Right. Sticking together right is our best option. [ He quickly nods in agreement. Still, he has to pause so that he can shrug off his jacket. Tucking it under one arm, he wipes his forehead to try to clean up some of the sweat. ]
This heat is really -- [ Yashiki shakes off his grumbling as he follows after Mashita. It won't do to complain. Furthermore, it isn't like they both aren't hot. So, it's just bringing attention to a problem that they're already aware of, anyway.
But hey. Why is that he only just started to notice how hot it really was? He blinks -- that's odd, isn't it? When he was holding Mashita's hand earlier, the fire didn't seem half bad. Wait? Holding his hand? Is it because he was just so worried about him?
[Mashita by is... doing surprisingly well, actually. Even though he's also dressed in clothing far too warm for this type of circumstance, he hasn't actually felt the need to remove his jacket or even roll his sleeves up yet. Until now, Mashita hasn't really given much thought to this, running on adrenaline here for the most part.
So when Yashiki starts complaining about the heat, at first he assumes that by comparison, Yashiki's own stamina has started running low on fumes here.]
Don't tell me I'm gonna have to start worrying about you fainting on me too, old man.
[It's said in jest, but... there is a hint of concern underlying his words here. Yashiki fainting from the heat here would be really bad.]
[ The way that he denies that he's close to fainting is a little backwards, but he doesn't think that he's at that point yet. But it is just then that he notices that Mashita doesn't seem like he's sweating at all.
Well of course it is, we're surrounded by fire, Yashiki.
[He says, as if the other man is being rather dense, but he does seem to be considering the statement as he notes how sweaty Yashiki appears to be, and realizes by comparison that he doesn't feel that much sweat gathering when he rubs at his own temples here momentarily. Odd, definitely, but... best make sure that it's not a sign that Yashiki is going to be sick or fall down here before we start considering other alternatives here.]
[ Weakly, he has to agree that his comment about it being hot is ridiculous in hindsight. Well, not even hindsight. He pauses to use his hand to lightly fan himself, but really, he's just blowing hot air back into his face. Cool -- ah, not cool.
But asked about how he's doing, he just nods his head. He let himself get a little carried away, and isn't even sure why. He feels like he's onto something, but he can't think of what. ]
I-I'll be fine. [ Standing around, that isn't going to do anything. It's best to keep moving, right? ] My constitution's always been a little weaker than yours, anyway.
... Fair enough. But if that changes, you'd better say something.
[He's going to be cross if Yashiki ends up fainting on us at an inopportune moment as opposed to be being prepared for it in advance. Especially because Yashiki is the type to deal with things on his own if he feels like he's being an inconvenience to others...
But for now, Mashita turns his attention back to getting the hell out of this crater. Observing which areas seem to be too dangerous, which direction would best suit them here based on listening for any further noise... though, Yashiki's hearing might be better than his if it turns out there's something supernatural here.]
He runs the back of his hand underneath his chin to wipe off the sweat. Yashiki tries to keep his sighing to a minimum as he keeps looking around. Really. There has to be a solution here. No matter what, he doesn't get the sensation that they're going to die. That may be the only thing that's keeping him from full-on panicking.
But why isn't he getting that feeling? Anyone would think this is a life or death situation? He pinches his chin, looking around and trying to figure out why he feels relatively safe. If he can come up with that answer, it might be lead to a way to save them both. ]
[Mashita seems to also feel a rather definite lack of fear of death despite the situation, and after a moment of looking around, he ends up voicing it out loud.]
You know, given the amount of fire surrounding this place, it's kind of surprising that we haven't had that much problem with breathing, given that typically by now we'd be feeling some pretty serious smoke inhalation.
[ Even with how hot he feels, he doesn't think that he's going to collapse from the heat. His comment on his constitution being bad is true, but he just feels incredibly uncomfortable rather than suffering from some heat stroke. Isn't that also odd? ]
Just what is this place? It really defies all sort of reason.
