I wouldn't now that I've grown and seen the world and learned the truth, naturally... But as a young child, I admired my cousin and uncle most. Patriotism is very important where we're from, as you know. It's considered the highest honor to serve our country, the best a boy can do to contribute to the war effort. Our nation is proudest of our military above all.
[ He's serious while discussing this, but there's still something faintly lighthearted in his voice, for someone who's as fine-tuned for those subtle changes by now as Gokudera is. It's not an uncomfortable topic for him, even with all that he has told Gokudera about his world and the war. It's a bit ironic, perhaps, but he speaks without shame, having had a lot of time to chew on the nuanced and conflicted feelings he has toward the Fire Nation military and sense of patriotism now.
He continues without much of a hitch, but when he notices Gokudera begin to chew at his cuticles, he gently takes his hand in his, lacing their fingers together as he speaks to give some vague personal context, too. That probably rings as more relevant to Gokudera, anyway. He's heard more about Zuko's life than he has about the Fire Nation culture's nationalist ideals. He casually holds his hand as he goes on, not just to keep him from chewing at himself, but also just because... he wants to hold his hand, why not. ]
Besides, this was before, um— things changed. Back when things were "okay." Before my cousin and my grandfather died. I did not have the same title, then. Different expectations of me.
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[ He's serious while discussing this, but there's still something faintly lighthearted in his voice, for someone who's as fine-tuned for those subtle changes by now as Gokudera is. It's not an uncomfortable topic for him, even with all that he has told Gokudera about his world and the war. It's a bit ironic, perhaps, but he speaks without shame, having had a lot of time to chew on the nuanced and conflicted feelings he has toward the Fire Nation military and sense of patriotism now.
He continues without much of a hitch, but when he notices Gokudera begin to chew at his cuticles, he gently takes his hand in his, lacing their fingers together as he speaks to give some vague personal context, too. That probably rings as more relevant to Gokudera, anyway. He's heard more about Zuko's life than he has about the Fire Nation culture's nationalist ideals. He casually holds his hand as he goes on, not just to keep him from chewing at himself, but also just because... he wants to hold his hand, why not. ]
Besides, this was before, um— things changed. Back when things were "okay." Before my cousin and my grandfather died. I did not have the same title, then. Different expectations of me.