![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
FROM: vakarian.garrus@cdc.org
Sure. Or maybe they will.
Sure. Or maybe they will.
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
your story's terrifying
I wasn't planning on being an assassin anyway
[for all they had choices in the matter here. he'll respect your wise sage ways, Akame (though he's setting to hunting down her file now, and when he sees her picture --- it wasn't too surprising, but seriously, how did so many teenagers make so many bad decisions in their short home lives?)]
[(or maybe she was immortal.)]
[(an immortal assassin... creepy).]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
you don't tend to get their life story though, do you?
... or do you? did you case people, too? did you work in an organization? you mentioned a partner! was it just the two of you??
[perhaps he should've treated the job with more severity, but actions always stuck out louder than words. and, well. texting gave him bravery.]
your story's terrifying
I wasn't planning on being an assassin anyway
[for all they had choices in the matter here. he'll respect your wise sage ways, Akame (though he's setting to hunting down her file now, and when he sees her picture --- it wasn't too surprising, but seriously, how did so many teenagers make so many bad decisions in their short home lives?)]
[(or maybe she was immortal.)]
[(an immortal assassin... creepy).]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
you don't tend to get their life story though, do you?
... or do you? did you case people, too? did you work in an organization? you mentioned a partner! was it just the two of you??
[perhaps he should've treated the job with more severity, but actions always stuck out louder than words. and, well. texting gave him bravery.]
Hey, Havoc...
[slow to react - only once she's touched his arm (clammy, sweaty, fairly gross), the blackglass in its hand slipping to the cot. everything ran hot, but he felt chilled to the bone; eyes opened briefly to spot that it was really her, which it had to be.]
[that look on her face...]
[(Contractor's emotions have been turned down. Nearly off.)]
[he tried for a smile. lopsided and crooked, it fell short of convincing by a mile.]
Y' have what you need?
[foremost. the other matters could wait - the disease, on the other hand, certainly wouldn't. the last few hours had been off-on consciousness, for all that he hadn't been able to keep track of time.]
[slow to react - only once she's touched his arm (clammy, sweaty, fairly gross), the blackglass in its hand slipping to the cot. everything ran hot, but he felt chilled to the bone; eyes opened briefly to spot that it was really her, which it had to be.]
[that look on her face...]
[(Contractor's emotions have been turned down. Nearly off.)]
[he tried for a smile. lopsided and crooked, it fell short of convincing by a mile.]
Y' have what you need?
[foremost. the other matters could wait - the disease, on the other hand, certainly wouldn't. the last few hours had been off-on consciousness, for all that he hadn't been able to keep track of time.]
[why was she here?]
[hadn't volunteered. seeking someone. seeking hi--?]
[--- seeking him.]
[the step in his way has him blink as a slow creature knocked from its routine. she hadn't ever-- it'd been something she'd said, point-blank, I don't linger, I don't intervene. I'm a traveler. he'd long been a sponge with no mind for character analysis, but as times had changed and-- and he knew her enough, she hadn't been lying. -- no he didn't, he didn't know her a lick - or maybe she hadn't been lying but now she was nosing, now she was making herself a wall and a barrier and he really, really just wanted to go back to his bunk and take some time off. training in two hours, couldn't miss that, had the builders to report to, what did she even want to talk about, what had happened---]
[right.]
[their argument. bruised pride, bruised ego, rash decisions. singed hand. the table. he'd been livid, hunched up and defense, rude.]
[right.]
[so she was here about what had happened. and of course she wouldn't know what the black box was like. none of them had. only Tess knew his, besides (had that been a good idea?). it wasn't fair... him getting mad at Kino, it wasn't fair. she might've been a traveler, but she was human and trapped here just the same as the rest of them. of course she'd be concerned about upsets between them-- they were friends-- she'd agreed to call him Shouyou, the only one in four months, he'd thought them friends, because as a traveler she couldn't involve herself with the world but fellow recruits hardly counted as the world (he may have missed a crucial fact there)-, and teammates, and... in comparison to the black box, the day before seemed nothing more than a string of mistakes. he'd lost a fair bit of pride, and though its absence twinged, he did his level best to keep it to downcast eyes and his crossed arms.]
