Tsukasa already feels himself aging a thousand years. A thousand years. And yet he'll be walking further anyway instead of turning around.... Admittedly he's looking for back-up - are any of his other senpai here? He remembered something about Izumi and Arashi having a modeling gig but listen... he could at least hope...
But no, it's just him and their nonsensical king.
At least Tsukasa can admit that if Leo's composing, he's at least doing work instead of fucking off to nowhere. So he'll pause, glancing at the notes that are being left spread out absolutely everywhere - lamenting about the inefficient use of the notebooks - and then settling for moving RIGHT ALONG AS IF LEO ISN'T PARROTING HIM AND EMBARRASSING HIM FURTHER]
Ah.... Leader? Are you working on a new song for Knights?
[why did you call him here, literally no one else is around
. . . . ]
And do you want a pillow if you're going to be laid out on the ground like that.... That's probably bad for your posture.
Hmmmm, a pillow? Switching positions now'll ruin the creativity! Between "bad for your posture" or "bad for your inspiration", I'd rather take the first hi— aah, I can already feel it leaving! Come back!
[ and yes, he's just focusing on that question and ignoring absolutely everything else tsukasa asked. as for the notes, there's no real indication of a title or anything, they're not even numbered, but there sure are doodles of tsukasa in the margins for when leo got particularly art-blocked and needed to keep his hand moving to try and force the music out of it.
here's where leo's attention finally snaps, however; it comes with the second time his pen pauses from his fervent attempts to keep things going, and his gaze rips from the paper up to tsukasa's face, his grin wide and crooked. ]
Ah, wait! It's...
[ ..... a small, half-second pause until leo continues onwards smoothly, his eyes going back to the paper from the corner of his eyes. the back of his pen taps against the notebook, and: ]
... You! What're you doing here, huh?
[ guess who forgot he called tsukasa here, and also forgot his name again? surprising
absolutely
no one.
but look, when there's just melodies and rhythms and words related to the song in the mind, there's not room for much else. ]
BECAUSE REALLY WHO CAN PROVIDE MIXED SIGNALS OF THIS CALIBER BESIDES LEO!! For a second, Tsukasa missing the rambling about the inspiration because - those are doodles of? Him? in the margins there? Right? That has to be him, it's not the same haircut as any of the other Knights! So excuse him as his face is starting to turn a little red because COULD IT BE THAT HIS LEADER REMEMBERS HIM--
hahaha
hah
no apparently not. The embarrassment intensifies if anything when Leo just manages those questions and Tsukasa goes rigid. Confused.]
L-Leader...?!
[HOW DO YOU KNOW HIM BUT ALSO NOT]
You're the one who requested my presence? And did you forget my name again?! I thought we've been over this enough already...!!
[ his grin drops at that, expression turning more pensive and thoughtful in an almost panicked response to his underclassman's sudden rigidness. look, he always does this, and sometimes he feels bad when tsukasa's reaction is so tentative, but he bulldozes through anyway.
the pen tapping against the notebook increases in tempo, decreases, tapping into a rhythm that begins to match and then derails from the one penned in the paper. it's sudden, the way leo picks up one of the notebooks and scratches things out, still mumbling as he does so— ]
Aaahaha, it really is better like this! This, this... Hm, hm, hm. ♪ [ smile: back, feeling bad about accidentally offending tsukasa: forgotten. ] Anyway, are you sure it was me? Maybe it was one of the others, since I'd deeefinitely remember calling you out. And look, I'm too busy writing a song for—
he lowers the notebook a tad, looking around the practice room tentatively. the gears in his head are turning silently, the music in his heart pauses, finally making way for other things. like remembering how to be a person! yeah! that's a thing!
he makes one more adjustment on the page. ]
You know, I just realized something. It couldn't be anyone else! No one's here! If there's no one else, it had to be me...
[ ! ]
Let me retract what I just said, okay? It was definitely me, and I'd deeefinitely forget calling you out. Except I remembered just now, so maybe I can still say that honestly! So... Sooooo...
[ SHAMELESSLY TRYING TO FIX ALL THESE MISTAKES IN THE MOST TRANSPARENT WAY
if the memories are hitting him as the music suddenly flows from his mind onto the page so easily for some reason, he can just drag out the process until the rest flood in, right? soooo... soooo.... ]
[ just dropping the notebook onto the floor at this point tbh, his face brightening again completely as it all clicks. see, he didn't forget at all, because here it comes: ]
Suou! See, I didn't forget. So, Suouuu....
[ it's here! the best end!
the "leo regains all his memories end"! ]
... Any idea what I needed you for?
[ nevermind so close yet so fucking far
after all his rambling this is the anticlimactic failure that he displays so proudly ]
[HERE IT IS, THE GRATUITOUS ENGRISH OOOOO YOU HAVE PUSHED HIM TOO FAR, LEO!!!!
