iFain
MeruleDo we want the grab and snuggle tonight, or for tonight just have Rei lay down and let things go from there?
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Blinking slowly again Rei lets himself feel the hand running through his hair before opening his eyes again. 'The pain killers seem to e kicking in. He may just fall asleep soon' Opening his eyes once more he looks down at the prince. “You will find that I take most of what you say seriously, and do not question it's honesty, as you have never lied to me.” He nods. “Yes, you are honest, and always have been, and it is refreshing.” Looking back to the platter he murmurs, “I should eat a bit more.” He then looks back at the prince. “After a final check, I would like to ask to stay in this room tonight. The danger may have not completely passed yet and I can defend you better if I am here instead of one room over. . .”
Hope that sounded alright. I was trying to keep him clueless without it sounding like he was pushing Ale away. . . .
Hearing the instruction to go eat Rei slips off the bed and makes his way over to the table to comply. He knows it wasn't an order, but after the combat and near constant use of his magic for the past hour he's ravenous. He eats with vigor, somehow managing to not make himself messy in the process, almost all of the food reaching it's intended target. In the end half the meal is gone by the time Peter leaves and Rei is cleaning his fingers with his tongue. When Alessandro motions him over however he takes up the napkin and wipes both hands and mouth before complying.
He's curious as to what the prince wants and, sitting on the edge of the bed, he watches the man's movements with curiosity. With a light tug his hat comes off, taking the bandanna with it, and he watches Alessandro put it aside then reach for him again. At the touch his whole body shivers slightly, a tingle running from the place the prince touches to the tips of his fingers and toes. He doesn't really pay the feeling any mind however and continues looking at the man, wanting to hear his words. He knows that the response likely means something, but as he's more interested in having his question answered than asking more he lets the shiver pass, the pleasant hum that lingers under his skin completely ignored.
Listening carefully his brows furrow in confusion. 'Cares for me? Really? But I just explained who I am. I am not one who deserves such feelings. . .Perhaps if I defended him out of caring of my own, or if I was someone else who could understand such feelings, however I. . .I am just me. Just an assassin doing a job' The fae can not fathom that his opinions and reactions to how Alessandro is treated have had any real affect on the man. He can not see how his constant presence and honorable way of viewing the world influences how the man sees him. He can not see all the kindnesses he's shown the man, his eyes clouded and dull to such things when it comes to himself.
He can not see that he indeed cares for the prince, in his own detached, loyal way.
Tilting his head to the side, still curious and wanting answers he hums softly, blinking his slow blink. “I do not understand why or how but I will accept that you care. I know the rest of my kind would understand this better than I, but my upbringing has left me a bit hollow to such things. I will keep it in mind however for later.” His head tilts to the other side, his eyes questioning once more. “I am curious however as to why one would apologize for feelings. They are what they are and feeling them is not something one should be ashamed of, or so I understand it. It make sense to me as the few feelings I do have never lead me wrong.” He continues watching the prince, not moving away from the touch, nor trying to move closer to it.
He's curious as to what the prince wants and, sitting on the edge of the bed, he watches the man's movements with curiosity. With a light tug his hat comes off, taking the bandanna with it, and he watches Alessandro put it aside then reach for him again. At the touch his whole body shivers slightly, a tingle running from the place the prince touches to the tips of his fingers and toes. He doesn't really pay the feeling any mind however and continues looking at the man, wanting to hear his words. He knows that the response likely means something, but as he's more interested in having his question answered than asking more he lets the shiver pass, the pleasant hum that lingers under his skin completely ignored.
Listening carefully his brows furrow in confusion. 'Cares for me? Really? But I just explained who I am. I am not one who deserves such feelings. . .Perhaps if I defended him out of caring of my own, or if I was someone else who could understand such feelings, however I. . .I am just me. Just an assassin doing a job' The fae can not fathom that his opinions and reactions to how Alessandro is treated have had any real affect on the man. He can not see how his constant presence and honorable way of viewing the world influences how the man sees him. He can not see all the kindnesses he's shown the man, his eyes clouded and dull to such things when it comes to himself.
He can not see that he indeed cares for the prince, in his own detached, loyal way.
Tilting his head to the side, still curious and wanting answers he hums softly, blinking his slow blink. “I do not understand why or how but I will accept that you care. I know the rest of my kind would understand this better than I, but my upbringing has left me a bit hollow to such things. I will keep it in mind however for later.” His head tilts to the other side, his eyes questioning once more. “I am curious however as to why one would apologize for feelings. They are what they are and feeling them is not something one should be ashamed of, or so I understand it. It make sense to me as the few feelings I do have never lead me wrong.” He continues watching the prince, not moving away from the touch, nor trying to move closer to it.
