[Pandas aren't really his cup of tea, but the poem...it spoke to him on a higher level.
That's why he did this. Also, after giving it a thought, he comes up with the conclusion that it might be Noel's. While he has no idea about her talent (BECAUSE THIS IS A TALENT, EXCUSE YOU...HE'S GOING TO FIGHT ANYONE WHO DISAGREES), isn't her carrier a panda...?
[The reply doesn't arrive immediately as Gilbert needs some time to reread the letter he received from Caren a few times and to think of an appropriate answer.
Maybe not just some time. But it's finally here.]
Caren,
I will never share the contents of that letter, as I am aware of the wrath I would bring upon myself. I suppose writing is much easier for me, I would not even dare to say such a thing, would I?
Honestly, I had no idea you were so concerned about your behavior. Or about my, well, nervousness. If I may...this is what I would call endearing. Moreover, I would like to assure you that despite my usual behavior (which, I admit, maybe a bit misleading), I do enjoy spending time with you. Do not hesitate to tell me I am a weird man after reading this, but after so many years it is quite refreshing to have conversations like ours. Many years of what, you may ask? Years of solitude. I is been a hundred years since I've seen my master. It is not only that, but I do not want this letter to be too depressing. I will tell you more in person, someday.
I would like to learn more about you as well. To think of it, I really do not know much. Of course, you are not obliged to tell me everything, not everyone can afford to be completely honest and I understand that quite well. Whether you decide not to, this does not change anything—my offer to be of your assistance still remains available.
Please, there is absolutely no need to give me anything. And I will pretend that I did not see those few last sentences.
Gilbert
PS. Believe it or not, I am smiling now. That would mean you succeeded.
I'm glad you are finding more use out of it than I. I was almost worried you would not find it.
I am adapting. War is not unfamiliar to me, though I am used to a great range of ability. Still, if we were brought here for any reason it was certainly our ability to support one another. I did not worry about the trust I have placed in my comrades.
[What if he didn't want a chance to explain. Because it's exactly the case, but now he can't change the subject just like that.]
That's the problem...I don't know.
[Gilbert slowly raises his hand to take some strands of Jirou's and comb them delicately with his fingers. How long it'll take Jirou to break all the walls he built in order to make sure he won't become close to anybody here...most of them are already gone anyway.]
Nothing too bad, I hope. A kiss here and there, maybe...
Gi-chan. I wouldn't let you do anything bad. Besides, one or two kisses isn't going to get you drunk if it involves sharing sake. Especially if it's in my mouth first.
[He tilts his head a little so more of his head falls onto Gilbert's hand. He's definitely going to encourage touching of the silky strands. In fact, he quite loves it.]
But if you don't want to do that we can just kiss with no drinks. Or sit and talk. I like that too. Especially now that you're playing with my hair.
[He doesn't even sound angry, just amused. Also, if Jirou enjoys it that much, he's not going to stop anytime soon. Focusing on his fingers that run through the silky strands, Gilbert continues:]
I can't believe it. You invaded my personal space so many times...
[Of course Gilbert realizes this situation is different, but he can barely hold back his laugh.]
[Not only Gil knows about it, he really appreciates it, too. It was Jirou who waited for him patiently, without pushing him to come to a decision.
The moment Jirou rests his head on his lap, Gilbert feels a jolt running up his spine. It's something he hasn't felt in a long time, but the sensation only makes his lips quirk up in a smile.]
[In response, Gilbert closes his eyes, trying to regain his composure. It's pointless, but he needs to at least collect his thoughts. It's not often when Jirou says such things, after all.]
It does.
[While they're sitting like this, Gil couldn't bend forward and simply kiss him, but he could do something else, and, at the same time, easier. Just a while after telling Jirou that, he slowly lifts the hand in which he's holding a silky strand and kisses it gently.]
Just admit that you like to see me struggle...
[Gilbert grumbles, but a ghost of a smile tugs on his lips.]
Only if you admit that it feels good when you can open up about what you're feeling to me.
[He can tell that it helps lift weights off of Gil's shoulders to be able to confess these things to him. It's why Jirou loves to keep poking at him. That and Gil's reactions are always extremely adorable. There is that.]
I should let you brush and comb my hair for me since you seem to love it so much.
[He'd let out an amused laugh, but in the end, Gilbert just smiles to himself.]
But it does feel good. Once in a while.
[That second sentence wasn't really necessary, but he's too flustered and just had to add it. And Jiroutachi pointing out how much he likes with his hair doesn't help with the blush that spreads over Gilbert's cheeks.]
Maybe you should...I wouldn't mind that. That and...other things. A-Anything you'd like.
[He laughs then sits up long enough to grab a brush for him. This he hands to him before spreading out again, happily looking up at him and playing with a strand of Gilbert's hair that is hanging down.]
Am I the first person you've ever courted, Gi-chan?
[He has a feeling the answer is yes and that's precious.]
[Jirou and that intuition of his scare Gilbert from time to time. How could he tell!?]
You are.
[He feels like answering this wasn't really necessary as Jirou probably knew that already. Now, he's looking at the brush in his hand, but puts it away after a little while.]
I prefer doing it this way...
[Combing Jirou's hair with his fingers aren't going to get them anywhere, but he'll do it properly later.]
Did you know I'm not actually that experienced with things either?
[He laughs softly then closes his eyes and rolls over so his face can press against Gil's stomach. His arm wraps around him too and his words are a little muffled when he speaks this time.]
I have watched things take place so I know how things are done but I've little practice in them myself.
[Getting any practice here would be a challenge, really. They could always rearrange the room a bit, but...Gilbert's gaze lays on the empty bed which was Shinoa's bed not that long ago and he lets out a sigh.]
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