12 [Action]

[4000excuses]

[After dreaming about wars and pain and people he didn't remember or know in the first place, a land he'd never seen and a connection that ran far too deep to be mere attachment, Japan couldn't sleep anymore. The dreams had gotten worse and worse over the past few days, but that just meant he didn't sleep if he could help it. He uses coffee and

Comments

[sanzu_watashi]

[It's not often Baiken finds herself feeling like she has to seek out those she cares about, but this is one of those times. Between the damned monsters and the horrible nightmares, she hasn't slept in days. And she's sure her brother can't be faring much better. If he's been having nightmares as well (hell, half the village has been), she feels like she has to do something.

She's not sure what, of course, but just seeing that he's alive unlike everyone else in those dreams... it would help.

The relieved smile that ghosts across her face when she sees him by the fountain is probably the most genuine smile she's had in years.]

Oi. You look like you're gonna fall asleep sitting up.

[...says the woman with a bloodshot eye.]

[4000excuses]

[And he was indeed halfway asleep, even if his hands were holding onto a rather delicate looking piece of machinery. He starts when he hears his sister's voice, the machine jumping in his hands and causing him to chase after it so it doesn't fall to the ground and break.]

A-ah-- B-Baiken-san! I...I'm awake. I swear....

[Wait a minute. She hadn't been there a moment ago. Had he been asleep?

...And when had she looked so tired?]

....Are you alright?

[sanzu_watashi]

[There's a second or two where Baiken is tensed and ready to lunge to catch the machine if need be. Although she relaxes a bit when he catches it himself, she's still far more tensed than usual.]

Careful you don't fall in.

And I'm... [She almost says "fine", but she can't lie to her brother. He'd know better anyway. Sigh.] ...I've been better. Just need some sleep is all. What about you? You okay?

[4000excuses]

[With the machine clutched back in his hands, he relaxes and then sets it into his bag, lowering his head.]

...Are the dreams are getting to you? [He is tempted to tack on a "too," but he knows she'll pick up on that.]

I...have been better, but it is not something that can go on forever, yes?

[sanzu_watashi]

[She definitely picked up on it. Part of her is wondering if he's been having the same dreams, but she can't bring herself to ask. It's stupid to be so upset over some random dream about monsters and fire, isn't it?

Except that it all feels so real. For a brief second before she can catch herself, the pure weariness breaks past her defenses.] ...The dreams are getting pretty damn old. You've been getting them too, right?

[After all, half the village looks half dead from exhaustion. It can't just be them.]

I sure as hell hope it can't go on forever.

[4000excuses]

[His sister has always been the strongest of the pair. She may be younger, but he'd always been protected by her and looked up to her. And now she was being strained to the point of her defenses breaking and he just... He can't stand it.

Moving over, he motions to the seat next to him, fully expecting her to sit.]

It is why I look the way I do. I'm trying not to sleep.

[He leans his head to one side, looking down at the ground.]

...In hindsight it was not the best plan.

[sanzu_watashi]

[Were she any less tired, she'd probably fight it more, but as it is, Baiken's having difficulty fighting it down. Some long-buried part of her just wants to stick near her big brother. So she sits.

And his remark earns an amused snort from her.] Yeah, not the greatest idea. But I've been trying the same damn plan too.

[He totally doesn't need to know how many tries it took to pour some water for tea earlier. Depth perception is hard sometimes.]

[4000excuses]

[He looks over at her when she sits down and then back to the ground, considering something for a moment.]

...If it is not a bother, I could move in with you for a short while or vice versa. Only until the dreams stop of course, but...

[It's easier when together. And he wakes up in fear for her every day.]

[sanzu_watashi]

[There's a pause as Baiken thinks about that. The major part of her wants to argue that she doesn't need any help, but she knows damn well that she's woken up with cold dread that he's hurt the past few days.

...But her apartment is a mess. Bare basics, kept just enough care so that it isn't a health risk, but definitely with her fair share of laundry on the floor. Not the best for having your only family over to stay in.

Just admit defeat, there's no point in fighting it when you both know the truth.]

...Wouldn't be a bother. S'only for a short while, right? Your place is probably better, though...

[4000excuses]

[Japan smiles in relief and then nods a little. His...place is probably better yes. He lives alone after all.]

I'll have a room prepared for you by the afternoon.

Would you like assistance in moving or...?

[sanzu_watashi]

[She shakes her head.] S'fine. I don't exactly have a lot that I'd need.

...thanks.

[4000excuses]

[The icon properly expresses his inner feelings, even if outwardly his face never changes.]

N-no need to thank me.