I wish I'd seen this earlier :P I forgot to check. Heading to bed now, but I should be able to get up a reply in about 8 hours. I'm having a lot of fun at this point *Smiles*
Out of the corner of his eyes he catches sight of Alessandro ruffling his servant's hair and a new question pops into his head over it. 'I believe he really likes his squire. He is. . . .Affectionate I think is the word. He shows kindness due to some feeling, some gentle, kind feeling inside. It is what I have read about in those books about love and friendship' He glances at the prince. 'I know we share a mutual interest in one another, finding the other interesting and the like, but I have little understanding of how our views of one another differ. I want to protect him, not just for the pay but also for my own personal reasons, and he wants me around, protecting him and those he cares about. . .'
Looking at his hands, still stained with blood, and his brow furrows ever so slightly. 'He protects. . . .Those he cares about. . .He warned me against hurting this boy upon our first meeting. He cares for him, and he. . . .' His thoughts tumble round and round, trying to make sense of things. Before he can even begin to fight his way through the solid bloody stamp on his soul to begin exploring the idea of affection directed at him the prince is moving and without a word Rei is on his feet, his mind and body back in the world so they can do their job properly. His swirling thoughts are immediately shut down, locked away, to be perused later should he feel them important enough to revisit.
Nodding at the offer to return to the old man's personal library the following day the small male remains carefully out of the way as Peter does his best to help the prince move about. 'Sometimes too many helping hands simply ends with more harm than good' he reasons, moving ahead of the prince and keeping an eye out for any new dangers. He must look rather menacing as he does this as many a servant chooses to either turn and go the other way quickly or skirt the halls as they pass. He doesn't mean to frighten them but Rei knows his craft. Despite the danger seemingly having passed he knows that an assassin, a good one, could very well be in the castle now.
'Using the men as a diversion, no one would think it possible to get onto the grounds now that an attack has happened, heightened security and all, however if they got here before hand then it is completely possible for them to be laying in wait to act now that everyone thinks that the attack is over. . . .' He doesn't sense anybody nearby, but he remains on high alert as they slip into the prince's room. He checks every corner, both visibly and magically, for any sign of danger. He wanders about the room while Alessandro converses with his manservant and gets comfortable in the bed. At the window he surveys the grounds, eyes keen, his other senses tuned towards danger for several seconds before pulling back, snapping the shutters closed.
The red headed youth eventually leaves and Rei moves closer to the bed. He wants to tell the man that he will likely spend the evening in this room to keep a closer eye on the prince however the man has something very confusing to say before he has the chance to speak up. Tilting his head slightly to the side he looks at Alessandro, both confused and understanding at the same time. Crawling carefully on to the foot of the prince's bed he continues looking at the man, trying to find words for his thoughts. “I. . . .Do not have pride Alessandro. I do not operate off of shame or pride. They get in the way, make one foolhardy or cocky. I feel no shame for you having stepped between me and my target.”
He takes another long moment, his eyes moving about the room as he tries to form his question. “I am however. . . .Confused.” his eyes fall back on to Alessandro, deciding to be forward. “I am curious as to just why you did it. I take from your words you did not think me incapable, and that you responded perhaps on automatic. However, that still leaves my question of why? Why did you feel the urge to defend me?” He gestures towards the door. “I understand that, for the youth, he is someone you have feelings for. You are bound to him, have affection for him, as your friend however I. . .” He points to himself. “I am a man who tried to kill you, who now defends your life for reasons even I do not understand. I am nobody to you, so why. . .”
The door opens and Peter's head peeks in. It's clear he did not hear the part about Rei trying to kill the prince however he can tell that the strange boy is talking about something and doesn't want to interrupt. Rei's eyes go to him anyways as he shuffles in, a tray in either hand. Rei looks curiously at them. One is smallish and holds tea. The other is larger and looks like the one that was dropped off at his room for breakfast. In a quiet voice he murmurs, “I found this outside your room. Seem the maid sent to drop it off didn't quite make it inside your room to deliver it. . .” In truth, she was told to leave it inside the room if Rei was not there, however she had not been able to find the courage and instead left it outside his door.
Looking at his hands, still stained with blood, and his brow furrows ever so slightly. 'He protects. . . .Those he cares about. . .He warned me against hurting this boy upon our first meeting. He cares for him, and he. . . .' His thoughts tumble round and round, trying to make sense of things. Before he can even begin to fight his way through the solid bloody stamp on his soul to begin exploring the idea of affection directed at him the prince is moving and without a word Rei is on his feet, his mind and body back in the world so they can do their job properly. His swirling thoughts are immediately shut down, locked away, to be perused later should he feel them important enough to revisit.