[ He looks down at his hand, flexing his fingers a few times. It's an odd thought that hits him but he steps forward to reach out to take Mashita's hand. ]
I'm fine. [ Yashiki feels he should start with that. ] I'm trying something... [ Nothing that has to do with finding someone, but another thought that hit him earlier. ]
[Yashiki you can't just put someone else's hand on your own face like that without warning a guy, this just validates Mashita's previous comment about being a creep... but upon hearing what Yashiki says, his brow furrows in response.]
I'm pretty sure my hands aren't that cool...
[Then again... they don't really feel sweaty either like one would expect in this climate, so he glances at his free hand here for a moment, and his eye catches the gem in his left wrist, which he holds up for Yashiki to see.]
Do you think maybe it's got something to do with this tacky jewelry?
[ Actually, it probably has everything to do with what is going on. ]
While it doesn't have any resentful or vengeful feeling to it... it certainly is the only thing different with you.
[ So, putting it like that?? ]
It's actually a good thing and keeping you safe. [ Yashiki lets his eyes dart away as he's sure that might be pushing the point a little too far -- but he likes to think that it's more positive than negative. ]
[Mashita seems to consider it, before he suddenly reaches for Yashiki's wrist.]
Let me take a look at yours again for a minute, Yashiki.
[Mashita looks over the Amethyst that Yashiki has, before he forms a hypothesis.]
Since they're different, it could be why you're reacting differently to the heat than I am. Yours isn't providing as much relief as mine is, but there's gotta be something it's useful for in this situation for it to be here...
[ Yashiki still keeps the hand against his face, because well, it is cooling him off just a little. Holding out his other hand, he peers down at the gem on top of his wrist. ]
You'd think... what could it be?
[ Something ... something... is it why he doesn't feel so frightened? He wishes he could cool off more to figure it out, but as it stands, the hand on him helps but he still feels just a little too hot.
It is about this time of lamenting that it feels like the air around them is moving? His head lifts up -- yes, it's like a soft breeze. It displaces some of the hot air, like a small fan, but at least it is more of an improvement. ]
[Mashita looks up as well, taking note of the sudden wind around them.]
Well I'm pretty sure it ain't fucking me doing that here.
[He thinks he'd be able to feel... something if it had been him doing it, but right now he just feels his hands on Yashiki... which he should probably retract back before this gets regarded weirder than it already is, but he doesn't do so yet.]
[ Yashiki doesn't quite finish his question as he sees a group approaching him. He lets go of Mashita's hand and almost attempts to step in front of him -- the armored group is rather intimidating and as they approach, he sees that they are definitely not human. It isn't just their height of over nine feet tall but beneath their helmets looks like faces sparkling similar to diamond. ]
Excuse me?
[ But they cut him off to indicate that the area is dangerous and they should head to the shuttle with the rest. The wind has died down as he looks to Mashita in absolute confusion. He feels no hostility from these people, but they definitely aren't feeling like being that patient with his confusion either. ]
-- we're not on Earth anymore.
[ It's all he can muster and somehow that is the most surprising thing about what is going on. ]
Yeah, I'm getting a real fucking good inclination of that now...
[He says, unable to help being sarcastic even in the face of potential aliens. At some point Mashita had pulled out his gun once they appeared, but thankfully hasn't raised it in an offensive gesture as he merely regards them suspiciously for now.]
[ Yashiki weakly says as he starts to head toward the shuttle. His steps are a little wobbly -- he isn't certain if it is because of the relief he feels or the amount of confusion that is bombarding him all at once. ]
[Mashita ends up reaching out to put a hand on Yashiki to help steady the other man here as they walk. He doesn't say anything to accompany the gesture, but maybe this time he doesn't have to since the feeling is mutual in regards to this confusing situation they're both in.
And having Yashiki collapse before they can even reach the shuttle definitely wouldn't help at all.]
[ Yashiki can't help but let out a noise of bafflement. He can't help but stare at him with wide eyes that spell out his inability to comprehend what he means.
Really, he's only carrying what he's meant to be carrying; it's his fault and his responsibility. The ones that have it difficult are the ones that have passed away; those that are still suffering from the deaths of those lost. And ... the spirits that remain because of his actions.