BECAUSE HE'S HONESTLY ASTOUNDED?! He's going to run a hand through his hair - it's only because of his upbringing that he's not straight up clutching his head to be honest, he has to have some sense of decorum unlike some weirdos here who just scribble on walls and shit
but you know]
Why would I know a thing like that? You really don't make any sense! Surely it cannot be expected for me to read your mind...?
I don't even really want to know what goes on in there?
[ FUCKED OFF TO BE HOT SOMEWHERE ELSE, WHICH IS PROBABLY FOR THE BEST.
not even registering that that last part could potentially be an insult. ]
I didn't say that! But now that you mention it, wouldn't that be great? I wonder... How would seeing the music in someone's mind look like? Y'think it'd be all written out already, all the staffs and notes and everything? That means I wouldn't even need the walls anymore, doesn't it?! Ahhh, now I really want it...
[ definitely a SCARY PLACE. as he speaks, leo slowly gets more and more passionate, until he reaches the end of his speech with a frustrated but still lighthearted groan, as he falls backwards into a pile of notebooks with his arms outstretched. ]
Hurry up and read minds, Suou! Hmm... Except maybe the real song's the paper I wasted along the way... and if I made what I'm writing for you easier, does that make the end mean less? Who knows, who knows!
[ oh, look, he remembered!
but in the midst of another ramble so it doesn't even register that he's recalled just what he was doing, who he was doing it for. surely that he called tsukasa over right when he was doing this wasn't some neat little coincidence? ]
But Tsukasa's just going to tilt his head a that even as he places his hands on his hips. Mumbling something under his breath that sounds like a very Engrish Jesus Christ... he's then going to finally swallow a little bit of his pride and drop into a crouch next to Leo on the floor.
Just a crouch though. He's not going to be undignified and sit around surrounded by all this music nonsense.....
There's no denying he's irritated - but he's even more irritated by the fact that he's a little bit
hopeful.
Like the petulant child he is, he asks quietly but peeks up at Leo a little expectantly:]
You're... writing something for me, Leader?
[like...... for real?? Something for him? His part in the next Knights song? Even if it was something like that, he'd be happy if it meant that Leo really did remember him as one of his knights, one of his King's pieces....]
[ leo remains on the ground, his fingers playing with a corner of a paper he can reach, the page in the notebook being raised up and down idly as he hums in thought. compared to his rambles from early, he seems much more muted—as if he'd worn himself out with his vocal streams of consciousness, but that obviously isn't the case.
his thoughts are just organizing themselves, and the rush of him being alone with them is ebbing away into a calmness now that someone's here to anchor him.
for however long tsukasa can manage that, anyway. ]
Mhhhmm. I was, wasn't I?
[ is that a question or??
he says it all so casually. ]
Sena was nagging earlier, and it hit me. [ aka i wasn't fucking listening, except i was, but what else is new ] There's nothing wrong with holding a hilt together, but maybe it's time I gave Suou his own sword...?
[ and now, he raises his hand, waving it in the air as his energy pitches higher. ]
[MAYBE HE ONLY HAS A SONG BECAUSE OF THE NAGGING OF SENPAI BUT you know that might have to be enough. At the confirmation that there might be an entirely separate song for him, his face lights up! Because someone is thinking of him, because he might really be able to hold his head high alongside the rights of the Knights.
Because their Leader might think he's worth something. It manages to get his heartbeat to speed up in a way that he doesn't really know how to explain, a mix of flustered emotions and excitement.]
If that's really the case, Leader, then.... then perhaps what you contacted me for? So that I could come here and provide my assistance where I could? Or perhaps it was a further test to determine whether I can handle a song of my own but...
Whatever the case, I will most certainly do my best!!
[ nope, leo was just thinking about music while izumi nagged about something completely unrelated. and given the sudden rush he can hear tsukasa picking up, leo thinks it might've been a good thought, a good, sudden thought—which is usually the case with his bursts of inspiration, right? there were reasons for those.
leo finally pushes himself back into a sitting position, his eyes trained carefully on tsukasa's face, his eyes trained on his expression and smile pensive for a moment, observing, until all his energy bursts again. ]
Wahaha! I know, Suou! You always try reaaaally hard, and that's great! More than great, even when sometimes you think way too much when you shouldn't—I love it, I love it, I love you! ☆
[ ... ]
Hey, maybe that's why I called you over...? I love you, so I want this sword to fit well in your hand. It's— hmmm. I guess you could say its edges are a little rough...?
[ that's literally what tsukasa just said leo.
but whatever. he's nudging a notebook over to tsukasa with the edge of his foot, prompting him to read it. he's pretty sure that one's the first one. there's a doodle of tsukasa on this one, too—it's about as difficult to decipher just what's happening in the doodle as it is to decipher the lyrics of the song that leo seems to have written and rewritten and scratched out about a handful of times, but it sure does look like him missing an archery target.
whoops.
the music, on the other hand, is ridiculously clear in contrast. not overly complicated from the start, but gentle and strong. it's pretty obvious what leo's been having trouble with, huh...... except no one is surprised. ]
Please don't say frivolous things like that... or use your feet to offer things to people.
