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[ That was a whole thing. Xiao has a knot in his stomach, a horrible, sinking feeling about what's about to happen here -- but there is an issue far more pressing than his own trepidation.
After Ho-Oh and Rapt0r leave, Xiao walks up to Haruka and says quietly: ]
Follow me.
After Ho-Oh and Rapt0r leave, Xiao walks up to Haruka and says quietly: ]
Follow me.
[Palm Tree-san, help him… There’s an awful feeling settling in Haruka’s stomach, and he knows he’s absolutely not equipped for any of this if it’s actually real.]
Okay.
[Lead the way!!]
Okay.
[Lead the way!!]
[ He leads Haruka away, out of range of the others. He's not particular about the place; he just wants to make sure nobody overhears what he's going to say. ]
I have no intention of harming you.
[ Best to get that out of the way, since they're all the way here. ]
However, it is imperative that you get your act together as soon as possible. I cannot claim to know the characters of everyone here, but the more you panic like you did today, the more vulnerable you will appear.
[ ... ]
But I did not pull you here to knock sense into you otherwise. I am used to protecting those who cannot protect themselves [ sorry ]. If you feel like there are threats to your safety, I will do what I can to handle it.
I have no intention of harming you.
[ Best to get that out of the way, since they're all the way here. ]
However, it is imperative that you get your act together as soon as possible. I cannot claim to know the characters of everyone here, but the more you panic like you did today, the more vulnerable you will appear.
[ ... ]
But I did not pull you here to knock sense into you otherwise. I am used to protecting those who cannot protect themselves [ sorry ]. If you feel like there are threats to your safety, I will do what I can to handle it.
[Haruka is quiet for a moment, looking at Xiao with a small frown. Guilt is eating at him, even if maybe it’s nothing he should feel guilty over. He’s causing a scene and maybe even putting himself in danger, inconveniencing everyone else on the island dealing with all of this madness together.
It just… It doesn’t feel real, and he doesn’t know how everyone else can be so calm about it.]
…Sorry.
[He takes a breath, letting it out through his nose.]
You don’t have to do that. You should be watching out for yourself, and I’m sure… protecting someone like me would be way too difficult.
[Does he even deserve to be protected? That would just cause Xiao so many problems, wouldn’t it?]
It just… It doesn’t feel real, and he doesn’t know how everyone else can be so calm about it.]
…Sorry.
[He takes a breath, letting it out through his nose.]
You don’t have to do that. You should be watching out for yourself, and I’m sure… protecting someone like me would be way too difficult.
[Does he even deserve to be protected? That would just cause Xiao so many problems, wouldn’t it?]
It is my duty to protect.
[ Not harm. Not unless he has to, in order to do what he needs to. ]
I didn't lie when I said I have been around for centuries; I am capable of holding my own in battle. I don't need your concern.
[ Which sounds cold, but Xiao means it. He doesn't need the concern of someone who can't fend for themselves against most, if not all the others. ]
I cannot stay here and chat for much longer, but the offer is there.
[ Not harm. Not unless he has to, in order to do what he needs to. ]
I didn't lie when I said I have been around for centuries; I am capable of holding my own in battle. I don't need your concern.
[ Which sounds cold, but Xiao means it. He doesn't need the concern of someone who can't fend for themselves against most, if not all the others. ]
I cannot stay here and chat for much longer, but the offer is there.
Edited 2023-05-14 19:07 (UTC)
[It’s hard to admit to a near stranger, but this is… life and death, isn’t it? And it’s the one thing that’s always eaten at Haruka, the entire reason he even agreed to leave Japan with Kujou…]
I don’t want to be a burden on you.
[He wants to be protected - he’s not a complete idiot, but he’s too afraid of burdening Xiao and making things harder for him.
What if protecting Haruka puts Xiao in danger? Even if he’s saying it’s his duty, Haruka doesn’t know if he could actually live with himself if someone got hurt for his sake.]
Besides, maybe… nobody will believe them, so all of this talk is just entirely pointless? Haha…
I don’t want to be a burden on you.
[He wants to be protected - he’s not a complete idiot, but he’s too afraid of burdening Xiao and making things harder for him.
What if protecting Haruka puts Xiao in danger? Even if he’s saying it’s his duty, Haruka doesn’t know if he could actually live with himself if someone got hurt for his sake.]