Nodding at the offer to return to the old man's personal library the following day the small male remains carefully out of the way as Peter does his best to help the prince move about. 'Sometimes too many helping hands simply ends with more harm than good' he reasons, moving ahead of the prince and keeping an eye out for any new dangers. He must look rather menacing as he does this as many a servant chooses to either turn and go the other way quickly or skirt the halls as they pass. He doesn't mean to frighten them but Rei knows his craft. Despite the danger seemingly having passed he knows that an assassin, a good one, could very well be in the castle now.
'Using the men as a diversion, no one would think it possible to get onto the grounds now that an attack has happened, heightened security and all, however if they got here before hand then it is completely possible for them to be laying in wait to act now that everyone thinks that the attack is over. . . .' He doesn't sense anybody nearby, but he remains on high alert as they slip into the prince's room. He checks every corner, both visibly and magically, for any sign of danger. He wanders about the room while Alessandro converses with his manservant and gets comfortable in the bed. At the window he surveys the grounds, eyes keen, his other senses tuned towards danger for several seconds before pulling back, snapping the shutters closed.
The red headed youth eventually leaves and Rei moves closer to the bed. He wants to tell the man that he will likely spend the evening in this room to keep a closer eye on the prince however the man has something very confusing to say before he has the chance to speak up. Tilting his head slightly to the side he looks at Alessandro, both confused and understanding at the same time. Crawling carefully on to the foot of the prince's bed he continues looking at the man, trying to find words for his thoughts. “I. . . .Do not have pride Alessandro. I do not operate off of shame or pride. They get in the way, make one foolhardy or cocky. I feel no shame for you having stepped between me and my target.”
He takes another long moment, his eyes moving about the room as he tries to form his question. “I am however. . . .Confused.” his eyes fall back on to Alessandro, deciding to be forward. “I am curious as to just why you did it. I take from your words you did not think me incapable, and that you responded perhaps on automatic. However, that still leaves my question of why? Why did you feel the urge to defend me?” He gestures towards the door. “I understand that, for the youth, he is someone you have feelings for. You are bound to him, have affection for him, as your friend however I. . .” He points to himself. “I am a man who tried to kill you, who now defends your life for reasons even I do not understand. I am nobody to you, so why. . .”
The door opens and Peter's head peeks in. It's clear he did not hear the part about Rei trying to kill the prince however he can tell that the strange boy is talking about something and doesn't want to interrupt. Rei's eyes go to him anyways as he shuffles in, a tray in either hand. Rei looks curiously at them. One is smallish and holds tea. The other is larger and looks like the one that was dropped off at his room for breakfast. In a quiet voice he murmurs, “I found this outside your room. Seem the maid sent to drop it off didn't quite make it inside your room to deliver it. . .” In truth, she was told to leave it inside the room if Rei was not there, however she had not been able to find the courage and instead left it outside his door.
Eyes still sharp but without any real focus, Rei waits beside the man's chair, sitting on the ground like a loyal dog at his master's side. 'He keeps touching my hair. I think he likes the feel or something. I like the feel of some things, like books, but I do not go fondling them. . .But, we are different. . .Sitting here like this, I feel more like a dog than ever, however. . .' He glances at Alessandro. 'I somehow do not feel it as an insult, for this man. . .' His eyes go back to the guard at the door, waiting, watching. . .
When the old medic had flicked the prince in the forehead before the vigilant fae's lip had risen to reveal his teeth in a kind of warning grimace, however Alessandro's easy response and smile had them covered moments later. He did not want to abide even those little chides, but what's done is done. Now his eyes remain on constant wander mode, his magic trickling out here and there to help him keep track of everything. He feels another body approaching, but recognizing it as the friendly youth who looks after the prince Rei doesn't even bother tensing, watching him rush in with mild disinterest. He feels almost glad as the boy shows worry for the prince, thinking that finally, someone cares.
Table turn quickly however and the fae goes on high alert. Rei is on his feet in a flash, his senses all atingle as he watches the fool guard treating the worried child so roughly. He knows how much Alessandro cares for the boy and he anticipates the young royal's response. Out of the corner of his eye he notices Alessandro rising and his body tenses fiercely. 'He is not healed yet. He is wounding himself further thanks to this man's foolishness' Rei does not approve at all of this fact. He follows the prince forward, just waiting for the word to add this man to his body count, his own sensibilities noting the tight grip and running over how much damage the man could do on accident, holding a child like that.
