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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 20, 2011 3:04:54 GMT -4
Seemingly ignoring his friend's quiet comment, Tohma flashed a polite smile to his fiance as she silently entered the room. The movement of Masaru's hand caught Maria's attention. Looking up, she forced a small smile and mumbled the word "hello" quietly before ducking her head. In a way Tohma was glad that it was Maria that he was suppose to marry; better her than some snobby princess type to expected him to wait on her every second of the day.
Without realizing, when Tohma heard Masaru's question, his grip tightened just the slightest bit on the tanned wrist in his hand. On the way, the blonde caught a glimpse of Gaomon and Agumon in one of the many rooms. Gaomon didn't look too pleased as it held loosely onto a silver tray filled with various sweets and pastries. The blue wolf Digimon didn't eat sweets, so it was safe for Tohma to assume that they were meant for the orange dinosaur. Even then, he couldn't help but smile.
After a few seconds, Tohma mumbled the words, "Yes, I'm sure. You're no trouble at all." His voice was hushed and earnest, but he continued to keep his sapphire gaze ahead of him instead of turning to face his friend.
Upon seeing his father in the hallway, Tohma finally released Masaru's wrist and allowed his arm to hand loosely by his side. If his expression had showed any emotion, bu then it had all disappeared. Locking eyes with the taller man, he felt a sting of both anxiety and contempt flow through his body.
you be franz :'D since i suck and i've already been like 20348234 characters.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 20, 2011 4:21:38 GMT -4
Standing only a step behind the blond, Masaru noticed Tohma's tense posture, yet he stayed silent for now. He wouldn't even know what to say, though he was certain that it would cause more trouble than necessary. But further thinking wasn't even needed as Franz cleared his throat and locked eyes with his son.
"It's rude to let your own father wait," he said calmly, displeased with Tohma's belated appearance. Not only that, at his side wasn't Maria, but someone else. Franz let his gaze wander to the other guest. He already knew of his presence, having talked to the doorman beforehand. He recognized the boy as someone he had seen a few years ago. "Where is Maria? She was supposed to be by your side, not... some ordinary person."
Masaru frowned, not liking the clear dislike in the older man's eyes. It already started to piss him off! And they weren't even talking for five minutes; that was a new record even for him. But suddenly, he saw a faint change in the taller blond's eyes. The stern, disapproving glance turned into something soft, although it was visible that it wasn't directed at Tohma. Stay calm... Stay calm... You can explode later! Out of habit, the brunette clenched his fists.
"Your sister apologizes for her absence," Franz continued undisturbed and scanned the surroundings of the main hallway. "But her studies didn't allow her to accompany us, she promised that she'll come with us the next time." Relena had always been the man's soft spot. In some way, he loved both his son and his daughter, but the girl had always been something different. Maybe it was because she was just as sweet and gentle as her mother. "I assume you know why I am visiting?" Back was the serious expression Franz always held when he looked to his son.
Clicking his tongue in slight annoyance, Masaru stuffed his hands into his pockets, hoping to not do anything stupid. In forced silent, he looked from the corner of his eye to Tohma. Back then, the blond's family had always been something like an open wound, but now that so many years had passed, he didn't know how the situation was. "C'mon, give him a break. What kind of greeting was that?" he muttered beneath his breath and rolled his eyes.
This conversation wasn't going to be fun at all.
pfft. i glady write him, i dunno why but i like him x] So uh... enjoy my fail!franz, orz.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 21, 2011 3:33:50 GMT -4
It took almost all of Tohma's willpower to stop himself from calling his father a hypocrite. There were dozens of things that he would've liked to say, but couldn't. After his biological mother passed away and he went to live with his father, he was taught only to speak when spoken to, and it was a habit that he had held onto for his entire life.
For some reason when he heard his father dismissing Masaru, all thoughts of being polite disappeared. Franz could say whatever he wanted about Tohma and the younger blonde wouldn't have cared. "Masaru," Tohma enunciated instead of just outright introducing his friend to this father, "Isn't just some ordinary person. Tohma didn't even bother feigning courteousness like he usually did around his father. "Maria's with a butler," he muttered matter-of-factly.
