[Open] 🚬 June Flames

[burnitblack]

Who: Dabi & others
What: June Catch-All
When: Various
Where: June

Content Warnings: Potential mentions of domestic/child abuse, potential mentions of murder, violence, adult language or subjects

Notes: General and specific starters will be below. More to come, including event prompts. Contact under cut.

If you want to hit me up for ideas on prompts or plots, feel free to comment on Dabi's CR plotting post or his Event plotting post (tbd), hit me up on my contacts – Plurk (StarSeed69) / Discord (StarSeed#3572) – shoot me a PM, or drop an ooc comment down below, and we’ll hash it out. I'm down to write a unique starter for our threads if you prefer.

NOTE: I'll be with limited computer access the first week of June, and will get event prompts up when I return.

Comments

That's a convenient trade...

[burnitblack]

Willful Machine ... District: Trading District

➊ [hustle and bustle. hustle and bustle. always something going on in this place. with stalls huddle up close to the shops to snap up potential buyers, coated merchants pacing and leaning within their booths trying to capture an eye of interest, the place was one potential purchase after another. it might be safer to come here during the day, but that makes it far easier for someone to notice something that shouldn't be happening. a hand swiping across the side of a stall, fingers delving into pockets for an ill-gotten gain, even a distraction to pull attention away from the prize.

among the shops and booths, or even wandering among the bars after majority business hours, there's talk about interesting items for trade. nothing new to most listeners, but what might catch the interest if what's being offered. trench certainly presents just about anything in the willful machine, and items from sleepers' homes wash up on the beaches of the farther shores all the time. but some of these things aren't so easy to come by. yet whoever's doing the dealing seems to have quite a stockpile of common comforts from what, to some people, may sound a bit more "modern" and familiar with their lives back home.

it would take some investigating, actually shown interest in the offers, but ultimately, the trail leads to a bar in the back of the district, nighttime mist making the front of the building hazy and causing the lantern outside to glow within the fog. a surly lot inside, people who want to stay out late after the merchant day and not go home just yet, or those who aren't interested in returning to their carts to sleep for the night. the clock's barely struck 7 and it'll begin its two-hour winding period to 9. but within those points, look for a man in the rear of the bar, sitting in a black cloak, hood over his head and a cigarette drifting coils of smoke from one glowing end. shouldn't be too hard to recognize... after all, his face is covered in burn scars, but those turquoise eyes of his seem to glow within the shade.


OOC  
OOC: during the april event, where portals opened up to other worlds, dabi spent the majority of his time hunting through the portals and finding ones that connected with convenience stores (corner stores or gas stations as well), which he then proceeded to loot as much as possible. carting back bags of this stuff while awake, he's amassed quite a stockpile of various wares you'd find in those kinds of shops. below are a few categories of items and samples of what you can find within them; these kinds of stores stock a range of everyday items.

Food - non-perishables, canned foods, dried foods, long-lasting candies and snacks, etc.
Drinks - coffee, tea, soft drinks, canned beers, wines, etc.
Tobacco - cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars, e-liquid and e-cigarettes, lighters, etc.
Medical - over-the-counter drugs, bandages, suture kits, compression items, etc.
Toiletries - hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soaps, etc.
Cleaning - disinfectant wipes, cleaner fluids/sprays, sponges, gloves (heavy + disposable), etc.
Household - napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, fabric towels, washcloths, etc.
Electrics - flashlights, lanterns, batteries, air fresheners, simple appliances, etc.
Jewelry - cheap store products, earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.
Apparel - shirts, shorts, pants, jackets, socks, underclothes, etc.
Toys - simple and compact items, cards, marbles, jacks, gum, etc.
Office - paper, pens, pencils, notecards, notepads, calculators, rulers, tape, staplers, etc.

feel free to devise how you heard of him and reached the location above. it's barter based, so if you have something useful he wants, then a trade can be made. keep in mind that trades worked out in the bar are only worked out vocally. dabi will agree to meet at the bar again or at another location to do the actual trade, which can be done through omens instead of in person meetings.]

slams in here late with sbux

[likethelight]

[ Willful Machine is a place Allen is intimately familiar with, being that Viktor's lab is here and that he had lived at one of the inns here since he first woke up back in October. At... least until his death, after which he'd lived with Shouto for several weeks on the outskirts of Prufrock. But this is still his old stomping grounds, and he still keeps to his old rounds of checking in on and visiting all the various merchants, residents, and guards he used to stop by and chat with or assist. Also, while Sansa has taken care of most of the supplies Sanctuary needs on a regular basis, it isn't everything and this is something he's good at. Finding things and haggling; his master's expensive tastes made sure of that. And this is where you come to do that, especially on any kind of scale.

