[To be taken seriously, to be treasured--that wasn't something Namazuo ever worried about back home. He lost decades, maybe even centuries of his life in the flames, but he still remembers Hideyori's small, loving hands, holding him with such care, as if he was made of gold instead of steel. He's always had a place, whether it was at Hideyori's side or amongst his dozens of precious brothers. And Haru, of course, would never dream of letting them feel worthless or shameful. Haru is their master, not because he gave them bodies, but because he understands them so very, very well.
But things are different here.
Haru is still with them, which is a tiny miracle in and of itself. But Haru has other things he does, now, away from them even if he may not want to be. And even with the dojo, Namazuo knows a fair number of them still feel restless. They can't ever truly be themselves in a place like this. They are weapons, brought to life to fight a war. With that purpose taken away, is it any wonder that they might begin to worry?
But that's something altogether too personal, exactly the kind of concerns he hates to burden others with. He wouldn't mention it to Haru or Ichigo, and he's certainly not going to mention it to her. Instead, Namazuo just smiles.]
Lili-san is very kind to be concerned. But I can assure you I wouldn't do--or, ah, wear anything to embarrass master Haru, or any of the others.
[...Well, not permanently. And not of his own volition. (He can't help Ceres' thirst for sticking him in weird clothes, though. HE CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH, LILI.)]
But to answer your question, no, I don't really mind. There are other swords who are properly concerned with their appearances, so I prefer to let them represent us on that account. [Nama-speak for "swords like Kashuu care way more about being praised and complimented and beautiful, so I'll look silly if it means they get the attention they deserve".]
[Just... to clarify that first, even if the words manage to make her face heat up a little bit. She doesn't feel like she's a kind person at all, no. Rather, all that she said was something true and simple. The swords are good people and deserve to be treated as such. It's not rare for her to have been judged strictly on even her clothes back home - and after speaking with people here, sometimes the same is true.
She just doesn't want any of them to deal with that.
Still though, she's shaking her head because she knows exactly which sword he's talking about and sometimes Kashuu manages to exasperate her too, honestly.]
Even that can be rather extreme though... sometimes I wonder if any of you are capable of living in the happy medium of things.
[Not that she's
really any better than that, actually.
Lili's Two Modes: Tsun Queen and Struggling Kitten Dere are about as extreme as you can get.]
[It is too kind!! But Namazuo knows when to argue and when to let tsuns be tsuns, so he just laughs softly, turning towards the kitchen.]
Well, it's hardly been a year that we've had these bodies, after all. And some of us are much older than others.
[Kashuu barely even had a life as a spirit before he broke, and Namazuo is one of the older swords in the citadel, though he may not act like it. It's going to take some time to get used to all of this, and even then, they aren't the best at understanding humans.
It's funny, really. They've been enshrined, treasured, rested at the sides of some of the most famous warriors in all of Japan... and yet they're still so woefully ignorant about humanity.
But with that, he'll shuffle into the kitchen, and Lili will hear the sound of clinking teacups and water. It isn't long before he comes back, holding... one teacup.
He sets it down in front of her.]
I hope you like it.
[He'll get his in a minute. He can't carry a tray with one hand, alas.]
Lili blinks when there's only one teacup brought out and while she does take it, if only because he's polite enough to bring it out for her, she tilts her head ever so slightly.]
... I'm certain that I will, but tea is better had with company. Do you need assistance in retrieving the rest?
[You know, like. Yours.... The box of dango is still at her side honestly and she should bring it out but it's not a priority for her at the moment?]
[Ah... well, he supposes he couldn't have hoped to hide it for very long anyway. He doesn't want to admit it, because she'll almost certain be upset. But he doesn't want to feel like he's lying to her, either. She's already been so concerned on his behalf, and knowing she's a dear friend to his comrades-- she deserves to know just like they do.
So he smiles and gently shakes his head.]
No, that's not necessary. I'm just having a little trouble with my hand, but I can manage.
There's a clear look of surprise on her face before she immediately moves to stand then. She takes the box of dango next to her and puts it on the table, opening it.]
What kind of idiot... Here, have this! I-I hope this is the one you like.
[And she's already going to walk off to the kitchen to retrieve the rest of the tea. STUPID NAMA.
