[Closer to sleep than Takame tends to get at any rate. Still, he can't help but be somewhat confused. If nothing has happened, why the text?
Not that he dislikes talking to the man. Quite the opposite, for all his eccentricities Takame is very comfortable with him. Enough that he's not forcing emojis out.]
I am well. It would seem Lunatia is beginning to reach a state of calm once more. I apologize, I've not meant to avoid contact with you.
[Late (and cold) it may be, he likely wouldn't have slept anyway. He would have agreed for anyone despite that, but Yoshimitsu moreso.
Either way he made his way to the nearest park to wait as promised. What could they have to discuss, he wondered? And why did this sense of apprehension linger in his chest.]
[It is plenty cold, isn't it? The park isn't the most ideal setting right now but Yoshimitsu doubts there are any businesses open at this time of night. Well, besides a strip bar or lounge but neither are suitable setting for a conversation like this. H He would've just invited Takame to his place but he doesn't want the man to feel pressured just in case this conversation goes south.
Not that he foresees this being the case but Yoshimitsu doesn't want to pressure him.
It doesn't take the ninja long to find Takame. After all, the Au Ra are taller than most. Instead of wearing his usual armor and mask, the ninja appears dressed simply in a dark gray sweatshirt, dark slacks, and matching leather shoes. His hair is a little messy since he hastily tied it into a ponytail so it would be out the way.]
Ah. [Upon hearing Yoshimitsu's voice, he's greeted with a bow from Takame, ever a habit of his. The cold doesn't mix well with scales either, a large contributor as to why he avoided Coerthas in Eorzea. Heavier coats are cumbersome for him, but if they keep him warm as the one he had, all the better.
For a mercy it isn't too heavy. In a rare twist, Takame also had his hair loose tonight, bundled on one side over the front of his shoulder. More effort to keep warm, not that it made a difference. He would bear it.]
You needn't worry about the hour. [He tilted his head, glancing at his potentially injured arm. His tail flicked behind him, but he refrained from comment.] ... You had something you wished to discuss?
[Even though the question is asked, Yoshimitsu finds himself staring dumbly at Takame as if this is the first time he seen him in months. He stands there in complete silence, his gaze drinking in the sight of the dragon-like man before him. This is, of course, absurd but still, the ninja looks so befuddled here. It's like he's at a loss words.
He takes a deep breath. Killing demons is far less anxiety-inducing than this.]
Well, there's a couple of things-
[The ninja questions as he idly scratches his cheek, accidentally highlighting the bandages stemming up his wrist to his fingertips. Yoshimitsu seen a doctor but still, this new injury seems particularly harrowing judging from the faint tinge of red upon the bandages.]
Nothing that warrants much worry! So quit looking so anxious.
[He's stalling. Big time. It's not like Yoshimitsu to stall like this. The ninja is usually brimming over in confidence but right now, he's anything but confident.]
Takame? [Yoshimitsu forces a smile upon his face in hopes of eradicating the awkwardness between them.] What do you think about us?
Hm. [Despite the poor attempt at consolation, Takame's brow actually furrowed at the wound. He didn't need Sanguis to be up to know the injury was still fresh.
But still he kept silent, somewhat concerned about what could have Yoshimitsu looking so nervous. And when the question is dropped on him, it did nothing to relieve that worry.]
About... us? [... what about them? Takame certainly considered him a friend. Was he incorrect in that assumption? The thought of that made his stomach want to drop. He gave no indicator of that internal discomfort. It mattered little, he told himself. It didn't stop the slight shuffling of his feet, though. Instead of dwelling on that, he had to bring out a friend's words again, to ask so he may learn.]
[A dramatic sign escapes the ninja as he slaps his bandaged hand to his face.]
Enough.
[He drags his hand down his face with another sigh before suddenly reaching within his sweater to pry something out. As to what that something could be, Takame might recognize it quickly thanks to its iconic horns and red bushy mane.]
This is far too difficult to talk about this normally.
[Yoshimitsu declares before suddenly placing the mask on. Within mere seconds, the eyes light up as they normally would. Gone is this skittish and almost fearful looking man, he's been replaced by the iconic troublemaker who've made his home here in Lunatia.]
Takame Kesi! [He points dramatically at the Au Ra with great theatrical flair.] You and I are a good fit for each other!
Like two peas in a pod and yet we have no pod. This must be rectified!
[All theatrics aside, Yoshimitsu sure hopes he's making sense now but if not, he decides to put it in laymen terms.]
[It wasn't the sudden change in demeanor when Yoshimitsu donned the mask again that got a reaction, no, no. Takame stood still with his same blank stare at the theatrics. He's known the man long enough to be accustomed to that. And Zhian for all her temper and strong heart could scarce hold a conversation without concealment of her own.