Tohma had caught the second his father's seriousness disappeared when he mentioned Relena. He had never particularly cared whether his father "loved" him or not; he wasn't obedient and was head-strong like his mother. If it wasn't for Relena, Tohma would've removed himself from his father's life a long time ago. The blonde nodded. He wouldn't have wanted his sister there during one of his and Franz's many arguments.
Tohma frowned slightly. "I already told you I would do it. And you've already made it quite clear that it doesn't matter that I have no feelings for Maria and vice versa," he said, unable to keep all the bitterness out of his voice. Flashing his eyes to Masaru when he heard the brunette speak, Tohma began to feel guilty. Masaru shouldn't have to watch this. Tohma flashed a small sheepish smile to his friend's direction.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 21, 2011 6:24:03 GMT -4
Surprised that Tohma defended him, Masaru looked at the blond. Not that he couldn't have defended himself, yet it made him feel... kind of special. Whatever Franz had said before, Tohma had just ignored it. But not now, not when the man talked about him in such a disapproving manner. "Thanks," he murmured only audible enough for Tohma to hear.
Franz didn't like it. His son wasn't supposed to speak against him, that was not the way he had raised him. Tohma was supposed to be obedient, but he always had his own goals in mind, even now after curing Relena. But that didn't change the fact that the younger blond was a Norstein. It was his duty as the heir to be obedient. "At least you didn't leave her to herself," he sighed inwardly, shaking his head, as if he would talk to a little child.
At least Tohma knew his obligations. Nodding in agreement, Franz gave little to no attention to his son's bitter voice. The boy would just have to get used to it. The marriage between him and Maria would be a strategical victory for both sides. "Good. I'll make it short then," he started, ignoring the muttering coming from the brunette. It didn't interest him what this so-called friend had to say. "Your grandmother decided on an estimated date for the wedding. It'll take place in three month," Franz turned away from the two, facing them with his back. "You are free to stay in Japan until further notice, Tohma."
Masaru had heard enough. Clenching his fist in surpressed anger, he took a step forward. "What kind of bullshit is this?!" he half-shouted, glaring at the man's back who didn't even turn around to face him. "You are his father! How can you force him into something he doesn't want to do? It should be your duty to support him, and not force him into things!" It made him so angry, he didn't even know why. It was just so unfair!
Finally, Franz decided to turn around; a rather surprised look on his face. No one ever dared to talk to him like that! And Tohma was friends with such a person? He had a hard time believing such a thing could exist. "Mind your own business. This has nothing to do with someone like you," he said in a forcefully calm voice, yet he couldn't help the dismissive undertone. "Even if Tohma explained the situation, I doubt you'd understand, boy."
The brunette locked eyes with Tohma. "Tohma," he voiced, holding his clenched fist into the blond's sight. "Hold me back now, or else I'll punch some sense into your father." Masaru was serious, but not because of Franz's words towards him. He didn't care if the man thought he was stupid; it only pissed him off how the taller man talked about Tohma.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 22, 2011 5:34:21 GMT -4
A small smirk tugged on his lips as Tohma heard the brunette's murmured thanks. After all, when again as he going to hear the great Masaru-sama thank him?
Before meeting Masaru after he rejoined DATS, Tohma would've tolerated his father trying to dictate his and his sister's lives. But after given the genuine chance to just act or say whatever he wanted, Tohma had become more open with his thoughts. The blonde frowned slightly upon hearing the patronizing tone in his father's voice. It was never enough. He was a young genius and a Nobel Prize winning doctor, and his father still felt like he had to control his son.
The look of contempt that appeared when his grandmother was mentioned quickly disappeared and was replaced with surprise. "Three months?" he repeated quietly, more as a confirmation for himself rather than a question for his father. Three months seemed too short of a time. Tohma's fists clenched lightly by his sides as his father turned away. Somehow.. Tohma always ended up talking to his father's back.
"A-ah, Masaru!" Tohma stammered, holding his hands out as a 'stop' gesture, his friend's sudden outburst catching him by surprise. Guilt and anxiety rattled his mind, killing each valuable streak of thought before Tohma could comprehend them. There were times that Tohma wanted nothing more than to punch Franz in the face and force him to listen, but even after all the arguments, Tohma had never spoken a word towards the elder blonde that was anything less than civilized.
