AFTER BATTLE CHIT-CHAT (rin)

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 000 · tags name name · notes somenotes[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] So Rai was safe now, which was a major plus. Mitsukai had helped the Spiaggia reclaim their kidnapped boss and he felt good about it. He was a little tired, as he used quite a lot of flames, so the crimson haired male found himself resting at the dojo, outside on the small porch. The rest of the rescue group were off enjoying the fact that Rai was back and some were even fawning over him. Rai sure knew how to pick his partners. They were certainly loyal. Ugh… come on flames. I’m tired of being... Tired. Mitsukai said to himself as he leaned back, resting against the wall that was behind him. All he could really think about was the faces of the Spiaggia members when they got Rai out of that castle. In particular, Rin. Something was off about the way she looked when they got him out. Almost a… Look that one would give someone they had a crush on. Or someone they were dating. Hm… Maybe Rai and Rin were going out. They’d make a cute couple, actually. Rai is everything Rin is not and Rin is everything Rai is not. The more he thought on it, the more he realized he never really felt interested in anyone. Not a soul he’d ever met made him yearn to be with them for the rest of his life. The only people who told him that they loved him were his family. Maybe he could only “crush” on people in one way, and he got the wrong one. Or maybe he got the right one. No emotional ties made people easier to fight and left you less likely to be hurt yourself. But then again, his father loved his mother, and his grandfather loved his grandmother. Maybe it was a lack of experience. That must be it. Hm… Mitsukai could feel himself becoming deeper into thought. He crossed his arms over his chest and relaxed some, letting his feet drop off the side. If someone with little perception were to pass by, he might look to be sleeping, but he wasn’t. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[rin]

Rin wasn't certain there were any words to describe the relief she felt. Rai was back home and safe with his family, along with the Guardians, who were all well and currently resting up. It seemed the storm had passed and now out of trouble, most of them were simply glad for things to returned to normal. Not that Rin wasn't pleased. They had succeeded in their goals and she couldn't have been more proud of their ability to work together as a family, when the chips were down. However, Rai's kidnapping also brought up a few concerning matters, in particular the issue of the security if the dojo was to remained Spiaggia's headquarters. There was one other matter though, that continued to trouble her even more and that was the fear that had plagued her during the mission.

For as long as Rin could remember, she been able to turn off her emotions when it came to a mission, but something about what had happened had crossed a line. It had become personal and in all her years as an assassin, Rin couldn't remembers being so worried over loosing someone. Perhaps it was probably because up until she'd joined the Spiaggia, the only things she had to worry about were family and comrades within the Varia, all of whom were more than capable of taking care of themselves and staying out trouble. She couldn't remember another time she'd been more scared of failure in her life, even as a swordsman, but it had nothing to do with her own life.

It was Rai. It always seemed to be Rai, no matter how hard Rin tried to ignore her feelings or his constant flirting. Sure, she was probably harder on the young boss than any of the other guardians, but that didn't mean she disliked him, actually quite the opposite. Had she not cared at all, she would have left him be. However, there was something special about Rai, special, she had seen it once and it was starting to dawn on the young Rain Guardian that maybe he meant something more to her than just a boss. Whether it was friendship or something else though, she couldn't say, so as usual attempted to distract herself chores and menial labor.

Most of the other guardians had already been tended to, though Rin had noted that Mitsukai had managed to find some serenity away from the chaos. Guess she really needed to say something to him, especially after the help he had been in helping them get Rai back. Still, she wasn't one to approached without reason and so used the excuse of drinks, pouring a couple cups of fresh tea from a small pot. Setting it aside and placing the cups on a small tray, Rin moved out of the kitchen tentatively and out to where Mitsukai was sitting. He seemed to be relaxing, focused and contemplating something, though easy enough to mistake as dozing.

"Um, Mitsukai-san?" Rin began tentatively, not quite sure how to approach the Shimon Boss and somewhat shy in her own way. "Ayame made some tea and is tending to the others. I thought you might like some and maybe that we could talk." She explained politely, though her personality seemed far more demure in comparison to the assassin that was more than willing to cut through an enemy to save her boss. It was a calmer and peaceful demeanor, that even seemed a little more feminine as she moved to set the tray down next to him, slipping down to sit with her knees beneath her in traditional Japanese fashion as she watched him curiously.

Still, the last thing she wanted to do was bother him, so was hesitant to sit down as she placed the small tray with the cup down next to him, awaiting his approval. Even if what she had to say was important, the Shimon boss was still a guest and there were certain courtesies expected, which meant showing restraint as a young lady and not blurting out what she wanted to say, just in case he had no desire to speak to her or was to preoccupied to bother with such things.

