(no subject)

[resisting_this]

There's no shame in an individual deferring to his duties above all else. Everyone harbors responsibilities of his own; so I fail to think an explanation on your abscence would fall on deaf ears.

Yes, incessant excuses can bestow the wrong assumption. And it's true they might even turn the conversation stale. Even still- keep in mind that they are, at the very least, a reply.

Refraining from any return of words remains a response in of itself. One which carries a weight of meaning equal to anything spoken.

Remember that, next time someone is waiting on the other end and you decide postponing action until it suits you best.

Comments

[passportpapers]

You boys in Tactics think too much whenever you open your mouths.

[resisting_this]

Unfortunately, not everyone has the freedom to blurt out the first recklessly impulsive notion which falls upon their tongue.

With some there are repercussions and judgment for each word.

[passportpapers]

Then some need to see themselves in quality company. Start with whiskey. Move from there.

[resisting_this]

Drinking and smoking.

Is that your solution to everything, Klaus?

[passportpapers]

As long as I've the time and you've got the inclination to let me get away with it.

[resisting_this]

This sounds like a convincing argument to keep you on a tighter schedule.

If you have the luxury of throwing away your hours on useless depravities- then clearly you have time to invest yourself in more productive efforts.

[passportpapers]

That so? And what'll you have of me? Shall I give your shoes a nice polish? Peel potatoes for the cook? Iron bandage strips? Or are we going to play pretend and suppose your men might work decently with the foreigner for a domestic project?

All ears, sir.

[resisting_this]

I shouldn't think that I need to act as your sitter in order for you to manage successful cooperation with the rest of the division. I'm not requiring you to make friends; only keep busy and refrain from starting skirmishes.

Nor should I have to behave as your parent and spend my own time attempting to finding you suitable chores to occupy your idle hands. You have two feet and certainly no inhibitions when it comes to speaking up.

You can discover on your own where the lending of an extra hand or further man-power is needed.

[passportpapers]

Fair enough. Suppose it's come to my attention the officer in charge of supplies needs a second set of working hands?

[resisting_this]

That's..acceptable.

[ Adjusts to the unexpected answer with as much finesse as he can muster. Taki had expected more resistance- and certainly not a ready answer such as this. ]

So long as you follow regulations about the transfer of crates or heavier materials.

[ A subtle nod to Klaus' injuries; strict orders masking concern. ]

[passportpapers]

[ He has to chuckle; it's always, in a wicked way, endearing whenever Taki's naivete keeps him from finer truths.

A little bit of good-natured laughter. ]

Supply officers handle the cigarette, liquor and morphine ratios too, Taki.

[resisting_this]

[ He's humiliated to core. To be so foolishly blind to this fact really doesn't say much for his comprehension of the mechanics of the unit- beneath the glossy facade he's exposed to.

It takes a moment for him to quell the backlash of his wounded pride, and let that simmer into a resigned sense of defeat. Yelling wouldn't do him any favors; but that doesn't mean Taki can completely wipe the traces of a scowl off his face. ]

..You enjoy toying with me, don't you?

[passportpapers]

[ His hand comes up defensively. ]

At ease. Happens in any unit. If they didn't hit up the goods, or smuggle them, or bribe the scheduling officer for third watch so they can sneak out to see some women - well. They wouldn't be soldiers, and you'd have a problem with morale.

[ And then the hand goes down, something of a cocky smile returning. As for the second question... ]

I don't toy with you. You just ask questions you like and I give you answers I like. But we both take this very seriously.

[clairvoyance]

That's a whole lotta words to tell your mundane to hurry up and tag back, already. They have short attention spans, y'know? You should condense it a little bit.

[resisting_this]

Mincing words does not always motivate an individual.

At times one does need to present their case and reason with the other party before anything can be accomplished.

[clairvoyance]

Hmm~

[A sly grin.]

Well? Did your mun listen?

[resisting_this]

[ A beat. ]

They didn't need to.

A response came to them.

[clairvoyance]

It's good it all worked out, then! Ah, if it did. It's kind of hard to tell with you, you look gloomy all the time so I can't tell if "a response" was a good or a bad thing.

[resisting_this]

Forgive my appearance, then? I hope it didn't alarm you.

[ There's a faint smile. ]

And the reply was- 'a good thing'.

[clairvoyance]

So serious! I wasn't afraid, no worries. Just commenting!

[Have a biiiiig smile in return. This is how you do it.]

I'm happy for both of you!

[resisting_this]

[ He tries a little harder, motivated by the young woman's enthusiasm. Even still- there is only so far his lips will turn upwards in public. So even this smile is a pale shadow of her brilliant expression. ]

Thank you?

[ Her next words set off a few alarms, however. They make it sound like there's more to celebrate than just two people conversing. So Taki naturally feels the need to calmly downplay the exchange. ]

However, it's nothing to congratulate. Merely a positive thing that the conversation began anew. But I appreciate your words, even still.

[clairvoyance]

Eh? I was congratulating you and your mun. They stopped procrastinating and you don't have to feel anxious, right?

[She slips right back into that catlike grin.]

But you know, if you have something else on your mind, Ayanna will listen~ I'm not a priestess of the goddess of emotions for nothing! ♥

[resisting_this]

That's true.

Though I'm sorry to disappoint, there remains little else to discuss concerning my.. thoughts.

[ This fellow is not the type to pour his heart out. So whatever might be weighing upon Taki's mind will likely remain there; outside of neutral topics which exist far outside himself as an individual. ]

[clairvoyance]

[She's terribly curious, but Ayanna is not the type to force someone to chat with her. She lets out a small sigh before nodding.]

Well, it was good to meet you, lineface.

[Seems like an appropriate enough name to her! It doesn't sound like she means it as an insult, it might even be slightly affectionate.]

[resisting_this]

[ The affectionate teasing is lost on him, considering his timeline and separation from modern slag. But he can at least sense the harmless nature of her reply. ]

It was a pleasure to meet you as well.