[ Her honest concern actually does help, even if it might not look that way. Instead of flailing, he heaves a heavy sigh, rubbing at the back of his neck. ]
[As if it will help, Kaname reaches over and takes hold of his sunglasses, gently removing them to put on the coffee table. Following that, she encourages him to shed his hat and hood.]
[ That blush is back, taunting him as he blinks to adjust to the brightness of the room. Catching her in direct eye contact doesn't help either. He quickly looks to the side while he rids himself of the other ever-present accessories. He'll nervously ruffle his hat hair before looking back up. ]
I'm not always that nice, I can promise that. [Of course, she's thinking more along the lines of training drills or field deployments, but that doesn't come into play here.
Still, his words have her fighting a smile. Kaname doesn't plan to let that distract her from the entire point of his visit.]
Is that all you wanted to say?
[There's only so much she can do in terms of encouragement. If he wants something, he's going to have to get there on his own.]
[Well. That is absolutely one way to do it. Kaname blinks, then gives him a moment to realize what just happened. Before he can retreat back into his usual bluster and what not, she interjects with what she hopes is a final push.]
On a date? Then look me in the eyes and ask properly.
[Kaname smiles, almost ready to answer him. Before that, though, she leans in and places a quick kiss on his cheek. Her lips linger for a moment, then she withdraws, expression calm.]
Does it really count as stuck if I'm happy about the arrangement?
[To emphasize, she scoots as close as she can, leans against him, and lets her head fall to rest on his shoulder. A happy little "hum" sound can be heard.]
Are you going to ask me why I pushed you to do this?
[His hand gets a light squeeze from her in return.]
Confidence. At least the confidence to leave your comfort zone and take a chance. Without taking a risk here and there, the odds of getting what we really want are almost impossible. I've seen it time and again back home with all sorts of people.
I see. [Kaname takes a moment to process the explanation, eventually relaxing, but not quite as much as before. His reasoning makes sense given the differences in the societal scale of their respective homes. Still, something about the initial comparison rubs her the wrong way.]
It's not a walk in the park, you know. We work hard.
[ maybe it was his petty huff before he made the comparison? Maybe his long lasting bitterness towards his brothers for easily excelling had shone through his words. ]
I'm sorry...I didn't mean it like that.
[ don't get emotional over that now, too. You already embarrassed yourself earlier. ]
Bandou-- [The changes in his expression tell her she reacted a little too harshly, especially after his explanation. Her brow furrows, but she squeezes his hand again.]
You're putting a distance between us that doesn't need to be there. It sounded like you picture me above you in some way, and I don't like that. [A small sigh escapes her. Kaname knows she can do better, too.]
Before Walkure was formed, I tried my hand at a solo career. For four years I fought hard and tried anything I could to make my mark. Nothing worked, and I eventually gave up. I just happened to get another chance.
Popular or not, everyone has obstacles they have to face. I don't want you discounting anyone because of how you might perceive them, that includes yourself. That's what I didn't like.
[ He calms as she gives her explanation. It makes a lot of sense, and is honestly something he's needed to hear for a long time. ]
I've always been put up against those that were more talented than me. And expected to live up to their achievements, or even do better. And it's not like I didn't try either!
[ He takes a breath, not wanting to get riled up again after she did so well at calming him. ]
Hearing someone accept me either way feels nice, for once.
[ He'll move them around until he's able to get a good wrap of his arms around her. ]
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Yeah, just getting too into my head.
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[As if it will help, Kaname reaches over and takes hold of his sunglasses, gently removing them to put on the coffee table. Following that, she encourages him to shed his hat and hood.]
There, now I can see you. Talk to me.
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You're too nice, you know that?
[ It's not an insult or complaint, though. ]
I'm not used to having people like you around.
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Still, his words have her fighting a smile. Kaname doesn't plan to let that distract her from the entire point of his visit.]
Is that all you wanted to say?
[There's only so much she can do in terms of encouragement. If he wants something, he's going to have to get there on his own.]
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[ His panic mode flares up again. Quickly enough that he doesn't realize he said it. ]
I just don't want to scare you away!
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On a date? Then look me in the eyes and ask properly.
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Ah...
[ But the fact that she's still sitting there, pushing for him to do it the proper way, gets him to take a steadying breath. ]
...Kaname, do you wanna go on a date with me?
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Yes, I'd like that.
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Hm, that might've been too much at once. Should I take back the yes?
[Just a joke. She nudges his shoulder with her own, a friendly indication she has no plans on rescinding her answer.]
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No way. You're stuck with me, now!
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[To emphasize, she scoots as close as she can, leans against him, and lets her head fall to rest on his shoulder. A happy little "hum" sound can be heard.]
Are you going to ask me why I pushed you to do this?
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I'm kinda curious, yeah.
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Confidence. At least the confidence to leave your comfort zone and take a chance. Without taking a risk here and there, the odds of getting what we really want are almost impossible. I've seen it time and again back home with all sorts of people.
Besides, how long would you have taken otherwise?
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[ he hisses through his teeth, that pettiness showing itself as he remembers past dating trauma. ]
I'm pretty much the underachieving nerd and you're the super popular girl.
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Is that really how you see me?
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...yes? That's a compliment though!
[ Guess he better explain himself! ]
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[ It's hard for him to contain his jealousy when he's around people who do better than him. But there's one big difference here... ]
It makes me feel good. Knowing I can catch your attention. And make you smile.
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It's not a walk in the park, you know. We work hard.
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Did I make it sound like you didn't?
[ maybe it was his petty huff before he made the comparison? Maybe his long lasting bitterness towards his brothers for easily excelling had shone through his words. ]
I'm sorry...I didn't mean it like that.
[ don't get emotional over that now, too. You already embarrassed yourself earlier. ]
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You're putting a distance between us that doesn't need to be there. It sounded like you picture me above you in some way, and I don't like that. [A small sigh escapes her. Kaname knows she can do better, too.]
Before Walkure was formed, I tried my hand at a solo career. For four years I fought hard and tried anything I could to make my mark. Nothing worked, and I eventually gave up. I just happened to get another chance.
Popular or not, everyone has obstacles they have to face. I don't want you discounting anyone because of how you might perceive them, that includes yourself. That's what I didn't like.
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I've always been put up against those that were more talented than me. And expected to live up to their achievements, or even do better. And it's not like I didn't try either!
[ He takes a breath, not wanting to get riled up again after she did so well at calming him. ]
Hearing someone accept me either way feels nice, for once.
[ He'll move them around until he's able to get a good wrap of his arms around her. ]
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A small chuckle escapes her as Kaname leans into the hug, glad she mostly got her feelings across.]
Just try not to give up so easily anymore. I think the ability to keep going is an admirable quality in someone, don't you?