Lynchpin---Castle and Surrounding Grounds.

[lynchpin_castle]

The servants are unseen and unknown. Residents are welcome to take over the Servant’s rooms or not, but it is not recommended. Likewise, it is unclear where the Master resides. Usually s/he will call a meeting of their champions and meet them within the reception all or Banquet room.

Meals are typically taken together as a group, and if requested--training times for the champions as a group may be arranged. Both of the mundane variety, and also recreations of challenge-zones, such as the Labyrinth and the Mirror Gallery. The castle and its immediate surroundings have been set to mimic Earth with its single moon and 24 hour cycle of time, along with a standard Julian calendar for convenience.

Comments

[neveraknight]

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.

[light_of_willpower]

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.

[neveraknight]

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.

[lynchpin_castle]

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...)

[neveraknight]

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.

[lynchpin_castle]

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.

[neveraknight]

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.

[lynchpin_castle]

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."

[neveraknight]

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."

[lynchpin_castle]

"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.

[neveraknight]

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."

[lynchpin_castle]

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.

[neveraknight]

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."

[lynchpin_castle]

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."

[neveraknight]

She just looked on to him with her brows drawn together, unsure still. Feelings were hard and the last time she had to deal with them was with Lux. that ended so... badly. He was her first kiss and everything. She knew what happened but it also ate at her for some time.

When he said he didn't want to damage any change to confide in him she actually chuckled, a soft laugh, eyes closing as she leaned forward into her own lap, arms tucked in and hands over her face a moment. A laugh, but also hiding her face. Just for a moment. She sat up a few seconds after that, grinning at him.

"Tamaki. Of everyone here? You are the one I feel most comfortable confiding in! I literally don't now how to act around Trunks anymore. One minute I cant stop admiring his eyes or smile. The next minute I want to shove him out an air lock and storm off! I have no idea what the kirf is wrong with my head. If I was going to blurt any of this to anyone, LIKE i just did, it would be you."

She let out a long breath, then reached forward and grabbed his hands, clutching them. "Help me. I think I found something I am completely hopeless at!"

[lynchpin_castle]

Ah--that was exactly all he'd been waiting for (and told to wait for no less). Tamaki brightened, relaxing at the same time before looking around, and then deliberately moving up. Closing the door, since this would require privacy.

Folding himself down again and closer, but not in her space unduly. "First, I thank you, truly, Ahsoka-san. I am honored, and I am happy to be so trusted." A pause, and then an impish grin, as if he couldn't contain his excitement. "The only reason he is not as obviously having difficulty as you, with how to act, is that he is viewing it as something that is his own problem." Blurted out slightly, and clumsy, but Tamaki was clearly excited.

A pause, and then he backtracked slightly, gesturing as he did so. "Let me rephrase. I believe you are having trouble, because if I am correct, you like him. Beyond simply as a partner and friend and fellow champion. He has the same difficulty, except that he is restraining himself because he does not view it as something you want."

That was roughly what he'd understood, mostly.

[neveraknight]

She watched as he went to close the door, looking almost excited to do so. her brows raised again, watching him as he came back and thanked her for her trust.

And then explained. His own problem? What did THAT mean? Ah, and then he rephrased. Her head drew back a bit. She took a breath, held it then.... let it out slowly. "Tamaki, I've only... uh, 'liked' one person before all this. And that kind of blew up in my face." And she COMPLETELY missed that Saw was hitting on her as well. Idiot. "It's... not unwanted. It's... it's very wanted? I'm just, I suppose... scared?"

She rubbed her face with both hands and let out a growl. "I don't know the first thing about forbidden attachemnts, and I'm not even in the Order anymore, so it's not like it's forbidden, but if I did say that I might, ah, like him. And then I mess it up some how, then what happens after that? I completely lose him somehow. Or worse, I ruin the friendship and get stuck still having to work with him and ruin this entire champion thing."

Oh, look, someone HAS put thought into this. Maybe too much thought.

[lynchpin_castle]

It was good she had put thought into it, and Tamaki nodded with her. Listening fully, and then pausing before speaking because this deserved care and was delicate. "As I've said, you both are similar. I...was told some of his upbringing. He has never had a crush before, unlike yourself. Well aware of them, and what they can be like, but his life had no time for romance or anything close."

Perhaps it was taking some liberties, but Tamaki was trying to keep it broad enough to not spill secrets.

"That is part of why he is viewing his feelings as his own problem. He does not want to push you, and ruin things either." It was important she know that, and that was the part that had--once he'd been told--made the most sense to Tamaki.

"So, I suppose, my question now is would you like advice, or simply a confidant?" Trunks had made it clear to Tamaki that he just wanted a confidant unless he specifically was asked for advice.

