Fortunately, he was familiar with most of the drinks at that stand, and ordered pomegranate juice. He gave serious consideration to Luke’s words, but his ninja training had essentially taught him the opposite. Yes, some shinobi did specialize in one particular aptitude or element; however, even rarer were the ones that could utilize two elements. Rock Lee, in spite of his prowess in taijutsu, would be susceptible or even useless if the other attributes were required. Gaara had all but proven that by defeating him in their fight, years ago. Not to mention, he had needed to rescue his Leaf counterpart during combat against Kimimaro.
“You are accustomed to offensive means,” he easily recalled, from their training sessions together. “Your speed and precision were lacking, as a result of your focus on simply mastering your sword techniques. Consider this an opportunity to develop your aptitude in additional areas.”
He wasn’t entirely merciless toward Luke when they were training, but he had realized where he needed to improve, rather quickly. Not to say Luke wasn’t a skilled fighter, especially considering how little time he had spent out in the vast world. He was simply ignorant and unrefined, and rightfully so. Of course, Gaara wasn’t absent of critique toward his own skills either. He never had been very adept at taijutsu, and now, he would endure the consequences of his negligence.
In all honesty, he was surprised to hear Luke admit something of that nature. After releasing a blink, Gaara stared at him for a moment. Slowly processing those words until he could derive a reasonable explanation behind the meaning. “You enjoy training because you wish to improve, correct?”
And that… was certainly unexpected. Eyes widening, Gaara remained still, cheeks lightly flushing. Given the structure of their last conversation revolving around… the state of their bond, he didn’t feel utterly certain about how it should proceed. Luke had admitted to harboring romantic feelings toward him, but also confessed that he never experienced a relationship before. Gaara didn’t consider himself an expert on the subject, in the slightest. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial and sensible for Luke to seek this type of bond with someone that was… actually adequate?
He was in the midst of forming a response, when Luke pulled away. Gaara held onto his hand, facial features softening a little. Part of him still felt hesitant, because he had yet to officially sever his ties with Sai. Then again, nothing was set into stone. Luke didn’t apply any pressure on him, one way or the other. If he wanted to pursue a deeper bond, then they could address that at the appropriate time.
His gaze shifted to the side, taking on a thoughtful look. At the very least, he could reply to that meaningful declaration; “It’s… human nature to be selfish. If we are unable to return to our home worlds at present, then… I am glad to be in your company as well.”
The female Moogle continued to pull poor Ion around as she searched for them. Finally, she pointed a paw in the direction of their Heroes – and then saw Luke pressing their lips together. She had seen it before, as recently as the play that she watched with her Hero companion. Humans kissed each other when they were in love, right? Just like the Warrior and the Princess, from the story!
“Look, Ion!” She was bubbling with excitement, feeling happy for both of them. It would definitely explain the handholding, and why they wanted to wander off alone together. “They’re in love! …I think?”
no subject
No tea? Off with your head!!Fortunately, he was familiar with most of the drinks at that stand, and ordered pomegranate juice. He gave serious consideration to Luke’s words, but his ninja training had essentially taught him the opposite. Yes, some shinobi did specialize in one particular aptitude or element; however, even rarer were the ones that could utilize two elements. Rock Lee, in spite of his prowess in taijutsu, would be susceptible or even useless if the other attributes were required. Gaara had all but proven that by defeating him in their fight, years ago. Not to mention, he had needed to rescue his Leaf counterpart during combat against Kimimaro.
“You are accustomed to offensive means,” he easily recalled, from their training sessions together. “Your speed and precision were lacking, as a result of your focus on simply mastering your sword techniques. Consider this an opportunity to develop your aptitude in additional areas.”
He wasn’t entirely merciless toward Luke when they were training, but he had realized where he needed to improve, rather quickly. Not to say Luke wasn’t a skilled fighter, especially considering how little time he had spent out in the vast world. He was simply ignorant and unrefined, and rightfully so. Of course, Gaara wasn’t absent of critique toward his own skills either. He never had been very adept at taijutsu, and now, he would endure the consequences of his negligence.
In all honesty, he was surprised to hear Luke admit something of that nature. After releasing a blink, Gaara stared at him for a moment. Slowly processing those words until he could derive a reasonable explanation behind the meaning. “You enjoy training because you wish to improve, correct?”
And that… was certainly unexpected. Eyes widening, Gaara remained still, cheeks lightly flushing. Given the structure of their last conversation revolving around… the state of their bond, he didn’t feel utterly certain about how it should proceed. Luke had admitted to harboring romantic feelings toward him, but also confessed that he never experienced a relationship before. Gaara didn’t consider himself an expert on the subject, in the slightest. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial and sensible for Luke to seek this type of bond with someone that was… actually adequate?
He was in the midst of forming a response, when Luke pulled away. Gaara held onto his hand, facial features softening a little. Part of him still felt hesitant, because he had yet to officially sever his ties with Sai. Then again, nothing was set into stone. Luke didn’t apply any pressure on him, one way or the other. If he wanted to pursue a deeper bond, then they could address that at the appropriate time.
His gaze shifted to the side, taking on a thoughtful look. At the very least, he could reply to that meaningful declaration; “It’s… human nature to be selfish. If we are unable to return to our home worlds at present, then… I am glad to be in your company as well.”
The female Moogle continued to pull poor Ion around as she searched for them. Finally, she pointed a paw in the direction of their Heroes – and then saw Luke pressing their lips together. She had seen it before, as recently as the play that she watched with her Hero companion. Humans kissed each other when they were in love, right? Just like the Warrior and the Princess, from the story!
“Look, Ion!” She was bubbling with excitement, feeling happy for both of them. It would definitely explain the handholding, and why they wanted to wander off alone together. “They’re in love! …I think?”