His lips pulled back in a snarl he reflects on the man's accusations directed towards the youth and he can't believe his ears. 'Assault?! The child pushed you, and you feel assaulted!? You are a guard, armored, armed, and you feel assaulted by the push of a boy half your size!?' Rei really hates seeing children in danger, and for one of the rare times in his life he actually feels the desire to draw blood.
The prince however stands his ground, seemingly intent of retrieving the boy himself from the man's unreasonable punishment and death grip. A faint flicker of a thought flashes through his mind. Something about how Alessandro is putting himself in danger now to defend the boy, and how he did the same before for Rei, however it settles in the back of his mind rather than becoming a true thought as the scene plays out before him. He almost can't believe his eyes as the guard suddenly tosses the youth at the prince. Not because he didn't think Alessandro's glare wouldn't work, but because this man, in doing such a thing, was actively trying to injure the prince, part of the royal family he's sworn to protect. It doesn't make sense and Rei would have helped if he could, but with so many people gathered in one place he feels he would cause more damage than assistance trying to insert himself in the jumble.
He is slow to come off of his high, scowling deeply at the woman calling the prince a hero as if it's a bad thing, but other than that he makes no real acknowledgments of the woman and her own brand of cruelty towards the prince. He does however take to watching her hands off and on as she gets back to work making sure she's not shirking her duties or using less than her best skill with binding the prince's wound. Once Alessandro is settles once more Rei takes up the same position, his gaze going blank but sharp once more as he pays little heed to the conversation going on above his head. He approves of the youth and his views so they are of little interest to him save for the understanding that he's likely making Alessandro happier.
Once the woman is finished and is packing her things up, she once again makes a comment about how she does not have time to come heal him every time he gets himself hurt; an utterly foolish and cruel thing to say in his opinion. He can't help the growl that finds it's way out of him and his dagger like gaze locks with her slightly disturbed one. In a deathly quite voice that none the less carries to every ear in the room Rei murmurs, “If the people in the palace spent a little more time doing their jobs, and a little less fretting over fool superstitions, then perhaps your find talents and acid tongue would have to spend less time in the presence of this kind man.”
With anyone else she would have something to say, but as his icy stare carries the promise of death on it she simply huffs and bustles out of the room. The meister looks a little on edge, approving of Rei's words but worried that Rei might do something stupid. As for Peter, he simply remains still as a statue, afraid to draw the bodyguard's gaze. When his eyes land on the boy however and he flinches, it takes only a moment for Peter to realize that what he sees is the closest thing to a smile he's ever seen from the strange young man and offers up a weak one of his own before turning his attention back to the prince.
His bit said, Rei goes back to scoping out the area, a rather blank expression on his face as he explores every inch of the room he can see from his position against Alessandro's leg. The meister lets out a long breath and hobbles over to the prince to make sure he's okay and that he's not in too much pain. His thoughts are still half on the man leaning against the young ruler's leg, his face hidden by the hat settled firmly atop his head, hiding what he knows the boy to be from the world. 'I wish I could get a better read on this boy. I trust his convictions, he wants to keep Alessandro alive, but that does not mean he values any other given life in the palace he's not ordered to value. . .'
When the old medic had flicked the prince in the forehead before the vigilant fae's lip had risen to reveal his teeth in a kind of warning grimace, however Alessandro's easy response and smile had them covered moments later. He did not want to abide even those little chides, but what's done is done. Now his eyes remain on constant wander mode, his magic trickling out here and there to help him keep track of everything. He feels another body approaching, but recognizing it as the friendly youth who looks after the prince Rei doesn't even bother tensing, watching him rush in with mild disinterest. He feels almost glad as the boy shows worry for the prince, thinking that finally, someone cares.
Table turn quickly however and the fae goes on high alert. Rei is on his feet in a flash, his senses all atingle as he watches the fool guard treating the worried child so roughly. He knows how much Alessandro cares for the boy and he anticipates the young royal's response. Out of the corner of his eye he notices Alessandro rising and his body tenses fiercely. 'He is not healed yet. He is wounding himself further thanks to this man's foolishness' Rei does not approve at all of this fact. He follows the prince forward, just waiting for the word to add this man to his body count, his own sensibilities noting the tight grip and running over how much damage the man could do on accident, holding a child like that.
His lips pulled back in a snarl he reflects on the man's accusations directed towards the youth and he can't believe his ears. 'Assault?! The child pushed you, and you feel assaulted!? You are a guard, armored, armed, and you feel assaulted by the push of a boy half your size!?' Rei really hates seeing children in danger, and for one of the rare times in his life he actually feels the desire to draw blood.
