. Sightseeing is not exactly a hobby I'd fancy.'', he would say indifferently, before giving the younger a slightly playful smile. ''Alright now, don't get me wrong boy, I like games and all. However, I do believe you've asked me a very similar question just a while ago. As much as I enjoy verbal hide and seek, it might be easier to just say what you really want. I don't bite.'' Really, he was generally open with most things, so he was skeptical about the idea of the boy actually managing to spite him in some way. Which was why he was fine with asking so casually, in a completely unconcerned tone. He wasn't the type to get worked up easily, except for those certain triggers that had him testing his patience, therefore he often seemed almost foolishly easygoing in a situation that might be blaring at least some alarms for others. That, of course didn't mean he was totally unaware of any hints, but he found it boring to point it out early on. It killed the fun. Which was why he probably appeared as if he gave no care that the boy was acting out of the line a bit, and actually seemed to take the unspoken invitation to stay around longer without a single protest. This might just turn out to be an interesting small talk, even if it was with a boy probably a good 10 years younger than him.

Where did he get off grinning so smugly? Tch. Damn adults. Damn people. Always thinking they know so much. Thinking they can trip him up and show how smart they are. Idiot. "Dunno, mistuh. Kinda 'ard ta Adam 'n Eve it, y'know?" The child gazed up at the adult's face and scratched at his cheek thoughtfully. "This ain' the kinda place y'take a ball 'round. Kinda gingah, I fink." Shrugging and hooking his thumbs on the edge of his trousers, Jamie tilted his head curiously. Honestly, was this man stupid? Everyone in Azores knew this was a bad part of town. Thieves, vagabonds, ruffians, gangs, and a bunch of other things went wrong in this godforsaken little town. Coming here dressed as this man was was just stupid. He was practically begging to be robbed. Not that Jamie cared, really. Stupidity made his life so much easier.

The child winced for a moment as the stabbing pain from earlier went through his stomach again. Damn, he really needed to hurry this up. He needed that cash. Or maybe a trinket or something he could pawn. Going without food for this long was torture. But he still didn't have the opening he needed to check the man's other pockets. This business was more trouble than it was worth sometimes. Jamie leaned against the building he had been crouched up against earlier, taking a few deep breaths. He couldn't very well con anyone if he didn't get his act together. "Sorry 'bout that mistuh." Smiling again, Jamie cocked his head and continued on. "Say, dis ya foist time 'round dis Brown?"

Hm, that wasn't exactly the answer Sharaku was going for. Figures that there would be more playing around. Oh well, so be it then. The boy would eventually have to give a straight answer if this kept up. Then again, no pain, no gain, as they say. Though, he did at times question the latter part. Nevertheless, talking usually didn't hurt anyway. ''Maybe it is, maybe not. Every place has its quirks.'', he would say, rather airily, when the youngster commented on the place not being the best idea for a casual visit. That, of course was a fact. However, he couldn't say he cared too much. Yes, Standasen was not known for high standards, but in all seriousness there were worse things than a bit of a rough town. Ocassional bad guys could do whatever for all he cared. None of his business, and if they tried to get him involved, well, their fault. He was far from sweet when things went down, and it was generally for the best to not push him into anything.

He would narrow his eyes a little bit when the boy leaned back and all. Still, he was none the wiser. It is kinda hard to work around something when you don't even know what it is in the first place. He was, thankfully patient enough to not prod around yet. He was willing to wait it out. ''No, not really. I've been here before, if it matters any.'', he would answer calmly, giving the boy a thoughtfull look. ''That being said, you might want to tone it down a bit in the future. I personally don't mind, but not many people enjoy playing questionnaire so randomly. And the location is not very helpful to the case either.'', he would sort of give a tip, though it might sound a bit strange, being said in a rather careless tone. The choice was not his after all. In a way, he both cared and did not at the same time. For him, it was rather normal though.