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[abovefate]

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[abovefate]

...

But I can stay tonight and greet you like that in the morning.

[fallingleaf]

[ he looks back up at him, studying that response. like, oh. in the right circumstances, maybe he isn't immune to his pouts and puppy dog eyes?

he's going to have to remember that. and figure out when to use it. ]

Mmm... I suppose that's better than going back on your word entirely...

[abovefate]

[ he is absolutely not immune to them at all he's just trying to be strong. And his face is red and clearly he's super embarrassed, but— ]

It's not like I'm going back on my word, it just wouldn't be practical. Even taking aside why you would want something like that, don't you have other people you enjoy spending time with? If I always slept in your room, what kind of message would that send?

[fallingleaf]

[ He smiles, and tightens his grip around his waist. ]

I'm not particularly worried about the message. But I understand if that would be too much for you.

[abovefate]

... Mm.

[ bringing his hand to his head again, stroking his hair ]

Maybe once in a while, then.

[fallingleaf]

[ a nod, and then softly, ]

Do you feel more at ease?

[abovefate]

Yes.

[ brushing his bangs out of his face ]

I'm really glad we met here.

[fallingleaf]

Mm, me too.

[ of course, his bangs go right back where they were-- but he sighs softly. ]

Honestly, I just care more if you reach out, than if you kiss me goodnight or greet me with a smile in the morning.

[abovefate]

I'll try.

These things just don't come natural to me. I'm used to being on my own.

[fallingleaf]

I can be persistent.

[ another glance upwards ]

[abovefate]

[ flicking his forehead ]

I've noticed.

[fallingleaf]

[ he laughs at that ]

Mm... I suppose it's better you already know then.

[abovefate]

It suits you.

Maybe it's a family trait.

[fallingleaf]

[ he pauses, looking a little thoughtful at the mention of family, and sighs, closing his eyes. hiding his face. ]

[abovefate]

Oh? What's with that reaction?

[fallingleaf]

Thinking of an unpleasant exchange I had recently.

And missing my family. I'm sure you know that I am the last Kaedehara.

[abovefate]

I snuck in to mess with some of your belongings held by the Tenryou commission, so yes. I do know.

Does it feel lonely for you?

[fallingleaf]

[ that doesn't surprise him, and so, he doesn't comment on it. ]

... Sometimes, yes.

I do miss my father, and the servants I grew up with occasionally.

[abovefate]

What was it like? Your family.

[fallingleaf]

[ he thinks about this for a moment, and exhales a breath he didn't realize he was holding when he decides to speak. ]

My mother died when I was born, and so it was always just my father and I. I could see from a young age how much my father struggled with trying to revive our clan. But with the Isshin art lost, it was only a matter of time.

[abovefate]

... Mm. And you don't intend to revive it now, do you.

[fallingleaf]

...

[ he frowns, and closes his eyes, maybe he will just not answer that.

even though the fact that he made a promise echoes in the back of his mind. ]

[abovefate]

I was trained in it.

That's also why it was so easy for me to ruin it.

[fallingleaf]

I shouldn't be surprised...

Unfortunately, my skills as a blacksmith are lacking. [ a long pause ] But I made a promise to revive it.

[abovefate]

... mm.

If they're lacking, then I can teach you. But I should warn you that I'm not going to be kind about it.

If you decide to follow this path, then I suppose I owe you this much. But it's not like following the past suits you.