drownindarkness | IC Inbox

This is Leo. I'm unavailable at the moment. Leave me a message and I'll get back to you when I'm not busy.

Unless this is Takumi. In which case, never speak to me again.

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From:

ubiquitously

[Visiting Leo in private feels like gambling with his life. Uai doesn't regard this family as a bunch of scary soldiers, which he should, but as respected siblings. Which is more frightening in the context of his visit.

Yet, here he is. Standing outside Leo's room, debating if this is even a good idea. He barely talks to the family as it is, terrified of them disliking him. Asking to date their sister might not be the best way to bond.

Oh well.]

Mr Leo? Are you in?

From:

drownindarkness

[Leo had arrived home a short time ago after his work in Nova City, so he'd been spending his time at his desk and reading. He glances up when he hears a voice through his chamber door. Uai? What would bring him to stop by his room?]

I am. You may enter, Uai. The door's open.

From:

ubiquitously

[It's only now that Uai realizes that he wishes Leo wasn't in. He isn't sure how to bring this up. Despite living on the same property as him, Uai doesn't know much about Leo. In this context, Uai is worried because he doesn't know how to protect himself from Leo.

He enters cautiously. Noticing Leo at his desk, Uai flinches.]

Sorry. I hope I'm not disturbing you? I can go.

From:

drownindarkness

[When Uai enters, Leo turns his seat to face him properly. He found the visit a little odd, but he at least didn't appear to be in a bad mood. He shook his head.]

No, you're quite alright. I was simply doing some light reading to pass the time.

[Because yes, that giant book on his desk was definitely "light" reading. He gestured to a nearby chair.]

Have a seat. What can I do for you?

From:

ubiquitously

["A seat" sounds like a trap, but Uai obeys. He doesn't even teleport to the chair, but walks there like a normal human should.

The way he fiddles with his own brave is a quick clue that he's nervous.]

Is it a good book? [Uai catches himself trying to change the subject.

Swallowing, he amends his cheap escape tactic:] I wanted to ask something about Azura.

From:

drownindarkness

I find it quite interesting, yes.

[But they clearly weren't here to talk about what he reads about. His brow furrows slightly upon mention of Azura.]

Azura? What about her? Is she alright?

[He asks calmly but there was a tone of concern. Given her plans for that "auction" event, her work as a celebrity and now her campaign for Guardian, Leo was slightly concerned that she might be overworking herself.]

From:

ubiquitously

[Uai will be happy to go back to reading material in a moment: He's quite the avid reader himself, constantly refining his magic with new knowledge. It just feels wrong to not talk about hobbies sincerely, as opposed to covering up his anxieties with them.

He averts his gaze briefly, debating how to proceed "safely." Then, throws caution to the wind.]

Mm, she's fine. Well, no... I think she may be worried about you all, and working herself too hard to distract herself.

[Not what he came here to talk about, but important none the less. Uai exhales, then turns his focus back to Leo.] I'd like to date your sister.

From:

drownindarkness

[Leo seems to crack a bit of a smile.]

I suppose that's a running theme in this family. We all worry about each other- perhaps a little too much, in some cases. We'd notice right away if she's working herself too hard.

[That's also why he makes such an effort to make sure she knows he's there to help her if she needs it. If she does end up with the position of Guardian... well, she'll need all the help she can get. Fayren may as well consider the entire family as volunteer deputies under her.

Those next words catch Leo off guard, his expression momentarily unreadable.]

... ah. Let me be sure I heard you correctly. Did you say something about courting my sister?

[His brotherly instincts of course kick in, but Uai's been around them for this long... it's not as if he's sprung this day one of meeting her, at the very least. He'll just need to quell those defensive feelings for the moment.]

I see. Well. What does that have to do with me, exactly?

From:

ubiquitously

[Uai doesn't have any doubt about that: Their family is especially close and it's something he admires. Family has always been a top priority to him, too. Being able to play house with them has been very comforting.

Which is why he's so worried about messing this up. He still feels tense as Leo addresses him, knowing what it's like to be a brother. Also, having experience with Hana's brothers being protective of her.]

Yes, uh, courting. [He's already used the wrong term. -1 point.]

She cares about you. A lot. And I don't want to do anything that might upset the people she loves.

From:

drownindarkness

So you're approaching each of us to get a grasp on our opinion of the idea?

[Maybe Uai was down one point for the wrong word, but Leo raises his brow slightly. He almost looked... impressed. And that doesn't happen often.]

Not many would think to take that approach. I admit, I'm a little surprised.

[That's as close as he'll get to saying he's impressed. Sorry Uai.]

Of course, this is her life and happiness we're talking about. If this is a mutual desire, then I'm not about to go and stand in your way. Even if my brotherly instincts tell me otherwise.

[He seems to say the last part in jest, but any amusement in his expression fades quickly.]

But in that same vein, this is Azura's happiness we're talking about. I doubt I need to say what might happen if you did anything to hurt her.

[He might be genuine in not wanting to stand between Azura and who she may wish to date, but he's still her brother- and a Nohrian. Uai wasn't getting out without some kind of passing threat.]

From:

ubiquitously

[Gradually, Uai begins to relax. It doesn't seem as though Leo is set on his murder, and finding their common ground is helpful: They both do care about Azura's happiness.

He shakes his head slowly. Not to indicate that he doesn't understand the threat--- Uai fully expected and accepts that-- but shaking his head to Leo's comment on brotherly instincts.]

If it would make you uncomfortable in any way, I'll back off.

[Even if Uai is sure that would cause temporary hurt. A fact he elaborates on:]

I want her to be happy for a long time. So if I might get in the way of that, her family's long term happiness, I will step back until I earn your trust. I can tell how much she loves you, so I... care too. [Using the word 'love' seems kind of forward, when he still barely knows Leo.] I'd also like to get to you better. She talks about you all.

From:

drownindarkness

[Uai certainly hasn't done anything to make Leo set on murder, which really is a good thing for all parties involved. He listens carefully to Uai before shaking his head.]

If you had approached me with this the moment you met her, I assure you, this conversation would be entirely different. But you pull your weight around here, and it's easy to tell that my siblings are fond of you even if you and I haven't conversed much.

[Which that would be changing if Uai goes through with this. For better or for worse.]

I know what the brother in me is saying, but in this case, I far put her concerns before my own. If you're set on it and she agrees, very well.

[He says it somewhat begrudgingly, but he figures in a case like this, he needs to be more like Xander would be and less like Camilla. He frowns then.]

And if she says no, then that will be the end of it. I trust we're clear on that?

[Otherwise he will be like Camilla.]

From:

ubiquitously

[At this point, Uai already knows Azura's answer. He's already kissed her at the masquerade and confessed his feelings. Facts he decides to keep to himself: He wants her to have room to turn him down when he formally asks her to date him later.]

Certainly. If that winds up being the case, I may temporarily move out to give her space.

[Uai smiles slightly,] Then... Back to the topic of your book. Have the novels in Genessia been to your liking?