training center

@koichi Raising his brow, Jinki turned slightly when he noticed movement only to roll his eyes when he knew what it was for. That damned coat. He never liked the thing, for one it just looked.. tacky and two, it was a tactical disadvantage to run around in something that probably weight about half of you. Koichi was always thin, and it annoyed him to the highest of heavens that the little psychic refused to pack on some muscle. Just looking at his friend, it was like the easiest target to over power. That was probably why he felt so damn protective of the elder. Yet when Koichi finally opened his mouth, Jinki could do nothing but just deadpan at him. It wasn't that what he said was wrong, or stupid... it was just out of character. Even on birthdays when the knight would surprise him with a gift, the other would shrug it off with a quick thank you before pretending it never happened.

The next question was simple enough, and Jinki already knew his answer. "Because everyone is looking to move up. No matter how much people say you should trust your brother/sister knights with your life, that's the furthest from the truth. I'm experienced and have taken down many plots against our clan, which is why my word has some weight to it. Now, if other knights knew my process, they'd be able to take my position easily." Oh how he despised the idea of having to share his covert operations with some newly trained knight. They'd both be killed instantly, and no one would ever know the difference. "No, I keep to myself and get the job done. The job absolutely no one knows about, or chooses to ignore. I'm only important when I save lives... so I risk mine." Jinki said, whispering the last part to himself before finally turned to full face his friend with a soft smile. It took a lot for Koichi to listen to him rant, and that meant more then he could articulate at this moment. Instead, he reached out a simple hand and gently patted the smaller male's shoulder before nodding his head once.

@lee jinki He shifted his weight from his left leg to the right one, already growing pretty damn tired of standing (or running) around in a heavy fur coat. Which was why he shrugged the offending item off his shoulders and carelessly dumped it on a chair, adding to the ordered mess that was already around- If one trusted Jinki’s words. No longer feeling like he was overheating, Koichi found his temper cool down further too. It was easier to listen that way, especially when he had to hold his snarky side back from commenting on every tiny detail. Surprisingly though, his friends words were…deeper than expected. Somewhat touching, if Koichi was one to admit his feelings easily. He allowed the explanation to settle for a few more seconds before even attempting to formulate a tactful reply. He had no intention of setting fire to the topic again.

“First of all,” he started, gathering his breath. “You should know without me saying it that I appreciate your…protectiveness.” Really smooth, he thought, cringing inwardly. Why did he always have problems telling others how much they meant to him. Shamefully, Koichi had to lower his gaze. There was one thing that he still didn’t get though. He raised his voice once again, quieter.

“I don’t know how knights work with each other. But why do you try to do everything by yourself?”

@koichi After pushing the rest of the dirty clothes into their 'rightful' corner, Jinki shook his head while looking over at Koichi. "It's organized to my liking. Anyone one else would think I'm just a slob, which is what I want people to think. That way they don't realize how much I actually organize and plot things out." He said, still not fully entertained in the conversation. What was entertaining was watching his friend, wondering if he was going to sit down like any rational human being or continue to play this game of dominance. Which, honestly was his favorite.

"Oh.. how did I know." He rolled his eyes while mumbling under his breath. Only to pause when the other asked to see his side of things. Which, Jinki knew instantly that it wouldn't help anything since Koichi and him didn't share. Useless or not.. maybe it'd help him feel better. "You know you're my best friend, right? You.. you're the only other person I have here besides my parents and the innocently ignorant leader I follow. Everything I do.. is to protect the ones I love. The commander may not see the other clans as a full on threat--" He clenched his fist slightly while turning to look at the mirror, "But, just as I don't follow our commanders wishes and wants to a perfect 'T', knights of other clans are the same way. I've come across many rebel knights that want nothing more then to pick off the strongest people in other clans without a trace." No matter how much the commander of Durus annoyed him, he knew that if their leader was taken out it would be an ultimate sign of weakness.. which was why he fought so hard for it.

