OOC: LOG Hakkai and Kratos
Who: Kratos and Hakkai
What: Hakkai and Kratos actually get along.
When: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Where: an inn somewhere on the way West
Why: Because they needed to bond.
Warnings: HOLY SHIT IT'S THE APOCALYPSE.
Kratos resisted the urge to cough when the familiar scratching sensation welled up in the back of his throat. To him, even the smallest movement to clear it meant he was showing weakness, an unforgivable action. Especially when someone he disliked so much sat clearly across the room from him. He'd traveled with Gojyo in order to observe not only his, but the childrens' new surroundings, but wound up staying for a prolonged period f time. He stole another glance at Hakkai. Not as planned. Kratos held back the corners of his mouth before they could curl into a sneer. However, the action costed him as the quietest of coughs escaped from his throat.
The kettle on the stove whistled and Hakkai got up without word, barely giving Kratos a glance as he walked away. He poured the boiling water into the teapot which already had the sliced ginger and a large dollop of honey in it. Lightly swirling the teapot, he reached for two teacups which he brought back to the table. Still not bothering to speak, he sat there for the few minutes it took the tea to steep before pouring them each a cup. He didn't need it, but Hakkai believed Kratos was more apt to drink it if he drank it first.
Tea cup. Kratos' eyes traveled from the small ceramic mug, up to Hakkai, then back to the tea. Was this some sort of trap? A trick? But it seemed as though things had calmed down between them... at the same time, if Kratos couldn't quell the swirling malice within him, how could he expect Hakkai to do the same? And even then, Kratos was no stranger to pranks. His knightly instincts told him no. Then again... a waft of the tea made its way to Kratos' nostrils, and he breathed in deeply, not enough to make noise, but enough to take the hint. It smelled damn good, and he couldn't help but feel tempted, and had to hold back a hand slowly meandering over to the handle.
Hakkai took the first sip, closing his eyes as he did so, whether it was a sign of enjoyment or him giving Kratos a chance to drink without him "knowing" was something only Hakkai would know. He hummed lightly before he took another sip.
He wanted to growl his disapproval... Kratos had the nagging feeling that he was being toyed with. And yet... his hand moved again. Closer... closer... damn. It reached the handle. Tightlipped, Kratos brought the mug up and, through some cosmic miracle, the warm liquid made its way through what was otherwise a vacuum sealed mouth. Kratos couldn't taste, nor did heat do much for him-- but he could still recognize the soothing sensation of the liquid against the raw walls of his throat and surmised that the tea was most likely delicious.
Damn that man.
Hakkai listened to the quiet sloshing of the tea as Kratos lifted the cup to his lips. After several moments he opened his eyes and a small smile tugged at his lips as he set his own glass down.
Even if Hakkai's face didn't show it, Kratos could just feel the smug aura around Hakkai. Damn the man to hell and back. And damn this tea for making him feel better. Kratos quickly swallowed another helping, still keeping his manners as pristine as he could. Hakkai was not going to claim a complete victory. Not on his watch.
"More?" Hakkai offered, holding out the teapot. He hid his smile, though hiding it from Kratos was likely as effective as Goku saying he didn't eat all the food.
"No." Kratos rasped.
"You can continue allowing your voice to be a constant reminder of your activities this past weekend," Hakkai smirked. "Or you can have some more tea."
Begrudgingly, Kratos snatched the teapot and poured himself another mug, eyeing Hakkai the entire time with a glare that could kill puppies. ...A glare that probably has killed puppies.
"Where'd Gojyo run off to?" Hakkai asked. He ignored the glare, not allowing it to phase him - or for that matter kill him. It might be effective against puppies, but Hakkai was not a puppy.
A few moments passed before Kratos could answer, attributed to him sipping more tea, "Around."
"Hmmm." Hakkai took another sip of his tea.
Awkward Silence, Kratos' ever faithful ally, made its presence known. Speaking of the half-breed... Kratos remembered his promise. "...Raine has taken a liking to you," Kratos began, "I'm unsure as to why, but she has." ...only to end on a bumpy note. But the man tried.
Hakkai smiled withoutout even thinking about it. "Has she? How astute of you to notice." His words, while meant to have bite, seemed to be lacking in that department.
"Intuition has nothing to do with it," Kratos whispered, lest his voice crack again, "She won't keep quiet."