That's why he's caught wind of a new trader of sorts who's been selling items specifically from Sleeper worlds it sounds like, items that can't be found or produced normally Trench and that garner the gossip of merchants torn between wanting to have them and being envious. Someone selling Sleeper world items isn't that new, but that they seem to specialize in only that and have a large stock? That's a little more unusual. And that they're staying secretive and only meet with buyers after dark one-on-one?

That's the thing that sets off a bunch of flags to Allen, more than familiar with the different kind of trading that comes after dark and not out on the street in plain sight. Not necessarily bad ones, just... flags. So even if it may or may not be the sort of thing he's looking for, he's nosed around and come to find out who this man who has the local merchants abuzz must be.

And because the last person he spoke with who pointed him here also mentioned the trader to be a man covered in burns with almost frighteningly bright teal eyes.

The first thing Dabi might note of his approach, though, is the dual kh-click of his crutches against the hard flooring of the bar. He comes up to a stop in front of him, not wearing the highly recognizable uniform and coat that he had before, but grey embroidered robes that fit more with Trench. Dragonscale smocking up the collar and silvery moths textured on the sleeves.

He lifts his chin lightly, meeting those faintly glowing turquoise eyes with his own pale grey ones. Neutral and steady. Clear-eyed and, yes, entirely unsurprised. Timcanpy, his omen, hovering quietly just over one shoulder. ]

I'm not surprised to see it's you.

shakin the coffee machine

[burnitblack]

[he's kept his business more tight-lipped than completely necessary, but you don't want to reveal you have a stockpile of shit people want right away. dabi avoided trading things in bulk, instead opting for smaller transactions, like one to five items, rather than dumping a lot of his reserves. the fact he couldn't reliably restock his items is a problem, but one he already knew would happen right when he saw the first portal close. even beach combing the farther shores had no hope of keeping anything in his hoard in steady supply. and he was certainly keeping stuff for himself. this was less a business and more a side hustle for him. but it didn't fail to bring him interesting things, and all these precautions ensured he had valuable trade items for a long time.

wasn't gonna open up shop. there was already some random shop that sold weird knickknacks and shit. dabi suspects he owner also combs the beach, and he wonders if he's seen the person from time to time... not that he's looking for competition.

dabi notes the strange sound, but almost immediately identifies it as crutches. it's not when the noise makes itself obvious that it's coming towards him does the villain bother to look up at the approaching figure. yeah, there's no way he wouldn't recognize allen. clothes don't matter; it's his damn face. those same eyes, his hair, his expression.

tsk, the priest... figures he'd find a way to make his trenchian robes suitable for his own tastes. who used scales in their designs? what theatrics. he doubts allen did it on purpose, but the fact he's got fucking moth designs on his sleeves? rude.

dabi meets his eyes without a problem, looking as callous, bored, and guarded as ever. the lack of surprise in those silvery orbs suggest allen knew who he was meeting before tonight. not really strange; dabi's an obvious description. he notes the little golden blob with stubby limbs hovering over the priest's shoulder. tim... something. dabi doesn't usually keep his omen out in public unless he feels the need to. mostly cause a large wolf isn't hard to miss.]

Figured I'd take advantage of the situation.

[likethelight]

[ It's not like anything about the robe was his choice, it was a handmade gift thank you very much. Apparently it'd be considered very fashionable in... King's Landing or wherever Sansa had said. Even if he sometimes catches himself eyeing the moths on the sleeves a little uneasily himself. If Sansa had any idea about the one that had led to Dabi's transformation and thus Allen's death he would wonder if she had done that on purpose to remind him of his own mortality, she could be a little subtly scary like that... But that's something he's kept entirely to himself so it's just a very bitterly ironic sort of thing.

