[and this is the part where Tenka realizes that he doesn't think he knows much about Kaoru actually! whoa whoa, time for some ground-breaking shit here]
[SURPRISE. The first in a line of many surprises that will only become increasingly worse... But Kaoru actually looks a little surprised, too.]
Ah— well, I'm not a politician. I study medicine - Western medicine, if I've not mentioned it before. Still, clan heads are expected to be in attendance at certain gatherings and parties, yes? I'm no exception, even if those discussions don't interest me much.
[He pauses. Western medicine. Ah. Considering that lightly tucked into the back of his mind to bring up with Sousei -- true enough, Tenka's been looking for answers about his medical issues but Sousei doesn't seem to like Kaoru.... It causes a bit of a problem.
So he maybe misses one single beat before he offers a smile.]
I didn't know you were head of your clan either... Kaoru-chan, I feel like I actually don't know much about you at all!
the tears in fact just get worse with time tbh......
[Kaoru is exactly the doctor anyone would want on board on their zany journey through freaky medical rehabilitation......!
But while the beat is likely noticed, Kaoru certainly isn't about to comment on it. After all, it could well be because Tenka's surprised to hear that little factoid. A somewhat apologetic smile follows.]
I suppose there wasn't much reason to mention it before. [FOR A LOT OF REASONS which largely stem from paranoia and from Kaoru assuming that Tenka would be a pain to share these things with. He might try to talk about personal things or something... gross...]
I sometimes forget myself, to be honest, even though it's been several years. I'm not very well-suited for it... That's why I admire people who can handle such responsibility, and those who can support others. It's an impressive quality, and not one that everyone possesses.
You really don't give yourself enough credit, Kaoru-chan.... [And Tenka just laughs easily as he shrugs and gives a bright smile.] I think that you manage to be great support. I definitely don't know what it'd be like in Cerealia without you.
Kaoru's not going to be helping anyone, though. Definitely not Tenka. Instead, he'll just get a somewhat hesitant smile... Kaoru's hands fold together politely, but the gesture looks a little discomforted which is partially for show and partially because talking about home isn't usually pleasant.]
I feel a little better, hearing that from a person like Tenka-san. If I'm able to help even one person just a little, I suppose it's better than nothing.
[AN A FOR EFFORT, AT LEAST... Kaoru's next smile reflects something close to reassurance. Turn that frown upside down, mister!!]
Thank you for saying so, Tenka-san. Sometimes I feel as though I haven't been able to do much at all... [Hopefully that will change after the Sketchy Underground Business Network happens, but--] I'll keep trying my best. [A beat, and then:]
It's inspiring, how you're able to handle yourself so well in a place like this and still have the energy to spare to reassure others.
[It's called Being Polite, gosh. Kaoru seems happy that the compliment is accepted, either way!]
I think that you could stand to give yourself a little more credit, as well. [Even if he's obviously out of his element, it's not like he's trying to one-shot the olives from martini glasses or something.
Laughing a little at that, too. SURE IS NICE BEING AN INHUMAN CHAMELEON...]
It's just a matter of familiarity for me. Even though I've never been to a Western ball before, the similarities in structure are enough to help me get by. It helps that there are plenty of friends around to speak with, as well, so I don't have to be as nervous as I would if I were meeting a room full of strangers...
[Listen, we're not going to talk about the 3 different drinks Tenka's already managed to spill by this point in the night (he's been here like 12 minutes??) and he's just gonna
laugh nervously
uh-huh]
Ah.... Well, guess that says something about your adaptability, Kaoru-chan!! I'm all for Western things and seeing what differences they make but.... eh, I guess I like it more in a casual setting.
[wow........ Kaoru's opinion would immediately be rescinded. WHAT A SLOPPY BUM.]
I suppose adaptability is simply another necessity in the age we're in. ...Ah, or the age we come from, rather. [Good ol' Japan in times of civil unrest, what would Kaoru do without you.]
To be honest, I have difficulty picturing you dressing like that more often, even if it suits you well. Being in a situation like this... It's not as though you seem out of place, but I can understand the preference for events with less fanfare. I wouldn't mind seeing what a smaller Christmas celebration looks like, myself.
