[ Jing Yuan doesn't have any issues in pulling back at hearing that (so there will be no kiss happening at all!), and it's with ease that he carefully lets go, not wanting to burden the other so.
Not when it's clear he is this uncomfortable.
He will even stand to his feet. He has more than enough discipline to manage that with ease and grace. ]
No. It is I who should give you my apologies for overstepping.
I hope we can at least still be respectable allies who work towards a mutual goal.
[ Despite everything that just happened in the past moment or so, Jing Yuan doesn't seem bothered at the idea. Though he can't guarantee that will be the same for Tatara, and will be completely understanding if it isn't.
After all, he certainly could have handled that better, even with everything that had happened which might have affected his judgment, his actions are his own. And it is his responsibility to own up to them. ]
[ When Jing Yuan stands, Tatara takes a moment to collect himself. He rubs his hands over his face, trying to soothe the heat on his face with the cool of his hands. Ahh, his heart still beats like crazy, but maybe it'll calm in due time.
He gives a light laugh, one that's still clearly nervous. ]
Me, too. We're in this together. And we're neighbors.
[ He eventually gets to his feet, collects his piece of cake, and then settles into the couch again. With another bright smile, he pats the spot next to him on the couch again. It seems like there are no hard feelings, at least. ]
[ Jing Yuan already has been preparing to calmly make his exit following Tatara's answer, simply because that seemed prudent. As for any nerves himself, he isn't the type to be easily shaken or give into a state of nervousness, for better or worse, though he's surprised the other wants to still talk.
But, very well. If he is certain, he will sit down next to Tatara once more. Since it seems the other isn't too troubled to have him stay for them to discuss whatever other matters there appear to be. Even with being nervous. ]
What did you wish to speak about? I assume there's something on your mind—of a different subject?
[ Tatara's gaze flits up to Jing Yuan as he sits down beside him, then back down to his cake.
He probably still looks like his cake, but. He's not going to not finish eating it.
He carves off another bit. ]
I heard you got hurt in the incident yesterday. [ He puts the bit in his mouth, and looks up at Jing Yuan again. He talks with his mouth full. ] Are you okay?
[ Jing Yuan supposes it's only natural for Tatara to ask about the situation, considering the incident occurred when it did.
Therefore, he accepts the questioning directed his way about his person. So, as Tatara continues to eat, he answers politely and straight to the point on the portion concerning him. He'll continue to eat his slice later. ]
Fortunately, I physically recovered just fine.
[ Moving past himself, though. ]
If you haven't had the chance to see to Mika and Khun, you should. They sustained a good deal of injuries; though, if you already have, mentioning it may as well be a bit moot.
Though, it'd also be good for everyone if nothing like this situation has a repeat.
[ Jing Yuan simply states, because he has a feeling that they could've diminished their plights, even if he has no idea what either of them said. Get Khun's ass, Tatara.
As for the other matter, he has not been expecting the question to be directed his way, and though he is tempted to look away, he does not. He can only smile politely, which is like his usual smiles. ]
I am well. I appreciate your consideration and diligence in these matters, however it bears mentioning I have extensive experience in handling dangerous situations. This was no different.
[ Jing Yuan doesn't think it too out there to assume that Tatara must be concerned about that in terms of recent events, hence his answer. ]
Anyway, that's good enough for him. Jing Yuan still hasn't touched his slice, but that is only because he will truly be having it later (taking it back to his room) ]
Don't worry, I understand. Such is the responsibility of a leader.
[ But at the observation, he will simply nod. ]
That's right. When one has partaken in many battles, any stressors are easily shaken off by its conclusion.
Whoa... [ There it is again—the look of wonder comes back to his face as he stares up at Jing Yuan. ] Many battles? Are you like a warrior, or something? A commander of some kind of army?
[ Truly, he looks like such an exuberant young one; though his comparison is more about those little ones who are hanging on every word as you tell them an exciting tale before bed.
He smiles a little. ]
I do have my own soldiers to command, yes. As for a horse...not quite.
When I enter battle with them, I stand on the same ground as my soldiers—as fellow countrymen. The only difference in the end is, of course, that I give the orders for them to follow.
[ Jing Yuan thinks he might embellish some details and pick out whichever story he thought was suitable. As it is, when Tatara asks, he stands up again at this time, picking up the plate his slice is on. If the other wants more cake he can definitely take more slices from the remaining cake. ]
I am. I'm still feeling tired, so I will simply finish it up in my room and go to bed.
[ He didn't exactly sleep well following the incident but that's because he decided to practice magic and other matters he doesn't care to mention. ]
I should leave you to your rest, since I know you'll be needing it.
Take care Tatara, and we will speak again.
[ He will linger a bit to hear any parting words, but other than that, he will make his exit. ]
[ With a smile, he nods. That would be nice, sometime. If at least to get to know the people who are, ostensibly?, under his command better.
He stands when Jing Yuan does, if only as a polite gesture. He feels a little bad as he makes his way to the door, but he keeps his smile anyway. ]
Mm-hmm. Take care, Jing Yuan. You know where to find me if you need me.
[ next door!!
And when he's gone, Tatara lingers in the silence for a bit. He eventually finds his way back to his couch, where he promptly buries his face in his hands.
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Not when it's clear he is this uncomfortable.
He will even stand to his feet. He has more than enough discipline to manage that with ease and grace. ]
No. It is I who should give you my apologies for overstepping.
I hope we can at least still be respectable allies who work towards a mutual goal.
[ Despite everything that just happened in the past moment or so, Jing Yuan doesn't seem bothered at the idea. Though he can't guarantee that will be the same for Tatara, and will be completely understanding if it isn't.
