001 | ( VIDEO. ) | JULY 30th

[pubertytwice]

_{[ The feed clicks on and shows a kid appearing no older than 13 seated back in a chair, curled knuckles against his face. His eyes look tired and expression rather thin. He's wearing a uniform of some sort, though pieces of it look tattered or stained. One of his legs bounces in his seat (aren't his shorts cute?) but after a moment of mulling over what to say, he leans forward, hands folding together neatly. ]}

I already lack faith in gathering information from anyone here, and yet, here I am with inquiries. Serious responses only.

_{[ What could this boy possibly be asking for?? Where is the best place to get ice cream? Hardly so. ]}

Has anyone has ever even attempted hacking into any confidential files that could be in the government's system that operates here? Alternatively, if anyone has ever attempted to assassinate the Queen?

_{[ Oh.. what.. ]}

If not, is there any place on this goddamn planet that serves coffee? Decent coffee. Every place here is a shit hole.

_{[ That's it. No thanks for your time or anything. ]}

Comments

[onerous]

[He says as much to Yuri, but she's watching him again with that quiet, sad expression that she always has]

Does he know that?

[Because, you know, that's important too!!]

[pubertytwice]

_{[ squints..... ]}

Kind of.

_{[ which is Five language for “no.” ]}

[onerous]

You can't assume people will just know they have support. Even if it's not out loud, maybe leave him a note somewhere he'll find it. Sometimes it's easier to write things down then say them.

[Just saying.

And then, lighter, a bit teasingly:] Or perhaps I could pass the message along for you?

[pubertytwice]

That sounds a little sappy if I'm being honest. I'm not that kind of person.

_{[ then quickly: ]}

You don't have to get involved. I'm sure he knows damn well.

[onerous]

If you don't think you'll regret not saying it to him in as many words, one day, than it's fine. After all, 'one day here, the next day gone,' so the saying goes.

[She smiles slightly, regardless]

If you're sure. I really don't mind. [And then, in case Five might not have caught on, she adds:] I'm only teasing.

1/2

[pubertytwice]

[pubertytwice]

I knew you were teasing.

_{[ HE DID NOT!!! You got him. ]}

[onerous]

And you graciously played along with me. I appreciate it.

[She ABSOLUTELY knows that he didn't know.

She huffs an amused noise and looks down, shaking her head some.]

...You're a good man, Five-san. I think it's important you hear that sometimes too.

[pubertytwice]

<sub>[ Oh no. Oh, no, no, no. Yuri might see Five's expression twitch into something of a slight grimace. She did not. He's not a good man. Not after all he's done; not after all he's been through. He feels something swell in his chest, but he can't be too angry with her.

He maintains his softer and more sincere tone, glancing up at her. ]</sub>

I wish I could agree with you, but I don't believe there's good or bad people anymore. There's just.. people.

_{[ He's never been called good like this. He's been called a good mastermind. A good professional. A good killer. But not ever a good person. ]}

[onerous]

[She simply watches him, passive and calm.]

Mm. Is that how it is...? [She sounds like she's really not sure]

Well, either way, I'd like to keep getting to know you.

[pubertytwice]

What for?

_{[ Sorry. That's his automatic response. They didn't really have friends as kids and obviously he didn't really make friends in his old age either. It's kind of sad, really.]}

[onerous]

When I told you about what I could do, you didn't laugh at me, or make me feel ashamed of it. It makes me want to know you more.

[She tilts her head, not at all perturbed by the response. Honestly, it's what her default response is to similar comments directed at her too so, you know. She gets it.]

Besides, it'll be easier to make coffee you like if I know you better.

[pubertytwice]

Yes. Well.
You believed everything I said when I told you about who I am.

_{[ A pause. ]}

So I guess that means it makes me want to know you more too.

_{[ wow god he's never had an Actual Friend before, nice. ]}