She'll... ask about his hand in a moment, she will. But for now this is the first thing that she thinks to do?! Thanks Lili.]
[Wh-- no, dango gifts and then she's ignoring him and then ahhhh nooooo but she's a guest! He's being rude... even though he can't help it, he still feels bad.
Namazuo likes any and all dango, but he isn't going to start stuffing his face while she's busy helping him out!! So instead he's careful to arrange the sticks so that they're split evenly between them, half for her and half for him. As soon as she comes back, he turns, hovering.]
I'm sorry, I should've had it set out before you arrived.
Lili's just going to huff then, shooting him a rather irritated glare even as she has the tray with his cup and the teapot all balanced since you know what? Yeah! She has two hands! So she's going to return to her spot across from him at the table, setting everything down and carefully pouring his tea before putting it front of him.]
Are you truly that much of an idiot?
You should have said something if you're injured! It's more irritating that you're trying to take care of everything yourself.
[DON'T BE MAD AT HIM LILI... Namazuo looks suitably pathetic right about now, like he'd be wringing his hands in distress if he could. He sinks down into his spot, looking at her through his bangs.]
[Worried, that is?! Except she kind of is and she knows it's a lie so the complete word doesn't make it out of her mouth, not really. Not when Namazuo's right there and she can never admit when she's worried about someone right to their face unless she's already terribly distressed.
But now is not one of those moments and the way that he sinks down is annoying - and sad and pathetic and... she knows that he is none of those things.
So she frowns a little bit then and shakes her head firmly.]
Stop this... Lift your head. I may be your guest but you're injured right now - what kind of person would I be if I just ignored that? You.... [You died - and she cuts herself off, choked up by sudden emotion again before shaking her head once more, more firmly this time.]
You're right, I'm sorry. I'm just-- not accustomed to this sort of thing.
[To having wounds that can't be instantly healed--physical ones, anyway. To being weak and vulnerable where everyone can see it. To feeling stifled and alone all at once, without the warmth of his brothers' embrace to hide in.
He hesitates, then looks up, meeting her gaze. For once, he actually looks his age, his own eyes dark and tired.]
Lili-san? The things they tell us about our home worlds... do you believe them?
[To... being hurt in this form? Lili's not sure what he's not accustomed to, but she's quiet and nods once shortly. A silent acceptance of his apology even though her words that follow don't immediately answer his question:]
Only apologize for trying to hide it... It's just causes more trouble, that's all.
[But she's. Not mad. Frustrated and worried, but not mad. Then she gives his question a thought and frowns.]
... I don't want to. So I don't.
[She's.
Really simple - but also the idea of losing her family and loved ones like that.... could she really go on if that's the truth?]
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But things are different here.
Haru is still with them, which is a tiny miracle in and of itself. But Haru has other things he does, now, away from them even if he may not want to be. And even with the dojo, Namazuo knows a fair number of them still feel restless. They can't ever truly be themselves in a place like this. They are weapons, brought to life to fight a war. With that purpose taken away, is it any wonder that they might begin to worry?
But that's something altogether too personal, exactly the kind of concerns he hates to burden others with. He wouldn't mention it to Haru or Ichigo, and he's certainly not going to mention it to her. Instead, Namazuo just smiles.]
Lili-san is very kind to be concerned. But I can assure you I wouldn't do--or, ah, wear anything to embarrass master Haru, or any of the others.
[...Well, not permanently. And not of his own volition. (He can't help Ceres' thirst for sticking him in weird clothes, though. HE CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH, LILI.)]
But to answer your question, no, I don't really mind. There are other swords who are properly concerned with their appearances, so I prefer to let them represent us on that account. [Nama-speak for "swords like Kashuu care way more about being praised and complimented and beautiful, so I'll look silly if it means they get the attention they deserve".]
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[Just... to clarify that first, even if the words manage to make her face heat up a little bit. She doesn't feel like she's a kind person at all, no. Rather, all that she said was something true and simple. The swords are good people and deserve to be treated as such. It's not rare for her to have been judged strictly on even her clothes back home - and after speaking with people here, sometimes the same is true.
She just doesn't want any of them to deal with that.
Still though, she's shaking her head because she knows exactly which sword he's talking about and sometimes Kashuu manages to exasperate her too, honestly.]
