[When Uncle had told him that one of the highest-ranking people in Millenion had paid for the kids' bills this month, Oda hadn't known how to react.
Not that many people knew about the kids who were orphaned in that gang war... if 'gang war' is what it could be called... being in that safe house to begin with. Oda isn't entirely surprised Brandon Heat is one. What he is surprised about is that Heat found a reason to provide some money.
Most of Oda's paycheck goes towards the kids' expenses, but he doesn't have an issue paying for them. He's never let it affect the quality of his work. So why would his superior do something like that...?
It's a few days after, when Oda is walking down the piers that line the coast, that he spots the man in question. There's no mistaking him, even with a fishing pole in his hand.]
...Sir.
[He doesn't expect to be recognized. This is the first time they've directly interacted, and Brandon Heat must have better things to do than memorize the faces of every member of the organization. Particularly errand boys.]
[Brandon has conceded to the informality of the situation by leaving his jacket unbuttoned and forgoing a tie. Emergencies can arise at any time - it won't do to stray too far from the professional look.
His posture doesn't change when he hears Oda, but he does turn his head sharply in the other man's direction. He squints, trying to match face and name.]
[Oda is a person who likes trenchcoats and pinstripe shirts even on informal occassions. He's heard once that he's the only person in the mafia who can afford to wear such a light-colored coat: because he won't get blood on it.]
Yes sir. ...Thank you.
[Does Brandon even know what he's talking about immediately? Probably not, but Oda has never been talkative without prompting.]
[Honestly it's a miracle Harry can get away with his white suits. But then, Harry hasn't been on the front lines for a long time. Brandon's always favored dark colors. It's always made more sense.
The thanks takes him by surprise. Just for remembering a name?]
Brandon shrugs, returning his attention to the (entirely slack) fishing line. It's awkward, accepting thanks. He never quite feels like he's done something notable enough to earn it. And for all that he likes to help where he can, he doesn't want to intrude on others' lives. At that point he's not helping.]
[Oda hesitates - does he have the right to call them family? If it weren't for the mafia he's a part of, they would still be with their real parents. 'Family' is a word he shouldn't use easily.
...But there isn't any other way he could describe them. Even if he couldn't call himself their father, those kids are undoubtedly family.]
[It's difficult for Oda to impose a request on a superior, but the offer has been made, and it's equally difficult to refuse. The deciding factor is whether Oda actually would like to learn.]
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Not that many people knew about the kids who were orphaned in that gang war... if 'gang war' is what it could be called... being in that safe house to begin with. Oda isn't entirely surprised Brandon Heat is one. What he is surprised about is that Heat found a reason to provide some money.
Most of Oda's paycheck goes towards the kids' expenses, but he doesn't have an issue paying for them. He's never let it affect the quality of his work. So why would his superior do something like that...?
It's a few days after, when Oda is walking down the piers that line the coast, that he spots the man in question. There's no mistaking him, even with a fishing pole in his hand.]
...Sir.
[He doesn't expect to be recognized. This is the first time they've directly interacted, and Brandon Heat must have better things to do than memorize the faces of every member of the organization. Particularly errand boys.]
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His posture doesn't change when he hears Oda, but he does turn his head sharply in the other man's direction. He squints, trying to match face and name.]
...Oda, right?
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Yes sir. ...Thank you.
[Does Brandon even know what he's talking about immediately? Probably not, but Oda has never been talkative without prompting.]
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The thanks takes him by surprise. Just for remembering a name?]
For what?
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[Remembering a name would be worth thanks, considering Oda's name is so unimportant, but that's not what he meant.]
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Brandon shrugs, returning his attention to the (entirely slack) fishing line. It's awkward, accepting thanks. He never quite feels like he's done something notable enough to earn it. And for all that he likes to help where he can, he doesn't want to intrude on others' lives. At that point he's not helping.]
...They're your family, aren't they?
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...But there isn't any other way he could describe them. Even if he couldn't call himself their father, those kids are undoubtedly family.]
Yes, sir.
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...That's important.
[He gives the fishing line a final evaluating look before starting to reel it back in. If nothing has bitten yet tonight, it's not going to start.]
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[More important than just about anything.]
...Any fish today?
[He's not much of a fisher himself, but he knows it's a hobby that requires patience. Uncle said he would be good at it.]
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Do you fish?
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[That's the way it was described in books, anyway.]
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If you'd like to learn... [He shrugs, awkwardly, not wanting to make too much of the offer.]
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If you don't mind. Thank you very much.