He can only keep quiet as Kirk explains that how he should care more about his well-being. What he says does make sense. If he isn't around, there won't be people who can do what he does. His shoulders drop a little as he seems to, at least, concede to that point.
If he wears himself out and dies too soon, he won't have used all the time he had to its fullest. And those that he owes a debt to will never be repaid. Yes, he can understand that thinking completely. ]
Oh.
[ He takes a second to look where his companion is. A wave of nervousness hits him due to being uncertain about being out in public. Yashiki admits that he can be so gloomy sometimes that it can bring the atmosphere of a place down -- but he pauses to look to Kirk. The person is positively a bright, confident person; the sort of individual that makes a man want to follow after him wherever he goes. Honestly, he's a little bit in awe of that kind of energy.
His chocolate eclair backbone settles in as he says: ]
S-Sure. [ Stumbling over the agreement, but at least he is able to agree. It also gives them something else to talk about than what he had been. I don't have many sophisticated ideas about food, but -- Yashiki feels like he owes it to Kirk to attempt to distract him after the man's already done so much for him.
He thinks this as he yet again shakes his head -- his hair still wet. ]
(minds don't change in a day. sometimes they don't change in weeks, months, or even years. kirk hopes that the healing, for everyone involved in yashiki's story, happens sooner rather than later. until then, it's possible that extra support is required.
he inclines his head with an outstretched arm, gesturing his "after you.")
Excellent. This is a... noodle place, I believe. Most are in Primatown. (the rest is street food, small bars, and other humble establishments that have seen better days. still, kirk seems happy with them—places locals go—and takes a seat under the awning of what resembles an izakaya. menu items are listed on support beams at each corner, thankfully in galactic standard; he wastes no time swivelling in his chair to read it all.) You're Japanese, aren't you, Mr. Yashiki? Assuming you're from Earth, that is. If I've gotten the pronunciation of your name wrong, you go on and correct me. I'd like to be right the first time, but that's not always the case.
[ He falters as he isn't sure what else that he should say. His shoulders don't really hunch as soon as he enters the restaurant, but the warm and friendly environment actually makes him worried. Yashiki catches his own reflection -- wet, black hair plastered to his head and a somber-looking face. He rubs his cheek, nudging his glasses a little with each pass. ]
Yes, I'm Japanese. [ A quick nod follows and another that he's from Earth. ] No, you're all right. It's all right, I mean. [ He takes a second to pronounce his own name, again. ] Like that, Kirk.
[ A sigh slips out. ] Uh... [ His gaze drifts to the side. ] ... I hope you have not been having a hard time being here. [ Does he have the right to say that? Well, even so, it is what he hopes. It's just segways and conversing with people is really not his forte. ]
Yashiki. Yashiki. (dedicates a moment of their time to emulating the pitch accent of the japanese, not halting like english but flowing and melodic.) Thank you very much.
(even in a casual atmosphere, they both find it challenging to relax. for yashiki, it's the complications that come with socializing; for kirk, it's an inability to "switch off." his mind is on his work, his duties, but he does try, for a short time, to lean against the counter they're seated at to rest. they both need it.)
I'm much more accustomed to the displacement than a number of Gembonded, but there are still difficulties. There always are in new worlds, so it's understandable—and healthy—to be... apprehensive. What's hard is the knowledge that I've left so much behind in coming here, responsibilities I have that cannot be abandoned.
How are you dealing with everything?
Edited (too many 'difficulties'... TOO MANY) Date: 2021-03-16 04:36 pm (UTC)
[ Yashiki makes a few soft noises; it's more like to help get his mind starting to work. He thinks that Kirk is being extremely kind in worrying about him. His eyes widen at the idea that the man has been displaced before -- and all the things that Kirk is worrying about while wanting to make sure that he is all right. ]
I'm fine. [ The answer comes out automatically. ] I'm really fine. Other than collapsing out on the street, I'm doing all right. [ Even he knows that isn't the most convincing of statements, but -- ]
I know you didn't answer me to have me worry, but I can't not. [ He decides to address the matter head on, as it were. But his voice falters. ] I don't know what responsibilities that you must have, but --
[ But? Is there a but to that statement? ] I don't know what responsibilities that you have that weigh you down. But I would like to... so you do not have to worry about them alone.