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 000 · tags name name · notes somenotes[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Mitsukai could almost feel the approaching person, a shift in the gravity field or whatever you wanted to call it. Maybe just a hunch. Maybe Rai had been rubbing off on him a little and he was going slightly crazy. Doubtful, that one though. Sure enough, however, there was someone. The last person Mitsukai expected to come through the door, actually. Rin, the white haired woman. She greeted the crimson haired male with an… unusually un like her demeanor. Maybe she was super serious assassin-type, cold-blooded woman during missions, but a shy teenager otherwise. Strange indeed. Then again, Mitsukai acted differently when in combat, he was more animalistic. Nothing this vast though. Funnily enough, though, she brought tea. One of Mitsukai’s favorites. She wanted to talk too. Interesting. Maybe she wanted to thank the Shimon Boss for what he did to help them. Though she did seem too proud to do that. Rin did seem exceptionally shy, compared to earlier. She didn’t say anything else after saying she wanted to talk and kneeling next to Mitsukai, setting the tea beside him. Interesting. Mitsukai sat up and crossed his legs, turning to face the white haired girl. What’s on your mind, Rin? He asked her as he picked up a cup of tea and sipped it. Exactly what he needed. Thanks for the tea, by the way. He added before taking another sip, then what he was thinking of before she got there dawned on him again. Now would be the perfect time to ask. Quick thing, I think you and Rai make a cute couple, by the way. I saw the way you looked at him. Mitsukai said to the girl with a smile. Wow, it’d be really awkward if they weren’t actually together, now wouldn’t it? That would lead to an awkward conversation, really. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[rin]

When Mitsukai turned to acknowledge her and seemed content that it was okay, Rin finally worked up the nerve. There was probably nothing worse in the world that she hated than admitting weakness or confessing that she might have needed anyone. However, this seemed necessary, especially considering that the Shimon boss was an ally of the family. Not saying it would probably reflect badly on Raitaro though, and that was something that Rin was willing to risk, even with her pride. As the Rain Guardian, she had a responsibility to do what was necessary and Rin had no intention of breaking her word.

"Well..." Rin began hesitantly, though offered a nod at his thanks for the tea as she tried to find the correct words. Unfortunately, her attention was quickly grabbed by one more thank the Shimon Boss had to say and the last thing Rin ever expected to her.

'... I think you and Rai make a cute couple, by the way. I saw the way you looked at him.'

Her face immediately lit up, turning a bright shade of crimson as her eyes went wide in disbelief. "N-no, it's like that. I m-mean, I like Rai. He's my boss, but we're not-" Rin stammered in embarrassment, stuttering and faltering like any teenage girl would. However, her face only darkened another shade as the image of herself and Raitaro as a couple flashed through her mind. No way! That was insane, not with that lecherous flirt. Mitsukai had said something about being able to tell by the way she'd looked at the boss, but was it really there? She'd never noticed this so-called 'look' and wouldn't have done it intentionally, yet for some reason a complete stranger was able to recognize it without a problem.

Rin's mind was racing around for answers as her gaze dropped the long white bangs falling into her face in a sheepish manner. Was that why nearly loosing him had scared her so badly? "The boss and I are just friends. I mean, I respect him a lot, but I... I don't think he see me in that way." Rin confessed softly, allowing her words to tapper off in what could have almost been mistaken as disappointment. Besides, it was a silly idea.

Raitaro was a constant flirt, shameless in his actions, with just about every female he came across, regardless of their background or age. His actions towards her were just his normal behavior and they didn't mean anything, even if sometimes she secretly wished they had. Even if he were bright enough to catch on, Rin was the last person to understand how to deal with relationships. Worse, while Rai might have been accepting, he was still rather naive to what he had got himself into. Heaven help them if her family ever showed up. No, she couldn't afford to let her think like that. She had to keep it profession, she was a warrior and he was her boss, that's all it was. It was easier that way, better, for everyone.

