[He takes the Puzzle into his hand! And closes the door before he walks over and sets it gently on his desk.
Said desk is somehow chaotic and organized, covered in handwritten notes, books with annotations, Mafuyu's aromatherapy bottles, playing cards, a caddy full of make-up, and a supicious amount of Jack Frost gachapon toys. What's another thing on top of that?
His room is otherwise sparse! He spends most time at his desk or sleeping when he's in here. He has a few selfie pics of Joshua and him printed and taped onto the wall closest to his bed, though.]
( is he going to finally scold her or get upset? there's a heavy pit in her stomach starting to form and she hates it. ... she'll take the desk chair and sit. )
I wouldn't say I'm being nice--- I broke the rules of the game, so it makes sense I was punished. If anything... I should apologize to you for making you think that was your fault.
[He looks at her right in the eye.]
It was my choice to test the limits of the game master.
You gave him the opportunity? I wasn't aware you were the mastermind behind all of this, Mafuyu! Am I to take this as your confession that you're the God of Conflict?
[He uncrosses his legs and sits straight on the bed to provide her his full attention.]
Regardless of what you said in that moment... I would have voted the same, again and again. I will always choose to speak the truth than lie or the life of another over my own--- especially that of a dear friend or family member. Even if it may mean my death.
I don't doubt a piece of you broke then. A splinter of yourself trapped in time reliving that moment whenever you look at me. It's the same for me, too. If I'm tense, I can feel it. My arms and legs still ache.
[He is too Ancient Egyptian to know the diagnosis of PTSD, but it's what he's describing.]
But you must remember... it was not your fault. You didn't cause it to happen.
( she knows, on some level, that he's not as open to touch. but it hurts, and she's emotional, and maybe she's a little selfish, because she closes the distance to hug him regardless, blinking away tears.
[Ah... yep, this is a hug. She's hugging him. A hug definitely is happening. His eyes are wide open, board stiff and unwieldy in her arms, like a cat caught. Touch remains foreign, the gentle pressure of another person almost painful. But he understands in his head and heart she needs this, so he frees up a hand to rub her upper back in a soothing, circular motion]
I won't lie to you, Mafuyu... These experiences don't make anyone stronger. They weaken us. Bit by bit, they sap our strength even in the most quiet of moments... But they do make us more conscientious.
I promise I won't put myself in that situation again if I can help it.
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[He notices her demeanor and steps back from the doorway, gesturing for her to come inside.]
Thank you for returning it to me. Please... come inside, Mafuyu.
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( and then he invites her in. ... that was not part of the plan- )
Eh?
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[Don't leave him waiting!]
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she still does as requested, gently handing the puzzle over. )
About...?
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[He takes the Puzzle into his hand! And closes the door before he walks over and sets it gently on his desk.
Said desk is somehow chaotic and organized, covered in handwritten notes, books with annotations, Mafuyu's aromatherapy bottles, playing cards, a caddy full of make-up, and a supicious amount of Jack Frost gachapon toys. What's another thing on top of that?
His room is otherwise sparse! He spends most time at his desk or sleeping when he's in here. He has a few selfie pics of Joshua and him printed and taped onto the wall closest to his bed, though.]
Make yourself comfortable wherever you like.
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( is he going to finally scold her or get upset? there's a heavy pit in her stomach starting to form and she hates it. ... she'll take the desk chair and sit. )
Okay.
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[Too bad, he's getting her a bottle of water anyway!
Then he settles on his bed, crosses one leg over another.]
You seem to have a lot on your mind.
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... Shin's palace was... a lot to deal with.
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[He leans on his hands.]
You know I don't hold anything you did against you, right? We were all stressed and at our limit...
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You're nicer than I am, then.
( because she can't stop thinking about how stupid she was. )
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[He looks at her right in the eye.]
It was my choice to test the limits of the game master.
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[His tone is light!]
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( ... yeah, no, she's only getting more upset. )
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Regardless of what you said in that moment... I would have voted the same, again and again. I will always choose to speak the truth than lie or the life of another over my own--- especially that of a dear friend or family member. Even if it may mean my death.
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there's a soft break in her voice- )
I still see your husk when I look at you, sometimes. It hurts, Atem.
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[Being honest.]
I don't doubt a piece of you broke then. A splinter of yourself trapped in time reliving that moment whenever you look at me. It's the same for me, too. If I'm tense, I can feel it. My arms and legs still ache.
[He is too Ancient Egyptian to know the diagnosis of PTSD, but it's what he's describing.]
But you must remember... it was not your fault. You didn't cause it to happen.
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( she knows, on some level, that he's not as open to touch. but it hurts, and she's emotional, and maybe she's a little selfish, because she closes the distance to hug him regardless, blinking away tears.
sorry, atem. )
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I won't lie to you, Mafuyu... These experiences don't make anyone stronger. They weaken us. Bit by bit, they sap our strength even in the most quiet of moments... But they do make us more conscientious.
I promise I won't put myself in that situation again if I can help it.