05 | The Way

[nirvananation]

[Out in front of the apartments, Thailand is sitting and building something quietly. It appears to be a makeshift megaphone, put together with any and all parts he could find. (Whether or not it'll work is another matter entirely.)

There's one difference, though. Something that wasn't there before: A bandage.

Yes, over his eye is a dirty and

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[scentofbauhinia]

[reluctantly doing his rounds, spots Thailand and his bandaged eye]

...Thailand?

What happened?

[nirvananation]

[He stops working, and looks up. He's not really sure what to say, at first. Because somehow...it seemed like in losing his eye, he also let his family down.]

I was disobedient, and paid the price. [And I plan on doing it again.]

[scentofbauhinia]

[His expression is fairly blank as usual, despite his concern for his brother, but when he hears those words, there's the briefest flash of real panic in his eyes for a moment.

...So this was the sort of thing that would happen to people if he accepted his new task?]

That bandage needs to be changed.

[nirvananation]

[Seeing that look of panic, however brief, makes Thailand feel incredibly guilty. His brother...

Suddenly the sad smile disappears completely, and for a few moments he looks terribly sad. Sad for his family, and the people, and himself.]

I will find someone, ana. I do not wish to have it get infected.

[scentofbauhinia]

[Hong Kong is quiet for a moment. Seeing Thailand not smiling really does make things hit home.]

...I'm a party official. I'll see if I can get you a supply of bandages.

[nirvananation]

Thank you, I appreciate it. [The smile returns--He can't really go for long without it. Part of it is habit, the other part...well, it helps keep him grounded.

Something bothers him about the 'party official' bit, though...]

You will be safe, correct?