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[ Over the span of a week and multiple trips to the city, Kurapika bought a lot of books. Like, a lot.
He didn't forget about his offer, as menial as it was, and so he read the book he grabbed while out with Tatara first. It's why sometime during his second week here, he's knocking on Tatara's door, book nestled underneath his arm. ]
He didn't forget about his offer, as menial as it was, and so he read the book he grabbed while out with Tatara first. It's why sometime during his second week here, he's knocking on Tatara's door, book nestled underneath his arm. ]
[ No matter what time of day it might be, Tatara's probably napping.
So there's a bit of a delay before Kurapika feels any life from the other side of the door, and there's a short wait after that before the door finally swings open.
And there's your sage! He's still wrapped in his blanket, and the curtains inside are pulled closed. ]
Oh, Kurapika-kun. [ He sounds sleepy. ] What's up?
So there's a bit of a delay before Kurapika feels any life from the other side of the door, and there's a short wait after that before the door finally swings open.
And there's your sage! He's still wrapped in his blanket, and the curtains inside are pulled closed. ]
Oh, Kurapika-kun. [ He sounds sleepy. ] What's up?
It's fine! [ He flings his arms up, which at first looks like he's going to do one of those dramatic gestures he usually does, but it just turns out to be a stretch and a yawn.
Without another word, he whirls on his foot and pads over to the window, flinging open the curtains to let the sun in. It illuminates a room filled with little trinkets, odd curiosities, and perhaps surprisingly—some stacked books. ]
Come in. [ He motions to the couch, which is now devoid of his blanket (he's wearing it), and he hops onto the neatly made bed. ]
Without another word, he whirls on his foot and pads over to the window, flinging open the curtains to let the sun in. It illuminates a room filled with little trinkets, odd curiosities, and perhaps surprisingly—some stacked books. ]
Come in. [ He motions to the couch, which is now devoid of his blanket (he's wearing it), and he hops onto the neatly made bed. ]
[ Kurapika walks in, looking around at what Tatara has decided to decorate his room with. It’s… what he expected, really. Leave it to a weird guy to fill his room with little trinkets and knick-knacks.
While the couch is offered to him, Kurapika chooses not to sit. Not right now, at least. He’s too stiff of a person to go right for making himself comfortable, so awkwardly hanging around in the middle of the room will have to do for now. ]
I finished that book I purchased in town. I thought I’d go ahead and let you borrow it.
While the couch is offered to him, Kurapika chooses not to sit. Not right now, at least. He’s too stiff of a person to go right for making himself comfortable, so awkwardly hanging around in the middle of the room will have to do for now. ]
I finished that book I purchased in town. I thought I’d go ahead and let you borrow it.
[ Kurapika is so funny. Aww, Central babies...
But Tatara does light up. He remembered! ]
Really? The one about the knight?
[ That's all he remembers from the brief glance he snatched over Kurapika's shoulder.
He scoots forward in his potato blanket before eventually deciding to throw it off haphazardly over the bed, crawling the rest of the way to the edge. ]
You can just put it with the other books. [ He motions to a nearby dresser, where there is another modest stack of books. ]
But Tatara does light up. He remembered! ]
Really? The one about the knight?
[ That's all he remembers from the brief glance he snatched over Kurapika's shoulder.
He scoots forward in his potato blanket before eventually deciding to throw it off haphazardly over the bed, crawling the rest of the way to the edge. ]
You can just put it with the other books. [ He motions to a nearby dresser, where there is another modest stack of books. ]
That same one, yes.
[ He gives Tatara a Look for crawling around on the bed like that at his age, but he doesn’t vocalize his judgment. Not this time.
After all, he’s too busy taking that book over to the stack, briefly glancing at the titles that make up Tatara’s little collection. What has he been reading…? ]
[ He gives Tatara a Look for crawling around on the bed like that at his age, but he doesn’t vocalize his judgment. Not this time.
After all, he’s too busy taking that book over to the stack, briefly glancing at the titles that make up Tatara’s little collection. What has he been reading…? ]
I learned that hero’s tales are the same just about anywhere.
