[After the horrible misstep that was attempting to bring out Bruno's bad side by fighting some sirens, Akira didn't expect they'd ever speak again, their partnership be damned. He hadn't known the sirens to be capable of transforming, much less into familiar forms like that of Bruno's family members, but Akira's ignorance isn't an excuse. The fact that he hadn't been prepared for any outcome is further proof that he fucked up and earned the cold shoulder Bruno's been giving him.
That's why, when he opens the door to find Bruno on the other side, he jumps in place. Of all the people who might come to visit, Bruno is the last person he expected to see.
Akira makes quick work of wiping the wide-eyed shock off his face, straightening up and greeting him like he would anyone else.]
[ Wow, he does not sound enthusiastic, but he can't help it. Seeing Akira up close again brings his thoughts back to the lake and the entire disaster that was. ]
I just. Well. It sounds like things might be getting dangerous soon. More dangerous, anyway, everything sort of... already... was... [ Ahem. Right. ] So. I figured, maybe, we should. Talk. About stuff.
[...Ah, right. There was a chance this conversation might happen, what with things coming to a head as of late. Leaning against the doorframe, Akira crosses his arms.]
You don't have to worry about me dragging you into danger. I can't make you a promise for obvious reasons, but I don't plan on putting you in harm's way. You'll have to take my word for it.
[ Oh... Well, Bruno can see why he would think that, but he's quick to shake his head. ]
No, no, I. We're all going to be in danger regardless, Akira. I didn't come here to ask you to leave me alone. I came here because I still want to work this whole partner thing out, y'know? It's just.
[ He sighs and stops avoiding looking up at Akira. He's going to do it. Eye contact is important. ]
You have to respect how I want to do things, too, not just how you want to do things.
[Eye contact? That catches him by surprise. It's even more of a shock to hear Bruno take on a more authoritative tone, but it's a welcome one. Akira listens and he nods, silent while he considers what Bruno is saying.]
It's not all about me. I think you've got the wrong impression of me if that's what you think, but I get it. I understand why you think that, after what happened at the lake.
Let me ask you this: what do you want from me?
[He wants to fight alongside Bruno. That's all Akira has wanted since finding out that they were partners, but what he wants and what Bruno wants may very well be two entirely different things.]
[ Look, sometimes having a long talk with Solomon turns out to be a positive thing, what else can he say? ]
I mean, I think I have some ideas that aren't that wrong. Aggressively silly? Easily guilt-ridden? Maybe bites off more than he can chew?
[ Sound a little familiar, Akira? ]
But it's not like you've told me a whole lot about yourself, while you know a ton about me. That's. That's part of what I want. I want to know about you, too, not just have you listen to me whine about my life all the time... and... and I don't want to hurt people. Even if they're bad people. If they're human or another wizard or they... they can talk... I just. I don't want to do that again. I can't.
[Akira sounds only slightly incredulous. How many people now have told Akira that he doesn't talk about himself enough? This never happened back home. It was enough to focus on the other person and worry about solving their problems and theirs alone. Sure, there are people like Maruki who did his best to therapize him and get him to open up, but Akira doubled down and said nothing at all to the man because Maruki was trying to crack him open like a walnut. It's not that he's purposefully resistant to talking about himself, but...
...Alright, whatever. Akira steps aside and motions for Bruno to come in and take a seat. There's a wooden chair at his desk and a leather couch further into the room.]
Before everything went south at the lake, I brought you there for a reason. I wanted to show you why it's necessary to fight even when you don't want to— even when it hurts. Fighting the people you love? I've been there before too.
[Akira sits himself on the edge of his bed, a sigh betraying him.]
I've never fought because I'm a violent delinquent who wants to hurt people. I fight because I want to be free to live my life however I choose. I want that for the people I care about too. So what if I bite off more than I can chew? I'm not going to be told what the outcome of my life will be and refuse to fight for something better.
[ Bruno trails on in after Akira. He won't take a seat in the chair or on the couch, though. Nope, he sits next to him on the edge of the bed, instead. He's here to try and mend the distance between them, not stay away. ]
I didn't call you violent, Akira.
[ Aggressively silly, yes, but violent? ]
Maybe the word "hurt" isn't right. Did you know? I don't know a single offensive spell, besides that Swords card deal? It isn't because I don't want to fight for the people I love. It's just... well... I'd rather find another way. Like freezing people in place or putting them to sleep or. I dunno. More defensive stuff.
Yeah, but I wouldn't blame you if you were thinking it.
