thenearshore | shinki business [closed]

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shinki business [closed]

Who: Takumi and Leo (

brynwieldr )
What: Takumi comes to Leo's Temple to talk business. And play chess. Not in that order
When: June 7
Where: Odin's Temple

[Once he had an idea of what Odin's temple looked like, it was shockingly easy to find. The roses were a good visual cue- and one that amused him quite a bit. Of course the Nohrian royal house crest. Of course. Should he plant sakura around his gates in answer? Or would that be too much?

Those were his thoughts when he walked in- he had told Niles he would visit so he wasn't too worried about being accosted- though once he steps inside he is a bit surprised. He's been to Castle Krakenburg a few times now, and this was nothing like it. Certainly more Nohrian in style then his own place, but also open, airy and warmly lit. More comfortable.]

Prince Leo? Are you here?

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[He takes the water, sipping it and making a face]

Thanks.. ugh. Anyways- he told me some of what happened.

Edited 2017-01-23 07:27 (UTC)

Did he?

[Leo turns back around, but he's clearly uncomfortable, arms crossed over his front instead of behind his back]

...

Stop that. I'm not here to yell at you.

Takumi, the problems between Niles and I have been going on for months. My oldest friend hates me. Forgive me if the topic makes me uncomfortable.

Well you're going to have to be uncomfortable because I've been here 48 hours and I could already tell things are a mess!

[Still, he's not yelling- though his arms are crossed and his tone annoyed. In fact, he sounds quite a bit like Ryoma in that moment. He's not mad, he's disappointed]

Yes, Takumi, thank you for telling me what I already know.

[He turns to start getting things for his lunch down--plate and whatnot]

Trust me, I am well aware I have likely broken, burned, and buried any bridges that Niles and I still had after his death and it is all because I've forgotten how to handle a Niles who doesn't trust. Short of a miracle, I have lost my oldest friend and he isn't even dead here.

[Takumi makes a noise of annoyance]

Please don't put words in my mouth.

[Gods, why couldn't Xander or Camilla be handling this? Or even Ryoma? ANYONE would be better equipped, he feels]

... I don't think he hates you. I don't know Niles as well as you do, but- I think if it was completely ruined he wouldn't have looked so hurt.

[Leo sighs, back still to Takumi as he gets his food.]

Betrayal and hatred don't necessarily go hand-in-hand, you know.

Don't they?

[Takumi gives him a look- maybe this is one thing their views were completely different on. Still, he nibbles on his food and thinks while Leo gets his]

I know it's not going to be easy, but I need you to tell exactly what happened. Niles only told me bits and pieces and I wasn't going to press him when we were practical strangers BEFORE this, let alone now.

What happened when? I'm not telling you my whole sordid past with Niles--that's his business, not just mine.

What happened to make him angry at you. Or was it just you assuming things would be like when he was still your retainer?

Well, part of it is that he doesn't like Saix--my other shinki, who's out today and who I don't feel so worried about turning into an ayakashi and so I'm a bit more free with. Part of it is me forgetting how to handle Niles when he doesn't trust me.

[He finally joins Takumi at the table]

And...well, hold on.

[He pulls out his phone and brings up the latest message from Niles so Takumi can read it.]

Here.

[He reads over it, and hisses like he just watched Leo get punched in the face]

Ouch.

[He hands it back and plants his chin in one hand]

Well, at least he's willing to come talk to you. That's a good sign.

Edited 2017-01-23 21:27 (UTC)

It is. And I know that how I handled him becoming a nora for Forrest--a shinki who serves more than one god--a bit poorly, but I was upset neither had told me until I spotted the name on Niles. Otherwise...

[He sighs, pocketing his phone]

How do I explain this without breaking taboo?

THAT'S the question. Even telling him that there's things you can't tell him tells him that there are things you can't tell him.

[He makes a face at the tongue twisting sentence, but well- it's true.]

Well, first things first- when he comes back and you two talk, and I know this will be hard for you, but you need to keep your mouth shut. Not just about back home but in general. Leo, I love you like a brother but you can have a tendency to say just the thing to make someone think you would rather step in pegasus shit then talk to them.

... take it from someone with similar habits. Don't interrupt him, don't try and explain yourself. Just listen.

Okay, first--if they cannot handle my opinion or the truth, they may want to ask someone who isn't known for not caring about tact.

[Yes, he is going to defend himself on that front. Screw you, Takumi]

And if he asks, I have to have some way of explaining this!

There's a difference between being honest and talking over someone.

[He arches a brow, but doesn't look mad.]

And not necessarily. The problem was you got too comfortable- what I said on the beach was... not exactly correct.

[He admits it? Thank the dragons it's a miracle.]

But in a way this IS a different person. At least from Niles' perspective. He told me you would act like you were close then pull away. I know why that is- because of the Secret.

... and who he is to you. But still, to Niles all it made you come off as shallow and fake. Like a liar. Considering who we're talking about are you surprised he went sour on you?

Edited 2017-01-23 21:48 (UTC)

[Leo just stares at Takumi before dropping his head to the table with a groan that may or may not be a swear word. How did Takumi get it right?!]

I panicked. I panicked and became a right ass, dear gods. How the hells am I going to recover from that?

[He stands and walks behind him, putting a hand between Leo's shoulder-blades and rubbing absently]

Well duh. You have to apologize. And not that 'I'm sorry you misunderstood my meaning' crap. Or 'I'm sorry you got upset even though honestly it wasn't my fault'.

Just a straight forward 'I'm sorry I hurt you.' No explaining, or you trying to justify any of it. Got it?

If he asks, I will have to come up with some explanation. Hopefully he won't.

[Leo straightens up, running a hand through his hair]

Gods, what a mess.

Worse comes to it explain it as you just naturally being a twat. It wouldn't exactly be a lie.

[he rubs firmer into Leo's muscles to counter his insult a bit.]

You have to make sure he knows you want and appreciate him- focus on things he's done HERE... not feelings from back home. Niles the shinki. Not some other person he might never be able to live up to. It's... not fair, otherwise.

[his voice is soft and a little weak- like maybe he has some experience here.]

... and if he can't accept that, then you- ... you might have to let him go, Leo.

[Leo is quiet, thinking. Could Leo let Niles go? Could he really? To Forrest or to Takumi or Sora or Aymeric, perhaps. But to anyone else?

Gods.]

I don't think he'll want to leave, but I won't stop him if he does. It's just hard to separate the two men, you know?

Edited 2017-01-24 01:14 (UTC)

Yeah, I know. But I think if you're straight forward with him he'll appreciate it.

[he sighs loudly]

OR not. It's not like I really know the guy.

Only because every conversation I could imagine the two of you having ended in someone shot through the knee.

Gods.... even just hearing him talk in a battle I can see why.

[he shakes his head]

Nevermind. Let's take the food and you can show me where you keep your chess board. I think I need a break from pretending to be Corrin.

Edited 2017-01-24 01:33 (UTC)

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brynwieldr - 2017-01-24 01:34 (UTC) - Expand

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tacomeme - 2017-01-24 01:39 (UTC) - Expand

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