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color:#bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 000 · tags name name · notes somenotes[/style][style=background-color: #303030;font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow:auto;] What a shame. Rin turns all red, confirming Mitsukai’s suspicions, then denies anything. What a shame. A pretty girl who won’t even talk to a single boy, but will cut down a human being in a second. Well… The self doubt she was feeding off was kind of irritating Mitsukai. She thought that Rai would never think about her that way, which could be completely wrong. Rai seemed to flirt with most women, even ones that he didn’t know, but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t sincere to one of them when he actually meant to be. Granted they probably wouldn’t believe him because of his tendencies. The saddest thing of all was that Rin was actually pretty cute when she wasn’t covered in her enemies blood, and seeing her have such low self esteem just bothered Mitsukai to no end. He was very much a “get over it and get it done” type of guy. Rin finished talking and Mitsukai laughed slightly to himself. He looked over at Rin and she seemed to be disappointed or whatever. That couldn’t stand. Rin, you have to actually believe in yourself. If you think you’re going to fail before you even try, you’ve already lost the battle. We’re both warriors, you should know that. Mitsukai said to the woman as he crossed his arms, after setting down his tea cup of course. However she was raised, she was raised for combat, not so much for normal life. Luckily for Mitsukai, he was allowed both. His parents allowed him to grow in almost whatever way he wanted, so long as he had a lot of his focus on his abilities. There had to be more to this whole thing than just some low self esteem. There had to be another guy or something. Something that would make a person that reluctant to just throw caution to the wind. Okay… Tell me why you’re so hesitant. I’m an outside person, so you’ll get neutral input from me, which is probably what you need. And whatever you tell me, stays with me and dies with me. Mitsukai said to the girl, running a hand through his hair. He hoped that didn’t come off too strong or anything. He just wanted to help a fellow warrior. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe;margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[rin]

Rin wished that it could have been that simple, but blurting out her feelings wasn't something she was used to... Well, at least, when it was something important. Sure, it was one thing to do it when your ticked off and blowing off steam, but something that could possibly affect the rest of your life, that was a whole other matter. Besides, how was she expecting him to react. She could barely sort through her own feelings, let alone plan for what would happen if the matter blew up in her face. Mitsukai let out what sounded like a laugh and offered up some advice, causing her brow to drop slightly.

"V-voi. It's not like I'm scared or nothing." She responded proudly, her stubborn streak showing as she glance out across the yard to avoid looking at him. Rin might have been a lot more convincing and intimidating had she not been trying to hide the color that lingered on her cheeks. Besides, it was more complicated than your average teenage self-esteem issues, especially considering if she so much as sneezed in the wrong direction again, what kind of trouble it could bring. However, her crimson gaze soon fell back to the red-head as he offered her the chance to explain why she was so hesitant exactly.

"... Clearly, you have never met my family." Rin answered straightly, as though the answer would have cleared up everything. With a steady sigh and reaching run a hand through her hair, she seemed to working up the nerve to tell him. "You ever hear of a man named Squalo Superbi? He was the former vice-captain of the Varia and also known as, the Sword Emperor, back in the day?... Well, that's my grandpa." She explained in a dull tone, watching him carefully to gauge his reaction on the discovery. Although, it seemed rather obvious that Rin was not fond of telling people the truth about her heritage, especially outside of the Spiaggia. Unless they managed to put it together on their own, she tended to keep the matter to herself and with good reason. Anyone who had heard stories about him, knew his reputation for being dangerous and required little explanation as to why Rin wouldn't want to expose anyone to such a perilous experience as having to meet him.

"Aside from my family issues, I was raised and trained under the Varia growing up, so I'm not prone to rushing into anything, especially not when the odds aren't in my favor." Rin added, making pretty clear what all the hesitation was about. Not all warriors were prone to rushing head long into battle and for someone who had been trained a killer, sticking her neck out in such a bold manner was simply to risky. "Up until a month ago, my entire life revolved around nothing but fighting and assassination work. Relationships, romance, such things were... unnecessary." She spoke, attempting to paint a clear picture for Mitsukai on the situation facing her. Sure, Rin might have looked normal on the surface, but she was a solider underneath and that was all she had ever learned how to be. She hadn't had time for such sentimental notions.

"I can't even distinguish what I'm feeling right now. I know that I like Rai as a boss and as friend, but outside of that.... Even if I could make sense of it, I wouldn't know the first thing about going about these thing and that's not counting his feelings in all this." The young woman explained in thought, letting out a heavy sigh. However, there was one final matter that remained at the forefront of the issue. "Besides, what the family needs now is to come together as a whole. If I chose to act selfishly at this point, it would only make things awkward and I won't risk my family's safety over something so trivial." Rin reminded him, recalling the recent events and current stresses the Spiaggia were already under to achieve their goals.

She had a tendency to be about as warm as a blizzard when it came to her methods and manner of speaking. Most people probably would have called her inhuman for disregarding even her own emotions as trivial matters, but beneath the hard shell, Rin was doing exactly what she had been trained to do. She buried her emotions, for the sake of those around her and the person she had chosen to serve under. Loyalty outweighed everything else and though it seemed cold, there was a warmth hidden deep behind the icy shell. Besides, they weren't kids anymore. They were mafia and sometimes that meant recognizing the consequences to actions and doing what was necessary, at least until she knew for certain how she felt about the young boss.