After all, he certainly could have handled that better, even with everything that had happened which might have affected his judgment, his actions are his own. And it is his responsibility to own up to them. ]
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[ When Jing Yuan stands, Tatara takes a moment to collect himself. He rubs his hands over his face, trying to soothe the heat on his face with the cool of his hands. Ahh, his heart still beats like crazy, but maybe it'll calm in due time.
He gives a light laugh, one that's still clearly nervous. ]
Me, too. We're in this together. And we're neighbors.
[ He eventually gets to his feet, collects his piece of cake, and then settles into the couch again. With another bright smile, he pats the spot next to him on the couch again. It seems like there are no hard feelings, at least. ]
And we're not done talking.
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But, very well. If he is certain, he will sit down next to Tatara once more. Since it seems the other isn't too troubled to have him stay for them to discuss whatever other matters there appear to be. Even with being nervous. ]
What did you wish to speak about? I assume there's something on your mind—of a different subject?
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He probably still looks like his cake, but. He's not going to not finish eating it.
He carves off another bit. ]
I heard you got hurt in the incident yesterday. [ He puts the bit in his mouth, and looks up at Jing Yuan again. He talks with his mouth full. ] Are you okay?
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Therefore, he accepts the questioning directed his way about his person. So, as Tatara continues to eat, he answers politely and straight to the point on the portion concerning him. He'll continue to eat his slice later. ]
Fortunately, I physically recovered just fine.
[ Moving past himself, though. ]
If you haven't had the chance to see to Mika and Khun, you should. They sustained a good deal of injuries; though, if you already have, mentioning it may as well be a bit moot.
Though, it'd also be good for everyone if nothing like this situation has a repeat.
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[ A little frown of a pout crosses his face. Khun didn't even mention an injury. Sneaky bastard.
Anyway, he nods, carving out another piece of cake for himself. ]
Yeah. I'll go back and tell them.
[ After a beat, after taking another piece of cake in his mouth, he peers into the gold of Jing Yuan's eyes. ]
Physically, you said. Mentally, emotionally—are you okay in those departments, too?
[ Arguably the more important factors for a wizard's wellbeing. ]
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[ Jing Yuan simply states, because he has a feeling that they could've diminished their plights, even if he has no idea what either of them said.
Get Khun's ass, Tatara.As for the other matter, he has not been expecting the question to be directed his way, and though he is tempted to look away, he does not. He can only smile politely, which is like his usual smiles. ]
I am well. I appreciate your consideration and diligence in these matters, however it bears mentioning I have extensive experience in handling dangerous situations. This was no different.
[ Jing Yuan doesn't think it too out there to assume that Tatara must be concerned about that in terms of recent events, hence his answer. ]
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Jing Yuan smiles, and Tatara smiles back. Except Tatara's is more of one of relief instead, accepting his reassurances. ]
Ahhh, okay, good. It's my job to make sure you're doing okay.
[ Aww, his cake slice is getting smaller... He thinks about taking another bite, but then decides against it. ]
That's cool, though. [ And he can see it. ] So I guess it wasn't much of a big deal to you, then? The fight, I mean.
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Anyway, that's good enough for him. Jing Yuan still hasn't touched his slice, but that is only because he will truly be having it later (taking it back to his room) ]
Don't worry, I understand. Such is the responsibility of a leader.
[ But at the observation, he will simply nod. ]
That's right. When one has partaken in many battles, any stressors are easily shaken off by its conclusion.
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Whoa... [ There it is again—the look of wonder comes back to his face as he stares up at Jing Yuan. ] Many battles? Are you like a warrior, or something? A commander of some kind of army?
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Anyway, Jing Yuan gives pause, as he considers his answer carefully. ]
I am something like a General back home, yes.
[ This is just reminding him how much he will need to return to his duty. But, reminders have never ceased, so that is fine. ]
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[ Tatara stuffs the last piece of cake into his mouth, and continues to talk, mouth full. He looks like a little kid in the dinosaur museum. ]
Did you have your own army? Did you sit on a horse and like, command your men to charge and stuff like that?
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He smiles a little. ]
I do have my own soldiers to command, yes. As for a horse...not quite.
When I enter battle with them, I stand on the same ground as my soldiers—as fellow countrymen. The only difference in the end is, of course, that I give the orders for them to follow.
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[ Story time! Story time!!
He places his plate and fork on his lap, and notices Jing Yuan's cake remains untouched. ]
You're not gonna eat that?
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[ Jing Yuan thinks he might embellish some details and pick out whichever story he thought was suitable. As it is, when Tatara asks, he stands up again at this time, picking up the plate his slice is on. If the other wants more cake he can definitely take more slices from the remaining cake. ]
I am. I'm still feeling tired, so I will simply finish it up in my room and go to bed.
[ He didn't exactly sleep well following the incident but that's because he decided to practice magic and other matters he doesn't care to mention. ]
I should leave you to your rest, since I know you'll be needing it.
Take care Tatara, and we will speak again.
[ He will linger a bit to hear any parting words, but other than that, he will make his exit. ]
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He stands when Jing Yuan does, if only as a polite gesture. He feels a little bad as he makes his way to the door, but he keeps his smile anyway. ]
Mm-hmm. Take care, Jing Yuan. You know where to find me if you need me.
[ next door!!
And when he's gone, Tatara lingers in the silence for a bit. He eventually finds his way back to his couch, where he promptly buries his face in his hands.
He'll finish that cake. Eventually. But. Welp. ]