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[Look Akame, some people just have a tough time doing normal things. Just pretend they were living in an infomercial before this okay. Standards must be lowered. Not everyone can be an action ninja babe.
Also he stares at this. A lot.]
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
Oh so you met him.
[UM. WHAT. IS THERE TO SAY. Don't talk to the me that isn't me?Who's cuter?]
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
He seems nice.
[SO ANYWAY.]
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
There was a clan of locals shooting fiery arrows at us for the whole three days. I'm not an unfit man, but I swear i have never run so far for so long in my entire life combined. It was atrocious.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
She seems it but then she started cracking jokes at me and now i'm a little more terrified to be honest? But hey i can ditch cheese now, what a time to be alive.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
I'm so mad i used to love cheese now i wanna puke just thinking about it
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
And what for real? I was just about to gather something for just that. Which rover are you in, I'll swing by and pick you up!
Also he stares at this. A lot.]
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
Oh so you met him.
[UM. WHAT. IS THERE TO SAY. Don't talk to the me that isn't me?
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
He seems nice.
[SO ANYWAY.]
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
There was a clan of locals shooting fiery arrows at us for the whole three days. I'm not an unfit man, but I swear i have never run so far for so long in my entire life combined. It was atrocious.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
She seems it but then she started cracking jokes at me and now i'm a little more terrified to be honest? But hey i can ditch cheese now, what a time to be alive.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
I'm so mad i used to love cheese now i wanna puke just thinking about it
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
And what for real? I was just about to gather something for just that. Which rover are you in, I'll swing by and pick you up!
[uh. he's a superhero. he can do lots of ridiculous action things, too. that's no excuse.
and, dude. you think she didn't feel awkward as shit when she spoke to not-peter-but-he's-still-peter-kinda??? she's still convinced she came off as strange, and not in a cool Terminator-esque way. unbeknownst to her, of course, it was probably more like a fairly creepy Madoka Magica-esque way (and she isn't even kyubey in this equation).
hence, why there's a fair amount of cricketschirping.mp4 at his next series of messages.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
it was...enlightening, to say the least. it's hard to explain otherwise.
[make of that what you will. that's all she's got, badum tish.and...no, it wouldn't be fair to say who's cuter. peter II looked like hell when she first met him.
also, she's too dumb.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
...that does sound rather hectic. if it helps, my companions and i had spears thrown at us as we were crossing a river, on a very fragile boat. then i learned it's possible to waterwalk. it was...very involved.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
but, we'll save the finer details for when we go eat. i hear our team got extra rations, so let's take advantage, and make sure there's no cheese.
i'm at rover 29. the...albatross, as it's called.
[she'd really hate to see this peter puke.
but she'll be waiting on the roof of her rover, sword tucked in her one arm, like usual. you know. just in case.
she has a copy of Romeo & Juliet in her hands as well, and she'll be reading that when he arrives.]
and, dude. you think she didn't feel awkward as shit when she spoke to not-peter-but-he's-still-peter-kinda??? she's still convinced she came off as strange, and not in a cool Terminator-esque way. unbeknownst to her, of course, it was probably more like a fairly creepy Madoka Magica-esque way (and she isn't even kyubey in this equation).
hence, why there's a fair amount of cricketschirping.mp4 at his next series of messages.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
it was...enlightening, to say the least. it's hard to explain otherwise.
[make of that what you will. that's all she's got, badum tish.
also, she's too dumb.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
...that does sound rather hectic. if it helps, my companions and i had spears thrown at us as we were crossing a river, on a very fragile boat. then i learned it's possible to waterwalk. it was...very involved.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
but, we'll save the finer details for when we go eat. i hear our team got extra rations, so let's take advantage, and make sure there's no cheese.
i'm at rover 29. the...albatross, as it's called.
[she'd really hate to see this peter puke.
but she'll be waiting on the roof of her rover, sword tucked in her one arm, like usual. you know. just in case.
she has a copy of Romeo & Juliet in her hands as well, and she'll be reading that when he arrives.]
[she's begun to wonder now. different people wound up in different areas, from what she's heard.
is this always how these missions are going to roll? not that she minds it---she's used to being separated from her comrades---but it's a little worrisome, what with the network previously being down and all.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i see....i may have just missed you, then, since you were in the water. the later part of our route took us downriver, where we got attacked by natives.
i won't say you had it easier, but at least you were limited to one target. is this how these missions usually go? different people being deployed in different areas of a planet?
FROM: akame@cdc.org
...i myself didn't get poisoned, but i ran into others who had been, yes. it's just a good thing we have that nanite remedy handy.
