keterclass (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
keterclass) wrote2025-06-06 09:34 pm
keterclass) wrote2025-06-06 09:34 pm
IC Inbox
Nephrite Curtiss
I'm not available, but if you think it will help you can leave a message after the tone.
VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION
Then I think we're agreed on the points that truly matter.
[Yeah if Neph ever hurts his kids (and Luke is his kid now whether he's ready to acknowledge that out loud or not), he'll have earned the consequences from Takame, too.]
Did you have any other questions, or should I let you return to your classes?
[Yeah if Neph ever hurts his kids (and Luke is his kid now whether he's ready to acknowledge that out loud or not), he'll have earned the consequences from Takame, too.]
Did you have any other questions, or should I let you return to your classes?
Indeed we are.
[They can proverbially shake on it. Takame wouldn't do so now, but at the very least he relaxed his posture somewhat. A soldier-off-duty now rather than one ready to enter the front line. Still tense, but less so with a natural sway in his tail.]
None that pertain to Luke. And for now, that was my primary concern.
[He gave another bow.]
My misgivings set aside, 'tis truly appreciated that you took the time to speak with me.
[They can proverbially shake on it. Takame wouldn't do so now, but at the very least he relaxed his posture somewhat. A soldier-off-duty now rather than one ready to enter the front line. Still tense, but less so with a natural sway in his tail.]
None that pertain to Luke. And for now, that was my primary concern.
[He gave another bow.]
My misgivings set aside, 'tis truly appreciated that you took the time to speak with me.
[Neph shrugs cheerfully.]
It's to both our benefit to clear the air, after all. And my, I don't think I've ever been threatened so politely before.
Well, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of one another sooner or later, since we're both involved in this business now.
It's to both our benefit to clear the air, after all. And my, I don't think I've ever been threatened so politely before.
Well, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of one another sooner or later, since we're both involved in this business now.
[There's a thought in the back of Luke's mind.]
[It starts out tiny, but teenage boys by nature are curious. They might be stupid about it, but they are insatiably curious.]
[Nephrite. What is their relationship?]
[Like, obviously he's Asch's dad. But Luke doesn't come as part of that package. And yeah, he did say he had to give Asch a ride when Luke fainted, but even if that was true--he could have waited outside.]
[And why is it, that whenever Luke looks at Nephrite, he feels the urge to make him proud?]
[He can't find the answers to these questions on his own, so he goes after Nephrite himself. Sure, all the people in his family are allergic to emotions or whatever, but if he asks him directly--he'll definitely say something, right?]
[Wherever Luke finds Nephrite, he'll pull him aside:]
Hey, uh, do you have a moment?
[It starts out tiny, but teenage boys by nature are curious. They might be stupid about it, but they are insatiably curious.]
[Nephrite. What is their relationship?]
[Like, obviously he's Asch's dad. But Luke doesn't come as part of that package. And yeah, he did say he had to give Asch a ride when Luke fainted, but even if that was true--he could have waited outside.]
[And why is it, that whenever Luke looks at Nephrite, he feels the urge to make him proud?]
[He can't find the answers to these questions on his own, so he goes after Nephrite himself. Sure, all the people in his family are allergic to emotions or whatever, but if he asks him directly--he'll definitely say something, right?]
[Wherever Luke finds Nephrite, he'll pull him aside:]
Hey, uh, do you have a moment?
[He was lurking around Random Play again. Aside from his and Asch's work with the Black Order, it's the most likely place that he can check on as many of his sons' relatives as possible while remaining relatively low-key about doing so.
Luke's approach catches him a little bit off-guard, only because he didn't expect the younger man to come to him.
'For you, always,' he doesn't say, because that would be too much. Instead he smiles blandly.]
I suppose I could take a few minutes out of my busy schedule. [Pretending to look through the racks for something he and Asch could watch together is hardly an urgent task.] What could you need from me, though?
Luke's approach catches him a little bit off-guard, only because he didn't expect the younger man to come to him.
'For you, always,' he doesn't say, because that would be too much. Instead he smiles blandly.]
