#int: naosuke

[bullet-rebuttle]

Now, Naosuke was good at textiles. That wasn't a surprise for someone called the ultimate tailor, but cooking? He was hopeless at that, so instead of getting Tadao some homemade chocolates or other sweets, he made him something simple, a pillow embroidered with a design that he'd seen Tadao do a lot recently.

"Here... y-you looked like you needed something new for your room. Pillows you have now are shit looking."

In other words, he just wanted to give him a cute pillow, but Naosuke just wasn't the type to just admit that still.

Honestly the fact the other would be giving him anything would be a surprise. Being as forgotten by almost everyone around him left Valentine’s Day being a..very lonely holiday in general. Though he wanted to change that here..but unfortunately this was also a busy time with so many people coming in to get nails done. He does have something for the other..but that would have to be given later.

He takes the pillow blinking in shock as he examines it like he had never received anything before: after a moment he smiles letting out a small, shy laugh at his words.

“W-wait..you really made this for me..? Are you sure..? Even if my pillows are bad..I don’t deserve such a gift..I..thank you…”

[bullet-rebuttle]

Tadao sighs as he finishes his last nails he had to work on,,for now at least. And until then..he figures he should find somewhere quiet to relax a bit without worrying about his work. Which led to him accident opening the door to the others work room which makes him jump a bit.

“Ah! Um…I-i…im so sorry…I-I-..,I didn’t mean to…I’ll uh..” he pauses stumbling over his words as he just shuts the door quickly.

While Naosuke was used to the loud sounds of motorcycles and guys fighting with one another, he did take some sanctuary in quiet places he could work in the school. Though, when he hears someone burst into his work room, he can't help but look up from his latest project, glaring at the intruder.

"You better have a damn good reason for being here. Say what you want or get the hell out already."

[hopes-memorial]

If it weren't for who Botan's father was, it would hardly be the same situation. Naosuke, deep deep down, did want to hand over the family to his one and only grandchild, but the sight of Rin Kujou came to mind every time he looked at Botan leading to this situation were things were taut with tension.

"Focus more on not bringing us more shame before allowing yourself to be ambitious."

Botan, on the other hand, saw his grandfather as merely a tyrant that was doomed to fall long before himself. He loathed the old man as much as he respected him. For the sake of his mother's spirit, he was willing to endure, but even now, he could feel the old man's hatred towards the father that he adored even now, and it made his blood boil.

"Very well. Is this all you wished to discuss?"

"Not quite... there is still the matter of succession that I wish to speak with you on."

Botan groans internally as his grandfather continues.

"It was different when it was presumed that you would be marrying the friend you have been close with since childhood. However, now things are more complicated. Tell me, what are your plans."

"I... admittedly there are none at the moment. I am aware there are methods for us to have a child, though... I am unsure..."

Naosuke sighs deeply at the answer. It wasn't one he wanted to hear, though he would accept it for now.

"I will give you five years to fully make plans. By the time your mother was your age, you were 2... however, it appears it was too soon, given the results."

"Thank you for allowing us time to think, grandfather."

The older man only nods and motions for them to leave, dismissing the two for now, at the very least.

It seemed like boilerplate family speak, nearly reminding Natsumi of her brother and father. In a way the two seemed the same: both held family legacies on their shoulders and had someone hesitant to give up their current role of authority for fear of a massive loss of honor so they find flaws where there are none in order to poke, prod and attempt to discredit their heirs.

Her own father's time ended abruptly and for the short time her brother was in charge she couldn't discern any real flaws in his leadership. The collapse of the Kuzuryuu came from within spearheaded by treachery so deeply rooted it would have been almost impossible to root out.

Botan's family isn't nearly that complex, just his Grandfather clinging onto power with desperation. Natsumi knew what fading power looked like and he embodies it totally.

[bullet-rebuttle]

“Oh..w-well..I’m sorry you have to deal with that..people’s assumptions can be saddening..” he sighs as well taking this moment to calm down a little. He shakes his head. “Oh..uh..it’s okay. It isn’t a big deal..I just..try to stay out of fights or anything..”

That assumption about not being able to hurt anyone..was pretty much correct. Even before the apology though, he already felt himself forgive them already. He blinks surprised by the interest. “Oh..I always liked art..and so I practiced using my nails and eventually people wanted me to do theirs..”

“…Yeah..expecially in my case..everyone is so much better than someone like me..no wonder I blend in..” he sighs with acceptance still in his tone even if a part of him still wished to stick out. Though he was accustomed to this after everything.

“Oh..my talent isn’t all that special..but I’m the ultimate nail artist. If..you’re okay with me asking..what is yours?” Understandable…he really has already forgiven the other for this thankfully.

