Thirty-fourth Snapshot [Video]

[brig_gen_maes]

[Maes' hair is mostly tidy, but it sticks up oddly in a place or two. He looks a little bit better than he did at the party, not as completely exhausted, but he's not back to his normal cheerful self yet.]

Hey. I'm... [His hand goges through his hair, making it clear why it's sticking up.] I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. Thanks to all the

Comments

[Video]

[other_sights]

[It's awkward, but this is the one man that seemed reasonable and intelligent... and knew him, in this city. He's not one to over consolations, and knows they'll sound forced. Instead have a little frown.]

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[brig_gen_maes]

[Maes waves]

Hello, Ciel.

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[other_sights]

...

It's good that you're back.

[Video]

[brig_gen_maes]

Thank you. Sometimes... you just need some time.

How have you been?

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[other_sights]

[It takes several long seconds for him to answer. The boy seems even more closed-off than usual, less animated, less aware. His silences seem to have less going on under the surface. But answer he does.]

Learning.

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[brig_gen_maes]

[Maes nods slowly.]

There's a lot to learn here. And sometimes it's not fun to learn it. Is there anything I can help with?

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[other_sights]

The offer is tempting, thank you.

But I am not what you need to worry over. You have something that requires your attention.

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[brig_gen_maes]

You're welcome.

If you're sure. Just remember the offer will stand. But what is it that I need to look at?

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[other_sights]

Yourself.

[It is very blunt and to the point.]

I have no idea what happened, and I will not do either of us a disservice by pretending to care.

Your feelings will not disappear. They will not be drowned.

You must deal with those before attempting to deal with anyone else's.

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[brig_gen_maes]

[Maes smiles faintly, considering the small bits he already knows about Ciel.]

They won't disappear, no. I actually don't want them to. I've dealt with them as much as I can, and now I just have to remember that here, there's still hope.

I'm fine, Ciel.

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[other_sights]

[... the corner of his lip twists a bit, considering him. He's read what happened by now, though he doesn't comment. Oddly, he seems vaguely flustered.]

I will take your word for it.

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[brig_gen_maes]

[Maes nods.]

That's all I can ask, really.