"Oh?" Hakkai cursed himself for showing so much interest in anything Kratos had to say, but he couldn't seem to help himself when the subject was Raine. Strange that.
"Indeed."
Raising an eyebrow, Hakkai took a sip of his tea, trying his best not to verbally urge on Kratos. What was he? Some schoolboy with a crush?
According to Kratos? Yes. Actually, according to Kratos, Hakkai was a cornucopia of distasteful ideas, tastes, implications... etc. However, this was a time for peace, and even if Kratos voiced his malicious opinion, it wouldn't come out even slightly threateningly with his current voice. Instead, he opted for a more quiet approach, "It makes no difference to me. The more time you spend away with her, the less I'll have to see of you."
"I wasn't seeking your approval, nor am I spending time with her to avoid you." Hakkai crossed his arms and sat back in his seat.
"As I said before... it makes no difference to me either way. You've no reason to act defensively."
"It was implied and I'm not."
"Infer what you'd like." Kratos pointedly took another swig of tea, as if to signify that this arc of their conversation was over.
"You should really consider working on your conversational skills." Hakkai idly wondered how long Gojyo was going to be "Around" and thus how much longer he'd have to put up with Kratos alone.
"Hmph."
Hakkai lifted his cup of tea and took another drink.
Kratos eyed him once more, "Why share this with me."
"The less miserable you are, the more tolerable you are."
"According to you, I'm incapable of being anything but miserable." Kratos countered, peering over the cup rim.
"When did I say that?"
"You need not say it."
"You always assume the worst of my intentions and thoughts."
"Forgive me for following my instinct."
"You instinct seems to be making assumptions."
"My instinct is to take past experiences and apply them."
"Hmph."
Kratos' eyes narrowed as he finished his cup again, not bothering to set it back down on the table and instead carrying over to the sink where he started washing. Despite not liking the man, Kratos wouldn't bring himself to completely ignore his manners.
"I would have cleaned that up," Hakkai said. He then finished his cup of tea and poured the last remaining bit of tea into the cup.
"I'm capable of managing at least one cup." Kratos responded curtly, drying said cup and hanging it on a rack.
"I would hope so."
This time, it was Kratos' turn, "Hmph."
"I'd have been worried if you'd lived as long as you did without doing dishes."
"Of course."
Hakkai sat silently for a moment before speaking. "Was there any particular reason you brought Raine up, or was that all you had to say?"
Kratos waited just as long before responding, pulling out his chair again, and sitting across from Hakkai once more. Almost interrogation style. Then again, if the pair was itching to get on with a game of Twenty Questions, interrogation may as well be the way to go, "No particular reason."
"Then why bother mentioning it?"
His mouth opened with the beginnings of an answer, but Kratos' voice immediately succumbed to a small bout of coughing. He waited before going back to a whisper, "She's an ally. I wish to keep tabs on her." In Kratos-Speak, this meant that Raine was a friend of his, and he wanted to make sure Hakkai was treating her well.
"And you don't trust me to treat her well?" Hakkai finished for Kratos.
"I was merely curious." He sneered.
"Of course." He took a sip of tea, not letting Kratos see his irritation.
"I'm not heartless." Kratos grumbled in defense. Although why he felt like he had to defend himself, he had no idea. Only months ago, Kratos could give a damn about what people thought of him, but now... even rivals couldn't think poorly of him. A new brand of pride? Perhaps.
"No, if you were, you wouldn't be able to make Gojyo happy." Hakkai hated admitting this, but somehow it seemed easier now than it had in the past.
"Define happy." The words slipped out before Kratos could bite his tongue, which he did anyway out of frustration. WHY was he so loose now?!
"I'm not a dictionary, Kratos. Don't use me as one."
"I need to find some use for you." There. That felt better-- when in doubt, 50 cc of snark can cure anything.
"Hmmm." From under the table, Hakkai shot a small spark of ki at Kratos, just enough to leave the feeling of having been smacked by a rubberband, or even mimicing the shock of static electricity when you've been walking around in socks on a carpeted floor in winter.
Instincts took over as soon as the shock registered. It didn't hurt, nor did it really bother Kratos' enhanced body. However, just the mere principle of the gesture proved enough to set Kratos in motion. A quick incantation, and Hakkai would find himself face to face with a gloved palm. Full of fire. Firepalm, if you will. Kratos made sure to keep his distance, not wanting to spark a 'fight'.