No, what brought on a rare change in expression, one where his brows shot up in surprise is at that confession. He was aware enough of common terms used to know the intended meaning. That there were feelings had for him.
And yet for a long while he stood in silence.]
... Me? Y... me?? [Said lifting a hand to his chest, as if to emphasize his point and his confusion. On impulse, he could only say how he really felt himself.]
Why not? Takame, you're a fantastic person- [He pauses briefly.] Even if you never laugh at my jokes.
[The plucky ninja lets out a hearty chuckle.]
But more than that, you're reliable and kind. While you sometimes have a temper, you're the only person who makes me feel safe.
[It's much easier for him to confess this behind a mask but Yoshimitsu's love for the dramatics is currently taking a backseat. He stares at Takame with a smile hidden under his mask, content to voice his feelings.]
It's fine if you don't feel the same way. I just...wanted to tell you.
[Just in case the opportunity never comes again.]
People come and go too frequently for me to stay silent.
... [The shock on his face faded to a somber frown with each compliment given. And the reminder of how frequently people can leave did nothing to relieve it.
Some manner of warmth inside of him clashed with his upbringing. His necessity to drown out all emotion. What good was emotion for someone who was destined to live in the shadow of the Empire. Even worlds away that shade presided over him.
He tried to be kind, positive like Hina. But he knew it was but an act. A mask of his own he wore so others would not stray from him or be afraid of him. A lie. Something simmered in his chest, something that wanted to make him feel... relief at the confession. But as it was all that stood over him was guilt for lying to someone he'd grown so close to.
A person like him, if he can even be called a person, didn't deserve the relief, nor the affection of such a good man.]
... You have me mistaken for someone more deserving of such kind words. [He swallowed hard. Like he could drown the feelings welling inside him that way, but it only made his face flush more. They're harsh words towards himself to be sure. But it's not a rejection.]
[Is he, though? Is someone who helped to subjugate his own people then years later be unable to learn anything of a dangerous intangible weapon his old affiliation was developing deserving of love?
Someone who would still be with the Empire had the hands of fate turned only slightly differently and knew that fact well?
Who still can barely think on his past or the emotions he rarely if ever feels without averting the subject?]
I am not so sure. [He wanted to be deserving. Desperately tried to be. Still not a rejection, the clash of his mind and heart prevented that much.]
[His fist clenched at his side. He knew he was giving cause for alarm, being extremely vague. He doesn't want to lie to Yoshimitsu, but he didn't want him to know either. Or for anyone to know, it was bad enough how Cehd'ra found out.]
... Forgive me. There is... much I've chosen to keep hidden. Much I would prefer not to share. ... At least not now. [Which at least implies there's a future for them. If only for the man's kindness, he wanted to share something. And he didn't want him to leave, either if the tentative step forward he took was any indication.]
But I will understand if that is not acceptable. [If the feelings declared just went away then and there.]
[That's quite a substantial "if". If he could have helped it, no one would know. But the tension in Takame's shoulders certainly faded when that subject was dropped.
When had he become so tense?
The other question proposed gave him pause, though. Were they...? He didn't want Yoshimitsu to leave, the thought of him leaving made him tense all over again, but. Is this what that feeling was?]
... This is all new to me, I'm afraid. [Not comforting words, but again not a rejection. But...] I've never felt this towards someone else before. [There's still hints of worry in the way his hands shuffled into his pockets. Namely how frequently people seem to disappear in this realm. And the fact that he remembered nothing of it that time he left. But Yoshimitsu seemed just as aware of it and yet still willing to try. He took another step forward.] I confess I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do.
[As Takame takes a step forward, so does he. Yoshimitsu smiles up at him without a hint of uncertainty in his gaze. He's just happy, grateful if anything. Even though Takame hasn't answered his question yet, he can tell that the man is interested either way.]
I would say you should follow your heart but I'm not even certain.
[His gaze softens some.]
This is so strange, isn't it? It's a riddle neither of us can solve alone.
[He hasn't answered yet, if only because he doesn't fully understand what he's feeling and why it's so overwhelming. The idea is something Takame had witnessed before, people courting and having long term partners but it was always second-hand. Never something he expected to actually feel or have. He's had a number of bed mates, still does here, but none that he could call a partner.
As enticing as the idea of being romantically by someone's side felt, he'd always dismissed himself as unworthy of it, someone like him who only felt a mild spark on a good day.]
Indeed... [It was unsettling how much he wanted to act to understand this feeling.]
This realm seems to favor those who take many partners, but what I feel with you... is... ["Intimidating, far stronger than I."] different than what I feel with them. [They arrived in this realm near the same time, knew well its ways. Takame doubted Yoshimitsu would miss his implication.]
