gocirclegogo | This Icon is for Lion's Feelings

[Kinzo had heard about a blonde woman with the last name Ushiromiya. Naturally he asked around and got her address, and so here he is, hoping... When the door opens, the sight he sees--there are things wrong with it ~~a lack of figure~~, but he doesn't catch them first off because he's been missing her. He's missed her so damn much. And seeing her face, everything else is glossed over in that first rush of absolute joy.]

[A hand goes around Lion's waist, pulling her close and up, and his voice is breathless and low and delighted.]

Beatrice.

[And it's not even seconds later that his lips are on hers and he's pushing her against the doorframe in a passionate, wildly romantic kiss. Memories Lion will have to repress: being tongued by grandpa. Grandpa is an amazing kisser.]

[Hey Kinzo how about this hand suddenly on your shoulder.]

I have to be certain: are you trying to have sex with your cousin or your daughter?

[Incidentally, that's his left hand. His right hand is very ready to summon a spear.]

[Out of everyone, Jade will catch it the fastest. That sensation of the last end of a spell firing off, and it really is quite nice of Jade to distract Kinzo with that oh-so-friendly hand on his shoulder. It means there's even less warning when there's suddenly a summon decking Kinzo in the face with no remorse.

And casually shaking his hand out right when he hits the ground. Ah, maybe he should've went easier on him. After all, he thought it was his dead wife and was swayed by his heart. What a shame what a shame...

...Wait, no no, there's no guilt there at all. Whoops.]

Don't ask irrelevant questions, Jade. Either answer is still despicable.

[Two things worth noting: Lion was surprised and a little happy to see him. Because family and that is a big thing okay.

Two is that wow he is good and that is the biggest thing she is going to have to repress because oh god her grandfather-father is kissing her and it isn't even bad except that is making it worse help her brain before it explodes.

Which luckily doesn't happen. But she's still reeling. Lion sort of stands there staring and listening to idiots and she'd move if she could, really.

Then she manages one confused word for Kinzo.] ...Head-sama...?

[One minute he is having a wonderful time kissing his beloved and the next there's someone asking him something about incest and then he's being punched. Wow, that's a flashback to his good old honeymoon days with Beatrice when they met. Kinzo is a smart man though, and while love still blinds him, he shuts down the expression of shock to something calm, submissive, and under that, watchful. He'd be aggressive if he had a weapon, but he isn't going to play it recklessly without assessing the situation.]

[There's another thing wrong with this as well, aside from two tall men standing between himself and Beatrice. She called him "Head-sama". That's all wrong in so so many ways. He glances at her, instead of the strange men, the confusion leaking past his guarded expression as he stands. She's either signalling him something he's not getting or something is completely off in this picture.]

[He looks at the men again, quietly assessing. Play it calmly. He can shoot them later if he needs to kidnap Beatrice from them.]

I'm afraid I'm confused. What is the meaning of this?

[Polite as he can make himself, and he can make himself damn polite, but Beatrice. She's right there and they are keeping her from him.]

[Jade likes Will's magic. He's very good, and Jade appreciates good combat skills. Because RPG parties. But he continues to smile at Kinzo, and it takes little to work out who, precisely, he is addressing.]

Oh, I'm afraid I'm not really familiar with the details. Will, why don't you explain?

[And still standing in front of Lion with a professional readiness to kill. Also still smiling.]

[Oh Kinzo, even if you did have a shotgun, those two matching troll smiles wouldn't go anywhere. Though the reaction might've been even more violent. But hey, if Jade's the reserved spot in front of Lion as protection, Will can take the spot for throwing intruders out of windows if they cross another line.]

What's to explain? The man has sinful desires for his granddaughter. No need to worry about details.

[If Lion wasn't quite so, well, understandably off feeling, she would be very disappointed in the 'explanations' given. They still register as poor and not explaining anything, though, and it is still Kinzo. Weird in a way to think he doesn't know her. Why would he? Though she met this Kinzo, it wasn't a real meeting that he could remember.

Even in Lion's current state, he's still Kinzo and someone she knows well. Jade is quite obviously going to stop her from moving closer but she does peek around to look at him better, automatically falling into the way she would act if he was upset and needed her.]

I'm very sorry. Please relax. They won't hurt you. My name is Ushiromiya Lion. I, ah, I'm from rather far in your future. But I am your granddaughter. Beatrice is my grandmother. I know you love her deeply and I'm sorry for how this misunderstanding must pain you.

