[Raikou's soft laughter drifts between them as he shakes his head. He's only heard little snippets of this Bookman, only ever seen him in Lavi's dreams, so he can't even really imagine what it's like to have a father-figure mentor like that is like.
His own experiences were not exactly ones he looks back on with any form of pride or affection.
The uncle that he'd loved and admired, that he'd strove to be like, revealed in his jealous rage for what he was: a greedy infection that'd poisoned the Shimizu.
Hattori, with his own similar brand of self-serving compassion and empathy for those too young to see those acts of acceptance and 'kindness' for what they truly were - methods of control for skilled and powerful children.
Only his father...
His father had been truly kind and compassionate, loving unconditionally for all his frailty.
It pained him now, like a dull ache, to realize how often he discounted the man as a significant influence in Raikou's life because of that illness and frailty. He deserved better than that... because it was through him, that Raikou learned to cherish and hold dear those that he loved.
Blinking suddenly, Raikou only just realizes that he'd fallen silent and drains the last of his glass, moves to refill them both.]
Would he really?
[Glancing to the side, he arches a brow.]
... because some of us can see the you behind the projection? Or because you don't seem to be merely 'acting' as a friend? That some, like me, count you as a true friend?
I mean, I've been doin' that for a while, at home too. And he doesn't like that, sure? But I mean...
[He scratches the back of his head and grimaces. There are some new issues concerning that, he kind of thinks, but... The problem lies mostly in the balance between that and duties.
And he's failing, there.]
If he comes here, he'll want to know everything that's happened, and if I can't give him enough info or good enough info 'cause I've been out of it? He's not gonna be happy.
[Raikou cast his friend a quick glance, then gave him his very best innocent face, guessing at the reluctance - he and Gau don't exactly share the files they keep on anyone else either.]
Don't worry - I promise not to look at anything you have in those accounts, okay? I'll just guess on whether or not you got it all.
[Raikou's soft laughter drifts between them as he shakes his head. He's only heard little snippets of this Bookman, only ever seen him in Lavi's dreams, so he can't even really imagine what it's like to have a father-figure mentor like that is like.
His own experiences were not exactly ones he looks back on with any form of pride or affection.
The uncle that he'd loved and admired, that he'd strove to be like, revealed in his jealous rage for what he was: a greedy infection that'd poisoned the Shimizu.
Hattori, with his own similar brand of self-serving compassion and empathy for those too young to see those acts of acceptance and 'kindness' for what they truly were - methods of control for skilled and powerful children.
Only his father...
His father had been truly kind and compassionate, loving unconditionally for all his frailty.
It pained him now, like a dull ache, to realize how often he discounted the man as a significant influence in Raikou's life because of that illness and frailty. He deserved better than that... because it was through him, that Raikou learned to cherish and hold dear those that he loved.
Blinking suddenly, Raikou only just realizes that he'd fallen silent and drains the last of his glass, moves to refill them both.]
Would he really?
[Glancing to the side, he arches a brow.]
... because some of us can see the you behind the projection? Or because you don't seem to be merely 'acting' as a friend? That some, like me, count you as a true friend?
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[He shakes his head lightly, sighs.]
I mean, I've been doin' that for a while, at home too. And he doesn't like that, sure? But I mean...
[He scratches the back of his head and grimaces. There are some new issues concerning that, he kind of thinks, but... The problem lies mostly in the balance between that and duties.
And he's failing, there.]
If he comes here, he'll want to know everything that's happened, and if I can't give him enough info or good enough info 'cause I've been out of it? He's not gonna be happy.
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[Chuckling to himself, Raikou actually winks at Lavi and even salutes him with his cup.]
You do know that between the two of us, we're still keeping active records on everyone here, right? Some more than others, but... Yeah.
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I've got records, and they're active. I just gotta look them over to see if they're good enough if he comes here, I guess. Should get on that...
[With a heavy sigh, he slumps over a little and sips at his drink with a bit of a pout.
The next words are said as if it's the end of the world.]
Maaan, I've got some busy days ahead of me. Not gonna be able to sleep as much. Damn.
[But then he sends a smile Raikou's way.]
If I find something that's missing, I'll keep that in mind, thanks.
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[He chuckles a bit then and cants his head down enough to look over at his friend, a slightly sheepish smile on his lips.]
Actually... if you need someone to quiz you on that knowledge, to bounce it off of as it were, then we should do that sometimes.
[A beat while he takes a long sip.]
Gotta admit, sometimes it feels like my cognitive thinking ability is atrophying here.
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[He chuckles as well, shaking his head. Hm...]
Guess that's not an entirely bad idea.
[He's not sure how much he likes the idea of sharing his knowledge even a little bit, but he could trust Raikou with it if anyone.]
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[Raikou cast his friend a quick glance, then gave him his very best innocent face, guessing at the reluctance - he and Gau don't exactly share the files they keep on anyone else either.]
Don't worry - I promise not to look at anything you have in those accounts, okay? I'll just guess on whether or not you got it all.
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That came off enough for Raikou to see? Ah, well... That's okay.]
I appreciate it, thanks.
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