I... may never truly understand it, but... [A pause, trying to find the right words. He went silent for a moment. Then took one more step forward. One step at a time, as Zhian always told him.]
I would like... to try. [Another pause.] With you.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Not that he dislikes talking to the man. Quite the opposite, for all his eccentricities Takame is very comfortable with him. Enough that he's not forcing emojis out.]
I am well. It would seem Lunatia is beginning to reach a state of calm once more. I apologize, I've not meant to avoid contact with you.
How have you been of late?
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[He finally answers after a long pause.]
Lunatia's latest act of tyranny and villainy left me quite...busy.
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I imagined as much. I consider myself rather fortunate that I evaded capture as I loaned what assistance I could during this incident.
... Were you hurt?
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[He comments while looking down at his right arm.]
It will heal in several days.
[It's a good thing that Takame evaded capture. Yoshimitsu would've gone on a rampage otherwise.]
Would it be too forward of me to ask to see you? There's much I would like to discuss.
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[Even knowing he sustained a minor wound set Takame on edge. He knows Yoshimitsu is more than capable of protecting himself, and yet...
No. Be calm, Kesi. If he wished to see you now it would not do for him to see you in that state.]
Not at all. Where do you wish to meet?
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No place fancy! Probably just the park if anything.
I doubt anyone would dare disturb us.
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[Late (and cold) it may be, he likely wouldn't have slept anyway. He would have agreed for anyone despite that, but Yoshimitsu moreso.
Either way he made his way to the nearest park to wait as promised. What could they have to discuss, he wondered? And why did this sense of apprehension linger in his chest.]
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Not that he foresees this being the case but Yoshimitsu doesn't want to pressure him.
It doesn't take the ninja long to find Takame. After all, the Au Ra are taller than most. Instead of wearing his usual armor and mask, the ninja appears dressed simply in a dark gray sweatshirt, dark slacks, and matching leather shoes. His hair is a little messy since he hastily tied it into a ponytail so it would be out the way.]
Takame.
[He greets him with a tentative smile.]
Forgive the hour. I...I just wanted to see you.
[Oh, boy. This is going to be awkward.]
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For a mercy it isn't too heavy. In a rare twist, Takame also had his hair loose tonight, bundled on one side over the front of his shoulder. More effort to keep warm, not that it made a difference. He would bear it.]
You needn't worry about the hour. [He tilted his head, glancing at his potentially injured arm. His tail flicked behind him, but he refrained from comment.] ... You had something you wished to discuss?
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He takes a deep breath. Killing demons is far less anxiety-inducing than this.]
Well, there's a couple of things-
[The ninja questions as he idly scratches his cheek, accidentally highlighting the bandages stemming up his wrist to his fingertips. Yoshimitsu seen a doctor but still, this new injury seems particularly harrowing judging from the faint tinge of red upon the bandages.]
Nothing that warrants much worry! So quit looking so anxious.
[He's stalling. Big time. It's not like Yoshimitsu to stall like this. The ninja is usually brimming over in confidence but right now, he's anything but confident.]
Takame? [Yoshimitsu forces a smile upon his face in hopes of eradicating the awkwardness between them.] What do you think about us?
[It's a vague question, painfully vague.]
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But still he kept silent, somewhat concerned about what could have Yoshimitsu looking so nervous. And when the question is dropped on him, it did nothing to relieve that worry.]
About... us? [... what about them? Takame certainly considered him a friend. Was he incorrect in that assumption? The thought of that made his stomach want to drop. He gave no indicator of that internal discomfort. It mattered little, he told himself. It didn't stop the slight shuffling of his feet, though. Instead of dwelling on that, he had to bring out a friend's words again, to ask so he may learn.]
I'm not sure I follow.
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[A dramatic sign escapes the ninja as he slaps his bandaged hand to his face.]
Enough.
[He drags his hand down his face with another sigh before suddenly reaching within his sweater to pry something out. As to what that something could be, Takame might recognize it quickly thanks to its iconic horns and red bushy mane.]
This is far too difficult to talk about this normally.
[Yoshimitsu declares before suddenly placing the mask on. Within mere seconds, the eyes light up as they normally would. Gone is this skittish and almost fearful looking man, he's been replaced by the iconic troublemaker who've made his home here in Lunatia.]
Takame Kesi! [He points dramatically at the Au Ra with great theatrical flair.] You and I are a good fit for each other!
Like two peas in a pod and yet we have no pod. This must be rectified!
[All theatrics aside, Yoshimitsu sure hopes he's making sense now but if not, he decides to put it in laymen terms.]
I like you, Takame! I truly, truly, truly do.
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No, what brought on a rare change in expression, one where his brows shot up in surprise is at that confession. He was aware enough of common terms used to know the intended meaning. That there were feelings had for him.
