Fools: An OTP Graphic

"But everything is shattering and it's my mistake."

Aesthetic Closer: Death Note AU

"Just a bunch of people who want to change the world."

Character Aesthetics: Jian Lee

"I don't regret this at all."

TFDC: Day Five -- Camaraderie

Matt and A’s Home
Tokyo, Japan
December 2014
Christmas Day

“Are you honestly sure that it’s alright for me to bring her along, Mack?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. A doesn’t mind guests as long as they aren’t serial killers or those wanted by the law,” the man answered lightly. Jian gave a (tight) smile and glanced around him, Mack noticing that the man was often looking around to see if someone had arrived. “Who’s it, anyway?”

“A dear friend of mine – don’t give me that look,” Jian chastised. Mack had made a face and the Taiwanese other had smirked in reply, “She’s someone I met a few months ago. And no, she isn’t as interested in men as to women.”

Mack gave a mildly guilty smile, his eyes softening. “Right. Be here in thirty?”

“I will. See you.” The call ended and Mack looked up, pocketing his phone soon after. The festivities were in full swing in the living room, the scientist hearing the eager chatter of the rest of his friends.

Touta was watching as A tore open his gift, the Englishwoman gasping in surprise. (“Oh my God, you didn’t have to–” “No shut up, you’ve been pining for that for weeks!”) Kenichi and Peters were talking sports while drinking from their beers, laughing and arguing here and there. Away by the window, J and Matt were having a quiet conversation. Matt had been relaying what had happened to him since he left the Wammy’s, and J was listening while giving input here and there.

Mack, at first, thought of their ‘group’ as rather odd. After all, they comprised of four police agents, one forensic scientist, two businessmen, a bartender and an ex-model. And hell, Mack didn’t even know who the ex-model yet except for the fact that she was a (most likely bisexual) female and an old friend of Jian’s.

“Mack, when’s Jian arriving?” A asked. She and Touta had walked up to him, the former wearing the latter’s gift; a cream-colored cardigan with gold-colored buttons. “So I can prepare a few more drinks for him and his guest.”

“Give it thirty minutes. Nice cardigan by the way,” he added, and A gave a twirl. Touta merely smirked. “Was that the one you spent an hour searching for, T?”

“Might have been the one,” he shrugged. “But it was easy to acquire. Can’t blame me, the store was huge.” A made a face at him and walked off to the bar, taking out a few bottles as well as two glasses. The threesome proceeded to talk while A prepared the drinks, Touta retelling his tale in great detail.

In the living room, Kenichi took an easy drink from his beer and listened as Touta told him all about baseball. “So wait a minute – who do you support?”

“New York Yankees. Nearly sobbed when Jeter took his final bow,” the brunette replied, memories of Derek Jeter’s play throughout the years coming to mind. “The family’s been supporting the team since I was young. I’ve got all kinds of merc,” the American laughed.

“Yankees. I think I watched a game of theirs when I was in the States a couple of years back, in the stadium itself. Can’t remember against who. It was a good game,” he said, and Peters nodded enthusiastically. “…huh – so that explains why A’s been asking me if I have connections with those merc sellers in the States.”

“Connections?”

“Mhm. Oh well. You’ll see it in your gift,” Kenichi replied cheerfully, watching in plain amusement as the six footer gaped and scrambled for his gift, which he had left on the other couch.

TFDC: Day Two -- Courage

Keji Bar
Tokyo, Japan
December 2014

It had been a quiet day for the Keiji, which Jian had earlier thought of as weird.

During December, bars would usually be packed, especially on the days leading to Christmas. A brief glance at his phone told him that it was only a few days until the holiday, and he had braced himself for a wave of customers. Surprisingly enough, however, the amount of people who came in and left was nothing too unbearable, nothing too stressful.

Jian found himself able to take a break every few hours, relaxing and stretching here and there while snacking up and eating when he earned the chance. Even after he finished his lunch, he was surprised to see that the guys running the bar didn’t quite need an extra hand or two.

Either way, he stuck around and helped out when needed. He would rather stay and help for the pay than stay home and rest up alone. Jian Lee was a people person – he liked surrounding himself with the company of people, liked talking to them and making them laugh, making them feel comfortable under this warm, accommodating gaze.

On that particular night, he was about to close up shop. Jian decided to be the last man standing, offering so to the manager, who had gratefully agreed.

The streets outside were quiet. He had just removed the apron around his waist and took off his black bowtie when the door had opened, the chimes alerting him of a new presence. “I’m sorry,” the person – a male – apologized, “Were you just closing up? I can find another if I need to,” he spoke quickly. Jian quickly put a smile on his face and shook his head.

“You can come on right in. Keiji’s always open to those who need it,” he offered kindly. The stranger cracked a smile and took off his hood, and Jian nearly froze on the spot upon realizing who it was.

Macmillan Thomas stared momentarily at the man at the bar, facing breaking out into its usual, carefree grin. “Oh. Long time no see, Jian.”

