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[ryuwrighthistory]

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[exchangeable]

It's a good start, though. Everything needs a firm foundation to begin.

[ He steps over finally, clapping his shoulder at that. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He brushes off the sweat from his brow. Though it didn't look like he was doing much, he exerted quite a bit of energy keeping his bow steady and staying focused.] How long did it take you to be comfortable with using a katana? [He glances up to him.]

[exchangeable]

. . . Years. [ He glances over at Naruhodou's bow at that. ] I started when I was very young and kept at it consistently. It still took me time to ingrain the proper stances into my head and build up my strength.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He deflates a little.] Oh, years huh...? [It'll probably take him double the amount of time to learn with a bow, cause he's not as diligent as Asougi.]

. . .I guess I won't be much help for a while.

[exchangeable]

Well, it's a matter of reacclimating yourself to it, frankly. It's a different scenario entirely here.

[ He nudges him lightly. ] Besides, you say that like I'll be getting myself into trouble on a regular basis.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He shakes his head.] Sorry, it's not that. I just...want to be out there with you, and it's to help myself. [He's kind of tired of being deadweight when caught in a bad situation.]

[exchangeable]

Mm . . . it's understandable, but— [ He pauses, then shakes his head. ] No, I can definitely understand. I wish it weren't necessary in any capacity.

[ryuwrighthistory]

. . .Well, at least this is something I like to do. [He looks to his bow.] After being whisked away to Great Britain and then another world entirely, I forgot that I used to enjoy practicing with you... [He frowns. It's because he didn't have Asougi around anymore that he couldn't bring himself to do anything that would remind him of his friend.]

[exchangeable]

[ He shifts his gaze back up to Naruhodou at that. There was more to what he was saying, he knows. ]

You've been through a lot.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He glances up to him, then puts an arm around his.] I wasn't always alone, not really. [No one would ever take Asougi's place, what he meant to him, but he still had the support of Susato, Holmes and Iris to get through the toughest of times. At least he had that.]

[exchangeable]

[ He offers a smile in response, though it's a small, thin one. ]

Good. I'm glad you had something, even in those times.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He leans into him. He can't help thinking about that nightmare he saw from Asougi, and all those months on his own without his memories.] I'm glad you have something here.

[exchangeable]

[ He looks over at him for a long moment before nodding slowly. ]

. . . I'm glad I have you.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He lets go of him so he can face him properly. He reaches behind his head so he could pull him down and press foreheads. He holds that position for a long moment in silence.]

Are you going to join me now and impress me with your archery? [Because he will, because Naruhodou has yet to beat him at it ever.]

[exchangeable]

[ He closes his eyes, smiling softly as he presses his forehead against Naruhodou's. ]

I didn't want to show you up so quickly, but if you insist.

[ryuwrighthistory]

I'm used to it. [If he was honestly that upset, they wouldn't be friends for as long as they have been.] Besides, I might learn something from example.

[exchangeable]

[ He seems almost reluctant to pull away, but he does, going to pick up his own bow and quiver of arrows. ]

Alright. I'll show you how it's done.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He stands back, nodding.] I look forward to it! [He's pretty excited about this to be honest.]

[exchangeable]

[ He turns towards the tree, aims, and then fires off a shot. It hits the tree a bit lower than he wanted it to. With a frown, he adjusts his aiming a bit, then fires again. Still a bit off. The next three shots, however, are dead on in the middle of the tree. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Naruhodou doesn't seem bothered his first shots were off. The fact he hit the tree every time was already impressive enough.] Amazing. . .[And cool.] and you haven't been practicing either, right?

[exchangeable]

Not archery, no.

[ He lowers the bow, examining the tree carefully. It wasn't his best performance, but he had always been relatively consistent when standing still, at least. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

What were you even doing? [WHAT DO YOU SEE THAT HE DOESN'T?] I mean, I could at least tell your stance was better.

[exchangeable]

Hmm? [ He glances back over at him at that, raising an eyebrow. ] What do you mean, what was I doing?

[ryuwrighthistory]

You made every hit, eventhough the both of us haven't been practicing. So what are you doing differently?

[exchangeable]

Stance. Confidence. And more of it than you would think carries over from my sword training, which I have been keeping up with.