...where are you? if you're up for it, i'd like to do something.
[She's not certain of the status of the two people she had to half-heal---if they're recuperating, she doesn't want to bother them as they're recovering---so she'd rather move her focus onto something else.
The trees are looking pretty fun right now.]
is this always how these missions are going to roll? not that she minds it---she's used to being separated from her comrades---but it's a little worrisome, what with the network previously being down and all.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i see....i may have just missed you, then, since you were in the water. the later part of our route took us downriver, where we got attacked by natives.
i won't say you had it easier, but at least you were limited to one target. is this how these missions usually go? different people being deployed in different areas of a planet?
FROM: akame@cdc.org
...i myself didn't get poisoned, but i ran into others who had been, yes. it's just a good thing we have that nanite remedy handy.
...where are you? if you're up for it, i'd like to do something.
[She's not certain of the status of the two people she had to half-heal---if they're recuperating, she doesn't want to bother them as they're recovering---so she'd rather move her focus onto something else.
The trees are looking pretty fun right now.]
FROM: kirstein.jean@cdc.org
yeah the teams used to get split up pretty often. we all had our own objectives and missions to finish. don't know how they'll run ship this time, but expect to get separated a lot.
[ Granted, her next message kind of takes precedence to team bonding experiences. ]
FROM: kirstein.jean@cdc.org
poisoned??? mention that first next time! are you okay?
FROM: kirstein.jean@cdc.org
I'm by the med rover come stop by
yeah the teams used to get split up pretty often. we all had our own objectives and missions to finish. don't know how they'll run ship this time, but expect to get separated a lot.
[ Granted, her next message kind of takes precedence to team bonding experiences. ]
FROM: kirstein.jean@cdc.org
poisoned??? mention that first next time! are you okay?
FROM: kirstein.jean@cdc.org
I'm by the med rover come stop by
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i see. without the network to rely upon, i'd say they're hoping for luck to be on our side. at least there's that.
[or so she hopes. she might have actually meant that as sarcasm. on the other hand, it's the network. after optimusgate, she's none the wiser.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
jean, calm down. as i said, nothing happened to me...but, i'll be there soon.
[she's beginning to think that his harsh attitude doesn't simply stem from cynicism, but also from some kind of loss. concern of his own.
she can relate.
and so, as kind of a way to assure him that she's okay, she'll use the trees to get to the medical rover from her own rover.
needless to say, she'll drop down from a branch a few paces behind where he might be located, and peep her head from around him as he's doing whatever he's doing.]
See? I'm quite alright.
[actually no
but it's the thought that counts.]
i see. without the network to rely upon, i'd say they're hoping for luck to be on our side. at least there's that.
[or so she hopes. she might have actually meant that as sarcasm. on the other hand, it's the network. after optimusgate, she's none the wiser.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
jean, calm down. as i said, nothing happened to me...but, i'll be there soon.
[she's beginning to think that his harsh attitude doesn't simply stem from cynicism, but also from some kind of loss. concern of his own.
she can relate.
and so, as kind of a way to assure him that she's okay, she'll use the trees to get to the medical rover from her own rover.
needless to say, she'll drop down from a branch a few paces behind where he might be located, and peep her head from around him as he's doing whatever he's doing.]
See? I'm quite alright.
[actually no
but it's the thought that counts.]
[as the camp settles (or not, new recruits confused and old recruits mourning losses), the morning light spilling down chilly and still.]
[also still: an exhausted ginger, laying face-down in the mud in front of a rover.]
[those last five steps really get a person, you know. feel free to join him, shake your head at him, kick him, yell at him or any combination of the above. or, sure, another, kinder option. he's definitely out cold.]
[also still: an exhausted ginger, laying face-down in the mud in front of a rover.]
[those last five steps really get a person, you know. feel free to join him, shake your head at him, kick him, yell at him or any combination of the above. or, sure, another, kinder option. he's definitely out cold.]
[Ever since she watched yet another person die before her very eyes, Akame's been wandering aimlessly throughout the camp, trying to find something to do to make herself stop thinking about endless scenarios in which she could've done something to avert that outcome. But the camp's trashed, there are too few trees left standing, and there's literally nothing to do.
Except she sees one Shoyou Hinata flopping onto the mud, and Akame's listless stare abruptly shifts into one of panic.
(oh, no.)
(she doesn't see any blood, but---)
(not again. please not again---)]
Hinata?
[And in an instant, she's crouched next to him, looking him over. Yep, no blood. Still, though---]
Please, don't be hurt...
[Said in a murmur as. Yes. She's actually lifting up his shirt to check for injuries. Hey, if she could do it to Tatsumi, she can do it to Hinata.