[the quickest way out was to cut to the chase. only fair. she must've wanted an apology - he'd seen her confusion at the table and hadn't even attempted to allay it.]
... Sorry. [with a small wince, as his tone came out more you're pulling my teeth than sincere. after a beat, firmer, though without bitterness (they were right, after all; he'd been caught up in the moment, hadn't been thinking. it'd get him killed, probably):] Sorry. I'd been... it was dumb. I'm sticking to where they direct me.
["not sure they want me, haha, but they'll have to put up with me!"]
[is what should've bubbled out of his mouth with a grin and hop. instead, he bit his lower lip. shook his head.]
If that's all...--
[- took another step to her side, made to move forward. annoyance shoved deep, fear shoved deep, curiousity and concern and bruised pride shoved down, emotions as flat and neutral as they could be. it felt as if one straw would tip the scales wrong, but so long as he avoided any upsets and got some rest... it was rude to her all over again, but-- hell- he couldn't. not right then. a bit of him wanted to ramble, to stick to her side, apologize five times over if it meant she'd play the listening ear for an hour, but -- wasn't that part of what got him here? relying on others? not 'part of.' the only reason he was here. maybe he'd try self-sufficiency for a change, though she had always been the better one for that.]
[hadn't volunteered. seeking someone. seeking hi--?]
[--- seeking him.]
[the step in his way has him blink as a slow creature knocked from its routine. she hadn't ever-- it'd been something she'd said, point-blank, I don't linger, I don't intervene. I'm a traveler. he'd long been a sponge with no mind for character analysis, but as times had changed and-- and he knew her enough, she hadn't been lying. -- no he didn't, he didn't know her a lick - or maybe she hadn't been lying but now she was nosing, now she was making herself a wall and a barrier and he really, really just wanted to go back to his bunk and take some time off. training in two hours, couldn't miss that, had the builders to report to, what did she even want to talk about, what had happened---]
[right.]
[their argument. bruised pride, bruised ego, rash decisions. singed hand. the table. he'd been livid, hunched up and defense, rude.]
[right.]
[so she was here about what had happened. and of course she wouldn't know what the black box was like. none of them had. only Tess knew his, besides (had that been a good idea?). it wasn't fair... him getting mad at Kino, it wasn't fair. she might've been a traveler, but she was human and trapped here just the same as the rest of them. of course she'd be concerned about upsets between them-- they were friends-- she'd agreed to call him Shouyou, the only one in four months, he'd thought them friends, because as a traveler she couldn't involve herself with the world but fellow recruits hardly counted as the world (he may have missed a crucial fact there)-, and teammates, and... in comparison to the black box, the day before seemed nothing more than a string of mistakes. he'd lost a fair bit of pride, and though its absence twinged, he did his level best to keep it to downcast eyes and his crossed arms.]
[the quickest way out was to cut to the chase. only fair. she must've wanted an apology - he'd seen her confusion at the table and hadn't even attempted to allay it.]
... Sorry. [with a small wince, as his tone came out more you're pulling my teeth than sincere. after a beat, firmer, though without bitterness (they were right, after all; he'd been caught up in the moment, hadn't been thinking. it'd get him killed, probably):] Sorry. I'd been... it was dumb. I'm sticking to where they direct me.
["not sure they want me, haha, but they'll have to put up with me!"]
[is what should've bubbled out of his mouth with a grin and hop. instead, he bit his lower lip. shook his head.]