The prince however stands his ground, seemingly intent of retrieving the boy himself from the man's unreasonable punishment and death grip. A faint flicker of a thought flashes through his mind. Something about how Alessandro is putting himself in danger now to defend the boy, and how he did the same before for Rei, however it settles in the back of his mind rather than becoming a true thought as the scene plays out before him. He almost can't believe his eyes as the guard suddenly tosses the youth at the prince. Not because he didn't think Alessandro's glare wouldn't work, but because this man, in doing such a thing, was actively trying to injure the prince, part of the royal family he's sworn to protect. It doesn't make sense and Rei would have helped if he could, but with so many people gathered in one place he feels he would cause more damage than assistance trying to insert himself in the jumble.
He is slow to come off of his high, scowling deeply at the woman calling the prince a hero as if it's a bad thing, but other than that he makes no real acknowledgments of the woman and her own brand of cruelty towards the prince. He does however take to watching her hands off and on as she gets back to work making sure she's not shirking her duties or using less than her best skill with binding the prince's wound. Once Alessandro is settles once more Rei takes up the same position, his gaze going blank but sharp once more as he pays little heed to the conversation going on above his head. He approves of the youth and his views so they are of little interest to him save for the understanding that he's likely making Alessandro happier.
Once the woman is finished and is packing her things up, she once again makes a comment about how she does not have time to come heal him every time he gets himself hurt; an utterly foolish and cruel thing to say in his opinion. He can't help the growl that finds it's way out of him and his dagger like gaze locks with her slightly disturbed one. In a deathly quite voice that none the less carries to every ear in the room Rei murmurs, “If the people in the palace spent a little more time doing their jobs, and a little less fretting over fool superstitions, then perhaps your find talents and acid tongue would have to spend less time in the presence of this kind man.”
With anyone else she would have something to say, but as his icy stare carries the promise of death on it she simply huffs and bustles out of the room. The meister looks a little on edge, approving of Rei's words but worried that Rei might do something stupid. As for Peter, he simply remains still as a statue, afraid to draw the bodyguard's gaze. When his eyes land on the boy however and he flinches, it takes only a moment for Peter to realize that what he sees is the closest thing to a smile he's ever seen from the strange young man and offers up a weak one of his own before turning his attention back to the prince.
His bit said, Rei goes back to scoping out the area, a rather blank expression on his face as he explores every inch of the room he can see from his position against Alessandro's leg. The meister lets out a long breath and hobbles over to the prince to make sure he's okay and that he's not in too much pain. His thoughts are still half on the man leaning against the young ruler's leg, his face hidden by the hat settled firmly atop his head, hiding what he knows the boy to be from the world. 'I wish I could get a better read on this boy. I trust his convictions, he wants to keep Alessandro alive, but that does not mean he values any other given life in the palace he's not ordered to value. . .'
Kuro watches in great amusement as Aoba goes from clearly ready to yell at him to simply sighing away the worry and instead turning his attentions to the bloody, tattered rags now draped over his figure in only the vaguest semblance of clothing. He chuckles softly at the tug, looking around at all the faces over him and for a moment feeling more at home here than ever before anywhere in his life. 'It's not just the family, it's Aoba, and his kindness, and these rare looks of worry and Issho's long gone caring hand on my brow. . .' His mind switches to focusing on the touches and she smiles, humming softly. The outpouring of energy is very welcome, but when Aoba mentions the bath Kuro lights up even more than before.
'It's been so loooong!' He glances over at Dani, then to Homura. 'They both clearly want to join, even if Dani is curling his lip at it, but. . . .but. . . .I must find a way to be rid of them for the night. . .' Looking up at his eldest brother a wicked idea crosses his mind. “Has Pops been missing Dani at all? He seemed so worried about me before, and Dani's been gone longer I think. . . .”
Dani doesn't like this change in the conversation at all. Issho stares at his brother for a long moment before looking at the growling red head and nods slowly. “Yes. IN fact I think it would be best if you were to come home tonight and tell Pops all about your time here. Leaving out certain aspects of course that are Kuro's alone to tell. . . .” Dani whines and begins rolling around in a fit, but it's clear he's not actually going to fight Issho's decision. Kuro gives his brother a grateful smile before motioning that he needs help sitting up.
His brothers and angel all help him sit up, Dani too busy fitting to pitch in, and when he's eventually upright Homura scoots in and begins doing some extra healing on the part o the body he couldn't reach very well before. The dark haired male groans happily at the feeling, using the actions as an excuse to half lay in Aoba's lap like a lazy cat, his face buried in the angel's midsection, his arms curled atop the smaller male's legs. His voice muffled by cloth and tummy skin Kuro murmurs, “I think a bath sounds great Aoba. . .” He sounds rather wistful a gently teasing smile barely visible on his lips as he peeks up at the little angel from his lower vantage point.
