Week 3 - Post-Trial

[onethirdthesoul]

[As soon as the trial ends, Ryou pulls Kaoru aside. This would be the first time he's said something since their last conversation ended.]

Kaoru-san... I'd like to talk with you in private a moment...if that's okay.

Comments

[souredsweet]

I do, too... [his voice is quiet, small-sounding.]

Forcing people to tear their lives and the lives of others apart... It's too cruel.

[onethirdthesoul]

[Sniffling, Ryou nods his head as he looks towards the ground. He seems at a lose for words again as he continues to squeeze Kaoru's hand to reassure himself.

How much longer were they going to have to keep this up?]

[souredsweet]

[he's quiet for a few seconds longer, before giving Ryou's hand a gentle squeeze in return.]

...I know that it isn't much, but... if you ever feel upset or like you need to talk to anyone, I would always be happy to listen.

[onethirdthesoul]

Okay... Thank you, Kaoru-san. [He knows he just said that a moment ago, but he can't think of anything else. A bit reluctantly, Ryou finally pulls his hand back and rubs it with his own.]

I feel a little better now. I'm sorry that I keep dragging you into this...just because I can't deal with it myself.

[souredsweet]

[he pulls his hands back to his sides after that, expression both one of sympathy and one of brief encouragement.]

Please don't feel as though you need to apologize to me for such a thing. I can't do much here, but if I can help support my friends, I'm glad for it.

[onethirdthesoul]

[KAORU CALLED HIM HIS FRIEND. Ryou's desolate mood seems to shift into something a little more melancholy as a result.]

...I feel the same way. So if you need anything too, please feel free to talk to me.

[souredsweet]

[YES Kaoru called him a friend, now they are locked in eternal friendship forever, oh boy.]

Mm, all right. The best way to get through this is by supporting each other, I think, so... [a nod!]

[onethirdthesoul]

[FRIENDS FOREVER Ryou will cling to you like a leech, Kaoru-san.]

Right! [He smiles way down at him.] We'll do our best, together.

[souredsweet]

[he never asked for this... well he kind of did BUT NOT DIRECTLY.]

I believe that we can definitely manage that. [he will smile way up at Ryou in turn, giving his best encouraging nod.] So let's work hard.

[onethirdthesoul]

Let's! [Ryou returns the nod.]

Anyway, I'll let you be on your way now... It's late.

[souredsweet]

Ah, thank you. [his head dips into a polite bow, and he clasps his hands together.] Please feel free to come find me again if you ever wish to talk. I'll always have an ear available for Ryou-san.

[onethirdthesoul]

Thank you, Kaoru-san. I'll be sure to.

[Turning to unlock his door, he politely opens it for him.]

Have a goodnight.

[souredsweet]

Thank you. I hope that you can sleep well...

[one last smile before he turns to leave! good night friend.]

[onethirdthesoul]

[FAREWELL FRIEND...]