ahappylie | 054 [Written]

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054 [Written]

I hope the experiment isn't causing everyone too much trouble. It's been so much fun to watch it from the windows. I saw a large black vehicle fall from the sky the other day. And people.

In fact, has everyone been well? Does anyone have any fun stories from their time so far? I'd like to hear them.

[Private to Sokka markofthewise]
I hope to return soon. Perhaps I will. If not, keep up with your training and remember what I have taught you. It was an honor to have you as a pupil and a friend. I realize it wasn't always easy putting up with me, but you did so very admirably. I wish you luck in your future with Suki and with your training. I have a double here. He should be able to train you in my absence, or in the event that I do not return from where I am going.

[Private to Okita Souji gohon]
Take care of them until I return. If I return. I know it is much to ask of you, but there are few others who I can trust with this. I am glad we met and that our worlds are different. Perhaps your future will be brighter and better. I can only hope so.

[Private to Yamazaki Ayumu ayu_nee]
I'll be back in a week. I promise. Make sure to take care of yourself while I'm gone. I'll be upset with you if I come back and you aren't doing well. ~~-I-~~ He was proud to have you as a sister and he misses you terribly. Know that.

[Private to Hijikata Toshizou onifukuchou]
Make sure to open your window and let in the fresh air. The summer here isn't as stifling as Kyoto and the sunlight is warm and the skies peaceful. It reminds me of home, in a way, before we began the path we both walk even now. I'm looking forward to going back to that together someday. Maybe we'll find you a wife you don't have to steal♥

. I'll return soon. And I'll scold you if you let yourself get sick in the meantime. Thank you, Hijikata-san. I couldn't have asked for a better friend in you.

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... Master Souji? What do you mean 'return soon'? You shouldn't be going anywhere!

It's okay, Sokka-kun. Please don't worry.

How am I supposed to not worry if you're talking like this?

Technically, I'm writing. [Feel free to kick him for that. He's just trying to lighten the mood.]

I just have to go somewhere for awhile. I hope to come back soon, so keep up on your training. I'll be cross with you if you don't.

I'm not a kid, Souji. It's not just a trip you're talking about.

[He switches because Sokka is right. He isn't a kid and Souji isn't making it to morning. His voice sounds thin and its obvious that speaking is an effort for him.]

But I'll return. They say everyone returns, right?

[... wow. That voice is so weak. His fists tighten, torn between sadness and anger.]

They do, but... there has to be something someone can do.

Don't be sad for me, Sokka-kun. That's all I ask anyone to do.

That's easier said than done.

...I-- [the voice cuts out suddenly and four minutes later comes back]-- I know. ...There's someone at the door, I think. I have to go now.

I- okay. We'll talk tomorrow.

[Or. That's what he hopes to do.]

Yes. I look forward to it.

[He closes the book quietly.

Goodbye Master Souji.]

[Homura knocks on Okita's door with one hand, a tray of food in the other. It's simple stuff, things he remembers from when Ayumu took care of Okita before, or when the woman had been sick herself. Without her there to correct him, Homura knows he'll get complaints about it, which is fine.

It's nothing more than excuse. He'll say that Ayumu would be angry at them both if he didn't at least attempt to take care of Okita, but Homura knows. He's seen the man's condition change, and how he withers.

He's gone through dying that way.]

I'm coming in Okita. [Homura waits longer than he normally would, to give Okita time to gather himself. He opens the door slowly, steps inside and makes sure to close it completely behind him.]

[The knock on the door wakes him up, and it startles him because he hadn't realized he'd even been asleep. He's still sitting up in bed, back propped by pillows carefully arranged to keep away from his wings and his journal is resting at his side, Saizou nosing his hand and oinking softly. For a brief and fleeting moment, he thinks he's home.

Then he hears Homura's voice and reality comes back to him. He turns his head as the door opens and the demi-god steps through, putting his usual smile on his face just in time for the man to turn around.]

Hello, Homura-san.

[Even now, looking as weak as he does, when he's spent days contained in this room, Okita still smiles. It's as much of a testament to stubbornness as Homura's ever seen, and it's painful to watch.]

Hello Okita.

[He moves to the bed, sets the tray down next to Okita, then takes a step back. The man has always favored his personal space. And in turn, Homura rarely has a problem intruding, but he's also calculating in his steps. So physically, he separates from Okita, crosses his arms over his chest, and asks for what will no doubt be a lie.]

How are you feeling?

[The tray is set and Okita looks at it, knowing he won't be able to eat most of it, not due to the taste but because he simply can't eat. He smiles at the offer, however, and looks up at Homura. His breathing is labored and even though he smiles, it's obvious he won't be lasting much past the day.]

Much better now. Thank you--[He stops to catch his breath.] For the meal. Is everyone else alright?

Hijikata seems himself. There's still no sign of Ayumu.

[It is obvious, and even Homura has to fight to keep his typical grin in the face of that truth. He nods carefully, keeping his voice even as he asks his next question, however odd it might make it seem.]

Are you well enough to hold a sword?

[No sign of Ayumu. That had to be weighing on Homura some. Hijikata... is a painful topic. He doesn't want to touch on it.]

....Are we under attack?

No.

But you never gave me that spar.

[Ah. Souji pauses and smiles, tilting his head slightly.]

Perhaps in the morning? It's a bit warm out to spar now.

[ Phew. Despite being a cat it's pretty good that he's able to respond to this normally. Otherwise... Souji's not quite sure what he'd do.

It is really odd to watch this all unfold, though; he's technically watching himself die. Yet that fact hasn't quite... sunk in, despite knowing him for about three months. He knows this in his mind, but there is that disconnect there. It's just... a strange feeling. ]

Heh, I'm pretty sure if this is your fate, then it's mine, too. [ bitter, bitter. ]

...I would hope it was not. [With Souji he can be a little more frank seeing how they are the same person. He would never speak of the disease to anyone else, but to him...it's like saving him instead of burdening him.]

....There are doctors here. They can help. I was too proud, too stubborn to go, but you still have time.

Hmm. [ Doctors, that can help? He's a bit skeptical, but if it means being able to continue to fight without... this hindrance... then maybe.

he'll think about it

Not really wanting to talk about This anymore, he'll go ahead and change the subject. ] Well, fine. I'll be sure to check up on the others until you come back.

Thank you. [He lets out a soft sigh of relief, then goes quiet for a short while. The recorder is still going, evidenced by the sound of his breathing.]

....I've told my pupil here about you. He may come see you for lessons. ...should things not go as I plan.

[ Oh, it's fine; he understands. Though he does find it funny, because if this were him right now, he'd probably want to go out in a very different way. Not so quietly and calmly like his other me is...

That makes him slightly irritated, for some reason. Though he brushes it off. ]

Ah. Is it the one with the dark skin and blue eyes? That's fine. I'll be ready, just in case.

[He tried all those things, self. He almost died so many times and yet here he is, dying just as the book said he would. Something about it bothers him, and yet another part is just so tired that he can't bring himself to fight it.]

Yes, thank you.

.......I wonder if Kondou-san is doing well.

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