tea party

[suddenlybees]

WHO: Toki, Kano, Peter, Gon, Maya, Yuya, Ekkehardt, Imelda
WHERE: Lumière dorms
WHEN: early during the first week of school
WHAT: screaming and dying and tea parties
WARNINGS: screaming and dying and tea parties... broken arms, bears, Lumière deserves a warning in general
NOTES: a continuation of this thread

[Toki doesn't know what happened, but there's a weird guy in a red costume, and a talking bear. He doesn't recognize Gongenzaka's voice, because he doesn't pick on those things.]

Am I dead?

[Because that would make this make sense.]

Comments

[betheman]

Auh....

[He should probably have forseen what was going to be said, when Peter paused like that. It's the kind of pause that comes with a number of puzzle pieces coming together, before that one tiny mood-shattering pin drops.

Gongenzaka somehow manages to shrink right in on himself as he instinctively draws back, ears twisted back the way a scolded dog's would rather than some great bear.] ...Y....yes...

That is...

...

[He doesn't like where their conversation has turned, all of a sudden.] ...Perhaps, I should go...

[made_up_names]

[ That response is honestly really sad? It's enough to make Peter hesitate before saying anything else, though the instinctive flash of wariness in his face surely tells the whole story already. He looks down at Gon's claws, his posture, his ... tea ...

And also his spider senses aren't blaring danger at him, which is frankly the most important factor here. But even so, he continues to make some faces. ]

I'm not - it's just - are you safe?

[ Is that an offensive thing to ask? Probably. ]

[betheman]

[Naturally it's the most common of offensive questions (if not one of them), so he has an answer. One that is not easy to give.]

The only time, during which that is not a guarantee, I will not be here, [He quietly- and very carefully- speaks.] I swear upon, my very soul- that you see me, before you now, means I am safe.

And, when I suspect, that even slightly, the evening will not be so- I go to the Mythril Cage, or to another place, where I will not harm another.

To do all to prevent that- that, is how I was raised- and how the Gongenzaka Dojo, has always taught those it takes in.

[made_up_names]

[ That all seems reasonable? Sounds like the professor in that wizard series he likes, so no actual arguments? But. Even so. There's a roiling uncertainty in his face - and some raw, painful wound just below the surface of it. ]

... A dojo for lycans, huh?

[betheman]

[It is the sort of uncertainty that is met with hesitation- and a fair amount of effort to keep his voice and even actions subdued.]

Y...yes, [he begins, swallowing anxiously.] My grandfather...he created the dojo, after he was bitten. He wished, with all his heart, to keep his family safe, from himself- so, he dedicated himself, to whatever he could, to prevent such harm...

In doing so...others, who wished the same, gathered with him, forming the dojo. Auh...it was not merely lycans, for that matter, [he adds, nodding somewhat.] Those who wish, to find a cure...and, those who utilize runes, to... reverse the curse, before it sets upon a recently bitten victim...they, as well came.

So, the dojo...it is, to do everything, that can be done- such is what I hope to learn, as well...to improve, what techniques there are...what precautions, there can be...

[He quiets, however, having gone on a fair bit.] I... ...I cannot...change, what I am. But...because, of what I am...I can take responsibility, in my actions. To prevent, what danger I am capable of.

[made_up_names]

[ Oh.

That's - he swallows, abruptly a little tearful. He was already thinking about Uncle Ben just now, given the topic, but that last bit strikes straight at his heart. Because of what I am, I can take responsibility. Nearly word for word what Ben had said right before Peter had failed him completely.

Somehow, he thinks his uncle would have liked Gon. Despite the obvious issue here. And that, more than anything, makes his shoulders untense. ]

Seems like your grandfather's a pretty good guy. So's the rest of your dojo.

[betheman]

I... [Are those tears in his eyes?? No don't do that, Gon,]

Y...Yes! My Grandfather...Was a wonderful man..! And, my family, and companions, from the dojo...I truly, hold great respect for them, in my heart..!

...Thank you, Peter! [he finishes, bowing his head.] I...Am glad,to hear these words for them..!

[made_up_names]

[ He swipes at his own eyes briefly, in a way that's totally subtle and definitely not keeping tears away. Dammit, Gon, you had to do the power and responsibility thing. ]

'Course, man. I'd be a dick if I judged all of you for stuff you can't control, right? And your grandfather reminds me of my uncle, so.

[betheman]

[Gongenzaka still doesn't want to make any sudden movements, so his eyes are just sort of covered in the sort of glaze of tear-water that comes when one almost cries, but isn't quite there.

There is, however, a loud sniff.] Perhaps so...but, it is a reasonable concern- a matter, for which I cannot blame another, for feeling...

[He pauses- and adds-] If that is so...then, your uncle, must also be an incredible man..!

[made_up_names]

[ He draws the line at telling a lycan about his uncle being dead. But. He'll take the compliment. And offer a few more details. ]

Yeah. He helped raise me and stuff. Seems like a similar setup.

[betheman]

Auh..! My grandfather, he was not around for much of my life, I admit, [he starts, nodding slowly.] But... ...The time, that we had, was enough, I feel.

I am glad, that you have someone like that, in your life then..! I... [He does bow his head again.] ...I am still sorry, however- if, the knowledge, frightened you. [Like he said just now after all- it's not exactly surprising that the idea of a werebear would send someone immediately into thoughts of OHNOBAD]

...At the least... ...I suppose, the tea is meant for nerves..? Ah...but you did not enjoy the tea...

[made_up_names]

[ That's even closer to his own experience with Uncle Ben than he thought. Which is - really sad? It's really damn sad, and he's still uncomfortable with the parallels being so close.

But it just makes it that much harder to hate this big soft bear who likes tea and stuffed animals. ]

Nah, man, it's not really your fault. Also not something tea was gonna help with.

[ He hesitates. Yeah, okay, still not comfortable telling a lycan how his uncle died, even if Gon is adorable. ]

[betheman]

A-Auh...naturally not, of course... [He sniffs again- but at least the threat of tears seems to be settling down.] ...I am... ...still glad, to have met you, though. And...

I look forward, to seeing you, in the daylight as well, [He manages to finish.]

[made_up_names]

[ Oh. Well. Now he definitely feels like an asshole for asking if Gon was dangerous. Clearly he's dealing with a were-teddy bear. ]

Yeah, dude, same here. Hit me up in Aube, okay?

[betheman]

Aube? [He repeats, nodding.] Auh! I shall, then.

...Ah... [That said.] ...If 'Spider-Man' is also in Aube...please, pass along my thanks, as well! [He quickly adds, beaming.] Their quick thinking, and skill with string, was key to preventing tragedy, tonight!

[made_up_names]

[ Oh.

Oh! Gon totally doesn't know he's Spider-Man. Maybe he was convincing tonight after all? That's awesome. ]

Cool, I'll totally tell him. If I see him, y'know?

[betheman]

[He kind of super knows Peter. Sorry! But he's keeping it 'secret', because it seemed to matter.] Hmn! Wonderful! And...

[He doesn't super have anything else to say- but it does look like things are going on elsewhere in the room, and as his ears perk, he thus gives one last nod.] ...I hope, you are able to rest well, when you return to your own dorm.

[made_up_names]

... Thanks. I will.

[ He might actually. Time for spider-boys to go pass the heck out. ]