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tampered2006-12-27 02:44 am
elegantorchid.livejournal.com) wrote in tampered2006-12-27 02:44 am
[ Complete ] Tea Time and Illusions - Ranmaru and Subaru-kun.
When; Earlier :D
Rating; G
Characters; Sumeragi Subaru [![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
angstmagnet] and Mori Ranmaru [elegantorchid]
Summary; Ranmaru wants to learn a little more about Subaru-san's youth.. and makes a friend out of him. :D
Log;
One suit completed, Ranmaru moved an arm over his brow and smiled at his latest accomplishment. This was usually how he ended up distracting himself from troubles that were possibly plaguing his life.. he immersed himself in work when he knew nothing could be done about it. No, this was better and at the very least this way, he had something to relax himself with before worrying about the matter at hand.
Then there was the fact that Marluxia was threatening his life, and there were two Subaru here.. it was strange, something unforseen and he was certain it would confuse the Nobody, but he didn't want either of them hurt. Glancing up at the clock in the room (he'd learned how to read time here), he neatened up his room in his workplace and began to set aside things. The owner had given him a spacious studio to work in, and it was airy, full of sunlight when it rose and a beautiful view of the gardens and main streets.
Subaru-kun.. he thought to himself, as he hung the clothes and then finished sweeping the floor, standing by the window. Owner would let him in since he'd said he was expecting a friend.. he wanted to take Subaru-kun, the younger one, out and just.. talk. He wanted to see how the Subaru-san he loved was at some point of life.. and at the thought of him, the boy raised his half-gloved hand, shyly rubbing the side of his neck where his Subaru had left some.. interesting marks from the night previous, Blushing, he pulled his collar up properly and continued cleaning the place. Subaru-kun would be here very soon..
To say that Subaru had realized a need to re-acclimate to the layout of the city was likely an understatement, having stopped to ask for directions more than he would prefer. Troubling others had never been on his agenda but neither did he wish to make Ranmaru wait when he'd promised he would meet the other at a specific time. So some awkwardly polite questions and given indications later the young onmyouji finally found himself outside a building he hadn't been to before.
The area seemed rather nice, and the day pleasant enough. And he was glad for the opportunity to go out and explore a bit more. It was good to walk about and get a better sense of things. Where buildings were in relation to one another specifically. As much he'd determined as he approached what seemed to be the correct destination, double-checking the information he'd written down earlier.
Having confirmed the fact that he hadn't gotten abysmally lost he caught a glimpse of his watch and emerald eyes widened. Taking pause to get a better look his shoulders slumped and he sighed. He was at least twenty minutes later than had been discussed, and he'd left early to avoid the delay. It seemed then that he was fated to be an inconvenient and late person, likely having made someone he'd never met in person wait on his behalf. Resolving to make up for this later, Subaru corrected his posture and ventured inside to inquire about Ranmaru.
And certainly, ready to apologize thoroughly.
The seamstress' place was a pleasant and quaint looking place though the interior was much larger than it would appear to look from outside. Once Subaru would arrive there, he'd find the owner, a well-dressed lady, attending customers with a kindly air, and on noticing Subaru enter and excusing herself from them, she walked over and smiled brightly at him.
"Why hello there, you must be Subaru. Ranmaru said you would be here to see him." she motioned to a staircase with a hand. "Please, that way. He's been waiting." she told him with a gentle air, and then looked him over. "Why, you're quite the pretty thing, aren't you? Did you design those clothes yourself?"
Blinking at the words the woman had said, Subaru could already feel a blush dominating his features. "W-well, no I… My sister made them." Had he been slightly less flustered he would have insisted that he couldn't possibly be pretty. There were certainly better looking people than him, though Hokuto was certainly gifted in design.
Perhaps the comment could then be attributed to the clothes and not a comment on his person. That would make much more sense to Subaru, really. "I am not nearly as talented as she is." He stated, in his own mind quite assured that this was true. His twin was very good at making things in general but he hadn't much ability.
The lady laughed a little to herself and shook her head. The boy was indeed a beauty, and she did love designing things for lovely-looking customers. She smiled at his words and nodded, wanting to meet this sister who was so creative but before she could say it, she was interrupted with a soft voice.
"Teasing my friends again, Ina-san?" it was Ranmaru, and he was standing at the staircase, looking quite bright and ready. She gave him a smile as well, regarding his hands curiously-- he'd started wearing gloves all of a sudden, that confused her, but she never interfered in his affairs. Ranmaru then turned his attention to look at Subaru, and was surprised by what he saw.
They could indeed be two different people, the Subaru standing before him, while being precisely how he'd imagined Subaru-san being when younger, was light waves of difference from the one he knew. His dressing style was flashier, and his face filled with youth. Ranmaru felt his heart warm and Ina excused herself and left, and Ranmaru found himself smiling brightly and then bowed to him.
"Subaru-kun, a pleasure!" he greeted. Standing straight up, the teenager grinned at him. "You took your time.."
It was something of a relief seeing the person he was to meet, this assumed when he was referred to as friend. Subaru wasn't ever good with being examined and considering how easily he blushed it was a small wonder the color was stubbornly remaining on his cheeks.
He'd not had any set expectations of how Ranmaru would be in terms of appearance, concerned with nothing more than the fact that the other seemed to be kind. And that something had him worried, but he wasn't going to be invasive and ask about such things. The one thing that did catch his attention other than the observation that Ranmaru was certainly a lovely person was the fact that he was wearing gloves.