I suppose I could take a few minutes out of my busy schedule. [Pretending to look through the racks for something he and Asch could watch together is hardly an urgent task.] What could you need from me, though?
[Low-key. Sir, everybody's staring at a vampire when they're in public????]
I dunno, I mean, I kinda should be asking you that, right?
[Luke hasn't thought far ahead enough to formulate a plan of attack here because thinking ahead is for cowards. And old people.]
Like, you just keep showing up where I do. And when I fainted, you were there, too, even though you could've stayed outside. If it was just because I was Asch's brother, I thought you'd try to spend time with me or something? But you don't, really.
[He will solve this mystery yet.]
Pretty suspicious, if you ask me.
I dunno, I mean, I kinda should be asking you that, right?
[Luke hasn't thought far ahead enough to formulate a plan of attack here because thinking ahead is for cowards. And old people.]
Like, you just keep showing up where I do. And when I fainted, you were there, too, even though you could've stayed outside. If it was just because I was Asch's brother, I thought you'd try to spend time with me or something? But you don't, really.
[He will solve this mystery yet.]
Pretty suspicious, if you ask me.
[Well, this is interesting. Luke can be so careless, it's easy to forget that he's actually clever when he actually puts an effort in. He's doing pretty well at putting two and two together, here.
Nephrite wonders just how far he can take that line of thinking of his own accord, if prompted.]
My, are you accusing me of having some sort of ulterior motive? I suppose it must look a little strange. Why would someone see to your well-being but keep their distance? I'd be suspicious of me, too.
Nephrite wonders just how far he can take that line of thinking of his own accord, if prompted.]
My, are you accusing me of having some sort of ulterior motive? I suppose it must look a little strange. Why would someone see to your well-being but keep their distance? I'd be suspicious of me, too.
[In another world, Luke would not be so easily goaded.]
[Who am I kidding? There's no world where Luke doesn't fall for the bait (4).]
Exactly! That's it!
[He has won. Nephrite hasn't revealed anything yet, but Luke feels like he has won.]
So now you gotta tell me what's up!
[If someone asks if you're a cop, you have to tell them. Those are the rules!]
[Who am I kidding? There's no world where Luke doesn't fall for the bait (4).]
Exactly! That's it!
[He has won. Nephrite hasn't revealed anything yet, but Luke feels like he has won.]
So now you gotta tell me what's up!
[If someone asks if you're a cop, you have to tell them. Those are the rules!]
[...Ah, well. He was using his brain for a few minutes, that's something, at least.]
Or what? Do you think you have any leverage that could force me to give up any information I don't choose to?
[He does. All he actually has to do is make a sad face and Nephrite will crumble and tell him whatever he wants to know. But as usual Luke is stumbling around saying things to dangerous people when he has no idea who he's talking to, and that just won't do. He should at least try to present a threatening side, for the sake of Luke's future interactions.]
Or what? Do you think you have any leverage that could force me to give up any information I don't choose to?
[He does. All he actually has to do is make a sad face and Nephrite will crumble and tell him whatever he wants to know. But as usual Luke is stumbling around saying things to dangerous people when he has no idea who he's talking to, and that just won't do. He should at least try to present a threatening side, for the sake of Luke's future interactions.]
[Does Luke catch on that Neph is trying to teach him a lesson?]
[Absolutely not!]
[But Luke has seen enough movies to see where this is going. If Neph wants leverage, Luke has leverage (13).]
Of course. I have your purchase history from Random Play.
[Absolutely not!]
[But Luke has seen enough movies to see where this is going. If Neph wants leverage, Luke has leverage (13).]
Of course. I have your purchase history from Random Play.
[He has-
That confident declaration actually manages to startle a genuine laugh out of Nephrite. He couldn't possibly have expected that direction, but...oh it's actually cute that Luke thinks he could be blackmailed that simply.]
...Oh, well, in that case I suppose I have no choice but to give up all of my secrets.
That confident declaration actually manages to startle a genuine laugh out of Nephrite. He couldn't possibly have expected that direction, but...oh it's actually cute that Luke thinks he could be blackmailed that simply.]
...Oh, well, in that case I suppose I have no choice but to give up all of my secrets.
