in which the bear and puppy bond (and hilarity ensues)

[junkyardpoint]

It was always nice to have those little moments post-mission when things felt like they were actually somewhat normal. Moments that reminded them that they were human and that they didn't need to be the scary gangsters that they had to play themselves up as in order to keep their reputation among those in the underworld. Granted, all of them knew the value of knowing when to put their "game faces" on, as it were.

But right now, after cleaning up, Hyuntae had vaulted over and flopped dramatically onto the couch, stretching - and probably with his limbs dangling off the sides, knowing him - and grinned up at Ji-woong.

"Sorry boss, this seat's taken."

Comments

[bearskinthug]

Kid, when I first started my gang I did want everyone to know who I was a mile off," Ji-woong explains, not harshly. Hyuntae wouldn't know. He can't remember something he wasn't there for. "I had to build my reputation, as well as the gang's. These days you gotta be more mindful of being caught on camera, or by a witness. Back then I used to flip off the CCTV and smirk at it."

Being caught for minor theft and shit is nothing. Having a rap sheet is just a part of the life. Ji-woong would've been thrown in juvie if he hadn't been smart enough to escape to places small enough that only kids knew about them.

Enough of being depressing about the past anyway. Ji-woong grins. "I'll have you know I kept my natural hair colour for a good ten years before I tried something different!"

You know, from birth.

[junkyardpoint]

"Guess so." He puffs out a cheek again in thought before letting it deflate. Yeah, no point getting into the past anyway. Much better for them in the long run.

"Yeah, and when was that, when you were a kid? I don't even think I remember you with your natural hair color for longer than a couple months, if that!"

[bearskinthug]

...Probably for the best Hyuntae doesn't take too much from that. He's young, but he's not stupid. Not young enough to think running around flipping off cameras would be a funny thing to do now. Maybe Ji-woong is more childish than their baby, because he probably still would find it funny... If he were drunk. Which isn't exactly a rare happening.

"I'll have you know I first dyed my hair when I was like... fourteen!" He's guessing, but hey, he's old, he has trouble remembering. You kids have driven him nuts and probably given him grey hairs under the dye! )The truth of why he colours it so constantly comes out!)

[junkyardpoint]

Hyuntae unfortunately probably had to grow up quickly considering what he was born into - even if he does have his childish moments from time to time. Though at least he doesn't when it counts, right?

"... oh wow, because that's a long time." Pops, why.

[bearskinthug]

Hyuntae's got a great balance of sensible and fun in his nature; he's a mature young man and papa is so proud.

"I could swear I said something about respect for your elders just a little while ago..."

[junkyardpoint]

"And didn't we mention something about it not mattering because it was a matter of proving you deserved respect?" Turnabout is fair play, after all.

[bearskinthug]

"Haven't I?" Ji-woong's half-joking, half genuinely curious at this point. He knows, otherwise Hyuntae wouldn't be here. But hey if the brat will admit it then he has to show the respect he claims he has!

[junkyardpoint]

"It's a process," he replies with a cheeky grin, shrugging. They both knew that if Hyuntae didn't actually respect him that he would've left a long time ago, but considering what they pulled him out of, he's definitely grateful and at least cares a little bit.

[bearskinthug]

Yeah, that's more than enough said to have Ji-woong satisfied! He decides to leave it at that for now.

"Come on," he says, giving Hyuntae a gentle nudge. "Let's go find some food; I'm starving after that."

And-

"After that miserable loss to me we need to bulk you out and fatten you up, kid!" Ji-woong grins. "So come on! Eat."

[junkyardpoint]

"Hey!" Hyuntae lets out a long sigh, shaking his head. "If I eat it all, you're explaining to Kitae why we have to go out for groceries again."

[bearskinthug]

"No problem," Ji-woong agrees easily. "I can handle that, no worries at all."

[junkyardpoint]

Okay, maybe he shouldn't underestimate the boss since he is one of the few people that Kitae would listen to without question, but it still needed to be said.

"Alright, fine," Hyuntae finally concedes, finally attempting to get up after all this and brush himself off. "Let's eat."