[He feels a headache coming on?????
Except - okay, it looks like they'll be on the floor for a while. So Tsukasa finally gives in, sitting next to Leo - properly! Not all sprawled out because he is still not a barbarian - and then reaching to grab the notebook. At least he's finally using paper....
and it's not like Tsukasa is embarrassed by the declarations of love or anything, or the praise, or the fact that Leo apparently actually really does think about him and hold him in some sort of regard even though his name is constantly forgotten. but Leo remembers things like their time at the archery hall.... and he devotes actual time to thinking about the kind of music that Tsukasa could wield on his own.
like a proper Leader.
subconsciously, his heart comes to rest over his chest - trying to calm the beating of his own heart. Even so, he can't help but think - perhaps this is alright? Isn't it okay to be excited over something like this?]
Isn't it just the words that are missing, Leader.... [considering the fact that Tsukasa can sight-read what's on the page and those chords sure are as confident and masterful as ever] Is that what you needed me to contribute?
You always respond like that, don't you? Suooo. It's not frivolous at all if it's true, 'kay? I love you.
[ just that little statement, said so lightly but seriously as he leans slightly to the side, then the other side, then back to the side again — he probably ends up bumping lightly onto tsukasa, but it doesn't seem like he's apologizing for that. it wasn't too rough, anyway. just a gentle nudge, almost a reminder of his presence. he's here and all, sometimes.
no mention of the feet thing, because leo's deemed it unimportant. away, away it goes, into the forgotten pile, as he tilts his head and shuts his eyes. ]
Anyway... I guess words're what I needed, yup. I wrote the music, but it isn't my song... Not if it's a success, in the way I want it to be. [ he'd written it with tsukasa in mind, and he truly wanted it to be a song that suou could look back on and truly think of as his — maybe it'd help him grow, or let him discover something about himself that he didn't know.
or maybe it wouldn't! who really knows what it'd do? no one ever knows, but leo'll just go with it, as he always does. ] It's yours! So what you want to say with it, what you find important in it... It'd make sense if you're the one that pieces that together, yeah?
[ it goes unsaid, but that's what's important to him. not whatever words can be given from the slightly worn-out, observer viewpoint leo has; the ever growing, predictable yet unpredictable spoiled brat they're propping up... that's who he wants to hear from.
so. maybe it's a little selfish on his end, if he puts it that way. ]
[Leo ages Tsukasa a thousand years. He's sure that he's 15 going on 50. The second assurance that he's loved coupled with the playful little bump manages to get him to glance over, both tired and confused all at once. Could this confusing, annoying, genius, pain of a Leader really manage to love him?
He won't think about it.
(There's still a slight blush on his cheeks anyway.)]
Mm, I see... I've never acted as a lyricist before. But I will do my best.
[His brow furrows as he tries to focus, thinking about what the topics of Knights songs have been before. Dedication. Loyalty. Chivalry. All the things that he'd already believed in... but he couldn't say the same things over again, could he?]
What I find important is... growing? Constantly improving, heading toward one goal and...
[It's a bit of a ramble, as if he's nervous to get to the heart of it, but... it's for the song, right? It's important. He really shouldn't skirt around it, that's not knightly at all. A pause before he turns to Leo, meeting his eyes with a certain, unshakeable kind of confidence.]
Being an equal to those that I admire - standing next to them proudly.
[ . . . ]
Oh!
[IS THIS WHAT INSPIRATION FEELS LIKE! He breaks their gaze to actually reach for one of the blank notebooks so that he can jot some lines down! Just like that, before it disappears.
[ ahaha. leo opens one eye to meet tsukasa's gaze when he feels that his attention is successfully pulled. then there's the vocal train of thought that's being released, and leo really is so interested; he draws his knees up closer to his body and props his arms on them, letting his chin rest there as he observes ever so fondly. there was really no way to read minds, like they'd touched on — but this was the closest thing.
hearing what was important to tsukasa, one of his knights... that's the best kind of music, right?
so, he laughs when tsukasa reaches for a notebook (like for that second he'd copied one of leo's impulsive actions purposefully) and it's not like that silly, boisterous laughter he usually lets out, but something different and more level, almost proud yet equally amused.
he smiles, of course. ]
Ahah. Guess what, Suo~? I found something new to love just now.
[ shamelessly, but he doesn't elaborate. instead, he says: ]
But, look...! The rush of what you want to say, loudly going zoooom in your mind. It's the best, isn't it? [ and that levelness peels away, leaving his energy to bloom again, his earnest interest bubbling over with the sight of tsukasa's reaching out, getting it. and leo unravels, leaning backwards so that he can pound his fists on his drawn up knees. ] So don't stop, go all out, keep trying! I wanna hear it all!