Besides, maybe… nobody will believe them, so all of this talk is just entirely pointless? Haha…
It would be in your best interests to stop being so foolish.
[ There's a tinge of irritation in his voice, if only because he doesn't like how stubborn Haruka is being. Yet -- ]
Regardless...it is your choice. I won't press the issue any further; you must make the call yourself.
[ He's worried, but Xiao knows better than to pressure someone into making a decision like this. If Haruka has the will to survive, if he truly wants to live despite the circumstances they're under, then he will call Xiao when the time is right. ]
[ There's a tinge of irritation in his voice, if only because he doesn't like how stubborn Haruka is being. Yet -- ]
Regardless...it is your choice. I won't press the issue any further; you must make the call yourself.
[ He's worried, but Xiao knows better than to pressure someone into making a decision like this. If Haruka has the will to survive, if he truly wants to live despite the circumstances they're under, then he will call Xiao when the time is right. ]
[He winces at that, curling in tighter on himself. Xiao's right, it would be stupid to not take the protection offered to him...
But he still feels guilty. At least, he thinks, it's just him here, and not one of the other members of ZOOL. The thought of them being in danger makes him feel even worse, even if they all might be better equipped at getting out of this alive.]
I'm sorry. I just...
[...]
I don't want to die, and it's scary to know I might, but I don't... I don't want someone to get hurt because of me, either, but... i-if you're sure...
But he still feels guilty. At least, he thinks, it's just him here, and not one of the other members of ZOOL. The thought of them being in danger makes him feel even worse, even if they all might be better equipped at getting out of this alive.]
I'm sorry. I just...
[...]
I don't want to die, and it's scary to know I might, but I don't... I don't want someone to get hurt because of me, either, but... i-if you're sure...
...I understand.
[ Although Xiao has long since let go of the fear of death, he understands that it can be daunting to many living beings. He won't give his life away haphazardly; if he dies protecting Haruka, it will mean something. Even if it gives Haruka only one more day to live, it will have been worth it. ]
I would not have offered if I wasn't certain. Send me a message through the device if you are in any danger.
[ Although Xiao has long since let go of the fear of death, he understands that it can be daunting to many living beings. He won't give his life away haphazardly; if he dies protecting Haruka, it will mean something. Even if it gives Haruka only one more day to live, it will have been worth it. ]
I would not have offered if I wasn't certain. Send me a message through the device if you are in any danger.
[He sighs, nodding slowly. This is his life now, isn’t it? Always one step away from danger.
There’s still a brief moment of hesitation, though.]
Is the phone really the best idea…?
[boomer]
There’s still a brief moment of hesitation, though.]
Is the phone really the best idea…?
[boomer]
...I would rather not linger for too long.
[ He doesn't elaborate on why, but there's something about his expression that shows that it's not entirely by choice. ]
Otherwise, I am in the "Dodo" room. Bear in mind that there are other residents, but I will be there in the late hours of the evening.
[ He doesn't elaborate on why, but there's something about his expression that shows that it's not entirely by choice. ]
Otherwise, I am in the "Dodo" room. Bear in mind that there are other residents, but I will be there in the late hours of the evening.
...Oh.
[That look on his face... It's strange, and Haruka wants to press him on why he's looking at him like that, but... he lets it go.
For now, at least.]
Okay. Alright.
[He straightens up.]
If I need any help, I'll call you.
[That look on his face... It's strange, and Haruka wants to press him on why he's looking at him like that, but... he lets it go.
For now, at least.]
Okay. Alright.
[He straightens up.]
If I need any help, I'll call you.
[Today has been… a day. The last few it had been possible to forget about the threat looming over them, but today? Today it was impossible to ignore, even though Haruka is glad he and Lacus were able to alleviate the heavy mood for just a moment.
But, well, nothing lasts forever.
He saw Xiao at the concert, though, and… and afterwards, too. He has questions he wants to ask, but those aren’t what’s immediately on his mind as he approaches Xiao.]
Xiao-san… did you enjoy the performance earlier? I saw you there.
But, well, nothing lasts forever.
He saw Xiao at the concert, though, and… and afterwards, too. He has questions he wants to ask, but those aren’t what’s immediately on his mind as he approaches Xiao.]