(if the man says he's fine, it's possible he's telling the truth. kirk's more inclined to believe the opposite, but there are boundaries to respect and he understands not wanting to worry others unnecessarily. they're safe, they're warm, and all that's left for them to be is full.)
I miss home, (he answers yashiki truthfully, regarding the menu with an aside to the waiter who steps up to take their orders. kirk decides quickly: whiskey, neat, and a serving of yakitori, which comes with a small assortment of pickled vegetables.)
Now that we're on an alien planet whose technology far exceeds that of Earth, it shouldn't hurt discussing generalities with you. (specific information certainly can't and won't be shared, but:) I'm the captain of a starship, which is, in fact, a very large spacefaring vessel. I command over four hundred of the finest crewmen ever to board one. Being displaced here has taken me away from that—temporarily, of course.
I'd rather like to get back before anything goes awry.
[ Yashiki is, at least, able to make his own order: sake and yakisoba. He only hesitates because he's surprised at how easily Kirk can say that he misses home.
His eyes honestly widen at how easily the man can say things yet not sound vulnerable or weak for admitting them. The things that Kirk says goes beyond his imagination; he didn't think that he could understand them but he realizes just how far beyond his understanding the worries that the captain has.
He opens his mouth to say that he understands -- or at least, understands the fear of wanting to return before anything goes awry, but that sounds like just lip service. ]
Yet you ... ah... I was going to say that you conduct yourself well. But I believe that is why so many people can feel like they can rely upon you, and feel confident just being next to you.
[ Even spending just a few minutes with him, Yashiki can understand why four hundred people can feel at ease. He wants to respond to that honesty with his own honesty, but isn't sure where to begin. His immediate thought that if someone like this is gone that people would panic and feel ill at ease, which is probably what Kirk is fearing most. ]
I think... I think it will be all right. Because you have that sort of feeling about you. The feeling like ... you can save anyone. So, I'm sure, they'll hold on due to the confidence they have in you.
(leaning back in his seat a moment to appraise yashiki, kirk accepts his drink and says a proper thank-you without sparing a glance at the bartender. the compliments stick to his ribs, make him feel warm and full, but tucked away meaningfully lies a statement he must contest to be able to accept the rest.)
Thank you. You're very kind, Mr. Yashiki, but at risk of putting me on a pedestal. (he addresses it as quietly and as comfortably as is possible for a subject that is, by nature, heavy-handed.) Only God in Heaven can save "anyone." What we mortal men can do is try. The orders I issue my crew are law, followed to the letter; however, I'm not always right just as I'm not always wrong. In a leadership role you must make difficult decisions that can negatively impact the individuals who've been trained to trust you—inherently.
What matters, if not the "right" or "wrong" decisions, is that you stick to what you've chosen to do until the bitter end. And I will always choose to try.
(to save anyone? what a dangerous ability that'd be. the feeling itself that yashiki is describing is just as intimidating, knowing that some may think that of him. but if he'd had that power many people who are dead would be alive today. many, many people.
raising his glass to cut the tension, kirk finally smiles.)
It's always the sweetest sentiments that provoke the strongest reactions.
[ Yashiki can't help but go quiet based on what Kirk says. There is a brief moment when his expression crumbles as he struggles with wanting to offer some sort of apology for speaking so out-of-turn. But he holds back on those apologies -- it isn't like the man isn't saying what he is to scold him, not really, but merely saying that his feelings are not quite right.
He falters a little. ]
It is.