[He echoes it vaguely, though he does spare a glance up from the paper, tilting his head. Look, he's not as far gone as Leo to the point where he can disappear off into his own little void for the sake of inspiration and whatever else. He's still proper! It's important to listen to what other people have to say!
But the encouragement is there - it's properly... Leaderly, even though Tsukasa doesn't want to admit even that out loud.]
I'm still not like you, you know... It's not like I have a lot of inspiration or can say such words so shamelessly... Leader is an entirely different kind of person?
[It is a little frustrating to think - Leo outclasses him in every single way except. You know. Being a person. But when it comes to talents he has them in spades.
Yet this infuriatingly talented person is still cheering him on so...]
But I can still try... Mm, what else should go in lyrics...?
[ oh. while tsukasa's thinking about that, leo's thinking about something else entirely. his lips are pressed together, and he waits, obviously wanting to say something but uncertain on whether or not he should.
that was like... two steps backwards. no, no, no good at all. so in the silence of lyric writing, leo leans forward again, his chin on his knees and arms outstretched in front of him as he taps on the floor. ]
Hey, hey, before all of that... Inspiration isn't like composing. Can't teach you either of them for different reasons... But saying you don't have a lot of inspiration is wrong. We're not the same, right—you wouldn't wanna be me anyway, 'cause you're you, but we're both still people! And people have a lot within them, y'know?
[ especially knights when they're not fucking unconscious in a coffin or breaking laws (or maybe especially during those moments too who the hell knows), which means suou's definitely included in leo's list of "people who sparkle".
now that that's done: ]
Now, lyrics! More... [ can he join in the english train, since they're bonding with Things They Do, kinda? yes, with an accent that's horrible: ] shameless! And at the end, I can tell you about that something new.
[OOHH, THAT ENGLISH, IT HURTS HIM. and Tsukasa has given up long, long, long ago on being nice to Leo...... the insult definitely just escapes him naturally
[JUST ONE OF THE REASONS WHY HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE LEO..... Just one... There are many.... But honestly, Tsukasa's kind of easily baited when it comes to his senpai even now. He wants to learn from Leo? He wants to know more about Leo? So if he can meet this goal, could he also meet his other goal?
Is it not killing two birds with one stone?]
To be more shameless.... I suppose that makes sense - if it's meant to be consumed by the audience, it should be something that they want to hear? Something that resonates with them....
[It's not as if Tsukasa knows what commoners think though? Ugh. Well, at the base, their emotions are supposed to be the same, right? So he's looking down at the notebook he's scribbled on, humming idly the melody that he recalls from Leo's sketches.]
It's not - odd... to wish to spend more time with someone you admire, right? [A tap of his pencil against the paper, some light scribbling.]
Doing... hm, anything? [His brow furrows, a shake of his head! Then some erasing...] No, that's not enough. Perhaps... everything?
[ . . . ]
Hmm, this is embarrassing... Is that the point, Leader?
[ but judging from the way he lets that linger in the air before bursting out in a short laugh again, he definitely had 10000% known what he was doing with that, so he just lets that run its course before he settles down. and by "settle down" i mean the laughter dulls to just an amused edge in his words, the grin set full and bright on his face.
and because he always needs to be moving (he spent so much time still after all), his hands are tapping out an accompanying, supporting rhythm lightly as tsukasa hums, and even afterwards. just in the background. ]
Okay, okay, I'll stop! I can definitely hear your displeased comment bubbling up now, all—
[ and here he imitates the whistling of a kettle, motioning like something's about to burst and completely derailing the entire thing. he's used to stopping the bitching before it starts even when he baits it out
that is how you know he interacts with izumi sena. serious now, serious now, though as serious as leo can get. which is actually... pretty serious, and yet his demeanour remains the same, and he cycles through his moods and words with no effort at all. ]
—Like I was saying... Maybe? [ he changed his damn answer ] It's just proof you really feel what you're writing, right? Honestly, I kind of wonder who you're directing those pure thoughts at, hahaha!
[WHY IS!! HIS LEADER LIKE THIS!!! Ughhh, except he's fussed for two reasons now?! His thoughts aren't "pure" or anything like that, okay! They're just! Sincere! They're just....
They're just what he thinks. And perhaps later, when he reflects on it, he'll realize that he should be directing those types of thoughts toward his onee-sama, maybe. Toward their beloved producer who does so much for them, who he felt so much affection for that he wanted to kiss her. But instead, the idea that he wants to do everything is directed toward...........]
Idiot...
[well.
him or Leo?
Another shake of his head, embarrassed and worked up as he is over his stupid Leader!]
I-It doesn't matter, does it? That sort of feeling... can't it be understood by everyone? [ . . . and then a little quieter, unsure because he really doesn't? understand a lot about commoners even now?] Or am I wrong...?