If that's all...--
[- took another step to her side, made to move forward. annoyance shoved deep, fear shoved deep, curiousity and concern and bruised pride shoved down, emotions as flat and neutral as they could be. it felt as if one straw would tip the scales wrong, but so long as he avoided any upsets and got some rest... it was rude to her all over again, but-- hell- he couldn't. not right then. a bit of him wanted to ramble, to stick to her side, apologize five times over if it meant she'd play the listening ear for an hour, but -- wasn't that part of what got him here? relying on others? not 'part of.' the only reason he was here. maybe he'd try self-sufficiency for a change, though she had always been the better one for that.]
Hey.
[That face didn't show a single change upon the touch turning out to be hot and sick damp, not a twitch of disgust, hint of desire to recoil, or even surprise. Maybe it could be said she was simply that type of woman who wouldn't react like that to a poor sick person... Or maybe it was because she didn't really feel them at all.
As it was, she nodded at his question, reaching in to a pouch on her uniform and pulling out a... Marble?]
This might work easier if you can stand up- just a moment, alright? Do you need help?
[She was already setting down her helmet, anticipating a need.]
[That face didn't show a single change upon the touch turning out to be hot and sick damp, not a twitch of disgust, hint of desire to recoil, or even surprise. Maybe it could be said she was simply that type of woman who wouldn't react like that to a poor sick person... Or maybe it was because she didn't really feel them at all.
As it was, she nodded at his question, reaching in to a pouch on her uniform and pulling out a... Marble?]
This might work easier if you can stand up- just a moment, alright? Do you need help?
[She was already setting down her helmet, anticipating a need.]
[dude
do you know how quickly she would turn him away from this life regardless? you do you, hinata. leave the stalking and murder to akame, and all will be right with the world.
maybe, speaking of poor decisions. also w o w you read too much manga!! she's perfectly mortal!!]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm glad. you seem like you come from a peaceful background. it's surprising you're here, but....perhaps it's best that you learn.
[and now she's intrigued. she'll be reading his file soon.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
you have the right idea. our organization would gather information on the targets beforehand, so we'd know enough of their background to take action against them.
it's not much different from the cdc.
[she doesn't mind his casual way of framing things. it actually makes talking about it a little easier.]
do you know how quickly she would turn him away from this life regardless? you do you, hinata. leave the stalking and murder to akame, and all will be right with the world.
maybe, speaking of poor decisions. also w o w you read too much manga!! she's perfectly mortal!!]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm glad. you seem like you come from a peaceful background. it's surprising you're here, but....perhaps it's best that you learn.
[and now she's intrigued. she'll be reading his file soon.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
you have the right idea. our organization would gather information on the targets beforehand, so we'd know enough of their background to take action against them.
it's not much different from the cdc.
[she doesn't mind his casual way of framing things. it actually makes talking about it a little easier.]
Edited (i can do words today really) 2015-01-08 10:41 (UTC)
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
It wasn't bad!
[though yeah sis wouldn't call it normal.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Actually, if I could ask
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Were you trying to feed me...?
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Because you think I can't hunt my own food.....?
It wasn't bad!
[though yeah sis wouldn't call it normal.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Actually, if I could ask
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Were you trying to feed me...?
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Because you think I can't hunt my own food.....?
[it thumps neatly into his side, prompting a startled end to the wheezing laugh, but it starts up again the second he's sorted out what the child soldier tossed at him.]
[before he gives it back -- after a pause and blurry eye cracked in Jean's direction,]
Hey. Wa... Ua, Va. Vakarien?
[sliiight pause, and not to be mean. just figuring out what he should and shouldn't say.]
Pretty okay guy.
[before he gives it back -- after a pause and blurry eye cracked in Jean's direction,]
Hey. Wa... Ua, Va. Vakarien?
[sliiight pause, and not to be mean. just figuring out what he should and shouldn't say.]
Pretty okay guy.
[silence meets her questions, but then, the hand he extends for hers (should it be offered) acts as answer enough. carting about bone-deep exhaustion, he's slow to move, sluggish in every way; if she did take his hand, he'd stand painstakingly carefully. he'd spent too long already throwing up everything in his stomach (including, it felt, his stomach) - she didn't need that on her shoes.]
