realpolitik | Leon Magnus | Stahn Aileron

Even so, there's no denying that my choices were what led to me not being here. Whether that would have made a difference or not is difficult to say, but...

I would like to believe I would have been able to do something.

[Anything.

Even if it meant throwing his life away in Stahn's place...that would've been fine.

Though of course, he doesn't say that.]

So now, I must be certain to make up for that.

[at least he's smart enough to not say anything so foolish.]

I know you know this but... you being here is enough. And everything else you did... you've made up for it more than enough times now.

[It's not enough. Just being here--it isn't enough.

But being here and knowing that if anything like Barbatos happens again, he'll have to go through him...?

That's enough.]

Don't concern yourself with it. It isn't as though I'm discontent with the situation as it stands.

I don't think it's that easy. To not concern myself with it, I mean—

[he can't help it. he's always been pretty involved with everyone else around him, but judas is family. he's a best friend.

so of course, he's concerned with it in his own way.]

I know you're not unhappy with things, but I don't want you to feel like you need to do anything more for me.

... That isn't something you can control.

[That he feels like he needs to do more for Stahn--that's a Judas problem, and a Judas problem it will remain. Even if Stahn wants to... he just can't change that.

It's just something that can't be stopped.]

I know. But it doesn't change that... I still don't want you feel that way. Like you need to something.

[he won't try to force judas to change his mind on sway his feelings.]

I just... wanted you to know that.

[...]

I know.

It is not as though I ever expected you to hold anything against me. You are...too foolhardily kind for that.

Ah...

[he lets out a bit of a sheepish laugh, ruffling his hair a bit.]

Maybe that's true but... I don't think you can blame me for that much.

Did I say I was?

[No...that's just Stahn being Stahn.

And Judas has always loved him for that, and will always protect him for that as well. He's his best friend, and now his family, and that can't be ignored.]

No... I guess not...

[okay, maybe being called out about it in that way makes him feel even more sheepish—ridiculous as that may seem for a 37 year old man.]

Then there is no need for you to concern yourself with it. It is fine as it is.

[And he'll constantly want to be doing more.

...Anyway.]

Perhaps we should pause soon for lunch.

[it's a good enough segue, and he understands what judas is going for here. so he brightens up a little, nodding his head.]

Mm, that's a good idea. Fighting gets me pretty hungry.

[Unsurprisingly.

Dryly, in return:]

Everything gets you hungry--but yes, that will work.

Mm!

[he's got a healthy appetite and that sure hasn't changed.]

What should we eat?

Whatever is simple and quick. I do not intend to linger long. We still can cover a large distance.

[Some things never change.]

That should be easy enough... do you want to just stop now? The area looks pretty clear!

That should be fine.

[TIME TO SIT IN THE GRASS and have a picnic. Just like old times, really....]

Okay!

[stahn's pretty quick to plop down and stretch out before even thinking about the food situation because... it's pretty relaxing, honestly.]

This feels great...

[Stahn sure is so...Stahn.... in the meantime Leon's going to go ahead and pull out the dried meat and bread.]

Yes, well... I suppose it is a decent enough day.

[it's fine, because he trusts judas with it, even if he definitely has no idea how good his ability to make a meal is now.]

It's not just the day...

[There's only so much he can do with packed rations, but he can still put things together in a pretty decent combination.

So yeah.

It'll be pretty good when he hands it over to Stahn.]

The trip as well, yes, I agree.

Mm! The atmosphere is good... I feel young again.

[this is all fine, and stahn will take the food from judas and almost immediately dig in, letting out a pleased him.] ...Tasty!

[he's so easily pleased with food.]

[Well. When Stahn talks like that--

Judas snorts.]

Now you truly do sound like an old man.

Regardless, this is hardly anything. For dinner, I may be able to cook something more properly.

—You can?

[he's just going to ignore that old man comment. partially because he doesn't need judas to remind him! and partially because... he's more curious about the other part.]

Naturally.

While we do not have much in the way of ingredients, I packed enough to be able to make something tolerable.

[And also he learned to cook because why not.]

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