[ called out in english again IT HURTS. not that he's phased at all by it-he's just swaying again to the side at that, lightly bumping into tsukasa again (though he is at least careful enough to make sure mister baby doesn't have his pencil near the notebook. he's not going to be responsible for a giant WHOOPSIE right over all of that hard work, okay? ]
Take that! For being rude! In english!
[ except that was light as fuck, as light as leo's tone, which means he's not serious about that at all.
he kind of lingers though, this time--a quiet afterthought as he continues to lean slightly, begins to think with suou's words. can it be understood by everyone? it's hard to say, but leo thinks so; he's even personally felt it, those moments where he wished more and more that he had stayed by their sides, continued to do everything with them, rather than run away. he'd already told tsukasa hints of his thoughts on that, but it still lingers in the air regardless, this time unsaid.
save for this: ]
You're right, but-- [ its a rare moment of hesitation, here, as leo lingers on his words. he hums again slightly, no tune in particular--just a quiet sound to fill the silence before he seems to decide. ] --"doesn't matter" is wrong, all right? It matters, even if it's just me being nosy. I bet it matters to that person you're thinking of, and it matters when that's where your feelings come from. O~kay?
[ a pause. ]
Aahhh, talking like this so much is making me tired...
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no subject
Tsukasa already feels himself aging a thousand years. A thousand years. And yet he'll be walking further anyway instead of turning around.... Admittedly he's looking for back-up - are any of his other senpai here? He remembered something about Izumi and Arashi having a modeling gig but listen... he could at least hope...
But no, it's just him and their nonsensical king.
At least Tsukasa can admit that if Leo's composing, he's at least doing work instead of fucking off to nowhere. So he'll pause, glancing at the notes that are being left spread out absolutely everywhere - lamenting about the inefficient use of the notebooks - and then settling for moving RIGHT ALONG AS IF LEO ISN'T PARROTING HIM AND EMBARRASSING HIM FURTHER]
Ah.... Leader? Are you working on a new song for Knights?
[why did you call him here, literally no one else is around
. . . . ]
And do you want a pillow if you're going to be laid out on the ground like that.... That's probably bad for your posture.
/2
[ and yes, he's just focusing on that question and ignoring absolutely everything else tsukasa asked. as for the notes, there's no real indication of a title or anything, they're not even numbered, but there sure are doodles of tsukasa in the margins for when leo got particularly art-blocked and needed to keep his hand moving to try and force the music out of it.
that may or may not be embarrassing as well. ]
no subject
here's where leo's attention finally snaps, however; it comes with the second time his pen pauses from his fervent attempts to keep things going, and his gaze rips from the paper up to tsukasa's face, his grin wide and crooked. ]
Ah, wait! It's...
[ ..... a small, half-second pause until leo continues onwards smoothly, his eyes going back to the paper from the corner of his eyes. the back of his pen taps against the notebook, and: ]
... You! What're you doing here, huh?
[ guess who forgot he called tsukasa here, and also forgot his name again? surprising
absolutely
no one.
but look, when there's just melodies and rhythms and words related to the song in the mind, there's not room for much else. ]
no subject
no this is coMPLETELY EMBARRASSING
BECAUSE REALLY WHO CAN PROVIDE MIXED SIGNALS OF THIS CALIBER BESIDES LEO!! For a second, Tsukasa missing the rambling about the inspiration because - those are doodles of? Him? in the margins there? Right? That has to be him, it's not the same haircut as any of the other Knights! So excuse him as his face is starting to turn a little red because COULD IT BE THAT HIS LEADER REMEMBERS HIM--
hahaha
hah
no apparently not. The embarrassment intensifies if anything when Leo just manages those questions and Tsukasa goes rigid. Confused.]
L-Leader...?!
[HOW DO YOU KNOW HIM BUT ALSO NOT]
You're the one who requested my presence? And did you forget my name again?! I thought we've been over this enough already...!!
[aaaaaAAAAAAAAAA]
/3
[ his grin drops at that, expression turning more pensive and thoughtful in an almost panicked response to his underclassman's sudden rigidness. look, he always does this, and sometimes he feels bad when tsukasa's reaction is so tentative, but he bulldozes through anyway.
the pen tapping against the notebook increases in tempo, decreases, tapping into a rhythm that begins to match and then derails from the one penned in the paper. it's sudden, the way leo picks up one of the notebooks and scratches things out, still mumbling as he does so— ]
Aaahaha, it really is better like this! This, this... Hm, hm, hm. ♪ [ smile: back, feeling bad about accidentally offending tsukasa: forgotten. ] Anyway, are you sure it was me? Maybe it was one of the others, since I'd deeefinitely remember calling you out. And look, I'm too busy writing a song for—
no subject
he lowers the notebook a tad, looking around the practice room tentatively. the gears in his head are turning silently, the music in his heart pauses, finally making way for other things. like remembering how to be a person! yeah! that's a thing!
he makes one more adjustment on the page. ]
You know, I just realized something. It couldn't be anyone else! No one's here! If there's no one else, it had to be me...