Her intentions are pure.
But, of course, not everyone will see it that way.]
Except she sees one Shoyou Hinata flopping onto the mud, and Akame's listless stare abruptly shifts into one of panic.
(oh, no.)
(she doesn't see any blood, but---)
(not again. please not again---)]
Hinata?
[And in an instant, she's crouched next to him, looking him over. Yep, no blood. Still, though---]
Please, don't be hurt...
[Said in a murmur as. Yes. She's actually lifting up his shirt to check for injuries. Hey, if she could do it to Tatsumi, she can do it to Hinata.
Her intentions are pure.
But, of course, not everyone will see it that way.]
[words do little to rouse him - even the concerned lilt to her voice breaks only the first hazy layer in his mind, puts a vague thought that I should respond to that. but he doesn't. he continues to lay there, a la useless sack of exhausted teenaged boy.]
[hadn't slept well before the mission due to night terrors and lingering paranoia; couldn't sleep during for obvious reasons; now, finally, after... exhaustioon had him in its grasp- was someone tugging at his shirt...?-- it'd carry him oh-so-sweetly to--]
[... someone was definitely messing with his shirt...]
[why was someone messing with his shirt?!]
... Hhfrh--ghhnHNNNH?
[he swats blindly behind him, hand sluggish and uncoordinated, single eye cracking and squinting upward at the world. more grumbling (she'd find naught more than scratches and standard-fare bruising), and if she persisted, he'd roll over in an unhappy bid to get her to stop. why was this happening--?! who was that black-haired shape? oh, no, don't say the manager was here, too...!]]
[hadn't slept well before the mission due to night terrors and lingering paranoia; couldn't sleep during for obvious reasons; now, finally, after... exhaustioon had him in its grasp- was someone tugging at his shirt...?-- it'd carry him oh-so-sweetly to--]
[... someone was definitely messing with his shirt...]
[why was someone messing with his shirt?!]
... Hhfrh--ghhnHNNNH?
[he swats blindly behind him, hand sluggish and uncoordinated, single eye cracking and squinting upward at the world. more grumbling (she'd find naught more than scratches and standard-fare bruising), and if she persisted, he'd roll over in an unhappy bid to get her to stop. why was this happening--?! who was that black-haired shape? oh, no, don't say the manager was here, too...!]]
[Akame's mouth quirks a little at the undignified noises and movements he's making. She's more than just a bit reminded of a hungover Leone when pressed to wake up despite it being, like, twelve in the afternoon. Of course, she doesn't blame Hinata for being resistant.
This mission was no joke, and considering his orange cuff---
Akame's brow furrows sharply, and her expression falls.
Of course it had to be him, of all people, involved in setting the bombs. She knows he's been with the CDC for longer than she has; and she wonders. Just how many times have you've been ordered to do things like this? A normal boy, like you?
But, maybe now's not the time to dwell upon that too much. Holding his arm away, she promptly yanks his shirt upward just as he rolls over.
Bruises. Scratches. Nothing terribly extensive. She breathes a sigh of relief.]
Thank goodness...
[At least one good thing came out of this. She remembers Peter zonked out after gorging himself post-black box alongside her, and she thinks...he'd want her to laugh, rather than wallow, maybe even cry.
So she does what she usually did to Leone to get her to wake up.
She pokes Hinata a bit sharply on the side, chuckling tiredly, but genuinely.]
This mission was no joke, and considering his orange cuff---
Akame's brow furrows sharply, and her expression falls.
Of course it had to be him, of all people, involved in setting the bombs. She knows he's been with the CDC for longer than she has; and she wonders. Just how many times have you've been ordered to do things like this? A normal boy, like you?
But, maybe now's not the time to dwell upon that too much. Holding his arm away, she promptly yanks his shirt upward just as he rolls over.
Bruises. Scratches. Nothing terribly extensive. She breathes a sigh of relief.]
Thank goodness...
[At least one good thing came out of this. She remembers Peter zonked out after gorging himself post-black box alongside her, and she thinks...he'd want her to laugh, rather than wallow, maybe even cry.
So she does what she usually did to Leone to get her to wake up.
She pokes Hinata a bit sharply on the side, chuckling tiredly, but genuinely.]
[no, couldn't be the manager, those words were too kind. and also directed at him. mostly the directed at him part meant it couldn't be the manager. oh. hm.]
[befuddled and grumpy, he rolls back over on his stomach, the uneven ground nothing more than a chilly annoyance through the roughed-up material of his uniform. more annoying was his uniform's plating, the metal bits getting in the way of truly flattening out, but even that seemed like nothing in the grand scheme of absolute exhaustion. maybe the presence would go away if he kept his eyes closed long enough... that wouldn't be so bad. though he swore he recognized that voice, even if it wasn--]
[n-nnGH!] Ooow, oowww, owowow whhhhhyyyyy...?!
[squirming pathetically after the jaw, that bloodshot eye once again cracked open to glare upward. who...? who--?!]
... kame...?
[what evil powers possessed her to try to rouse him so... and laugh at his pain, nonetheless!]
Why're you-- doing what you're doing, Akame? What gives...
[attempting to leverage himself up on an elbow, managing it for a brief second, and then once again collapsing down with a long, unhappy groan. s i g h. why. maybe he should get up, but--!]
You're blocking the moon, Akame. You're making it even colder than it already is!
[what a drama queen. too bad he was too focused on being a whiny brat to remember what made him fall here in the first place (or maybe that was fortune acting in his favor).]
[befuddled and grumpy, he rolls back over on his stomach, the uneven ground nothing more than a chilly annoyance through the roughed-up material of his uniform. more annoying was his uniform's plating, the metal bits getting in the way of truly flattening out, but even that seemed like nothing in the grand scheme of absolute exhaustion. maybe the presence would go away if he kept his eyes closed long enough... that wouldn't be so bad. though he swore he recognized that voice, even if it wasn--]
[n-nnGH!] Ooow, oowww, owowow whhhhhyyyyy...?!
[squirming pathetically after the jaw, that bloodshot eye once again cracked open to glare upward. who...? who--?!]
... kame...?
[what evil powers possessed her to try to rouse him so... and laugh at his pain, nonetheless!]
Why're you-- doing what you're doing, Akame? What gives...
[attempting to leverage himself up on an elbow, managing it for a brief second, and then once again collapsing down with a long, unhappy groan. s i g h. why. maybe he should get up, but--!]
You're blocking the moon, Akame. You're making it even colder than it already is!
[what a drama queen. too bad he was too focused on being a whiny brat to remember what made him fall here in the first place (or maybe that was fortune acting in his favor).]
[Okay, so he's being a bit of a pissbaby right now. Perfectly understandable---she did rather rudely awaken him, even if it was just to make sure he was, you know.
Alive.]
Ah. Sorry.
[Akame's smile becomes a little more wan as she takes in Hinata's haggard, exhausted state. She shifts as per his request to let the moonlight pour over him, though she still appears concerned.]
I just wanted to make sure you hadn't collapsed due to severe injury. But, your reaction tells me that you're fine...physically, anyhow.
[Mentally speaking, she knows he's probably leagues away from 'alright' or even just 'okay.' But she won't bring that up unless he does, and she also knows he won't.
She herself is still covered in dirt and ashes, with little cuts on her face, and it's a wonder she's even coherent. He comes first, however.]
If you're going to sleep outside, though, I'd think you'd be in the way here. I know a better spot, if you're willing to walk a little bit.
[She first hands him her storm jacket---she finds she doesn't need it---to at least somewhat cover himself with, as it's slightly big on her, and then extends a hand.]
I'll help you. It's not far.
Alive.]
Ah. Sorry.
[Akame's smile becomes a little more wan as she takes in Hinata's haggard, exhausted state. She shifts as per his request to let the moonlight pour over him, though she still appears concerned.]
I just wanted to make sure you hadn't collapsed due to severe injury. But, your reaction tells me that you're fine...physically, anyhow.
[Mentally speaking, she knows he's probably leagues away from 'alright' or even just 'okay.' But she won't bring that up unless he does, and she also knows he won't.
She herself is still covered in dirt and ashes, with little cuts on her face, and it's a wonder she's even coherent. He comes first, however.]
If you're going to sleep outside, though, I'd think you'd be in the way here. I know a better spot, if you're willing to walk a little bit.
[She first hands him her storm jacket---she finds she doesn't need it---to at least somewhat cover himself with, as it's slightly big on her, and then extends a hand.]
I'll help you. It's not far.
[YES WELL
shut up he's a special case
okay]
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
Nobody really understands what's going on there honestly. And there's other cases of people being doubled up in other worlds, we just happen to both be here. At the same time.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
We had like one conversation and it got really awkward and he ditched.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
You waterwalked? Like Jesus-style walked on water? How did you manage that?
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
Right, right. Okay, coming over in five.
[When he arrives he's a little tickled to find her diving into one of the most famous love stories of all time. She didn't seem the sort for romance. Or for Shakespeare for that matter.
Since he's thrown secrets out the window by now, he has no qualms leaping up next to her, landing in a buggish crouch.]
What part are you at?
shut up he's a special case
okay]
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
Nobody really understands what's going on there honestly. And there's other cases of people being doubled up in other worlds, we just happen to both be here. At the same time.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
We had like one conversation and it got really awkward and he ditched.
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
You waterwalked? Like Jesus-style walked on water? How did you manage that?
FROM: parker.peter@cdc.org
Right, right. Okay, coming over in five.
[When he arrives he's a little tickled to find her diving into one of the most famous love stories of all time. She didn't seem the sort for romance. Or for Shakespeare for that matter.
Since he's thrown secrets out the window by now, he has no qualms leaping up next to her, landing in a buggish crouch.]
What part are you at?
Edited 2015-03-06 06:21 (UTC)
[Akame's head sharply shoots up from behind the book once she feels the air shift next to her, eyes wide and alert, only to settle into something of a half-relieved, half-embarrassed look.
Nic made her do this, and...well...she looks up to him. That is all.]
Ah...I'm at the part where they get married. [She averts her eyes, dog-earing the page she was reading and closing the book. She can see he's amused.
And for the record:
a) no, romance is alien to her.
b) she's not into reading period. she only just learned who Shakespeare was through this play.]
It's...it's charming, I guess. They're very sincere and...passionate about their feelings for each other.
[in other words: ( u n s u r e )
She moves toward the edge of the rover, legs dangling, clearly wanting to change the subject.]
Shall we go, then? We can talk more on the way there.
Nic made her do this, and...well...she looks up to him. That is all.]
Ah...I'm at the part where they get married. [She averts her eyes, dog-earing the page she was reading and closing the book. She can see he's amused.
And for the record:
a) no, romance is alien to her.
b) she's not into reading period. she only just learned who Shakespeare was through this play.]
It's...it's charming, I guess. They're very sincere and...passionate about their feelings for each other.
[in other words: ( u n s u r e )
She moves toward the edge of the rover, legs dangling, clearly wanting to change the subject.]
Shall we go, then? We can talk more on the way there.
[slightly big on her means slightly big on him, but the warmth is appreciated; he struggles toward sitting up, though even once he manages it, his head lolls forward.]
Should get to the rover... [except-- you know what, he would prefer not to be inside. too much time lately had been spent inside. rather, not enough time had been spent outside, and since they'd probably be back on the Neheda in not too long - Macha gone, and - stuck in a ship again.]
[how was his mind full of cotton, but she kept standing? couldn't leave her to stand alone.]
[up he swayed, storm jacket tightened around him, eyes yet vaguely unfocused. at least he seemed to be done being a brat.]
Never mind that. [firmly, insomuch as he could be. she had a place, right? that's what she'd said. so.] Where's this place? Let's go. I'd... like to go.
Should get to the rover... [except-- you know what, he would prefer not to be inside. too much time lately had been spent inside. rather, not enough time had been spent outside, and since they'd probably be back on the Neheda in not too long - Macha gone, and - stuck in a ship again.]
[how was his mind full of cotton, but she kept standing? couldn't leave her to stand alone.]
[up he swayed, storm jacket tightened around him, eyes yet vaguely unfocused. at least he seemed to be done being a brat.]
Never mind that. [firmly, insomuch as he could be. she had a place, right? that's what she'd said. so.] Where's this place? Let's go. I'd... like to go.
[Akame's brow creases in concern at how...drained Hinata looks right now. She wonders if he was involved in Ajna, as Ellie was, and he'd even insinuated that he'd been around longer than she herself has, the last time they saw each other. That would make this his second mission.
Maybe this was the second time he'd laid down the bombs, and she immediately feels a little sick inside. Like Peter, he...was made to do something he normally would be adverse to.
Akame nods, looking off to the side as she motions her head in an easterly direction. She made him get up; she may as well make it somewhat worth it to him.]
It's nice, I promise.
[When they walk, she makes sure to take a slightly slower pace than usual, looking around at the trees and foliage shadowed by the night, swaying lightly under the breeze.
It's so peaceful, but it's eerie. Even the moon looks pretty pallid and sickly, like the color of a corpse.
She chuckles sadly, as she turns her head to make sure he's able to keep pace.]
It's funny. I said I wouldn't mind returning to a forest.
[Her eyes crease with a weariness that...isn't like her. It's like the black box all over again, but now, it's harder to block out---Peter dying, the corpses of the neraki, the smoldering ruins post-bombing..]
Now, I'm regretting it a little.
[An understatement, but she needs to put on a brave face, for his sake, as well as her own. If she doesn't---her mind will head to places she doesn't want it to go.]
Maybe this was the second time he'd laid down the bombs, and she immediately feels a little sick inside. Like Peter, he...was made to do something he normally would be adverse to.
Akame nods, looking off to the side as she motions her head in an easterly direction. She made him get up; she may as well make it somewhat worth it to him.]
It's nice, I promise.
[When they walk, she makes sure to take a slightly slower pace than usual, looking around at the trees and foliage shadowed by the night, swaying lightly under the breeze.
It's so peaceful, but it's eerie. Even the moon looks pretty pallid and sickly, like the color of a corpse.
She chuckles sadly, as she turns her head to make sure he's able to keep pace.]
It's funny. I said I wouldn't mind returning to a forest.
[Her eyes crease with a weariness that...isn't like her. It's like the black box all over again, but now, it's harder to block out---Peter dying, the corpses of the neraki, the smoldering ruins post-bombing..]
Now, I'm regretting it a little.
[An understatement, but she needs to put on a brave face, for his sake, as well as her own. If she doesn't---her mind will head to places she doesn't want it to go.]
[long, halting inhale, interspersed by a yawn that came and went. his head remained at a low hang, though life steadily trickled back into his downcast eyes. vertigo took more than a moment to fight off - eventually, however, he managed it, just in time to catch and process Akam'e sad chuckle and glance back.]
[he kept up. didn't look like he knew where they were going, let alone that they were still on Macha, but he catches the added lines to her expression that hadn't been there before.]
[there's a few things one could say to that, he thinks. he starts with, feet hopping an extra step for their arms to brush one another:]
Why?
[the night cast an eerie glow. the more aware he became, the stronger it grew. a forest alive; a forest silent in the wake of eradication, surreal as a nightmare and twice as terrifying as a dream. familiar faces back at camp, familiar faces dead in the field, and sure, he'd stick close to Akame's side for as long as he could. any company was better than none, even if this company seemed held together by despair and a world-weariness that hadn't shown itself since she'd been a heap in a hallway.]
[regret. what a word.]
[there was a charred toy in his pocket and a charred neraki screaming with her last breath in his mind. he'd like to go back to sleep (he'd like if Akame could, too, and ease the crease between her brow).]
[he kept up. didn't look like he knew where they were going, let alone that they were still on Macha, but he catches the added lines to her expression that hadn't been there before.]
[there's a few things one could say to that, he thinks. he starts with, feet hopping an extra step for their arms to brush one another:]
Why?
[the night cast an eerie glow. the more aware he became, the stronger it grew. a forest alive; a forest silent in the wake of eradication, surreal as a nightmare and twice as terrifying as a dream. familiar faces back at camp, familiar faces dead in the field, and sure, he'd stick close to Akame's side for as long as he could. any company was better than none, even if this company seemed held together by despair and a world-weariness that hadn't shown itself since she'd been a heap in a hallway.]
[regret. what a word.]
[there was a charred toy in his pocket and a charred neraki screaming with her last breath in his mind. he'd like to go back to sleep (he'd like if Akame could, too, and ease the crease between her brow).]
[Akame feels Hinata's arm brush against hers as he keeps pace, and briefly, she turns her head to the side, a slight grimace in her expression.
Peter could've been with them, too, even if she's sure he'd be in an even worse mental state than her, or Hinata himself. At least he'd be here, taking solace in the silence of the aftermath of brutal violence and mayhem. Or he'd be sleeping it off, probably.
But he's not, and she's left with a sense of emptiness and frustration that digs at her. She takes a deep breath, blinking a bit to settle her expression back into one that's less pained. Hinata's probably in enough anguish himself, as it is.]
For me, forests have always been...something of a sanctuary. My sister and I grew up in a forest; I find nature...calming.
[And then they reach the destination she mentioned. A small pond surrounded by tall grass and a few sprigs of flowers dotting the shrubbery. It's somehow remained intact.
Her expression finally calms fully, and she sits down by the water.]
I never thought I'd have to watch them burn; even the Empire back home viewed forests as valuable. It's like watching my own home burn----which...I suppose is the point.
[Akame hugs her knees, closing her eyes and shaking her head.]
Next time, I guess I should stay silent. I talked about it so much with others, enjoyed myself quite a bit here, as I recalled my childhood.
[She leans back a little, staring up at the moon, looking both nostalgic and wistful.]
My sister and I used to just rest in spots like these, and I'd hum her to sleep, which makes us lucky it's still intact. [Finally, she looks at Hinata, managing a half-smile.]
I figured you'd sleep better if I took you here.
Peter could've been with them, too, even if she's sure he'd be in an even worse mental state than her, or Hinata himself. At least he'd be here, taking solace in the silence of the aftermath of brutal violence and mayhem. Or he'd be sleeping it off, probably.
But he's not, and she's left with a sense of emptiness and frustration that digs at her. She takes a deep breath, blinking a bit to settle her expression back into one that's less pained. Hinata's probably in enough anguish himself, as it is.]
For me, forests have always been...something of a sanctuary. My sister and I grew up in a forest; I find nature...calming.
[And then they reach the destination she mentioned. A small pond surrounded by tall grass and a few sprigs of flowers dotting the shrubbery. It's somehow remained intact.
Her expression finally calms fully, and she sits down by the water.]
I never thought I'd have to watch them burn; even the Empire back home viewed forests as valuable. It's like watching my own home burn----which...I suppose is the point.
[Akame hugs her knees, closing her eyes and shaking her head.]
Next time, I guess I should stay silent. I talked about it so much with others, enjoyed myself quite a bit here, as I recalled my childhood.
[She leans back a little, staring up at the moon, looking both nostalgic and wistful.]
My sister and I used to just rest in spots like these, and I'd hum her to sleep, which makes us lucky it's still intact. [Finally, she looks at Hinata, managing a half-smile.]
I figured you'd sleep better if I took you here.
[it takes her a little bit to respond. granted, she's not in the best emotional state, having taken to either going off on her own or staring at the books nic left her with, after two very harrowing incidents.
but she sees that name, and she knows she has to say something.
even if it's partially a lie.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
....i'm managing, tsuna. i can't say it's been an easy few days, but.....i'm managing. keeping myself busy.
i'm glad to know you're alright. is there...something wrong?
[sadly, it's what she's come to expect, considering.
what fresh hell now? is he in trouble? is someone else dead?
even worse, she won't even be surprised if the answer's yes.]
but she sees that name, and she knows she has to say something.
even if it's partially a lie.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
....i'm managing, tsuna. i can't say it's been an easy few days, but.....i'm managing. keeping myself busy.
i'm glad to know you're alright. is there...something wrong?
[sadly, it's what she's come to expect, considering.
what fresh hell now? is he in trouble? is someone else dead?
even worse, she won't even be surprised if the answer's yes.]
[ the response is expected— no one was "okay" or "fine". ]
FROM: sawada.tsunayoshi@cdc.org
i just wanted to talk to you soon?
if that's ok
if you aren't busy or
[ or want to be alone, just as he's done the last day. there's been too much to reflect and mourn to— ]
FROM: sawada.tsunayoshi@cdc.org
i just wanted to talk to you soon?
if that's ok
if you aren't busy or
[ or want to be alone, just as he's done the last day. there's been too much to reflect and mourn to— ]
Edited 2015-03-17 12:42 (UTC)
FROM: akame@cdc.org
it's fine. i'm...not doing anything at the moment.
where are you?
[right now, she's tucked up in a tree, staring at the copy of Romeo & Juliet that she wasn't able to return.
but, she doesn't want to come off like she's been too depressed, even though she has been. so she'll take him up on his offer. she doesn't want to cause him worry, either.]
it's fine. i'm...not doing anything at the moment.
where are you?
[right now, she's tucked up in a tree, staring at the copy of Romeo & Juliet that she wasn't able to return.
but, she doesn't want to come off like she's been too depressed, even though she has been. so she'll take him up on his offer. she doesn't want to cause him worry, either.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i am, so i'll find you. i'll be right there.
[she wants him to rest, so she'll take the initiative, and hop down from her tree. it only takes her about three minutes to spot tsuna's shock of brown hair amongst the rovers, and when she approaches him, her hair is pulled up into a ponytail, sword hanging in its scabbard at her hip, and while she's forcing a smile as she's clutching Romeo & Juliet in her one hand, her eyes look a little swollen.
she won't let him in on why she looks so splotchy; instead, she'll focus on him, and whatever he wishes to bring to her attention. she gives him a short nod in greeting, before speaking.]
Do you want to find somewhere private so we can talk?
[She's certain he needs the solace just as much as she does; in fact, during her treks of solitude, she's found another nice spot to give herself a breather.]
i am, so i'll find you. i'll be right there.
[she wants him to rest, so she'll take the initiative, and hop down from her tree. it only takes her about three minutes to spot tsuna's shock of brown hair amongst the rovers, and when she approaches him, her hair is pulled up into a ponytail, sword hanging in its scabbard at her hip, and while she's forcing a smile as she's clutching Romeo & Juliet in her one hand, her eyes look a little swollen.
she won't let him in on why she looks so splotchy; instead, she'll focus on him, and whatever he wishes to bring to her attention. she gives him a short nod in greeting, before speaking.]
