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[ufufufufu]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, MITSUHIDE AKECHI. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 011.27.954.55 *** USER has joined 011.27.954.55 <AUTOMATIC RESPONSE, DO NOT RETURN> Yes? Yes. This is our channel. Him and me. Who are you looking for? Perhaps a third face? :) No, no. Probably not. Okay. I will wait. I humbly apologize. That was confusing, was it not? That man and me share this channel. It would be draining otherwise. If you are in need of Tenkai, please let me know. If you are calling him, I wonder if that is wise? Hahaha.

Comments

[shootaro]

[He feels their weight, heavy as an iron hammer, ringing out judgement. He does not argue, he only listens, nodding where it felt appropriate to do so.

The idea that he might not return is painful. That he cannot confide it in anyone is common sense.]

... I cannot wait here, from the moment you leave? Or only if you do not return?

If I had my team, I would send one of them with you.

They do not fight for others, only their trainers, normally, but for you.... I'm sure at least some of them would.

[They may only be words, but there is a certain gravitas to them too, he hoped would be meaningful.]

[ufufufufu]

You cannot wait here. From the moment I leave, you leave.

[ His head lightly shakes at the idea of Shootie staying here even a second after he is gone. A giggle immediately follows and he breathes out the laugh. ]

If you do not start moving immediately, I believe you would not be able to move at all. [ The sick in the room will be dealt with, indeed, but this is something much more important. He softens his voice as he violently shakes his head. ]

No. I would not accept you sending anyone with me, even if you could. I appreciate that you would send someone with me, but I would not accept Clarence's help, either. Eyes will turn, you see? Eyes will turn and blame you. At the moment, you are only blaming yourself.

[ Another pinch on the cheek. ] And I cannot protect or stop you from that, unfortunately. But I will not have others be blamed for my actions by others. So, take care of yourself until I return.

[shootaro]

[He winces again, one eye tearing, but he doesn't complain this time. He only nods, listening carefully.

Finally, he nods again and rises, sorting out his feathers.]

I will. That's my promise to you. [He raises his hand as if to lift his pinky, but that doesn't quite seem appropriate given the gravity of the situation— he doesn't lower thehand in case it keeps Mitsuhide from pinching him again— his cheeks are all red!

He looks out the window, briefly.]

気をつけてね。 ["Take care, okay?"]

[ufufufufu]

Thank you very much. Let's enjoy another meal together soon.

[ His tail flicks back and forth. It's nice to hear that language once more and it makes his smile soften that much more. ]

Now I must -- [ Do some cleaning and leave. Yes, little things to do before he goes. It's not the usual excitement that eats at him. The excitement that means of going into battle. His head tilts a little as he realizes the drooling and soft giggling has stopped. ] -- such is the terror of the heart, I suppose. I suppose.

You take care as well.