[the only thing he'll say, a whisper against the medical bay's general din:]
Thanks.
[and wherever she moves him, whatever she does, he follows without question or intentional hesitation. for all intents and purposes, he trusts her to take care of his life. he wasn't in a state to take note of anyone's failings, but then, he'd heard enough from someone else he trusted with his life.]
[not as much as he trusted Havoc, ironically. not even then. Misaki had only emphasized it, after all, though--- not how one may have wished.]
[the only thing he'll say, a whisper against the medical bay's general din:]
Thanks.
[and wherever she moves him, whatever she does, he follows without question or intentional hesitation. for all intents and purposes, he trusts her to take care of his life. he wasn't in a state to take note of anyone's failings, but then, he'd heard enough from someone else he trusted with his life.]
[not as much as he trusted Havoc, ironically. not even then. Misaki had only emphasized it, after all, though--- not how one may have wished.]
[he doesn't have a response for that comment. there's no choice--- peaceful doesn't cover it-- maybe it is.]
[the next reply takes a bit to arrive.]
[someone's read her file.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Bit bigger scale with the planet thing though
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Except we havent had to destroy anything like people yet
The CDC was protecting some who were, actually, from a planet with walking volcanos. That's something I try to keep in mind
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Which organization? How long were you with them?
[the next reply takes a bit to arrive.]
[someone's read her file.]
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Bit bigger scale with the planet thing though
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Except we havent had to destroy anything like people yet
The CDC was protecting some who were, actually, from a planet with walking volcanos. That's something I try to keep in mind
FROM: hinata.shouyou@cdc.org
Which organization? How long were you with them?
[It was strange to imagine, wasn't it? It was strange for Kino as well, though slightly less so when viewed through a lens that was already beginning to shift and change the more they stayed here.
Hermes might have noticed it far better than Kino, noticed it with the same surprise as that day when Kino had said they might stay longer than three days in that kind country. Humans tended to change, but Kino had always been steadfast—even when it had made them into a person that they didn't particularly enjoy to look back on, they had remained that way. They had left behind a boy who had begged to come along, left him behind with no way to assure he would've remained alive. They had refused to travel even a country over with the prince of the coliseum country. Independent was one way to put it, but "selfish" was what haunted Kino late at night sometimes. But it was something they accepted about themself—it was the way they had decided to live as a traveler.
Here, though, none of that mattered, and it was harder and harder to remember exactly what the traveler Kino had said to a young girl living in her parents' inn in a village all those years ago. Harder to remember Master's stories, always as she polished her prized revolver, finishing with a wary note that Kino always remain wary of people.
People change, Kino.
They sure do.
There were no countries to explore here, no ways of life to walk down for a few days before diverting back to the main road. Kino made due with the people—casually exploring their personalities, their histories, their world-views which made up their own walk of life. But Kino typically restricted that as well: just as much as three days' worth. Time to enjoy and appreciate, but nothing to tie them down. Hinata was wrong—each person was a world, especially to Kino, and the limit that they would have to impose upon themself to get to know someone was always present. Even moreso when Kino felt a natural interest to know more, to spend more time with one. It was strange, alien, alarming, just as that one morning Kino had slept in and thought of that kind country, "it might be nice to stay here, just a while longer."
They should remember how that had ended. Hermes might later have to remind them.
Getting too close to anyone would only take down barriers, bare weaknesses and soft spots. People could easily take advantage of that (people had tried). Even knowing that, Kino stands here, expression becoming ever-so-slightly more dissonant as Hinata's reply arrives. A moment's consideration, a moment to put the words in order.] I don't believe it's dumb that you wanted to help. [Willingness to go where one wasn't directed was something that the officers seemed to appreciate, even, when done right—
If that's all. Was it? No, it certainly wasn't, but it had been out of character enough for Kino to stop him once. They... probably can't do it again. It's obvious enough that he doesn't want anything to do with them right now. It's obvious that that hurts far deeper than it should—no superficial wound to one's pride being checked, instead something more personal. It's... terrible.