"Don't behave like a chi-"
Exactly what Hakkai needed to stop behaving as, the world may never know (although it's very, very easy to surmise) as Kratos found himself cut off rather rudely by a blaring series of pings. Who knew that high powered flame, in a kitchen area, despite not burning anything in particular, could set off a fire alarm, designed, above all things, to detect fire. Well, actually, if one were to look at the mechanics of it, technically it's designed to detect smoke, however, for the sake of roleplay, it's kindly asked that the reader ignore anything like science and mechanics, and instead just enjoy.
"Don't behave like a what?" Hakkai asked, laughing. "Really, isn't that going a bit overboard? I was merely finding a use for myself." He got up and went to the smoke detector and turned it off. "You might want to put that out before you set fire to something."
"Child." There was a quick fft as Kratos cut the flame, face nearly as red as his hair.
"Perhaps you should take your own advice." Hakkai put the smoke detector back into working order before sitting back down.
"Hmph."
"Where were we, oh right? You were playing over protective father to the potential suitor."
"No, I wasn't."
"What would you say you were doing then?"
"Making a point."
"And what point was that? I don't think you suceeded in making it."
"That I'm superior." Kratos growled, although something in the way he said that hinted not only as a warning to Hakkai... but almost as if he was trying to assure himself.
"I wasn't referring to your flaming display a moment ago." Hakkai adjusted his monocle.
"There was no other point to make."
Hakkai sighed, pressing his hand to his forehead as he shook his head. "Nevermind."
"I don't care about your courtship with Raine." I was only trying to make conversation and possibly forge some bonding between us, but, haha, my assery got in the way. That's what Kratos should have added, but, haha, his assery got in the way.
"Because people who don't care about things tend to start conversation about those very same things." Hakkai wasn't sure what Kratos was thinking, but now would be the time for the skill that Gojyo so often accuses him of having to actually exist.
Kratos shrugged, "Perhaps you're better off spending your energy elsewhere. Stop trying to find ulterior motives."
"I would, but it seems my best friend is otherwise occupied and everyone else is asleep. It was your company or none, though perhaps I should have chosen the other."
Kratos bristled at the term 'best friend'. Sure, it sounded a lot better than 'love interest', but it still got his blood boiling at how close he came to possibly losing Gojyo to him. Despite the many, many reassurances the other man gave him, Kratos couldn't help but feel that they were only to placate him. And it was for that reason (amongst others) that he hated Hakkai so much. How dare he make Kratos doubt himself in such a way, and put such a heavy fear in his heart, that never quite left? He sat down once more, choosing to brood in silence.
A lightbulb went off over Hakkai's head, metaphorically speaking - of course, though Kratos was likely able to perceive the slight change in Hakkai's demeanor. This ability would have nothing to do at all with the smirk that tugged at Hakkai's lips. "I see, I see. You wanted to make sure I wasn't just leading on Raine as a way to deftly pull Gojyo away from you while your guard was down. Do I really seem that devious to you?"
"No. You're an idiot."
"Finally, some honesty."
"I've not been honest enough with you? Allow me to fix that." Something in Kratos' mind just snapped. Perhaps it was the stress that this ridiculous love triangle, combined with his want and need to just move on and, perhaps for once, be happy with his life. He rose just enough to try to seem menacing, "Everything was finally settling into place, until you happened to decide to intrude. You know precisely what you put me through, and precisely what you put Gojyo through." Using his arms as leverage, he rose even more, "And to think, at first, I actually pitied you, and felt that I had intruded myself. I was ready to give it up for the sake of his happiness, because I know that, in the end, you're better for him than I, so much so that come seventy years from now, when the two of you have reincarnated, I'll be left behind to watch as your relationship is set right. Everytime I see you, I must come to terms with that. That I am just a 'fluke', a chance happening, that my own happiness will be short lived," he moved forward so much, his nose almost touched Hakkai's, "So no, my asking about your current status with Raine wasn't an attempt to protect myself. If you must know, it was an attempt to create some form of truce between us, so that maybe, for once in four thousand years, I will be able to enjoy what little I have without having to waste my time in hating you."
"I could live a lot longer than 70 more years. I'm not entirely sure what my lifespan is going to be or how I'm going to age. There's youkai who look as old as I am who're hundreds of years old. That aside," Hakkai said, "did those letters I wrote a month ago mean nothing to you? Did you think that I'd take back everything I'd said in them now that I've been given yet another chance at life?" He then took a step back, just enough to be able to look Kratos in both eyes and place his hand on his shoulder, in a steadying manner. "Well?"