[She really wants to move closer, it's probably very obvious that she does. Without thought she grabs the ring around her neck to show him and then stops. No, he wouldn't know that, either. So Lion lets her hand drop.] Uhm...despite all this...would you like to talk? I'm very close to you but I would understand if this is too much.

[Says the one actively not thinking at the moment so she doesn't think about the kiss.]

[Kinzo has to laugh at Lion trying to reassure him he won't be hurt. His safety was never even a consideration in this. Hers was.]

[But now he has a bit to process. The one without the glasses called this girl his granddaughter and the girl herself claims the same. And her name is Lion. That's a lovely name, so he approves of it. A good rose.]

[So then. He's not ignorant of how this place works, and more to the point, without the happiness making everything else unimportant, he's observing things sharply. She looks just like Beatrice, except not entirely. The figure, for one. And her expressions.]

[Something in his stance eases a little. Still tense and watchful, but now more... Confused. So his granddaughter from the future. There's a happiness in that as well. Beatrice and he have a child then, and that... His lips quirk a little, wryly, at his own thoughts.]

I think I'd better hear a bit more.

[Really, she's worried about him being shocked or hurt? He's not so fragile, in his own opinion.]

[At least Kinzo backs off a bit after that realization, even if Will himself doesn't. Then it comes down to Kinzo's request and there's a glance at Jade. He's not saying anything? Good. No need to make the man needlessly aware about how he rapes his own future daughter. Knowing Jade, he'll ruin that himself later on.

So its time to be the mature person here and bounce the question to Lion. He is not Guy dammit and he is not going to be the one playing catch-up with every dimensional Rokkenjima stray.]

I only met you once in person. Lion might be better at explaining this one.

[Not entirely happy at having it all dumped on her. Really, thanks. But then again thinking about it a little, maybe it's better if it's all on her? It is family and as successor, Lion should be the one to handle anything related to it.

Still...it means deciding what to say. Even if he was bitter and cynical, it's hard to forget the sort of hope Beatrice gave Kinzo and how could she ruin that? He should know the truth but...not right away. Lion hasn't even come to proper terms with it.

But a plan is a plan and makes her more confident. That and Kinzo's own reaction. It almost makes her laugh. He really is a strong person. Amazing.]

Please, come in. And excuse my appearance. I know it really isn't very dignified but I've been working.

[Lion doesn't mind if her bodyguards here tag along but she's making them let him in at least.] Jade is my guardian and the owner of this home. Will is dear to me and from home. I'm afraid proper introductions would be a little lengthy but they're protective. Do you mind tea? I know what you prefer but we don't have it on hand.

[Falling into successor mode is very relaxing for trauma.]

[She represses well. That's good. He stands still on the doorstep, because even if she invites him in, he's well aware it's not her permission he needs at the moment. Even if she's his granddaughter and an Ushiromiya and so therefor entitled.]

[He speaks protective man just as well as the next fellow who is crazily in love. And whatever Jade's feelings are--protective dad? Not quite right. He opens his hands a little, palm up, looking from Will to Jade, meeting their eyes for a moment, his own expression just a little wry.]

May I enter?

[He can be an arrogant, presumptuous and entitled son of a bitch. He can also be formal and polite as hell. The situation calls for polite and calm. He'd rather not have to bring a shotgun every time he wants to visit his granddaughter. Starting an open or even clandestine war with these two seems a waste of time and resources if he can make peace more easily. And after all, he owes them for protecting his granddaughter.]

If it's alright, tea would be pleasant.

[Being sober sucks but what can you do? Sometimes people just don't have absinthe.]

I'll leave that to Will's discretion. You're more familiar with the situation. [This is not Jade being a douchey old man who refuses to do anything. Will knows Kinzo. Will knows whether or not Kinzo should be allowed in.] Lion, why don't you show me how to make tea the way our honoured guest likes it? [And one hand is put on Lion's shoulder as he steers her straight inside. Not that he doubts WIll's ability to protect Lion on his own. He just thinks a moment's separation and TEA are the most important things right now.]

[Jade just gets a flat stare as he casually drags Lion off. For tea. ... Jade.]

I doubt he could be more obvious. [At dodging the responsibility and running off. He'd prefer to throw him under a carriage. Or just throwing him out. But that would upset Lion. Which is one thing he'll agree with Kinzo with - making Lion upset doesn't fly. Then there's the whole ingrained to forgive genuine mistakes thing, but that's barely a grain of sand compared to Don't Make Lion upset.