[ So in other words, yeah, he liked it. His attention is caught on that history book, however, and so Kurapika doesn’t elaborate further, his fingers briefly running along the cover. ]
How do you feel about the hatred the Granvelle family feels for your charges? I was surprised to learn that crown prince was supposedly ordered to be killed on account of being a wizard.
[ So in other words, yeah, he liked it. His attention is caught on that history book, however, and so Kurapika doesn’t elaborate further, his fingers briefly running along the cover. ]
How do you feel about the hatred the Granvelle family feels for your charges? I was surprised to learn that crown prince was supposedly ordered to be killed on account of being a wizard.
[ Tatara hums in mild interest. He can see that. Still an interesting takeaway, though.
The subject shifts to the Granvelles, and Tatara draws up his knees. Not in a show of fear or sadness or anything like that—he just wants to rest his chin on them.
He wraps his arms around his thighs and speaks in a slightly defeated tone: ]
It happens a lot, I hear. There are probably way more children killed off that we don't get to hear about, since they're not important enough for history books. People don't like wizards here.
[ His gaze rests on Kurapika. There's a faint hue of concern in his eyes. ]
Sometimes...I wonder what I can do in the face of old, old prejudice.
[ That's his answer, really. He knows the last batch were doing their best to ameliorate relationships between humans and wizards, and that Prince Arthur in particular was working hard towards that goal, but...? What's Tatara Totsuka meant to do, when he and the rest of his wizards don't even belong here?
He bets Vincent is happy, though. ]
The subject shifts to the Granvelles, and Tatara draws up his knees. Not in a show of fear or sadness or anything like that—he just wants to rest his chin on them.
He wraps his arms around his thighs and speaks in a slightly defeated tone: ]
It happens a lot, I hear. There are probably way more children killed off that we don't get to hear about, since they're not important enough for history books. People don't like wizards here.
[ His gaze rests on Kurapika. There's a faint hue of concern in his eyes. ]
Sometimes...I wonder what I can do in the face of old, old prejudice.
[ That's his answer, really. He knows the last batch were doing their best to ameliorate relationships between humans and wizards, and that Prince Arthur in particular was working hard towards that goal, but...? What's Tatara Totsuka meant to do, when he and the rest of his wizards don't even belong here?
He bets Vincent is happy, though. ]
A question for the ages, isn't it?
[ It's something Kurapika has pondered over most of his life, though of course he isn't going to divulge that right here and now. Maybe at some point, but not in this moment. ]
Caring at all is a first step, I think. [ He crosses his arms. ] I've wondered if any of us will face any trouble during our stay here.
[ It's something Kurapika has pondered over most of his life, though of course he isn't going to divulge that right here and now. Maybe at some point, but not in this moment. ]
Caring at all is a first step, I think. [ He crosses his arms. ] I've wondered if any of us will face any trouble during our stay here.
[ If anything - if anything Ginger knows Tatara will take to recovering like a fish to water. He’s probably bundled up, perhaps asleep. He’s getting the rest he needs, surely.
That’s good.
That’s why Ginger shows up at his door, knocking and knocking until the other man rouses. In his own room, Tatara will be forced to BE SAFE and NOT DIE, thank you. ]
That’s good.
That’s why Ginger shows up at his door, knocking and knocking until the other man rouses. In his own room, Tatara will be forced to BE SAFE and NOT DIE, thank you. ]
[ Nod, nod. It sure is.
He stares at Kurapika for a moment longer. Does he care...? ]
I can't guarantee you won't. [ A weird way of saying "I don't know," but. ]
But I can do what I can to protect you, even if that doesn't mean much. [ He smiles, a bit apologetically. ] They still look at me as human, after all.
He stares at Kurapika for a moment longer. Does he care...? ]
I can't guarantee you won't. [ A weird way of saying "I don't know," but. ]
But I can do what I can to protect you, even if that doesn't mean much. [ He smiles, a bit apologetically. ] They still look at me as human, after all.
[ Tatara is here!
