lynchpin_castle | Lynchpin---Castle and Surrounding Grounds.

Tamaki was of a similar mind about the games to Himawari. Having seen some of what was required as a champion (even if it had been more 'mental' supposedly), he knew he was never going to be a fighter. He was likely to ever be the athlete Ty Lee, never mind Ahsoka or Trunks or Logan. While he was making mental notes to try and learn some self-defense, and maybe how to use a ranged weapon, having a form of recreation that could double as 'training' while being fun was for the best.

The blonde also had a mischevious streak (all in good fun) which he blamed the Hiitachin twins for, as he looked over the music selections.

Trunks' grin didn't change, but he also seemed to light up more when Ahsoka did decide to join him. He was already still pretty warmed-up, from swimming and then playing his first rounds. "I think we've found Tamaki-kun's evil side, so I don't doubt he'll make us suffer."

"I would take offense to that were it not true." Tamaki responded with a laugh as he found a good warm-up for them and set the difficulty. "Prepare yourselves!" as the song started.

Himawari has some archery skills from Domeki. Maybe she and Tamaki could try a few lessons. She's not great, but it could help them both. Either way, learning a new skill as well as having fun is important to growing better at it. Or so he feels.

"It's about time. I was pretty sure he was aligned to the dark side." She teased back, trying to relax as well. She tapped her feet a moment on the center pad and leaned back, holding the brace bar, watching the blond pick a song.

"The charming and dashing side of Tamaki is a cover." And then he said to prepare, and the song started. She pushed to standing and bounced a moment, hearing the music, trying to get to the... what did Hima call it? The Groove?

"Yeah, I got this." She said, and moved, with ease, tapping arrows at the fair pace. In truth, this game was easy enough for her but also not at all something she can call the Force to help her with. After all, she couldn't tell in a computer program what the next arrow is, but she had gotten good at multi tasking arrows and her feet. Good enough that, like most DDR people, the rest of the body actually falls into place like a dance.

Tamaki blinked at her, with the dark side comment. Swallowing slightly and trying to not pale--it wasn't as if his sempai was around... "Remind me to tell you about Nekozawa sempai, and his black magic club sometime, Ahsoka-san." But then he let the two proceed to focus, and watched.

Trunks wasn't quite as smooth with it as Ahsoka was--yet. He had good reflexes, knew how to learn patterns, had good spatial awareness, AND knew generally how his body worked and how he moved. It was just a matter of picking up the 'groove'... But he was closer.

"You look better at it than I do." Murmured absently, as he wasn't focusing on his words or how they sounded. Tamaki had actively work to keep himself from smiling with that comment, but inwardly was cheering his friend on.

Especially as the short song finished, and he was then moving on to select the next one.

Edited 2017-11-14 08:01 (UTC)

"Black magic club..." she repeated, curiously, but nodded. As the song went, she missed a few steps but nothing too bad. A good warm up.

At Trunk's comment, she was too focused on the arrows to react to that like she might have normally. Instead, eyes focused, she smirked a moment. "Only because I'm more graceful than one might think." She teased.

When the song ended she rolled her shoulders, peeking over at him. She gave him a fainter smile, more focused than before, and glanced away as the new song started. Part way through she lifted her head a bit more. "I rather like this song..." And she liked playing this dumb game with Trunks.

"I had no doubts, Ahsoka." Trunks smirked back absently, before focusing once more. It was easier to split his focus a bit now, especially since she was right there with him, than him solo.

"Ahsoka-san, I should teach you some proper formal dances from Earth. You would enjoy them." Tamaki commented and then lit up when she mentioned she liked the song he'd picked. "If I recall, it is from a movie on my world. I wonder if it's also on Himawari's Earth, or Logan's. It was a child's movie, but it was about the power of imagination and I thought it was wonderful."

"If you find it, you'll have to show us, Tamaki-kun." Trunks commented, knowing it would make the blond happy. Plus it would be nice to see something that sounded hopeful for once, when his own childhood had been not. Right then though, he was having fun with the beats and with Ahsoka. Games were not something he'd had a chance to play before despite his Mother's technical genius.

She chuckled at his comment of having no doubts, but was too focused to really flirt back at the moment. Though she was grinning much more strongly.