True, anyone could wear gloves, but…
At the comment about his timing the boy had to bow, a habit so ingrained he'd even make the same gesture of apology over the phone even though he clearly would go unseen. "I-I'm sorry… I didn't think I'd get lost as many times as I did…" Perhaps he should have tried finding the place before the day they'd arranged to meet, rather than hoping he could locate it on the day of.
Ranmaru blinked in surprise, then quickly bowed in re-assurance in return, a smile lighting his features. "No no! Please don't apologise.. the city is large and new places come up every day.." he assured him. His cheeks flushing with color, Ranmaru glanced over to see that Ina-san had gone inside, then smiled and offered a half-glove covered hand to Subaru.
"Come, you must be hungry. Ranmaru will treat you." he offered. It felt rather nice to be in the company of little Subaru.. he really was so adorable! And Ranmaru felt the same sort of warmth he felt towards Subaru-san, except somewhat differently in the sense that.. this Subaru, Ranmaru could somehow see the one Kamui loving. The one with him.. Kamui's own demons were enough to even bring him down. With this younger one, there seemed to be a sort of balance of emotions, and he gave him a warm smile as he touched his shoulder.
"Shall we leave?" he asked him kindly, eyes shining with warmth.
Once more Subaru's attention was temporarily diverted by the gloves. Specifically the one on the hand offered him. It was… Somehow those gloves didn't seem to fit with the rest of what Ranmaru was wearing, had he enough discerning ability to determine that. Hokuto would know far more about what articles went with what, though he had to have learned something from years of her making things for him.
One didn't simply ignore patterns in how outfits were arranged or selected. Or the differences depending on who Hokuto was making something for. Subaru wouldn't claim to be the most observant soul, much less the superior at anything, but still…
Regardless it wasn't polite to gawk at someone's hand and stand about like a post. Taking a moment to focus upon what had been said to him, he gave a nod. He'd been distracted enough that he hadn't quite registered the idea that Ranmaru had offered to purchase food, though later he was bound to insist he could pay for his own. "Sorry for spacing out… But if you're ready."
Ranmaru tilted his head to a side, wondering what Subaru was looking at. It took him a while to realise that his attention was on his gloves, and he tried to bite down the rising color in his cheeks. While he did dress properly, and had he been in armor, the gloves may have looked in place, he was in commoners' clothing now. The gloves, even though they were finger-cut, would probably seem out of place on the kind of clothing that Ranmaru wore and wondering about whether he should tell Subaru or not, he decided not to draw any further attention to them, and moved a hand to Subaru's back.
"Please." he offered, asking Subaru to step before him. To keep Subaru's attention off his hand, Ranmaru then conversed with him throughout the walk to Cafe Juliet, what Subaru did, how did he do it, how his life was -- just to be aware on which point of his Subaru-san's life he was coming from. Then, just so he wouldn't seem like an interrogator, he added some bits about his life after coming here, and how he met Subaru-san one night on the rooftops of the city buildings, talking to himself. And how he'd seemed so painfully sad that Ranmaru couldn't help but want to befriend him.
Once they reached the cafe, he helped Subaru to his seat first, then once settled and glancing over the menu, he ordered himself some green tea for starters and waited for Subaru, smiling kindly at him.
"Ranmaru.. just couldn't bear the sadness in his eyes. It was painful." he murmured. Then he looked at Subaru again. "Your eyes.. they're bright, and lit." Subaru-san's eyes were.. mismatched, and dark.
While Subaru hadn't any doubt that his older self must have been far better at anything he could do--save using guns, since that was something he'd learned from Jr-san--he would have found himself particularly rude if he did not try to supply the best responses he was capable of. He was unused to speaking in too much length but if there were things Ranmaru wished to know he would have to set aside his habits. Though, he couldn't imagine there was anything of high interest about himself. Likely, the older Subaru had far more experience and skill. Subaru thought of himself as still learning, but he planned on training during whatever free time he might have. Being useless was not something he'd wish to experience again.
Finding they'd ended up at a café he took a few moments to examine the place, determining that he'd not been there before. It seemed like a nice establishment and he made note of how he'd gotten there for future reference. When it came his turn to order something he decided to try chai tea rather than mimic Ranmaru's selection.
The statement about his eyes was… It made him wonder about his older self. Kamui had told him things, none of which were terribly cheerful, though it seemed the older Subaru was a kind person in spite of that. That someone could look so sad… "I am… glad he has someone like you around."
"Eh..? Heh sometimes Ranmaru thinks that this person's presence is more of a burden than anything, to be honest.." he admitted finally. As their tea came, along with some pretty pastries as a side, Ranmaru pointed out the ones that were tasty in his opinion and offered them to Subaru. He was relaxed, glad that he was able to talk to the younger one.. such a stark contrast from the one he was with. Hardly as morbid, so pleasant and extremely shy! Subaru-san had his moments of shyness, but this one's were.. so much more pronounced.
Looking up at the boy, Ranmaru smiled. 'Kamui-kun is certainly happy to have you back." he looked to a side. "He was so sad when.. " he trailed off, not wanting to make Subaru uncomfortable. ".. you weren't here." he finished instead, then turned to smile at him. "It's nice to see him finally happy about something."
From the sound of it things really had been rather unpleasant for Kamui. Having that confirmed simply cemented in the idea that he'd caused more trouble than his presence could possibly be worth, but he didn't want to leave the other boy alone again. He would have thought his impact on others was quite nominal. "I wish that hadn't been the case. He's a kind person, so I don't understand why it seems that unpleasant things seem inclined to happen to him." Something Subaru doubted he would ever understand.
Although he eventually took one of the recommended pastries he wasn't intent on trying it just yet. "I'm sure you couldn't really be a burden." He viewed himself as one, true, but Subaru didn't see how those two things were at all related. He'd really managed to trouble others.
