vitainmorte | INBOX

[ she's politely dressed up, herself; but she looks a little flustered that HE'S underdressed compared to usual, and that he's ushering her in so quickly,

but she goes obediently, worried. ]

[there's a place at the table set up for her. with no hesitation, he pulls out the chair for her.]

What would you like? I have prepared hash browns and pancakes. I can fry the eggs to your preference, too.

[ she doesn't sit yet, just watching him with bafflement. ]

... Sunny, what...

[ a pause. ]

Aren't you angry with me? Why are you doing this?

Mm...

[taps his fingers along the top of the chair's back, where his hands rest]

I'm upset and confused, yes.

So why are you--

[ gestures to the table. ]

I wanted to talk. I'm certainly not poisoning you.

-- I would never assume that.

[ but she hesitates another moment, before taking the offered seat. ]

[once she's seated, he places his hands on her shoulders and leans down]

Now tell me what you'd like.

[ hunches her shoulders a little, uneasy. ]

... this much is fine. Really.

[gently squeezes her shoulders]

Anything to drink? You're tense.

Can we please just talk.

[chuckles, releasing her]

We can just talk, I suppose.

[he goes to sit in the chair across from her]

[ frankly looks... well, anxious, as always, but she's staring at him with furrowed brow, and no guilt to be seen.

But she waits for him to speak, first. ]

I'll get to the point.

You shot at my unitmate to protect someone who sabotaged the safety of another unitmate of mine.

I shot your unitmate to prevent him from killing her, and being attacked by another member of Bad End in turn, and possibly dragging you all into a slaughter.

The chances of your answering incorrectly and bringing harm to your own unitmate as a result were high, regardless of their sabotage. Their attack on your unit was uncalled for, but when everyone was doing so badly with their hostages to begin with, killing them would have solved nothing.

I won't let anybody be killed in front of me, unless they themselves are attempting to kill another. You know I cannot, Sunrise.

[he's still smiling pleasantly, as he had been all this time]

Our chances were low, but they were not zero until that clod of dirt targeted us. And they will never learn from it, for they got away with it.

[ straightens a little. ]

I'm sorry the chance was stolen from you.

I am not sorry for preventing a death.

...

You're fortunate that Cosmo isn't upset with you.

He has every right to be upset with me. I will not be childish about it. I cannot expect everyone to understand.

And yet, he is not.

... so what is it that you want me to say? My reasons are clear.

Very little else, except a promise that you will point a weapon at me next time instead.

Should you be the one to attempt to kill someone, perhaps I will.

I will do it for no other reason. How dare you ask that of me.

[his smile falls]

That would be the only reason.

...

I have no desire to hurt you, or anyone else. But-- especially not you.

Re: day 353, morning after the game

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