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canon: maiden rose

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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.

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

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.

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

Drinking and smoking.

Is that your solution to everything, Klaus?

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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. ]

[ 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.

[ 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?

[ 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.

Strange that you know my men far better than I.

[ There exists no doubt that what Klaus speaks is the absolute truth. All of it. Yet somehow, between his rank and higher priorities- such indiscretions have always been within Taki's blind spot. ]

For all the assumed differences and prejudices held against your favor, it's you who grasps their sensibilities with ease and completion.

[ Yet- he should be responsible for that role. Comprehending the man fighting under his command; aware of their goals, ambitions and even that which bolsters the will to continue- shouldn't that be Taki's position? Yet it isn't, not in all honesty. Not if this is just a glimpse into all which he remains ignorant of concerning his troops. ]

Do you also claim to know me so well that you can assume my stance on our conversations?

[ Base physical needs and religion never go hand in hand: as long as Taki stays their God, his men won't expose him to lesser realities. It's how this entire, utterly deranged unit works, and it's how Klaus has learned to handle it.

But there are other binds of ignorance he feels less inclined to excuse. His head tilts slightly to the right, glance sharp, predatory. Fixed. After all, Taki's in full perspective. ]

Tell me I was wrong.

I'm not certain it would be more than a waste of breath to try.

[ Whether it's pure instinct or not, Taki's eyes meet the challenge within that rather scrutinizing gaze baring down upon him. His intention was not to question Klaus' guess itself; but rather if the other man truly understood Taki as well as he could comprehend the philosophy of those soldiers around him. That full comprehension is what the commander brings into question. But it's unnecessary to explain his thinking to Klaus. Pointless. Taki never expects his nature to be grasped beyond so many veils of deception or the mask he dons. Not by anyone, least of all Klaus. ]

....

[ When it comes to the subject of Taki- ]

You have the tendency of deciding upon your own version of the truth; ignoring all evidence to the contrary.

[ His eyes lower first, the ambitious smile neatly dissolved into bravado. Cute. Taki Reizen, you take the time to be cute. ]

There are easier ways to call me a fool. You need to be coached through them?

You're the one posing no dispute against my claim.

[ That fact alone surprises him. But it's the hollow tone of Klaus' retort which almost lays a hand of guilt upon his shoulder and makes Taki regret slipping questions into the conversation which he knows Klaus neither perceives nor can answer. ]

So if anything, I'm not the only one. Unless you actually disagree.

[ Quieter. Thoughtful. ]

Are you a fool, Klaus?

[ Click of the tongue; nonchalantly - ]

More of one with every damned breath. Can't say I mind, if it's for...

[ 'Taki'? 'A good cause'? 'Something that matters'? Synonyms. And always.

In a book somewhere, this sort of fealty would read romantic, and a thousand learned ladies would want the same devotion, and more than that number of men would want a reason to provide. The thought amuses Klaus, keeps his tone light. ]

If it comes with its benefits.

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.

[ Taki's brows knit together for the briefest instant. This wasn't what he had set out to do. Name-calling and belittling the other man brought him not an ounce of satisfaction; instead those words only sat like lead weight in his chest. Words he had expected to be met with resistance- not weary acceptance.

Something in him wavers a moment and Taki forces himself to stare impassively off towards nothing; anything but Klaus as he focuses on composing the next words that follow. ]

Don't shame me. However erroneous your assumptions may be- I did not pick an idiot for a Knight, nor a man would would ever concede to such a title. No matter who attempted to bestow it.

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.

Hmm~

[A sly grin.]

Well? Did your mun listen?

[ Fingers come together quickly in a curt imitation of a military salute. ]

Aye-aye.

[ The temptation is there, always quite there, but no. He refuses - absolutely refuses - to give in and add to Taki's poor humour. ]

I'll read books and maps where your generals see me, and recite good Katsuragi a poem or two. Goethe maybe. Seems like something he'd like. Now imagine we two ogres exchanging verse. Funny sight, wouldn't it be?

[ It seems that even within Taki's attempts towards salvaging some sliver of kindness between them, albeit vague in nature and roundabout in their level of compassion, he fails. Or perhaps that Klaus simple cannot bring himself to acknowledge the break in Taki's chilly resolve, or accept that even the great commander himself admits to harboring no right in painting Klaus with the damning light of a fool. Even still- it might be the inescapable bite to his words. No matter how those words might defend Klaus in principle; they sting in acting out their role as shield. Always and forever cold. But that's all he can give. ]

...

[ A scoff. The mockery of such a military gesture riles Taki, because he knows it's sarcastic. Taunting him. But not enough to wrangle out more than the initial prickle of offense.]

...Your interaction with him has already been strange enough without the unnecessary inclusion of poetry.

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