♫ s i x t e e n - [ a u d i o ]

[andallforone]

Whew. Glad that's over.

Is... everyone all right? I mean... well, you all know what I mean, I guess. At least it's over now, huh?

[SCHNEIZEL 74%]
You okay, man? I mean - you kind of just... accepted it. That's pretty... pretty... [Amazing. Awesome. Souji-like. Yosuke was more than impressed with Schneizel and Guilford and their ability to just

Comments

[audio // 95%]

[akingmuststand]

[The words are spoken with a small, gracious smile.]

You needn't worry about me, Yosuke. I assure you, I'm quite alright.

[But the subject itself is a sober one, and he is not without solemnity, something that only grows as he goes on.]

I said that my intent was to do what I could to protect those here. If it was necessary to protect them from myself, then self-awareness is a small price to pay, in all truth. Besides, we can but benefit from these shadows, can't we? They exist to shed light upon.

[A pause, and the sombre note becomes a little more pronounced - he almost sounds a little tired.]

My concerns are more for those who could not do such a thing...

[His own siblings included.]

However, I cannot let such things preoccupy me.

[And he smiles again.]

I owe you a great deal more than thanks, Yosuke, but I'm afraid that at this point in time that is all I am fit to give.

[audio // 95%]

[andallforone]

Schneizel...

[God, how can someone basically say how awesome they are and turn it into a compliment about the other person? He feels kind of tongue tied, and spends a moment trying to think of a proper response that doesn't come out as trite and useless.

It's hard, though. All he can think about saying is "Don't sweat it, dude," but they didn't feel like something he should. It almost felt like he was undermining the respect Schneizel was giving him.

... He felt he owed him a lot more than thanks. How many people seriously even said 'Thank you,' to Yosuke? He could probably count them on one hand.]

As - as long as you're okay, man. And everyone - everyone else.

[audio // 95%]

[akingmuststand]

[He chuckles, light and cordial. It is not without gravity, not without seriousness - this is, after all, a very grave and serious situation they're in. But anxiety and gloom would only be a waste of time right now.]

What about you? Are you alright, after everything that's happened?

[audio // 95%]

[andallforone]

What, me?

[And not feeling quite so unsure of how to go forward again; it's almost like that chuckle made him realize it was okay:]

I'm totally fine!

[audio // 95%]

[akingmuststand]

I'm very glad to hear it. I doubt I'm the one so in need of a rest.

[Though he does feel oddly tired. Something about facing his own shadow, seeing that of his siblings...

Such things don't show, of course. He retains his kind, friendly tone, almost amused.]

You've been very thorough in looking after everyone, I would hope that you didn't overlook yourself in that.

[audio // 95%]

[andallforone]

[Dammit, Schneizel, stop basically being older Souji. You had a rough time; give yourself some r&r.]

Honestly, man, I'm fine.

[audio // 95%]

[akingmuststand]

Good. [Something about the smile in his voice turns almost conspiratorial. Like he's sharing a secret.]

It doesn't surprise me, but I'm very pleased all the same that my confidence was not misplaced.

[audio // 95%]

[andallforone]

[Aw man, here come the compliments again. Yosuke even giggles stupidly at that one, chokes on it when he realizes it was a giggle, coughs a little, and grins sheepishly. Schneizel can't see that bit, but he can hear it in Yosuke's voice.]

Dude...

Thanks.

[audio // 95%]

[akingmuststand]

Now, Yosuke - [He sounds amused now, bordering on a chuckle, as if teasing.] - don't make me repeat myself.

[audio // 95%]

[andallforone]

How is that making you repeat yourself?

[audio // 95%]

[akingmuststand]

I would have to reiterate that, clearly, I should be giving thanks. You may be hesitant to accept it, but the fact remains that what you have done for us - the residents here, my family, and myself - really cannot be denied.

Truthfully, Yosuke, I am appreciative both of the skills you demonstrated and the great service you did me. Thank you.

[audio // 95%]

[andallforone]

Schneizel... [He almost feels like groaning, but he's grinning too broadly. Was the guy just trying to feed his ego? It might have been better if he had been; that was something Yosuke was at least marginally better equipped for. But he just seemed so genuine about it... he really didn't have a clue how to take it.]

It's just... [Mumbling mumbling ahhh] Just what I gotta do, huh?

[audio // 95%]

[akingmuststand]

It is, but there are too many who would still shirk such a duty, or seek to avoid it.

[But he's not done, of course. Because it's important to show people their worth, especially with someone like Yosuke.]

You acted with a level of efficiency that was both impressive and heartening to behold.

[Some of the weighty, purposeful pride, stately and imperial, in his voice dissipates when he gives another light little chuckle.]

Forgive me if I'm embarrassing you. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable - or, indeed, to suggest that I was surprised by how you handled things. But I want you to know that it was appreciated.

[audio // 95%]

[andallforone]

[He knew that would've come across as not being appreciative. His face was pretty red, but he still grinned, pleased.]

O-okay then! Compliments received! [He gives a chuckle that's only just coloured with nerves at the end.]