[ ! ]
Let me retract what I just said, okay? It was definitely me, and I'd deeefinitely forget calling you out. Except I remembered just now, so maybe I can still say that honestly! So... Sooooo...
[ SHAMELESSLY TRYING TO FIX ALL THESE MISTAKES IN THE MOST TRANSPARENT WAY
if the memories are hitting him as the music suddenly flows from his mind onto the page so easily for some reason, he can just drag out the process until the rest flood in, right? soooo... soooo.... ]
no subject
[ just dropping the notebook onto the floor at this point tbh, his face brightening again completely as it all clicks. see, he didn't forget at all, because here it comes: ]
Suou! See, I didn't forget. So, Suouuu....
[ it's here! the best end!
the "leo regains all his memories end"! ]
... Any idea what I needed you for?
[ nevermind so close yet so fucking far
after all his rambling this is the anticlimactic failure that he displays so proudly ]
no subject
[HERE IT IS, THE GRATUITOUS ENGRISH OOOOO YOU HAVE PUSHED HIM TOO FAR, LEO!!!!
BECAUSE HE'S HONESTLY ASTOUNDED?! He's going to run a hand through his hair - it's only because of his upbringing that he's not straight up clutching his head to be honest, he has to have some sense of decorum unlike some weirdos here who just scribble on walls and shit
but you know]
Why would I know a thing like that? You really don't make any sense! Surely it cannot be expected for me to read your mind...?
I don't even really want to know what goes on in there?
[IT SEEMS LIKE A SCARY PLACE
HE NEEDS ASSISTANCE
WHERE'S MOM]
no subject
not even registering that that last part could potentially be an insult. ]
I didn't say that! But now that you mention it, wouldn't that be great? I wonder... How would seeing the music in someone's mind look like? Y'think it'd be all written out already, all the staffs and notes and everything? That means I wouldn't even need the walls anymore, doesn't it?! Ahhh, now I really want it...
[ definitely a SCARY PLACE. as he speaks, leo slowly gets more and more passionate, until he reaches the end of his speech with a frustrated but still lighthearted groan, as he falls backwards into a pile of notebooks with his arms outstretched. ]
Hurry up and read minds, Suou! Hmm... Except maybe the real song's the paper I wasted along the way... and if I made what I'm writing for you easier, does that make the end mean less? Who knows, who knows!
[ oh, look, he remembered!
but in the midst of another ramble so it doesn't even register that he's recalled just what he was doing, who he was doing it for. surely that he called tsukasa over right when he was doing this wasn't some neat little coincidence? ]
no subject
who really knows at this point
But Tsukasa's just going to tilt his head a that even as he places his hands on his hips. Mumbling something under his breath that sounds like a very Engrish Jesus Christ... he's then going to finally swallow a little bit of his pride and drop into a crouch next to Leo on the floor.
Just a crouch though. He's not going to be undignified and sit around surrounded by all this music nonsense.....
There's no denying he's irritated - but he's even more irritated by the fact that he's a little bit
hopeful.
Like the petulant child he is, he asks quietly but peeks up at Leo a little expectantly:]
You're... writing something for me, Leader?
[like...... for real?? Something for him? His part in the next Knights song? Even if it was something like that, he'd be happy if it meant that Leo really did remember him as one of his knights, one of his King's pieces....]
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his thoughts are just organizing themselves, and the rush of him being alone with them is ebbing away into a calmness now that someone's here to anchor him.
for however long tsukasa can manage that, anyway. ]
Mhhhmm. I was, wasn't I?
[ is that a question or??
he says it all so casually. ]
Sena was nagging earlier, and it hit me. [ aka i wasn't fucking listening, except i was, but what else is new ] There's nothing wrong with holding a hilt together, but maybe it's time I gave Suou his own sword...?
[ and now, he raises his hand, waving it in the air as his energy pitches higher. ]
Or something like that!
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Because their Leader might think he's worth something. It manages to get his heartbeat to speed up in a way that he doesn't really know how to explain, a mix of flustered emotions and excitement.]
If that's really the case, Leader, then.... then perhaps what you contacted me for? So that I could come here and provide my assistance where I could? Or perhaps it was a further test to determine whether I can handle a song of my own but...
Whatever the case, I will most certainly do my best!!
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leo finally pushes himself back into a sitting position, his eyes trained carefully on tsukasa's face, his eyes trained on his expression and smile pensive for a moment, observing, until all his energy bursts again. ]
Wahaha! I know, Suou! You always try reaaaally hard, and that's great! More than great, even when sometimes you think way too much when you shouldn't—I love it, I love it, I love you! ☆
[ ... ]
Hey, maybe that's why I called you over...? I love you, so I want this sword to fit well in your hand. It's— hmmm. I guess you could say its edges are a little rough...?