The answer gets a very wry sort of smile and a cocked eyebrow from Allen though, and he sets his crutches against the wall before he slides into the seat across from the other man. Ginger when shifting his weight and using his hands to steady himself, though there is still an unsteadiness as he does so. ]

I think most people here would just call that surviving. [ It's amicable, if dry.

He takes a moment to fold his arms on the table, Timcanpy settling on his shoulder in the process and just watching Dabi with wide, impassive "eyes" that aren't visible. He's always out and acting in counter to Allen; it's just how he's always been. Staying tucked inside during the chaos of the battle before had been more to not be in the way. They're a team that way -- so says Allen. ]

Seems you're better at it than most people who just pick through what washes up on the beach though? If what people are saying is true.

[burnitblack]

[wow. pick out your own clothes, priest. haven't you ever had to experience of pawing through a goodwill or clothes donation bin to find something all your own? dabi doesn't really know much about allen's preferences or where he got his clothes, so as far as he's guessing, the moths on his sleeves are a deliberate choice (even if it's for some lame reason such as the guy likes moths) and it's merely an irritating coincidence. certainly doubts it's some veiled reminder message between the two of them. even if allen did know who he was meeting tonight. (think the crutches are far better a reminder of his mortality that moth-pattern sleeves.)

dabi notes the wry smile and shrugs it off mentally. someone like allen knows about keeping advantage. he noticed that during their fight, though he also seemed to have a good chance of that luck inverting the further he pushed towards a goal... hopefully tonight won't end up in any kind of major confrontation. dabi's not keen on repeating that crappy evening.]

You'd be surprised the number of people who have a problem with it. [sarcasm despite the noting tone.] Still healin up, huh.

[they already had their "you're alive, how long were ya dead" conversation over the text previously. dabi rests his elbows on the table, hands laced together and his nose resting on his fingers in that shady dealer sort of propped-up position. the single light over their head is fairly dim, helping the atmosphere. ugh, that little golden blob's looking at him again... no eyes, but he gets the sense from it. bothersome...]

Sah, who knows. Ain't the kind to repeat a mistake, so I spent the resta the month helpin myself.

[everyone else had the same opportunity. no fault of his they didn't act on it.]

[likethelight]

[ Please, he was a fugitive on the run before who had boots with holes he wrapped up just to keep together. And long before that he was a starving orphan with exactly one grubby outfit for a good part of his childhood. It's exactly for that reason he does appreciate a nice girl making him nice clothes; and she has good if ironic taste. He doesn't have so much pride as to be bothered by that.

Also that's smart if kind of shady. Maybe. He's guessing he's referring to the portals by "helping himself" given the timeframe, which could mean a lot of things, depending on the portal. The implication of people having a "problem" with his activities is also a slight flag, but... Honestly that could mean scavenging things no one was around to need anymore, or outright stealing -- and Allen's still not entirely set on what those portals meant, and if they were just "duplicates" of universes of some sense. Something that wouldn't mess up reality because then that stuff just gets... weird to think about. Still, Dabi seems someone who would prefer to not cause a scene and would rather scavenge if he could.

So. Dubious respect for now. Dubious. ]

They're getting better. [ He leans back and kicks an ankle up over one knee, though he needs to reach down to adjust his leg comfortably, expression neutral and a little closed-off at mention of his "death price".

His eyes flick back to Dabi's a moment later though, brighter in question but also gentler this time. He hadn't asked before since he'd been caught a little offguard and most of that conversation was public, but... ]

There weren't any lasting-- effects for you either, were there? Some "price".

[ It's said with sincerity, no pretense or pushiness; he's the first Sleeper he'd purified, after all. And... sometimes his sword had consequences. ]

[burnitblack]

[yeah, yeah. as if dabi could know any of that. though truth be told, he doesn't really suspect allen of being the type to enjoy fine clothes and wine like some rich person. the way he spoke and the sorts of things he said didn't come from someone who was unable to somewhat relate to what the downtrodden experienced. however, whether that was from allen's own experience as a downtrodden or because he simply spent enough time around them helping them that he could spin a tale of his personal view was unknown. not something dabi really planned to dive into; he doesn't care enough. or at all.

the priest probably wouldn't be surprised at how many times "smart" and "shady" appeared intertwined. but yes, allen's right in his guessing regarding the portals. if he wants to know more about what dabi's referring to, then he's free to ask him. maybe the villain will tell him. maybe he won't. if it does, he can be assured it won't be full detail either. as for the people with a "problem" well... he ran into two heroes while helping his personal station in life and either were all that keen on leaving well enough alone. luckily no one died. that they knew of at least. dabi may or may not have set one or two convenience stores on fire when he was taking his leave through the portals...

scorched earth policy, right? sides, no one else was using them.]