Seeing the seriousness in Masaru's eyes, Tohma hastily stepped in between where his father and his friend stood. "It's alright, Masaru," he said calmly, "It's my duty." Tohma turned his head slightly so that Masaru could see his eyes. "It doesn't matter.. that I have feelings for someone else," he enunciated, hoping that Masaru had caught onto the act that he was giving his father.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 22, 2011 6:13:49 GMT -4
Masaru couldn't stop, even if he had wanted to. The older man had gotten on his nerves from the first minute he had talked. It was only fair that he let out some of his anger. All the more was it worth to see Franz so... startled, yet it wasn't enough. He wanted to punch the man; he only held back because Tohma stepped in between them. Maybe it was for the better. "It's not alright, Tohma!" he immediately objected and glared at the man standing behind Tohma. "Tch... Stop putting yourself under his control, Tonma."
Having regained his composure, Franz settled his eyes on his son; his words having caught his attention. He was satisfied that Tohma knew his duties, yet it surprised him to hear that the blond had feelings for someone else. But it didn't matter; his mother had already decided, and even he didn't dare to meddle with the elderly woman. Nevertheless, he felt a spark of curiosity. "Who is it," he asked slowly, eyeing the blond in front of him. "As your... father, I feel like I should know who it is."
"Che, a bit too late for fatherly interest, don't you think?", Masaru muttered in disdain and crossed his arms in front of his chest. It was the only somewhat-safe option to keep his fists under control. At least for now. But the brunette really wondered what Tohma was thinking. Didn't the blond tell him before that he didn't have feelings for someone else? It confused him a bit, but he tried to play along. "Don't bother telling him, Tohma," he scowled in clear annoyance, "You told me that it wouldn't change anything, after all."
"Quiet!" Franz threw a short, dismissing glance to the brunette before he turned his attention back to Tohma. He couldn't understand how his son was able to be friends with such a person. "I thought you had better taste in... friends than this," he commented disapprovingly and gave a small sigh. This conversation was giving him a headache. "Now, Tohma. Would you mind telling me about said person you're having feelings for?" Another thought crossed his mind. "Does Maria know?"
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 23, 2011 5:22:00 GMT -4
Quickly turning back, Tohma shot Masaru a glare. The nickname itself was bad enough, but it was simply humiliating for Tohma to be addressed by it in front of his revered father. "Tsk," Tohma tutted softly in annoyed disapproval, and as childish as it sounded, make a mental note to come up with some stupid nickname for the brunette.
For once, Tohma hadn't exactly thought things through. He opened his mouth to reply, but no sound came out. He was actually relieved when Masaru interrupted. Tohma went through dozens of names mentally; names of his friends, co-workers, former DATS members, even so far as schoolmates from medical school, but in the end, it was always one name that seemed to stick.
A single chuckle escaped his lips. It was indeed strange that he had been able to become friends, good friends, with Masaru. There were times when Tohma wanted to slap the boy for finding intentional ways of annoying him just to see the reaction. Tohma rolled his eyes. "It wouldn't matter if she did. Maria has no feelings for me," the blonde replied, his voice probably a bit too casual for his father's liking.
"Uh.." Tohma began hesitantly, concentrating on keeping the wave of anxiety and butterflies hidden. Tohma had never really mastered the skill of deception. Oh, what the hell. Tohma wasn't even sure whether or not he lying when he spoke the next words. "Masaru. It's Masaru."
asdlfjkasf i don't know what i'm doing. but awww. ♥
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 23, 2011 6:33:41 GMT -4
Hearing such a casual reply, Franz nodded quietly. "I see," he whispered, more to himself, having already thought along those lines. The girl had always tried to hide her own feelings about this arranged engagement; but Franz knew from rumours that she she was in love with a young aristocrat coming from a family with a lower status than her own. It seemed that the rumours were true.