"I'd like that, Tamaki! You know, in the Order we didn't have to learn to dance! The only times it was needed was when we had to use it to respect another worlds customs or some celebration that we were forced to take part in. A friend of mine and my masters taught me how to do a classic Nabooian dance once. It wasn't anything like this." It was a rarity that Ahsoka spoke about anything from the Order or friends or her master. A rarity indeed, but she wasn't focused on not talking about all that.

When the song ended she stood there, hands on her hips and smirking at the screen. They were even matched at least. "Movies were never really a thing we had time for either, though I have met some movie stars. I'd love to see what ever movie this song was from."

Tamaki was positively beaming as Ahsoka shared more of her past. Also at the idea that she would enjoy learning to dance. "I will have to make that happen then. We do have an even number of partners if everyone would like to learn or practice."

"You've had a more exciting life than I have then, Ahsoka." Trunks grinned, smirking also at the screen. "But it...would be nice to see what a more normal upbringing is like, Tamaki-kun."

Inwardly Tamaki was soaking up the praise now, because as he loaded up the next song he wasn't sure their good will would remain. "Time to test you both then. Himawari did say I should wear you out..."

Ahsoka let out a bit of a laugh as Tamaki mentioned having even number of partners. "I'd like to see you convince Logan to come and learn." Because she didn't believe it would work.

A glance spared to Trunks, she shook her head. "Exciting, maybe, but it's not the best of lives. I was a commander in a very long war. I'd rather check in on what normal is any day." She said with a smile at Tamaki again. She didn't think less of any of them for having more normal lives. She envied them.

Letting out a breath, she pulled her leg back to stretch it, balancing on one foot a moment, then reversing it. "Considering I've been in here for a few hours? I think you have a good chance of wearing me out." Because the next song was starting, and it was fast, and... what are those lyrics, Tama?

"I am not certain that my life was normal so much, but I understand what both of you are saying." Neither had yet been made aware of exactly the few problems Tamaki faced. If only because they were trivial, in the blond's eyes, compared to what he did know of the pair's own upbringing. Which isn't to say it didn't affect him, but...he felt it wasn't worth bringing up. So in this case, he was alluding mostly to his unfamiliarity with the 'commoner' life style.

"I was swimming, and in the dojo before that, so...not quite the same." Trunks commented, although he said nothing yet about the wearing out. "I don't think it's obvious you've been at this a few hours already, if that helps." It wasn't affecting how she played the game anyways.

Then the next song started, and it was faster, and for at least the beginning Trunks was focused on matching the arrows to the rhythm. Until the lyrics started to sink in, and he fumbled before catching himself. This...couldn't be deliberate, could it?

Ahsoka would understand, to an extent, some of what Tamaki's problems were. Even if they were not her own, she had known some people in situations almost like his. Or at least had witnessed a struggle such as that. Thankfully her time as a peacekeeper had shown her a lot.

Trunk's comment about her not looking as if she had done this for hours did not go missed this time. She glanced over at him, only to miss a few steps, making her try to catch up in a double step, head down a bit. The lyrics hit and she was sure her face was red now. Or, well, darker in some places, pinker in others.

She shot Tamaki a glance, brows raised as if to say 'really?' and... missed a few more steps. "I... feel like I have been at it hours thought." She said at last, stomping a few more notes, then calling to the blond. "Maybe you want a turn against him next?"

Tamaki, inwardly, was aware his new friends would probably understand. Each was wise in their own way, and their hearts were strong. It simply had not come up yet. He was also blithely ignoring any looks the pair might be giving him.

"No no, I think perhaps one more! Then we can all see what else is on offer before Himawari-chan and Ty Lee-chan return." Tamaki was quick to point out.

Trunks briefly lost his focus again, mostly with Ahsoka's comment and Tamaki's protesting, and missed the last few notes before catching up right as the song ended. A dismissive noise (not unlike his father's), and he was keeping the blush from his face by willpower. "I think he just wants to practice more before he tries against you or me."

"Please? One more?" Tamaki pleaded, while already cue'ing up the last song he'd found. But if neither wanted to play this round, he would not force it.

When the song stopped and Tamaki said just one more, Ahsoka stopped, hands on her hips and took a breath. She stared past Trunks to the blond, looking at him curiously.

