Depression is a decision. [OPEN]

[alastinglight]

Characters: Takasugi Shinsuke, and whoever wishes to bother him!
Location: either in Takasugi's patrol area (residential quarter, between 12 and 6 pm!) or elsewhere in the city!
Rating: G
Time: November 18, noon onwards
Description:

Comments

[scentedcamellia]

Tsubaki was in a much better mood today. Things had been cleared up with Black★Star the night before, and with her partnership issues no longer a concern (in fact they were probably closer than ever before), the kunoichi was in the mood for a quiet, peaceful walk through the city.

She saw him from quite a distance away, and the young man looked...well he certainly didn't look happy. Then again, she wasn't sure if she'd actually seen him happy since he arrived, and that didn't sit well with her.

She took a few quick steps, before she called out to him. "Hello, Takasugi-san!" She gave him a friendly wave as she continued to approach him.

[scentedcamellia]

"I'm glad to hear it. Those are reasons I am fond of my Meister as well." Black*Star was certainly both of those things, even if he had his shortcomings. For Tsubaki, it was easy to look past them.

"I'm sure you will become very strong together."

[alastinglight]

"We will have to be, if we're to survive here. We also want to help out as best as we can."

Death City's war was not his war, but it didn't have to be. Even if he didn't exactly want to go home anymore, people needed fighters like him.

[scentedcamellia]

"It's a dangerous time," she said, agreeing with him. "We appreciate it more than you know."

For the guests to pick up arms and fight with them was something special. No one required it of them, and yet they still fought for a home that wasn't there.

"You all give us hope." And that was something they had been somewhat lacking.

[alastinglight]

"Was it really that bad before we came in?"

That was probably a sensitive question to ask, but Takasugi wasn't known to pull back on punches when it came to serious issues. War definitely counted in that category for him.

[scentedcamellia]

It wasn't exactly a sensitive issue for Tsubaki; they were used to war, so explaining the situation was nothing more than giving him the facts. Besides, they had come a long way in a short time since before Kid activated BREW.

"Yes, it was pretty bad. Our leader was dead with a Kishin on the loose." She paused. "You've seen how many of the people in Death City are now guests, yes? Compared to how many people could fight before...our ranks have grown tremendously, even without all of the guests participating."

[alastinglight]

"I see."

There was a bit of a pause as he considered the information. Takasugi still believed that things could be much more organized - that people ought to be drafted into helping, one way or another, if they were to all go home in one piece - but he had never been known to be kind or compassionate when it came to war.

"I had thought that we were a nuisance to all of you."

Some of the other members of Shibusen's student body and faculty seemed to think so.

[scentedcamellia]

Tsubaki shook her head with purpose. That couldn't be further from the truth, at least to most of them.

"No, you've all been a great help. Without you, we would likely have been overrun during the last attack, and if not, the damage and casualty count would have been much higher."

She smiled then, sympathetically. "Some of the others simply have a difficult time dealing with those who believe themselves stronger than they are. Practice and training is more important than sheer talent in our world."

[alastinglight]

"I figured that would be the case, given how things work here."

They were hitting one of the clear courtyards. Takasugi looked about before selecting a bench to plop down on. He let out a sigh he didn't know he was keeping in, and reached up to loosen the collar of his shirt.

He felt so damned tired these days. It was ridiculous.

[scentedcamellia]

"And that is why you are stronger than those who don't listen," she said, smiling. "Knowing ones own shortcomings, and working past them, makes a person stronger."

Black*Star was learning that too, the hard way. In some instances, he was similar to some of the guests. She knew that the professor's occasionally got irritated by his pride too.

[alastinglight]

That compliment made him pause. Tsubaki really was just nice, wasn't she? It was a bit hard to take.

"Thanks."

Takasugi's voice was soft in spite of himself. He didn't realize, until that point, how much he needed to hear something like that.

[scentedcamellia]

"You're welcome"

And why not? She had no reason not to be nice, and she liked doing it. Making friends was something that came relatively easy to her, even if she was generally quiet. There was a reason her soul was considered very adaptable.

"Though, really, you don't need to thank me at all. It's just the truth."

[alastinglight]

"I guess so."

Takasugi paused then, fidgeting in his seat. Now what? It had been a long time since he had just... hung out with someone.

[scentedcamellia]

"I know so."

Because she does, all too well. Too many guests have gotten hurt because they didn't know their own limitations. Black*Star had done the same himself from time to time.

"So what are you going to do for the rest of the day?"

[alastinglight]

"I don't know, actually."

It sucked, admitting it. He didn't want to go home, but didn't have anything ELSE to do.

[scentedcamellia]

"Well then, if you could do anything right now, what would you want to do?"

Maybe that was a better place to start?