Ah. [dabi doesn't offer any movement while allen gets himself more comfortable. another reason he doesn't have his mutt under the table. someone might accidentally kick it in the nose. and it bites.

the notion of price gets a quirked eyebrow, but little else beyond it.] Asides from ya knowing shit about me I'd rather ya not, nah.

[and almost puking a few times during that exhausting trip carrying his brother piggyback all the way to his house. ugh. felt like his damn legs were reduced to liquid and his lungs were popped.]

[likethelight]

[ Smart and shady are absolutely hand in hand in Allen's book, even if rather distastefully so. He has a very selective sort of morality when it comes to justifiable uses of them and his own very strong idea of what's fair or not. The sort that resembles a high wire act more than any regular sort of moral compass...

A corner of his mouth twitches in a slightly awkward lopsided sort of smile at that response though. ]

Fair enough. [ Ahaha, "knowing shit" about him... Yeah. The thing even Allen is trying to be very discreet about. He wouldn't even tell Shouto much, and that was a horribly conflicting position to be in. So yeah, let's leave it at that. ]

What sort of things are you selling exactly? [ He didn't just come here out of needing to see how he was, in a sense. Would he seek out Dabi to talk to or check on him? No, he's not stupid. Would he, when Dabi appears on his radar, take the convenient excuse to also talk to the man who's the extremely complicated brother of his closest friend?

Well, duh. ]

From what I hear they're from anywhere but here.

[burnitblack]

[oh joy. someone who plays life to his personal moral compass. that's one way to start on the slippery slope to villainy. though dabi's seen allen's resolve enough to know that he's annoyingly bolstered against doing shit like that. far too much a bleeding heart, full of a false delusion of peace and hope, to ever fall over something as simple as a balancing act.

someone like that needs some external influence...

he remains impassive while allen offers a small smile, though it does seem to lighten the air between them a bit. gross.]

Dunno whatcha call them in your world, but if ya got convenience stores, general stores, corner shops, or gas stations, ya got a good idea of the stock.

[certainly not telling him "exactly" what he's selling, but dabi'll offer him the vague spread of what's possibly up for sale or barter. other people he might not be so forthcoming about the class of his wares, but unfortunately, he knows allen enough to bridge that gap. consider that another "price" they paid during their encounter.]

[likethelight]

[ Please, he's had enough of external influences to last a lifetime. He'd think you would hate that sword of thing too, considering.

Don't you go "gross" at him though. That wasn't even a real smile! More like a conciliatory "oops, right." Baby. It's not like you'll get cooties. ]

"Gas" station? [ While he had a somewhat blank, not quite getting it expression from that list he went through (but got enough of an idea to get "various common odds and ends"), it comes up full WTF for that one. He's aware that cars are a thing since they exist in Trench and use "gas", but -- gas station is more of a non-sequitur no.

Clearly there is only one thing they would have, too. He said as much. ]

Isn't it dangerous for someone like you to have much of that around...?

[ Dabi. Look. He's trying not to be rude here, but... I mean he's not so far back in history or stupid to not realize fire plus gas is bad... ]

[burnitblack]

[and yet he's already been externally influenced here. what a shame. no spine at all. (and if he pulls that sword out, dabi's gonna torch the place. no thank you.)

"gross" - it still isn't something you want to flash around in the back corner of a bar where you're meeting a shady person to discuss some kind of trade. ...what's a cootie? (rip his failed childhood.)]

Not in ya time? [dabi's heard enough of the sleepers to realize the places, worlds, and times they could come from are innumerable. anything could be in someone's background. as strange as it is to hear someone sound confused about what a "gas station" is, the villain's surprise is only momentary. before the "ah, so that's it" realization wanders across his face.

a brow arches at the question.]

