001. every reunion is a type of heaven // open post.

[kawaakari]

Take a prompt, take your time, post whatever you like.

Comments

[kawaakari]

[And rather than respond to that, she's laying down the cups and changing the subject.

She will make draw her final line soon enough, perhaps.]

Did your family enjoy themselves in Japan?

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Brig's still looking at the Great Koi. He's curious about his story. He snaps back to attention when she asks. ] Oh, they did. J and K have never been here. I think they busied themselves going around the place. [ He takes the sake bottle and pours for them both. Then looks back at the Koi. ] Did he ever a wife? Or companion? Must be pretty lonely being the only fish in the pond. Old to boot.

[kawaakari]

Oh, I think he is quite content with where he is.

[They have much in common, her and this Great Spirit.

And nope, while she does know the answer to all of that, she's keeping it sealed behind her lips.]

[atlas_shrugged]

Don't know whether I'm happy for him or think getting used to being alone sucks. [ He's thinking about himself too. When Kaz's boy showed them the Koi, Brig felt sad for the old spirit. And felt drawn to him as well. ] Especially with how long he must have lived already.

[ Brigade is oblivious to her thoughts. He has no idea she, as usual, is giving him only what she wants to give him. ]

[kawaakari]

Some creatures in the Fifth World cannot stand to be alone while others get used to it, as you say. Still others choose to be alone.

[Sip.]

[atlas_shrugged]

And you are which, Ma'am? [ A sip as well, while looking at her thoughtfully ]

[kawaakari]

I choose to be alone.

[Still smiling, meeting his gaze just once, before going back to her drink.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Caution. Usually he'd just jump the near-obvious questions. But he grew up knowing propriety in non-combat oriented matters. ] May I ask why?

[kawaakari]

It helps keep things in perspective for me.

[She has her job, she has her family, she has her few friends, and her principles. That is enough.]

ugh, backtagging, walking the fine line of continuity paradox. haha

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Keep things in perspective? ] I take it you lost perspective once before? [ He asks with both curiosity and concern in his voice ]

lol yep

[kawaakari]

Of course. I am only human, am I not?

[Teasing, because it isn't actually a big deal for her anymore. She is settled where she is, and she is good at what she does. She knows what she loves, and what she does not need to look for now.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ He just smiles and nods ] Ever miss not being alone? [ Widow. Not about to ask about her husband. ]

[kawaakari]

No.

[It's the truth. She had her time: she realized, many years ago, that it was enough.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Brigade looks back at the Great Koi ] You and he are a lot alike then, I guess. [ It still seems kind of sad.] Alone and waiting on other people's stories.

[kawaakari]

Yes, we are. We tell each other stories, at times. One observer to another.

[atlas_shrugged]

And what about your own stories? [ He keeps on looking at Great Koi. What must their lives have been like? ]

[kawaakari]

Those, I tend to keep for myself and my family. He knows a few of them, though, by merit of proximity.

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Brig smiles and looks at her, with a little chuckle ] Sorry, I meant, what about your own stories? The two of you. How are your stories going now? [ He pauses then adds ] Since, you know, you've both chosen to be alone now.

[kawaakari]

Oh, they are interesting enough.

[She likes that word. Blame her son.

But no, she's not going to give any examples.]

[atlas_shrugged]

[ Brig smirks at that, recognizing the choice of word from previous conversations with the Blade King. ] Did Hikaru pick that up from you, Ma'am, or was it the other way around?

[kawaakari]

I prefer to think of it as communal property.

[Heh.]

[atlas_shrugged]

You and your son are so alike. [ Brig chuckles. A pause. Before he adds ] But you're a lot more guarded.

[ She is. Hikaru deflects. And fails a good number of times once you've seen some of his patterns. But Kasumi is a wall. One Brig can't seem to find any loose bricks in. Things like that, fixate him. ]

[kawaakari]

[It amuses her to see that Brigade seems to think that he knows Hikaru Shinta so well. What the man knows, she is certain, is merely the tip of the iceberg. In that same light, it also amuses her to see how easily he gives his opinions on other peoples' personalities, and mannerisms. But he does seem to be the type who'd naturally assume such things and do such things, by merit of his good intent and concern for those around him.

She's keeping that to herself, though, as usual.]

If you say so.

[atlas_shrugged]

[ The reply isn't an affirmation. He can tell at least that. ] You and your son aren't alike? [ He asks cautiously. ]

[kawaakari]

[She's only going to pour herself another drink now.]

Does it matter whether we are or not?

[Topping that with an expression that almost reads along the lines of why so curious? Why the questions?]