Returning the Favor (Charles)

Posts : 2877 Join date : 2014-12-26 Age : 27

"Is it not?" Charles asked back, grinning, almost embarrassedly. What was Shunnosuke expecting, cold metal? Probably, that was what anyone would expect... But of course, Charles wasn't just some piece of scrap, nope, even more so ever since Jack fixed him up. Now he was a 100% awesome, mp3 compatible piece of latest hardware. Still, he wouldn't deny the fact that is was rather nice how Shunnosuke started addressing him more personally now.

And then the question came, and Charles's grin halted for a moment as his face turned blank and confused. Shunnosuke really had a knack for asking these sorts of question... He chuckled inside, and it helped him gather his composure back. He smiled again. "Right, it was my girlfriend." He began, rather unexpectedly calmly. Still, it would come as no surprise, as he decided 2 years ago already to let go of these stresses, and, despite experiencing that moment of weakness last time he met Mae, he was still trying his best to stay against the very idea of them getting back together... Even if it felt so welcoming... "I... I kind of left her in the rain one day on our date, ahahah... hah. But it wasn't her fault, it was that the situation back then was sort of complicated... on my side, at least..." He glanced down. Hah, it was sort of turning into a habit while he was talking to Shunn, though, this time, it seemed to be because he was trying to reminisce. Sure, he was also embarrassed to talk about it and still felt kind of guilty, but he was fine. "A-and there was this one time I yelled at Jack... But we got over all of that, and it's all better now. Yes."

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

...so, it was true. He knew his hunch would hardly be wrong the moment Charles first implied it and, as the android begun telling his tale, Shunnosuke knew for sure it had something to do with his former girlfriend. "Mae". It was a simple name, too simple for him to forget. — ...I see. — He said, retreating his hands slowly and awkwardly to his lap, lowered gaze focused on the table before he spoke again. Took him some time to return the dialogue back to the table, but...he didn't feel another better opportunity than that. — Do you remember the day we met? At the clothing store, back then... You probably will recall that day. I was invited over by the tall guy to assist you with the task of dressing over for a date, yes? But...that was it. While I anticipated the meeting and I was quite happy about it, I've come to realize that, to him, it mattered little, for he only called me over because he can't handle fashion himself. Nothing else... After your departure, I did the same as you. I left him in the middle of the meeting. Maybe it was something I shouldn't have done, but...it pained me to realize my importance only came in because he needed help with something he couldn't get done easily. Not because he truly wanted me close as much as I wanted him.... — His hands were fidgeting in his lap. He was over that, wasn't he? He definitely was. He harbors no deeper feelings for Sharaku whatsoever, not anymore. So why was the memory still painful...? Why did it feel like he had not recovered his pride? — I don't blame you. Even though I don't know what caused you to leave her...you had your reasons. As selfish as they may sound to an outsider, they were yours. They still are, for only you are able to know exactly what you felt and that's for none to judge.

Posts : 2877 Join date : 2014-12-26 Age : 27

Charles listened closely to Shunnosuke's tale. He sat down and placed his hands on the table as he watched and lost himself in the other's words. That surely was a similiar situation to his... Though he only left Mae- no, his decision was selfish as well, even if it was brought upon by an outside factor. And then when he went on to say the final part, Charles nodded. "I'll try my best not to blame myself." He said, simply, as if accepting a command, whereas he had already decided for himself it would be best if he wouldn't blame himself (he still considered what he did was definitely and 100% wrong, but he had to let go, like he promised himself). He wanted to keep on talking and tell Shunnosuke not to blame himself either, but he just couldn't. Even if he did, Shunnosuke probably wouldn't accept that as right and correct. That's what Charles learned about him new. Not only was he frank towards others, but he was also frank towards himself. No sugarcoating allowed. So he decided he wouldn't sugarcoat it this time, even if he would have truly meant it had he told him not to blame himself. "I remember that day. Oh right, I also kind of burst out at you that time, haha. Sorry about that." He chuckled, but then his expression turned serious again as he focused on Shunnosuke. "So, do you still regret acting like that?"

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

If he regretted acting like that? — I never did. I wasn't enjoying being there with him as I initially thought I'd be, and so I decided it was not worth the trouble. Trying to sort it out with a frank discussion wouldn't do any good either... It might not be the best option, I could have talked it out... But I decided to be faithful to myself. — He shrugged, in a way that made it clear the memory was quite tiresome. Having posterior extensive discussions with Sharaku about it has grown quite exhaustive over the time and hardly a mutual agreement and understanding would be achieved. What about Charles? Does he feel remorse for leaving her in the middle of their date? He wondered... — In case you feel remorseful over your decision, if anything, you should be letting for my efforts in making you handsome go to waste. That's unforgivable. — That was a depressing topic, wasn't it? So nothing better than lighting up the mood with a simple humorous banter.