Hinata steps to the side, passes Kino to their right.
Part of the traveler says, "just let him go." They can't be sure whether it's a stung response from being pushed away or a judicial one having noticed this might not be the best time. Perhaps both.]
I just wanted to make sure you were okay. [But the words sounded heavy—not defeated, necessarily, no, nothing quite so emotionally-colored. They just... were. Blank. Hollow. He's already passed by and for all Kino knows, he might not've heard. Maybe even for the better. Kino almost wishes they hadn't said it, especially the way they said it.
They turn to walk back to where Hermes was resting near the wall, quietly, unruly hair fallen down over their eyes. No, now probably had been a bad time. Later.
Maybe. If Kino decided to even try. Perhaps Kino had always been right, that it was best to stay in one country for no longer than three days.]
Hermes might have noticed it far better than Kino, noticed it with the same surprise as that day when Kino had said they might stay longer than three days in that kind country. Humans tended to change, but Kino had always been steadfast—even when it had made them into a person that they didn't particularly enjoy to look back on, they had remained that way. They had left behind a boy who had begged to come along, left him behind with no way to assure he would've remained alive. They had refused to travel even a country over with the prince of the coliseum country. Independent was one way to put it, but "selfish" was what haunted Kino late at night sometimes. But it was something they accepted about themself—it was the way they had decided to live as a traveler.
Here, though, none of that mattered, and it was harder and harder to remember exactly what the traveler Kino had said to a young girl living in her parents' inn in a village all those years ago. Harder to remember Master's stories, always as she polished her prized revolver, finishing with a wary note that Kino always remain wary of people.
People change, Kino.
They sure do.
There were no countries to explore here, no ways of life to walk down for a few days before diverting back to the main road. Kino made due with the people—casually exploring their personalities, their histories, their world-views which made up their own walk of life. But Kino typically restricted that as well: just as much as three days' worth. Time to enjoy and appreciate, but nothing to tie them down. Hinata was wrong—each person was a world, especially to Kino, and the limit that they would have to impose upon themself to get to know someone was always present. Even moreso when Kino felt a natural interest to know more, to spend more time with one. It was strange, alien, alarming, just as that one morning Kino had slept in and thought of that kind country, "it might be nice to stay here, just a while longer."
They should remember how that had ended. Hermes might later have to remind them.
Getting too close to anyone would only take down barriers, bare weaknesses and soft spots. People could easily take advantage of that (people had tried). Even knowing that, Kino stands here, expression becoming ever-so-slightly more dissonant as Hinata's reply arrives. A moment's consideration, a moment to put the words in order.] I don't believe it's dumb that you wanted to help. [Willingness to go where one wasn't directed was something that the officers seemed to appreciate, even, when done right—
If that's all. Was it? No, it certainly wasn't, but it had been out of character enough for Kino to stop him once. They... probably can't do it again. It's obvious enough that he doesn't want anything to do with them right now. It's obvious that that hurts far deeper than it should—no superficial wound to one's pride being checked, instead something more personal. It's... terrible.
Hinata steps to the side, passes Kino to their right.
Part of the traveler says, "just let him go." They can't be sure whether it's a stung response from being pushed away or a judicial one having noticed this might not be the best time. Perhaps both.]
I just wanted to make sure you were okay. [But the words sounded heavy—not defeated, necessarily, no, nothing quite so emotionally-colored. They just... were. Blank. Hollow. He's already passed by and for all Kino knows, he might not've heard. Maybe even for the better. Kino almost wishes they hadn't said it, especially the way they said it.
They turn to walk back to where Hermes was resting near the wall, quietly, unruly hair fallen down over their eyes. No, now probably had been a bad time. Later.
Maybe. If Kino decided to even try. Perhaps Kino had always been right, that it was best to stay in one country for no longer than three days.]
Page 20 of 68