I don't believe you would. Jakob is excellent in his service, so much that I'd believe him to know me better than I know myself. If he couldn't, I doubt you would either. And that's normal if you've served someone you know as an entirely different person.
[ His words are harsh, but if his friend is willing to give him that honesty, then he's not going to hold his own thoughts either. ]
And I did tell him. I explained everything that I could, and apologized. I had been too shocked when we met to think right.
[ After the fact. If Azura had been there, at least she'd have snapped him out of it... but he did immediately write to Jakob as soon as he could think on it.
His expression falters right after. ]
... it doesn't matter either way, does it? Perhaps he's as shocked as I was, but just like you chose to serve of your own free will, so has he, and made no contact after, yet. And I haven't the right to ask it of him in a place where I have no standing anyway.
[ Ouch, Corrin, does he really think Jakob is a more perfect retainer than he is? The insinuation alone makes him tense unpleasantly, but he holds his tongue, unwilling to upset Corrin any further. He's not here to argue about that anyway.
Instead, he focuses on his last question. ]
Why wouldn't I? I tell her everything.
[ Sakura would be upset with him if he didn't, and he also thinks she would empathize more with Corrin. As much as he is trying, he doesn't understand it from Corrin's point of view. ]
She worries for you, my lord. You are her beloved brother. She only wants you and Lord Takumi to be happy while you are both trapped here with her.
[ It's only the truth... besides, he only meant it as fact. Just like Subaki and Hana are there for Sakura and how her needs are understood perfectly by them, Jakob, Felicia and Flora understand his. Subaki might be excellent at a lot of things, but perhaps his lack of personal experience in what he claims knowledge of reduces his ability to actually empathize... books can only teach one so much. He doesn't address Subaki's tension- even if he sees it, because he knows he won't be able to explain himself as well right now.
He will apologize later for it, but right now— ]
I don't like worrying her.
[ There's a slight warning there for him to consider not telling her, but he knows it'll be futile. He sighs, though. ]
... I'm glad, though. That you aren't sure about how to help. I'd have been surprised if anyone could have. I'm sorry for troubling you, though.
[ He lowers his head, onto his arm. ]
You're too good to have to bother for someone as selfish as I am in my state.
[ he might just cry about it later when he's alone, but he peeks over his arm. ]
... are we friends, Subaki?
[ Its a strange question but after these two months of walking on eggshells around Takumi, knowing full well that Sakura and him and Subaki have a rapport and interactions he has no place demanding an involvement in... and doesn't, his guilt about all the bad things he's caused Hoshido is beginning to feel suffocating— and the loneliness that comes from it. ]
[ Truthfully, given his station below Corrin, it's a little awkward to call him his friend, but with everything that's happened, he can say with full confidence that they have grown closer here. Besides, Corrin has never really treated him with anything else but kindness and understanding, and he owes him quite a bit for not telling anyone he fell asleep in the midst of his duties ...and all the other problematic incidents that have befallen them since their arrival. ]
Yes, I believe we are, but you are still my prince first and foremost. My duty is to protect you and fight for you as I would your sister.
[ It's as honest of an answer as he can give him. He could never put anything above his duty. ]
And I don't believe I am too good for anything, let alone you. As I said before, Lady Sakura chose to fight for you because she has faith in you. Therefore, so do I.
[ No matter where they are, no matter what the terms. ]
[ Here's a call from some lord of Hoshido. Usually, Takumi is a nervous one, prone to overthinking things like calls, but he's pretty comfortable around Subaki. Almost instantly, he starts talking. ]
Hey, Subaki. When are you going to free?
[ Does this sound suspicious? Is he looking for a favor...? ]
Remember when you mentioned my hair and offering me a cut?
[ Even if Subaki doesn't, that isn't the point. Takumi is fairly sure it has been mentioned a couple of times at this point. In any case, he can make fun of the other many for not being Perfect. ]
You're finally going to let me fix that porcupine of yours? I'm honored. I've been dreaming of getting my hands on your hair for so long.
[ Imagine all the wonderful things he can do -perhaps, a fetching braid? Or even a stylistic bun with a few strategic strands framing his youthful face? ]
[ Him?! A creep?? But he's the very model of a perfect gentleman. Oh, how you wound him so, Takumi. ]
What sounds creepy to you is someone being congenial about fixing that mop on your hair. You can always go to that salon that opened up, but would you risk it when I can assure you of a good quality style?
[BASK IN THE ATTENTION THEN. Except this request might not really need his knightly services.]
Wonderful! In that case, I would like to visit. I am unsure if any of these are suitable...
[She lifts up a whole bunch of mount feed and unicorn mane and tail accessories. She also has gifts for Subaki too, but has not pulled those up yet. Shhh.]
Then I ban you from it, Subaki. If it keeps you from being my friend in the fullest sense, then you are not allowed to look after me. Or fight for me unless you wish it from your heart.
[ He smiles a little, tired from the night's conversation. ]
Perhaps if we do that, you'll be able to have someone to relax with, rather than worry about.
[ Oh no, those are so lovely. How could he choose just a few? ]
I'll have to see them up close to evaluate the textures and the quality, but I do like the idea of making the unicorns have more splendor on the battlefield. Not enough that it'd be distracting or give away their position easily, but they shouldn't look so plain either.
[ It's good for unicorn morale if they share in their rider's beauty and elegance, after all. ]
You obviously can't. My duty is my du-Are you firing me?! Did I displease you that much???
[ This sounds terrible. Why would he do this? He couldn't have made him that upset. He clutches his hair, looking frazzled. How could he be relieved like this? He's an amazing warrior, isn't he? And a perfect retainer!! ]
My lord, please allow me to prove myself! Lady Sakura would be upset if she knew I failed you! My reputation as a retainer...
You didn't displease me at all. Why would you think that, Subaki?
[ He sits up, feeling a little more sober at least. ]
If you keep treating me as a master, you'll never relax around me. The way all friends do... so... I want to be your friend. If we can't have that with you being unable to relax and be yourself, then I'd rather you didn't serve me if it lets you lower your guard.
[ And, with an added smile— ]
And it might just help you learn how to solve a problem like this, should any other friend be in a situation like it, don't you think?
There is nothing 'weird' about the strand. It's called having style. If it laid completely flat, it would be too unremarkable.
[ Need he bring up the porcupine sticking out of Takumi's poinytail? At least, his one strand flutters gracefully in the wind and gives his hair a sense of drama and intrigue. ]
But you can rest assured, it'd be tacky for us to have matching haircuts anyway.
[ He feels so put-out by this conversation. He doesn't even know what Lord Corrin wants or needs. Perhaps, it really would be a better idea to consult Sakura even if it means having to admit his failure here. The horror. ]
I'll be by your room in the morning to bring you water and warm tea to soothe the headache you shall have. As a friend, of course!
[ Because no matter how much it bothers Corrin, he can't resist wanting to take care of others. ]
[ Subaki... Subaki. Sometimes he wonders about you. Sometimes he wonders how you're his sister's retainer, how she even deals with you. But that's okay.
It's fine. His weird habits are awfully refreshing. ]
Oh? I thought that we all could learn to be a lot more stylish if we were to follow your example.
There is a vast difference between outright copying and drawing inspiration from. I want people to be inspired by my example and not do exactly as I do.
[ That's how a good leader leads! Something Takumi can stand to learn, although his retainers are o...kay. Ish. They, at least, seem to admire porcupine-head quite a bit. ]
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