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This Icon is for Lion's Feelings

[CLEANING. Lion has been cleaning because, well, most of her other chores and so on were done and she likes to stay busy. Not like there isn't always something to clean. Dusting especially because good lord who decided Victorian homes would be built this way when it means so much dust? But dusting is kind of relaxing in a weird way so it's fine. She can space out doing it and think random Lion thoughts and be calm.

Will and Jade are around doing their own things and Lion isn't planning on going anywhere today, so being dressed in some baggy trousers and one of Will's shirts is fine. Hair up in a loose bun because it would be hot on her neck otherwise. Last part of this unintentionally horrible look is a sort of bandanna that she's had up over her mouth and nose.

Then there's a knock at the door. Lion almost asks Will or Jade to get it. She looks a bit inappropriate for door answering. But then again at worse it means she'll be mistaken for some servant. And if it's a friend, well, whatever. Not like she cares too much. So she tugs the bandanna down and gets the door.]

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[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.

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This Icon is for Lion's Feelings

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