33 彡 [video]

[toplay_thefool]

[Souji is looking much better than he has been, lately. Most of the bruises have dulled and faded, leaving on a faint imprint mottled on his neck, that on his head largely hidden by his hair. A cut on his brow has almost healed completely

Comments

[audio]

[heavyheels]

[well, chie's at least progressed enough that she doesn't hesitate too much before replying to souji. and she can reply by speaking instead of typing, this time! her tone's still somber, and a little distant:]

I'm still going to watch for him. [adachi, she means.]

[audio]

[heavyheels]

Well, I wouldn't want to break you all over again.

[wait, that sounds kind of weirdly phrased, doesn't it?]

[audio]

[toplay_thefool]

[yeah just a tad.

thankfully, over the audio feed, she can't hear how brittle-bright his smile is.]

I'll do my best to catch up.

[audio]

[heavyheels]

I guess we have plenty of time for that.

Re: [audio]

[toplay_thefool]

I’d rather use the time for improving.

[audio]

[heavyheels]

Hey, don't worry about it! It's not like we have classes or anything here, right? There's lots of time.

[audio]

[toplay_thefool]

Yeah. [Time to rectify things, he's praying.] Plenty of time for you to get me back in shape.

[audio]

[heavyheels]

Sure thing! You can count on me ... Leader.

[again, just that touch of hollowness in the way she says it: leader.]

[toplay_thefool]

[It’s a subtle little difference, but to Souji it rings like a bell. Unseen, unheard, he winces.]

Right.

[heavyheels]

Um ...

[hmm, run out of conversation. awkward pause. WHAT DO.]

So I guess I'll see you later?

[toplay_thefool]

Yeah. Let me know when you want to train, okay?

[heavyheels]

Sure thing! Later!

[toplay_thefool]

Mm. Later.