chatwithdeath

[She grabs his sleeve before he gets too far.]

If not now, then when, Kazuma?

[He stops to give her a look. How about never? He didn't think there was anything that needed to be discussed. They were just playing out the scene....except for those, awkward moments before the kill, and then all those attacks afterwards. He sighs.]

Fine.

[He might not want to, but there's plenty. Fixing him with a look so he doesn't think about running, she slowly lets go of his sleeve. Opening her door, she nods.]

After you.

[He quietly goes in first as offered. He move off to the stand waiting for her to come in after him, lowering the hood of his cloak. Though only his face is visible, his features seem to have aged him a few years and more worn down, caught somewhere between himself and Hyde. His eyes were yellow, his hands still clawed, like the earlier stages when Hyde had control. This was likely the effect of Hyde being used beyond the limit, for as long as he did during the story.]

[She follows him in shortly and closes the door, moving the box he delivered over to rest near her front counter. She'd check the contents momentarily; for now, she sends the fairy hovering warily nearby to get a pot on the stove in another room. While that starts...]

... How are you and Hyde?

Fine. [Managing is probably a better word.] ...Nothing that a few day's rest won't help. What about yourself?

[She nods, but isn't sure how accurate he's being.]

Well enough considering the aftermath of the Story Eater's attack. I was running low on supplies so thank you for the delivery.

[He nods, glancing in the direction of the lounging area. He'll start heading in that direction, assuming they rather talk somewhere that isn't a hallway.]

What is it that you wanted to discuss? That scene? [No point in delaying the inevitable now when the doctor has already brought him in.]

[At good idea; and he could have a seat there.]

I do. So, again, I'll ask... how are you and Hyde doing?

[Any question except that one.] We're here, aren't we? ...Well, maybe not so much him.

You are... However, what do you mean? Has he been acting differently?

No...it's just quiet. [Which, should be a blessing, but that doesn't explain his appearance right now. It's a bit unsettling when he thinks about it, but he's been spending all this time distracting himself to really worry.]

... That is odd. Though, the fact he isn't trying to come out while you're here... Could the story have overtaxed him?

[But even that was strange. Other essences hadn't had that issue. Or, maybe this was a sign of his integration into Kazuma? His was a tricky essence when it came down to it...]

That's what I thought, but I don't really know. [He settles onto the couch, really sinking into it and letting out some air after having been on his feet all day.]

I don't know why I look like this, and my memories towards the end and afterwards are hazy at best.

Well, the end of the story had Stixen and Hyde fight, did it not? Though... I don't believe there was a conclusive ending. I'll have to review the new version in the Library later.

[She supposed the open ending fit the tangled story line, and she had to admit, there was some intrigue to what happened to both.]

Stixen... [Right, Shizuo. And all those other people, the screams. He leans forward, pressing his hands over his face. Maybe Hyde has been quiet, but he's certainly been haunted by other voices.]

[Frowning at his response, she turns her head when there's a chime. Right, the tea...]

... Black or green tea? [She'll give him a moment to recover.]

[Blood red tea.] ...Green. [He lowers his hands, interlacing his fingers together and looking pale in the face, unfocused. He felt sick to his stomach.]

Alright.

[She steps away to get the leaves brewing for both of them and returns shortly with two steaming cups, one of which she places before Kazuma.]

[He doesn't register right away that the cup was there, thoughts and sounds were replaying through his mind. Everyone running everywhere, screams of terror, their bodies crushed beneath him. Ink was everywhere, and destruction created from just a mere flick of his finger. His lips go thin, blinking once, twice until he finally picks up the cup.] Thank you.

[His voice has gotten quiet, tired as he takes a small sip, the warmth helping to calm him a little. It still felt like he was in a cold sweat though. What's wrong with him...he couldn't tell if he was mortified or pleased by the massacre he had created, further nauseating him at the very idea.]

... You're welcome.

[She'll take a seat across from him, silent while watching her cup steam. It just seemed like he needed a moment longer to recollect himself - and she might have to speak carefully in regards to book events.]

[The silence continues until Kazuma lets out a long sigh, taking one more sip before setting the cup down. His nerves have calm, for now.]

As I said...Hyde has been quiet since we restored--well, "restored" the story. [Even he's not too convinced it was really resolved.] Can't say I fully enjoyed the whole experience and would rather not go into every detail.

Right... [Yeah, she couldn't be too certain either. Not with the way it had been becoming undone while they were inside. Eventually they might have to retouch it.]

We don't have to. I just wanted you to know you don't have to apologize for that scene.

[He shakes his head.] It wouldn't sit right with me if I didn't. Scripted or not, I still took a life. [Several lives. His hand clenches for a moment.]

...I acted inappropriately as well.

Yes... that part before was strange. Still, I can't say there would've been a sufficient method of killing me that would be cleaner considering what we had to work with.

[Gruesome perhaps, but slitting her throat would've taken longer. Decapitation? Sitting with her head would've been too much to ask.]

... What were you thinking when I touched your head?

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