@lee jinki It was a good sign that he’d been granted permission to enter that easily, Koichi decided. He passed the other male to step further into the ‘home’ that belonged to his friend, eyes automatically scanning the room- even though it never really changed during all those times he visited. Taking note of the slight messiness, he clicked his tongue. Though he was really not one to talk, he drawled:

“We should definitely do some cleaning again.” There was no accusation in his voice, he knew well enough that Jinki was busy. As that was the case all the time these days. And Koichi kind of really wanted things to return to the their casual, normal state- Somewhere deep down, at least. He crossed his arms, wanting to settle down somewhere while also desperate to keep the situation serious. For some illogical reason, sitting down felt like submitting.

“You are not getting an apology,” he said, but quickly added: “Not yet.” Because he had promised himself to be civil this time around.

“You said I don’t ever see it from your perspective. So then, explain? Because I’m /trying/ to understand.” He really did. Sadly, it didn’t sound too convincing.

@koichi Upon entering his form, the first thing that was taking off was his shirt. Instantly causing his eyes to lock on a nearby mirror. Those burn marks never seemed to fade quite like he wanted, and not because it didn't show off the full definition of his muscles. Alright, that was part of it. Either way, Jinki knew he had to come to terms with the marks all over his chest, stomach and back. Alas, it could take years and those years would probably start working on his self confidence even more. After examining each mark, he finally made his way into the small bathroom attached to his bedroom for a quick shower.

Just as he had gotten out, dried himself off and pulled on some clothes he heard a knock on the door. "You never give up." Jinki half-sighed to himself before walking over and pulling it open. Without another word, he stepped aside to give Koichi enough room to enter. Shutting the door behind his friend, the knight went over to casually kick all the dirty clothes on his floor next to the hamper to make his room at least appear cleaner. "Have you come to apologize, or.. just wanted to see how much you can push me?" He said, his tone rather bored.

@lee jinki (aw I hope work gets better for you! ;_; I’m slow and it’s not going to get faster with uni starting tomorrow and finals approaching aksfhsk. I hope what I’m doing is still okay, likewise. Because you're doing more than fine either way.)

Deep down, he was a little disappointed. His actions weren’t rousing the reaction he expected, and while that was a good thing, it also was a little…disturbing. Koichi kept his mouth shut after that. Being the only one riled up over this was new, and where he usually wouldn’t care about anyone around, he did feel self-conscious suddenly. A spark of guilt lit up as he watched Jinki’s retreating back. Was he really that bad of a friend, uncaring of the other’s perspective? Admittedly, friendships weren’t something Koichi had a lot of experience with, as he barely kept anyone around who’d deserve the title of ‘friend’. Plus, he was selfish by nature. It wasn’t unlikely that he accidentally disregarded Jinki’s view. On the other hand, he was unable to imagine what more there could be to the whole affair. Feeling the stares of two other training males on him, he snapped out of his stupor and got moving. Jinki was hella wrong if he believed he’d get away with such an indicated accusation. He’d even let the insulting comment slide, for now.

The way to the knight’s quarters wasn’t complicated at all, if one knew where to go. That could be said about the Durus’ ship as a whole, at least for those that grew up and lived here for years. Otherwise it might as well be considered an endless maze of corridors. Koichi took his time though, figuring that Jinki might want some alone time. A quick shower or something. After spending but a few minutes in the training center, that was what the tarot card reader felt like doing. And he hadn’t even exhausted himself. Standing in front of the right door for a few more minutes, he gathered his determination. Fine, he’d listen. But for that, he needed to get Jinki to talk. None too cautiously, he knocked.

@koichi This ing brat. It was not use trying to get Koichi to see that what he was doing was the right thing. Especially since it'd keep the clan and him safe. Even after these annoying tiffs, he would do anything for his greatest friend. "I wish, just this once, you'd look at it from my point of view." He said, not in the mood to lift weights anymore. It wasn't a good idea to push yourself when angry, it always lead to receiving an injury which he couldn't afford right now. Not when tensions between clans were getting higher and higher. With a displeased sigh, he got up off the bench and picked up both towel and water bottle. "And about your little pieces of paper, I won't believe them until they're right." Was all Jinki said with a firm nod. Without as much as a wave, he made his leave in order to head back to his dorm. The walk there, all he could think about was how Koichi's cards were right, but only once. As per usual, he'd never openly admit it.

