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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 15, 2011 4:37:28 GMT -4
Masaru scoffed silently. "Thanks for making me feel guilty," he muttered, already knowing himself that Sayuri's worries weren't without a reason. His stay in the Digital World had been dangerous; he was more than once faced with a digimon stronger than him. Only because of his and Agumon's teamwork, everything ended well. Naturally, he kept those encounters mostly to himself. He didn't want his mother to worry even more. "But there's no longer a need to worry. I'm back and I don't plan leaving so soon again," he shrugged casually.
The brunette sighed at the quiet answer. Was that all he was going to get? Slowly, he was getting the feeling that Tohma wasn't quite himself today. Or maybe he did change and that was just how he normally acted...? I don't like it... That much he did know, and the reason why didn't matter.
A soft golden shimmer coming from the blond's hand caught his attention. What was this? Tohma wore a ring? Curious about the meaning behind this, Masaru caught the blond's hand in his own, holding it with enough force to prevent Tohma from withdrawing.
"What's this?" he asked without a second thought, tearing his curious gaze from the gold band only to look at Tohma. He didn't let go of the blond's hand though.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 15, 2011 7:47:49 GMT -4
Tohma nodded slowly. He figured there was no point in pushing the topic. His friend was safe for the time being, and that was all that mattered. He had greatly missed the essence of freedom that the Digital World offered, but he also knew that he couldn't go back. If he did, then he'd probably never leave despite the fact that he had so many responsibilities and duties tied to his name in the human world.
"Hey!" Tohma cried automatically as a response to Masaru's actions catching him off guard. Because he hadn't realized that he had fidgeting with his ring, his eyes widened in gentle surprise when his eyes locked on it. He tugged lightly away from the brunette's grip but to no avail.
"What does it look like? It's a ring," he muttered matter-of-factly, lips turning into a small scowl. Tohma hadn't intended his voice to sound so bitter. It wasn't Masaru's fault. "Sorry," he mumbled guiltily before sighing. Lifting his gaze from the golden band that sat on his finger as a symbol of forced commitment, Tohma allowed his eyes to meet Masaru's. "It's an.. engagement ring," he said quietly, his voice thoroughly hesitant.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 15, 2011 9:05:19 GMT -4
There was no way that he would let go! The ring had sparked his interest, so he wanted an answer. Though he couldn't exactly say why it mattered so much. Maybe it was just because he knew Tohma wasn't the kind of person who would wear jewelry.
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Masaru rolled his eyes. Of course, he knew that it was a ring. Anyone could see that! But Tohma's reaction made him... anxious. "It's okay," he replied without thinking and frowned slightly. He didn't moved his gaze away, staring the whole time at Tohma. He could hear the hesitation in the blond's voice, something he wasn't used to hear, not with him. Not with Tohma. It just didn't fit.
But it took a few moments before the explanation triggered something in his brain. Instantly, the olivegreen eyes widened in pure surprised while Masaru let go of the hand as if the ring had burned him. Whispering a silent 'oh', the brunette took a step back and looked down to the floor. Tohma was engaged. He would sooner or later marry. There was something in this concept that bothered him.
Finally shaking his head, Masaru forced himself to grin. "I guess... I should congratulate you then, huh?" he said and chuckled weakly. "So, how is she? She has to have some nerves, wanting to marry you and all," he joked teasingly.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 15, 2011 22:38:03 GMT -4
Feeling Masaru's grip on his hand disappear, Tohma flexed his fingers out in front him. Staring at the golden ring for a few seconds, Tohma let a small "hmm" sound escape from his throat. The ring wasn't a symbol of love, not like it was meant to be. It didn't represent unending commitment and adoration. It was a symbol of duty. Letting his arm drop to his side, Tohma made a loose fist, holding it slightly behind his back.
Tohma allowed himself a weak, self-abasing chuckle at his friend's final words. "Oh believe me, she doesn't want to marry me," he drawled out softly. Clenching his fist tighter behind him, the blonde smiled a small, slightly sad smile. "I would've liked to marry for love," he said so quietly that it was almost a disappointed whisper, allowing his eyes to drift from where he had been staring at a random patch of flooring to meet Masaru's eyes.
