pinocchio

[aspirings]

Comments

[aspirings]

I do!

[Of course he does, he has not given it a second thought. He's Tsukasa.]

I do believe they are doing everything they can to help us!

[heartstringless]

I do, too.

[Earnestness for earnestness.

Though, the tiniest smidge of skepticm, hewn into him by his own home and this newest revelation, can't help but wonder.]

I just don't want to... be disappointed by them, in the end, too. But if you think they're trustworthy, then that makes me feel better.

[aspirings]

I truly do believe they're trying their best!

[With what evidence... none, absolutely none.]

Perhaps they are under some restrictions currently with what they can do for us, but... surely, if we all work together, there must be a way for us to help them too!

[heartstringless]

[Nodding again. Clearly, he agrees wholeheartedly with Tsukasa on this and sees no reason why it should be scrutinized further!]

I've already told them that I'd help them and Mikaela, if it came down to it. I can't imagine what they have to do behind the scenes, but if the smallest amount of outside assistance makes a difference, then I want to do what I can.

[aspirings]

Yes, I completely agree! I'm glad to hear that you feel the same way, truly!

[Not these two naive boys ready to believe in the NPC with all of their hearts.]

Then if I come across any way to assist, I'll be certain to let you know!

[heartstringless]

[Surely nothing will go badly! Having faith in people has always worked out for him! (except it helped that he could always revive from death back home-)

Hopefully:]

So... you want to make this a collaborative effort?

[aspirings]

Of course! If you are up for it!

[Brightly! He feels more confident working on things with someone else, honestly; he's never been the sort to want to do things alone.]

[heartstringless]

[And in contrast with Pinocchio, it is nice not to feel as though he needs to face a new problem alone.

He nods solemnly. Holds out a hand. (His right, more human-like hand.)]

Deal.

[aspirings]

[And Tsukasa reaches out to take it without hesitation, clasping Pinocchio's hand firmly.]

Then I'll be counting on you. Together, I'm confident there will be nothing we can't do!

[heartstringless]

[A firm grasp, a hearty shake between two naive boys who believe they are making the right decision.]

That's right. Just... promise to be careful if you do figure something out.

[aspirings]

[they're trying so hard... surely that counts for something.]

Of course! Same to you, naturally. Even so, I'm determined to see this through to the end. We both have important things to return to, don't we?

[heartstringless]

[He feels a little better now, sharing that determination with Tsukasa.]

We do. [blinking, remembering something.] Though ideally as our whole selves, too.

[And not with pieces missing. Oops.]

[aspirings]

Naturally. Anything less would be unacceptable.

[Unfounded confidence once again, but... at a time like this, surely it's better to aim for the stars than to dwell on what might occur.]

We'll get through this. If we are both careful, and look out for each other... I'm certain of it.

[heartstringless]

[Ha... there it is again. That confidence.]

There you go again, being prince-like.

[He is joking, gently, adding a bit of levity to the conversation. But yes, he agrees wholeheartedly that the priority is to look out for one another.]

[aspirings]

[His expressions softens at that from that stubborn determination, even as he smiles. But nonetheless, his brows still come together fiercely.]

If I am, then I'd say you are as well!

It was very dashing of you to offer that hand clasp to seal our promise, you know.

[heartstringless]

"Dashing..." [a glint of amusement in his eyes] That's the first time anyone's called me that. I don't think I'd make a very good prince, but I'm happy to hear you say that.

[aspirings]

You don't think so?

[He grins, head tilting a little.]

I'm not so sure of that. A prince is supposed to be kind, fair and aspire to help those around him, correct?

Those are certainly traits I see in you!

[heartstringless]

Mm... true.

[And it is true that P tries to be all those things, because it just seems right to do.]

But royalty also has... [What's the word for it?] A kind of bearing about them. They're very poised!

[aspirings]

That is true... [Hm.]

You don't think you're poised?

[heartstringless]

[no i get stunlocked all the time]

I mean, like. [Affects a more serious face, chin tilted up.] Really poised.

[He probably means confident, in the way that Tsukasa so easily exudes.]

[aspirings]

[Oh my god.

Tsukasa blinks at that serious face, and then laughs a little.]

Are you implying that I am poised like that? You look so stiffly serious!

[heartstringless]

...Do I?

[Hm. He drops the serious look in favor of more contemplation, huffing.]

I mean, yeah, sometimes? When you get really loud and sure of things.

[He gets serious! In a declarative and assured way! (In a Tsukasa way that is probably not as stiff-upper-lip as the expression he just made.) That's what P thinks, anyway.]

[aspirings]

Hmmm...! I had no idea.

[He processes it, before he seems to come to some sort of conclusion, nodding firmly.]

But! If it makes me more princely, then that is perfectly fine with me!

[heartstringless]

[Pfft. How very Tsukasa of him.]

I'll let you take the lead with all things princely, then.

[Anyhow, he grabs for a book off a nearby shelf.]

What do you like to read? I found some really interesting books here.

[aspirings]

Oh!

[Right, they're in the library, aren't they? They may as well take advantage.]

I enjoy reading anything that has to do with theater, naturally! Plays and shows, but also the theory and craft that goes into making them behind the scenes.

[... Which is very hyper-specific, so:]

I also enjoy detective novels and fairy tales!