"Heh, couldn't I..?" his hand instinctively went to his opposite hand, his fingers were uncovered but the rest of his hand, especially the back of his palms, were in gloves. He could almost feel the branded pentacles nd he controlled a shudder, motioning to Subaru to continue having his tea.
His eyes took on a thoughtful look as he rest his chin on a hand. "Kamui-kun is very kind.. but just as easily, he falls int bad company.." he went quiet for a bit, then he raised his gaze to Subaru. "Subaru-kun.. there are people around you who are.. not what they seem. And especially.. now.. there are many who will attempt to hurt you for no fault of yours.." a soft smile touching his face, he looked directly at the boy.
"Kamui-kun.. is truly happy with you. So.. please take care of him, and protect him too..? Ranmaru is afraid.. Ranmaru contributed to his sadness..."
Something he'd said he would do before all of this. Subaru wasn't sure if it should be pathetic or funny. When Kamui had been so determined to keep bad things from happening to him he'd thought that he should do the same in return and look out for his friend. Having left for so long, however, he hadn't been able to do anything at all.
Subaru did his best to keep the tone of such thoughts from showing, silent for a few moments longer as he took a sip of his tea.
"I'd… much rather I be hurt than someone else." He stated after a silence that was longer than he'd intended. If he were able to he'd keep such unpleasant things from harming others, even if that meant he might not be at all happy. "As it is I don't think I'm suitable to be of use to anyone."
Had Ranmaru known, he obviously would not have blamed the young Subaru. Why would he? Things didn't happen voluntarily, and it was strange to accuse anyne of causing the other the pain they believed was inflicted apon them. He however, did manage to observe the boy before him and finally, as he spoke, he finally saw that bit that certainly connected him to the Subaru-san he knew.
Setting down his teacup, Ranmaru quietly observed the boy before him, before giving him a quiet smile.
"If you're hurt, Subaru-kun. what happens to those who love you, and will remain behind, without you to protect them, after your sacrifice? Will they live?" he shook his head. "No one is not important to another, Subaru-kun. What makes you think you -have- to have a use..? Can you not just exist because you do, and because -you- want to?"
Subaru didn't think that he could ever live life entirely for himself. It seemed too selfish a thing for him to do, beyond the fact that he wanted to help others. Of course wanting to be of aid and actually doing so were quite different and the more he thought about it the more it troubled him. It may have been that he didn't understand what he was being told. He wasn't sure.
"I've always… just wanted to help people. I haven't thought about it much beyond that." To be of use meant that he was some kind of help rather than burdening others. And here he was, troubling Ranmaru with his thoughts. "While I was gone though…"
He sighed, shaking his head. "I shouldn't be bothering you with things like that."
Ranmaru couldn't help but smile as he drew comparisons between the present Subaru that he loved, and the Subaru sitting before him. It was a strange feeling, but.. Ranmaru knew that there was general sincerity in Subaru's words. He knew the feeling, he himself was rather sacrificing and didn't think twice about it but only recently had he learned that by not caring for himself, he would hurt others that did. So he moved a hand forward and gently touched Subaru's hand with his own half-gloved one and smiled at him.
"Subaru-kun.. when you don't value yourself, the ones that do care for you feel slighted, as though their efforts of making you wanted and loved are in vain. Ranmaru too, thinks like you.. but is it not better to gain happiness both here and out..?" he smiles softly, then lowered his eyes, moving his gaze to the table.
"Your words are so innocent compared to.." he trailed off. It wasn't right to be talking about Subaru like this, but.. after what he'd seen.. he wasn't sure anymore. His heart ached when he thought of it, that his Subaru-san may have murdered someone.. and then he..
"Why are.. why are you so hard on yourself, Subaru-kun? What makes you feel you don't deserve what you give others?"
It was a question that Subaru hadn't been posed before. He'd been asked if anyone treated him in kind recently, but that was easy enough to answer without internal reflection. Being asked that, however… Hokuto had said often enough that he didn't take care of himself and that he pushed himself too hard but she was a caring sister and he had attributed it to that. One couldn't ask for a more loving sibling to have around, of that he was certain.
But… such thoughts didn't address what Ranmaru was asking him. Or telling him. If it was true that he was of like nature then this was an ideal person to listen to the advice of. And he'd no doubt that Ranmaru was a kind person, but he was fairly certain that he was far nicer than Subaru thought of himself as.
At the same time it proved what was being said. The idea of Ranmaru risking himself on behalf of others was worrisome, even though he didn't know the older male all that well. It still concerned him and he was sure others worried as well.
"I'm… not entirely sure." It was something he didn't reflect on, how he treated himself as opposed to others. Perhaps he didn't want to.
He paused in his thoughts, realising it was rude to enforce his feelings onto the other boy and shook his head quickly, looking at him and smiling. "Mm.. never you mind, Subaru-kun.. Ranmaru apologises for asking you that so suddenly.. for it is not as though.. Subaru-kun would need to know why.." he continued to sip his tea, and once he was done, he slowly set the cup down, watching the boy and with a soft sigh, he moved a hand to brush back his hair.
Turning his head to the side, where he could see the accursed garden now, and where the tree now stood, Ranmaru found himself frowning and instinctively brought a hand to his right one, holding it instinctively in worry as he glanced upon it.
The sakura within still blooming..
"This city is truly evil.." he murmured. "It feeds on the pain and grief of it's inhabitants.." turning to look back at Subaru, Ranmaru gave him a determined look. "Subaru-kun.. whatever you do.. don't allow yourself to despair.. alright?" he felt he had to say it. "Ranmaru.. apologises that this comes up so suddenly, but it needed to be said. You see, I.." he trailed off, looking down again. He wasn't sure how to tell the boy this without bothering him.