Even that can be rather extreme though... sometimes I wonder if any of you are capable of living in the happy medium of things.
[Not that she's
really any better than that, actually.
Lili's Two Modes: Tsun Queen and Struggling Kitten Dere are about as extreme as you can get.]
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Well, it's hardly been a year that we've had these bodies, after all. And some of us are much older than others.
[Kashuu barely even had a life as a spirit before he broke, and Namazuo is one of the older swords in the citadel, though he may not act like it. It's going to take some time to get used to all of this, and even then, they aren't the best at understanding humans.
It's funny, really. They've been enshrined, treasured, rested at the sides of some of the most famous warriors in all of Japan... and yet they're still so woefully ignorant about humanity.
But with that, he'll shuffle into the kitchen, and Lili will hear the sound of clinking teacups and water. It isn't long before he comes back, holding... one teacup.
He sets it down in front of her.]
I hope you like it.
[He'll get his in a minute. He can't carry a tray with one hand, alas.]
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Lili blinks when there's only one teacup brought out and while she does take it, if only because he's polite enough to bring it out for her, she tilts her head ever so slightly.]
... I'm certain that I will, but tea is better had with company. Do you need assistance in retrieving the rest?
[You know, like. Yours.... The box of dango is still at her side honestly and she should bring it out but it's not a priority for her at the moment?]
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So he smiles and gently shakes his head.]
No, that's not necessary. I'm just having a little trouble with my hand, but I can manage.
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There's a clear look of surprise on her face before she immediately moves to stand then. She takes the box of dango next to her and puts it on the table, opening it.]
What kind of idiot... Here, have this! I-I hope this is the one you like.
[And she's already going to walk off to the kitchen to retrieve the rest of the tea. STUPID NAMA.
She'll... ask about his hand in a moment, she will. But for now this is the first thing that she thinks to do?! Thanks Lili.]
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[Wh-- no, dango gifts and then she's ignoring him and then ahhhh nooooo but she's a guest! He's being rude... even though he can't help it, he still feels bad.
Namazuo likes any and all dango, but he isn't going to start stuffing his face while she's busy helping him out!! So instead he's careful to arrange the sticks so that they're split evenly between them, half for her and half for him. As soon as she comes back, he turns, hovering.]
I'm sorry, I should've had it set out before you arrived.
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Lili's just going to huff then, shooting him a rather irritated glare even as she has the tray with his cup and the teapot all balanced since you know what? Yeah! She has two hands! So she's going to return to her spot across from him at the table, setting everything down and carefully pouring his tea before putting it front of him.]
Are you truly that much of an idiot?
You should have said something if you're injured! It's more irritating that you're trying to take care of everything yourself.
[classic tsun.]
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[DON'T BE MAD AT HIM LILI... Namazuo looks suitably pathetic right about now, like he'd be wringing his hands in distress if he could. He sinks down into his spot, looking at her through his bangs.]
I didn't want to worry you.
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[Worried, that is?! Except she kind of is and she knows it's a lie so the complete word doesn't make it out of her mouth, not really. Not when Namazuo's right there and she can never admit when she's worried about someone right to their face unless she's already terribly distressed.
But now is not one of those moments and the way that he sinks down is annoying - and sad and pathetic and... she knows that he is none of those things.
So she frowns a little bit then and shakes her head firmly.]
Stop this... Lift your head. I may be your guest but you're injured right now - what kind of person would I be if I just ignored that? You.... [You died - and she cuts herself off, choked up by sudden emotion again before shaking her head once more, more firmly this time.]
Don't try to hide things like this from me again.
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[To having wounds that can't be instantly healed--physical ones, anyway. To being weak and vulnerable where everyone can see it. To feeling stifled and alone all at once, without the warmth of his brothers' embrace to hide in.
He hesitates, then looks up, meeting her gaze. For once, he actually looks his age, his own eyes dark and tired.]
Lili-san? The things they tell us about our home worlds... do you believe them?
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Only apologize for trying to hide it... It's just causes more trouble, that's all.
[But she's. Not mad. Frustrated and worried, but not mad. Then she gives his question a thought and frowns.]
... I don't want to. So I don't.
[She's.
Really simple - but also the idea of losing her family and loved ones like that.... could she really go on if that's the truth?]