[The rustle of discomfort is something Vikenti notices keenly, even as he takes a backseat to his own body. And...was that a compliment??? Thank you, he thinks?
It's kind of nice to see Shu...Shunbin? So knocked off balance, though.
He feels his own brows knit together.]
Hibiki. You're as perceptive as always.
[He's not pleased, but he won't insult the other by pretending he's not who he really is. He still won't say that he gave his host no clues in the first place.]
To be most fair, you all but came in here declaring it, with your manner and what you're letting show. Don't give me more credit than I deserve.
[they wave a hand, but there's a glimmer of sharp amusement in the eyes - coming forward was a simple matter, like changing positions in a dance, now that the two of them are laced so tight.]
I know she'll thank you for your help, but allow me to say it as well.
[Ah, Hibiki and their strange sort of kindness. They were perceptive, and far more difficult to trick than most of their kind. Not for lack of trying, of course. He sighs, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly.]
It isn't you. I simply don't feel that I deserve such praise. Pride is...something that blinds too easily, is it not, my friend?
[He's silent for a bit, chewing the question over, and then tilts his head, his ears giving a flick. They're not as long as the ones he had before, and therefore not as expressive, but they still do the job.]
...Speak freely. I'll take responsibility.
[He knows he hasn't been fair, and he still doesn't want to tell him per se, but...they are sharing a body. The boy had been forthcoming with him...Shunbin is not a monster, as much as he wants to be.]
[There's a shimmer around Vikenti, and for a moment, once again, Hibiki can see the outline of the much taller, long-haired fox; a little glimpse of the one that Hibiki knows. It's for Hibiki's benefit, he supposes, but the Hibiki he knows rarely needs such things--and so, perhaps it's partially for himself, too. He's not sure, but perhaps...it feels a little nice. The illusion disappears quickly.] And should you ever need company for fruit wine at twilight, I will be here too. You do still drink a bit, no? If you abstain, I will take on your burden~
[Even Vikenti can feel the discomfort radiating off Shunbin, who nevertheless smiles once more.]
If I may face the lady once again, then? Should she have any questions.
[they smile in a peculiar way, knowing and wry all at once, before they close their eyes and something shifts in the body's posture, in the face. and then the soul that gazes out is just Emily, brought back forward easily - the dance has changed again. more weary than her counterpart, but still trying to gently, politely smile.]
...No questions currently, but I am genuinely grateful for your help. You're quite right about what the eyes see being a part of it all.
[if someone could believe they were getting better, then they would be that closer to doing so.]
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It's kind of nice to see Shu...Shunbin? So knocked off balance, though.
He feels his own brows knit together.]
Hibiki. You're as perceptive as always.
[He's not pleased, but he won't insult the other by pretending he's not who he really is.
He still won't say that he gave his host no clues in the first place.]
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[they wave a hand, but there's a glimmer of sharp amusement in the eyes - coming forward was a simple matter, like changing positions in a dance, now that the two of them are laced so tight.]
I know she'll thank you for your help, but allow me to say it as well.
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It is nothing. Just fox magic, as you know.
[Strange for him, one who's never been particularly shy or humble. Even if he'd said it before, it would have been in jest.]
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[one eyebrow raises, and they seem genuinely surprised by it.]
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It isn't you. I simply don't feel that I deserve such praise. Pride is...something that blinds too easily, is it not, my friend?
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[they pause, looking carefully at him.]
How much does he know?
[so that they might not overstep with their host.]
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...Speak freely. I'll take responsibility.
[He knows he hasn't been fair, and he still doesn't want to tell him per se, but...they are sharing a body. The boy had been forthcoming with him...Shunbin is not a monster, as much as he wants to be.]
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[it's his story to tell. his to disclose, if ever. there were parts of their own life they still kept quiet.]
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And should you ever need company for fruit wine at twilight, I will be here too. You do still drink a bit, no? If you abstain, I will take on your burden~
[Even Vikenti can feel the discomfort radiating off Shunbin, who nevertheless smiles once more.]
If I may face the lady once again, then? Should she have any questions.
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...No questions currently, but I am genuinely grateful for your help. You're quite right about what the eyes see being a part of it all.
[if someone could believe they were getting better, then they would be that closer to doing so.]