Fools: An OTP Graphic

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

Worth: A TGSC Short

Mack's Apartment

Tokyo, Japan

August 2015

9:42 PM

"This is fucking bullshit."

"Aren't you supposed to be used to this?" A joked. Mack scowled and A patted his shoulder, setting a steaming cup of green tea down. "What's wrong this time?" 

"I don't know why we always get shitty data and information," he complained. "I can't fucking work with this. This shit is weak and doesn't have anything I can link to any of your theories. They're all so goddamn plausible but no one can fucking prove it because of this shit!" The Englishman gave the small collection of samples a crazed shake. "Shitty data. Shitty samples. Shitty proof–"

 "And maybe shitty theories, too," A interrupted. She crossed her arms, "Mack. Even my theories and Touta's can be wrong. If data can't support it, then it's okay. We can work with the angle your data supports."

"But that's the thing!" the curly-haired man threw up his hands in frustration, "Data points nowhere! It points to bumfuck nowhere!" A tried not to laugh at his rants, pressing her lips tightly together. "You – why the hell are you laughing, woman? This is a case!"

"You're usually so calm and collected, Mack," she explained after letting a few laughs pass her lips. "You're the only person who I know remains calm after a pot of coffee, instead of turning into a twitchy piece of shit like myself or Peters." Mack made a face.

Aimlessly: A TGSC Short

HQ
Tokyo, Japan
August 2014

“You’re working supremely hard on this investigation.”

“I’m not just jokes and sarcasm,” Peters snorted. “Despite what A and Touta may tell you sometimes. Or despite what it seems to look like on the outside. I’m as dedicated as the rest of them,” he told Mack. The man nodded thoughtfully, watching as Peters quickly typed words and whatnot onto the open .doc file.

“Were you always this motivated?”

“Maybe?” Peters shrugged, “I don’t know, really. All I remember is my dad being a cop and myself wanting to follow in his footsteps. As I told you guys before, I wanted to be an athlete. But the police calling just maintained a harder pull on me.”

“I can imagine the father and son duo just taking down criminals together,” Mack chuckled. Peters flashed an amused half-smirk.

“You know it. If I didn’t move all the way to Tokyo, I would have been stuck there working alongside him. Not that I’d mind,” he added quickly, “But I’d rather have found what I really want to do here instead of there. Bronx was choking me and I wanted out – I wanted new,” he mused. Peters rubbed his chin, “That’s the thing about moving away, I guess.”

Quiet Company: A TGSC Short

Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
August 2015

“Are you and A mad at each other or something?”

“What?” Mack looked up at Peters, who was holding two mugs. “What – no, no. We’re not mad. Why? Is she mad?”

“Nah, man.” The American set down the first mug on Mack’s coaster, “Touta and I just noticed after passing by the office yesterday. Or was it the coffee shop?”

“Coffee shop,” Mack replied. He glanced into the microscope and scribbled something on the paper to his left, “A and I were in the coffee shop and we were just hanging out while we could. It was the only time we were free. You and Touta were out rounding someone up, I think.”

“Yeah. And then we got there,” Peters took a drink from his mug of coffee, “Well. We passed there. But we saw you and A doing your own shit. A was busy on her laptop while you were reading your biochemistry books while also reading the shit for the investigation. You were ignoring each other. Touta was about to come in and ask if you two were arguing.”

Mack blinked and thought to the previous day; upon remembering, he merely laughed and shook his head slowly. “Okay. I think I know what you’re talking about. See,” he closed the notebook and set down the pen, “A and I just need…time off sometimes. And we understand each other’s mutual need for peace. So every week or two, we go out and do our shit while not minding the other. It’s something we agreed on doing,” he explained.

At that, Peters looked relieved. “Shit, okay. That makes sense.”

Personality Tests: Macmillan Thomas

Inspired by: [x]

Ordinary: A TGSC Short

The Keiji Bar
Tokyo, Japan

August 2015

  

They were drinking buddies.

As strange as it seemed, Mack and Peters blended well together. Peters was loud, extroverted, and passionate while Mack remained quiet, introverted, and calm. Despite many people saying that Mack was more like A, that wasn’t really the case. Although A was also quite introverted like him, she could get fiery. A had the large potential to be like Peters in some ways – someone just as dedicated, passionate, and wholeheartedly stubborn.

That probably explained why the two tended to clash and butt heads while he and Peters got along more and found each other’s company quite enjoyable.

For Peters, Mack was a breath of fresh air. There was A who sometimes tended to debate with him if she thought something he said was sketchy; and then there was Touta who acted both as a mentor and a parental figure. In the squad, there was a younger sister figure and a father figure. As nice as it was, he never quite rang with someone who was almost at the same familial vibe as he.

That was when Mack stepped in. Peters did his best to analyze the half-awake man who drank from his tea and later shed his mask to turn into the usual Mack – someone snarky and who served as the middle ground. He did his best to match him with any familial archetype. Was he a father, was he a mother, was he an older sibling, or was he a younger sibling?

Peters tried everything, even going towards the ‘vodka aunt’ and ‘sketchy uncle’ options. As much as he tried, he never really saw Mack in any of those. At the same time, it both amused and irritated him, not being able to properly sort the enigmatic forensic scientist into a singular category.

He realized it a little later than usual:

Mack was just like him.

Morality Alignment: True Neutral

"A true neutral character will keep his word if in his best interest."
inspired by: [x]

Appreciation: A TGSC Short

Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan
August 2015

Mack had an eye for the living.

