It was obviously a diversion tactic, and Shunsui would have chided him again had he not felt the emotion in their mana connection. Not just the curiosity about Ukitake and the compassion felt for Shunsui, but that determination not to let the malady win that hit him harder than he'd been expecting, simply because it was such a familiar feeling that he'd forgotten the familiarity of.
"I will."
It was in answer to both, and he was on his feet immediately, arm going around Sion in a gesture nearly as old as he was - although much lower, this time! He had to stoop a bit, and it took several seconds to find his feet, to his embarrassment! - and starting off, his steps slow, but not enough to make the King think that he was going easy on him. He definitely wasn't, as shaky as he was, and soon...!
Sion stumbled, would have fallen had Shunsui not had such a strong hold, and he wasted not even an instant considering before he swept Sion up into his arms.
"It hasn't beaten you, you know. You stood and walked when it wanted you dead, but carrying on in this state would be nothing more than a fool's errand. It does not make you weak to accept assistance in the aftermath. It makes you wise, and a King must be that, eh? There is far more strength in wisdom than in physical prowess."
He stopped, needing to navigate a bit before turning slightly.
"Ukitake Juushirou, was his name. He was everything. I can't do justice to him with words, he was far too strong and beautiful for me to have that ability.
I knew from the beginning that I would lose him someday. He fought against a force inside him placed there to save our home, and we both knew it would kill him. Still, I'm a romantic old fool and I hoped for a happy ending. That was what he taught me. What he taught everyone.
I should be upset with you for attempting to walk in this state, but he did the same thing many times. Drove me crazy, but I understand why. The darkness that resided in him was different from the little I've felt of the one that resides in you, but I'd venture to say that they're close enough to count."
That was based on intuition alone, of course, but Kyouraku Shunsui had learned to trust his instincts.
And now they were telling him to shut up, since the cottage was in sight
"I can support you if you wish to walk the last bit, so as not to overly concern Lady Alice. I'll not be a bother, merely stay to be sure she and the home are all right while you recuperate."
Yeah, sorry Sion. It was a good attempt, but when Shunsui had a goal in mind, well, it was happening.
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"I will."
It was in answer to both, and he was on his feet immediately, arm going around Sion in a gesture nearly as old as he was - although much lower, this time! He had to stoop a bit, and it took several seconds to find his feet, to his embarrassment! - and starting off, his steps slow, but not enough to make the King think that he was going easy on him. He definitely wasn't, as shaky as he was, and soon...!
Sion stumbled, would have fallen had Shunsui not had such a strong hold, and he wasted not even an instant considering before he swept Sion up into his arms.
"It hasn't beaten you, you know. You stood and walked when it wanted you dead, but carrying on in this state would be nothing more than a fool's errand. It does not make you weak to accept assistance in the aftermath. It makes you wise, and a King must be that, eh? There is far more strength in wisdom than in physical prowess."
He stopped, needing to navigate a bit before turning slightly.
"Ukitake Juushirou, was his name. He was everything. I can't do justice to him with words, he was far too strong and beautiful for me to have that ability.
I knew from the beginning that I would lose him someday. He fought against a force inside him placed there to save our home, and we both knew it would kill him. Still, I'm a romantic old fool and I hoped for a happy ending. That was what he taught me. What he taught everyone.
I should be upset with you for attempting to walk in this state, but he did the same thing many times. Drove me crazy, but I understand why. The darkness that resided in him was different from the little I've felt of the one that resides in you, but I'd venture to say that they're close enough to count."
That was based on intuition alone, of course, but Kyouraku Shunsui had learned to trust his instincts.
And now they were telling him to shut up, since the cottage was in sight
"I can support you if you wish to walk the last bit, so as not to overly concern Lady Alice. I'll not be a bother, merely stay to be sure she and the home are all right while you recuperate."
Yeah, sorry Sion. It was a good attempt, but when Shunsui had a goal in mind, well, it was happening.