week 4, friday

[digestif]

[ although they might have been elsewhere yesterday, Mizuki, predictably, returns to their usual haunt the next day. It's well before noon when they return. Considering the events of the past night, one might think they'd be going to the courtyard to investigate; however, they pass it by entirely for the time being. Once they've shut the door behind them, they make a beeline for the piano - at least until they suddenly notice the sorry-looking blanket burrito in one of the booths. ]

I -- Ishi-san?!

[ stopping in their tracks - they sound very surprised to see him there. ]

... Are you alive?

[ ... and looking so inelegant, too. ]

Comments

[ritualization]

That-- should help, I think. The more of us who can back up that story tomorrow, the better.

... thank you, Mizuki-san. I know involving you in lying about this puts you at some risk as well; I don't know how I can repay you for your help.

[he bows his head, deeper this time, more an approximation of a proper one. this is more than he should be asking of anyone, but-

much as he still feels guilty, he needs to live. even if he is willing to accept the consequences, others want him to escape them, others still need him around-- he has them to think about, too.]

[digestif]

[ they give him a little smile. One hand and a broken hip, and he's still thinking about other people. This guy really isn't human. ]

Don't worry about that. I'm helping you because we're friends, you know? I'd be cold-hearted if your life was on the line and I did nothing.

[ it is true that this is a risk. They're putting their position in a bit of danger for Ishikirimaru's sake - and, by extension, their goal. Maybe that's stupid... but for all their talk of sacrifice, they've always been bad at letting go. As long as nothing goes catastrophically wrong tomorrow, they should all be fine. And the people here are soft and emotional, for the most part - Mizuki has a feeling they'll be swayed by Ishikirimaru's story, if the way they reacted to Piety's promise of hope last time means anything. It's a risk, but a calculated one. ]

I know you'd do the same for me, anyway. You're too nice.