[ He doesn't get it at first but then it suddenly hits him like a bolt. Oh. He wasn't really dying— nothing was wrong with his heart.. it seemed like it was maybe some way for him to be affectionate to Zura? In an odd, Sakamoto kind of way.
Which is just perfect, but Katsura will have to get used to it. Suddenly, Zura feels really silly.. ]
O—Oh. Ah. I see. [ God. Calming down, now. ]
Don't joke about things like that. [ He doesn't sound stern, but makes a point that he means it. ]
[ Sakamoto often jokes and Katsura never does, so there is a problem right there. Not like it is a bad or big problem, but something they will have to understand about one another.
Kataura blinks, but takes a seat next to Sakamoto on the bed, looking at him inquisitively. He clears his throat awkwardly and folds his hands neatly in his lap. ]
I'm glad it is nothing serious.
[ He's so scared that he'll lose you. Not like Tatsuma needs to know the details about that. ]
You did that enough as it was— flying about space all through these years and only coming to Earth so often..
[ He doesn't react to feeling Tatsuma close the space between them with a little nose bump, and something sounds like he is a bit salty about that, Sakamoto. How you could just go where ever you please in what seemed like such a care free way and leave them behind.
Perhaps it was foolish, nay, irresponsible to assume that one man could shoulder a burden as heavy as protecting the entire Earth. In the end he collapsed beneath it.
Zura has wanted to see the dawn of a new Japan for so long now, but Sakamoto is happy that the man is here on the ship with him. This way, he won't die bitter or angry.
They'll be together.]
You're holdin' up alright, aren'tcha? I'm glad you're sleepin' well.
[ He is holding up alright. As nostalgic and sentimental as Katsura could be, he could move on from things. Katsura realized that sometimes you had to move on from things.. though he would stubbornly try to change Japan if he was given another chance.
For now, being here and away from it was probably better for him. Needless to say, he still tips his head downwards, looking a bit crestfallen. ]
A—Ah, you've noticed I've been sleeping better. I've noticed it too.. possibly I have been sleeping too much. [ Oh.. right now might be the perfect time for him to bring something up. ]
—Which got me to think. [ He says this, but trails off. ]
[He's doing better than Sakamoto expected, and we all know that he's quite the optimist.
The smile on his face sure is something, right about now. Wide but not quite as wily or overbearing as his usual, more in his eyes than in his teeth. Sakamoto takes this moment to brush a few stray strands of hair from Zura's face, looking on attentively as he watches his friend stutter.]
Uh. [ Being positive to his hair is always a plus, and Zura lingers on that thought for a moment before swallowing. He doesn't know exactly how to say his thoughts, but he doesn't allow Sakamoto to even bare witness to any hesitance he may have. Katsura usually sounded calm and collected when he was like this. ]
I shouldn't sleep as much as I have been. It is healthy to be productive and do many things.
So, I have decided to work in your kitchen today. You will eat the food and I make and you will appreciate it, as the rest of your crew. [ You don't get a choice. He isn't asking permission to. He is stating what he is going to do. ]
[Said all too quickly. The Kaientai accommodates, makes room for those who have none. While Sakamoto's notion that it's "just expanding business" is true to an extent, he and Mutsu do go the extra mile to find "work" for those who need a place to stay.
Even if the job is simple.]
Sure, sure! If that's what suits ya.
[Zura's... Desire to seize control isn't really of concern to Sakamoto. The crew is pretty good at ignoring orders (As they ignore Sakamoto all the time).]
[ Good. He's glad that's okay. Katsura fidgets, pulling his gaze away from Sakamoto and looking off towards one of the walls in his room, as if it were interesting. In a quiet voice, he continues: ]
I will also be needing a uniform in my size. [ He says this without making eye contact. Nope. Not gonna look at you. ]
[Sakamoto should feel guilty, but he is a shameless person.
Seeing the man he loves in an outfit of his own design is like watching a wet dream come to life, and it fills him with so much warmth that he begins to feel ill. This is the very definition of commitment, a sign that their identities will now forever be intertwined, as the business that has been Sakamoto's life for so very long will now be at the forefront of Zura's, too.
He fights the desire to grab his friend's face and kiss it, as here is where the problem lies: If they are lovers (and Sakamoto hesitates to use the word), is it really okay for Sakamoto to be his boss?]
You want a uniform?
[Sakamoto does love his crew too, however, just not with his body. His concern for them exceeds that of most Captains, because they are his family, they are everything he's ever wanted and everything he has ever had.
Still, he sounds eager. There is no way for him to hide the excitement in his voice, despite the many gears whirring in his very spacious cranium.]
[ Katsura pulls his gaze back on Sakamoto, honestly not finding his request much of a big deal other than it's a little embarrassing how much Katsura wanted to feel included. He knew this crew was close and felt awkward that maybe he wouldn't fit in properly since they all have stories to tell and things to share with one another.
But Katsura was new, and didn't have those kind of memories. ]
—I need a uniform. If I am to be here and to be working like everyone else.
