revelate | pika pika

[ He takes a sip from his glass, the alcohol burning his throat just as much as it did on the very first sip. ]

They're also stupid and would go along with anything I did.

[Another amused snort.]

That's not very nice.

[But he gets it. Noah is the brains of his group as well, along with Taion, but before that...]

My podmates are two of the most hotheaded and shortsighted people you'll meet. I wouldn't call them stupid, but they'd rather act first and think second.

It might not be nice, but it's true.

[ Hmph. He never claimed to be nice either, but at least what little huffiness Noah can see from Kurapika doesn't have any real anger attached to it.

It's just the way he is. ]

My friends are the same way, though. They never do any real planning, and would rather do everything on the fly instead. [ He pauses. ] I've learned from them, though. They're adaptable in ways I could never be.

Mm. At least you're open to expanding your horizons. Other people always have something to teach us, I think, even if we're learning from them what not to do.

They do, but I'll decide whether or not I adopt their lessons for my own teaching. My way has benefited me for the most part well enough.

[They really are the same guy, wow.................]

So you may think, but it's hard to say what position you'd be in now if you'd put more stock into what your friends tell you. That's not to say your way is wrong, but it's something worth considering.

...

[ He sets his glass down. ]

My position is that I've nearly completed one of my goals. I think I'm doing just fine, Noah.

Relax. No one's questioning your methods.

[he's just sayin]

It's alright to listen to the opinions of others every now and then. That's all I meant.

[ eyes turn red

jk ]

Like I said, I'll listen. But I already have methods that work for me and people who work well under me. You understand, right? Sometimes things simply work and no outside input is needed.

I suppose so.

[Look, Noah knows better than to try and convince someone as stubborn as Kurapika to expand his horizons, so he'll save his breath.]

As long as you're happy, so what works best for you.

My happiness isn't important to me.

[ He's fine, though. Don't worry about it. ]

[If Noah's going to worry, he'll keep his worries to himself. If he understands Kurapika as well as he thinks he does, he'd just puff up like an angry cat if Noah suggested that maybe he consider loving himself a little.]

Then what is?

[ He sure would! Kurapika would be embarrassed by how easily Noah has sniffed him out. ]

Avenging my clan and restoring dignity to their memory.

...A noble cause.

[The implications here aren't lost on Noah. He considers whether or ask or not, rising to circle the bar and fill two cups with water for them both. Ultimately, Noah decides not to inquire about the obvious.]

Are you alone?

[ The water is a welcome sight, especially as Kurapika's vision begins to swim. Ugh. He drank way too much, didn't he?

Trying to subtly hold onto the bar for balance, he reaches forward for that glass. ]

Of course I am.

[Oh, Kurapika... Noah makes a mental note: don't let this guy drink. He's much too high strung as it is.

Noah slooowly, subtly, inches his barstool closer so he'll be within grabing range if Kurapika begins to tip too far to one side.]

Why "of course"?

[ It's a considerate move, but hopefully Noah expects it when his efforts are repaid with a glare. ]

I have my own methods, which means I use them by myself.

[ Makes complete sense, right? ]

[Oh, but of course he does. He has to try not to smile, being reminded of both Lanz and Eunie and their stubborn ways. Thanks for that, Kurapika.]

You've no need to defend yourself in my eyes. I can tell you're plenty capable.

[ It feels like Noah is trying to placate him which... just irritates him more.

With a sigh, he unsteadily makes his way around the bar and over to a stool, water still in hand. ]

It's easier if I'm alone because I don't want anyone getting hurt because of me. Listening to others and having allies means that they'll do something stupid to save you if you're in trouble.

You can't stop people from caring about you. To be frank, you're a fool if you think otherwise.

[ If he were a more outwardly dramatic man, he'd throw a glass against the wall or something like that.

But this is Kurapika and so the thought doesn't even cross his mind. Instead, he pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes just in case they flash red out of irritation. ]

Idiot.

[At that, all Noah can do is smile to himself. He'll spare Kurapika a pat on the back, at least.]

I have a difficult time not liking you, you know. I'm sure the same goes for many people you've bet. People are as much a joy in life as they are a burden, so I hope you'll let yourself live again some day.

...We'll see about that.

[ He'd like to, he thinks. At least on some level, that is. It was always nice having fun with his friends, but he's not sure that he can anymore. ]

Alright, alright.

[Noah's unintentionally picked on Kurapika enough for one day. Feeling a bit better now that he's sobered up a bit, Noah scoots back and out of his barstool.]

Want me to walk you back to your farm? We could both use some sleep, I figure.

[even though noah will end up right back here for a kuki thread whoops]

[ He closes his eyes, momentarily feeling his surroundings shift and swirl a bit, before he lets out a long sigh. ]

I'll manage. Go ahead and go rest.

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revelate - 2024-03-17 16:30 (UTC) - Expand