damned_institute | Nightshift 31: M21-M30 Hallway

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Nightshift 31: M21-M30 Hallway

((Specifically in room M22))

This night was shaping up to be another long and tiring one. Adelheid mentally ran through the checklist of things to do: give a spear to Yukari Takeba, create the sakabatou for Himura Kenshin, sharpen Kenren's blade... and then, if he found a moment to breathe, to do something to let off some of the anger he still felt. At least he wasn't powerless tonight; that was the only good thing for him to look forward to. It had been too long since he'd gotten to fight something that wasn't a patient.

He kept one ear on the radio, still wondering if Jack was honestly gone and convincing himself that such could not be the case. Besides, he was too busy to feel grief now. He had to focus, or else this night was going to be just as frustrating as the previous one.

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There might be an option, really. Adelheid was already considering Kenshin's strengths, and the strength of his character even moreso. While the wanderer had claimed that he was grateful beyond words, Adel knew that such gratitude really only went so far. The question was how far to go... though in all actuality, the younger man had a feeling he wouldn't be making a request. He'd already gained a fair amount from making the weapon.

But then Homura burst in right after knocking, and Adelheid's expression grew cooler and more self-contained. And needless to say, the rapier was within easy reach if he needed it. "Yes, as I said I would be. While I won't hold you up if you're leaving, I will need Hijikata's measurements if you expect me to make a weapon for him. He didn't see fit to respond to my request on the board."

It wasn't hard to notice the changes in the men once Homura came into the room, especially in Adelheid. Hints of the calm and comfort he'd felt were visible in his retreat inward, not that Homura was at all surprised to see it. He'd been expecting a level of coldness, considering the conversation they had had.

And so be it. So long as the blond continued to do what Homura needed, the demi-god was willing to be more careful in his game. At least for the time being.

"I don't know the exact numbers." Unlike Adelheid, Homura didn't contain his arrogance. He refused to let any frustration or anger over the other's views show. Let Adel be afraid. Homura wasn't. "I'll mention to him to be more alert. Unless Himura can give you the specifics."

He looked to the rurouni somewhat expectantly. "You are enemies, correct? Or were." If they had fought against each other, Homura expected Kenshin to be acutely aware of the length and blade Hijikata would need, moreso than even his allies.

Save for Okita. Okita's level of devotion Homura doubted anyone would ever match.

Kenshin looked up at Homura, and he wasn't smiling anymore. Why did Homura seem so set on pushing his buttons all the time? Granted, the demigod didn't try to provoke him as often as others, but it was still rather frustrating sometimes. "Were," he said quietly, "and we only crossed swords once or twice."

Sighing, he turned to Adel. "Be that as it may, his sword would probably be standard katana length. Two and a half to three feet, just like the sakabatou you very kindly made for this one just a few moments ago."

"If you'd kindly, I'd appreciate it." Discomfort gave way to perhaps a bit too much politeness, the kind of defense that Adelheid had learned to evolve when he dealt with unsavory business associates. He appreciated Homura's work, and he didn't wish to leave anyone unarmed and at the mercy of the Institute. At the same time, however, the conversation he'd held with the man still roiled in his mind.

So he turned to Kenshin, a more pleasant foil for conversation. "I see; I'll guess a bit on the larger side, assuming he's built more heavily than you are. And a regular katana as well... at least I'm getting better at creating them." Repetition, while not the cornerstone of Adelheid's abilities, was nevertheless one thing that he could handle. With each blade he made, his skill became greater. Hopefully soon he'd be able to create blades sharp enough to serve on their own.

"Yes. He's closer to my size than to Himura's, certainly." Homura was just as polite to Adelheid in return, but with an ease that sharply contrasted with other's discomfort. Perhaps he simply had too much experience in it, tormenting gods who wanted to spit on him for being a heresy, who somehow thought that the label made them superior.

All part of living too long, he supposed.

Regardless, there would be time enough to play the game at a later date. Adelheid certainly couldn't avoid him forever, and for now, letting him simmer was good enough. The demi-god turned to Kenshin, now effectively ignoring the blond. "There are things we need to take care of. Let's go."

[Going down the hall!]

Kenshin barely had time to thank Adelheid one more time before he was swept away by Homura.

"Once again, this one is very grateful for the sword. Be safe tonight, and rest. You look exhausted."

[following the badtouch-happy demigod.]

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Nightshift 31: M21-M30 Hallway

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