daemonized | RECOLLE IC CONTACT.

[He lets Yu speak, uninterrupting. Allowing the boy to place his words in front of him, because Ardyn knows that it can't be easy. He feels gratitude, a soft appreciation, that his nephew trusts him enough to have these types of conversations with him. In that way, at least, Ardyn feels of some use to those he cares about.]

And does this make you uncomfortable? [A beat, considering Yu's personality.] Leadership qualities are not a bad thing, but they can be if pursued out of obligation alone. But if this is something you actually desire, then it isn't a bad goal to have.

[ ....... ]

No. I just ... I'm not sure that's the kind of person I can be. It's something that ... I want to be.

[ A pause. Very quietly: ]

I think Souji would be better at it than I would.

[...ah.

Ardyn will definitely pause this time. He wonders if this is treading into the territory of personal insecurities, so of course he's going to choose his words in a tactful manner. Though his expression does tug into a frown, and his reply is just as quiet.]

And what makes you think you don't have that same capacity as your brother?

... he's Souji, [ Yu says, as if that's explanation enough. There's even a faint sort of incredulity in his voice, like shouldn't it be obvious? But then he'll sigh, giving his head a small shake. ]

Souji's just better suited to being a leader than I am. I don't handle attention very well, and in stressful situations, I'm sure he'd be more reassuring to others than I would. A leader should be able to inspire...

[ He actually smiles, faint, though there's something sort of hangdog about it. ]

That's Souji.

[He knows what he means when Yu says he's Souji, but he wants to hear the explanation from his nephew. He wants to know where he thinks the differences lie.

And yes, the differences are obvious; Ardyn was able to parse that much out almost immediately when they had met face-to-face, and it's often by their demeanor that he can tell them apart when they're standing right next to each other.]

And yet, it isn't Souji's memories that saw you as a leader. It was your own.

[He motions towards Yu.] Is that not proof enough that you have that capacity? It may take a bit of growth on your part, but if it's something you desire, then I have no doubt you can become an accomplished leader as well.

[He exhales.]

No one in their youth is perfect, but that's the blessing of being your age. You're still learning, still being shaped by your experiences and own motivations. Who's to say you can't find a balance between what makes you you, and what modes of self-improvement you want to achieve in the future?

[ Yu blinks, once, twice, surprise temporarily arresting his features.

It was your own.

But... that's not...

No, that is the point. Yu glances away, thoughtful and uncertain, but ... listening. Why can't that be the point? Why can't his uncle be right? Why couldn't he be a leader, too? Despite himself and his own words, he's still been trying. Pushing himself to do the things a leader would do, think the things a leader would think. Maybe he won't get it perfect, but... is that any reason not to try?

(souji will still be better at it than you)

Finally Yu looks up at his uncle again, a faint crease in his brow speaking to the shift in his thinking.

Softly: ]

You think I can be a leader, uncle?

[ Whatever he thinks, whatever anyone else thinks, that's one thing. But Ardyn? Ardyn believes that? ]

[He has no way of knowing if his words will make an impact, if they've landed and resonated in Yu's mind. But he can offer them in the highest degree of sincerity possible. None of what he's said are empty platitudes. Ardyn is quite serious, given how his words have lost all of their usual telltale irreverence. He hasn't been using that tone for awhile now.

Of course he believes it. His gaze doesn't waver with this confirmation.]

I know you can, Yu.

... alright, [ Yu breathes, more relieved than he thought he could be. More relieved than maybe he should be. He doesn't need anyone to tell him what he can be, does he?

But Ardyn's absolute faith in him - as if it's so obvious that of course Yu can be a leader, too - warms a piece of his heart he hadn't realized he'd let go cold.

The line of his shoulders straightens, adjusting along with the shift in his mindset. He'll nod, once or twice, and smile, barely there. ]

Alright, [ he repeats, with more strength. ] Then that's what I'll work toward.

[Ardyn's expression brightens slightly, pleased with the answer. Pleased with Yu's spark of motivation, quiet thing that it may be. With time, perhaps it'll become a flame proper -- but for now, Ardyn is glad for what shines right now, and he smiles.]