"It's because of that damn letter."
Hakkai looked perplexed.
"'I'll see you in our next life'." Kratos clarified, almost spitting out the words.
"That wasn't me wishing to be his lover in the next life, that was only my wishing to see him again, whether or not either of us realize it when it happens. Besides, who's to say you won't meet either one of us in our next life? Do you think you're so insignificant to him that you haven't left an imprint on his soul?"
"Do you remember one another from your past?"
"We only know what we've been told and what we've read. Yet still our paths managed to cross despite living completely different lives. It took almost 20 years, but it happened."
"It was Fate. You all... have Fate on your side."
Hakkai went silent for a moment. "And you don't? You've got to be a pretty strong precense to interfere with fate."
"If tradition continues, the moment I become comfortable, catastrophe will strike. So no, I don't."
"That kind of negative thinking won't get you anywhere."
"Go to hell."
"Been there. It wasn't that fun."
"Cry more." Kratos' curt answers were a sign of his emotional withdrawal returning.
Hakkai laughed. He wasn't even sure why he was, but he couldn't help it. With his free hand, he grabbed his belly, trying to contain the laughter as he leaned forward, using Krato's shoulder for support.
Kratos had every reason and thought to just step back and away and allow Hakkai to fall to the floor... but for some reason restrained himself. "What's so funny."
Between laughs he managed to get out, "I don't know."
"Idiot."
"I'm not the one letting worries over the distant future prevent my enjoyment of the present."
In response, Kratos shoved Hakkai away.
Hakkai fell off balance and landed on the floor, still laughing and clutching his stomach. He couldn't stop or even figure out what he was laughing at.
How humiliating. To believe that maybe just once actually speaking up about his problems would solve anything... Kratos felt his chest clench. Again, he only proved himself to be the fool; the butt of every cruel joke. His pride kept him rooted to his spot, so that even though he looked away, he wasn't going to simper off and lick his wounds.
The laughter continued until Hakkai was gasping for breath, the lack of oxygen and the pain in his stomach sobering him. He went silent and closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down enough to look at Kratos again.
He wouldn't receive a returning glance as Kratos continued to avert his stare and control the heat rising to his cheeks.
Once he felt sufficiently calm, Hakkai spoke. "I apologize, I'm not quite sure what came over me." Though now he was quite aware, the images of his time spent in hell still playing out in his mind. Things he experienced that he wished he could never even imagine what they'd be like. He didn't think Kratos needed to know exactly what he and Raine had gone through. No one did.
"Right."
Hakkai stood up, dusting himself off, though considering how clean he liked to keep things, there was hardly a half day's worth of dust. He then stepped over to Kratos and placed one hand under his chin, turning his head to face him.
"I'm not going to interfere any more. I like Raine, and while I can't say yet where things will go, I do enjoy spending time with her. Her enthusiasm is contagious. I'm happy, so stop using me as an excuse for your own unhappiness."
Tell that to Kratos' pride. Or what was left of it, at least. He jerked his chin out of Hakkai's hand.
"Do what you want."
"Did you even listen to what I just said?"
"Yes."
"Doesn't sound like it to me."
"I'm not a child for you to rebuke."
"Then stop acting like one. You're the one who should be giving me this talk, not the other way around, if your 4,000 years of life actually mean anything." Hakkai clenched his fist at his side, but released it after a moment. This was no time to fight.
"You've made your point. There's nothing else for me to comment on." Kratos threw on his mercenary, no-nonsense facade, the very same one that had protected his emotions for the past four thousand years. If this is where baring them got him, then he was better off with the boundaries.
"I'm telling you to be happy and you're putting on a mask?"
t would be a lie to say that a burden didn't lift away from Kratos' shoulders, but he wasn't the type to be able to just turn on the happy switch and get on with life. Not when his mind still mulled through the other worst case scenarios. instead, he responded with a shrug, "I'm content enough."
Hakkai sighed, "I suppose that's good enough for now."
"Right." Kratos turned to leave.
"Tell Gojyo I said good night." Hakkai walked the few steps to the table to pick up his cup of now cold tea and the empty teapot before heading to the sink to wash them.
"I will."
"Thanks."
"Hmph."