[The cheer fades into something like fondness, a little bit melancholy, as he looks back at Luke.]
...It's true that I've been concerned for your well-being, given...the unusual circumstances. And it's out of that same concern that I've kept my distance as well.
[He pauses, hesitating, but...why draw it out any longer?]
After all, reminding you of that other life only seems to cause you pain.
...It's true that I've been concerned for your well-being, given...the unusual circumstances. And it's out of that same concern that I've kept my distance as well.
[He pauses, hesitating, but...why draw it out any longer?]
After all, reminding you of that other life only seems to cause you pain.
[To his credit, Luke actually does listen. And take time to process.]
Oh, that makes sense, I guess.
[But it does make Luke feel bad? Guilty?]
[Man, why does he always feel guilty around this guy?]
But, I mean, I don’t think that means you need to stay away. I’m gonna remember either way, right? I don’t think Takame-sensei was in my past life, but he still set one off.
[After a beat:]
Did our past life have dragon people?
Oh, that makes sense, I guess.
[But it does make Luke feel bad? Guilty?]
[Man, why does he always feel guilty around this guy?]
But, I mean, I don’t think that means you need to stay away. I’m gonna remember either way, right? I don’t think Takame-sensei was in my past life, but he still set one off.
[After a beat:]
Did our past life have dragon people?
Edited 2025-09-09 04:59 (UTC)
No, I'm sorry to say it was a world of regular human beings.
[It is true that Luke is going to remember no matter what. The last time he started to remember, he was with someone who had no idea what his student might be recovering. Luke himself has no idea what he might be recovering.
Nephrite knows. He's been keeping these truths from Luke in order to allow him to be happy and normal for as long as he possibly can. But...that time is coming to an end, one way or another. Maybe it's better that Luke should be prepared, even if that comes at the risk of frightening him.]
...It isn't just the pain of the headaches that I was worried for, I'm afraid. That other life...was a difficult one for you at times. The memories you recover won't all be pleasant ones. And if someone who wasn't there in our world at all could trigger them, imagine how much more likely my presence is to do so.
[It is true that Luke is going to remember no matter what. The last time he started to remember, he was with someone who had no idea what his student might be recovering. Luke himself has no idea what he might be recovering.
Nephrite knows. He's been keeping these truths from Luke in order to allow him to be happy and normal for as long as he possibly can. But...that time is coming to an end, one way or another. Maybe it's better that Luke should be prepared, even if that comes at the risk of frightening him.]
...It isn't just the pain of the headaches that I was worried for, I'm afraid. That other life...was a difficult one for you at times. The memories you recover won't all be pleasant ones. And if someone who wasn't there in our world at all could trigger them, imagine how much more likely my presence is to do so.
That’s lame.
[C’mon, he can understand no dragon people, but why aren’t there at least cat girls?]
[Still, he listens. He listens for once in his short and sheltered life.]
Yeah, I mean I kinda guessed that? I don’t think happy memories leave people passing out.
[At least, not from pain.]
Plus, you seem like you know what you’re doing. If they get triggered, you could probably help out, right? If you leave it to Asch, we’ll just end up fighting.
I dunno, it just seems like it’d be cool if you were around. You’re weird, but you’re nice.
[C’mon, he can understand no dragon people, but why aren’t there at least cat girls?]
[Still, he listens. He listens for once in his short and sheltered life.]
Yeah, I mean I kinda guessed that? I don’t think happy memories leave people passing out.
[At least, not from pain.]
Plus, you seem like you know what you’re doing. If they get triggered, you could probably help out, right? If you leave it to Asch, we’ll just end up fighting.
I dunno, it just seems like it’d be cool if you were around. You’re weird, but you’re nice.
[Nephrite Curtiss can count on a single hand the number of times in his life that he's been called 'nice'. All of the others were sarcastic. No one called Jade Curtiss nice, either, even when he very occasionally tried to be kind. He hasn't been nice for most of either of his lives, and he goes out of his way to be a difficult person to know so that people keep their distance from him.
But he can't do that with Luke, not wholeheartedly, and this is the result.]
You have no idea what you're saying.