Then glanced at Trunks himself and... oh no. Her hands ran over her face a moment then moved as if stretching out again. "One more, Tamaki. But you can't get better if you don't practice." She said, wagging a finger at him, and trying not to feel so heated in the face.

She couldn't even look at Trunks for the moment. Conversations from Tamaki near the pool, and from Himawari at the training room popping up, as well as her own actions.

Oh.

The last song was just as bad. But slower. She shot Tamaki a sharp look, brows raising, before moving in to step the notes again. Trunks might not be blushing, but something clicked in her head and she sure as hell was.

Tamaki was relieved inwardly that he had decided this would be the last song. Between the look Ahsoka had just shot him, and knowing Trunks was studying him, he figured he might have one or two 'talks' coming up. He didn't regret his actions really, the two of them needed to have fun with each other again. The tension since they'd arrived wounded and with her in his jacket in the maze had been almost a physical presence.

The song choice did not help--and while it was slower, it had some tricks. One held-note and some separate stomps together, and this was repeated and switched up. Which meant any worries and awareness he would have of things was narrowed.

IN some ways, he couldn't help it--he was just competitive enough to care. Add that part of him refused to be foolish in front of Ahsoka if he could help it... Blue-eyes were focused while his mind turned things over.

It was a sharp look, and her face was a blaze with heat. She turned back to the game, stomping a bit harder than needed, and missing a few beats. By the end of the song, points were tallied and she was behind Trunks.

With a laugh and a clap she gave a bright smile. A bit too bright. "Welp! Good rounds, Trunks. Look like I'm going to have to practice myself if I'm going to beat you the next time." She said, patting him on the shoulder twice, then moving to swing hop through the two back bars, bouncing off the machine and turning.

"Which meannns... It's Tamaki's turn to beat Trunks." She gave him a salute and backed up. "And I think I'll go check on Ty Lee and Himawari. See what's taking so long. I'm starved."

A flat ass lie. She was going to go and wander off. Maybe meditate for a bit. She was definitely starting to make her way to go though. You know, to help with the snacks.

Tamaki's surprise at her sudden exit was obvious, and Trunks was watching her too. Not upset, although if he was going to beat her at this he'd rather it wasn't because she was distracted... Blue-eyes were then sliding to Tamaki with a look and Tamaki sighed, knowing he was 'caught'.

***********************************************************

If she didn't show up to help with snacks, it was noticed. Likewise her absence was noticed when the group rejoined for more videogames. Exploring the rest of the selection, with no more dancing.

Given her space for a few hours--in fact it was almost the usual dinner-time before someone sought her out again. Once again out of breath, and dressed a bit more 'formally' casual, but Tamaki had an apologetic smile on his face once he did finally locate her. If nothing else, running around this castle would keep him in shape. (Trunks had also refused to help him by sensing out Ahsoka's location, and the blonde was absolutely NOT going to ask Logan for help with this...)

He should have asked Logan.

Ahsoka had left like she was going to go help with Snacks, and then promptly ran up the steps to the highest floor. To the observation room. It was one of the places she liked to go when she was inside the castle itself. Tucked away near a clump of plants and thick large floor pillows, legs crossed and eyes closed. Her hands rested in her lap.

Logan would have known where she was because they shared a floor, and as she came stomping up the floor in a flush and frustrated moment, he was headed to the spa to sweat off a bit of slow aches.

"What's eatin' you, kid?" He'd said to her as she came in his direction.

"I don't know!" She said firmly, a touch of annoyance for a moment, then suddenly stopping and looking up at the tall man. Her face went from annoyed to mildly confused. What was she even upset about? "I... don't know." She said softer, shrugging.

Logan snorted at that, looking at her with a raised brow. "If ya don't know then you aint got a reason to stomp around in a huff, huh?"

She frowned at that. "No. I do know. I think."

"You think?"

She gave a gruff sound, hands on her hips and looking up at him. He was suddenly as annoying as Anakin could be. "Boy problems. Okay? It's not exactly something I know how to deal with. Nor something I want to talk about!"

Logan looked down at her......... then belted out a short laugh, smiling. "Shit, kid. No one wants to admit to that crap." When she glared at him he reached out to lightly punch her shoulder. "You wanna talk? You get ten minutes before I lose interest in your boy problems."