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 000 · tags name name · notes somenotes[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Rin wasn’t very good at covering up how she felt. She was trying to ignore Mitsukai, or hide how she really felt, by looking across the yard, but anyone could still see her cheeks. They were still red. Luckily, though, when Mitsukai offered to help her, she finally calmed down and opened up. Something about her family and how she was raised by… Sooooo THAT’S where Mitsukai remembered that little saying from. Rin was a descendent of Squalo Superbi. Mitsukai’s grandfather told him bits about Squalo, mainly that he was pretty scary and intense. Rin was like that in some ways herself. Mitsukai wasn’t really sure of any way to react to gaining this knowledge other than how he did. He put two and two together and made a “figured it out” face. Yeah, I know of Squalo Superbi. My grandfather told me of him. Mitsukai said to his white haired friend, mainly just to tell her that he knew of her grandfather from his grandfather. Simple as that. What Rin said next was interesting to Mitsukai. She called them “family issues” and then said how she was raised and trained by the old Varia. That sounds like any hitman’s wet dream. Although, he background did describe her hesitation. Mitsukai guessed right, though. Her upbringing taught her that relationships and the such were unneeded. A shame indeed, though something that could be relearned. Relationships were important, as were the things that went along with it. Something didn’t fit right with that though. Mitsukai would wait to bring that up until Rin finished talking though. The white haired woman would go on to talk about how she couldn’t tell how she felt and that the famiglia would become awkward and uncomfortable if she were wrong, so she was going to just hold in her emotions. Mitsukai couldn’t hold back a slight scoff at that remark. Alright, I see what you grew up with, but I found a few problems in what you’ve said. First off, if “love and relationships are unneeded”, then why do you exist? You’re living proof that that is a lie, as is your parent whom also descended from Squalo. Without relationships, you wouldn’t even be alive right now. We wouldn’t be having this conversation, and Spiaggia would have a different Rain guardian. Secondly, until you find out what you feel and act on it, you’ll continue to feel awkward or uncomfortable around Rai until you do act on what you feel, so its creating the same situation that will just last longer the more you hold it in. Mitsukai lectured Rin, never really shifting facial expressions from a blank, emotionless stare. He cleared his throat after, time for a weird analogy. He placed his hands on the ground and created a miniature zero g field. Not strong enough for Rin or himself to be picked up, maybe their hair a bit, but to lift the tea cups and their contents (which floated perfectly still in the air between Rin and Mitsukai. Ok… Weird analogy time. You are this tea cup. Mitsukai said to the girl, pointing to the empty one he had drank out of. Well, as you can see, this tea cup has nothing in it. But it sees this tea cup over here. Mitsukai added, gesturing to the other tea cup, the full one. Well that tea cup has tea, and as we all know, all tea cups want is to be together with another tea cup and share their tea. It’s Tea Cup kind’s nature to want to share their tea with another tea cup. Sadly for the empty tea cup, it was raised to go against that nature, but it can still feel these feelings. It just doesn’t know what they are or how to act on them. But if it just sits over there being all empty and just… waiting, it will never share tea with another tea cup. It’ll take actually going over to that tea cup… Mitsukai said, influencing gravity so the tea cups came together. And getting to know that other tea cup to really understand if they can share tea together and be happy or if it needs to look for another tea cup mate. Get me? Mitsukai said to the girl, letting the tea cups slowly descend to the ground again. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[rin]

Yeah, he got that look. For some reason everyone had that look when she finally confessed, that one that seemed to have already been questioning the strange familiarity, but that had been unable to place it up to that point. Honestly, she was no where near as intimidating as the old man or as cranky, for that matter. However, as he listened intended, it seemed Mitsukai seemed to come to a few conclusions and decided to share them, much to her shame. He explained that relationships were necessary and that she was obviously here, because of those relationships. Obviously, Rin was well aware of that much, so simply kept quite while the Shimon boss continued to talk, which he seemed to like doing, so didn't want to burst his bubble of fortune cookie wisdom. Then he proceeded to do something very few people had ever done and probably lived to tell about - he called her a tea cup.

Well, more like compared her to an empty tea cup, which made very little sense. Weird wasn't the right word to describe the analogy and somewhere in the twisted logical, Rin was sure there was some form of advice. Although, what it was, she wasn't entirely certain as most of the lecture went over her head, the same way most lectures had when she was a kid. Rin was able to get the general gist of it anyway, Mitsukai wanted her to confess her feelings to Rai, but that wasn't about to happen for the most obvious reasons.