The flat stare he gets is a mirror of Kinzo's own severe expression when his kids start making him want to smash things. Hopefully it won't have to be the old man's face. Again.]

...Don't do it again. Ever. You'll have more problems than just a fist.

[But it does mean he's allowed in. Even though this will probably be a massive regret but that's fine. As long as he doesn't repeat sins.]

[Lion blinks as she gets dragged away suddenly and glances back apologetically at Kinzo. Really she has no idea. Her friends just do things.

Though maybe the break really is a good thing since being in the kitchen feels like a spell snapping. Her grandfather is here. One who doesn't know her and hasn't committed those sins. He's the same person but different and she's even met this one and he doesn't know it. That is...surreal.

Shaking her head, she starts getting tea around.] ...I'm sorry. I didn't get to ask you and Will if you minded. I just...thought it was better to invite him inside to talk. Ahh... thank you, though. I can handle everything. It's my responsibility.

[Guilt and not thinking well enough for all the manners. Making tea is lovely and distracting.]

[Call it an eventful last few minutes. He just found out he has a granddaughter. Descended from a woman he hasn't even had a child with yet. It's not the kind of news that upsets him, far from it, it's really... Stunning. But in a good way. He feels sort of happy and delighted and he's being glared at. Well, he did just molest his granddaughter. Does he care?]

[Yes actually. But wheeee Beatrice's granddaughter is a bit more overwhelming. It's hardly as if he plans to do that again. She looks disturbingly like Beatrice, but that just makes him weirdly happier. He has a granddaughter! From the future! He wants to get to know her. She seems like a sweet kid.]

[And she's got these rather overprotective, over tall, snarky guardians. Half of him wants to hug the man glaring at him just for being wonderfully protective. Also, he has a granddaughter! Did he mention? It's kind of hitting him with giddy. Yet his voice and demeanor are calm enough. Serious business.]

She looks just like her grandmother, but I won't make the mistake again.

[The irony of his own words is entirely lost on him. Topic shift.] Are you her lover?

[He just happily does the setting-up-snacks thing. He's pleased that the removal has at least had something of an effect on Lion. Babysteps.]

As it's unlikely we can simply kill him and throw him in the river, I suppose it's best we start with this.

Besides, I'm excited to meet the great Kinzo Ushiromiya.

[Well, it's nice to see he's happy. Even though Kinzo keeps up the serious business face, Will's own staves off a bit. Because he said he wouldn't make it again and it's clicking behind his eyes that it's his granddaughter, and it's still going to be a while of being a skeptic. Years and years of it. Because it's not the first time or the second time even if he says he won't do it again and he seems sorry enough and-- ...God dammit.]

If you mean that, then it's fine.

[Lousy goddamn stupid racial traits. And maybe it's good Lion got dragged out, because Kinzo being blunt like that would get her embarrassed and spastic again. But really - does he have to ask that? It's a confirmation move, of course, but it's still a stupid thing to ask.] I am. I wouldn't hit you that hard for anything less.

[Meanwhile, yes, thankfully Lion is oblivious to that question because she would end up stammering or blushing. Too busy giving Jade a dry look. Jade being himself is always a great way to normalize things at least. Just sighing and setting out tea.]

He hasn't done anything wrong. [Yes, an implied yet, but still.] Ah...you and Will can decide if you want to stay or not. I imagine you will but he's not a danger.

Oh, I wouldn't miss this for the world.

[Somehow, this doesn't really come off as Jade being protective. It sounds a lot more like someone getting ready to pull out the popcorn and watch a really great show.]

[To be fair he asked now because Lion got dragged off. He didn't need to ask, he could guess easily. But sometimes confirmation is nice. And interesting. Because now he wants to see if he approves of Will, but at the very least the protective side and bluntness are good.]

[He laughs a little. Yes, love is the only thing that can drive that kind of violence.]

I thought as much. You do have quite a punch. Will you let me in?

[Another confirmation. Will seems alright with it from his earlier statement, but he's being polite.]

[And so begins the endless roulette of Kinzo finding all the ways to drive Will nuts. But it's nice to know that even after punching him in the face, there's still two points in his favor.] Next time it'll be more than just a punch.

[Warning this time, that makes it fair. But fine, he's repeating questions and hopefully Lion had enough brain cells to tell Jade to keep the incest jokes to a minimum. It should all work out fine.]

Jade put his vote with me and I say it's fine. You know your manners enough by now.