[ that's literally what tsukasa just said leo.
but whatever. he's nudging a notebook over to tsukasa with the edge of his foot, prompting him to read it. he's pretty sure that one's the first one. there's a doodle of tsukasa on this one, too—it's about as difficult to decipher just what's happening in the doodle as it is to decipher the lyrics of the song that leo seems to have written and rewritten and scratched out about a handful of times, but it sure does look like him missing an archery target.
whoops.
the music, on the other hand, is ridiculously clear in contrast. not overly complicated from the start, but gentle and strong. it's pretty obvious what leo's been having trouble with, huh...... except no one is surprised. ]
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[He feels a headache coming on?????
Except - okay, it looks like they'll be on the floor for a while. So Tsukasa finally gives in, sitting next to Leo - properly! Not all sprawled out because he is still not a barbarian - and then reaching to grab the notebook. At least he's finally using paper....
and it's not like Tsukasa is embarrassed by the declarations of love or anything, or the praise, or the fact that Leo apparently actually really does think about him and hold him in some sort of regard even though his name is constantly forgotten. but Leo remembers things like their time at the archery hall.... and he devotes actual time to thinking about the kind of music that Tsukasa could wield on his own.
like a proper Leader.
subconsciously, his heart comes to rest over his chest - trying to calm the beating of his own heart. Even so, he can't help but think - perhaps this is alright? Isn't it okay to be excited over something like this?]
Isn't it just the words that are missing, Leader.... [considering the fact that Tsukasa can sight-read what's on the page and those chords sure are as confident and masterful as ever] Is that what you needed me to contribute?
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[ just that little statement, said so lightly but seriously as he leans slightly to the side, then the other side, then back to the side again — he probably ends up bumping lightly onto tsukasa, but it doesn't seem like he's apologizing for that. it wasn't too rough, anyway. just a gentle nudge, almost a reminder of his presence. he's here and all, sometimes.
no mention of the feet thing, because leo's deemed it unimportant. away, away it goes, into the forgotten pile, as he tilts his head and shuts his eyes. ]
Anyway... I guess words're what I needed, yup. I wrote the music, but it isn't my song... Not if it's a success, in the way I want it to be. [ he'd written it with tsukasa in mind, and he truly wanted it to be a song that suou could look back on and truly think of as his — maybe it'd help him grow, or let him discover something about himself that he didn't know.
or maybe it wouldn't! who really knows what it'd do? no one ever knows, but leo'll just go with it, as he always does. ] It's yours! So what you want to say with it, what you find important in it... It'd make sense if you're the one that pieces that together, yeah?
[ it goes unsaid, but that's what's important to him. not whatever words can be given from the slightly worn-out, observer viewpoint leo has; the ever growing, predictable yet unpredictable spoiled brat they're propping up... that's who he wants to hear from.
so. maybe it's a little selfish on his end, if he puts it that way. ]
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He won't think about it.
(There's still a slight blush on his cheeks anyway.)]
Mm, I see... I've never acted as a lyricist before. But I will do my best.
[His brow furrows as he tries to focus, thinking about what the topics of Knights songs have been before. Dedication. Loyalty. Chivalry. All the things that he'd already believed in... but he couldn't say the same things over again, could he?]
What I find important is... growing? Constantly improving, heading toward one goal and...
[It's a bit of a ramble, as if he's nervous to get to the heart of it, but... it's for the song, right? It's important. He really shouldn't skirt around it, that's not knightly at all. A pause before he turns to Leo, meeting his eyes with a certain, unshakeable kind of confidence.]
Being an equal to those that I admire - standing next to them proudly.
[ . . . ]
Oh!
[IS THIS WHAT INSPIRATION FEELS LIKE! He breaks their gaze to actually reach for one of the blank notebooks so that he can jot some lines down! Just like that, before it disappears.
Ah, he sort of understands now.]
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hearing what was important to tsukasa, one of his knights... that's the best kind of music, right?
so, he laughs when tsukasa reaches for a notebook (like for that second he'd copied one of leo's impulsive actions purposefully) and it's not like that silly, boisterous laughter he usually lets out, but something different and more level, almost proud yet equally amused.
he smiles, of course. ]
Ahah. Guess what, Suo~? I found something new to love just now.
[ shamelessly, but he doesn't elaborate. instead, he says: ]
But, look...! The rush of what you want to say, loudly going zoooom in your mind. It's the best, isn't it? [ and that levelness peels away, leaving his energy to bloom again, his earnest interest bubbling over with the sight of tsukasa's reaching out, getting it. and leo unravels, leaning backwards so that he can pound his fists on his drawn up knees. ] So don't stop, go all out, keep trying! I wanna hear it all!
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[He echoes it vaguely, though he does spare a glance up from the paper, tilting his head. Look, he's not as far gone as Leo to the point where he can disappear off into his own little void for the sake of inspiration and whatever else. He's still proper! It's important to listen to what other people have to say!
But the encouragement is there - it's properly... Leaderly, even though Tsukasa doesn't want to admit even that out loud.]