"I got the general sense, but there's one problem with that theory... Tea comes from a pot and some cups have cracks that makes them incapable of sharing tea." Rin explained with a faint smirk, a subtle hint at something else she didn't want to say and wanted him to leave alone. Besides, they were pretty words and all, but it was clear the Shimon boss was only seeing the rose-colored side to this. It was the Spiaggia that would bare the brunt if she was wrong. "Somethings in this world simply can't be rushed, Mitsukai-san. People may be like tea cups, but in Italian, it's said, that love is like fine wine. The best ones, the ones that are really worth while, require some patience." She added with a dreamy smile, leaning back a bit, though it was a rare to hear such a romantic sentiment from Rin.

Rin was normally so cold, but perhaps she had subconsciously revealed the real hold up. She wasn't interest in just dating or fickle relationships that came and went with the breeze. Rin wasn't opposed to love, but if she was going to gamble her heart on someone, she wanted to know they were worth the risk. There would be less people hurt that way if she were wrong, but seemed to let the matter pass as she took the tea cup and sipped on it lightly. Besides, it was probably to be expected, considering Rin's flames and her natural tendencies towards strategy, rather that rushing in blindly.

Hoping to change the subject and get back to the real reason she was here though, Rin cleared her throat seriously. "Say, about what I wanted to say earlier...." She began hesitantly, glancing off to the side as she struggled to swallow her pride. "Thank you... for helping us get our boss back..." Rin spoke sincerely, sipping on the tea once more, not bothering to glance over at the red-head to see his reaction. Well, no one could ever say Rin was a lot of pomp and fluff. She was a person of very few words and deeply prideful. However, it spoke quite a few volumes on just how important Rai was to the family and to the Rain Guardian. Like it or not, the Shimon boss had done them a huge favor in assistance and Rin wouldn't forget the debt so easily.

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 000 · tags name name · notes somenotes[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] The moral of the whole analogy went right over Rin’s head. She pointed out that the tea comes from pots and that some tea cups are cracked and don’t hold tea. That’s obvious, but it’s an analogy comparing the human dynamic to something much… simpler. Completely over her head though. Missed the point completely. Even used some flames to describe it and make the cups float, but no. In one ear and right out the other. Mitsukai waited until the end of the wine remark to add something to the whole debate. He ran a hand through his hair slowly and sighed. Tea cups can be repaired though, and wine must first be produced in order for it to become better. He said to the white haired woman as he raised an eyebrow slightly. This woman was about as easy to work with as a diamond. Beautiful, but tougher than nails and you need a special tool to shape it in even the slightest manner. Though, even after the analogy, Rin worked up the humility (with much trouble) to thank Mitsukai. And he thought she was too proud to. She didn’t even really want to look to see how the crimson haired man reacted. She just looked off and sipped tea. Eh… No worries. Just did what I thought was right. Mitsukai said with a small laugh. He leaned back and rested on his hands. This Rin girl was quite interesting. Different, but interesting. Now that he knew her backstory, he sort of understood her better though. I’ll just have to hang it over your head until you pay me back. The Shimon boss said rather jokingly. Then he thought a bit to himself. He knew a lot about Rin, but had divulged nothing of himself. She probably didn’t care, but she instigated this conversation, so it didn’t matter. You know, you told me about you; so I guess it’s fair for me to tell you about me. He said with another small laugh, making sure to get all the “you”s and “me”s correct in his head. I taught myself the majority of my combat knowledge from venturing into forests and learning from the animals. I’ve never dated anyone in my life, and to that point, I’ve never been “interested” in anyone either. I discovered my powers at age… young, when a bear attacked me and I crushed it into a fine paste. Mitsukai told the woman in a rather… casual tone. He even did finger air quotes around the word “interested”. What else… I work as a bouncer. Live alone. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd… That’s about it. He added with a small laugh and a smile. He was a pretty simple guy when push came to shove. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[rin]

Truth be told, Rin had never been fluent in matters of philosophy. Not that she wasn't intelligent in her own way and was certainly well-learned, especially when it came to combat strategy and the classics, but her tendency to be somewhat aggressive meant she had a somewhat short attention span. Such long-winded explanations or attempts to skirt around what a person was trying to say were rather pointless. Then again, considering who had trained her, maybe it shouldn't have come as much of a surprise. In the old days, it was Arashi, who had the flare for words or Alma with his charismatic nature.