[ He can, at least, agree with the last statement. ]
Still, that is admirable. [ It may not be right to offer more compliments, but those, too, are his feelings. ] ... to be able to still try... and to carry through with what you've chosen to do... I'm sure it hasn't always been easy... [ Of course, it hasn't. But Kirk hardly seems like the person that would break as he has over "his" own decisions. ]
It's admirable. I can see why people follow and trust in you, is what I mean... is what I meant.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
onlyembers
tdm overflow > mashita
Date: 2021-03-11 02:59 am (UTC)Right. Sticking together right is our best option. [ He quickly nods in agreement. Still, he has to pause so that he can shrug off his jacket. Tucking it under one arm, he wipes his forehead to try to clean up some of the sweat. ]
This heat is really -- [ Yashiki shakes off his grumbling as he follows after Mashita. It won't do to complain. Furthermore, it isn't like they both aren't hot. So, it's just bringing attention to a problem that they're already aware of, anyway.
But hey. Why is that he only just started to notice how hot it really was? He blinks -- that's odd, isn't it? When he was holding Mashita's hand earlier, the fire didn't seem half bad. Wait? Holding his hand? Is it because he was just so worried about him?
Yeah, that must be it. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-13 12:06 pm (UTC)So when Yashiki starts complaining about the heat, at first he assumes that by comparison, Yashiki's own stamina has started running low on fumes here.]
Don't tell me I'm gonna have to start worrying about you fainting on me too, old man.
[It's said in jest, but... there is a hint of concern underlying his words here. Yashiki fainting from the heat here would be really bad.]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-15 12:38 am (UTC)[ The way that he denies that he's close to fainting is a little backwards, but he doesn't think that he's at that point yet. But it is just then that he notices that Mashita doesn't seem like he's sweating at all.
What in the world? ]
No. It's really hot. It's really, honestly hot!
no subject
Date: 2021-03-17 01:22 am (UTC)[He says, as if the other man is being rather dense, but he does seem to be considering the statement as he notes how sweaty Yashiki appears to be, and realizes by comparison that he doesn't feel that much sweat gathering when he rubs at his own temples here momentarily. Odd, definitely, but... best make sure that it's not a sign that Yashiki is going to be sick or fall down here before we start considering other alternatives here.]
Are you sure you're okay?
no subject
Date: 2021-03-18 04:46 am (UTC)[ Weakly, he has to agree that his comment about it being hot is ridiculous in hindsight. Well, not even hindsight. He pauses to use his hand to lightly fan himself, but really, he's just blowing hot air back into his face. Cool -- ah, not cool.
But asked about how he's doing, he just nods his head. He let himself get a little carried away, and isn't even sure why. He feels like he's onto something, but he can't think of what. ]
I-I'll be fine. [ Standing around, that isn't going to do anything. It's best to keep moving, right? ] My constitution's always been a little weaker than yours, anyway.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-18 04:34 pm (UTC)[He's going to be cross if Yashiki ends up fainting on us at an inopportune moment as opposed to be being prepared for it in advance. Especially because Yashiki is the type to deal with things on his own if he feels like he's being an inconvenience to others...
But for now, Mashita turns his attention back to getting the hell out of this crater. Observing which areas seem to be too dangerous, which direction would best suit them here based on listening for any further noise... though, Yashiki's hearing might be better than his if it turns out there's something supernatural here.]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-21 12:23 am (UTC)[ Probably.
He runs the back of his hand underneath his chin to wipe off the sweat. Yashiki tries to keep his sighing to a minimum as he keeps looking around. Really. There has to be a solution here. No matter what, he doesn't get the sensation that they're going to die. That may be the only thing that's keeping him from full-on panicking.
But why isn't he getting that feeling? Anyone would think this is a life or death situation? He pinches his chin, looking around and trying to figure out why he feels relatively safe. If he can come up with that answer, it might be lead to a way to save them both. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-21 09:51 pm (UTC)You know, given the amount of fire surrounding this place, it's kind of surprising that we haven't had that much problem with breathing, given that typically by now we'd be feeling some pretty serious smoke inhalation.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-23 01:44 am (UTC)[ Even with how hot he feels, he doesn't think that he's going to collapse from the heat. His comment on his constitution being bad is true, but he just feels incredibly uncomfortable rather than suffering from some heat stroke. Isn't that also odd? ]
Just what is this place? It really defies all sort of reason.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-25 01:02 am (UTC)[But they have to actually find someone around here first...]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-25 02:34 am (UTC)[ He looks down at his hand, flexing his fingers a few times. It's an odd thought that hits him but he steps forward to reach out to take Mashita's hand. ]
I'm fine. [ Yashiki feels he should start with that. ] I'm trying something... [ Nothing that has to do with finding someone, but another thought that hit him earlier. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-25 03:26 am (UTC)... Even if he does still give the other man shit for it.]