Hakkai shook his head and smiled to himself.
What: Hakkai and Kratos actually get along.
When: Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Where: an inn somewhere on the way West
Why: Because they needed to bond.
Warnings: HOLY SHIT IT'S THE APOCALYPSE.
Kratos resisted the urge to cough when the familiar scratching sensation welled up in the back of his throat. To him, even the smallest movement to clear it meant he was showing weakness, an unforgivable action. Especially when someone he disliked so much sat clearly across the room from him. He'd traveled with Gojyo in order to observe not only his, but the childrens' new surroundings, but wound up staying for a prolonged period f time. He stole another glance at Hakkai. Not as planned. Kratos held back the corners of his mouth before they could curl into a sneer. However, the action costed him as the quietest of coughs escaped from his throat.
The kettle on the stove whistled and Hakkai got up without word, barely giving Kratos a glance as he walked away. He poured the boiling water into the teapot which already had the sliced ginger and a large dollop of honey in it. Lightly swirling the teapot, he reached for two teacups which he brought back to the table. Still not bothering to speak, he sat there for the few minutes it took the tea to steep before pouring them each a cup. He didn't need it, but Hakkai believed Kratos was more apt to drink it if he drank it first.
Tea cup. Kratos' eyes traveled from the small ceramic mug, up to Hakkai, then back to the tea. Was this some sort of trap? A trick? But it seemed as though things had calmed down between them... at the same time, if Kratos couldn't quell the swirling malice within him, how could he expect Hakkai to do the same? And even then, Kratos was no stranger to pranks. His knightly instincts told him no. Then again... a waft of the tea made its way to Kratos' nostrils, and he breathed in deeply, not enough to make noise, but enough to take the hint. It smelled damn good, and he couldn't help but feel tempted, and had to hold back a hand slowly meandering over to the handle.
Hakkai took the first sip, closing his eyes as he did so, whether it was a sign of enjoyment or him giving Kratos a chance to drink without him "knowing" was something only Hakkai would know. He hummed lightly before he took another sip.
He wanted to growl his disapproval... Kratos had the nagging feeling that he was being toyed with. And yet... his hand moved again. Closer... closer... damn. It reached the handle. Tightlipped, Kratos brought the mug up and, through some cosmic miracle, the warm liquid made its way through what was otherwise a vacuum sealed mouth. Kratos couldn't taste, nor did heat do much for him-- but he could still recognize the soothing sensation of the liquid against the raw walls of his throat and surmised that the tea was most likely delicious.
Damn that man.
Hakkai listened to the quiet sloshing of the tea as Kratos lifted the cup to his lips. After several moments he opened his eyes and a small smile tugged at his lips as he set his own glass down.
Even if Hakkai's face didn't show it, Kratos could just feel the smug aura around Hakkai. Damn the man to hell and back. And damn this tea for making him feel better. Kratos quickly swallowed another helping, still keeping his manners as pristine as he could. Hakkai was not going to claim a complete victory. Not on his watch.
"More?" Hakkai offered, holding out the teapot. He hid his smile, though hiding it from Kratos was likely as effective as Goku saying he didn't eat all the food.
"No." Kratos rasped.
"You can continue allowing your voice to be a constant reminder of your activities this past weekend," Hakkai smirked. "Or you can have some more tea."
Begrudgingly, Kratos snatched the teapot and poured himself another mug, eyeing Hakkai the entire time with a glare that could kill puppies. ...A glare that probably has killed puppies.
"Where'd Gojyo run off to?" Hakkai asked. He ignored the glare, not allowing it to phase him - or for that matter kill him. It might be effective against puppies, but Hakkai was not a puppy.
A few moments passed before Kratos could answer, attributed to him sipping more tea, "Around."
"Hmmm." Hakkai took another sip of his tea.
Awkward Silence, Kratos' ever faithful ally, made its presence known. Speaking of the half-breed... Kratos remembered his promise. "...Raine has taken a liking to you," Kratos began, "I'm unsure as to why, but she has." ...only to end on a bumpy note. But the man tried.
Hakkai smiled withoutout even thinking about it. "Has she? How astute of you to notice." His words, while meant to have bite, seemed to be lacking in that department.
"Intuition has nothing to do with it," Kratos whispered, lest his voice crack again, "She won't keep quiet."
"Oh?" Hakkai cursed himself for showing so much interest in anything Kratos had to say, but he couldn't seem to help himself when the subject was Raine. Strange that.