Xiao-san… did you enjoy the performance earlier? I saw you there.
[ Xiao is having a time with the nature effects and the general uncertainty of what's going to happen -- mostly the former -- but he sees Haruka and straightens himself out. He doesn't want to worry him and give him more anxiety than he probably has. ]
It was well-planned.
[ An understatement, but Xiao will give him an approving nod. ]
The type of performance is different than what I used to. That...does not mean it was bad, though.
It was well-planned.
[ An understatement, but Xiao will give him an approving nod. ]
The type of performance is different than what I used to. That...does not mean it was bad, though.
Yeah, well, it’s not that big of a deal to perform.
[He absolutely wanted to brighten everyone’s mood with the performance, but actually admitting to that? Hell no.]
Did you… like it, then?
[He absolutely wanted to brighten everyone’s mood with the performance, but actually admitting to that? Hell no.]
Did you… like it, then?
[ He's made a few rounds already, but Xiao is making it a point to pay a short visit to someone in particular. With the new "rules" set in place, as well as the little demonstration earlier today, he's concerned about how a certain someone must be taking all of this.
Xiao will approach the Kingfisher cabana and knock. Hopefully Haruka's the one who answers... ]
Xiao will approach the Kingfisher cabana and knock. Hopefully Haruka's the one who answers... ]
[Could you imagine if Billy answered..........
Luckily, it is Haruka, looking... more then a little frazzled, but he tries to play it off with a forced smile when he sees Xiao on the other side of the door.]
Ah... Xiao-san. Is everything okay?
Luckily, it is Haruka, looking... more then a little frazzled, but he tries to play it off with a forced smile when he sees Xiao on the other side of the door.]
Ah... Xiao-san. Is everything okay?
I mean... it would have been fine if it wasn't to your taste! I wouldn't have been offended.
[Disappointed, maybe? But he's a professional! He can take some critiques!]
[Disappointed, maybe? But he's a professional! He can take some critiques!]
[ LMAO
But Xiao pauses for a moment, notes that Haruka is, indeed, not fine – a stark contrast to his own demeanor, which is calm, if only a little pensive. This is about what he expected. ]
Follow me.
[ He turns his back to Haruka, intends on leading him somewhere quieter than the cabana area. The beach is what he has in mind. ]
But Xiao pauses for a moment, notes that Haruka is, indeed, not fine – a stark contrast to his own demeanor, which is calm, if only a little pensive. This is about what he expected. ]
Follow me.
[ He turns his back to Haruka, intends on leading him somewhere quieter than the cabana area. The beach is what he has in mind. ]
[Xiao is a man of few words - Haruka’s come to expect that of him, but that doesn’t make his presence any less comforting. He spares a glance back at the cabana, before following Xiao out to the beach.
He’s quiet for the whole walk, uncharacteristically so, even though his thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Eventually, he breaks the silence.]
So they really weren’t kidding about all of this.
He’s quiet for the whole walk, uncharacteristically so, even though his thoughts are a jumbled mess.
Eventually, he breaks the silence.]
So they really weren’t kidding about all of this.
[…Oh.
His cheeks go pink, and he clears his throat as he looks away. That’s… that’s a hell of a review, isn’t it?]
Oh. I’m - that’s very high praise, Xiao-san…
His cheeks go pink, and he clears his throat as he looks away. That’s… that’s a hell of a review, isn’t it?]
Oh. I’m - that’s very high praise, Xiao-san…
No. They were not.
[ Which is the bitter truth. He wouldn't lie to Haruka and feed him false hope when it's so blatantly obvious that their captors mean business. ]
You do not have to trust me, nor do you need to stay for long, if you're frightened. All I can do is tell you that I was sincere in my offer to you. And if you need my help, I am often near the trees by the beach.
[ He's not offering texting anymore...not right now, anyway. ]
[ Which is the bitter truth. He wouldn't lie to Haruka and feed him false hope when it's so blatantly obvious that their captors mean business. ]
You do not have to trust me, nor do you need to stay for long, if you're frightened. All I can do is tell you that I was sincere in my offer to you. And if you need my help, I am often near the trees by the beach.
[ He's not offering texting anymore...not right now, anyway. ]
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