"this is a sham," cries free! cast

[pinupbody]

[As usual, in the wake of the old turf war-church explosion, life continues. The relic that caused the problem is likely lost forever or otherwise nowhere to be found, but on the bright side, it's definitely cold enough this week to cool its molten remains, and it might still have some juice left. The interesting thing about modern London and modern Londoners is that they produce so much heat, snow usually doesn't accumulate. And then you have situations like the Thames freezing in the 60s, or the snow earlier this year. Three inches is enough to shut down the trains.

Today is a day not unlike any of those. There's a light blanket descending upon the city today. In its frozen form, it feels a lot less inherently disgusting than the water in the Thames, and smells a lot less -- not at all, even. Almost like it's perfectly normal water, but we wouldn't recommend trying to catch it in your mouth. Or ears. Or eyes. It's maybe better if you try not to absorb too much of it in general. Don't say we didn't warn you.

After all, freezing water removes some impurities. Not all. And there's no such thing as a rain of boiling water, maybe fortunately. If you wouldn't drink water out of the river or a local lake, why would you eat the snow?

Anyway. Trains can't run in weather like this. The city is in the panic you'd expect, but that doesn't mean you have to be -- if you've got somewhere to go, I'd recommend hoofing it immediately. If you were on the run from some religion bent on sacrificing you to resurrect their god, or a scientist trying to fill you with brain parasites? Walk faster.

But, well. That's up to you. Some local cults are out and about today offering safety from the weather and faster transportation (but it's probably in your best interests not to ask the details if you're not a member), for various prices. What do you do?]

Comments

[affectate]

[Whether he's looking or not, her expression darkens into a frown. She noticed that dodge, not that he made it very hard to notice. Not the best choice when she's sitting on him, but Kumagawa was never one for decent life choices.

Even if he isn't looking, the brackets are dropped so the change in her tone is obvious.]

What did you want her to tell us?

[screwreality]

[Oh god, he doesn't want to talk about it, can they do this tomorrow, he's sorry, he promises not to run away, please don't hate him, and she can hear the exact moment he locks up and it's right when she dropped the brackets. He wanted to apologize but oh look at the time he lied he doesn't want to anymore he's going to escape but shit Elaine's sitting on him oh god he doesn't want to talk about it

Words. Words, he needs words, but how do you properly Words something that was over a year of nightmares ago, itself behind of month of being Their plaything, itself behind the worries about whether you're alive or not that only London brings, and... there aren't any. So now what? Only one option.

Be stupid and make mistakes.that everyone will hate you for and hold against you forever.]

『 I JUST WANTED TO SAVE THEM. 』

[affectate]

Ah --

I thought so.

[No she didn't. She'd honestly thought it was a legitimate, straight-up, 100% bona-fide betrayal up until this point. But she's definitely relieved to find out otherwise.]

Well, that is quite all right. I have only two friends, so it is... difficult for me to understand, somewhat, but I imagine that you must have your obligations in your home. Why didn't you tell me that you were leaving?

[screwreality]

[Were he actually capable of reading thoughts, that would actually be relieving. Being hated is something he can deal with easier than being understood. But she's cut off with a bright whistle.]

『 HELLO, MICHI-CHAN! THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I'LL EVER SEE YOU SINCE I'M GOING TO DIE IN AN AGONIZING AND MOST LIKELY PERMANENT FASHION FOR THAT GIRL YOU HATE AND A BUNCH OF PEOPLE NO ONE CARES ABOUT AND NOTHING YOU CAN SAY WILL CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE DESPITE HOW MUCH VALUE I PLACE IN OUR FRIENDSHIP! SO DON'T HOLD IT AGAINST ME, OKAY? BY THE WAY YOU'RE NOT INVITED. 』

『 YOU KNOW, JUST WITH THE RIGHT QUOTES. 』

[Yeah, that would have gone over well.]

[affectate]

...

I see. Well, nevermind me. Yes, that certainly would have gone poorly...! As a result of the more stubborn aspects of my personality, I would have argued rather vehemently that I be taken along, perhaps rupturing our relationship worse than this... even if you were to agree, as your valued friend, you would rather I not face such dangerous situations.

Oh my! Kumagawa, you truly are very kind!

[screwreality]

[Wait.

Wait.

He actually made a right call in terms of interpersonal relationships?

She's still mad but it's not as bad it could have been???

Does that count as a pass on succeeding at friends?????

????????????







He's somewhere between internally sparkling and having a breakdown, he gained a level of being a person this a nightmare, what an idiot.] 『 I'M NOT KIND! I'M STILL COMFORTABLY A SECONDARY ANTAGONIST, -THANK YOU-. 』

[affectate]

Your kindness is extended to only a select few, and as a result does not relieve you of your status as an antagonist -- so long as you refrain from treating many others in the same manner! Other humans -- in this place, at least -- have no time or kindness of their own to extend towards you. They are unnecessary.

[Don't bother with other people because we're the only friends you need, in other words. Oops. She pats his head.]

[screwreality]

『 EW! WHAT TINY BITS OF KINDNESS I HAVE WOULDN'T EVER BE FOR THOSE PEOPLE. 』

[Who cares if they're the only friends he needs? They're the only friends he wants. The rest of London is still garbage populated by garbage and the only difference now is they're not even worth killing. Just. Garbage. Ew.

And why head pats, gdit Elaine, she gets the pouting glare of 'stop patronizing me'.]

[affectate]

That's wonderful! It makes me very happy to hear you say that, Kumagawa!

[And it does. Genuinely. At least a bit. She flashes him the most charming, totally fake but totally ladylike ten-suitors-in-two-months-grabbing smile she can manage and pats his head again.

And holds it down in the snow for a couple of seconds.]

Are you ready to speak to Liam now?