[He meant that to sound dark and vaguely threatening, but he can hear the softness and melancholy in his own voice when the words pass his lips. He's better at the cheerful deflection if he wants to scare people away.
But Luke isn't wrong about the result of his interactions with Asch, even though Neph is pretty sure they'd end up working through it in a way that was beneficial to both of them. And...much like his brother, he's choosing to pursue this connection.
He remembers the first time, so many years ago now, that Asch's little hand had reached out to grab his for security, as if he was someone safe. The trust these brothers put in him is something he never feels he's earned, and something he would die rather than betray.]
But he can't do that with Luke, not wholeheartedly, and this is the result.]
You have no idea what you're saying.
[He meant that to sound dark and vaguely threatening, but he can hear the softness and melancholy in his own voice when the words pass his lips. He's better at the cheerful deflection if he wants to scare people away.
But Luke isn't wrong about the result of his interactions with Asch, even though Neph is pretty sure they'd end up working through it in a way that was beneficial to both of them. And...much like his brother, he's choosing to pursue this connection.
He remembers the first time, so many years ago now, that Asch's little hand had reached out to grab his for security, as if he was someone safe. The trust these brothers put in him is something he never feels he's earned, and something he would die rather than betray.]
[He shields that softness again behind a smile, but it's much less sharp now and more playful. Luke just doesn't need to carry the weight of Neph's emotions when he's dealing with his own; he'll process later on his own time.]
Well, when you put it like that, I can't claim you're wrong. The two of you get along much better in this life, but you probably could stand a little supervision even so.
Well, when you put it like that, I can't claim you're wrong. The two of you get along much better in this life, but you probably could stand a little supervision even so.
Yeah, yeah. I don't really ever know what I'm saying, so it doesn't matter.
[Checkmate! He's a stupid teenager. Take that, Jade.]
I should probably get back to the shop, but I'm looking forward to seeing you around, old man.
[Checkmate! He's a stupid teenager. Take that, Jade.]
I should probably get back to the shop, but I'm looking forward to seeing you around, old man.
What the hell is this?
[He sends an image of an official-looking paper (Black Order letterhead?! Fancy.) titled LEAVE OF ABSENCE. It indicates that Asch is encouraged to take up temporary employment in the Fortress of Meropide for an undisclosed period of time, and even has some helpful resources on enrolling for college.
The narrative is there between the lines, if someone looks. But Asch isn't looking.]
They're getting rid of me. Why? I've participated in missions and followed orders this whole time!
It's been months since the incident in the labyrinth. I've done everything to the letter since then—and they're not even asking for an explanation!
[Is he really... that worthless?]
[He sends an image of an official-looking paper (Black Order letterhead?! Fancy.) titled LEAVE OF ABSENCE. It indicates that Asch is encouraged to take up temporary employment in the Fortress of Meropide for an undisclosed period of time, and even has some helpful resources on enrolling for college.
The narrative is there between the lines, if someone looks. But Asch isn't looking.]
They're getting rid of me. Why? I've participated in missions and followed orders this whole time!
It's been months since the incident in the labyrinth. I've done everything to the letter since then—and they're not even asking for an explanation!
[Is he really... that worthless?]
[He's been expecting this call, sooner or later. Of course, the Order's leadership didn't do this without consulting Asch's father, to make sure Neph wouldn't take offense, that it wouldn't do more harm than good for Asch, that Asch would be supported. If Asch had thought about it for long enough, he'd have figured that out, too.
But he also knows Asch well enough to know that he won't like it if this move is his father's decision. The hurt and confusion that lurk just underneath that anger sting, but it will be worse if he gets them directed at himself.
Still...there are things he's never said, that it might be good to get into the open. If he can figure out how to navigate the conversation. His tone is calm and even when he answers, betraying nothing yet.]
I don't believe you're being punished for your past behavior, no. They would have discussed it with you more before making this move, if that was the case.
[Let's start with trying to get him thinking, first.]
But he also knows Asch well enough to know that he won't like it if this move is his father's decision. The hurt and confusion that lurk just underneath that anger sting, but it will be worse if he gets them directed at himself.
