week 0, friday evening

[disilluded]

[Hi Eichi.

Sousei doesn't want company, but when has that ever stopped sparkly idol boys...?

In fact, it's in trying to avoid people that Sousei bumps right into Eichi, and then he just...sighs.

Because his conscience won't let him leave without at least asking:]

Your cough has not improved?

Comments

[finethanks]

Can you truly lecture me on something like that? Aren't you a dead man walking yourself?

[His voice shakes a little, even if he's trying to keep it TOGETHER.]

If it's "hope," then I hope that you're able to avoid that fate. Are you doing everything you can to? Will you be surrounded by company, defensive and cautious? I thought we were going to be friends, you know?

[He's coughing again, but it's Fine]

[disilluded]

[Eichi is trying to keep it together, and that's why Sousei just snorts softly, more humor in it than probably should be the case for a dead man walking.]

It is not the first time my execution has been ordered.

[Treason, remember... Japan's got the death penalty for that.]

And you should concern yourself with your own health, not with mine. I will handle what comes. You... should calm down.

[A lot has happened, he knows--it's not going to do Eichi any good to fuss over Sousei.]

[finethanks]

I can't say that you're wrong, but how should I calm down in a situation like this?

[He'd appreciate some advice, actually.] Even if you say that, everyone here should be living longer than me, you know?

[disilluded]

Begin with a slow breath in, and then breath it out. An even count, but do not force yourself to hold your breath.

[... Looks like he's being serious about that?? Okay.]

... And then do not say things like that again, in a place like this. So long as you are alive, your life is yours to live. It does not matter how much longer you have--you are alive.

Hold onto that, and do not throw it away.

[finethanks]

...

[His frown is more like a pout at this point.]

This is Sousei-kun scolding me like I asked, isn't it? But I can't feel happy at a time like this. Still... I don't intend to throw it away.

[disilluded]

[Sure is...

But, you know? When it comes down to it...]

That is all I wished to hear.

[That Eichi won't toss away what's left of his life is enough for him. At least someone will carry on living--it's important, in that way. And Eichi is just a child, regardless of how he feels about that. And, with a hint of wry humor:]

You will have to keep my scolding in mind for the future, just in case.

[finethanks]

[It's strange. He barely knows anyone here, and he has an image to keep up... But his heart aches, and he worries, and he knows next week he's going to have to step up and get into his usual role. Emperor. He'll have to be cold and calculating and survive.

So right now... Can't he give in to a simple desire? Quietly, he steps forward to try and wrap his arms around Sousei in a hug.

ACCEPT IT, HE'S ILL]

[disilluded]

[...Well.

Sousei won't stop him. In truth, he's not one for physical affection for a lot of reasons, and he doesn't quite know what to do with the hug--but he allows it anyway, and in the end, after an almost awkwardly long pause, he lifts a hand to rest it atop Eichi's head, almost affectionate.]

Have hope. Others will look to that example.

[Nothing is lost yet. They can still get out of this mess--if not Sousei, than at least the others.]

[finethanks]

...Hope is an invisible thing that's difficult to grasp on to, but I'll do my best, Sousei-kun.

[Weh... a hand on his head, thank you, Sousei. Eichi lets it linger another moment before he has mercy and pulls back.]

Then, do you have hope, as well?

[disilluded]

... Yes, I do.

[He doesn't know how, or why. In truth, he's pretty sure he's about to die!!! (Fantastic how that works out.)

But even so, that's no reason to lose hope.]

It is far too early to give up.

[finethanks]

[It's a good thing he pulled back, because he has to stop a coughing fit now, and that takes a bit. It shakes his whole body when he coughs like this.]

I suppose you're right.

[disilluded]

[... A mess. You're a mess, Eichi.]

... And take care of your health. Though this is all happening now, you must still watch yourself.

[finethanks]

There's nothing I can do to stop this [another few coughs] and I don't have my medication, so what should I do? Even if it's "stay in your room," I'm forced out sometimes, you know.

[He hates this!! More than anyone!!] Please don't pity me. I hate that more than anything else.

[disilluded]

I don't pity you.

[That said softly--but with sincerity.]

... After all, the strongest man I know is incapable of moving half the time. His body has given up in many ways, and he must use a wheelchair now. But that does not stop him.

[It's a matter of attitude, he thinks--Eichi needs to grasp his life with the same tenacity that Tenka did.]

I am only telling you to be as sensible as you can. Protect your own health, so that you may continue to do what you can to help others here as well.

[finethanks]

I will. My health is my main concern, so I've been doing my best to eat carefully, sleep warm and relax with tea. It's frustrating when I do all of that and still can't control it.

[He can't control his stress levels, after all.] But I understand. Thank you for your concern.

Though, I think I'd be much healthier if you stayed alive.

[disilluded]

[That gets an amused snort out of him.]

Ah. Did I cause you some amount of stress?

[finethanks]

What sort of question is that? Of course you did.

[He's pouting, practically, over Sousei's death.]

[disilluded]

[He's...totally pouting...]

... My apologies then. I didn't intend on worrying you.

As you can see, I am very much alive, and I intend on staying that way.

[finethanks]

Saying those empty words with no plan at all behind them only makes me worry more, you know. Are you hoping fate alone will save you? That only happens in stories.

[And then he was wrong.]

[disilluded]

[Sousei's a fucking cheater]

It would not be the first time I have escaped a situation that is dangerous.

[So don't??? Fret??]

Try to keep your concern to manageable levels, if you can.

[He's actually full of shit, it just actually works out for him for once.]

[finethanks]

I'll try my best, so you try yours as well. I expect to see a miracle and no less.

[So!!! Do it, somehow! Backflip out of the castle!!]

[disilluded]

A miracle, is it...?

You have high expectations of me, and yet...

[Hm.]

Perhaps I will be able to meet them. We shall see. For now--you should rest.