If this place benefited from people's suffering then Subaru could agree that it was evil. Although he'd never thought that a city could be necessarily evil before he was seeing this one that way now. It made people suffer and then capitalized on it, which certainly wasn't at all good in nature. He had to wonder how something like that worked, or who would have come up with it, but such things were not of concern to him when it seemed that Ranmaru had something to say.
Waiting for a few moments to see if the other was going to speak, Subaru knew the silence was simply building upon itself as time passed. Perhaps there was something troubling him. Some things like that were harder to put to words. That was the best he might suppose, or perhaps Ranmaru simply didn't wish to say anything.
For a time Subaru was content to look down at the remaining tea, paying no mind to what was reflected on the surface. If something was wrong he would offer help, provided it wasn't highly invasive to do so. But then… he didn't know the nature of why the other had fallen silent. He decided to venture a question, and hopefully it wouldn't be terribly rude. "Is something the matter?"
"Forgive me." The boy raised his gaze and looked at Subaru for a while. His own gaze was somewhat sad, and he called for the waitress to pack the remaining things, they were going to leave, and turned back to look to the boy. As they waited, Ranmaru gave Subaru a small smile.
"Subaru-kun, Ranmaru wishes to be your friend. And.. eventually.. Ranmaru will tell you what he feels.. about many things. But.. will you be Ranmaru's friend too? And will you also guide Ranmaru in the same way..?"
He knew his question may have seemed sudden and awkward, but he had to have an answer to that before he went around telling the younger boy anything that would affect his future strongly enough to change it.
"I'd be glad to be your friend. And I'll… do my best." Subaru wasn't sure how he could guide anyone at anything, as he still felt that he wasn't good at getting all that much right. But thinking about the probability of his failures did nothing to help anybody and ultimately that was what he wanted to be able to do for people.
So he was going to do his best rather than think about whether he'd do well or not. That would be hard, but it was worth trying. He finished his tea during the silence, trying not to wonder whether trying his best would be better than thinking of how capable he was or was not. It would be seen in the future, he'd suppose.
The future was something he doubted anyone in this city could really gauge.
Smiling, Ranmaru nodded to Subaru and once the take-away pack came, Ranmaru paid for their meal and once they were done, he stood up, offering a hand to the boy and giving him a warm-hearted smile. "You really are too kind, Subaru-kun. Don't look so tense.. heh." he teased lightly. "It will bring creases over that young brow."
Even after all that had happened, all he had seen, he had no need to trouble this boy with stresses he did not need. Kamui, if he could love him now, could protect him from the threat that Seishirou posed. Perhaps, when Subaru-kun went back to his world, he would somehow be able to battle the Sakurazukamori instead of becoming one of them.. perhaps.. Kamui-kun could be truly happy.
"There are many things Ranmaru wants to share with you. But never burden you.. just remember.. " he closed his half-gloved hand around Subaru's which was the size of his own. "Be wary of those that claim things even you have doubts about." Let me protect you as well, Subaru-kun. From the evil that could eventually befall you. Then, he brought on a bright smile on his face.
"Shall we leave?"
"Alright."
Accepting the offered hand Subaru stood up. He wasn't too pleased with having been paid for but he supposed it was a kindness he could repay in the future. He didn't wish to make others do things for him and never do anything in return, even if to someone it seemed a minor gesture and nothing more. Any kindness shown him he wanted to show others, regardless of the fact that more often than not such was not reciprocated.
The warning was something to take in consideration on its own. Being called too kind brushed right past him since he'd been told that many times, and he never thought that could ever be the case, but being wary… He'd heard the same sorts of things from Kamui. Things he hadn't wanted to believe, but when someone who could never have met him knew about his hands….
There seemed a limit to disbelief. "I'll try to be careful."
Ranmaru would allow him to pay him back eventually and as he took Subaru's hand and held it in his own, he merely smiled at him and led him out, keeping him occupied in small talk. Then, he handed him the box of pastries and gave him a bright smile. "Here, have these. Share them with Kamui-kun too.. I'm sure he'll like them."
Gazing into the boy's eyes, Ranmaru reached up a hand and pet his shoulder. "I should.. return home. But.. anytime you need anything.. just let me know. Alright? Would you like me to walk you home, first?" he asked in a gentle tone. Then, he gave him a playful wink. "Friends, you know. Looking out for each other."
Subaru accepted the box, making note that he would have to do something for Ranmaru in the future and promptly thanking him. The taller male was really very kind, although he wasn't terribly used to being around someone so giving. That was not to say that people were selfish or anything of the like. It was something he merely wasn't' accustomed to.
"Alright… But then if you need something, I will expect the same." Subaru addressed that matter first. He always wished to be a good friend, or at least the best that he was capable of. Shifting a little as he cast a glance around he turned his attention back to Ranmaru. "I… should be able to get home on my own from where we are, but I do appreciate your offer."
"It is no trouble, Subaru-kun." in a brotherly gesture, Ranmaru reached out and ruffled the younger boy's hair, smiling affectionately at him and leaning down to look at him i the eye. "You really are a sweet friend. Ranmaru will be more than happy to be in your presence. We can talk on the way."
Extending his hand to him so Subaru could take his free one, Ranmaru beamed at him. "Let's do this again, alright?" his fingers closing around Subaru's, Ranmaru chuckled and tugged the other along. More than anything, knowing that he had someone who would care for him in return and that he could care for was a warming feeling to this cool day..