Still...there are things he's never said, that it might be good to get into the open. If he can figure out how to navigate the conversation. His tone is calm and even when he answers, betraying nothing yet.]
I don't believe you're being punished for your past behavior, no. They would have discussed it with you more before making this move, if that was the case.
[Let's start with trying to get him thinking, first.]
Edited 2025-11-07 07:27 (UTC)
[He does tend to listen to Nephrite, even when he's mad. And Asch is mad... but he's more hurt than angry, as it turns out. Besides finding his family, this was like, the one Purpose he had for a while, his job. And it's been taken away from him.]
Then, why...?
[He reads over the paper again. At least he's not the kind of person to crumple up orders.]
... Report to the Fortress of Meropide... resources to enroll at Kaisou University...
[Okay, work as punishment would be one thing, but the college enrollment has him thrown way off.]
They want me to go to school... with Luke.
Then, why...?
[He reads over the paper again. At least he's not the kind of person to crumple up orders.]
... Report to the Fortress of Meropide... resources to enroll at Kaisou University...
[Okay, work as punishment would be one thing, but the college enrollment has him thrown way off.]
They want me to go to school... with Luke.
[Finally, with his hotheadedness put aside for the briefest of moments, his brain kicks back on.]
... It's a way out. A golden ticket to the outside world.
... It's a way out. A golden ticket to the outside world.
That's right. We're allowed to walk away now, with no consequences. You don't need to be stuck taking orders for the rest of your years.
[Neph isn't leaving. He's been in the Order too long, he doesn't know how to be anything else. It might not be too late to learn, but...he can do more good for his family if he keeps eyes on the inside where all the information is.]
You know that if I'd had my preferences, you would never have been forced to sign up in the first place.
[Neph isn't leaving. He's been in the Order too long, he doesn't know how to be anything else. It might not be too late to learn, but...he can do more good for his family if he keeps eyes on the inside where all the information is.]
You know that if I'd had my preferences, you would never have been forced to sign up in the first place.
[Anyone else would be grateful for this opportunity, but he feels like the decision was made for him. In a way, this is just another order. And he's a soldier, yes, but...
It still feels like a betrayal.]
... You expect me to just walk right out and leave you behind?
I still chose to sign up rather than being locked away or disposed of, and it was for good reason. The Black Order had resources that we couldn't access on our own. And, also...
You may have brought me back, but you're not a healer. I thought that someone had to keep you alive. And it may as well be me.
[Call it a debt if you like, but Asch thinks they're a bit closer than that.]
Who will look after you if I can't come on missions anymore?
It still feels like a betrayal.]
... You expect me to just walk right out and leave you behind?
I still chose to sign up rather than being locked away or disposed of, and it was for good reason. The Black Order had resources that we couldn't access on our own. And, also...
You may have brought me back, but you're not a healer. I thought that someone had to keep you alive. And it may as well be me.
[Call it a debt if you like, but Asch thinks they're a bit closer than that.]
Who will look after you if I can't come on missions anymore?
A choice made under those kinds of threats can hardly be called freely made. When I think of the years you've spent...
[He stops, steadies himself. His own helpless frustration at not being able to do better for Asch in the past is not going to help his son move on into a better life right now.]
I promise we'll see each other. We're living in the same city, and you're free to ask Kinich to keep an eye on me if that will make you feel better. [He'd probably be doing that regardless.] But you have the opportunity now to learn another path.
If you take this time away and decide that you want to come back, after experiencing what life outside the Order is like, then I won't have any complaints or objections. But you should... you deserve to have that experience, before you tie yourself forever to the only path you were allowed to know.
[He stops, steadies himself. His own helpless frustration at not being able to do better for Asch in the past is not going to help his son move on into a better life right now.]
I promise we'll see each other. We're living in the same city, and you're free to ask Kinich to keep an eye on me if that will make you feel better. [He'd probably be doing that regardless.] But you have the opportunity now to learn another path.
If you take this time away and decide that you want to come back, after experiencing what life outside the Order is like, then I won't have any complaints or objections. But you should... you deserve to have that experience, before you tie yourself forever to the only path you were allowed to know.
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