Fine, but you'd better explain what it is you're trying if you don't want to seem like a creep here.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-25 03:44 am (UTC)Lifting his hand up, he lightly presses it against his face. There is an apologetic smile for the sweat, but his eyes widen as soon as he does so. ]
I thought so. I actually... I feel a little cooler.
[ But seriously? What? Why? ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-25 08:08 pm (UTC)[Yashiki you can't just put someone else's hand on your own face like that without warning a guy, this just validates Mashita's previous comment about being a creep... but upon hearing what Yashiki says, his brow furrows in response.]
I'm pretty sure my hands aren't that cool...
[Then again... they don't really feel sweaty either like one would expect in this climate, so he glances at his free hand here for a moment, and his eye catches the gem in his left wrist, which he holds up for Yashiki to see.]
Do you think maybe it's got something to do with this tacky jewelry?
no subject
Date: 2021-03-27 09:13 pm (UTC)[ Actually, it probably has everything to do with what is going on. ]
While it doesn't have any resentful or vengeful feeling to it... it certainly is the only thing different with you.
[ So, putting it like that?? ]
It's actually a good thing and keeping you safe. [ Yashiki lets his eyes dart away as he's sure that might be pushing the point a little too far -- but he likes to think that it's more positive than negative. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-28 12:04 am (UTC)Let me take a look at yours again for a minute, Yashiki.
[Mashita looks over the Amethyst that Yashiki has, before he forms a hypothesis.]
Since they're different, it could be why you're reacting differently to the heat than I am. Yours isn't providing as much relief as mine is, but there's gotta be something it's useful for in this situation for it to be here...
no subject
Date: 2021-03-28 01:16 am (UTC)[ Yashiki still keeps the hand against his face, because well, it is cooling him off just a little. Holding out his other hand, he peers down at the gem on top of his wrist. ]
You'd think... what could it be?
[ Something ... something... is it why he doesn't feel so frightened? He wishes he could cool off more to figure it out, but as it stands, the hand on him helps but he still feels just a little too hot.
It is about this time of lamenting that it feels like the air around them is moving? His head lifts up -- yes, it's like a soft breeze. It displaces some of the hot air, like a small fan, but at least it is more of an improvement. ]
... wait a second... am I doing that?
no subject
Date: 2021-03-28 01:27 am (UTC)Well I'm pretty sure it ain't fucking me doing that here.
[He thinks he'd be able to feel... something if it had been him doing it, but right now he just feels his hands on Yashiki... which he should probably retract back before this gets regarded weirder than it already is, but he doesn't do so yet.]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-28 01:39 am (UTC)[ Yashiki doesn't quite finish his question as he sees a group approaching him. He lets go of Mashita's hand and almost attempts to step in front of him -- the armored group is rather intimidating and as they approach, he sees that they are definitely not human. It isn't just their height of over nine feet tall but beneath their helmets looks like faces sparkling similar to diamond. ]
Excuse me?
[ But they cut him off to indicate that the area is dangerous and they should head to the shuttle with the rest. The wind has died down as he looks to Mashita in absolute confusion. He feels no hostility from these people, but they definitely aren't feeling like being that patient with his confusion either. ]
-- we're not on Earth anymore.