He wasn't sleeping, but he was definitely bundled up and reading (not much else to do when you're practically confined to bed). So it doesn't take all that much time for him to roll out ofbed couch and make his way to the door.
His blanket is draped over his shoulders, his neck is bandaged, and for once, he's not wearing white. He's wearing pink. He blinks up at his visitor for a second, before a delighted little smile beams over his face. ]
Oh, hi, Ginger! What's up?
He wasn't sleeping, but he was definitely bundled up and reading (not much else to do when you're practically confined to bed). So it doesn't take all that much time for him to roll out of
His blanket is draped over his shoulders, his neck is bandaged, and for once, he's not wearing white. He's wearing pink. He blinks up at his visitor for a second, before a delighted little smile beams over his face. ]
Oh, hi, Ginger! What's up?
You.
[ Counterproductive for Ginger to get Tatara out of couch-bed only to literally shoo him back in? Yes. But is that what happens? Also yes.
His touch is firm, though gentle as he grabs Tatara’s arm and leads him back to where the blankets are. Sits him down and kneels in front of him so they can make eye contact. Ginger’s angry. ]
Did you even try to call for help that night?
[ Counterproductive for Ginger to get Tatara out of couch-bed only to literally shoo him back in? Yes. But is that what happens? Also yes.
His touch is firm, though gentle as he grabs Tatara’s arm and leads him back to where the blankets are. Sits him down and kneels in front of him so they can make eye contact. Ginger’s angry. ]
Did you even try to call for help that night?
Use that to your advantage.
[ That Tatara isn't a wizard means he can do something with that, in Kurapika's opinion. ]
But if you find that you can't, we'll find other ways to adapt and manage instead.
[ Like the contact in Kurapika's pocket. He'll find some sort of solution. ]
[ That Tatara isn't a wizard means he can do something with that, in Kurapika's opinion. ]
But if you find that you can't, we'll find other ways to adapt and manage instead.
[ Like the contact in Kurapika's pocket. He'll find some sort of solution. ]
Mmhmm.
[ Tatara knows that, at least. He nods emphatically, and even though the smile is still on his face, he means business. ]
I think our titles and positions are supposed to mean something. [ For a moment, he thinks, then just lazily waves his hand. ] We'll figure it out.
[ He tilts his head. ] But if anything does happen and I'm not around, then tell me. Okay?
[ He's not good at the whole, being a boss and in charge thing. But. He can emulate. ]
[ Tatara knows that, at least. He nods emphatically, and even though the smile is still on his face, he means business. ]
I think our titles and positions are supposed to mean something. [ For a moment, he thinks, then just lazily waves his hand. ] We'll figure it out.
[ He tilts his head. ] But if anything does happen and I'm not around, then tell me. Okay?
[ He's not good at the whole, being a boss and in charge thing. But. He can emulate. ]
Hm?
[ Aaand he doesn't get much of an opportunity to do anything else after staring dumbly up at Ginger before he's manhandled back onto his little couch. His coral eyes are wide as he stares into Ginger's mismatched, almost a little too innocently. What is this about? What's going on?
Blink. ]
Ah, you mean with Mika?
[ He can't remember, excactly, but he's probably called for help exctly once in his entire life. So...
He shakes his head. ]
[ Aaand he doesn't get much of an opportunity to do anything else after staring dumbly up at Ginger before he's manhandled back onto his little couch. His coral eyes are wide as he stares into Ginger's mismatched, almost a little too innocently. What is this about? What's going on?
Blink. ]
Ah, you mean with Mika?
[ He can't remember, excactly, but he's probably called for help exctly once in his entire life. So...
He shakes his head. ]
[ Tatara doesn't understand Ginger's anger, but he isn't about to brush it off when he feels the sincerity coming from it. Instead, he only stares quietly for a moment before responding: ]
Mika's my charge. It's my job to help him.
[ A beat. ]
I told Malice the same thing.
Mika's my charge. It's my job to help him.
[ A beat. ]
I told Malice the same thing.
Like that? So you let him almost kill you. If you'd died - do you think that would help him?!