It was about him winning a battle, but not leaving unharmed. The wound he had received kept him away from his tarot card reading friend for maybe a month and a half? When the knight finally returned back to his normal duties, he was able to catch up with Koichi and no questions were asked. The fact that he may of had people feeding his friend lies that he was still out in the field are irrelevant. As is the injury and the prediction. It was to stay that way. At least that's what he promised himself.

((Crap, but eh. Work is rn xDD))

@lee jinki Making it a point to not back away, because that would be a tiny loss already, Koichi lifted his chin defiantly. But he was not used to physical closeness- and thus not all too comfortable with it. It was barely even tolerable with Jinki, whom he’d known for so long. The latter’s tone was harsher than expected, and actually managed to make him twitch. Though he was quick to cover it up and ignore the not-so-subtle warning.

“Even if it’s your own decision, that doesn’t make it any better. Rather than that, worse,” he breathed. He'd never understand why the knights were willingly risking their lives. Perhaps he was too selfish to imagine such a righteous act. As Jinki retreated, Koichi released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. Then the fact that his beloved belongings had just been insulted reached his brain.

“Don’t drag my cards into this. It’s not my fault you have no eye for the supernatural. ” Much to his displeasure, he sounded like a kid arguing with its mother about some stupid hobby. And fittingly, his voice was becoming a tad bit louder.

@koichi As expected..Koichi would never pass up a chance to nag. While pretending to listen, Jinki casually wiped his neck and shoulders dry. After tossing the towel onto a near by bench press, claiming it from a knight who looked interested while walking by. He inched closer, purposefully getting into the other's personal space. "Have you ever thought that I've been leaving on my own? Or did your crazy cards not show that to you." He all but snarled against the elder's ear. "Take the hint, and drop it. Before I make you." Was his final warning.

While he would never get violent towards the friend he's had for so long... Jinki wasn't against carrying the other over his shoulder and back to his quarters. Wouldn't be the first time, either. Sure, he may of gotten a couple scratch marks on his arm and neck.. but he's hiding far worse under his clothes. Rolling his shoulders, he walked over to his claimed bench and took a seat as he carefully watched the other's reactions. He was either due to blow up, or... blow up but silently. Which always resulted in Jinki getting nagged to death when he finally went back to his room.

@lee jinki Koichi truly didn’t know when the frown he was wearing had settled, but he liked to keep a calm façade up during such unnecessary quarrels. So he willed it way, forcing his expression to smooth out some, hoping he’d be able to keep it that way. Which was highly unlikely.

“Oh, but you /will/ hear it again,” he said flatly, the calm before a storm- or so to speak. His eyes were following Jinki’s movements, still as relaxed as his own for as far as he could tell. Smirking to himself, Koichi wondered how long that may last. Either way, he had the others attention, and that was all he wanted for now.

“Have you ever seen me apologize? That’s not what I’m here for.” And the more he thought about why he stood here, a place that just radiated exhaustion and discipline- the more it fuelled his well concealed anger.

“They are overdoing it. Those high and mighty guys up there. Just because they can’t get clan matters sorted out with their brains, they push it onto you,” he continued, evaluating his observations. “Because sure, using their special forces is the easiest way to get what they want. Don’t think I didn’t realize that knights have been leaving more often.” And the tiny bunch of knights Koichi knew personally, mainly consisting of Jinki, didn’t seem like the type to go out for some fun. Having caught his breath, he added one last thing.

“It’s not going to end well.” He could see it. His cards told him. But if Koichi brought that up now, the other would not take him as serious as he wished.

(aaand as per usual, don't feel forced to match length. I like writing ranting Koichi. He gets upset by little things, but he's hella worried and hella stubborn xD I still hope I won't ever disappoint omg)

@koichi Lifting was his favorite way to relieve stress, especially since it wasn't common for knights to have relations. Nor was it smart, in his mind. Having someone you were in love with was only a weakness; a weakness that will hold you back from reaching your full potential. Of course many would disagree with him, but that wasn't all the uncommon it seemed. For Jinki had his own ways of handling things, and ways he thought the clan should be handled. That being said, he'd never go against his commanders wishes. One of his biggest pet peeves was civilians in the training quarters, which was rather simple to find seeing as how they wondered around like a newborn exploring the ship for their first time. Out of the corner of his eyes, he patiently watched the rather slim body make it's way over though he couldn't fully tell who it was. That is until his nose picked up the faint smell, a perfume of sorts. It was sweet, maybe even floral.. it was Koichi.