Watching Tohma hesitate, Masaru started to frown. Was he really trying to trick his father and say some random name? He found it hard to believe that the blond really would pull the act, but much to his surprise he did. Tohma said his name. "What?! I mean- W-what?!" the brunette stammered, eyes wide in shock. He could feel himself blushing, unable to form any coherent thoughts. Something warm settled down in his stomach. It's just an act. Calm down. No need to... to blush. Glancing over to Tohma's father, Masaru tried desperately to surpress the urge to just stare dumbfounded at his friend.
Franz was speechless. But now, many things started to make sense, especially Tohma's rude behaviour towards him. It really was the other boy's influence. Slowly, the blond cleared his throat. "You... are serious, are you?" he asked, still a little shocked at the confession, yet at the same time he felt betrayed. It was a disgrace for the Norstein house! "This is not acceptable!" he eyed Tohma with a hard, disapproving gaze. "You are the heir of the Norstein family, this," His words pointed directly to the brunette who clenched his fists, glaring at him. "...is not acceptable. It is your duty to ensure our lineage, don't even think about abandoning it!"
Having somewhat recovered from his shock, Masaru felt new fury bubbling up in him. That man should listen to his own talk; did he even hear what Tohma had just said? He kinda had his doubts. "Oh, shut the hell up, man!" The brunette had enough of this farce; he had only wanted to visit his friend after such a long time! And now they were in the middle of a daily soap-like situation? What kind of joke was this?
Shrugging mentally, he gently placed a hand on Tohma's shoulder, reassuring him that he was on his side. "It's true that I don't understand the whole noble-aristocrat-business, but I won't stay quiet any longer!" Masaru couldn't stop the new blush from coming, yet he continued talking and glaring at Franz. "If Tohma... likes me, then it's great! ...because I like him, too."
Tohma trusted him enough to say his name when he could have used any other. Regardless of how weird the situation was, he couldn't let him down now. He had given him his word to be his back up, and he was fully prepared to keep his promise!
hnng, i really do like where this is going ♥
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 24, 2011 0:17:40 GMT -4
Tohma didn't understand why it was that his father was being so hypocritical. After all, his mother had been a Japanese civilian, with no money or title tied to her name. Tohma had loved his mother more than anything before she was killed; she was all he had, and all that time, he believed that Franz had loved her too. Even after all those years, Tohma still felt contempt towards his father for the way he had reacted to the genius' mother's death.
Tohma couldn't look at Masaru. He wasn't sure if he was more afraid of his friend getting angry and punching him in the face or if he was disgusted. Even after hearing Masaru stammering, Tohma didn't turn back, his heart beating so fast he felt like throwing up. But the good kind of throwing up for some reason. Tohma's expression was hardly that of someone who had just confessed their feelings, and it took all his gathered willpower to keep it that way.
His father's reaction was what Tohma had expected. The elder blonde's words both angered and stung Tohma. He hated being spoken to as if he was the weak link in the chain; that he apparently single-handedly would destroy the noble line of Norstein. "I'm not abandoning anything!" His voice had been a bit louder and desperate than he would've liked.
Hearing Masaru's final words, Tohma had to bite his bottom lip to stop himself from audibly sighing with relief. Relief that Masaru was going along with the act and relief that the brunette hadn't stormed away in revulsion. When the feeling of relief washed over, the nausea returned. Stupid.. Tohma scolded himself mentally for reacting in such a way. Tohma risked vomiting up his tea and turned his head slightly to face Masaru and flashed a small smile.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 24, 2011 3:58:59 GMT -4
Returning the smile with a encouraging grin, Masaru could feel himself relax. It was the right thing to do. Regardless what Tohma's father would say, he would keep his word and help his friend. It was his duty after all! Though he wasn't quite sure why it was so important to him.
"This conversation is a waste of time," Franz suddenly declared as he stared at the boys, pressing his lips into a thin line. The light thumping of a headache began to grow. This turn of events wasn't exactly what he had anticipated when he returned to Japan. But he knew his son well enough to be aware that further talking wouldn't bring anything at all. Not as long as the brunette stood by his side, the blond was certain that he was the source for Tohma's sudden rebellion. "We will continue our talk once your friend left, Tohma." he continued and turned his back on him. Franz really needed to think about this.
