[Hayato's never seen Aqua in person. He's in his office, trying to figure out how to approach what he wants to say in a way that isn't too aggressive. When he's told Aqua is there, he takes a few moments to roll his shoulders back and ready himself for the interaction before he's leaving to meet him.
The mafioso is used to being intimidating, commanding as the Dominant he's designated as, and is often prickly. His expression is an intense scowl, but he's more nervous than he probably shows.
His powerful stride up to that table, looming over the younger seated man is marred by his outfit: a black skirt Ruby picked out for him (with silver chains on the hip) along with a pink hooded button-up, some fleece lined tights, and kitten heeled black pumps. They click as he walks and he's earning some glances. He points a thumb over his shoulder.]
Let's talk in the office.
[Because with Ruby and Tifa at the bar, Wriothesley running security, he doesn't want so many onlookers. It's tough enough to be honest about his stupid hurt feelings, and he doesn't want an audience.]
[Aqua keeps his expression blank, but he does glance over the outfit choice, no comment or reaction. He stands up and waiting for Hayato to lead the way.]
[Aqua's lack of reaction to Hayato's outfit is probably hilarious for anyone watching, as is the moment of silence as the mafioso blinks before clearing his throat and turning to lead them back to the office.
Honestly it's probably better for his nerves that Ruby's brother has no comment to make.
Once they're in the office, he slams the door shut.]
You know, you really pissed me off assuming that I wanted to date you, that I'm special, or that me talking about a backronym would somehow make you find me attractive.
[He takes a breath to continue, to express how much he cares for Ruby, how Aqua's attitude is not only going to get in his way, but his sister's. Hayato's trying not to yell, but there is obvious passion in how he speaks. This has been bothering him for a while, it seems.]
And I care a lo- Huh?
[What, an apology already?!
Hayato blinks at Aqua, disarmed by what he's heard.]
[Hayato knows that the bow is a sign of respect, but he'd much rather be able to see Aqua's face, to get more of a read of him. He folds his arms, frowning, not certain what he should say next because he hadn't expected to go about this like he's scolding a child.]
When I was still new here, I didn't have anyone, but you have a support system.
I need you to know that... Just because you are new and you are still learning, there are plenty of people who would help you. Your sister has spent a long time here without you, and none of us want to see you struggle in any way.
Whether you like it or not, we care about you.
I'm not saying I want you to share intimate details, or get too chummy with me, or that I want us to be best friends or whatever! You don't have to like me at all, but do try to understand that you have an impact on those around you, even if it may not seem like it.
[Hayato stares at him for a moment, as if trying to get a read on him though there's nothing. Aqua would probably ruin someone in a poker match, he thinks, then gives a little huff of a breath.]
[Hayato feels guilty. He's wearing the outfit Ruby picked out to try and cheer her up, but he still knows he shouldn't have been so upset while talking to her. Even if Aqua caused the upset, Hayato knows his response was wrong. He's handled this all pretty poorly.]
Why not for your own sake?
You know that people can just vanish from this place without warning, right?
I have a submissive friend who was contracted to a woman from his world permanently for four years and she just left. Just like that. Gone.
You don't get to choose.
None of us are that special. It's not his fault she's gone, and it won't be your fault if Ruby leaves. It won't be her fault if you leave. But you have to do things for your sake as well. In the end the only person you have any control over is yourself.
I've been an actor since I was four, Gokudera. I know how to present and sell myself. I didn't pretend with you, since you seemed like you would understand. That was my mistake.
I don't think presenting or selling yourself will be a challenge. You have it easy without any number of years of acting under your belt. You're a submissive, and you don't even have to work.
The only thing that matters here for someone of your designation is looking pretty. No acting required.
You think it's a mistake to be honest with me? Why? Because I'm telling you how this world works and you don't like it? None of us like it, but we have to work together.
[Hayato looks back at him, his lips in a slight pout. He's feeling conflicted about all that he's said. It's the truth, but maybe he's being too harsh.]
I don't need you to be nice to me. I need you to look out for yourself.
For your sister's sake, but also for your own. Because none of us know how much time we have here. You've got to make every moment count.
I'm sorry for bothering you. And... getting upset... and making it your sister's problem, and yours by extension.
It was my problem for causing all of this... Just be nice to Ruby. Be gentle. She's lost a lot of people, so she gets scared when it seems like someone's going to leave her behind.
She's not alone. Most of us have lost people. Everyone who shows up vanishes, and it makes it very difficult to form new connections. To find support.
I understand. I'll be nicer to her.
I'm not proud of the fact that I withdrew from her, but I'd rather give her space than let my hurt feelings get the better of me and attack someone for caring when I never got that...
