i hope you know what you're doing (i don't think you do)

by Fencer13

Summary:

Korn is surprised when he returns to his quarters to find Kinn waiting for him.

Korn is surprised when he returns to his quarters to find Kinn waiting for him.

Lately, Kinn has ignored Korn's advice, which stems from decades of experience. It is the arrogance so typical of youth, to think that they know better than their elders – Korn had hoped Kinn would not be so foolish, but he takes comfort in knowing it will not last. Kinn will realise that his stubborn independence does more harm than good, and that he should listen to his father. Until then, Korn has taken it upon himself to ensure that Kinn’s impulsiveness does not ruin everything he has spent decades working for. Now, however, Kinn seeks him out – maybe he is beginning to admit to himself that he needs help, though Korn had been sure that he would take longer to overcome his pride.

 

“Son,” he greets Kinn. “I thought you were busy negotiating with the Italians. Things must be going well, if you have the time to visit?”

Kinn seems impatient – he has never quite managed the trick of maintaining a blank face. “I’m not here to discuss business with you, father.”

Korn smiles genially. “A social visit, then? How nice.”

He scrutinises Kinn, but for once Kinn’s face gives little away – impatience, yes, maybe some reluctance? Kinn is hovering near the door, seemingly eager to leave; this will be a brief conversation.

Kinn takes a deep breath and looks Korn in the eyes, unwilling to give an inch in a confrontation Korn had not been aware they were having. “I have asked Porsche to marry me,” he says. “And Porsche has said yes.” He cannot quite keep a smile off his face as he says it, though he does not particularly seem to be trying.

Korn makes sure to keep his face neutral as he considers this. Porsche is loyal, yes, but marrying him is not a wise choice. He is already part of the family, and marrying him brings no additional advantage – instead, it removes the possibility of gaining alliances through marriage to outside parties. Additionally, there is the matter of an heir to consider – Tankhun is unfit and Kim is unwilling, so Kinn must have a son.

“I thought you were not here to discuss business,” he says. “There is no need to marry Porsche; as head of the minor family he will stay, regardless.”

Kinn scowls. “I am marrying Porsche because I love him,” he spits out. “Not for any other reasons. And I’m not here to ask you permission. To let you try to convince me not to marry him. The only reason I am here is to tell you.” Kinn stands straight, his posture aggressive, his eyes angry.

His son is taller than he is, Korn realises suddenly. When did that happen?

Kinn will not let anyone talk him out of marrying Porsche, it seems. It is fruitless to try, when trying will only earn him his son’s hostility. But he will not endorse this.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” he says, at last.

It is not enough. Kinn turns and leaves without another word, and Korn is left behind, staring at the closed door.

Notes:

I wanted to write a fic where Kinn realises that he's found something that matters more to him than his father's approval - his relationship with Porsche - and where Korn can't really do anything in response: his go-to for Kinn, disapproval, isn't working anymore, and he's failing to find something else. He's thinking of himself as taking the high road, waiting for Kinn to come back, because he's in denial that that's the only thing he CAN do.
It's basically Kinn going "you have no power here" and Korn starting to realise that; also starting to realise how he's cut himself out from his own family, and that the door to them is shut unless it's opened by someone else, and maybe even regretting that, somewhere, though he won't change anything, and probably couldn't identify it as regret if you paid him to.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Sinnporsche GTA