001. pass the ammunition. // open post.

[fidelias]

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

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[fidelias]

It is, but this is a matter between the two of you. I am also confident in the fact that you had your reasons.

[Human emotions were also incredibly tricky things. That goes without saying.]

[larue]

[ He's looking down at his hands now, thumbs overlapping as he takes what Tohru is telling him.

When he finally looks up, he sends a small, shy and apologetic smile at Asami, before replying softly to them both. ]

I just got scared. [ Of how much Hikaru had come to mean to him. And this, barely a month into their actual relationship. ] But I know that that's on me.

[fidelias]

[Nods.]

Which you will now do something about.

[It's a fact. You're here, aren't you? And you did mention Ireland.]

[larue]

Yes, sir.

[ There's an undercurrent of certainty in his tone, at least where it concerns himself. He just hopes that Hikaru will be open to talking, to sorting this out, to hearing him out. ]

[fidelias]

[Catching that, which is why he's now tilting his head.]

What are you worried about?

[larue]

[ He manages to catch himself before he drops his head again. His voice is soft though.

Might as well be honest. ]

Just nervous, sir. I hurt him pretty bad.

[fidelias]

[Ah, well. That's a normal reaction, and rather indicative of a depth of caring that's enough to put this one's heart at ease. It's clear that Asami feels the same, especially since she has now reached over the table to grasp Josh's hand and smile at him reassuringly. Tohru, on the other hand, is setting his cigarette aside in favor of leaning forward on his knees, folding his hands together, and looking straight at Josh.]

I am not too surprised to hear that. However, I have a strong feeling that things will work out well between the two of you.

[At least he does hope that they will.]

[larue]

[ It means more than he can process right now to hear Tohru say that. This is a man he respects and admires and is unashamed to say that he steps lightly around for a number of reasons. The top of that list being: a) this is Hikaru's current father, and b) this is the Assassin of the Searing Wind.

He's sending a grateful, quiet smile at both Asami and Tohru now. He squeezes here hand gently in thanks. ]

Thank you, sir. It means... [ yeah, he's going to say it. ] It means a lot to hear you say that.

[ And then, quietly: ] You both matter a great deal to him. Your whole family does. I know that he and I haven't been together long, but family matters to me. So you matter.

[fidelias]

[One had to admire the boy for caring in that direction. Not everyone did when it came to their significant others. "Love is all that matters", and so.]

Know, then, that you are always welcome in this home, regardless of the circumstances.

[larue]

[ He takes a ( clearly relieved ) breath at that. He's fond of Asami, of the kids. He doesn't know how things will pan out when he gets to Ireland, but he's hoping for the best. The Fukuzawas are good people. Great people. ]

I won't keep you then. [ He's giving Asami's hand one last squeeze and offering a deferential nod Tohru's way before he makes a move to rise from where he's sitting. ] I have a plane to catch.

But again: Thank you for you time.

[fidelias]

[Tohru is nodding. Asami, on the other hand, is standing up.

"Let me walk you out."

This one will watch the two of you from where he is, and enjoy the rest of his cigarette.]