[Voice/Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It started out as a normal day-- if it can be called "normal" considering that two of his housemates are currently about eight years younger than usual, but fairly uneventful regardless. The "keep Asbel from getting himself or Hubert killed" duties were passed back and forth between him and Cheria as needed until finally he managed to escape and

Comments

[toreachapples]

...

I need not remind you that this is a good thing, Your... Richard.

[ He shakes his head. ]

Don't let your emotions rule you.

[ledbythewind]

[At that, Richard manages a tiny smile, pained though it is.]

Yes, you're right. It's much better for Sophie to be back where she's safe, and... where she can't be experimented on again.

[Even mentioning that is still painful for him.]

[toreachapples]

I can assure you the experiments are only getting worse. It's good that she got out before something major happened.

[ Arms crossed over his chest, he stares directly at Richard, reading his movements, even though he doesn't have to. The King's sad. It's obvious.

It seems to Malik, he's being selfish because of his sadness. But now isn't the time for all that, so he keeps his mouth shut. ]

Try not to let it get to you.

[ledbythewind]

Especially with situations like the one with the moon. If they're willing to go that far, who knows what else they'll inflict on us in the future.

[It's good that Sophie's gone home, really it is. But that doesn't make it hurt any less, especially considering the condition Sophie had been returned in after her kidnapping. He'd never gotten to properly apologize for that either...]

[seekskrosophie]

[Of course, Cheria can't deal with Asbel forever. Eventually, he has to go harass Richard while she makes the dinner. So he goes looking for Richard, calling his name in the house, not knowing what Richard has just had to do.]

Heeeey! Richard!

[ledbythewind]

[Oh damn. Well, here goes... Richard puts on his best smile before turning to face the younger version of his friend.]

I hope you haven't been bothering Miss Cheria too much over dinner.

[seekskrosophie]

She said the curry wouldn't finish cooking if I kept watching it. [Whiiiiiiiiiiine.]

[ledbythewind]

That's right, and if you watch it for too long, it will get up and run away once you finally look away.

[mikangirl]

[...ah. She has no idea who Sophie is, but... well, he's always checking in on them. She's sorry, Richard.]

You doing okay?

[ledbythewind]

As well as can be hoped, I think. This is what's best for Sophie. We can't forget that.

[mikangirl]

...yeah. [...]

But. If you want to have a drink later or something, I'll be around.

[ledbythewind]

I may just take you up on that offer if it doesn't have an expiration date.

[odastillhatesme]

... Was she a friend of yours?

[ledbythewind]

Yes, she was a friend from my world. But that's where she belongs, not here.

[odastillhatesme]

[He nods absently, mouth thinned into a slight frown]

It'd be nice if knowing that made shit easier.

[ledbythewind]

Mmm. It never does get any easier, does it?

[Action]

[asterism_angel]

[And here's Cheria, in the kitchen, preparing dinner. For all their housemates. She's been so busy, watching over Asbel and Hubert, that she hasn't had time to check her journal yet. She's still blissfully unaware.

Richard, you'd better tell her before she sets a plate too many.]

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard pauses at the door to the kitchen, trying to decide on the best way to approach this (as if there even is a "best way"). The news is going to be painful to Cheria no matter what, as the girl thinks of Sophie as a daughter or a little sister.

Finally, he settles for just getting her attention first.]

Miss Cheria.

[Action]

[asterism_angel]

[Cheria hadn't noticed Richard entering the kitchen. She was a little busy stirring one of the pots. At the sound of her name, she looks up and turns to give Richard a warm smile.]

Ah, Richard. I'm afraid dinner isn't ready just yet. It shouldn't be much longer.

[Action]

[ledbythewind]

That's all right; I'm not hungry yet either. There's no need to rush.

[Then, shifting his voice to a more serious tone to indicate that he has something important to say, he continues:]

... but you might want to to put that spoon down for a moment.