"Indeed."
Raising an eyebrow, Hakkai took a sip of his tea, trying his best not to verbally urge on Kratos. What was he? Some schoolboy with a crush?
According to Kratos? Yes. Actually, according to Kratos, Hakkai was a cornucopia of distasteful ideas, tastes, implications... etc. However, this was a time for peace, and even if Kratos voiced his malicious opinion, it wouldn't come out even slightly threateningly with his current voice. Instead, he opted for a more quiet approach, "It makes no difference to me. The more time you spend away with her, the less I'll have to see of you."
"I wasn't seeking your approval, nor am I spending time with her to avoid you." Hakkai crossed his arms and sat back in his seat.
"As I said before... it makes no difference to me either way. You've no reason to act defensively."
"It was implied and I'm not."
"Infer what you'd like." Kratos pointedly took another swig of tea, as if to signify that this arc of their conversation was over.
"You should really consider working on your conversational skills." Hakkai idly wondered how long Gojyo was going to be "Around" and thus how much longer he'd have to put up with Kratos alone.
"Hmph."
Hakkai lifted his cup of tea and took another drink.
Kratos eyed him once more, "Why share this with me."
"The less miserable you are, the more tolerable you are."
"According to you, I'm incapable of being anything but miserable." Kratos countered, peering over the cup rim.
"When did I say that?"
"You need not say it."
"You always assume the worst of my intentions and thoughts."
"Forgive me for following my instinct."
"You instinct seems to be making assumptions."
"My instinct is to take past experiences and apply them."
"Hmph."
Kratos' eyes narrowed as he finished his cup again, not bothering to set it back down on the table and instead carrying over to the sink where he started washing. Despite not liking the man, Kratos wouldn't bring himself to completely ignore his manners.
"I would have cleaned that up," Hakkai said. He then finished his cup of tea and poured the last remaining bit of tea into the cup.
"I'm capable of managing at least one cup." Kratos responded curtly, drying said cup and hanging it on a rack.
"I would hope so."
This time, it was Kratos' turn, "Hmph."
"I'd have been worried if you'd lived as long as you did without doing dishes."
"Of course."
Hakkai sat silently for a moment before speaking. "Was there any particular reason you brought Raine up, or was that all you had to say?"
Kratos waited just as long before responding, pulling out his chair again, and sitting across from Hakkai once more. Almost interrogation style. Then again, if the pair was itching to get on with a game of Twenty Questions, interrogation may as well be the way to go, "No particular reason."
"Then why bother mentioning it?"
His mouth opened with the beginnings of an answer, but Kratos' voice immediately succumbed to a small bout of coughing. He waited before going back to a whisper, "She's an ally. I wish to keep tabs on her." In Kratos-Speak, this meant that Raine was a friend of his, and he wanted to make sure Hakkai was treating her well.
"And you don't trust me to treat her well?" Hakkai finished for Kratos.
"I was merely curious." He sneered.
"Of course." He took a sip of tea, not letting Kratos see his irritation.
"I'm not heartless." Kratos grumbled in defense. Although why he felt like he had to defend himself, he had no idea. Only months ago, Kratos could give a damn about what people thought of him, but now... even rivals couldn't think poorly of him. A new brand of pride? Perhaps.
"No, if you were, you wouldn't be able to make Gojyo happy." Hakkai hated admitting this, but somehow it seemed easier now than it had in the past.
"Define happy." The words slipped out before Kratos could bite his tongue, which he did anyway out of frustration. WHY was he so loose now?!
"I'm not a dictionary, Kratos. Don't use me as one."
"I need to find some use for you." There. That felt better-- when in doubt, 50 cc of snark can cure anything.
"Hmmm." From under the table, Hakkai shot a small spark of ki at Kratos, just enough to leave the feeling of having been smacked by a rubberband, or even mimicing the shock of static electricity when you've been walking around in socks on a carpeted floor in winter.
Instincts took over as soon as the shock registered. It didn't hurt, nor did it really bother Kratos' enhanced body. However, just the mere principle of the gesture proved enough to set Kratos in motion. A quick incantation, and Hakkai would find himself face to face with a gloved palm. Full of fire. Firepalm, if you will. Kratos made sure to keep his distance, not wanting to spark a 'fight'.