I believe it to be an admirable goal. You have my support, of course, as always.

[And, of course:] My door is always open if you need to speak about this, or strange abilities, or memories, or even the most mundane of things, Yu. I'm glad you visited today.

I know. [ Softly: ] I'm glad I came, too.

[ Yu gives his head a small shake, as if to clear it. This has all been ... a lot. And he hasn't forgotten: ]

How have you been, uncle? I should have asked.

[Ah, but Ardyn had almost forgotten, enough to where he blinks a bit in surprise before leaning back into his seat with his usual grin.]

Well enough, though I suppose it's worth mentioning that I find myself with my own set of... ah, strange abilities. Nothing quite as [dramatic? intense?] eye-catching as yours, though. [A wave of a hand, almost dismissive; he doesn't want to worry Yu.]

I can heal physical injuries now with my touch alone.

[ Just.

Wow.

Stares at Ardyn in shock, before blinking and looking deeply thoughtful. ]

That's an incredible power. How do you feel about it?

[One might expect another flippant response from Ardyn. And it's true that while his words seem to be airy and frivolous, the sentiment behind them is oddly heavy.]

I honestly don't know how to parse it just yet. [He doesn't want to show worry on his features, not in front of either of his nephews, and so his brows knit only faintly. The smile, almost apologetic now, remains.]

It's an extraordinary power, with the ability to help others if necessary. [Or, you know, if his nephews get stomach aches...] But I have a memory associated with it. Healing the sick... taking a strange ailment into myself, letting something dark live there.

[Not something he likes to dwell on. Not in company, at least.] So its consequences are something I wonder about, from time to time.

[ Yu, with faintly furrowed brow, simply listens. Silent, but obviously attentive, given the way his shoulders shift slightly as Ardyn explains the dark side of his power.

Once Ardyn finishes, Yu is quiet for a few moments longer, letting his gaze fall to his lap as he thinks. ]

... whatever happens, we'll be here to support you.

[ Looking uo at him again, full of a quiet but solid conviction. ] If your power turns out to be dangerous, we'll do everything we can to help you. These memories that we all have... whatever they mean, they don't have to determine who we are now.

[ A beat, and: ]

We'll keep you safe.

[ Yu loves his uncle. Loves him, truly, the way only family can love family - the way family should love family. Yu has never had someone like Ardyn in his life before.

It's about time he started repaying the kindnesses that Ardyn has shown him. ]

[When Yu speaks, it isn't exactly what Ardyn had expected to hear.

It's not that he believes sympathy and understanding to be beyond Yu (the opposite is true, he knows), but it's odd how something twists within him upon hearing those words. He was the one who was supposed to offer support, not the other way around. His own uncertainties were not to be unfurled before his nephews, because they needed not to focus on him, but only the well-being of themselves. He loves them enough, as well, to make this a priority.

It's a rare moment that passes, the sort where he doesn't know how to reply to that. The mask of disaffectedness slips for a moment, replaced by sincere surprise and... well, gratitude.

These memories that we all have... whatever they mean, they don't have to determine who we are now.

He's said this much to others before. Having the words reflected back to him feel ten times more poignant, for some strange reason.]

We'll keep each other safe. [He looks at Yu with a lingering of a smile.] That's only fair, right?

[ His heart's in his throat as he watches Ardyn consider his words. Did he say the right thing? Was it too much? Not enough? Is it strange, to offer such sentiment to his own uncle? But Ardyn is his own person as much as he is family, needing looking after the same as everyone else. Even if Yu isn't the best-equipped person to do that, there's no reason not to try, is there? Ardyn might want him to be happy, but the feeling is so powerfully, unwaveringly mutual.

It's when he sees gratitude in Ardyn's expression that he relaxes, though only slightly. He'll nod his head, huffing through his nose, and smile very faintly. ]

Alright. You've got a deal, uncle.

RECOLLE IC CONTACT.

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