Not bothering to look away from the mirror as his old friend came closer, Jinki simply shrugged at his statement. "I don't want to hear it this time, Koi." He said, his voice low and stern. Grabbing the towel his towel from next to his water bottle, he finally turned to face the other. Their last meeting ended in less then friendly terms.. which was common. This time.. it was a little more severe, in the fact that Koichi decided to speak out about the clan. "Have you come to apologize, or just to nag about your opinion more?" The knight asked, after patting his face dry. The last thing he wanted was to cause an argument here, such a public place. Especially since neither him nor the other were scared to raise their voices in order to get their point across.

((I loved it <3 I'm glad you enjoyed writing, because I sure enjoyed reading and replying. One thing.. just don't expect such long replies from me all the time :P))

@lee jinki (welp, I do hope this okay //hides away...I had fun writing.)

He should’ve worn more comfortable clothes, Koichi mused. Because then the leather top wouldn’t restrict his breathing so much. And eventually, after what felt like ages of striding through the corridors of the ship without a set goal, he abruptly stopped in his tracks. Just to turn on his heels and release an irritated huff. What was he even doing. If he wanted to seriously /find/ that person, there was one place that had the best chances of harbouring him. Perhaps he’d been trying to avoid a confrontation, somewhere in the back of his mind. Because even now, Koichi already knew it would likely end in disagreement all over again. Especially considering his own stubbornness. He began walking again, this time fastening his pace. There was no backing out. Even before he fully reached the training center, he ran into some people- proud, toned, lithe. Likely fighters of his clan, regarding him with a mixture of amusement and condescension in their eyes. He held his head a little higher, breaking away from their gazes in passing. Koichi knew that his appearance here was more than just uncommon, a rare sight to behold. They didn’t need to be obvious about it.

Spotting his much sought-after person wasn’t a challenge at all once he was at the right place. He was used to the sight of the other, though he barely ever watched him train. Observing alone was tiring enough, muscles tightening and relaxing, repetitive routines, and sweat. Koichi could barely stand the feeling of sweat on his skin, it was gross and annoying, and sometimes he couldn’t help but question his own masculinity. It did look good on Jinki though, he had to give him that. The fact that the latter had a body to match was probably playing into it, too. For a moment longer, he watched the other male as he watched himself. Well aware that he had probably been noticed already, Koichi took another step ahead, arms crossed.

“They are working you guys too hard,” he declared, tone easily giving away that this was just the beginning of a rant to come.

It was normal as a knight to spend time training, the abnormal part? Jinki always spent every second either building muscle, or working on his technique with the large variety of weapons. So chances are, if he wasn't eating or sleeping? He was surrounded by those four walls that always seemed like home. Casually filling up his water bottle in the fountain, he ran over his simple workout plan in his head. Thankfully it wasn't leg day, which meant he'd probably be able to get some sword training in and maybe a little cardio. He carefully screwed the top onto the container before strolling over to the free weights. His absolute favorite. "Hello baby~" Jinki said in a low tone, a small smirk on his lips. After setting down his bottle and towel, he picked up a few lighter weights and began his warm up exercises. It wasn't long before he had worked his way up to his normal training routine and he was nothing but a sweaty, grunting mess. "One more set..." He said, as if encouraging someone else. It was almost embarrassing how much he struggled with the last one, but it was typical seeing as how he hadn't pushed himself this hard in a long while. Slowly, and shakily bringing the weights down to his side, Jinki let out a large exhale before carefully setting them on the floor. One look in the mirror and that smirk from earlier was back in it's rightful place. "Not bad." He mumbled, ignoring how the wet spots on his black tank top seemed to stick to his torso somewhat perfectly in order to admire his arms.

((Open, just had a muse.))