[Confirmation, and permission granted to enter. As long as there's no more overly-familial bonding going on.]

[Jade, you are just so amazing. Lion doesn't even think about the incest warning but oh well. She sets out the tea and sits, fussing with her clothes and pulling her hair back in the usual ponytail instead. But she smiles when Kinzo and Will rejoin them.]

Please sit. I admit I'm not really sure where to start on everything. I hope you've been well here, though.

[Jade smiles pleasantly without speaking...

...and pulls out the mental popcorn because here comes the show.]

[And hey if no one says no, then nothing but experiences with the Score suggest he shouldn't. And what is experience in the name of a cheap joke?]

[Will's life will be Lion's father figures trolling him. The price you pay. He nods, acknowledging the warning, or threat more like, and steps inside.]

I'm sure if I forget them you'll remind me promptly.

[No plans on forgetting those manners though. And he enters the kitchen, a brief glance around to assess it before he smiles mildly and sits as directed. He can be a good guest.]

I've been quite well. I came here because I heard of another 'Ushiromiya", in fact. Why not start by telling me about yourself?

[It's not even just father figures anymore. His whole life has devolved into getting trolled and babysitting. But whatever, Kinzo got the point, and now everyone's a member of the happy family in the kitchen.

Except that Will stays leaning against the doorframe. Still keeping an eye on his antics, standing just means faster interception time. And the only action is shooting a single glare at Jade - keep your popcorn to yourself - and then falling right back into a state of plank-faced guard duty. ]

[Lion almost laughs at the difference between Will and Jade. And really it feels like some prison visitation or something with guards waiting like this. Jade finds everything amusing, so he would find that amusing, too. Ah, well. She loves everyone in this room regardless of how ridiculous they are.

Still very surreal but that isn't going to change. So Lion just smiles. Even if she has no idea what to say, she has faith in her ability to speak sincerely as always.]

Certainly. I suppose the basics are best. I am the successor to the Head and you've raised me strictly for that position since I was young. I'm nineteen and the plan is that I will become Head at twenty. At home, I spend most of my time with you or my younger sister, Jessica. I also like to spend time with my other cousins but that's usually only at the annual family conference. A lot of the things I enjoy probably come from you. Roses and gardening, chess, reading...ah, especially fantasies or anything a little beyond everyday life.

[Ah, Lion has an idea.] Of course, now I'm here. I'm very fortunate even then. Will arrived shortly after I did and when I myself arrived, it was here at this house. Jade I'm sure you'll appreciate, as a proper introduction would have me call him Colonel Curtiss. As well, Willard Wright has a certain military background. I've been in very good hands and working towards creating a legacy for my family as you did.

[Hey, there is nothing wrong with wanting to share popcorn. Jade, in contrast, takes a seat. He is totally relaxed, and no less ready to inflict violence at moment's notice.] I'd have insisted on an introduction as Colonel Jade, if titles were necessary. I'm not accustomed to being addressed by my surname.

[And that's it. It's a spectator sport, kids.]

[Kinzo has no illusions about Will's posture of guarding. And Jade's popcorn.gif-ing. Actually it's pretty damn amusing. He relaxes his posture and leans his elbow on the table, completely paying attention to Lion as casually as if the other two weren't watching him like hawks. Or as if they didn't exist at all.]

[He really is interested in her self introduction, and as she names each man again he nods and smiles in their direction as if this were all the politest conversation and most relaxed setting. Kinzo can pull off casual ease and arrogance like a boss.]

A pleasure, both of you. I should formally thank you for taking care of my granddaughter so diligently. I'm grateful.

[And then they cease to exist again and he concentrates on Lion.] It's a surprise to suddenly find myself with a full-grown granddaughter. But I'm glad to meet you.

If you would, I'd like to get to know you properly. Spending time with family is important. And perhaps we can play chess together, or enjoy gardening on a peaceful afternoon. I'm sure it is odd for you as well, used to a grandfather who knows you better.

[Lion can't forget them so easily but it's all right. For how surreal this is, it's also incredibly nice. Because she's missed her family terribly and there was always the sad hope that maybe she could see them. Sad, because it's selfish, but really because the likelihood of any of them knowing her would be 1/2,578,917

Kinzo doesn't know her but this one shouldn't. Some pressure eases off her heart. If she wanted, she could even delude herself into thinking this Kinzo is that miracle chance.

She smiles softly.] I would like that very much. I understand how overwhelming it must be. It is surreal, yes, but I'm happy to see you again. Ah, though I guess calling you Head-sama or grandfather would be a little strange considering the situation.

