[ He's still suspicious that his leg is being pulled (this is the problem — and also the charm of electronic communication: he can't use telepathy). But Kaoru was in a kimono when they met, which... doesn't actually prove anything, but it's interesting. ]
In that case, I have a question for you. Do you like it better here, or at home?
[ He remembers, from skimming off the top of Shuu's disordered mind, a lot of angry thoughts regarding humans, and then there's the Princess'... whole being a Princess thing. Not only that, but Kaoru's paranoia, and the extreme disconnect between his outward attitude and his internal state...
[There's a brief pause, but that's about the only thing that gives away Kaoru's discontentment with the question. He sure hasn't forgotten how freakishly astute Hyoubu had been, and if there's ever a good reason to tread cautiously, it's things like that.]
All homes have their drawbacks. [Because a straight "it's fine" would sound too suspicious, most likely, and Kaoru wants to shut down the possibility of further questions before they can start.]
Even so, the place that one grows up in almost always holds a special place in their heart. I find myself missing certain little details, places, people...
[One small step for Kaoru, one giant leap for demonkind...
Though naturally, there's nothing in Kaoru's tone to indicate exactly what's felt about that statement one way or another. There may be a little hesitant curiosity present, maybe a little concern, but it's artfully presented and hardly stands out.]
Ah? Is there something that you dislike about humans, sir?
[A brief stretch of silence follows, which Kaoru is hoping will be taken as discomfort rather than the surprise and near-immediate, silent agreement it is. It becomes a lot harder to play the neutral card when people say things that hold so true, after all.]
—Well. Definitions are often dictated by the majority, isn't that so?
[A particularly astute observer (so, Hyoubu) may notice that Kaoru's gaze seems to flick toward the window a little before the tapping noise can be heard, sharp and focused.
Of course, the expression that follows soon after is only confused and surprised because gosh! What a shock!! Some guy appearing outside the window! Why does this keep happening, that's the most important question here...]
Hyoubu-san! [Which, likewise, can probably be heard through both the CereVice and the window itself. No move to actually open the window is made just yet, but Kaoru hesitantly shuffles in that direction, at least.]
[NOT LOOKING TOO PLEASED... But Kaoru will step forward and unlatch the window anyway, pushing it open after shutting off the CereVice. It doesn't seem like a direct invitation for him to come inside just yet though, since Kaoru doesn't move to the side or anything.]
Carrying on a conversation over the phone would have worked just as well, sir.
[Kaoru's mind is not a very lovely place at all... Though it seems to be relatively placid right now, with just a vague sort of disdain present and the question as to how Hyoubu found him at all. He's very careful about disclosing his location, after all, so there's some suspicion.
Which, of course, doesn't reflect in Kaoru's expression. It's a very well-honed mimicry of concern and confusion. One hand reaches out to rest against the lower window ledge; on the inside, there's a colorful box of flowers in shades of purple and blue.]
There isn't enough room for me to join you out there. [Because Kaoru hasn't quite made the connection here that Hyoubu can probably move other things too, and assumes he's talking about the very small outer window ledge.] But I suppose you could come in, if you'd like...
[Authentic enough for it to indeed be a problem... One hand is held up in polite refusal.]
Then I'll have to stay indoors, I'm afraid. I don't do very well with heights, either...
[Which isn't true at all, but Kaoru can only assume being in the sky either means being carried or otherwise subjected to someone else's abilities. Neither of those sound like a good time, okay.]
...and then a there's a voice from within the room. He's inside, still floating (because he still has his shoes on, and touching the floor in them would be rude). ]
One day perhaps you'll trust me enough to get over your...
[ There's a little pause. Lack of trust is something he understands completely, so he won't argue. But he does say: ]
...fear of heights.
[ — in such a way as to suggest he doesn't quite buy that excuse. ]
[At least he has some manners... But Kaoru definitely doesn't seem pleased about the sudden space invasion, even though Hyoubu had been invited in. Just come in like a normal person!! Or as normal as a person going through the window can be-!
There's also some strong displeasure present about having someone appear behind him that goes a little beyond regular paranoia, as Hyoubu will likely be able to tell. Though Kaoru manages to turn without flinching, it's clear that all guards are up, like it's instinctively expected that an attack will follow. When one doesn't come... well, Kaoru still seems pretty guarded, but that's pretty much the default State of Being™ for this punk.
A smile follows, fleeting and apologetic.]
...You'll forgive my reluctance, I hope? I'm certain that you're a perfectly fine gentleman, but such fears are difficult to overcome.
[ He picks up on Kaoru's displeasure immediately. ]
Ah, sorry. For teleporting. I might have knocked over your flowers if I'd come in through the window. Didn't mean to startle you.