Tohma figured he had made it fairly obvious to Masaru; it wasn't a marriage he wanted. No, it was decided long ago who it was Tohma was to marry, whether they had feelings for each other or not. Of course his bride to be was beautiful, and kind, and courteous. But Tohma didn't love her. He had tried, but couldn't. Their marriage would carry on both of their families' distinguished bloodlines.
Sighing gently, he smiled at Masaru. "You're lucky, Masaru," he started quietly, turning on his heel so that he faced the grand window that looked out onto the street, once again inattentively spinning his ring around his finger. "You're free to fall in love with whoever you want."
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 16, 2011 2:35:36 GMT -4
Masaru frowned, not really grasping the meaning behind Tohma's words. A marriage without feelings, only for the social benefit of two parties? That couldn't go right. When he thought of love, he thought of his parents. Even after being 10-years apart, they still acted like a newly-wed couple, displaying their feelings with little gestures and signs. "But... If you both don't want to marry each other, why did you say yes?!"
He didn't understand. It was Tohma's life to live, not this of others. The blond should be the one making his decision, especially those!
The brunette scoffed, not liking how Tohma turned away from him. He was supposed to look at him when they were talking! "Damn, don't talk bullshit," he scowled, getting agitated as he grabbed the blond by his shoulder and turned him around. "I might have been away for the past years, but looking at you is enough! You're not happy with how things are!"
Not letting go of his grip, Masaru locked his gaze on the blond, an unusual serious expression on his face. "Tohma," he said, softer than before. "You have the same rights as me! If you don't want to marry some girl you don't like, then don't!" That couldn't be so difficult, after all. "As a man, it's important that you stand up for yourself too! You have to be happy with the decision, not those old guys who love to force you into shit!"
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 16, 2011 7:35:39 GMT -4
Tohma had never been in love before, he didn't know what it was like. Of course he had felt love towards his mother and sister, as well as Gaomon and to some extent Masaru, but it never been beyond family or platonic love. Or so he thought. "You honestly think I just agreed just like that?" he asked rhetorically, his voice holding sparks of bitterness.
A few seconds after he had turned away from Masaru, his expression changed to shock. "Excuse me?" he asked incredulously, sounding somewhat offended. It had been a very long time since anyone had spoken to him with such crude language. He turned slightly but was caught off-guard when the brunette spun him the entire way, his breath hitching in his throat.
Surprised with Masaru's uncharacteristic seriousness, Tohma found himself staring. Finally tearing his eyes away from Masaru's olive-green ones, he sighed slightly. "You wouldn't understand," he muttered beneath his breath. Tohma couldn't help the small scowl that appeared on his lips; despite everything, he didn't appreciate his esteemed being father addressed as an old guy.
"Well what would you do, Masaru?" he asked quickly, "If I don't do this, then the burden would fall onto Relena. What if it was Chika? Would you allow her to marry someone twice her age that she didn't love?" Tohma's temper had been rising with every word; the idea that someone he loved would be forced into something like his quickly drawing his patience away.
Reaching up, he placed his hand on where Masaru's hand held onto his shoulder, letting his touch linger for a few seconds before brushing the tanned hand away. "My feelings do not matter."
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 16, 2011 11:24:01 GMT -4
Tohma was right in one point. Masaru would never understand, but the difference was that he didn't want to understand. Surely, he understood that the situation for the blond had always been different, being all snobby and high-class. But that didn't change that Tohma had the same rights as him!
For a few seconds, the sudden question caught the brunette off-guard. It wasn't fair that Tohma mentioned his little sister. Regardless of how often Chika had annoyed him in the past, he loved her dearly. She was his baby sister, and he was proud that she grew up to a tough, but sweet girl. The thought of her being forced into a marriage... "Of course not!" he replied instantly, tightening his grip on Tohma's shoulder. "I'd beat that guy to a pulp! But I wouldn't let anyone else force me into something. Besides, Chika wouldn't want me to do anyway." The girl was a Daimon after all. It ran in their blood to cause trouble for others.