Then again, even with what she had been able to understand of his advice, Rin had already made up her mind and she could be terribly stubborn about such things. It would take more than a little pep-talk and some pretty words to make the Rain Guardian crawl out of that hard shell. Miracles didn't happen over night. Rin had been taught to be tough as nails and time was probably the only thing that would bring her around. Although, all things considered, she was far more open now than she had been back in the Varia, due in some small part to the Spiaggia and their young boss.

She let out a faint noise in acknowledgement to Mitsukai's words, but didn't bother to argue with him. Instead, she waited for his reaction to the apology, which thankfully was nothing to overboard. In fact, he seemed to pass the matter off rather easily, leaning back, before teasingly making mention of holding over her head. Well, he certainly wouldn't be the first, considering how often Arashi used information against her. Although, seriously doubted the Mitsukai was anything like her brother in that sense, but was rather surprised when he offered to tell her more about himself.

He described having learned most of his abilities from watching wildlife and how he had discovered his powers in a rather gruesome manner, though never specified an exact age. Of course, he only seemed to confirm that despite his analogy, he really didn't have any more experience in love and relationship than she did. The advice might have held more weight, if the opposite had been true. However, she was surprised to learn that he was actually employed as a bouncer, something she hadn't expected. Then again, he wasn't quite as intimidating in the laid-back manner he was lying in now.

"So your a bouncer? That must be interesting." Rin spoke, rather intrigued by the notion. She didn't know much about bars and clubs, but she knew that people typically got thrown out of them. Which possibly meant the Shimon boss got to have quite a bit of fun, at least if one enjoyed fighting and the general chaos that ensued. "So were the other members of the Shimon alright with you coming over to help us?" She questioned curiously, hoping to learn a little more about the Shimon family and it's members. Of course, up until he had shown up to help save Rai, no one had said anything about the families allies. Knowing little of the group off-hand, it seemed easier to get a better understanding of the connection from Mitsukai personally.

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 365 · tags rin · notes awww yeah[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Rin was certainly a good listener. She didn’t interrupt or anything like that, nor did she attempt to start an argument and she expressed an actual interesting what Mitsukai had to say. That was nice to see in someone, especially recently. Nowadays, getting anyone to listen to anything you had to say was a struggle. Rin even asked him a few questions. She seemed confused when he said he was a bouncer, which was to be expected; he guessed. She did see him when he was off the clock, when he was relaxed and much less tense. Then she asked about the other Shimon Guardians. If only she knew. Yeah, I’m a bouncer. And well… Right now, I’m still kind of waiting for the other guardians, in all honesty. Thanks to our unique flames, I can’t just pick anyone, so typically it’s the strongest of each flame becomes the guardian of said flame. Mitsukai said to Rin, scratching the back of his head some. Unfortunately, none of his other guardians had come out of the woodworks yet, so that was a problem. Last he heard, they were all still training or something. Now, you’re probably wondering what happens to the others… Well, they become attendants and replacements. The thing with Shimon is, we keep a tight grip on our specialty. Our flames. So, if there’s ever a person with an Earth flame and they’re going against the famiglia, they’re executed. And we keep tighter records then the Vendice. The crimson haired male said in a much more serious tone. It was no laughing matter. It was people’s lives. While the conversation they were having was nice and all, something came back to Mitsukai from earlier. Something he had heard back when they were rescuing Rai. I hate moving the conversation back, but I just remembered something… If Raitaro didn’t think about you “that” way, why did he call you his girlfriend when you rescued him? Mitsukai asked Rin, his head cocked to the side some. Once again, he even did air quotes. That was actually a troubling question. Maybe Rin was so blind with rage that she didn’t hear it or something. Hm… Troubling indeed. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[rin]

Rin listened intently as Mitsukai explained about being a bouncer and his situation with the current Shimon Guardians. Turned out Earth Flames worked quite a bit differently from Flames of the Sky, due to their rarity and need to be the best. Not that the concept was all that foreign, since the Varia had a certain standard for accepting members, let alone allowing them to serve as Guardians. To Rin, the whole matter made perfectly logical sense, since strength was what ruled the mafia world. The weak or incompetent were quickly disposed of and a family could live and die on the quality of it's Guardians. Sure, to some it could have been considered cruel. However, that was the harsh reality of the world and after so many years, Rin didn't so much as bat an eye at the concept anymore.

She could still remember how harsh the training under her grandfather had been. It wasn't the sort of thing many could do and it had broken more than a few potential apprentices. However, as Mitsukai explained what happened to those not chosen, the most Rin couldn't help feel the Shimon and Varia weren't to different. At least, the possessed the same ruthless effectiveness to have survived, where many families had either disbanded or been wiped from history.