I got a lot of "that" around. Don't think any of it's dangerous.

[he's thinking allen's having issue with "gas station" items hanging around someone en mass. heaven forbid the jerky packs end up sitting beside the lighters.]

ok but that icon match

[likethelight]

[ ..................The sheer irony of "sort" becoming "sword" there. Not a Freudian slip. Promise... Also wow that really is a failed childhood even more than his. Sort of.

Definitely not in his time or world. And not Allen's first time realizing it by a long shot either, though almost more interestingly he's started realizing it's often a matter of "time" it seems almost moreso than different kinds of worlds -- seemingly. Or perhaps it's Viktor's "mirror universes" theory. That's what happens when old-fashioned Brits start chatting about all the new things and snacks gadgets they realize the future holds while being excited to find a fellow countryman. Gas stations, however, were unfortunately not among them and he cracks a humorless sort of smile, raising an eyebrow. ]

Apparently not. 1890's Great Britain. [ Took him a while to realize he's from further back than a lot of people it seems, technologically... he always just figured it was because that sort of stuff was never his forte. And you must not have raided a very good gas station then is on the tip of his tongue in retort to that, because obviously who wouldn't get gas from a gas station, but he'll mind it. ]

And that's still pretty vague. [ Honestly. "General store"? That covers a lot; ones from his time period even are pretty jam packed. You sure you're not here to try and pull some wool over his eyes?

Brushing it off, he leans forward lightly to rest his elbows on the table. Hands laced together in a businessman-like fashion. Ok, different tactic. ]

You know about the Sanctuary... Miss Alayne has been able to arrange for a lot, but there are some things that are harder to get. Medical supplies that aren't just about blood ministration, any sort of equipment a scientist or engineer could make use of, comforts from home people not originally from here might have missed... [ He makes an offhand gesture, a seemingly lightly casual thing but his demeanor is a bit too steady for it to be just that. The turn of a gloved hand a bit too graceful. ]

Is that something you can help with?

twas on purpose

[burnitblack]

[ ... look, that's what was assumed, but reread it enough times and perhaps it works. response doesn't change. keep that sword away from him. (you didn't even see the worst of his childhood.)

dabi's not surprised to learn people are from different times and worlds. he had a few experiences with that earlier on, but it wasn't until one of his allies from his own world appeared here with a completely different backstory and life choice that it really hit him just how completely chaotic this place could be. people can come from any world, any time, dimension, past, who the hell knows. best to simply nod and take it for what it is rather than try to resist. good thing he's learned to be adaptable in his life. though if anything, a lot of people still tend to come from "earth" even if theirs are different kinds.]

Ya from Britain? [lucky you, allen, but britain does indeed exist in the world of heroes and villains, with their own number one pro hero as well. (no idea who that is, but whatever.) it gives them a brief flicker of commonality, as touya had a good education due to being enji todoroki's child. history and geography included in those books. not that he makes much use of them in his current life choices back home.

... you know there's more than gas at a gas station, allen.]

Ain't gonna immediately splay out a list.

[though that might be a wise move in the future, he prefers to be a mystery trader rather than some name attached to a "store" people can come to at their leisure. it keeps the control and advantage in his hand. that said, he does have a sort of categorized grouping and once allen leans forward and lays out a general idea of what he's looking for... that seems to click a compromise in touya's eyes. he finally lowers his hands and leans forward, one hand on the table like he's drawing an invisible list.]

Yeah. [the sanctuary, the little "love the beasts" group. not really helping your "i'm not a priest" argument, priest.] I got medical supplies. Modern painkillers, fever reducers, sinus clearer, irritation creams, antiseptics, and more potent varieties. Can't say what a scientist or engineer would want; they'll have to be more specific. But I know someone I met was real interested in towels and shampoo. Modern clothes as well.

