Week four - The meeting

[bladeisme]

[This isn't something he's looking forward to, but it's something that has to be done.

Later on in the day, when people have stopped checking out the new places so much, Ichigo goes towards the place with all the weird vending machines in it, leaning against a wall and looking like he's getting ready to hear news that someone he loved has died.

And, well. In a way....

He's quiet for the entire wait, until Alex arrives - and then he pushes off the wall, keeping his head down and his hands tucked into the sleeves of his Shihakusho, off to find Akira and talk to him.

Let's do this.]

Comments

[allsetfree]

I appreciate it too, for the record.

[ she's not arguing because she wants to. she's just trying to be pragmatic. optimism only carries you so far. rules don't bend. scripts don't change. so while she doesn't really have confidence in any of this...

it can't hurt to try? because hey, maybe she'll get a nice illusion of a happy ending for a minute. that kind of thing can be nice, when you know to appreciate it before it's gone. ]

We'll think about it, yeah? I mean, really, this plan is just you asking not to be killed yet. It's asking us to trust you a little longer.

And I guess I'm down with that.

[ perseverance doesn't always pay off how you hope. but sometimes it still pays off in little ways. ]

[purrtagonist]

[she's right about that. and Akira-- while realistic, while somewhat jaded, while completely understanding of the nastiness humans can carry in their hearts-- still wants to shoot for the stars and beyond. even if he feels like there's an extremely low chance of making it]

[because success only happens if you at least try, no matter how great the chance of failure]

[he still doesn't turn to look at them. still can't bring himself to, after everything. but maybe he's just. . . tired]

Thanks for. . . actually listening to my note. Instead of just writing it off.

[even if this doesn't work out, for that reason, and that alone? he's grateful]

. . . all we need is for one person from my team to make it to eight weeks. It doesn't. . . have to be me.

[he's already prepared for it to not be him, truthfully]

Because between everything I already told you, and everything the Composer told me today when I met with her-- that communication is vital for the success of this Game, and that we'll have a better chance of achieving what we want with regards to reviving the Erased the longer the Game lasts-- I really think that's the right answer.

[. . .]

As much as it fucking sucks.

[bladeisme]

[Communication is vital, huh?

That just reminds him of what he said, what seems like so very long ago.]

...This game is all about Trust. I...can't say what the Composer wanting, setting it up like this - but I can see what we have to do.

We have to trust each other, don't we? To make it to the end.

[He's silent for a long moment, contemplating that - and then he nods, slowly, still looking conflicted but less emotional than he did a bit ago.]

Alright. We'll....have to talk to the rest of our team about this. So...we'll see what happens.

[He wants this to go forward. He really does. But it's not just up to him, or Alex - it's up to everyone, and what they think is the best outcome.

He moves away from the wall, giving a gentle sigh.]

...See you around, I guess.