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[CONSIDERING HOW KAORU VIEWS FAMILY THOUGH it's no wonder the idea didn't occur to him.......

But that shift catches Kaoru's attention, since the statement is poignant enough on its own, but it's the reaction and delivery that's most interesting. Kaoru can tell there's a story here that obviously isn't being told, but will respect that decision by only giving a faint hum of agreement.]

I'll treat her kindly... Though you shouldn't consider it a favor, Tenka-san. I consider her a friend, after all. [YEAH... oh boy.] She does seem like a very earnest and straightforward person, though. I can see where your concern may come from... But I'm certain that if she has people like you and Soramaru-san in her life, she'll be able to find happiness.

[ . . . . well, he shakes his head faintly.]

That's only gotten harder.... I guess I forgot to mention it to you, Kaoru-chan, but Soramaru....

[ . . . he shrugs faintly.]

He's not here anymore.

[damn, who turned.... down the sun.....]

He isn't?

[There's a little surprise present, but it actually comes and goes very quickly because Kaoru's a freakishly astute observer who can piece things together rapidly. He thinks, then, that Tenka's earlier hesitance during the conversation with Shuu might have stemmed from this - or from something similar, maybe. Something to do with the ancestor he mentioned, or perhaps a combination of the two.

But there are pieces missing from Tenka's family, and knowing how much Tenka treasures said family, it's not hard to understand why the sun just suddenly got stuck on a dimmer switch...]

...What a heavy weight. [It's a quiet remark, and Kaoru doesn't linger on it.]

Still, Soramaru-san will be able to help her once we all return to our homes, won't he? Your support would also help her, I would think... and this city is full of wonderful people, so Nishiki-san should be able to make good friends. Even if it becomes difficult, it's still possible.

[He isn't. And admittedly, Tenka appreciates the lack of lingering. It's still hard - to know that Soramaru's room is empty and he and Sousei are back to not having homemade meals packed for them when they go to work or have dinner. Tenka misses his little brother already.

He doesn't think he'll ever stop.

Regardless, he just manages a smile again as they continue to talk about Nishiki.]

I think so too. Nishiki-chan is really cute, after all! And she has a good heart.... I'm sure she'll be okay, but you know - older brothers just can't help but worry. It's our job.

[There might be some sort of weird not-actually-empathetic empathy at work here. It makes Kaoru think about the time spent before Chizuru had arrived and it's a stark, unpleasant reminder that she might be taken away at any time. It would be too difficult to handle, so it's out of respect for that difficulty that Kaoru leaves the topic largely untouched.

It's too private, and it would be too painful. Both for Tenka, surely, who loves his family so much but keeps to himself so closely that he doesn't even openly grieve the loss of a sibling, and for Kaoru, who just fails at sibling-related emoting in general.

Tenka's statement is echoed, either way, with a soft-sounding:]

It's the job of the elder sibling to look out for and protect the younger ones. [Definite agreement, there.] And Nishiki-san will likely benefit from having someone to watch over her, too.

Ah.... You understand, Kaoru-chan.

[And he's happy about it. There's definitely a feeling of camaraderie here as far as Tenka's concerned, seeing as it's someone else understanding the level of dedication and love that he feels towards his younger siblings.]

But I can only hope as much. Sousei and I do the best that we can but she's just a funny girl. Best for her to get to know all sorts of people.

[YEP... YEP, ON THE SAME WAVELENGTH. The camaraderie here is strong.

Kaoru just smiles in a brief, fleeting way in response to that. There is some understanding, at least, even if it's nowhere near what Tenka's imagining. Kaoru does truly believe in what was just said, after all.]

She will, I'm sure of it. She's a wonderful person to know and I'm certain that she'll be able to make many good friends for it. [A reassuring nod!] I hope that Tenka-san will be able to rest at ease just a little, even if it's in the nature of an elder brother to worry like this...

[Well, he just laughs in response to that and shakes his head fondly. Maybe.....]

Yeah, I'd have to say it's definitely just in my nature. I'm always going to be worried over her and all of the other members of our little family here. But if you're willing to help me take care of them, Kaoru-chan, then I'm sure it'll be fine.

[what's that sound off in the distance?? oh, it's an organ gently playing a funeral dirge for Tenka's inevitable demise...

Kaoru's expression shifts from minute surprise (because that's a lot of faith from someone who believes the world rests in his family) to a quiet and peaceful sort of contemplation. This guy... He really doesn't have much of a filter at all, does he?]

If someone is family to Tenka-san, who has treated me so well, then I would consider them family, too. I would be willing to do whatever I can, if it would help them and you. [The smile that follows is a little softer than usual, maybe a little warmer.

...And then, gently teasing:] Besides, I can't imagine that grey hair would suit you. It would be best if you avoid fretting yourself into old age so soon.

Edited 2015-02-22 11:27 (UTC)

[GUH-]

Don't even joke, Kaoru-chan!! I'm only 24! I'm not even as old as Sousei - he's the grandpa between the two of us, okay?!

[well that serious aura got shattered fast]

Oh, my... Are you certain you aren't just saying that because he's so stern? [Is Sousei actually the older one out of the two of them?? Kaoru doesn't seem to believe it...]

I didn't know that you were 24, either.

[SIDE-EYES... It's hard to tell if this is meant in a "are you pretending to be younger than you are" way or a "24 is pretty old" way, but clearly Kaoru is just teasing, right!!]

[HA.....?! THE TEASING!! The teasing is a surprise and from the betrayed look on Tenka's face, it looks like he's getting more and more distressed about it.]

24 is still young - I've got plenty of time left ahead of me!!

[uh-huh]

Kaoru-chan, you can't be so mean....!

[OH NO now Kaoru's laughing... But it's a gentle sort of laugh, and even though there's a clear ring of amusement, the expression present is also vaguely apologetic.

Only vaguely, though.]

Ah, please forgive me... With a reaction like that, I couldn't help myself. [It's 90% because Kaoru is going stircrazy after like 5 back to back months of keeping up with constant politeness...]

You're only a few years older than I am, so you're right. That is fairly young.

[ . . . . and he snorts faintly at that, shaking his head fondly.]

Yeah! It is!

[But anyway-]

S'fine though.... You've got a mean streak sometimes too, huh? Guess it happens even to the best of us....

[stop implying that you think kaoru is the best, tenka, gOD]

[no please keep implying that kaoru is the best, he gets a kick out of it eVERY SINGLE TIME. Pretty much literally, that shit's hilarious okay.]

I try not to tease, but Tenka-san made it a little too easy.

[hAH... really though, how could anyone resist teasing someone who wears a bigass target. He seems to remember something after that super charming statement though, offering another smile and nodding toward the door.]

Ah— regardless, I shouldn't take up more of your time than I have.

[Ah- That much manages to get Tenka to tilt his head, curious.]

You're gonna go already, Kaoru-chan? You should stay! Stick around! Have dinner with me and Sousei!!

[tenka no]

[tenka yes

Except Kaoru will also be on the "tenka no" wagon this time, politely raising a hand.]

I appreciate the offer, but I would hate to impose. Another time, perhaps?

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