[Nor would he hold anything against Bruno if he were. Akira's been called worse, and he's not above answering for his own actions.]
I get that— the defensive magic. I respect it, too. I just worry about what could happen when the chips are down and knocking people out isn't enough. Would you freeze up? Would you panic?
[Akira laces his restless hands together. It's better than leaving them to twist themselves up in the fabric of his duvet.]
I worry about you getting hurt, or maybe even killed. I worry that you won't fight back when your life's on the line.
Nah, you might not, but I would. I am really good at blaming myself.
[ For nearly everything. That aside, he breathes out a sigh of his own and lets his gaze wander off, idly looking around Akira's room as he talks. ]
But you aren't wrong. I worry about that, too. Everyone at the meeting kept disagreeing that I'd be a burden but I know I could be, easily. I'm not particularly brave, and I'm not particularly strong, either, unless you count my healing magic. That's why I want to work on defensive magic. If nothing else works, if I can at least shield myself and anyone with me... maybe it buys us enough time...
[Akira listens and nods, though he doesn't look particularly pleased.]
You are, and that's a problem.
[Blaming himself for everything... it's not like Akira doesn't understand that nasty habit of Bruno's, but he's no more a fan of it now than he was when they first met. He clicks his tongue.]
But me trying to help you move past that sure did backfire. Hmm...
[In every team, people being their own strengths and benefits. Bruno is no different. Akira brings a hand to his chin and hums, looking the man over.]
Shields and buffs will be a big help to the people fighting on the front lines. If you want help refining your magic, I'm happy to help.
[Now, regarding the elephant in the room—]
...As far as our special spell goes, just put it out of your mind. If it doesn't work for you, there's no point in trying to use it.
Yeah, I think it'll take a lot more than a few months to fix that problem.
[ He's acknowledging it as a problem, though, and that's the first step. Bruno's gaze snaps back to Akira over what he says last, however. ]
No. I want to try it again. [ He's quick to say that, so quick he almost stumbles over his own words. ] It's... it isn't only the Swords spell. The others don't do that. They're like, what you said, right? Buffs. I could tell as soon as I touched the other cards. I just.
[ He grimaces and turns away slightly. ]
The whole... lake thing. When we all first got here, something awful had happened to... to my family. And. [ He stops there a moment, struggling. He doesn't want to talk about it, not really. ] I don't know if... if they're okay... and it's all my fault. Seeing them there, at the lake. It was too much for me b-but, y'know, you didn't know that, and I know that you didn't, s-so... I wasn't really ever mad at you, Akira. I was just. Just scared.
[Ah. He would've understood if Bruno never wanted to use the spell again, but it's a welcome surprise that he does. Maybe they'll just, uh, practice on some training dummies instead of magical lake women?
That's something to suggest later. Right now, Akira owes Bruno an apology, when he hadn't been able to give to him on account of the protracted silence between them. Now that he can, Akira rises only to dip at the waist and bow his head.]
Not knowing how bad things could get isn't an excuse. I should've told you what I had planned from the very start. Even if you would've protested, I shouldn't have tried to force you to move past something you weren't ready to move past.
[ lmao oh wow, awkward silence where Bruno watches Akira go through the motions to dip and bow, but rather than offense, he asks quietly, ]
...wait, why are you bowing? Sh-should I be bowing, too? Is this a thing...?
[ Bruno, no. Er. Well then! Look, at least once that moment passes, he pulls himself together quickly enough. ]
Uh, though, um. Thanks. That... means a lot to me. Ha, wow, y'know, I was telling Solomon how I was afraid that you'd be the one who hated me for all of that, y'know?
[One thing Akira's learned is that no one here, including other Japanese people, can handle Japanese politeness. He's a bit sheepish when he straightens out of his bow to find Bruno acting awkward as hell, but what's new? Being awkward is Bruno's charm point...?]
Uh, no. That's just kinda how you apologize in Japan. Don't bow or I'll smack you.
[Gently! Don't embarrass him.]
...You seriously think I'd hate you for my own mistake? You really don't know me... buuut I guess that's on me. You probably figure by now, but I'm not? The best? At talking about myself.
Aaand. Sort of? I'm kind of used to people hating me for their own problems, remember? But yeah. You seem good at getting other folks to talk about themselves but you aren't into sharing much yourself, Akira.
We have that in common, you know. Being judged for things beyond our control.
[That may be another reason why the powers that be designated them as pairs, but who knows? In any case... talking about himself. Ah. Akira doesn't even know where to begin.