'It's been so loooong!' He glances over at Dani, then to Homura. 'They both clearly want to join, even if Dani is curling his lip at it, but. . . .but. . . .I must find a way to be rid of them for the night. . .' Looking up at his eldest brother a wicked idea crosses his mind. “Has Pops been missing Dani at all? He seemed so worried about me before, and Dani's been gone longer I think. . . .”
Dani doesn't like this change in the conversation at all. Issho stares at his brother for a long moment before looking at the growling red head and nods slowly. “Yes. IN fact I think it would be best if you were to come home tonight and tell Pops all about your time here. Leaving out certain aspects of course that are Kuro's alone to tell. . . .” Dani whines and begins rolling around in a fit, but it's clear he's not actually going to fight Issho's decision. Kuro gives his brother a grateful smile before motioning that he needs help sitting up.
His brothers and angel all help him sit up, Dani too busy fitting to pitch in, and when he's eventually upright Homura scoots in and begins doing some extra healing on the part o the body he couldn't reach very well before. The dark haired male groans happily at the feeling, using the actions as an excuse to half lay in Aoba's lap like a lazy cat, his face buried in the angel's midsection, his arms curled atop the smaller male's legs. His voice muffled by cloth and tummy skin Kuro murmurs, “I think a bath sounds great Aoba. . .” He sounds rather wistful a gently teasing smile barely visible on his lips as he peeks up at the little angel from his lower vantage point.
The innkeeper gives the food a look like Tatsuki had just offered him something beyond bizarre and potentially poisonous. He isn't quite sure how to take the look, given how the young man has never used it before, but when Shigetoshi denies the offer and rushes off the shinigami feels that he must have done something to offend the young man. 'I was just trying to help him learn about foreign food. He seems to have an interest of what lay beyond these shores, or perhaps at the least beyond the mountain, but perhaps I overstepped somewhere. . . .' Popping the bunny into his own mouth he looks around the room, glad to see many smiling faces, however his mind quickly drifts to the man hiding in the kitchens and he finds himself standing, ready to pursue.
He walks slowly, trying to figure out how to address his faux pas, his eyes looking through the wall to see what the youth is up to. Seeing him at the sink, washing away, Tatsuki licks his lips, thinking. 'I could very well be keeping him from his duties, demanding too much time. I could be being a bother, however. . . I am quite sure he would tell me this. He is very polite, yet this does not stop him from stating his mind much of the time. . .' Pausing outside the door to the kitchens he sighs softly.
Turning his back he settles next to the door, crossing his arms over his chest to think. 'I may have done something wrong, ad I could check, a quick look, get my bearings, but I swore to stay out of there. I wanted to try and interact with me, just me, and no other weapons than my years and years of experience interacting with humans. . .' He shakes his head. 'My years and years are filled with my uses of the powers I have, so working without them is an entirely new experience since I took this job. I may have all the memories of what I did, however I must retrain myself to recognize with my eyes the way things are going, not just the powers. . .'
A moment later he is snapped out of his thoughts by the kitchen door sliding open and Shigetoshi's head popping out. With a gentle, apologetic smile Tatsuki murmurs, “Would you like some help cleaning up?” With a hand he gestures to the mostly empty dining room,t he diners having mostly left while the shinigami was lost in thought.
He walks slowly, trying to figure out how to address his faux pas, his eyes looking through the wall to see what the youth is up to. Seeing him at the sink, washing away, Tatsuki licks his lips, thinking. 'I could very well be keeping him from his duties, demanding too much time. I could be being a bother, however. . . I am quite sure he would tell me this. He is very polite, yet this does not stop him from stating his mind much of the time. . .' Pausing outside the door to the kitchens he sighs softly.
Turning his back he settles next to the door, crossing his arms over his chest to think. 'I may have done something wrong, ad I could check, a quick look, get my bearings, but I swore to stay out of there. I wanted to try and interact with me, just me, and no other weapons than my years and years of experience interacting with humans. . .' He shakes his head. 'My years and years are filled with my uses of the powers I have, so working without them is an entirely new experience since I took this job. I may have all the memories of what I did, however I must retrain myself to recognize with my eyes the way things are going, not just the powers. . .'
A moment later he is snapped out of his thoughts by the kitchen door sliding open and Shigetoshi's head popping out. With a gentle, apologetic smile Tatsuki murmurs, “Would you like some help cleaning up?” With a hand he gestures to the mostly empty dining room,t he diners having mostly left while the shinigami was lost in thought.