[He's not talking about just any ordinary night. Most days, Sakamoto is too tired to do anything but cuddle, or he's working right up until he can't keep his eyes open anymore.
It's clear that they're together, now; that Zura may need him to provide certain pleasures and Sakamoto is willing to oblige. That being said, he's going to wait until his good friend initiates any of it, especially the first time.]
I won't be able to keep my hands off of ya. Don't get too embarrassed.
[ Oh. ... Oh. Katsura can only blink a few times, feeling his cheeks beginning to burn at such a statement. Look, he's already getting embarrassed and you haven't even done anything yet. He huffs some hot air past his lips and turns his face away, fiddling with his fingers. This entire situation was already embarrassing but he shouldn't feel embarrassed. They've done intimate and sexual things already, so why did he feel shy?
Maybe it's because Sakamoto was being so open and sincere about wanting him and that's just not a feeling he is accustomed to. ]
I don't get embarrassed—! [ says the man who blushes over like... idk... a nipple. ]
[ His voice hushes and he tips his head downward, giving Sakamoto an odd question. ]
A—Ah. [ It's taking him awhile to get it out, so another pause occurs before he continues: ]
Should.. my hair be pulled back or down? [ He lifts his gaze to meet Sakamoto's eyes, expression wearing it's typical tensed look, eyes focused, but his face was glowing red and stretching to the tips of his ears. For somebody typically so stubborn and set in his ways, it was an achievement for him to be curious about his appearance for somebody else. ]
I'd tie it up! You don't wanna to get caught in any of the heavy stuff.
[In reality, Sakamoto actually prefers Zura's hair when it's down.
Maybe this is a selfish request disguised as a practical one. If Zura ties his hair when they're at work and lets it loose when they retire to bed, Sakamoto will be the only one to see him that way.]
[ defensively: ] I am just asking your opinion on what you think might look best with your uniform! [ yes he is.. he is wondering in which way you prefer to see him but he can't just easily admit that, now can he? ]
What I suggested is practical, practical! Don't get me wrong- We want folks on the ship ta look clean. Presentable! In case any of our rich friends decide to just show up right outta the blue!
But vanity 'n all that- That's not what we're about. Tie yer hair up, it'll save ya a lotta trouble.
[And then, with a change of tone that is far gentler:]
You don't gotta dress up a certain way for anybody. The way you do your hair, or wear your clothes...
You'll only look good in what makes you happy. That's what I think.
[ Well. What makes him happy will be whatever you find him the nicest looking and the most appealing as.
But he can't just say that. Oh, heavens, no. ]
Ah. If people don't think I look good in however I choose to be... Their b*lls can shrivel up and rot, then. [ an alternate thing to say so his pride is protected, he guesses. ]
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[In a special way.]
Y'know, the others used to complain a whole lot. Ah, that Zura! He was always readin' in school. Keepin' up with homework 'n all that!
How come you're so literal, then? You couldn't tell?
I just wanted ta say somethin' nice.
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Oh. He wasn't really dying— nothing was wrong with his heart.. it seemed like it was maybe some way for him to be affectionate to Zura? In an odd, Sakamoto kind of way.
Which is just perfect, but Katsura will have to get used to it.
Suddenly, Zura feels really silly.. ]
O—Oh. Ah. I see.
[ God. Calming down, now. ]
Don't joke about things like that.
[ He doesn't sound stern, but makes a point that he means it. ]
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Won't you come here? Now that ya understand.
[Sakamoto speaks in metaphors much of the time.
It makes things easier.]
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Kataura blinks, but takes a seat next to Sakamoto on the bed, looking at him inquisitively.
He clears his throat awkwardly and folds his hands neatly in his lap. ]
I'm glad it is nothing serious.
[ He's so scared that he'll lose you.
Not like Tatsuma needs to know the details about that. ]
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Yeah, me too! I wouldn't wanna leave ya all alone.
I know how much you'd hate that.
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[ He doesn't react to feeling Tatsuma close the space between them with a little nose bump, and something sounds like he is a bit salty about that, Sakamoto.
How you could just go where ever you please in what seemed like such a care free way and leave them behind.
—Leave him behind. ]
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Now it isn't that way, is it?
I have you right here with me.
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Perhaps it was foolish, nay, irresponsible to assume that one man could shoulder a burden as heavy as protecting the entire Earth. In the end he collapsed beneath it.
Zura has wanted to see the dawn of a new Japan for so long now, but Sakamoto is happy that the man is here on the ship with him. This way, he won't die bitter or angry.
They'll be together.]
You're holdin' up alright, aren'tcha? I'm glad you're sleepin' well.
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For now, being here and away from it was probably better for him.
Needless to say, he still tips his head downwards, looking a bit crestfallen. ]
A—Ah, you've noticed I've been sleeping better. I've noticed it too.. possibly I have been sleeping too much.
[ Oh.. right now might be the perfect time for him to bring something up. ]
—Which got me to think.
[ He says this, but trails off. ]
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[He's doing better than Sakamoto expected, and we all know that he's quite the optimist.
