[It was only centuries of keeping his face calm and neutral despite whatever he was seeing or hearing that kept him from breaking off the handle of the teapot as he poured them both a cup, motion robotic. He reached to keep a sleeve out of place that wasn't there, his ears burning as Okakou continued. He had not become a god out of choice, but out of necessity. If he was asked, he would have said it was because he was at the right place at the right time and for some reason he happened to get along with powerful figures.
He had thought some of that goodwill and prestige would shield Okakou from the fate that so many of the other immortal women had to deal with. But he hadn't known and hadn't thought to ask, and he had assumed if Okakou hadn't told him anything, that it wasn't happening.
He wanted to deny that he had taken any part in those sort of jokes and teasing, but his words already felt like ash on his tongue. He might lie to many people, but with Okakou being so honest with him, it would be a disservice and an insult to her not to do the same.]
I have, and I'm not proud of it. But even after this time to believe any of those things...
[His hand tightened on his cup, grip white as marble.]
I chose you because I was drawn to your passion and I believed you were strong enough to handle being at court. I thought, no I foolishly hoped, that you wouldn't have to worry about their whispering. I apologize on their behalf for what you've suffered, Sukunabikona and I recognize your efforts.
no subject
He had thought some of that goodwill and prestige would shield Okakou from the fate that so many of the other immortal women had to deal with. But he hadn't known and hadn't thought to ask, and he had assumed if Okakou hadn't told him anything, that it wasn't happening.
He wanted to deny that he had taken any part in those sort of jokes and teasing, but his words already felt like ash on his tongue. He might lie to many people, but with Okakou being so honest with him, it would be a disservice and an insult to her not to do the same.]
I have, and I'm not proud of it. But even after this time to believe any of those things...
[His hand tightened on his cup, grip white as marble.]
I chose you because I was drawn to your passion and I believed you were strong enough to handle being at court. I thought, no I foolishly hoped, that you wouldn't have to worry about their whispering. I apologize on their behalf for what you've suffered, Sukunabikona and I recognize your efforts.