[ 08 - video ]

[heartbetween]

[The Forge clicks on to the image of Kaien Shiba. He's in his usual shihakushou--no winter wear this time, though there's a bundle carried in his arms and he looks just a little bit more tired than usual. He's still grinning, though. Broadly. More than usual as well. He's definitely pleased about something. He leans in towards the Forge a little,

Comments

[xnoble_reasonx]

Impatient?

I already said it. You must listen better, Shiba. I cannot spare much of a moment to explore until the construction of the Headquarters is complete.

I'm certain there are details regarding my employment that I must also work out before we depart on any exploration. Until then, unless you have a need to train before that, you must wait.

[ video ]

[heartbetween]

Aha, sorry, forgot. [He says it on automatic, really, blocking out the "impatient" and "you must listen better" parts of Byakuya's answer.

What interests him far more is the second portion.]

Oh? You got a job? Congrats, Byakuya! [Annnd that tone is. Completely sincere. Not a hint of sarcasm or teasing or anything.]

[ video ] 3< I gotta stop forgetting the label!

[xnoble_reasonx]

[Yes, he knew the second bit would be much more interesting to him than the first. That was the intent.]

You didn't expect me to rely on you for the duration of our stay here, did you?

[ video ] Awwh, it's okay! <3 -cuddle-

[heartbetween]

[iiiignoring that]

What's the job?

[ video ] <33 *snuggle*

[xnoble_reasonx]

[Disrespectful for a Lieutenant, wasn't he?]

That is none of your concern, Shiba. Knowing that I am fending for myself should be enough for you.

However... the vendor from which you got that sword. What kind of shop was that?

[ video ] -huggle- :3 -uses this icon for the heck of it-

[heartbetween]

[He was trying to avoid another fight!]

You're not much of one for curiosity, are you?

[a pause and boy does that catch him off guard]

Eh?

Uh, just a weapon stall in the marketplace? Why?

[He really doesn't see how it'd matter. Byakuya has his zanpakutou, doesn't he?]

[ video ] xD How can he look adorable with a mouth full of food?

[xnoble_reasonx]

I have never had need of it before and you would do well to remember curiosity leads to nothing but trouble.

[Silence that would be the equivalent of a sigh to most people.]

Must you question all that I do? A weapons shop usually implies that there are things to tend to weapons as well.

[ video ] because he is Kaien~ <33

[heartbetween]

it really was a harmless question...

[pause. sigh.] Best way to learn's to ask questions.

You implying you want me to show you where this shop was?

[ video ] How true. xD <33

[xnoble_reasonx]

Perhaps to you.

No. An address will suffice. Only the best will do and I have to ensure my funds are adequate before I go.

[ video ] <333

[heartbetween]

Anything you would consider a harmless question?

...er. It was just a stall in the same commercial district as Nagi's shop. It didn't have its own address.

[ video ] <333

[xnoble_reasonx]

You would have to wait and see, wouldn't you?

[Of course. It could never be so easy, could it?]

Directions, then.

[ video ] <33333

[heartbetween]

I'm supposed to take that as a 'no', aren't I?

Fine. [Enter imaginary directions here! :'D]

[ video ] <33333

[xnoble_reasonx]

Take it however you please, Shiba.

You have my gratitude.

[ video ]

[heartbetween]

[He would have probably closed the transmission with something like "talk to you later, then", but that last bit...surprises him.]

...Wait. Did you just thank me? That's new.

[ video ]

[xnoble_reasonx]

I always offer my thanks to those who have earned it. It is an important matter, one you did not impose or insist your need to help with. With your previous record, it's an improvement that deserves to be noted.