[Oh yeah, he's got the luxuries.]

this is so late i'm sorry

[dirtdevil]

[ he's heard the whispers. gossip in hushed tones (or not, it's not like what he's doing is illegal) about some guy who has a bunch of random shit from other worlds for some reason—things he's willing to part with for a fair trade.

cool. whatever. why should he care? what could this guy possibly have that would make him go out of his way to figure out what the hell he could trade and then seek out some weird shady figure in an equally shady bar to make an offer?

the answer, of course, is cleaning supplies.

he's not able to stock up on things like sponges and gloves the way he used to; that alone might not have been enough of a push, but that's before he hears about the magic wipes. a single disposable cloth that can disinfect anything from any surface with a simple swipe. what the fuck, right? it's almost like cheating.

he's gonna get some of that shit, one way or another.

and so it's this probably-misplaced enthusiasm that drives him to walk into this bar—someplace that likely wouldn't interest him at all otherwise—and meander towards the back in search of this mysterious tradesman of otherworldly cleaning materials (and probably a bunch of other shit he doesn't care about). it's not terribly difficult to spot him, what with the weird eyes that cast just enough of a glow to make out the telltale burn scars on his face. yeesh.

Levi approaches him with a blank expression that belies the rigid (and ridiculous) determination to acquire disinfectant wipes under the surface. if he looks like he's come empty-handed, it's because he has. ]

You're the guy with all the loot.

[ just to confirm. it'd be pretty awkward if he just started talking about magic cleaning wipes to the wrong person, after all. ]

s'all good. life's a bitch.

[burnitblack]

[he's let the word out slowly, but hearing whispers and gossip going pretty strongly, he's starting to wonder if maybe he should make it official. but then again, rumors and assumptions certainly give him the advantage when it comes to people approaching him, and it's not like he's doing this "business" for monetary profit.

only thing he's making sure to keep a dead secret is where all his "random shit" actually is. and he makes a point only to do trades with other sleepers, since the locals around here aren't going to offer him anything he actually wants. that keeps his admittedly-large stock from dwindling quickly. and it creates links between him and the people who matter in this hellhole.

not that he won't talk to locals if they happen to swing by... always a conversation before bothering to do any business. kind of more an advantageous hobby to keep him somewhat occupied and entertained.

omg, levi meets lysol wipes. a match made in heaven.

he likes this bar. it's out of the way, doesn't have too many customers, far from the sea and the market, and basically your somewhat-seedy back-alley don't-look-at-me meeting place where he'll neither get mobbed by annoyances or completely missed by potential interested parties. still "open" enough the person approaching him won't feel completely swamped either.

someone's straight laced... reminds him of an almost militaristic air, though he's not carrying himself with chest puffed out and looking down on him. though the determined aura around him is interesting... obviously someone's heard of him.]

Ya say "loot" like it was plundered. [totally was, but no one needs to know that. explicitly. except the two people who watched (and helped) him do it.] Whatcha want?

it sure is

[dirtdevil]

[ he snorts, taking a quick second to eye his surroundings again. it's more of a habit than anything. he's been attacked in bars before, you see. ]

Not really concerned with how you acquired it. Even if you told me, I'd have no way of knowing if it was the truth.

[ he's stolen some shit in his day—out of necessity, mainly, but he has no room to talk about how shoplifting is bad.

he crosses his arms. the determination only intensifies. ]

I heard something about "disinfecting wipes."

[ of all the ridiculous things to say in such a serious tone. what a fucking weirdo. ]

[burnitblack]

[an experience they share. though dabi's not afraid to leave the entire bar he gets attacked in burning up in flames as he walks out. he'd prefer not to; this is an optimal place, after all.]

Fair point.

[he can take that comment a few ways, making assumptions about this guy. already from the way he carries himself, dabi's getting thoughts... he's direct, says he's not digging, carries himself strong, despite that tired-looking face he's got his attention sharpened around him... something else they share.]

Yeah. I got some. [kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs. fear the 00.1% that is immune...] Germaphobe?

[he's seen weirder.]

[dirtdevil]

[ ah.

he frowns, almost sheepish, gaze suddenly flicking off to the side like he's just run into an unfortunate truth and he'd rather not look at it.

in other words: bingo. ]

I prefer to think of it as having high standards.

[burnitblack]

[that's pretty telling. there's a few seconds of silence, but he shrugs afterwards, not seeming like it's a bother to him. memories regarding "high standards", but whatever.

if this guy's embarrassed about it, that's something else entirely.]

Because...

