Just one wish for a miracle Repeated the tragedies

[llywelin]

[There is nothing unusual about today, except maybe some nicer than average weather. It means being outside isn't a lung hazard and thus a good enough day for walking around. Mikado has already done a lot of research on business - and Lion has done her own amount - but more isn't going to hurt anything. The more the better.

Though not all of Lion's focus is on that. Some of it is still lingering on some books she read last night. They referenced yet another few that would be good to read for background and well, Lion has been devouring books lately. Even the business isn't enough distraction.

So possibly in the middle of conversation, with her thoughts scattered, Lion turns to Mikado.] Would you mind if we made a stop first? It isn't very far.

Comments

[digitalemperor]

What do you mean?

[Because Mikado is kind of dumb about picking up cues.]

At least you notice. Which is something. I think most people sometimes have a problem speaking up, but knowing you should is a start.

[He smiles, still a little uncertain.] I hope so. There's a lot we need to talk about but I wanted us to do it together with Sonohara-san...

[llywelin]

[Lion pats his shoulder, giving a light squeeze.] I understand. Especially since she is involved, too. But...in this situation, even though she might appear tomorrow or you may both go home in a week, it's too uncertain to put off making up, right?

As far as Masaomi-san's cues go... [She tries not to grin.] It reminded me of the family conferences. He was so upset and worried but since he couldn't say so openly, he was indirect and ah, snide. Actually it was a little endearing in retrospect.

[digitalemperor]

You're right...

[But even though she's right, how does he bring it up with Masaomi? He sighs.]

I think I got that but... He was really upset. That was actually pretty obvious for him I think. I hate to say it, but sometimes I'm not sure I know how to read him at all. Even if we've been best friends since we were kids, it's not like we saw each other in person for many years. He changed a lot. Maybe I did too.

I hadn't thought it mattered for a long time.

[llywelin]

[Lion stops walking to focus on him for a moment. It is a conversation that deserves some attention and there's no one around anyway.]

Hm...my cousin, Battler-kun...we've been best friends since we were very small. At one point, though, he left the family for a little while. Apparently he usually leaves for longer, in the other worlds...well, that doesn't matter. The point is that he left. I called him as much as I could but he needed some space. I eventually managed to convince him to come back but it took...a couple of years. When he came back...he was still Battler-kun. I thought so, anyway.

[Looking up at the high ceiling.] But he was different, too. And so was I. We'd all changed in that time and despite how easily we could play and act like kids again, there were jarring moments when I would realise it wasn't the same. It was...scary to think someone I was so close to could be different from my memories. So I got to know him again. Maybe...you two need to get to know each other again, too.

[digitalemperor]

[He stops as well of course, considering what she's saying.]

I see. Maybe that's what it is. I thought we had... But maybe I wasn't noticing at all.

I think I just assumed that because we still talked almost every day, I still knew a lot about him. Now it feels like I don't at all. Have I focused too much on my own worries and missed things that trouble him as well? I wonder that too.

Even if I ask, he may not want to answer, either. I call him my best friend, but there's a lot about him I don't know. That's pretty sad, isn't it?

[llywelin]

It might be. I love my family dearly and yet I was oblivious to so much. It's a little pathetic, especially considering I was supposed to become the Head and take care of them. But I still love them and if I get to see them again, I'm going to do my best to help and not look away.

[She places a hand on her chest, over where her ring hangs, playing with it a little through her shirt.]

If I may...you probably have missed a lot in that case. Please don't feel guilty, though. Masaomi-san probably wasn't making it easy, either. We all say 'don't worry', right? I've been thinking of this place as a second chance but maybe it's good for you two, too. You can fix things together without worrying about everything at home. This sort of chance is a miracle itself. So please...do everything you can to become best friends again. I'll help too if I can.

[digitalemperor]

I guess we both get wrapped up and don't notice things we should... I hope you get to see your family again, and make things right.

I'll try to find time to talk to Masaomi. I just... Have to figure out what to say I guess. It probably won't help if I ask to talk and I don't even know what I'm getting at myself.

You've already helped me a lot. I can't ask for more. But... I will say thank you very much. He means a lot to hear you encourage me like this. I'll do my best to figure out what's wrong with Masaomi, and make up with him. So we can fix things together.

[llywelin]

You can always ask for help. As you're both my friends, it matters to me, too.

[And this time Lion reaches out for his hand and holds it for a moment of encouragement.]