[She's a sweet girl. He's glad. She seems to have grown up to be someone likable.]

Kinzo will do just fine.

[A little amused, but that properness is also fitting of his successor. Then again, time and place hold their role for formality.]

Overwhelming... Is not the right word. But it is a surprise, if a pleasant one.

[It really is something to see Kinzo so happy. Not that she hasn't seen it but this is much purer. It could be a little heartbreaking. She really will have to decide what to do but she has a feeling the chance for a miracle is important enough to risk.

Still, not right now. Too happy and there's something she wants to do badly.

Lion reaches up and takes off her necklace, sliding her silver ring off it. She offers it to him.]

I'm certain you'll recognise the emblem on it. I don't know if you've decided to use it yet for our family. But you made this for me. It's a ring of succession. Ah, you wanted to be certain everyone would acknowledge me as your heir with something very visible.

[He takes it, examining the emblem. A symbol of her right to succeed, huh? That makes sense. For one, as Beatrice's descendant, the extra insurance of his will makes plenty of sense. Knowing his stubborn and silly children, they may not take her place too well.]

Then this is something you should wear with pride.

[He hands her the ring back, gentle. This is her symbol from him, in the future. He's glad she has it.]

Are we the only family members you know of here?

[Holding the ring tightly for a moment in her hands. She does have a great deal of pride in it. But that mugging incident while she was still new here is why she's taken to wearing it as a necklace under her shirt instead. Mentioning that seemed like a bad idea.

For now, though, she slips it on her finger instead of back on the necklace.]

Only one, who is also your granddaughter. Her name is Ange. Hmm, how should I put it...? She has more of the reckless and bold nature of our family. Other than her, however, I believe we're the only family members here.

[Mental note: warn Ange about all this.]

[Only a bad idea if she doesn't want to see Kinzo get shotgun happy. Which she probably doesn't, to be fair.]

[Two granddaughters? That's not surprising considering how many kids he has, but it's a little strange to have sudden!grandkids all the same.]

I see. All in all it's probably for the best. I'll have to pay Ange a visit as well.

You and Willard seem to be on good terms. You told me how you met the Colonel, but how did you meet you Will?

[Now comes the gentle prying about the boyfriend. Even if he's right there.]

[There are things Lion realises now that, in retrospect, would be useful to have. Like for example, an 'In case of Kinzo' plan. True that in this situation, having one of those would be as useful as having hurricane insurance while living on the moon but since there is apparently a hurricane on the moon now, it would be nice. Maybe she needs to sit down and think of plans for everyone, just in case.

At least Lion is good at remaining completely calm and at ease; ironically, due to Kinzo. Successor mode is a very useful skill. Just she can't think of a good way of putting it without mentioning things that would either be a) upsetting or b) lies.

Even better, she naturally blushes a little.]

Ah, well, that's right, I didn't even say it. It just felt natural to say he was from home. But in that case, it's only fair that Will be included. [To Will, peeking out at him.] You don't have to stand so far away.

[In other words, help her, Willard Kenobi, you're her only hope.]

[It's good Kinzo's looking at Lion when he first asked that question, since Will has a similar thought process as hers, without the moon hurricanes, but with all of the realization there's no back-up plan to this. The only saving grace is he's straight back to apathy by the time Lion drags his name into it.

She gets the stare of 'yes he caught that yes he'll cover you no he won't forgive you for it'. Dodging a bullet by making someone else take it. How rude.

Internal sigh, but more annoyed and being called to sit down outwardly. Already running through trains of various answers as fast as it was a logic battle, and by the time he sits down next to her is when he speaks flatly.] Is it also part of my duty to answer things when you're embarrassed?

[Translation: Saved you, but you owe him.]

We met during... some party you were having for Beatrice. [Said with all the flippancy like he doesn't even remember the reason. Explanation why.] I was there to represent a friend of hers who couldn't bother showing up. I made a few bad impressions, and somehow bonded with the successor out of it. Turns out we have more in common than bad manners.

[Answering questions, dodging landmines, and getting a point in on the ongoing game. All in one package. Beat that Lion.]

[Look at them being adorable. If he weren't obliged to haze Will mercilessly at all possible times, Kinzo would ship it. It's a neat explanation, and for all he is a suspicious, canny bastard, there isn't actually a reason to doubt it in particular, no reason to dig deeper or poke at it. They met at a party he had for Beatrice, they liked each other, presumably they already have his blessing but he's going to make Will work for it again. Maybe. If he feels like a troll.]