“Indeed. Have a seat,” the other replied, Mack gratefully taking the stool right in front of the bartender for the night. “What will it be?”

“Give me what you feel like making,” the American said a few beats after. He added, “You might if I smoke a bit?”

Metamorphosis: Gifset + OCs

"People are never just two-dimensional. You need to look deeper

in order to discover who they are and what they hide."

Second Visit: A Relationship Short

Keji Bar
Tokyo, Japan
November 2014

It was Squad A’s monthly visit back to the Keji Bar. Macmillan shifted in his seat as Touta drove them there, unable to properly contain his excitement.

For the month’s bet, Touta had lost and was the one who would pay for their drinks later that night. The radio blasted with cheesy Japanese Pop as they drove down the road, Peters texting right next to him while A glanced out the window in the front. Macmillan drummed his fingers on his leg. Peters noticed.

“What’s gotten you worked up?”

“Nothing. Can’t blame me for wanting to get smashed.” At that, A paused and looked back at them. “It’s been a rough week, really. I’m lucky to have gotten out of the house at this time,” the man sighed. Peters nodded sympathetically.

“I feel you. Touta, how far are we?”

“Just five more minutes,” the Japanese answered from the front. A merely watched them quietly, her green eyes studying Mack’s seemingly impatient form. Mack felt a little uncomfortable with her eyes scanning him as they usually did during an interrogation.

“What?”

“Oh. Sorry,” she apologized, “I’m trying to get a read on you. Did something bad happen?”

“No. It’s – it’s nothing,” he snapped. A narrowed her eyes at him and turned away, muttering something under her breath as she looked out once more. A slightly guilty feeling came over him and he was about to speak when Peters interrupted.

“Let him cool, A. Forensics isn’t good this week.” He saw the lady give a small, jerky nod and Mack closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down.

From the front, Touta merely sighed and drove on.

Combustion: A Jian Lee Short

Midori Warehouse
Tokyo, Japan
2012

“Jesus fucking Christ. You might as well be an arsonist or something.”

The man smiled grimly as the warehouse was doused, his hands tucked nicely into the pockets of his pants. “When I was told to destroy, I wasn’t exactly instructed how to do so.”

“So you decided to use the most destructive means–”

“Be thankful it wasn’t a bomb I used.”

“Oh yes, a bomb.” His companion snorted. “What, you have contacts for that too?”

Jian Lee shrugged. “I have eyes and ears.” He pulled open his bottle and took a quick swig, his companion eyeing the drink enviously. “Want a sip?”

“I’m trying to remain sober, fuckface.”

“Right, right. Calm your horses.” Jian watched as the men continued spreading alcohol, his hand twitching in his pocket as he rolled around a discreetly-hidden object. “I was simply tasked to do this, see. And be paid quite a generous amount. At least I won’t overtime at Keiji anymore,” he went on, and the man rolled his eyes.

“The bar down the road?”

“Mhm. I love the place to bits. But having to shove out drunken college students gets old fast.” He took yet another sip, “And this is more exciting.”

“So you like breaking the law,” the other deadpanned.

“It’s not breaking if you aren’t caught, my friend.” 

Allure: A Featured Character Graphic

 

 "People tell me everything. Not because I make them, no.

But because they feel compelled to do so."

Mr. Bartender: A Featured Character Short

 Keji Bar

Tokyo, Japan
October 2014

Jian Lee polished a shot glass and pushed another down the counter.

It was 8PM, peak hour quickly approaching. Friday nights at the Keji weren’t usually left untouched – Jian might have seen it all. There were groups of older men walking in and staggering out, young ladies who were crying and reapplying their lipstick in the somewhat cramped bathroom. A college student drifted in for beer and peanuts, scribbling what seemed to be a thesis. 

That night was no different. Mentally preparing himself for the wave of orders that were to come, Jian quickly arranged the glasses behind him and polished the bottles to make them shine. As he took out the beers, the chimes on the door gave a ring and he looked up. 

Inside came four people – the eldest, a Japanese, guided the remaining three to a semi-secluded portion by the counter. He heard the brief mumbling of a man and a woman’s voice quickly took over, laughter quickly taking over. Jian let himself smile. Happy customers were usually the better ones, compared to the sobbing messes who caused their tissue expenses to rocket. 

“You know what to get us, Mack.”

“Shall we start off small?”

The female started yet again. “Please. I don’t want us to end up like last time.”

The first male snorted, “Let’s not. I’d hate to hear A’s drunk dial.” Once more, laughter came and soon enough, a man approached the bar. Jian immediately turned on his charisma.

“Good evening,” he greeted. “Anything I can get you?”

“Three beers and a glass of red wine.” He replied. “We’ll be paying later.” 

“Right, right. Hold on a moment.” Swiping the cool beer bottles and putting them on the counter, Jian nimbly took a fresh bottle and poured into the glass. “I don’t think I’ve caught your name, sir.”

Two-Faced: A Jian Lee Graphic

"You've never met a man more deceitful or charming.

"