Scooting to one side of the bed, he pats the opposing side. C'mere, old man. It's awkward having this conversation with one of them sitting and the other standing.]
Ask me whatever you want. I can't promise I'll answer anything too personal, but I'll try.
Nah, I'm not going to ask anything weird or anything. Just, I dunno, how are things for you where you're from? Do you have family? Friends? Are you going to school? Do you... do magic-y stuff there, too, or...?
[He hopes his honest answer doesn't make Bruno regret asking...]
I'm from Japan. Lots of friends, good grades, talking cat.
[Don't worry about the talking cat. Totally normal.]
I haven't seen my folks in over a year, but they're doing well as far as I know. I was about to go back home when I got pulled into this place, actually. Hopefully my folks don't think I've run off to commit another crime.
[ Oddly enough, Bruno accepts the talking cat as normal. His nephew talks to animals, too, so why wouldn't it be? What does get a bit of confusion, however, is the comment about Akira's parents. ]
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no subject
That's why, when he opens the door to find Bruno on the other side, he jumps in place. Of all the people who might come to visit, Bruno is the last person he expected to see.
Akira makes quick work of wiping the wide-eyed shock off his face, straightening up and greeting him like he would anyone else.]
What's up, Bruno?
no subject
[ Wow, he does not sound enthusiastic, but he can't help it. Seeing Akira up close again brings his thoughts back to the lake and the entire disaster that was. ]
I just. Well. It sounds like things might be getting dangerous soon. More dangerous, anyway, everything sort of... already... was... [ Ahem. Right. ] So. I figured, maybe, we should. Talk. About stuff.
no subject
You don't have to worry about me dragging you into danger. I can't make you a promise for obvious reasons, but I don't plan on putting you in harm's way. You'll have to take my word for it.
no subject
No, no, I. We're all going to be in danger regardless, Akira. I didn't come here to ask you to leave me alone. I came here because I still want to work this whole partner thing out, y'know? It's just.
[ He sighs and stops avoiding looking up at Akira. He's going to do it. Eye contact is important. ]
You have to respect how I want to do things, too, not just how you want to do things.
no subject
It's not all about me. I think you've got the wrong impression of me if that's what you think, but I get it. I understand why you think that, after what happened at the lake.
Let me ask you this: what do you want from me?
[He wants to fight alongside Bruno. That's all Akira has wanted since finding out that they were partners, but what he wants and what Bruno wants may very well be two entirely different things.]
no subject
I mean, I think I have some ideas that aren't that wrong. Aggressively silly? Easily guilt-ridden? Maybe bites off more than he can chew?
[ Sound a little familiar, Akira? ]
But it's not like you've told me a whole lot about yourself, while you know a ton about me. That's. That's part of what I want. I want to know about you, too, not just have you listen to me whine about my life all the time... and... and I don't want to hurt people. Even if they're bad people. If they're human or another wizard or they... they can talk... I just. I don't want to do that again. I can't.
no subject
[Akira sounds only slightly incredulous. How many people now have told Akira that he doesn't talk about himself enough? This never happened back home. It was enough to focus on the other person and worry about solving their problems and theirs alone. Sure, there are people like Maruki who did his best to therapize him and get him to open up, but Akira doubled down and said nothing at all to the man because Maruki was trying to crack him open like a walnut. It's not that he's purposefully resistant to talking about himself, but...
...Alright, whatever. Akira steps aside and motions for Bruno to come in and take a seat. There's a wooden chair at his desk and a leather couch further into the room.]
Before everything went south at the lake, I brought you there for a reason. I wanted to show you why it's necessary to fight even when you don't want to— even when it hurts. Fighting the people you love? I've been there before too.
[Akira sits himself on the edge of his bed, a sigh betraying him.]
I've never fought because I'm a violent delinquent who wants to hurt people. I fight because I want to be free to live my life however I choose. I want that for the people I care about too. So what if I bite off more than I can chew? I'm not going to be told what the outcome of my life will be and refuse to fight for something better.
no subject
I didn't call you violent, Akira.
[ Aggressively silly, yes, but violent? ]
Maybe the word "hurt" isn't right. Did you know? I don't know a single offensive spell, besides that Swords card deal? It isn't because I don't want to fight for the people I love. It's just... well... I'd rather find another way. Like freezing people in place or putting them to sleep or. I dunno. More defensive stuff.
no subject
[Nor would he hold anything against Bruno if he were. Akira's been called worse, and he's not above answering for his own actions.]