"Tch, retreating like a coward," Masaru scowled low, but didn't stop the man from walking. As much as he wished to punch him, the situation didn't call for it. Not that he cared, but he knew that Tohma did. Watching the man getting closer to the door frame, the brunette raised his voice one more time. "He, old man!" Only when Franz really did stop in his tracks (but didn't turn around, sadly), did he start talking again. "Don't even think about pushing Tohma into this marriage-thing! As long as I - the great Masaru-sama - am standing by his side, you won't get your will!"
The head of the Norstein family was silent and let one hand rest on the wooden frame in front of him. He'd never been faced with something like this; not with such a rude and wild person. But he began to understand the meaning behind the words coming from Tohma's friend. It made things complicated, that much was certain.
Slowly, he turned his head to see his son's face. "I will be staying for the rest of the week. The main guest room has already been prepared for me to use," he told him calmly. "If I need to talk to you, I will send one of the servants to get you, that is all." Without leaving any room for further arguments, Franz left the main hallway.
Masaru kept glaring a few moments longer than needed. At the very least, that man could have reacted in any way or form! But he got the point, the brunette knew it. Though he was almost disappointed that he didn't get the chance to punch him. The elder clearly deserved a good hit for treating Tohma like that. Right, Tohma... Being suddenly aware of the situation, Masaru gave a short grin in his friend's direction. "I didn't think you'd play the act so well... or that you'd do it in the first place," he laughed weakly, his voice sounding almost nervous.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 24, 2011 8:48:18 GMT -4
Tohma nodded reluctantly to his father's words before he ended up staring at the older man's back. He couldn't help but sigh sadly. Even though he was still angry, Tohma still felt the saddening nostalgia. It's always his back.. He didn't even hear Masaru's muttered words, or if he did, it didn't register, which was why he was so surprised when the brunette continued.
"Masaru!" Tohma scolded lightly, both surprised and disapproving, but there was no trace of anger in his voice. Despite everything, he still didn't appreciate this father being addressed as "old man". When he saw Franz still, Tohma quickly mumbled through gritted teeth, "You're sort of pushing it, Masaru." He quirked an eyebrow at the way his friend had addressed himself with such a pompous honorific, but didn't say anything else.
"Ah.." Tohma opened his mouth to speak, but his father had already disappeared. So that was it? He was going to summoned like a servant when he was needed? Tohma exhaled quietly, silently loathing himself for letting his father's behavior get to him. After all, he shouldn't care.
"Yes.." Tohma drawled softly, "I guess I was getting pretty desperate." When sapphire met olive-green, Tohma smiled gently. "Thank you," he said earnestly. Tohma hadn't missed Masaru's blush when Tohma chose to say the brunette's name, but he decided not to bring it up. He was probably just embarrassed that he was put into that position, not because Tohma had said that it was Masaru that he was in love with.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 24, 2011 11:56:41 GMT -4
He didn't care that he was pushing it. It was like he acted on an impulse; he just had to say what was on his mind in that moment. If he were to be honest, he was quite proud of himself that he didn't lash out or punched the man. It showed that he had somewhat matured during his stay in the Digital World.
Shaking his head softly, Masaru faced his friend, still grinning weakly. "Nah, it's fine," he waved the thanks aside. "I told you that I'd be your back-up, Tohma. And I keep my words, you should know that." Besides, it wouldn't have helped his friend if he hadn't played along. Tohma wasn't the greatest liar in most settings; he was sure that his little... act wouldn't have worked otherwise. Still, the current situation was weird. For once, he didn't know what to do. Simply punching things didn't seem to be an option this time.
Turning his head to the empty door frame, the brunette clicked his tongue in annoyance. Thinking back on the elder Norstein's behaviour, he could feel himself getting restless again. That man pissed him off! "Geez, is your father always like that?" he asked while he glanced back to the blond. "But I guess he got the message that he can't do as he pleases," Masaru gave a short sigh before he fell silent for a few seconds, having reminded himself of their act again. Tohma's father probably thought that they were something like a couple...