[ You would've made it worse, he doesn't say. You would've hurt yourself for nothing, hurt him for nothing. Broken the both of them and then all Ginger would have - all that would be left would be those damn candles and an empty white couch in a dark room.
He grits his teeth, trying not to just grab Tatara and shake him viciously and violently. He wants to scream at him to fucking listen. A hissed breath, and then he says, slowly: ]
We could have lost you both.
[ Sometimes, anger feels just like sadness - and it leaks into every word. ]
[ You would've made it worse, he doesn't say. You would've hurt yourself for nothing, hurt him for nothing. Broken the both of them and then all Ginger would have - all that would be left would be those damn candles and an empty white couch in a dark room.
He grits his teeth, trying not to just grab Tatara and shake him viciously and violently. He wants to scream at him to fucking listen. A hissed breath, and then he says, slowly: ]
We could have lost you both.
[ Sometimes, anger feels just like sadness - and it leaks into every word. ]
[ Ah. The more Ginger talks, the more he recognizes the anger. That's Kusanagi-san after the boys went and picked pointless fights. That's him when Tatara would wander the streets alone and stumbled across things he shouldn't have.
And when it settles in his chest, he leans forward, calming his own confusion in an attempt to calm Ginger in turn. He knows he can be reckless, he knows he doesn't often think these things through.
So he says, with sincerity: ] I'm sorry.
[ He lifts his arm out from under his blanket and reaches to gently place his hand on Ginger's cheek, an attempt to calm him. His hand is warm, and proof he's alive. ]
But we're okay. Sometimes, these things happen. But it won't again, not anymore.
[ He tilts his head, peering into Ginger's eyes. ]
Okay?
And when it settles in his chest, he leans forward, calming his own confusion in an attempt to calm Ginger in turn. He knows he can be reckless, he knows he doesn't often think these things through.
So he says, with sincerity: ] I'm sorry.
[ He lifts his arm out from under his blanket and reaches to gently place his hand on Ginger's cheek, an attempt to calm him. His hand is warm, and proof he's alive. ]
But we're okay. Sometimes, these things happen. But it won't again, not anymore.
[ He tilts his head, peering into Ginger's eyes. ]
Okay?
[ Kurapika shoves his hands into his pockets. ]
I will. [ ... ] You know, I was wondering what made you sage in the first place, or how you'd use your authority.
[ Because it's clear that Tatara isn't exactly used to being in charge, but he's trying. ]
I will. [ ... ] You know, I was wondering what made you sage in the first place, or how you'd use your authority.
[ Because it's clear that Tatara isn't exactly used to being in charge, but he's trying. ]
I've been wondering, too.
[ He says this in an almost joking tone, but he quickly gives a real answer: ]
I think I'm meant to be the go-between for you [ the wizards ] and the rest of the world. The sage isn't supposed to be native to this world, so, [ He traces a circle in the air. ] I think that means I'm supposed to be a neutral party.
[ He says this in an almost joking tone, but he quickly gives a real answer: ]
I think I'm meant to be the go-between for you [ the wizards ] and the rest of the world. The sage isn't supposed to be native to this world, so, [ He traces a circle in the air. ] I think that means I'm supposed to be a neutral party.
You’re such a liar, you know?
[ Ginger hears the sincerity in his apology, but he doesn’t believe the rest. Even if Tatara thinks he means it. ]
It won’t happen like this again because next time - [ The hand can stay. Ginger won’t duck away. He’ll feel Ginger’s jaw clench from the tension, the tightness of anger. The kind of swallow you do when you don’t want to cry - not yet. ] - next time, you call for help.
You can’t just say okay. It has to be a promise.
[ Ginger hears the sincerity in his apology, but he doesn’t believe the rest. Even if Tatara thinks he means it. ]
It won’t happen like this again because next time - [ The hand can stay. Ginger won’t duck away. He’ll feel Ginger’s jaw clench from the tension, the tightness of anger. The kind of swallow you do when you don’t want to cry - not yet. ] - next time, you call for help.
You can’t just say okay. It has to be a promise.
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