FOURTY EIGHT

[superficialness]

... Walter.

...

I have to ask you something.

Comments

[wretched_son]

What is it, Keigo?

[superficialness]

...

Why?

Why me and Ichigo? Why us? Why did you help us, but leave everyone else behind?

[wretched_son]

I like Ichigo. He is... he is my friend.

And he likes you. You are the person most dear to Ichigo.

[superficialness]

...

.. Wh-

... Ichigo is your friend?

[VOICE, COMMENT LOG]

[panoplied]

[Ichigo likely has been pretty silent since their escape from Latimir, and he waits while Keigo talks to Walter. Waiting for him to get done and start in on him- something that makes him a little more nervous than he wants to admit]

[VOICE REPLY; COMMENT LOG]

[superficialness]

[ As Keigo talks to Walter, it becomes increasingly obvious that he's growing more upset as the moments pass. His lips had pulled into a scowl a few times, but as the conversation continued, the scowl turned into a grimace. Towards what seemed to be the end, it appeared as though Keigo was trying not to cry. He rubbed at his face with his hands and sighed deeply, leaning into his palms. He sniffed, but said nothing yet ]

[VOICE, COMMENT LOG]

[panoplied]

[Ichigo continues to wait even as it looks like the conversation isn't going well- not that he expected it to. Still, he doesn't want to interrupt, since this is important, even if he doesn't like to see Keigo as he is right now] ....

[as Keigo looks to be done, his head in his hands, Ichigo wants little more than to make him feel better- but he's not sure how well that will go] Keigo? [he finally ventured, figuring if Keigo wants, or needs, contact that he'll initiate it]

[VOICE REPLY; COMMENT LOG]

[superficialness]

[ After another few moments pass, Keigo lifts his head back up. His face is flushed and there are some tears welled up in his eyes, but he doesn't look over at Ichigo right away. He sighs, hands clasped together. As Ichigo says his name, Keigo twitches ]

.... He's your friend. [ he says quietly, staring straight ahead ]