You're lucky to have family who cares. Who's here. She ought to be cherished...
Do you know that your nonchalance, that stone-faced attitude you have makes it seem like you don't care about anyone? Acting or not, you're aware how others may interpret it, right? That it may make things more difficult for you going forward?
[Hayato's not holding back. He does blink in a small bit of surprise to hear that Aqua thinks they're never going to get along, but... if that makes him happier, then so be it. He looks disappointed, sighs, then nods. Oh well.]
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aiwillneversmile) wrote2026-01-05 06:19 am
Text; un: smokinbomb
Meet me at Catsanova tonight at 8:30.
It's not a date, so don't get any funny ideas.
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[He will turn up ten minutes early, grabbing a table away from everything.]
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The mafioso is used to being intimidating, commanding as the Dominant he's designated as, and is often prickly. His expression is an intense scowl, but he's more nervous than he probably shows.
His powerful stride up to that table, looming over the younger seated man is marred by his outfit: a black skirt Ruby picked out for him (with silver chains on the hip) along with a pink hooded button-up, some fleece lined tights, and kitten heeled black pumps. They click as he walks and he's earning some glances. He points a thumb over his shoulder.]
Let's talk in the office.
[Because with Ruby and Tifa at the bar, Wriothesley running security, he doesn't want so many onlookers. It's tough enough to be honest about his stupid hurt feelings, and he doesn't want an audience.]
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Okay.
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Honestly it's probably better for his nerves that Ruby's brother has no comment to make.
Once they're in the office, he slams the door shut.]
You know, you really pissed me off assuming that I wanted to date you, that I'm special, or that me talking about a backronym would somehow make you find me attractive.
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I heard. I'm sorry. It won't happen again.
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And I care a lo- Huh?
[What, an apology already?!
Hayato blinks at Aqua, disarmed by what he's heard.]
You mean it?
[No way!]
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I'm new here, so I'm still learning. I'm sorry for troubling you.
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[Hayato knows that the bow is a sign of respect, but he'd much rather be able to see Aqua's face, to get more of a read of him. He folds his arms, frowning, not certain what he should say next because he hadn't expected to go about this like he's scolding a child.]
When I was still new here, I didn't have anyone, but you have a support system.
I need you to know that... Just because you are new and you are still learning, there are plenty of people who would help you. Your sister has spent a long time here without you, and none of us want to see you struggle in any way.
Whether you like it or not, we care about you.
I'm not saying I want you to share intimate details, or get too chummy with me, or that I want us to be best friends or whatever! You don't have to like me at all, but do try to understand that you have an impact on those around you, even if it may not seem like it.
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I know. I'll be more careful.
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You'll be more careful? For the sake of who?
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For Ruby. She was really upset because of what I did. She knows why, but it was still hard seeing her cry over it.
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Why not for your own sake?
You know that people can just vanish from this place without warning, right?
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[He doesn't want that to happen, but it's also not impossible.]
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I have a submissive friend who was contracted to a woman from his world permanently for four years and she just left. Just like that. Gone.
You don't get to choose.
None of us are that special. It's not his fault she's gone, and it won't be your fault if Ruby leaves. It won't be her fault if you leave. But you have to do things for your sake as well. In the end the only person you have any control over is yourself.
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The only thing that matters here for someone of your designation is looking pretty. No acting required.
You think it's a mistake to be honest with me? Why? Because I'm telling you how this world works and you don't like it? None of us like it, but we have to work together.
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I am going to be nice to you. I learned my lesson. What more do you want from me?
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I don't need you to be nice to me. I need you to look out for yourself.
For your sister's sake, but also for your own. Because none of us know how much time we have here. You've got to make every moment count.
I'm sorry for bothering you. And... getting upset... and making it your sister's problem, and yours by extension.
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It was my problem for causing all of this... Just be nice to Ruby. Be gentle. She's lost a lot of people, so she gets scared when it seems like someone's going to leave her behind.
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I understand. I'll be nicer to her.
I'm not proud of the fact that I withdrew from her, but I'd rather give her space than let my hurt feelings get the better of me and attack someone for caring when I never got that...
You're lucky to have family who cares. Who's here. She ought to be cherished...
Do you know that your nonchalance, that stone-faced attitude you have makes it seem like you don't care about anyone? Acting or not, you're aware how others may interpret it, right? That it may make things more difficult for you going forward?
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Like how we're never going to get along? I do. I'm aware of what I'm doing. I make mistakes sometimes, but it does work out more often than not.
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You don't want to get along. I understand.
I'm sorry I was so eager to help you.
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