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[firstworldproblem]

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[firstworldproblem]

You told me. The part about leaving to new worlds.

The homesick is a well educated guess.

[deicider]

[Abstracted for moment, reviewing things in their head. They're clearly puzzled, and they look up at Emet-Selch with worry furrowing their brow.]

No, I didn't. I don't remember saying that at all. When did I tell you that?

[firstworldproblem]

[He also has to remember.]

You visited BARiTONES and after we went to the beach. We had gotten onto the topic of graduation on the travels there.

[deicider]

[Now they look slightly alarmed.]

I don't remember this at all. How long ago was this?

[firstworldproblem]

[Sometimes you send your feint to BARiTONES and no one knows!]

Right after the game when Kohime was transferred to your unit.

[deicider]

[It take then a moment to piece it together, but then they smack a hand to their face. The tips of their ears shade red.]

That was my feint. One of the effects of that game made my powers respond to my mood. I was shedding swords for days. I must have activated it at some point and not noticed...

[firstworldproblem]

[He laughs.]

Well, I'll have to recall if I said something too embarrassing, so I can avoid repeating myself.

Well, you did come to talk to us all and were quite polite. Though you do not receive the memories of your feint?

[deicider]

No fair.

[Slumps a bit in relief.]

No. I hadn't used it much at that point, to be honest.

[firstworldproblem]

Alright. I will give you something.

You were asking around what would make Kohime more comfortable. Yvette did give you a list. Very thoughtful on both your parts.

[deicider]

[Something about that seems to make them blush deeper.

There is no way they actually cared about Kohime being more comfortable, since that's Shrike's job. Meaning they just used it as an excuse to see Emet-Selch.]

I see. As long as I behaved myself it's fine.

[firstworldproblem]

[Cardinal, perhaps they should voice some of this, hmm?]

You did. Though I don't think we made it that far into the swimming. Perhaps another time.

Though I did note the color of your skin deepen.

[deicider]

[Affronted,] You went swimming with me and I don't remember?

[Hmph!

They could definitely lie and get away from it, but it wouldn't serve much of a point besides saving face in a relationship in which they decided they don't need to save face.]

I was lying. I don't have anything to do with the newbies anymore.

[firstworldproblem]

That I had heard from ... I don't recall, that you were more proactive before, but have decided to take a more observing role.

And Kohime is hardly a 'newbie'. Her circumstance was very unique.

[deicider]

Are you arguing with me about my own brain?

[firstworldproblem]

Of course. I do enjoy debating or making people question what might seem infallible truths.

She is becoming comfortable, is she not? Kohime.

[deicider]

Even when the truth flatters you? [They start ticking their fingers off as they go through the points.] If it had actually meant it it would have written the list down, which it didn't. I was effected and distracted for 3 days, so it couldn't have lacked for time. Also, I wasn't worried about Kohime, since that's Shrike and Nero's job. Kohime replaced Kou; I wasn't in a mood to play nice with her.

Plenty comfortable.

[firstworldproblem]

Even when.

[He does chuckles at their points.]

I see. Was Kou close to you?

[deicider]

He was close to me, but he wasn't here very long.

[Cardinal shifts restlessly, adjusting until they are more perched on Emet-Selch than sprawled in his lap. They run a hand back through their hair, slow.]

Talking with him did make me homesick, in a way. Usually... it's like I speak a different dialect than everyone else here. The difference is so slight that from the outside it looks like it's working like a normal conversation, but...

[firstworldproblem]

So perhaps home itself is not what is missed, but the ideals and philosophies?

[He makes room for them to do whatever they like!]

Then do you plan on returning there after graduation?

[deicider]

[Cardinal shakes their head.]

No. It's likely I'm dead and I can't, anyway.

[firstworldproblem]

....!

If I might ask what happened?

[deicider]

[Glances up at him, surprised by his surprise. They raise an eyebrow.]

I'm a murderer at the head of a 400 year old assassinations conspiracy, and I shot a very popular tribune through the head. In the likely event my world went to war, even if I live through that somehow, too many people want me dead.

[firstworldproblem]

[Look. He has a slight doki for Cardinal.]

Truly I was hoping when you spoke of your star that a peaceful solution could be found. Crimes you have committed, but unless you've been lying you do care for the well-being of yours. Why murder such an asset if your goals truly align.

Unless you do not believe in the outcome of this war.

[deicider]

[Cardinal shakes their head again.]

Just the opposite. As long as I live, I'll be a source of tension and conflict, even if most people want to keep me around. But if I use my death well, it will help the world move forward.

[firstworldproblem]

Then the society is hardly Utopian if they cannot forgive. Unless you have completely deceived me with your motives.