"So," the brunette started, not quite sure how to continue. "How are we going to do... this?" They really needed to come up with a plan if they wanted to make it work, even he knew that.
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 25, 2011 3:15:01 GMT -4
Although he'd never admit it, at the risk of inflating his friend's already ginormous ego, Tohma had been quite impressed at Masaru's self control. When he dragged the brunette along with him, Tohma had partly been expecting the conversation with his father to turn into some sort of sick brawl, but he was extremely thankful that it didn't.
"Yes, I'm afraid so.." Tohma mumbled quietly. Not much had changed regarding his family. His father was still the same stubborn dictator he always was. Even if it was under Tohma's grandmother's command, it was no excuse as Franz was a grown man and had been completely capable of standing up to that dreadful woman.
Tohma watched Masaru in silent thought for a few seconds before smiling slightly. "That's up to you." It was the least Tohma could have done as a thank you. He still felt slightly guilty for dragging his friend into his mess. More so, he didn't want Masaru to feel pressured or uncomfortable in their relationship. "I'll do whatever you want." Despite how suggestive those words could have been taken, the blonde's voice was earnest and gentle.
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Post by Masaru Daimon on Jul 25, 2011 4:53:24 GMT -4
This wasn't exactly what he had hoped to hear. Tohma giving him the control? No, he'd never thought that something like this would happen, though he also hadn't expected to be dragged into such a situation. "You serious?" Masaru asked slowly, even though he already knew from his friend's voice that Tohma meant his words. "Well, I guess..." he had trouble finding the right words. "we should talk this over. And you better not start regretting this..."
Yes, he wanted to talk. With his mouth. Not with his fists for once. Licking his lips deep in thought, the brunette scanned their surroundings for a moment. They were still in the main hallway. "C'mon, let's go somewhere else," he finally turned to his friend again, shrugging shortly. It wasn't like him to be so out of place, just because things took a turn for the unexpected! If Tohma wanted to let him take the lead, then he would do it without hesitation! That was his duty as a man! "I doubt that the hallway is the right place to chat, right?" he chuckled quietly.
Flashing a confident smile in Tohma's direction, Masaru went ahead. He somewhat remembered the way to the room they were in before... But then, something else crossed his mind. Oh right, that girl... She was still waiting for Tohma to come back. Stopping in his tracks, Masaru grinned sheepishly. "Got any room where we can talk without people bursting in all the time?" he inquired, looking at his friend with a rare thoughtful expression. "Because my fist is telling me that you're not yet ready for that uh... Maria girl."
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Post by Tohma Norstein on Jul 25, 2011 7:28:21 GMT -4
Even though he hated himself for doing so, Tohma nodded. He wasn't much like his father, but one similarity they both shared is their like of control. But Tohma trusted Masaru enough to relinquish his desire to have everything going accord to a set plan. The blonde nodded again; he had been entirely serious when he said he would go along with whatever Masaru wanted, so if the brunette wanted to talk, then Tohma could comply.
"No, I think not," he said quietly. His eyes intentionally flashed to archways that opened from the hallway. The eyes of two of his maids widened in surprise, blushing furiously, before quickly ducking out of sight. Tohma sighed. He wasn't at all oblivious to the fact that a few of his maids, and even a few of his butlers, had crushes on him. "Looks like I have a few pay checks to raise," he murmured, chuckling lightly.
A new feeling of guilt twisted in his stomach. Maria. She was probably still waiting for him. Tohma knew from the beginning that she had been just as reluctant as he was, only she was much too shy and polite to speak out against her elders. It seemed that whenever her face came to mind, Tohma would begin to absentmindedly spin his engagement ring.
Raising his fingers to his chin in thought, Tohma mulled over Masaru's question. "My bedroom," he answered. It was one of the very few number of rooms that Tohma had private access to, with he and Gaomon being the only ones that held keys. "Oh, and just so you know," Tohma began, sounding thoroughly amused, "I'm quite new to this whole relationship thing, so I'm afraid the great Masaru-sama shall have to teach me." Tohma smirked slightly, before pointing in a finger in the direction of his room and took a few steps, expecting Masaru to follow.
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