tushanshu | audio;

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[ Well someone couldn't be assed to use one of the anonymous café consoles. ]

Princess Yue hasn't been seen for several days, and while doubtless that she had garnered enough affection from the other foreigners that you would likely seek her out. I believe our princess is in another world.

May those who choose to remain so content with our situation be so until you or someone you know vanishes.

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I'm just making sure.

You are aware that - attempting to form an actual emotional connection with another person would be exceedingly irresponsible of either of us, right?

[Because, while Tarrlok is alone by choice, he isn't sure if his brother feels the same way or if he just isn't good at making friends.]

This is new.

[ It almost sounded as if Tarrlok was making an attempt to actually care, or at least that was how Noatak wished to take it. ]

Whatever your presumptions are, however misconstrued, shouldn't be wasted on someone no less aware of the situation than yourself. She doesn't need to brought into this when there's nothing but your own interpretations. [ Overly specific deflection. ]

Like I said, I'm just making sure. There's no need to get defensive.

Just tell me that you know what I'm saying is true. Tell me that and I will - against my better judgment, mind you - trust you. I know it's a difficult subject, but it's...necessary.

Understood.

[ ~~Who's getting defensive? Not Amon. You're getting defensive.~~ ]

While I submit that my intentions and motives don't run concurrent to your own, that doesn't necessarily mean I would just argue with you out of spite. I assure you, for what good that does, that we're on the same page here.

[ There's a long pause on his end of the line. ]

There are few subjects between us that aren't difficult.

Alright.

I know. But...difficult isn't the worst it could be. [Because he considers actually talking about sensitive topics with most people just outright impossible.]

And far more than I can ask of us, of you. You needn't worry yourself when I have neither the resources nor the desire to subvert your own endeavours.

All I ask is my interpersonal matters not be brought into question unless there is a clear and present problem therein.

[ This conversation was bordering on falling back on barely contained animosity, but they were always walking on glass whenever they talked and he wanted everything aired out. That at least was worth the risk. ]

...People like us don't really get to have interpersonal matters, Noatak. Not beyond acquaintances, anyways.

But it's not like I can stop you. I just wanted to see if we're on the same page or not. [A pause.]

And you still have...certain resources. [He's still worried about his bending getting taken away.]

Odd of you now to draw comparisons now, but I still see your point. [ Hard a pill it was to swallow. ]

You yourself must have realized by now that even I don't stay under the radar this long. There is no fight for me here, and what bridges stand I wish to leave unburnt.

On that you'll just have to do the impossible and trust me.

Maybe not impossible, but...very difficult.

[Because he knows his brother is devoted to his cause now, but something about it still hurts him more than if Noatak hadn't taken his bending, even if he said he would.]

...I would have thought at least you'd save me for last.

That I am given is much is not something I intend to squander. For all that I am, I am nothing if not one to seize an opportunity. As a measure of good faith, I will abandon anything that could prove detrimental for you.

[ It felt cold, clinical to refer to a step in putting to rights with his brother as an "opportunity," but it was a language of sorts men of their ilk understood.

Then almost as if thinking allowed, ]

She is lovely though, isn't she?

Then I hope my bit of trust is not misplaced.

Who is?

That is my hope as well.

[ Ah. Well, he's going to take that out while it's there. ]

I should go.

Are you busy with something?

[Yes, he's still sort of suspicious.]

Only with the day to day affairs, but nothing pressing. I just assumed you didn't wish to indulge conversation with me longer than what was within your comfort zone.

[ translation: stahp I don't liek any1 ]

Alright.

[He's more concerned about being busy with terrorism than with liking anyone right now.]

...It isn't that I don't want to talk to you. It's just that it's difficult.

Hence why I don't wish to press the issue.

Goodbye, then.

...Just be careful.

[Which is as much 'don't hurt anyone else' as 'don't hurt yourself'. Although he isn't the best person to talk about that.]

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