[bullet-rebuttle]

While most didn’t appreciate his talent at least in his mind..he had encountered many types of people who did want him in work. Who knows…perhaps he had met a few of the Diamonds already. He would be pretty happy for the other to enjoy this as well. “I…I suppose so..”

“Oh…well I believe that still counts as tailoring..or at least a similar skill set..” he couldn’t help but find it rather impressive..he didn’t know much about clothing. Though he could see it being extremely useful. He flinches before he nods quickly. “Ah! C-course not! I-I mean..I would never assume such a thing..I mean..you are apart of a g-gang..I can’t imagine looking down on you for this..” he stumbles his words..and that would be correct. The only person he ever looked down on was himself and the other was not that.

“…Yeah..expecially in my case..everyone is so much better than someone like me..no wonder I blend in..” he sighs with acceptance still in his tone even if a part of him still wished to stick out. Though he was accustomed to this after everything.

“Oh..my talent isn’t all that special..but I’m the ultimate nail artist. If..you’re okay with me asking..what is yours?” Understandable…he really has already forgiven the other for this thankfully.

[bullet-rebuttle]

“…Yeah..expecially in my case..everyone is so much better than someone like me..no wonder I blend in..” he sighs with acceptance still in his tone even if a part of him still wished to stick out. Though he was accustomed to this after everything.

“Oh..my talent isn’t all that special..but I’m the ultimate nail artist. If..you’re okay with me asking..what is yours?” Understandable…he really has already forgiven the other for this thankfully.

While Naosuke was used to the loud sounds of motorcycles and guys fighting with one another, he did take some sanctuary in quiet places he could work in the school. Though, when he hears someone burst into his work room, he can't help but look up from his latest project, glaring at the intruder.

"You better have a damn good reason for being here. Say what you want or get the hell out already."

[bullet-rebuttle]

Even if the other was rough around the edges..it didn’t bother him in the least. In fact, he respected the others sharper tongue wishing he could stand up for himself like that..it was refreshing.

“Oh…I see…I’m sorry for making you sad with my pathetic life..it makes me happy that you’re doing anything for me at all though..thank you..” he smiles softly..he wasn’t stupid. He knew how the other was, but felt it was best to just go along with this.

“I promise..I wouldn’t ever mess up such a kind gift from you..I will make sure only to clean it when necessary and take your advice with doing so. Thank you..” he hears a little of the mumbling which makes him even happier

Now, Naosuke was good at textiles. That wasn't a surprise for someone called the ultimate tailor, but cooking? He was hopeless at that, so instead of getting Tadao some homemade chocolates or other sweets, he made him something simple, a pillow embroidered with a design that he'd seen Tadao do a lot recently.

"Here... y-you looked like you needed something new for your room. Pillows you have now are shit looking."

In other words, he just wanted to give him a cute pillow, but Naosuke just wasn't the type to just admit that still.

Honestly the fact the other would be giving him anything would be a surprise. Being as forgotten by almost everyone around him left Valentine’s Day being a..very lonely holiday in general. Though he wanted to change that here..but unfortunately this was also a busy time with so many people coming in to get nails done. He does have something for the other..but that would have to be given later.

He takes the pillow blinking in shock as he examines it like he had never received anything before: after a moment he smiles letting out a small, shy laugh at his words.

“W-wait..you really made this for me..? Are you sure..? Even if my pillows are bad..I don’t deserve such a gift..I..thank you…”

[bullet-rebuttle]

Tadao definitely wasn’t used to words like that and his timid nature definitely kept him from throwing any words back at him. In fact; he was already internally insulting himself for bothering the other..but pauses once he hears them.

“Oh..well..if it..if my presence isn’t a problem for you..th-than okay..b-but if you do not ant me to leave! Then you can tell me! I-I-I won’t be offended!! I’ll..uh..stay quiet..” he mumbles as he awkwardly sits down going to get a book out to shove his face into for that moment. “Huh..? Oh..n-nice to meet you..I’m..Tadao..I-I’m not new I just..am not the most standout ish of people..”

While Naosuke was used to the loud sounds of motorcycles and guys fighting with one another, he did take some sanctuary in quiet places he could work in the school. Though, when he hears someone burst into his work room, he can't help but look up from his latest project, glaring at the intruder.

"You better have a damn good reason for being here. Say what you want or get the hell out already."

[hopes-memorial]

"Good... you got no idea how many people start getting the wrong idea about me just because of that..." He sighs a bit. "Th-though, uh... thanks for not doing that, I guess... sorry for startlin' ya. You don't have to worry. 'M not gonna start a fight with ya..."