"Oh my stars!" She let out a huff, hands over her face and moving past him to the observatory anyhow. Logan shrugged and was going to move on, but Ahsoka started talking to him from the door.

Ten minutes turned into forty, before he left her a bit more chill and meditating on her own. He returning to hit the spa to relax and clean up before group dinner.

Thus Tamaki would find a calm Ahsoka sitting there, eyes opening when she hears him come in the door.

Luckily, they all understood the purpose of the Observation room. Especially if the door was closed--but since it was cracked, Tamaki figured it might be alright. He still knocked against the wall, just to be sure, with a little cough.

"Ahsoka-san?" She looked calmer, but he knew better than to truly believe that meant good things. Tranquil fury was a thing he was well acquainted with.

Blue eyes looked towards him as he came in carefully. She lifted her head and let out a slow breath, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees, out of a standard meditation pose now.

"It's alright, Tamaki. You can come in." She said softly.

The blonde was a little wary of the room still, given it was where they also had been able to reach the Labyrinth. Even with his eyes opened to just how different his new friends (mostly) were, and what he had found himself in...it still made him wary. Magic in general made him nervous, but he had been known to step up for a good cause and he felt the cause they had now was one of those Good and Important causes.

Which meant as he moved in, he was slightly more stiff and tense besides just a hint sheepish. Folding long limbs down to sit, and hands in his lap. Joined and sort of fidgeting against each other. Purple eyes sliding around the room, before finding her own. "I...wanted to apologize, Ahsoka-san."

She watched him as he entered and fidgeted. He was not comfortable in this room. For a moment she thought she should stand so they could leave, but he came in closer and took a seat.

Her head tilted a bit, watchful of those purple eyes as they looked around the room before looking to her. At his apology, both her brows lifted a bit. "You have nothing to apologize for, Tamaki. I should be the one to apologize for lying when I left. I needed a moments... rest is all."

"No...I..." A sigh, and his smile was apologetic, but so very earnest. "I want to help, but there is a fine line between meddling, and helping. I am not in my host-club, nor even in my usual element, and so I should be thinking more of all of you and what makes you comfortable."

Someone had been talked to, clearly.

She took a moment, as if trying to get her thoughts together. Her lips worked a moment, pressed together and parted as if to speak, then closed again. A soft hmm sound made.

She then looked a bit frustrated, leaning forward more on her knees to speak softly. "It's... it's not comfort, I think. I just... don't... know how to deal with..." she let out a slow breath, opening up a bit more. "...feelings, I suppose."

Her face had reddened a bit more as she peeked over at him, worried looking. "I'm really terrible at interacting with people outside the Order or... a war or battle, I think."

His hand came up to his mouth, with a soft laugh and he was genuinely amused. Unable to have stifled it even if he'd wanted to, and under his breath fondly. "...you two are very alike..."

Then another cough, and he did bow enough to make it clear he was genuine still. "I am still here to apologize, as I pushed and upset you, and I should not have done that." Holding it, before his head raised up slightly with endearing purple eyes. "I just...affairs of the heart are something I am used to, and I do not like to see friends upset or unhappy. Helping people to find and deal with affection is at least part of what we do with the host club."

Mostly by providing a safe place for young ladies to deal with the intricacies of courtship and crushes in a way that provides practice without being too damaging.

She looked surprised when he laughed and said that, making her smile curiously at him. And then he bowed, apologizing again. She let out a soft sigh, leaning forward to rest her hands on both his knees a moment, looking back to his face as he had looked up, explaining his affairs of the heart thing.

"I accept your apology, Tamaki." She said sincerely, drawing her hands back to rest one over a fist, giving a bow in return. Thanks. It would be rude to reject his apology after all. "But the only person I was upset at is... myself."

She looked embarrassed as she gave a faint half laugh. "Even Logan sat in here with me for a while to talk. I feel as if I must really made a fool of myself to have both of you come talk to me."

As soon as she said she was upset with herself, Tamaki was upright again and concerned. Then he blinked when she mentioned Logan, eyes widening a bit. Another soft laugh, and an easier smile over all.

"I do not think you were foolish. I do not believe any of us do. As you said, you are not used to dealing with feelings, or people outside of your Order or battle."

A pause, and then more seriously. "I also do not wish for this to damage any chance you might take in confiding with me. I still only want to help and will keep any and all secrets."

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