[you're a germaphobe. no escaping the truth. he leans back in the booth, hands lowering to rest on the table. gloved.]

One container. Call it a trial run. Whatcha got in return?

[dirtdevil]

[ he eyes it, but makes no move to take it. even if all this stuff was acquired in a less-than-legitimate fashion (and he's assuming that it was), he's going to play it fair. ]

I don't. That's half the reason I'm here. I've only been in this place for about a month, so I don't have the best idea of what people tend to value the most here.

[ he shrugs. it's all pretty casual, like having nothing isn't a new thing for him. ]

Figured I'd just ask what something like this would be worth.

[burnitblack]

[good. cause that'd've been the second mistake someone made tonight. dabi normally doesn't carry any of his wares around with him. he works out a trade first, agrees to it, and then brings the goods to a separate meeting place. levi happened to luck out that a previous trade hadn't gone through. for reasons called mistake number ne. so he gets the rare treat of seeing first.

the other bit of information, however, earns a slight twitch at the villain's brow, and he lazily passes the yellow container to his other hand.]

Yeah, see that's gonna be a problem.

[as expected, most likely. the guy's new, however, and dabi's not an idiot.]

Most locals value blood. Little vials of it, pin pricks, stuff hardened into stone. But people like you and I---sleepers, they call us---ain't really interested in that kinda shit.

[dabi regards the other man with the same cool gaze.]

I tend to look for stuff that's equal to or better than what I'm givin away. Things other people'd find valuable.

[but since he's knew here and sending him off on some vague goose chase without definition would be detrimental... dabi leans back in the booth.]

You familiar with the shit ya got in those bags on arrival? Specifically those lunar orbs, the canteens, or the robes. I ain't askin for yours, but if ya happen to find one of those things no one's usin, think we could work somethin out here.

[and rolls the container to his other hand again.]

Or we'll settle on ya owin me a "favor" in the future.

[dirtdevil]

[ well, as much as he likes the idea of having that kind of decontaminating power at his fingertips, he's not big on owing people favors. and while he's not a fantastic judge of character by any means, he's kinda getting the feeling that maybe this guy is not the most wholesome of random shit resellers.

maybe because he's not exactly a model citizen himself?

in any case, he considers Dabi's words, and initially he's stumped. how the hell would he get a hold of someone else's hellscape starter kit, short of straight up stealing it? he doesn't have it in him to do that no matter how badly he wants those goddamn wipes. and it's not like he can just give away his own necessities, like the canteen or the one lunar orb he has, or the bag, or—

wait. wait. he's got an idea. ]

You gonna be here tomorrow?

[burnitblack]

[that instinct if yours, levi, is likely spot on with this guy. though the option of a favor is usually dabi's last resort to nailing in a deal, as to many people, such an offer puts them off entirely thanks to it appearing as shady as he looks. then again, others who are more desperate or have nothing to offer as trade find the idea of a favor more appealing since they get something for "nothing" and can then opt to be an asshole later and not hold their end of the deal.

which won't go well for them, but anyways... another bridge for another time.

well there are ways, ranging from stealing to buying to trading to finding something cool in the caves currently opening under the city. who knows. that's not entirely dabi problem. the villain never promised to be a convenience store with his trades. if he's going to give away something, he wants something equal or better in return. watching levi spin his wheels is interesting. the trading also lets him get involved with other people, meaning information links...

oh? looks like he hit on something.]

I can be.

1/2

[dirtdevil]

[ he nods once, all business now. ]

Good. Then I'll be back.

[ and then he promptly turns and strides purposefully out of the building.

...for now. ]

[dirtdevil]

[ sure enough, the following evening at roughly the same time, the same germophobic weirdo shows up—and this time, he's not empty-handed.

he has his bag with him: the same one that somehow magically washes up on the beach for every Sleeper who does the same. he's terrible at small talk (and Dabi doesn't seem like the type who's much into it, either), so he just skips all that shit and reaches into his bag.

his offering? the indestructible newbie robe, neatly folded and immaculately clean. ]

This good enough?

[ hmm. so either he's an idiot for trading something legitimately valuable for fucking disinfecting wipes, or there's some reason he won't be using the robes anyway.

or maybe it's a little bit of both? ]