( he notices the way his gaze occasionally flits upwards to alight on him, certainly, but he barely even needed that to figure that his lack of interest wasn't entirely honest. if makoto's company were truly so boring or so unsettling, he could get up and go anywhere else — he might run the risk that the demon would try to follow, of course, but it was at the very least another step that could be made toward that separation. the fact that he still remains here, regardless of how great of an exasperated furrow it might chisel in-between his brows, means to makoto that there's enough curiosity or morbid fascination that he doesn't have to be concerned.
it's an added benefit of being cryptic that it gives gen the question of whether or not he was more dangerous than he led on. in the grand scheme of things, yes, absolutely, makoto was a dangerous creature to deal with. when it came down to brass tacks, though, that answer shifted and changed. he's uncannily skilled with small blades and the construct of human anatomy, but he will with absolutely zero contests of strength with anyone who sized him up and (accurately) thought they could get the better of him. his skill is in guile and duplicity, in maneuvering and manipulation... he might not cut a very threatening figure himself, but he has a remarkable ability to convince those that do to make his safety their prerogative.
the answer is that, had he the full width and breadth of his abilities as a demon still, he would have drawn his wings and flown away before they'd even had the opportunity to capture him at the shrine. simple enough.
his expression goes flat at the imperative. what exactly do you think I've been sitting here and doing, then? but there's a shard of J's attitude embedded in that response and even the acknowledgement of that causes the burn of bile at the back of his throat, so he bites it back. he recomposes himself with a somewhat drawn smile, one that verges on condescending (in the way that seems intentional, as if to bait further annoyance). unfortunately, he's not so easily goaded, though that doesn't mean he's entirely unreasonable. ) One of the very first things I learned as a demon is that one should never give away for free anything that has value. ( and though one could easily make a case that makoto's ramblings had no inherent value (potentially true, as it depends on the individual), but given that they are prisoners with nothing but themselves and the robes they wear, he thinks it's evident enough information is the only thing left to them and therefore valuable. ) That's the only thing I'll tell you without something about yourself in return.
( he lifts his shoulders in half of a shrug. ) It doesn't have to be anything too deep or dark, if you prefer. Like... you could tell me your name, to start.
no subject
it's an added benefit of being cryptic that it gives gen the question of whether or not he was more dangerous than he led on. in the grand scheme of things, yes, absolutely, makoto was a dangerous creature to deal with. when it came down to brass tacks, though, that answer shifted and changed. he's uncannily skilled with small blades and the construct of human anatomy, but he will with absolutely zero contests of strength with anyone who sized him up and (accurately) thought they could get the better of him. his skill is in guile and duplicity, in maneuvering and manipulation... he might not cut a very threatening figure himself, but he has a remarkable ability to convince those that do to make his safety their prerogative.
the answer is that, had he the full width and breadth of his abilities as a demon still, he would have drawn his wings and flown away before they'd even had the opportunity to capture him at the shrine. simple enough.
his expression goes flat at the imperative. what exactly do you think I've been sitting here and doing, then? but there's a shard of J's attitude embedded in that response and even the acknowledgement of that causes the burn of bile at the back of his throat, so he bites it back. he recomposes himself with a somewhat drawn smile, one that verges on condescending (in the way that seems intentional, as if to bait further annoyance). unfortunately, he's not so easily goaded, though that doesn't mean he's entirely unreasonable. ) One of the very first things I learned as a demon is that one should never give away for free anything that has value. ( and though one could easily make a case that makoto's ramblings had no inherent value (potentially true, as it depends on the individual), but given that they are prisoners with nothing but themselves and the robes they wear, he thinks it's evident enough information is the only thing left to them and therefore valuable. ) That's the only thing I'll tell you without something about yourself in return.
( he lifts his shoulders in half of a shrug. ) It doesn't have to be anything too deep or dark, if you prefer. Like... you could tell me your name, to start.