Even their methods from dealing with traitors were nearly identical, though Rin could only recall one exception to the rule. Of course, that had more to do with the ties among the second generation Varia and Arashi's leniency, because of his softness towards her than anything else. "Makes sense." Rin added, not offering much of an opinion on the matter. She was nothing, if not logical. Well, maybe in most things, the exception seemed to come when she had a tick on her shoulder and then the Superbi bloodline kicked in and it didn't matter how much blood got spilled.

Rin had moved to take a sip of tea, but nearly choked on it when Mitsukai brought up the silly nickname that Raitaro had called her during the rescue. Crap! He'd heard that? She tried not to show how flustered she was, but there was no use hiding what was painfully stained on her cheeks. "Because the boss has had a bad habits of taking to many liberties when it comes to his relationships with his subordinates. He wasn't being serious." Rin explained calmly, not wanting the Shimon Boss to get the wrong idea.

"You may not be aware, but Raitaro is a notorious flirt. He flirts with just about every woman he comes across. Age and background don't matter, even if I'm standing beside him." She spoke, a tone mixed between annoyance at the habit and some faint form of regret. Rin had tried to control her agitation at Rai during those time, but she couldn't help it and tended to end up hitting him with something. He was just so blasted oblivious. If he really were serious about her then he wouldn't have been flirting with other girls and just come out with it already, instead of playing some fruitless game.

"It doesn't mean anything." Rin added, reiterating what seemed the most obvious conclusion and in some ways, reminding herself that hope was foolish. They might have been friends, but the young Spiaggia boss didn't see her as anything more than another girl when it came to romance. There was nothing special or meaningful about his antics, just the same dumb tricks he used on everyone. Besides, out of all the girls that Raitaro could have possibly been serious about, he expected her to believe that he would have chosen some tom-boy of a swordsman? She wasn't delicate or feminine, and had more scars that she could count. He wouldn't want someone like her, even if she allowed herself to hope, it would just be another disappointment.

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 366 · tags rin · notes speaking his mind[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] What a surprise. Typically when Mitsukai told anyone of how Shimon did their guardian setup and what happened to traitors, the listener would recoil and ask how anyone could do that to another living being. The answer to that was simple; with a sword, preferably. It did seem ruthless to some, but it really did (as Rin said) make sense. Shimon couldn’t have street rats running around with their flames. The Earth Flames were what made Shimon a powerhouse. Then he asked the question about what Rai had said when they rescued him. This question made Rin almost choke on her tea, which wouldn’t be good. Rin then described her side of what happened. It was known that Rai was a flirt and apparently took liberties with how he referred to their relationship. Rin was calm when she spoke of him taking liberties, almost as if she didn’t mind being called his girlfriend. However, her tone became slightly annoyed when she spoke of him being a flirt. Maybe she really did care and just didn’t realize it? Hm… She seemed to lull herself into believing what she thought. Made sense. She was a little abrasive, a tad ruthless, a bit mean; but she was still a beautiful woman. He had to express his thoughts. Alright, this is my last point on this topic, then I will drop it. I promise. Mitsukai said to Rin as he sat up straight, his tone becoming rather serious. I observed something in what you just said. You were calm when talking of how he takes liberties with his relationships, yet sounded annoyed when speaking on him being a flirt. I think that speaks of how you feel. And whether you like it or not, Rin, you’re a beautiful woman. And when you aren’t out for revenge, you’re fun to be around. Hell, I don’t see why men aren’t hiding in a bush just waiting to get to talk with you. The crimson haired male said, speaking his mind. He wasn’t interested in Rin in the slightest. Maybe as a friend. She was just another woman who was pretty and he liked being around, but felt nothing beyond friendship for. Interesting. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[rin]

Rin remained seated as Mitsukai spoke, arching a curious and slightly skeptical brow as he promised to say no more about the matter after this. Why the young Shimon was so interested in her love life and Rai's, she couldn't quite figure out. It didn't seem to serve him any person how the Spiaggia did business or dealt with personal matters. It was hard for Rin to take advice from someone she didn't know that well, but considering how little experience she had in these matters, perhaps there was no real harm in, at least, hearing him out. Not that he had anymore than her, but she needed to find an answer soon, otherwise it would only make matters worse in the long run.

Mitsukai explained something that Rin hadn't taken notice of when she had spoke it, but the knowledge suddenly dawned on her with his explanation. Initially, Rin chalked the matter up as being used to Rai's weird behavior. From the very moment they had met, he'd been calling her his 'girlfriend' or 'wife', which normally got something either thrown at him, when he wasn't close enough to hit. Then again, if it was nothing more than his habits, why did she get so ticked off about the other girls?

