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

[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.

[lynchpin_castle]

That little warm noise was met with a soft chuckle, and he pet her back reassuringly. "It is and is not, if you will believe me. From what I have come to understand, the best relationships start out as friends, and maintain that friendship. That is, the qualities that each values as a friend, in the other. That is how they weather the hardest times."

Another quiet chuckle, and pulling back only enough to wink at her. "Communication is the key. IF you decide to chance things, I believe Trunks is willing to chance them as well. From what I know of you both, there will be times you both will hurt each other without meaning to, through misunderstandings and assumptions. But communicate, and remember that you do both care for each other as friends if nothing else." That bright grin. "That is, I believe, the key to making it work. And even if you do not work as lovers, then you are likely to still end up being friends, as you are both good people with a core of professionalism."

[neveraknight]

Okay. See, all of that was amazing advice, and said in a way she understands and believes it. But that ONE word stupidly brought a flush to her cheeks, darkening the orange of her skin and brightening the white markings. She smiled, almost bashful at the thought. Lovers. Damn it Tamaki.

She smiled a bit more, drawing back to sit up right again, the back of her hand rubbing at her cheek. "I believe you." She said firmly, licking her lips in thought. A long slow deep breath and she sighed it out, looking up at him again. "Thank you, Tamaki. I don't know what I would have done without you here."

[lynchpin_castle]

Taking her hand, and bowing over it softly, Tamaki was all smiles. "It is my pleasure. For all that I am still rightfully nervous, I am also truly grateful to have met all of you."

A pause, and letting go of her hand with a reassuring squeeze, the tall blonde got himself back to his feet. "But yes, I suggest--when you feel like it, that you simply talk to Trunks. For now, though, I believe we are close to dinner time."

[neveraknight]

"You have every right to be here as any of us do. Do not be nervous. We'll protect you as best we can, just as I believe you will protect us as best as you can. In our own ways."

She smiled up to him, then held her hand out to him, as if asking for assistance up. If he did give her a hand, she would stand gracefully and unfold her legs, not really needing the hand, but the tiniest bit of leverage helps.

"Thank you. I will... I will work up the courage to talk to him soon, I think. Perhaps after dinner." She said, pursing her lips again in consideration.

[lynchpin_castle]

There may have been a hint of blush on his cheeks with the praise, but Tamaki would deny it. Easily offering her a hand--though it wasn't needed, and feeling much better than when he'd first arrived. "When you are ready, as there is no rush."

As they were heading the few steps, he stage-whispered. "He is, I believe, most afraid of hurting you. Thus, again, why he is doing his best to behave as if everything is normal." Then he paused, and looked side to side, and held a sheepish grin. "I have also made it abundantly clear that you and I are friends. Nothing more. My heart is held for someone back home."

[neveraknight]

"No rush. Yes." She said in agreement, though she also thought if she waited too long she would some how work herself out of it again. Also, note, she asked for the hand help up because she does recognize that he is a gentleman and it might make him happy to help, even in small ways.

His stage whisper made her almost smile bashfully, but amused all the same. She slide her hands behind her back and walked along with him. "I will talk to him about it. I promise." About everything. Though she chuckled. "Had I met you first, I am sure I would have been smitten, and then tragically brokenhearted because you have someone back home waiting for you."

[lynchpin_castle]

That blush was back, and his head ducked. "That is where, I would make it clear, what is a 'game' and what is not." Leading the way, including by opening the door. "That is also part of what we do, with our Host Club. Although we are still in High School, so we are limited. But we endeavor to provide an environment where ladies may come and be praised and learn, as well as to practice themselves. Courtship can be complicated."

As they headed down the hall, a thought occurred to him, and he grinned. "Actually, I should see if the Library has a few books that you might find interesting. They deal with an old Earth concept known as 'Courtly love', which goes back to Medieval Europe."

[neveraknight]

She smiled at him, giving a bow of her head in thanks to opening the door and moved through it, waiting for him. "I'm still sure your Host Club would boggle my mind completely, but it sounds like fun as well."

He chuckled, feeling more lighthearted now. "You do realize the concept of courtship isn't an Earth thing only. I do believe normal people have something like that where I am from as well. Just... not something the Jedi really recognize. I do know Corellian Jedi would get married though. They would mint a special coin as a memento to give to family and their masters, depicting the wed couple. Though I suppose that isn't courtship, that is after." A pause, then she rubbed at her face again, looking away. "Ah, my point is, I've at least heard of it. Books might be a good thing though. I've been getting more reading in while here."

[lynchpin_castle]

"I would not presume that Courtship were only an Earthly practice." He responded, offering her his arm. "I would not however recommend you use Courtly Love as a guide for your own relationship. But I do think you will enjoy it."

Head tilting, and another wink. "And I am more than willing to help you practice or learn customs, provided any suitor knows that I am no threat."

With that, it would be easy enough to converse as they headed on their way to dinner.