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[sunshrouded]

Is this how it works? Ha! Got it!

Hey, this is the equivalent of getting in touch with the mighty Kumou Tenka - yours truly - if I'm otherwise busy. Tell me what you need and I'll get back to you as soon as possible! Talk to you soon.

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[sunshrouded]

[ It's not a no. Then again, Sousei very rarely actually tells Tenka no when it's something important. So he starts off with a smile, just a little rejuvenated, and reaches out to plant both of his hands on Sousei's shoulders. ]

I need you to believe in me, okay?

[ It's selfish, again. Though Tenka's not asking for the belief that comes like Chuutarou's idolatry. ]

Like -- you're a stubborn ass sometimes. Impossible to talk to. Don't even know a friend when you've got one. [ did this have a point ] .... But I know that if you ever leave, you're gonna come back because this family is important to you. And I'll be waiting even if it takes another ten years.

We're partners. Even when we're fighting, we're partners. That's just how it is.

So just... don't give up on me, okay? [ Because Sousei's the one who promised to drag Tenka to the end if he had to. ] Or just....

Just try.

[deontology]

[why are you such a dick though.

Was that...what he was doing? He's been so tired, and sluggish, and had so much weighing down on him that he hasn't really thought about it. But with it glaring right in his face...did he really lose some hope here?

He pauses. And then slowly, draws in a breath. Yes, it's selfish.

But it's also what Sousei does. He has... never lost faith, when he had reason to carry it. So this, too, he'll continue to carry.]

I won't give up.

[He won't give up. He doesn't even have to promise to try, because he knows this is a promise he can make.

Another slow breath, and as tired as he is, he manages nonetheless to look a little smug, and offer a vague smirk.]

I am not the sort that has to try.

[sunshrouded]

[ . . . Tenka blinks once and lets Sousei have all of three seconds to be smug.

And then he reaches up with one hand to instead pull at his cheek to wipe that smirk off his face. ]

Oh yeah? Then what've you been doing for the past few days? Just letting me feel shitty?!

Was it fun?!

[deontology]

[ow, asshole!!! Sousei pulls at Tenka's hair, trying to drag him away.]

Don't be ridiculous! You left, and right after saying exactly that. What was I supposed to think?

[An irritated huff, and he crosses his arms, looking away.]

It doesn't matter. I've decided for myself now.

[sunshrouded]

You're supposed to think "CERES has a terrible sense of humor, that's one more strike against them.

[ But he relents!! Admittedly only after Sousei started pulling his hair. Though he then snorts. ]

But really? Did you decide that? All by yourself?

No, can't be because as we've seen you're useless without me.

[ and he kicks Sousei's box. Because he 24 going on 5. ]

[deontology]

[No, that's stupid, you're stupid.

But he scoffs vaguely at that, even as he reaches over to save his tea from a messy fate.]

You're useless. I managed just fine without you. Don't listen to any rumors you've heard.

[don't...listen to anyone...]

[sunshrouded]

[ and Tenka just grins because ]

They said you were woooorriiiiiiied.

[ you liiiiike him even though his goal in life is to be your biggest headache ]

[deontology]

I was not. [IMMEDIATELY AND IRRITATEDLY.]

Irritated, yes. Worried, no. You left me a mess to deal with.

[sunshrouded]

Ah....

[ and as if he didn't hear any of that ]

So you were really worried.

[deontology]

[Sousei throws the towel at Tenka's face.]

No, I wasn't. Shut up. Stop putting words in my mouth.

[sunshrouded]

[ Tenka just catches it and cracks up some more. ]

Of course you only have energy when you're attacking me.

[deontology]

The fact that I'm tired means nothing. I can still handle this.

[THIS PLACE CAN'T BEAT HIM!!!]

I still have energy for whatever I need to do.

[sunshrouded]

So you need to attack me.....

[ and he sighs. though it's also mixed with a laugh ]

One day I'll realize why I agree to this abusive partnership.

[deontology]

[?? ???? ??? he's so offended.]

If anyone is abused by this partnership, it is me.

[sunshrouded]

[ and Tenka is just getting up from his box then ]

Wrong.

[deontology]

[And Sousei just huffs and crosses his arms, frowning.]

You are impossible in so many ways.

[sunshrouded]

You stick around too.

[ and he just laughs ]

More tea?

[deontology]

[A considering pause...and then he shrugs slightly and relaxes.]

Fine.

[He'll have more tea--because he really does stick around, and that's never going to change.]