Posts : 2877 Join date : 2014-12-26 Age : 27

"H-huh?" Charles found himself dumbfounded before Shunnosuke's accusation. "I-I..." He'd never thought of it like that, but it was true, oh so very true... Why did he never notice? Not only did he hurt Mae, but he also made Shunnosuke's help be for naught! And that was also the first time they met, and the boy was ready to help him out, despite being complete strangers... The part with Mae was passable and forgivable, god only knows she still wants him to this day despite that, but this act against Shunnosuke... The sole fact he never thought about it made it unforgivable. Divine punishment would soon drop upon him...

"Y-you're right... that's unforgivable... s-sorry..." He said meekly, the reopened wound had a new gash in it, and it hurt more than he could put into words. It hurt so much he couldn't look at Shunnosuke, and rather cast his gaze upon the floor, frowning as he abolished himself for this newly realized mistake. He deserved to be smitten, and he expected it.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Huh? He blinked a few times, watching carefully Charles's reaction upon his remark. That was supposed to be funny, hilarious, not the opposite.

— Really, Charles? I was joking. Joking! Do you seriously think I care about that? If you do, then I suggest you to lift your eyes again and search in my face any trace indicating otherwise. — Should Charles follow his recommendation and actually look back at Shunnosuke, he'd find a confident face nodding satisfied and exposing a warm smile aimed directly at him. — This wasn't meant to be taken seriously, so don't react too harshly. What did I just say to not blame yourself? I think you haven't grasped fully the sense of humor we humans have. It's natural. You simply need to spend more time with me to understand it properly. What do you say? — Now, was he really asking Charles out again? How...weird. And awkward in all kinds of levels. Though, honestly, he didn't mind that exactly. Probably later he would realize how absurd it is and react in a bit of a extreme fashion in front of his mirror, but that wasn't a concern now. He was more concerned about lifting the android's mood a bit, for he seemed to be a bit sensitive at any possibly negative comment aimed at him.

Posts : 2877 Join date : 2014-12-26 Age : 27

"Mmm." Charles mumbled as he dared to raise his head and look at Shunosuke at the golden boy's remark. He was nodding at him. Was he really not mad? Well, that wasn't a very nice way to mess with him... B-but he smiled... And wo warmly... He couldn't go against it... And so, he wouldn't.

So yes, what's done is done! And Charles's 'Oh, I get it now' lightbulb flickered on above his head and he smiled. "Ah, yeah, sorry. Hahah." He laughed. "And sure, we'll meet again. Then you'll teach me." He added in the end, looking Shunnosuke straight in the eye, as if conveying the sentiment of 'Definitely!' through look alone. It was a promise. No breaking allowed.

In any case, with that, the interrogation of Shunnosuke Kurosawa was now over and done with. It was high time the two parted ways for the day. Charles still had to deal with paperwork in Malarus, but it was up to Shunnosuke whether they'd still chat or leave it hanging until the next time they meet.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

— Lovely! — He narrowed his gaze, smiling with satisfaction to the android. — We have a deal, you can't go back on your word now. — He chuckled humorously, standing up not too long after. In the end, it was an enjoyable meeting. Shunnosuke was not able to speak everything he originally intended to, mainly duo to the whole interrogatory setting, but it was a matter of time. Charles, being as honest and pure as most humans cannot be, was a reliable acquaintance, that was sure. And well, he sort of opened up to him before during the playground's outburst. If anything, he owed Charles a deep explanation, deeper than a bunch of incoherent words. Maybe later, when he's not actually on duty...maybe...

— Well, I should be on my way now. I hope we can meet again soon. — He said, with a relieved, tender smile, glancing at Charles contemplatively in silence, for too long for the android to not notice. Something about the small conversation lifted a weight from Shunnosuke's chest, and he was glad he had the chance to reunite with Charles again. He may not say with all words, but the smile, ah, it was enough without a single vowel. And so, with nothing further to say, should the robot not interrupt him, he would walk off to the exit on his own, unless of course Charles decided to escort him to his way out. He wouldn't object the remains of his company, not at all...

( Exit.~ )

Posts : 2877 Join date : 2014-12-26 Age : 27

Charles watched with a smile the young Kurosawa walking out of the door. It really was a nice thing they had today, he would love to do it again sometime. And then again. And again. Haha, silly, wasn't it? Maybe... he could extend this meeting by a few short moments. That wouldn't be completely unacceptable, right ~

And so, rushing outside of the room after Shunnosuke, he locked the door and turned around. "Wait, I'll walk you over!" He shouted after the other, quickly tucking the keys into his pocket and running after him...

-Charles has left the scene ~

Subject: Re: Returning the Favor (Charles) Fri Mar 11, 2016 9:41 pm

A Faint Bond Glows Ever Brighter...

Shunnosuke Kurosawa and Charles Everton has ranked up their Social Link.
~ Ohhh! You're halfway there! ~

» Rescue Charles [Charles's Event Stand - WIP]
» A Simple Favor
» A Favor to Dad [Nozomi]
» A small favor (Sentinel)
» Returning from the Last