If you want to talk about what to say to him, I'll listen. But I'm certain you'll think of the right words. In the meantime, we can both work on being a little less ignorant. If not for our own sake, then at least for the sake of our friends.

[apotheostasis]

[THE AMAZING ZELOS APPEARS FROM THE SKY

No wait he isn't silly like Guy. But he does appear, and he has a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Just guess why he is here. Guess.]

Yo, Lion. [Zelos doesn't immediately begin harassing Lion purely because he doesn't know what Mikado knows.] You're here again, huh?

[digitalemperor]

[Mikado does not know the guy, despite two of his friends being involved with him. Derp derp. So he just blinks and nods politely to the stranger and remains awkwardly silent.]

[llywelin]

[Lion looks between the flowers and Zelos. Also aware that he's being cautious. Aw, that's so considerate of him. She probably has a small derpy smile for a second.

And then she rolls her eyes and huffs.] And you're here for your usual purpose, I see. At least flowers are a traditional gift. Though I thought they were for me.

[She flashes a smile. You're safe to be, well, yourself, Zelos. And she takes Mikado's hand again to formally introduce them.]

Ah but this is Mikado-san. Mikado-san, this is my friend, Zelos. He'll have no interest in you, I'm afraid.

[apotheostasis]

[Well-judged, Lion. Zelos only gives Mikado a cursory glance. It's a boy. It's young. It's not his concern.]

Could it be that you're getting jealous, hunny? That jealousy is so attractive in you. Why don't we ditch this kid and I show you just how attractive you are?

[digitalemperor]

Um... Nice to meet you...?

[But then Zelos speaks and suddenly Mikado is reminded of another girl crazy idiot he and Lion were just talking about. His expression reflects that realization.]

[llywelin]

[Immediately regretting giving him permission to acknowledge her gender. Sigh.]

What on Earth is there to be jealous over? It would be more impressive to manage not to gain your attention.

[apotheostasis]

Oh, ouch. Why are you so cold, Lion? [He sidles up close to her--and so gets between her and Mikado. To the boy, he gives a look] You can leave now. This is adult talk time.

[digitalemperor]

[Maybe it's more instinct or that they were just talking about Kida, or maybe because Zelos gives off the exact same vibe, but while usual politeness would keep Mikado still, he reaches forward (and up) without reservation and quite soundly smacks Zelos in the back of the head.]

Jeez. Is that any way to behave?

[llywelin]

[It's so surprising, especially from Mikado of all people, that Lion blinks before she bursts out laughing.

Excuse her a second. Lion is ducking her head to try to stop it.]

[apotheostasis]

[Zelos puts his hand to his head where he was hit--and with his free hand, he has pulled some of the books out of Lion's bag.] Hey! Don't you know who you're dealing with? Guys can't just hit me.

[Aaaand his eyes glance over the books. So. More magic.]

[digitalemperor]

I'm dealing with a pervert obviously.

[Sighing. But not with any real malice. Though how did Zelos get the books so smoothly? But that's beside the point. He crosses his arms. He doesn't really get a bad vibe from Zelos and Lion likes him, and he's a lot like Kida. So his voice is just sort of long-suffering and resigned instead of particularly emotional or upset.]

You shouldn't be so shameless in front of girls.

[llywelin]

[With a sigh as well.] It's his only way of interacting with women.

[But then Lion frowns and reaches to take her books back.] And it's rude to go through someone else's bag.

[apotheostasis]

I can't just ignore the love of my adoring fans. [He's looking at them both now.]

I'm pretty surprised your chaperones are letting you out for this. I mean, it's nothing for me, but most of you lot work out that it's safer to stay away from the big churches.

[digitalemperor]

It can't hurt to learn a new way.

[Looking at Zelos in mild confusion now.] I've heard that. But I've never really had direct contact with them myself. Why is it so dangerous?

[llywelin]

[Lion tucks the books away with a shake of her head.]

Will knows what I'm researching. I don't plan on involving myself with the churches beyond this. [Not answering Mikado's question. But she might be a little defensive and had to say something.

'Chaperones' really...]

[apotheostasis]

[The first time he bothers to really talk to Mikado. And it's about cults. Awesome.]

Most of the churches like really high birth rates, especially in the poor. It means they never run out of supplies. [SERIOUSLY GUYS don't make him spell it out right here]

[digitalemperor]

[It's because you're secretly a guy who can't watch kids get hurt Zelos. Deal With It.]

[Mikado for all his derp does tend to listen to street talk. He blinks.]

You mean like... Um... Breeding programs? [It still sounds like science fiction.]