I'll make sure Seishirou never destroys you. Even if it means you growing older, never coming here.. never seeing me..
Ranmaru will only pray you smile, one day..
Rating; G
Characters; Sumeragi Subaru [
angstmagnet] and Mori Ranmaru [elegantorchid]Summary; Ranmaru wants to learn a little more about Subaru-san's youth.. and makes a friend out of him. :D
Log;
One suit completed, Ranmaru moved an arm over his brow and smiled at his latest accomplishment. This was usually how he ended up distracting himself from troubles that were possibly plaguing his life.. he immersed himself in work when he knew nothing could be done about it. No, this was better and at the very least this way, he had something to relax himself with before worrying about the matter at hand.
Then there was the fact that Marluxia was threatening his life, and there were two Subaru here.. it was strange, something unforseen and he was certain it would confuse the Nobody, but he didn't want either of them hurt. Glancing up at the clock in the room (he'd learned how to read time here), he neatened up his room in his workplace and began to set aside things. The owner had given him a spacious studio to work in, and it was airy, full of sunlight when it rose and a beautiful view of the gardens and main streets.
Subaru-kun.. he thought to himself, as he hung the clothes and then finished sweeping the floor, standing by the window. Owner would let him in since he'd said he was expecting a friend.. he wanted to take Subaru-kun, the younger one, out and just.. talk. He wanted to see how the Subaru-san he loved was at some point of life.. and at the thought of him, the boy raised his half-gloved hand, shyly rubbing the side of his neck where his Subaru had left some.. interesting marks from the night previous, Blushing, he pulled his collar up properly and continued cleaning the place. Subaru-kun would be here very soon..
To say that Subaru had realized a need to re-acclimate to the layout of the city was likely an understatement, having stopped to ask for directions more than he would prefer. Troubling others had never been on his agenda but neither did he wish to make Ranmaru wait when he'd promised he would meet the other at a specific time. So some awkwardly polite questions and given indications later the young onmyouji finally found himself outside a building he hadn't been to before.
The area seemed rather nice, and the day pleasant enough. And he was glad for the opportunity to go out and explore a bit more. It was good to walk about and get a better sense of things. Where buildings were in relation to one another specifically. As much he'd determined as he approached what seemed to be the correct destination, double-checking the information he'd written down earlier.
Having confirmed the fact that he hadn't gotten abysmally lost he caught a glimpse of his watch and emerald eyes widened. Taking pause to get a better look his shoulders slumped and he sighed. He was at least twenty minutes later than had been discussed, and he'd left early to avoid the delay. It seemed then that he was fated to be an inconvenient and late person, likely having made someone he'd never met in person wait on his behalf. Resolving to make up for this later, Subaru corrected his posture and ventured inside to inquire about Ranmaru.
And certainly, ready to apologize thoroughly.
The seamstress' place was a pleasant and quaint looking place though the interior was much larger than it would appear to look from outside. Once Subaru would arrive there, he'd find the owner, a well-dressed lady, attending customers with a kindly air, and on noticing Subaru enter and excusing herself from them, she walked over and smiled brightly at him.
"Why hello there, you must be Subaru. Ranmaru said you would be here to see him." she motioned to a staircase with a hand. "Please, that way. He's been waiting." she told him with a gentle air, and then looked him over. "Why, you're quite the pretty thing, aren't you? Did you design those clothes yourself?"
Blinking at the words the woman had said, Subaru could already feel a blush dominating his features. "W-well, no I… My sister made them." Had he been slightly less flustered he would have insisted that he couldn't possibly be pretty. There were certainly better looking people than him, though Hokuto was certainly gifted in design.
Perhaps the comment could then be attributed to the clothes and not a comment on his person. That would make much more sense to Subaru, really. "I am not nearly as talented as she is." He stated, in his own mind quite assured that this was true. His twin was very good at making things in general but he hadn't much ability.
The lady laughed a little to herself and shook her head. The boy was indeed a beauty, and she did love designing things for lovely-looking customers. She smiled at his words and nodded, wanting to meet this sister who was so creative but before she could say it, she was interrupted with a soft voice.
"Teasing my friends again, Ina-san?" it was Ranmaru, and he was standing at the staircase, looking quite bright and ready. She gave him a smile as well, regarding his hands curiously-- he'd started wearing gloves all of a sudden, that confused her, but she never interfered in his affairs. Ranmaru then turned his attention to look at Subaru, and was surprised by what he saw.
They could indeed be two different people, the Subaru standing before him, while being precisely how he'd imagined Subaru-san being when younger, was light waves of difference from the one he knew. His dressing style was flashier, and his face filled with youth. Ranmaru felt his heart warm and Ina excused herself and left, and Ranmaru found himself smiling brightly and then bowed to him.
"Subaru-kun, a pleasure!" he greeted. Standing straight up, the teenager grinned at him. "You took your time.."
It was something of a relief seeing the person he was to meet, this assumed when he was referred to as friend. Subaru wasn't ever good with being examined and considering how easily he blushed it was a small wonder the color was stubbornly remaining on his cheeks.
He'd not had any set expectations of how Ranmaru would be in terms of appearance, concerned with nothing more than the fact that the other seemed to be kind. And that something had him worried, but he wasn't going to be invasive and ask about such things. The one thing that did catch his attention other than the observation that Ranmaru was certainly a lovely person was the fact that he was wearing gloves.
True, anyone could wear gloves, but…
At the comment about his timing the boy had to bow, a habit so ingrained he'd even make the same gesture of apology over the phone even though he clearly would go unseen. "I-I'm sorry… I didn't think I'd get lost as many times as I did…" Perhaps he should have tried finding the place before the day they'd arranged to meet, rather than hoping he could locate it on the day of.