It's clear that his intended isn't too worried about in impending doom hanging over them so Akito tries to see this as a good sign that they aren't about to have their hands cut off or something equally as horrible as the punishments he recalls being handed down by ruling bodies in the past. Standing stiffly at attention he waits for whatever is going to happen to happen, his eyes respectfully on his soon-to-be father-in-law. He does his best not to regret his gift to the man he is to marry, but as always Akito has a hard time being anything but completely fearful and remorseful under the emperor's strong gaze.
For a panicked second the ex-soldier wonders if the emperor will require him to speak, then a rush of relief races through him as the prince speaks up first. The relief is followed by shame,. 'I should not feel relived that the man I am to marry is pointing to himself, taking the attention. I am a fully grown adult, I should be able to speak up, to stand up for myself, and not have my less guilty, younger p-partner take the heat' He curses silently that he's stuttering inside his own mind, but as he listens, he looks for an opening to say. . . Something, anything. Some little crumb of assistance for the two of them so he can show he's not a complete coward and that he cares what happens to the man at his side. Especially given that [b]Akito[/i] is the one that started this whole mess. He ran, the prince only followed.
The emperor addresses him directly, making him feel more guilty with saying that he trusts that the young man kept his son safe in town, but even with the opening, he can't quite get his lips to open. 'I know the dangers. I kept an eye out for each and every one of them! I tried, I. . .' His thoughts trail off as once more Hiro speaks for him and voices his own confidence in the ex-solder's abilities. The words make his stomach drop and he really begins loathing himself a bit for being such a coward, however the light lyrical tones chime in, drawing all he attention in the room to her rather stalwart views. Her words however are the final kick and the gut and he finds himself rendered mute without any hope of speaking up.
He doesn't want to confirm her words. He's seen worse. He's lived around worse. They really aren't that bad in his eyes, but the calmness, the kindness, it's too much and he realizes he doesn't even really belong in this conversation. 'I am just a side note here. This is not my fight. I may have done what I have done, but this. . .' The emperor apologizes to him and Akito nods, bowing low in acceptance. Moments later his thoughts are confirmed as his betrothed also apologizes and he turns to his father, ready for a long conversation.
To his disgust Akito feels an overwhelming relief as the empress offers and avenue of escape, but he takes it without question or complaint, helping her up and allowing her to hold his arm as they leave the room together. Something about escorting her is far less intimidating than simply being in the same room as her and not knowing what to do. He takes comfort in knowing at least in part what she wants of him and the two leave the room, her smiling, Akito withdrawn.
The woman's voice is kind and as they walk he listens silently to her words, taking in the little touch of his intended's past, wondering himself what happened to bring on such a change. 'I am close with my father. I can not think of a single thing that would have me at odds with him in this way. . .' His eyes finally go from staring straight ahead to look at the woman beside him when she offers to talk to him, should he need someone to talk to. It is slow, almost painful, but he feels the glue falling away from his stuck jaw and he says softly in reply, “Thank you ma'am. . .”
They are silent for a short while after that, the empress almost sensing that he needs just a little while before he'll be able to say anything more and directing them with little tugs and pointing fingers towards where she hopes to settle in and wait. When at last he does speak she look up at him with great interest, taking in what he has to say with a light smile on her lips.
He starts, with an apology. “I am sorry if I caused any worry. I was not his h-” he bites his lip, “Hiro's choice to go to town. . .Well, that is not entirely true, I did ask where he would like to go, but I was the one who made the initial choice to abandon returning immediately to the palace, so it is really I who. . .” He looks at the empress helplessly for several seconds before composing himself, turning his gaze to the wooden floor beneath them. “I just wanted to give him a gift. . .” His voice is barely a whisper, but it carries just enough for the eager, kind woman to hear clearly.
Jezura actually feels quite touched to hear that this man at her side was trying to present her son with a gift. 'A gift in fact that he seeks daily, whether he knows it or not. Freedom, independence, his own space away from his responsibilities. All young men are the same, they want out, even if only for a little while. . .' Still smiling the empress directs them into a room as they pass the closed doors and Akito complies silently. The inside is filled with many soft looking chairs and giant pillows strewn across the floor.
After helping her into one of the chairs, Akito take a seat on the floor beside her. At her raised eyebrow he murmurs, embarrassed, “Such soft surfaces to not suit my back quite yet. . .” She smiles an nods, accepting his answer and he smiles back gratefully. Once settled a servant appears to ask what they want. The empress orders some sweet tea and cakes while Akito simply asks for water and some meat scraps for his pet. Once the servant is gone the empress begins talking softly, deciding to soothe Akito, if she can, with stories of what it was like to suddenly move into the palace of the emperor for her. Her tales are varied, but most have he smiles and laughing and a few times Akito joins in a little, able to relax slightly as he listens to the tales of the emperor and empress being quite human.