I'm still not like you, you know... It's not like I have a lot of inspiration or can say such words so shamelessly... Leader is an entirely different kind of person?
[It is a little frustrating to think - Leo outclasses him in every single way except. You know. Being a person. But when it comes to talents he has them in spades.
Yet this infuriatingly talented person is still cheering him on so...]
But I can still try... Mm, what else should go in lyrics...?
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that was like... two steps backwards. no, no, no good at all. so in the silence of lyric writing, leo leans forward again, his chin on his knees and arms outstretched in front of him as he taps on the floor. ]
Hey, hey, before all of that... Inspiration isn't like composing. Can't teach you either of them for different reasons... But saying you don't have a lot of inspiration is wrong. We're not the same, right—you wouldn't wanna be me anyway, 'cause you're you, but we're both still people! And people have a lot within them, y'know?
[ especially knights when they're not fucking unconscious in a coffin or breaking laws (or maybe especially during those moments too who the hell knows), which means suou's definitely included in leo's list of "people who sparkle".
now that that's done: ]
Now, lyrics! More... [ can he join in the english train, since they're bonding with Things They Do, kinda? yes, with an accent that's horrible: ] shameless! And at the end, I can tell you about that something new.
[ stop leo
don't listen to him. ]
[1/2]
first of all]
Don't ever do that again.
[OOHH, THAT ENGLISH, IT HURTS HIM. and Tsukasa has given up long, long, long ago on being nice to Leo...... the insult definitely just escapes him naturally
DON'T EVER DO THAT AGAIN]
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Is it not killing two birds with one stone?]
To be more shameless.... I suppose that makes sense - if it's meant to be consumed by the audience, it should be something that they want to hear? Something that resonates with them....
[It's not as if Tsukasa knows what commoners think though? Ugh. Well, at the base, their emotions are supposed to be the same, right? So he's looking down at the notebook he's scribbled on, humming idly the melody that he recalls from Leo's sketches.]
It's not - odd... to wish to spend more time with someone you admire, right? [A tap of his pencil against the paper, some light scribbling.]
Doing... hm, anything? [His brow furrows, a shake of his head! Then some erasing...] No, that's not enough. Perhaps... everything?
[ . . . ]
Hmm, this is embarrassing... Is that the point, Leader?
/2
[ in, again, broken english.
not listening what else is new ]
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and because he always needs to be moving (he spent so much time still after all), his hands are tapping out an accompanying, supporting rhythm lightly as tsukasa hums, and even afterwards. just in the background. ]
Okay, okay, I'll stop! I can definitely hear your displeased comment bubbling up now, all—
[ and here he imitates the whistling of a kettle, motioning like something's about to burst and completely derailing the entire thing. he's used to stopping the bitching before it starts even when he baits it out
that is how you know he interacts with izumi sena. serious now, serious now, though as serious as leo can get. which is actually... pretty serious, and yet his demeanour remains the same, and he cycles through his moods and words with no effort at all. ]
—Like I was saying... Maybe? [ he changed his damn answer ] It's just proof you really feel what you're writing, right? Honestly, I kind of wonder who you're directing those pure thoughts at, hahaha!
[ stop leo ]
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[WHY IS!! HIS LEADER LIKE THIS!!! Ughhh, except he's fussed for two reasons now?! His thoughts aren't "pure" or anything like that, okay! They're just! Sincere! They're just....
They're just what he thinks. And perhaps later, when he reflects on it, he'll realize that he should be directing those types of thoughts toward his onee-sama, maybe. Toward their beloved producer who does so much for them, who he felt so much affection for that he wanted to kiss her. But instead, the idea that he wants to do everything is directed toward...........]
Idiot...
[well.
him or Leo?
Another shake of his head, embarrassed and worked up as he is over his stupid Leader!]
I-It doesn't matter, does it? That sort of feeling... can't it be understood by everyone? [ . . . and then a little quieter, unsure because he really doesn't? understand a lot about commoners even now?] Or am I wrong...?
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Take that! For being rude! In english!
[ except that was light as fuck, as light as leo's tone, which means he's not serious about that at all.
he kind of lingers though, this time--a quiet afterthought as he continues to lean slightly, begins to think with suou's words. can it be understood by everyone? it's hard to say, but leo thinks so; he's even personally felt it, those moments where he wished more and more that he had stayed by their sides, continued to do everything with them, rather than run away. he'd already told tsukasa hints of his thoughts on that, but it still lingers in the air regardless, this time unsaid.
save for this: ]
You're right, but-- [ its a rare moment of hesitation, here, as leo lingers on his words. he hums again slightly, no tune in particular--just a quiet sound to fill the silence before he seems to decide. ] --"doesn't matter" is wrong, all right? It matters, even if it's just me being nosy. I bet it matters to that person you're thinking of, and it matters when that's where your feelings come from. O~kay?
[ a pause. ]
Aahhh, talking like this so much is making me tired...
[ staying here ok ]
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