Ranmaru blinked in surprise, then quickly bowed in re-assurance in return, a smile lighting his features. "No no! Please don't apologise.. the city is large and new places come up every day.." he assured him. His cheeks flushing with color, Ranmaru glanced over to see that Ina-san had gone inside, then smiled and offered a half-glove covered hand to Subaru.
"Come, you must be hungry. Ranmaru will treat you." he offered. It felt rather nice to be in the company of little Subaru.. he really was so adorable! And Ranmaru felt the same sort of warmth he felt towards Subaru-san, except somewhat differently in the sense that.. this Subaru, Ranmaru could somehow see the one Kamui loving. The one with him.. Kamui's own demons were enough to even bring him down. With this younger one, there seemed to be a sort of balance of emotions, and he gave him a warm smile as he touched his shoulder.
"Shall we leave?" he asked him kindly, eyes shining with warmth.
Once more Subaru's attention was temporarily diverted by the gloves. Specifically the one on the hand offered him. It was… Somehow those gloves didn't seem to fit with the rest of what Ranmaru was wearing, had he enough discerning ability to determine that. Hokuto would know far more about what articles went with what, though he had to have learned something from years of her making things for him.
One didn't simply ignore patterns in how outfits were arranged or selected. Or the differences depending on who Hokuto was making something for. Subaru wouldn't claim to be the most observant soul, much less the superior at anything, but still…
Regardless it wasn't polite to gawk at someone's hand and stand about like a post. Taking a moment to focus upon what had been said to him, he gave a nod. He'd been distracted enough that he hadn't quite registered the idea that Ranmaru had offered to purchase food, though later he was bound to insist he could pay for his own. "Sorry for spacing out… But if you're ready."
Ranmaru tilted his head to a side, wondering what Subaru was looking at. It took him a while to realise that his attention was on his gloves, and he tried to bite down the rising color in his cheeks. While he did dress properly, and had he been in armor, the gloves may have looked in place, he was in commoners' clothing now. The gloves, even though they were finger-cut, would probably seem out of place on the kind of clothing that Ranmaru wore and wondering about whether he should tell Subaru or not, he decided not to draw any further attention to them, and moved a hand to Subaru's back.
"Please." he offered, asking Subaru to step before him. To keep Subaru's attention off his hand, Ranmaru then conversed with him throughout the walk to Cafe Juliet, what Subaru did, how did he do it, how his life was -- just to be aware on which point of his Subaru-san's life he was coming from. Then, just so he wouldn't seem like an interrogator, he added some bits about his life after coming here, and how he met Subaru-san one night on the rooftops of the city buildings, talking to himself. And how he'd seemed so painfully sad that Ranmaru couldn't help but want to befriend him.
Once they reached the cafe, he helped Subaru to his seat first, then once settled and glancing over the menu, he ordered himself some green tea for starters and waited for Subaru, smiling kindly at him.
"Ranmaru.. just couldn't bear the sadness in his eyes. It was painful." he murmured. Then he looked at Subaru again. "Your eyes.. they're bright, and lit." Subaru-san's eyes were.. mismatched, and dark.
While Subaru hadn't any doubt that his older self must have been far better at anything he could do--save using guns, since that was something he'd learned from Jr-san--he would have found himself particularly rude if he did not try to supply the best responses he was capable of. He was unused to speaking in too much length but if there were things Ranmaru wished to know he would have to set aside his habits. Though, he couldn't imagine there was anything of high interest about himself. Likely, the older Subaru had far more experience and skill. Subaru thought of himself as still learning, but he planned on training during whatever free time he might have. Being useless was not something he'd wish to experience again.
Finding they'd ended up at a café he took a few moments to examine the place, determining that he'd not been there before. It seemed like a nice establishment and he made note of how he'd gotten there for future reference. When it came his turn to order something he decided to try chai tea rather than mimic Ranmaru's selection.
The statement about his eyes was… It made him wonder about his older self. Kamui had told him things, none of which were terribly cheerful, though it seemed the older Subaru was a kind person in spite of that. That someone could look so sad… "I am… glad he has someone like you around."
"Eh..? Heh sometimes Ranmaru thinks that this person's presence is more of a burden than anything, to be honest.." he admitted finally. As their tea came, along with some pretty pastries as a side, Ranmaru pointed out the ones that were tasty in his opinion and offered them to Subaru. He was relaxed, glad that he was able to talk to the younger one.. such a stark contrast from the one he was with. Hardly as morbid, so pleasant and extremely shy! Subaru-san had his moments of shyness, but this one's were.. so much more pronounced.
Looking up at the boy, Ranmaru smiled. 'Kamui-kun is certainly happy to have you back." he looked to a side. "He was so sad when.. " he trailed off, not wanting to make Subaru uncomfortable. ".. you weren't here." he finished instead, then turned to smile at him. "It's nice to see him finally happy about something."
From the sound of it things really had been rather unpleasant for Kamui. Having that confirmed simply cemented in the idea that he'd caused more trouble than his presence could possibly be worth, but he didn't want to leave the other boy alone again. He would have thought his impact on others was quite nominal. "I wish that hadn't been the case. He's a kind person, so I don't understand why it seems that unpleasant things seem inclined to happen to him." Something Subaru doubted he would ever understand.
Although he eventually took one of the recommended pastries he wasn't intent on trying it just yet. "I'm sure you couldn't really be a burden." He viewed himself as one, true, but Subaru didn't see how those two things were at all related. He'd really managed to trouble others.