If he was flirting with them, then Rai was no longer her problem and she should have thrilled to be rid of the pest. Unfortunately, that wasn't exactly how those instances tended to play out, as even his attempted almost seemed to rub her the wrong way and annoy her to no end. Crap! Was Shimon Boss really onto something? Her mind was raising to much to hear anything else, until his words about like or it not, she was a beautiful woman. Truthfully, Rin had a notorious habit for neglecting to realize such a thing, seeing herself only a swordsman and genius assassin, leaving little else. It was what came next that caused her heart to skip in a beat, in the worst way possible.

"...you’re fun to be around. Hell, I don’t see why men aren’t hiding in a bush just waiting to get to talk with you."

The statement suddenly recalled Jae's words and whether he realized it or not, the Shimon Boss had hit much closer to the target than he knew. While sweet, she was well aware that her only problem been Rai, this whole mess would have been easier to deal with. However, there in lay the trouble - there was more than one guy. She wasn't used to all this attention as an assassin, but it seemed of late, Rin had become a different kind of target for an enemy she didn't know how to fight. Still, what if he was right? What if she had feelings for Rai?

They were obvious different from everyone else, even Rin had figured out that much, but she'd assumed it was because he was the boss. No, that didn't make sense. She'd felt it before, when he'd asked her join the Spiaggia? Even then, had she? To have bragged, even to the old man? To have hesitated when Jae confessed his feelings so openly, was that really the answer? Was that why she'd been so afraid at the thought of loosing him? Rin's mind was racing, but she couldn't quite let go of her pride, not yet.

"Your to kind, Mitsukai-san." Rin explained with a weak smile in thanks for the compliments, but wasn't quite used to thinking of herself in such a good light. "Maybe... Maybe there is something different about Rai... However, I'd appreciate if you didn't say anything to the boss for now. I've still got my pride as a swordsman and if anyone should tell him,... then it's me, but only when the time comes and I can say with certainty that there is more to this than a swordsman's loyalty." She added calmly, recalling another possibility that would have to be sorted through, before any confessions were made.

For now, Rin dismissed the matter, hoping that time would grant her the answers and courage she would need to go through with the act. At the moment, all she wanted to do was relax and enjoy having the boss safe and back home with the family. She was happy and had every intention of enjoying that little fact. Besides, Rin had no desire to make a public confession in front of the entire family and would wait for a more opportune moment, if those were indeed the reason for her feelings, for a chance to speak to Rai alone. Just in case, things went south and he didn't return her feelings.

[nox]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 418 · tags rin · notes was about to put a part where Mitsu compared himself and Rin, saying they're similar[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Just through the power of observation, it appeared Mitsukai had hit the mark dead on. His psychological approach worked better than his philosophical one. To anyone else, why he was so interested would be strange, of course. He wasn’t related to Rin and only had dealings with Spiaggia through the Alliance. The only real way to describe why he cared was to say that he was helping someone to express a feeling he’s never felt before. As he’s never felt that way for someone, seeing someone else struggle to express it made him want to help them the best he could. Other than that, it appeared he was right in this case. His points got across and Rin even said he was kind. Her pride was slipping a bit. What a surprise. Then Rin asked him to not speak of it to Rai or anyone, as Mitsukai had already promised. She was right. It had to be her to overcome it and confess and do all that good stuff. Good for her. Don’t worry about me telling anyone. My lips are sealed. However, if you ever need to talk to someone about something you don’t want someone to know, I’m always there. Mitsukai said to Rin before reaching in his pocket and grabbing a business card. It was for the bar he worked at, so it had his work number and where he worked, then he took out his small pen and wrote down his address and cell phone number. The crimson haired male handed the small card to his companion and laughed a bit. We’re in the Alliance together, might as well keep in contact. He said with another small laugh. He couldn’t really keep a small smile from his face. This was going… well. Mitsukai leaned back and rested on his hands, his legs still crossed in front of him. Rin… I was asked this question not that long ago and I couldn’t come up with a good answer… Maybe you’ll have one. The Shimon boss said, staring up at the sky. It was beautiful. Not a rain cloud in sight. Why do you fight? The only answer I could think of was ‘to see tomorrow’. But that didn’t seem… complete, you know? Mitsukai said, completing his thought. That question had been troubling him for a while. He didn’t know of a good way to answer that question. In fact, he’d never thought about why he fights until he was asked. He just kind of did. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]