It came with the job, in all honesty. Being a forensic scientist didn’t just mean staring down a microscope and counting all the itty-bitty wrong things then reporting that to the squad who was asking for it. Contrary to that, it actually meant having a keen eye and knowing how things ticked – how living organisms tended to tick. He could position himself inside a coffee shop and pick out an ordinary person, then take them apart in his head bit by bit. It was a fun game he played when bored, but he never quite told others about it because it was bordering on the creepy side of the spectrum.

That certain game of his, however, assisted him when he needed it. Mack was sometimes roped into interrogations, and he’d be there to watch under the guise of an intern taking notes. However, he’d actually be there to analyze the person interrogated. On one paper, he’d take notes of the actual interrogation. On another, he’d note the verbal and bodily cues that would give them away.

This was how he was able to observe that the older man needed a pick up.

It started with A.

“T’s a little off,” she admitted to him. Mack blinked slowly and pocketed his change without counting, taking a sip from the chai latte he had bought much after. “He isn’t as cheerful as he usually is. Do you think something happened?”

“If someone rejected his date offer, he’d be acting differently,” Mack replied. A frowned and sat at one of the booths, the wild-haired man sitting right across her. “He’d be dropping relatable quotes that would hit a thousand retweets on Twitter. But he really isn’t. So it has to be something else.”

“Mm.” the black-haired lady sighed and took a small bite from the pastry she had bought, “I hope it’s nothing too serious. He’s been working himself hard this past week, really. He needs a break.”

Character Graphics: Macmillan Thomas

"There's no room for error."
they deserve better than that

Invitation: A TGSC Short

Kiyoshi Building
Forensic Lab
Tokyo, Japan
December 2013

8:25PM

Touta paused in front of the door and checked his watch.

It was currently five minutes before half-past eight. He was five minutes early, miraculously; there had been no need to take the subway as the building was merely a short walk away from HQ. The Japanese could vividly remember the words that his superior had told him that morning. He reflected on them as he stood in the hallway, waiting for whomever it was to come out.

Squad A was to employ a forensic scientist into their team.

All right – maybe not exactly employ, as the term was too professional, too cold even. Touta licked the bottom of his lip, adopt seemed to work more. He hummed as he rolled the word in his head; adopting a new member. Having a new member placed into their family.

The thought was odd, in all honesty. He had already gotten used to having three of them in their merry little band of misfits (as Peters tended to call them on some occasions). Surely adding another one would be awkward.

The man exhaled and glanced at his watch again. Two minutes before the prescribed meeting time. He wasn’t even sure if he was supposed to be waiting there – it wasn’t as if there were any chairs or a designated waiting area on the floor. He shifted his weight to another leg and instead looked straight ahead at the door that bore a sign ‘FOR EMPLOYEES ONLY’.

Touta suddenly realized that he didn’t even know the man – or woman’s – name, let alone their appearance or how old they were. He hastily took his phone out his pocket and began to text the superior for details, not wanting to get the wrong person. However, just as he had began to type the starting words, the door creaked open slightly and a small beam of light escaped.

He looked up to see a head full of messy, dark brown hair. He head was looking down as if staring at his shoes, and slowly it moved up.

Stranded: A Squad Alpha Short

Matt and A’s Home
Tokyo, Japan
July 2015

7:42PM

“Coming out was a terrible idea.”

“Aren’t you comfortable in your own sexuality?”

“Fucking sod off,” Mack groaned. “I didn’t mean it like that. By that, I mean deciding to drive all the way to A’s was a terrible idea. Because look – none of us can go out because of the shite weather.” At that, the twosome’s eyes glanced at the windows. The outside was drenched – the rains suddenly decided to crash hard, and even from the inside they could hear the intense fall of rain. Peters, who was merely messing with the available game console, shrugged.

“Doesn’t really matter to me. It’s not like A’s place is some kind of abandoned warehouse or something, we’ll survive here.” At that, Mack sighed and glanced at his phone. There was still no response from Jian, who chose to overtime at the Keiji on that night.

“If you say so.”

In the kitchen was A and Touta, A talking quietly on her phone while Touta prepared hot drinks for the four of them. He listened her speak to Matt and set the four mugs on a tray, waiting for her to finish before moving back into the living room. “Stay safe, love,” she murmured. “I think it’s best if you stay with Kenichi over there first.”

“I know. What a pain in the ass. Is your squad there?”

“Mhm. They came over since it’s holiday and they didn’t really have anything much to do, but the rains decided to bitch on us,” she explained.

“Ahh. That’s alright – we’ve got enough blankets in case they need to stay the night.” This made her smile and they talked for a minute more until A got off the phone, tucking the mobile device into her pocket. Touta gave a smile.

“Matt stranded, too?”

“Apparently so…he’s got Kenichi as company, though, and they’re still at the office. Kenichi isn’t sure if the rain’s going to let out.” She took her mint green mug and took a sip, the warm coffee making her feel a tinge better. “Thanks, T – you still know how I take my coffee.”

Aesthetic Closer: Death Note AU

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

Character Aesthetics: Macmillan Thomas

"I study inanimate objects and dead bodies for a living."

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.

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.”

Periodic Elements: Squad A

"Chemically-engineered human beings designed to bring back justice."
inspiration: x

Color Palettes: Macmillan Thomas

"The world is a beautiful explosion of color."