It honestly made him feel a little bad, intimidating this guy like this. Even if he just met him, Tadao felt like the kind of guy that wouldn't be able to do anything that could hurt anyone. "Er... how'd ya get into this sort 'f thing... nail art I mean."

“…Yeah..expecially in my case..everyone is so much better than someone like me..no wonder I blend in..” he sighs with acceptance still in his tone even if a part of him still wished to stick out. Though he was accustomed to this after everything.

“Oh..my talent isn’t all that special..but I’m the ultimate nail artist. If..you’re okay with me asking..what is yours?” Understandable…he really has already forgiven the other for this thankfully.

[hopes-memorial]

He had seen some guys talk about nail artists quite a bit at the hideout. While they might be big, tough biker guys, a lot of them were into that sort of thing, and...while he would rather die than admit it, he was into it, too. "Ain't the worst... least it's not luck." He hums as he fixes a stitch before answering.

"'m the ultimate tailor. Do a lot more embroidery 'n actual tailorin' though." It happened pretty often, though, mostly with his own clothes. Textile work just came naturally to him. "But don' ya dare think that makes me some sort of priss. 'm still a member of the Crazy Diamonds, 'n not some lil bitch, got it?" There were a few that got the wrong idea of him from time to time, and he made damn sure to set them all straight... but he had a feeling that this guy wasn't one to look down on anyone...

“…Yeah..expecially in my case..everyone is so much better than someone like me..no wonder I blend in..” he sighs with acceptance still in his tone even if a part of him still wished to stick out. Though he was accustomed to this after everything.

“Oh..my talent isn’t all that special..but I’m the ultimate nail artist. If..you’re okay with me asking..what is yours?” Understandable…he really has already forgiven the other for this thankfully.

[hopes-memorial]

"Tch, ya don't gotta 'pologize for that kinda shit..." He could tell that Tadao could tell how he really felt or at least had an idea, and it only made his face flush all the more. Embarrassing as it was, though, he was also glad that he didn't have to worry about Tadao misunderstanding him.

"Good. Be a waste of my time 'f ya did..." and it would hurt... a lot. Part of that would have to just remain unsaid, but it was sort of obvious with just how much work they put in the delicate design that included highlights and shading in the pattern. Naosuke put a lot of time into this, and he wasn't afraid to admit that.

"'f ya don't got other plans for this... ya wanna hang out? Be real damn pathetic for ya to end up locked 'n your sad ass room 'r whatever..."

Even if the other was rough around the edges..it didn’t bother him in the least. In fact, he respected the others sharper tongue wishing he could stand up for himself like that..it was refreshing.

“Oh…I see…I’m sorry for making you sad with my pathetic life..it makes me happy that you’re doing anything for me at all though..thank you..” he smiles softly..he wasn’t stupid. He knew how the other was, but felt it was best to just go along with this.

“I promise..I wouldn’t ever mess up such a kind gift from you..I will make sure only to clean it when necessary and take your advice with doing so. Thank you..” he hears a little of the mumbling which makes him even happier

[hopes-memorial]

"Guess its a lil hard to stick out when everyone is special 'r whatever." Admittedly, he didn't stick out that much either. Though, he didn't particularly want to either. Given his usual company, it was actually pretty nice to just blend in and be ignored rather than needed by guys who ripped their clothes all the time.

"Uh... what's your talent 'f ya don't mind me askin'." If the other told him off when he was talking shit, he might not have bothered with the question but... he felt he owed the other this as a sort of apology.

While Naosuke was used to the loud sounds of motorcycles and guys fighting with one another, he did take some sanctuary in quiet places he could work in the school. Though, when he hears someone burst into his work room, he can't help but look up from his latest project, glaring at the intruder.

"You better have a damn good reason for being here. Say what you want or get the hell out already."

[hopes-memorial]

Her thoughtfulness for his quality of life was certainly something that he greatly appreciated. While he certainly wouldn't complain about his lot in life for the most part, it was better now that she was in it, which included the lack of scolding from two different people that were deeply concerned for his well being whenever he overworked himself to the point of passing out.

Botan forces himself to not sigh as he thinks of what to say.

"I will do what I can to add more to my training."

That could also be nothing, which he meant, but he couldn't make it sound like that, at least without someone looking deeper into it. Naosuke frowns as he stares at his grandson as Botan meets his gaze, almost challenging him before Naosuke sighs.

"See to it that you will. You cannot afford to slack off in your training with the reputation of our family resting on your shoulders."