"Heh, couldn't I..?" his hand instinctively went to his opposite hand, his fingers were uncovered but the rest of his hand, especially the back of his palms, were in gloves. He could almost feel the branded pentacles nd he controlled a shudder, motioning to Subaru to continue having his tea.
His eyes took on a thoughtful look as he rest his chin on a hand. "Kamui-kun is very kind.. but just as easily, he falls int bad company.." he went quiet for a bit, then he raised his gaze to Subaru. "Subaru-kun.. there are people around you who are.. not what they seem. And especially.. now.. there are many who will attempt to hurt you for no fault of yours.." a soft smile touching his face, he looked directly at the boy.
"Kamui-kun.. is truly happy with you. So.. please take care of him, and protect him too..? Ranmaru is afraid.. Ranmaru contributed to his sadness..."
Something he'd said he would do before all of this. Subaru wasn't sure if it should be pathetic or funny. When Kamui had been so determined to keep bad things from happening to him he'd thought that he should do the same in return and look out for his friend. Having left for so long, however, he hadn't been able to do anything at all.
Subaru did his best to keep the tone of such thoughts from showing, silent for a few moments longer as he took a sip of his tea.
"I'd… much rather I be hurt than someone else." He stated after a silence that was longer than he'd intended. If he were able to he'd keep such unpleasant things from harming others, even if that meant he might not be at all happy. "As it is I don't think I'm suitable to be of use to anyone."
Had Ranmaru known, he obviously would not have blamed the young Subaru. Why would he? Things didn't happen voluntarily, and it was strange to accuse anyne of causing the other the pain they believed was inflicted apon them. He however, did manage to observe the boy before him and finally, as he spoke, he finally saw that bit that certainly connected him to the Subaru-san he knew.
Setting down his teacup, Ranmaru quietly observed the boy before him, before giving him a quiet smile.
"If you're hurt, Subaru-kun. what happens to those who love you, and will remain behind, without you to protect them, after your sacrifice? Will they live?" he shook his head. "No one is not important to another, Subaru-kun. What makes you think you -have- to have a use..? Can you not just exist because you do, and because -you- want to?"
Subaru didn't think that he could ever live life entirely for himself. It seemed too selfish a thing for him to do, beyond the fact that he wanted to help others. Of course wanting to be of aid and actually doing so were quite different and the more he thought about it the more it troubled him. It may have been that he didn't understand what he was being told. He wasn't sure.
"I've always… just wanted to help people. I haven't thought about it much beyond that." To be of use meant that he was some kind of help rather than burdening others. And here he was, troubling Ranmaru with his thoughts. "While I was gone though…"
He sighed, shaking his head. "I shouldn't be bothering you with things like that."
Ranmaru couldn't help but smile as he drew comparisons between the present Subaru that he loved, and the Subaru sitting before him. It was a strange feeling, but.. Ranmaru knew that there was general sincerity in Subaru's words. He knew the feeling, he himself was rather sacrificing and didn't think twice about it but only recently had he learned that by not caring for himself, he would hurt others that did. So he moved a hand forward and gently touched Subaru's hand with his own half-gloved one and smiled at him.
"Subaru-kun.. when you don't value yourself, the ones that do care for you feel slighted, as though their efforts of making you wanted and loved are in vain. Ranmaru too, thinks like you.. but is it not better to gain happiness both here and out..?" he smiles softly, then lowered his eyes, moving his gaze to the table.
"Your words are so innocent compared to.." he trailed off. It wasn't right to be talking about Subaru like this, but.. after what he'd seen.. he wasn't sure anymore. His heart ached when he thought of it, that his Subaru-san may have murdered someone.. and then he..
"Why are.. why are you so hard on yourself, Subaru-kun? What makes you feel you don't deserve what you give others?"
It was a question that Subaru hadn't been posed before. He'd been asked if anyone treated him in kind recently, but that was easy enough to answer without internal reflection. Being asked that, however… Hokuto had said often enough that he didn't take care of himself and that he pushed himself too hard but she was a caring sister and he had attributed it to that. One couldn't ask for a more loving sibling to have around, of that he was certain.
But… such thoughts didn't address what Ranmaru was asking him. Or telling him. If it was true that he was of like nature then this was an ideal person to listen to the advice of. And he'd no doubt that Ranmaru was a kind person, but he was fairly certain that he was far nicer than Subaru thought of himself as.
At the same time it proved what was being said. The idea of Ranmaru risking himself on behalf of others was worrisome, even though he didn't know the older male all that well. It still concerned him and he was sure others worried as well.
"I'm… not entirely sure." It was something he didn't reflect on, how he treated himself as opposed to others. Perhaps he didn't want to.
He paused in his thoughts, realising it was rude to enforce his feelings onto the other boy and shook his head quickly, looking at him and smiling. "Mm.. never you mind, Subaru-kun.. Ranmaru apologises for asking you that so suddenly.. for it is not as though.. Subaru-kun would need to know why.." he continued to sip his tea, and once he was done, he slowly set the cup down, watching the boy and with a soft sigh, he moved a hand to brush back his hair.
Turning his head to the side, where he could see the accursed garden now, and where the tree now stood, Ranmaru found himself frowning and instinctively brought a hand to his right one, holding it instinctively in worry as he glanced upon it.
The sakura within still blooming..
"This city is truly evil.." he murmured. "It feeds on the pain and grief of it's inhabitants.." turning to look back at Subaru, Ranmaru gave him a determined look. "Subaru-kun.. whatever you do.. don't allow yourself to despair.. alright?" he felt he had to say it. "Ranmaru.. apologises that this comes up so suddenly, but it needed to be said. You see, I.." he trailed off, looking down again. He wasn't sure how to tell the boy this without bothering him.
