itsnotzura | TEXT&VOICE MESSAGE POST ❧ gargleblasted

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TEXT&VOICE MESSAGE POST ❧ gargleblasted

❝we can play charades when there is nothing to say❞

❝Testing, one, two, three. Testing, one, two, three. Testing, one, two...

...Elizabeth? Elizabeth! I don't think it's working.❞

[FUNCTIONS; TEXT&VOICE + NOTE&ACTION]

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...I could not accurately guess.

[he contemplates the ruin of Edo, the ruin of himself in those first few months, and the ruin Takasugi was already crashing down into]

[something breaks.]

-- How did you find him to be? Was he... how was he faring?

[finally, a clear emotion; that of concern, written large and sharp and unfair]

[ Kakashi gives him a look that says, "you're not going to like what you hear." ]

He said he was drowning in a desert, but I think he's been that way for a long time.

...How long have you known him?

[Zura seems to take the news in stride, if not happily; it's something he's had a while to come to grips with]

[he reaches for the tea Kakashi made, cooling rapidly on the table]

[a bit softer]

Since before he set foot in the sands. We were trained and raised under the same man.

[ He actually... looks a bit surprised to hear that. If only because he can't believe that two men who learned from the same man... could take those learnings so differently. Or maybe... ]

If you don't mind answering... what happened to Takasugi?

[he's asked this question to himself many, many times]

[every time, he comes up with a different way of viewing the same result, of justifying the insanity, of blaming himself for letting it happen, of swearing to himself that Takasugi cannot be redeemed]

[as he curls a hand around the warm cup, he responds shortly]

In the wake of our teacher's death, we were also raised by war, and loss, and betrayal.

[ That'll do it. But it's not a similarity he would have liked to have drawn between the Samurai and the Ninja. ]

If you decide you'll meet him, you shouldn't go alone.

[ He knows he said he wouldn't get involved, but... ]

I will go with you.

[a mirthless curve comes to Zura's mouth]

I have handled him and many other things besides alone for some years now.

[there's something lingering there, quickly brushed over with formality]

As a result, I prefer to conduct my own affairs, though your offer is very kind.

[ Why is it that they're alike in the worst possible ways? ]

If you ever change your mind, my offer will still be standing.

[ He drinks some tea to relax the mood a little bit. He's quiet; he'll let Katsura pick the topic. ]

Aa.

[the smaller man withdraws to his own thoughts for a moment, before he questions blankly]

Have you also informed Gintoki of this development?

No. I thought you should do that.

[ He almost did, but Takasugi stopped him. He probably should have done something about it then. ]

Yes. That was a correct assessment.

[he does not seem to be extremely excited about this prospect, nevertheless]

[the cup of tea is drained]

[ Kakashi pours him another, and takes a piece of fruit. ]

What is Gintoki's involvement?

It is not my place to say. To be honest, I am not sure I myself know the true extent.

[he places the cup down]

...We disagree in some areas of this situation.

[ He guesses that's what Zura means when he says that he's been through most of this alone. ]

Even so, I think you should try to take a united front.

[a huff of air, somewhere between disbelief and acknowledgment]

[the last time they had taken a united front...]

That would be opportune, yes.

...You don't think it could happen?

[ :| he didn't watch the Benizakura arc! ]

It depends on my own conclusions, and whether they coincide with his. I already know what his will be, after all - I have known him too long not to.

Will you let me know when you make your decision?

[there's a moment of hesitation]

[but he eventually nods shortly, formally]

[ There's a pause. ]

Are you hungry? It's almost dinnertime.

I am fine. My apologies for keeping you.

[starts cleaning up the tea stuff]

[ Kakashi is helping ]

Not at all.

[ Pause ]

You can come over, if you'd like. I haven't gotten used to proportioning for three people so I overestimate.

[ That may or may not be a lie ]

[the statement (lie or not) softens something in him]

[the tight set to his jaw eases into a quiet smile]

Aa? Perhaps you should move your forehead protector.

[ He lifts it above his sharingan but he's not sure why. He's been using it less lately, because he doesn't want to remind Obito of it, and it takes him a little bit to adjust. ]

[ He doesn't see anything out of the ordinary ]

Hm?

When you are cooking. I am sure Kushina-dono knows how to portion properly.

[putting the fruit away, and as much as Kakashi calms him (keeps that swelling tide of memoryregret in check), he still noticeably doesn't eat any]

TEXT&VOICE MESSAGE POST ❧ gargleblasted

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