"Of course, I will not allow shame to come to our family. I assure you that I will continue to keep bringing us to the greatest heights that I am capable of. "

Natsumi would contend that the changes in his diet were necessary since Botan needs variety in his life. She had actually done her due diligence in portioning out his meals and giving him foods that weren't high in carbs or empty calories. Some women she knew liked to stuff their man with their home cooking which would inevitably make them fat but Natsumi understands what has to be made in order for Botan to remain well off.

Botan going all out with his training and draining all of his energy would inevitably lead to fatigue and exhaustion. Natsumi would have to drag him back, nurse him back to health and chastise him about overworking himself. Natsumi remains silent though, she can't exactly read Botan's mind but she has known him for some time now and could picture what his response would be. Truth be told it was Natsumi who pushed for a stable work-life balance so they could be together.

[hopes-memorial]

That little laugh was so cute that he thought he was going to just die for a brief second. Why Tadao was so gentle and alright with the shit that he said, Naosuke didn't have a clue, though it made him pretty relieved that his edges didn't bother the nail artist so much.

"Yeah... well, you clearly need something. It's just too sad for even me to ignore it for much longer...." Of course, it was just an excuse still... He would have done it even if Tadao's room was immaculate... just because he wanted to make him something.

"Y-you're welcome... just don't do anything to mess it up, got it...? It's a little difficult to clean. You gotta dry clean or handwash it... machines are too rough with the threads..." He's mumbling near the end, but it's not at all helping his case that he's just doing this because he thinks anything of Tadao's is bad.

Now, Naosuke was good at textiles. That wasn't a surprise for someone called the ultimate tailor, but cooking? He was hopeless at that, so instead of getting Tadao some homemade chocolates or other sweets, he made him something simple, a pillow embroidered with a design that he'd seen Tadao do a lot recently.

"Here... y-you looked like you needed something new for your room. Pillows you have now are shit looking."

In other words, he just wanted to give him a cute pillow, but Naosuke just wasn't the type to just admit that still.

Honestly the fact the other would be giving him anything would be a surprise. Being as forgotten by almost everyone around him left Valentine’s Day being a..very lonely holiday in general. Though he wanted to change that here..but unfortunately this was also a busy time with so many people coming in to get nails done. He does have something for the other..but that would have to be given later.

He takes the pillow blinking in shock as he examines it like he had never received anything before: after a moment he smiles letting out a small, shy laugh at his words.

“W-wait..you really made this for me..? Are you sure..? Even if my pillows are bad..I don’t deserve such a gift..I..thank you…”

[hopes-memorial]

He could appreciate that as the two of them went into his grandfather's office. The traditional touches along with the sitting desk and the vast library made for a rather official feeling and somewhat imposing room.

"So you showed up, I'm almost impressed," Naosuke's imposing voice spoke out as he assessed the two standing before him. The red eyes of the head of the Yamashiro family scanned over the two, mostly focusing on Botan. He knew of Natsumi, of course, though, he didn't have reason to think much of the ex-yakuza princess. "It appears you have started slacking in your training. Just how much time have you wasted gallivanting off with that weakling and this girl and putting off your training?"

"With all due respect, I have been careful to not slow down, sir."

"So you say, though I can see from how you are that you have allowed yourself to be lax in some way. I would heavily advise you to resume the training and diet that I have ordered you to maintain since your youth."

Botan had to hold back a groan at the thought. As used to it as he was, he had gotten used to how things are now, and he was much happier for it. He wasn't miserable, per say, before, but it was more that he didn't have the energy to be.

Natsumi decided to stand by Botan, her Husband and friend. Cowering from him and letting Botan face him alone leaves a nasty taste in her mouth and absolutely not something she would ever do.

Natsumi could feel the tension in the air and the slight tremble of Botan's palm which allowed her to assess this situation seriously. She really doesn't want to have snap at his grandfather but if she is pushed then that was going to happen.

[hopes-memorial]

Naosuke sighs a bit. Great, now he felt like an asshole... which he kind of was, but he was used to saying this stuff to guys that could throw it back at him! Not... someone this timid.

"Tch... whatever. It's not like there's a rule keeping you out of here or anything. You can stick around, just don't do anything to make me stick myself, got it?" There's a pause for a moment as he gets back to his work. "Er... 'm Naosuke... by the way... you new 'r somethin? Don't think 've seen ya 'round."

While Naosuke was used to the loud sounds of motorcycles and guys fighting with one another, he did take some sanctuary in quiet places he could work in the school. Though, when he hears someone burst into his work room, he can't help but look up from his latest project, glaring at the intruder.

"You better have a damn good reason for being here. Say what you want or get the hell out already."