For a panicked second the ex-soldier wonders if the emperor will require him to speak, then a rush of relief races through him as the prince speaks up first. The relief is followed by shame,. 'I should not feel relived that the man I am to marry is pointing to himself, taking the attention. I am a fully grown adult, I should be able to speak up, to stand up for myself, and not have my less guilty, younger p-partner take the heat' He curses silently that he's stuttering inside his own mind, but as he listens, he looks for an opening to say. . . Something, anything. Some little crumb of assistance for the two of them so he can show he's not a complete coward and that he cares what happens to the man at his side. Especially given that [b]Akito[/i] is the one that started this whole mess. He ran, the prince only followed.
The emperor addresses him directly, making him feel more guilty with saying that he trusts that the young man kept his son safe in town, but even with the opening, he can't quite get his lips to open. 'I know the dangers. I kept an eye out for each and every one of them! I tried, I. . .' His thoughts trail off as once more Hiro speaks for him and voices his own confidence in the ex-solder's abilities. The words make his stomach drop and he really begins loathing himself a bit for being such a coward, however the light lyrical tones chime in, drawing all he attention in the room to her rather stalwart views. Her words however are the final kick and the gut and he finds himself rendered mute without any hope of speaking up.
He doesn't want to confirm her words. He's seen worse. He's lived around worse. They really aren't that bad in his eyes, but the calmness, the kindness, it's too much and he realizes he doesn't even really belong in this conversation. 'I am just a side note here. This is not my fight. I may have done what I have done, but this. . .' The emperor apologizes to him and Akito nods, bowing low in acceptance. Moments later his thoughts are confirmed as his betrothed also apologizes and he turns to his father, ready for a long conversation.
To his disgust Akito feels an overwhelming relief as the empress offers and avenue of escape, but he takes it without question or complaint, helping her up and allowing her to hold his arm as they leave the room together. Something about escorting her is far less intimidating than simply being in the same room as her and not knowing what to do. He takes comfort in knowing at least in part what she wants of him and the two leave the room, her smiling, Akito withdrawn.
The woman's voice is kind and as they walk he listens silently to her words, taking in the little touch of his intended's past, wondering himself what happened to bring on such a change. 'I am close with my father. I can not think of a single thing that would have me at odds with him in this way. . .' His eyes finally go from staring straight ahead to look at the woman beside him when she offers to talk to him, should he need someone to talk to. It is slow, almost painful, but he feels the glue falling away from his stuck jaw and he says softly in reply, “Thank you ma'am. . .”
They are silent for a short while after that, the empress almost sensing that he needs just a little while before he'll be able to say anything more and directing them with little tugs and pointing fingers towards where she hopes to settle in and wait. When at last he does speak she look up at him with great interest, taking in what he has to say with a light smile on her lips.
He starts, with an apology. “I am sorry if I caused any worry. I was not his h-” he bites his lip, “Hiro's choice to go to town. . .Well, that is not entirely true, I did ask where he would like to go, but I was the one who made the initial choice to abandon returning immediately to the palace, so it is really I who. . .” He looks at the empress helplessly for several seconds before composing himself, turning his gaze to the wooden floor beneath them. “I just wanted to give him a gift. . .” His voice is barely a whisper, but it carries just enough for the eager, kind woman to hear clearly.
Jezura actually feels quite touched to hear that this man at her side was trying to present her son with a gift. 'A gift in fact that he seeks daily, whether he knows it or not. Freedom, independence, his own space away from his responsibilities. All young men are the same, they want out, even if only for a little while. . .' Still smiling the empress directs them into a room as they pass the closed doors and Akito complies silently. The inside is filled with many soft looking chairs and giant pillows strewn across the floor.
After helping her into one of the chairs, Akito take a seat on the floor beside her. At her raised eyebrow he murmurs, embarrassed, “Such soft surfaces to not suit my back quite yet. . .” She smiles an nods, accepting his answer and he smiles back gratefully. Once settled a servant appears to ask what they want. The empress orders some sweet tea and cakes while Akito simply asks for water and some meat scraps for his pet. Once the servant is gone the empress begins talking softly, deciding to soothe Akito, if she can, with stories of what it was like to suddenly move into the palace of the emperor for her. Her tales are varied, but most have he smiles and laughing and a few times Akito joins in a little, able to relax slightly as he listens to the tales of the emperor and empress being quite human.
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