Following Tohma's hand, Masaru fell silent, feeling anger bubbling up inside him. He couldn't stand it when the blond talked like that. Out of habit, he clenched and unclenched his hands. "You really didn't change," he scowled quietly, slowly getting trouble in restraining himself; the urge to punch his friend becoming stronger with each passing second. "Still trying to sacrifice yourself for your sister, huh? But..."
The brunette's eyebrow twitched in surpressed anger.
"...are you even sure that your sister wants you to do that? Did you even talk to her about your feelings?!" Masaru could no longer contain himself. Swiftly, he grabbed the blond's collar and forced him to meet his eyes. "I bet you didn't," he huffed, boring into Tohma's light-blue eyes. "Be a man; be selfish for once! It is your goddamn life you have to live, Tohma!"
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 16, 2011 20:23:53 GMT -4
Tohma sighed sharply. "Well I don't really have that option," he muttered, sounding quite annoyed. Even though Tohma had the boxing skills of an Olympic champion, it didn't mean that he was willing to go around punching and beating people up. He'd never even think about laying a finger on his father or future father-in-law; the idea was simply preposterous.
Hearing Masaru's words, Tohma shot his friend a glare. He hadn't changed? Many things had changed in his life since DATS, but did it really have such little impact on who he was? Tohma could see the brunette quickly losing control of his temper and was silently preparing himself to be punched or something of the like.
Flinching when Masaru grabbed the front of his clothes, Tohma's eyebrows furrowed. Of course. Masaru was the only person who dared to touch him like that. "I am being selfish," he said, forcing his voice firm and his eyes to look into Masaru's. "Like I said, my feelings shouldn't matter."
Finally sick of being treated with such outright disrespect, Tohma tore Masaru's hands away from himself before smoothing out his clothes. "Why do you even care?" Tohma demanded, enunciating each word. "This is my problem and it has nothing to do you!" Tohma half-shouted, holding his ringed hand to Masaru's face, before quickly composing himself and hushing his voice. "And anyway, as long as my father's concerned, 'I don't want to' is not a valid excuse. And it's not like I'm in love with anyone else."
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 17, 2011 3:17:38 GMT -4
Making a small disapproving 'hmpf' sound in the back of his throat, Masaru clenched his teeth. He couldn't believe it. It was like Tohma was still his old obnoxious self from when they first met. It was annoying, it was slowly tearing down his already low patience! "C'mon, I told you already, don't give me that kind of bullshit!" he rolled his eyes, the anger still dwelling inside him. "Your feelings should be your priority, nothing else! It's a man's duty to stay honest with himself!"
Masaru didn't say anything more when Tohma got rid of his hands; he only clenched them tightly into fists and glared at the blond. His friend was right, it had nothing to do with him, yet he couldn't shake off the feeling that he needed to do something. "I don't know!" he returned the half-shout that turned slowly into a full-fledged shout, though it was still dimmed. "I just hate the thought of you getting married to someone you don't even want to be with in the first place!" It was the most honest answer he could give at the moment, not that it would matter much. Tohma could be such a thick-headed idiot, a real Tonma after all.
Taking a deep breath, Masaru forced himself to calm down. As much as he'd love to punch some sense into the blond, he kind of understood that it wouldn't do any good in this situation, which was weird for him. Normally, he solved all his problems with his fists. Trying to think of something was harder than he had ever imagined. No wonder that he usually had left it to Tohma to be all rational and thinking.
Hearing Tohma's last words, he had to grin. "So, if you were in love with someone else, it wouldn't be so much of a problem?" he guessed, finally regaining a small part of his self-control. "Good! All we have to do, is to find someone you can fall in love with! The rest shouldn't matter then!"
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 18, 2011 4:14:40 GMT -4
Rolling his eyes, Tohma was slowly becoming fed up with Masaru's constant talk of being a man. There was no room for personal feelings when it came to duty. That was how Tohma had lived his whole life. It wasn't until he met Masaru that he realized that not every little detail needed to be planned to perfection. Nevertheless, the responsibilities that were tied to his name remained his priority. Anything else would've been seen as selfishness.
