[That was the first thought that crossed Kakyoin's mind as he listened with the utmost attention, slowly disengaging the iron grip he held on a cup of coffee. His father's charisma had been a horrifying weapon, the cold whisper of death at the back of his neck. With Giorno, it was calming without the added edge of an oncoming storm. He may have said Kakyoin knew what to say--and maybe he did, when it counted--but it wasn't Kakyoin that could come up with exactly what was needed in response right now.]
[It was a relief, somehow. It was such a relief that something stung at the corner of his eyes, and he quietly put his sunglasses back on until he had better control of himself.]
'Evil is...when you use the weak for your own gain, and crush them under your foot.'
[He repeated the words slowly, voice colored by a wavering laugh.]
[It was just an ability. He'd already known that...hadn't he? That was why this was something he couldn't confide to Jotaro; because fearing his own power while insisting he didn't care if his friend could stop time would be unforgivable hypocrisy.]
You're right. I'm sorry--that's something that should have been obvious to me. I do pride myself on strategy if nothing else; I can read people in a fight like it's second nature, but I'm afraid I'm still learning how to do it otherwise.
[Kakyoin lowered his sunglasses, taking a second to collect his thoughts before speaking again.]
For what it's worth, you--this may not be my place to say either--but I can recognize the similarities between the two of you. But the way you are and the way he was, it's...'distorted' is the word which comes to mind. The people who follow you do it because they love you, not your power or the illusion of it. You're unimaginably powerful, but not convinced that it puts you above everyone else.
[Shaking his head, Kakyoin laughed with a little more confidence.
I said you weren't his legacy, and I meant it. You're something far, far better than he ever could have been, Giorno.
no subject
[That was the first thought that crossed Kakyoin's mind as he listened with the utmost attention, slowly disengaging the iron grip he held on a cup of coffee. His father's charisma had been a horrifying weapon, the cold whisper of death at the back of his neck. With Giorno, it was calming without the added edge of an oncoming storm. He may have said Kakyoin knew what to say--and maybe he did, when it counted--but it wasn't Kakyoin that could come up with exactly what was needed in response right now.]
[It was a relief, somehow. It was such a relief that something stung at the corner of his eyes, and he quietly put his sunglasses back on until he had better control of himself.]
'Evil is...when you use the weak for your own gain, and crush them under your foot.'
[He repeated the words slowly, voice colored by a wavering laugh.]
[It was just an ability. He'd already known that...hadn't he? That was why this was something he couldn't confide to Jotaro; because fearing his own power while insisting he didn't care if his friend could stop time would be unforgivable hypocrisy.]
You're right. I'm sorry--that's something that should have been obvious to me. I do pride myself on strategy if nothing else; I can read people in a fight like it's second nature, but I'm afraid I'm still learning how to do it otherwise.
[Kakyoin lowered his sunglasses, taking a second to collect his thoughts before speaking again.]
For what it's worth, you--this may not be my place to say either--but I can recognize the similarities between the two of you. But the way you are and the way he was, it's...'distorted' is the word which comes to mind. The people who follow you do it because they love you, not your power or the illusion of it. You're unimaginably powerful, but not convinced that it puts you above everyone else.
[Shaking his head, Kakyoin laughed with a little more confidence.
I said you weren't his legacy, and I meant it. You're something far, far better than he ever could have been, Giorno.