The smile on his face sure is something, right about now. Wide but not quite as wily or overbearing as his usual, more in his eyes than in his teeth. Sakamoto takes this moment to brush a few stray strands of hair from Zura's face, looking on attentively as he watches his friend stutter.]
What's up?
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[ Being positive to his hair is always a plus, and Zura lingers on that thought for a moment before swallowing. He doesn't know exactly how to say his thoughts, but he doesn't allow Sakamoto to even bare witness to any hesitance he may have. Katsura usually sounded calm and collected when he was like this. ]
I shouldn't sleep as much as I have been.
It is healthy to be productive and do many things.
So, I have decided to work in your kitchen today. You will eat the food and I make and you will appreciate it, as the rest of your crew.
[ You don't get a choice. He isn't asking permission to. He is stating what he is going to do. ]
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[Said all too quickly. The Kaientai accommodates, makes room for those who have none. While Sakamoto's notion that it's "just expanding business" is true to an extent, he and Mutsu do go the extra mile to find "work" for those who need a place to stay.
Even if the job is simple.]
Sure, sure! If that's what suits ya.
[Zura's... Desire to seize control isn't really of concern to Sakamoto. The crew is pretty good at ignoring orders (As they ignore Sakamoto all the time).]
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Katsura fidgets, pulling his gaze away from Sakamoto and looking off towards one of the walls in his room, as if it were interesting. In a quiet voice, he continues: ]
I will also be needing a uniform in my size.
[ He says this without making eye contact. Nope. Not gonna look at you. ]
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Seeing the man he loves in an outfit of his own design is like watching a wet dream come to life, and it fills him with so much warmth that he begins to feel ill. This is the very definition of commitment, a sign that their identities will now forever be intertwined, as the business that has been Sakamoto's life for so very long will now be at the forefront of Zura's, too.
He fights the desire to grab his friend's face and kiss it, as here is where the problem lies: If they are lovers (and Sakamoto hesitates to use the word), is it really okay for Sakamoto to be his boss?]
You want a uniform?
[Sakamoto does love his crew too, however, just not with his body. His concern for them exceeds that of most Captains, because they are his family, they are everything he's ever wanted and everything he has ever had.
Still, he sounds eager. There is no way for him to hide the excitement in his voice, despite the many gears whirring in his very spacious cranium.]
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But Katsura was new, and didn't have those kind of memories. ]
—I need a uniform.
If I am to be here and to be working like everyone else.
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[He exclaims, clapping Zura on the shoulder, and then leaning in almost uncomfortably close. In a whisper:]
But then you'll hafta promise me somethin'.
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Hah?
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[He's not talking about just any ordinary night. Most days, Sakamoto is too tired to do anything but cuddle, or he's working right up until he can't keep his eyes open anymore.
It's clear that they're together, now; that Zura may need him to provide certain pleasures and Sakamoto is willing to oblige. That being said, he's going to wait until his good friend initiates any of it, especially the first time.]
I won't be able to keep my hands off of ya. Don't get too embarrassed.
1.2
Katsura can only blink a few times, feeling his cheeks beginning to burn at such a statement. Look, he's already getting embarrassed and you haven't even done anything yet.
He huffs some hot air past his lips and turns his face away, fiddling with his fingers. This entire situation was already embarrassing but he shouldn't feel embarrassed. They've done intimate and sexual things already, so why did he feel shy?
Maybe it's because Sakamoto was being so open and sincere about wanting him and that's just not a feeling he is accustomed to. ]
I don't get embarrassed—!
[ says the man who blushes over like... idk... a nipple. ]
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A—Ah.
[ It's taking him awhile to get it out, so another pause occurs before he continues: ]
Should.. my hair be pulled back or down?
[ He lifts his gaze to meet Sakamoto's eyes, expression wearing it's typical tensed look, eyes focused, but his face was glowing red and stretching to the tips of his ears.
For somebody typically so stubborn and set in his ways, it was an achievement for him to be curious about his appearance for somebody else. ]
Which do you prefer?
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[In reality, Sakamoto actually prefers Zura's hair when it's down.
Maybe this is a selfish request disguised as a practical one. If Zura ties his hair when they're at work and lets it loose when they retire to bed, Sakamoto will be the only one to see him that way.]
Prefer? Are ya askin' what I like better?
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I am just asking your opinion on what you think might look best with your uniform!
[ yes he is.. he is wondering in which way you prefer to see him but he can't just easily admit that, now can he? ]
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But vanity 'n all that- That's not what we're about. Tie yer hair up, it'll save ya a lotta trouble.
[And then, with a change of tone that is far gentler:]
You don't gotta dress up a certain way for anybody. The way you do your hair, or wear your clothes...
You'll only look good in what makes you happy. That's what I think.
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What makes him happy will be whatever you find him the nicest looking and the most appealing as.
But he can't just say that. Oh, heavens, no. ]
Ah. If people don't think I look good in however I choose to be...
Their b*lls can shrivel up and rot, then.
[ an alternate thing to say so his pride is protected, he guesses. ]
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