[ To expect an attack, however...
He knew straight away that there was something not quite right about Kaoru: the extreme dichotomy between his outward presentation and his inner thoughts suggests that the boy has had to live a difficult life, amongst humans. There's deep anger there, Hyoubu strongly suspects.
If he were at home, he could put that anger to good use, as part of PANDRA, but for now... ]
I'm not a fine gentleman. But neither am I your enemy.
[Displeased and distrustful: the Kaoru Nagumo story.
Which is to say that despite the apology and the declaration that he isn't an enemy, there still isn't a scrap of reassurance present. Hearing something like that at all seems to create an unhappy discomfort too, so a quick fall-back is made to the one Tried and True™ method of coping with just about anything: a pretty smile.]
It's all right - you just startled me a little, that's all. Thank you for your consideration... [Glancing over toward the window box.] Those flowers are very fragile, so I'm certain that the stems would have broken if it fell, or the petals would have shed.
Still, saying such a thing... ["I'm not a fine gentleman" WELL NO, NOT AT ALL. But he hasn't been as difficult to deal with as some people either, so:] You've been pleasant to me, so I must at least thank you for that.
[ He has been fortunate, in that the one person from home who is here with him is an ally, of sorts. But Kaoru's behavior would make much more sense, if someone from home accompanied him, who is an enemy. ]
Let me know, if that's the case. I'm sure I can...
[This punk is just naturally freakishly paranoid pretty much 24/7... If there's no real reason to be paranoid, a reason is created through fixation even if nothing is there.
But Hyoubu isn't wrong in guessing that there are indeed several enemies from home here, even if they haven't been causing him much trouble... Okita Souji aside, of course - but Okita is always the exception. Kaoru's fingers thread together neatly, and the smile fades a little in response to that suggestion.]
It's kind of you to offer such a thing, sir... [Kaoru doesn't really understand it. People don't ever offer something for nothing; no one helps "just because". There's some sort of catch here that hasn't been found yet, and Kaoru doesn't particularly want to.]
Still, a little unpleasant behavior is nothing that I can't handle on my own. I should say that I've been lucky enough to avoid most of it in the first place, so it's fine.
[ He recalls their first conversation. Kaoru thought of someone's name, as his MORTAL NEMESIS EXTRAORDINAIRE then, and he's thinking of it again, now. ]
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Sengoku and Bakumatsu periods? ]
Pfff! Seriously?
[ Oh well, it's possible. He's already met a guy who claims to be from a samurai movie, heck why not figures from Japanese history? ]
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[Gosh Hyoubu, expand those horizons!! But Kaoru sounds more amused than anything, either way.]
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[ He's still suspicious that his leg is being pulled (this is the problem — and also the charm of electronic communication: he can't use telepathy). But Kaoru was in a kimono when they met, which... doesn't actually prove anything, but it's interesting. ]
In that case, I have a question for you. Do you like it better here, or at home?
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There isn't much of a pause before that question gets an answer, though. It's not something Kaoru needs to think about.]
Home. While the modern conveniences here are numerous and certainly... well, convenient, for lack of a better word - it isn't home.
[Home is where the
only person who mattersbetter weaponsarmy of the undeadheart(?????) is, after all.]Though I don't entirely mind this place, I can't say that I enjoy it, either.
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It paints a certain picture. ]
Is home really that nice a place for you?
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All homes have their drawbacks. [Because a straight "it's fine" would sound too suspicious, most likely, and Kaoru wants to shut down the possibility of further questions before they can start.]
Even so, the place that one grows up in almost always holds a special place in their heart. I find myself missing certain little details, places, people...
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[ Except when all the people you grew up with get murdered, and your father figure shoots you through the heart.
Congratulations Kaoru, you've pushed one of Hyoubu's buttons. Achievement unlocked. ]
How sentimental. As for me, I like it here. The relative dearth of humans makes it refreshing.
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Though naturally, there's nothing in Kaoru's tone to indicate exactly what's felt about that statement one way or another. There may be a little hesitant curiosity present, maybe a little concern, but it's artfully presented and hardly stands out.]
Ah? Is there something that you dislike about humans, sir?
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How the word "inhuman" means the same thing as "monster."
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—Well. Definitions are often dictated by the majority, isn't that so?
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[ Kaoru might hear an echo. That's because he's floating outside his window, and speaking through the glass, in addition to on the Cerevice.
He taps on the window and waves. ]
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Of course, the expression that follows soon after is only confused and surprised because gosh! What a shock!! Some guy appearing outside the window! Why does this keep happening, that's the most important question here...]