[ It's all he can muster and somehow that is the most surprising thing about what is going on. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-28 01:45 am (UTC)[He says, unable to help being sarcastic even in the face of potential aliens. At some point Mashita had pulled out his gun once they appeared, but thankfully hasn't raised it in an offensive gesture as he merely regards them suspiciously for now.]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-28 02:13 am (UTC)[ Yashiki weakly says as he starts to head toward the shuttle. His steps are a little wobbly -- he isn't certain if it is because of the relief he feels or the amount of confusion that is bombarding him all at once. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-29 06:37 pm (UTC)And having Yashiki collapse before they can even reach the shuttle definitely wouldn't help at all.]
tdm overflow > kirk
Date: 2021-03-11 03:26 am (UTC)Difficult? For me?
[ Yashiki can't help but let out a noise of bafflement. He can't help but stare at him with wide eyes that spell out his inability to comprehend what he means.
Really, he's only carrying what he's meant to be carrying; it's his fault and his responsibility. The ones that have it difficult are the ones that have passed away; those that are still suffering from the deaths of those lost. And ... the spirits that remain because of his actions.
He can only keep quiet as Kirk explains that how he should care more about his well-being. What he says does make sense. If he isn't around, there won't be people who can do what he does. His shoulders drop a little as he seems to, at least, concede to that point.
If he wears himself out and dies too soon, he won't have used all the time he had to its fullest. And those that he owes a debt to will never be repaid. Yes, he can understand that thinking completely. ]
Oh.
[ He takes a second to look where his companion is. A wave of nervousness hits him due to being uncertain about being out in public. Yashiki admits that he can be so gloomy sometimes that it can bring the atmosphere of a place down -- but he pauses to look to Kirk. The person is positively a bright, confident person; the sort of individual that makes a man want to follow after him wherever he goes. Honestly, he's a little bit in awe of that kind of energy.
His chocolate eclair backbone settles in as he says: ]
S-Sure. [ Stumbling over the agreement, but at least he is able to agree. It also gives them something else to talk about than what he had been. I don't have many sophisticated ideas about food, but -- Yashiki feels like he owes it to Kirk to attempt to distract him after the man's already done so much for him.
He thinks this as he yet again shakes his head -- his hair still wet. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-03-12 08:00 pm (UTC)he inclines his head with an outstretched arm, gesturing his "after you.")
Excellent. This is a... noodle place, I believe. Most are in Primatown. (the rest is street food, small bars, and other humble establishments that have seen better days. still, kirk seems happy with them—places locals go—and takes a seat under the awning of what resembles an izakaya. menu items are listed on support beams at each corner, thankfully in galactic standard; he wastes no time swivelling in his chair to read it all.) You're Japanese, aren't you, Mr. Yashiki? Assuming you're from Earth, that is. If I've gotten the pronunciation of your name wrong, you go on and correct me. I'd like to be right the first time, but that's not always the case.
no subject
Date: 2021-03-15 01:02 am (UTC)[ He falters as he isn't sure what else that he should say. His shoulders don't really hunch as soon as he enters the restaurant, but the warm and friendly environment actually makes him worried. Yashiki catches his own reflection -- wet, black hair plastered to his head and a somber-looking face. He rubs his cheek, nudging his glasses a little with each pass. ]
Yes, I'm Japanese. [ A quick nod follows and another that he's from Earth. ] No, you're all right. It's all right, I mean. [ He takes a second to pronounce his own name, again. ] Like that, Kirk.
[ A sigh slips out. ] Uh... [ His gaze drifts to the side. ] ... I hope you have not been having a hard time being here. [ Does he have the right to say that? Well, even so, it is what he hopes. It's just segways and conversing with people is really not his forte. ]
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Date: 2021-03-16 04:34 pm (UTC)(even in a casual atmosphere, they both find it challenging to relax. for yashiki, it's the complications that come with socializing; for kirk, it's an inability to "switch off." his mind is on his work, his duties, but he does try, for a short time, to lean against the counter they're seated at to rest. they both need it.)
I'm much more accustomed to the displacement than a number of Gembonded, but there are still difficulties. There always are in new worlds, so it's understandable—and healthy—to be... apprehensive. What's hard is the knowledge that I've left so much behind in coming here, responsibilities I have that cannot be abandoned.