I get that— the defensive magic. I respect it, too. I just worry about what could happen when the chips are down and knocking people out isn't enough. Would you freeze up? Would you panic?
[Akira laces his restless hands together. It's better than leaving them to twist themselves up in the fabric of his duvet.]
I worry about you getting hurt, or maybe even killed. I worry that you won't fight back when your life's on the line.
no subject
[ For nearly everything. That aside, he breathes out a sigh of his own and lets his gaze wander off, idly looking around Akira's room as he talks. ]
But you aren't wrong. I worry about that, too. Everyone at the meeting kept disagreeing that I'd be a burden but I know I could be, easily. I'm not particularly brave, and I'm not particularly strong, either, unless you count my healing magic. That's why I want to work on defensive magic. If nothing else works, if I can at least shield myself and anyone with me... maybe it buys us enough time...
no subject
You are, and that's a problem.
[Blaming himself for everything... it's not like Akira doesn't understand that nasty habit of Bruno's, but he's no more a fan of it now than he was when they first met. He clicks his tongue.]
But me trying to help you move past that sure did backfire. Hmm...
[In every team, people being their own strengths and benefits. Bruno is no different. Akira brings a hand to his chin and hums, looking the man over.]
Shields and buffs will be a big help to the people fighting on the front lines. If you want help refining your magic, I'm happy to help.
[Now, regarding the elephant in the room—]
...As far as our special spell goes, just put it out of your mind. If it doesn't work for you, there's no point in trying to use it.
no subject
[ He's acknowledging it as a problem, though, and that's the first step. Bruno's gaze snaps back to Akira over what he says last, however. ]
No. I want to try it again. [ He's quick to say that, so quick he almost stumbles over his own words. ] It's... it isn't only the Swords spell. The others don't do that. They're like, what you said, right? Buffs. I could tell as soon as I touched the other cards. I just.
[ He grimaces and turns away slightly. ]
The whole... lake thing. When we all first got here, something awful had happened to... to my family. And. [ He stops there a moment, struggling. He doesn't want to talk about it, not really. ] I don't know if... if they're okay... and it's all my fault. Seeing them there, at the lake. It was too much for me b-but, y'know, you didn't know that, and I know that you didn't, s-so... I wasn't really ever mad at you, Akira. I was just. Just scared.
no subject
That's something to suggest later. Right now, Akira owes Bruno an apology, when he hadn't been able to give to him on account of the protracted silence between them. Now that he can, Akira rises only to dip at the waist and bow his head.]
Not knowing how bad things could get isn't an excuse. I should've told you what I had planned from the very start. Even if you would've protested, I shouldn't have tried to force you to move past something you weren't ready to move past.
I'm sorry Bruno.
no subject
...wait, why are you bowing? Sh-should I be bowing, too? Is this a thing...?
[ Bruno, no. Er. Well then! Look, at least once that moment passes, he pulls himself together quickly enough. ]
Uh, though, um. Thanks. That... means a lot to me. Ha, wow, y'know, I was telling Solomon how I was afraid that you'd be the one who hated me for all of that, y'know?
no subject
Uh, no. That's just kinda how you apologize in Japan. Don't bow or I'll smack you.
[Gently! Don't embarrass him.]
...You seriously think I'd hate you for my own mistake? You really don't know me... buuut I guess that's on me. You probably figure by now, but I'm not? The best? At talking about myself.
no subject
[ Pls no smack. ]
Aaand. Sort of? I'm kind of used to people hating me for their own problems, remember? But yeah. You seem good at getting other folks to talk about themselves but you aren't into sharing much yourself, Akira.
no subject
[That may be another reason why the powers that be designated them as pairs, but who knows? In any case... talking about himself. Ah. Akira doesn't even know where to begin.
Scooting to one side of the bed, he pats the opposing side. C'mere, old man. It's awkward having this conversation with one of them sitting and the other standing.]
Ask me whatever you want. I can't promise I'll answer anything too personal, but I'll try.
no subject
Nah, I'm not going to ask anything weird or anything. Just, I dunno, how are things for you where you're from? Do you have family? Friends? Are you going to school? Do you... do magic-y stuff there, too, or...?
no subject
[He hopes his honest answer doesn't make Bruno regret asking...]
I'm from Japan. Lots of friends, good grades, talking cat.
[Don't worry about the talking cat. Totally normal.]
I haven't seen my folks in over a year, but they're doing well as far as I know. I was about to go back home when I got pulled into this place, actually. Hopefully my folks don't think I've run off to commit another crime.
no subject
Wait, what? Why would they ever think that?