[neveraknight]

She settled in close as he spoke, resting her hands in her lap and practically hanging on every word. They were a lot alike. He had said that before and it still stuck out in her head.

Neither of them wanted to ruin this. She never had a friend like Trunks before. The only 'friends' she had made either were a once in a very long while to meet and see, war friends, or in one case, the girl who framed her for an explosion she didn't do. Friends like all of them here were important. The last thing she wanted was to ruin any of it.

With a soft sigh of breath, she gave a nod. "Advice." She said at last, firmly, confident. She was confident in his skills as well. He knew her well enough and had proven that a few times over. "I trust in your judgement in not only this kind of matter but in what you know of him and I and... and I think... yes, advice would be helpful. Because... at this rate I don't know what to do to fix anything and I'm just going to make things worse."

[lynchpin_castle]

Reaching out, Tamaki gently patted her hands in reassurance and comfort.

"Well, what do you mean by 'fix' things? That is the trickiest part of this, as feelings are irrational and often messy. Even for those of us used to dealing with them." A wink, but still absolutely serious.

"For what it is worth as well, Ty Lee was never serious. She is a flirt by nature, and has been made aware that Trunks is not used to the 'game' so to speak. From all I can tell, he has never been interested in her. Aware that she is a pretty girl yes, but then so is Himawari in her way. So are you."

Because this was important for Ahsoka to know as well.

[neveraknight]

"Feelings are irrational and messy is the entire reason they trained us to school our feelings in order to focus on our training. I've come to realize that it leaves us completely unprepared for some things." Like not being able to cry for the loss of a Master, even though the sorrow runs so deep that all you want to do is cry.

"I... also realize that Ty Lee isn't... that she... yes." She let out a small ashamed breath. Himawari has been a help with that and I should not have allowed myself to feel so... jealous of her." See? Schooling her emotions already.

She gave him a look, considering. "And what I meant by 'fix'? I would like your advice on how to approach Trunks in a way to tell him it's not just his problem." A pause, then a groan. "It's not a problem at all!"

[lynchpin_castle]

Perhaps it was presumptuous, but Tamaki was frowning--and reached out to gently hug her. Comforting, and quiet, with no dramatics. "I am so sorry your guardians left you so unprepared. I am angry at them as well, because when one wields powers like yours..." Scared as well, since he was aware of just how normal he was.

Holding the hug enough that she knew he meant it, before letting her have her space again.

"Well, how to 'fix' it is easy. Where it becomes complicated is, as you said. What happens if things do not work? Are you prepared for that?" Tamaki looked incredibly serious, as this was important. "It is terribly obvious, especially since you're so ill-prepared, that you have been hurt before. I can not say that you will never hurt again."

Again that gentle and wise smile. "I can say, that I personally believe that even if loving and caring for others hurts us sometimes, it also is worth the pain. It can bring such heights of joy and happiness as well, which we then hold onto, and keep as balm against that same pain."

[neveraknight]

Hugs were good. That was something that she had grown to like and didn't get enough of. They were like treasures when she did get them, especially from the Masters. Especially from Anakin of all of them. His we re the warmest with the largest arms and a tight embrace. She always felt like she did something good, or he was proud of her with them. So hugs were... always good.

This one surprised her, but she leaned into it, eyes closing for a moment. "I can't blame my Masters either. They were both raised the same as I was. But having left, I realize just how rigid some of the codes were." And how they didn't help a trained person for some situations. "It was meant to keep us safe from the Dark Side."

She let out a breath as they drew back, and she looked to him again. And Tamaki was serious, about if she was prepared for thing to not work. She took in all he said and considered it, then frowned softly. "I don't think I care if I'm hurt. Hurt happens. I just don't want to ruin things to the point that I hurt him, or lose him. Much like I don't want to lose you as a friend either."

[lynchpin_castle]

Okay, she was getting another hug for that. If they'd been standing he would have picked her up in a hug even. Tamaki couldn't help himself. "Oh, Ahsoka-chan, please do not worry about that." Arms around her, head bowed against her own and cuddling her like he would a beloved toy (or child, or Haruhi). "With your heart, I do not think you could do anything that would truly lose me as a friend. Make me unhappy and hurt me yes, but lose me? Non! Absolutement jamais!"

[neveraknight]

The hug was rewarded with a happy little warm noise as she hugged back. Perhaps she was a bit touch starved, because contact like this had grown on her any time she got it. Her eyes closed but she smiled hearing that. It was reassuring.

"I at least know that at times, I might hurt friends. I know I have hurt my Master before, countless times, but it was always mendable. Stars forbid I ever do hurt you but I hope it will always be mendable." She let out a breath then added. "But... from what I've observed, It's... a little different in, ah, other cases." You know, when you liiiike someone.