Hyoubu-san! [Which, likewise, can probably be heard through both the CereVice and the window itself. No move to actually open the window is made just yet, but Kaoru hesitantly shuffles in that direction, at least.]
What in the world are you doing?
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...as well as his freakish, laser beam focus on a non-human named Kaoru. ]
Oh, just hanging around.
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[NOT LOOKING TOO PLEASED... But Kaoru will step forward and unlatch the window anyway, pushing it open after shutting off the CereVice. It doesn't seem like a direct invitation for him to come inside just yet though, since Kaoru doesn't move to the side or anything.]
Carrying on a conversation over the phone would have worked just as well, sir.
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[ Or read your lovely mind.
He looks pretty comfortable, bobbing in the breeze. ]
Can I come in? Or... would you like to come out?
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Which, of course, doesn't reflect in Kaoru's expression. It's a very well-honed mimicry of concern and confusion. One hand reaches out to rest against the lower window ledge; on the inside, there's a colorful box of flowers in shades of purple and blue.]
There isn't enough room for me to join you out there. [Because Kaoru hasn't quite made the connection here that Hyoubu can probably move other things too, and assumes he's talking about the very small outer window ledge.] But I suppose you could come in, if you'd like...
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[ Depending on how authentic you are, dude. ]
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Then I'll have to stay indoors, I'm afraid. I don't do very well with heights, either...
[Which isn't true at all, but Kaoru can only assume being in the sky either means being carried or otherwise subjected to someone else's abilities. Neither of those sound like a good time, okay.]
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...and then a there's a voice from within the room. He's inside, still floating (because he still has his shoes on, and touching the floor in them would be rude). ]
One day perhaps you'll trust me enough to get over your...
[ There's a little pause. Lack of trust is something he understands completely, so he won't argue. But he does say: ]
...fear of heights.
[ — in such a way as to suggest he doesn't quite buy that excuse. ]
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There's also some strong displeasure present about having someone appear behind him that goes a little beyond regular paranoia, as Hyoubu will likely be able to tell. Though Kaoru manages to turn without flinching, it's clear that all guards are up, like it's instinctively expected that an attack will follow. When one doesn't come... well, Kaoru still seems pretty guarded, but that's pretty much the default State of Being™ for this punk.
A smile follows, fleeting and apologetic.]
...You'll forgive my reluctance, I hope? I'm certain that you're a perfectly fine gentleman, but such fears are difficult to overcome.
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Ah, sorry. For teleporting. I might have knocked over your flowers if I'd come in through the window. Didn't mean to startle you.
[ To expect an attack, however...
He knew straight away that there was something not quite right about Kaoru: the extreme dichotomy between his outward presentation and his inner thoughts suggests that the boy has had to live a difficult life, amongst humans. There's deep anger there, Hyoubu strongly suspects.
If he were at home, he could put that anger to good use, as part of PANDRA, but for now... ]
I'm not a fine gentleman. But neither am I your enemy.
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Which is to say that despite the apology and the declaration that he isn't an enemy, there still isn't a scrap of reassurance present. Hearing something like that at all seems to create an unhappy discomfort too, so a quick fall-back is made to the one Tried and True™ method of coping with just about anything: a pretty smile.]
It's all right - you just startled me a little, that's all. Thank you for your consideration... [Glancing over toward the window box.] Those flowers are very fragile, so I'm certain that the stems would have broken if it fell, or the petals would have shed.
Still, saying such a thing... ["I'm not a fine gentleman" WELL NO, NOT AT ALL. But he hasn't been as difficult to deal with as some people either, so:] You've been pleasant to me, so I must at least thank you for that.
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[ He has been fortunate, in that the one person from home who is here with him is an ally, of sorts. But Kaoru's behavior would make much more sense, if someone from home accompanied him, who is an enemy. ]
Let me know, if that's the case. I'm sure I can...
[ His eyes narrow and his features harden. ]
...smooth things over.
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But Hyoubu isn't wrong in guessing that there are indeed several enemies from home here, even if they haven't been causing him much trouble... Okita Souji aside, of course - but Okita is always the exception. Kaoru's fingers thread together neatly, and the smile fades a little in response to that suggestion.]
It's kind of you to offer such a thing, sir... [Kaoru doesn't really understand it. People don't ever offer something for nothing; no one helps "just because". There's some sort of catch here that hasn't been found yet, and Kaoru doesn't particularly want to.]
Still, a little unpleasant behavior is nothing that I can't handle on my own. I should say that I've been lucky enough to avoid most of it in the first place, so it's fine.
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[ He recalls their first conversation. Kaoru thought of someone's name, as his MORTAL NEMESIS EXTRAORDINAIRE then, and he's thinking of it again, now. ]
Okita Souji, right?
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