004 ✝ fourth step [written]
I met someone I'd never seen before on Valentine's Day, and even though that was the first time we'd met, I felt something. Something special and different. We held hands all day and talked until I had to go home.
I want to do something special for him! But I don't know what...
Yes, I'm talking about you, ♥ Ikki ♥.
I want to do something special for him! But I don't know what...
Yes, I'm talking about you, ♥ Ikki ♥.
Nill... I felt it too, it's something I had thought I would never feel for someone else. You don't need to do anything, I would be content just spending more time together. In fact that would be very special for me by itself.
[He can't help it, the time he spent with Esmeralda was always too little and too short. They couldn't even see each other as often as he would have wanted. Of course, here the situation is different but he can't help to prefer to spend the now together and let the tomorrow be decided later on. Even if he reminds himself that Nill isn't in any danger other than the one everyone else is in by being trapped here.]
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So you're the one she met.
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I am. My name's Phoenix Ikki, and you may be... [It's the voice of an adult, an older adult and there was only one who looked like that in the picture Nill showed him.] Mihai, am I correct?
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But that's right. And you're apparently the boy that Miss Nill fancies.
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[So they are equally rude at least. Then again, Ikki really is known for never being one to respect his elders unless they earn it in his eyes.]
I am. [No point in denying, both already stated that they felt something special despite having met just for the first time the other day. It's funny, that hadn't happened to him ever, not even with Esmeralda, but he isn't complaining.] So?
[He has the feeling that you have a problem with that.]
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Sometimes the situation calls for it. [Like when Mihai has to play the role of overprotective father figure. And considering who else could possibly see this? Mihai's going to be the easy one. At least he's talking before pulling the guns.]
For example, when an important friend of mine decides she likes someone she's just met. Even if it means stepping on toes, I think it's excusable in that case.
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It may be, but it doesn't make it any less rude. Just as being of the opinion that people have to show that they deserve respect, with something more than an aged face, doesn't make it any less rude to not address them with at least a "Mister".
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[Not that he's planning on trying to impress Ikki. More like getting an idea of how his head works. Outside of the typical goal most young males have in mind when they go after an innocent young woman, which is exactly what Mihai is suspecting of Ikki.]
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[Tatsumi tried that and it backfired him. Even now, after everything that had happened, Ikki still despised the man, even if he acknowledged his loyalty to Saori.]
On a personal note I also prefer it when people don't try to impress someone else. If they are worth of respect they shouldn't need to go out their way to prove it.
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But since you don't know me at all, it's a bit much to just use my first name so casually. That's the point I was making.
And believe me, I'm not out to impress you. I've lived too long to care what some kid thinks of me. Miss Nill, however, is someone I care about, and I'm not above making your life miserable depending on how you treat her.
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If going by first name is a problem give me your last name and I'll make use of it. [He isn't one to use "Mister" with a first name but last names are different. Whatever, the following threat doesn't surprise him and though the part of him that is arrogant wants to rebuff he holds himself. He has no interest in fighting with the people Nill cares about, he will defend himself if he has to, but talking hasn't killed anyone yet so...]
I would expect as much. It doesn't take a genius to see that Nill is someone who is cared for and well protected.
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...Ah. [A short laugh here as he watches Nill march off.] Someone thinks I've said too much.
Mihailov. [Well, he's showing a bit of sense now that the initial confrontation has faded. And Ikki's acknowledging the promise, though who's to say how seriously he's taking it? Still, Mihai knows what it's like to be in love.]
So long as you understand that.
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[He understands. Maybe better than what anyone would expect. Nill is such a sweet and pure girl, she can't talk but she still tries to reach to others and takes people in with ease. The kind of girl who just wants to help, whose heart is broken when others are sad even if she doesn't know why. A real little angel on Earth who shines somehow despite not having an easy live. So similar to Esmeralda. He couldn't protect her, he was a fool and she was killed because of that, he vowed to not let that happen again and he doesn't need anyone telling him that to remember or understand.]
I do, I understand pretty well, I would die before letting anyone hurt her... But I don't think my word has any weight or value for you as of now, does it?
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[Well... that's fairly simple. But she'd feel bad just sitting with him, being silent. She can't help that, but she can at least show Ikki how much she cares. Nill's very big on the showing part of feelings.]
Do you like cookies? I could bring some over, at the very least...
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