practicality | (no subject)

(no subject)

[The handwriting is a touch shakier than usual]

Is everyone alright?

[There's a long pause, and then-]

I'm sorry.

[Souji nods. Understandable that it doesn't mean much to Rain - much as Rain's list of names doesn't mean much to him.]

He was someone... important, I think. I wish I could remember.

[He shakes himself out of that train of thought, and takes another sip of tea before looking up at Rain again, slightly more determined]

I promised Hijikata-san... that I'd return. I'm going to keep that.

[They're on the same page there, at least. There's important work to be done back home; there are people relying on them. Rain's suddenly reminded of his memory of his sister, what she said to him when she stopped him from killing himself - Do you plan to let Hijikata-san down? ...Hijikata-san is putting his trust in you.

Rain meets Okita's gaze levelly, and nods once.]

Yes. We both will.

[This is the most certain Souji has felt since waking up - he has a purpose, at least, if not a master. But Rain was right, earlier - he has Hijikata-san, waiting for him... somewhere]

We'll find a way.

[Rain nods again, but says nothing. If there is a way to get home - and he refuses to believe that there isn't - they'll find it eventually. They have to.

A minute passes, in which he stares at the surface of the table in thought, and eventually he lets out a long exhale and slowly moves to stand. He's said what he came to say, and Okita's said his part... and Rain feels that there's an understanding between them, at least. He doesn't agree with what Okita did - they don't see eye to eye on everything, clearly - but they remain comrades.]

Just... don't do that again. [Rain's voice is soft, but steady. He's not angry at Okita anymore... but the pain of having lost him might take a bit longer to forget.]

[Souji manages a somewhat lopsided smile at that. Refuge in audacity, as usual]

I can't afford to. [Only one lung left, after all :|]

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