Private Conversation - After Incentive reveal (8/22, week 4)

[godinsolitude]

[Ayumu makes a beeline for his room and while he's allowing Hiyono to follow, he's silent as the grave as he stalks through the halls.

Their captors had to know exactly what they were doing, picking this person in particular for his 'stand in', and it enraged him.... among other feelings. It wasn't that long ago that he'd deliberately cut ties with Hizumi, and while he could pretend it didn't effect him in front of the Blade Children... he couldn't do it again. Not here, not now, not so soon.

Not when he knew Hizumi showing up here would result in another body, or worse.]

Comments

[pseudoregelia]

Of course you would have.

[Here she looks up, her voice firm.]

You are a flawed being, Narumi-san. There is only so much weight you can take on your shoulders alone.

It was the same with Hilbert-san, wasn't it? Without extra support, you were cornered into a position in which you were nearly forced to make a cruel choice.

[She takes in a breath. And then:]

Unless you would like to suggest I wasn't able to help enough to find an alternate solution to your brother's awful plan...?

[Because that's what it comes down to. Kiyotaka, pushing the pieces around the board as he pleased, sacrificing any loose ends as he saw fit.]

[godinsolitude]

No....No, you were.... you've always been a huge help.

[The words are sharp, quick. The fault was all his, not hers... not anyone else's.]

But Hizumi was my failing. Kanon Hilbert's death was too, because as much as I hoped it wouldn't come to pass, I knew that risk existed from the get go.

[As far back as when they'd stopped him at the school. His brother didn't leave loose ends... it wasn't his nature. Kanon's life was still on the line, and he'd merely hoped it wouldn't come to pass.

He hadn't done nearly enough, to stop it. Hadn't been brave enough, or strong enough.]

[pseudoregelia]

Narumi-san...

How much of this do you intend to bear alone?

Your brother created this awful composition and pitted Rutherford-san and Hilbert-san against each other. Did he not do the same with you and Hizumi-san?

[Here, she reaches over, laying her hands firmly over his.]

In spite of everything that he threw at you, you rose to the challenge each and every time. You needed help and support, but - doesn't everyone? I couldn't have done any of that myself, nor could the Blade Children. That's why they need you; need your support.

[And, whether he returns it or not, she will angle to look into his eyes.]

You've grown and done so much, Narumi-san. I won't stand by and listen to you insist the blame falls on your shoulders alone.