[In the meantime he leans his head in his hand, smiling, genuinely happy to hear these things. This is a much gentler side than he usually shows, but she looks just like her grandmother, she really does. It's hard not to feel more at ease, even with Will and Jade--or maybe because they make him want to laugh as well.]

[That's it. None of this feels like that stifling, choking duty, that job of being head, even if she called him Head-sama before.]

Lion mentioned a military background. [With a name like Willard Wright, America or England seem most likely.] What was your field?

[It's nice that Kinzo's enjoying himself so much, though the question does earn a short beat of silence. Feeling less like not having an answer and more like not knowing how to word it. Then just giving the answer outright. No point bothering to hide it, even if it might strike too close to home for Kinzo.]

I handled the hunting down and execution of traitors to the cause. 'Inquisitor' or 'Internal Affairs'. Pick whichever sounds nicer to you. Spec-Ops infantry and command whenever I wasn't doing that. ...Hm. Though 'Internal Affairs' might count as special operations, in a way.

[Pondering it just long enough to get annoyed and stop bothering. It all amounts to the same thing in the end. Best part is it all breaks down the same, so there's not even a need to find half-truths or dodge answers in the long run.]

[If it hits too close to home, Kinzo doesn't care. He is the goddamn Kinzo. Not to mention, it seems unlikely Will works for Japan. He smiles mildly, because his granddaughter did pick a badass didn't she? That's fine as long as the man loves her and is worthy of her.]

Used to. Why'd you retire? [Because he's interested. That kind of job can wear at the soul, so was it personal, or forced, or just end of the military contract and everyone needs a career change.]

[There's the possibility Will could be a gold digger, but considering his immediate reaction to Kinzo's actions towards Lion, and Kinzo's own sense for people, that's not the case at all. Factor in that there'd be no reason to stick with Lion here, in that case, when there are richer women to pursue, and Kinzo is forming a favorable opinion of Will. He'd like to know more though.]

[Normally, he wouldn't answer. Leave something cryptic or half-answered and leave them to figure it out. Retired at an age most never were lucky enough to see, from a position others dreamed about. And it's no one's business but his own why he did it.

But this is Kinzo's questioning. And it's not because it's Kinzo, like those idiot relatives always use as an excuse for anything. It's Lion's grandfather, her technical guardian, and this is probably the usual case of questioning from a father figure to someone dating their daughter.

And right about here he looks amused. Not at the question, but because he's over five times Kinzo's age, and being questioned like he's the younger one. Almost absurd enough to laugh at.]

Personal choice. Nothing interesting. I grew tired of killing people. ...I just got tired of it faster once I realized some of the traitors were innocent.

[To be fair Kinzo's attitude probably wouldn't change one bit if he knew. At least he's consistent in his arrogance and protectiveness. But Will's amusement doesn't offend him--he could speculate a number of reasons but in the end the answer is acceptable.]

[That his granddaughter is dating a killer doesn't bother him at all. As long as she's not the one in danger, it might be even better to have a guy with the skill to be her bodyguard as much as her lover. He smiles, his slight approval. He'll have to interact with Will more, but so far the man isn't losing any points. Good start.]

Not a choice everyone would have made. [Because there are enough soulless bastards who will kill for the fun of it and not care about the innocence of the victim, Orders is Orders. So Will passes the interview and Kinzo's attention is back on Lion.]

How has your adjustment to this place been? It's a bit old-fashioned even for me. [Twenty or thirty or so years before he was even born? To his grandchildren it must seem like a lifetime in the past.]

[Lion is just happy Will saved her - unsure what she owes him but still - and that Kinzo likes him. Of course, she can't really see why people wouldn't like Will, for all that she teases him, but it's fine. Though Lion gets the strange feeling that Erika will be angry tonight. No idea why.

And considering all the things she accepts about Will, none of that can bother her at all. She just smiles at Will. Thank you for helping and playing along.]

It hasn't been too difficult, to my own surprise. But Rokkenjima has always been a quiet place and a little distant from the rest of the world. If anything has been hard to adjust to, it's the food here. The quality can be...below what any person should accept, to be honest. I think half my work is managing our budget to buy food worth having. We have a wonderful chef at home and meals were well done even before then. So while the dress and atmosphere have been an annoyance, I miss those dinners.

This Icon is for Lion's Feelings

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject