nobody's in the mood for recording 6.9: the post-trial garden tea "party"

[tsunderine]

The flowers that bloomed at the end of the trial are ones that only seem to prove, continuously, that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Of course, it's only natural that many of the people are full of mixed emotions - grief? sadness? anger? frustration? maybe something else completely different?

But it's there, along with the end of the week.

Miasma still continues to be around, of course - but make use of the fact that this might be the last time it'll be at a low level one before it shoots up again.


Well.

Life continues as usual, disregarding any feelings that any of the house's occupants might be feeling.

So what are you doing these next two days?

Comments

[finalring]

[ it takes a moment of buffering, but immediately he shakes his head. there's a small chuckle, but it's more out of nervousness than anything else. ]

N-no! Battler, I'm not going anywhere. I have myself under control, and it's fine. You don't have to worry about me.

[boardreversal]

[That...was the wrong answer. Battler actually looks...angry, for once - and reaches out to grab Romani's arm, though he makes sure not to grab at the rash.

He doesn't want to hurt the doctor - but he does want to make a point.]

Say that again, Archaman-san.

[He lifts the arm - and the rash - where they both can see it.]

Look at this and tell me that you have yourself under control! Something that you could've handled or taken care of before it got to this point! How am I not supposed to worry when you're injured?!

[finalring]

Battler!

[ roman's eyes grow as wide as plates, yelling out of surprise and, most importantly, fear as battler grabs at his arm. he stands almost rigid, his breathing slowed to almost a halt as he hears the teenager scold him for his actions.

yes, with battler holding the arm so close, he'll see that the affected is...not as bad as it could be, but not good either. it's an angry, red color, with some older red marks where roman had clearly scratched at it previously. roman can see it just as well--

but he turns away, his gaze facing the side. silent. guilty. ]

[boardreversal]

[For a moment - He thought that it was good that Roman looked so afraid, because maybe he'd understand how deadly serious this all was, how he couldn't keep hurting himself like this -

But then, the impact of that terror hits him - along with a sickening feeling in his gut, as if someone was taking it and twisting.

'No, this...Why would I even think something like that?!
I just - I didn't want to make him afraid, just to stop saying that he could handle himself!
Romani-sensei...!'

He drops the man's arm almost like he's been scalded, a complicated mixture of emotions coming to his face.]

Sensei, I...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to -

[No, on a lot of levels, he did mean to - and he stops himself mid sentence, pressing a hand to his face.]

....No, I...I just want you to take care of yourself, Sensei. If you can't, then...Rely on other people! Don't just hide things because you think no one will notice, because we will! Even if you can't rely on me...or if you don't want to, you have to let someone help you, okay...?!

[finalring]

Battler... it’s...

[ fine?

clearly it isn’t. battler had scared him half to death and the doctor can still feel the loud beating of his heart as he tries to settle down.

it’s not peace that he gets. but at the very least, it’s cold resignation. resignation about their fate, about battler’s incessant worries, and about his own fate as well. ]

I’ll look for someone, Battler. I’ll look for Marona to heal me right now. There’s a reason to this, I promise. You just... you just have to trust me. Alright?

[boardreversal]

[It's the fear, which still hurts the most. That fear...and the resignation now, that makes him pull back, look away just like Romani did.]

I...I do. I do trust you. I have for a while.

[How long...had this all been? Just two weeks? It felt...so much longer, as he hangs his head.]

I just don't want to see you hurt, Sensei. I don't - want you to wear yourself down, so we have to find you....

[He...can't even finish the words, shoulders slumping.

His next words are small, and quiet.]

....Please. Don't make me - don't make any of us have to go through that. That's all I'm asking, Sensei ....even if you can't trust me with whatever you're struggling with.

[finalring]

I... I won’t.

[ the fact that battler sees through him like that stings romani, especially since it’s true. he wishes that there was more that he could say but...he can’t. for battler’s sake.

he looks back at battler, green eyes fixed on him. if he has to put up a strong act then he will gladly do so, if it means that battler can be reassured somewhat. ]

I will not die here, okay? I can handle this and I will continue to help you all—I’m not going to go anywhere.

[boardreversal]

[He just...Nods, slowly.

For now, that's all he can ask - even though he knows it's just a front. That there's things at work that can't be said....that will probably never be told to him.

It hurts, but it's alright. He gets it. he honestly...truly does.

He is, after all, someone who isn't good enough - and that's okay. He gives a small smile.]

Yeah. And - I'll also do my best, Sensei - even if that means just badgering you to take care of yourself.

That's what friends do, after all.