Tohma was startled to into seconds of speechlessness. Not because his friend was yelling, but because of what the brunette was saying. Tohma could hear the sincerity in Masaru's voice. At first, the blonde thought that Masaru was intentionally provoking him as some sick form of entertainment, watching the usually composed, perfect Tohma lose his temper; but hearing him now, he knew that wasn't the case. In fact, he was quite embarrassed. Did Masaru really care about his happiness that much?
Tohma raised his eyebrows doubtfully. There was something about Masaru's grin that made him both uncomfortable and relaxed. "I don't think it'd be that easy," he sighed. If Tohma couldn't fall in love with a beautiful, rich aristocrat, what chance would there be that he could with someone else?
askjfhasf. i can't type for shit. it's too cold. sorry for random mistakes that make me sound like a fob D:
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 18, 2011 6:09:10 GMT -4
His grin only widened as he started to snicker faintly. Of course it wouldn't be easy, this whole... love business wasn't easy. He had never been in love before, so he couldn't even say why the sudden idea hit him. But if it would spare Tohma of such a forced marriage, things had to work out!
"You know... You really had better counter arguments back then," he teased in a friendly, relaxed manner while the olive-green eyes still lay on the blond. "I know that it won't be easy, but without risk there wouldn't be any gain, right?"
Taking a step towards Tohma, Masaru smiled surprisingly soft. "You're not alone, you know," he chuckled and patted his friend's shoulder as a sign of encouragement. "Stop being so harsh on yourself. The great Masaru-sama got your back, after all!" He didn't say it because of his pride or his duty for his manliness, he only did it because he wanted to help his old friend. They might have been apart for years, but he still regarded them as a team.
"Let's find a solution for your little problem together, got it?" he proposed, looking determined at his friend. The smile on his lips didn't waver even for a second; it only grew in size and hid a good portion of determination and certainty. "Now that I'm back, don't even think that you could get rid of me, Tohma!" he finally grinned, honestly believing that they could make it.
nah don't worry, i didn't spot any mistakes! everything's fine D:
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 18, 2011 8:56:49 GMT -4
Tohma pursed his lips into a thin line, sending the brunette a half-hearted glare. He wasn't even going to dignify Masaru's teasing with a comeback. But it was rather true. With Masaru being away, there was no need for Tohma to be witty. He was usually spoken to with reverence. But.. in a way, Masaru was what kept him planted. Because he wasn't treated as a genius, or the heir of the Norstein family, or an even an aristocrat. Masaru saw Tohma for what he was behind all the labels and titles.
Tohma scoffed, fighting off his grin. "Yes, because now that the great Masaru-sama's here, everything can be all sunshine and rainbows," he said with amused sarcasm, rolling his eyes exasperatedly. Although he couldn't find himself voicing his graciousness aloud, Tohma allowed himself to smile gently at Masaru and nodded. Masaru's determination had always been something that Tohma admired, even from the very beginning when the brunette had been so intent on beating him in a boxing match. That seemed so long ago.
Suddenly there was a rhythmic knocking on Tohma's door. Tearing his eyes away from Masaru's, he forced his expression and his voice stoic. "Yes?"
The door opened just wide enough for a neatly suited man to step in. It was one of the Norstein family's butlers. "Excuse me for interupting, Master Tohma," he began politely, allowing his eyes to flash momentarily to the brunette at Tohma's side, "But you have another guest, courtesy of your father."
Tohma eyes widened in slight curiosity. A tiny part of him was already dreading this visit, knowing that Franz Norstein had something to do about it. The butler stepped back and opened the door fully before folding one arm behind his back. In the hallway stood a girl. She had her hands clasped in front of her nervously and her head was ducked with her bangs shielding her eyes.
Tohma's breath caught in his throat for a second before he composed himself. Sighing silently, he turned to Masaru, placing a hand on his friend's back. "Masaru, this is my fiance."