"Don't behave like a chi-"
Exactly what Hakkai needed to stop behaving as, the world may never know (although it's very, very easy to surmise) as Kratos found himself cut off rather rudely by a blaring series of pings. Who knew that high powered flame, in a kitchen area, despite not burning anything in particular, could set off a fire alarm, designed, above all things, to detect fire. Well, actually, if one were to look at the mechanics of it, technically it's designed to detect smoke, however, for the sake of roleplay, it's kindly asked that the reader ignore anything like science and mechanics, and instead just enjoy.
"Don't behave like a what?" Hakkai asked, laughing. "Really, isn't that going a bit overboard? I was merely finding a use for myself." He got up and went to the smoke detector and turned it off. "You might want to put that out before you set fire to something."
"Child." There was a quick fft as Kratos cut the flame, face nearly as red as his hair.
"Perhaps you should take your own advice." Hakkai put the smoke detector back into working order before sitting back down.
"Hmph."
"Where were we, oh right? You were playing over protective father to the potential suitor."
"No, I wasn't."
"What would you say you were doing then?"
"Making a point."
"And what point was that? I don't think you suceeded in making it."
"That I'm superior." Kratos growled, although something in the way he said that hinted not only as a warning to Hakkai... but almost as if he was trying to assure himself.
"I wasn't referring to your flaming display a moment ago." Hakkai adjusted his monocle.
"There was no other point to make."
Hakkai sighed, pressing his hand to his forehead as he shook his head. "Nevermind."
"I don't care about your courtship with Raine." I was only trying to make conversation and possibly forge some bonding between us, but, haha, my assery got in the way. That's what Kratos should have added, but, haha, his assery got in the way.
"Because people who don't care about things tend to start conversation about those very same things." Hakkai wasn't sure what Kratos was thinking, but now would be the time for the skill that Gojyo so often accuses him of having to actually exist.
Kratos shrugged, "Perhaps you're better off spending your energy elsewhere. Stop trying to find ulterior motives."
"I would, but it seems my best friend is otherwise occupied and everyone else is asleep. It was your company or none, though perhaps I should have chosen the other."
Kratos bristled at the term 'best friend'. Sure, it sounded a lot better than 'love interest', but it still got his blood boiling at how close he came to possibly losing Gojyo to him. Despite the many, many reassurances the other man gave him, Kratos couldn't help but feel that they were only to placate him. And it was for that reason (amongst others) that he hated Hakkai so much. How dare he make Kratos doubt himself in such a way, and put such a heavy fear in his heart, that never quite left? He sat down once more, choosing to brood in silence.
A lightbulb went off over Hakkai's head, metaphorically speaking - of course, though Kratos was likely able to perceive the slight change in Hakkai's demeanor. This ability would have nothing to do at all with the smirk that tugged at Hakkai's lips. "I see, I see. You wanted to make sure I wasn't just leading on Raine as a way to deftly pull Gojyo away from you while your guard was down. Do I really seem that devious to you?"
"No. You're an idiot."
"Finally, some honesty."
"I've not been honest enough with you? Allow me to fix that." Something in Kratos' mind just snapped. Perhaps it was the stress that this ridiculous love triangle, combined with his want and need to just move on and, perhaps for once, be happy with his life. He rose just enough to try to seem menacing, "Everything was finally settling into place, until you happened to decide to intrude. You know precisely what you put me through, and precisely what you put Gojyo through." Using his arms as leverage, he rose even more, "And to think, at first, I actually pitied you, and felt that I had intruded myself. I was ready to give it up for the sake of his happiness, because I know that, in the end, you're better for him than I, so much so that come seventy years from now, when the two of you have reincarnated, I'll be left behind to watch as your relationship is set right. Everytime I see you, I must come to terms with that. That I am just a 'fluke', a chance happening, that my own happiness will be short lived," he moved forward so much, his nose almost touched Hakkai's, "So no, my asking about your current status with Raine wasn't an attempt to protect myself. If you must know, it was an attempt to create some form of truce between us, so that maybe, for once in four thousand years, I will be able to enjoy what little I have without having to waste my time in hating you."
"I could live a lot longer than 70 more years. I'm not entirely sure what my lifespan is going to be or how I'm going to age. There's youkai who look as old as I am who're hundreds of years old. That aside," Hakkai said, "did those letters I wrote a month ago mean nothing to you? Did you think that I'd take back everything I'd said in them now that I've been given yet another chance at life?" He then took a step back, just enough to be able to look Kratos in both eyes and place his hand on his shoulder, in a steadying manner. "Well?"
