nakemen | (no subject)

Ugh. [Yeah, he doesn't like being reminded of all that. As much as he could name what he did appreciate about the other, the fact that Horikawa liked to cling and nag was not one of the things he did appreciate.]

Just. Fine. But don't make it weird. What do you want to know? I don't want to see your face during this.

If you insist. [Take all the fun out of it why don't you. The fact that he's being so agreeable should be suspect all on it's own.]

It seems he makes himself quite a nuisance for you, would you agree?

Yeah, anybody who ever sees us can tell that much.

[Though he's suspicious because seriously where is this going? Is this to be recorded so one day Horikawa can hear it?

Well, he already knows how Izuminokami feels so this wouldn't be a surprise.] Kunihiro knows I know he's a real bastard, too. And a nag. And a busybody.

My that does sound rather annoying. I couldn't imagine having to deal with that all the time. [Look who's talking.]

Whoa! Hey, Kunihiro is a real helpful guy. You know how much he does? He helps out a whole lot around the citadel! Laundry? You got it! You got a tear in your clothes? He does that too.

You can't just go around saying that kind of shit about him! Show some respect!

[And now look who's talking. It's one of those situations where he can say whatever he likes about Horikawa because of their relationship.

But if anybody else dared to say anything then watch out.]

[Mikazuki laughs, soft, knowing. It was just the sort of reaction he was looking for. The only avenue into the conversation for Kanesada. It's... sweet.]

My apologies. With how you were talking about him, I had started to think maybe I misjudged you. How you feel about him.

Wait, how I feel?! You don't have to put it that way! [Mikazuki didn't word it badly at all. If anything, he worded that in the best way possible.

Izuminokami is just a baby that can't handle talking about emotions.] But you know, he's my partner and all. I can't just let him be talked about badly. He does a lot for everybody and I know that.

So then, it's safe to say he's rather important to you? [Maybe it's easier if he just continues to put the words in his mouth.]

[This is too much for him.]

Shit. I mean, he's my partner. [That's as close as he gets to saying "yes, he is important to me."]

Edited 2019-06-26 10:12 (UTC)

Ah because he's your partner. Does that mean it's simply a matter of loyalty?

No! I mean, part of it? Maybe? It isn't like I'm forced to or anything or I feel like I am. I mean. Why wouldn't I have some loyalty to the guy? He does a lot for me and I was kind of made for him? Except shit now that sounds real forced but it isn't! We're just...we're partners? [How many times will he keep saying that?]

Ugh. Listen. It's hard to explain, okay?

[Strange as it seems, he thinks he might be starting to understand. But Izuminokami isn't getting off that easily.]

We could try a different angle. What would you say you get out of it?

What the...? Hey, you make this sound like some sort of business deal! It isn't like that.

[He feels just a little defensive that this is how his relationship with Horikawa is coming off. As if that's what the point of their relationship is. That they both have to get something from it.

But then, when he thinks about it...] But I guess a relationship of any kind is about give and take. You gotta share that...for it to be healthy. Huh...

Yeah. You gotta share that stuff! [There goes his habit of thinking out loud.]

[That's... actually pretty helpful. Huh. Though it seems he's struck a chord he wasn't actually aiming for.]

Forgive me. It's really rather a novel topic for most of us. That's why it's of such interest. How does it work then, this give and take?

Uh, it's like...

Well, we go really well together on the battlefield. We kind of make up where the other lacks and so on and all that. I guess it kind of works like that in the day to day crap? Like Kunihiro's good at all that stuff and I don't know. I guess I don't do a lot of it except when that bastard tricks me!

You know, one time the asshole got me to clean the whole stables and he just watched me? Oh yeah, Master said this and Master said that. Well, I say kiss my ass! I did all of it! I don't make him do everything! Eh, he kind of does everything a lot...

But he likes it? He's a helpful kind of guy and I don't know, I try to...keep him grounded? He's a real busybody. Nosey jerk. I just kind of know what he needs during the day and I do it for him?