How are you dealing with everything?
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Date: 2021-03-18 04:35 am (UTC)I'm fine. [ The answer comes out automatically. ] I'm really fine. Other than collapsing out on the street, I'm doing all right. [ Even he knows that isn't the most convincing of statements, but -- ]
I know you didn't answer me to have me worry, but I can't not. [ He decides to address the matter head on, as it were. But his voice falters. ] I don't know what responsibilities that you must have, but --
[ But? Is there a but to that statement? ] I don't know what responsibilities that you have that weigh you down. But I would like to... so you do not have to worry about them alone.
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Date: 2021-03-23 12:17 am (UTC)I miss home, (he answers yashiki truthfully, regarding the menu with an aside to the waiter who steps up to take their orders. kirk decides quickly: whiskey, neat, and a serving of yakitori, which comes with a small assortment of pickled vegetables.)
Now that we're on an alien planet whose technology far exceeds that of Earth, it shouldn't hurt discussing generalities with you. (specific information certainly can't and won't be shared, but:) I'm the captain of a starship, which is, in fact, a very large spacefaring vessel. I command over four hundred of the finest crewmen ever to board one. Being displaced here has taken me away from that—temporarily, of course.
I'd rather like to get back before anything goes awry.
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Date: 2021-03-23 02:11 am (UTC)His eyes honestly widen at how easily the man can say things yet not sound vulnerable or weak for admitting them. The things that Kirk says goes beyond his imagination; he didn't think that he could understand them but he realizes just how far beyond his understanding the worries that the captain has.
He opens his mouth to say that he understands -- or at least, understands the fear of wanting to return before anything goes awry, but that sounds like just lip service. ]
Yet you ... ah... I was going to say that you conduct yourself well. But I believe that is why so many people can feel like they can rely upon you, and feel confident just being next to you.
[ Even spending just a few minutes with him, Yashiki can understand why four hundred people can feel at ease. He wants to respond to that honesty with his own honesty, but isn't sure where to begin. His immediate thought that if someone like this is gone that people would panic and feel ill at ease, which is probably what Kirk is fearing most. ]
I think... I think it will be all right. Because you have that sort of feeling about you. The feeling like ... you can save anyone. So, I'm sure, they'll hold on due to the confidence they have in you.
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Date: 2021-03-26 04:37 am (UTC)(leaning back in his seat a moment to appraise yashiki, kirk accepts his drink and says a proper thank-you without sparing a glance at the bartender. the compliments stick to his ribs, make him feel warm and full, but tucked away meaningfully lies a statement he must contest to be able to accept the rest.)
Thank you. You're very kind, Mr. Yashiki, but at risk of putting me on a pedestal. (he addresses it as quietly and as comfortably as is possible for a subject that is, by nature, heavy-handed.) Only God in Heaven can save "anyone." What we mortal men can do is try. The orders I issue my crew are law, followed to the letter; however, I'm not always right just as I'm not always wrong. In a leadership role you must make difficult decisions that can negatively impact the individuals who've been trained to trust you—inherently.
What matters, if not the "right" or "wrong" decisions, is that you stick to what you've chosen to do until the bitter end. And I will always choose to try.
(to save anyone? what a dangerous ability that'd be. the feeling itself that yashiki is describing is just as intimidating, knowing that some may think that of him. but if he'd had that power many people who are dead would be alive today. many, many people.
raising his glass to cut the tension, kirk finally smiles.)
It's always the sweetest sentiments that provoke the strongest reactions.
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Date: 2021-03-27 08:59 pm (UTC)He falters a little. ]
It is.
[ He can, at least, agree with the last statement. ]
Still, that is admirable. [ It may not be right to offer more compliments, but those, too, are his feelings. ] ... to be able to still try... and to carry through with what you've chosen to do... I'm sure it hasn't always been easy... [ Of course, it hasn't. But Kirk hardly seems like the person that would break as he has over "his" own decisions. ]
It's admirable. I can see why people follow and trust in you, is what I mean... is what I meant.