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 18, 2011 15:51:45 GMT -4
The sarcasm and the nod were enough for Masaru to know that Tohma accepted his words. Immediately, his smile turned into a grin, completely content with how this turned out. Now he really was certain that they'd find a way to get rid of the unwanted engagement. It was just a matter of their teamwork, it had always been like that.
At the sudden knocking, the brunette turned his head to the door and frowned. Of course he had noticed the instant change in his friend's expression and voice. He didn't like it one bit, knowing perfectly well that most of it was just an act. Staying silent, Masaru got somewhat curious at the mention of another guest, though it also annoyed him that his talk with Tohma was disturbed. Letting his gaze drift to the blond, he watched him with a serious expression. He didn't look at the newcomer yet, even after the butler had stepped back.
Only when his friend turned back to him, did he tilt his head. He could feel the hand on his back, brushing over the fabric of his shirt. "Eh?" he stared at the blond as if he had grown a second head before he spared a glance to the other guest. "Oh, that's..."
A girl. Tohma's fiancé. This was the girl Tohma was supposed to marry?
"She... she is the one you told me about?" he needed to make sure, dropping his voice low enough that only the blond could hear him. "Damn, that's sudden..." he couldn't stop the small curse from escaping while he looked over the girl's appearance.
Masaru didn't know what to say. From the first impression he got, the girl looked nice and okay, but... He just didn't know; there was something that bothered him.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 19, 2011 4:06:36 GMT -4
Despite feeling Masaru's eyes watching him, Tohma didn't turn away from where he was facing his new guests. Barely moving, he gave a subtle nod to the brunette's question. Yes, that was her. Maria. Tohma felt sting of guilt as he watched her standing there, obviously uncomfortable and shy. Truth was that she had it worse of than Tohma. She was in love with someone else.
The butler cleared his throat politely, catching the blonde's attention. "Master Norstein is also here," he said, not reacting to Tohma's obvious disdane, "He's in the main hallway." Tohma nodded silently in his acknowledgment.
"Should have known he would pull something like this," Tohma muttered beneath his breath, so quietly that it was only audible to Masaru. After Tohma had saved Relena during the human world's invasion by the Digimon, his relationship with his father had improved, but only in the slightest. He was still controlling and stubborn. In a way, Tohma was the same; only he had would never consider forcing his will upon someone that he loved.
"Excuse me," he said politely, allowing some of his natural charm to seep into his voice. "But make yourself at home." Maria made a small noise in her throat and nodded quickly, stepping inside with the butler following.
"You're coming with me," he said suddenly, gently grabbing Masaru's wrist to pull him along. He wasn't even sure why he wanted Masaru there when he faced his father, but the simple idea of it made Tohma just that bit less nervous.
idk, i picked the random name for the chick :'D
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 19, 2011 5:24:38 GMT -4
Masaru looked up to the butler. Now that sounded like a huge load of new trouble for Tohma. He didn't exactly know about everything that had happened during his absence except a few things his mother had told him. But, hearing the blond's whisper made it all too clear that Tohma wasn't hyped to see his father.
"You make it sound like the world is going to end," he commented quietly while he watched how the newcomer entered the room. It was visible even for him that the girl didn't want to be here; she was nervous. Masaru couldn't help but feel a hint of pity for her. Seems like Tohma isn't the only one unhappy with their situation... "Yo," he waved in the direction of the girl, hoping that it would make her feel a bit less nervous.
Turning his attention back to Tohma, the brunette felt a little out of place. Maybe he should go home and come back at a different time? No. As long as his friend didn't want him to go, he'd stay. It was his duty as a man and as Tohma's friend. "Want me to wait he-" was all that he could say before Tohma surprised him with his actions. "W-wait, what?" Slightly confused, Masaru followed the blond out of the room and into the hallway.
The brunette let his gaze drop to the gentle grip with which the blond kinda-not-really-forced him to follow. "Are you sure that you want me to come along?" he asked, frowning. "Not that I really care about what your father thinks, but... I don't want you to get into trouble because of that."
Shrugging shortly, Masaru spotted the man standing tall and proud in the main hallway.
Pffft. Maria is one of my fav names. :'D
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