[Reaper had already been revising his assessment of this kid, and it seemed to him that the conviction was definitely the lawyer talking. There was also something else that he wasn't going to look too deeply in, but it also didn't surprise him that 76 had earned such a force. Jack Morrison always did have a way of attracting people, and it seemed that hadn't changed no matter the years gone by and the damage done.]
With then, it seems to me that I should just steer clear, since you have everything handled. Let me know how that works out for you. [He shifted his hands from his hips to settle by his sides, offering little more than a shrug.] I still suggest one of those backpacks with a leash attached if you want to keep track of him. He tends to wander.
[He waved away the question.] If he's alive, there's more damage for him to do to himself. He'll shoulder it until it destroys him. That's how it works.
...That's it? No other optionss, because that's 'how it workss'? You're both here, in a different world. It doesn't have to be that way here. [His brows furrow in disappointed.]
I'd expected ssomething more, from ssomeone so deeply connected with him. Or iss fighting the only ssolution you know? [Translation: He doesn't think Reaper is trying hard enough.]
[Reaper wasn't interested in explaining his motivations to a kid who he has met and had definitely threatened him. That was a typical greeting these days, but still, it didn't encourage him to be the best conversationalist. He was painfully private to begin with.] Everyone expects something more, and it's best to let them be disappointed from the get go. It means they'll leave you alone in future.
[He knew 76 well, but that didn't mean his sole focus was the younger man. He was trying to get back home to complete his revenge.] If you want to shower him with optimism and see if that works, by all means. You have your methods, and I have mine, hijo.
[A grunt, tail swishing about.] Leaving you be will be impossible. [Not when his idea of helping is go and fight 76. He may need to think of how to deal with the inevitable conflict, should he be fortunate to catch them.]
We're through here. [He tilts his head.] Sstill have your head...? [Cause if he's fine, he's keeping this tea concoction.]
I'm almost touched by your dedication to associating with me. Perhaps you have a thing for old men... [He inclined his head and dropped his chin as if giving Kazuma a once over. He, of course, wasn't interested, but he could make a show of it anyway.]
Actually, you may be done with me, but I have still have questions. [It seemed like a good time for him to pull a reversal here.] What is it you want with 76? Weapons, friendship, something more...?
[His brows furrow at the other man's attempt to get him worked up. There's a pattern to his particular insults and teasing. Possessive when it came to 76. Almost as if...]
If you're worried I'm going to ssteal him from you, don't be. [There's your answer. Half serious, half snarky retort.]
Why would I be worried? You can have him, though I expect he'll just break you in half.
[Maybe the kid reminded 76 of younger days, and what old man didn't need that? Of course, 76 needed to be kept in line more than anything. Sometimes the easiest was to get that tether in place was to care, shift the narrative to what 76 could put himself through to what the old soldier was willing to let others put themselves through.]
Things that fly too close to the sun are likely to burn up.
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With then, it seems to me that I should just steer clear, since you have everything handled. Let me know how that works out for you. [He shifted his hands from his hips to settle by his sides, offering little more than a shrug.] I still suggest one of those backpacks with a leash attached if you want to keep track of him. He tends to wander.
[He waved away the question.] If he's alive, there's more damage for him to do to himself. He'll shoulder it until it destroys him. That's how it works.
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I'd expected ssomething more, from ssomeone so deeply connected with him. Or iss fighting the only ssolution you know? [Translation: He doesn't think Reaper is trying hard enough.]
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[He knew 76 well, but that didn't mean his sole focus was the younger man. He was trying to get back home to complete his revenge.] If you want to shower him with optimism and see if that works, by all means. You have your methods, and I have mine, hijo.
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We're through here. [He tilts his head.] Sstill have your head...? [Cause if he's fine, he's keeping this tea concoction.]
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Actually, you may be done with me, but I have still have questions. [It seemed like a good time for him to pull a reversal here.] What is it you want with 76? Weapons, friendship, something more...?
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If you're worried I'm going to ssteal him from you, don't be. [There's your answer. Half serious, half snarky retort.]
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[Maybe the kid reminded 76 of younger days, and what old man didn't need that? Of course, 76 needed to be kept in line more than anything. Sometimes the easiest was to get that tether in place was to care, shift the narrative to what 76 could put himself through to what the old soldier was willing to let others put themselves through.]
Things that fly too close to the sun are likely to burn up.
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I'm not interested in hearing from your own experience, nor iss our bond anything you keep insisting that it iss.
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[He turned his back on Kazuma purposefully and moved to walk away. It seemed this one wasn't going to play. Interesting kid to a point.]
Enjoy him, but stay out of my way.