And yet for a long while he stood in silence.]
... Me? Y... me?? [Said lifting a hand to his chest, as if to emphasize his point and his confusion. On impulse, he could only say how he really felt himself.]
... Why?
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[The glowing eyes of his mask dims a little.]
Why not? Takame, you're a fantastic person- [He pauses briefly.] Even if you never laugh at my jokes.
[The plucky ninja lets out a hearty chuckle.]
But more than that, you're reliable and kind. While you sometimes have a temper, you're the only person who makes me feel safe.
[It's much easier for him to confess this behind a mask but Yoshimitsu's love for the dramatics is currently taking a backseat. He stares at Takame with a smile hidden under his mask, content to voice his feelings.]
It's fine if you don't feel the same way. I just...wanted to tell you.
[Just in case the opportunity never comes again.]
People come and go too frequently for me to stay silent.
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Some manner of warmth inside of him clashed with his upbringing. His necessity to drown out all emotion. What good was emotion for someone who was destined to live in the shadow of the Empire. Even worlds away that shade presided over him.
He tried to be kind, positive like Hina. But he knew it was but an act. A mask of his own he wore so others would not stray from him or be afraid of him. A lie. Something simmered in his chest, something that wanted to make him feel... relief at the confession. But as it was all that stood over him was guilt for lying to someone he'd grown so close to.
A person like him, if he can even be called a person, didn't deserve the relief, nor the affection of such a good man.]
... You have me mistaken for someone more deserving of such kind words. [He swallowed hard. Like he could drown the feelings welling inside him that way, but it only made his face flush more. They're harsh words towards himself to be sure. But it's not a rejection.]
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[Yoshimitsu asks as he slowly lifts off his mask. He peeks at Takame now, his confusion bare to see.]
Why do you say that?
[He's feeling a little braver now if the mask is off. Still, the eyes of his oni mask retains its peculiar ethereal glow.]
You're deserving of love, aren't you?
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Someone who would still be with the Empire had the hands of fate turned only slightly differently and knew that fact well?
Who still can barely think on his past or the emotions he rarely if ever feels without averting the subject?]
I am not so sure. [He wanted to be deserving. Desperately tried to be. Still not a rejection, the clash of his mind and heart prevented that much.]
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Why not?
[There's still ample amounts of confusion in his tone but he's trying to comprehend Takame's oddly sullen expression.]
Takame, what's on your mind? I don't believe I ever seen you so conflicted before.
[To say the least, he's a little worried.]
Have I offended you?
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[His fist clenched at his side. He knew he was giving cause for alarm, being extremely vague. He doesn't want to lie to Yoshimitsu, but he didn't want him to know either. Or for anyone to know, it was bad enough how Cehd'ra found out.]
... Forgive me. There is... much I've chosen to keep hidden. Much I would prefer not to share. ... At least not now. [Which at least implies there's a future for them. If only for the man's kindness, he wanted to share something. And he didn't want him to leave, either if the tentative step forward he took was any indication.]
But I will understand if that is not acceptable. [If the feelings declared just went away then and there.]
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[He lets out a sigh of relief. For a second there, Yoshimitsu was certain he offended the poor man.]
Your secrets are your own to keep but if you ever feel like sharing, I'll be there to listen.
[The ninja grins up at Takame, his dark gaze fill with cheer and mischief.]
So, I take it that the feelings are...mutual?
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When had he become so tense?
The other question proposed gave him pause, though. Were they...? He didn't want Yoshimitsu to leave, the thought of him leaving made him tense all over again, but. Is this what that feeling was?]
... This is all new to me, I'm afraid. [Not comforting words, but again not a rejection. But...] I've never felt this towards someone else before. [There's still hints of worry in the way his hands shuffled into his pockets. Namely how frequently people seem to disappear in this realm. And the fact that he remembered nothing of it that time he left. But Yoshimitsu seemed just as aware of it and yet still willing to try. He took another step forward.] I confess I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do.
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I would say you should follow your heart but I'm not even certain.
[His gaze softens some.]
This is so strange, isn't it? It's a riddle neither of us can solve alone.
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As enticing as the idea of being romantically by someone's side felt, he'd always dismissed himself as unworthy of it, someone like him who only felt a mild spark on a good day.]
Indeed... [It was unsettling how much he wanted to act to understand this feeling.]
This realm seems to favor those who take many partners, but what I feel with you... is... ["Intimidating, far stronger than I."] different than what I feel with them. [They arrived in this realm near the same time, knew well its ways. Takame doubted Yoshimitsu would miss his implication.]
I... may never truly understand it, but... [A pause, trying to find the right words. He went silent for a moment. Then took one more step forward. One step at a time, as Zhian always told him.]
I would like... to try. [Another pause.] With you.