[And then they just got murderclaus and the elfettes.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
the bae
[ . . . . . ?]
Wait, you do politics, Kaoru-chan?!
[and this is the part where Tenka realizes that he doesn't think he knows much about Kaoru actually! whoa whoa, time for some ground-breaking shit here]
still crying
Ah— well, I'm not a politician. I study medicine - Western medicine, if I've not mentioned it before. Still, clan heads are expected to be in attendance at certain gatherings and parties, yes? I'm no exception, even if those discussions don't interest me much.
the tears don't stop
So he maybe misses one single beat before he offers a smile.]
I didn't know you were head of your clan either... Kaoru-chan, I feel like I actually don't know much about you at all!
the tears in fact just get worse with time tbh......
But while the beat is likely noticed, Kaoru certainly isn't about to comment on it. After all, it could well be because Tenka's surprised to hear that little factoid. A somewhat apologetic smile follows.]
I suppose there wasn't much reason to mention it before. [FOR A LOT OF REASONS which largely stem from paranoia and from Kaoru assuming that Tenka would be a pain to share these things with. He might try to talk about personal things or something... gross...]
I sometimes forget myself, to be honest, even though it's been several years. I'm not very well-suited for it... That's why I admire people who can handle such responsibility, and those who can support others. It's an impressive quality, and not one that everyone possesses.
no subject
{someone throw this loser a life vest]
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Kaoru's not going to be helping anyone, though. Definitely not Tenka. Instead, he'll just get a somewhat hesitant smile... Kaoru's hands fold together politely, but the gesture looks a little discomforted which is partially for show and partially because talking about home isn't usually pleasant.]
I feel a little better, hearing that from a person like Tenka-san. If I'm able to help even one person just a little, I suppose it's better than nothing.
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Hey... you've already managed to help me a ton! Really Kaoru-chan, don't put yourself down so much. I think that you make a big difference here.
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Thank you for saying so, Tenka-san. Sometimes I feel as though I haven't been able to do much at all... [Hopefully that will change after the Sketchy Underground Business Network happens, but--] I'll keep trying my best. [A beat, and then:]
It's inspiring, how you're able to handle yourself so well in a place like this and still have the energy to spare to reassure others.
no subject
Don't know if you can call tonight handling myself well by any stretch of the imagination.... but well, if you really say so, Kaoru-chan!
[hey, he'll take the compliment from a pretty lady]
You still seem a lot more at home here than I do, at any rate. I'm envious!
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I think that you could stand to give yourself a little more credit, as well. [Even if he's obviously out of his element, it's not like he's trying to one-shot the olives from martini glasses or something.
Laughing a little at that, too. SURE IS NICE BEING A
N INHUMAN CHAMELEON...]It's just a matter of familiarity for me. Even though I've never been to a Western ball before, the similarities in structure are enough to help me get by. It helps that there are plenty of friends around to speak with, as well, so I don't have to be as nervous as I would if I were meeting a room full of strangers...
no subject
laugh nervously
uh-huh]
Ah.... Well, guess that says something about your adaptability, Kaoru-chan!! I'm all for Western things and seeing what differences they make but.... eh, I guess I like it more in a casual setting.
no subject
I suppose adaptability is simply another necessity in the age we're in. ...Ah, or the age we come from, rather. [Good ol' Japan in times of civil unrest, what would Kaoru do without you.]
To be honest, I have difficulty picturing you dressing like that more often, even if it suits you well. Being in a situation like this... It's not as though you seem out of place, but I can understand the preference for events with less fanfare. I wouldn't mind seeing what a smaller Christmas celebration looks like, myself.
[And then they just got murderclaus and the elfettes.]
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Hey, maybe we should have one!!
[oh, how little you know, tenka]
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[??? MORE PARTIES sure sounds good. Sounds better than being attacked by Christmas-based gremlins, which surely won't happen!]
It could be a pleasant experience. But - Tenka-san, have you thrown a party like that before?
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[Aha... ha....
This guy kinda just announces a party and waits for half the town to show up.]