estoria | In our bodies we will live, in our bodies we will die

Who: Ren Koumei

dishevelment & OPEN (with one part locked to Ren Kouha

roughcut)
When: IC 6/16 OOC 4/3
Where: Various places around the city
What: Koumei and Kouha need to have a Talk + Koumei attempts to find a hobby
Rating/Warning: Potential for serious, feels inducing discussions

A -- Locked to Ren Kouha

[It has been a short while since Kouha arrived in the city, and Koumei was overjoyed to have his youngest brother around. Although Haru insisted that it wasn't a problem, Koumei knew that he would need to repay the Saniwa back one day for allowing the two brothers to be in the same apartment. Just being together was enough for Koumei to be content.

But there was something that they needed to talk about-- something involving the Empire that they were supposed to inherit. Something involving their siblings, and the fact that one among them had allowed the darkness in his heart to swallow him whole.

Koumei was actually awake that morning, idly playing with the his little robo-pigeon and the robo-fox that resided in the apartment, trying to find a way to further delay the inevitable. He didn't want to talk about this...

But it was a shadow lingering over them that was hard to ignore.]

B

[There had been a common refrain he had heard over the last several weeks: "Find a hobby."

It was a strange notion for Koumei, a man who had spent much of his life supporting a war effort in one capacity or another. If he hadn't been in war counsels or attending to his work in the magic research facility, he was catching up on precious sleep or playing with his pigeons in Rakushou.

But, mostly it was sleeping.

While Doudanuki's insistence on teaching him how to use a sword was compelling, it was far from an actual hobby. That was work-- and the only way he was able to keep Doudanuki from destroying his hair.

Thus, Koumei found himself in the library perusing the various crafting books, looking for something that would catch his interest. If he wasn't there, he was looking at the selection of fiction novels of a variety that ranged from cerebral mysteries to sordid romances.

After checking out a few of them to read further, he went over to the gardens to enjoy the afternoon reading. Whether he actually spent the afternoon napping underneath a tree or not was another story, but regardless of the outcome he would consider the day well spent.

It was strange, having so much free time. He didn't know what to do with it.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[As Takeru was about to say something, the boy just giggled shortly afterwards]

Yeah, you're right, that is what family does. It is only natural that they would be worried about you.

[Pause] Even if it isn't the best either.

No, it's not for the best, [he said quietly, agreeing with the boy on that sentiment.] but it's a part of human nature that people have a hard time changing.

Perhaps, if you're lucky enough to become a big brother yourself, you'll understand this one day.

[Then there was a very very very long pause on his end before he finally said something]

...I don't think that's going to happen. I wish it could but I really don't think so!

...

I never said it needed to be a blood relation, did I?

[It was a delicate sidestep around a topic that the young boy clearly didn't want to discuss. Koumei wasn't going to press for details-- it wasn't his place to.]

No, you didn't.

But it would be strange to see mom marrying someone who isn't dad.

[As much as he wanted his mom to be happy, it would be awkward to call another person dad!]

[Ah. Complications with his parents. That was a song he knew all too well.]

Hm. It would be difficult, if you're not accustomed to it. But families and people change over time.

...Have I mentioned to you that only my older brother and I have the same mother? All the rest of our siblings all have different mothers and circumstances, but that doesn't change the bond between us.

I guess it wouldn't. I know that even if they're from a different dad, I would still call them my siblings! It would be mean if I didn't!

I would be pretty happy just to have more siblings or more family members really.

[But the idea of his mom marrying someone was a little...]

[Ah, modern societal norms. He knows them not.]

Is having siblings by different parents uncommon where you're from?

[It was normal in various countries in his world, including his own, for a man to have multiple wives. Half siblings were a fairly common occurance.]

[With that, he shook his head]

Not really. I know a few people who are half siblings but I don't think a lot of people talk about it?

[But then again, he was 7 years old so who knows]

No, they likely wouldn't. It can be a private affair for many people.

I guess not. I know my brother doesn't really want to talk about the divorce so I suppose not many people want to talk about half siblings either.

[Pause]

...But I wish that a lot of people did.

Yes-- it certainly would help matters if they did. It might make it easier for young people like you to cope.

What about you though?

Did you have any of that back in your world? It's not that unusual is it?

[That and he just didn't want to feel alone right now]

I have ten siblings from different mothers, Takeru, and I never knew mine very well. While we don't have any laws for ending marriages, things do happen.

Like what?

[He said before he thought about it some more] Like your siblings and you don't get along and your parents aren't happy? And that you get into a lot of fights or something?

Like illnesses happen and people die.

[...It was just a fact of life, and one that he wouldn't balk at. Without the help of a trained magician, illnesses like pneumonia could be deadly in his world.]

[Takeru didn't say anything. Instead, he just stared at him before looking downward]

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know that. I hope that your family members don't have to go through that anymore.

[He nodded gravely.]

It's nothing to apologize for, Takeru. It's simply the way of the world I come from. If anything, I should be the one apologizing-- that may have been too harsh for you to hear.

No, it isn't, I think it doesn't seem that bad. Because that just means you got to take care of the family members you have now right?

And to hope that nothing bad would ever happen to them.

[But that doesn't hide the somber tone]

Of course-- like every brother does, regardless of the circumstances.

I'm sure you worry for your brother too, don't you?

Of course I do! I worry about him a lot since he does so for me! And I know he does the same thing for me too!

[A beat] If anything were to happen to him, I don't know what I would do.

Hm. We're alike in that respect; it's difficult, coping with knowing that my older brother isn't here.

[As Takeru stared up at Koumei for a few seconds, he suddenly had an idea!]

Then maybe I can help you out! Maybe I can help you look for an older brother here!

[The offer earned a little laugh from Koumei. Oh, young minds...]

Thank you for the suggestion, Takeru, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass. No one can replace my older brother in any sense of the word.

[Then, he leaned forward as if to share a secret.]

My older brother is more than just my brother. He's the man who will one day be King of the Empire we live in. There is nothing greater for me than to stand by his side and work alongside him while he builds a better world for us all.

[Now that definitely got Takeru to just stare at Koumei before taking a few steps back!]

Whoa! Wait a minute, you didn't tell me that! I didn't know you're older brother is going to be King on day! Now that is something you should work with him! But that must be a lot of work though and especially for your brother!

I can't imagine being King or even just working along side with one!

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