[At the thought of having him force to face his memories and situation, Soushi was close to shaking his head and rejecting the idea entirely. If it were someone else having made that request to him, he would have ended the conversation there and offered a polite dismissal message with the excuse that he wasn't feeling well. The only reason he hasn't done any of those steps is due to his respect for Leonardo and the friendship he did feel towards him. If it weren't for his sincere feelings, then he would have ended the conversation now.
However, it didn't mean Soushi will begin to face himself, not yet. Instead he will hold onto his head a moment further, covering his eyes and leaning over the bracelet that was now on his lap, while he continues to listen to the type of company Leonardo keeps which was no secret to him. After all, the older man had told him a little about those friends and the apple once. He will simply listen and feel his lips slightly quiver as the man speaks his faith in him. An idea or feeling no one has ever offered him before. He wasn't entirely certain what to do with it. He couldn't reject it, that's for sure.
But at the question over if he believes Leonardo was using him, it will finally get a reaction from him. He will lower his hands from his eyes and offer a shake of his head.]
No. Never! I would never have those type of thoughts about you...
[And to prove it, Soushi will nod his head in understanding as he crosses his arms now. A piece of him doesn't want to do this -- to explore, to move forward, to reflect. He didn't want to do it. He really didn't, but...]
...I have my reasons to believe the intentions of those in my world. The situation has no relation to your experiences as I would not care if they were to disappear from my sight. [Actually.] I prefer they would...
[It was clear he didn't think too fondly of them. Natsume might be someone he has grown to somewhat tolerate, but it was only out of need as he was his only connection to Ririchiyo and nothing more. However, he will try to change the look on his face to a softer one as he finally will say:]
...I'll prove the difference between the relationship I share with you compare to everyone else. If it is your wish for me to begin my self-reflection, then I would do so only if you are the one asking the questions...
[Now uncrossing his arms, he will return the bracelet to its proper place as he found it'll be best to keep it on his person while offering some time to prepare for what is to come. A smile will appear to his lips as he does so to mask his current feelings.]
[Private - Video]
However, it didn't mean Soushi will begin to face himself, not yet. Instead he will hold onto his head a moment further, covering his eyes and leaning over the bracelet that was now on his lap, while he continues to listen to the type of company Leonardo keeps which was no secret to him. After all, the older man had told him a little about those friends and the apple once. He will simply listen and feel his lips slightly quiver as the man speaks his faith in him. An idea or feeling no one has ever offered him before. He wasn't entirely certain what to do with it. He couldn't reject it, that's for sure.
But at the question over if he believes Leonardo was using him, it will finally get a reaction from him. He will lower his hands from his eyes and offer a shake of his head.]
No. Never! I would never have those type of thoughts about you...
[And to prove it, Soushi will nod his head in understanding as he crosses his arms now. A piece of him doesn't want to do this -- to explore, to move forward, to reflect. He didn't want to do it. He really didn't, but...]
...I have my reasons to believe the intentions of those in my world. The situation has no relation to your experiences as I would not care if they were to disappear from my sight. [Actually.] I prefer they would...
[It was clear he didn't think too fondly of them. Natsume might be someone he has grown to somewhat tolerate, but it was only out of need as he was his only connection to Ririchiyo and nothing more. However, he will try to change the look on his face to a softer one as he finally will say:]
...I'll prove the difference between the relationship I share with you compare to everyone else. If it is your wish for me to begin my self-reflection, then I would do so only if you are the one asking the questions...
[Now uncrossing his arms, he will return the bracelet to its proper place as he found it'll be best to keep it on his person while offering some time to prepare for what is to come. A smile will appear to his lips as he does so to mask his current feelings.]
...whenever you are ready to begin...