[Does this make sense? Why does he feel like he's rambling.

Probably because he is.]

This is embarrassing...

[He just lets Kanesada talk. Getting it all out. Though it isn't all completely clear, he can tell the younger sword isn't trying to hold back now. Maybe it is just that complicated. A feeling that can't be defined by by something as imperfect as human words. But Mikazuki appreciates him all the more for trying]

It's nothing of the sort. [He could say how it's sweet. How he's lucky to have someone like that in his life. Someone he can trust. How he can be so certain and secure in the knowledge that they'll always be there for one another.

He knows Kanesada doesn't want to hear those things said aloud. So Mikazuki simply repeats his own words back to him. The ones he seems to take so much comfort in.]

You're partners.

[He doesn't quite laugh but maybe Kanesada can tell how he's smiling.] Thank you, Izuminokami.

Edited 2019-06-29 14:45 (UTC)

So...hey. What was this for?

[He kind of has an idea but even if he didn't, Mikazuki always has his reasons. His plotting.]

I told you didn't I?

[Looks like he's sticking with that story. They're just good friends like that.]

You told me a bullshit excuse and I'm not buying it.

[He has an idea what this is about but he'll wait to see what Mikazuki says to this. ]

[Okay maybe he owes it to him, after he was so kind as to drag him this far out of his comfort zone.]

If you're going to insist on making such demands, I will have to insist that we not make this so impersonal.

[Meaning he's not doing this over the phone.]

Where are you?

In my room.

[He wasn't expecting it to be this easy. Now he's kind of terrified. ]

[Perhaps he should be. Just because Mikazuki has resolved to tell him, doesn't mean it will be on Kanesada's terms.

He doesn't reply to the message, nor does he come to find him right away. Kanesada is left to wait some minutes, no more than a half hour, regardless of any plans he might have had. Fortunately, Mikazuki also knows this to be the time that his friend reserves for reading comics or otherwise getting up to absolutely nothing of consequence.

When he does arrive, the door to Kanesada's room slides open without annoucement. He guides the wooden door with the toe of his foot, closing it again with his heel, for his hands are occupied with a lacquer tray just large enough to hold everything necessary for tea for two.

Claiming one cushion among the few that are strewn about the floor, he sinks to his knees and sets the tray between them.

He doesn't answer the question.]

There. That's much better I think.

[Honestly, Izuminokami wouldn't have been surprised if Mikazuki had not shown up. Or maybe he would tomorrow with some laugh and said he thought they were talking about a later date. Anything is possible with this sword.

He had been waiting for ten minutes before he decided he wasn't going to waste time and lounged around, reading some comics he had found around this place. When Mikazuki shows up, with the tea because of course he would fucking do that, Izuminokami looks up and sighs before going to sit with him.]

Could have at least helped with that if that's what you were doing.

[It's best not to immediately jump into the conversation. That'll make Mikazuki avoid it all the more.]

Edited 2019-07-06 16:42 (UTC)

[It just goes to show just how grateful Mikazuki is, that he didn't bail on him. That and his word does mean something to him. Just how long it takes him to make good on it is another matter entirely.]

Oh? I wasn't aware you were familiar with the particulars of properly serving tea. Tell me what is your preferred blend for a late summer afternoon?

[Is he being patronizing? Maybe. Is there a right answer to his question? Absolutely.

The answer is in the cup he pours out and places in front of Izuminokami with all the grace and hospitality of a master.]

[He knows when Mikazuki is being a jerk and this is one of those times.] Oi, listen. I don't know that kind of stuff but I could have helped you carry everything, at least. That's what I meant, asshole.

[It was strange to think about how when he first got here, the idea of calling Mikazuki Munechika an asshole would have seemed like a terrible thing but now? Well, he knows the other well enough.

But as he looks down at the tea being poured out, he lifts it up.] It's this tea, right? The answer to your question or whatever?