"It's because of that damn letter."
Hakkai looked perplexed.
"'I'll see you in our next life'." Kratos clarified, almost spitting out the words.
"That wasn't me wishing to be his lover in the next life, that was only my wishing to see him again, whether or not either of us realize it when it happens. Besides, who's to say you won't meet either one of us in our next life? Do you think you're so insignificant to him that you haven't left an imprint on his soul?"
"Do you remember one another from your past?"
"We only know what we've been told and what we've read. Yet still our paths managed to cross despite living completely different lives. It took almost 20 years, but it happened."
"It was Fate. You all... have Fate on your side."
Hakkai went silent for a moment. "And you don't? You've got to be a pretty strong precense to interfere with fate."
"If tradition continues, the moment I become comfortable, catastrophe will strike. So no, I don't."
"That kind of negative thinking won't get you anywhere."
"Go to hell."
"Been there. It wasn't that fun."
"Cry more." Kratos' curt answers were a sign of his emotional withdrawal returning.
Hakkai laughed. He wasn't even sure why he was, but he couldn't help it. With his free hand, he grabbed his belly, trying to contain the laughter as he leaned forward, using Krato's shoulder for support.
Kratos had every reason and thought to just step back and away and allow Hakkai to fall to the floor... but for some reason restrained himself. "What's so funny."
Between laughs he managed to get out, "I don't know."
"Idiot."
"I'm not the one letting worries over the distant future prevent my enjoyment of the present."
In response, Kratos shoved Hakkai away.
Hakkai fell off balance and landed on the floor, still laughing and clutching his stomach. He couldn't stop or even figure out what he was laughing at.
How humiliating. To believe that maybe just once actually speaking up about his problems would solve anything... Kratos felt his chest clench. Again, he only proved himself to be the fool; the butt of every cruel joke. His pride kept him rooted to his spot, so that even though he looked away, he wasn't going to simper off and lick his wounds.
The laughter continued until Hakkai was gasping for breath, the lack of oxygen and the pain in his stomach sobering him. He went silent and closed his eyes, trying to calm himself down enough to look at Kratos again.
He wouldn't receive a returning glance as Kratos continued to avert his stare and control the heat rising to his cheeks.
Once he felt sufficiently calm, Hakkai spoke. "I apologize, I'm not quite sure what came over me." Though now he was quite aware, the images of his time spent in hell still playing out in his mind. Things he experienced that he wished he could never even imagine what they'd be like. He didn't think Kratos needed to know exactly what he and Raine had gone through. No one did.
"Right."
Hakkai stood up, dusting himself off, though considering how clean he liked to keep things, there was hardly a half day's worth of dust. He then stepped over to Kratos and placed one hand under his chin, turning his head to face him.
"I'm not going to interfere any more. I like Raine, and while I can't say yet where things will go, I do enjoy spending time with her. Her enthusiasm is contagious. I'm happy, so stop using me as an excuse for your own unhappiness."
Tell that to Kratos' pride. Or what was left of it, at least. He jerked his chin out of Hakkai's hand.
"Do what you want."
"Did you even listen to what I just said?"
"Yes."
"Doesn't sound like it to me."
"I'm not a child for you to rebuke."
"Then stop acting like one. You're the one who should be giving me this talk, not the other way around, if your 4,000 years of life actually mean anything." Hakkai clenched his fist at his side, but released it after a moment. This was no time to fight.
"You've made your point. There's nothing else for me to comment on." Kratos threw on his mercenary, no-nonsense facade, the very same one that had protected his emotions for the past four thousand years. If this is where baring them got him, then he was better off with the boundaries.
"I'm telling you to be happy and you're putting on a mask?"
t would be a lie to say that a burden didn't lift away from Kratos' shoulders, but he wasn't the type to be able to just turn on the happy switch and get on with life. Not when his mind still mulled through the other worst case scenarios. instead, he responded with a shrug, "I'm content enough."
Hakkai sighed, "I suppose that's good enough for now."
"Right." Kratos turned to leave.
"Tell Gojyo I said good night." Hakkai walked the few steps to the table to pick up his cup of now cold tea and the empty teapot before heading to the sink to wash them.
"I will."
"Thanks."
"Hmph."
Hakkai shook his head and smiled to himself.