friend circle

Usagi · 08-05-2022, 09:24 AM

Kunai approached not long after Usagi's call, appearing a bit apprehensive about being summoned. Usagi offered him a glance, which probably didn't help matters given his default expression was a frown and unreadable gaze. Still, he appreciate his friend coming at such short notice. He noticed Kunai's stumble as he came over, his brow momentarily furrowing in a flicker of concern before smoothing over again. Kunai was still recovering, no doubt about that. He figured the bay was a bit further away, but more open. He felt Kunai would appreciate the open space, at least while he was still adjusting to the labyrinth that was the maze. Kunai spoke to him, the anxiety clear upon his expression and his body. Usagi didn't mirror the nervousness, sitting quietly before replying, "Hi, Kunai. Have a seat. My brother will be here shortly." He knew his brother would come to his call - even if he knew he wasn't going to be cheerful about it. After all, Usagi did bring Kunai out of nowhere after they both hadn't seen him in years. That was sure to create a rift he was determined to patch up to some degree. His Akita gently poured some tea into all three cups, the brew releasing the scents of the brothers' home into the air. Spices and herbs to calm the soul.

Kuroo approached, and the tense atmosphere about him was impossible to ignore. Usagi didn't ignore his use of the nickname he so hated, either. He would've had to be blindfolded and ignorant to see that the arrival of Kunai made his relationship with his brother worsen for the first time in their lives. He hadn't slept in the den with his brother since Kunai came to the maze, hadn't interacted with him the same amount he had before. The tea steaming on the table was reminiscent of..that talk. The one the both of them had to still process. Usagi remained calm as ever. He needed to be. He needed to conquer Kuroo's obvious upset and Kunai's anxiety all in one sitting. The mediator, if you will. As the mediator, he chose not to reply back to Kuroo with the same tone, the passive aggressiveness he knew his brother possessed. It paralleled his own short temper, which he knew would not help this situation any. They needed to clear the air, reunite. He was determined not to make it like Raijin's meeting.

Usagi cleared his throat, straightening his posture as he faced his attention to the both of them. "I call you both here tonight because I understand there's been a sudden change recently. It has affected you both as much as it has affected me." He paused, then decided to explain the backstory of his encounter with the chimera koi. "As fate would have it, I found Kunai close to death when he washed up on the shores of Boreas. As far out as the story sounds, it's true. I could not simply leave him there to die - above that, he is a childhood friend. Our friend, the one we played with together as kids." Repetitive? Sure. But he wanted to reiterate the fact that such a one in a million encounter happened, and that they had all been friends together. "I stayed with him myself those nights, Kuroo, because I would have felt an immense guilt not watching over him personally. The healers tended to his illness but I felt I needed to keep him safe. I felt responsible for him. I feared for him. I thought he was going to die when he wouldn't wake up. I understand you are upset, because we have not interacted as frequently. I feel guilty for that, as well." He paused, facing his sibling. He would own up to his actions. He brought Kunai into the maze, he had to confront the tension it would put on those he cared for. "We will always be brothers. Family. We'll be close no matter what. You can be upset, angry, anything. I just hope you'll understand that with Kunai here, that will not change." He wasn't the best with words - that much was clear. But what he did say was genuine. He and Kuroo, for the longest time, were the only family they had. Usagi would always look out for him, help him with whatever he needed. He'd give him space or time to process that their childhood friend had come back. That was a big event in and of itself.

He turned to Kunai, taking in a deep breath. He didn't want Kunai to panic. He was going to keep this as calm and civil as needed, and he hoped his brother and friend would do the same. "Kunai, the past few weeks since you arrived have been difficult for you. It weighs heavy on your mind, I know. I hope you'll adjust to the pack, in time, and that you'll be able to find a welcoming home here. That you feel accepted as you are. I will make sure of that, that you are comfortable and safe. And I hope that, in time, we'll reforge the friendship the three of us had as kids. We're adults now, and much time has passed, but I hope some speck of the times we had will remain." After that, he glanced up at the nebula that had grown in the skies above. A lush cloud of teals and fuchsia had emerged, glimmering with the essence of a million stars. He recalled as kids, they each tried to count how many they could see, but always failed to. The memories remained, though, of the time the three of them spent together. No, it would never be the same. But some speck of that nostalgia remained with them. And hopefully with them too.
”Speech” ’Thought’

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friend circle

bunni & skelle!

Usagi