If this place benefited from people's suffering then Subaru could agree that it was evil. Although he'd never thought that a city could be necessarily evil before he was seeing this one that way now. It made people suffer and then capitalized on it, which certainly wasn't at all good in nature. He had to wonder how something like that worked, or who would have come up with it, but such things were not of concern to him when it seemed that Ranmaru had something to say.
Waiting for a few moments to see if the other was going to speak, Subaru knew the silence was simply building upon itself as time passed. Perhaps there was something troubling him. Some things like that were harder to put to words. That was the best he might suppose, or perhaps Ranmaru simply didn't wish to say anything.
For a time Subaru was content to look down at the remaining tea, paying no mind to what was reflected on the surface. If something was wrong he would offer help, provided it wasn't highly invasive to do so. But then… he didn't know the nature of why the other had fallen silent. He decided to venture a question, and hopefully it wouldn't be terribly rude. "Is something the matter?"
"Forgive me." The boy raised his gaze and looked at Subaru for a while. His own gaze was somewhat sad, and he called for the waitress to pack the remaining things, they were going to leave, and turned back to look to the boy. As they waited, Ranmaru gave Subaru a small smile.
"Subaru-kun, Ranmaru wishes to be your friend. And.. eventually.. Ranmaru will tell you what he feels.. about many things. But.. will you be Ranmaru's friend too? And will you also guide Ranmaru in the same way..?"
He knew his question may have seemed sudden and awkward, but he had to have an answer to that before he went around telling the younger boy anything that would affect his future strongly enough to change it.
"I'd be glad to be your friend. And I'll… do my best." Subaru wasn't sure how he could guide anyone at anything, as he still felt that he wasn't good at getting all that much right. But thinking about the probability of his failures did nothing to help anybody and ultimately that was what he wanted to be able to do for people.
So he was going to do his best rather than think about whether he'd do well or not. That would be hard, but it was worth trying. He finished his tea during the silence, trying not to wonder whether trying his best would be better than thinking of how capable he was or was not. It would be seen in the future, he'd suppose.
The future was something he doubted anyone in this city could really gauge.
Smiling, Ranmaru nodded to Subaru and once the take-away pack came, Ranmaru paid for their meal and once they were done, he stood up, offering a hand to the boy and giving him a warm-hearted smile. "You really are too kind, Subaru-kun. Don't look so tense.. heh." he teased lightly. "It will bring creases over that young brow."
Even after all that had happened, all he had seen, he had no need to trouble this boy with stresses he did not need. Kamui, if he could love him now, could protect him from the threat that Seishirou posed. Perhaps, when Subaru-kun went back to his world, he would somehow be able to battle the Sakurazukamori instead of becoming one of them.. perhaps.. Kamui-kun could be truly happy.
"There are many things Ranmaru wants to share with you. But never burden you.. just remember.. " he closed his half-gloved hand around Subaru's which was the size of his own. "Be wary of those that claim things even you have doubts about." Let me protect you as well, Subaru-kun. From the evil that could eventually befall you. Then, he brought on a bright smile on his face.
"Shall we leave?"
"Alright."
Accepting the offered hand Subaru stood up. He wasn't too pleased with having been paid for but he supposed it was a kindness he could repay in the future. He didn't wish to make others do things for him and never do anything in return, even if to someone it seemed a minor gesture and nothing more. Any kindness shown him he wanted to show others, regardless of the fact that more often than not such was not reciprocated.
The warning was something to take in consideration on its own. Being called too kind brushed right past him since he'd been told that many times, and he never thought that could ever be the case, but being wary… He'd heard the same sorts of things from Kamui. Things he hadn't wanted to believe, but when someone who could never have met him knew about his hands….
There seemed a limit to disbelief. "I'll try to be careful."
Ranmaru would allow him to pay him back eventually and as he took Subaru's hand and held it in his own, he merely smiled at him and led him out, keeping him occupied in small talk. Then, he handed him the box of pastries and gave him a bright smile. "Here, have these. Share them with Kamui-kun too.. I'm sure he'll like them."
Gazing into the boy's eyes, Ranmaru reached up a hand and pet his shoulder. "I should.. return home. But.. anytime you need anything.. just let me know. Alright? Would you like me to walk you home, first?" he asked in a gentle tone. Then, he gave him a playful wink. "Friends, you know. Looking out for each other."
Subaru accepted the box, making note that he would have to do something for Ranmaru in the future and promptly thanking him. The taller male was really very kind, although he wasn't terribly used to being around someone so giving. That was not to say that people were selfish or anything of the like. It was something he merely wasn't' accustomed to.
"Alright… But then if you need something, I will expect the same." Subaru addressed that matter first. He always wished to be a good friend, or at least the best that he was capable of. Shifting a little as he cast a glance around he turned his attention back to Ranmaru. "I… should be able to get home on my own from where we are, but I do appreciate your offer."
"It is no trouble, Subaru-kun." in a brotherly gesture, Ranmaru reached out and ruffled the younger boy's hair, smiling affectionately at him and leaning down to look at him i the eye. "You really are a sweet friend. Ranmaru will be more than happy to be in your presence. We can talk on the way."
Extending his hand to him so Subaru could take his free one, Ranmaru beamed at him. "Let's do this again, alright?" his fingers closing around Subaru's, Ranmaru chuckled and tugged the other along. More than anything, knowing that he had someone who would care for him in return and that he could care for was a warming feeling to this cool day..
I'll make sure Seishirou never destroys you. Even if it means you growing older, never coming here.. never seeing me..
Ranmaru will only pray you smile, one day..