[ For a moment or two, it seems like Charles's gentle voice and earnest words are enough to dissuade the men from making a scene. But hungry bellies win out over reason. Honestly, Kimiko has been there and can't blame them—but she's new to this city, new to its rules and cement and grit. All she sees is a man, his disability as visible as the coat she wears, being preyed upon. It's cruel and it's too familiar and she doesn't like it.
The men talk. They murmur and swear and shake their heads. They're desperate, perhaps, but they're also just as amused by someone they see as an easy target. And they advance another step, creating a tighter circle to ensnare not just Charles but Kimiko.
She sighs soundlessly. She gave them a chance.
With a soft, two-fingered touch, she gently moves Charles's hand so it isn't in her way. The man closest to her—Albert, let's call him for now—instinctively takes the opportunity given. One second, he has her in a hold meant to subdue someone of her side. The next second, his arm is twisted behind him in a grip so unyielding that his face grows red and wrinkled like a babe's; strong veins pulsing and protruding, tears coat his eyelashes. Kimiko doesn't want to maim him, doesn't want to cripple him, but—
But Albert here needs to be the one to give her a reason not to. Again, she makes a dismissive gesture at the other men. Fuck off, or something. ]
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The men talk. They murmur and swear and shake their heads. They're desperate, perhaps, but they're also just as amused by someone they see as an easy target. And they advance another step, creating a tighter circle to ensnare not just Charles but Kimiko.
She sighs soundlessly. She gave them a chance.
With a soft, two-fingered touch, she gently moves Charles's hand so it isn't in her way. The man closest to her—Albert, let's call him for now—instinctively takes the opportunity given. One second, he has her in a hold meant to subdue someone of her side. The next second, his arm is twisted behind him in a grip so unyielding that his face grows red and wrinkled like a babe's; strong veins pulsing and protruding, tears coat his eyelashes. Kimiko doesn't want to maim him, doesn't want to cripple him, but—
But Albert here needs to be the one to give her a reason not to. Again, she makes a dismissive gesture at the other men. Fuck off, or something. ]