Do you want to find somewhere private so we can talk?
[She's certain he needs the solace just as much as she does; in fact, during her treks of solitude, she's found another nice spot to give herself a breather.]
Edited (huffs at html) 2015-03-19 23:54 (UTC)
[ ah—! wait! she didn't even give him a chance to say no!!
but, she means well, and tsuna doesn't even have to move around much before akame finds him and he finds her.
she isn't the only one who has had more than their fair share. tsuna's done most of his crying during the last few days— today was a day of resolve. of choice. maybe he didn't have much of it— it was either an outcome that meant hell or hope, and of course— hope won, despite the various upsetting downsides.
she doesn't have to say a word about her appearance, and neither does he question it— tsuna was almost empathic in the sense of hyper intuition, and obvious tip ins helped deduce more than enough, where his heart gives a slight drop, his fingers fidgeting together and his expression sympathetic.
( She was . . . Crying. )
he looks weary if anything, maybe a bit restless, upset ( of course ), and something particularly new that graces both cheeks are scars— jagged, symmetrical scars, each about a little less the size of half an index finger, as if a single, thin blade pierced right through— at least she doesn't have to see what it was before ( two bloody looking gashes ). ]
Ah— Yeah! That sounds better—
[ it would be better for both of them. ]
but, she means well, and tsuna doesn't even have to move around much before akame finds him and he finds her.
she isn't the only one who has had more than their fair share. tsuna's done most of his crying during the last few days— today was a day of resolve. of choice. maybe he didn't have much of it— it was either an outcome that meant hell or hope, and of course— hope won, despite the various upsetting downsides.
she doesn't have to say a word about her appearance, and neither does he question it— tsuna was almost empathic in the sense of hyper intuition, and obvious tip ins helped deduce more than enough, where his heart gives a slight drop, his fingers fidgeting together and his expression sympathetic.
( She was . . . Crying. )
he looks weary if anything, maybe a bit restless, upset ( of course ), and something particularly new that graces both cheeks are scars— jagged, symmetrical scars, each about a little less the size of half an index finger, as if a single, thin blade pierced right through— at least she doesn't have to see what it was before ( two bloody looking gashes ). ]
Ah— Yeah! That sounds better—
[ it would be better for both of them. ]
[While her brow furrows as she gets a closer look at him, Akame doesn't make mention of his newfound scars. She has a feeling that, sometime during the interim----more than likely during either the neraki massacre or the Elder God battle----something significant must have befallen him. While it's clear Tsuna looks worn out, seems slightly jumpy in his movements, something is different about his overall presence, and it showed in how direct his message was.
She motions her head toward a dirt path leading east.]
Alright. This way---it's not too much of a long walk.
[As they walk, she remains alongside him, gripping a little onto her book. The path gets a bit steep and rocky as they head further out.]
Careful. There's a lot of rocks around.
[She'll quickly grab onto his arm should he trip or stumble; otherwise, she takes a deep breath, looking down at the ground for much of their trek.
God, how does she bring this up? It was clear during the cinnabug fiasco that Tsuna was familiar with Nic, and now that she learned that he's dead, she figures Tsuna has a right to know.
But she doesn't want to undermine whatever it is he wants to talk about. In about five minutes, they reach a cliff, overlooking the surrounding sprawling forest, as well as a river that runs through it, coiling its way through all the foliage.
Akame sits, dangling her legs and letting the wind brush against her face and hair for a moment, before looking at Tsuna again, forcing a small smile with strained, swollen eyes.]
Something on your mind, then? Your message sounded a bit urgent.
She motions her head toward a dirt path leading east.]
Alright. This way---it's not too much of a long walk.
[As they walk, she remains alongside him, gripping a little onto her book. The path gets a bit steep and rocky as they head further out.]
Careful. There's a lot of rocks around.
[She'll quickly grab onto his arm should he trip or stumble; otherwise, she takes a deep breath, looking down at the ground for much of their trek.
God, how does she bring this up? It was clear during the cinnabug fiasco that Tsuna was familiar with Nic, and now that she learned that he's dead, she figures Tsuna has a right to know.
But she doesn't want to undermine whatever it is he wants to talk about. In about five minutes, they reach a cliff, overlooking the surrounding sprawling forest, as well as a river that runs through it, coiling its way through all the foliage.
Akame sits, dangling her legs and letting the wind brush against her face and hair for a moment, before looking at Tsuna again, forcing a small smile with strained, swollen eyes.]
Something on your mind, then? Your message sounded a bit urgent.
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